JP2008113228A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor for making the latest specific image be easily discriminated in the case of printing new image data on a recording sheet including specific information. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor is provided with a detecting part 80 for reading a specific image 70 from a recording sheet to be printed, a specific image discriminating part 63 for detecting the specific image 70 in the read image data, and a specific image adding part 63 for adding the specific image. The specific image discriminating part 63 specifies the position of the existing specific image 70. The specific image adding part 63 adds a new specific image 3 at a position obtained by avoiding the specified specific image 70. The old and new specific images are printed while being shifted from each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that outputs a specific image added to image data.

  There are cases where confidential information is included in a document output by printing image data by an image processing apparatus. If this document is illegally copied, a recording sheet containing confidential information is output. When a recording sheet is taken out, confidential information is leaked to the outside.

  Therefore, in order to track the origin of the recording sheet and identify the person who has made unauthorized use, the image processing apparatus adds a specific image having a specific pattern to the recording sheet as shown in FIG. ing. By this specific image, the copied image processing apparatus can be specified. Alternatively, the copied user can be specified.

  By the way, the specific image is added in a color that is difficult for the user to recognize, such as yellow, in order not to affect the background image data.

In order to make it easy to recognize a specific image, as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an image processing apparatus that always adds a specific image to the same position on a recording sheet is disclosed.
JP 2005-215447 A JP 2006-025023 A

  When printing using a recording sheet on which image data including a specific image is printed, the same specific image is printed at a position where the specific image is added. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the specific image is overwritten many times on the portion where the specific image is printed, so that the specific image becomes obvious and is easily discriminated visually. For those who try to cheat, the specific image can be made invalid. As a result, the recording sheet is illegally copied and confidential information is leaked.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that adds a specific image so that the specific image does not appear when the specific image is added to the image data and output.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an adding means for adding a specific image to image data, and an output means for outputting the image data to which the specific image is added. A specific image is added to a different position for each output.

  When there is a specific image that has already been output, the adding means adds a new specific image at a position different from the position of the existing specific image. The new specific image does not overlap with the existing specific image. Even when a specific image is added next time, it is added at a position different from the current specific image, so that the specific image does not overlap no matter how many times the specific image is added.

  Usually, when processing is performed by the same image processing apparatus, the specific image is added at a predetermined position. Therefore, the new specific image is overwritten on the existing specific image. The adding means changes the interval between the specific images every time the image data is output. Alternatively, the adding unit shifts and adds the specific image with respect to the reference position every time image data is output. That is, the specific image is added while being shifted from the existing specific image.

  Detecting means for detecting a specific image from input image data; an adding means for adding a specific image to the image data; and an output means for outputting image data to which the specific image is added. When the specific image is detected, the adding means adds a new specific image at a position not overlapping with the existing specific image.

  For example, when outputting new image data to image data including a specific image, the detection unit detects the position of the specific image included in the existing image data. By including this detecting means and an adding means for adding a new specific image, a new specific image can be added at a position different from the existing specific image.

  Specifically, when the detecting unit detects that existing specific images are arranged at a predetermined interval, the adding unit adds a new specific image at a different interval. Alternatively, the adding unit shifts and adds a new specific image to the existing specific image.

  The detection means detects the specific image from the printed recording sheet, the addition means adds a new specific image to the image data so that the position is shifted with respect to the specific image, and the output means The image data is printed on a recording sheet. When printing on a recording sheet on which image data including a specific image is printed, a position where a new specific image is added can be determined and added while avoiding the position of the existing specific image.

  The adding means shifts and adds the specific image to be added in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet. Alternatively, the specific image added in the sub-scanning direction of the recording sheet is added while being shifted. Alternatively, the specific image is added while being shifted by the size of the specific image.

  At this time, the new specific image represents information different from the existing specific image. For example, the new specific image includes generation number information indicating the number of outputs. This makes it possible to determine how many times printing has been performed.

  As described above, in the present invention, by adding a new specific image at a position different from the existing specific image, the new specific image does not overlap with the existing specific image. Therefore, even if a specific image is added many times, the specific image does not appear, and the functions of the latest specific image are fully exhibited.

  An image processing apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The image processing apparatus is a multifunction machine that executes a copy mode, a print mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode. The image processing apparatus 2 reads an original and inputs image data into a cabinet 1 and processes the image data. The image forming unit 3 for printing, the storage unit 4 for storing the image data, the communication unit 5 for communicating with the external device, the operation panel 6 for input operation, and the processing unit are controlled, and the image according to the mode And a control unit 7 that executes data processing. The processing unit performs processing to output input image data, and includes the image forming unit 3, the storage unit 4, and the communication unit 5.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 2 is disposed above the cabinet 1 and includes a scanner unit 10 and an automatic document feeder 11. The automatic document feeder 11 is provided above the scanner unit 10 and automatically conveys a document in order to read image data of the document.

  A document table 12 made of platen glass is provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 1, and a document cover 13 that covers the document table 12 is provided. The automatic document feeder 11 is integrally mounted on the document cover 13. The document cover 13 can be freely opened and closed. When the document cover 13 is in a closed state, the document is conveyed by the automatic document conveyance unit 11. When the document cover 13 is open, the document can be placed on the document table 12. Opening / closing of the document cover 13 is detected by a cover opening / closing sensor. A document size detection sensor for detecting the size of the document placed on the document table 12 is also provided.

  When a document is set on the document set tray 15 of the automatic document feeder 11, the document detection sensor 16 detects that the document has been set. Then, on the operation panel 6, copy conditions such as the size of the recording sheet to be printed and the scaling ratio are input. Thereafter, reading of the image of the document is started by an input operation of the start key.

  In the automatic document feeder 11, each document on the document set tray 15 is pulled out one by one by the pickup roller 17. The document passes through between the separating plate 18 and the transport roller 19 and is sent to the document table 12. The document is transported in the sub-scanning direction on the document table 12 and discharged to the document discharge tray 20. The document discharge tray 20 is provided with a document discharge sensor to detect the presence or absence of a document on the document discharge tray 20.

  The scanner unit 10 includes a first reading unit 21 and a second reading unit 22. A reading area is formed on one side of the document table 12 and passes through the reading area when the document is conveyed on the document table 12. Below the reading area, the first scanning unit 23 of the first reading unit 21 is positioned, and the surface (lower side) of the document is read.

  When the document is transported to the document table 12 by the automatic document transport unit 11, the first scanning unit 23 is moved to the reading position and positioned, and the second scanning unit 24 is also positioned at a predetermined position. The surface of the document is irradiated from below the document table 12 by the exposure lamp of the first scanning unit 23. Reflected light from the document is guided to the imaging lens 25 by the respective reflection mirrors of the first and second scanning units 23 and 24. The reflected light of the document is condensed on the CCD 26 by the imaging lens 25. An image on the surface of the document is formed on the CCD 26. As a result, the image on the surface of the conveyed document is read.

  Further, the second reading unit 22 reads the back surface (upper side surface) of the document. The second reading unit 22 is disposed above the document table 12 and has an LED that irradiates the back side of the document, an exposure lamp array having a fluorescent lamp, a self-focal lens array that collects reflected light of the document for each pixel, and a cell. A contact image sensor (CIS) that photoelectrically converts reflected light from a document received through a fock lens array and outputs an analog image signal is provided. As a result, the image on the back side of the conveyed document is read.

  When a document is placed on the document table 12, the first reading unit 21 reads an image on the surface of the document. The first and second scanning units 23 and 24 move in the sub-scanning direction while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other. The document on the document table 12 is exposed by the first scanning unit 23, and reflected light from the document is guided to the imaging lens 25 by the first and second scanning units 23 and 24. An image of the original is formed on the CCD 26 by the imaging lens 25.

  When the image on one or both sides of the document is read in this way, the image data on one or both sides of the document is input to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 includes an image data processing unit, and the image data processing unit performs various types of image processing on the image data. This image data is output to the image forming unit 3.

  The image forming unit 3 prints a color image or a monochrome image on a recording sheet based on the input image data. The image forming unit 3 includes a laser scanning unit 30, four image stations 31, an intermediate transfer belt unit 32, a fixing device 33, and a conveying device 34.

  Each image station 31 forms a color image corresponding to each color of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each image station 31 includes a photosensitive drum 35, a developing device 36, a charging device 37, a cleaning device 38, and a charge eliminating device (not shown).

  The photosensitive drum 35 is rotationally driven in one direction, the cleaning device 38 cleans the residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 35, and the neutralization device neutralizes the surface of the photosensitive drum 35. The charging device 37 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 35.

  The laser scanning unit 30 modulates laser light based on image data input from an image reading unit or the like, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 in the main scanning direction with this laser light, thereby generating an electrostatic latent image. It is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 35. The developing device 36 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 35.

  The intermediate transfer belt unit 32 includes an intermediate transfer belt 40, an intermediate transfer roller 41, a transfer belt cleaning device 42, and a tension mechanism 43. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is disposed above each photosensitive drum 35, is wound around the driving roller 44 and the driven roller 45, and rotates in the direction of arrow B.

  The intermediate transfer roller 41 is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 35 with the intermediate transfer belt 40 interposed therebetween, and a transfer bias voltage is applied thereto. The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 40 by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner by the intermediate transfer roller 41. The toner images of the respective colors are laminated on the intermediate transfer belt 40, and a combined multi-color toner image is formed.

  The transfer roller 41 is disposed in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 40, and a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied. The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is transferred by the transfer roller 46 to a recording sheet conveyed between the transfer roller 46 and the intermediate transfer belt 40. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 40 is removed by the transfer belt cleaning device 42.

  The toner image transferred to the recording sheet is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 33 and fixed on the recording sheet, and an image is formed on the recording sheet. The recording sheet on which the image is printed in this manner is discharged to a discharge tray 50 provided in the upper part of the cabinet 1.

  The conveyance device 34 conveys the recording sheet from the sheet cassette 51 or the manual feed tray 52 along the conveyance path 53. The conveyance path 53 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 40 and the transfer roller 46, passes through the fixing device 33, and reaches the discharge tray 50.

  The transport device 34 includes a pickup roller 54, a transport roller 55, a registration roller 56, and a discharge roller 57. The recording sheets in the sheet cassette 51 or the manual feed tray 52 are sent one by one to the transport path 53, transported through the transport path 53, and discharged to the discharge tray 50. During the conveyance of the recording sheet, an image is printed on the recording sheet. In addition, a switchback conveyance path 58 is provided for duplex printing. The recording sheet after fixing passes through the switchback conveyance path 58 by the conveyance roller 55 and is conveyed between the intermediate transfer belt 40 and the transfer roller 46. The recording sheet printed on both sides passes through the fixing device 33 and is discharged to the discharge tray 50.

  The operation panel 6 is provided in the scanner unit 10 and includes an operation unit 60 and a display unit 61. The operation unit 60 includes various operation keys. The display unit 61 includes a liquid crystal display and is a touch panel. Touch keys are formed in the operation screen displayed on the display unit 61, and these also function as operation keys.

  The communication unit 5 includes a communication interface, and the communication interface is connected to a network such as a LAN or a WAN. A plurality of external devices are connected to the network. The external device is another image processing device, an information processing device such as a personal computer, or a server. The network is connected to the Internet from a router through a communication line such as a telephone line or an optical fiber. The communication unit 5 can communicate with an external device through a network using a predetermined communication protocol. The image processing apparatuses can also communicate with each other. Communication within the network may be wired or wireless. An image processing system is formed by these image processing devices and external devices.

  The communication unit 5 includes a modem device. A telephone line is connected to the modem device. The image processing apparatus can perform facsimile communication. Note that the image processing apparatus can also perform data communication by Internet facsimile through a network. Furthermore, the communication unit 5 includes a communication terminal and a communication card for wireless communication. The communication terminal is connected to a storage medium such as a USB memory or an IC card, and the communication unit 5 transmits / receives data to / from the storage medium. In addition, data is transmitted and received by wireless communication with a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or PDA through a communication card.

  The storage unit 4 includes a hard disk device. The storage unit 4 stores image data input from the image reading unit 2 or image data input from the communication unit 5. The input image data is temporarily stored in an image memory such as a DRAM, subjected to image processing and encryption processing, and then transferred from the image memory to the storage unit 4. Further, when image data is read from the storage unit 4, the image data is subjected to image processing and decoding processing and stored in an image memory. Thereafter, the image data is output to the outside by printing, data transmission, and facsimile communication according to the processing to be executed.

  The storage unit 4 includes a management table 62, and information necessary for operating the image processing apparatus such as control information, setting information, and user authentication information of the image processing apparatus is stored in the management table 62. When these pieces of information are created and changed, the information in the management table 62 is updated. The management table 62 may be provided in a non-volatile memory different from the storage unit 4.

  The control unit 7 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU reads a control program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executes the control program. Each unit operates according to the control program. When image data is input, one of the print mode, copy mode, scanner mode, and facsimile mode is selected based on the processing conditions included in the input information from the operation unit 60 and the header information of the image data input from the external device. Mode is executed. In addition, the control program includes a browser and mail software, and the control unit 7 performs data communication with an external device or transmits / receives e-mail using a communication protocol such as TCP / IP protocol.

  The control unit 7 temporarily stores the input image data in the storage unit 4 when performing each mode. Further, the control unit 7 executes a filing mode in which the input image data is stored in the storage unit 4 and managed. The stored image data is re-output according to the instructed process.

  The output image data is erased from the storage unit 4 according to an instruction from the control unit 7. At the time of this erasure, the image data is invalidated so that it cannot be restored by overwriting the image data with random data. As described above, invalidation of image data is prevented by performing invalidation processing and further encryption processing.

  Here, the specific image 70 is added so that the output source of the image data output by unauthorized use can be traced. The specific image 70 can specify the model number of the image processing apparatus that has performed the processing or the user who has performed the processing. The image processing apparatus is provided with a specific image adding unit 63 that adds the specific image 70 to the image data. The specific image adding unit 63 is controlled in operation by the control unit 7, generates a specific image 70, and synthesizes it with the image data. The synthesized image data is sent to the processing unit and output according to the instructed process.

  The control unit 7 performs processing such as printing, data transmission, and filing on the image data obtained by synthesizing the specific image 70. Image information for the specific image 70 is stored in the management table 62 in advance. The image information includes the form of the specific image 70, image forming conditions, patterns, positions, and the like. The specific image adding unit 63 reads out the image information, generates a specific image 70 based on the image information, and combines it with the input image data. The position where the specific image 70 is added is determined as a predetermined position.

  As a result, a document including the specific image 70 as shown in FIG. 3 is created. Specific images 70 having the same form are regularly arranged at predetermined positions, and a plurality of specific images 70 are included in one original. Further, image data including the specific image 70 is transmitted through the communication unit 5. When the image processing apparatus that receives the image data prints the image data, a document including the specific image 70 is created.

  The specific image 70 indicates information related to image data processing such as the model and serial number of the image processing apparatus, the user who instructed the processing, and the processing date and time of the image data. Such information is referred to as tracking information.

  The specific image 70 has a predetermined pattern. In addition to this form, the specific image 70 may be a character image or a form in which characters and patterns are combined.

  The specific image 70 of the document is difficult for humans to visually recognize. However, the specific image 70 can be read by the image reading unit 2. A specific image determination unit 64 that detects whether the specific image 70 is included in the image data input from the image reading unit 2 and determines the presence or absence of the specific image 70 is provided. The image data is not limited to those input from the image reading unit 2 but is input from an external device, a storage medium, or a communication terminal through the communication unit 5.

  The specific image determination unit 64 is controlled in operation by the control unit 7 and detects the specific image 70 by performing pattern matching between the input image data and image data corresponding to the specific image 70. Image data corresponding to the specific image 70 is registered in advance and stored in the management table 62. The specific image determination unit 64 determines the form and position of the specific image 70. When the image data is in units of pages, the form and position of the specific image 70 are detected for each page.

  When the specific image 70 is detected, the control unit 7 analyzes the tracking information in the specific image 70. Alternatively, the tracking information is output to an external device. Processing for the tracking information is performed in the external device.

  The image processing apparatus prints and outputs the image data to which the specific image 70 is added on a recording sheet. A confidential document may be created by adding some information to the output document. Also, an image of another document may be copied to a printed recording sheet. In such a case, the printed recording sheet is set in the sheet cassette 51 or the manual feed tray 52 and is used for printing. Then, a new image is printed on the printing surface of the recording sheet.

  On this recording sheet, the specific image 70 has already been printed at a predetermined position. However, when the printing is further performed, the specific image 73 is added to the same position. Therefore, the specific image adding unit 63 adds a new specific image 73 at a position different from the existing specific image 70. The specific images can be prevented from overlapping with each other, and the specific image 70 can be prevented from being revealed.

  The image processing apparatus is provided with a detection unit 80 for detecting the specific image 70 from the printed recording sheet. A general line sensor is used as the detection unit 80, and the line sensor is disposed to face the conveyance path 58. The detection unit 80 reads image data from the recording sheet conveyed between the sheet cassette 51 or the manual feed tray 52 and the registration roller 56.

  Here, the procedure for adding a new specific image 73 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the original is read and the image is printed on a printed recording sheet.

  The document is read by the image reading unit 2 and image data is input (S1). At the same time, the recording sheet on which the specific image 70 is printed is read by the detection unit 80, and image data is input (S2). The specific image determination unit 64 detects the specific image 70 from the image data input from the detection unit 80 (S3). If the specific image 70 is not detected, the specific image adding unit 63 combines the specific image 70 with the image data (S5). Image data including the specific image 70 is output by instructed processing such as printing, data transmission, and filing (S6). For example, a recorded matter to which a specific image 70 as shown in FIG. 9 is added is created.

  When the specific image 70 is detected, the specific image determination unit 64 detects the form and position of the specific image 70 (S3). The specific image adding unit 63 determines a position to add a new specific image 73 based on the arrangement of the existing specific image 70 (S4). The specific image 73 having a predetermined form is selected so that the new specific image 73 does not overlap the existing specific image 70.

  The specific image adding unit 63 combines the specific image 73 with the image data (S5). Image data including the specific image 73 is output by instructed processing such as printing, data transmission, and filing (S6).

  As the position of the new specific image 73, the specific image adding unit 63 determines a position different from the existing specific image 70, for example, a position shifted in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet as shown in FIG. Therefore, the new specific image 73 added to the printed recording sheet is printed out of the existing specific image 70. The new and old specific images do not overlap with each other, and the specific image 70 can be prevented from being revealed. As a result, when a third party who performs unauthorized use crafts the specific image 70 existing on the printed recording sheet and attempts to invalidate the specific image 70, the position of the specific image is different. The third party cannot specify the position of the specific image, and can prevent an illegal act by the third party.

  The position to which the specific image 73 is added may be a position shifted in the sub-scanning direction of the recording sheet as shown in FIG. Further, the recording sheet may be shifted in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Further, when printing is performed again using a recording sheet that has been printed twice, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, each specific image is printed with a shift. A new specific image 73 is not formed on the existing specific image 70, and the specific image does not appear even if printing is performed a plurality of times on the same recording sheet.

  When shifting in the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, it is preferable to shift by one size or more of the specific image. The new specific image 73 does not overlap with the existing specific image 70, and the specific image can be reliably prevented from being revealed. In addition, since the specific images do not interfere with each other, the specific images can be reliably detected.

  When shifting in the sub-scanning direction, since the sub-scanning direction is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet, the deviation in conveyance of the recording sheet may affect the position of the specific image. Even if the predetermined amount is shifted in the sub-scanning, the old and new specific images may be overlapped if the conveyance shift is the same. In order to avoid this, the specific image adding unit 63 determines the position to add the specific image in consideration of the shift amount due to the conveyance. With respect to the main scanning direction, the specific image can be accurately determined according to the irradiation position of the laser beam.

  When the specific image 70 is not included in the printed recording sheet, the specific image adding unit 63 adds the specific image 70 as usual and synthesizes the image data. The synthesized image data is sent to the processing unit and output according to the instructed process.

  As another additional form of the specific image, as shown in FIG. 7, the interval between the adjacent specific images is varied. Specifically, when printing on the printing surface of the recording sheet on which the specific image is printed, a new specific image 73 in which the interval between the specific images 70 is changed is added. At this time, new information such as generation number information and output date / time is added according to the difference ΔL between the interval L1 between the existing specific images 70 and the interval L2 between the new specific images 73.

  As another additional form of the specific image, as shown in FIG. 8, an array form having different intervals between the adjacent specific images is arranged in a predetermined order. In accordance with this arrangement order, new information such as generation number information indicating the number of times of output and output date / time is added. For example, a specific image 74 having a first arrangement pattern with a large interval between specific images and a second arrangement pattern with a small interval between specific images are alternately arranged in two columns. Thus, by arranging the specific image, information such as generation number information indicating the number of times of output and output date / time can be added according to the arrangement of the specific image.

  As described above, the new specific image 73 is added at a position avoiding the existing specific image 70, so that the multiple specific images do not exist in the image data. This is not possible, and only the latest specific image can be reliably detected. Therefore, it is possible to definitely specify the image processing apparatus or the user who has output the recording sheet for the recorded matter to which the specific image is added.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. In the present invention, the specific image indicates the tracking information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. It may represent information.

  The detection unit may be provided in a sheet cassette or a manual feed tray. While the detection unit composed of a line sensor or a camera moves, the printing surface of the recording sheet in a stationary state is scanned.

  In the above embodiment, a specific image is detected from a printed recording sheet, and a new specific image is added to the existing specific image. In addition to this, when image data including a specific image is input, when the image data is output, the specific image is also output as it is. Therefore, the detection unit detects a specific image from the input image data. For example, in the case of copying, the image reading unit serves as a detection unit, reads an image of a document, and detects a specific image from input image data. When image data is transmitted from an external device, the specific image determination unit serves as a detection unit, and directly detects the specific image from the input image data.

Control block diagram of image processing apparatus of the present invention The figure which shows the schematic whole structure of an image processing apparatus Flow chart when adding a specific image The figure which shows the specific image added by shifting in the main scanning direction The figure which shows the specific image added by shifting in the subscanning direction The figure which shows the overlapping condition of the specific image when the specific image is added plural times The figure which shows an example which changed the space | interval of a specific image The figure which shows an example which combined the specific image of a different arrangement pattern Diagram showing a recording sheet with a specific image added The figure which shows the recording sheet which piled up and output the specific image once The figure which shows the recording sheet which piled up the specific image and output

Explanation of symbols

2 image reading unit 3 image forming unit 4 storage unit 5 communication unit 6 operation panel 7 control unit 63 specific image adding unit 64 specific image determining unit 70 specific image 70 existing specific image 73 new specific image 74 first array pattern 75 Second arrangement pattern 80 detector

Claims (12)

Adding means for adding a specific image to image data; and output means for outputting image data to which the specific image is added,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit adds the specific image to a different position for each output of the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the specific image already exists in the image data, the adding unit adds the specific image at a position different from the specific image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the adding unit changes the interval of the specific image every time the image data is output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit shifts and adds the specific image with respect to the reference position every time the image data is output. Detection means for detecting a specific image from input image data, an adding means for adding a specific image to the image data, and an output means for outputting image data to which the specific image is added,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detecting unit detects a specific image, the adding unit adds a new specific image at a position not overlapping with the existing specific image. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the detecting unit detects that the existing specific images are arranged at a predetermined interval, the adding unit adds a new specific image at a different interval. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the detecting unit detects that the existing specific images are arranged at a predetermined interval, the adding unit shifts and adds the new specific image to the existing specific image. The image processing apparatus described. The detecting means detects the specific image from the printed recording sheet,
The adding means adds a new specific image to the image data so that the position is shifted with respect to the specific image,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit prints the image data on the recording sheet. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the adding unit shifts the specific image to be added in the main scanning direction of the recording sheet. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the adding unit shifts the specific image to be added in the sub-scanning direction of the recording sheet. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the adding unit adds the specific image with a shift by a size of the specific image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the new specific image represents information different from the existing specific image.

Images