JP3250531B2 - Image-processing method and unit, and copying machine, scanner and printer using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the image processing method in which an existing position of a specific pattern specifying a detection object is obtained accurately and segmented so as to attain accurate discrimination and forgery is not easily made. CONSTITUTION:A prescribed positioning marks 4 and dummy marks 5 similar to them are provided to a prescribed position of an image to be detected. Then a specific pattern 6 is set to a position apart from the positioning marks by a prescribed interval. Since a 3rd party easily recognizes the pattern as a mere pattern and it is difficult to specify a real mark among lots of the marks concretely, forgery is hardly executed. When when the image is loaded to a copying machine, the presence of the positioning marks is detected by a 1st scanning and the existing area of the specific pattern is calculated from the existing position of the positioning marks in a 2nd scanning (since the positioning marks are arranged asymmetrically, the existing position of the specific pattern is definitely obtained from the existing position of the marks), an image of a relating area is segmented to discriminate whether or not the specific pattern is in existence in the area.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus suitable for preventing reading, printing, and the like of a document for which copying of bills, securities, and the like is prohibited, and a copying machine equipped with the same. , Scanners and printers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of a copying apparatus such as a full-color copying machine in recent years, the image quality of a copied image has reached a level indistinguishable from the original image and the naked eye, and such a faithful copy can be easily obtained. Was. However, it is necessary to consider that although the copying of banknotes and securities is originally prohibited in society, the risk of misuse for counterfeiting increases.Therefore, a counterfeiting prevention device for preventing such danger is required. Various types have been developed. And as one of them,
For example, there is an image processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-210591.

That is, such a processing apparatus is mounted on a full-color digital copying machine which reads an original image placed on an original platen and performs a copying process by scanning the entire surface of an original four times. When a document on the table is placed, the banknote is likely to be present based on the watermark B of the banknote A (see FIG. 22) A to be forged by the first scan to prevent forgery. Detect the correct position.

At the time of the second scan, an accurate position and an angle of the bill (accurate position coordinates of the bill on the platen) are detected based on the position of the watermark B. That is, the length and size of the bill A to be detected
Since the shape is known in advance, the edge (hatched portion) C of the bill A is extracted by binarizing it with a predetermined threshold value, and the coordinates (x1, y
1), (x2, y2) are obtained.

[0005] As a result, the inclination θ is obtained, so that during the third scan, a red stamp that is present in the case of a banknote is obtained from the accurate position (coordinates and angle θ of the vertex D of the document) obtained at the second scan. The position coordinates (x3, y3) of E are calculated, and based on the calculated position coordinates, an image of an area where the red seal is present is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the image is a red seal.

As described above, by performing the scan three times, it is determined whether or not the detection target (a bill in this example) is placed on the platen, and the bill or the like is placed on the platen and copied. If it is detected that the data is about to be copied, a predetermined forgery prevention process such as displaying the entire screen in black or prohibiting copying is performed at the fourth scan.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned conventional device requires a very large memory capacity corresponding to at least the size of a bill or the like to be detected. This inevitably causes a problem that the types of bills and the like that can be detected are reduced.

Further, three scans are required to determine whether or not the document placed on the document table is a copy-prohibited material such as a bill.
If the document is tampered with, the position of the red seal E cannot be obtained, and as a result, it cannot be detected that the document being processed is the bill A to be detected.

In order to solve such a problem, for example, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a guide line F composed of a wide solid line or a broken line is printed so as to surround the specific pattern E. It is conceivable to cut out the inside of the area surrounded by the guide line F and determine whether or not there is a predetermined specific pattern. That is, when the guide line F as shown is used, separation from other image information is easy, and the calculation of the inclination and angle and the calculation of the vertex coordinates can be easily performed using the straight line portion. I can do it accurately.

However, with such a configuration, since the guide line F is conspicuous (has a large characteristic), its existence, and furthermore, the existence of the specific pattern E specified by the guide line F can be easily visually recognized. As a result, the guide line F or the specific pattern E is likely to be falsified (addition of an extra line or erasing a part thereof), and the falsification allows recognition (cutout) of the specific pattern itself or recognition of the specific pattern. May not be determined as a specific pattern.

Furthermore, the conventional method and the guide wire F
Is suitable as a feature amount from a symbol present in a document in which copying or the like is prohibited, such as a red seal of a banknote (can be reliably determined, and general copying or the like is not prohibited) (It does not exist in the manuscript) A specific pattern is set as appropriate and pattern matching is performed with it.There are many types of manuscripts where copying etc. is prohibited even in Japan, and all such manuscripts are If such an attempt is made, an enormous amount of memory capacity and processing time are required, and the original functions such as real-time copy processing are impaired. In addition, three scans are required until a copy-prohibited item is finally determined, which is a bottleneck in high-speed processing.

Further, if a copy-prohibited material such as a new pattern appears after the copying machine or the like is manufactured, it cannot be detected or responded to, and a new characteristic amount is determined for detection.
It is necessary to make the copier or the like learn, which is complicated. The problem becomes even more pronounced when including foreign countries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to solve the above-described various problems. More specifically, a specific pattern exists in a document. Image processing method and apparatus, and a copying machine, a scanner, and a printer using the same, which can surely recognize the case, and can also specify the location of the pattern, thereby making it possible to cut out and determine a specific pattern easily and accurately. Is to provide. As another object, the number of scans to be performed for detecting / determining a specific pattern is made as small as possible, preferably one time, and as another object, the specific pattern itself (recognizing the position of the specific pattern and the like). If there is a positioning mark for positioning, include the presence of the positioning mark)
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and apparatus which are difficult to be identified by a person other than the party, and as a result, are difficult to be tampered with, and a copying machine and the like using the same.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method according to the present invention detects a positioning mark present in a given positional relationship in given image data. . Next, an existence area having a predetermined relative positional relationship is obtained from the detected existence position of the positioning mark, and an image of the existence area in image data given at a predetermined time (after the detection of the positioning mark) is obtained. The data is cut out, and it is determined whether or not a specific pattern for specifying a detection target exists in the cut-out image data (claim 1).

Preferably, in addition to the positioning mark, a dummy mark identical to the positioning mark or a dummy mark similar to the positioning mark is disposed at a predetermined position on the detection target object. That is, the predetermined processing is performed.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, which is suitable for carrying out such a method, the given image data is duplicated.
An image processing apparatus for detecting whether or not an image is a copy-forbidden object , comprising: a positioning mark detecting means for detecting a predetermined positioning mark formed at a predetermined position of a detection target in given image data; and clipping means for cutting the existing area of the specific pattern is calculated from the position information of the positioning mark detected by the mark detecting means, the region cut out by its clipping means, the mark positioning
Marks that are the same as or similar to
And a matching means for determining whether or not a specific pattern arranged in a predetermined positional relationship exists.

Preferably, the positioning mark detecting means is arranged in a predetermined predetermined positional relationship.
This is for detecting at least two positioning marks. As an example, for example, a shape formed by imaginary lines connecting adjacent marks among three or more positioning marks arranged in the predetermined positional relationship may be an isosceles triangle or an asymmetric shape. Yes, but not limited to this.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image processing method according to the present invention provides a method for processing a given image.
An image processing device that detects whether image data is
In the image processing method described above, a positioning mark arranged in a predetermined positional relationship existing in given image data is detected. Next, an existence area having a predetermined relative positional relationship is obtained from the detected existence position of the positioning mark, and an image of the existence area in image data given at a predetermined time (after the detection of the positioning mark) is obtained. While cutting out the data, the same or similar mark as the positioning mark is placed in the cut-out image data.
It is determined whether or not there is a specific pattern for specifying a detection target arranged in a predetermined positional relationship different from the determination mark .

On the other hand, the matching means is for calculating the similarity between the pattern of the cut-out area and the specific pattern. More specifically, the processing for calculating the similarity is performed by fuzzy inference (fuzzy pattern). Performing the matching) is preferable because the position shift becomes strong and the recognition rate is improved.

In another configuration of the matching means, for example, the cut area is divided into N and decoded from the density determination result of each of the divided cells, and the decoded information is obtained in advance as a detection target to be detected. You may make it determine whether it matches with reference code information.

Further, in the copying machine, the scanner and the printer according to the present invention, any one of the image processing apparatuses described above is mounted, and the image data output from the original reading means of the copying machine is converted into a color signal. Means to input to the image processing device in parallel with the means,
Input / output signals to the control means of the scanner or the printer are input in parallel to the image processing apparatus.

The predetermined pattern is detected based on the image data obtained by the predetermined scan, and it is determined whether or not the specific pattern exists in the original being copied. When it is determined that the image has the specific pattern, a control signal is sent to the processing means to control predetermined processing of copying, image reading, and output (printout).

[0023]

The positioning mark detecting means is operated to monitor whether or not the positioning mark is present in the given image data. If the positioning mark is detected, the position coordinate data is obtained. Then, the specific pattern cutout means is operated to calculate the position of the specific pattern having a predetermined relative position relationship from the position of the positioning mark, and then the image data (contents of the specific pattern detection An image of a predetermined area based on the existence position is cut out and sent to the next matching means, where a predetermined matching process is performed, and whether a specific pattern exists in the predetermined area is determined. Judge. As described above, the candidates are roughly narrowed down by the specific pattern detecting means until the pattern matching is finally performed, so that the number of matching processes is reduced, and the determination can be made in real time.

Further, when there are a plurality of predetermined numbers serving as judgment criteria, the pattern constituted by the detected marks is compared with a plurality of reference values in order, and it is also determined based on which number the specific pattern is detected. Upon detection, code information can be added to a specific pattern, and more complex detection can be performed, and security can be increased so as not to be erroneously recognized.

In the case where weighting is performed based on the existence position, the coefficient decreases as the distance from the predetermined distance increases, while the mark exists at a position slightly deviated from the predetermined distance due to printing deviation, detection error, or the like. Even
Since the total number of marks is counted, the specific pattern can be reliably detected without erroneous recognition or erroneous detection.

If the position (relative position) of each mark on the outer periphery of a certain figure is also used as the detection condition of the specific pattern, first, the number of marks detected by the matching degree calculating means is calculated. Based on the calculated degree of conformity of the specific pattern, the pattern matching with at least one reference pattern prepared in advance is performed when the degree of conformity calculated by the degree of matching calculated by the matching means is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It is determined whether there is a pattern that matches. In this way, by giving the specific pattern the angle information, the determination process can be performed with higher accuracy. On the other hand, the pre-processing (refinement) of obtaining the degree of conformity without considering the angle information is performed. Since the number of times of performing is small, the processing speed is maintained at a high speed.

Further, the positioning mark and the mark constituting the specific pattern can be made small as long as the coordinates need to be specified, so that the mark becomes inconspicuous, and a third party has a specific positional relationship with the positioning mark from the positioning mark. Is difficult to identify. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to perform a copying operation or the like without detecting a positioning mark or a specific pattern by falsifying a predetermined portion in the document, the mark or the like cannot be specified. It is unlikely that it will match a real mark. Therefore, a detection target such as a bill is surely detected. When the dummy mark is formed together with the positioning mark, the falsification suppressing effect is further improved.

Further, when a banknote or the like is to be copied using a copying machine equipped with the image processing apparatus of the present invention, or when a document is read or printed out using a scanner or a printer, the document to be processed is printed. When it detects a specific pattern that exists inside, it issues a copy stop command, etc.
Copying, reading, and printing out of the same thing are not performed.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention and a copying machine using the same will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, an image processing apparatus mounted on a full-color copying machine and using a full-color copying machine for which copying of banknotes or the like is prohibited is copied. If you try,
A processing device for detecting this and stopping the copying process is shown. That is, as shown in the figure, image information read by an image sensor of the copying machine is input to the positioning mark detecting means 1. This image information is
As the scanning by the image sensor progresses, the data is sequentially transmitted in real time by a predetermined area, and specific data includes red (R), green (G), and blue, which are full-color information. (B)
Each component has a resolution of 400 DPI.

The positioning mark detecting means 1
Then, using a mask or the like of a predetermined size, it is checked whether or not there is a positioning mark in the area by pattern matching, and a candidate pattern which is likely to be a specific pattern to be detected by the positioning mark is identified. (For example, the center of gravity for a triangle, the position of the vertex of a corner for a rectangular shape, etc.), and send the data to the specific pattern cutting means 2 at the next stage.

The specific pattern cutting means 2
In the above, based on given existence position (reference position) data, a predetermined portion in an image read using the control CPU is cut out, and a comparison pattern for performing pattern matching in a subsequent process is created. .
Then, the comparison pattern is sent to the specific pattern matching means 3 which is the next-stage matching means.

The specific pattern matching means 3 obtains the degree of conformity of the comparison pattern to the reference pattern (specific pattern) by fuzzy pattern matching, and determines whether the comparison pattern is a specific pattern. It outputs a control signal.

That is, as one embodiment of the image processing method of the present invention performed by using this embodiment, the data read by a normal copying machine is detected by the positioning mark detecting means 1 at the first scan. The candidate pattern (area to be cut out), which seems to be a specific pattern calculated based on the position where the positioning mark exists, is cut out by the specific pattern cutout means 2 at the time of the second scan and is converted into a candidate pattern of the area cut out by the specific pattern matching means. After performing predetermined processing for the pattern, pattern matching based on fuzzy inference is performed to determine whether or not the pattern is a specific pattern.

Before pattern matching is performed by using a precise image relatively close to the original image in the pattern matching means 3, processing targets are narrowed down by searching for positioning marks. It can be performed simply and at high speed, and the number of actual fuzzy inference processing targets (the number of times) can be reduced. Also, while each processing is being performed, other means, such as processing for reading an image and searching for a positioning mark, are being performed. Therefore, other processing is temporarily suspended while performing the determination processing and the like. It can be performed in real time and at high speed.

Next, a specific embodiment of the above-described image processing method will be described. First, the positioning marks used in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the positioning marks 4 surrounded by the broken-line rectangles are formed of triangles, and are configured by arranging three or more (four in this example) such positioning marks 4 in a predetermined positional relationship. Moreover, the four positioning marks 4 are arranged at the vertices of an asymmetrical square (other than a square).

Thus, if four positioning marks 4 having a predetermined positional relationship are detected, each mark 4
From the position coordinates, the direction and position of the document on the document table, that is, the relative existence position of each mark 4 and the specific pattern 6 can be uniquely specified. As a result, the positioning mark 4 can be detected by one recognition process, and based on it, the position of the candidate pattern that is likely to be a specific pattern can be accurately and quickly specified, and high-speed processing can be performed.

Further, since each positioning mark 4 only needs to be able to specify the coordinate position where the mark exists, it can be made smaller (compared to a guide line), making it difficult for a third party to understand its existence. But the recognition rate does not decrease. And by making this small,
The size of the window for detecting this can be reduced, the circuit for detecting the positioning mark 4 can be formed with a simple and inexpensive circuit, and the processing speed can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of dummy marks 5 similar to the positioning marks 4 are arranged around the plurality of positioning marks 4. Specifically, the positioning mark 4
, But each side is shortened. As a result, since there are many similar marks at first glance, it is difficult to notice that some of the marks constitute the positioning mark 4, and if any of the marks is used for positioning. It is difficult to specify whether the mark is a mark 4. Therefore, the document is less likely to be falsified, and if the document being processed is one whose copying is prohibited, it can be reliably detected. In particular, in the illustrated example, for the sake of convenience, the shape of the dummy mark 5 is uniformly set to the same shape (a triangle slightly smaller than the positioning mark 4), but a plurality of types of dummy marks 5 having different sizes are prepared.
By appropriately arranging them, it is possible to make it more difficult to identify the real positioning mark 4.

With this configuration, in the illustrated example, the pattern (“A”) 6 surrounded by the positioning marks 4 is extracted and cut out as a candidate pattern, while the pattern (“B”) 7 that is not surrounded is It is not extracted or cut out. In the illustrated example, the positioning mark 4 is surrounded by a dashed square for convenience of explanation, but the dashed square is not actually printed.

The specific pattern does not need to be limited to characters or symbols having a specific meaning as shown in FIG. 2, but may be, for example, in a predetermined area 6 'surrounded by positioning marks 4 as shown in FIG. May be an aggregate of a plurality of pattern elements 6'a arranged in a predetermined positional relationship.

In particular, as shown, each pattern element 6'a
Has the same shape as the dummy mark 5, it becomes more difficult to specify which is a positioning mark, which is a mark constituting a specific pattern, and which is a dummy mark irrelevant to those determinations. The possibility of tampering is reduced as much as possible.

The pattern element 6'a does not necessarily have to be the same as the dummy mark 5, but may be similar or may be the same or similar to the positioning mark 4. Also, a pattern or the like that has nothing to do with them may of course be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, dummy marks 4'a to 4'c made of the same marks as the positioning marks 4a to 4d may be arranged. That is, in the present example, the four positioning marks 4a to 4d are each recognized as a real positioning mark only when they match as a mark and the relative positional relationship also matches, and a predetermined area is cut out. If even one is missing (there is no mark at the position corresponding to 4d in the illustrated example), it is not recognized as a positioning mark, and therefore the pattern "B" 7 is not cut out. In this way, by arranging the same mark as the positioning mark as a dummy, it becomes extremely difficult for a person who has attempted misuse to know the exact position of the positioning mark and / or the specific pattern.

Further, in each of the examples shown in the above figures, the specific patterns 6, 6 '
4a to 4d, it is formed in a predetermined region of the internal space, but the present invention is not limited to this.
If it is in a predetermined relative positional relationship from the outside, it may be outside.

That is, for example, taking FIG. 4 as an example, of the four positioning marks 4a to 4d, the pattern "B" which is located a predetermined distance outward from the vertices 4d and 4c of the longest side is determined. It may be a specific pattern, that is, a region to be cut out. And 4 as described above
Since the square formed by the positioning marks 4a to 4d is asymmetric, the region to be extracted and cut out can be uniquely obtained, so that the region can be easily and accurately specified.

Next, a specific configuration of each means of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 which is the first embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention for carrying out the image processing method will be described. First, an example of the positioning mark detecting means 1 for detecting the positioning mark has a block configuration as shown in FIG. That is, given image data (RG
The gradation data (shading data) for the B data is converted into binary data by a predetermined threshold in the binarization processing unit 11, and the converted binary image is temporarily stored in the plurality of line memories 12. By appropriately setting the threshold value for binarization, for example, the pixel where the positioning mark exists can be set to black, and the outside (background side) can be all set to white.

Further, the output of the binarization processing section 11 is sent to the search section 13 via the line memory 12. The search unit 13 uses an n × m (n and m may be the same value or different values) mask or the like, and uses a predetermined pattern (positioning mark) existing in given image data (after binarization). ), Which is specifically as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the search unit 13 receives the flip-flop group 13a and the output of the flip-flop group 13a and receives a hit for specifying the position of a predetermined pattern (positioning mark). A coordinate output circuit 13b for obtaining point coordinates (each cell (pixel) constituting a mask, center coordinates in this example), a decode circuit 13c for checking the presence or absence of a positioning mark, and an output of the decode circuit 13c And a determination unit 13d that obtains and outputs the center coordinates when the positioning mark is detected.

Then, specifically, the flip-flop group 1
3a is as shown in FIG. That is, in this example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, an area of 3 pixels in the main scanning × 3 pixels in the sub-scanning is to be processed, and is composed of nine (3 × 3) flip-flops FF. From the image data stored in the line memory 12, the three pixels WI0, WI1, and WI2 arranged in the sub-scanning direction are shifted by the shift clock SC.
In synchronization with LK, the first-stage flip-flops F00 and F00
10, input to F20. And WI0, WI1, WI
2, new pixel data is sequentially input with a timing by the shift clock and transferred to the next flip-flop. The pixel data Q of the binary image input from the output terminal Q of each flip-flop
00, Q01, Q02, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q20, Q21, Q22
Is output. The output of the flip-flop is set to 1 when the pixel is a black pixel.

When the input of the pixel data is completed to the end in the main scanning direction, the input is performed from the head by shifting one line in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, this is equivalent to moving an area (mask) of 3 × 3 pixels to be subjected to pattern detection on the document.

Each of the outputs Q00, Q01, Q02, Q1
0, Q11, Q12, Q20, Q21, and Q22 are the decoding circuit 1
3c. This decoding circuit 13
c is as shown in FIG. 7. When the pattern of 3 × 3 pixels output from the flip-flop group 13 a is a certain pattern (the central pixel is black and the other eight surrounding pixels are white) Indicates that the output of the AND element becomes High. That is, if the output HIT of the decoding circuit 13c is High, it is understood that there is a positioning mark centered on the flip-flop FF11.

Further, the coordinate output circuit 13b is connected to the addresses of the plurality of line memories 12, outputs the address of the image to be input to the flip-flop group 13a, and outputs from the central flip-flop FF11 of the flip-flop group 13a. The determination unit 1 determines the coordinates (XY) of the pixel
3d. And the determination unit 13
The output of the decoding circuit 13c and the coordinates XY of the positioning mark at that time are input to d. This determination unit 13d stores the coordinates XY in the positioning mark storage memory 21 if HIT is High. In this example,
In order to explain the basic principle, 3 × 3 pixels were used to search for a positioning mark. Therefore, nine flip-flops were prepared and the conditions of the decoding circuit as shown in the figure were used. It is necessary to appropriately set the number of flip-flops to be used and the conditions in the decoding circuit according to the portion.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, in addition to the positioning mark 4, a dummy mark 5 having a different size from the positioning mark 4 is formed, so that the positioning mark 4 is detected. However, it is necessary to prevent the dummy mark 5 from being detected. Assuming that the actual dot patterns of the marks 4 and 5 are as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B (each square S corresponds to one pixel), the flip-flop group 13a is shown in FIG. Instead of the 3 × 3 one shown in FIG. 8, 10 × 1 so as to correspond to each cell (cell) S in FIG.
A group of 0 flip-flops may be used. Correspondingly, the decoding circuit also uses an AND element of 100 inputs (which may be equivalently configured by combining a plurality of AND elements), and the input terminal corresponding to the black pixel in FIG. In this case, the input of the AND element corresponding to the white pixel may be inverted. Then, HIT becomes High only at the time of the pattern shown in FIG. 8A, and becomes Low at other times (including FIG. 8B). Therefore, the coordinates XY when HIT is High may be output and stored as described above.

Furthermore, if the shape of the positioning mark 4 to be detected is made triangular as in this embodiment, angle dependence occurs. For example, the decoding circuit 13c corresponding to a plurality of patterns whose angles are changed (input is inverted) This can be dealt with by connecting in parallel the output of the flip-flop group 13a) and having a positioning mark if detected by any of the decoding circuits. .

When the positioning mark is a point for one pixel, the above-mentioned 3 × 3 mask (window) is used.
Can be used as it is. In such a case, there is a possibility that a dot of one pixel may be printed at a position that should not be originally arranged due to printing unevenness or the like. However, even in such a case, in this example, since it is specified as a genuine article only by detecting a plurality of positioning marks in a predetermined positional relationship and the cutout area is calculated, there is no problem in practical use. .

For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the size including one positioning mark (for example, 8 × 8) is set as one processing target unit, and 8 × 8 pixels are averaged and binarized. As a result, in FIG. 10A, the image becomes black when it is equal to or more than the binarization threshold, but in FIG. 10B, it can be white when it is equal to or less than the threshold. If the averaged and binarized unit is input to each flip-flop shown in FIG. 6, the circuits shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used as they are.

However, in such a case, an averaging processing unit for calculating the average of a predetermined number of pixels before or after the binarization processing unit 11 in FIG. 5 is required. In addition, the threshold for detecting the positioning mark preferably has an upper limit and a lower limit, and is binarized using a window comparator or the like.
For example, a pattern in which all of the black pixels in FIG. 8A are also black pixels can be excluded as exceeding the upper limit.

FIG. 9 shows a block configuration of the specific pattern extracting means 2. This means 2 is as shown in the figure.
Since the position coordinates of the positioning mark output from the positioning mark detecting means 1 at the time of the first scan are stored in the positioning mark coordinate storage memory 21, the data stored in the coordinate storage memory 21 is controlled. CPU3
0, and determines whether or not each position coordinate has a predetermined positional relationship. If the position coordinate is recognized as a genuine positioning mark, an area to be cut out based on the position coordinate is determined. (Coordinates).

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the reference line L in the horizontal direction of the document table is set, the coordinates (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x2, y2), x
From (3, y3), (x4, y4), the inclination θT of the specific pattern 6 located at a predetermined relative position and the reference coordinates (x5, y5) of a region to be cut out (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) are obtained. Such processing is performed by the control CPU 30, and information on the specific pattern (for cutting out) is temporarily stored. That is, since the size (shape) of the cutout is known in advance, if the reference coordinates and the inclination (the two data are temporarily stored) are specified, the cutout region is uniquely determined.

Further, the specific pattern extracting means 2
Since the RGB data (shading image) before binarization is sent from the positioning mark detecting means 1, the image data is binarized by the binarizing section 22 and the binarized data is stored in the detailed memory 24. To be stored. The threshold value for binarization is determined by the value of 2
The threshold value is different from the threshold value in the value processing section 11, so that a specific pattern having a different color from the positioning mark can be binarized under optimum conditions.

Then, based on the control signal from the control CPU 30, of the binarized image data stored in the detailed memory 24, the predetermined position specified by the obtained reference position (x5, y5) and the inclination angle θT. Area (indicated by broken line in the figure)
Are extracted, and after the control CPU 30 extracts a predetermined characteristic amount, the extracted characteristic amount is sent to the specific pattern matching means 3. Since a part of the function of the control CPU 30 is included in the specific pattern cutout means 2, a flowchart of the function of the part involved is shown in FIG.

Next, the specific pattern matching means 3 will be described. The control CPU 30 is a program ROM
Based on the data stored in the image data 30a, the image data to be read out of the image data stored in the detailed memory 24 is specified, an area necessary for pattern matching in the image data is obtained, and the control CPU 30 Based on the control signal, the image data in each of the areas is sent from the detailed memory 24 to the inference unit 31, where:
An inference process is performed based on fuzzy knowledge such as rules and membership functions stored in the memories 32 and 33, and the similarity of given image data to a predetermined specific pattern is determined (FIG. 12). reference).

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The feature amount is extracted by counting the number of pixels in each of the feature amount spaces (four regions in the illustrated example) in the cut-out image data. As a result, in the first feature space R1, the number of pixels is 24, and the second feature space R
In the case of 2, the number of pixels is 26, in the third feature space R3, the number of pixels is 30, and in the fourth feature space R4, the number of pixels is 29. This feature amount extraction is also performed by the control CPU 30.

Then, fuzzy inference is performed using the extracted feature values as input according to rules and membership functions (shown in FIG. 14) created in advance, and the degree of conformity (similarity) with the reference pattern is determined and output. I do. In the example shown in the figure, the degree of conformity is 0.6, which is equal to or greater than the determination criterion of 0.5.

Although the feature space is divided into grids in this example, it may be formed in any shape such as a concentric circle or a rectangle. The feature quantity to be extracted is not limited to the number of pixels described above, but may be the number of continuous / discontinuous pixels, the direction, or the like.

Then, as described above, the degree of conformity obtained as a result of inference based on a plurality of knowledge is determined by the control CPU 30.
Is output to a PPC (copier) via If the matching degree exceeds a certain threshold value, the copying machine determines that the copy is a copy prohibited object such as a bill, and performs a predetermined process of preventing forgery (copy prohibited,
Output on the whole black screen). The control CPU 30 may also determine whether or not the paper is a copy-prohibited material (specific pattern) such as a bill, and output the determination result (a stop signal or the like).

FIGS. 15 and 16 show examples in which the above-described apparatus is actually incorporated in a copying machine. As shown in the drawing, the reflected light of the light emitted from the lamp 52 on the original 51 placed on the original table 50 is read via the optical system 53 by the CCD 54 serving as an image sensor. The lamp 52 and the plane mirror constituting the optical system 53 are moved at a predetermined speed and scanned, and a predetermined portion of the original 51 is
The CD 54 sequentially reads the image data, and sends the image data (R, G, B) to the signal processing unit 55.

As shown in FIG. 16, the signal processing unit 55 includes a normal color processing circuit 56 and the above-described image processing device 57 according to the present invention. The data is sent to the processing device 57 in parallel. Then, the color processing circuit 56 separates the components into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components, and outputs the components to the printing unit 58.
Then, the scanning is actually performed four times, and one component of the above four components (M, C, Y, Bk) is output to the laser driver 59 disposed on the input side of the printing means 58 with one scanning. Then, a predetermined position of the photosensitive drum 60 is irradiated with a laser beam. After the four scans are completed, a copy process is performed on the copy paper to make a copy 61
Is output. Since the mechanism for performing a specific copying process is the same as that of the conventional one, a description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, in the image processing device 57, while the signal processing in the color processing circuit 56 is being performed, first, during the first scan, the detection processing of the positioning mark among the above-described processing is performed, and Based on the positioning marks detected at the time of the second scan, a cutout and a matching process are performed to determine the similarity of a pattern in the image data being read to a specific pattern, and the original 51 during the reading process is a copy of a bill or the like. In the case of a prohibited object, a control signal for stopping the output of the laser driver 59 is sent, or a control signal is sent to the color processing circuit 56, for example, various copy prohibition processes such as making the entire copy screen a black image. Will do.

In the above-described embodiment, the positioning mark is detected in the first scan, and the specific pattern is cut out and the similarity is calculated in the second scan. However, the order of processing is changed. If not, it is not always necessary to perform the processing at the first and second processing, and each processing can be performed at a desired scan. When there are many types of detection targets, a predetermined specific pattern is detected in the first and second scans, and another type of specific pattern is detected in the third and fourth scans. Can also.

As described above, it is not always necessary to detect a specific pattern in two scans. In particular, when the positioning mark and the specific pattern are close to each other, the specific pattern can be stored in the buffer memory. It is possible to perform a process of identifying the position where the specific pattern exists from the detection of the positioning mark and cutting out the same in a single scan.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the positioning mark and the dummy mark are separated from each other by making each side thereof a triangle, but the present invention is not limited to this. can do. And as an example, the inclination angle of the parallelogram is different, the base angle of the isosceles triangle is different, the trapezoid is the same height but the inclination angle is different, and various other polygons are The positioning mark and the dummy mark can be configured by various combinations such as different angles. In addition to not only making the angle different like this,
Of course, the dimensions may be changed appropriately as in the embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of wavy lines M having different shapes and having predetermined widths may intersect with each other, and the positioning mark may be specified based on the difference in the shape of the intersection. That is, as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 7B and 7C, the shape of the dashed line M is different, so that the shape of the intersection (indicated by hatching) is also different. Therefore, an intersection of a predetermined shape forming the positioning mark may be detected therefrom. With such a configuration, a third party is highly likely to be recognized as a mere ground pattern, so that the possibility of tampering or the like is reduced as much as possible.

Further, it is not always necessary to provide a dummy mark, and an isosceles triangle or an asymmetrical polygon (including a triangle and a quadrangle) is also required as a positioning mark in order to uniquely determine the location of a specific pattern. It is preferable to arrange the positioning marks at the vertices. However, for example, the positioning marks may be arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, square, or other regular polygon. In this case, for example, a line pattern having no directivity in the vertical and horizontal directions at the position of the center of gravity of the regular polygon is set as the specific pattern, so that the position of the specific pattern is uniquely obtained by one scan. be able to.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, four positioning marks are detected, but three or five positioning marks are detected.
The number may be more than one, and the number is arbitrary. In addition, one or two marks can be provided by giving a characteristic (such as directionality) to the shape of the mark. Further, the same mark is used for each of the plurality of positioning marks. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different or similar marks can be selected as the positioning marks. In such a case, the mark can be detected by connecting a plurality of decoder circuits formed corresponding to each mark in parallel to the output of the flip-flop group, and the control CPU determines the cutout position. Prior to checking the relative positional relationship between the detected positioning marks (the second processing step in FIG. 11), the checking is performed not only based on the positional relationship between the marks but also based on the relationship between the type and the position of the mark. Just do it.

Further, the positioning mark and the dummy mark may be separated by changing the color instead of changing the shape. In such a case, the binarization processing unit 1 of the positioning mark detection unit 1 shown in FIG.
1 can be applied by using, for example, a binarizing circuit as shown in FIG. That is, this circuit includes the threshold setting unit 1
1a, 11b, upper limit for each of R, G, B,
By setting a lower limit threshold value and inputting the given RGB data to the window comparator 11c and comparing it with each threshold value, a pixel having a predetermined density (gradation) can be extracted. Then, only when a pixel of a desired color is given, the final output of the three-input AND element 11d becomes 1.

Further, the specific pattern to be detected is:
A pattern portion having a large feature amount existing in the original document may be used as conventionally performed (in this case, the position of the specific pattern can be accurately and easily known based on the detection of the positioning mark). Alternatively, it may be provided separately similarly to the positioning mark.

If the specific pattern is determined to be unique, the image processing apparatus only needs to have knowledge of the specific pattern, and it is necessary to add a new copy-prohibited material appearing thereafter. However, it can be detected simply by attaching the specific pattern to the prohibited object such as copying. Further, since the detection target is limited to a specific pattern, it can be applied to various types of prohibited objects such as copying, and can perform high-speed processing.

Further, the determination processing in the specific pattern matching means 3 is not limited to a method of obtaining a similarity with a reference pattern (specific pattern) prepared in advance as in the above-described embodiment, but also, for example, as shown in FIG. A specific pattern 6 ″ composed of binary information represented by white / black or the like is provided in a cutout area determined by the positioning mark 4,
The specific pattern matching means obtains 1/0 from the density of each cell constituting the specific pattern 6 ″, arranges them in a predetermined order, and decodes them with 1/0 (in the illustrated example, “0100
000010 ... "). Then, it may be determined whether or not the decoded value is a specific pattern by determining whether or not the decoded value matches reference code information indicating a specific pattern prepared in advance.

Although the above embodiment has been described with reference to the case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a color scanner, a color printer, an F
Of course, it can be applied to AXs, communication transmission devices, and other various devices.

As an example, as a scanner,
A configuration as shown in FIG. 20 can be employed. That is, the scanner is roughly divided into an input unit 90 and a control unit 91.
And an output unit 92. And the input unit 9
In the case of 0, the original is scanned with light from the light source, and the reflection (transmitted light) obtained therefrom is detected by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, a photomultiplier, a photodiode, etc., and converted into an electric signal. It is supposed to be sent. And the control unit 91
In this example, the number of electric signals from the input unit is increased or decreased, image processing such as predetermined gradation correction and contour enhancement is performed, and the corrected signal is sent to the output unit 92. Further, the output unit 92 performs data conversion as necessary based on the signal provided from the control unit 91 and outputs the data to a predetermined output device. That is, if the scanner and printer are separated (only perform pure reading),
In order to send information to a separately formed printer or the like, it is necessary to store temporarily read image data in a storage device (output device), so that a predetermined process required for the writing process is performed. Further, when the output device is a printer or the like (disposed in an integrated device), it performs predetermined electro-optical conversion and performs predetermined signal conversion processing for writing on a paper medium (photosensitive material). . As the specific configuration of each unit, a conventionally known general configuration can be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the present invention, an image processing device 93 is provided, and a signal relating to image data obtained from the input unit 90 is input to the image processing device 93 together with the control unit 91. As the image processing device 93, various types of processing devices for finally detecting a predetermined specific pattern shown in each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be used.
Then, the image processing device 93 performs a predetermined process for detecting a specific pattern (the above-described processes) based on the provided image data, and outputs a specific pattern to the control unit 91 when the specific pattern is detected. It will send a prohibition signal. Then, the control unit 91 stops the signal output to the output unit 92 based on the output prohibition signal. The prohibition signal may be given to the input unit 90 or the output unit 92.

FIG. 21 shows an example used for a printer. That is, the image data (electric signal) is input from the input unit 94 directly from the scanner or via a medium such as a storage device.
Given to. Then, after performing a predetermined image conversion process (conversion to data according to its own output mechanism) in the control unit 95, a predetermined electro-optical conversion process is performed in the output unit 96,
It reproduces image data given on a photosensitive material.

As described above, when the scanner is not provided with the image processing device 93 having the operation stopping means for detecting the specific pattern, even if the original is a read-inhibited image, the image data is not read. Read it.

Therefore, the output signal of the control unit 95 is supplied to an image processing device 97 (equivalent to the above-described image processing device 93), where predetermined image processing is performed to detect a specific pattern. Then, when the specific pattern is detected, an output prohibition signal is sent to the control unit 95, and the data output from the control unit 95 to the output unit 96 is stopped. The output unit 9
Alternatively, an operation prohibition signal may be directly sent to 6 to stop the output unit 96.

[0086]

As described above, in the image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention and the copying machine using the same, the object (regardless of the size of the entire (outer shape) of a copy (printing) prohibited object or the like can be obtained. Since the detection is performed by focusing on the specific pattern included in a part of the data and determining whether or not the specific pattern is included, the memory capacity to be used can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. In addition, the position of the specific pattern can be accurately detected in one scan, and the specific pattern can be cut out in a subsequent scan or a scan being performed at the same time, and a predetermined determination process can be performed.

In addition, in the case where a dummy mark identical or similar to the dummy mark is arranged around the positioning mark, it becomes difficult for a human to identify the genuine positioning mark, and there is a possibility that the mark is falsified. Decrease as much as possible. In the case where the specific pattern is formed of the same or similar mark as the positioning mark, the falsification suppressing effect is further improved, and the specific pattern can be a common specific pattern for a plurality of types of detection targets. In addition to the knowledge of the common specific pattern, not only the multiple types of detection targets to be developed, but also new Can be detected simply by attaching the specific pattern to the data, and the knowledge to be stored and stored can be reduced. Therefore, the memory capacity can be reduced and the number of patterns to be processed can be reduced, so that high-speed processing can be performed.

If three or more positioning marks are arranged at predetermined positions, and the shape formed by the lines connecting them is an isosceles triangle or an asymmetric shape, the position of the specific pattern is determined from the position of each mark. Can be determined simply, easily and accurately, so that the subsequent determination as to whether or not the pattern is a specific pattern can be made at high speed.

Further, the positioning mark detecting means includes a binarizing processing means for binarizing the given image data,
In the case of using the search means for searching the quantified data by using the mask divided into n × m, since the detection can be performed by a simple circuit (hardware), further high-speed processing is possible. Become. And since the positioning mark can be small, it can be made very large
Does not complicate.

Further, when the matching means is performed by similarity calculation, more specifically, by fuzzy inference, the matching between the reference pattern and the pattern existing on the actual document due to misregistration or printing unevenness of a specific pattern is performed. Even if there is a deviation, it can be reliably recognized. For the same reason, even if the distance between the positioning mark and the specific pattern is increased, the use of fuzzy inference (fuzzy pattern matching) does not cause an adverse effect (recognition rate reduction) due to a decrease in positioning accuracy.

Further, the collating means divides the cut-out area into N parts and decodes the result from the density judgment result of each divided cell, and the decoded information coincides with the reference code information to be detected which is obtained in advance. If it is determined whether or not the comparison is made, it is possible to use a comparing means that outputs a detection signal when the values match, so that the configuration is simple and high-speed determination processing can be performed.

By mounting such an image processing apparatus in a copying machine, a scanner, or a printer, it is possible to reliably prohibit the output of a copy such as banknotes and securities, etc. (do not copy itself). , An image different from the original (copy prohibited matter) is copied and output, and reading and printing of the original can be stopped.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a first preferred embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a positioning mark, a dummy mark, and a specific pattern used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a positioning mark, a dummy mark, and a specific pattern used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing still another example of a positioning mark, a dummy mark, and a specific pattern used in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a positioning mark detection unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a flip-flop group in the detection means.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a decoding circuit in the detection means.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dot pattern of a positioning mark and a dummy mark.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a specific pattern cutout unit and a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern cutout unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing functions of a control CPU constituting a part of a specific pattern cutout unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating functions of a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of rules and membership functions stored in a rule memory and an MF memory in a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a binarization circuit for detecting a positioning mark when the positioning mark and the dummy mark are separated by changing colors.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing still another example of a positioning mark and a dummy mark.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the specific pattern.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner according to the invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer according to the invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a solution for solving the conventional problem.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 positioning mark detecting means 2 specific pattern cutting means 3 specific pattern matching means (collating means) 4, 4a to 4d positioning marks 5, 4'a to 4'c dummy marks 6, 6 'specific patterns 8, 8' specific Pattern 8a mark (center) 8b mark 11 binarization processing section (binarization processing means) 13 search section (search means) 13a flip-flop group (constituting a mask divided into n × m) 13b coordinate output circuit ( 13c Decoding circuit (detecting the same mark as the positioning mark) 13d Determining unit (detecting coordinate data) 90 input unit 91 control unit 92 output unit 93 image processing device 95 control unit 96 output unit 97 image processing device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Koichi Omae, Inventor Koichi Oyama, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 10 Omron Co., Ltd. In-house (56) References JP-A-63-237184 (JP, A) JP-A-5-25548 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/40- 1/409 H04N 1/46-1/64 G06K 9/18-9/44

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the given image data is a copy-prohibited material.
Image processing method in an image processing apparatus that detects
Te detects positioning marks arranged in a predetermined positional relationship that exists in the image data to which the given then for the presence region of the location of the positioning mark detected to a predetermined relative positional relationship The image data of the existing area is cut out, and the same or similar mark as the positioning mark is included in the cut out image data .
In a predetermined positional relationship different from the positioning mark.
An image processing method for determining whether or not a specific pattern for specifying a placed detection target exists. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing is performed on a mark having said positioning mark and a dummy mark which is the same as or similar to said positioning mark at a predetermined position of a detection target. The image processing method described in the above. And determining whether the given image data is a copy-prohibited item.
In the image processing apparatus for detecting whether or not the positioning mark detection unit detects a predetermined positioning mark formed at a predetermined position of a detection target in given image data, and clipping means for cutting the existing area of the specific pattern is calculated from the position information of the positioning mark, the region cut out by its clipping means, positioning
Place the same or similar mark as the positioning mark.
An image processing apparatus comprising: a collation unit configured to determine whether or not a specific pattern arranged in a predetermined positional relationship different from the pattern exists. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said positioning mark detecting means detects three or more positioning marks arranged in a predetermined predetermined positional relationship. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the matching unit obtains a similarity between the pattern of the cut-out area and a specific pattern. 6. The collating means divides the cut-out area into N and decodes from the density determination result of each of the divided cells, and the decoded information coincides with the reference code information of a detection target previously obtained. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, which determines whether or not to perform the processing. 7. A means for reading at least an original, a color signal converting means connected to the reading means for converting the read image data into a signal for printing, and receiving an output from the color signal converting means; A copying machine comprising a printing unit for performing a predetermined printing process, wherein the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6 is mounted, and the image data output from the unit that reads the document is transmitted to the copying machine. The image signal is input to the image processing apparatus in parallel with the color signal conversion means, and the image processing apparatus performs the detection processing of the specific pattern based on image data obtained by a predetermined scan. It is determined whether or not the specific pattern exists, and when it is determined that the specific pattern is present, a control signal is transmitted to predetermined processing means of the copying machine. , Copying machine so as to control the copy. 8. An input device for reading a document, a control device connected to the input device for performing a predetermined image conversion process on the read image data, and an output device connected to the output device for receiving an output of the control device 7. A scanner comprising: an output unit that outputs data to the control unit; and the image processing device according to claim 3 is mounted on the scanner, and the control unit controls the image data output from the input unit. In parallel with the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus performs a detection process of the predetermined specific pattern based on given image data, and the specific pattern is included in the original being read. It is determined whether or not there is, and when it is determined that at least the specific pattern is present, a control signal is sent to predetermined processing means of the scanner, and the reading is performed. Ri scanner so as to control the process. 9. A printer comprising: a control unit for performing a predetermined image conversion process on given image data information; and an output unit for receiving an output of the control unit and performing a predetermined print process. The image processing device according to any one of 3 to 6 is mounted, and image data input to a printer is input to the image processing device in parallel with the output unit, and the image processing device is provided Performing a detection process of the predetermined specific pattern based on the image data obtained, determining whether the specific pattern is present in the original being read, and determining that the specific pattern is present at least when determining that the document has the specific pattern. A printer which sends a control signal to predetermined processing means of the printer to control output processing.