JP3359118B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an image recording apparatus such as a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic technique has been used as a so-called digital image recording apparatus for outputting image data read from an output device of a computer, an output unit of a facsimile, or an image scanner. It is becoming more common.

Further, color image output apparatuses using a digital data processing technique have been greatly advanced, and an extremely high quality output image can now be obtained.

[0004] Such a high-quality color image may be used for criminal acts such as counterfeiting of banknotes or securities, and measures to cope with it have recently been incorporated into the color image output device. Became. For example,
As a specific example of the countermeasures, a forgery tracking pattern is added to the output image, and the presence or absence of forgery is recognized by comparing the specific image with the input image. Is printed in black (hereinafter referred to as forgery recognition).

[0005] This forgery recognition is performed only in a color copying machine having a scanner, and the recognition rate is one.
Since it is not 00%, it is very difficult to judge whether it is forgery. In addition, the addition of a forgery tracking pattern can be performed by any color image recording apparatus, but since it is performed on all the images to be recorded, the forgery tracking pattern is applied to an image that is completely unrelated to a forgery action. Since the pattern is added, there is a problem regarding the image quality of the output image. Comparing the two methods, the latter method has the advantage that it is possible to specify the image recording device that performed the output by using the tracking pattern added to the output image, and the former method has a forgery recognition rate that will increase in the future. Although improvement is required, it is very effective from the viewpoint of not deteriorating the image quality of the output image.

As described above, both methods have advantages and disadvantages, but the former method needs to recognize a specific image. However, the former method is applicable to all frequently changed banknotes and countless securities in each country. It is practically almost impossible to recognize. Furthermore, applying the former method to a printer that does not have a means for obtaining the image information of the original image by itself requires establishing a highly reliable and inexpensive recognition means in terms of technology and cost. It is difficult until it is done.

Therefore, as a practical measure, at least an image recording apparatus capable of adding a specific image such as a forgery tracking pattern is required.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional color image recording apparatus capable of generating a tracking pattern and adding it to an output image. In such an apparatus, for example, image data is input from an image data input unit such as a scanner (which can also be configured as an external device) to generate RGB data and output from the data output unit 2 to the data input unit 3 of the image recording unit. I do. At the same time, in the image recording unit, the bar code of the machine number of the color copier provided on the back of the document table is input as tracking data, a tracking signal generating unit 1 generates a tracking signal, and outputs it to the image forming unit 5. I do. On the other hand, the RGB data input from the data input unit 3 is converted into MCYK color component data by the color conversion unit 4 and input to the image forming unit 5. Then, in the image forming unit 5,
An image is formed by adding a tracking pattern to the output image.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be configured so that the machine number of the image recording apparatus is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and the contents of the nonvolatile memory are read out as tracking data to generate a tracking pattern.

[0010]

However, in the method of adding a forgery tracking pattern according to the above-mentioned prior art, the image recording apparatus is adapted to networking, for example, based on a signal transmitted from a long distance such as a facsimile image. When an image is formed, there is a problem that the image recording apparatus that has performed the image formation output can be specified, but the apparatus that has generated the image data cannot be specified.

Therefore, it is desired to be able to specify an external device that has transmitted an image signal as a clue for specifying such an image generating apparatus.

The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional example, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of adding information unique to each of a plurality of apparatuses to an image.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, an image processing apparatus that receives an image signal from an external device and processes the image signal, the storage unit storing first information unique to the image processing apparatus, and the first information stored in the storage unit First input means for inputting the external device, second input means for inputting second information for specifying the external device from the external device, and the external device based on the second information input by the second input device. Output means for classifying devices into several types, adding the classified type to the second information and outputting the second information, and second information to which the first information and the classified type are added And an image processing apparatus comprising: a synthesizing unit for synthesizing the image information to generate synthesized information; and a synthesized image data generating unit for synthesizing an image pattern based on the synthesized information with an image signal from the external device. .

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method for inputting and processing an image signal from an external device, wherein the storing step stores first information unique to the processing device for processing the image signal. A first input step of inputting the first information stored in the storing step, a second input step of inputting second information for specifying the external device from the external device, and the second input An output step of classifying the external device into several types based on the second information input in the step, adding the classified type to the second information, and outputting the first information; Combining information and the second information to which the classified type is added to generate combined information; and generating combined image data for combining an image pattern based on the combined information with an image signal from the external device. Process And an image processing method according to claim.

[0015]

According to the present invention, according to the present invention, the first information unique to the image processing apparatus and the second information for specifying the external device, and the external device is classified into several types based on the second information. To generate synthesized information by synthesizing it with the second information to which the type obtained by the classification is added, and synthesize an image pattern based on the synthesized information with an image signal from an external device to generate synthesized image data. Works as follows.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a color laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as a color LBP) which is a typical embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship with an external device connected to the LBP. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, image data transmitted from an external device to a color LBP is an RGB signal generally used in a color monitor. RG sent by external device
In the B image data, each color component is represented by 8 bits,
Since one of them is output collectively, one pixel is 2 in total.
The data is transmitted to the color LBP as 4-bit data. If the external device is a host computer or image scanner, the serial number of software for outputting image data to the color LBP, the serial number of the external device, and the machine number, and if the external device is a facsimile machine, the image is Before transmission, various exchanges defined by the communication protocol are performed between the communicating devices, and the image information is transmitted from the transmission source to the reception destination only after obtaining the communication permission. First, the line (telephone) number of the transmission source is transmitted to the reception destination (color LBP in this case).

The data (serial number, machine number, telephone number, etc.) for specifying the external device is handled as a recognition signal. Therefore, the external device sends the image data to the color LBP together with the recognition signal via the data output unit 2.
On the other hand, the color LBP receives the recognition signal and the image data at the data input unit 3, and the data input unit 3 outputs the recognition signal to the tracking signal generation unit 1, and outputs the RGB image data to the color conversion unit 4. In the color conversion unit 4, Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C, which are the toner colors of the color LBP of this embodiment,
The RGB signals are converted into (cyan) and K (black) signals.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes an image signal processing unit, and 11 denotes a ROM for storing a machine number of a color LBP. Here, the device number may be stored in the ROM 11 by any means.
In the case where the machine number is stored in M11 and mounted on the board, the circuit configuration is such that the ROM 11 cannot be replaced or the contents cannot be changed thereafter.

Now, the converted signals (Mdata, Cdata, Ydata, Kdata) of each color (YMCK)
Is a TOP signal as shown in the time chart of FIG.
In this case, the image is output to the tracking signal generation unit 1 in the order of toner colors to be output in synchronization with the timing of one image output. On the other hand, the recognition signal input to the tracking signal generation unit 1 is combined with the machine number of the color LBP to generate one tracking signal. The generated tracking signal is converted into a tracking pattern, and is synchronized with the timing of the solid line portion and the broken line portion of the TS signal shown in FIG.
CK), and the combined image data is output to the image forming unit 5. A solid line portion and two broken line portions of the TS signal shown in FIG. 2 indicate a synchronization signal when a tracking pattern formed by the tracking signal is added to the output image.

In this embodiment, the tracking pattern is basically added to the output image using the Y color toner (solid line portion in the TS signal) having low human visual characteristics. The information and the toner color to which the predetermined tracking pattern is added are comprehensively determined, and the tracking pattern can be added to the output image even at the broken line portion of the TS signal shown in FIG.

Then, the image forming section 5 forms an image based on the synthesized image data corresponding to the respective toner colors sent.

In FIG. 2, DATA0-7 are RG
B image data.

[Detailed Configuration of Color LBP (FIG. 3)] FIG.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a collar LBP.

In FIG. 3, a sheet 102 fed from a sheet feeding unit 101 is held on the outer periphery of the transfer drum 103 with its leading end held by a gripper 103f. The latent images formed in the respective colors by the optical unit 107 on the image carrier (hereinafter, referred to as photosensitive drums) 100 are respectively developed by the respective color developing units Dy, Dy.
The image is developed by Dc, Db, and Dn, and is transferred to a sheet around the transfer drum a plurality of times to form an image of another color. Thereafter, the paper 102 is separated from the transfer drum 103,
The sheet is fixed by the fixing unit 104, and is discharged from the sheet discharge unit 105 to the sheet discharge tray unit 106.

Here, the developing units Dy, Dc, Db, D
n has rotating shafts at both ends thereof, and each is rotatably held by the developing device selecting mechanism unit 108 about the shaft. As a result, each of the developing devices Dy, Dc, Db, and Dn is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the developing device selecting mechanism 1
Even if 08 rotates around the rotation shaft 110, its posture can be maintained constant. After the selected developing device is moved to the developing position, the developing device selection mechanism unit 108 is integrated with the developing device to support the fulcrum 1.
The selection mechanism holding frame 109 is pulled toward the photosensitive drum 100 by the solenoid 109a around the center 09b, and moves toward the photosensitive drum.

Next, the operation of forming a color image of the color LBP having the above configuration will be described in detail.

First, the photosensitive drum 1 is charged by the charger 111.
Is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity, and a latent image of, for example, M (magenta) color is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by exposure to the laser beam L irradiated from the semiconductor laser 120 and reflected by the mirror 121. ) Is developed by the color developing unit Dm, and a first toner image of M (magenta) is formed on the photosensitive drum 100. On the other hand, the transfer paper P is fed at a predetermined timing, and the transfer bias voltage (+1.8 k
V) is applied to the transfer drum 103 and the photosensitive drum 10
The first toner image on 0 is transferred to the transfer paper P, and the transfer paper P is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 103. Thereafter, the M (magenta) toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 100 is removed by the cleaner 112, and the photosensitive drum 100 is ready for the next color latent image forming and developing process.

Next, a second C (cyan) latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by the laser beam L,
Next, the second latent image on the photosensitive drum 100 is developed by the C (cyan) developing unit Dc to form a C (cyan) second toner image. And this C (cyan)
The second toner image of the color M
The image is transferred onto the transfer paper P in accordance with the position of the first magenta toner image. In the transfer of the second color toner image, the transfer drum 1 is moved immediately before the transfer paper P reaches the transfer portion.
03 is applied with a bias voltage of +2.1 KV.

Similarly, the third and fourth latent images of Y (yellow) and K (black) colors are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 100, and are sequentially developed by the developing units Dy and Db, respectively. The Y (yellow) color and the K (black) color third and third toner images are aligned with the toner image previously transferred to the transfer paper P.
The fourth toner images are sequentially transferred. In this way, the four color toner images are formed on the transfer paper P in an overlapping state. In the transfer of the third and fourth color toner images, the transfer drum 1 is moved immediately before the transfer paper reaches the transfer portion.
03 are applied with bias voltages of +2.5 kV and +3.0 kV, respectively.

The reason why the transfer bias voltage is increased each time the transfer of the toner image of each color is performed is to prevent a decrease in transfer efficiency. The main cause of the decrease in transfer efficiency is that when the transfer paper separates from the photosensitive drum 100 after the transfer, the transfer is performed by aerial discharge, and the surface is charged to a polarity opposite to the transfer bias voltage (the transfer paper carrying the transfer paper). The drum surface is also slightly charged), and this charged charge is accumulated for each transfer, and the transfer electric field is reduced for each transfer if the transfer bias voltage is constant.

At the time of the transfer of the fourth color, when the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the transfer start position (including immediately before and after), an effective AC voltage of 5.5 kV (frequency: 500 Hz) is applied to the fourth toner image. A DC bias voltage of the same polarity and the same potential as that of the transfer bias applied at the time of transfer and the same potential +3.0 kV are superimposed and applied to the charger 111. In this way, in the transfer of the fourth color, when the leading edge of the transfer paper reaches the transfer start position, the charger 1
The operation of 11 is for preventing transfer unevenness. In particular, in the transfer of full-color images, even if slight transfer unevenness occurs, it is easy to stand out as a color difference,
As described above, it is necessary to perform a discharging operation by applying a required bias voltage to the charger 111.

Thereafter, when the leading end of the transfer paper P on which the toner images of the four colors are superimposed and transferred approaches the separation position, the separation claw 113 is moved.
Approach, the leading end thereof comes into contact with the surface of the transfer drum 103, and the transfer paper P is separated from the transfer drum 103. The tip of the separation claw 113 keeps contact with the transfer drum surface,
After that, it separates from the transfer drum 103 and returns to the original position. The charger 111 operates from the time when the leading end of the transfer paper reaches the transfer start position of the final color (the fourth color) until the trailing end of the transfer paper leaves the transfer drum 103 as described above, and the accumulated charge ( (The polarity opposite to that of the toner) is removed, thereby facilitating separation of the transfer paper by the separation claw 113 and reducing aerial discharge during separation. When the rear end of the transfer sheet reaches the transfer end position (the exit of the nip formed by the photosensitive drum 100 and the transfer drum 103), the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer drum 103 is turned off (ground potential). I do. At the same time, the bias voltage applied to the charger 111 is turned off. Next, the separated transfer paper P is transported to the fixing device 104, where the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 106.

The above is the outline of the printing process in the color LBP of this embodiment.

When this color LBP is used, a full-color image with very high precision and good color reproducibility can be obtained. The color LBP of this embodiment can output and record color multivalued data at a recording density of 600 dpi.

[Explanation of Configuration and Operation of Tracking Signal Generating Unit 1 (FIGS. 4 to 12)] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the tracking signal generating unit 1 for adding a tracking signal during image formation. . The tracking signal generation unit 1 generates a tracking signal by synthesizing the device number of the color LBP read from the ROM 11 and the external device recognition signal. The machine number stored in the ROM 11 is input to the tracking data conversion unit 13.

When an external device for generating image data, for example, a host computer sends a command (CMD) for image output to the color LBP, the color LBP returns a status signal (STS) indicating information at that time. Come. FIG. 5 shows a time chart of the signal at that time. First, the color LBP side sends AC data to the host computer.
When the K signal is sent and the BUSY signal is set to the "NOT BUSY" state, the host computer detects this state, sets the command busy signal (CB) to a busy state, and transmits CMD. Upon completion of the CMD transmission, the host computer transmits a pulse of the data strobe signal (DSTB) to the color LBP. On the other hand, color LBP is BUS
The Y signal is set to the “BUSY” state. After that, color LB
When P becomes able to transmit the STS signal, it sets the status busy signal (SB) to a busy state and transmits the STS.

By the above series of operations, the color L
The BP receives the input serial number or machine number of the host computer as operand information set in the CMD, and inputs the information to the 10-byte shift register 10 shown in FIG.

The serial number and the machine number input to the shift register 10 are taken out by the tracking data converter 12 to generate tracking data.

Next, the tracking data generation processing executed by the tracking data conversion unit 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S101, first, one data 8
An array LN using an array of bits N and a memory of 16 bits per data is prepared, and the contents of the shift register 10 are sequentially input to the array N from the top in step S102.
In the processing of steps S103 to S109, the recognition signal is converted into a signal corresponding to hexadecimal display and other alphabets so that the data is converted into an array of 16 bits per data and output to the array LN. If it is determined in step S109 that this series of operations has been repeated ten times, the process proceeds to step S110, where the contents of array LN are output to tracking data synthesizing unit 25, and the tracking data generation process ends.

On the other hand, the color L input from the ROM 11
The BP machine number is converted to tracking data in the tracking data conversion unit 13. Hereinafter, the conversion process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S201, one data 8
An array M of bits and an array LM of 16 bits for one data are prepared. Subsequently, in step S202, the ROM 1 is stored in the array M.
The machine numbers stored in 1 are sequentially input from the top. Next, in the processing of steps S203 to S206, the 8-bit data of the machine number is sequentially converted into 16-bit data from the top of the array M and input to the array LM. If it is determined in step S206 that this series of operations has been repeated ten times, the process proceeds to step S207, in which the contents of the array LM are output to the tracking data synthesis unit 25, and the process ends.

As described above, the tracking data converter 12
The tracking signal of the external device and the color LBP generated by the tracking data conversion unit 13 is input to the tracking data synthesis unit 25, where the tracking pattern to be added to the output image is synthesized.

Next, the process of synthesizing the two generated tracking signals performed by the tracking data synthesizing unit 25 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S301, one data 8
Three arrays of bit arrays M and N and an array L of one data length of 2 bits are prepared. And the laser LB to the array M
The tracking data of the machine number of P is input, while the tracking data for recognition of the external device is input to the array N. Next, in the processing of steps S302 to S305, the tracking data is combined as an array L by adding the values set in the respective arrays M and N for each data. The synthesized data is sequentially input to the line memories 14 to 23 for the tracking pattern. This series of operations was repeated 10 times,
If it is determined in step S305 that the process has been repeated 0 times, the tracking data combining process ends.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the combined tracking data. In FIG. 9, a hatched portion is tracking pattern additional data. In the hatched portion, “1” is tracking data for external device recognition, “2” is tracking data for color LBP, and “3” is a portion where two tracking signals overlap. Finally, this becomes the output density when the tracking data is output. In the tracking pattern shown in FIG. 9, the recognition signal of the external device is "00157AK5
16 "and the machine number is" 0008315796 ".

Further, in FIG. 9, each piece of data is specified by a coordinate value in the X-axis direction and a coordinate value in the Y-axis direction as shown. Here, the value in the X-axis direction (X column) indicates the data value of each digit of the tracking signal, and the value in the Y-axis direction (Y row)
Indicates the value of each digit of the tracking signal. The row of Y = 1 indicates the least significant digit of each recognition signal, and the row of Y = 10 indicates the most significant digit of each recognition signal. The data shown in FIG. 9 is input to the line memories 14 to 23. Further, one of the line memories 14 to 23 is output to the tracking image output unit 24 in the same main scanning line direction.

The output is controlled as follows in this embodiment.

That is, the tracking data set at one address of the line memory is read out and output six times consecutively, and thereafter, "0" is output six times consecutively. Data is read out and output six times in a row, and then "0" is output again six times in a row. Such a series of operations is repeated, and when the output from one line memory is completed, the read operation is restarted again from the head of the same line memory, and the output is repeated.

Further, in the sub-scanning direction, the same operation as described above is repeated three times, and thereafter, it is assumed that data whose output is all "0" in the sub-scanning direction is output.
Repeat one after another.

Such an output operation is repeated in the sub-scanning direction from the start of the image output to the interruption.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the tracking image output unit 24.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tracking image output unit 24
Has three line memories 31 to 33, sequentially shifts the received image data of Y, M, C, and K while receiving the image data and stores them in the line memories 31 to 33.
Further, the data is input to the shift registers 34 to 36 in synchronization with the image clock VCLK. Further, the tracking patterns generated by the tracking data synthesizing section 25 are sequentially shifted while being received, and stored in the line memories 40 to 43, and further input to the shift registers 37 to 39 in synchronization with the image clock VCLK.

The output image data is stored in the shift register 3
4 to 36 are compared with the shift registers 37 to 39 and are converted and output. The comparison and conversion processing is as follows.

First, the shift registers 37 to 39 are stored in FIG.
When the tracking data "1" to "3" described in (1) is input, the image data tracking processing unit 43 until the contents of the shift registers 37 to 39 all become the same tracking data.
The image data is written as is to the three line memories 44 to 46 possessed by.

On the other hand, shift registers 37 to 39
If all of the contents are the same tracking data, TS
The signal value becomes "true", and the addresses 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3 of the shift registers 34 to 36 are changed.
The image data of b and 3c is set to a fixed value of 8 according to the tracking data.
Convert to bit image data.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the tracking data is "1", the density value is "20", and when the tracking data is "2", the density value is "30". When the tracking data is "3", the density value "40" is stored in the addresses 1a, 1b, 1c, 2 of the shift registers 34 to 36.
a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c are changed to the density values set, and the results are stored in the line memories 44 to 46. Further, the sum of the density values increased or decreased by the change is obtained, and the sum is evenly distributed to the shift registers 34 to 3.
6 addresses 1d, 1e, 1f, 2d, 2e, 2f, 3
The image data is distributed to the image data d, 3e, and 3f, and the density value of the image data is changed.
6 is stored. As a result, even when the tracking pattern is added, the average density in the area where the pattern is added and the average density in the vicinity area are preserved.

Considering this as an example of the case of adding the tracking pattern shown in FIG. 11, the following is obtained.

When the tracking data is "0", the image data 11 set in the shift registers 34-36
0 is not converted and output to the line memories 44 to 46 as it is. When the tracking data is "1", the addresses 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3
The portions corresponding to a, 3b, and 3c are 3 ×
The three pixels are converted into the density value “20”, and the total density value (18) increased by the conversion of the thick frame portion 111 is uniformly reduced by the right half 3 × 3 pixels 112 (−2), 3
The density value of × 6 pixels is kept constant. When the tracking data is “2”, the address 1 in the image data 110
a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c
Are converted into the density value “30” of the 3 × 3 pixels of the thick frame portion 113, and the total density value (108) increased by the conversion of the thick frame portion 113 is 3 × 3 of the right half.
The density is reduced uniformly to the pixel 114 (−12), and the density value of 3 × 6 pixels is kept constant. Similarly, when the tracking data is “3”, the address 1 in the image data 110
a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c
Are converted into the density value “40” of the 3 × 3 pixels of the thick frame portion 115, and the density value sum (198) increased by the conversion of the thick frame portion 115 is converted into the right half of the 3 × 3 pixel.
The density is reduced uniformly to the pixel 116 (−22), and the density value of 3 × 6 pixels is kept constant.

As described above, the line memories 44-4
6 is set.

Further, at the time of the next scan when all the shift registers 37 to 39 have the same tracking data or at the time of the next scan, the shift registers 37 and 39 are used.
The content of 38 does not include the tracking data, and thus does not satisfy the above condition. However, the content of the shift register 39 is checked to prevent the image data converted under the above conditions from being rewritten again,
When the shift register 39 contains tracking data, the image data tracking processing unit 43 outputs a write inhibit signal WSP to inhibit rewriting of the data in the line memories 44 to 46 and protect the converted data.

When a series of operations is completed in this way, the contents of the line memories 44 to 46 are output as output image data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by adding a tracking pattern to an output image. In FIG.
Denotes an image recording sheet, R denotes an image output area, and S denotes an area to which a tracking pattern indicating a machine number and an external device recognition signal is added. The area S is repeatedly output on the area R in units of S. (A) shows a tracking pattern represented by tracking data "2", (b) shows a tracking pattern represented by tracking data "3",
(C) shows a pattern represented by the tracking data “1”. As shown in FIG. 12, the repetition cycle of the tracking pattern is performed at regular intervals in the main scanning direction, and alternates with the repetition cycle in the sub-scanning direction. Thus, even if the image output area is small, the tracking pattern is added and can be recognized.

In the color LBP of this embodiment, 600 dpi
Since multi-valued data can be handled with a resolution of, the tracking patterns (a), (b), and (c) are expressed as pale dots of 0.1 mm or less in toner colors with low visual characteristics when outputting images. Further, since the density of the image data is stored, the deterioration of the image quality due to the addition of the tracking pattern is reduced.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a tracking pattern can be generated by synthesizing the device information sent from the external device and the device number of the color LBP, and can be added in an inconspicuous manner to the output image. .

[0067]

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the tracking signal generator 1 directly reads the external device recognition signal from the shift register 10 to generate the tracking data. In the present embodiment, however, the external device recognition signal does not matter. An example will be described in which it is determined whether or not the signal is of a different type, and the determination result is reflected in the generation of the tracking data.

FIG. 13 shows tracking signal generator 1 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 13, the same device reference numbers are given to the same device components as those in the tracking signal generation unit 1 shown in the above-described embodiment, and the description is omitted. Here, only the components characteristic to the present embodiment and the operation thereof will be described.

First, the external device recognition signal transmitted from the external device is input to the 11-byte shift register 27. Next, the content input to the shift register 27 is output to the external device recognizing unit 26, and the type of the recognition signal sent from the external device is determined. Tracking data conversion unit 12
Output to

Next, the process of identifying the type of the external device recognition signal executed by the external device recognition section 26 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, in step S401, a recognition signal sent from an external device is read from the shift register 27. Next, in step S402, it is determined whether the external device is a computer based on the input recognition signal. This is determined by comparing with the machine number or serial number of the computer set in the color LBP in advance. If it is determined that the external device is a computer, the process advances to step S403 to add “M” as the eleventh digit data of the external device recognition signal.

On the other hand, if the external device is not a computer, the process advances to step S404 to check for software running on the external device. This is determined by comparing with the serial number of the software previously set in the color LBP. If the software is preset, the process advances to step S405 to add “S” as the eleventh digit data of the external device recognition signal.

On the other hand, if the specific software that has been set in advance is not determined, the process proceeds to step S406, and it is checked whether the external device is a telephone line. This is to determine whether or not it matches the telephone line set in the color LBP in advance. If a match is found, the process advances to step S407 to add "T" as the eleventh digit data of the external device recognition signal. If the above check is not performed, the process proceeds to step S408, and outputs “0” as the eleventh digit data of the external device recognition signal.

After such processing, the external device recognition unit 26
The recognition data output by the tracking data conversion unit 1
2 and the tracking data is generated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the trace data generation processing executed by the trace data conversion unit 12 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 15, the same processing steps as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. In the following description, only the processing steps characteristic of the present embodiment will be described.

First, in step S501, one data 16
An array N of bits is prepared, and an external device recognizing unit inputs data to the array N in order from the beginning of the array for each data. And
In step S507, the recognition signal is divided into a signal corresponding to hexadecimal display and other alphabets, and the data is converted into the above-described 16-bit array of one data, and is output again to the array N [n].

After repeating this series of operations ten times, in step S510, the contents of array N [11] are input, and the result is re-input to array N [10]. Trace data synthesizing unit 2
Output to 5

The other processes are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the description is omitted.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the external device is classified into several types based on the transmitted external device recognition signal, and the classified type is added to the external device tracking data, so that the tracking pattern is obtained. , And the external device can be easily specified.

In the two embodiments described above, 6
Although the description has been made on the premise that the color LBP has a resolution of 00 dpi, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to a color LBP having another resolution and other color image recording apparatuses.

Further, in the above two embodiments, the tracking pattern data for outputting the tracking pattern has been represented by 6 × 3 pixels.
For example, it is a matter of course that the tracking pattern is generated by a pattern such as 16 × 8 pixels. Needless to say, the capacity of the shift register or the line memory may be increased or decreased according to the pixel. Further, in the above two embodiments, a 10- to 11-byte register is used as the memory for the external device recognition signal and the machine number, but a memory having a larger capacity may be used.

Further, in the above two embodiments, the additional synthesizing process of the tracking pattern has been described in such a manner that the tracking data converting unit, the tracking data synthesizing unit, and the tracking image outputting unit execute software. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described portion may be configured by a logic circuit.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first information unique to the image processing apparatus and the second information for specifying the external device, and the external device based on the second information. Is combined with the second information to which the type obtained by classifying the image into several types is added to generate synthesized information, and an image pattern based on the synthesized information is synthesized into an image signal from an external device and synthesized. Since the image data is generated, both the device that has formed the image and the device that has generated the image data can be specified from the image formed by the composite image data. Thereby, for example, there is an effect that not only the image recording device used for counterfeiting such as banknotes and securities can be specified, but also the external device that has generated the counterfeit image can be specified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration outline of a color laser beam printer (referred to as a color LBP) which is a typical embodiment of the present invention and a connection relationship with an external device connected to the color LBP.

FIG. 2 is a time chart of an image signal.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a color LBP.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a tracking signal generation unit 1.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a timing of receiving a recognition signal.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a tracking data generation process performed by the tracking data conversion unit 12 based on an external device recognition signal.

FIG. 7 shows a color LBP executed by the tracking data conversion unit 13.
13 is a flowchart of a tracking data generation process based on the machine number of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a tracking data combining process executed by the tracking data combining unit 25.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of synthesized tracking data.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a tracking image output unit 24.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of density conversion of image data when a tracking pattern is added.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a tracking pattern is added to an output image.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a tracking signal generator 1 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining the type of an external device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a tracking data generation process based on an external device recognition signal according to another embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color image recording apparatus according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12, 13 tracking data conversion unit 24 tracking image output unit 25 tracking data synthesizing unit 100 photosensitive drum (image carrier) 101 paper feeding unit 103 transfer drum 104 fixing unit 105 paper discharging unit 111 charging unit 112 cleaner

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/387

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for inputting and processing an image signal from an external device, comprising: a storage unit configured to store first information unique to the image processing device; a first input means for inputting first information, second input means for inputting the second information identifying the external device from the external device, based on the second information input by said second input means Zu
And classify the external devices into several types.
Type and output means for outputting in addition to the second information that is, second to the first information and the classified types is added
An image processing apparatus comprising: a synthesizing unit for synthesizing the image information with the image information from the external device; . 2. An image processing method for inputting and processing an image signal from an external device, comprising: a storing step of storing first information specific to a processing device that processes the image signal; A first input step of inputting the stored first information; a second input step of inputting second information specifying the external device from the external device; and a second input step of inputting in the second input step. Based on the information of 2
And classify the external devices into several types.
An output step of kinds of outputs in addition to the second information, the second to the first information and the classified types is added
An image processing method comprising: synthesizing an image pattern based on the synthesis information with an image signal from the external device; .