JP3964805B2 - Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a function of restricting copying of a document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus having a copy inhibiting function for restricting copying of confidential documents and copyrighted works have been proposed. This copy suppression function suppresses the motivation to copy printed matter by embedding a special pattern printed on the image to be printed, with warning characters and the like appearing when copied by an image forming apparatus. It is. As an apparatus having such a copy inhibiting function, [1] as shown in Patent Document 1, a copy restriction pattern in which a hidden character string is formed by a different dither pattern is overlaid with print data and printed. , An image output device that prints a printed matter capable of preventing unauthorized copying, and [2] as disclosed in Patent Document 2, a main image is combined with a latent image embedded background image and output, and the number of output lines There is known an image processing apparatus in which a mask image subjected to a rougher halftone dot process is used as a latent image so that a halftone dot portion is faithfully reproduced on a copy and a mask image appears remarkably.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-238075 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-197297 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the apparatuses [1] and [2], once an image that has been subjected to a copy restriction pattern or mask process is formed on the original, the copy restriction pattern or mask process is always performed when the original is copied. As a result, any number of people cannot copy an image from which the copy restriction pattern or the mask process has been removed.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a copy prevention function to an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy, and to a specified person who is permitted to copy. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of releasing the copy prevention function and copying an original image.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 Formed on recording paper Code extraction means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means;
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction cancellation code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed;
Code discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a match between the copy restriction releasing code input to the accepting means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means;
Copy restriction pattern removing means for removing the copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extracting means from the image to be printed;
When it is determined by the code determination means that the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern removal means prints Control means for removing the copy restriction pattern from the image to be
With Picture An image processing apparatus.
[0007]
According to this configuration, even when a copy restriction code is included in an image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction cancellation code input to the reception unit are included. If it is determined by the code determining means that they match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removing means, so that the person who has the copy restriction release code (specific person permitted to copy) Can enable printing of an original image obtained by removing a copy restriction pattern from an image to be printed.
[0008]
Further, if the copy restriction release code is not input to the accepting means, the copy restriction pattern is not removed from the image to be printed, so that a person who does not have a copy restriction release code (an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy). When an image in which a copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, a warning character or the like can be raised by the copy restriction pattern during copying. As a result, the effect of clarifying that the printed material is a copy is maintained, and a copy inhibiting function is exhibited for unspecified persons.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 2 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising copy restriction pattern embedding means for embedding a new copy restriction pattern in an image to be printed,
The control means, when the code determination means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern The removal unit removes the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed, and causes the copy restriction pattern embedding unit to perform a process of embedding a new copy restriction pattern in the image to be printed.
[0010]
According to this configuration, even when a copy restriction code is included in an image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction cancellation code input to the reception unit are included. If it is determined by the code determining means that they match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removing means, and the copy restriction pattern is further embedded in the image data from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed. A new copy restriction pattern is embedded by the means.
[0011]
Therefore, for a specific person permitted to copy, it is possible to print an image in which a warning character or the like in which the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed does not appear. In addition, when this printed matter is further copied, it is printed with the copy restriction pattern embedded, even if the device used for copying does not have a special function that can decode the copy restriction code. As a result, a warning character or the like can be highlighted in the print result.
[0012]
This makes it possible to copy the original image by releasing the copy prevention function for specific persons who are permitted to copy, while exhibiting the copy prevention function for unspecified persons who are not permitted to copy, Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not have a special function can effectively exhibit a copy inhibiting function.
[0013]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means for forming an image to be printed on a recording paper;
Formed on recording paper Code extraction means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the copy restriction code extraction means;
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction cancellation code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed;
Code discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a match between the copy restriction releasing code input to the accepting means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means;
Copy restriction pattern removing means for removing the copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extracting means from the image to be printed;
If it is determined by the code determination means that the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern removal means prints When the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be used and the image from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed is formed by the image forming unit, and no copy restriction release code is input to the receiving unit, or the code determination Control means for prohibiting the image forming means from forming an image to be printed when it is determined by the means that the copy restriction release code and the copy restriction code do not match.
With Picture An image forming apparatus.
[0014]
According to this configuration, even when a copy restriction code is included in an image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction cancellation code input to the reception unit are included. If it is determined by the code determining means that they match, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removing means, so that the person who has the copy restriction release code (specific person permitted to copy) Can enable printing of an original image obtained by removing a copy restriction pattern from an image to be printed.
[0015]
Further, when no copy restriction release code is input to the receiving means, or the code restriction means determines that the copy restriction code extracted by the code extracting means and the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means do not match. In this case, since the image data to be printed is not printed by the image forming means, it is possible to reliably exhibit the copy prevention function to an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, The control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image to be printed on a recording sheet with a copy restriction code embedded therein. Is.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multifunction device 1 has functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. The multi-function device 1 includes a main body 2, a stack tray 3 disposed on the left side of the main body 2, a document reading unit 5 disposed on the top of the main body 2, and an upper side of the document reading unit 5. And a document feeding unit 6 disposed.
[0018]
An operation unit 47 is provided at the front part of the multifunction machine 1. The operation unit 47 displays a start key 471 for a user to input a print execution instruction, a ten key 472 for inputting the number of copies to be printed, operation guide information for various copying operations, and the like. A display unit 473 formed of a liquid crystal display or the like having a touch panel function, a reset key 474 for resetting setting contents set in the display unit 473, and a stop key for stopping a printing (image forming) operation being executed 475 and a function switching key 477 for switching between a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.
[0019]
The document reading unit 5 includes a scanner unit 51 including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor and an exposure lamp, and a document table 52 and a document reading slit 53 made of a transparent member such as glass. The scanner unit 51 is configured to be movable by a drive unit (not shown). When reading a document placed on the document table 52, the scanner unit 51 is moved along the document surface at a position facing the document table 52, and reads the document image. The image data acquired while scanning is output to the control unit 100 (FIG. 2). Further, when reading a document fed by the document feeding unit 6, the document is moved to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and synchronized with the document feeding operation by the document feeding unit 6 via the document reading slit 53. The image of the original is acquired and the image data is output to the control unit 100.
[0020]
The document feeding unit 6 includes a document placing unit 61 for placing a document, a document discharge unit 62 for discharging a document whose image has been read, and a document placed on the document placing unit 61. A document transport mechanism 63 including a paper feed roller (not shown), a transport roller (not shown) and the like for feeding the paper one by one to a position facing the document reading slit 53 and discharging it to the document discharge section 62 is provided. The document conveyance mechanism 63 further includes a sheet reversing mechanism (not shown) that reverses the document and reversely conveys the document to a position facing the document reading slit 53, and scans both sides of the document through the document reading slit 53. 51 can be read.
[0021]
The document feeding unit 6 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the main body unit 2 so that the front side thereof can move upward. By moving the front side of the document feeder 6 upward to open the upper surface of the document table 52, the operator can place a read document, for example, a book in a spread state, on the upper surface of the document table 52. It has become.
[0022]
The main body 2 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds the recording paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the recording unit 40, and a recording paper transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And a recording unit 40 for forming an image.
[0023]
The recording unit 40 outputs an optical beam or the like based on the image data acquired by the scanner unit 51 to expose the photosensitive drum 43, and a developing unit 44 that forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer unit 41 for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 43 to the recording paper, a fixing unit 45 for fixing the toner image to the recording paper by heating the recording paper to which the toner image has been transferred, Conveying rollers 463 and 464 that are provided in the sheet conveying path and convey the recording sheet to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48 are provided.
[0024]
When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the recording unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 462 on the discharge tray 48 side. . In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L and conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and an image is formed on the other surface by the recording unit 40. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 3 or the discharge tray 48.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The multifunction machine 1 includes a control unit 100 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus. The control unit 100 includes a scanner unit 51 that can read an original image including an exposure lamp 511 and a CCD 512, an image forming unit 111 that includes a paper transport unit 110, a photosensitive drum 43, a developing unit 44, and a transfer unit. 41 and a recording unit 40 including a fixing unit 45 and the like are connected.
[0026]
The control unit 100 is connected to an HDD 113 that stores image data read by the scanner unit 51 and an output format set for the image data. The image data stored in the HDD 113 is not only used inside the multifunction device 1 but also confirmed from a client PC or the like via the network I / F unit 124 as necessary, or a predetermined data such as a client PC or the like. Transferred to a folder.
[0027]
The image processing unit 120 performs processing or the like on the image data read by the scanner unit 51 or the image data read from the HDD 113 as necessary. The image processing unit 120 includes an image processing circuit 1201, a code detection circuit 1202, a restriction pattern removal circuit 1203, a code addition circuit 1204, a restriction pattern addition circuit 1205, a composition processing circuit 1206, an image memory 1207, and a storage unit 1209. . The control unit 100 transmits / receives a signal to / from each unit of the image processing unit 120, the scanner unit 51, the operation unit 47, the recording unit 40, and the like, and an image based on the copy restriction code, the copy prohibition code, and the copy restriction image. Control processing and print processing.
[0028]
A description will be given of normal image processing in which the image processing unit 120 does not add or remove the copy prohibition code and the copy restriction pattern (details will be described later). When a document is read by the scanner unit 51, the image processing circuit 1201 converts an analog image signal output from the scanner unit 51 into a digital image, performs image processing for improving image quality, and then converts it into a compressed image. This compressed image is written in the image memory 1207. The control unit 100 stores the compressed image written in the image memory 1207 in the HDD 113 as file data subject to document management. At the time of printing out the registered document, the file data (compressed image) to be printed out is written out from the HDD 113 or each computer on the network to the image memory 1207, and the image processing circuit 1201 stores the compressed file data. For example, in the case of laser exposure, analog modulation is performed on the laser signal. The recording unit 40 (image forming unit 111) prints out based on the analog-modulated signal.
[0029]
Image processing for adding and removing copy prohibition codes and copy restriction patterns by each circuit of the image processing unit 120 will be described later.
[0030]
The control unit 100 also functions as a scanner controller 101, a facsimile controller 102, a printer controller 103, a copy controller 104, and a network controller 105 that control each function that can be executed by the multifunction device 1.
[0031]
The scanner controller 101 performs operation control of each unit necessary for the operation of the scanner unit 51. The facsimile controller 102 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the facsimile operation, and controls the facsimile communication unit 121 that adjusts data necessary for facsimile communication. The facsimile communication unit 121 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit) that controls connection of a telephone line with a destination facsimile that is a data transmission / reception partner. The copy controller 104 controls the operation of each unit necessary for the copy operation.
[0032]
The printer controller 103 performs operation control of each unit necessary for printer operation. The printer controller 103 includes a parallel I / F unit 122 that is connected to an external device by parallel transmission that transmits several bits at a time using a plurality of signal lines, and one bit at a time using a single signal line. A serial I / F unit 123 connected to an external device by serial transmission for sending data is connected.
[0033]
The network controller 105 controls data transmission / reception performed between the multifunction machine 1 and a computer on the network. The network controller 105 transmits / receives data to / from the outside via the network I / F unit 124.
[0034]
The operation unit 47 described above is also controlled by the control unit 100. The operation key unit 470 includes a start key 471, a numeric keypad 472, a reset key 474, a stop key 475, a function switching key 477, and the like.
[0035]
Next, image processing for adding or removing a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern by the image processing unit 120 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration related to the image processing unit 120. In FIG. 3, the image memory 1207 is not shown.
[0036]
The copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code is a code formed together with an image on a document in order to restrict copying of the document. For example, a bar described in a blank portion where an image on the document is not formed. A code or alphanumeric characters embedded as a latent image in an image on a document. The process for embedding a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code as a latent image in an image on a document is the same as the process for embedding a copy restriction pattern described below.
[0037]
In the case of a copy restriction code, the copy restriction code is extracted from the image read by the scanner unit 51 when the document is copied, the code content is analyzed, and the analyzed code content is input to the operation unit 47 by the operator. Whether or not copying of the document image is permitted is determined based on whether or not the copy restriction release code matches.
[0038]
In the case of a copy prohibition code, if it is determined that the image read by the scanner unit 51 includes a copy prohibition code, the printing process of the image data is stopped (prohibited).
[0039]
The copy restriction pattern is a latent image embedded in an image formed on a document. For example, different types of dither patterns are used for the latent image portion that is a copy restriction pattern and the background portion other than that, and one pattern density is set to a pattern density that exceeds the resolution at the time of document reading by the image forming apparatus, The other is set to a pattern density equal to or lower than the resolution at the time of reading an original by the image forming apparatus. At this time, even if the original document is viewed, it is impossible for a person to visually recognize the copy restriction pattern. However, if the original is optically read and printed (copied) by a scanner of the image forming apparatus, the copy is not allowed. The restriction pattern can be discriminated. For this reason, when the original is printed (copied) by the image forming apparatus, a copy restriction pattern appears. By embedding this copy restriction pattern, copying of confidential information or copyrighted work can be suppressed. If a serial number or the like is embedded as a copy restriction pattern, the origin of the copy can be determined based on the serial number that appears on the copy.
[0040]
Data necessary for creating the copy prohibition code, copy restriction pattern, and the like is stored in the storage unit 1209.
[0041]
In FIG. 3, when image data is sent from the scanner unit 51 to the image processing circuit 1201, the code detection circuit 1202 determines whether a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code is included in the image data. The detection Shi If the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code is included, the code content is analyzed. This detection is performed by, for example, whether the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes a bar code indicating a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code, or the image data read by the scanner unit 51 has a different type of dither. This is performed by determining whether a latent image using a pattern is embedded.
[0042]
The detection result of the presence or absence of the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code by the code detection circuit 1202 and the analysis result of the code contents are sent to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the operation of the recording unit 40 based on the detection result and analysis result of the code detection circuit 1202. As long as the copy restriction release code in which the copy restriction release code is input to the operation unit 47 by an external input from the operator does not match the copy restriction code analyzed by the code detection circuit 1202, the control unit 100 records the recording unit 40. On the other hand, printing of image data sent from the scanner unit 51 is not permitted. Note that the control unit 100 may allow the recording unit 40 to print the image data even when the two codes do not completely match and there is some mismatch. In addition, when the analyzed code content indicates a copy prohibition code, the control unit 100 does not permit printing regardless of whether or not a copy restriction release code is input to the operation unit 47 from the operator.
[0043]
When a copy restriction release code is input from the operation unit 47 by the operator, the restriction pattern removal circuit 1203 is sent from the scanner unit 51 according to a control signal from the control unit 100 based on the input of the copy restriction release code. The copy restriction pattern is extracted from the obtained image data, and the extracted copy restriction pattern is removed.
[0044]
When image data is sent from the image processing circuit 1201 to the compositing processing circuit 1206 after the above processing is completed, a copy restriction code or a copy to the image data by the code addition circuit 1204 based on an instruction from the operation unit 47 A process of adding a prohibition code and a process of embedding a copy restriction pattern in the image data by the restriction pattern addition circuit 1205 are performed.
[0045]
The copy adding code 1204 is added by the code adding circuit 1204 based on an instruction and code input from the operator to the operation unit 47, or the code is combined with the image data as a barcode image. This is processing such as embedding as a latent image in the image data as a numeric character or the like. The copy addition code is added by the code addition circuit 1204 by reading the copy prohibition code from the storage unit 1209 (FIG. 2) and synthesizing this code with the image data as a barcode image. By processing such as embedding as a latent image in the image data as a numeric character or the like.
[0046]
Based on the copy restriction pattern read from the storage unit 1209, the copy restriction pattern embedding process by the restriction pattern addition circuit 1205 is performed on the latent image portion that is the copy restriction pattern and the background portion other than that. This is done by embedding a copy restriction pattern in the image data using different dither patterns.
[0047]
The image data after the image processing by the code addition circuit 1204 and the restriction pattern addition circuit 1205 is sent from the synthesis processing circuit 1206 to the recording unit 40 to be printed.
[0048]
A process of adding a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code and a printing process accompanied by a copy restriction pattern embedding process in the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing this processing, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each image data before and after adding processing of a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, and a copy restriction pattern.
[0049]
When the scanner unit 51 reads an image on the document (input image in FIG. 5) and image data is input (S1), the control unit 100 copies the copy to the operator on the display unit 473 of the operation unit 47. A confirmation message is displayed as to whether or not a restriction is added, that is, whether or not a copy prohibition code and a copy restriction pattern are combined with image data to be copied (S2). When the operator inputs an instruction to add a copy restriction to the copy (YES in S3), the control unit 100 absolutely copies the copy on the display unit 473 of the operation unit 47. A message prompting the user to select whether to prohibit or to permit copying under certain conditions is displayed (S4). Note that when an instruction to the effect that no copy restriction is added to the copied material is input to the operation unit 47 in S3 (NO in S3), the scanner unit 51 reads it without adding a copy prohibition code or a copy restriction pattern. A normal printing process for printing the image data as it is is performed (S8).
[0050]
If the operator inputs an instruction to permit copying of the copied material under certain conditions after displaying a message prompting the selection of the copy restriction content of the copied material (YES in S5), the scanner unit 51 The copy restriction code (copy restriction code in FIG. 5) created based on the key code input by the operator from the operation unit 47 is combined with the image data read in step S4, and the copy restriction pattern read from the storage unit 1209 is obtained. (Copy restriction pattern in FIG. 5) is embedded (S6, S7). The image data to which the copy restriction code and the copy restriction pattern are added is sent to the recording unit 40 for printing processing (S8). The copy obtained in this case is shown as copy 1 in FIG.
[0051]
If the operator inputs an instruction to absolutely prohibit copying of the printed matter after displaying the message prompting the selection of the copy restriction content of S5 (NO in S5), the storage unit A copy prohibition code (copy prohibition code in FIG. 5) and a copy restriction pattern (copy restriction pattern in FIG. 5) created based on the copy prohibition code read from 1209 are added to the image data read by the scanner unit 51 (S9). ). The image data to which the copy prohibition code and the copy restriction pattern are added is sent to the recording unit 40 for printing processing (S8). The copy obtained in this case is shown as copy 2 in FIG.
[0052]
A process for copying a printed matter to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added in the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing this process. When the image of the printed matter is read by the scanner unit 51 and image data is input (S11), it is analyzed whether the image data includes a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern (S12). . If the copy restriction code or the copy prohibition code is not included in the image data (NO in S13), the image data read by the scanner unit 51 is printed as it is without being restricted from being copied. (S20).
[0053]
In this case, when the copy restriction pattern is not included in the image data read by the scanner unit 51, the copy restriction pattern is not printed on the copy result, and the copy restriction pattern is added to the image data read by the scanner unit 51. Is included, the copy restriction pattern will appear on the copy result and will be printed.
[0054]
If the image data read by the scanner unit 51 includes a copy restriction code or a copy prohibition code (YES in S13), the code embedded in the image data is extracted and analyzed (S14). . If the extracted code is a copy prohibition code (NO in S15), the printing process is stopped (S21), and the printed matter is not copied.
[0055]
If the extracted code is a copy restriction code (YES in S15), the operator waits for the release code to be input to the operation unit 47 (S16), and the copy restriction release code is input from the input operator. Is input, it is determined whether the copy restriction release code input by the operator matches the code content extracted and analyzed in S14 (S17). Here, if the code input from the operator does not match the code content obtained in S14, or if no code is input from the operator (NO in S17), the printing process is stopped (S21). The printed matter is not copied.
[0056]
If the code input by the operator matches the code content obtained in S14 (YES in S17), the copy restriction pattern component is extracted from the image data read by the scanner unit 51 and removed (S18). ). This prevents the copy restriction pattern from being printed on the copy result of the printed matter. Further, a new copy restriction pattern is read from the storage unit 1209 and embedded (S19), and printing processing of image data in which this new copy restriction pattern is embedded is executed (S20). In this case, even if the image data in which the new copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, the new copy restriction pattern does not appear in the copy result as described above.
[0057]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, a copy restriction pattern is removed from an image to be printed and a copy prohibition warning character is given to a person having a copy restriction release code (a specific person permitted to copy). Etc. can be printed.
[0058]
In addition, when the printed matter obtained by the multifunction device 1 is further copied by the above processing, the printed result is warned even if the device used for copying does not have a function to decode the copy restriction code and the copy prohibition code. Characters, etc. But Since it emerges, the effect of suppressing duplication of the printed matter can be obtained.
[0059]
As a result, the copy prevention function is provided for those who do not have a copy restriction cancellation code (unspecified persons who are not permitted to copy), but the specified persons who are permitted to copy are prohibited from copying. The original image can be copied by canceling the function, and further, even if the image forming apparatus does not have a special function, the copy inhibiting function can be effectively exhibited.
[0060]
Next, a second embodiment will be described with respect to a process in the case of copying a printed matter to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added in the multifunction machine 1. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image processing unit used in the second embodiment. In the image processing unit 120 used in the second embodiment, a prohibited image detection circuit 1208 is added to the image processing unit 120 used in the first embodiment. This prohibited image detection circuit 1208 is read by the scanner unit 51 with image data of articles prohibited from being copied such as banknotes and securities stored in the storage unit 1209 (corresponding to copy prohibited image data storage means). The obtained image data is compared, and it is determined whether or not the two image data match.
[0061]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a process for copying a printed matter to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added by the multifunction device 1. Note that description of the same processing as in the first embodiment is omitted. When the printed matter is read by the scanner unit 51 and the image data is input (S31), it is determined whether or not the image data matches the image data indicating the prohibited copy stored in the prohibited image detection circuit 1208. The prohibited image detection circuit 1208 makes a determination (S32). In the comparison of both data, even if both data do not completely match, it may be determined that they match if the difference is within a certain range. If it is determined that the image data read by the scanner unit 51 matches the image data of the copy prohibited object (YES in S32), the printing process is stopped (S42). That is, when it is determined that the image data read by the scanner unit 51 matches the image data of the copy prohibited object, the print data is printed regardless of whether the image data includes a copy restriction code or the like. Not.
[0062]
If the image data read by the scanner unit 51 does not match the image data of the copy prohibited object (NO in S32), the image data is analyzed (S33), and the copy restriction code, copy prohibition code, or copy restriction is determined. It is determined whether or not a pattern is included (S34), and the same processing as in the first embodiment is performed.
[0063]
According to the second embodiment, if image data of a copy-prohibited item such as banknotes or securities is stored in the storage unit 1209 as image data indicating a copy-prohibited item, these copy-prohibited items are stored. Copying can be reliably prohibited.
[0064]
The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in each of the above embodiments, if the copy restriction code is included in the image data to be printed, if the copy restriction code and the copy restriction release code input by the operator do not match, printing is performed. Although the processing is to be canceled (S21 in FIG. 6 and S42 in FIG. 8), the print processing is performed so that the copy restriction pattern appears in the print result without removing the copy restriction pattern extracted from the image data. You may do it.
[0065]
In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is described as the multifunction machine 1 having both a copy function and a printer function. However, the image forming apparatus is a device having a single function such as a copy machine or a printer. Also good.
[0066]
The technology according to the present invention is not limited to an image forming apparatus, but is also applied to an image processing apparatus (which does not have a print function but has image processing as a main function) provided in the above-described multifunction peripheral, copier, printer, or the like. Applicable.
[0067]
In the above embodiment, the image processing unit 120 includes the image processing circuit 1201, the code detection circuit 1202, the restriction pattern removal circuit 1203, the code addition circuit 1204, the restriction pattern addition circuit 1205, the synthesis processing circuit 1206, and the like. However, these are not necessarily constituted by a circuit, and may be constituted by software such as a program, for example.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, even when a copy restriction code is included in an image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means and the reception means If the code discriminating means determines that the copy restriction canceling code entered in the is coincident, the copy restriction pattern removing means removes the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed. For a specific person who is allowed to print the original image, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed.
[0069]
Further, if the copy restriction release code is not input to the accepting means, the copy restriction pattern is not removed from the image to be printed, so that a person who does not have a copy restriction release code (an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy). When an image in which a copy restriction pattern is embedded is printed, a warning character or the like can be raised by the copy restriction pattern during copying. As a result, the effect of clarifying that the printed material is a copy is maintained, and a copy inhibiting function is exhibited for unspecified persons.
[0070]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when a copy restriction code is included in the image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means and the reception means are input. If it is determined by the code determining means that the copy restriction release code matches, the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed by the copy restriction pattern removing means and the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image data. Further, a new copy restriction pattern is embedded by the copy restriction pattern embedding means.
[0071]
Therefore, for a specific person permitted to copy, it is possible to print an image in which a warning character or the like in which the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be printed does not appear. In addition, when this printed matter is further copied, it is printed with the copy restriction pattern embedded, even if the device used for copying does not have a special function that can decode the copy restriction code. As a result, a warning character or the like can be highlighted in the print result.
[0072]
This makes it possible to copy the original image by releasing the copy prevention function for specific persons who are permitted to copy, while exhibiting the copy prevention function for unspecified persons who are not permitted to copy, Further, even an image forming apparatus that does not have a special function can effectively exhibit a copy inhibiting function.
[0073]
Claim 3 And claim 4 According to the invention described in the above, even when a copy restriction code is included in the image to be printed, the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction unit and the copy restriction release code input to the reception unit If the code discriminating means determines that the two match, the copy restriction pattern removing means removes the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed, so that the person having the copy restriction release code (a specific person permitted to copy) On the other hand, it is possible to print the original image obtained by removing the copy restriction pattern from the image to be printed.
[0074]
Further, when no copy restriction release code is input to the receiving means, or the code restriction means determines that the copy restriction code extracted by the code extracting means and the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means do not match. In this case, since the image data to be printed is not printed by the image forming means, it is possible to reliably exhibit the copy prevention function to an unspecified person who is not permitted to copy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image processing unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process that includes a copy restriction code or copy prohibition code addition process and a copy restriction pattern embedding process in a multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing image data before and after adding processing of a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, and a copy restriction pattern.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a multifunction machine copies a printed material to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of an image processing unit used in the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of a process for copying a printed matter to which a copy restriction code, a copy prohibition code, or a copy restriction pattern is added by a multifunction peripheral.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP (image forming device)
40 Recording unit (image forming means)
47 Operation part (reception means)
100 control unit (control means, code discrimination means)
120 Image processing unit
1201 Image processing circuit (copy restriction pattern removing means)
1202 Code detection circuit (code extraction means, code analysis means)
1203 Restriction pattern removal circuit (copy restriction pattern extraction means, copy restriction pattern removal means)
1204 Code addition circuit
1205 Restriction pattern addition circuit (copy restriction pattern embedding means)
1206 Composition processing circuit (copy restriction pattern embedding means)
1208 Prohibited image detection circuit (image data comparison means)

Claims (4)

Code extraction means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed formed on a recording paper ;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the code extraction means;
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction cancellation code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed;
Code discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a match between the copy restriction releasing code input to the accepting means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means;
Copy restriction pattern removing means for removing the copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extracting means from the image to be printed;
When it is determined by the code determination means that the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern removal means prints images processing and control means for removing the copy restriction pattern from the image which. A copy restriction pattern embedding unit for embedding a new copy restriction pattern for an image to be printed;
The control means, when the code determination means determines that the copy restriction release code input to the reception means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern together to remove the copy restriction pattern from the printing subject to image the removing means, said copy restriction pattern 請 Motomeko 1 to embedding means Ru to perform the process of embedding a new copy restriction pattern for the print image targeted The image processing apparatus described. Image forming means for forming an image to be printed on recording paper;
Code extraction means for extracting a copy restriction code from an image to be printed formed on a recording paper ;
Code analysis means for analyzing the copy restriction code extracted by the copy restriction code extraction means;
A receiving means for receiving an input of a copy restriction cancellation code by an external operation;
Copy restriction pattern extraction means for extracting a copy restriction pattern embedded as a latent image in an image to be printed;
Code discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is a match between the copy restriction releasing code input to the accepting means and the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analyzing means;
Copy restriction pattern removing means for removing the copy restriction pattern extracted by the copy restriction pattern extracting means from the image to be printed;
If it is determined by the code determination means that the copy restriction release code input to the receiving means matches the copy restriction code analyzed by the code analysis means, the copy restriction pattern removal means prints When the copy restriction pattern is removed from the image to be used and the image from which the copy restriction pattern has been removed is formed by the image forming unit, and no copy restriction release code is input to the receiving unit, or the code determination If the is the copy restriction release code and a copy restriction code is determined that disagreement by means images forming apparatus and a control means for inhibiting formation of an image to be the print target to said image forming means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit causes the image forming unit to form an image to be printed on a recording sheet with a copy restriction code embedded therein .

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