JP4674538B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that can control rejection of a function provided by an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and method that can change control based on a removable device.

For documents with confidential information, copying and the like must be restricted to prevent leakage of confidential information. As an image processing apparatus having such a function, a code composed of two types of two-dimensional arrays is added as a background image by repeatedly arranging it on a document, indicating that the document is restricted from being copied. A technique is known in which whether or not to permit copying is determined in advance based on the prohibited copy code, and determination and control of final image processing apparatus copy rejection is performed based on a condition code indicating a condition for releasing the copy restriction ( For example, see Patent Document 1).
JP2003-283790

  By the way, in the image processing apparatus as described above, the shape and size of the code pattern that prohibits copying applied to the output image changes depending on the combination of the reading resolution of the document and the enlargement / reduction ratio of the output image. As a result of the difficulty in detecting the code pattern, there has been a problem that restrictions such as copying on a document do not function sufficiently. Further, since the above combination depends on the function of the image processing apparatus, the copying function by the above combination cannot be uniformly restricted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can easily set and control the refusal of providing the functions of the image processing apparatus. Is to provide.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a document and a forming unit that forms an image, and a combination of a resolution of the reading unit and a forming magnification of the forming unit is set for each forming magnification. The first storage means stored in the first storage means, and among the combinations stored in the first storage means, a combination of resolution and formation magnification permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus is stored for each formation magnification. A second storage means that can be used, a restriction means for limiting the combinations stored in the first storage means to the combinations stored in the second storage means when the second storage means is mounted on the image processing apparatus, When the execution instruction is input by the input means and the input means for inputting the execution instruction to execute the means and the forming means in the combination state restricted by the restriction means. Along with the execution of the stage and the forming means, a generating means for generating a background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to code data representing control information for controlling the copying function of the image processing apparatus, and a forming means for forming the background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated by the generating means And a synthesizing means for synthesizing with the image to be synthesized .

In the above configuration, the formation magnification can be any of an enlargement rate, a reduction rate, or an equal magnification .

In the above configuration, the background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be configured to include a background portion including an image pattern including two types of oblique line patterns and a latent image portion including a dot pattern that is not reproduced when copied .

When the second storage unit is removed and the third storage unit that stores a combination different from the combination stored in the second storage unit is attached, the restriction unit is added to the combination stored in the second storage unit. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the resolution and the formation magnification permitted to be provided are updated to the resolution and the formation magnification permitted to be provided based on the combination stored in the third storage unit.

In the above configuration, a first acquisition unit that acquires an image having a background pattern image, a second acquisition unit that acquires control information described in the background pattern image included in the image acquired by the second acquisition unit, and a second A configuration that further includes a control unit that controls the copying function of the image processing apparatus based on the control information acquired by the acquisition unit can be employed.

An image processing method according to the present invention includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document, a forming unit that forms an image, and a first storage unit that stores a combination of a resolution of the reading unit and a forming magnification of the forming unit for each forming magnification. And a second storage means that can be attached to the image processing apparatus, and stores a combination of a resolution and a formation magnification permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus for each formation magnification among the combinations stored in the first storage means. An image processing method executed by an image processing apparatus comprising: a combination stored in the first storage means when the second storage means is attached to the image processing apparatus. An input step for inputting an execution instruction for causing the reading means and the forming means to be executed in a combination state restricted by the restriction step, and an input step. A generation step for generating a background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to code data representing control information for controlling the copying function of the image processing apparatus, together with the execution of the reading unit and the forming unit, And a synthesis step of synthesizing the generated background pattern image with an image formed by the forming unit .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of easily setting and controlling the refusal of providing the functions of the image processing apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 includes, for example, a printer, a facsimile machine, an automatic copying machine, or a multifunction machine. The image processing apparatus 100 also includes an image data acquisition device 110 that is an image data acquisition unit, an acquisition device 120 that is an acquisition unit, a display device 130, an input device 140, a concealment device 150, a synthesis device 160 that is a synthesis unit, and a generation unit. The image forming apparatus 180 includes an image forming apparatus 180, an included function storage database 190 that is an included function storage unit, a permitted function storage database 200 that is a permitted function storage unit, and a control device 210 that is a control unit.

  The image processing apparatus 100 is connected to a public line network 300 and a network 400. The image processing apparatus 100 receives a function (hereinafter simply referred to as a selection function) or an execution instruction provided by the image processing apparatus selected through the public network 300 or 400 or by the user 500.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus 100 transmits display information to the public line network 300, the network 400, or the display device 130 when necessary. Thereafter, the image processing apparatus 100 receives control information from the user 500 through the public network 300, the network 400, or the input device 140 (hereinafter simply referred to as the input device 140).

  The control information refers to information for controlling various image processing apparatuses such as an instruction to hide a specific area of image data output from the image processing apparatus 100, for example. In addition, conditions for canceling restrictions on the copy function of the image processing apparatus 100 are determined by this control information.

  The image data acquisition device 110 includes devices such as a FAX transmission / reception device 111, an image expansion device 112, or a reading device 113. The image data acquisition device 110 is connected to the acquisition device 120, the concealment device 150, the control device 210, the public line network 300, and the network 400.

  The image data acquisition apparatus 110 receives data through the public line network 300 or the network 400, or a document is set by the user 500. Thereafter, when an original is set by the user 500, an execution instruction is received from the control device 210. Next, the set original is read to generate read image data.

  When data is received by the public network 300 and the network 400, the image data is expanded. Thereafter, in either case, the image data is transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150. Finally, the control device 210 is notified that the image data has been transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150.

  The FAX transmission / reception device 111 is connected to the public line network 300, the acquisition device 120, the concealment device 150, and the control device 210. The FAX transmitting / receiving apparatus 111 receives FAX data from the public line network 300 and develops image data. Thereafter, the developed image data is transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150. Finally, the control device 210 is notified that the image data has been transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150.

  The image development device 112 is connected to the acquisition device 120, the concealment device 150, and the control device 210. The image expansion device 112 receives data from the network 400 and expands the image data. Thereafter, the developed image data is transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150. Finally, the control device 210 is notified that the image data has been transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150.

  The reading device 113 is configured by an optical reading unit such as a scanner, for example, and is connected to the acquisition device 120, the concealment device 150, and the control device 210. First, the reading device 113 receives a notification instructing reading from the control device 210. Thereafter, the original set by the user 500 is read.

  Next, the read document is transmitted as image data to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150. Finally, the control device 210 is notified that the image data has been transmitted to the acquisition device 120 and the concealment device 150.

  In the image data acquired by the image data acquisition device 110, the resolution when the original image is read is stored in the header portion of the image data, so that the image processing device 100 can acquire the resolution. it can.

  The acquisition device 120 is connected to the FAX transmission / reception device 111, the image development device 112, the reading device 113, and the control device 210 of the image data acquisition device 110. First, the acquisition device 120 receives image data from the FAX transmission / reception device 111, the image development device 112, or the reading device 113.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the acquired image data is a document subjected to copy restriction depending on whether or not two or more types of prohibition codes are detected from the background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image included in the image data. Two types of prohibition codes and detection methods will be described later. Thereafter, the determination result is transmitted to the control device 210.

  The background tint block image is an image composed of a latent image portion and a background portion, the background portion includes an image pattern composed of a hatched pattern, and the latent image portion is composed of a fine dot pattern that is not reproduced when copied. The background tint block image is synthesized with the background of the output image to be printed out.

  Furthermore, if the acquisition device 120 determines that the acquired image data is a copy-restricted document, the acquisition device 120 acquires code data described in the data code of the background pattern image. Thereafter, the code data is decoded and the description content of the code data in which the control information or the like is described is acquired. The description content of the finally acquired code data is transmitted to the control device 210. The acquired code data includes control information describing conditions for releasing the copy restriction.

  Here, the image pattern will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. As shown in the output image O, the background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is composed of a latent image IP and a background pattern PB over the entire surface of the output image O.

  The background pattern PB and the latent image IP are different from each other. However, the output image O is formed with a pattern having the same pixel area and pixel color per unit area so that it can be seen by the human eye as a uniform gray background.

  The latent image is composed of finer dots than the other portions so that the image appears to the extent that the latent image IP can be identified by human eyes in the copied document.

  The background pattern PB is composed of codes. The code includes a data code CD representing arbitrary code data and a prohibited copy code CP that restricts copying.

  Further, the code is composed of a hatched pattern PS representing arbitrary code data. In the case of providing the enlargement / reduction function in the scanning direction D, the oblique line pattern PS is represented by a half straight line inclined 45 degrees counterclockwise, bit 0 of the code data, and those inclined 135 degrees are code data. Represents bit 1 of

  The forbidden copy code CP is composed of a pattern in which the entire hatched pattern PS represents bit 0 and a bit 1. The forbidden copy code CP is used to determine that a copy is restricted when two or more types of forbidden copy codes CP are detected.

  The data code CD is composed of a synchronization code area AS and a data code area AC. The synchronous code area AS is a code area in which the outer periphery of a rectangular area of a predetermined size surrounding the data code area AC is composed of a hatched pattern PS1 in which all bits 1 are represented.

  The data code area associates the background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with code data representing arbitrary information. In this embodiment, code data describing control information and the like is expressed by a data code CD.

  Next, the configuration and function of the acquisition device 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the acquisition device 120.

  The acquisition device 120 includes a grayscale conversion unit 1210, a binarization processing unit 1211, a noise removal processing unit 1212, a pattern detection unit 1213, a buffer memory 1214, a skew angle detection unit 1215, a code detection unit 1216, a blockization processing unit 1250, It includes a number calculation unit 1251, a ratio calculation unit 1252, a determination processing unit 1253, and the like.

  The gray scale conversion unit 1210 is connected to the FAX transmission / reception device 111, the image development device 112, the reading device 113, and the binarization processing unit 1211 of the image data acquisition device 110. The grayscale conversion unit 1210 receives image data from the image data acquisition device 110. Thereafter, the full-color image data is converted into a grace case. Next, the grace case image data is transmitted to the binarization processing unit 1211.

  The binarization processing unit 1211 is connected to the gray scale conversion unit 1210 and the noise removal processing unit 1212. The binarization processing unit 1211 receives the grace case image data from the gray scale conversion unit 1210. Thereafter, a binarization process is performed in which each pixel of the image data converted into a grace case is represented by a binary value of 0 or 1 representing black or white. Next, the binarized image data is transmitted to the noise removal processing unit 1212.

  The noise removal processing unit 1212 is connected to the binarization processing unit 1211 and the pattern detection unit 1213. The noise removal processing unit 1212 receives the binarized image data from the binarization processing unit 1211. Thereafter, noise removal processing is executed.

  Specifically, the noise removal processing unit 1212 obtains a pixel block in which black pixels are connected. Next, when the size of the pixel block (number of connected pixels) is not within the predetermined range, each pixel constituting the pixel block is replaced with a white pixel. The predetermined range is set to an appropriate range so that the basic pattern and other patterns such as isolated dots and characters and figures in the document are not deleted. Finally, the noise removal processing unit 1212 transmits the image data from which noise has been removed to the pattern detection unit 1213.

  The pattern detection unit 1213 is connected to the noise removal processing unit 1212, the buffer memory 1214, and the blocking processing unit 1250. The pattern detection unit 1213 receives the image data on which the noise removal processing has been performed from the noise removal processing unit 1212. Thereafter, the pattern detection unit 1213 performs basic pattern detection processing.

  Specifically, the pattern detection unit 1213 applies the pattern corresponding to the basic image at the position of each pixel in the image data and performs detection by template matching. When bit 0 of the basic pattern is detected, the pixel value 0 is output, when bit 1 of the basic pattern is detected, the pixel value 1 is output, and when no pattern is detected, the pixel value 3 is output. Finally, image data describing the result of matching for each pixel is accumulated in the buffer memory 1214 and transmitted to the block processing unit 1250.

  The buffer memory 1214 is composed of, for example, SDRAM. The buffer memory 1214 is connected to the pattern detection unit 1213, the skew angle detection unit 1215, and the code detection unit 1216.

  The buffer memory 1214 stores image data after pattern detection by the pattern detection unit 1213. Thereafter, the stored image data is referred to by the skew angle detection unit 1215 and the code detection unit 1216.

  The skew angle detection unit 1215 is connected to the buffer memory 1214 and the code detection unit 1216. The skew angle detection unit 1215 refers to the image data stored in the buffer memory 1214. Next, the skew angle detection unit 1215 detects the skew angle and obtains the skew angle of the referenced image data.

  Specifically, it is performed by performing a Hough transform of a pixel having only a pixel value of 0 or 1, and obtaining a peak of the projection distribution on the angle axis. Finally, the obtained skew angle is output to the code detection unit 1216.

  The code detection unit 1216 is connected to the buffer memory 1214 and the skew angle detection unit 1215. The code detection unit 1216 refers to the image data stored in the buffer memory 1214. Next, the skew angle is input from the skew angle detector 1215. Thereafter, a two-dimensional code detection process is executed from the input skew angle and the referenced image data.

  Specifically, the image data referred to along the input skew angle is scanned to extract a pixel value of 0 or 1 (corresponding to 0 or 1 of the bit). Next, a synchronization code is found from the extracted bit string. The synchronization code is defined as a code in which the outer periphery of a rectangular area having a predetermined vertical and horizontal size is entirely composed of bits 1. A bit string surrounded by the synchronization code corresponds to the code data. This bit string is rearranged into a one-dimensional bit string and transmitted to the error correction decoding apparatus 122.

  The blocking processing unit 1250 is connected to the pattern detection unit 1213 and the number calculation unit 1251. The blocking processing unit 1250 receives the image data after the pattern detection processing from the pattern detection unit 1213. Next, the blocking processing unit 1250 divides the received image data into blocks of a predetermined size. Here, the block size is set to a size smaller than half of the size of the forbidden code and the data code, and is set to such a size that one or more blocks are completely included in the code. Finally, the divided image data is transmitted to the number calculation unit 1251.

  The number calculation unit 1251 is connected to the blocking processing unit 1250, the ratio calculation unit 1252, and the determination processing unit 1253. The number calculation unit 1251 receives the divided image data from the blocking processing unit 1250. Next, the number calculation unit 1251 calculates the number of pixels having a pixel value 0 and the pixel having a pixel value 1 in the block. Thereafter, the calculation result is transmitted to the ratio calculation unit 1252. Further, the total value of the number of pixels having the pixel value 0 and the pixel value 1 is transmitted to the determination processing unit 1253.

  The ratio calculation unit 1252 is connected to the number calculation unit 1251 and the determination processing unit 1253. The ratio calculation unit 1252 receives the number of pixel values 0 and the number of pixel values 1 for each block from the number calculation unit 1251. Next, the ratio calculation unit 1252 calculates the ratio of the pixel value 0 and outputs the result to the determination processing unit 1253.

  The determination processing unit 1253 is connected to the number calculation unit 1251 and the ratio calculation unit 1252. The determination processing unit 1253 receives the total value of the number of pixels having the pixel value 0 and the pixel value 1 from the number calculation unit 1251. Further, the ratio of the pixel value 0 is received from the ratio calculation unit 1252. Next, a determination process is performed based on the received data.

In order to describe the determination process, first, characteristics used by the determination process will be described.
When the inside of the block being processed is located within the prohibition code of all bits 1, a hatched pattern corresponding to a predetermined number of bits 1 is detected in the block, and a hatched line corresponding to bit 0 is detected. Since almost no pattern is detected, the ratio of the hatched pattern corresponding to bit 0 is low and almost zero.

  When the block to be processed includes at least a part of the data code, a diagonal line pattern corresponding to a plurality of bits 0 and a diagonal line pattern corresponding to a plurality of bits 1 are detected in the block, so that it corresponds to bit 0. The ratio of the hatched pattern is much lower than 1.0 and much higher than zero.

  Furthermore, if the input image data is an image in which copy prohibition information is embedded, the image includes a plurality of copy prohibition codes with all bits 0 in the block and a plurality of prohibition codes with all bits 1 in the block. Embedded.

The following determination process is performed using the above characteristics.
If the total number> the first threshold and the ratio> the second threshold, the block is determined to be the prohibition code 0.
If the total number> first threshold value and (1-ratio)> second threshold value, the block is determined to be the inhibition code 1.
Otherwise, it is determined that the block is not a prohibited code.

  The first threshold value is set by adding a margin to the number of theoretical patterns included in the block from the block size and the pattern size. The second threshold is set to a value close to 1.0 (for example, the second threshold = 0.95).

  The determination processing unit 1253 separately counts the number of blocks determined to be the prohibition code 0 and the number of blocks determined to be the copy prohibition code 1. If the number of blocks determined as the prohibition code 0 is equal to or greater than the threshold 3 and the number of blocks determined as the prohibition code 0 is equal to or greater than the threshold 3, it is determined that the image has copy restrictions, and the control unit 210 Send the decision.

Here, returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be continued.
The display device 130 is composed of, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal screen. The display device 130 is connected to the control device 210. The display device 130 receives display information such as a display message from the control device 210. Thereafter, the display device 130 displays the received information.

  The input device 140 includes, for example, a touch panel, buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The input device 140 receives control information such as a selection function, an execution instruction, or a hidden area designation by the user 500. Thereafter, the input selection function, execution instruction, control information such as concealment area designation, and the like are transmitted to the control device 210.

  The concealment device 150 is connected to the image data acquisition device 110, the composition device 160, and the control device 210. First, the concealment device 150 receives image data from the image data acquisition device 110.

  After that, when the control device 210 determines that the specific area of the output image needs to be concealed, that is, it is necessary to satisfy the conditions for releasing the copy restriction, the concealment area is designated from the control apparatus 210. Information (hereinafter simply referred to as a hidden area designation) is received. Thereafter, a concealment instruction is received from the control device 210, and the region designated by the concealment region designation is concealed using a mask or the like. Thereafter, the concealed image data is transmitted to the composition device 160.

  When the control device 210 determines that it is not necessary to conceal a specific area of the output image, that is, it is not necessary to impose a copy restriction, it receives a non-concealment instruction from the control device 210 and executes any processing. The image data is transmitted to the synthesizing device 160.

  The composition device 160 is connected to the concealment device 150, the generation device 170, the image forming device 180, and the control device 210. The composition device 160 receives image data from the concealment device 150.

  Thereafter, when control information such as concealment area designation is added to the output image by the image pattern, the image pattern and the latent image are received from the generation device 170. This is because it is necessary to synthesize the background pattern image with the output image.

  Next, a synthesis instruction is received from the control device 210. Thereafter, the synthesizing device 160 synthesizes the image pattern and latent image received from the generating device 170 and the image data received from the image data acquiring device 110.

  Finally, the synthesizing device 160 transmits the synthesized image data to the image forming device 180 as output image data.

  In addition, when control information is not added to an output image by an image pattern, it is not necessary to receive an image pattern and a latent image from the generation device 170. This is because it is not necessary to synthesize the background pattern image with the output image.

  Next, a non-synthesis instruction is received from the control device 210. Thereafter, the combining device 160 does not combine the image pattern and latent image received from the generating device 170 with the image data received from the image data acquiring device 110.

  Finally, the composition device 160 transmits the same image data as the received image data to the image forming device 180 as output image data.

  The generation device 170 is connected to the synthesis device 160 and the control device 210. First, the generation device 170 receives an execution instruction from the control device 210. Next, control information is received from the control device 210. Thereafter, the generation device 170 generates code data representing the received control information.

  Next, the generation device 170 generates an image pattern in a format corresponding to the generated code data. A latent image is also generated. Thereafter, the generation device 170 transmits the generated image pattern and latent image to the synthesis device 160. Finally, the control device 210 is notified of the completion.

  The image forming apparatus 180 is connected to the composition apparatus 160. The image forming apparatus 180 receives the output image from the synthesizing apparatus 160 and outputs the received output image.

  The provided function storage database 190 is composed of, for example, a relational database and is connected to the control device 210.

  The permission function storage database 200 is composed of, for example, a relational database, and is detachably connected to the image processing apparatus 100. Therefore, the permitted function storage database 200 is detachably connected to the control device 210.

  According to this configuration, for example, the function permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus can be easily changed or set by changing and attaching the permitted function storage unit. Further, the functions permitted to be provided can be uniformly changed or set by a single permitted function storage unit for a plurality of image processes having different functions.

  Here, the configuration and connection of the provided function storage database 190 and the permitted function storage database 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship among the provided function storage database 190, the permitted function storage database 200, and the control device 210.

Before describing the provided function storage database 190, the permitted function storage database 200 will be described.
The permitted function storage database 200 includes a permitted function storage table 201 and a serial number table 202.

  The permitted function storage table 201 stores an enlargement / reduction function magnification (hereinafter simply referred to as a permitted function) that is permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus 100 and a reading resolution in association with each other. The permission function storage table 201 is referred to by the control device 210 for permission functions and reading resolution.

  The serial number table 202 stores serial numbers that are numbers for uniquely identifying the permitted function storage database 200. The serial number table 202 is referred to by the control device 210 for the accumulated serial numbers.

  The provided function storage database 190 includes a provided function storage table 191, a comparison result table 192, a serial number table 193, a control table 194, and the like.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores an enlargement / reduction function magnification (hereinafter simply referred to as provided function) that is a function of the image processing apparatus 100 and a reading resolution in association with each other. The provided function storage table 191 is referred to by the control device 210 for provided functions and reading resolution.

  In the comparison result table 192, the control device 210 stores the comparison result between the provided function storage table 191 and the permitted function storage table 201. A specific comparison method and comparison results will be described later.

  The serial number table 193 stores the serial numbers of the permitted function storage database 200 used for comparison by the control device 210. This is done by the control device 210 referring to the serial number from the serial number table 202 included in the permitted function storage database 200 and accumulating it in the serial number table 193 included in the provided function storage database 190.

  When the control device 210 determines that the permitted function storage database 200 is not connected to the image processing apparatus 100, the serial number table 193 stores a serial number indicating that no comparison target exists, for example, number -1. Accumulated.

  The control table 194 stores information related to the control of the image processing apparatus based on the comparison result stored in the comparison result table 192 included in the permitted function storage database 200 by the control device 210. The accumulated information will be described later. In addition, the control table 194 is referred to by the control device 210 when the control device 210 transmits a message for prompting selection of the selection function to the display device 130 or the like.

Here, returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 of the present invention will be continued.
The control device 210 includes a FAX transmission / reception device 111 of the image data acquisition device 110, an image expansion device 112 or a reading device 113, an acquisition device 120, a display device 130, an input device 140, a concealment device 150, a composition device 160, and a generation device 170. The function storage database 190 and the permitted function storage database 200 are connected.

  Here, the processing of the control device 210 for updating the comparison result table 192 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing in which the control device 210 updates the comparison result table 192.

  First, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by the user 500, and the control apparatus 210 starts processing. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus 100 starts processing when the permitted function storage database 200 is removed or replaced during startup.

  According to this configuration, the comparison result table can be automatically updated when the function stored in the permission function storage unit is changed. For this reason, the comparison result stored in the comparison result table, and the comparison result between the function stored in the permitted function storage unit and the function stored in the provided function storage unit, management of the image processing apparatus necessary for maintaining data consistency Can reduce the labor of a person.

  In addition, according to this configuration, the waiting time and resources caused by updating the comparison result table despite the data consistency between the comparison result stored in the comparison result table and the function stored in the permission function storage unit is maintained. Can reduce waste.

  Next, the control device 210 acquires the serial number of the provided function storage database 190 as a comparison reference at the previous activation from the serial number table 193 of the provided function storage database 190 (step ST1).

  Thereafter, control device 210 determines whether or not permitted function storage database 200 is attached (step ST2). When it is determined that the permitted function storage database 200 is attached, the control device 210 executes step ST3, and otherwise executes step ST9.

  When determining in step ST2 that the permitted function storage database 200 is attached, the control device 210 acquires the serial number of the permitted function storage database 200 from the serial number table 202 (step ST3).

  Thereafter, the control device 210 determines whether or not the permitted function storage database 200 compared with the previous activation is different from the currently installed permitted function storage database 200 (step ST4). This is determined by comparing the serial number acquired in step ST1 with the serial number acquired in step ST3. The control device 210 executes the process of step ST5 if determined to be different, and ends the process if not.

  In step ST4, when the control device 210 determines that the permitted function storage database 200 compared with the previous activation and the currently installed permitted function storage database 200 are different, the permitted function storage table 201 of the permitted function storage database 200 is used. (Step ST5).

  Next, the control device 210 refers to the provided function storage table 191 of the provided function storage database 190 (step ST6). Thereafter, the permitted function storage table 201 referred to and the provided function storage table 191 are compared (step ST7). Next, control device 210 updates the comparison result table with the comparison result obtained in step ST7 (step ST8). Note that what the comparison method and comparison results will be described later.

  According to this configuration, for example, the function and provision of the image processing apparatus are permitted because the control unit determines and controls the rejection of the function provision by changing or setting the function stored in the permitted function storage unit. Compared with the case where the administrator of the image processing apparatus directly determines or changes or sets the function to be performed, it is possible to easily change or set the function that the image processing apparatus is permitted to provide.

  Further, according to this configuration, since the functions included in the image processing apparatus and the functions permitted to be provided are stored according to the table configuration, for example, the image processing apparatus includes It is possible to easily determine whether or not the function to be performed matches the function permitted to be provided. Further, since the information is stored according to the table configuration, the information can be easily stored in association with other information.

  Further, according to this configuration, since the comparison result is stored according to the table configuration, for example, a desired comparison result can be easily and quickly compared with a case where the comparison result is stored not according to the table configuration or a case where the comparison result is not stored. You can get it.

  In step ST2, when it is determined that the permitted function storage database 200 is not attached, the control device 210 determines whether the permitted function storage database is attached at the time of previous activation (step ST9).

  This is determined by whether or not the serial number acquired in step ST1 is a serial number indicating that there is no comparison control. The control device 210 executes the process of step ST10 when determining that the permitted function storage database 200 is mounted at the time of previous activation, and ends the process otherwise.

  In step ST9, the control device 210 initializes the comparison result table 192 when determining that the permitted function storage database 200 was attached at the time of previous activation (step ST10). Thereafter, the control device 210 ends the execution of the process.

  Next, a comparison method and comparison result between the provided function storage table 191 and the permitted function storage table 201 of the control device 210 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the comparison result.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a provided function in increments of 1%, and provides an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that the original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with the magnification.

  The permission function storage table 201 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a permission function in increments of 1%, and when providing an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  First, in the control device 210, the magnification accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 are in a range from 25% to 400% in increments of 1%. Is detected.

  Next, the control device 210 detects that the resolution associated with each magnification in the included function storage table 191 and the resolution associated in the permitted function storage table 201 are 600 (dpi) and match. To do.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  Thereafter, the control device 210 stores all the magnifications accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 and the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification in the on-function storage table 191 in association with each other in the comparison result table 192. To do.

  According to this configuration, since the refusal of providing the function of the image processing apparatus can be associated with the reading resolution of the document, for example, the shape of the code pattern attached to the output image is the same as that of the reading resolution and the image processing apparatus. It is possible to prevent deformation due to the combination with the function.

  Next, a case where some of the provided functions are restricted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case where some of the provided functions are restricted.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a provided function in increments of 1%, and provides an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  The permission function storage table 201 stores information indicating an enlargement / reduction function from a magnification of 25% to 400% in increments of 1% as a permission function, and a reading resolution of 300 (dpi) from a magnification of 25% to 50%. ) And information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) is stored in association with the magnification for magnifications from 51% to 400%.

  First, in the control device 210, the magnification accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 are in a range from 25% to 400% in increments of 1%. Is detected.

  Next, the control device 210 sets the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 at a magnification of 51% to 400% and the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 as one. Detect what you are doing.

  However, the controller 210 does not match the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 with the magnification of 25% to 50% and the resolution 300 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201. Detect something.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 51% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  However, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 50% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is restricted.

  Therefore, the control device 210 compares the magnification from 51% to 400% accumulated in the built-in function storage table 191 with the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification in the built-in function storage table 191 for comparison. Accumulate in the result table 192.

  Further, the control device 210 associates the magnification from 25% to 50% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 with the reading resolution −1 (dpi) indicating that the provision of the function is limited, and compares the result table. Accumulate to 192.

  Next, the case where the magnification of the permitted function storage table 201 and the magnification of the provided function storage table 191 do not completely correspond will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example when the magnification of the permitted function storage table 201 and the magnification of the provided function storage table 191 do not completely correspond.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a provided function in increments of 1%, and provides an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that the original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with the magnification.

  The permitted function storage table 201 stores information indicating an enlargement / reduction function from a magnification of 25% to 500% in increments of 1% as a permission function, and when providing an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that the original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with the magnification.

  First, the control device 210 confirms that the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 match. Is detected. Further, the control device 210 detects that only the permitted function storage table 201 has accumulated magnifications from 401% to 500%.

  Next, the control device 210 determines that the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification function storage table 191 and the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 at a magnification of 25% to 400% are equal to each other. Detect what you are doing.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  However, the control device 210 determines to limit the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 401% to 500% accumulated only in the permitted function storage table 201.

  Therefore, the control device 210 compares the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 with the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification in the on-function storage table 191 for comparison. Accumulate in the result table 192.

  In addition, the control device 210 associates the magnification from 401% to 500% accumulated only in the permitted function storage table 201 with the read resolution −1 (dpi) indicating that the function provision is limited, and compares the result. Accumulate in table 192.

  Next, a case where the magnification of the permitted function storage table does not completely correspond to the magnification of the provided function storage table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example when the magnification of the permitted function storage table and the magnification of the provided function storage table do not completely correspond.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a provided function in increments of 1%, and provides an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  The permitted function storage table 201 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 100% magnification to 400% in increments of 1% as a permitted function, and when providing an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  First, in the control device 210, the magnification from 100% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification from 100% to 400% accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 match. Is detected. Further, the control device 210 detects that only the built-in function storage table 191 stores the magnification from 25% to 99%.

  Next, the control device 210 sets the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 at a magnification of 100% to 400% and the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 as one. Detect what you are doing.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 100% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  However, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 99% accumulated only in the permitted function storage table 201 is limited.

  Therefore, the control device 210 associates and compares the magnification from 100% to 400% accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 with the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification on the on-function storage table 191. Accumulate in the result table 192.

  Further, the control device 210 associates the magnification from 25% to 99% accumulated only in the provided function storage table 201 with the read resolution −1 (dpi) indicating that the provision of the function is limited, and the comparison result. Accumulate in table 192.

  Next, a case where the permitted function storage table 201 corresponds to a plurality of resolutions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a case where the permitted function storage table supports a plurality of resolutions.

  The provided function storage table 191 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a provided function in increments of 1%, and provides an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  The permission function storage table 201 has an enlargement / reduction function from a magnification of 25% to 400% in increments of 1% as a permission function. In addition, when providing the enlargement / reduction function of each magnification, information indicating that one of the two reading resolutions of resolution 1 or 2 is read is stored in association with the magnification. ing. Note that the two reading resolutions may be the same.

  The permitted function storage table 201 reads at a reading resolution of 300 (dpi) between 25% and 49% magnification, and reads at a reading resolution of 300 or 600 (dpi) between 50% and 99% magnification, and a magnification of 100%. From 400% to 400% indicates that the provision of an enlargement / reduction function at each magnification is permitted when reading is performed at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi).

  First, the control device 210 confirms that the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 match. Is detected.

  Next, the control device 210 determines that the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 at a magnification from 100% to 400% and the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 are: Detect that they match.

  Further, the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 and the resolution 1 (300 dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 do not match the magnification from 50% to 99%. The control device 210 detects that the resolution 2 of 600 (dpi) matches.

  In addition, the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 and the resolution 1 and 2 300 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 coincide with the magnification from 25% to 49%. The control device 210 detects that it does not.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 100% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  Further, the control device 210 provides the enlargement / reduction function from 50% to 99% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191, and the reading resolution 2 of 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification in the permission function storage table 201. ).

  However, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 49% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is restricted.

  Therefore, the control device 210 compares the magnification from 50% to 400% accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 with the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification on the on-function storage table 191 in association with each other. Accumulate in the result table 192.

  Further, the control device 210 associates the magnification from 25% to 49% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 with the reading resolution −1 (dpi) indicating that the provision of the function is limited, and compares the comparison result table. Accumulate to 192.

  According to this configuration, the permitted function storage unit can store more functions as compared with the case where the function stored in the permitted function storage unit is permitted corresponding to one reading resolution.

  Next, the case where the provided function storage table 191 corresponds to a plurality of resolutions will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a case where the provided function storage table 191 corresponds to a plurality of resolutions.

  The provided function storage table 191 has an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% in increments of 1% as provided functions. In addition, when providing the enlargement / reduction function of each magnification, information indicating that one of the two reading resolutions of resolution 1 or 2 is read is stored in association with the magnification. ing. Note that the two reading resolutions may be the same.

  The built-in function storage table 191 reads at a reading resolution of 300 (dpi) between a magnification of 25% and 49%, reads at a reading resolution of 300 or 600 (dpi) between a magnification of 50% and 99%, and a magnification of 100%. From 400% to 400% represents reading at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) and providing an enlargement / reduction function at each magnification.

  The permission function storage table 201 stores information representing an enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 400% as a permission function in increments of 1%, and when providing an enlargement / reduction function for each magnification. Stores information indicating that an original is read at a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) in association with a magnification.

  First, the control device 210 confirms that the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 and the magnification from 25% to 400% accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201 match. Is detected.

  Next, the control device 210 determines that the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 at a magnification from 100% to 400% and the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 are: Detect that they match.

  Furthermore, the resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 and the resolution 1 300 (dpi) associated with the built-in function storage table 191 do not match the magnification from 50% to 99%. The control device 210 detects that the resolution 2 of 600 (dpi) matches.

  In addition, 300 (dpi) of resolutions 1 and 2 associated with the built-in function storage table 191 and a resolution of 600 (dpi) associated with the permitted function storage table 201 coincide with magnifications from 25% to 49%. The control device 210 detects that it does not.

  Therefore, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 100% to 400% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is permitted under the reading resolution 600 (dpi) associated therewith.

  Further, the control device 210 provides an enlargement / reduction function from 50% to 99% accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 with a reading resolution of 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification in the on-function storage table. Judge to allow under.

  However, the control device 210 determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 49% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 is restricted.

  Therefore, the control device 210 compares the magnification from 50% to 400% accumulated in the on-function storage table 191 with the read resolution 600 (dpi) associated with the magnification on the on-function storage table 191 in association with each other. Accumulate in the result table 192.

  Further, the control device 210 associates the magnification from 25% to 49% accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 with the reading resolution −1 (dpi) indicating that the provision of the function is limited, and compares the comparison result table. Accumulate to 192.

  According to this configuration, the provided function storage unit can store more functions than the case where the function stored in the provided function storage unit is provided corresponding to one reading resolution.

  Next, a comparison process of the control device 210 described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the comparison process of the control device 210.

  First, the image processing apparatus 100 is activated by the user 500, and the control apparatus 210 starts processing. Alternatively, the image processing apparatus 100 starts processing when the permitted function storage database 200 is removed or replaced during startup.

  According to this configuration, the comparison result table can be automatically updated when the function stored in the permission function storage unit is changed. For this reason, the comparison result stored in the comparison result table, and the comparison result between the function stored in the permitted function storage unit and the function stored in the provided function storage unit, management of the image processing apparatus necessary for maintaining data consistency Can reduce the labor of a person.

  In addition, according to this configuration, the waiting time and resources caused by updating the comparison result table despite the data consistency between the comparison result stored in the comparison result table and the function stored in the permission function storage unit is maintained. Can reduce waste.

  Next, the control device 210 compares the minimum magnification accumulated in the provided function storage table 191 with the minimum magnification accumulated in the permitted function storage table 201, and acquires the minimum magnification Xmin which is the smaller magnification (step ST101). ).

  After that, the control device 210 compares the maximum magnification stored in the provided function storage table 191 with the maximum magnification stored in the permitted function storage table 201, and acquires the maximum magnification Xmax, which is the larger magnification (step ST102). .

  Next, the control device 210 acquires the number of corresponding resolutions (hereinafter referred to as Imax) in the provided function storage table 191 (step ST103). Specifically, the number of corresponding resolutions in the provided function storage table shown in FIG. 10 is 1, and is 2 in FIG.

  Next, the control device 210 acquires the number of corresponding resolutions (hereinafter referred to as Jmax) in the permitted function storage table 201 (step ST104). Specifically, the number of corresponding resolutions in the on-function storage table shown in FIG. 10 is 2, and is 1 in FIG.

  Thereafter, control device 210 substitutes minimum magnification Xmin for temporary variable X (step ST105). Next, control device 210 determines whether or not temporary variable X is equal to or smaller than maximum magnification Xmax (step ST106). When it is determined that temporary variable X is equal to or smaller than maximum magnification Xmax, control device 210 ends the process of step ST107, and otherwise ends the process.

  In step ST106, when the control device 210 determines that the temporary variable X is equal to or less than the maximum magnification Xmax, the control device 210 assigns 1 to the temporary variable I indicating the resolution index of the provided function storage table 191 (step ST107). The resolution I represents resolution 1 when I is 1, and resolution 2 when I is 2.

  Next, control device 210 determines whether or not temporary variable I is equal to or less than Imax (step ST108). When it is determined that temporary variable I is equal to or less than Imax, control device 210 executes the process of step ST109, and otherwise, executes the process of step ST115.

  In step ST108, when the control device 210 determines that the temporary variable I is equal to or less than Imax, the control device 210 assigns 1 to a temporary variable J indicating the resolution index of the permitted function storage table 201 (step ST109). Note that the resolution J represents resolution 1 when J is 1, and resolution 2 when J is 2.

  Next, control device 210 determines whether or not temporary variable J is equal to or less than Jmax (step ST110). When it is determined that temporary variable J is equal to or less than Jmax, control device 210 executes step ST111, and otherwise, step ST117 is executed.

  In step ST110, when the control device 210 determines that the temporary variable J is equal to or less than Jmax, the control device 210 compares the resolution I of the provided function storage table 191 with the resolution J of the permitted function storage table 201 (step ST111).

  Thereafter, control device 210 determines whether the resolutions match as a result of the comparison in step ST111 (step ST112). The control device 210 executes the process of step ST113 when determining that the two resolutions match, and executes the process of step ST116 otherwise.

  In step ST112, when the control device 210 determines that the two resolutions match, the control device 210 updates the comparison result table 192 by associating the resolution I of the provided function storage table 191 with the magnification X.

  After executing step ST113 or step ST115, control device 210 increments temporary variable X by one. Then, it returns to step ST106 and repeats the said process.

  In step ST108, when the control device 210 determines that the temporary variable I is larger than Imax, the comparison result table 192 associates the resolution −1 representing the prohibition of provision of the enlargement / reduction function of the magnification X with the magnification X. (Step ST115).

  In step ST112, the control device 210 increments the temporary variable J by 1 when determining that the two resolutions do not match. Then, it returns to step ST110 and repeats the said process.

  In step ST110, when the control device 210 determines that the temporary variable J is larger than Jmax, the control device 210 increments the temporary variable I by one. Then, it returns to step ST106 and repeats the said process.

Next, how the control device 210 controls refusal to provide functions of the image processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing information stored in the control table 194 by the control device 210 when the provided function is not restricted. FIG. 14 is a screen displayed on the display device 130 for prompting a function selection when the provided functions are not restricted.

  The control table 194 represents the relationship between the service selected by the user and the associated function, and the relationship between the internal settings of the image processing apparatus 100 set according to the service and the associated function.

  First, the user 500 selects a service. The service refers to a function that the image processing apparatus 100 provides, for example, copying and scanning independently to the user, and two or more services cannot be provided simultaneously.

  Next, an accompanying function that is provided accompanying the provision of the service is selected. Specifically, when a copy service is provided, it is possible to receive ancillary functions such as a color mode, a magnification, page continuous shooting, or area designation. A plurality of these may be selected at the same time or may not be selected.

  Further, the incidental function is composed of a large classification and a small classification. The large classification represents a rough classification of an accompanying function such as a color mode and a magnification. The small classification is a classification that specifies the accompanying functions roughly classified in detail and specifically, for example, magnification. As for the incidental function, there is an incidental function that has only a large classification and does not have a small classification, for example, page continuous shooting.

  Next, the internal setting includes a plurality of setting objects such as a print color or a magnification. The setting contents are determined by the service selected by the user 500 and the accompanying function.

  More specifically, when the user 500 selects the service as a copy service and the color mode as an accompanying function, the print color is set as a color as an internal setting. At that time, the magnification is not set as an internal setting, and the already set magnification is maintained.

  When the user 500 selects 400% enlargement as the accompanying function, the magnification is set to 400% as an internal setting. At that time, the print color is not set as an internal setting, and the already set print color is maintained.

  If the user 500 selects page continuous shooting as an accompanying function, the magnification is corrected to the extent that the page continuous shooting function can be provided based on 400% which is a preset magnification as an internal setting. change. Therefore, the magnification is set to any value from 25% to 400%. At that time, the print color is not set as an internal setting, and the already set print color is maintained. The region designation function and the partial scan function are the same.

  The control device 210 refers to the comparison result table 192 and determines that the provision of an enlargement / reduction function from a magnification of 25% to 400% is permitted. Therefore, the control device 210 updates the row of the control table 194 so that the small classification of the enlargement / reduction function, which is an accompanying function, corresponds to the classification from a magnification of 25% to 400%.

  In addition, the control device 210 updates the information in the control table 194 that represents the magnification value of the internal setting that is set when the user 500 selects the enlargement / reduction function with the setting value from 25% to 400%. To do. This information indicates that the image processing apparatus 100 is permitted to provide an enlargement / reduction function within a range from 25% to 400% magnification.

  Furthermore, the control device 210 sets any value from 25% to 400% as information in the control table 194 indicating the magnification value of the internal setting that is set when the user selects page continuous shooting. For example, “25-400%”. With this information, the image processing apparatus 100 indicates that the page continuous shooting function can be provided together with an enlargement / reduction function of any magnification from 25% to 400%. The same applies to the area designation or partial scan function.

  Thereafter, the control device 210 creates display information that prompts the user to select a service to be provided and an accompanying function based on the control table 194. Thereafter, the control device 210 transmits the created display information to the display device 130 or the like. Thereafter, the service and the accompanying function selected by the user 500 are received from the input device 140 or the like.

  Next, a display screen that prompts the user 500 to select a service to be provided and an accompanying function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the display device 130.

  The screen MT1 is a screen that prompts selection of a service. The screen MT21 and the screen MT22 are screens that prompt the user to select an accompanying function.

  On the screen MT1, a message MSG1 prompting selection of a service is displayed. Further, it is displayed that the service SV such as copy, scan or fax is given as the option 1.

  On the screen MT21, a message MSG2 for prompting selection of an accompanying function is displayed. In addition, it is displayed that there is a large classification RC of an accompanying function such as color mode, magnification or paper.

  In addition, “automatic” DC2111, “color” DC2112 or “monochrome” DC2113 is included in the large classification RC211 called color mode, and “400%” DC2121, “100%” DC2122 or “25%” is classified in the large classification RC212 called magnification. “DC2123” or “A3” DC2131, “A4” DC2132, or “B4” DC2133 is displayed in the large classification RC213 called paper.

  Furthermore, it indicates that other accompanying functions classified in the tab menus TM1 to TM3 can be selected. Note that the incidental functions classified in the tab menu TM1 are displayed on the screen MT21, and the incidental functions classified in the tab menu TM2 are displayed on the screen MT22.

  The screen MT22 also displays a message MSG2 that prompts the user to select an associated function. Further, it is displayed that the accompanying function RC such as page continuous shooting, book double-sided or double-sided can be selected. Unlike the screen MT21, it is not displayed because it is not necessary to select a minor classification of the accompanying function.

  Next, information stored in the control table 194 when the provided function is restricted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining information stored in the control table 194 by the control device 210 when the provided function is restricted. FIG. 16 is a screen displayed on the display device 130 for prompting selection of a selected function when the provided function is restricted.

  The control device 210 refers to the comparison result table 192 and determines that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function from 25% to 50% is limited. On the other hand, it is determined that provision of an enlargement / reduction function from a magnification of 51% to 400% is permitted.

  Therefore, the control device 210 updates the row of the control table 194 so that the small classification of the enlargement / reduction function, which is an accompanying function, corresponds to the classification from a magnification of 25% to 400%.

  In addition, the control device 210 obtains the information in the control table 194 representing the magnification value from 51% to 400% of the internal setting that is set when the user 500 selects the enlargement / reduction function from the setting value 51%. Update with values up to 400%. This information indicates that the image processing apparatus 100 is permitted to provide an enlargement / reduction function within a range from 51% to 400% magnification.

  On the other hand, the information in the control table 194 representing the magnification value from 25% to 50% set in the internal setting updates the control table 194 with a numerical value representing prohibition of function provision, for example, -1%. With this information, the image processing apparatus 100 indicates that the provision of the enlargement / reduction function is limited within a range from 25% to 50% magnification.

  Further, the control device 210 updates the information in the control table 194 indicating the magnification value of the internal setting that is set when the user selects page continuous shooting with a numerical value indicating prohibition of function provision, for example, −1%. This information indicates that the image processing apparatus 100 is restricted from providing the page continuous shooting function.

  This is because with the provision of the page continuous shooting function, it is necessary to provide an enlargement / reduction function of any magnification from 25% to 400%. This is because the page continuous shooting function is limited in order to prevent the above-described problem. The same applies to the area designation or partial scan function.

  Thereafter, the control device 210 creates display information that prompts the user to select a service to be provided and an accompanying function based on the control table 194. Thereafter, the control device 210 transmits the generated display information to the display device 130 or the like. Thereafter, the service and the accompanying function selected by the user 500 are received from the input device 140 or the like.

  Next, a display screen that prompts the user to select a service and an accompanying function that are displayed when some of the provided functions are restricted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displayed by the display device 130 when some of the provided functions are restricted.

  The screen MT1 is a screen that prompts the user to select a service, similar to FIG. In addition, the screen MT21 and the screen MT22 are screens that prompt the user to select an accompanying function, which is almost the same as that in FIG.

  Description of the screen MT1 is omitted because it has already been performed in FIG. Further, in the description of the screen MT21, a portion overlapping with that already performed in FIG. 14 is also omitted. However, since the provision of the enlargement / reduction function with a magnification of 25% is prohibited as judged from the control table 194 shown in FIG. 15, the sub-classification DC2123 of the incidental function corresponding to the enlargement / reduction function with the magnification of 25% is selected. This is different from the screen MT21 shown in FIG. 14 in that it cannot be performed.

  According to this configuration, the refusal of providing the enlargement or reduction function can be associated with the reading resolution of the document. For example, the shape of the code pattern attached to the output image is a combination of the reading resolution and the enlargement function. Therefore, it is possible to prevent not only the deformation but also the size that is difficult to detect.

  In addition, according to this configuration, for example, it is possible to restrict the provision of a function based on a read resolution that makes it difficult to detect code data corresponding to a background pattern image included in a document image. It is possible to prevent the device from providing a function contrary to the control information expressed by the code data.

  Furthermore, for example, by restricting the provision of a function for enlarging or reducing the magnification within a certain range, the size of the image pattern is changed to such an extent that it is difficult to detect code data corresponding to the background pattern image attached to the output image. Can be prevented.

  In the description of the screen MT22, a portion overlapping with that already performed in FIG. 14 is omitted. However, since it can be determined from the control table 194 shown in FIG. 15 that the provision of the page continuous shooting function is prohibited, the subclass DC221 of the incidental function corresponding to the page continuous shooting function cannot be selected. Is different from the screen MT22 shown in FIG. The same applies to the partial scan function and the area designation function. As a result, the control device 210 can control rejection of the function provision of the image processing device 100 based on the comparison result table 192.

  According to this configuration, the refusal of provision of the page continuous shooting function, the partial scan function, and the area specifying function can be associated with the document reading resolution. Further, the page continuous shooting function, the partial scan function, and the area designation function are provided as an enlargement or reduction function. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the shape of the code pattern attached to the output image from being deformed not only by the combination of the reading resolution and the enlargement function but also becoming a size that is difficult to detect.

  Further, since the image processing apparatus 100 has a configuration capable of attaching a background text image to an output image, according to this configuration, for example, it is difficult to detect code data corresponding to a background tint pattern image included in a document image. Since it is possible to restrict the provision of a function on the premise of a reading resolution of a certain level, it is possible to prevent the image processing apparatus from providing a function against the control information expressed by the code data.

  Furthermore, since the image processing apparatus 100 is also configured to control processing according to the code data of the background text image included in the image data, according to this configuration, for example, the code data corresponding to the background tint pattern image included in the document image is stored. Since provision of a function based on a reading resolution that is difficult to detect can be limited in advance, it is possible to prevent the image processing apparatus from providing a function against the control information expressed by code data.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image processing apparatus 100 includes the concealment apparatus 150, and the case where the copy restriction is canceled by concealing the information described in the document according to the control information described in the data code has been described. It is not limited. For example, the image processing apparatus 100 may be configured not to include the concealment device 150 but to release the copy restriction based on a password or the like input by the input device 140 or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the serial number is used to determine whether or not the permitted function storage database 200 is different from the one installed at the time of previous activation has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration using a version number.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the provided function storage unit and the permitted function storage unit are each configured by a database that systematically manages information has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the control device 210 ensures the consistency of information instead of the provided function storage means and the permitted function storage means ensuring the information consistency.

  In the above embodiment, the buffer memory 1214 is composed of SDRAM. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, DRAM, hard disk, flexible disk, MO, DVD, RAM, EPROM, or EEPROM. A PROM can be employed.

It is the figure which showed the structure of the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a background copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of an acquisition apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between equipped function memory DB, permission function memory DB, and a control apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process which updates a comparison result table. It is a figure for demonstrating the comparison result accumulate | stored in a comparison result table. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a part of built-in function is restrict | limited. It is a figure for demonstrating an example in case the magnification | multiplying_factor of a permission function storage table and the magnification | multiplying_function storage table do not correspond completely. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example in case the magnification | multiplying_factor of a permission function storage table and the magnification | multiplying_function storage table do not correspond completely. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where the permission function storage table respond | corresponds to several resolutions. It is a figure for demonstrating the case where a provided function storage table respond | corresponds to several resolutions. It is a flow for demonstrating the comparison process of a control apparatus. It is a figure explaining a control table in case an equipped function is not restrict | limited. It is a figure explaining a display screen when an equipped function is not restrict | limited. It is a figure explaining a control table in case an equipped function is restrict | limited. It is a figure explaining a display screen in case an equipped function is restrict | limited.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image processing apparatus 110 ... Image data acquisition apparatus (image data acquisition means)
111 ... FAX transmission / reception device 112 ... Image development device 113 ... Reading device 120 ... Acquisition device (acquisition means)
130 ... Display device 140 ... Input device 150 ... Hiding device 160 ... Combining device (combining means)
170 ... generating device (generating means)
180... Image forming apparatus 190... Equipped function storage database (equipped function storage means)
191 ... equipped function storage table 192 ... comparison result table 193 ... serial number table 194 ... control table 200 ... permission function storage database (permission function storage means)
201 ... Permitted function storage table 202 ... Serial number table 210 ... Control device (control means)
300 ... public line 400 ... network 500 ... user 1210 ... gray scale conversion unit 1211 ... binarization processing unit 1212 ... noise removal processing unit 1213 ... pattern detection unit 1214 ... buffer memory 1215 ... skew angle detection unit 1216 ... code detection unit 1250 ... blocking processing unit 1251 ... number calculating unit 1252 ... ratio calculating unit 1253 ... determination processing unit AC1-4 ... code area AS1-4 ... synchronous code area CD1-4 ... digital code CP01, 02, 03, 11, 12 ... prohibited Copy code D ... Scanning direction DC 2111-1213, 2121-2123, 2131-2133 ... Accompanying function (small classification)
IP1-8 ... latent image MSG1-2 ... message MT1, 21, 22 ... screen O ... output image PB ... image pattern PS0 ... hatched pattern (Bit0)
PS1 ... hatched pattern (Bit1)
RC211 to 213, 221 to 223 ... Accompanying functions (major classification)
SV1-3 ... Service W ... Background pattern image

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus comprising a reading unit that reads an image of a document and a forming unit that forms the image,
First storage means for storing a combination of the resolution of the reading means and the forming magnification of the forming means for each forming magnification;
Of the combinations stored in the first storage unit, a second storage unit that can be attached to the image processing apparatus and stores a combination of a resolution and a forming magnification permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus for each forming magnification. When,
Limiting means for limiting the combination stored in the first storage means to the combination stored in the second storage means when the second storage means is attached to the image processing apparatus;
An input means for inputting an execution instruction for executing the reading means and the forming means in a combination state restricted by the restriction means;
Generating a background tint block image corresponding to code data representing control information for controlling the copying function of the image processing apparatus together with execution of the reading unit and the forming unit when an execution instruction is input by the input unit Means,
A combining unit that combines the background tint block image generated by the generating unit with the image formed by the forming unit;
An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the formation magnification is any one of an enlargement ratio, a reduction ratio, and an equal magnification. 3. The background tint block image is composed of a background portion including an image pattern composed of two types of oblique line patterns and a latent image portion including a dot pattern that is not reproduced when copied. An image processing apparatus according to 1. The restricting means is stored in the second storage means when the second storage means is removed and a third storage means for storing a combination different from the combination stored in the second storage means is attached. 2. The resolution and the formation magnification permitted to be provided based on the combination thus obtained are updated to the resolution and the formation magnification permitted to be provided based on the combination stored in the third storage unit. 4. The image processing device according to any one of items 1 to 3. First acquisition means for acquiring an image having the background pattern image;
Second acquisition means for acquiring the control information described in a background pattern image included in the image acquired by the second acquisition means;
Control means for controlling the copying function of the image processing device based on the control information obtained by the second obtaining means;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: Reading means for reading an image of a document, forming means for forming the image, first storage means for storing a combination of the resolution of the reading means and the forming magnification of the forming means for each forming magnification, and the first storage An image provided with a second storage unit that can be attached to the image processing apparatus and stores a combination of a resolution and a formation magnification permitted to be provided by the image processing apparatus for each formation magnification among the combinations stored in the unit; An image processing method executed by a processing device,
A limiting step of limiting a combination stored in the first storage means to a combination stored in the second storage means when the second storage means is attached to the image processing apparatus;
An input step for inputting an execution instruction for causing the reading unit and the forming unit to be executed in a combination state restricted by the restriction step;
Generation for generating a background tint block image corresponding to code data representing control information for controlling the copying function of the image processing apparatus together with execution of the reading unit and the forming unit when an execution instruction is input in the input step Steps,
Combining a background tint block image generated in the generating step with an image formed by the forming unit;
An image processing method.

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