JP2001313813A - Image-forming device and image-forming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image-forming device that can add prescribed information to a print image so as to facilitate tracing of a print source device or the like on the occurrence of a crime. SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a laser unit 50, which is an image-forming means that exposes and forms an image on a phosphor, in response to image data entered from an external device 2, which consists of a specific pattern generating circuit 60 that is a specific pattern generating means and forms a specific pattern and of a compositing means 53 that composites the specific pattern formed by using the pattern generating circuit 60 with image data. The image-forming device visualizes the image data to which the specific pattern is attached and forms an image in yellow, so that the presence of the specific pattern is hardly identified by human eyes in the case of visualization.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method, for example, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method such as a printer or a copying machine capable of adding a specific pattern (additional information) to an output image. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus for forming two or more color images, such as a color image forming apparatus, forms an image by using several different image forming methods. It is known to

The first image forming method is a method including an image forming station including the same number of photosensitive members, chargers, developing devices and the like as the number of colors required for image formation (hereinafter referred to as a "tandem method"). This tandem method is suitable for high-speed color image formation.

[0004] A second image forming method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-254.
No. 868, in which only a single photoreceptor is provided and a color image is formed thereon by repeating the same number of image forming cycles as the number of colors of the developer (hereinafter referred to as "rotary type"). It is. According to this rotary system, a small and low-cost device can be realized.

Further, in the above system, a system using an intermediate transfer member has been realized.

For example, in the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-51534, only a single photoconductor is provided, and latent images of a plurality of colors are formed on the photoconductor within one rotation of the photoconductor.

[0007] With the recent improvement in printer technology, some color image forming apparatuses having a high quality image formed on par with silver halide photography have been put on the market, and it is expected that the color image forming apparatus will be widely used in the future. Therefore, it is conceivable that problems such as forgery of banknotes and securities, copyright infringement, and the like will increase in the future due to the improved image quality of the formed image.

As a countermeasure for suppressing these problems, a forgery tracking code or the like in which a specific pattern is included in a formed image is generated (formed), and it is difficult for the human eyes to identify the specific pattern generated in the formed image at the time of image formation. There are several tools that have been added to help track crime.

In the tandem system described above, a method is generally employed in which a specific pattern is added to a formed image of one image forming station (for example, yellow) by using a specific pattern generating means such as a forged chase code. I have.

In the rotary method, a method is generally employed in which a specific pattern is added to a formed image using a specific pattern generating means such as a counterfeit chase code at the time of a developer cycle of a specific color.

When an image whose image formation is supposed to be prohibited or an image whose copying is supposed to be prohibited is formed by the addition of the specific pattern, the specific pattern (additional information) is obtained from these images. And the device that formed these images can be specified.

[0012]

However, as the speed of the image forming apparatus increases, a plurality of image forming means are used in one image forming station or in image forming in a tandem system, a rotary system, or another system. It is thought to be. Taking the tandem method as an example, one image forming station used to have one or one line of image forming means such as a laser or an LED. It is conceivable that the number of rows becomes two or more.

In an ink-jet type image forming apparatus or the like, an image is already formed using image forming means such as a plurality of rows of print heads.

Under the circumstances described above, a method of adding a specific pattern to a formed image by using a specific pattern generating means such as a forgery tracking code is performed by using a plurality of image forming means in one image forming station. In such a case, if preparation is made for each image forming means, it is impossible to avoid increasing the cost.

In the case where an image signal is transmitted from the controller to the engine side via an 8-bit data bus, it is relatively easy to add a specific pattern for tracking forgery. In the case of direct transmission to the means (generally referred to as a laser direct method), if it is not possible to directly add the laser drive signal, it becomes difficult to determine the image forming apparatus by the tracking code.

Means for creating a tracking pattern in the order of the lot number of the controller and directly incorporating the pattern into an image signal sent from the controller to form an image is also conceivable. However, there is a possibility that the confidentiality will be extremely weakened because the information will be disclosed more than necessary for manufacturing the controller. Further, when the specific pattern generation circuit or the additional circuit is also replaced by a failure of the main body or the like, the original information of the image forming apparatus may not be matched. In addition, it is desired that the content of the forgery tracking pattern be adapted to networking at an early stage.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the above-mentioned problems, and for example,
Provided are an image forming apparatus and an image forming method that can maintain confidentiality and can avoid an increase in cost.

As one means for achieving the above object, for example, the following arrangement is provided.

That is, in an image forming apparatus having image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, a specific pattern generating means for generating a specific pattern representing predetermined information in the image forming means; ,
And an adding means for adding the generated specific pattern to the image data so that it is difficult for the human eye to recognize the specific pattern.

For example, in an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, a first storage means for storing own device identification information in the image forming means; It is characterized by comprising a specific pattern generating means for generating a specific pattern, and an adding means for adding the generated specific pattern to the image data so as to make it difficult for human eyes to recognize the specific pattern.

Further, for example, the specific pattern generating means forms the specific pattern by referring to information stored in the first storage means.

Alternatively, in an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, a first storage means for storing its own device identification information in the image forming means; A second storage unit for storing information of the first device, and combining the predetermined information stored in the second storage device with the own device identification information stored in the first storage device to generate a specific pattern. A specific pattern generating means for generating the image data, and an adding means for adding a specific pattern generated by using the specific pattern generating means to the image data so as to be difficult for a human eye to recognize. .

For example, the image forming apparatus further comprises a visualizing means for visualizing, by the image forming means, the image data to which the specific pattern has been added by the adding means.

Further, for example, the first storage means is characterized in that the first storage means receives own apparatus specifying information from the main body of the own image forming apparatus via serial communication means and stores it.

Further, for example, the first storage means receives and stores its own device identification information read by bar code reading means provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Further, for example, the specific pattern formed by the specific pattern generating means is information capable of specifying an apparatus on which an image has been formed.

Further, for example, the information capable of specifying the apparatus is various information such as a maker name, a model number, and a serial number of the image forming apparatus.

Further, for example, the information which can specify the apparatus includes a maker name of the image forming apparatus, a model number, a unit number of the image forming means, an ID number of the image forming apparatus main body, a network environment, a print image forming time or a manufacturing number. And other information.

Further, for example, the addition of the specific pattern by the adding means is periodically added to the image data.

Further, for example, the specific pattern generated by the specific pattern generating means is constituted by a plurality of dots.

Further, for example, the adding means adds white dots around dots constituting the specific pattern.

Further, for example, the image forming apparatus is constituted by planes of a plurality of colors, and the addition of the specific pattern by the adding means is performed only in a part of the planes of the plurality of colors.

Further, for example, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming means, and a selecting means capable of selecting the addition of the specific pattern by the adding means only in one of the plurality of image forming means. It is characterized by having.

Also, for example, the specific pattern generated by the specific pattern generating means is a specific pattern formed by operating a specific color component.

Further, for example, the specific color component is a yellow component.

Also, for example, the addition of the specific pattern by the adding means is added to a part or the whole of an image.

An image processing unit for performing predetermined image processing on the image information, converting the image information into an image forming unit driving signal for forming an image corresponding to the image information by the image forming unit, and outputting the signal; An image forming unit for forming an image in accordance with the image forming unit driving signal provided by the image processing unit, wherein a specific pattern representing predetermined information is generated in the image forming unit. Means for adding the generated specific pattern to the image forming drive signal so as to make it difficult for human eyes to recognize the specific pattern.

For example, the image processing unit has an image developing unit that converts a given page description language into bitmap data.

Further, for example, the image processing section has a page memory section for storing given bitmap data.

Further, for example, the image processing unit converts the given RGB information into a YMC color which is a color formed by the image forming apparatus.
It is characterized by having an information conversion unit for converting to K information.

Further, for example, the image processing section has a density correction processing section for performing a density correction process on given image information according to the output characteristics of the image forming apparatus.

Further, for example, the image processing section has a laser drive signal generating section for converting given image information into a laser drive signal for laser emission and outputting the laser drive signal.

Further, for example, the specific pattern represents information unique to the device.

[0044]

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

[First Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention according to the present invention will be described in detail below. First, FIG.
The structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. First, the structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main functions of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are as follows: a photosensitive drum 100; four image forming means 104 to 107; and four developing devices 108 to 108.
111, a transfer conveyance belt 117, a fixing unit 140,
It comprises a paper feed tray 138, a manual paper feed tray 128, a density sensor 137, a static eliminator 139, and the like.

Next, the outline of the steps leading to printing will be specifically described with reference to FIG. First, the photosensitive drum 1
The surface of the photosensitive drum 100 is uniformly charged to a desired polarity (for example, −600 V) by the charger roller 102 disposed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 100.

Next, a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 in accordance with the image data sent from the controller based on the image synchronization signal. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive drum 100 is exposed to light by the optical image forming units 104 to 107.
A latent image is formed thereon.

An example of a process for visualizing a latent image is as follows. For example, a latent image corresponding to image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by the image forming unit 104 which is an exposure device for Y (yellow), A non-contact development (jumping) of a latent image on the photosensitive drum 100 with a developer such as toner by applying a rectangular wave alternating electric field and a predetermined voltage to the developing sleeve 112 of the color developing unit 108 (for example, 1800 Vpp is superimposed on -300 V). (Developing) to form a visualized toner image on the photosensitive drum 100.

Similarly, M (magenta), C (cyan), B
For k (black), the exposure device 105 for each color is
To 107, a latent image corresponding to each image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 100, and a rectangular wave alternating electric field and a predetermined voltage are applied to the developing sleeves 113 to 115 of the respective color developing units 109 to 111 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 100. Non-contact development (jumping development) is performed on the latent image with a developer such as toner to form a multicolor multiplexed toner image visualized on the photosensitive drum 100.

On the other hand, after the image formation is started, a transfer high voltage (for example, +1000 V) having the opposite polarity (for example, positive polarity) to the toner image is transferred at a predetermined timing.
7, and the transfer material is extracted from the paper feed tray 138 or the manual paper feed tray 128 at a predetermined timing necessary for transferring the toner image. The extracted transfer material is transported between the contact portion between the transfer transport belt 117 and the photosensitive drum 100, and the multicolor multiplex toner image on the photosensitive drum 100 is transferred onto the transfer material.

The transfer / conveying belt 117 is configured so as to be able to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 100 as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, and starts image formation and ends printing operation including continuous printing. Until it contacts the photosensitive drum 100,
Otherwise, keep them apart.

After the multicolor multi-toner image on the photosensitive drum 100 is transferred onto the transfer material, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 100 is removed by the blade cleaner 103. Then, the surface of the photosensitive drum 100 is uniformly charged again to a desired polarity on the cleaned photosensitive drum 100 by the charging roller 102 to prepare for the next latent image forming and developing process.

On the other hand, the transfer material onto which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the transfer / conveyor belt 117 so that the toner image is quickly separated without being disturbed by scattering or the like.
The charge stored in the transfer material is removed by the charge remover 139 to which the voltage of 5000 V is applied, thereby facilitating separation of the transfer material from the transfer conveyance belt 117.

The transfer material separated from the transfer conveyance belt 117 with the toner image placed thereon is fixed on the transfer material by the heat of the fixing rollers 141 and 142 and the pressure between the nips. The transfer material on which the toner image is fixed is transferred to the upper discharge tray 13.
4 or the lower discharge tray 130.

The color image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured such that the duplex unit 124 is detachable. The duplex unit guide cover 127 is opened and closed, and the duplex unit 124 is slid and attached to the automatic duplex mode. Printing becomes possible.

The process of double-sided printing of this embodiment will be briefly described. After the toner image is fixed on the transfer material, the transfer material is conveyed to the duplex unit 123 by switching the discharge switching solenoid 126. By rotating the switchback roller 124 of the duplex unit in the paper feed direction,
Immediately before the rear end of the transfer material reaches the switchback roller 124, the switchback roller is rotated in the opposite direction to that described above, and the double-sided conveyance switching solenoid 12 is held.
5 in the closing direction, the duplex unit 12
The transfer material is transported to the transfer material transport path of No. 3.

Thereafter, in the above-described printing process, when the transfer material is extracted, the paper feed cam 122 of the duplex unit is driven to extract the transfer material printed on one side from the duplex unit 123. It can be transported.

The manual paper feed tray 128 of this embodiment is configured to be openable and closable as required by the user, and can be expanded and contracted according to the size of the transfer material. Similarly, the sub-stay 131 of the lower discharge tray 130 can be extended and contracted.

In addition, the stopper guide 150 can be extended and contracted in the upper discharge tray in accordance with the size of the transfer material. Further, the density sensor 137 is for controlling the density of each color toner image at the time of warm-up when turning on the power to the color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment or at a predetermined timing.

The above is the outline of the printing process in the color image forming apparatus of the present embodiment. When the color image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment is used, a full-color image with very high precision and good color reproducibility can be obtained.

Next, control blocks of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment forms an image based on image information sent from an external device 2 which is a supply device for supplying image forming information. As the process, first, the printer language information 301 sent to the image forming apparatus 1 is input by the controller 10 in the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 10
An image expansion unit 31 that converts the input page description language 301 into bitmap data 302, a page memory unit that stores the data for one page, and RGB information 303 sent from the page memory unit 32 by the image forming apparatus. An information conversion unit 33 that converts image color YMCK information 304; a density correction processing unit 34 that performs density correction processing on the division 304 sent from the information conversion unit 33 according to the output characteristics of the information image forming apparatus 1; And a laser drive signal generating unit 35 that changes the information 305 into a laser drive signal 306 (hereinafter referred to as a / VDETA signal) for laser emission and outputs the laser drive signal 306 to the laser unit.

As a method of converting to / VDETA, any of a pulse width modulation method, a dither method, an error diffusion method, a blue noise method and the like may be used.

When receiving the above information, the controller 10 sends a / PR to the engine control unit 20 in the image forming apparatus 1.
An INT signal is issued to prompt the start of image formation. When the engine control unit 20 receives the / PRINT signal, the engine control unit 20 starts control for performing image formation on the various control units 30 in the image forming apparatus 1.

For example, an arrow from the various control units 30 to the laser unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 indicates an example of the above control. Although there are still many other units (not shown) for controlling the image formation, detailed description is omitted for simplification of the description.

When the laser unit 50 starts operating, a rotating polygon mirror (not shown) in the laser unit 50 starts rotating. By emitting a laser beam from the laser 55 toward the rotating polygon mirror, a beam detection signal (hereinafter referred to as “/ BD signal”) detected at a predetermined fixed position is transmitted to the engine control unit 20.

The engine control unit 20 confirms that the rotation of the rotating polygon mirror (not shown) is constant and the interval between received / BD signals is constant and that the scanning of the laser beam has reached a steady speed. / VSYNC indicates the image leading edge synchronization signal and / LSY indicates the image horizontal synchronization signal.
Send an NC signal.

The / SCMD signal transmitted from the engine control unit 20 to the specific pattern generating circuit 60 is transmitted after the start of image formation or before image formation. Further, the transmitted / SCMD signal is body information (for example, body ID), and this signal is stored in the storage means 309 in the pattern generation circuit 60 shown in FIG.

The controller 10 receiving the / VSYNC signal and the / LSYNC signal transmits the / VDATA signal to the laser unit 50 in synchronization with the / VDATA signal.

/ VDA transmitted from controller 10
The TA signal is first taken into the laser driver circuit 51 in the laser unit 50. A specific pattern generating circuit 60 and a specific pattern adding unit 5 are provided in the laser driver circuit 51.
3 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The laser driver circuit 51 combines the / VDATA signal sent from the controller 10 and the specific pattern generated by the specific pattern generation circuit 60 with / VDATA in the specific pattern adding section 53 according to the image forming conditions. / V synthesized by specific pattern adding section 53
The DATA signal is input to the semiconductor laser 55, and the semiconductor laser 55 emits light.

Next, a detailed configuration of the laser driver circuit 51 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the laser driver circuit 51 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the laser driver circuit 51 of the present embodiment mainly includes a specific pattern generation circuit 60.
And a specific pattern adding circuit 53. The specific pattern generation circuit 60 includes a specific pattern generation unit 61 and a PWMI for binarizing specific pattern information (8-bit data).
C62.

Upon receiving the / VSYNC signal notifying the start of image formation, the specific pattern generating section 61 performs mask release for generating a specific pattern. By receiving a / LSYNC signal which is a synchronization signal for writing an image, a specific pattern is generated in synchronization with the / LSYNC signal, and 8-bit pattern data (hereinafter, "/ P
DATA)) to the PWMIC 62.

The PWMMIC 62 converts the transmitted pattern information into digital information by converting the 8-bit data into binary information, and instructs the specific pattern adding section 53 to transmit the specific pattern information (hereinafter referred to as “/ SDATA”). Send. The PWMIC 62 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The specific pattern adding unit 53 receiving / VDATA and / SDATA adds / SDAT to / VDATA.
A laser drive signal (hereinafter, referred to as “/ LDATA”) obtained by combining A is transmitted to the semiconductor laser 55 shown in FIG. 2, and the semiconductor laser 55 emits light.

Although all signals are operated at LOW_TRUE in the specific pattern adding section 53 in FIG. 3, AND display is described. However, a circuit equivalent or equivalent thereto is of course also possible. In addition, as described above, the specific pattern generation circuit 60 has not only the specific pattern generation unit 61 but also the PWMIC 62 as a configuration, so that the specific pattern generation circuit 60 can arbitrarily correspond to a desired specific pattern dot width without being affected by the characteristics of the engine. I can do things.

Accordingly, the dot width of the specific pattern can be controlled at an arbitrary width by the PWMMIC 62 based on information of data generated by the specific pattern generating section 61. The specific pattern generation circuit 60 is provided with a system clock FC (not shown).
Running on LK.

Next, an example of the / SDATA adding process for / VDATA in the specific pattern adding unit 53 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the / SDATA adding process for / VDATA of the specific pattern adding unit 53 shown in FIG.

The / VDATA, / SDATA, and / VDATA added / superimposed by the specific pattern adding unit 53 shown in FIG.
The relationship of LDATA is as shown in FIG. The dashed line portion in FIG. 4 is an additional portion of / SDATA, and IMA in FIG.
GE is actually formed as an image.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the PWMIC shown in FIG.
The detailed configuration of 62 will be described. FIG. 5 shows the PWMI shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of C62.

The PWMIC 6 of the present embodiment shown in FIG.
2 mainly includes a D / A converter 311 and a triangular wave generation circuit 3
14, analog comparator 312, inverter 313
It is composed of The D / A converter 311 in FIG. 5 receives / PDATA of the digital image data,
The signal is converted into a corresponding analog voltage and input to one input terminal of the analog comparator 312.

On the other hand, the triangular wave generation circuit 314 outputs FCLK
, And inputs it to the other input terminal of the analog comparator 312. In the analog comparator 312, two of analog voltage and triangular wave
The two input signals are compared, and a PWM-converted image signal is output. This signal is inverted by the inverter 313 to finally obtain the / SDATA signal.

Next, the detailed configuration of the specific pattern generating section 61 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the specific pattern generation unit 61 shown in FIG.

The specific pattern generator 61 mainly stores the ROM information 309 and the G. A310. G. of the specific pattern generator 61 A310 notifies start of printing /
When the VSYNC signal is received, the generation of the corresponding pattern is started.

G. The pattern information generated in A310 is:
/ S sent from engine control unit 20 as described above
The CMD signal is stored in ROM information 309 which stores the CMD signal.
Pattern information is extracted from OM information 309 / PD
The data is output to the PWMMIC 62 as ATA.

As for the encryption information stored in the ROM information 309, it is possible to specify the configuration in which the image is formed. For example, the manufacturer name, model number,
Various information such as a serial number may be used. It goes without saying that other than the above information may be used as the specific pattern. For example, information that can identify a device is:
It is desirable that the information be a maker name, a model number of the image forming apparatus, a unit number of the image forming unit, an ID number of the image forming apparatus main body, a network environment, various information such as a print image forming time or a manufacturing number. All or arbitrary information may be selected and encrypted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main body information is transmitted from the engine control unit 20 to the specific pattern generation unit 5.
Since the laser unit 50 is configured to transmit the information to the specific pattern generating unit 50 after the replacement even when the laser unit 50 is replaced due to a service life, a failure, or the like, the engine control unit 20 can specify the device. It is possible,
It is possible to keep maintaining the matching of the specific pattern with the image forming apparatus main body information.

In this case, when the engine control unit 20 detects that the laser unit 50 has been replaced,
0 of the ROM information 309 is read out, and it is checked whether or not information capable of specifying the device which is recognized by the user is stored therein.
The storage area of the information 309 may be updated.

Alternatively, when the engine control unit 20 detects replacement of the laser unit 50, the ROM information
May be updated to write information capable of specifying the device recognized by itself.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a specific pattern and an actual image forming pattern of image information for each laser in this embodiment.

In FIG. 7, an area surrounded by a frame is one unit of a dot (pixel) for forming an image of each laser, and the photosensitive drum 10 is irradiated by the PWM-modulated laser irradiation.
0. FIG. 7 is a part of the specific pattern example. Actually, the specific pattern is configured by a repetitive pattern including FIG. 7, and is repeatedly added in the vertical and horizontal directions of the transfer material.

Each dot in each area of the specific pattern is shown in FIG.
Are composed of minute yellow dots that have been PWM-modulated as described in (1). Note that in FIG. 7, one dot is represented by a solid, but actually, as described in FIG.
It is formed by irradiation with M-modulated minute laser light.

The specific pattern as shown in FIG. 7 is added to the / VDATA signal by the specific pattern adding circuit 53 in FIG. The addition of the specific pattern is controlled so that the specific pattern is added only in the specified color (for example, yellow) with low visibility, so that the specific pattern is added to the image while suppressing the deterioration of the visual quality of the image formation result. Can be.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a specific pattern in a designated color (for example, yellow) with low visibility is particularly applied to a banknote, a securities, or an image having a copyright, which is likely to be forged. Is added to the image, it is possible to easily pursue an output image source such as forgery or copyright violation based on the output image.

Further, by installing the means for pursuing the specific pattern generating means only in the image forming section and adding a specific pattern to the image data, the installation of the specific pattern generating means can be minimized.

In the above embodiment, the specific pattern of information described above is added to the image, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[Second Embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the specific pattern adding circuit 53 is fixed to one addition, but the present invention is limited to the above example. However, if a specific pattern is added to a portion where image information is present, the added image data may not be detected. Therefore, not only the addition of the specific pattern but also the PWM modulated minute yellow White dots (parts where the toner is not attached and the ground of the transfer material is visible) may be added to both sides of the dots.

As described above, not only a specific pattern but also a white dot (a portion where the toner is not attached and the ground of the transfer material is visible) is added to both sides of the PWM modulated fine yellow dot of the specific pattern. A second embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the specific pattern adding circuit 53 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Also in the second embodiment described below, the basic configuration is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, so the description of the common parts is omitted, and the above-described first embodiment is omitted. A description will be given of portions different from the above.

In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, P in FIG.
The WMIC 63 is for forming white dots on both sides of a minute yellow dot PWM-modulated by the PWMIC 62. The PWMMIC 63 is sent from the specific pattern generation unit 61 to the PWMMIC 62 / PDATA
/ PBDATA is received in synchronization with.

As shown in FIG. 8, not only the addition of the specific pattern but also the white dots adjacent to both sides of the PWM-modulated minute yellow dot of the specific pattern (the portion where the toner is not attached and the ground of the transfer material is visible) Is added to the specific pattern adding circuit 53.

Referring to FIG. 9, PWMIC 63 shown in FIG.
Will be described in detail. FIG. 9 shows FIG. 8 of the second embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a PWMIC 63 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the PWMIC 63 according to the second embodiment mainly includes a D / A converter 311, a triangular wave generation circuit 314, and an analog comparator 312. The D / A converter 311 in FIG. 9 receives / PDATA of the digital image data, converts it into an analog voltage, and
Input to two input terminals.

On the other hand, the triangular wave generation circuit 314 generates a triangular wave based on FCLK, and inputs it to the other input terminal of the analog comparator 312. The analog comparator 312 compares two input signals of the analog voltage and the triangular wave, outputs a PWM-converted image signal, and obtains an SBDATA signal.

The / SDATA and SDATA generated by the two PWMICs 62 and 63 in the specific pattern adding circuit 53 in FIG.
FIG. 10 shows an example in which BDATA is added to / VDATA. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining a specific pattern adding example in the specific pattern adding circuit of the second embodiment.

The portion A in FIG. 10 is where the image information and the specific pattern addition dot overlap. FIG.
As shown by the above, the white dot configuration on both sides of the specific pattern according to the present embodiment makes it possible to recognize the specific pattern even in the overlapping portion.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration in which a switchable FCLK frequency dividing circuit 58 is provided in the laser driver circuit of the first embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration in which a switchable FCLK frequency dividing circuit 58 is provided in the laser driver circuit according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

In the third embodiment described below, the basic configuration is the same as that of the above-described first or second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the common parts is omitted, and the third embodiment is omitted. A description will be given of a portion different from the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, a switchable FCLK frequency dividing circuit 58 is arranged in the laser driver circuit 51 shown in FIG. 3, and the interval for adding a specific pattern according to various characteristics of the image forming apparatus. An example in which (density) can be adjusted is shown.

Further, in the third embodiment, FIG.
In the laser driver circuit 51 shown in FIG.
An example is shown in which a K frequency dividing circuit 58 is arranged so that the interval (density) of adding a specific pattern can be adjusted according to various characteristics of the image forming apparatus.

By using the configuration of the third embodiment described above, even if the print density of the image forming apparatus is switched or the image forming section used in the present invention is used for another product, the image deterioration is always performed. It is possible to select the addition of a very small specific pattern.

[Fourth Embodiment] The pattern generation circuit 60 in the above-described first to third embodiments shown in FIG. 2 is for identifying its own device sent from the engine control unit 20. Information (/ SCMD signal)
The received / SCMD signal is sent to the specific pattern generation circuit 60 in the laser driver circuit 51. However, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and information for specifying the own device may be fetched from outside.

A fourth embodiment according to the present invention thus constituted will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment described below, the basic configuration is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the common parts is omitted, and the above-described first embodiment is omitted. A description will be given of portions different from the above.

In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a reading device 200 such as a bar code reader is provided, and information for identifying the own device such as a main body ID is read from the reading device 200. In this configuration, the SCMD signal is transmitted to a specific pattern generation circuit 60 in the laser driver circuit 51.

The pattern generation circuit 60 generates a specific pattern based on the transmitted / SCMD signal in the same manner as in the configuration of FIG. Even if the reading device 200, which is an external device, supplies the / SCMD signal in this manner, it is possible to maintain the matching of the specific pattern to be generated with the image forming apparatus main body information. In addition, the second and third
Even in the configuration described in the embodiment, it is needless to say that the same configuration as that of the embodiment can keep the matching of the specific pattern generated in the same manner as described above with the image forming apparatus main body information. .

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, since the reading device 200 is configured to transmit the information capable of specifying the device to the specific pattern generating section 50, for example, the life of the laser unit 50 is reduced. Alternatively, even in the event of replacement due to a failure or the like, information capable of specifying the device can be transmitted from the engine control unit 20 to the specific pattern generation unit 50 after the replacement, and the matching of the specific pattern with the image forming apparatus main body information is maintained. Things become possible.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the main unit information is read from the reading device 200 and sent to the specific pattern generating unit 50. At the time of replacement, even if the laser unit identification information is unique to the laser unit 50 replaced after replacement, the reading device 2
00, and can be sent to the specific pattern generation unit 50, so that the matching of the specific pattern with the image forming apparatus main body information can be maintained, and also the matching with the laser unit 50 can be maintained. It becomes possible.

In this case, when the engine control unit 20 replaces the laser unit 50, the main unit information or the laser unit specifying information is read from the reading device 200 and transmitted to the specific pattern generating unit 50, and the relevant information of the ROM information 309 is read. What is necessary is just to update a storage area.

With the above configuration, even when the laser unit 50 is replaced due to its life or failure, the main body information is transmitted to the specific pattern generation unit by the engine control unit or the reading device, so that the specific pattern is generated. It is possible to keep maintaining the matching with the image forming apparatus main body information or the laser unit information.

[Fifth Embodiment] The specific pattern generator 61 in the first to third embodiments shown in FIG.
In this configuration, only one piece of ROM information 309 for storing a CMD signal is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example. Even if the image forming apparatus is configured to store the data in two or more ROMs without storing the data, and even if the image forming apparatus is connected to a network, The image forming apparatus may be capable of specifying and tracking the image forming source.

A fifth embodiment according to the present invention having the above-described structure will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a specific pattern generation unit 61 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining a specific pattern adding process in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining details of a network ID acquisition procedure in step S101 in FIG.

Also in the fifth embodiment described below, since the basic configuration is the same as that of each of the above-described embodiments, the description of the common parts is omitted, and the fifth embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments. The different parts will be described.

In the fifth embodiment, even when the specific pattern generation circuit 60 is to be replaced due to a failure of the main body or the like, it is necessary to ensure consistency with the main body information of the image forming apparatus. In order to make it possible, the basic pattern information and the main body information by external input are separately stored in the pattern generation unit 61, and by combining these two, it is possible to cope with networking more than before, Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of creating a satisfactory tracking pattern. Further, also in this case, since the specific pattern adding process is not performed by the controller as described above, it is possible to avoid an increase in the cost of the controller.

As shown in FIG. 14, the specific pattern generating section 61 of the fifth embodiment mainly includes ROM1 information 308 mainly storing basic pattern information and main body information mainly input from an external device (by an engine control section). ROM2 information 309 for storing the transmitted / SCMD signal) and G. A310.

The specific pattern generator 6 having the above configuration
1. In G.1, A310 is a print start instruction / VS
When a YNC signal is received, a specific pattern / PDA
A pattern generation process for generating a TA is started.

G. The specific pattern information generated by A310 is the ROM1 information 30 storing the basic pattern information.
8 and the ROM 2 information 309 storing the / SCMD signal sent from the engine control unit.
The OM information 308 and 309 extract information stored in each ROM information by FCLK in synchronization with the / LSYNC signal.

The ROM 1 information 308 corresponds to the ID and the body number of the optical unit, and the ROM 2 information 309
For example, information such as a machine number, a manufacturer name, and network information corresponds to the encrypted information. It goes without saying that other than the above information may be used as the specific pattern.

In the fifth embodiment, G. A3
The relationship between / PDATA, which is a specific pattern in which 10 is generated, and image information for each laser is, for example, the first pattern described above.
This is the same as the example shown in FIG. 7 of the embodiment, and each dot in each area of the specific pattern has a minute PWM-modulated yellow dot configuration as shown in FIG.

Next, the specific pattern adding process in the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment performs printing, if it is connected to a host via a network, it first acquires a network ID in the processing of step S101. If the image forming apparatus is directly connected to the host by a connection cable, the processing in step S101 is omitted.

The procedure for acquiring the network ID in step S101 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The following description is based on the image forming apparatus
Assume that it supports any of Ethernet, Netware, AppleTalk, and TCP / IP.

First, in step S200 of FIG.
Check whether the connection network is TCP / IP. If the connection network is TCP / IP, the process proceeds to step S203, where the IP address is obtained, the process is terminated, and the process returns.

On the other hand, in step S200, if the connection network is not TCP / IP, step S201
To check if the connection network is AppleTalk. If the connection network is AppleTalk, the process proceeds to step S204, where the AppleTalkZone and the printer name are obtained, the process is terminated, and the process returns.

In contrast, in step S201,
If the connection network is not AppleTalk, step S2
Proceed to 02 to check whether the connection network is Netware. Here, it is checked whether the connection network (network protocol) is IPX. If the connection network (network protocol) is IPX, the process proceeds to step S205, where the IPX address is obtained, the process ends, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the connection network is not Netware in step S202, the process proceeds to step S206, where it is determined that the connection network is Ethernet, an Ethernet address is obtained, the process is terminated, and the process returns.

As described above, the processing for acquiring the network ID in step S101 is performed when the communication is performed via the network. Then, next, step S102 in FIG.
, A user ID acquisition process for acquiring a user ID from a supply device (host) that supplies image forming information and the like is performed.

Next, in step S103, the image information sent from the host is obtained, and if there is additional information in the image data, the additional information is obtained. Further, step S104
Then, the current time is acquired as the print time. The information thus obtained is stored in the ROM 2 of FIG. 14 as shown in FIG.
Information 309 is stored in the memory. It is sent to A310. FIG. 17 shows the ROM 2 information 30 according to the fifth embodiment.
9 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage information of No. 9; FIG.

Then, the process proceeds to step S105, where R
The encrypted network information, user ID, model number, machine number, manufacturer name, and the like stored in the OM1 information and the ROM2 information are read. This readout information, together with the information obtained in the above process, is used as the G. It is sent to A310.

Subsequently, in step S106, the G. A
Reference numeral 310 combines and encrypts the information obtained in the above processing to create a specific pattern. And then step S1
At 07, it is determined whether or not the current image forming color (for example, yellow) is the designated color, in consideration of the case where an image is created through a plurality of processes using one optical unit as in the rotary system. . If the current image forming color is not the designated color, the flow advances to step S109 to wait for the addition of the specific pattern to the image data until the next image forming color is formed, and then returns to the process of step S107.

If it is determined in step S107 that the color is the specified color of the specific pattern (eg, yellow), the flow advances to step S108 to add the specific pattern to the image data. If the image forming color is always fixed as in the tandem method, step S
Steps 107 and S109 can be omitted.

Next, the process proceeds to step S110 to check whether or not the image formation is continuous printing. If the image formation is continuous printing and the process for printing still remains, the process returns to the first step S101, and the sequence of adding the specific pattern is repeated again. If it is not a continuous process, it is a continuous process, but if the process is terminated, the process is terminated.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, a banknote, a securities, a copyrighted image, or the like, which is particularly likely to be counterfeited, is displayed in a designated color (for example, yellow) with low visibility. A specific pattern can be added to an image, and even if the image forming apparatus is connected to a network, the source of the image can be specified and tracked, and forgery or copyright infringement can be performed based on the output image. Etc. can be easily pursued. In addition, the means for pursuing the specific pattern generating means is provided only in the image forming unit, and the specific pattern is added to the image data, thereby minimizing the installation of the specific pattern generating means.

In the above description, the above-described specific pattern of information is added to an image, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the connection networks described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to other network (for example, LocalTalk, LANtasic, etc.) environments.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, while maintaining the confidentiality of a specific pattern,
In order to avoid an increase in cost, the additional means for adding the specific pattern is provided with the specific pattern generating means or the forming means and the additional means in the optical image forming means, thereby controlling the image forming apparatus relating to the specific pattern. It can be simplified.

Further, when an image is formed on a document for which careless image formation is to be prohibited, a specific pattern capable of identifying the image forming apparatus that has formed this image is printed, so There is an effect that the source of such an image can be definitely determined.

Further, even when replacement is performed due to a failure, the main body information is sent to the specific pattern generation unit by the engine control unit or the reading device 200, so that the matching of the specific pattern with the main body information of the image forming apparatus can be maintained. It becomes possible. Further, even if the image forming apparatus is connected to a network, it is possible to specify and track the image forming source.

[Other Embodiments] In the above embodiments, a laser type color image forming apparatus has been described. However, other types (for example, a tandem or rotary color image forming apparatus, an ink jet type printing apparatus) may be used. Head, LE
D-type image forming apparatus). Furthermore,
It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a plurality of (two or more) image forming units including the present embodiment in one image forming station (for example, yellow).

Further, even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), the present invention is applied to a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, etc.). You may. Further, even when a plurality of different embodiments described in the present invention are implemented in some combinations other than those described, it goes without saying that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a recording medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to an image forming unit, and store the program codes stored in the recording medium by a CPU or the like in the image forming unit. Need not be read out. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

In the present invention, non-contact development (jumping development) has been described, but it goes without saying that the invention is also useful in other contact development systems.

[0153]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of adding a specific pattern capable of reliably searching for an image forming source with a simple configuration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of a laser driver circuit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows the / VDATA of the specific pattern adding unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of / SDATA addition processing for.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a PWMIC shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a specific pattern generation unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a specific pattern and an actual image forming pattern of image information for each laser in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a specific pattern adding circuit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a PWMIC 63 of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining a specific pattern adding example in the specific pattern adding circuit of the second embodiment.

11 is a view for explaining a configuration in which a switchable FCLK frequency dividing circuit is provided in the laser driver circuit of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention; It is a block diagram.

FIG. 12 illustrates an FCLK switchable to the laser driver circuit according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 according to the third embodiment;
3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration in which a frequency dividing circuit 58 is provided.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a basic configuration of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a specific pattern generation unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a specific pattern adding process according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating details of a procedure for acquiring a network ID in step S101 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage information of ROM2 information of a specific pattern generation unit according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 50 laser unit 51 laser driver circuit 53 specific pattern adding section 60 specific pattern generation circuit 100 photosensitive drum 102 charging roller 104-107 optical unit 108-111 developing unit 112-115 developing sleeve roller 117 transfer belt 123 double-sided unit 140 fixing unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AQ05 AQ06 AR01 BB17 CL10 2H034 FA01 5B057 AA11 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE08 CH11 5C076 AA14 AA27 BA06 5C077 LL14 LL17 MP08 TP66 PP22

Claims (52)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, a specific pattern generating means for generating a specific pattern representing predetermined information in said image forming means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an adding unit that adds the generated specific pattern to the image data so that it is difficult for the human eye to recognize the specific pattern. 2. An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, wherein: a first storage means for storing its own device identification information in the image forming means; An image forming apparatus comprising: a specific pattern generating unit that generates a pattern; and an adding unit that adds the generated specific pattern to image data so as to be difficult for a human eye to recognize. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the specific pattern generating unit is configured to generate the first pattern.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern is generated by referring to information stored in the storage unit. 4. An image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, wherein: a first storage means for storing own device identification information in the image forming means; Second storage means for storing the information of
A specific pattern generating unit that generates a specific pattern by combining predetermined information stored in the storage unit and the own device specifying information stored in the first storage unit; An image forming apparatus comprising: an adding unit that adds a specific pattern generated by the image data to the image data so that the specific pattern is difficult to recognize by a human eye. 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first storage unit receives and stores the device identification information from the image forming apparatus main body via a serial communication unit. Image forming apparatus. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first storage unit receives and stores the own device identification information read by a bar code reading unit provided in the own image forming apparatus main body.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a visualizing unit that visualizes, by an image forming unit, the image data to which the specific pattern has been added by the adding unit. . 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern generated by the specific pattern generating unit is information capable of specifying a device that has formed an image. . 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information capable of specifying the apparatus is various information such as a maker name, a model number, and a serial number of the image forming apparatus. 10. The information which can specify the apparatus includes a maker name of the image forming apparatus, a model number, a unit number of the image forming means, an ID number of the image forming apparatus main body, a network environment, a print image forming time or a manufacturing number, and the like. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information includes: 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition of the specific pattern by the adding unit is periodically added to the image data. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern generated by said specific pattern generating means is composed of a plurality of dots. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit further adds a white dot around a dot constituting the specific pattern. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition of the specific pattern by the adding unit is performed only in a part of the plane of the plurality of colors.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 13. 15. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a plurality of image forming units; and a selecting unit that can select the addition of the specific pattern by the adding unit to only one of the plurality of image forming units. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: 16. The specific pattern according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern generated by the specific pattern generating means is a specific pattern formed by operating a specific color component. Image forming device. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the specific color component is a yellow component. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the addition of the specific pattern by the adding unit is added to a part or the whole of an image. . 19. An image processing unit which performs predetermined image processing on image information, converts the image information into an image forming unit driving signal for forming an image corresponding to the image information by the image forming unit, and outputs the signal. An image forming unit for forming an image in accordance with the image forming unit driving signal provided by the image processing unit, wherein a specific pattern representing predetermined information is generated in the image forming unit. And an adding means for adding the generated specific pattern to the image formation driving signal so that it is difficult for a human eye to recognize the specific pattern. 20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image processing unit has an image developing unit that converts a given page description language into bitmap data. 21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image processing unit has a page memory unit for storing given bitmap data. 22. The image processing section, comprising:
2. An information conversion unit for converting information into YMCK information which is a color formed by the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 21. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the image processing unit includes a density correction processing unit that performs density correction processing on the given image information according to output characteristics of the image forming apparatus. Item 22. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 21. 24. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said image processing section has a laser drive signal generation section for converting given image information into a laser drive signal for laser emission and outputting the laser drive signal. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the above. 25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the specific pattern represents information unique to the apparatus. 26. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus having an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal, wherein a specific pattern representing predetermined information is generated in the image forming means. An image forming method, wherein the generated specific pattern is added to the image data so as to be difficult for the human eye to recognize. 27. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image in accordance with a given image forming unit driving signal; and a first storage unit that stores own device identification information. Generating a specific pattern in the image forming means;
An image forming method, wherein the generated specific pattern is added to the image data so as to be difficult for a human eye to recognize. 28. The method according to claim 28, wherein the generation of the specific pattern is performed by the first
28. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the specific pattern is generated by referring to information stored in the storage unit. 29. It has a first storage means for storing its own device identification information, a second storage means for storing predetermined information, and an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with a given image forming means driving signal. An image forming method in an image forming apparatus, wherein in the image forming unit, predetermined information stored in the second storage unit and the own device identification information stored in the first storage unit are stored. An image forming method, wherein a specific pattern is generated by synthesis, and the generated specific pattern is added to the image data so as to be difficult for a human eye to recognize. 30. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the first storage unit receives and stores the device identification information from the image forming apparatus main body via a serial communication unit. Image forming method. 31. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the first storage unit receives and stores the own device identification information read by a bar code reading unit provided in the own image forming apparatus main body. 2. The image forming method according to 1., 32. The image forming method according to claim 26, further comprising a visualizing step of visualizing the image data to which the specific pattern is added by an image forming unit. 33. The image forming method according to claim 26, wherein the generated specific pattern is information capable of specifying a device that has formed an image. 34. The image forming method according to claim 33, wherein the information capable of specifying the apparatus is various information such as a maker name, a model number, and a serial number of the image forming apparatus. 35. Information that can specify the apparatus includes a maker name of the image forming apparatus, a model number, a unit number of the image forming unit, an ID number of the image forming apparatus main body, a network environment, a print image forming time or a manufacturing number, and the like. 34. The image forming method according to claim 33, wherein the information includes: 36. The method according to claim 26, wherein the addition of the specific pattern is periodically added to the image data.
The image forming method according to claim 35. 37. The image forming method according to claim 26, wherein the specific pattern generated by said specific pattern generating means is composed of a plurality of dots. 38. The image forming method according to claim 26, wherein when adding the specific pattern, white dots are further added around dots constituting the specific pattern. . 39. The image forming apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the specific pattern is added only to a part of the plane of the plurality of colors.
9. The image forming method according to any one of items 8. 40. An image forming apparatus comprising a plurality of image forming units, wherein the addition of the specific pattern can be selected so as to be performed by only one of the plurality of image forming units. The image forming method according to any one of claims 26 to 39. 41. The image forming method according to claim 26, wherein the generated specific pattern is a specific pattern formed by operating a specific color component. 42. The image forming method according to claim 41, wherein the specific color component is a yellow component. 43. The image forming method according to claim 26, wherein the addition of the specific pattern is added to a part or the whole of an image. 44. Image information is subjected to predetermined image processing, and is converted into an image forming means driving signal for forming an image corresponding to the image information by the image forming means and output.
An image forming method in an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image according to the output image forming unit driving signal, wherein a specific pattern representing predetermined information is generated in the image forming unit. An image forming method, wherein the generated specific pattern is added to the image forming drive signal so as to be difficult for a human eye to recognize. 45. The image forming method according to claim 44, wherein a given page description language is converted into bitmap data when performing predetermined image processing on the image information. 46. The image forming apparatus according to claim 44, further comprising a page memory unit for storing given bitmap data when performing predetermined image processing on the image information. Mounting method 47. A method according to claim 44, wherein, when performing predetermined image processing on said image information, given RGB information is converted into YMCK information which is a color formed by said image forming apparatus. Item 48. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 46 to 46. 48. When performing predetermined image processing on said image information, performing density correction processing on given image information in accordance with output characteristics of said image forming apparatus. The image forming method according to any one of claims 44 to 46. 49. When performing predetermined image processing on the image information, the given image information is converted into a laser drive signal for laser emission and output. Item 51. The image forming method according to any one of Items 48. 50. The image forming method according to claim 44, wherein the specific pattern represents information unique to the apparatus. 51. A computer program sequence for realizing the function according to any one of claims 1 to 50. 52. A computer-readable recording medium storing a computer program for realizing the functions according to any one of claims 1 to 50.