JP2002044434A - Imaging apparatus, information processor, control method of imaging apparatus, control method of information processor and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely conduct forgery prevention, while preventing throughput from lowering due to effect of making a decision whether a specific pattern, e.g. the image of securities or paper currency, is detected simultaneously with image transfer. SOLUTION: When for each prescribed line of image data is inputted from a computer 102, an interpolation circuit 212 interpolates a not yet transferred data part, based on the every specified line of image data being transferred, and a pattern matching circuit 214 detects a specific pattern, existing in the interpolated image data. When the specific pattern is detected in the interpolated image data, a CPU 202 controls transfer (e.g. interruption) of image data from the computer 102.

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 which prints out image data sent from an information processing apparatus which can communicate via a predetermined communication medium, and an image forming apparatus which can communicate via a predetermined communication medium. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a method of controlling the image forming apparatus, a method of controlling the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium for preventing counterfeiting of bills, securities, and the like. Things.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, color copiers or color printers have increased their sharpness and fidelity, and at a glance, it is becoming difficult to distinguish between a document and a copied image. Also,
The use of such high-performance color copiers or color printers has led to an increase in counterfeit crimes such as securities and banknotes.

[0003] From such a problem, by using an inconspicuous color, for example, yellow, for all the copied images, the machine number of the copying machine or the color printer, the date and time of copying, etc. are encoded and printed like Morse code. In the case where fraudulent forgery is performed, a system has been proposed that identifies the machine number on which it is printed, identifies the color copier or color printer used for forgery, and can be used to arrest criminal offenders.

A system has also been proposed in which copying is stopped when securities or bills are detected in a copied image.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As in the above conventional example,
A system that stops copying when a security or a banknote is detected in a copy image, for example, when printing a security or a banknote image captured in a computer, once the entire image data of the security or the banknote image is transferred to the color printer side. After the transfer, the pattern matching is performed, and if it is determined that the image is a securities or bill image, the printing is stopped.

However, in the above-described conventional configuration, since pattern matching is performed after transferring all image data, the time required for determination affects the performance of the printer, and as a result, the throughput is reduced. was there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the first to sixth inventions according to the present invention is to input image data for each predetermined line of image data from a computer. Then, the untransferred data portion is interpolated based on the data of each predetermined line of the transferred image data, a specific pattern existing in the interpolated image data is detected, and the interpolated image data is detected. When a specific pattern is detected during the transfer, the image data transfer from the computer is controlled (for example, stopped), so that the throughput is affected by the determination of the specific pattern, for example, a securities image, a bill image, and the like at the same time as the image transfer. FORMING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, POSITIVELY PREVENTING FORGING IN PREVENTING DOWN It is to provide a control method and a storage medium.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication medium (a network 101 shown in FIG. 1).
In an image forming apparatus (network color printer 104 shown in FIG. 1) that prints out image data sent from an information processing apparatus (host computer 102 shown in FIG. 1) communicable via the MFP, the image data is sent from the information processing apparatus. When data for each predetermined line (FIG. 2) is input, an interpolating means (an interpolation circuit 212 shown in FIG. 1) for interpolating an untransferred data portion based on the data for each predetermined line of the transferred image data. Detecting means for detecting a specific pattern present in the interpolated image data interpolated by the interpolating means (the pattern matching circuit 21 shown in FIG. 1).
4) and when the detection unit detects a specific pattern in the interpolated image data, instructs the information processing apparatus to control image data transfer from the information processing apparatus (step S105 in FIG. 9). Control means (CPU 202 shown in FIG. 1).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, image data can be transmitted to an image forming apparatus (a network color printer 104 shown in FIG. 1) capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium (a network 101 shown in FIG. 1). In a simple information processing apparatus (computer 102 shown in FIG. 1), a transfer unit (C (not shown) in the computer 102) for transferring image data for each predetermined line to the image forming apparatus
A control unit (CPU (not shown) in the computer 102) for controlling transfer of the image data for each predetermined line in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an image forming apparatus for printing out image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus communicable via a predetermined communication medium. When the data for each predetermined line is input, an interpolation step (Step S102 in FIG. 9) of interpolating an untransferred data portion based on the data for each predetermined line of the transferred image data, The detecting step (step S103 in FIG. 9) for detecting a specific pattern existing in the interpolated image data, and controlling the image data transfer from the information processing apparatus when the specific pattern is detected in the interpolated image data. And a transfer control step of instructing the information processing apparatus (step S105 in FIG. 9).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an information processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. A transfer step (step not shown) for transferring data of each predetermined line of data, and a transfer control step (step not shown) of controlling transfer of the image data for each predetermined line according to an instruction from the image forming apparatus. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for printing out image data sent from an information processing apparatus communicable via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: When data for each image is input, an interpolation step (step S102 in FIG. 9) of interpolating an untransferred data portion based on data for each predetermined line of the image data to be transferred, and A detecting step of detecting a specific pattern present in the data (step S103 in FIG. 9); and detecting the specific pattern in the interpolated image data so as to control image data transfer from the information processing apparatus. A program for executing a transfer control step (step S105 in FIG. 9) instructing the processing device is recorded in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner. It is obtained by.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. A program for executing a transfer step of transferring data of each line (not shown) and a transfer control step of controlling transfer of the image data of each predetermined line (not shown) are stored in a computer as a storage medium. Are stored in a readable manner.

[0014]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the overall configuration of a print system to which an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a high-speed local area network (network; for example, Ethernet (registered trademark)) for connecting respective devices of the printing system. In the embodiment, a computer 102, a color scanner 103, and a network color printer 104 are used.
Is connected, and performs communication and control between the devices according to a predetermined protocol.

The computer 102 is a computer that performs creation, editing, data processing, and the like of documents by a user. For example, the user can read a desired image by a color scanner 103, and can also perform editing, processing, and the like. .

The print file edited and created by the computer 102 is transmitted to the network 10 by the user.
A printer or a color printer to be connected to which is to be output is selected and transferred.

These operations can be easily set by a user interface of application software used in the computer 102.

Although not shown, a plurality of printers or color printers and a plurality of computers are connected to the network 101 and can be shared with each other. It is an indispensable technique to provide a color printer used by an unspecified number of people with means for preventing forgery of securities or bills.

When a network color printer 104 is designated from the computer 102 and a printout is obtained, a print control program in the computer 102,
A so-called printer driver converts the edited document into a file described in a predetermined page description language,
The data can be transferred to the network color printer 104 via the high-speed network 101.

Of course, the network color printer 10
Reference numeral 4 indicates that not only a file described in a page description language but also a color image file read by a color scanner 103 and edited by the computer 102 can be printed. These choices are
This is automatically performed by a printer driver, and a print output can be freely obtained without the user's awareness.

Also, a network color printer 104
, A network controller 201 communicates with the computer 102 and other computers (not shown) connected to the network 101 via the network 101 using a predetermined protocol. Although not shown, a dedicated network controller IC and C
A PU, a ROM in which a control program is stored, and a work RAM are mounted, and a reprotocol is controlled by them to enable higher-speed communication.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a CPU (central processing unit).
Based on a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, it controls the overall control of the network color printer 104.

A work RAM 204 is configured so that its capacity can be expanded by an option RAM (not shown). The work RAM 204 stores various types of information and also functions as a work area for the CPU 202.

Reference numeral 205 denotes an image controller (ASIC)
The rendering process to the image memory 210 and the color printer engine 2 of the rendered image data
09 is controlled. Specifically, it has a function of developing a color raster image image in the image memory 210 based on a file described in a page description language, and transferring the developed image based on a synchronization signal from the color printer engine 209. .

Also, a file other than the page description language, for example, a color image file read by the color scanner 103 or the like is transferred to the image memory 210 and can be transferred to the color printer engine 209 as described above. The ASIC 205
Will be described later in detail.

An operation unit 208 includes a key and a display for confirming a printing state and set contents so that various operations can be performed from outside and various information such as error information can be displayed. .

A color printer engine 209 is composed of a color ink jet printer engine, a color laser beam printer engine, etc., and drives a printer unit (not shown).
205, and transmits the image synchronization signal 211 to the ASIC 20.
Send to 5.

Reference numeral 212 denotes an interpolation circuit for sequentially interpolating untransferred data from image data stored in the image memory 210 in order to detect a specific pattern.
The video bus 215 is connected to the image memory 210.

Reference numeral 213 denotes an edge emphasizing circuit,
2 for emphasizing the characteristic points of the color image data interpolated by the video bus 216.
2 are connected.

Reference numeral 214 denotes a pattern matching circuit for detecting a specific pattern from the image supplied by the video bus 217 in which the interpolation is performed by the interpolation circuit 212 and the feature point is enhanced by the edge enhancement circuit 213. Yes, a specific pattern is detected by fuzzy inference.

When a specific pattern is detected, it is notified to the CPU 202 via the CPU bus 206, and in this embodiment, the image transfer from the computer 102 is stopped. In addition, it controls access between devices connected by the CPU bus 206.

Next, the operation of each part of the system having the above configuration will be described.

A case where a file described in a page description language is printed will be described below.

First, the computer 102 instructs the network color printer 104 to perform printing, and at the same time, the CPU 2 in the network color printer 104.
02 is notified of the transmission of the page description language data file. After that, the file of the page description language, for example, the page description language data described by LIPS or PS transmitted via the network 101 is received by the network controller 201 and stored on the work RAM 204 via the CPU bus 206.

The CPU 202 refers to the page description language data temporarily stored in the work RAM 204,
C205 converts it into usable intermediate language data, and again,
The data is sequentially stored in the work RAM 204. And CP
Upon completion of the conversion processing to the intermediate language data, the U 202 sends an image development start command to the ASIC 205, and the ASIC 205 refers to the intermediate language data stored in the work RAM 204 at a high speed and transfers the raster image data to the image memory 210. Performs image expansion processing (rendering).

Then, the CPU 202 executes the ASIC 205
Interrupt of the end of the expansion process of the color image data from
Upon receiving the command via the CPU bus 206, a start command is sent to the color printer engine 209 to start the color printer engine 209. At the same time CP
The U 202 sends a command to the ASIC 205 to set the video output mode and wait for the synchronization signal 211 from the color printer engine 209.

Thus, the color printer engine 2
When 09 is started, although not shown, print paper is fed, a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal (hereinafter collectively referred to as a synchronization signal 211) are generated and sent to the ASIC 205, and the ASIC 205 receives the synchronization signal. Then, the color image data developed in the image memory 210 is sequentially transferred to the color printer engine 209 via the video bus 207.

Next, a case where a color image file read by the color scanner 103 or the like and edited and processed by the computer 102 is printed will be described.

First, the computer 102 instructs the network color printer 104 to print, and at the same time, the CPU 2 in the network color printer 104
02 is notified of the transmission of the color image file.
Since a color image file is the image data itself,
There is no need to convert to a file described in the page description language, and the file is transferred as it is.

After that, the color image file sent via the network 101 is received by the network controller 201, and the CPU bus 206, the ASI
It is stored on the image memory 210 via C205. Note that the color image files are sequentially transferred in the horizontal direction at intervals of a plurality of lines for each line, and stored in the image memory 210 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which, for example, when an image file in which bills are captured by the color scanner 103 is transferred to the network color printer 104, the image files are stored in the image memory 210.

From the computer 102 to the network 10
The images transferred to the network color printer 104 via the printer 1 are sequentially transferred and stored in the area of the image memory 210 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

At this time, the computer 102 transfers the image file while leaving an interval of a plurality of lines.
During the transfer, there is an interval as shown in the figure,
The whole image can be understood from an early stage.
For example, in the present embodiment, transfer is performed at intervals of every five lines.

Simultaneously with the start of the transfer of the image file from the computer 102, the CPU 202 sends a start command to the interpolation circuit 212, the edge emphasis circuit 213, and the pattern matching circuit 214 via the CPU bus 206 to determine whether the document is a security or a bill. Is checked.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the interpolation circuit 212 shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numerals 301 and 302 denote line memories for temporarily storing color image data for interpolation. Reference numeral 303 denotes an interpolating operation circuit which is based on the color image data from the line memories 301 and 302. This circuit calculates and outputs an interpolation pixel, and is connected to the CPU 206.

The interpolation operation circuit 303 is provided with the CP shown in FIG.
When the start command is received in U202, the ASIC 20
5 outputs an image request signal (REQ). When the ASIC 205 shown in FIG. 1 receives the image request signal (REQ) from the interpolation arithmetic circuit 303, it reads out the transferred color image data from the computer 102 and sends it out to the video bus 215 shown in FIG. The transfer signal (ACK) is returned to the interpolation operation circuit 303.

Upon receiving the image transfer signal (ACK), the interpolation operation circuit 303 outputs a write enable signal (WEn) to the line memories 301 and 302, and
5 is sequentially transmitted to the line memory 30.
1,302.

For example, in this embodiment, when image data is stored in the image memory 210 every five lines,
The first line is stored in the line memory 302, and the fifth line is stored in the line memory 301. At the same time, the interpolation operation circuit 303 outputs the read enable signal (REn)
Is output to the line memories 301 and 302, color image data is read from the respective line memories, interpolation is performed, and the result is output to the video bus 216. The circuit operates in synchronization with the system clock SYSCLK.

FIG. 4 shows the interpolation operation circuit 303 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an interpolation calculation based on.

In the figure, ● indicates color pixel data transferred from the computer 102, and indicates data on the first line and data on the fifth line.

□ is color pixel data created by the interpolation operation. For example, from the transferred color pixel data, for example, the first line or the fifth line to the second line,
The data of the fourth line and the fourth line are created by the interpolation operation circuit 303.

The alphabets in the figure represent the column numbers. For example, the color pixel data of column a in the first line is (la)
It is expressed as

The interpolation operation circuit 303 outputs the color pixel data of the first line, for example, (la) to the video bus 216 as it is, and the color pixel data of the second line, for example, (2a) As shown in 1), a calculation is performed by weighting the color pixel data (la) and the color pixel data (5a), and the color pixel data on the third line, for example, (3a) is calculated by the equation (2) in the figure. )
The color pixel data of the fourth line, for example, (4a) is calculated and output as shown in equation (3) in the figure, and
The color pixel data of the line, for example, (5a) is output as it is.

The video bus 216 supplies the color image data subjected to the interpolation operation to the edge emphasizing circuit 213.
The video enable signal (VEn) is also sent. As described above, even when the color image data is being transferred from the computer 102, the color image being transferred can be accurately predicted by sequentially interpolating the untransferred color image data from the transferred color image data. It is possible to increase the probability of detecting securities or bills by pattern matching. Further, by performing the detection of the securities or bills during the transfer, it is possible to provide a means for preventing forgery without deteriorating the performance of the print output.

FIG. 5 shows the edge emphasizing circuit 21 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the device of FIG. 3, and the same components as those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numerals 501, 502 and 503 denote line memories which temporarily store color image data sent from the interpolation circuit 212 line by line. 5
Numeral 04 denotes an edge emphasis operation circuit, which is a circuit for emphasizing an edge component in the color image data by operation based on the color image data from each line memory, whereby feature points of the color image data are emphasized. The enhanced color image data is output to the bus 217. Thereby, the accuracy of pattern matching can be further improved.

Further, the edge emphasis calculation circuit 504 outputs
When the CPU 202 receives a start command via the U bus 206, the CPU 202 enters a state of waiting for input of a video enable signal (VEn) from the interpolation circuit 212. Then, when the video enable signal (VEn) is input,
The edge emphasis calculation circuit 504 enters an operating state.

The color image data output from the interpolation circuit 212 is written in the line memory using the video enable signal (VEn) as a write enable signal for the line memories 501, 502 and 503. The video enable signal (VEn) is supplied to the edge enhancement arithmetic circuit 50.
4 to generate the line count and the output timing of the read enable signal REn.

When the color image data for three lines is stored in each line memory, the edge emphasis calculation circuit 5
Reference numeral 04 generates a read enable signal (REn) for each line memory, and sequentially reads color image data from each line memory in synchronization with SYSCLK. At this time, the bus 505 is the first line and the bus 506
Are data on the second line, and the bus 507 is data on the third line.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a configuration of edge enhancement arithmetic circuit 504 shown in FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in the figure, 501, 502, 503
Is a line memory, the third line of which is connected to the bus 507,
6 stores the data of the second line, and the bus 505 stores the data of the first line.

The line memory 50 is synchronized with SYSCLK.
The color pixel data read out one by one from the pixels 1, 502, 503 are stored in registers 601, 602, 60, respectively.
3, 604, 605, 606, and 607.

A multiplication circuit 608 multiplies the color pixel stored in the register 604 by a coefficient (−4). Reference numeral 609 denotes an adder, and registers 602, 603, 60
5, 607 and the output data of the multiplication circuit 608 are added, and as a result, Laplacian is output.

A subtracter 610 subtracts the computed Laplacian from the color pixel data stored in the register 604 to compute and output an edge-enhanced image. Reference numeral 611 denotes a register for synchronizing with SYSCLK, which temporarily latches color pixel data and outputs the data to the video bus 217.

These calculations are performed in synchronization with SYSCLK, and are performed continuously for each pixel.
Is output to At this time, the image enable signal VEn
Is output with.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of pattern matching circuit 214 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numerals 701, 702, and 703 denote line memories which temporarily store color image data sent from the edge emphasizing circuit 213 line by line.

Reference numeral 704 denotes a pattern detection circuit for detecting a specific pattern, particularly a pattern of securities or bills, based on data from the line memories 701, 702, and 703.

In the present embodiment, for the sake of explanation, a specific pattern is detected from a total of nine pixels consisting of three pixels vertically and three pixels horizontally, so the line memory is a memory for three lines. . Of course, when the number of pixels for identification is increased, the line memory may be increased accordingly.

The pattern detection circuit 704 mainly includes a fuzzy inference unit 705, a rule memory 706, and a membership function memory 707, and performs fuzzy inference processing based on data stored in the memories. The degree of similarity between the image data and a specific pattern set in advance is determined.

The rule memory 706 and the membership function memory 707 can also be accessed from the CPU bus 206, and can be set by the CPU 202 as needed.

The pattern detection circuit 704 is connected to the CPU bus 20
When the CPU 202 receives a start command from the CPU 202 via the CPU 6, it waits for an input of a video enable signal (VEn) from the edge enhancement circuit 213. Then, when the video enable signal (VEn) is input, the pattern detection circuit 704 enters an operation state.

The video bus 21 from the edge enhancement circuit 213
The color image data output to 7 is sequentially written to the line memories 701, 702, 703 line by line with the video enable signal (VEn) as a write enable.

When the color image data is written into each line memory, the pattern detection circuit 704 reads from each line, for example, in this embodiment, 3 pixels per line, that is, 9 pixels in total, and reads the rule memory 706 and the member. Specific patterns are sequentially detected by fuzzy inference based on information from the ship function memory 707.
These operations are sequentially performed in synchronization with the system clock (SYSCLK).

FIG. 8 shows a membership function stored in the membership function memory 707 shown in FIG.

In the figure, P11 to P33 are membership functions, for example, Pll is the first pixel of the first line of image data, P12 is the second pixel, P13 is the third pixel, and P13 is the second pixel of the image data.
The first pixel of the line is P21, the second pixel is P22, the third pixel is P23, the first pixel of the line is P31, and the second pixel is P3
The second and third pixels correspond to P33.

As shown in the figure, Pll to P33 are:
It is represented by a membership function using luminance as a feature value.

In the drawing, a member function of a certain color component is shown. Of course, each RGB color component has a membership function.

The width, shape, etc. of each membership function are appropriately set according to the level of difficulty in detection and the degree of ease of detection.

Here, the rule memory 706 shown in FIG.
For example, "If P11, P22, and P33 largely conform, and P12, P13, P21, and P2
3, P31 and P32 are moderately suitable. Then
It is a rule such as "Specific pattern".

Then, the fuzzy inference unit 70 shown in FIG.
In step 5, fuzzy inference is performed using the features extracted based on the rules and membership functions read from each memory as input, and the degree of matching with a specific pattern is determined and output.

When the fitness obtained as a result of the inference exceeds a certain threshold, the image transferred from the computer 102 is:
Judge as print prohibited image of securities, bills, etc.
An interrupt is notified to the CPU 202 via the bus 206.

CPU 202 receiving the interrupt signal
Stops the transfer of the image from the computer 102.

On the other hand, when the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 is equal to or less than a certain threshold value, pattern matching is repeated from the beginning again. At this time, since pattern matching is performed using original data sequentially sent from the computer 102, the number of pixels that need to be interpolated decreases, and the accuracy of pattern matching increases.

As described above, when the print-inhibited image is transferred from the computer 102, a specific pattern can be detected and the transfer can be stopped before the transfer of all image data is completed. .

On the other hand, when an image that is not print-inhibited is transferred from the computer 102, the CPU 202
Sends a start command to the color printer engine 209 after the transfer is completed, so that a print output can be obtained.

At the same time as the start of the color printer engine 209, the CPU 202 sends a command to the ASIC 205 to set the video output mode and wait for the synchronization signal 211 from the color printer engine 209.

Thus, the color printer engine 2
When 09 is started, although not shown, print paper is fed, a horizontal synchronization signal and a vertical synchronization signal (hereinafter collectively referred to as a synchronization signal 211) are generated and sent to the ASIC 205, and when the ASIC 205 receives the synchronization signal, The color image data developed in the image memory 210 is sequentially transferred to the color printer engine 209 via the video bus 207.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The forgery prevention processing of the printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure of a printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied. CPU 202 is ROM2
03 or a program stored in a storage medium (not shown). Note that S101
Steps S107 to S107 indicate each step.

First, a CPU (not shown) in the computer 102 starts transfer of image data at predetermined lines (every five lines in the example shown in FIG. 2) via an interface (not shown). When image data to be transferred (every five lines in the example shown in FIG. 2) is input (S101), the CPU 202
12, edge emphasis circuit 213, pattern matching circuit 2
14, a start command is sent, the interpolation circuit 212 interpolates an untransferred line, and the edge enhancement circuit 213 performs edge enhancement (S 102).

The pattern matching circuit 214 performs a pattern matching process (S103), and determines whether or not a specific pattern has been detected (the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 exceeds a certain threshold). (S104)
If a specific pattern is detected (the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 exceeds a certain threshold), the transfer image from the computer 102 is determined to be a print prohibited image of securities, bills, and the like. The CPU 202 interrupts the CPU 202 via the CPU bus 206, and upon receiving the interrupt signal, instructs the computer 102 to stop transferring the image from the computer 102 (S105). Thus, the CPU (not shown) in the computer 102 stops transferring the image data.

On the other hand, if the specific pattern is not detected in step S104 (the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 does not exceed a certain threshold), the original image data from the host computer 102 It is determined whether or not the transfer has been completed (S106), and the processes of steps S101, S102, and S103 are repeated until the transfer is completed.

The host computer 102 is instructed to transfer original image data (image data of untransferred lines) every predetermined line (in the embodiment, every five lines). As a result, a CPU (not shown) in the computer 102 starts transferring original image data (image data of an untransferred line) via an interface (not shown).

From the transferred image data and the newly transferred image data, the CPU 202 sends a start command to the interpolation circuit 212, the edge enhancement circuit 213, and the pattern matching circuit 214, and the interpolation circuit 212 The line is interpolated, and the edge enhancement circuit 213 performs edge enhancement (S102).

The pattern matching circuit 214 performs a pattern matching process (S103), and determines whether a specific pattern has been detected (the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 exceeds a certain threshold). (S104)
If a specific pattern is detected (the fitness obtained as a result of inference by the fuzzy inference unit 705 exceeds a certain threshold), the transfer image from the computer 102 is determined to be a print prohibited image of securities, bills, and the like. The CPU 202 interrupts the CPU 202 via the CPU bus 206, and upon receiving the interrupt signal, instructs the computer 102 to stop transferring the image from the computer 102 (S105). Thus, the CPU (not shown) in the computer 102 stops transferring the image data.

On the other hand, if the transfer of the original image data from the host computer 102 is completed in step S106, the image data is transferred to the color printer engine 2
09 and the printout is performed by the color printer engine 209 (S107), and the process ends.

By the above processing, it is possible to provide a forgery preventing means without affecting the performance of the printer by judging whether the image is a security or a bill simultaneously with the image transfer.

In the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when a pattern is detected, the transfer of data from a computer (information processing device) is controlled to be stopped. The data transfer may be controlled so that an error in which data transfer is performed but printing cannot be performed is returned to the image transfer apparatus.Also, data transfer from the computer is performed but faithful reproduction is performed. May be configured to control the data transfer so as not to perform the data transfer. For example, faithful reproduction is performed by various methods, such as printing to indicate that a forgery act has been performed, or superimposing characters such as "solid" images and "print prohibited" on printed matter. It may be configured so that it is not forged.

In FIG. 1, the computer 102, the color scanner 103, the network color printer 10
4 has been described as being communicable via the network 101, but may be configured to communicate via a local interface (for example, Centronics, SCSI, USB).

In the present embodiment, the color scanner 1
Image data read from the computer 10
2 and the network color printer 1
04, the image data read from the color scanner 103 is transferred to the computer 10.
2 without using the network color printer 10
4 may be configured to be transferable.

Further, the color printer engine 209 shown in FIG. 1 uses a laser beam system, an electrophotographic system (for example, an LED system) other than the laser beam system, a liquid crystal shutter system, an ink jet system, a thermal transfer system, a sublimation system, and the like. The present invention is applicable to a printing method.

As described above, when image data is transferred from the computer to the color printer, the image data is transferred for each given line, an untransferred line is interpolated from the transferred image data line, and the interpolated data and Fuzzy inference is performed based on the specific pattern that has been set, pattern matching and fitness calculation are performed to determine whether or not the interpolated image data includes a pattern that fits the specific pattern, and based on the fitness. By stopping the transfer of the image data from the computer to the printer, it is possible to prevent forgery without affecting the performance of the printer by judging whether the image is a securities or bill image simultaneously with the image transfer.

The configuration of a data processing program readable by a printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs that can be read by a printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator and the like are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 9 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of a storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon disk, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by reading and reading a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0119]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the sixth aspect, when data for each predetermined line of image data is input from the information processing apparatus, an untransferred data portion is interpolated based on the data for each predetermined line of the transferred image data. Then, a specific pattern existing in the interpolated image data is detected, and when a specific pattern is detected in the interpolated image data, image data transfer from the information processing apparatus is controlled (for example, stopped). By instructing the information processing apparatus, it is possible to prevent a decrease in throughput due to the effect of determining whether or not the image is a specific pattern, for example, a securities image or a bill image, at the same time as image transfer, and also to reliably prevent forgery. It has the effect that it can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system to which an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where an image file in which bills are captured by a scanner is transferred to a network color printer and stored in an image memory.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an internal configuration of the interpolation circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an interpolation operation by the interpolation operation circuit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing an internal configuration of the edge enhancement circuit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a configuration of an edge emphasis calculation circuit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of the pattern matching circuit shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram illustrating a membership function stored in a membership function memory illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first control processing procedure of a printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a printer system to which the image forming apparatus and the information processing apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 Network 102 Computer 103 Color Scanner 104 Network Color Printer 202 CPU 203 ROM 204 Work RAM 209 Color Printer Engine 210 Image Memory 212 Interpolation Circuit 213 Edge Enhancement Circuit 214 Pattern Matching Circuit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus which prints out image data sent from an information processing apparatus communicable via a predetermined communication medium, wherein when data for each predetermined line of image data is input from the information processing apparatus. Interpolating means for interpolating an untransferred data portion based on the data of each predetermined line of the transferred image data, and detecting means for detecting a specific pattern present in the interpolated image data interpolated by the interpolating means And control means for instructing the information processing apparatus to control image data transfer from the information processing apparatus when a specific pattern is detected in the interpolation image data by the detection means. Characteristic image forming apparatus. 2. An information processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the transfer of the image data for each predetermined line to the image forming apparatus is performed. An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls transfer of data of the image data for each predetermined line in response to a request from the image forming apparatus. 3. A control method for an image forming apparatus which prints out image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus communicable via a predetermined communication medium, wherein data for each predetermined line of image data is input from the information processing apparatus. Then, an interpolation step of interpolating an untransferred data portion based on the data of each line of the image data to be transferred, and a detection step of detecting a specific pattern present in the interpolated image data And a transfer control step of instructing the information processing device to control the transfer of image data from the information processing device when a specific pattern is detected in the interpolation image data. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus. 4. A control method for an information processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium, comprising: transmitting data of each predetermined line of image data to the image forming apparatus; A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a transfer step of transferring; and a transfer control step of controlling transfer of data of each predetermined line of the image data in accordance with an instruction from the image forming apparatus. 5. An image forming apparatus which prints out image data transmitted from an information processing apparatus communicable via a predetermined communication medium, when data for each predetermined line of image data is input from the information processing apparatus. An interpolation step of interpolating an untransferred data portion based on the data of each predetermined line of the transferred image data; a detection step of detecting a specific pattern present in the interpolated interpolated image data; When a specific pattern is detected in the interpolated image data, the computer reads a program for executing a transfer control step of instructing the information processing apparatus to control image data transfer from the information processing apparatus. A storage medium that stores data in a possible manner. 6. A transfer for transferring data for each predetermined line of image data to an image processing apparatus capable of transmitting image data to an image forming apparatus capable of communicating via a predetermined communication medium. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a process and a transfer control process of controlling transfer of the image data for each predetermined line in accordance with an instruction from the image forming apparatus.