JP2002190951A - Image reading equipment, control method thereof image forming equipment, control method thereof, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize forgery preventing function with high productivity in an image processing system for providing color copy function via network or the like. SOLUTION: When an image signal read in a scanner 101 is transferred to a printer 102, comparison decision results of the image signal with a plurality of specified images are transferred by adding to the image signal. When the results added to the image signal transferred from the scanner 101 shows in the printer 102 that the degree of matching of the image signal to all the specified images is at most a prescribed value with the decision process in the scanner 102, control is so performed that print output based on the image signal is executed. When the results show that at least one specified image is not yet decided with the decision process in the scanner 102, the comparison decision process of the image information is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a method of controlling an image reading apparatus having a function of suppressing conversion of a copy-inhibited document such as bills or securities into electronic image data. The present invention relates to a method for controlling an image forming apparatus and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the performance of a color image reading apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a color scanner) using a CCD or the like and a color printer have been improved. By reading the data as data and outputting the data to a color printer, there is a high risk that a copy-protected original document is copied and forged. In order to prevent such forgery, in a color copying machine having a configuration in which a color scanner and a color printer are combined, an anti-counterfeiting device that recognizes a copy-inhibited document and inhibits copying has been increasingly incorporated.

[0003]

However, when a color scanner and a printer are not integrated, a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) is provided as an intermediary to provide a function equivalent to that of a color copying machine. Few devices have built-in protection devices.

[0004] When a forgery prevention device is mounted on either the scanner or the printer, there is a problem of cost increase.

[0005] Since there are many types of originals for which duplication is prohibited, there is a problem that the load required to determine whether the original is a duplication prohibition is large and the processing speed is reduced.

Further, when performing color copying in a form in which a reading color scanner and an output printer are connected via a network, it is not known whether the scanner or the printer performs the forgery prevention determination. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in which it is difficult to provide a forgery prevention function as a system, has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to fifteenth inventions according to the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus. In comparing the image signal read from the document and a plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence whether the specific image is included, when transferring the image signal to the image forming apparatus, the image signal The comparison result is added and transferred, and the image forming apparatus outputs the comparison result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading apparatus. If the determination in the image reading device indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value, control is performed to perform print output based on the image signal. When the comparison determination result indicates that at least one specific image has not been determined in the determination process in the image reading device, the determination unit performs the determination process on the image information, thereby performing image comparison without duplication. It is possible to suppress the counterfeiting of the image input from the color scanner and the image output to the color printer with high productivity.
Image reading apparatus, image forming apparatus, control method of image reading apparatus, and control of image forming apparatus capable of realizing a forgery prevention function with high productivity in an image processing system that provides a color copy function via a network or the like A method and a storage medium are provided.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an original is read and converted into an image signal, and the image signal is transmitted via a predetermined communication medium to an image forming apparatus (such as a printer 102 shown in FIG. 1). In the image reading device (scanner 101 shown in FIG. 1) which can be transferred to the image reading device 104), the image signal read from the document is compared with a plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence whether or not the specific image is included. Determining means (an image comparing circuit 204 shown in FIG. 2), and a control means for controlling the image signal to be transferred by adding the result of the comparing and determining operation to the image signal when transferring the image signal to the image forming apparatus. (CPU 201 shown in FIG. 2).

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the control means, when the determination means determines that the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value, The image signal is controlled so as not to be transferred to the image forming apparatus.

A third invention according to the present invention relates to an image reading apparatus (a scanner 10 shown in FIG. 1) via a predetermined communication medium.
1, 103), the image forming apparatus (the printer 1 shown in FIG.
02, 104), the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device determines that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the determination process in the image reading device. In the case where it is indicated that the printing has been completed, a control means (CPU 901 shown in FIG. 4) for controlling to perform print output based on the image signal is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a determination means for comparing an image signal transferred from the image reading device with a plurality of specific images to determine a degree of coincidence whether or not a specific image is included. (Image comparison circuit 913 shown in FIG. 4)
Wherein the control means determines that the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device has not been determined with respect to the image signal and at least one specific image in a determination process in the image reading device. If it is determined that the image signal has been detected, the determination means controls the image signal to be determined.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the control means may determine whether the comparison result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device is at least one specific image in a determination process in the image reading device. In the case of indicating that it has not been determined, when it is not possible to determine the degree of coincidence of whether the specific image is included by comparing the image signal and a plurality of specific images in the present device,
The control is performed so as not to perform the print output based on the image signal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image reading apparatus capable of reading an original, converting the image signal into an image signal, and transferring the image signal to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A determination step (Step S403 shown in FIG. 5) of determining whether or not a specific image is included by comparing the image signal read from the image signal with a plurality of specific images; In the transfer step, a transfer step of adding the comparison result of the determination step to the image signal and transferring the image signal (step S40 shown in FIG. 5)
5).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value in the determining step, the image of the image signal The transfer to the forming apparatus is not performed (steps S404, S406, and S407 in FIG. 5).

An eighth invention according to the present invention is directed to a control method of an image forming apparatus for performing a print output operation based on an image signal transferred from an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein When the comparison determination result added to the transferred image signal indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the determination processing in the image reading device, Printing process for performing print output based on
Steps S605, S606, and step S8 in FIG.
05, S806).

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading apparatus is not determined for the image signal and at least one specific image in the determination processing in the image reading apparatus. If it is determined that the determination is affirmative, the image signal is compared with a plurality of specific images to determine whether or not the specific image is included (steps S604 and S604 in FIG. 8).
607).

[0016] In a tenth aspect according to the present invention, the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device does not determine the image signal and at least one specific image in the determination process in the image reading device. In the case of indicating that it was a determination, when it is not possible to determine the degree of coincidence whether the specific image is included by comparing the image signal and a plurality of specific images in the present device,
The print output based on the image signal is not performed (FIG. 10
Steps S804 and S808).

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a document is read and converted into an image signal, and the image signal is read from the document by an image reading device capable of transferring the image signal to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A determination step of comparing the image signal with a plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence whether or not the specific image is included (Step S40 shown in FIG. 5)
3) and a program for executing a transfer step (step S405 shown in FIG. 5) of adding the comparison determination result of the determination step to the image signal when transferring the image signal to the image forming apparatus. Is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value in the determining step, the image of the image signal The transfer to the forming apparatus is not performed (steps S404, S406, and S407 in FIG. 5).

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which performs a print output operation based on an image signal transferred from an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, and is transferred from the image reading device. If the comparison judgment result added to the image signal indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the judgment processing in the image reading device, printing based on the image signal is performed. Printing process for output (step S in FIG. 8)
605, S606, steps S805, S80 in FIG.
A program for executing 6) is stored in a storage medium in a computer-readable manner.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device has not been determined for at least one specific image in the determination process in the image reading device. If this is the case, a determination step (steps S604 and S607 in FIG. 8) of comparing the image signal with a plurality of specific images and determining the degree of coincidence of whether or not the specific image is included is provided. .

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the comparison / determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device has not been determined for at least one specific image in the determination process in the image reading device. In the case where it is determined that the image signal cannot be compared with the plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence of whether or not the specific image is included, the printing based on the image signal is performed. No output is performed (step S8 in FIG. 10).
04, S808).

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 illustrates the configuration of an image processing system to which an image data processing apparatus, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image data controller, for example, a personal computer or a work station, which controls input / output of image data. 101, 10
Numerals 3 denote scanners for reading an original and converting it into an image signal. Printers 102 and 104 print out image signals.

The scanner 101 and the printer 102
Each has a built-in circuit for determining forgery prevention, and does not include a scanner 103 and a printer 104.

In FIG. 1, the scanner 101 directly
The scanner 103 is connected to the printer 1 via the scanner 101.
02 denotes a case where the printer 104 is directly connected to the image data controller 100 via the printer 102 so as to be communicable with each other.
It may be possible to communicate with the image data controller 100 via a network such as ernet.

Next, each internal configuration will be described with reference to a block diagram.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the scanner 101 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU,
The scanner controls the entire scanner based on a program stored in a storage medium 07 or another storage medium (not shown), and controls an image signal processing circuit and an optical system and a mechanical control for reading (not shown). 208 is RAM
And is used as a work area of the CPU 201.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a CCD image sensor (hereinafter, C)
CD), the original is converted into an electric signal. 203 is an image correction processing circuit. The image correction processing performed here is shading correction for correcting variations in light distribution between the center and the end of the document, and color space conversion processing for converting the color conversion characteristics unique to the CCD into a standard color space. is there.

Reference numeral 204 denotes an image comparison circuit which reads the read image data and the specific image data stored in the specific image memory 205 (for example, electronic image data of a copy prohibition original such as bills or securities, or Of the image data (characteristic data) composed only of the characteristic of the typical image data is determined. The specific image memory 205 is for storing specific image data for performing image comparison.

Reference numeral 206 denotes an image network interface for transferring data to the image data controller 100. The image network interface 206 transfers the comparison result of the image comparison circuit 204 and the image data.

On the other hand, the scanner 103 shown in FIG. 1 is obtained by omitting the specific image memory 205 and the image comparison circuit 204 in the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image data controller 100 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU on the image data controller 100, which controls input and output of data with the scanners 101 and 103 and the printers 102 and 104.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a data bus of the CPU, which includes a card bus controller 304 and a ROM 3 which will be described later.
05, RAM 306, hard disk controller 30
7, a keyboard controller 313 and a display controller 310 are connected.

The card bus controller 304 controls the card bus 303 for mounting a function board for adding a function to the image data controller. The ROM 305 is a program memory in which control software for the image data controller 100 is stored.
The RAM 306 is composed of a DRAM or an SRAM, and can be used as a work area for a normal program or can be used as an image data memory.

The hard disk controller 307 controls reading and writing of the hard disk 312.
The hard disk 312 is used for storing image data and for storing program software. The hard disk controller 307 compresses data when storing image data, and also decompresses data when reading image data.

Next, each functional board connected to the card bus 303 will be described.

Reference numeral 308 denotes a network interface card for performing a network interface (not shown). Ethernet (registered trademark) (Ethe
rnet (registered trademark)), token ring (token
-Ring) or the like, and a corresponding card can be installed on a physical interface for constructing a network.

An image network interface card 309 includes the scanners 101 and 103, the printers 102 and 104, and the image data controller 100 shown in FIG.
And a network interface for exchanging image data with the network. This image network needs to be configured with a high-speed bus that can transfer a large amount of image data.

Next, the display controller 310
Controls output to the display 311 for display.
The keyboard controller 313 includes a keyboard 314,
The input from a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball or the like (not shown) is controlled.

In this image processing system, the user views the keyboard 31 while watching the display on the display 311.
A document reading or printing operation instruction is performed by using a pointing device 4 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 102 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 90l denotes a CPU which performs all controls in the printer such as mechatronic control of the printer and reception of bitmap data. 902 is a memory (ROM)
The program of the CPU 901 is stored. 90
A RAM 3 is used as a work area of the CPU 90l. Reference numeral 904 denotes a CPU address and data bus of the CPU 901.

Reference numeral 905 denotes an IEEE 1394 link controller, which is an image network (image data network).
The interface with 110 is performed. 906 is IEEE1
394 physical interface, 907 is IEEE1394
908 is a fast-in / fast-out memory (hereinafter, FIFO) for temporarily storing the image data transferred by the isochronous transfer and the added determination information, and 909 is a FIFO from the FIFO 908 in accordance with the operation timing of the printer engine. This is a video data controller that controls the reading of the data. Here, the additional information (judgment information added to the image data) is cut out from the image data and transferred to the RAM 903, and the image data (bitmap data) is output from the laser driver 91.
0 is transferred.

A laser driver 910 is for performing printing, and 911 is an engine controller.
It performs mechatronic control such as motor control and paper feed control of the printer engine 912.

Reference numeral 913 denotes an image comparison circuit, which is input image data to the printer and specific image data stored in the specific image memory 914 (for example, electronic image data of a copy prohibited document such as a bill or a securities). This is for determining the degree of coincidence with. The specific image memory 914 is a memory for storing specific image data for performing image comparison.

The printer 104 does not have the specific image memory 914 and the image comparison circuit 913 in FIG.

In FIG. 4, the printers 102, 104
Has been described as an example of a laser beam method,
The present invention is applicable to 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 other printing systems.

1 to 4, the scanner 101,
Although the case where the printer 103 and the printers 102 and 104 can communicate with the image data controller 100 via the image network has been described, each device may be configured to be able to communicate via a normal network such as Ethernet, or may be configured as a USB. , Centronics, SCSI or the like.

Hereinafter, the operation of the image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device, and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

The operation of the scanner 101 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a scanner operation. Note that S401
To S407 indicate each step. Step S40
2 to S406, the CPU of the scanner 101 shown in FIG.
The steps S401 and S407 are executed by the CPU 301 of the image data controller 100 shown in FIG. 3 by the CPU 301 of the image data controller 100 shown in FIG. Is executed based on the program stored in the.

The operator places the document on the scanner 101 and gives a scanner operation instruction from the image data controller 100. In step S401, the image data controller 100 determines whether or not a scanner operation (document reading) instruction (an instruction using the keyboard 314 or a pointing device (not shown) or the like) is received from the operator. If it is determined that the instruction has been given, the scanner 101 is instructed to perform scanner reading, and the
Performs a scanner reading operation in step S402.

The image data read by the CCD 202 of the scanner 101 is subjected to predetermined image processing by an image correction processing circuit 203, and the flow advances to step S403. Is compared with the image.

In step S404, it is determined whether the degree of coincidence is larger than a predetermined value (for example, 50%, but this value can be changed to a smaller value (sweet value) or a larger value (strict value)). If it is determined that the coincidence is greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S406, and the scanner 101 notifies the image data controller 100 that the document currently being read is a read-inhibited image. Upon receiving this, the image data controller 100 displays a warning shown in FIG. 6 described later on the display 311 (S407).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S404 that the degree of coincidence does not exceed the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S4.
In step 05, the scanner 101 adds the additional determination information to the read image data (shown in FIG. 7 described later) and transfers the data to the image data controller 100.

FIG. 6 shows a warning message displayed on the display 311 of the image data controller 100 when the degree of coincidence between the image read by the CCD 202 of the scanner 101 and the specific image stored in the specific image memory 205 is larger than a predetermined value. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example.

As shown in the figure, a message such as "Warning to copy the image currently being read is prohibited by law. The reading operation will be interrupted." Of the original is a read-inhibited image.

FIG. 7 shows an image transferred from the scanner 101 to the image data controller 100 when the coincidence between the image read by the CCD 202 of the scanner 101 and the specific image stored in the specific image memory 205 is not larger than a predetermined value. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data.

As shown in the figure, the transfer data is composed of additional information 1201 for judgment result and image data 1202.

The judgment result additional information 1201 is stored in the scanner 1
02 image data 1202 in the image comparison circuit 204 of FIG.
7 shows a comparison determination result of a determination process between the image and a plurality of specific images.
Further, the determination result additional information 1201 includes a table indicating whether or not each specific image has been determined and whether or not the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The determined value is indicated by “1”, the undetermined value is indicated by “0”, and the coincidence degree is indicated by “0” when it is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and is indicated by “1” when the coincidence degree is larger than the predetermined value.

When the image reading process is performed by the scanner 103 having no built-in image comparison circuit, the flow chart shown in FIG.
02, the scanner reading operation is performed.
Proceeding to 5, the scanner 103 adds the determination additional information shown in FIG. 7 to the image data read in step S402 as undetermined “0” for all image types, and transfers it to the image data controller 100. .

Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing apparatus, the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a printer operation. Note that S601
S608 indicate each step. Step S60
3 to S608, the CPU of the printer 102 shown in FIG.
901 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 907 or another storage medium (not shown). Steps S601, S602, and S608 are executed by the CPU 301 of the image data controller 100 shown in FIG.
It is assumed that the program is executed based on a program stored in the M305, the hard disk 302, or another storage medium (not shown).

In step S601, the image data controller 100 determines whether or not there is a print instruction (an instruction from the keyboard 314 or a pointing device (not shown)) from the operator, waits until the print instruction is issued, and determines that there is a print instruction. If it is determined, in step S602, the print data is transferred to the printer 102, and the printer 102
, Data is stored once in the RAM 903 via the image network.

Then, in step S603, the CPU 90
In step S1, the determination result additional information is extracted from the transfer data. In step S604, it is determined whether or not the extracted determination result additional information has been determined for all the image types. If the determination has been made for the image, the process proceeds to step S605.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S604 that there is at least one undetermined image in the determination result additional information (including the case where the determination result additional information has not been added to the transfer data), the process proceeds to step S607. The image comparison circuit 913 compares the transferred image data with the undetermined image on the specific image memory 914, and proceeds to step S605.

Next, in step S 605, in the judgment result additional information or the judgment result in step S 607,
The degree of coincidence for each designated image is determined.
In step 06, a printing operation is performed.

On the other hand, in step S605, if the degree of coincidence with at least one specified image is larger than a predetermined value, that is, it is determined that it matches at least one specified image in the additional information of the determination result or the determination result of step S607. If so, in step S608, the image data controller 100 is notified that the image data currently instructed to be printed is a print-inhibited image. Upon receiving this, the image data controller 100 displays a warning shown in FIG.

As described above, the additional information of the determination result of the specific image is added to the transfer data together with the image data by the scanner.
The control state of the printer has been described based on the information.

FIG. 9 shows a warning message displayed on the display 311 of the image data controller 100 when the degree of coincidence between the image data transferred to the printer 102 and the specific image stored in the specific image memory 914 is larger than a predetermined value. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example.

As shown in the figure, a message such as "Warning The output of the image currently requested to be printed is prohibited by law. The print operation is interrupted." The specified image data is a print-inhibited image.

As described above, by adding the comparison judgment result with the specific image to the image data transferred from the scanner, and confirming the judgment result additional information by the printer via the network, the image comparison can be performed without duplication. Therefore, a forgery deterrent effect with good productivity can be expected.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
The data transfer and the printing operation from the scanner 101 having the image comparison circuit 204 or the scanner 103 having no image comparison circuit 204 to the printer 102 having the image comparison circuit 913 have been described. May be configured to transfer data from the scanner 101 having a built-in printer to the printer 104 not having the built-in image comparison circuit 913 to perform a printing operation.
Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printer 104 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a printer operation. Note that S80
1 to S808 indicate each step. Step S8
03 to S807 are the CPs of the printer 104 shown in FIG.
U901 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 907 or another storage medium (not shown). Steps S801, S802, S807, and S808 are executed by the CPU 30 of the image data controller 100 shown in FIG.
1 is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 305, the hard disk 302, or another storage medium (not shown).

In step S801, the image data controller 100 determines whether or not a print instruction (an instruction from the keyboard 314 or a pointing device (not shown) or the like) has been received from the operator. If it is determined, in step S802, the print data is transferred to the printer 102, and the printer 102
, Data is stored once in the RAM 903 via the image network.

Then, in a step S803, the CPU 90
In step S1, the determination result additional information is extracted from the transfer data. In step S804, it is determined whether the extracted determination result additional information has been determined for all the image types. If it is determined that there is at least one undetermined image (including the case where the determination result additional information is not added to the transfer data),
Since this printer has no built-in image comparison circuit, in step S808, it notifies the image data controller 100 that it is not determined whether the image data for which the print instruction has been issued is a print-inhibited image. Image data controller 100 receiving this
Displays a warning shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S804 that all the image types have been determined,
In step S805, the degree of coincidence with each specified image is determined from the additional information of the determination result. If the degree of coincidence with all the specified images is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, that is, if none of the specified images are coincident, step S806 is performed. Then, the printing operation is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the degree of coincidence with at least one specified image is greater than the predetermined value from the additional information of the determination result, that is, if it is determined that the image matches at least one specified image, step S807 is performed.
, The image data controller 100 informs the image data controller 100 that the image data currently instructed to be printed is a print-inhibited image. The image data controller 100 receiving this displays the warning shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a warning message displayed on the display 311 of the image data controller 100 when the image data transferred to the printer 104 is undetermined image data.

As shown in the figure, a message such as "Warning may be contained in the image requested to be printed by law. Printing will be interrupted." Then, the user is notified that the image data currently instructed to be printed has not yet been determined and that a print-inhibited image may be included and printing cannot be performed.

As described above, by adding the comparison and determination result with the specific image to the image data transferred from the scanner, and confirming the additional information of the determination result by the printer via the network, the image comparison can be performed without duplication. Therefore, a forgery deterrent effect with good productivity can be expected.

As described above, by adding the comparison and judgment result with the specific image to the image data transferred from the scanner to the printer without a built-in image comparison circuit, the judgment result additional information is confirmed by the printer via the network. If the image does not match the specified image, the printout is performed. If the image does not match the specified image, or if the image is not determined, the print is prohibited and a warning is displayed, enabling image comparison without duplication. A good anti-counterfeiting effect can be expected.

As described above, according to the present invention, the judgment result additional information is confirmed by the printer via the network by adding the comparison judgment result with the specific image to the image data transferred from the scanner. By doing
Since image comparison can be performed without duplication, an anti-counterfeiting effect with good productivity can be expected.

Further, it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Further, the present invention provides an image data processing device,
The present invention is applicable to an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus alone or to an image processing system including an image data processing apparatus, an image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus.

As described above, in an image processing system for transferring an image signal converted by a color scanner for reading a document and converting the image signal to an image signal via a network and performing a print output operation from a color printer, By adding information indicating whether or not a forgery prevention determination has been made, the printer that has received the image data via the network checks the additional information to determine whether or not the determination has been made. By performing the prevention determination or deciding whether or not to perform a printing operation, it is possible to suppress counterfeiting of an image input from a color scanner or an image output to a color printer. In particular, a forgery prevention function can be realized in a system that provides a color copy function via a network.

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

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium storing various data processing programs readable by an image processing system to which the image data processing apparatus, the image reading apparatus, and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. It is.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. 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 FIGS. 5, 8 and 10 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 embodiment 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 the 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.

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 downloading and reading out 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.

[0102]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the inventions of (1) to (15), in the image reading apparatus, the image signal read from the document is compared with a plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence whether or not the specific image is included, and the image signal is converted into an image. When transferring to the image forming apparatus, the comparison result is added to the image signal and transferred. In the image forming apparatus, the comparison result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading apparatus is used in the image reading apparatus. If the determination processing indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value, control is performed to perform print output based on the image signal,
On the other hand, when the comparison determination result indicates that at least one specific image has not been determined in the determination process in the image reading device, the determination unit performs the determination process on the image information. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing environment in which forgery prevention processing can be performed with high productivity.

Therefore, a forgery prevention function can be realized with high productivity in an image processing system that provides a color copy function via a network or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system to which an image data processing device, an image reading device, and an image forming device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the scanner illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image data controller illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the printer illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device, and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a warning message displayed on a display of an image data controller when a degree of coincidence between an image read by a CCD of a scanner and a specific image stored in a specific image memory is greater than a predetermined value. .

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data transferred from the scanner to the image data controller when the degree of coincidence between the image read by the CCD of the scanner and the specific image stored in the specific image memory is not greater than a predetermined value; is there.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device, and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a warning message displayed on the display of the image data controller when the degree of coincidence between the image data transferred to the printer and the specific image stored in the specific image memory is larger than a predetermined value. .

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control processing procedure of an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device, and the image forming device of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a warning message displayed on a display of an image data controller when image data transferred to a printer is undetermined image data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by an image processing system to which the image data processing device, the image reading device, and the image forming device according to the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 100 image data controller 101 scanner 102 printer 103 scanner 104 printer 204 image comparison circuit 205 specific image memory 201 CPU 207 ROM 208 RAM 913 image comparison circuit 914 specific image memory 901 CPU 902 ROM 903 RAM

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus which reads a document and converts the read image signal into an image signal, and transfers the image signal to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A determination unit that determines the degree of coincidence whether a specific image is included by comparing the image signal, and adding a comparison determination result of the determination unit to the image signal when transferring the image signal to the image forming apparatus. An image reading apparatus, comprising: control means for controlling transfer. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines that the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device controls so as not to perform the transfer. 3. An image forming apparatus that performs a print output operation based on an image signal transferred from an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the comparison determination added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device is performed. If the result indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the determination processing in the image reading device, control is performed to perform print output based on the image signal. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4. A control apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to compare an image signal transferred from the image reading device with a plurality of specific images to determine a degree of coincidence whether or not a specific image is included. Means for determining, when the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading apparatus indicates that at least one specific image has not been determined in the determination processing in the image reading apparatus, The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image signal is controlled so as to perform the determination processing of the image signal. 5. The control unit indicates that the comparison result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device has not been determined for at least one specific image in the determination process in the image reading device. In this case, when the image signal cannot be compared with the plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence whether or not the specific image is included, the printout based on the image signal is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control is performed so as not to occur. 6. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus capable of converting a document into a read image signal and transferring the image signal to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A determination step of comparing with a specific image to determine whether or not the specific image is included, and when transferring the image signal to an image forming apparatus, the comparison determination result of the determination step is transferred to the image signal. A method of controlling an image reading apparatus, the method further comprising: 7. When the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value in the determining step, data transfer of the image signal to the image forming apparatus is performed. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein there is no control. 8. A control method for an image forming apparatus that performs a print output operation based on an image signal transferred from an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, the method being added to an image signal transferred from the image reading device. A printing step of performing print output based on the image signal when the comparison determination result indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the determination processing in the image reading device. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus, comprising: 9. A case where a comparison determination result added to an image signal transferred from the image reading device indicates that the image signal and at least one specific image have not been determined in a determination process in the image reading device. 9. The control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a step of comparing the image signal with a plurality of specific images to determine a degree of coincidence whether or not a specific image is included. . 10. A case in which a comparison result added to an image signal transferred from the image reading device indicates that the image signal and at least one specific image have not been determined in a determination process in the image reading device. If the image signal cannot be compared with the plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence of whether or not the specific image is included in the apparatus, printout based on the image signal is not performed. 9. The control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: 11. An image reading apparatus which reads a document and converts the image signal into an image signal, and transfers the image signal to an image forming apparatus via a predetermined communication medium. A comparison step of determining whether or not a specific image is included in the comparison of the image signal, and when transferring the image signal to an image forming apparatus, adding the comparison determination result of the determination step to the image signal A storage medium in which a computer-readable program for executing a transfer step of transferring is stored. 12. When the degree of coincidence between the image signal read from the document and at least one specific image exceeds a predetermined value, the image signal is not transferred to the image forming apparatus. The storage medium according to claim 11, wherein: 13. An image forming apparatus that performs a print output operation based on an image signal transferred from an image reading device via a predetermined communication medium, wherein the comparison determination added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device is performed. If the result indicates that the degree of coincidence between the image signal and all the specific images is equal to or less than a predetermined value in the determination processing in the image reading device, a print step of performing print output based on the image signal is executed. Storage medium storing a computer readable program. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the comparison determination result added to the image signal transferred from the image reading device indicates that at least one specific image has not been determined in the determination process in the image reading device. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, further comprising a determination step of comparing a signal with a plurality of specific images to determine a degree of coincidence whether or not a specific image is included. 15. A case in which a comparison determination result added to an image signal transferred from the image reading device indicates that at least one specific image has not been determined in a determination process in the image reading device, If the image signal cannot be compared with the plurality of specific images to determine the degree of coincidence of whether or not the specific image is included in the apparatus, printout based on the image signal is not performed. 14. The storage medium according to claim 13, wherein