JP2004072167A - Output control apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an output control apparatus for outputting a document with a copy-protected image that generates a copy image whereby copying of important data included in the document is disabled. <P>SOLUTION: In a document output apparatus 1 using a printer 6 to print out a document, a CPU 2 generates a copy-protected image by combining an image that is made invisible by copying with a remaining image that is clearly visible by copying and produces a document image the important data of which comprise disappearance character strings which are made invisible by copying. Then the CPU 2 composes the copy-protected image with the document image and allows the printer 6 to print out the composite document. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an output control device and a program for outputting data for suppressing copying.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An important printed matter such as a document in which securities or information to be confidential is described (hereinafter, referred to as a “form”) is often printed with a copy check image for checking copying. This copy check image is a combination of a lost image that disappears during copying and a remaining image that can be copied. As the remaining image, for example, a character string such as “invalid” or “copy” is used. As the lost image, for example, a fine image overlapping the remaining image is used.
[0003]
When the lost image and the residual image are used in combination in this way, a copy check image in which characters and figures that are difficult to see on the original form clearly appear on the copy by copying, and characters and figures that are visible on the original form A copy check image in which a figure disappears by copying can be created. That is, since the form with the copy checking image is output as a clearly different copy from the original when copied by the copying machine, the effect of suppressing the illegal copying is expected.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a conventional form with a copy check image is copied, although a copy clearly different from the original is output, visible data such as numerical values and characters printed on the form are also copied. Here, when these numerical values, characters, and the like are important data, there is a problem that the important data leaks to the outside due to illegal copying.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to output important data of a plurality of data by using copy suppression information for suppressing copying.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a specifying unit that specifies data that is restricted from being copied by a copying machine among data to be output, and that specifies the data specified by the specifying unit by a copying machine It is characterized by comprising: copy suppression information generating means for generating copy suppression information for suppressing copying; and output means for outputting the copy suppression information generated by the copy suppression information generating means.
[0007]
Therefore, when important data is included in the output data, it is possible to specify that important data is output as data that suppresses copying, and to generate and output the data as copy suppression information. Even if the copied data is taken out and copied by a third party, important data is prevented from being copied by the copying machine, and is invisible in the copy. As a result, it is possible to prevent important data from leaking out, and to output data with high security.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
Here, the correspondence relationship between each component in the output control device according to the present invention and the form output device 1 in the present embodiment will be specified. That is, the storage unit of the output control device according to the present invention corresponds to the storage device 5 of the form output device 1 according to the present embodiment, and the designation unit according to the present invention corresponds to the input unit 8 according to the present embodiment. . Further, the lost image generating means, the data synthesizing means, and the copy restraining image generating means of the present invention correspond to the CPU 2 of the present embodiment, and the output means of the present invention corresponds to the printing apparatus 6, the display unit 7 of the present embodiment. Alternatively, it corresponds to the transmission control unit 9. Furthermore, the copy suppression information in the present invention corresponds to the lost image and the lost character string in the present embodiment, and the copy check image in the present invention is generated by combining the remaining image and the lost image in the present embodiment. It corresponds to the copy check image to be performed.
[0009]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the form output device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, a storage device 5, a printing device 6, a display unit 7, an input device, and the like. It comprises a unit 8 and a transmission control unit 9, and each unit is connected by a bus 10.
[0010]
The CPU 2 reads out system programs and various application programs stored in the storage device 5 and develops them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 4, executes various processes based on these programs, and stores processing results in a work area in the RAM 4. (Not shown) and displayed on the display unit 7. Further, the CPU 2 stores the processing result in the specified storage destination in the storage device 5 based on the operation signal input from the input unit 8.
[0011]
Specifically, the CPU 2 reads a print processing program stored in the business application file 5a of the storage device 5, and executes a print processing (see FIG. 4) described later. Therefore, the function of the CPU 2 in the printing process will be described below. When executing a print process, when a form creation instruction is input via the input unit 8, the CPU 2 displays a copy check image editing screen 71 (see FIG. 8) on the display unit 7 to generate a copy check image. A copy check image generation process (see FIG. 5) is performed to execute the process.
[0012]
Here, the copy check image is an image composed of a lost image that is difficult to be copied by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied, and is, for example, the smallest dot that can be detected when a document is read by the copying machine. This is an image generated by forming a lost image with dots smaller than the reference dot size and a remaining image with dots larger than the reference dot size based on the size.
[0013]
The lost image can be visually recognized as a pattern on the original form printed by the printing device 6, but is not printed on a duplicate because it is difficult to copy by a copying machine. Further, the lost image is arranged so as to hide the remaining image on the original form. On the other hand, the residual image is lost in the lost image on the form and is difficult to visually recognize, but does not disappear when copied by a copying machine, and is clearly printed on a copy. Therefore, when a form (original) with a copy check image printed by the form output device 1 is copied by a copying machine, a duplicate clearly different from the original is output, so that the original and the duplicate can be easily distinguished. This can be expected to have the effect of checking illegal copying.
[0014]
In the copy restraint image generation process executed as a part of the printing process, the CPU 2 uses the copy restraint image editing screen 71 to check the character string, font, character size, character string angle, and character string arrangement of the check character used for the copy restraint image. An input of a generation condition including selection of a state and a design to be used for a copy check image is received. Further, the CPU 2 changes the character string, font, character size, angle of the character string, arrangement state of the character string, and the like of the remaining image based on the received generation condition, and adjusts the pattern of the lost image, and the like. Edit the copy check image. Further, the CPU 2 executes a later-described copy check image drawing process (see FIG. 6) to generate a copy check image, and stores the generated copy check image in a copy check image data memory 41a described later.
[0015]
Further, in the printing process, the CPU 2 displays a form image editing screen 72 (see FIG. 10) on the display unit 7 and executes a form image generation process (see FIG. 7) for generating a form image. When receiving a selection of a form from the form image editing screen 72 in the form image generation processing executed as part of the printing processing, the CPU 2 reads out the corresponding form data from the form data file 5c of the storage device 5 and reads the corresponding form data. Then, the sample image is displayed on the form image editing screen 72. Further, the CPU 2 accepts input of necessary items (for example, name, resignation number, issue No., date 1, date 2) from the form image editing screen 72 as data for generating a form image, and stores it in the RAM. Further, the CPU 2 accepts a check for a lost item, and stores a corresponding necessary item as a lost item in the work area of the RAM 4.
[0016]
Here, the lost item is an item that constitutes data with a lost character string that cannot be copied by a copying machine with respect to an item containing important data among necessary items. The lost character string is a character string that is drawn with a dot smaller than the smallest detectable dot size when a document is read by a copying machine. That is, the lost character string can be visually recognized as a character in the original form printed by the printing device 6 in the same manner as the lost image, but is difficult to detect by the copying machine and is not printed on the copy, and the visible character is not visually recognized. Impossible.
[0017]
The CPU 2 reads the data of the necessary items and the lost items stored in the RAM 4 and combines the data of the necessary items in a predetermined print area of the form data. Further, the CPU 2 generates a form image by configuring data of a lost item in a predetermined print area of the form data with dots for a lost image. Further, the CPU 2 stores the generated form image in a form image data memory 41b described later.
[0018]
Further, the CPU 2 reads the copy check image from the copy check image data memory 41a, reads the form image from the form image data memory 41b, and combines the copy check image and the form image to generate a combined form. Here, the CPU 2 acquires the print area of the lost character string from the form image, and erases the dots drawn in the corresponding area of the copy check image. As a result, the area where the lost character string is printed is blanked out and the background color becomes plain, so that the lost character string is not concealed by the lost image or the remaining image, and the original is visible. Then, the CPU 2 stores the composite form created from the copy check image and the form image in the form image data memory 41c described later. Further, in response to the print instruction, the CPU 2 outputs the composite form to the printing device 6 as print data, and causes the composite form to be printed.
[0019]
The ROM 3 is composed of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores a basic program that does not need to be rewritten among various control programs for controlling each unit of the form output device 1.
[0020]
The RAM 4 expands the system programs and various application programs executed by the CPU 2 into a program storage area (not shown), and inputs instructions and data input by operating the input unit 8 and processing results generated by the execution of the programs. For example, data relating to the above program is temporarily stored in a work area (not shown). The RAM 4 includes a print memory 41 for storing data for printing a form.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data configuration example of the print memory 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the print memory 41 has memory areas for a copy check image data memory 41a, a form image data memory 41b, and a combined form data memory 41c.
[0022]
The copy check image data memory 41a is a memory area for storing data of the copy check image generated in the copy check image generation processing.
The form image data memory 41b is a memory area for storing data of the form image generated in the form image generation processing.
The combined form data memory 41c is a memory area for storing combined form data obtained by combining data stored in the copy check image data memory 41a and data stored in the form image data memory 41b.
[0023]
The storage device 5 stores a program, data, and the like in advance, and includes a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 2, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. The storage medium includes a portable medium such as a CD-ROM and a memory card and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. In addition, some or all of the programs and data stored in the storage medium are received from the transmission control unit 9 via a network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network) from a server or a client. The storage device 5 may be a storage medium of a server or a client constructed on a network.
[0024]
Further, the program, data, and the like stored in the storage medium are partially or wholly received from another device such as a server or a client from the transmission control unit 9 via a transmission medium such as a network line and stored. Alternatively, the storage device 5 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Further, the program may be configured to be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed on these devices.
[0025]
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a file configuration in the storage device 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device 5 stores various files such as a business application file 5a, a program file 4b, a form data file 5c, a print data file 5d, and a design memory 5e.
[0026]
The business application file 5a is a file of various application programs executed by the CPU 2, and includes, for example, an application program for performing various business processes such as creation of a resignation, a salary statement, an estimate or a delivery note. The program file 5b is a file including a system program for controlling each unit of the form output device 1 by the CPU 2, and the like.
[0027]
The form data file 5c includes form data indicating the form of the form created by the form output device 1. The form data includes, for example, data such as ruled lines, frames, and fixed sentences for each form such as a resignation, salary statement, estimate, delivery note, and invoice. Also included is position information that defines a print area for various information, such as name, date, product name, and amount of money, which are input as necessary items. The print data file 5d is a file containing print data of a form created by the above-described business process.
[0028]
The pattern memory 5e stores a plurality of patterns used for the copy check image. For example, pattern data such as a downward slant line, a left slant line, and a floral pattern is stored together with pattern type data that is the name of the pattern. Have been. There is no particular limitation on the type of pattern stored in the pattern memory 5e, and any pattern may be used as long as it can be used as a pattern for a copy-checked image.
[0029]
The printing device 6 is a printer such as a laser printer, an ink jet printer, or a sublimation printer, and prints out various forms under the control of the CPU 2.
[0030]
The display unit 7 includes a display screen such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various images according to display signals input from the CPU 2.
[0031]
The input unit 8 includes a key input device including character keys, numeric keys, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, generates an operation signal according to an operation, and outputs the operation signal to the CPU 2.
[0032]
The transmission control unit 9 includes a network card, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, and the like for performing communication with an external device via a communication network (not shown).
[0033]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
A program for realizing each function described in each flowchart described later is stored in a recording medium of the form output device 1 in the form of a readable program code, and the CPU 2 of the form output device 1 stores the program code. Are sequentially executed. Further, the CPU 2 can also sequentially execute the operation according to the program code transmitted via the transmission medium. That is, it is also possible to execute an operation specific to the present embodiment using a program or data externally supplied via a transmission medium in addition to a recording medium.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the CPU 2. As shown in FIG. 4, when a form creation instruction is input via the input unit 8 (step S1), the CPU 2 causes the display unit 7 to display a copy check image editing screen 71 (step S2). Here, the copy check image editing screen 71 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0035]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the copy check image editing screen 71 displayed in step S2. As shown in FIG. 8, a copy check image editing screen 71 includes a check character input unit 713, a character size selection unit 714, a pattern selection unit 715, a font selection unit 716, and a character angle for inputting the generation conditions of the copy check image. An input unit 717 is provided.
[0036]
The check character input unit 713 allows direct input of a check character used as a copy check image, or selection input from a list displayed in response to an operation of a pop-up button in the character input unit 713. It is assumed that the candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button are stored in advance in a check character memory (not shown) of the storage device 5.
[0037]
In the character size selection unit 714, the character size of the character used as the copy check image can be selected and input from candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button.
In addition, the design selection unit 715 can select and input a design to be used as a copy check image from design candidates displayed in a list according to an operation of a pop-up button. The design candidates displayed in a list in response to the operation of the pop-up button are the designs stored in the design memory 5e (see FIG. 3).
[0038]
The font selection unit 716 can select and input a character font of a character to be used as a copy check image from candidates displayed in a list according to an operation of a pop-up button. In the character angle input unit 717, the angle of the character in the copy check image can be input.
[0039]
Further, a determination instruction button 721 for instructing determination of the conditions input in the character input unit 713, the character size selection unit 714, the pattern selection unit 715, the font selection unit 716, and the character angle input unit 717 is arranged.
[0040]
Further, on the copy check image editing screen 71, a preview unit 711 for roughly displaying the copy check image is arranged. The preview unit 711 initially displays the copy check image according to the default setting, and when the input is confirmed by operating the confirmation instruction button 721, the copy check image according to the confirmed input is roughly displayed. You.
Further, in the preview unit 711, the arrangement state of the character string in the copy check image can be edited by moving the check character 712 by operating a pointing device of the input unit 8 or the like.
[0041]
Further, on the copy check image editing screen 71, a pattern fine adjustment unit 718 for performing fine adjustment on the copy check image according to the input content determined by operating the determination instruction button 721 is arranged. The pattern fine adjustment section 718 includes a pattern angle adjustment section 719 for inputting a pattern angle and a pattern width adjustment section 720 for inputting a pattern width.
[0042]
Returning to FIG. 4, the CPU 2 executes a copy restraint image generation process of receiving a generation condition input and generating a copy restraint image on the above-described copy restraint image editing screen 71 (step S3). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a copy check image generation process executed as a part of the print process. As shown in FIG. 5, in the copy restraining image generation processing, the CPU 2 operates the character input unit 713, character size selecting unit 714, pattern selecting unit 715, font selecting unit 716, and character angle input unit of the copy checking image editing screen 71. When an input is made in each section of 717 and the input is confirmed by operating the confirm instruction button 721, a check character input in the character input section 713 is accepted and temporarily stored in a work area in the RAM 4 (step S21). .
[0043]
The CPU 2 also selects and inputs a character font in the font selection unit 716 (step S22), inputs a character size in the character size selection unit 714 (step S23), and inputs an angle of a character string in the character angle input unit 717 (step S24). ) Are received and stored in the work area of the RAM 4.
[0044]
Further, when the arrangement of the character string in the copy check image is edited by the movement of the copy check character 712 in the preview unit 711, the CPU 2 acquires the edited content and stores it in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S25). Subsequently, the CPU 2 receives a pattern selection input (step S26), a pattern fine adjustment angle input (step S27), and a pattern fine adjustment width input (step S28) in the pattern selection unit 715, and stores them in the RAM 4. . Then, the CPU 2 executes a pattern fine adjustment process according to the input contents received in steps S26 to S28 (step S29).
[0045]
That is, the CPU 2 reads the design data of the design received in step S26 from the design memory 5e, combines the character string of the check character with the design data, and adjusts the direction and the position. Further, the CPU 2 finely adjusts the pattern according to the pattern fine adjustment angle and the pattern fine adjustment width, and stores the processing result in the work area of the RAM 4. Then, the CPU 2 executes a copy check image drawing process (step S30), and generates a copy check image.
[0046]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a copy check image drawing process executed as a part of the copy check image generation process. As shown in FIG. 6, in the copy check image drawing processing, the CPU 2 draws dots for the remaining image on the entire print area of the form (step S41). The dots drawn here are, for example, of a size equal to or larger than the minimum limit that can be read by a copying machine. The print area is an area for image development set in accordance with the area on the form where the copy check image is to be printed.
[0047]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 performs XOR (exclusive OR) with the dots drawn in step S41 on the entire print area where the dots are drawn in step S41, and draws the dots for the lost image. That is, the CPU 2 draws the dot for the copy lost image on the entire print area, and erases the dot at the position overlapping the dot drawn in step S41. The dot drawn in step S42 has a size smaller than the minimum limit that can be read by a copying machine, for example.
[0048]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 arranges a check character string in accordance with the data stored in the RAM 4, superimposes the character string on the print area drawn in step S42, and performs an AND (logical operation) between the drawn dot and the character string. ) And erase the dot (step S43). That is, the CPU 2 erases the other dots, leaving only the dots drawn at positions overlapping the image of the check character string. As a result, a character composed of a mixture of the lost image dots and the remaining image dots is obtained.
[0049]
Next, the CPU 2 draws the dot for the copy lost image by XORing the already drawn dot with respect to the entire print area processed in step S43 (step S44). That is, the CPU 2 draws a dot for a lost image on the entire print area, and erases the dot at a position overlapping with the dot left in step S43. As a result, dots for the lost image are drawn over the entire print area, and dots for the remaining image are drawn in the form of a character string. Further, in the gap between the dots for the remaining image drawn in the form of a character string, the dots for the lost image are drawn so as not to overlap with the dots, so that the dots for the remaining image are concealed well. ing.
[0050]
Further, the CPU 2 arranges the patterns finely adjusted in step S29 (FIG. 5) side by side, and ANDs the already drawn dots in the print area drawn in step S44 (step S45). That is, the CPU 2 deletes other dots from the dots drawn in the print area, leaving only the dots overlapping the pattern. For example, in the case where a diagonal line is used as a pattern, in the print area drawn in step S44, the drawn dot is erased at a position overlapping the diagonal line. As a result, the dots for the lost image are drawn over the entire printing area, and the entire printing area where the dots for the remaining image are drawn in the form of a character string is covered with the pattern. Then, the CPU 2 returns to the copy check image generation processing of FIG. 5, stores the drawn copy check image in the copy check image data memory 41a (step S31), and ends the copy check image generation processing.
[0051]
FIG. 9 is a diagram exemplifying a part of the copy check image generated by the above-described copy check image generation process. Here, FIG. 9A shows a copy check image of an original printed by the printing device 6, and FIG. 9B shows a state where the image is copied by a copying machine.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 9A, the copy check image 101 is composed of a lost image 102 printed on the entire print area and a remaining image 103 of a check character "copy". In addition, a hatched pattern is arranged in the entire copy checking image 101 by blanks. In this manner, by arranging the pattern on the entire copy checking image 101, the lost image 102 and the residual image 103 are confused, and the residual image 103 is more reliably concealed in the original form. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the lost image 102 and the remaining image 103 are shown so as to be visually distinguishable for the sake of convenience of description. It is difficult to recognize the character string "copy".
[0053]
FIG. 9B shows a state where the image is copied by the copying machine. The lost image 102 is lost, and the remaining image 103 is printed darker than the original of the copy source. This is because the dots that make up the lost image 102 are smaller in size than the resolution of a typical copier, making them impossible or extremely difficult to read by the copier, and are not reproduced by copying by the copier. On the other hand, the dots constituting the residual image 103 are compatible with the resolution of the copying machine, and thus can be easily read and reproduced by the copying machine. Further, since the blank constituting the remaining image 103 is smaller in size than the resolution of the copying machine, it is difficult to read the blank of the remaining image by the copying machine and reproduce it. Therefore, the remaining image 103 is printed darker than the original because the blank is not reproduced while the dots are reproduced. As a result, the copy obtained by copying becomes a form completely different from the original, and it is possible to check illegal copying.
[0054]
Subsequently, when the CPU 2 finishes the copy check image generation processing, the CPU 2 returns to the print processing, and displays the form image editing screen 72 on the display unit 7 (step S4). Here, the form image editing screen 72 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0055]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the form image editing screen 72 displayed in step S4 of the printing process. As shown in FIG. 10, the form image editing screen 72 includes a form selection section 724 for selecting a form, a name input section 725 for inputting necessary items of the form image, a resign number input section 726, and an issue number input. A section 727, a date 1 input section 728, and a date 2 input section 729 are arranged. Further, a lost item input unit 723 for inputting an instruction to configure data of the required item as a lost character string is arranged corresponding to the required item.
[0056]
In the form selection unit 724, a form for generating a form image can be selected and input from candidates displayed in a list according to an operation of a pop-up button. The candidates displayed in a list in response to the operation of the pop-up button are the form stored in the form data file 5c in the storage device 5. In the present embodiment, a case will be described as an example where a resignation form is selected as the form form.
[0057]
In the name input section 725, the name is directly input as a necessary item of the resignation form. Further, the name input unit 725 may be configured by a pop-up button, and the name or the like of a pre-registered employee may be selectively input by operating the pop-up button. At this time, for example, in addition to the names of the employees, groups such as “all”, “sales department”, and “human resources department” are registered as candidates to be displayed as a list, and the employees belonging to the selected group are registered. May be created for each person.
[0058]
The resignation number input section 726 may be configured to directly input a resignation number or may be configured by a pop-up button and select “serial number” or the like. The issue number input section 726 may be configured to directly input the issue number or to be configured by a pop-up button and select “serial number” or the like. Further, the date 1 input section 728 and the date 2 input section 729 may be configured such that an arbitrary date is directly input or configured by a pop-up button, and an arbitrary date is selected and input.
[0059]
Further, a check box associated with each required item is arranged in the disappearance item input unit 723, and by inputting a check, an instruction to print the corresponding necessary item as a lost character string can be input.
[0060]
Then, the user instructs to fix items input in the form selection unit 724, name input unit 725, resign number input unit 726, issue No input unit 727, date 1 input unit 728, date 2 input unit 729, and lost item input unit 723. Confirmation instruction button 730 to be executed is arranged.
[0061]
Also, on the form image editing screen 72, a preview unit 722 for schematically displaying a form is arranged. The preview unit 722 initially displays a form image according to default settings (that is, a form form in which required items have not been entered). If the input is confirmed by operating the confirm instruction button 730, the confirmation is performed. A form image in which data of necessary items is described in accordance with the input is displayed.
[0062]
Returning to FIG. 4, the CPU 2 executes a form image generation process of receiving a required form item and generating a form image on the form image editing screen 72 (step S5). FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a form image generation process executed as a part of the printing process. As shown in FIG. 7, in this form image generation process, when a form is selected and input from the form selection unit 724, the CPU 2 accepts the selection input (step S51), and stores the form form data file 5c from the storage device 5. Is read, and the corresponding form data is obtained (step S52).
[0063]
Next, the CPU 2 performs input in each of a name input section 725, a resign number input section 726, an issue number input section 727, a date 1 input section 728, a date 2 input section 729, and a disappearance item input section 723, and a confirmation instruction button When the input is confirmed by the operation of 730, the input of these necessary items and the lost items is accepted and stored in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S53).
[0064]
Then, the CPU 2 generates a form image by synthesizing the form form and the data of the input required items. Specifically, the CPU 2 draws a dot for a lost image on the entire print area of the form (step S54). Subsequently, the CPU 2 performs an AND operation on the data of the required item designated as the disappearance item and erases the dot with respect to the entire print area where the dot is drawn in step S54 (step S55). That is, the CPU 2 erases the remaining dots, leaving only the dots drawn at positions overlapping the image of the lost character string. As a result, a lost character string whose image is formed by the lost image dots is obtained.
[0065]
Further, the CPU 2 draws an OR of the data of the required form (non-erased item) not designated as the form form and the lost item on the entire print area (step S56). That is, the CPU 2 draws an image of the form form and the data of the non-erasable items in the print area by using dots for normal images. Then, the CPU 2 stores the generated form image in the form image data memory 41b (step S56), and ends the form image generation process.
[0066]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 returns to the printing process of FIG. 4, and in step S6, reads and acquires the copy check image data and the form image from the copy check image data memory 41a and the form image data memory 41b, respectively (step S6). Next, the CPU 2 acquires the position information of the print area of the lost character string from the acquired form image (step S7). Then, based on the acquired position information, the CPU 2 erases the dots drawn in the portion corresponding to the print area of the lost character string from the copy check image, and makes the print area of the lost character string white ( Step S8). Note that the print area of the lost character string may be a colored area that disappears by copying.
[0067]
Further, the CPU 2 generates a composite form by synthesizing the form check image and the copy check image in which the print area of the lost character string is outlined, and stores the generated composite form in the composite form data memory 41c (step S9). . Further, when a print instruction for a composite form is input via the input unit 8 (step S10), the CPU 2 reads the composite form from the composite form data memory 41c, converts the composite form into print data, and causes the printing device 6 to print the composite form. The printing of the composite form is performed (step S11). Then, the CPU 2 deletes the copy check image stored in the copy check image data memory 41a and the form image stored in the form image data memory 41b (step S12), and ends the print processing.
[0068]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form printed out from the printing device 6 by the above-described printing process. As shown in FIG. 11, a character string of "copy" is printed as a lost image 102 and a remaining image 103 as a copy check image over the entire background of the form. In addition, the lost image 102 is erased from the print area 104 of the lost character string, and the lost character string 105 “Jiro Higashiyama” and “1305420” are printed with dots for the lost image.
[0069]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy obtained by copying the form of FIG. 11 by a copying machine. As shown in FIG. 12, the lost image 102 and the lost character string 105, "Higashiyama Kazurou" and "1305420" are lost, and the remaining image 103 is printed densely, so that the character of "copy" appears clearly. ing.
[0070]
As a result, only a copy completely different from the original of the form created by the form output device 1 can be obtained from the copy copied by the copying machine, and important data is not printed on the copy. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized copying by a third party and to prevent important data from leaking outside due to copying.
[0071]
As described above, in the form output device 1 that prints out a form by the printing device 6, the CPU 2 combines the lost image that cannot be seen by copying and the remaining image that can be clearly seen by copying to form a copy check image. At the same time, a form image composed of a lost character string that makes important data invisible by copying is generated. Then, the copy check image and the form image are combined, and the combined form is printed by the printing device 6.
[0072]
Therefore, when a form including important data is output, a copy check image combining a lost image and an afterimage is generated, and important data is generated by a lost character string, and printing is performed. Even when the original, which is a printed matter output from the apparatus 1, is copied by a copying machine, it is clearly recognized that the original is a duplicate, and important data is not printed on the duplicate.
[0073]
As a result, it is possible to prevent a third party from illegally copying an original using a copying machine. Further, it is possible to protect important data from being leaked to the outside and to protect data described in the form.
[0074]
Next, another embodiment will be described.
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the form to be created is a resignation has been described as an example. However, in the following, the case where the form output device 1 creates a pay statement is described as an example.
[0075]
Here, as a characteristic configuration of another embodiment, the storage device 5 includes a pay statement data file 5f. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the pay statement data file 5f. As shown in FIG. 13, the pay statement data file 5f stores employee names classified according to their affiliations, and stores data such as pay items, deduction items, and total pay amounts corresponding to the employee names. ing. In the salary statement data file 5f, data is tabulated and managed on a monthly basis. For example, if the target month is August 2002, the data from July 21 to August 20 is managed. It has become.
[0076]
Next, an operation according to another embodiment will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating print processing 2 executed by the CPU 2. As shown in FIG. 14, when a form creation instruction is input via the input unit 8 (step S61), the CPU 2 displays a form image editing screen 73 on the display unit 7 (step S62). Here, the form image editing screen 73 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0077]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the form image editing screen 73 displayed in step S62 of the print processing 2. As shown in FIG. 15, the form image editing screen 73 includes a form selection unit 734 for selecting a form, a name input unit 735 for inputting necessary items of the form image, an issue number input unit 736, and a target month input. Section 737, input sections 738 to 740 to be deleted, and the like. Further, a lost item input section 732 for inputting an instruction to configure a required item as a lost character string is arranged in parallel with the required item.
[0078]
In the form selection unit 724, a form for generating a form image can be selected and input from candidates displayed in a list according to an operation of a pop-up button. The candidates displayed in a list in response to the operation of the pop-up button are the form stored in the form data file 5c in the storage device 5. In the present embodiment, a case where a pay statement form is selected as the form form will be described as an example.
[0079]
In the name input section 735, a name is selected and input as a required item of the salary statement form. The name input unit 725 includes a pop-up button. By operating the pop-up button, a list of names and the like of the employees registered in advance is displayed, and a user can select and input the list. In the candidates displayed in the list, in addition to the personal names of the employees, groups such as "all", "sales department", and "human resources department" are registered as candidates, and based on the pay statement data file 5f. It is possible to create salary details of employees belonging to the selected group for the number of employees.
[0080]
In the issue number input section 736, the user inputs the order number directly, or selects and inputs "serial number" or the like using a pop-up button. The target month input section 737 is configured to directly input an arbitrary target month or to be configured by a pop-up button and select and input an arbitrary date. In the target month input section 737, the target month is directly input or an arbitrary target month is selected and input by a pop-up button.
[0081]
In addition, the deletion target item input sections 738 to 740 select and input, by using a pop-up button, necessary items to be described as the deletion character string, other than the above-described required items. Then, in the disappearance item input section 732, check boxes are arranged in correspondence with the respective required items, and by inputting a check, it is possible to input an instruction to configure the data of the corresponding required item as a lost character string.
[0082]
Further, a confirmation instruction button 741 for instructing confirmation of items input in the form selection unit 734, name input unit 735, issue number input unit 736, target item input units 737 to 740, and target item input unit 732 is provided. I have.
[0083]
Further, on the form image editing screen 73, a preview section 731 for roughly displaying a form is arranged. The preview unit 731 initially displays a form image according to default settings (that is, a salary statement form in which necessary items have not been entered). When the input is confirmed by operating the confirm instruction button 741, A form image in which data of necessary items is described in accordance with the determined input is schematically displayed.
[0084]
Returning to FIG. 14, on the form image editing screen 73, the CPU 2 executes a form image generation process of receiving a required item input and generating a form image (step S63). More specifically, when a form is selected and input from the form image editing screen 73, the CPU 2 receives this input and acquires corresponding form data from the form data file 5c. Here, if the selected form is a pay statement, the CPU 2 further acquires a pay statement data file 5c from the storage device 5. Further, the CPU 2 receives the required items and the lost items input on the form image editing screen 73 and stores them in the work area of the RAM 4. Then, based on the data stored in the pay statement data file 5c, the necessary items and the lost items stored in the RAM 4, a form image of the pay statement is generated. The CPU 2 stores the generated form image in the form image data memory 41b.
[0085]
Further, when a form printing instruction is input via the input unit 8 (step S64), the CPU 2 reads the form image from the form data memory 41b, converts the form image into print data, and outputs the print data to the printing device 6, The form is printed (step S65). Then, the CPU 2 deletes the form image stored in the form image data memory 41b (step S66), and ends the print processing.
[0086]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pay statement printed out from the printing device 6 in the printing process 2 described above. As shown in FIG. 16, data described in each item such as a name, a payment item, a deduction item, and a total payment amount printed on a pay statement is formed of a lost character string and printed. That is, the data of these items becomes invisible when copied by a copying machine.
[0087]
As described above, in another embodiment using the form output device 1 that prints a form by the printing device 6, for example, when a salary statement is created as a form, a copy check image is not generated, and the form Generate only images. Here, when the form image is generated, a form image is generated by using a lost character string that makes important data invisible by copying, and the form image is printed by the printing device 6 to create a form. Thus, even if the form is copied to a third party and taken out, it is possible to prevent important data from leaking. Further, when it is necessary to print a plurality of items using a disappearing character string as in a pay statement, a form with good visibility can be provided in the original by not printing the duplicated check image.
[0088]
The description in the present embodiment is an example of a suitable data management device 1 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the user can arbitrarily set the lost item. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lost item may be set for each form. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which a lost item data memory 41d (not shown) is provided in the RAM 4 and necessary items to be lost items are set in advance for each form file data.
[0089]
Specifically, in a salary statement that needs to include a plurality of lost items, the form, by storing in advance the names, salary items, deduction items, total payment amount, and the like as lost items in the lost item data memory 41d. At the time of output, important data can be output as a lost character string without requiring input of a lost item. This saves the user's time and effort, and prevents important data from being erroneously output as a copyable character string, thereby further improving security.
[0090]
Alternatively, a predetermined character string is stored in the lost item data memory 41 in advance, and the CPU 2 searches for a numerical character string to which the predetermined character string is added, and suppresses copying of data of an item including the numerical character string. Alternatively, the data may be specified as data to be deleted, and the data may be generated and output as a lost character string (copy suppression information) of a dot smaller than the dot size forming a character string of another data.
[0091]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the output form is printing has been described as an example, but the form image is output to a PDA, a portable terminal, or the like connected to a wireless or wired network via the transmission control unit 9. Alternatively, it may be configured to output data of a composite form. Further, in the embodiment, the case where the output form is the resignation and the pay statement is described as an example, but the form output from the form output device 1 is not limited thereto, and is important. It is possible to output various documents including data.
[0092]
Alternatively, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which important data is a character string, and a configuration in which a lost character string is generated has been described. However, important data is not limited to a character string. That is, when the data as the copy suppression information to be made uncopyable is a photograph, an illustration, a graphic, a mark, a symbol, or the like, a configuration may be adopted in which a lost image is generated and printed on a predetermined item of a form. . In addition, the copy suppression information may be made to be completely black when the copy is made so that the character string becomes invisible when copied, for example, by inverting the lost character string or the lost image.
[0093]
In addition, it goes without saying that the detailed configuration and the detailed operation of the output control device 1 in the present embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first or eighth aspect of the present invention, when important data is included in the output data, the important data is specified to be output as data that suppresses copying, and the data is generated as copy suppression information. Therefore, even when the output data is taken out and copied by a third party, the copying of important data is suppressed by the copying machine, and the important data becomes invisible in the copy. As a result, it is possible to prevent important data from leaking out, and to output data with high security.
[0095]
According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the data output as the copy suppression information becomes visible in the original output from the output control device. When copying is suppressed by the machine, it becomes invisible.
[0096]
According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, even when data output to a print medium is copied by a copying machine, important data can be prevented from being copied.
[0097]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, when the original output from the output control device is copied, the configuration is clearly recognized as a duplicate. You can check.
[0098]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, since items to be output as copy suppression information are set in advance for each form format, important data is designated each time output is performed. This eliminates the need for the user to save time and effort and allows the user to output the form efficiently. Further, it is possible to prevent important data from being output as a copyable character string due to a user's input error, and to provide a form with higher security.
[0099]
According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 5, it is possible to arbitrarily set an item to be output as the copy suppression information at each output and output the form. The security level can be changed according to the use purpose of the form, and a highly versatile output control device can be provided.
[0100]
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, the data to be output as the copy suppression information can be arbitrarily specified and output, so that the data can be output according to the purpose of use of the data. A security level can be changed, and a highly versatile output control device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a form output device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a print memory 41 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a storage device 5 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by a CPU 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a copy check image generation process executed by a CPU 2 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a copy check image drawing process executed by a CPU 2 shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a form image generation process executed by the PCU 2 shown in FIG. 1;
8 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen displayed on the display unit 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of a part of a copy check image. (B) It is a figure which shows the state which copied the copy check image shown to (a) by the copying machine.
10 is a diagram showing an example of a form image editing screen displayed on the display unit 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter printed by the printing device 6 of the form output device 1.
12 is a diagram showing a state where the printed matter shown in FIG. 11 is copied by a copying machine.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data configuration example of a pay statement data file 5f according to another embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a printing process 2 executed by the CPU 2 shown in FIG.
15 is a diagram showing an example of a form image editing screen displayed on the display unit 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed matter printed by the printing device 6 of the form output device 1.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Form output device
2 CPU
3 ROM
4 RAM
41 Print memory
41a Copy check image data memory
41b Form image data memory
41c Composite report data memory
5 Storage device
5a Business application file
5b Program file
5c Form data file
5d print data file
5e pattern memory
6 Printer
7 Display
8 Input section
9 Transmission control unit
10 Bus

Claims (8)

Specifying means for specifying data to be suppressed from being copied by the copying machine among the output data;
Copy suppression information generating means for generating the data specified by the specifying means as copy suppression information for suppressing copying by a copying machine;
Output means for outputting the copy suppression information generated by the copy suppression information generation means,
An output control device comprising: 2. The output control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copy suppression information generating unit generates the copy suppression information by dispersing and arranging dots smaller than a minimum dot size that can be copied by a copying machine. 2. The output control device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit prints and outputs the data. A copy restraining image generating means for generating a copy restraining image in which data is emphasized by copying and visualized,
Combining means for generating output data by combining the copy suppression information and the copy restraint information,
2. The output control device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the output data generated by the combining unit. Storage means for storing a form format including items corresponding to the data,
Item storage means for storing items in which data is output as copy suppression information in association with the form format;
2. The output control device according to claim 1, wherein the copy suppression information generation unit generates data corresponding to an item stored in the item storage unit as copy suppression information. The item storage means stores an item arbitrarily specified by the specifying means in an updatable manner,
6. The output control device according to claim 5, wherein the copy suppression information generating unit generates data corresponding to an item stored in the item storage unit as copy suppression information. 2. The output control device according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies by arbitrarily specifying, from among the data, data whose copying by a copying machine is suppressed. On the computer,
A function to specify data that is restricted from being copied by the copying machine;
A function of generating the specified data as copy suppression information for suppressing copying by a copying machine;
A function of outputting the generated copy suppression information;
The program to realize.

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