JP2004304597A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance convenience in an image forming apparatus which forms a latent image to appear by prescribed processing such as copy on a prescribed medium such as paper with a printing target image. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 forms the printing target image and the latent image to appear by the prescribed processing on the prescribed medium, and its control part 11 acquires latent image area demarcation information for demarcating a part of the prescribed medium as a latent image formation area for forming the latent image, and forms the latent image in the latent image formation area to be demarcated by the acquired latent image area demarcation information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a latent image appearing in a predetermined process such as copying together with a print target image on a predetermined medium such as paper.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There are various technologies for forming a so-called latent image on a medium such as paper, in which a character string such as “copy” appears in a copy result when a copy process is performed for the purpose of copy control. is there. For example, there is a printer that prints a latent image using a special ink that emits fluorescence in response to light from a light source for a scanner during scanning by a copier. Also, by printing a random pattern (background pattern) at a position deviated from the position of the screen line at the time of scanning, and printing a character of "copy" on the screen line with a dot pattern similar to the random pattern, In some cases, the characters "copy" formed as a latent image are inconspicuous on the base paper and appear when copied by a copying machine.
[0003]
Then, the user prints the original print target image on such a latent image. As an example of a printing apparatus using such a latent image, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 10-163873.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-324898 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a conventional technique for forming a latent image, the latent image is formed on the entire surface of a medium such as paper. However, for example, in a portion where a seal or a seal is to be stamped, the image to be printed in that portion or the image itself described by the stamp or the like is to be compared. For example, the seal imprint of the stamp that has been stamped may be compared with the seal imprint of the actual seal to check whether they match.
[0006]
In this case, if the latent image is printed as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, the visibility of the seal imprint of the seal stamp stamped on the portion becomes low, and the convenience is low.
[0007]
Therefore, for example, the data of the print target image may be divided into a plurality of image elements, and whether or not to form a latent image may be set for each image element. However, according to the method of separating image elements as described above, a procedure of forming each image element, synthesizing a latent image with the image element, and further synthesizing the image element after the latent image synthesis is required, and the apparatus configuration is complicated. In addition to this, it is necessary to create data while being conscious of the arrangement relationship of each image element, etc., which lowers the convenience for the user.
[0008]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that can improve convenience.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention for solving the problems of the above conventional example is an image forming apparatus which forms a print target image and a latent image appearing by a predetermined process on a predetermined medium, wherein a part of the predetermined medium is provided. Means for acquiring a latent image area defining information defining a latent image forming area for forming the latent image, and a latent image forming area defined by the acquired latent image area defining information. Forming means.
[0010]
As described above, since the area in which the latent image is to be formed can be set as the latent image area definition information, the convenience can be improved.
[0011]
Further, a means for forming image data different from the latent image as a second latent image outside the latent image forming area on the predetermined medium may be further included. Here, the image processing apparatus may further include means for acquiring the print target image, and the image data serving as the second latent image may be image data generated at a timing at which the print target image is acquired.
[0012]
Means for acquiring at least one superimposition target image data formed by superimposing the print target image; and a superimposition image forming the acquired at least one superimposition target image data by superimposing the print target image. And forming means.
[0013]
Further, the image processing apparatus further includes means for acquiring order designation information for designating a superimposition order of the superimposition target image data, wherein the superimposed image forming means designates the acquired superimposition target image data by the order designation information. The superposition may be performed in the superposition order. Further, the superimposition target image data may each include an image of one color of white or black. Further, the apparatus further includes means for acquiring mode designation information indicating designation of the appearance mode of the latent image, wherein the section for forming the latent image performs formation of the latent image based on the mode designation information. It may be.
[0014]
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming method for forming a print target image and a latent image appearing in a predetermined process on a predetermined medium by using a computer. Obtaining latent image area definition information that is defined as a latent image formation area for forming a latent image; and forming the latent image in a latent image formation area defined by the obtained latent image area definition information. And a step.
[0015]
Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming program is for causing a print target image and a latent image appearing in a predetermined process to be formed on a predetermined medium. A step of obtaining latent image area definition information defining a part as a latent image formation area for forming the latent image, and a step of obtaining the latent image in a latent image formation area defined by the acquired latent image area definition information. And a procedure for forming an image.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention performs printing on, for example, a paper medium. As shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a hard disk 13, and an operation unit 14 , A display unit 15 and a network interface 16, and are connected to the printer 2 via a network.
[0017]
The control unit 11 operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12 and performs a print image forming process. The specific contents of the print image forming process will be described later in detail. The storage unit 12 includes a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program executed by the control unit 11, and holds various data used in the print image forming process of the control unit 11.
[0018]
The hard disk 13 holds image data of an image to be printed and the like. The operation unit 14 is a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, and transmits the operation contents of the user to the control unit 11. The display unit 15 is a display or the like that displays information according to an instruction input from the control unit 11. The network interface 16 transmits the image data to be printed to the printer 2 according to the instruction input from the control unit 11.
[0019]
The printer 2 prints image data (print image data) received from the image forming apparatus 1 via a network on paper.
[0020]
Here, the print image forming process by the control unit 11 will be described. The control unit 11 receives a print instruction of a print target image from the user via the operation unit 14, starts a print image forming process, forms an image (base image) serving as a base of the print target image, and Then, an image to be printed is formed by superimposing on the base image. When a user inputs a print instruction for an image to be printed, the user inputs various parameters used in the print image forming process along with information such as the number of copies and the paper size.
[0021]
The base image is formed using base image data having a data structure as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the background image data includes information (URL, file name, etc.) for specifying image data corresponding to a latent image data layer P and a selector layer Q as latent image area definition information. Including. Further, the base image data shown in FIG. 2 further includes information (URL, file name, etc.) for specifying image data corresponding to the blank copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer R and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer S as superimposed image data. It also includes order designation information for designating the order of superposition of these superimposed image data. The background image data is created by the user in advance and stored in the storage unit 12.
[0022]
Here, the selector layer Q may be black and white binary image data in which, on the sheet surface, an area where a latent image is to be printed is specified in white and an area where no latent image is to be printed is specified in black. When the latent image is formed on the background pattern, only the background pattern is formed in an area where the selector layer Q designates that the latent image is not printed.
[0023]
The control unit 11 reads out and acquires the image data of the print target image according to the print instruction from the hard disk 13, stores the image data in the storage unit 12, and starts a process of forming a base image. In the process of forming the base image, the control unit 11 first reads and acquires the base image data from the storage unit 12, and secures a page memory area corresponding to the paper size specified by the user in the storage unit 12. .
[0024]
Then, in the latent image data layer P, an image corresponding to a white area on the selector layer Q is formed in a corresponding area in the secured page memory area. As a result, a latent image is formed in the latent image forming area defined by the latent image area defining information.
[0025]
For example, when the latent image data is as shown in FIG. 3A and the image data of the selector layer Q is as shown in FIG. 3B, these are combined and stored in the page memory area. The image data to be formed is as shown in FIG. That is, the image data of the selector layer Q functions as a mask layer for selectively extracting at least a part of the latent image data. In FIG. 3 (c), the black portion of FIG. 3 (b) is surrounded by a broken line for easy understanding, but the broken line is not actually formed as an image. When the latent image is formed on the background pattern, the background pattern is formed as a whole, but FIG. 3 does not show the background pattern.
[0026]
When the background pattern data includes the blank copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer R and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer S as the superimposed image data, the control unit 11 further controls these in accordance with the order designation information included in the base image data. Are sequentially superimposed on the latent image to form an image. For example, when the background pattern layer R is overlaid on the image data shown in FIG. 3C and the background pattern layer S is overlaid thereon, the result is as shown in FIG. An image data portion (Y) of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer S overlapping the extracted portion (X) is formed. On the other hand, when the image data of the tint block layer S is superimposed on the latent image shown in FIG. 3C first, and the image data of the white tint block layer R is superimposed on the latent image, as shown in FIG. ), The white image portion (X) appears white on the black tint block image (Y). The image data of the white background pattern layer R and the white background pattern layer S can also be black-and-white binary image data. Is set. FIG. 4 shows a case where the latent image is formed on the background pattern, and the background pattern is indicated by oblique lines (hatching).
[0027]
Further, the control unit 11 generates the image data including the date and time, the information specifying the user who has issued the print instruction, and the like, and the image data of the second latent image, instead of the predetermined data as the base image data. Alternatively, the second latent image may be formed in the page memory area. In this case, for example, an area specified by the image data of the selector layer Q so that the image data of the latent image included in the base image data is not formed, that is, in the above-described example, of the image data of the selector layer Q, The second latent image may be formed in a black portion (outside the latent image forming area defined by the selector layer Q).
[0028]
Further, when the second latent image is a date or a time, the image data of the second latent image is determined at a predetermined timing such as when a print instruction is received from a user or when a print target image is read from the hard disk 13. Generate.
[0029]
Then, the control unit 11 forms print image data by superimposing the print target image stored in the storage unit 12 on the image thus formed in the page memory area. Then, the print image data is transmitted to the printer 2.
[0030]
The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and operates as described below. That is, the user previously sets image data to be a latent image, image data to be a selector layer Q that defines an area where the latent image is to be formed, image data to be an outline ground pattern layer R, and ground pattern layer S. Is created and stored in the hard disk 13.
[0031]
Then, the user operates the operation unit 14 to output an instruction to the control unit 11 to generate background image data. Then, the control unit 11 displays an interface for generating background image data on the display unit 15 (FIG. 5). The interface includes a setting window (A) for associating image data with a layer, a pull-down menu (B) for setting a print color of a latent image, and an interface (C) for setting order designation information. A pull-down menu (D) for setting the printing density (differential, such as dark, standard, light, etc.) of the base image, and how the latent image should appear during copying (emerging the latent image , White, etc.) as the mode designation information. Since the example shown here shows an example in which there are only two pieces of superimposed image data, which interface (C) for setting the order designation information should be placed on the upper side (formed later). Is a pull-down menu that specifies
[0032]
Here, the user specifies the image data to be used for each layer, selects the print color of the latent image, inputs the order specification information, further specifies the print density, sets the mode specification information, and sets “OK”. Clicking the “” button generates background image data including each of the specified information, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The base image data may be stored on the hard disk 13. Further, the control unit 11 may allow the user to input information for specifying the generated background image data, and store the background image data in association with the information for specifying the background image data.
[0033]
Further, when the user specifies the image data of the print target image and inputs a print instruction, the control unit 11 acquires the image data of the specified print target image from the hard disk 13 and sets the character string representing the date and time. , And generates image data of a second latent image including the character string.
[0034]
When the user inputs information specifying background image data as a parameter at the time of this printing instruction, the control unit 11 acquires the background image data specified by the information from the storage unit 12 or the hard disk 13 and The page memory area corresponding to the paper size specified by the above is secured in the storage unit 12. Then, in the latent image data layer P, an image corresponding to a white area on the selector layer Q is formed in a corresponding area in the secured page memory area (for example, FIG. c)). At this time, the latent image is formed so that the appearance mode specified by the aspect designating information is referred to with reference to the aspect designating information included in the base image data. Since formation methods corresponding to various aspects such as a specific appearance in which the surface is raised or a white outline is widely known, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, when the latent image is formed on the background pattern, the background pattern is formed even in a black portion on the selector layer Q.
[0035]
Further, the control unit 11 forms an image of a portion corresponding to a black region on the selector layer Q in the image data of the second latent image in a corresponding region in the page memory region. I do. Specifically, when the second latent image (here, a character string of “03/04/01”) is superimposed on the latent image illustrated in FIG. 3C, the result is shown in FIG. It will be something like
[0036]
The control unit 11 further superimposes the image data of the blank copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer R and the image data of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern layer S in the page memory area of the storage unit 12 sequentially in accordance with the order designation information included in the base image data. Together, an image is formed. Then, the image data of the base image is formed in the page memory area. Specifically, when a background pattern layer S is formed first and a white background pattern layer R is formed later on the image illustrated in FIG. 6A, the result is as shown in FIG. 6B, for example.
[0037]
Then, the control unit 11 forms print image data by superimposing the print target image (for example, FIG. 6C) stored in the storage unit 12 on the image thus formed in the page memory area (for example, FIG. 6 (d)). Then, the print image data is output to the network interface 16 and transmitted to the printer 2. Then, the printer 2 prints and outputs the print image data.
[0038]
As described above, one of the features of the present embodiment is that, in accordance with the form of the image data to be printed, an area for printing the latent image, an area for printing the second latent image, An image is not printed, and a white area and a black area as a tint block can be set finely. When the second latent image is not used, the area on the paper where the latent image is to be printed is represented by black and white binary image data, which is set in the selector layer by a simple operation. The printing area of the image can be limited, and the convenience can be improved.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, an example in which a latent image is printed on a paper medium has been described. However, the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment can be applied to printing not only on paper but also on various media. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a connection state thereof.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of background image data.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of forming a latent image by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which superimposed images are further superimposed.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an interface for creating background image data.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of print image data, including a second latent image, formed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 image forming apparatus, 2 printer, 11 control unit, 12 storage unit, 13 hard disk, 14 operation unit, 15 display unit, 16 network interface.

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus that forms a print target image and a latent image appearing by a predetermined process on a predetermined medium,
Means for acquiring a latent image area defining information defining a part of the predetermined medium as a latent image forming area for forming the latent image,
Means for forming the latent image in a latent image forming area defined by the acquired latent image area defining information;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
Means for forming image data different from the latent image as a second latent image outside the latent image forming area on the predetermined medium;
An image forming apparatus further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
The apparatus further includes a unit for acquiring the image to be printed,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data serving as the second latent image is image data generated at a timing when the image to be printed is obtained. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
Means for acquiring at least one superimposition target image data formed by being superimposed on the print target image;
A superimposed image forming means for forming the acquired at least one superimposed target image data so as to be superimposed on the print target image;
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
The image processing apparatus further includes means for acquiring order designation information for designating a superposition order between the superimposition target image data,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the superimposed image forming unit superimposes the acquired superimposition target image data in a superimposition order specified by the order specification information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
Further comprising means for acquiring aspect designation information indicating designation of the appearance aspect of the latent image,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the means for forming the latent image forms a latent image based on the mode designation information. Using a computer, an image forming method for forming an image to be printed and a latent image appearing by predetermined processing on a predetermined medium,
Acquiring a latent image area defining information defining a part of the predetermined medium as a latent image forming area for forming the latent image,
Forming the latent image in a latent image formation area defined by the acquired latent image area definition information;
An image forming method comprising: An image forming program for forming a print target image and a latent image appearing in a predetermined process on a predetermined medium,
On the computer,
A step of acquiring latent image area definition information for defining a part of the predetermined medium as a latent image forming area for forming the latent image,
Forming a latent image in a latent image forming area defined by the acquired latent image area defining information;
And an image forming program.

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