JP2004336431A - Image forming apparatus, image processing program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus for generating a printing image, in which a desired region of secret data is processed. <P>SOLUTION: An ASIC 108 determines what kind of process should be carried out for printing manuscript image data read out by an image reading means included in the image forming apparatus on the basis of information obtained by RFID tag reader/writer 130, and a process is applied to the specific region of the printing manuscript image data read out by the image reading means. In this case, the specific region to be processed is recorded previously in a RFID tag, and the process is carried out based on the information. Then, the processed printing data are generated as a printout. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, and a multifunction peripheral having each function, an image processing program and a recording medium executed in the image forming apparatus, and in particular, an output instruction from a PC or the like. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image processing program, and a recording medium that perform print output based on information of a wireless tag attached to a print sheet without performing the operation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, since image forming apparatuses having a copying function have become widespread, copying is frequently performed. Under such circumstances, there is a problem of so-called leakage of confidential content due to copying of confidential data.
[0003]
For example, data distributed at a meeting or the like may include data to be disclosed to a third party and confidential data not to be disclosed to a third party. For this reason, materials including confidential data cannot be easily printed and distributed to third parties.
[0004]
If a material including confidential data is to be distributed to a third party, the confidential data is hidden and distributed by performing some processing on the confidential data.
[0005]
Therefore, it is necessary to create a new document by manually painting out the confidential data portion or printing by concealing the confidential data portion. In addition, it is necessary to create a material in which the confidential data portion is not printed in advance.
[0006]
From such circumstances, when copying a confidential document having a confidential data portion as a technical document filed prior to the present invention, a desired confidential data portion is designated, and an image of the designated confidential data portion is copied. There is an image forming apparatus for confidential documents that can be easily copied by scramble processing, and where necessary, can restore and copy the scrambled image from the copied image (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-74940
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the confidential document image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when a desired confidential data portion is designated, the confidential data is set by a digitizer while the partially confidential document is placed flat on the original glass. You must specify the area of the part.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an image forming apparatus that outputs a print image obtained by processing a region of an arbitrary confidential data portion without designating the region of the confidential data portion , An image processing program and a recording medium.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image reading unit that reads a print original; and an image forming unit that forms a copy image corresponding to the print original read by the image read unit. Tag information receiving means for receiving the information of the wireless tag provided in the printer, and printing for performing a processing process on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading means based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. Document processing means.
[0011]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading unit is processed based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. It is characterized by having a processing restoration means for performing processing opposite to the processing performed by the means.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, a printed document having a wireless tag from an external communication terminal device via a network. Further comprising a first print image obtaining unit for obtaining print image data corresponding to the first and second print image data, wherein the print document processing unit performs printing based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit based on the information received by the first print image obtaining unit. The confidential data portion of the image data is subjected to processing, and the processing restoration unit is configured to process the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the first print image obtaining unit based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. In contrast, a processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing means is performed.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, based on information received by the tag information receiving means, a wireless tag is stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus. Further comprising a second print image acquisition unit for acquiring print image data corresponding to a print original, comprising: a second print image acquisition unit configured to acquire a second print image based on information received by the tag information reception unit. The confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the means is subjected to processing, and the processing restoration means is configured to print the image data obtained by the second print image obtaining means based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. It is characterized in that the confidential data portion of the data is subjected to a processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing means.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, an image capable of outputting a printed document that has been processed based on information received by the tag information receiving unit is provided. It is characterized by having an output enabled device determining means for determining whether or not the device is a forming device.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the image forming apparatus further includes a processing restoration execution determination unit that determines whether to execute the processing restoration unit. And
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the processing-restoration-execution determining unit determines that the setting information set from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus matches the information received by the tag information receiving unit. In this case, a processing restoration unit is executed.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading a printed document, an image forming means for forming a copy image corresponding to the printed document read by the image reading means, and receiving information on a wireless tag included in the printed document. An image processing program executed in the image forming apparatus having the tag information receiving means, and based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading means. And causing the computer to execute a print document processing process for performing the processing process.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing program according to the eighth aspect, wherein the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading means is processed based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. It is characterized by causing a computer to execute processing restoration processing for performing processing opposite to processing performed by processing.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing program according to the eighth or ninth aspect, based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, a printed document including a wireless tag from an external communication terminal device via a network. And causing the computer to execute a first print image acquisition process for acquiring print image data corresponding to the first print image data. The print original processing process is executed by the first print image acquisition process based on information received by the tag information receiving unit. The confidential data of the print image data obtained by the first print image obtaining process is processed based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. The processing is performed on the portion in a manner opposite to the processing performed by the print original processing.
[0020]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing program according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, based on information received by the tag information receiving means, a wireless tag is stored in a storage unit of the image forming apparatus. And causing the computer to execute a second print image acquisition process for acquiring print image data corresponding to a print original including the second print image based on information received by the tag information receiving unit. The confidential data portion of the print image data acquired by the acquisition process is subjected to a processing process, and the processing restoration process is performed based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. The confidential data portion of the image data is subjected to a processing reverse to the processing performed by the print original processing.
[0021]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing program according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, an image capable of outputting a printed document which has been processed based on information received by the tag information receiving means. The present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute an output enabled device determination process for determining whether or not a device is a forming device.
[0022]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing program according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects, the computer executes a processing restoration execution determination processing for determining whether to execute the processing restoration processing. It is characterized by the following.
[0023]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing program according to the thirteenth aspect, in the processing restoration determination processing, the setting information set from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus matches the information received by the tag information receiving means. In this case, the processing restoration processing is executed when the processing is performed.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 15 is characterized in that the image processing program according to any one of claims 8 to 14 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026]
(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a controller 101, an engine unit 110, and a wireless (RFID) tag reader / writer 130.
[0027]
Note that the controller 101 is connected to the engine unit 110 via the PCI 109, and the controller 101 is connected to a wireless (RFID) tag reader / writer 130.
[0028]
(Configuration of FRID tag reader / writer 130)
Next, the FRID tag reader / writer 130 constituting the image forming apparatus will be described.
[0029]
The wireless (RFID) tag reader / writer 130 is connected to the antenna 131, and transmits and receives information to and from the outside via the antenna 131. Then, based on the information obtained by the RFID tag reader / writer 130, the controller 101 executes copy output. Note that the RFID tag reader / writer 130 performs processing on output data or determines whether output is possible at the time of copy output, and controls the controller 101.
[0030]
(Configuration of Engine Unit 110)
Next, the configuration of the engine unit 110 included in the image forming apparatus will be described.
[0031]
The engine unit 110 is configured to include a CPU 120, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 121, a scanner 124, and a plotter 126.
[0032]
The ASIC 121 is optimized so as to exhibit the best performance in a specific application, and is designed exclusively. The ASIC 121 includes an image processing unit 122 for performing image processing and a PCI unit 123. .
[0033]
The scanner 124 converts an image into an electric signal, and is a device such as a scanner or a facsimile unit.
The plotter 126 is a part that outputs output data as graphics or characters, and is a device such as a black and white plotter or a one-drum color plotter.
[0034]
(Configuration of controller 101)
Next, the configuration of the controller 101 constituting the image forming apparatus will be described.
[0035]
The controller 101 is a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus, drawing processing, communication processing, and input processing from the operation unit 111.
[0036]
The controller 101 includes a CPU 102, a north bridge (NB) 103, a system memory (MEM-P) 104, a south bridge (SB) 105, a local memory (MEM-C) 107, an ASIC 108, and an operation unit 111. , Hard disk drives (HDD) 112, 113, ASIC 114, OPTION 115, 116, and ROM 117.
[0037]
The north bridge (NB) 103 and the ASIC 108 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 106.
[0038]
The north bridge (NB) 103 and the south bridge (SB) 105 are connected via a PCI 118.
[0039]
(Each function constituting the controller 101)
Next, each function of the controller 101 will be described.
[0040]
The CPU 102 controls the entire image forming apparatus, and has a chip set including the NB 103, the MEM-P 104, the ASIC 114, the OPTIONS 115 and 116, the ROM 117, and the SB 105. Note that connection with other devices is performed via a chipset.
[0041]
The NB 103 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 102, the MEM-P 104, the SB 105, and the AGP 106.
[0042]
The MEM-P 104 is a memory used as a drawing memory of the image forming apparatus.
[0043]
The SB 105 is a bridge for connecting the NB 103 to the ROM 117, PCI devices, and peripheral devices.
[0044]
OPTIONS 115 and 116 are empty slots for connecting optional PCI devices and peripheral devices.
[0045]
The MEM-C 107 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer.
[0046]
The ASIC 108 is an IC for image processing having hardware elements for image processing, and includes an AGP 106, a MEM-C 107, an RFID tag reader / writer 130, a PCI 109, an operation unit 111, and HDDs 112 and 113. It also has a role of a bridge for connecting each.
[0047]
The operation unit 111 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from a user and performs display for the user.
[0048]
The HDDs 112 and 113 are storages for storing image data, storing programs, storing font data, and storing forms.
[0049]
The AGP 106 is a bus interface proposed for speeding up graphic processing. In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the AGP 106 connects the NB 103 and the ASIC 108.
[0050]
(Configuration of ASIC 108)
Next, an internal configuration of the ASIC 108 configuring the controller 101 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 2, the ASIC 108 includes an AGP unit 229, a configuration register (PCI-CONFIG) 207, a master unit (AGP-MASTER) 206, a target unit (PCI-TARGET) 208, an internal register 210, A memory controller 209, a configuration register (PCI-CONFIG) 223, a master unit (PCI-MASTER) 224, a target unit (PCI-TARGET) 226, a PCI unit 228, a PCI arbiter 225, and a combiner (OR) 230, an arbiter 212, an editor (EDIT) 203, two rotators (ROT1, ROT2) 204, 205, an HDD controller (HDC) 213, and two compression / decompression devices (CD1, CD2) 216 , 2 7, an operation unit (OPE) 202, a video input unit 218, a DIRECT ACCESS PATH 219, a video output unit 222, a wireless tag data controller (RFID) 231, and an editing unit 2 (EDIT 2) 233. It is composed.
[0052]
(Each function constituting the ASIC 108)
Next, each function of the ASIC 108 will be described.
[0053]
The AGP unit 229 is a unit (chipset interface unit) that executes a bus protocol of the AGP bus (AGP) 106 connected to the NB 103.
[0054]
The PCI-CONFIG 207 is a PCI configuration register for the AGP 106.
The AGP-MASTER 206 is a unit that executes the bus master function of the AGP 106.
The PCI-TARGET 208 is a unit that executes a PCI target function included in the AGP 106.
[0055]
The internal register 210 is a register required when each unit of the ASIC 108 functions.
The memory controller 209 controls the local memory MEM-C107 (see FIG. 1).
[0056]
The PCI-CONFIG 223 is a PCI configuration register for the PCI 109.
The PCI-MASTER 224 is a unit that executes a bus master function of the PCI 109.
[0057]
The PCI-TARGET 226 is a unit that executes a target function of the PCI 109.
The PCI arbiter 225 arbitrates access to the PCI 109.
The PCI unit 228 is a unit (engine interface unit) that executes the bus protocol of the PCI 109.
[0058]
The arbiter 212 arbitrates access to the MEM-C 107 (see FIG. 1).
The two rotators (ROT1, ROT2) 204 and 205 perform rotation processing of the image data at a designated angle, and each have two DMACs. Here, DMAC indicates a DMA controller for performing a DMA transfer to the local memory MEM-C 107 (see FIG. 1).
[0059]
The two compression / decompression units (CD1, CD2) 216 and 217 are units for compressing or decompressing image data, and are connected to the arbiter 212. The compression / expansion units (CD1, CD2) 216, 217 are internally connected to the video output unit 222 via selectors (SEL220, VSEL221), and are stored in the local memory MEM-C107 (see FIG. 1). After the read image data is read and decompressed, the data can be directly passed to the video output unit 222 without writing back to the local memory MEM-C 107 (see FIG. 1). The SEL 220 is a bus selector for directly transferring the compressed image data or the decompressed image data to and from the HDDs 112 and 113 (see FIG. 1). The VSEL 221 directly outputs the decompressed image data to the video output. This is a selector for passing to the section 222.
[0060]
Note that the video output unit 222 includes a FIFO for supporting burst transfer of PCI and a shift unit (SFT) for shifting an image. The video output section 222 is connected to the synthesizer 230. The synthesizer 230 includes a DMAC for an image and a functional unit OR for synthesizing the image so that the image data can be directly passed from the synthesizer 230 to the FIFO of the video output unit 222. Has become.
[0061]
The HDD controller 213 includes a command DMAC for issuing a command, a data DMAC for transferring data, and an HDC for exchanging signals with the HDD.
[0062]
The wireless tag controller (RFID) 231 determines whether output is possible based on information obtained by transmitting data from an external wireless tag, acquires data, and controls output.
[0063]
The editing machine 2 (EDIT2) 233 is for performing partial painting, blank creation, and the like when performing processing on an arbitrary portion of the acquired data.
[0064]
The video input unit 218 inputs image data from the engine unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 via the PCI 109, and includes a FIFO for inputting image data and a DMAC for inputting image data. .
[0065]
(Processing operation of image forming apparatus)
Next, the processing operation of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on, first, the CPU 102 included in the controller 101 starts booting from the BIOS connected via the SB 105, and initializes the NB 103 and the SB 105. Then, during this initialization, the CPU 102 sets the PCI-CONFIG 207 (see FIG. 2) of the ASIC 108 via the AGP 106, and completes the initialization of the ASIC 108 as an AGP device.
[0066]
Next, when the software initialization is completed, the controller 101 notifies the operation unit 111 of a message indicating that printing is possible, and enters a standby state in preparation for receiving data from the host.
[0067]
The ASIC 108 has an interface for connecting to a host such as a network, IEEE 1394, or USB. When data reception starts, the ASIC 108 sequentially interprets transmission data and starts drawing on the MEM-P 104. When the drawing is completed, a command is transmitted to the engine unit 110 to instruct the engine unit 110 to acquire the drawn picture.
[0068]
The CPU 102 operates an internal register of the NB 103, rewrites a table on the memory, and transfers the data of the MEM-P 104 from the engine unit 110 to the AGP space to make the data of the MEM-P 104 appear in the space of the AGP (not shown). Set to look like
[0069]
The engine unit 110 receives the start address of the buffer in which the drawn picture is located, activates the DMAC inside the engine unit 110, and reads the picture of the MEM-P through the AGP.
[0070]
At this time, the ASIC 108 performs a target operation on the PCI 109 and performs a master operation on the AGP 106. The engine unit 110 reads out a picture at internally generated timing.
[0071]
(Operation timing of engine unit 110)
Next, the operation timing of the engine unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The paper size 301 shown in FIG. 3 is a paper size determined by main scanning and sub-scanning. FGATE 302 is a signal indicating the effective range of sub-scanning of the sheet. LGATE 303 is a signal indicating the effective range of the main scanning of the sheet. LSYNC 304 is a synchronization signal asserted at the beginning of main scanning.
[0072]
As described above, the engine unit 110 controls the effective area FGATE 302 in the sub-scanning direction, the effective area LGATE 303 in the main scanning direction, and the LSYNC 304 indicating the start of each main scanning line according to the paper size 301 to be output. , Prepare.
[0073]
When the engine unit 110 receives the print command, the FGATE 302 is created at the same time when the paper is conveyed, and the transfer is started several hours before the FGATE 302 is asserted, in order to read the picture into the buffer having LSYNC 304 hours before it is asserted. I do.
[0074]
(Software configuration)
Next, the configuration of software that operates in the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus.
[0075]
The image forming apparatus includes a monochrome line printer (B & W LP) 401, a color line printer (Color LP) 402, hardware resources (other hardware resources) 403 such as a scanner, a facsimile, a hard disk, a memory, and a network interface. And a software group 410 composed of a platform 420 and an application 430.
[0076]
(Configuration of platform 420)
Next, the configuration of the platform 420 will be described.
The platform 420 analyzes a processing request from the application 430 to generate a hardware resource acquisition request, and a system that manages one or more hardware resources and arbitrates the acquisition request from the control service. It has a resource manager (SRM) 423 and a general-purpose OS 421. Note that the platform 420 has an application program interface (API) that can receive a processing request from the application 430 by using a predefined function.
[0077]
The control service is composed of a plurality of service modules, and includes a system control service (SCS) 422, an engine control service (ECS) 424, a memory control service (MCS) 425, and an operation panel control service. A service (OCS) 426, a fax control service (FCS) 427, and a network control service (NCS) 428 are configured.
[0078]
The general-purpose OS 421 is a general-purpose operating system such as UNIX (registered trademark), and executes each software of the platform 420 and the application 430 as a process in parallel.
[0079]
The process of the SRM 423 controls the image forming apparatus and manages resources together with the SCS 422.
The process of the SRM 423 uses hardware resources such as an engine such as a scanner unit and a printer unit, a memory, an HDD file, and a host I / O (centro I / F, network I / F, IEEE1394 I / F, RS232CI / F, etc.). Arbitration is performed according to a request from the upper layer, and execution control is performed.
[0080]
Specifically, the SRM 423 determines whether or not the requested hardware resource is available, and if it determines that the requested hardware resource is available, the SRM 423 determines that the requested hardware resource is available. Tell The SRM 423 also schedules the use of hardware resources in response to a request from an upper layer, and directly implements the content of the request (for example, paper transport and image forming operation, memory reservation, file generation, and the like by a printer engine). .
[0081]
The process of the SCS 422 performs application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, resource management, interrupt application control, and the like.
[0082]
The process of the ECS 424 controls an engine of a hardware resource 403 including a monochrome line printer (B & W LP) 401, a color line printer (Color LP) 402, a scanner, a facsimile, and the like, and performs image reading and printing operation, status notification, and jam. Perform recovery, etc.
[0083]
More specifically, a series of copy / scan / print operations are realized by sequentially issuing print requests to the SRM 423 in accordance with the designation of the job mode received from the application 430. It is assumed that a job to be handled by the ECS 424 specifies a scanner as an image input device or a plotter as an image output device.
[0084]
For example, in the case of a copy operation, “SCANNER → PLOTTER” is designated.
In the case of file storage, “SCANNER → MEMORY” is designated.
Further, in the case of facsimile transmission, “SCCANNER → FAXIN” is designated.
[0085]
In addition, in the case of storage file printing or printing from the printer application 411, “MEOMORU → PLOTTER” is specified, and in the case of facsimile reception, “FAX_OUT → PLOTTER” is specified.
[0086]
Although the definition of a job differs depending on the application, a processing operation on one set of image groups handled by the user is defined as one job. For example, in the case of a copy ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) mode, an operation of reading one set of originals placed on an original platen is one job, and in the pressure plate mode, a reading operation until the final original is determined is one job. .
[0087]
In the case of the copy application 412, the operation of copying one bundle of documents is one job.
In the case of the fax application 413, one document transmission operation or one document reception operation is one job.
In the case of the printer application 411, the printing operation of one document is one job.
[0088]
The process of the MCS 425 performs acquisition and release of an image memory, use of a hard disk drive (HDD), compression and decompression of image data, and the like.
[0089]
The process of FCS 427 includes facsimile transmission / reception using PSTN / ISDN from each application layer of the system controller, registration / quotation of various facsimile data managed by BKM (backup SRAM), facsimile reading, facsimile reception printing, fusion transmission / reception. Provides an API to do so.
[0090]
The process of the NCS 428 is a process for providing services that can be commonly used for applications requiring network I / O, and distributes data received from the network according to each protocol to each application, and transmits data from the application to the application. Mediation when sending to the network side.
[0091]
Specifically, it has server daemons such as ftpd, httpd, lpd, snmpd, telneted, and smtpd, and a client function of the same protocol.
[0092]
The process of the OCS 426 controls an operation panel (operation panel) serving as information transmission means between an operator (user) and main body control. The OCS 426 obtains a key press from the operation panel as a key event, and transmits a key event function corresponding to the obtained key to the SCS 422, and various screens on the operation panel in response to a request from the application 430 or the control service. And a function for controlling the operation panel and the like, which are registered in advance in the OCS library.
[0093]
The application 430 includes a printer application 411 that is a printer application having a page description language (PDL), PCL, and postscript (PS), a copy application 412 that is a copy application, and a fax application that is a facsimile application. 413, a scanner application 414 as a scanner application, a network file application 415 as a network file application, and a process inspection application 416 as a process inspection application.
[0094]
Next, a description will be given of copy control using a printed document with an RFID tag during a printer operation in the ASIC 108 provided in the image forming apparatus configured as described above. Here, it is assumed that when copying the printed data, the area to be made confidential information is filled and blanked. FIG. 5A shows an original document, and an RFID tag attached to the original document restricts an output form for an area to be confidential as shown in FIG. 5B. Is formed.
[0095]
Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an RFID tag reader / writer 130 and an antenna 131 so that data of the RFID tag can be transmitted and received.
[0096]
The printed document with the RFID tag is capable of obtaining information for enabling copying and data being printed, and the RFID tag reader / writer 130 provided in the image forming apparatus is capable of obtaining the printed data. The information of the RFID tag provided on the document is received by contact or non-contact.
[0097]
As described above, when the RFID tag reader / writer 130 receives the information of the RFID tag included in the print document, the copy output command is issued to the image forming apparatus. The controller 101 that has received the copy output command controls the engine unit 110 via the PCI 109 to start reading an image.
[0098]
The information that the RFID tag reader / writer 130 receives from the RFID tag includes an output image form, the availability of an output image, a unique number for discriminating and managing information, information that is printed, and information that is printed. Is registered, information for reading information from the server, and the like. Hereinafter, the first control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0099]
(First control operation)
First, the information received from the RFID tag by the RFID tag reader / writer 130 is input to the ASIC 108, so that the ASIC 108 acquires the information of the RFID tag (step S1). Then, based on the information obtained from the RFID tag reader / writer 130, the ASIC 108 determines what kind of processing is to be performed on the print document image data read by the image reading means provided in the image forming apparatus. Is determined by the RFID 231 (step S2). Then, in the editor 2 (EDIT2) 233, processing is performed on a specific area of the print document image data read by the image reading means, and print data shown in FIG. 5B is created (step S3). ). The specific area to be processed is recorded in the RFID tag in advance, and the processing is performed based on the information. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when there are from 501 to 506, the position information for performing the processing on the print original image data and the form of the processing are specified. Processing designation information and the like are recorded in the RFID tag in advance, and the printing original image data is processed based on the information. Then, the processed print data is printed out (step S4).
[0100]
As described above, the image forming apparatus reads the printed document with the RFID tag by the image reading unit, and performs processing on the confidential data portion of the printed document read by the image reading unit in accordance with the information received from the RFID tag. Thus, it is possible to output print data obtained by processing the confidential data portion of the print document.
[0101]
(Second control operation)
Next, the second control operation will be described.
The second control operation determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting a processed print document based on the information received from the RFID tag in the first control operation. The image forming apparatus capable of outputting the image data is limited. In this way, by restricting the output of the print document, security can be enhanced by enabling the output of only a specific device so that the print document cannot be easily copied from the output device. Hereinafter, the second control operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0102]
First, the RFID tag reader / writer 130 provided in the image forming apparatus receives information on the RFID tag provided on the print document by contact or non-contact, and inputs the information to the ASIC 108 (step S10). Next, based on the information input from the RFID tag reader / writer 130, the RFID 231 included in the ASIC 108 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting a print document (step S11). This determination is made using the identification number of the image forming apparatus, and based on information acquired from the RFID tag, determines whether or not the identification number of the image forming apparatus is a device that can output. .
[0103]
If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not an output-capable image forming apparatus (step S11 / NO), the printing process is not performed, and the process ends. At this time, it is also possible to display on the display unit information indicating that the printed document cannot be output.
[0104]
If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting (step S11 / YES), the print original is read by the image reading means of the image forming apparatus, and the image data of the print original is obtained. (Step S12). In addition, based on the information received from the RFID tag, the image data of the corresponding print document can be read from a data management device such as a data registration server or a data storage device provided in the image forming apparatus. It is also possible to acquire image data of a print document from an RFID tag.
[0105]
The editor 2 (EDIT2) 233 performs processing on a specific area of the image data of the print document based on the information obtained from the RFID tag, and generates print data shown in FIG. 5B. (Steps S13 and S14). Then, the processed print data is printed out (step S15).
[0106]
As described above, based on the information received from the RFID tag, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting the print document, and based on the determination, determines that the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting the print document. If it is determined, the processing can be performed on the confidential data portion of the print document.
[0107]
In the above control operation, based on the information received from the RFID tag, a data management server such as a data storage device in the image registration apparatus or a data management device such as a data processing device performs a printing process on the image data of the print document in advance. It is also possible to read data. Further, it is also possible to acquire the print data subjected to the processing from the RFID tag. As a result, in the image forming apparatus, the print data is read or obtained and printed out without performing any processing, and the processing can be simplified.
[0108]
(Third control process)
Next, a third control process will be described.
The third control process performs a process reverse to the first and second control processes, so that a portion treated as confidential data in the original document cannot be unnecessarily copied. When watermarks and backgrounds are combined so that an output is difficult to see even when copied, a subject who can handle confidential data removes the watermarks and backgrounds and restores a copy that is easy to view. Hereinafter, the third control process will be described with reference to FIG.
[0109]
First, the RFID tag reader / writer 130 included in the image forming apparatus receives information on an RFID tag provided on a processed print document in a contact or non-contact manner, and inputs the information to the ASIC 108 (step). S20). Next, based on the information input from the RFID tag reader / writer 130, the RFID 231 included in the ASIC 108 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting a print document (step S21). If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is not an output-capable image forming apparatus (step S21 / NO), the printing process is not performed and the process ends. At this time, it is also possible to display on the display unit information indicating that the printed document cannot be output.
[0110]
If it is determined that the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting the image (step S21 / YES), the printed document is read by the image reading unit provided in the image forming apparatus. Further, the setting information of the output form at the time of outputting the print document restored from the processed print document is obtained from the RFID tag (step S22).
[0111]
In addition, the setting information of the output form when outputting the restored print document is obtained from the RFID tag, and based on the information received from the RFID tag, a data registration server, a data storage device provided in the image forming apparatus, or the like is used. It is also possible to read out the image data of the corresponding print document from the data management device. It is also possible to acquire image data of a print document from an RFID tag.
[0112]
Next, the RFID 231 included in the ASIC 108 determines whether or not to change the setting for restoring the printed document that has been processed (step S23). This determination is made based on whether or not the setting information such as an ID set by the user from the operation unit and the setting information received in advance from the RFID tag match, to determine whether or not to change the setting. . If it is determined that the setting is not changed (step S23 / NO), the printing process is not performed and the process ends. If it is determined that the setting information set from the operation unit does not match, it is possible to display that fact on the display unit and set again from the operation unit.
[0113]
If it is determined that the setting is to be changed (step S23 / YES), the editor 2 (EDIT2) 233 changes the setting based on the output mode setting information acquired from the RFID tag. As shown in FIG. 9, processing is performed on the specific area 901 of the image data of the print document to create print data shown in FIG. 9 from which the image data of the specific area 901 has been removed (step S24). Then, the print data from which the image data of the specific area 901 has been removed is printed out (step S25).
[0114]
As described above, when the setting change to the print document is permitted, the image forming apparatus determines, based on the information received from the RFID tag, the original document in which the background 901 is combined as shown in FIG. By changing the settings of the image data, it is possible to remove the background portion such as 901 as shown in FIG. 9 and output the print data from which the background portion and the watermark portion have been removed. It becomes.
[0115]
In the above control operation, based on the information received from the RFID tag, reading out the print data from which the background portion and the watermark portion have been removed from a data management device such as a data registration server or a data storage device in the image forming apparatus. Is also possible. Further, it is also possible to acquire print data from which the background portion and the watermark portion are removed from the RFID tag. Thus, in the image forming apparatus, the print data is read or obtained and printed out without changing the setting, and the processing can be simplified.
[0116]
In the above control method, the setting information is set from the operation unit to separate the background and the watermark image from the other image data, and the print data with the background and the watermark removed is output. As another control method, it is also possible to determine whether or not to change the setting based on information from the server holding the image data, without performing the setting from the operation unit.
[0117]
Next, the print data formed by the above control method is processed by the NCS 428. That is, the NCS 428 determines that the received print data is data for printer printing, and transfers the data to the printer application 411. Then, the printer application 411 interprets the print data passed from the NCS 428 and passes the data to the PDL processing unit.
[0118]
Then, the PDL processing unit processes the print data in order and performs drawing in the printer memory of the MEME-P 104.
[0119]
When the print data output preparation is completed, the CPU 102 issues a plot command to the engine unit 110 by designating the print data.
[0120]
The engine unit 110 accesses the FIFO address of the video output unit 222 of the ASIC 108 to read the print data. Thus, the print data is output from the plotter 126.
[0121]
The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, the same processing can be performed by causing the image forming apparatus to execute the above-described first to third control processes as a program. The same processing can be performed by recording the program on a computer-readable recording medium and executing the program on an image forming apparatus.
[0122]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, the present invention has the following effects.
An image forming apparatus, an image processing program, and a recording medium according to the present invention acquire information on a wireless tag attached to a print document, and perform processing on a confidential data portion of the print document based on the acquired tag information. By doing so, it is possible to output print data obtained by processing the confidential data portion of the print document.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ASIC shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining operation timings of an engine unit 110 shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of software that operates on the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
5A and 5B are diagrams showing a print original used in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A shows an image diagram of the print original before the processing is performed, and FIG. FIG. 2 shows an image diagram of a printed document after the printing.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a first control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a third control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an image diagram of an original print original on which a background 901 is combined.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Controller
102, 120 CPU
103 NB (North Bridge)
104 MEM-P (system memory)
105 SB (South Bridge)
106 AGP
107 MEM-C (local memory)
108, 121, 114 ASIC
109, 118 PCI
110 engine
111 Operation unit
112, 113 HDD
130 RFID tag reader / writer
131 antenna
115, 116 OPTION
117 ROM
119 External I / F terminal
122 Image processing unit
123 PCI section
124 scanner
126 plotter
202 Operation unit
203 Editor
204, 205 Rotator
206 AGP-MASTER
207, 223 PCI-CONFIG
208, 226 PCI-TARGET
209 Memory controller
210 Internal register
212 Arbiter
213 HDD controller
214 HDD external connection terminal
216, 217 compression / expansion device
218 Video input section
219 Direct Access Path
220 selector
222 Video output unit
224 PCI-MASTER
225 PCI arbiter
228 PCI unit
229 AGP unit
230 synthesizer
231 wireless tag (RFID tag) data controller
233 Editor 2
301 paper size
302 FGATE signal
303 LGATE signal
304 LSYNC signal
401 black and white line printer
402 color line printer
403 hardware resources
410 software group
411 Printer application
412 Copy application
413 Fax App
414 Scanner App
415 Net File App
416 Process inspection application
420 platform
421 General-purpose OS
422 SCS (System Control Service)
423 SRM (System Resource Manager)
424 ECS (Engine Control Service)
425 MCS (Memory Control Service)
426 OCS (Operation Control Service)
427 FCS (Fax Control Service)
428 NCS (Network Control Service)
430 application

Claims (15)

An image forming apparatus, comprising: image reading means for reading a print document; and image forming means for forming a copy image corresponding to the print document read by the image reading means.
Tag information receiving means for receiving information of a wireless tag included in the printed document,
Based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, based on the information received by the image reading means, a printing document processing means for performing processing processing on the confidential data portion of the print image data,
An image forming apparatus comprising: Processing for performing a processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing means on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading means based on the information received by the tag information receiving means The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restoration unit. A first print image acquisition unit that acquires print image data corresponding to a print document including the wireless tag from an external communication terminal device via a network based on the information received by the tag information reception unit. Have
The print manuscript processing means,
Based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, performing a processing process on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the first print image obtaining means,
The processing restoration means,
A processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing means on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the first print image obtaining means based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus performs the following. A second print image acquisition unit that acquires print image data corresponding to a print document including the wireless tag from a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus based on the information received by the tag information reception unit. And
The print manuscript processing means,
Based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, performing a processing process on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the second print image obtaining means,
The processing restoration means,
A processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing means on the confidential data portion of the print image data acquired by the second print image acquisition means based on the information received by the tag information reception means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image formation is performed. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an output-capable device determining unit configured to determine whether the image forming apparatus is capable of outputting the printed document subjected to the processing based on information received by the tag information receiving unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a processing restoration execution determination unit configured to determine whether to execute the processing restoration unit. The processing restoration restoration determination means,
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the processing restoration unit is executed when setting information set from an operation unit included in the image forming apparatus matches information received by the tag information receiving unit. . Image reading means for reading a printed document, image forming means for forming a copy image corresponding to the printed document read by the image reading means, tag information receiving means for receiving information on a wireless tag included in the printed document; An image processing program executed in the image forming apparatus having
An image processing method comprising: causing a computer to execute a print original processing process for performing a processing process on a confidential data portion of print image data obtained by the image reading unit based on information received by the tag information receiving unit. Processing program. A processing for performing a processing opposite to the processing performed by the print original processing on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the image reading unit based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. 9. The image processing program according to claim 8, wherein the image processing program causes a computer to execute a restoration process. A first print image acquisition process for acquiring print image data corresponding to a print document including the wireless tag from an external communication terminal device via a network based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. Let it run
The print original processing is,
On the basis of the information received by the tag information receiving means, performing a processing process on the confidential data portion of the print image data acquired by the first print image acquisition process,
The processing restoration processing,
A processing reverse to the processing performed by the print original processing on the confidential data portion of the print image data acquired by the first print image acquisition based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. The image processing program according to claim 8, wherein the image processing is performed. A second print image acquisition process for acquiring print image data corresponding to a print document including the wireless tag from a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus based on the information received by the tag information reception unit. Let it run,
The print original processing is,
Based on the information received by the tag information receiving means, performing a processing process on the confidential data portion of the print image data obtained by the second print image obtaining process,
The processing restoration processing,
A processing reverse to the processing performed by the print manuscript processing on the confidential data portion of the print image data acquired by the second print image acquisition based on the information received by the tag information receiving means. The image processing program according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the image processing program is applied. And causing the computer to execute an output enabled device determination process of determining whether or not the image forming device is capable of outputting the processed print document based on the information received by the tag information receiving unit. An image processing program according to any one of Items 8 to 11. 12. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer is configured to cause a computer to execute processing restoration execution determination processing for determining whether to execute the processing restoration processing. The processing restoration execution determination processing includes:
14. The image processing program according to claim 13, wherein the processing restoration processing is executed when setting information set from an operation unit included in the image forming apparatus matches information received by the tag information receiving unit. . A computer-readable recording medium on which the image processing program according to claim 8 is recorded.

Images