JP2006025170A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the management of outputs of accumulated image data to be performed independently at a sender's side, (such as the restriction and prevention of the utilization of image data, the prevention of leakage of image data, etc.). <P>SOLUTION: At inputting images by reading an original etc. to accumulate them in an HDD, whether they need the management is recognized to send the accumulated images to the outside according to the result. Before sending them, a color conversion or an electronic watermark composite process 109 is applied to the image data under setting conditions for purposedly enabling the output management to send them when they are fed to a data form converter 105 for converting as transmission data such as JPEG conversion, etc.Information buried by electronic watermarking is taken as control data for making the utilization restriction (for forbidding to print or copy those images not appearing on a display when they are printed while the images normally appear on the display when they are shown thereon), etc. This enables such direct output management through the image data as restriction and prevention of the utilization of the image data and the leakage prevention of the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides image data input from various data sources such as a composite type (combining a copy function, a facsimile function, a printer function, etc.) having a distribution function and a capture function. Regarding the image processing device (system) that can be stored and formed on a recording medium based on the stored image data and distributed to an external device (computer, etc.), more specifically, the data source is clarified The present invention relates to the image processing apparatus including means for enabling output management of an image that needs to be performed.

In recent years, multi-function machines equipped with a scanner function, a printer function, a facsimile function, etc., in addition to a copy function, are becoming common in copiers, and with this, the introduction of network technology that supports these functions has progressed. ing. Networking enables input / output of image data acquired and stored between image devices including a copying machine, and is realized as a distribution function and a capture function.
When image data stored in a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) in an image device including a copying machine is a copy image, there are various types of originals. When a copy is output, image processing is performed under different processing conditions corresponding to the difference in the originals. For example, a copying machine selects what is a document to be copied from an operation unit or the like provided in the apparatus, and performs processing suitable for copy output in an operation mode according to the selection.
In addition, when image data stored in a storage device provided in these image devices is transmitted to a client PC (Personal Computer) or the like via a network, the stored image is subjected to image processing, and a general-purpose file format. Convert to and send. The image processing performed at this time conforms to the designation of the output destination, for example, if it is for a general document, it is processed for OCR (Optical Character Reader) and sent to the PC side. The method of performing image processing of the format to be used is employed.
As described above, Patent Document 1 listed below can be cited as a conventional example in which data is distributed in consideration of input and output conditions for a stored image. In this example, when a document is input and stored as electronic data, various information of the document input means is attached to the stored electronic data, and when the electronic data is output, information of the output means is attached. The configuration is shown.

By the way, recent color copying machines have been able to perform copying and copying so precisely that copy banknotes copied by color copying machines and actual banknotes cannot be easily distinguished due to improvements in image processing technology and image forming technology. . For this reason, a special manuscript such as banknotes, securities, etc. is discriminated, and in the case of a special manuscript, an apparatus which prohibits illegal copying and a function for discriminating special manuscripts (for example, attaching a discrimination mark to a copy) The image processing apparatus possessed has been developed.
As a conventional example of an image processing apparatus having a special document discrimination function as described above, the following Patent Document 2 can be cited. In this example, a special document is discriminated by a pattern matching method, and the discrimination result is stored as related attribute data separately from image data. Based on this attribute data, when a copy-prohibited document is copied, the copy is prohibited, or the document copied from the image processed is easily distinguished from the document, and the outflow of the copy is restricted.
An example in which a function corresponding to a copy-prohibited document similar to that in Patent Document 2 is provided in a multi-function device can be seen in Patent Document 3 below. Here, as one of the attribute data of the image stored together with the image information, the banknote discrimination data is included, and the attribute data can be used for the image sent via the network.

In addition, in corporate offices, even for general documents other than banknotes and securities, copy-prohibited manuscripts that are prohibited from being copied from the standpoint of importance of document contents, confidentiality, or copyright protection. There are many. In this case, as described above, a secret seal or a copy-prohibited mark is used to distinguish it from a manuscript that can be copied. There has also been proposed a method of adding information such as a serial number, a manufacturing number, and a user ID to a copy as a tracking pattern at the time of printer image formation. In this method, a certain inconspicuous color (for example, yellow) is used to write on the entire surface at the time of printer image formation with a certain dot size. Patent document 4 can be mentioned as a prior art example by such a system. Here, for example, by applying information to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and adding information to the copy, the origin of the copy can be traced.
Furthermore, in order to protect the copyright in the content distributed on the Internet, the content is encrypted, and only the client having the decryption program can decrypt the content and receive the service. The following patent document 5 can be mentioned as a prior art example which shows a system.
JP 2000-353172 A JP-A-2-83571 JP 2001-223828 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-87297 JP 2002-132999 A

However, in Patent Document 1, when outputting document data, only information of output means is added, and output management such as whether output is possible is not performed. Or, it cannot perform functions such as copyright protection.
Further, in the method of adding a copy prohibition mark in Patent Document 2, such a mechanism is often performed when outputting to paper or the like as described above, and is stored in the recording apparatus. It is not applied to image data. Therefore, when trying to read this out as image data on a network or the like, it may be read out. There is also a need to intentionally read out as image data. In such a case, when it is reused and output to paper in another printer device, output is possible, making it indistinguishable from the original document, causing a problem.
In Patent Document 3, the banknote discrimination data is added as one of the attribute data of the image information and can be used together with the image information. However, it is added as attribute data to the image data itself. A function for managing data output cannot be given.
Further, the above method (see Patent Document 4) for adding tracking pattern information and copy prohibition marks to a copy is performed as part of image forming processing in an apparatus in which the scanner device and the image forming device are integrated. Therefore, for example, when image data from the scanner device is stored as RGB image image data in a storage device in the apparatus, and the stored image data is collected by a PC or the like, it is traced because it does not pass through the image forming device. The pattern is not added. In addition, when the accumulated image data is output to paper using another image forming apparatus via a network, the apparatus of the image forming apparatus can be specified, but the apparatus information of the scanner apparatus to which the image data is input is not included. For this reason, it is impossible to trace what route is output.

  In view of the above-described problems of the prior art in an image processing apparatus having a function of accumulating input image data input from various data sources and transmitting the accumulated image data to a network via a communication medium. In order to solve this problem, the problem to be solved is the management of output to the transmission destination for the image data to be mainly used on the image processing apparatus side storing the image data, for example, distribution on the network It is intended to be able to perform management of destination information, restriction and prevention of use of image data, prevention of leakage of image data, and the like. Another object of the present invention is to enable tracking of image data from a data source by adding management information of image data input.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, image storage means for storing input image data, data format conversion means for converting the stored image data in accordance with variable setting conditions, and image data converted by the data format conversion means An image processing apparatus having a communication means for transmitting on a network, wherein the data format conversion means performs conversion according to a setting condition that enables output management when outputting image data stored in the image storage means By providing means, the problem is solved.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the image recognition means for recognizing that the image data requires output management, and the recognition result of the image recognition means The data format conversion means is provided with means for instructing conversion based on setting conditions that enable output management.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the data format conversion unit sets a condition for embedding watermark information in the image data as a setting condition that enables output management. It is a feature that can be set.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect, the watermark information includes information for restricting the use of image data.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing device according to the first or second aspect, when the data format conversion means includes an image to be converted according to a setting condition that enables output management, As a setting condition capable of managing the output, the color information is a means that can set one color data to a maximum or minimum value.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing apparatus includes an original image input unit, and a unit that embeds input-related information at the time of image input by the input unit in accumulated image data, and the data The format conversion means is means for enabling setting of conditions for embedding output-related information in image data to be transmitted on the network as setting conditions for enabling output management.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the output-related information includes information indicating whether or not transmission is permitted with respect to the transmission destination, and the information is used for the transmission destination permitted for transmission by this information. The present invention is characterized in that a transmission management means for limiting is provided.

The invention according to claim 8 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the data format conversion unit encrypts image data to be transmitted on the network as a setting condition that enables output management. A condition that enables encryption to be set, and the output-related information includes information indicating whether or not the transmission destination needs to be encrypted, and the information is used to set the condition for encryption in the data format conversion means. An image forming apparatus comprising the means for performing the above operation.
The invention according to claim 9 is the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the input related information is at least one of device information and user information of the apparatus related to input. Forming device.
The invention of claim 10 is the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the output related information is at least one of device information and user information of the apparatus related to output. Forming device.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising means for forming an image based on the accumulated image data.

(1) According to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, when image data is transmitted to the outside, the image data is subjected to conversion under a setting condition that enables intentional output management, and the image data is transmitted. Output management such as use restriction and prevention and prevention of image data leakage can be performed directly through image data.
(2) In addition, according to the inventions of claims 2 to 5, for example, image data to be managed for output of banknotes, securities, documents requiring copyright protection, etc. (claim 2), image data By embedding the watermark information, it is possible to perform the intended purpose without causing any problems in browsing (claims 3 and 4), and by changing the color of the image to be managed, By making the output in a format that can recognize the difference by color, the user can be alerted (claim 5).
(3) In addition, according to the inventions of claims 6 to 10, details of image data handled on the network can be obtained by embedding input and output (transmission) related information of the image data in the image data transmitted on the network. In addition, as an output management form, restricting use to a transmission destination permitted to transmit (Claim 7) and performing encryption for restricting use (Claim 8). It becomes possible.
(4) According to the invention of claim 11, output of image data in an image processing apparatus capable of printing out by itself using input image data, such as a copying machine (including a multi-function device), a facsimile, or the like. In addition, the effects (1) to (3) can be realized.

In the following, as an embodiment relating to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, a copy function, a facsimile (FAX) function, a printer function, and an input image stored therein (read original image or image input by a printer or FAX function) An example is shown in which the present invention is implemented in a digital copying machine that is provided with a combination of the functions of transmitting data to outside.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image data processing system related to the digital copying machine of this embodiment.
As elements used for the copy function, a reading unit 1 that reads image data from a document, a scanner correction unit 2 that performs image processing on the image data read by the reading unit 1, and multi-value data output from the scanner correction unit 2 are compressed. The multi-value data fixed length compressor 3 and the HDD 5 for storing the compressed data are provided. In a configuration that can handle color images, the reading unit 1 reads an image with a color component signal, and the multi-value data fixed length compressor 3 also supports color / monochrome. Further, in order to manage the image data read by the reading unit 1 (details will be described later), an image recognition device 16 that recognizes image data to be managed such as banknotes, securities, and documents that require copyright protection is provided. Prepare.
The printer controller 4 operates as a controller that controls the operation of the entire composite function, including a copy function such as reading a document, storing read image data, and printing output using the stored image data. Therefore, the memory 11 for storing data necessary for the operation is provided under control. An operation unit 17 is connected to the memory printer controller 4 for performing input operations such as function selection and operation condition setting by the user.

As an element used for the FAX function, in this example, a FAX controller 13 having a binary variable length lossless compression data decompressor connected to the PSTN for transmitting and receiving FAX signals and returning compressed received FAX data to the original data is provided. . When the FAX image is monochrome, the binary variable length lossless compression data decompressor is monochrome compatible.
As an element used for the printer function, in this example, raster image processing (RIP) is performed in accordance with a print command from the external PC 19 via a NIC (network interface controller) 14 for performing communication with the external PC 19 connected to the network. In addition, the printer controller 4 performs compression dedicated to data after RIP.
As an element used for the distribution function of the accumulated input image data, the data generated when using the above-described functions of the copy / fax / printer and accumulated in the HDD 5 is transmitted to the external device (destination PC 19 in this example) as the transmission destination. And an image format conversion unit 10 (detailed later) for converting the data into a general-purpose data format that can be processed by the image data or for converting data for managing image data to be transmitted.
In addition, when print output (image forming processing) is performed using image data generated using the above functions, in this example, data stored in the HDD 5 is used. For this purpose, in order to restore the stored compressed data to the original data, a decompressor corresponding to the image data type is used. In the case of a copy function, a multi-value data fixed length expander 6 that expands multi-value color / monochrome data is added to the printer controller 4 in the case of each function of FAX and printer. A lossless compression data decompressor is provided. Further, as means for performing image forming processing, a printer correction unit 7 that corrects the expanded data, an engine unit including a GAVD (writing unit) 8 and an image forming unit 9 are provided. The engine unit is controlled by the engine controller 12.

Next, an embodiment of image data output management in a digital copying machine constituted by the above-described elements will be described.
Image data output management is performed when an input image stored in the HDD 5 (read original image or image input by a printer or FAX function) is transmitted to the outside or output as a copy on a paper medium. The conversion unit 10 converts the image data according to a setting condition that enables intentionally managing the output, thereby restricting or preventing the use of the image data, preventing image data leakage, and the like. In the following embodiment, an example in which different conversion methods are applied to image data to enable management of output image data will be described.

“Embodiment 1”
In the present embodiment, settings in color conversion processing for image data such as banknotes, securities, and documents that require copyright protection to be managed, special data such as maximum or minimum value of one color data of color information. The output can be managed by setting the image data so that the difference from the original image can be identified when printed out.
With reference to FIG. 1, the image data processing of the present embodiment will be described in more detail along the flow.
When using the copy function, first, a document set on the document table is read by a reading device such as a scanner of the reading unit 1. The read image data is subjected to various corrections and conversions by the scanner correction 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of scanner correction. As shown in FIG. 2, here, each process of the scanner γ 21 and the variable power 24, and the process of the filter 22 corresponding to the image quality mode and the color correction 26 are performed. Is called.
The scanner-corrected data is compressed by the multi-value data fixed length compressor 3 and stored in the storage device 5 such as an HDD via the general-purpose bus 15 under the control of the printer controller 4.
In this example, there is provided an image recognition device 16 for recognizing image data of manuscripts (hereinafter referred to as “special manuscripts”) such as banknotes, securities, and documents requiring copyright protection, which are to be managed. ing. The image data generated by the reading device enters the scanner recognition 2 and the image recognition device 16 at the same time. The result recognized here is the bibliographic information of the image data previously stored in the storage device 5 such as the HDD. Also saved.
Thereafter, when the print engine unit can output, the image data stored in the HDD 5 is restored to the data previously compressed by the multi-value data fixed length decompressor 6. The restored image data is processed by the printer correction 7 into data suitable for the print characteristics, sent to the print image forming unit via the GAVD 8, and used to form an image on transfer paper or the like.
Here, when the image recognition device 16 recognizes the document as a special document, a process for enabling output management is performed. Here, in order to prevent reuse, in the case of a color image, for example, in the case of CMYK (C: Cyan, M: Magenta, Y: Yellow, K: Black) Although it is understood, color conversion that can be distinguished from the original image at first glance is performed, and the print output is performed by the print engine unit. If the printout is made, the color is intentionally changed in this way, but the user is notified that the image will be like this, so that the printout can be stopped or duplication is prohibited. Also good.

Next, processing of image data when the distribution function is used will be described.
The image data stored in the HDD 5 or the like can be freely set such that it is recorded after being copied or the record is deleted, for example, by setting processing conditions from the operation unit 17. In addition to the stored image data, information such as the copy mode performed at that time is also stored, and a result determined by the image recognition device 16 is also stored in a part thereof.
When the image data stored in the storage device 5 such as the HDD is transferred to the PC 19 through a network or the like in this way, first, the image data stored in the HDD 5 is transferred to the image format conversion unit 10 via the general-purpose bus 15. Enters the data format conversion device provided in FIG.
FIG. 3 shows an example of the data format conversion apparatus of this embodiment.
The configuration and operation of the data format conversion apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. First, the image data stored in the HDD 5 is stored in a compressed state according to the input path from the previous reading unit 1, so that it is expanded by the block fixed length expansion 106. Thereafter, the image correction is performed by the data format conversion correction 107 and the image format desired to be received by the PC 19, for example, the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, is received by the JPEG format conversion 108 as shown in FIG. Convert to Then, it is delivered to the PC 19 through the NIC 14 via the network. Here, in FIG. 3, the conversion to the JPEG format is performed. However, the image format can be converted to a general-purpose format such as a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format or a bitmap format. It may be converted to another format desired by the user.

In the data format conversion correction 107 of the data format conversion apparatus (FIG. 3), for example, image processing as shown in FIG. 4 is performed.
First, when image data obtained by decompressing image data stored in the storage device 5 such as an HDD is input to the data format conversion correction 107, the color space is changed to a color space according to the setting when the color space conversion 107a is distributed to the PC 19 side. Convert. For example, when the color space of the image data stored in the device is CMYK and the image data is distributed to the PC 19 side in the TIFF format, the color space conversion 107a performs RGB (R : RED, G: GREEN, B: BLUE) space. Also, even if the color space of the image data stored in the device and the color space of the format are the same, for example, both are RGB spaces, color correction suitable for distribution to the PC 19 is performed. Performed at 107a.
Thereafter, for example, when the PC 19 requests the data to be distributed at a resolution of 200 dpi, and the image data stored in the device is stored at 600 dpi, resolution conversion 107b is performed. In this example, the resolution of the original image is converted to 1/3.
Thereafter, a filtering process is performed in the spatial filter 107c. In the spatial filter 107c, for example, smoothing processing for smoothing image data, edge enhancement processing for performing processing according to the image frequency, such as an edge of an image, and the like are performed. The smoothing process includes suppression of moire in the image data, and edge emphasis performs edge emphasis in order to correct the deterioration of frequency characteristics that can be placed when the reading unit 1 reads the image data.
After processing in the spatial filter 107c, the density γ of the image data is adjusted by the γ correction 107d. This γ correction includes, for example, performing processing so that the γ characteristic is increased to the high density side for characters, for example.
After performing gamma correction 107d, halftone processing 107e suitable for the image format required as output is performed. For example, when converting to a TIFF format such as FAX data, binarization processing or error diffusion processing is performed here.

Each image correction parameter in the data format conversion correction 107 is an image mode set from the PC 19, for example, when the PC 19 side normally receives it as image data, for the purpose of OCR recognition, or simply There are various image format formats such as JPEG, TIFF, binary TIFF, and BITMAP when requested as a mode for storing as a backup. In accordance with these settings, the image correction parameters of the data format conversion correction 107 are also set appropriately.
Here, as described above, the content recorded in the HDD 5 stores various information such as the document type together with the image data, and the recognition result of the previous image recognition device 16 is also saved. When the image data to be processed by the data format conversion correction 107 is recognized as a special manuscript by the image recognition device 16, the special manuscript image may be misused by reuse as in the case of using the copy function. In order to prevent this, the image data to be transmitted and output is subjected to processing that enables such management intentionally regardless of the user's intention in the data format conversion correction 107.
For example, when an RGB image is to be generated in the process of the color space conversion 107a, only the R image is intentionally saturated. Further, for example, the image data is overwritten with the maximum value of the R image without being saturated. In addition, in the process of the spatial filter 107c, a very strong smoothing process is performed on the entire surface. The intent of such processing is to identify what the original was as image data, but even if this image data is subsequently reused, image degradation that is so clear that it can be distinguished from the original (original image) is seen. By performing as much processing as possible, it is possible to manage such as preventing fraud.

“Embodiment 2”
This embodiment enables management of image data output by embedding management information by digital watermark synthesis into image data to be managed for output. The information embedded by the digital watermark is not a method of adding visual information to the image data as in the above “Embodiment 1”. In the present embodiment, in the image data processing when the distribution function is used, management information is embedded by digital watermark synthesis, and the processing for that is added to the data format conversion device provided in the image format conversion unit 10. It should be noted that the configuration and operation other than those related to the items added to manage the output of the image data, that is, the processing of the normal document not subject to output management, is the same as that described in the above “Embodiment 1”. Therefore, the description of “Embodiment 1” is referred to and the description is omitted.
FIG. 5 shows an example of the data format conversion apparatus of this embodiment.
The configuration and operation of the data format conversion apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The stored image data (compressed image data stored in the HDD 5 via the input path from the reading unit 1) is expanded by the block fixed length expansion 106. After that, conversion / correction is performed by the image processing 107 ′ under the processing conditions set according to the request. Further, after conversion to the JPEG file format by the JPEG format conversion 108, finally, the management information is embedded by the digital watermark composition 109. . The embedding of the management information is performed on the intention of the managing side. When embedding the management information, the target can be specified as a special manuscript using the result determined by the image recognition device 16. It is. The digital watermark synthesis 109 itself is a known technique, and this example can be implemented by applying this known technique.

In the present embodiment, information to be embedded with a digital watermark is used restriction information. In other words, when displaying image data with embedded watermark information on a display or the like, the image is displayed as usual, but when trying to print this image, an image that is not visible is printed or the copy itself By controlling the control data for restricting the use such as prohibition or the like to be information embedded with a digital watermark, the desired image data output management can be performed.
In addition, a method of performing digital watermark synthesis can be used to provide an authentication function.
In this method, there is a known technique of permitting only display on the condition that specific browsing software is used when referring to and browsing images, but the use of this specific browsing software is authenticated as watermark information. By embedding information for this purpose, it is possible to refer to and browse images when authentication is established. In addition, the user can refer to and browse images, and even when displaying images, the viewing software can only protect the display so as not to permit file tampering or print processing.
Furthermore, embedding information for tracking an image with a digital watermark is also an effective means for managing output of image data.
As described above, when the image data recognized as the special document by the image recognition apparatus is distributed to the outside, the intended image data output management can be performed by performing the intentional image processing.

“Embodiment 3”
In this embodiment, in order to enable management of image data output, input related information and output (transmission) related information are added to image data as management information. In particular, it is intended to enable detailed management of image data handled on the network by adding the management information to the image data transmitted on the network.
Therefore, in this embodiment, management information is embedded in the image data, and this processing is performed by the image format conversion unit 10 or the printer correction 6. Here, the configuration and operation other than the portion related to the additional items for managing the output of the image data, that is, the known processing that is normally performed in the past copy output and distribution output, is described in the above “embodiment”. 1 ”, the description of“ Embodiment 1 ”will be referred to and detailed description will be omitted.
First, this example will be described along the flow of processing when the copy function is used. Image data of a document read by the reading unit 1 is subjected to various correction / conversion processes (see FIG. 2) by the scanner correction unit 2. The processed multi-value image data is compressed by the multi-value data fixed length compressor 3. The compressed image data is sent to the printer controller 4 through the general-purpose bus I / F 15. The printer controller 4 stores this data in the semiconductor memory 11.

Data stored in the memory 11 of the printer controller 4 is written to the HDD 5 as needed. When writing to the HDD 5, management information is embedded in the image data. For this reason, the image data stored in the memory 11 is sent to the image format conversion unit 10 and device information unique to the scanner of the reading unit 1 is added to the image data as input related information.
Generally, when an input device such as a scanner of the reading unit 1 is connected to a network and transmits the input image data to the outside, the input device has its own device number, device management information managed on the network, The input information includes image reading information such as the date and time when the image data is read, operator information, and the image quality mode when the image data is read. Such information is included in the input related information.
The input related information embedded in the image data is managed in a predetermined format divided into each attribute in the information. When embedding in the image data, a method of adding the header of the image data to the head of the image data is taken as an example. In another embodiment, the input related information is imaged by a certain conversion method, and the input related information is superimposed on the input image data (specifically, the input information is M × N dots). It is possible to employ a method in which a dot image is formed and embedded in image data under OR conditions.
Note that the input-related information imaged by the above-described fixed method can be restored to the original input information by inverse conversion using the fixed method, and can be used.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the image format conversion unit 10 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the image format conversion unit 10, the image data that has passed through the input port 1001 is decompressed by the decompressor 1002 of the first format, and then sent to the tracking pattern adding unit 1015, which is unique to the scanner. A tracking pattern representing input-related information such as device information is added to the image data, compressed again by the first type compressor 1016, and then returned to the printer controller 4 through the multiplexer 1020. In the processing when the copy function is used, processing 1003 to 1010 such as various corrections / conversions, which is the other path in the image format conversion unit 10, is not used.
The printer controller 4 writes the image data sent from the image format conversion unit 10 into the HDD 5.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration in the tracking pattern adding unit 1015 of the image format conversion unit 10. The composition unit 1011 and the multiplexer 1012 are elements, and image data, a tracking pattern, and a color signal are input.
Referring to FIG. 7, the tracking pattern adding unit 1015 adds tracking pattern data indicating the scanner-specific device information from the printer controller 4 to the input image data in the combining unit 1011 and outputs it. The tracking pattern added by the combining unit 1011 is convenient when a color (for example, yellow) that is difficult for humans to visually recognize is added, because it does not interfere with the original image when visually recognized.
Further, a color signal indicating whether or not the input image data is a color image is input from the printer controller 4 to the multiplexer 1012 of the tracking pattern adding unit 1015, and a tracking pattern is added and output depending on whether or not the image data is color image data. Whether the image data is output as it is can be selected according to the relationship shown in FIG. 8 (in the figure, “1” is a color signal). In this way, it is possible to select such that a tracking pattern is added only when the image data is a color image, and when the image data is a black and white image, an operation that does not add the tracking pattern is performed. When outputting, the transfer time can be shortened.

When image data is stored in the HDD 5 in the above flow and then output to the transfer paper using the stored data, the image data in the HDD 5 is temporarily developed in the semiconductor memory by the printer controller 4, and then the general-purpose bus 15 is connected. And sent to the engine section.
In the engine unit, the image data is converted again into multi-value image data by the fixed-length expander 6. This data is sent to the printer correction 7.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the printer correction 7 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the printer correction 7, color correction 73 and printer γ correction 71 are performed, and then halftone processing 72 is performed in accordance with the print image forming unit 9.
In addition, as processing for printer correction 7, management information is embedded in the image data by adding a tracking pattern 75. Here, tracking pattern data indicating device-specific device information is added as output related information. The tracking pattern data can be added in the same manner as the tracking pattern adding unit 1015 for adding output related information.
In this way, when output on the transfer paper, it becomes possible to print information related to the input and output on the transfer paper as tracking pattern data.

Next, this example will be described along the flow of processing when the distribution function is used and the image data stored in the image storage device is retrieved from the client PC to the PC side. When there is a request from the client PC 19 to capture image data stored in the image storage device 5 such as an HDD on the PC side, what kind of image processing the printer controller 4 performs on the image format conversion unit 10 To order.
The image format conversion unit 10 has the configuration shown in FIG. 6 previously shown in the process of adding the input related information tracking pattern to the stored image, but the output related information tracking pattern for the image data output to the client PC 19 on the network. Since the additional processing includes processing 1003 to 1010 such as various corrections / conversions, it is different from the above-described additional processing path for the input related information tracking pattern.
Referring to FIG. 6, first, input image data compressed in the first format is decompressed by the decompressor 1002 in the first format. After that, conversion is performed by multi-value conversion 1003, color correction is performed by color correction processing 1004, and resolution conversion is then performed by resolution conversion 1005. Thereafter, a filtering process 1006 performs a filtering process for adjusting the strength of the MTF of the image data, a γ process 1007 performs a γ process for adjusting the density characteristics of the image data, and a halftone process 1008 performs a multi-value image. The data is quantized into binary image data.

Next, a tracking pattern adding unit 1009 adds a tracking pattern indicating information specific to the output device to the image data. The output device has its own device number, IP address and device management information managed on the network, date and time when image data is output, operator information, image output information such as an image quality mode at the time of output, and the like. Such information is included in the output related information. Further, embedding of output related information into image data can be performed by applying the same method as employed in embedding of input related information described above.
After the tracking pattern is added, the data is compressed into the second format data by the second format compressor 1010. In this way, in order to perform image processing such as various corrections, conversion, and addition of tracking patterns to the image data, the image data compressed by the first type decompressor 1002 is decompressed and restored to multi-value data. After that, this image processing is performed, and after the processing, the image is again compressed to the second format by the compressor 1010 for the second format in order to output again to the outside. Note that the first format and the second format are standardized general-purpose data formats such as JPEG, and dedicated data formats such as dedicated block fixed length compression.
As described above, by embedding a tracking pattern indicating input / output related information in the image data, even if the accumulated image data is illegally printed out or leaked via the network, By analyzing the added tracking pattern and following the information at the time of input and output, the outflow route can be specified, and output management of image data such as security protection can be realized.

“Embodiment 4”
In this embodiment, when an external device connected to the network makes an output request for a stored image, it is possible to manage the output of image data so that the external device that does not permit output is rejected. Intended to be.
In order to realize this output management, the method of adding input related information as management information to the image data as described in the “Embodiment 3” is applied. That is, as input related information, information for specifying an external device that permits an output request is embedded in the image data, and the external device that requested the output is checked by this management information, and the output of the image data is controlled.
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described along the flow of output request processing for stored images.
When image data is input from the reading unit 1, as shown in the above “Embodiment 3”, input related information is embedded, and management information includes information for permitting an output request only to a specific external device. Embedded in image data. Therefore, before the output request process, the HDD 5 stores image data in which such input related information is embedded.
When a request for transmission of the stored image to an output device such as an external PC 19 connected to the network is generated, the printer controller 4 stores the image data stored in the HDD 5 and embedded with input-related information. And the output related information such as the output destination device information indicated in the output request to check whether the output device is permitted to output, and if it is not permitted, that is, from the information included in the input information. If it is inappropriate as an output destination from the viewpoint of protecting the security, the request from the external PC 19 is rejected, and control is performed so that image data is not transmitted to the output destination.
As a method for checking whether to permit or not, as an authentication method, an output device that has been registered for permission in advance is embedded as input-related information, and the external device that requested the output is authenticated as the registered output device. Can be implemented by applying a known method.
With the above operation, the use of the image data stored in the HDD 5 on the network can be restricted according to the intention of the transmission source, and the output destination can be managed.

“Embodiment 5”
In the present embodiment, when an external device connected to the network makes an output request for a stored image, an image data output is performed by adding a mechanism that allows only an external device permitted to output to use image data. It is intended to enable management.
In order to realize this output management, the method of embedding input related information as management information in the image data as described in the above “Embodiment 3” is applied, and encrypted data is output to an output destination that does not permit output. Is used. That is, as input related information, information for specifying an external device that permits an output request is embedded in the image data, the external device that requested the output is checked by this management information, and the output image data is encrypted and transmitted. Control whether or not.
Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described along the flow of output request processing for stored images.
When the image data is input from the reading unit 1, as shown in the above “Embodiment 3”, the input related information is embedded, and the management information includes information for specifying an external device that permits an output request. Embedded in the data. Therefore, before the output request process, the HDD 5 stores image data in which such input related information is embedded.
A request for transmission of the stored image to an output device such as an external PC 19 connected to the network is generated. Specifically, an operation when capturing image data in the HDD 5 with the CRT on the external PC 19 will be described as an example.
In response to this output request, the printer controller 4 uses the image data stored in the HDD 5 in which the input related information is embedded and the output related information such as the output destination device information indicated in the output request, to determine whether the output request is normal. Check whether the output device is permitted to output data (not encrypted), and if it is not permitted, that is, it is inappropriate as the output destination from the viewpoint of protecting the security from the information included in the input information. If it is, the image format conversion / conversion unit 10 is instructed to encrypt the transmission data, and control for outputting the encrypted data is performed.
As a method of checking whether to permit or not, authentication is performed by embedding an output device for which permission has been registered in advance as input-related information, and authenticating that the external device that has requested output is the registered output device. The method can be implemented by applying a known method.

FIG. 10 shows an example of processing blocks related to the encryption conversion of this embodiment provided in the image format conversion unit. With reference to FIG. 10, processing related to encryption conversion will be described. The input / output management 101 of the processing circuit related to the encryption conversion receives image data in which input related information in the HDD 5 is embedded, output related information, and an encryption instruction under the control of the printer controller 4. In accordance with this instruction, the input related information obtained by reading out the image data input from the printer controller 4 by the input related information reading / adding 102 and the output related information reading / adding 103 in the processing circuit related to encryption conversion are read. The obtained output related information is simultaneously embedded in the image data. The embedding method is based on the method described in “Embodiment 3”.
Further, the image data in which the input related information and the output related information are embedded is finally encrypted by the encryption conversion 104 according to a certain method in accordance with the encryption instruction.
An example of encryption that can be used here is shown. For example, image data is read in word units from the beginning. The word data is read in the same order, that is, the data number in units of words is similarly expressed by word data. The two “image data in units of words” and “data number in units of words” are subjected to EXOR conversion. By performing such conversion, the converted image data is not in a state where the original image data can be visually recognized, and is encrypted. In order to reverse the EXOR conversion, for example, the PC 19 that has requested the output reads the converted image data in word units, and EXORs the “word unit image data” and the “word unit data number” again. , Can be restored to the original image data.
As described above, in order to restore the encrypted image data, it can be restored by performing inverse transformation of the transformation. By converting the encryption, it can be browsed only by a client PC that does not have the reverse conversion method. Therefore, the use of the image data stored in the HDD 5 on the network can be restricted depending on the intention of the transmission source. Can also be managed.

1 shows a block configuration of an image data processing system related to a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 shows an example of the internal configuration of scanner correction in FIG. 1 shows an example (first embodiment) of an internal configuration of an image format conversion unit in FIG. 1. An example of the internal configuration of the data format conversion correction in FIG. 3 is shown. An example (Embodiment 2) of the internal configuration of the image format conversion unit in FIG. 1 is shown. An example (third embodiment) of the internal configuration of the image format conversion unit in FIG. 1 is shown. An example of the internal configuration of the tracking pattern adding unit in FIG. 6 is shown. The operating conditions of the multiplexer in FIG. 7 are shown. FIG. 3 shows an example (third embodiment) of an internal configuration of printer correction in FIG. An example (Embodiment 5) of the internal configuration of the image format conversion unit in FIG. 1 is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 .... Reading unit, 4 .... Printer controller,
5. HDD, 7. Printer correction,
9. Print image forming unit, 10. Image format conversion unit,
16. Image recognition device, 19. External PC,
105 .. Data format conversion device,
15, 1009, 1015... Tracking pattern addition unit,
104 ·· Encryption conversion, 109 · · Digital watermark composition.

Claims (11)

  Image storage means for storing input image data, data format conversion means for converting the stored image data in accordance with variable setting conditions, and communication means for transmitting the image data converted by the data format conversion means to the network The data format conversion unit is a unit that performs conversion according to setting conditions that enable output management when outputting the image data stored in the image storage unit. An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image recognition unit recognizes that the image data needs to be managed, and the data format conversion unit outputs the data according to the recognition result of the image recognition unit. An image processing apparatus comprising means for instructing conversion according to a set condition enabling management.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data format conversion unit is capable of setting a condition for embedding watermark information in image data as a setting condition for enabling output management. An image processing apparatus.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the watermark information includes information for restricting use of image data.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data format conversion unit is capable of managing output when an image to be converted includes color information according to a setting condition that enables output management. An image processing apparatus, characterized in that, as a condition, the data of one color of color information can be set to a maximum or minimum value.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an original image input unit; a unit that embeds input related information at the time of image input by the input unit in the stored image data; and the data format conversion unit An image processing apparatus, characterized in that as a setting condition for enabling management, a condition for embedding output-related information in image data transmitted on a network can be set.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a transmission management unit configured to include information indicating whether or not transmission is permitted for a transmission destination in the output related information, and to restrict use to a transmission destination permitted to transmit based on the information. An image processing apparatus characterized by that.   8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the data format conversion unit can set a condition for encrypting image data to be transmitted on a network as a setting condition for enabling output management. The output-related information includes information indicating whether or not the transmission destination needs to be encrypted, and includes means for setting a condition for encryption in the data format conversion means based on this information. An image processing apparatus.   9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the input related information is at least one of device information and user information of an apparatus related to input.   10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the output related information is at least one of device information and user information of an apparatus related to output.   11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for forming an image based on the accumulated image data.

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