JP2006054645A - Apparatus, method, and program for generating image, recording medium recording image generating program and printed matter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of generating an image in which the image is concealed to prevent visual recognition and enabling the vidual recognition of the concealed image by a single operation without the need for a special apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image generating apparatus generates an initial image 111 and embeds a first image 115 desired to be concealed into the R (red) component image 112 of the initial image 111 while referring to a predetermined basic pattern. Also, pixels are set for a G (green) component image 113 and a B (blue) component image 114 of the initial image 111 while referring to basic patterns different from the predetermined basic pattern, and these color component images 112-114 are synthesized. In this way, the image generating apparatus generates an image 118 in which the first image 115 is concealed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, an image generation program, a recording medium on which the image generation program is recorded, and a printed material, and in particular, generates an image in which an image is concealed so that it cannot be visually recognized. The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus, an image generation method, an image generation program, a recording medium on which an image generation program is recorded, and a printed matter that make it possible to visually recognize an image concealed by a simple operation.

  Due to recent developments in copier technology, documents can be easily copied and forged, which has become a major social problem. For this reason, there is an image embedding technique as one of the techniques for easily distinguishing the original from the duplicate and making it difficult to forge.

  Non-Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for synthesizing and encoding text data or the like using the degree of freedom of density arrangement in the color density pattern method. In the density pattern method, even if the same color and density can be expressed by a plurality of density arrays, digital data can be embedded in information on which density array is used.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that a latent image printed with a yellow ink is covered with a blue transparent ink to form a two-layer printed layer, and a green ink that appears to be the same color as the two superimposed layers. A technique for printing a margin of a latent image is disclosed. In the original, the mixed color of the two layers including the latent image and the green ink in the margin appear to be the same color, so the latent image is not visually recognized. However, when copying, a part of the light emitted from the copier is transparent blue ink. Since it is transmitted, a yellow latent image is copied and appears.

Patent Document 2 also creates main image information including a human face image and the like, creates predetermined pattern image information as sub-image information, and combines the main image information and sub-image information. A technique for creating composite image information in which pattern image information is embedded in main image information in a state that cannot be read by the human eye is disclosed. Moire fringes appear when a sheet-like mask having a fine slit pattern is overlapped and the sheet is moved.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-119416 JP 2001-268346 A Yasuhiro Nakamura and one other, “Synthetic coding of text data into images using color density patterns”, Journal of the Institute of Image Electronics Engineers, 1988, Vol. 17, No. 4, p. 194-198

  However, in the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, since information such as text data is embedded in an image as digital data, the image is processed by a computer or the like by reading the image with a scanner or the like to extract the embedded data. In order to visually recognize or take out the embedded information, a complicated operation is required, and there is a problem that the embedded information cannot be visually recognized or taken out only by viewing the image.

  Further, since the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires special ink and needs to form two printing layers, it is necessary to form a printing apparatus such as a general copying machine or printer, or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). There is a problem that it cannot be realized by a display device such as LCD or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In addition, since a latent image appears only after copying, there is also a problem in that an embedded image cannot be viewed only by viewing the original.

  Further, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to prepare a sheet-like mask having a fine slit pattern in order to perceive an embedded image, and it is necessary to move the sheet-like mask. . Also, since the pattern that makes up the sub-image information is created in red or cyan colors, it is possible to determine what pattern is embedded with the naked eye without overlapping sheets. There is a problem that the concealment effect is weak. Further, since color reproduction is reproduced as it is, there is a problem that the forgery prevention effect is weak.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and generates an image in which an image is concealed so that it cannot be visually recognized, and an image concealed by a simple operation without requiring a special device. An image generation apparatus, an image generation method, an image generation program, a recording medium on which the image generation program is recorded, and a printed matter.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image generation device uses a predetermined pattern to generate a predetermined image of a second image corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of the first image. Embedding means for setting pixels of the color component image, and used for setting pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image A pattern used to set pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the first image, and a pattern different from the predetermined pattern is selected And a pattern selection unit that generates the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the image generation device sets a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern. Embedding means, a pattern used to set pixels of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and the first image A pattern selection means for selecting a pixel of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the second image, and for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern; An image generation unit that generates a second image composed of a predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color, and the value of each color component of a predetermined pixel of the second image generated by the image generation unit And a third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel. And an image converting means for converting the value corresponding to the value of each color component of the.

  In addition, the pixel values of the small areas constituting the predetermined pattern and the pixel values of the small areas constituting the pattern different from the predetermined pattern selected by the pattern selection unit are arranged according to different rules. Is preferred.

  Alternatively, the pixel values of the small areas constituting the predetermined pattern are arranged according to a predetermined rule, and the pixel values of the small areas constituting the pattern different from the predetermined pattern selected by the pattern selection unit are randomly arranged. It is preferable.

  Or the sum of the pixel values of the small regions constituting the predetermined pattern used to set the pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image , A small area constituting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern used for setting pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image It is preferable that the sum of the pixel values is within a predetermined range.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image generation method uses a predetermined pattern to calculate pixels of a predetermined color component image of a second image corresponding to pixels of a predetermined pixel value of the first image. An embedding step to set, a pattern used to set pixels of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and the first A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used to set pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the image; An image generation step of generating a second image composed of the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image generation method uses a predetermined pattern to calculate pixels of a predetermined color component image of a second image corresponding to pixels of a predetermined pixel value of the first image. An embedding step to set, a pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and the first A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the image of the second image; An image generation step of generating a second image composed of the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color, and each color component of a predetermined pixel of the second image generated in the image generation step The value of the given pixel And a corresponding image conversion step of converting the value corresponding to the value of each color component of a pixel of the third image.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image generation program is a program for causing a computer to execute an image generation process, and corresponds to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of a first image using a predetermined pattern. An embedding step of setting pixels of a predetermined color component image of the second image, and the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image A pattern used for setting pixels of a component image, and a pattern used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the first image, A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, and an image generation step for generating a second image composed of the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color are executed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image generation program is a program for causing a computer to execute an image generation process, and corresponds to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of a first image using a predetermined pattern. An embedding step of setting pixels of a predetermined color component image of the second image, and the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image A pattern used for setting pixels of a component image, and a pattern used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image corresponding to each pixel of the first image, A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, an image generation step for generating a second image composed of the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color, and an image generation step An image conversion step of converting the value of each color component of the predetermined pixel of the second image generated in step S2 into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel; Let it run.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium and records the above-described image generation program.

  When the further another situation of this invention is followed, the 2nd image produced | generated in the above-mentioned image production | generation apparatus is printed on printed matter.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the printed material uses a predetermined pattern, a pixel corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of the first image, and a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, A first color component image in which pixels corresponding to pixels other than pixels having a predetermined pixel value of the first image are set, and a pattern different from the predetermined pattern are used for each pixel of the first image. A second image composed of a second color component image having a different color from the first color component image in which the corresponding pixel is set is printed.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, the printed material uses a predetermined pattern, a pixel corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value of the first image, and a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, A first color component image in which pixels corresponding to pixels other than the pixels having the predetermined pixel value of the first image are set, and a pattern different from the predetermined pattern is used, and each pixel of the first image And a second image composed of a second color component image having a color different from that of the first color component image, and each color component of a predetermined pixel of the second image. A second image obtained by converting the value of into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel is printed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  The processing in the image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment is realized by software executed on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) such as a computer or a workstation. It should be noted that it may be realized by software executed on a CPU that performs image processing and control in a printer or a copier having both a printer function and a scanner function, or may be realized as dedicated hardware.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer 101 that is an image generation apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a computer 101 includes a display device 312 made of a liquid crystal or CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) for displaying information, and a key input unit operated to input information such as instructions. An external data input unit such as 1450, a CPU 1412 for centrally controlling the computer itself, a memory 1424 including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and / or a RAM (Random Access Memory), a fixed disk 1426 , An FD (Flexible Disk) 1432 is detachably mounted, an FD drive device 1430 that accesses the mounted FD 1432, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 1442 is detachably mounted, and the mounted CD A CD-ROM drive 1440 for accessing the ROM 1442, and a communication I / F (interface) 14 80, and a print unit 1481.

  The communication I / F 1480 has a function of connecting the communication path 17 and the computer 101 so that they can communicate with each other. Therefore, the computer 101 and a printer (not shown) can perform data communication with each other via the communication path 17. Various networks including the Internet can be applied to the communication path 17. In the computer 101, data processed by the CPU 1412 for printing is given to the printing unit 1481, where it is printed on paper and output. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to a printer (not shown) via the communication I / F 1480 and the communication path 17 and printed and output by the printer.

  The computer 101 of FIG. 1 may be provided with a magnetic tape device that is detachably mounted with a cassette type magnetic tape and accesses the magnetic tape.

  The software installed in the computer 101 in FIG. 1 is stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM 1442 or FD1432, and distributed, and the CPU 1412 stores a CD-ROM drive 1440 or FD drive in a predetermined storage area of the computer 101 or workstation. It is read via the device 1430 and executed.

  The hardware itself such as the computer 101 in FIG. 1 and a workstation (not shown) is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software (program or data) recorded on a recording medium such as CD-ROM 1442, FD1432, memory 1424, and fixed disk 1426.

  An image generation process in the computer 101 that is the image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 3 schematically shows the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is performed by executing a program recorded on a recording medium such as the CD-ROM 1442, the FD 1432, the memory 1424, and the fixed disk 1426 of the computer 101 with the CD-ROM drive 1440 or FD drive 1430. It implement | achieves by reading to a predetermined storage area via and executing. It is assumed that the first image 115 is stored in the memory 1424, the fixed disk 1426, or the like in the computer 101.

  2 and 3, CPU 1412 generates initial image 111 in memory 1424 at step (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S) 10. Next, in S11, the first image 115 stored in the memory 1424 or the fixed disk 1426 is read and the first image 115 is embedded in the R (red) component image 112 of the initial image 111. 116 is performed.

  Next, in S12, pattern selection processing 117 is performed on the G (green) component image 113 and the B (blue) component image 114 of the initial image 111 to generate an image 118 in which the first image 115 is concealed.

  In the present embodiment, in the embedding process 116 of S10, the first image 115 is embedded in the R component image 112 of the initial image 111. However, the first image is compared with another color component image of the initial image 111. 115 may be embedded. Two or more color component images may be embedded.

  The above-described embedding process 116 and pattern selection process 117 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 4A to 4D are diagrams illustrating specific examples of basic patterns referred to in the embedding process 116 and the pattern selection process 117. Each value in the basic pattern represents a pixel value, and each basic pattern is designed such that the sum of the pixel values is equal.

  One pixel of each basic pattern shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D corresponds to one pixel of the generated image, and a pixel value corresponding to a color component referring to each basic pattern is set. Pixel values in each basic pattern are arranged according to different rules for each basic pattern.

  In the embedding process 116, for the pixels corresponding to the black pixels of the first image 115, a specific basic pattern is selected from FIGS. 4A to 4D, and the selected basic pattern is selected for each black pixel. , The pixel value of the basic pattern corresponding to the pixel is set for the R component image 112 of the initial image 111. For the pixels that do not correspond to the black pixels of the first image 115, the basic pattern to be referred to for each pixel is selected at random from FIGS. 4A to 4D and corresponds to the pixel. The pixel value of the basic pattern is set for the R component image 112 of the initial image 111. Thus, the first image 115 is embedded in the R component image 112 of the initial image 111 to generate a new R component image 112.

  In the pattern selection process 117, a basic pattern to be referenced is selected while being randomly changed from FIGS. 4A to 4D, and the pixel value of the basic pattern corresponding to the pixel is selected as the G component image 113 of the initial image 111. And B component image 114 are set, and new G component image 113 and B component image 114 are generated.

  In the image 118 obtained by combining the new R component image 112, the G component image 113, and the B component image 114 obtained in this way, the first image 115 embedded in the R component image 112 cannot be visually recognized. That is, the new R component image 112 is concealed by the new G component image 113 and B component image 114 set with the pixel values of the basic pattern randomly selected from the plurality of basic patterns. Further, the first image 115 is embedded in the new R component image 112 using the basic patterns (a) to (d) in which the sum of pixel values is constant. For this reason, as long as the image 118 in which the first image 115 is concealed is viewed with the naked eye, it is very difficult to perceive what image is embedded in the image 118.

  In FIG. 4, four basic patterns shown in (a) to (d) are shown, but the number of pixels in the vertical and horizontal directions, the pixel values, the arrangement and types of pixel values of the basic patterns are shown in this specific example. It is not limited. In the example of FIG. 4, each basic pattern is designed so that the sum of pixel values is equal to each other, but the sum of pixel values of each basic pattern is within a predetermined range (the difference in sum of pixel values is several percent). It may be set so as to be within a range.

  In the present embodiment, the basic pattern used in the pattern selection process 117 is selected at random. However, a basic pattern different from the basic pattern used in the embedding process 116 may be selected. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least the pixel values of the basic pattern used in the embedding process 116 are arranged according to a predetermined rule such that pixels with a pixel value of 0 are arranged vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, and are used in the pattern selection process 117. The pixel values of the basic pattern may be randomly arranged without being arranged according to a specific rule.

  FIG. 5 shows how the new R component image 112 generated by the embedding process 116 and the image 118 obtained by combining the new G component image 113 and the B component image 114 generated by the pattern selection process 117 are seen. Specifically,

  Referring to FIG. 5, for example, in the embedding process 116, the basic pattern shown in FIG. 5A is selected to generate a new R component image 112, and in the pattern selection process 117, the basic pattern shown in FIG. When the basic pattern to be selected is selected and a new G component image 113 is generated, and the basic pattern shown in FIG. 5C is selected and a new B component image 114 is generated, the appearance of the synthesized image 118 is displayed. This is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5D, Y means yellow, M means magenta (red purple), C means cyan (light blue), W means white, and K means black.

  FIG. 6 specifically shows how the color component images 112, 113, and 114 of the image 118 that conceals the first image 115 look in the entire image. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating specific examples of how the R, G, and B component images 112, 113, and 114 of the image 118 in which the first image 115 is concealed are visible.

  Regarding the R component image 112 shown in FIG. 6A, it can be perceived that the first image 115 is embedded, but the G component image 113 shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C. The B component image 114 shown in FIG. 5 is perceived only as a random pattern. In order to separate only the R component image 112 from the image 118, it is only necessary to superimpose a red film on the image 118, for example, without using a special device.

  Using FIG. 7, when the image 118 that conceals the first image 115 is decomposed into R, G, and B color component images 112, 113, and 114 and each image is enlarged, the black pixels of the first image 115 are displayed. It will be described how the corresponding area and the non-corresponding area look.

  For the region 120 that does not correspond to the black pixel of the first image 115, the R, G, B component images 112, 113, 114 of the initial image 111 are randomly selected as the basic pattern in the embedding process 116 and the pattern selection process 117 described above. Is selected and the corresponding pixel value of the basic pattern is set, so that the entire region looks like a random pattern.

  On the other hand, for the region 121 corresponding to the black pixel of the first image 115, the basic pattern is selected randomly in the above-described pattern selection processing 117 for the G and B component images 113 and 114 of the initial image 111. Since the corresponding pixel value is set, the entire region looks random, but for the R component image 112 of the initial image 111, one specific basic pattern is selected in the above-described embedding process 116, Since the corresponding pixel value of the basic pattern is set, a uniform pattern can be perceived as the entire region. Therefore, if only the R component image 112 is separated and observed, for example, by superimposing a red color film on the image 118 that conceals the first image 115, the first image 115 can be perceived.

  In the above example, a red color film is superimposed on the image 118 in order to observe the embedded first image 115. However, the image 118 is captured by a computer or the like using a scanner device or the like, and image processing is performed. It is also possible to automatically detect the first image 115 in line.

[Second Embodiment]
Image generation processing in a computer that is an image generation apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 schematically shows the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. Note that the image generation apparatus according to the present embodiment is also realized by the same computer 101 as in the first embodiment, and description of the configuration thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, a program recorded on a recording medium such as the CD-ROM 1442, FD 1432, memory 1424, and fixed disk 1426 of the computer 101 is also stored in the CPU 1412 by the CD-ROM drive 1440 or FD drive 1430. This is realized by reading into a predetermined storage area and executing it. It is assumed that the first image 115 and the second image 122 are stored in the memory 1424, the fixed disk 1426, or the like in the computer 101.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, process steps S20 to S22 are the same as process steps S10 to S12 according to the first embodiment, respectively, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Next, in S23, the CPU 1412 reads the second image 122 stored in the memory 1424 or the fixed disk 1426, performs image conversion processing 123 on the image 118 that conceals the first image 115, and performs the first processing. The first image 115 is embedded in the second image 122 to generate an image 124 in which the first image 115 is concealed.

  In the image conversion process 123 of S23, the CPU 1412 executes an operation represented by the following expression (1) to execute the image conversion process.

In Equation (1), R _in (x, y) is the pixel value of the coordinates (x, y) of the R component of the image 118 that conceals the first image 115, and R ₂ (x, y) is the second value. The pixel value of the R component coordinates (x, y) of the image 122, R _out (x, y) is an image 124 in which the first image 115 is hidden by embedding the first image 115 in the second image 122. Represents the pixel value of the coordinates (x, y) of the R component, and each value takes a value from 0 to 255.

  In the image conversion process 123 of S23, the CPU 1412 performs the calculation represented by the equation (1) for all the pixels of the image 118 that conceals the first image 115. Further, in the image conversion process 123 of S23, the first image 115 is embedded in the second image 122 by performing the same calculation as the equation (1) for the G component and the B component. Can be generated.

  Alternatively, in the image conversion process 123 of S23, a bright image as a whole is generated by performing the calculation represented by the following equation (2) instead of the equation (1), but the second image 122 is dark. The first image 115 can be embedded well in the region.

  Note that the values shown here are only examples, and the parameters may be changed as appropriate.

[Third Embodiment]
As the third embodiment, the first image 115 concealed from the first image 115 generated in the first embodiment or the second image 122 generated in the second embodiment is the first An image 124 in which the image 115 is embedded and the first image 115 is concealed can be printed by a printing apparatus such as a printer and provided as a printed matter.

  For example, if the color cannot be faithfully reproduced or blurred when these printed materials according to the present invention are copied, the embedded first image 115 appears without being concealed and can be seen with the naked eye. There is a case. Alternatively, even if an attempt is made to extract the embedded first image 115 by overlapping a color film such as a red film, the image may disappear and be unable to be extracted. Therefore, the printed matter according to the present invention can be effectively used for preventing forgery.

  In addition, the printed matter according to the present invention can be used for problem collections and reference books. In general question collections and reference books, the model answer to the question is written at the end of the book. When matching the answers, it is necessary to look at the problem answer, the model answer at the end of the book, and your own answer. The usability was bad. In the case of a collection of questions and reference books using the printed matter according to the present invention, a concealed image having a model answer as a first image is generated and printed together with the question, so that the user can print the printed matter. In addition, it becomes possible to make answers by simply overlaying films of a specific color.

  Furthermore, the above-described image generation method can be provided as a program. Such a program can be recorded on a recording medium such as a FD 1432 readable by the computer 101, a CD-ROM 1442, a memory 1424 such as ROM or RAM, and a memory card, and provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a fixed disk 1426 such as a hard disk built in the computer 101. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer 101 that is an image generation apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the image generation process in the computer 101 which is an image generation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the image generation process in the computer 101 which is an image generation apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the basic pattern referred by the embedding process 116 and the pattern selection process 117. FIG. It is a figure which shows the specific example of how the image 118 looks. It is a figure which shows specifically how each color component image 112,113,114 of the image 118 which concealed the 1st image 115 looks in the whole image. It is a figure explaining the specific appearance of the area | region which does not correspond to the area | region corresponding to the black pixel of the 1st image 115. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the image generation process in the computer 101 which is an image generation apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the image generation process in the computer 101 which is an image generation apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  17 communication path, 101 computer, 111 initial image, 112 R component image, 113 G component image, 114 B component image, 115 first image, 116 embedding process, 117 pattern selection process, 118, 124 first image 115 120, 121 area, 122 second image, 123 image conversion processing, 312 display device, 1412 CPU, 1424 memory, 1426 fixed disk, 1430 FD drive device, 1432 FD, 1440 CD-ROM drive device, 1442 CD-ROM, 1450 Key input unit, 1480 Communication I / F, 1481 Print unit.

Claims (13)

Embedding means for setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection unit that selects a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used to set pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
An image generation apparatus comprising: an image generation unit configured to generate the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color. Embedding means for setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection unit that selects a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used to set pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
Image generating means for generating the second image comprising the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color;
An image for converting the value of each color component of the predetermined pixel of the second image generated by the image generation means into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel An image generation apparatus comprising conversion means.   The pixel values of the small areas constituting the predetermined pattern and the pixel values of the small areas constituting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern selected by the pattern selection unit are respectively arranged according to different rules. Item 3. The image generating device according to Item 1 or 2.   The pixel values of the small regions constituting the predetermined pattern are arranged according to a predetermined rule, and the pixel values of the small regions constituting the pattern different from the predetermined pattern selected by the pattern selection unit are randomly arranged, The image generation apparatus according to claim 1.   Sum of pixel values of small areas constituting the predetermined pattern used for setting pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels having a predetermined pixel value of the first image And a pattern different from the predetermined pattern used for setting pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than the pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image. The image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sum of pixel values of the small regions to be within a predetermined range. An embedding step of setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
An image generation method comprising: an image generation step of generating the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color. An embedding step of setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
An image generation step of generating the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color;
An image for converting the value of each color component of the predetermined pixel of the second image generated in the image generation step into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel An image generation method comprising a conversion step. A program for causing a computer to execute image generation processing,
An embedding step of setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
An image generation program that executes an image generation step of generating the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color. A program for causing a computer to execute image generation processing,
An embedding step of setting a pixel of a predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to a pixel of a predetermined pixel value of the first image using a predetermined pattern;
A pattern used to set pixels of the predetermined color component image of the second image corresponding to pixels other than pixels of the predetermined pixel value of the first image, and each pixel of the first image A pattern selection step for selecting a pattern different from the predetermined pattern, which is used for setting pixels of a color component image other than the predetermined color of the second image,
An image generation step of generating the second image including the predetermined color component image and a color component image other than the predetermined color;
An image for converting the value of each color component of the predetermined pixel of the second image generated in the image generation step into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel An image generation program for executing the conversion step.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the image generation program according to claim 8 is recorded.   A printed matter on which the second image generated in the image generating apparatus according to claim 1 is printed. A pixel corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value in the first image using a predetermined pattern and a pixel other than the pixel having a predetermined pixel value in the first image using a pattern different from the predetermined pattern is used. A first color component image in which pixels corresponding to the pixels are set;
A second color component image having a color different from that of the first color component image in which a pixel corresponding to each pixel of the first image is set by using a pattern different from the predetermined pattern Printed second printed image. A pixel corresponding to a pixel having a predetermined pixel value in the first image using a predetermined pattern and a pixel other than the pixel having a predetermined pixel value in the first image using a pattern different from the predetermined pattern is used. A first color component image in which pixels corresponding to the pixels are set;
A second color component image having a color different from that of the first color component image in which a pixel corresponding to each pixel of the first image is set by using a pattern different from the predetermined pattern A second image to be played,
The second image obtained by converting the value of each color component of the predetermined pixel of the second image into a value corresponding to the value of each color component of the pixel of the third image corresponding to the predetermined pixel is printed Printed.

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