JP2006054689A - Image data compositing device and its operation program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extract identification information(electronic watermark information), even from a portion of printed matter. <P>SOLUTION: Normal print image information generated, based on input information from a print inputting part 21, is combined with background image information embedded with electronic watermark information generated by an electronic watermark data processing means by an image information compositing part 33 so that print output image information can be generated. This electronic watermark data processing means is provided with an electronic watermark processing part 322 for generating individual electronic watermark information, corresponding to each of a plurality of identification information, and for generating individual electronic watermark image information embedded with the individual electronic watermark information and a background image configuring part 324 for dividing a background image region into predetermined assignment zones, and for assembling a background arrangement pattern by assigning the individual electronic watermark image information to the assignment zones. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention combines background image information including digital watermark information with normal print data information so that when the normal print data information is printed out by a printer or the like, the background image information including the digital watermark information is also combined. The present invention relates to an image data synthesizing apparatus and an operation program thereof.

  In recent years, as part of confidentiality management, when a confidential document created by a personal computer or the like is printed out on paper with a printer or the like, digital watermark information from which predetermined identification information can be extracted is embedded as a background image on the printing paper. In some cases, the normal print image information and the background image information including the digital watermark information are combined and output. Since the identification information can be extracted from such a digital watermark-containing printed matter, for example, it is possible to determine who is the output document or which terminal is the output document. Therefore, it is possible to specify the information outflow source at the time of information leakage or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image data synthesizing apparatus that synthesizes and outputs normal print image information and background image information including digital watermark information, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228707. This image data synthesizing apparatus is an apparatus provided with image information synthesizing means for adding image information including identification information to print image information for synthesis. Patent Document 2 discloses an image data synthesizing apparatus that incorporates features in text information (increase part of characters or increase / decrease the number of pixels) instead of incorporating watermark information in the background. It is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-75050 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230095

  However, the image data synthesizing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 embeds one identification information (digital watermark information) or one set of identification information groups for the entire area of the printing paper (the entire printable area). It is said that. Therefore, if only a part of the printed material is available, the character density of the digital watermark embedding part happens to be high, or if the digital watermark embedding part is contaminated, etc., the digital watermark There was a problem that identification information could not be extracted based on the information. Further, in the method of incorporating features into text information as in the image data synthesizing device disclosed in Patent Document 2, a normal digital watermark technology cannot be applied, and a special watermark information reading device is required. There is an inconvenience of poor versatility.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and provides an image data synthesizing apparatus capable of extracting identification information (digital watermark information) even from a part of a printed matter, and an operation program thereof. Objective.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data synthesizing apparatus for receiving normal print data information and temporarily storing it as normal print image information, and an electronic device corresponding to predetermined identification information. An electronic watermark data processing means for generating watermark information, generating background image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded, and temporarily storing it, and combining the normal print image information and the background image information, Image data synthesizing apparatus comprising image information synthesizing means for generating print output image information embedded with the electronic watermark data processing means, generating individual digital watermark information respectively corresponding to a plurality of identification information, A digital watermark processing unit for generating individual digital watermark image information in which the individual digital watermark information is embedded; Dividing the image area to a predetermined allocation zone, characterized by comprising the said individual electronic watermark image information assigned to the assignment compartment background image components to assemble the background arrangement pattern.

  According to this configuration, individual digital watermark information is generated in correspondence with each piece of identification information (for example, an output person of a printed matter, an output terminal, an output date, etc.), and the individual digital watermark image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded is generated. Generated. Then, the area where the background image is arranged (usually the printable area) is divided into predetermined allocation sections, that is, the background image area is subdivided into a plurality of sections, and the individual digital watermark image information is inserted into the allocation section. As a result, background image information is created. As a result, the digital watermark information can be extracted in units of subdivided allocation sections, so that even when only a part of the printed material is available, the digital watermark information can be extracted.

  In the above configuration, the digital watermark processing unit includes a permutation information adding unit that adds permutation information for each type of identification information to a plurality of pieces of generated individual digital watermark image information. It is desirable that the image area allocation sections are set regularly and the individual digital watermark image information is sequentially allocated to the regular allocation sections in accordance with the permutation information. According to this configuration, the individual digital watermark image information corresponding to each identification information can be assigned to the background image area with a predetermined regularity. The readability can be improved by performing reading according to the characteristics.

  The regular allocation section is preferably a grid-shaped allocation section (Claim 3). By employing such a grid-like allocation section, the background image area can be easily divided regularly, and the readability of the digital watermark information can be further improved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for an image data synthesizing apparatus, which is a program for operating an image data synthesizing apparatus including predetermined input means, processing means, and storage means. Normal print data processing for temporarily storing the input as normal print image information in the storage means, and causing the processing means to generate digital watermark information corresponding to predetermined identification information, A digital watermark data process for generating background image information embedded with the image and temporarily storing it in the storage means, and the processing means for combining the normal print image information and the background image information to embed the digital watermark Image data synthesizing apparatus for executing image information synthesizing processing for generating printed output image information The electronic watermark data processing includes generating individual digital watermark information corresponding to each of a plurality of identification information, generating individual digital watermark image information in which the individual digital watermark information is embedded, and a background image The method includes a procedure of dividing a region into predetermined allocation sections and executing a background image configuration process for assembling a background arrangement pattern by allocating the individual digital watermark image information to the allocation sections.

  In the above configuration, the process of assigning permutation information for each type of identification information to a plurality of generated individual digital watermark image information, and regularly assigning the background image area assignment section, and the regular assignment It is desirable to provide a procedure for executing a process of sequentially assigning the individual digital watermark image information to the sections in accordance with the permutation information.

  According to the image data synthesizing apparatus according to claim 1, when only a part of the printed matter created by the image data synthesizing apparatus is available, or when there is “character fogging” or dirt, etc. However, digital watermark information can be extracted from the printed matter. Therefore, when confidential documents etc. are leaked, it is possible to improve the specificity of the information leak source, and as a result, it is possible to raise the management awareness of the confidential document manager, so that the confidential management level can be improved. obtain.

  According to the image data synthesizing device of the second aspect, for example, when reading the digital watermark information, reading according to the regularity can be performed, so that the readability can be improved, and the information outflow source is further improved. It becomes possible to improve the specificity.

  According to the image data synthesizing apparatus of the third aspect, the readability of the digital watermark information can be further improved by adopting the grid-like allocation section. For example, when extracting digital watermark information from individual digital watermark image information related to one piece of identification information, a healthy digital watermark information portion (digital watermark information of a portion without character fogging or dirt) is collected from a plurality of sections, An operation such as creating an entire image of one piece of individual digital watermark image information becomes easy.

  According to the image data synthesizing apparatus program according to claim 4, when only a part of the printed matter created by the image data synthesizing apparatus operated by the program is available, or “character fogging”, dirt, etc. Even when there is a digital watermark, the digital watermark information can be extracted from the printed matter. Therefore, when confidential documents etc. are leaked, it is possible to improve the specificity of the information leak source, and as a result, it is possible to raise the management awareness of the confidential document manager, so that the confidential management level can be improved. obtain.

  According to the image data synthesizing device program of the fifth aspect, by reading the electronic watermark information according to the regularity, it is possible to improve the readability and further outflow of information. The original specificity can be improved.

  Hereinafter, an image data composition device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image data synthesis device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image data synthesizing apparatus 1 includes an input unit 20, a processing unit 30, a storage unit 40, a display unit 50, and an output unit 60.

  As the hardware configuration of the image data synthesizing apparatus 1, for example, the hardware configuration of a general personal computer can be applied as it is. In this case, the input unit 20 has a keyboard (or a mouse), and the processing unit 30 has a hardware configuration. The calculation unit provided in the personal computer main body, the storage unit 40 corresponds to a ROM, a RAM, and the like, the display unit 50 corresponds to a display, and the output unit 60 corresponds to a printer. The image data synthesizing apparatus 1 is realized by executing a program having a function of performing an operation described later on a general-purpose personal computer having such a hardware configuration.

  The input unit 20 is for inputting various characters, symbol information, instruction information, and the like, and includes a print input unit 21 and a digital watermark information input unit 22. The print input unit 21 is used to input character information and the like for creating a document (confidential document), and functions as an input unit for a so-called word processor function. The digital watermark information input unit 22 receives input of digital watermark information corresponding to predetermined identification information.

  The processing unit 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, processes various data information input from the input unit 20, temporarily stores processing data in the storage unit 40, and displays an image on the display unit 50. Information is displayed, or the image information is printed on the paper by the output unit 60. The processing unit 30 includes a data processing unit 31 and an image information synthesis unit 33. The data processing unit 31 executes general arithmetic processing of the personal computer (image data synthesis device 1) including data processing corresponding to the word processor function, and also performs electronic watermark information processing. A watermark data processing unit 32 is provided. The digital watermark data processing unit 32 will be described in detail later. The image information composition unit 33 also includes document information (normal print image information) created by the word processor function and background image information created by the digital watermark data processing unit 32 (digital watermark information as will be described later). , And print output image information in which a digital watermark is embedded.

  The image data synthesizing apparatus 1 receives input of character information or the like (normal print data information) for creating a document, temporarily stores this as normal print image information, and predetermined identification information And digital watermark data processing means for generating background image information embedded with the digital watermark information and temporarily storing it. The function as the normal print data processing means is executed by the print input unit 21, the data processing unit 31, and the storage unit 40. That is, normal print data information is received from the print input unit 21, the normal print data information is converted into normal print image information by the data processing unit 31, and this normal print image information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 40. Is. The normal print image information is displayed on the display unit 50 and can be printed out from the output unit 60 as necessary.

  On the other hand, the function as the digital watermark data processing means is executed by the digital watermark information input unit 22, the digital watermark data processing unit 32, and the storage unit 40. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of each unit that functions as the digital watermark data processing unit 100.

  The digital watermark information input unit 22 includes an identification information input unit 221 and a related data input unit 222. The identification information input unit 221 receives input of various types of identification information (embedding information D1) for embedding in print output image information (background image information) as a digital watermark. As the embedded information D1, for example, “output person” information for identifying who the document is output, “output terminal” information for identifying which terminal the document is output from, and when output "Output date and time" information to identify whether it has been done, "Management number" information to identify the management number assigned to manage the document, and the document must be treated as a confidential document For example, “confidentiality expiration” information for identifying such information can be exemplified.

  The related data input unit 222 accepts input of various embedded information D2 other than the document identification information. As the embedded information D2, for example, an information embedded password that becomes key information (decompression information) when reading digital watermark information related to the embedded identification information (so that the information is not altered when reading the digital watermark information). Password). The embedded information D1 and D2 received in this way in the digital watermark information input unit 22 is sent to the digital watermark data processing unit 32 and converted into digital watermark information.

  The digital watermark data processing unit 32 generates digital watermark information corresponding to the embedded information D1 and D2, and generates background image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded. A watermark processing unit 332, a permutation information addition unit 323, and a background image configuration unit 324 are provided.

  The password processing unit 321 converts the data information corresponding to the information embedding password input from the related data input unit 222 into digital watermark information for embedding in the original background data. That is, the information embedding password is also converted into digital watermark information, and can be embedded in the original background data in combination with the digital watermark information related to the identification information.

  The digital watermark processing unit 332 includes individual digital watermarks respectively corresponding to a plurality of pieces of identification information, that is, “output person” information, “output terminal” information, “output date / time” information, “management number” information, and “confidentiality expiration date” information. Information is generated, and individual digital watermark image information in which the individual digital watermark information is embedded is generated. Specifically, appropriate original background data (light background pattern or the like) is read from an original background data storage unit 41 of the storage unit 40 described later. For example, in the case of “output person” information, it is given to each output person. In association with the identification number (employee number, etc.), the unique digital information (individual digital watermark information) is generated by replacing with the arrangement, shading, and arrangement position of the pixels constituting the watermark, and the individual digital watermark information is added to the original background data. Is embedded to generate individual digital watermark image information for each piece of identification information. In the case of this embodiment, five types of individual digital watermark image information respectively corresponding to “output person” information, “output terminal” information, “output date / time” information, “management number” information, and “confidentiality expiration date” information are generated. Will be.

  When embedding the individual digital watermark information, the digital watermark information related to the password is also embedded together. As a result, when the digital watermark information related to the identification information is read, the password verification is set as a read permission condition.

  The permutation information adding unit 323 adds permutation information for each type of identification information to the individual digital watermark image information generated by the digital watermark processing unit 332. In the case of this embodiment, for the individual digital watermark image information respectively corresponding to “output person” information, “output terminal” information, “output date / time” information, “management number” information, and “confidentiality expiration date” information, for example (1 ) To (5) are sequentially assigned. Such permutation information is used when allocating the individual digital watermark image information group to the background image area.

  The background image configuration unit 324 divides a background image area (for example, a printable area of a printer used as the output unit 60) into predetermined allocation sections, allocates the individual digital watermark image information to the allocation sections, and sets a background arrangement pattern. assemble. That is, the background image area is subdivided into a plurality of allocation sections, and background image information is created by fitting individual digital watermark image information for each piece of identification information generated by the digital watermark processing unit 332 into the allocation sections. Is. When the individual digital watermark image information is inserted, the individual digital watermark image information is sequentially allocated to the allocation section based on the permutation information given by the permutation information adding unit 323.

  The allocation section may be an allocation section having a random size and arrangement, but is preferably an allocation section having a certain regularity. For example, if it is an allocation section having the same size and regular vertical and horizontal arrangements, such as a grid-shaped allocation section, the readability in reading the digital watermark information is good. That is, if each individual digital watermark image information is sequentially assigned according to the permutation information, the readability can be improved by performing reading according to the permutation information when reading the digital watermark information. In addition, it is possible to roughly predict where each individual digital watermark image information is embedded in the printed document, and in this respect, the readability can be improved.

  Next, the storage unit 40 stores an operation program and the like of the image data synthesizing apparatus 1 and temporarily stores various processing data. In addition to a general memory unit, the original background data A storage unit 41, an individual digital watermark image information storage unit 42, an assigned partition pattern storage unit 43, a background image information storage unit 44, and a composite image information storage unit 45 are provided.

  The original background data storage unit 41 stores various kinds of original background data in which digital watermark information is embedded. As the original background data, a light ground pattern or the like that does not hinder the clarity of the printed image information as much as possible when paper printing is performed. The original background data stored in the original background data storage unit 41 is appropriately read when the individual digital watermark image information is generated in the digital watermark processing unit 322.

  In the individual digital watermark image information storage unit 42, the permutation given by the permutation information adding unit 323 is the individual digital watermark image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded in the read original background data in the digital watermark processing unit 322. Stored in association with information.

  The assigned partition pattern storage unit 43 stores patterns related to assigned partitions for assigning and arranging a plurality of types of individual digital watermark image information in the background image area. Various types of allocation sections can be adopted as the allocation section, and in addition to the lattice section described above, a strip section, a rhombus section, a honeycomb section, or the like may be used. The assigned partition pattern stored in the assigned partition pattern storage unit 43 is appropriately read when the background arrangement pattern is assembled in the background image configuration unit 324.

  The background image information storage unit 44 stores a background arrangement pattern (background image information) created by the background image configuration unit 324 by assigning a plurality of types of individual digital watermark image information to a predetermined allocation section. The combined image information storage unit 45 stores combined image information (print output image information) of the normal print image information and the background image information combined by the image information combining unit 33.

  The operation of the image data synthesizing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be sequentially described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, a document (confidential document or the like) to which digital watermark information is to be attached is created by using a word processor function provided in the image data synthesis device 1 (step S1). That is, the character / symbol information (normal print data information) input by the print input unit 21 is converted into normal print image information by the data processing unit 31 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 40. Assume that a document file 501 as shown in FIG. 4 is created as the normal print image information, and the document file 501 is stored in the storage unit 40.

  Subsequently, when the normal print image information is printed on the paper by the output unit 60, a digital watermark information embedding process is performed. In executing this embedding process, first, background data to be embedded with digital watermark information is selected (step S2). That is, appropriate original background data stored in the original background data storage unit 41 of the storage unit 40 is appropriately selected according to the nature of the document.

  Next, information embedded password processing (step S3) and creation of individual digital watermark information (step S4) are performed. That is, the information embedded password input from the related data input unit 222 of the digital watermark information input unit 22 is converted into digital watermark information by the password processing unit 321 of the digital watermark data processing unit 32. Also, various types of identification information (embedded information) input from the identification information input unit 221 is converted into individual digital watermark information for each identification information type by the digital watermark processing unit 332. Then, the digital watermark processing unit 332 embeds the digital watermark information related to the individual digital watermark information and the information embedded password in the original background data selected in step S2, and generates the individual digital watermark image information for each identification information type. (Step S5). The individual digital watermark image information is temporarily stored in the individual digital watermark image information storage unit 42.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the embedding process in step S5. For example, when the identification information is five types of “output person” information, “output terminal” information, “output date / time” information, “management number” information, and “confidentiality expiration date” information, the identification information is made to correspond. Individual digital watermark information having pixel features and the like is created. Such individual digital watermark information (and password information) is embedded in a common background image (original background data selected in step S2), thereby generating individual digital watermark image information. That is, background image information in which “output person” information is embedded as digital watermark information (referred to as background A for convenience) is generated. Similarly, background image information (referred to as background B, background C, background D, and background E, respectively) is also generated for “output terminal” information, “output date / time” information, “management number” information, and “confidentiality expiration” information. Is.

  Note that a permutation number is assigned to each background image information (individual digital watermark image information) generated in this way by the permutation information adding unit 323. Permutations (1) to (5) shown in the leftmost column of FIG. 5 indicate the permutation numbers, and the permutation numbers are used when the individual digital watermark image information is assigned.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram conceptually showing the embedding of digital watermark information. FIG. 6A shows a background image 61 relating to the original background data. When the image local portion 61B is enlarged, the background image 61 is composed of a group of pixels d1, d2,... Having predetermined regularity. A part of such a group of pixels d1, d2,... Is embedded at a point corresponding to the individual digital watermark information, so that the property (for example, density) is modified, thereby embedding the individual digital watermark information. For example, when the individual digital watermark information to be embedded is generated as information related to a specific pixel arrangement pattern, the pixel of the background image 61 at a position corresponding to the pixel arrangement pattern is modified. In FIG. 6A, pixels indicated by reference numerals dn and dm represent pixels that are planned to be modified.

  FIG. 6B shows a digital watermark embedded image 62 corresponding to the individual digital watermark image information, and also shows an enlarged image local portion 62B corresponding to the image local portion 61B shown in FIG. 6A. . The modified pixels dn and dm are modified pixels dna and dma by embedding digital watermark information. Individual digital watermark image information corresponding to each identification information, that is, background A to background E is provided with modified pixels dna and dma in a unique pattern, respectively. Each of the identification information can be extracted by reading out the modified pixel dna and dma pattern with a scanner or the like. The digital watermark based on the modified pixels dna and dma described here is conceptual, and various known digital watermark embedding techniques can be applied when embedding an actual digital watermark.

  Subsequently, a predetermined allocation section is set by dividing the background image area (step S6). Specifically, an appropriate partition pattern among the partition patterns stored in the assigned partition pattern storage unit 43 is read by the background image configuration unit 324. FIG. 7 shows an example of such an allocation partition pattern 601. In the example of FIG. 7, with respect to the paper area 600 (size of paper to be printed), areas (printable areas) provided with predetermined margins on the top and bottom and left and right are defined as outlines of the division pattern 601, and 8 rows × A pattern in which four rows of grid-like allocation sections are set is shown.

  A predetermined address number is given to each section of such a grid-like assignment section pattern 601. For example, an address number that increases along the row (or increases along the column) is given starting from the uppermost row of the leftmost column. The permutation numbers (see FIG. 5) for each individual digital watermark image information (background A to background E) given by the permutation number assigning unit 323 are sequentially and repeatedly assigned according to the ascending order of the address numbers. That is, the numbers (1) to (5) entered in each section of the grid-like assignment section pattern 601 shown in FIG. 7 indicate the correspondence with the permutation number.

  Thereafter, the background image construction unit 324 assigns individual digital watermark image information (background A to background E) to each section of the grid-like assignment section pattern 601, and assembles a background arrangement pattern (step S7). FIG. 8 shows a state in which the background A to the background E are allocated to the sections of the allocated section pattern 601. That is, the background A to the background E are inserted according to the arrangement shown in FIG. 7 according to the given permutation numbers (1) to (5). By such fitting, background image information 602 composed of a combination of background A to background E is formed. Such background image information 602 is temporarily stored in the background image information storage unit 44.

  Thereafter, the image information synthesis unit 33 synthesizes the background image information 602 and the document file 501 created in step S1 to create print output image information (step S8). FIG. 9 shows print output image information 700 after synthesis. The print output image information 700 is configured such that the document file 501 is superimposed on the arrangement area of the background image information 602 having the same size as the printable area. The print output image information 700 is temporarily stored in the composite image information storage unit 45.

  Finally, a print instruction is issued from the input unit 20, print output image information 700 to be printed is read from the combined image information storage unit 45, and image information corresponding to the print output image information 700 is output from the output unit 60 on the paper. (Step S9), and the process is completed. That is, image information corresponding to the print output image information 700 is printed out on a sheet having a size corresponding to the sheet region 600.

  According to the printed matter created by such an image data synthesizing device 1, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to read out the digital watermark information embedded in each of the background A to the background E from appropriate allocation sections. Become. That is, since multiple backgrounds A to E are printed at various locations on the paper, the degree of freedom of reading is significantly improved compared to the conventional method in which one set of digital watermark information is embedded in the entire paper. Can be made. For example, each piece of digital watermark information can be read from the section that is most easily read.

  That is, in the print output image information 700 shown in FIG. 9, in each of the sections 701, 702, 703, 704, and 705 located in the blank area of the document file 501, each of the background A to the background E has almost character fogging. Exposed in the absence. Therefore, if the digital watermark information embedded in the background A to the background E is read in the sections 701 to 705, respectively, it is possible to perform reading with less noise.

  Furthermore, even when the printed material is only partially available, all the digital watermark information can be read out. For example, assuming that the print output image information 700 shown in FIG. 9 can obtain only the right half of the printed matter, each of the sections with little character fogging, that is, the background C from the section 703 to the background D Is read from the section 704, the background E is read from the section 705, and the background B is read from the section 711. On the other hand, for the background A, there is no section with little character fogging in the right half area, but the sections 721, 722, and 723 to which the background A is assigned are read out in a composite manner (no text fogging in each section). By combining and reading out the information read out for the portions), it is possible to read out all the digital watermark information embedded in the background A.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the joint reading. For example, in the background A1 assigned to the section 721, there is an effective area x1 substantially free from character fogging and dirt, and invalidity that makes it difficult to read digital watermark information due to the presence of character fogging and dirt. It is assumed that there is an area y1. Similarly, the valid area x2 and the invalid area y2 exist also in the background A2 assigned to the section 722, and the valid area x3 and the invalid area y3 exist also in the background A3 assigned to the section 723. (A1 to A3 are exactly the same individual digital watermark image information).

  Then, read areas p1 to p3 are set in the effective areas x1 to x3 of the respective sections 721 to 723, and the digital watermark information embedded in the background A is partially read from the read areas p1 to p3, respectively. To. The readout areas p1 to p3 are set so that one background A as a whole can be reproduced as much as possible when they are combined. In this way, the readout information from the readout areas p1 to p3 is fragmented to generate the virtual background A allocation section 720, thereby substantially reading out (extracting the entire background A digital watermark information). ) Is possible.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, It is possible to change and implement the said embodiment variously. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a plurality of individual digital watermark image information (background A to background E) is regularly assigned to regular grid-like allocation sections has been described. The arrangement may be different from each other, the arrangement may be random, or the assignment sequence of the background A to the background E may be random.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image data synthesis device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of each part which functions as a digital watermark data processing means. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the image data synthesizing | combining apparatus concerning the said embodiment. It is a top view which shows an example of a document file. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally the procedure of the embedding process of digital watermark information. It is a schematic diagram which shows notionally about embedding of digital watermark information. It is a top view which shows an example of an allocation division pattern. It is a top view which shows an example of the state which allocated individual digital watermark image information to the allocation division pattern. It is a top view which shows an example of the print output image information after a synthesis | combination. It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the example of a joint reading.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image data composition apparatus 100 Digital watermark data processing means 20 Input part (input means)
21 Print input part (part of normal print data processing means)
22 Digital Watermark Information Input Unit 30 Processing Unit (Processing Means)
31 Data Processing Unit 32 Digital Watermark Data Processing Unit 321 Password Processing Unit 322 Digital Watermark Processing Unit 323 Permutation Information Adding Unit 324 Background Image Constructing Unit 33 Image Information Combining Unit 40 Storage Unit (Storage Unit)
41 Original Background Data Storage Unit 42 Individual Digital Watermark Image Information Storage Unit 43 Allocation Partition Pattern Storage Unit 44 Background Image Information Storage Unit 45 Composite Image Information Storage Unit 50 Display Unit 60 Output Unit 601 Grid Allocation Partition Pattern 602 Background Image Information 700 Printing Output image information D1 Embedding information (identification information)
D2 Information embedded password

Claims (5)

Normal print data processing means for accepting input of normal print data information and temporarily storing it as normal print image information;
Digital watermark data processing means for generating digital watermark information corresponding to predetermined identification information, generating background image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded and temporarily storing it,
An image data synthesizing device comprising image information synthesizing means for synthesizing the normal print image information and background image information to generate print output image information embedded with a digital watermark,
The digital watermark data processing means includes:
A digital watermark processing unit that generates individual digital watermark information respectively corresponding to a plurality of identification information, and generates individual digital watermark image information in which the individual digital watermark information is embedded;
An image data synthesizing apparatus comprising: a background image configuration unit configured to divide a background image area into predetermined allocation sections and allocate the individual digital watermark image information to the allocation sections to assemble a background arrangement pattern. The digital watermark processing unit includes a permutation information giving unit that gives permutation information for each type of identification information to a plurality of generated individual digital watermark image information,
The background image configuration unit regularly sets background image area allocation sections, and sequentially allocates individual digital watermark image information to the regular allocation sections according to the permutation information. The image data synthesis device according to 1.   3. The image data synthesizing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the regular allocation section is a grid-type allocation section. In a program for operating an image data synthesizing apparatus including predetermined input means, processing means, and storage means,
Normal print data processing for receiving normal print data information from the input means and temporarily storing it as normal print image information in the storage means;
Digital watermark data processing for causing the processing means to generate digital watermark information corresponding to predetermined identification information, generating background image information in which the digital watermark information is embedded, and temporarily storing it in the storage means;
A program for an image data synthesizing apparatus that causes the processing means to perform image information synthesizing processing for synthesizing the normal print image information and background image information to generate print output image information in which a digital watermark is embedded. ,
The digital watermark data processing includes:
Generating individual digital watermark information corresponding to each of a plurality of pieces of identification information, and generating individual digital watermark image information in which the individual digital watermark information is embedded;
An image data synthesizing apparatus comprising a procedure for dividing a background image area into predetermined allocation sections, and executing a background image composition process for assembling a background arrangement pattern by allocating the individual digital watermark image information to the allocation sections. Program. A process of assigning permutation information for each type of identification information to a plurality of generated individual digital watermark image information;
The method further comprises a step of regularly setting background image area allocation sections and sequentially allocating the individual digital watermark image information to the regular allocation sections in accordance with the permutation information. Item 5. A program for an image data synthesis device according to Item 4.

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