JP2006119735A - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, information processor, and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system capable of adding specific information to printed matter, an image forming apparatus, an information processor, and a computer program. <P>SOLUTION: When a document to be printed is selected (S11) and when a printer driver is started (S12), the CPU of the information processor 100 determines whether or not there is a request to send a print job (S13). When there is a request to send a print job (S13: YES) and when a latent-image mode is set (S14: YES), the latent-image mode is validated (S15) and the print job is sent to the image forming apparatus 200 (S17). When receiving the print job (S18: YES), the image forming apparatus 200 develops the print job (S19) and determines whether or not the latent-image mode is valid (S20). If the latent-image mode is valid (S20: YES), an annotated image and a tinted image are created (S21) and synthesized with the document to be printed (S22), and a printing process is executed (S23). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system capable of adding specific information to a printed material, an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus used in the image forming system, and a computer program for realizing the image forming system.

  As one of techniques for preventing duplication of printed matter, a technique that uses a tint block pattern as a background of a document to be prevented from being duplicated is known. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern consists of dots (foreground dots) that remain after copying with a copier, etc., and dots that are so small that they disappear when copied (background dots). In addition, background dots are arranged around the foreground dots so that the design does not stand out. When a printed matter on which a tint block pattern is formed is copied, the background dots disappear and only the foreground dots remain, so that characters and patterns drawn with the foreground dots appear. Therefore, by embedding characters such as “copy prohibited” and “confidential document” drawn with foreground dots in advance in the tint block pattern, it is possible to give the printed matter to be created the effect of suppressing duplication.

  In recent years, a function for adding a tint block pattern is installed in a printer driver so that a document to which a tint block pattern is added can be printed by a printer device (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this technique, processing for combining document image data and copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern image data is performed inside the information processing apparatus in which the printer driver is incorporated, and printing is performed based on the combined image data. Processing is executed to form a document with a background pattern pattern as a background on plain paper. In addition, by preparing a plurality of types of tint block patterns with the printer driver, it is possible to use different tint block patterns depending on the document.

In addition, in order to clarify the origin of printed matter created by an image forming apparatus such as a printer device or a digital multi-function peripheral, a device that records an image including specific information such as a printed device, a place, and a date and time is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). In such an apparatus, a pattern (hereinafter referred to as an embedding pattern) is created based on specific information, and is in a color (for example, a light color such as yellow) or a size that is difficult for the human eye to see. A pattern is formed on the paper. When there is an illegal act or the like, information on the origin of the printed material is obtained by analyzing a pattern attached to the printed material.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-164739 JP-A-5-14684

  As described above, when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is added to a document, the original purpose can be achieved if the added image emerges at the time of copying, and the embedded pattern created based on the information indicating the source is used. In the case of adding an embedded pattern, the original purpose can be achieved by performing an analysis at the time when an illegal act is performed. Therefore, it is not assumed that information embedded in the tint block pattern and information embedded in the embedded pattern are written on the paper.

  By the way, such a tint block pattern or embedding pattern is created by a printer driver installed in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or an image forming apparatus such as a printer apparatus or a digital multifunction peripheral. It is also possible to create a tint block pattern and an embedded pattern in which information set by itself is embedded. Therefore, it is possible to propose a use environment in which these patterns are added to a print document and the embedded information is written together. For example, it is conceivable to create a tint block pattern or an embedding pattern based on information related to a distribution destination of a printed material, add it to the printed material, and record information related to the distribution destination as a character string. In this case, the distribution destination can be clearly indicated by the recorded character string. However, even when the character string is deleted by a correction liquid or the like, information on the distribution destination is acquired based on the tint block pattern or the embedding pattern. Therefore, when it is desired to limit the distribution destination, it is possible to provide a printed material with high safety. However, as described above, since it is not envisaged to write the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern or the embedded pattern and the information embedded in the pattern, there is a problem that it cannot be realized at present.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and generates image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on information included in the received job, and includes the generated image data in the job. An image forming system capable of creating a printed matter that is highly safe with respect to confidentiality by combining the image data with the image data to be formed and performing image formation on the sheet based on the image data obtained by combining the image data, An object is to provide an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus used in an image forming system, and a computer program for realizing the image forming system.

  An image forming system according to the present invention receives image data, generates a job requesting image formation based on the received image data, transmits the generated job to the outside, and transmits from the information processing device In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that receives a received job and forms an image on a sheet based on the received job, the information processing apparatus receives information and a job including the received information The image forming apparatus generates image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on information included in the received job; and the generated image data And a means for synthesizing the image data included in the job, and forming an image on the sheet based on the image data obtained by the synthesis. And wherein the door.

  In the present invention, based on the information included in the received job, generate image data including two types of images that are related to each other, synthesize the generated image data with the image data included in the job, Since image formation is performed on the sheet based on the image data obtained by combining, for example, a pattern image including the information from one piece of information and an image including the information as a character string are printed. A printed material added to the document to be created is created.

  An image forming system according to the present invention receives image data, generates a job requesting image formation based on the received image data, transmits the generated job to the outside, and transmits from the information processing device In the image forming system including the image forming apparatus that receives the received job and forms an image on the sheet based on the received job, the information processing apparatus and the information receiving unit are configured to receive each other based on the received information. Means for generating image data including two types of related images and means for combining the generated image data with the received image data are transmitted based on the image data obtained by combining. It is characterized in that a job to be generated is generated.

  In the present invention, image data including two types of images that are related to each other is generated based on information received when a job is transmitted, and the generated image data is combined with image data to be printed. Since a job is generated based on the image data obtained by combining and transmitted to the image forming apparatus, for example, a pattern image including the information from one piece of information and the information as a character string are included. A printed matter is created by adding the image to the document to be printed.

  In the image forming system according to the present invention, the information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is An image in which a pattern based on the character string is embedded.

  In the present invention, the received information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images to be generated is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is a character string. Since this is an image in which a pattern based on the image is embedded, an image including the information as a character string and a printed matter to which an image including the information as a pattern is added from one information.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image in which the pattern is embedded is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or a watermark image.

  In the present invention, since the image in which the pattern is embedded is composed of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or a watermark image, the printed matter can have an effect of suppressing duplication.

  In the image forming system according to the present invention, the information includes information relating to a distribution destination of the sheet on which the image is formed or information indicating that copying of the sheet on which the image is formed is prohibited.

  In the present invention, the received information includes information on the distribution destination of the sheet and information indicating that copying of the sheet is prohibited, so that the distribution destination of the printed matter is limited and the security with respect to confidentiality is improved.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus includes means for calculating the number of copies to be formed based on the information, and generates different image data for each number of copies. .

  In the present invention, since the number of copies to be printed is set based on the received information, it is useful when creating a printed material to be distributed to a plurality of distribution destinations.

  The image forming system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing apparatus includes means for calculating the number of copies for image formation based on the information, and generates different image data for each number of copies. .

  In the present invention, since the number of copies to be printed is set based on the received information, it is useful when creating a printed material to be distributed to a plurality of distribution destinations.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes image data and predetermined information, receives an external job requesting image formation based on the image data, and forms an image on a sheet based on the received job In the apparatus, means for generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on information included in the received job, and means for combining the generated image data with the image data included in the job And forming an image on the sheet based on the image data obtained by the synthesis.

  In the present invention, based on the information included in the received job, generate image data including two types of images that are related to each other, synthesize the generated image data with the image data included in the job, Since image formation is performed on the sheet based on the image data obtained by combining, for example, a pattern image including the information from one piece of information and an image including the information as a character string are printed. A printed material added to the document to be created is created.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the information is information configured by a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is An image in which a pattern based on the character string is embedded.

  In the present invention, the received information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images to be generated is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is a character string. Since this is an image in which a pattern based on the image is embedded, an image including the information as a character string and a printed matter to which an image including the information as a pattern is added from one information.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data, generates a job that requests image formation based on the received image data, and receives information in the information processing apparatus that transmits the generated job to the outside; Based on the received information, it is provided with a means for generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other, and a means for combining the generated image data with the received image data. A job to be transmitted is generated based on the image data.

  In the present invention, image data including two types of images that are related to each other is generated based on information received when a job is transmitted, and the generated image data is combined with image data to be printed. Since a job is generated based on the image data obtained by combining and transmitted to the image forming apparatus, for example, a pattern image including the information from one piece of information and the information as a character string are included. A printed matter is created by adding the image to the document to be printed.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is An image in which a pattern based on the character string is embedded.

  In the present invention, the received information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images to be generated is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is a character string. Since this is an image in which a pattern based on the image is embedded, an image including the information as a character string and a printed matter to which an image including the information as a pattern is added from one information.

  A computer program according to the present invention includes a step of causing a computer to generate a job that includes received image data and predetermined information and requests image formation based on the image data. And generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other, and causing the computer to synthesize the generated image data with the received image data.

  In the present invention, based on information included in the received job, generate image data including two types of images that are related to each other, synthesize the generated image data with image data included in the job, Since image formation is performed on the sheet based on the image data obtained by combining, for example, a pattern image including the information from one piece of information and an image including the information as a character string are printed. A printed material added to the document to be created is created.

  In the case of the present invention, image data including two types of images that are related to each other is generated based on information included in the received job, and the generated image data is combined with image data included in the job. An image is formed on the sheet based on the obtained image data. Therefore, for example, a printed material to which a pattern image including the information and an image including the information as a character string are added from one piece of information is created, and a printed material having high security with respect to confidentiality can be created.

  Further, according to the present invention, image data including two types of images that are related to each other is generated based on information received when a job is transmitted, and the generated image data is combined with image data to be printed. A job is generated based on the image data obtained by the synthesis and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. Therefore, for example, a printed image in which a pattern image including the information and an image including the information as a character string are added to a document to be printed from one information is generated, and a printed material having high security with respect to confidentiality is generated. Can do.

  In the case of the present invention, the received information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images to be generated is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is based on the character string. It is an image with an embedded pattern. Accordingly, an image including the information as a character string and a printed material to which the image including the information as a pattern is added from one information, and a printed material with high security regarding confidentiality can be generated.

  In the case of the present invention, since the image in which the pattern is embedded is composed of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or a watermark image, the printed matter can have an effect of suppressing duplication.

  In the case of the present invention, the received information includes information on the sheet distribution destination and information indicating that copying of the sheet is prohibited. Therefore, the distribution destination of the printed matter is limited, and security regarding confidentiality can be improved.

  In the case of the present invention, since the number of copies to be printed is set based on the received information, it is useful when creating a printed material to be distributed to a plurality of distribution destinations.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. The image forming system according to the present invention includes an information processing apparatus 100 such as a personal computer, and an image forming apparatus 200 such as a printer device or a digital multifunction peripheral. Both are connected by wire or wirelessly, and print processing is executed by transmitting a print job created by the information processing apparatus 100 to the image forming apparatus 200.

  The present embodiment is characterized in that the latent image mode can be set when the information processing apparatus 100 creates a print job. Here, the latent image mode refers to a mode in which an image is generated based on a character string set by the user, separately from the document to be printed, and the generated image is embedded in the document to be printed. An image generated when the latent image mode is set is an annotation image including the set character string as annotation information, and a tint block image including the character string as a hidden character. The annotation image is an image that can be recognized by a person, and includes, for example, information on a distribution destination of the printed material, information prohibiting duplication of the printed material, and the like. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is an image that is difficult for the human eye to recognize, and hidden characters emerge when the printed material is copied.

  Details of the system will be described below. The setting of the latent image mode is performed by a printer driver installed in advance in the information processing apparatus 100. 2 to 5 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of screens generated by the printer driver. When the printer driver is started from an arbitrary application program installed in the information processing apparatus 100, the printer driver generates the print setting screen 10 as shown in FIG. 2 and displays the display unit 106 (FIG. 6) of the information processing apparatus 100. Display).

  The print setting screen 10 includes a printer selection field 11 for selecting a printer device to be used, a print range setting field 12 for accepting print range settings, and a print number setting field 13 for accepting print number settings. Various settings related to print processing can be made. An execution button 14 and a cancel button 15 are arranged in the lower area of the print setting screen 10. When the execute button 14 is pressed, a print job is generated, and the print job is transmitted to the printer device (for example, the image forming apparatus 200) selected in the printer selection field 11. If the cancel button 15 is pressed, a process for returning to the application program that called the printer driver without generating a print job is performed.

  In addition, a property button 11a is arranged in the printer selection field 11 so that details regarding print processing can be set. When the property button 11 a is pressed, the printer driver generates a property screen 20 as shown in FIG. 3 and displays it on the display unit 106 of the information processing apparatus 100.

  The property screen 20 includes a print number setting field 21 for accepting settings for the number of prints, an assigned page number setting field 22 for setting the number of pages to be assigned to one sheet, a double-sided print setting field 23 for accepting settings relating to double-sided printing, and stapling processing. A finishing setting field 24 for accepting settings relating to the user, a user setting button 25 for making settings relating to the user, and a job management button 26 for making settings relating to the print job are arranged so that various settings can be made regarding the details of the print processing. I have to. An execution button 27 and a cancel button 28 are arranged in the lower area of the property screen 20. When the execution button 27 is pressed, the setting content on the property screen 20 is held and then the process for returning to the print setting screen 10 is performed. When the cancel button 28 is pressed, the setting content is held. The process for returning to the print setting screen 10 is performed.

  When the job management button 26 is pressed on the property screen 20, the printer driver generates a job management screen 30 as shown in FIG. 4 and displays it on the display unit 106 of the information processing apparatus 100.

  The job management screen 30 includes a retention setting unit 31 that accepts settings related to storing (holding) a print job, a department number input field 32 that accepts input of a department number, and a default job setting field 34 that accepts input of a printer name and job name. A latent image mode button 35 for setting the latent image mode is arranged so that details regarding the print job can be set. An execution button 36 and a cancel button 37 are arranged in the lower area of the job management screen 30. When the execution button 36 is pressed, the setting content on the job management screen 30 is held and then the process returns to the property screen 20 described above. When the cancel button 37 is pressed, the setting content is held. The process of returning to the property screen 20 is performed.

  When the latent image mode button 35 is pressed on the job management screen 30, the printer driver generates a latent image mode setting screen 40 as shown in FIG. 5 and displays it on the display unit 106 of the information processing apparatus 100. .

  In the latent image mode setting screen 40, a check box group 41 for selecting or setting a character string (hidden character) to be embedded in a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and a character that accepts the settings of the font, size, and style of the selected or set character string. An attribute setting unit 42 and a slider setting unit 43 that can set the density and angle of hidden characters with a slider are arranged, and settings relating to a character string to be embedded in a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be performed. Examples of character strings that can be selected by the check box group 41 include a printer name, a host name (that is, a name given to the image forming apparatus 200), an IP address of the image forming apparatus 200, and a printing date and time. Also, by checking the check box at the bottom and inputting an arbitrary character string in the character string input field 41a, an arbitrary character string can be embedded in the tint block image. In the example shown in FIG. 5, “distribution destination: intellectual property part” is set as an arbitrary character string, the font of the character string is set to “Gothic”, the size is set to 80 points, and the style is set to be bolded. . Further, the slider setting unit 43 sets the angle of the hidden character to 45 degrees.

  In the lower area of the latent image mode setting screen 40, an initial setting button 44, a preview button 45, an apply button 46, an execute button 47, and a cancel button 48 are arranged. When the initial setting button 44 is pressed, processing for returning the setting values of the character attribute setting unit 42 and the slider setting unit 43 to the initial values is performed. When the preview button 45 is pressed, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image preview is created based on the set content and displayed on the display unit 106. When the apply button 46 is pressed, the setting contents are confirmed, and when the execute button 47 is pressed, processing for returning to the above-described job management screen 30 is performed after the latent image mode is validated. When the cancel button 48 is pressed, a process for returning to the job management screen 30 after invalidating the latent image mode is performed. The contents set on the latent image mode setting screen 40 are hereinafter referred to as annotation information.

  Next, configurations of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 loads various control programs stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executes the control program, thereby controlling various hardware connected to the bus 102. Operate as a processing device.

  Hereinafter, various hardware connected to the bus 102 will be described. The operation unit 105 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, and accepts an operation instruction, data input, selection operation, and the like by a user. The display unit 106 includes a CRT display or a liquid crystal display. In addition to information input through the operation unit 105 and information to be notified to the user, the print setting screen 10 generated by the printer driver described above is displayed. Is done.

  The auxiliary storage unit 107 includes an FD drive, a CD-ROM drive, and the like for reading various data recorded on a recording medium such as an FD or a CD-ROM. For example, when the printer driver is provided by the FD, it is read by the auxiliary storage unit 107 and installed in the storage unit 108. The storage unit 108 is, for example, an HDD device, and stores data and application programs read by the auxiliary storage unit 107, data received through the communication IF 109, internally created data, and the like.

  The communication IF 109 includes a communication interface conforming to the communication standard of the communication network N, and can be connected to the image forming apparatus 200. The communication IF 109 transmits a print job to the connected image forming apparatus 200 and receives various information transmitted from the image forming apparatus 200. The communication IF 109 controls such transmission / reception of various data.

  The image forming apparatus 200 includes a CPU 201. The CPU 201 loads various control programs stored in the ROM 203 to the RAM 204 and executes them, thereby controlling various hardware connected to the bus 202, and the image of the present invention. Operate as a forming device.

  Hereinafter, various hardware connected to the bus 202 will be described. The operation panel 205 includes an operation unit that receives an operation instruction from the user and a display unit that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit includes various hardware keys, and accepts settings such as a function switching operation, the number of prints, and density during image formation. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display, an LED display, or the like, and displays an operation status of the image forming apparatus 200, a set value input through the operation unit, and the like. In addition, a touch panel type software key is arranged in a part of the display unit so as to accept a selection operation by the user.

  The image reading unit 206 includes a light source that irradiates light to a reading document, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD), an AD converter, and the like (not shown), and is set at a predetermined reading position. An image of a document is formed on the image sensor and converted into an analog electric signal, and the obtained analog electric signal is converted into a digital signal by an AD converter. Then, digital image data is generated by correcting the light distribution characteristics of the light source at the time of document reading, sensitivity variations of the image sensor, and the like on the digital signal obtained by AD conversion.

  The communication IF 207 includes a communication interface conforming to the communication standard of the communication network N so that the information processing apparatus 100 can be connected. The communication IF 207 receives a print job from the connected information processing apparatus 100 and transmits information to be notified to the information processing apparatus 100. The communication IF 207 controls transmission / reception of such various data. Note that the print job received by the communication IF 207 is transferred to the image processing unit 208.

The image processing unit 208 develops the print job received by the communication IF 207 into image data for printing, and performs necessary image processing based on the developed image data. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image processing unit 208. The image processing unit 208 is based on an input buffer 208a that temporarily stores a print job transferred from the communication IF 207, a job expansion unit 208b that expands the print job held in the input buffer 208a, and annotation information included in the print job. The additional image generation unit 208d that generates additional images (two types of annotation images and copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images in the case of the present embodiment), the image developed from the print job (print document), and the additional image generated by the additional image generation unit 208d An image composition unit 208c that synthesizes the image and an output buffer 208e that temporarily holds the image synthesized by the image composition unit 208c are provided. The CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 acquires the combined image data by reading the image held in the output buffer 208e.
If the annotation information is not included in the print job transferred from the communication IF 207, the image composition unit 208c outputs the image developed by the job development unit 208b as it is to the output buffer 208e.

  The image forming unit 209 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data transferred from the image processing unit 208. Therefore, the image forming unit 209 is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and laser writing that emits a laser beam in accordance with image data received from the outside to generate an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum. An apparatus, a developing device that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum to make it visible, a transfer device that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum onto paper (not shown), etc. And an image desired by the user is formed on a sheet by electrophotography. In addition to image formation by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing apparatus, an image formation may be performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like.

  Hereinafter, operations of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 will be described with reference to flowcharts. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200. When a document to be printed is selected by the information processing apparatus 100 (step S11) and the printer driver is activated (step S12), the CPU 101 has a print job transmission request through the print setting screen 10 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S13). If it is determined that there is no print job transmission request (S13: NO), it waits until there is a print job transmission request.

  When it is determined that the execution button 14 arranged on the print setting screen 10 is pressed, that is, when it is determined that there is a print job transmission request (S13: YES), the latent image mode is set through the latent image mode setting screen 40. Is determined (step S14). When it is determined that the latent image mode is set (S14: YES), a print job is generated with the latent image mode enabled (step S15), and when it is determined that the latent image mode is not set (S14: NO), the latent image mode is disabled and a print job is generated (step S16). Then, the generated print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication network N (step S17).

  The CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not a print job is received at an appropriate time interval in a standby state after power is turned on (step S18), and when it is determined that a print job is not received (step S18). S18: NO), and waits until a print job is received.

  If it is determined that the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 has been received (S18: YES), the CPU 201 transfers the received print job to the image processing unit 208 and develops the print job in the job development unit 208b. (Step S19). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether the latent image mode is valid based on the developed print job (step S20). When it is determined that the latent image mode is valid (S20: YES), the additional image generation unit 208d generates an annotation image and a tint block image based on the annotation information included in the print job (step S21), and the generated annotation The image and the tint block image are sent to the image composition unit 208c. Note that the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image may be generated as one image data, or may be generated as individual image data. Then, the image composition unit 208c combines the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with the image sent from the job development unit 208b, that is, the document to be printed (step S22), and the image data obtained by the combination is output from the output buffer 208e. Output. Then, the image forming unit 209 performs a printing process based on the image data output from the image processing unit 208 (step S23).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the latent image mode is not valid (S20: NO), the image data obtained by developing the print job without executing the generation of the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and image synthesis are added. Based on this, a printing process is executed (S23).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 200. For example, when the document as illustrated in FIG. 9A is created by the information processing apparatus 100 and a print job is generated based on the document, the setting value described in FIG. 5 is set as annotation information. In this case, the image forming apparatus 200 generates a print product in which the annotation image 81 including the character string “distribution destination: IP department” and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 82 including the character string as a hidden character are combined (FIG. 9). (See (b)). This copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 82 is composed of a foreground dot group 82a having a size that remains even after copying with a copier or the like, and a minute background dot group 82b arranged so that the foreground dot group 82a is not conspicuous. Therefore, when the hidden characters are composed of the foreground dot group 82a, a printed matter on the surface that is not much different from the original document is created. However, when copying is performed with a copier or the like, the background dot group 82b is the original document. It disappears at the time of reading or image formation, and the character string of “distribution destination: intellectual property part” embedded as a hidden character comes to emerge (see FIG. 9C). Therefore, although the distribution destination of the created printed matter can be recognized at a glance from the annotation image 81, even if the character string added as the annotation image 81 is deleted by a correction liquid or the like, information on the distribution destination Will be left as a hidden character.

  In the present embodiment, the form of embedding information relating to the distribution destination of the printed material as a hidden character has been described. However, even when a character string such as “copy prohibited” or “confidential document” is embedded, the confidentiality of the printed material is ensured. It is effective for.

  In this embodiment, the hidden character is embedded with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, but may be embedded with a watermark image. Here, the watermark image is an image in which a target character string is embedded in a form invisible to human eyes, and can be formed with an identifiable dot pattern.

  Further, by providing a setting button on the latent image mode setting screen 40, whether or not an annotation image is to be combined may be received.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when the latent image mode is set, the image forming apparatus 200 generates the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and combines them with the document to be printed. Alternatively, the image data may be generated by combining the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and a print job may be generated based on the image data. In this case, even if an existing image forming system is used, the present invention can be realized by updating only the printer driver.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200. When a document to be printed is selected by the information processing apparatus 100 (step S31) and the printer driver is activated (step S32), the CPU 101 of the information processing apparatus 100 prints through the print setting screen 10 as shown in FIG. It is determined whether there is a job transmission request (step S34). If it is determined that there is no print job transmission request (S34: NO), it waits until there is a print job transmission request.

  If it is determined that there is a print job transmission request (S34: YES), it is determined whether the latent image mode is set through the latent image mode setting screen 40 as shown in FIG. 5 (step S35). If it is determined that the latent image mode is set (S35: YES), an annotation image and a tint block image are generated based on the annotation information set through the latent image mode setting screen 40 (step S36), and the document to be printed is created. Synthesis (step S37). In the present embodiment, the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are synthesized by software processing, that is, arithmetic processing of the CPU 101. Next, the CPU 101 generates a print job based on the image data obtained by the synthesis (step S38), and transmits the generated print job to the image forming apparatus 200 (step S39). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the latent image mode has not been set (S35: NO), a print job is generated without executing the generation and composition of the annotation image and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image (S38). The print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 200 (S39).

  The CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not a print job is received at an appropriate time interval in a standby state after power is turned on (step S40), and when it is determined that a print job is not received (step S40). S40: NO), and waits until a print job is received.

  When it is determined that the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 has been received (S40: YES), the CPU 201 develops the received print job in the image processing unit 208 (step S41), and obtains the obtained image data. Output to the image forming unit 209. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 208 only performs print job development and image quality adjustment. Then, the image forming unit 209 executes print processing based on the image data output from the image processing unit 208 (step S42).

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first embodiment, one annotation image (annotation image and copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image) is synthesized for each annotation information. However, a plurality of annotation information is prepared in advance by a data list or file, and the number of copies to be printed is set. The additional image to be combined may be changed.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the latent image mode setting screen 50. As in the first embodiment, the latent image mode setting screen 50 for setting the latent image mode can be called through a screen generated by the printer driver. Note that the internal configurations of the information processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 200 are exactly the same as those in the first embodiment, and in this embodiment, a case where information to be embedded in a document to be printed is configured using a watermark image will be described.

  The latent image mode setting screen 50 includes a check box group 51 for selecting a character string to be embedded in a watermark image, a file reference check box 52 for referring to a file in which the embedded character string is described in a predetermined format, and a predetermined format. The user-defined information setting unit 53 for receiving the character string described in the above item is arranged so that a character string to be embedded in the watermark image can be set. Examples of character strings that can be selected in the check box group 51 include a printer name, a transmission source IP address, a printing destination IP address, and a printing date and time. When the file reference check box 52 is checked, the character string described in the file selected through the reference button 52a is embedded in the watermark image. Further, it is also possible to directly input into the definition information input field 53a of the user definition information setting unit 53 without creating a file in advance.

  The example shown in FIG. 11 shows a state in which a character string is input in a predetermined format in the definition information input field 53a of the user definition information setting unit 53. Here, three types of character strings “distribution destination ¥ n intellectual property part ¥ r”, “distribution destination ¥ n planning part ¥ r”, and “distribution destination ¥ n technical part \ r” are defined as annotation information. Here, “¥ n” is a character code representing a space, “¥ r” is a character code representing a line feed (line feed code), and one annotation information and other annotation information are separated by the line feed code.

  In the lower area of the latent image mode setting screen 50, an initial setting button 54, a preview button 55, an apply button 56, an execute button 57, and a cancel button 58 are arranged. When the initial setting button 54 is pressed, processing for returning the setting value on the latent image mode setting screen 50 to the initial value is performed. When the preview button 55 is pressed, a watermark image preview is created based on the set content and displayed on the display unit 106 of the information processing apparatus 100. When the apply button 56 is pressed, the setting content on the latent image mode setting screen 50 is confirmed. When the execution button 57 is pressed, processing for enabling the latent image mode is performed, and the printer driver generates a print job including information indicating that the latent image mode is enabled. On the other hand, when the cancel button 58 is pressed, a process for invalidating the latent image mode is performed, and the printer driver generates a print job including information for invalidating the latent image mode.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a printed matter output by the image forming apparatus 200. For example, when the information processing apparatus 100 creates a document as shown in FIG. 12A and generates a print job based on this document, the definition information illustrated in FIG. If set, the image forming apparatus 200 prints the annotation image 91a including the character string “distribution destination intellectual property section” and the watermark image 91b, and the annotation including the character string “distribution destination planning section”. A printed material in which the image 92a and the watermark image 92b are combined, and a printed material in which the annotation image 93a and the watermark image 93b including the character string of “distribution destination technical department” are combined are created. These watermark images 91b, 92b, and 93b are composed of a foreground dot group that constitutes a hidden character and a background dot group that is arranged so that the hidden character cannot be easily recognized. Therefore, although it cannot be easily recognized by human eyes, it can be detected using a magnifying glass or a dedicated reader.
In the example shown in FIG. 12, the watermark image is formed on the entire surface of the paper. However, the watermark image may be formed only in a part of the area.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus 200. The CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 200 determines whether or not a print job is received at an appropriate time interval in a standby state after power is turned on (step S51), and when it is determined that a print job is not received (step S51). S51: NO), and waits until a print job is received.

  If it is determined that the print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 100 has been received (S51: YES), the CPU 201 transfers the received print job to the image processing unit 208 and develops the print job in the job development unit 208b. (Step S52). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether the latent image mode is valid based on the developed print job (step S53). If it is determined that the latent image mode is valid (S53: YES), the additional image generation unit 208d generates an annotation image and a watermark image based on the annotation information included in the print job (step S55), and generates the generated annotation. The image and the watermark image are sent to the image composition unit 208c.

  Then, the image synthesis unit 208c synthesizes the annotation image and the watermark image with the image sent from the job development unit 208b, that is, the document to be printed (step S56), and the image data obtained by the synthesis from the output buffer 208e. Output. Then, the image forming unit 209 performs a printing process based on the image data output from the image processing unit 208 (step S57).

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether there is other annotation information (step S58). That is, when a plurality of annotation information is defined in the file to be referred to, or when a plurality of annotation information is defined in the definition information input field 53a, it is determined whether there is annotation information for which a printed matter has not been created. to decide. If it is determined that there is comment information (S58: YES), the process returns to step S55. If it is determined that there is no comment information (S58: NO), the process according to this routine is terminated. If it is determined in step S53 that the latent image mode is not valid (S53: NO), the image data obtained by developing the print job is transferred to the image forming unit 209, and the printing process is executed. (Step S54).

  In this embodiment, the hidden character is embedded with the watermark image, but it is needless to say that the hidden character may be embedded with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image described in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the same character string is embedded in the annotation image and the watermark image. However, the character string embedded in the annotation image may be different from the character string embedded in the watermark image. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the character string “distribution destination IP part” may be embedded in the annotation image, and the character string “IP part” may be embedded in the watermark image. In this case, for example, by separating the character string of “distribution destination” and the character string of “Intellectual Property Department” with the character code of “¥ n”, the image forming apparatus 200 can recognize the character string. Can be easily realized.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen generated by a printer driver. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen generated by a printer driver. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen generated by a printer driver. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a screen generated by a printer driver. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an image process part. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a printed matter output by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a latent image mode setting screen. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a printed matter output by the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100 Information processing apparatus
101 CPU
103 ROM
109 Communication IF
200 Image forming apparatus 201 CPU
203 ROM
207 Communication IF
208 image processing unit 208a input buffer 208b job development unit 208c image composition unit 208d additional image generation unit 208e output buffer 209 image forming unit N communication network

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus that receives image data, generates a job that requests image formation based on the received image data, transmits the generated job to the outside, and receives and receives a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on a job,
The information processing apparatus includes means for receiving information and means for generating a job including the received information, and the image forming apparatus has two types of relevance based on information included in the received job. Means for generating image data including the image of the image and means for combining the generated image data with the image data included in the job, and forming an image on the sheet based on the image data obtained by combining the image data. An image forming system characterized in that it is performed. An image processing apparatus that receives image data, generates a job that requests image formation based on the received image data, transmits the generated job to the outside, and receives and receives a job transmitted from the information processing apparatus In an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on a job,
The information processing apparatus includes a means for receiving information, a means for generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on the received information, and combining the generated image data with the received image data. And an image forming system characterized in that a job to be transmitted is generated based on image data obtained by combining.   The information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is embedded with a pattern based on the character string. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image.   The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image in which the pattern is embedded is a tint block image or a watermark image.   5. The information according to claim 1, wherein the information includes information regarding a distribution destination of the sheet on which the image is formed, or information indicating that copying of the sheet on which the image is formed is prohibited. Image forming system.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for calculating the number of copies to form an image based on the information, and generating different image data for each number of copies. The image forming system according to claim 5.   6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for calculating the number of copies to be formed based on the information, and generating different image data for each number of copies. The image forming system according to claim 1. In an image forming apparatus that includes image data and predetermined information, receives a job requesting image formation based on the image data from the outside, and forms an image on a sheet based on the received job.
Means for generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on information included in the received job, and means for combining the generated image data with the image data included in the job An image forming apparatus characterized in that an image is formed on a sheet based on image data obtained by synthesis.   The information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is embedded with a pattern based on the character string. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image. In an information processing apparatus that receives image data, generates a job that requests image formation based on the received image data, and transmits the generated job to the outside.
Means for receiving information, means for generating image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on the received information, and means for combining the generated image data with the received image data, An information processing apparatus characterized in that a job to be transmitted is generated based on image data obtained by combining.   The information is information composed of a character string, and one of the two types of images is an image including a part or all of the character string, and the other is embedded with a pattern based on the character string. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the information processing apparatus is an image. In a computer program comprising a step of causing a computer to generate a job that includes received image data and predetermined information and requests image formation based on the image data.
Causing the computer to generate image data including two types of images that are related to each other based on the information; and causing the computer to synthesize the generated image data with the received image data. A computer program characterized by the above.

Images