JP2006239957A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device which limits copying of confidential documents, important documents and the like without lowering processing efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: When judging that the image forming device is instructed to read through an operating panel (S11: YES), the image forming device performs a reading process (S12) and stores image data obtained in an image memory (S13). The image forming device transfers the image data to an image processing section (S14), judges whether a spacific pattern is detected or not (S15). When the specific pattern is detected (S15: YES), the image forming device transfers the image data stored in a replacement image storage section to an image forming section (S18: YES). When the specific pattern is not detected (S15: NO), the image forming device transfers the image data input to the image forming section. The image forming section performs an output process on the basis of the image data transferred to the image forming section (S19). The image forming device judges whether an output page is a last page or not (S20). When judging that the page is not the last page (S20: NO), the device returns processing to Step S12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of restricting copying confidential documents and important documents without reducing processing efficiency.

  Conventionally, as a function of a printer driver for controlling an image forming apparatus such as a printer device or a digital multifunction peripheral from an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a function for copying a specific character string or mark to each page to be printed or an arbitrary page Many products having the following (watermark function) have been commercialized. This watermark function pays attention to the handling of printed documents by imprinting character patterns such as “Top Secret”, “Important”, “Circuit”, “Emergency”, and “Copy prohibited” on the document to be printed. It is used for the purpose of arousing (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In this way, by adding a watermark to the output document, it is possible to alert the user about the handling of the document, but when a copy is created due to the user's carelessness, etc., and malicious There is a problem that a copy is illegally created by a certain third party, and there is a possibility that information may be leaked.

Therefore, conventionally, when a specific image such as a barcode is added to a document and the barcode is detected optically when the document is copied, it is determined that the document is a confidential document and the copying operation is stopped. A copying machine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). Similarly, a copying machine has been proposed in which a specific pattern is added to a document, and when the pattern is optically detected when the document is copied, the copying operation is judged to be a confidential document and the copying operation is stopped. (For example, refer to Patent Document 4). In addition, a part or all of an image is formed using ink having predetermined optical characteristics such as infrared light reflection, infrared light absorption, ultraviolet absorption or the like, or ink having predetermined magnetic characteristics. There has been proposed a copying machine that stops the copying operation when the ink is detected using an optical method or a magnetic method (see, for example, Patent Documents 5 to 9).
JP 2002-77600 A JP-A-54-32322 JP-A 63-163866 JP-A-7-38747 JP 58-224362 A JP 59-9681 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-8880 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-8878 JP 56-126844 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, when a pattern indicating a confidential document is detected, the copy restriction is performed by stopping the copy operation. It is necessary to accept the input of new data after canceling the process, which has a problem that the processing efficiency is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of restricting copying confidential documents, important documents, and the like without reducing processing efficiency.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention receives a job for instructing image formation in units of pages on a sheet, and stores a predetermined image in the image forming apparatus that performs image formation in units of pages on a sheet based on the received job. Storage means, detection means for detecting whether a predetermined pattern is included in the image of each page formed on the sheet based on the job, and detecting an image including the pattern, Instead of the image, there is provided means for forming an image stored in the storage means on a sheet.

  In the present invention, it is detected whether or not a predetermined pattern is included in the image of each page formed on the sheet. When an image including a pattern is detected, the image is stored in the storage means instead of the image. Since a pre-stored image is formed on a sheet, a pattern is recorded in advance on a page containing confidential information and important information. The image is output after being replaced with another image. Further, even when a pattern is included in a part of a plurality of pages, image formation is performed on all pages without stopping the operation on the way.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is configured to receive a number of copies for image formation, and when the received number of copies is two or more and the detection unit detects an image including the pattern, image formation is performed for one copy. And a means for stopping image formation for the remaining number of copies after being performed.

  In the present invention, the number of copies to be imaged is two or more, and when an image including a pattern is detected, the image formation is stopped for the rest after the image formation is performed for one copy. The continuation and cancellation of the process are determined by the user's will.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for receiving an execution request for the image formation, and means for executing the image formation when the execution request is received by the means.

  In the present invention, when an execution request is received, image formation is performed for the remaining number of copies, and therefore, continuation and cancellation of processing are determined by the user's will.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes means for performing user authentication when receiving the execution request, and receives the execution request when the user is authenticated by the means. .

  In the present invention, user authentication is performed when an execution request is received, and when the user is authenticated, the execution request is received. Therefore, only a legitimate user can instruct image formation. It becomes possible to prevent information leakage of confidential documents and important documents.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when image formation is executed based on the execution request, an image based on the job is formed on a sheet.

  In the present invention, when image formation is performed for the remaining number of copies, the image is formed on the sheet based on the received job, so that the image formation is performed in the same state as the original. Become.

  When the image forming apparatus according to the present invention executes image formation based on the execution request, for an image including the pattern, the image stored in the storage unit is placed on the sheet instead of the image. It is characterized by being formed.

  In the present invention, when image formation is performed for the remaining number of copies, for an image including a pattern, an image stored in advance in the storage means is formed on the sheet instead of the image. Therefore, image formation is performed in the same state as the first copy.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image stored in the storage unit includes information indicating that copying of the image is restricted.

  In the present invention, since the image stored in the storage means includes information indicating that copying of images is restricted, it is possible to alert the user about the handling of the printed matter.

  In the case of the present invention, it is detected whether or not a predetermined pattern is included in the image of each page formed on the sheet, and when an image including the pattern is detected, it is stored in advance in the storage means instead of the image. The stored image is formed on the sheet. Therefore, by recording a pattern in advance on a page containing confidential information or important information, when copying the page, image formation is performed after replacing it with another image. As a result, confidentiality can be maintained. Further, even when a pattern is included in a part of a plurality of pages, image formation for all pages is executed without stopping the operation in the middle, so that the processing efficiency is not lowered.

  According to the present invention, the number of copies for image formation is two or more. When an image including a pattern is detected, image formation is performed for one copy and then image formation for the rest is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to continue or cancel the processing at the user's will.

  According to the present invention, when an execution request is accepted, image formation is performed for the remaining number of copies. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to continue or cancel the processing at the user's will.

  According to the present invention, user authentication is performed when an execution request is received, and when the user is authenticated, the execution request is received. Accordingly, only a legitimate user can instruct image formation, and information leakage of confidential documents, important documents, etc. can be prevented.

  According to the present invention, when image formation is executed for the remaining number of copies, an image is formed on a sheet based on the received job. Therefore, image formation is executed in the same state as the original, and it becomes possible to prepare a printed material according to the purpose of use.

  According to the present invention, when image formation is performed for the remaining number of copies, for an image including a pattern, an image stored in advance in the storage unit is formed on the sheet instead of the image. . Therefore, image formation is executed in the same state as the first copy, and a printed material can be prepared according to the purpose of use.

  In the case of the present invention, the image stored in the storage means includes information indicating that copying of the image is restricted, so that the user can be alerted about the handling of the printed matter.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system including a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital multifunction peripheral according to the present embodiment, which is a copy function that reads an image of an original and forms an image on a sheet such as paper or an OHP film (hereinafter simply referred to as paper). A printer function for receiving a print job and forming an image on a sheet.

  Information processing devices 200, 200,..., 200 such as personal computers and workstations are connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 100 via a communication network N. The information processing apparatus 200 is preinstalled with a driver program (printer driver) for using the digital multi-function peripheral 100 via the communication network N. The print job is generated by the printer driver, and the generated print job is digitally processed. The output process is executed by transmitting to the multifunction device 100. When the digital multi-function peripheral 100 receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200, image data for each page is generated according to the print job, and an image is formed on a sheet based on the generated image data.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 100. When image data for N pages (N is a natural number) is input using the copy function or printer function of the digital multi-function peripheral 100, a specific pattern (hereinafter referred to as a specific pattern) is determined by examining the image data of each page. Detect whether it is included. As the specific pattern detected by the digital multi-function peripheral 100, for example, a mark made up of a predetermined character or figure, a pattern made up of a plurality of dots having a predetermined arrangement relationship, the number of lines, the line width, and the line interval are set in advance. Line patterns and the like. When the digital multi-function peripheral 100 detects a page including such a specific pattern, the image of the page is replaced with another image (hereinafter referred to as a replacement image) and output is performed. This replacement image is an image prepared in advance by the digital multi-function peripheral 100, and includes, for example, a gray dot image, a pattern image made of a checkered pattern, and a character string that urges the user to restrict copying. A character image or the like can be used. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the mark S1 set as the specific pattern is included in the input image of the i-th page (i is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ i ≦ N). The mark S1 is composed of a character region including a “secret” character and a circular boundary line. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 detects the mark S1 as a specific pattern, replaces the detected input image of the i-th page with a gray halftone image S2, and executes output processing.

  The specific pattern detected by the digital multifunction peripheral 100 may be one type or a plurality of types. In addition, when a specific pattern is detected, one type of replacement image may be output instead of the input image, or a plurality of types of replacement images may be prepared in association with the detected specific pattern.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 100. The digital multi-function peripheral 100 includes a CPU 101. The CPU 101 loads various control programs stored in the ROM 103 into the RAM 104 and executes them, thereby controlling various hardware connected to the bus 102, and according to the present invention. Operate as an image forming apparatus.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of various hardware connected to the bus 102 will be described. The management unit 105 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores setting information set by the user, an authentication code (for example, a 4-digit numerical value) for specifying the user, and the like. The CPU 101 reads information stored in the management unit 105 as necessary, and executes appropriate processing according to the read information.

  The operation panel 106 includes an operation unit 106a that receives an operation instruction from the user and a display unit 106b that displays information to be notified to the user. The operation unit 106a includes various hardware keys, and accepts setting of the number of output copies, setting of density at the time of image formation, and the like. The display unit 106b includes a liquid crystal display, an LED display, or the like, and displays an operation status of the digital multi-function peripheral 100, a set value input through the operation unit 106a, and the like. In addition, a touch panel type software key is arranged in a part of the display unit 106b so as to accept a selection operation or the like by the user.

  The image reading unit 107 includes a glass platen on which a document to be read is placed, an automatic document transport device in which a large number of documents to be read are set, and sequentially loading the set documents. Equipped with a light source that illuminates the read original with a reading illumination, a CCD line sensor that optically reads an image, an AD converter that converts an analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor into a digital signal, etc. ing. The image reading unit 107 forms an image of reflected light from the original on the CCD line sensor, converts an analog image signal output from the CCD line sensor into a digital signal, and uses the obtained digital signal as a light source for reading the original. Digital image data is obtained by correcting light distribution characteristics, sensitivity variations of the CCD line sensor, and the like.

  The communication IF 108 includes an interface compliant with the communication standard of the communication network N. The communication IF 108 receives a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 connected via the communication network N, and transmits information to be notified to the information processing apparatus 200. The communication IF 108 controls transmission / reception of such various data.

  The image memory 109 is a page memory that stores image data for output in units of pages, and can store image data of a predetermined number of pages. The image data stored in the image memory 109 is image data acquired by the image reading unit 107 or image data developed from a print job received by the communication IF 108. These image data are data composed of a set of pixels, and each pixel has, for example, RGB each color has 256 gradations. The stored image data is read from the image memory 109 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 101 and transferred to an image processing unit 110 or an image forming unit 111 described later.

  The image processing unit 110 detects whether or not the image data transferred from the image memory 109 includes a specific pattern. When the specific pattern is detected, an image different from the input image (replacement image) is detected. Is configured to output. The image output from the image processing unit 110 is transferred to the image forming unit 111. Details of the image processing unit 110 will be described later.

  The image forming unit 111 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data transferred from the image memory 109 or the image processing unit 110. Therefore, the image forming unit 111 is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum to a predetermined potential, and laser writing that generates an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum by emitting laser light in accordance with image data received from the outside. 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. The image desired by the user is recorded on a sheet by an electrophotographic method. In addition to the configuration in which image formation is performed by an electrophotographic method using a laser writing device, a configuration in which image formation is performed by an inkjet method, a thermal transfer method, a sublimation method, or the like may be used.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the image processing unit 110. The image processing unit 110 includes an input buffer 110a, an output buffer 110b, a binarization processing unit 110c, a region extraction unit 110d, a specific pattern detection unit 110e, an output determination unit 110f, and a replacement image storage unit 110g.

  Image data (input image) in page units transferred from the image memory 109 is input to the input buffer 110a. The input buffer 110a temporarily holds the input image data and sends the image data to both the output buffer 110b and the binarization processing unit 110c.

  The output buffer 110b temporarily holds image data sent from the input buffer. Then, the held image data is transferred to the image forming unit 111 as necessary. That is, when the image forming unit 111 executes the output process based on the image data transferred from the output buffer 110b, the output process is executed without replacing the input image with another image.

  The binarization processing unit 110c performs binarization processing on the input image data. The image data input to the binarization processing unit 110c is, for example, data in which each pixel has 256 gradations for each RGB color, so that the gradations are white (pixel value = 1) and black (pixel value = 0). To two gradations. The binarized image data (binary image) is sent to the subsequent area extraction unit 110d. At this time, processing for reducing the resolution of the image data may be performed. For example, when the resolution of the input image data is 600 dpi (dot per inch), the image data may be sent to the subsequent area extraction unit 110d after the resolution is reduced to 200 dpi. In this way, by reducing the number of gradations and resolution of the image data, the processing for detecting a specific pattern at a later stage is accelerated.

  The area extracting unit 110d extracts an area that may include a specific pattern based on input image data. For example, when the mark S1 as shown in FIG. 2 is set as the specific pattern to be detected, the region extraction unit 110d extracts a region surrounded by a circular boundary line. The region extraction method is as follows. First, a detection window having an appropriate size (for example, a rectangular window having 5 × 50 pixels) is virtually set in the binary image, and an arc having a predetermined radius of curvature is included in the detection window. Judge whether or not. When it is determined that an arc having a predetermined radius of curvature is included, a pixel at the center of gravity of the boundary line is calculated based on the arc, and a circular area centered on the pixel is extracted as an area to be extracted. When the entire region of the binary image is scanned and one or more circular regions are extracted, the region extracting unit 110d sends the circular region as an extracted image to the specific pattern detecting unit 110e in the subsequent stage.

  The specific pattern detection unit 110e detects whether or not the extracted image extracted by the region extraction unit 110d is an image including a specific pattern. The detection method is as follows. First, the pixel value of each pixel constituting the extracted image is examined, and the number of pixels having a pixel value of 0 is counted. If the counted value is a value within a predetermined range, the extracted image is determined to contain a specific pattern. If the counted value is a value outside the predetermined range, the specific pattern Is not included. When the specific pattern detection unit 110e determines that the extracted image includes the specific pattern, the specific pattern detection unit 110e outputs the detection result to the output determination unit 110f as a detection result, and determines that the extracted image does not include the specific pattern. Alternatively, if the region extraction unit 110d cannot extract the region, the detection result indicating that the specific pattern is not detected is output to the output determination unit 110f.

The output determination unit 110f receives the detection result from the specific pattern detection unit 110e and outputs the image data held in the output buffer 110b, or outputs the replacement image stored in advance in the replacement image storage unit 110g Make a decision. That is, when a detection result indicating that a specific pattern has been detected is received, it is determined that a replacement image is to be output, and a determination result to that effect is output to the replacement image storage unit 110g. On the other hand, when the detection result indicating that the specific pattern is not detected is received, it is determined that the image data held in the output buffer 110b is output, and the determination result indicating that is output to the output buffer 110b.
When the determination result is input, the output buffer 110b and the replacement image storage unit 110g transfer the image data (input image or replacement image) stored therein to the image forming unit 111.

  In the present embodiment, the specific pattern such as the mark S1 is detected by the processing of the binarization processing unit 110c, the region extraction unit 110d, and the specific pattern detection unit 110e. However, the detection method is limited to this. It is not necessary to perform the detection process, and it is desirable to perform the detection process by using a detection method optimal for the specific pattern to be used.

  In this embodiment, when the input image does not include a specific pattern, the input image is output as it is as an output image. However, the processing for converting RGB signals into CMYK signals and the characteristics of the input image It goes without saying that a process for adjusting the image quality may be performed accordingly.

  Next, the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 100 will be described. 5 to 7 are flowcharts for explaining the procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100 when copying a document. First, the CPU 101 of the digital multi-function peripheral 100 determines whether or not there is a document reading instruction through the operation unit 106a of the operation panel 106 (step S11). If it is determined that there is no document reading instruction (S11: NO), the process waits until there is a document reading instruction.

  When it is determined that there is a document reading instruction (S11: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image reading unit 107 to execute a reading process (step S12). Specifically, when the document is set on the document table, the light source is moved along the surface of the document table, and reflected light from the document is imaged on the image sensor to acquire page unit image data. . Also, when an original is set on the automatic document feeder, one set of originals is captured, the light from the light source is emitted while the imported original is being conveyed, and the reflected light from the original is imaged on the image sensor. By doing so, image data for each page is acquired.

  After executing the reading process, the CPU 101 stores the acquired image data (input image) in the image memory 109 in association with the information on the page (step S13), and the image data is sent to the image processing unit 110 via the image memory 109. (Step S14).

  Next, the image processing unit 110 determines whether a specific pattern has been detected based on the input image data (step S15). If it is determined that the specific pattern is not detected (S15: NO), the image processing unit 110 transmits the input image data to the image forming unit 111 as it is by sending the image data held in the output buffer 110b. (Step S16). If it is determined that the specific pattern has been detected (S15: YES), the detected page information is stored (step S17), and the image data stored in the replacement image storage unit 110g is transferred to the image forming unit 111 (step S17). S18).

  Next, the CPU 101 controls the image forming unit 111 to execute output processing based on the image data transferred from the image processing unit 110 (step S19). Then, it is determined whether or not the page on which the output process has been executed is the last page (step S20). If it is determined that the page is not the last page (S20: NO), the process returns to step S12 to return the original of the next page. Read processing, specific pattern detection processing, and output processing.

  When it is determined that the output process executed in step S19 is the last page (S20: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of output copies is 1 (step S21). The user can set the number of output copies in advance through the operation panel 106 when copying a document. Information on the set number of output copies is stored in, for example, the RAM 104, and the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number of output copies is 1 by acquiring the information stored in the RAM 104.

  When it is determined that the number of output copies is 1 (S21: YES), the CPU 101 uses whether or not it is necessary to return the image output by replacing the replacement image to the original image (input image) and re-output. Check with the person in charge. Specifically, when the output process is executed with the replacement image, the CPU 101 displays a screen as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 8A on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106. This screen displays a message that the page has been replaced with another image (replacement image) because a specific pattern has been detected, and a message for confirming whether or not to re-output with the original image. ing. In addition, two software keys 11 and 12 are arranged at the bottom of the screen. When the software key 11 is pressed by the user, re-output is performed, and when the software key 12 is pressed by the user. It is configured not to perform re-output.

  The CPU 101 determines whether it is instructed to re-output with the original image through the screen shown in FIG. 8A (step S22). When the software key 11 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 8A, it is determined that an instruction to re-output with the original image is given (S22: YES), and the CPU 101 accepts the authentication code (S22: YES). Step S23). Specifically, the CPU 101 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 8B on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106. On this screen, a message indicating that the authentication code should be input is displayed. An authentication code input field 21 is arranged at the center of the screen, and two software keys 22 and 23 are arranged at the bottom of the screen. When the authentication code is input through the operation unit 106a of the operation panel 106 and the software key 22 is pressed, the input of the authentication code is confirmed. When the software key 23 is pressed, a new authentication code is accepted without confirming the input of the authentication code.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the user has been authenticated by comparing the authentication code input through the screen shown in FIG. 8B with the authentication code stored in the management unit 105 in advance ( Step S24). When determining that the user is not authenticated (S24: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S23. If it is determined that the user has been authenticated (S24: YES), the image data corresponding to the replaced page is read from the image memory 109 (step S25), and the read image data is transferred to the image forming unit 111 (step S25). S26). Then, the CPU 101 executes output processing by controlling the image forming unit 111 (step S27). At this time, only the page replaced with the replacement image is output in a state where it is returned to the original image.

  When the software key 12 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 8A, or when the replacement with the replacement image is not performed because the specific pattern is not detected, the CPU 101 re-outputs the original image. Is determined not to be instructed (S22: NO), the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S21 that the number of output copies is not one (S21: NO), that is, when it is determined that the number of output copies is two or more, the CPU 101 replaces the output image with the replacement image as the original image ( Confirm with the user whether it is necessary to return to the input image) and output the remaining number of copies. Specifically, when the output processing replaced with the replacement image is performed for the first copy, the CPU 101 displays a screen as illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 9 on the display unit 106 b of the operation panel 106. This screen displays a message that a specific pattern has been detected, so that the corresponding page has been replaced with another image (replacement image), and a message for confirming whether or not to output the remaining number of copies as the original image Has been. Two software keys 31 and 32 are arranged at the bottom of the screen. When the software key 31 is pressed by the user, the remaining number of copies is output as the original image, and the software key 32 is displayed by the user. When a pressing operation is performed, the output process is executed with the image replaced with the replacement image.

  The CPU 101 determines whether it is instructed to output the remaining number of copies as the original image through the screen shown in FIG. 9 (step S28). When the software key 31 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 9, it is determined that the output of the remaining number of copies is instructed in the original image (S28: YES), and the CPU 101 accepts the authentication code (step) S29). Specifically, a screen similar to FIG. 8B is displayed on the display unit 106b of the operation panel 106, and an authentication code is received through the operation unit 106a and software keys (22, 23) arranged on the screen.

  The CPU 101 determines whether or not the user has been authenticated by collating the received authentication code with the authentication code stored in advance in the management unit 105 (step S30). When determining that the user is not authenticated (S30: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S29. If it is determined that the user has been authenticated (S30: YES), the CPU 101 sequentially transfers the image data stored in the image memory 109 to the image forming unit 111 (step S31), and an output process is performed for the remaining number of copies. Is executed (step S32).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that there is no instruction to output the remaining number of copies as the original image (S28: NO), the digital multifunction peripheral 100 outputs the remaining number of copies in the same manner as the first copy. Therefore, the CPU 101 first designates the first page (step S33), and determines whether or not the page has detected a specific pattern (step S34). If it is determined that the page is not the page where the specific pattern is detected (S34: NO), the image data of the corresponding page stored in the image memory 109 is read, and the read image data is transferred to the image forming unit 107 (step S35). If it is determined that the page is a page where a specific pattern has been detected (S34: YES), the image data (replacement image) stored in the replacement image storage unit 110g is read, and the read image data is transferred to the image forming unit 107. (Step S36). Then, the CPU 101 controls the image forming unit 111 to execute output processing based on the image data transferred from the image memory 109 or the replacement image storage unit 110g (step S37).

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the page on which the output process has been executed is the last page (step S38). If the CPU 101 determines that the page is not the last page (S38: NO), the CPU 101 designates the next page. (Step S39), the process returns to Step S34. If it is determined that the page on which the output process has been executed is the last page (S38: YES), the process according to this flowchart ends.

  In the present embodiment, the procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral 100 when copying a document has been described. However, a print job transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 is received, and based on the received print job. The same process is performed when the output process is executed. When the specific pattern is included, the output process is executed by replacing the input image with the replacement image.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system including a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of a digital multifunctional device. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an image process part. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral when copying a document. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral when copying a document. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing executed by the digital multi-function peripheral when copying a document. It is a schematic diagram of the screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel. It is a schematic diagram of the screen displayed on the display part of an operation panel.

Explanation of symbols

100 Digital MFP 101 CPU
102 bus 103 ROM
104 RAM
107 Image reading unit 108 Communication IF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 109 Image memory 110 Image processing part 111 Image formation part 200 Information processing apparatus N Communication network

Claims (7)

In an image forming apparatus that receives a job instructing image formation in units of pages on a sheet and performs image formation in units of pages on a sheet based on the received job.
Storage means for storing a predetermined image, detection means for detecting whether or not a predetermined pattern is included in an image of each page formed on a sheet based on the job, and an image including the pattern An image forming apparatus comprising: a means for forming an image stored in the storage means on a sheet in place of the image.   The means for accepting the number of copies for image formation, and the number of copies accepted is 2 or more, and when the detection means detects an image including the pattern, after image formation for one copy, the remaining number of copies The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that stops image formation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a unit that receives an execution request for the image formation; and a unit that executes the image formation when the execution request is received by the unit.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for performing user authentication when accepting the execution request, wherein the execution request is accepted when the user is authenticated by the means. .   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when image formation is executed based on the execution request, an image based on the job is formed on a sheet.   When image formation is executed based on the execution request, for an image including the pattern, an image stored in the storage unit is formed on a sheet instead of the image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image stored in the storage unit includes information indicating that copying of the image is restricted.

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