JP2006279236A - Image forming apparatus, and image processing method and program in image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of achieving a processing of surely exposing a ground pattern by discriminating whether the ground pattern originally attached to an original is copied as it is or a device side newly attaches the ground pattern in the case of copying the original attached with the ground pattern and to provide an image processing method and a program for the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing method is characterized in that whether or not a device ground pattern is attached to an original by a two-dimensional bar code or the like embedded to the original is discriminated, whether or not the ground pattern attached to the original can surely be printed when the device ground pattern is attached is discriminated, a function of newly attaching the device ground pattern to the original is provided when the possibility of printing is low, density conversion processing is applied to an image of the original so as to surely expose the ground pattern thereby producing a sure copy printed matter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus, and in particular, print information suitable for a color image forming apparatus by copying an original image with a copy-preventing copy-forgery-inhibited pattern added to the background of the original image for the purpose of preventing unauthorized forgery of an important document. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image processing method in the image forming apparatus, and a program that can output a ground pattern that can be reliably identified as a copy and output as a printed matter that can be visualized.

  In recent years, with the spread of networks in offices and the like, image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines and printers have been widely used, which have a network connection function. An image forming system capable of performing scanning is becoming widespread.

  In such an image forming system, a document is scanned on a certain device, and the scanned image is transmitted to a specified printer on the network and printed to perform a copying operation. When information indicating the location where the data is stored (hereinafter referred to as “reference information”), for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is input, the data of the information is acquired by itself according to the reference information. A printing operation can be performed based on the data. The above operation is also possible for image data stored and stored on the local device side.

In addition, with the widespread use of image forming systems such as those mentioned above, originals (copyrighted originals, receipts, securities, certificates, etc.) that are not originally permitted to be copied without permission are easily copied. There is a special pattern printed on the background that makes characters and images appear when copied. This special pattern is generally called a “counterfeit prevention background pattern”, and implements a mechanism that prevents the original from being easily copied by copying, thereby realizing the effect of preventing copying of the original psychologically.
JP 2004-70786 A

  As described above, recent image processing apparatuses are being used for various purposes and are currently equipped with fraud prevention and the like. However, it is difficult for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern to surely emerge when an original on which the above-mentioned “counterfeit prevention copy-forgery-inhibited pattern” is printed is actually copied by a copying machine, and in some cases, the original can be easily copied. There is. In order to prevent such a phenomenon, for example, a background pattern is embedded in the background with a specific printer, and the information is encrypted with a two-dimensional barcode or the like. In this case, the original cannot be duplicated, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be clearly revealed, it can be duplicated. The problem arises that even those authorized to copy cannot be duplicated.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-described problems. When copying a document with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern originally added to the document is copied as it is or on the device side. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image processing method in the image forming apparatus, and a program capable of realizing a process of determining whether to add a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern and raising the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

  (1) Document reading means for reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are written in advance, and a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information are held. A storage means, a search means for searching electronic data of copy suppression information added to the original document based on specific information described in the original document read by the original reading means, and a search means Comparing means for comparing the retrieved electronic data of the copy suppression information with copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading means, and copy suppression information existing in the original as a result of the comparison means. If it is reproducible, the copy suppression information existing in the original cannot be reproduced as a result of the printing means for printing the original and the comparison means. In this case, the selection means for selecting the electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search means from the storage means, and the electronic data of the copy suppression information selected by the selection means are read by the reading means. And adding means for adding to the original, and printing means for printing the original added by the adding means.

  (2) Document reading means for reading a document on which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information is written, and a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information are held. Storage means; search means for searching for an information delivery apparatus that delivers electronic data of copy suppression information added to the document according to specific information described in the document read by the document reading unit; and the information A communication unit that communicates with the distribution device; a reception unit that receives the electronic data of the copy suppression information obtained by the communication unit; and the electronic data of the copy suppression information received by the reception unit and the original read unit Comparison means for comparing the copy suppression information existing in the document, and the copy suppression information existing in the document is reproduced as a result of the comparison means. If the copy suppression information existing in the original is not reproducible as a result of the printing means for printing the original and the comparison means if Selection means for selecting electronic data of information, addition means for adding electronic data of copy suppression information selected by the selection means to a document read by the reading means, and a document added by the addition means And printing means for printing.

  (3) Document reading means for reading a document including a plurality of objects in which a plurality of pieces of copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described; and included in the document A first storage means for storing the number of specific information to be recorded, a second storage means for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information, and a specification described in the original read by the original reading means Search means for searching for an information distribution apparatus that distributes electronic data of copy suppression information added to the document by information, communication means for communicating with the information distribution apparatus, and electronic information for copy suppression information obtained by the communication means Receiving means for receiving data, electronic data of copy suppression information received by the receiving means, and present in the original read by the original reading means Comparison means for comparing the production suppression information, a third storage means for storing the number of objects determined as the result of the comparison means that the copy suppression information existing in the plurality of objects is not reproducible, and the first Specific information comparison means for comparing the number of specific information stored in the storage means and the number of objects for which the copy suppression information stored in the third storage means is not reproducible, and the result of the specific information comparison means, If the number of specific information stored in the first storage means matches the number of objects stored in the third storage means, the electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search means is selected. A selecting unit; an adding unit that adds electronic data of the copy suppression information selected by the selecting unit to the document read by the reading unit; and an adding unit that adds the electronic data. And having a printing means for printing the original document.

  (4) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), the document reading unit reads the specific information described to specify the electronic data of the copy suppression information of the document. The specific information is converted into electronic information.

  (5) In the image forming apparatus according to (4), the specific information is at least one of data that can be embedded in other data described on the original by barcode, alphanumeric characters, or digital watermark. It is composed of two.

  (6) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), when the copy suppression information is read by the document reading unit, it is visually confirmed that the copy is copied on the document. It is possible to display.

  (7) In the image forming apparatus according to (1) or (4), the electronic information includes device information for searching the copy unit for copy suppression information used for a document from the storage unit. And data information for searching for electronic data of the copy suppression information in the device apparatus.

  (8) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (2) to (4), the electronic information includes network address information for searching the information distribution apparatus by the search unit, and information in the information distribution apparatus. And data information for searching for electronic data of the copy suppression information.

  (9) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), (7), and (8), the electronic data of the duplication suppression information is a tint block image including a latent image portion and a background portion. Including a latent image portion matrix, a background portion matrix, a latent image background region designating image, and a camouflage region designating image.

  (10) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), the comparison unit calculates a conversion unit that converts the number of dots of the background portion matrix and a size of the background portion matrix. A first size calculating means; a data converting means for converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated by the first size calculating means in the original; and a threshold setting means for setting a constant ratio in the converting means. Whether the number of data calculated by the data conversion means is within the range of the number of dots converted by the conversion means and the value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set by the threshold setting means A determination unit that holds the determination result when the result of the determination unit is true, and a determination result held in the holding unit in units of size exceeds a certain value. Determining and comparing means for comparing the above, and determining that the copy suppression information existing in the document is not reproducible when the result of the determination and comparing means does not exceed a certain value. To do.

  (11) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), the comparison unit includes a background conversion unit that converts the number of dots in the background portion matrix, and the number of dots in the latent image portion matrix. A latent image conversion means for converting the image, a first size calculation means for calculating the size of the background portion matrix, a second size calculation means for calculating the size of the latent image portion matrix, and the first original in the document. A background data conversion unit that converts the number of data of each color into a size unit calculated by the size calculation unit, and a latent image that converts the number of data of each color into a size unit calculated by the second size calculation unit in the original Data conversion means and threshold setting means for setting a constant ratio in the background conversion means, and the threshold setting means sets the number of dots converted by the background conversion means and the number of dots. A background determination unit for determining whether the number of data calculated by the background data conversion unit is within a range of a value obtained by multiplying the threshold value, and a threshold setting unit for setting a constant ratio in the latent image conversion unit The number of data calculated by the latent image data conversion means within the range of the number of dots converted by the latent image conversion means and the value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set by the threshold setting means If the result of the latent image determination means is true, the background determination holding means for holding the determination result when the result of the background determination means is true, and the result of the latent image determination means A latent image determination holding means for holding the determination result, and a determination comparison means for comparing the result of the background determination holding means with the result of the latent image determination holding means. The value that is There when to have larger value holding is characterized by determining a duplication inhibition information present in the document are not reproducible.

  (12) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), the comparison unit performs template pattern matching between the camouflage area designating image and an area obtained by dividing the document image into a certain size. Pattern matching means for holding and holding means for holding the result of the pattern matching means, and if it is determined that the result of pattern matching held in the holding means is greater than a certain value, It is characterized in that it is determined that the copy suppression information existing in the document cannot be reproduced.

  (13) In the image forming apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), the adding unit includes a tint block generation unit that generates a tint block image including a latent image portion and a background portion, and the document Analysis means for analyzing the characteristic color of the image, determination means for determining the color of the tint block image based on the color information analyzed by the analysis means, and the document based on the color information determined by the determination means The image processing apparatus includes: combining means for inputting the area specifying information for specifying the latent image portion and the background portion and the camouflage area specifying image information for specifying the white area, and combining the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image.

  According to the present invention, when copying a document with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, it is determined whether the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern originally added to the document is copied as it is, or whether a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is newly added on the device side. It is possible to realize a process for raising a pattern.

  Hereinafter, a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Outline of image processing system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, the image processing system of this embodiment is configured by connecting a host computer 101 and a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) via a network 100.

  More specifically, reference numeral 100 denotes a network (hereinafter referred to as “LAN”), and a system generally called Ethernet (registered trademark) is known, and TCP / TCP is used using a physical cable such as 100BaseT. Information exchange and data transfer between connected units can be performed by a protocol such as IP. Reference numeral 101 denotes a host computer, which sends to the MFP 102 print information for performing print processing such as a drawing command, that is, a character printing command, various graphic drawing commands, an image drawing command, a color designation command, and the like. Reference numeral 102 denotes an MFP that creates character patterns, figures, images, and the like in accordance with a drawing command supplied from a host computer, and forms an image on a recording sheet as a recording medium. The same processing can be performed on a document image read by the MFP 101 main body.

[MFP configuration]
FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a digital copying machine that is a specific example of the MFP 102.

  In FIG. 2, the MFP 102 is roughly divided into an image reader unit 201 that reads a document image, a printer unit 202 that reproduces image data read by the image reader unit 201, and an operation unit 203 that specifies various operation settings of the MFP 102.

  The image reader unit 201 is a part that reads a document with a resolution of 400 dpi (dots / inch), for example, and performs digital signal processing. In the image reader unit 201, when the user sets a document sheet on the tray 204 of the document feeder 205 and starts an instruction to start reading in the operation unit 203, the controller CPU of the MFP 111 instructs the image reader unit 201 to The feeder 205 feeds document sheets one by one, and the image reader unit 201 performs a document image reading operation. An operation unit 203 is a user interface for specifying a setting instruction, status display, and various operation settings during a copy operation. The printer unit 202 is a part that performs full-color printing of an image corresponding to the original image read by the image reader unit 201 on a designated sheet at a resolution of 400 dpi. The printer unit 202 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are paper cassettes 207, 208, and 209 corresponding thereto. The paper discharge tray 206 receives paper that has been printed.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration example of controller control in the MFP 102. The operation of the MFP 102 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 3, the controller is connected to a scanner 201 as an image reader unit and a printer engine 202 as a printer unit. On the other hand, the controller is connected to the LAN 100 via the network I / F 308 and sent from the host computer 101 connected on the LAN 100. Input / output print information, image information, and device information. The CPU 301 is a controller that controls the entire system, and is made possible by transmitting a control signal for determining and controlling each process for each processing unit in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 303. A RAM 302 is used as a work area for the CPU 301 to perform each control, and is also used as an image memory for temporarily storing image data. An HDD 304 is a hard disk drive and is used for storing system software and image data. The operation unit I / F 306 serves as an interface with the operation unit 203 and plays a role of transmitting information input by the user via the operation unit 203 to the CPU 301. In addition, environment setting information such as an operation mode input from the operation unit 203 is stored in the NVRAM 316 which is a nonvolatile memory.

  A network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 308 inputs / outputs information to / from the LAN 100. A system bus 307 includes the CPU 301, the RAM 302, the ROM 303, the HDD 304, the operation unit I / F 306, the network I / F 308, and the NVRAM 316 described above. An image bus interface (hereinafter referred to as “Image Bus I / F”) 305 is a bus bridge that connects a system bus 307 and an image bus 309 that transfers image data at high speed, and converts a data structure. The following devices are arranged and configured by a bus or IEEE 1394. A raster image processor (hereinafter referred to as “RIP”) 310 expands a PDL code transmitted from a network into a drawing bitmap image and an attribute bitmap image. A device I / F unit 311 connects the scanner 201 and printer engine 202, which are image input / output devices, and a controller, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner image processing unit 312 corrects, processes, and edits input data. A printer image processing unit 313 performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output data. The image rotation processing unit 314 rotates image data. The image compression processing unit 315 performs compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

[Scanner image processor]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the scanner image processing unit 312 in the MFP 102. The operation of the scanner image processing unit 312 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 4, an image bus I / F controller 3121 is connected to the image bus 309, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the scanner image processing unit 312. Reference numeral 3122 denotes a filter processing unit which performs a convolution operation using a spatial filter. A specific information processing unit 3123 specifies the location of the device background pattern from the background pattern embedded original read by the scanner 201. Reference numeral 3124 denotes input color correction processing, which converts the read image data into an appropriate color space using a three-dimensional LUT. An editing unit 3125 recognizes a closed area surrounded by a marker pen from input image data, for example, and performs image processing such as shading, shading, and negative / positive inversion on the image data in the closed area. Reference numeral 3126 denotes a scaling processing unit that performs an enlargement / reduction process by performing an interpolation operation in the main scanning direction of the raster image when the resolution of the read image is changed. The scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed by changing the scanning speed of an image reading line sensor (not shown).

[Printer image processing section]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the printer image processing unit 313 in the MFP 102. The operation of the printer image processing unit 313 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 3131 denotes an image bus I / F controller which is connected to the image bus 309, and controls the bus access sequence and generates control and timing of each device in the printer image processing unit 313. A resolution conversion processing unit 3132 performs resolution conversion for converting image data input from the scanner 201 or the LAN 100 into the resolution of the printer engine 202. An output color correction processing unit 3133 performs interpolation calculation processing on the image data converted by the resolution conversion processing unit using a three-dimensional LUT that matches the characteristics of the printer engine, and converts the data into CMYK format print information. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit 3134 generates a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern composite output image by adding a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern to the data converted into print information by the output color correction processing unit. A density correction processing unit 3135 performs processing such that the density characteristics preserve linearity using a density correction table. Reference numeral 3136 denotes a halftone processing unit which converts multi-level output image data into a predetermined number of gradations by error diffusion processing or screen processing. Further, the output color correction processing unit 3134, the density correction processing unit 3135, and the halftone processing unit 3136 in the printer image processing unit 313 each hold a plurality of processing parameters, and the attribute bitmap processed by the attribute information processing unit 3132 Processing parameters are controlled according to the image.

[Image rotation processing section]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the image rotation processing unit 314 in the MFP 102. The operation of the image rotation processing unit 314 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 3141 denotes an image bus I / F controller, which is connected to the image bus 309, controls its bus access sequence, and controls the mode setting in the image rotation processing unit 314 and the image rotation processing unit 314. Performs timing control for data transfer. Reference numeral 3142 denotes an image rotation unit, which writes to the RAM 3143 in accordance with the image size, rotation direction, angle, and the like set by the image bus I / F controller 3141.

[Image compression processor]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration example of the image compression processing unit 315 in the MFP 102. The operation of the image compression processing unit 315 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 3151 denotes an image bus I / F controller, which controls the image bus 309 and the conjunction, and its bus access sequence, timing control and image compression for exchanging data with the input buffer 3152 and the output buffer 3155. Control such as mode setting for the unit 3153 is performed. An image compression unit 3153 writes compressed data in the RAM 3154 according to settings such as MMR compression and JBIG expansion set by the image bus I / F controller 3151.

[Copying procedure for copy-forgery-inhibited document]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation of extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern from a copy-prevented document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit 3123 in the scanner image processing unit 312. It is.

  S801 to S805 represent each step. Further, the control program for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 8 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301.

  In FIG. 8, first, the user uses the MFP 102 to scan the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document (S801).

  FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a tint block document used in the MFP 102 of the present embodiment. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document 901 has embedded copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information in the image itself, and a KeyCode 902 as predetermined specific information is printed at an arbitrary position of the document. When the normal copy operation is performed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document 901 by the MFP 102, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information emerges from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information embedded in advance as shown in FIG. The KeyCode 902 is read by the image reader unit 201 mounted on the MFP 102 and can be converted into electronic information by the specific information processing unit 3123 in the scanner image processing unit 312, and is printed with a barcode, alphanumeric characters, or the like. Or, it is embedded in the original by electronic watermark. The electronic information includes the device name in which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is actually embedded, the added copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern character. Note that FIG. 9 shows a two-dimensional bar code key code. This KeyCode can represent information by the color of a cell called a cell, and has information in two vertical and horizontal directions. The image reader unit 201 mounted on the MFP 102 reads a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original including the KeyCode to search for the presence of the KeyCode portion (S802), and then determines whether the keycode is present (S803). When it is determined in S803 that there is a KeyCode, the region is extracted as a unique part, and the barcode that forms the KeyCode is analyzed by the specific information processing unit 3123 in the scanner image processing unit 312, and the information represented by the KeyCode Is read and the KeyCode flag is set to true (S804), and the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S803 that there is no KeyCode, the KeyCode flag is set to false (S805), and the operation ends.

[Procedure for printing copy-forgery-inhibited manuscript]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit 3134 in the printer image processing unit 313 to realize a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the KeyCode information acquired by the above-described operation. is there.

  S1101 to S1107 represent each step. Further, the control program for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301.

  In FIG. 11, it is first determined whether or not the KeyCode information acquired during the document scanning operation is present (S1101). If the KeyCode information is present, the tint block pattern held by the device described in the KeyCode information is determined. Is read (S1102). Next, a matching process between the read-in copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern and the original image is executed (S1103), and the result is compared with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation threshold (S1104). As a result of the comparison in S1104, if it is determined that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern cannot be normally generated from the document image, it is determined to add the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern held by the device again (S1105), and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition processing operation is performed. This is executed (S1106), and the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1104 that the tint block pattern can be normally generated from the document image, it is determined to execute the process using the tint block pattern embedded in the document (S1107), and the operation ends. On the other hand, if the KeyCode information itself cannot be acquired in S1101, it is determined that the information has not been processed by the device, and the process proceeds to S1107 to continue the processing with the ground pattern embedded in the document.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation for calculating the matching rate by the matching process with the original performed in S1103 in the operation of FIG. 11 described above.

  S1201 to S1219 represent each step. Further, the control program for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 12 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301. In this embodiment, when calculating a matching rate, a background dither matrix pattern applied to a background image used for a camouflage area, which is a feature when a background pattern to be described later is added to an image, is used to scan by a scanning operation. It is determined whether or not the background dither matrix pattern is read as a printable level in the original document image.

  In FIG. 12, first, a background dither matrix to be applied to the same pattern as the tint block pattern acquired from the KeyCode information is read (S1201), and a dot count BackCnt of the background dither matrix is calculated (S1202). Here, the background dither matrix is a binary pattern, and only the value of 1 is dot-counted. Next, the width Back_W and the height Back_H of the background dither matrix are read (S1203), and the sub-scanning counter I is initialized (S1204). Next, it is determined whether or not the sub-scanning counter I is larger than the difference between the document image height IMG_H and the background dither matrix height Back_H (S1205). If it is smaller, the main scanning counter J is initialized (S1206). Next, it is determined whether or not the main scanning counter J is larger than the difference between the document image width IMG_W and the background dither matrix width Back_W (S1207). If smaller, the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is initialized (S1208). It is determined whether the background dither matrix height is larger than Back_H (S1209). If it is determined in S1209 that the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is smaller than the background dither matrix height Back_H, the pattern determination main scanning counter L is initialized (S1210), and whether or not it is larger than the background dither matrix width Back_W. Is determined (S1211). If the main scanning counter for pattern determination L is determined to be smaller than the background dither matrix width Back_W in S1211, it is confirmed whether there is data for each CMYK color in the target pixel (K + I, L + J) of the original image. The color counters Cnt, Mnt, Ynt, and Knt for each color to be incremented by 1 (S1212), the pattern determination main scanning counter L is incremented by 1, and the process returns to S1211. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pattern determination main scanning counter L is larger than the background dither matrix width Back_W in S1211, the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is incremented by 1, and the process returns to S1209. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1209 that the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is larger than the background dither matrix height Back_H, it is determined that the pattern determination for one block has been completed, and each color counter Cnt, Ynt, Mnt, Knt It is determined whether or not the dot count BackCnt of the background dither matrix is greater than the product of the threshold rate Thd and smaller than the dot count BackCnt of the background dither matrix (S1215).

  In this determination, whether or not a pattern dot that can be inferred as a background dither pattern for each color is printed for one block is verified, and the threshold rate Thd can be reproduced by printing the dot pattern of the background dither matrix. It is a value that determines the area of no. Therefore, for the color included in the range determined in S1215, the camouflage area which is the original purpose is printed as it is, and the background pattern is prevented from rising. FIG. 13 schematically shows the determination result of S1215, where 1301 is a camouflage area designation image, 1302 is document image data that is larger than the threshold rate Thd and is at a level at which the camouflage area can be printed, 1303 is a threshold rate Thd. An example of document image data that is at a level smaller than the background pattern is shown. Further, the rectangular area displayed in 1302 and 1303 is one block.

If it is within the range for each color in step S1205, the background pattern flag Cf, Mf, Yf, Kf corresponding to each color is incremented by 1 (S1216), the main scanning counter J is incremented by Back_W (S1217), and S1207. Return to. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1215 that each color is not within the range, the corresponding color is not counted and the process proceeds to S1217. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1207 that the main scanning counter J is larger than the difference between the document image width IMG_W and the background dither matrix width Back_W, the sub-scanning counter I is incremented by Back_H (S1218), and the process returns to S1205. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1205 that the sub-scanning counter I is larger than the difference between the document image height IMG_H and the background dither matrix height Back_H, the maximum values of the tint block pattern flags Cf, Mf, Yf, and Kf of the respective colors are set. Calculate all blocks
Is set as the matching rate (S1219), and the operation is terminated. The matching rate can be expressed by the following equation.

  If the matching rate is larger than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation threshold by the above operation, the camouflage area is also printed, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern cannot be normally generated from the document image.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition process execution operation in the printer possession pattern performed in S1106 in the operation of FIG. 11 described above. S1401 to S1412 represent each step. 14 is stored in the ROM 303 and executed by the CPU 301 as described above. In this embodiment, the image corresponding to the background portion is designed so that dots are discretely arranged using a dot dispersion type dither matrix (hereinafter referred to as “background dither matrix”), and the image corresponding to the latent image portion is A dot concentration type matrix (hereinafter referred to as “latent image dither matrix”) is used so that dots are concentrated and arranged. An image binarized by the background dither matrix is called a background threshold pattern, and an image binarized by the latent image dither matrix is called a latent image threshold pattern. In this embodiment, the background threshold pattern, the latent image threshold pattern, the latent image portion and the background portion, which are patterns constituting the background portion and the latent image portion so that the densities of the background portion and the latent image portion are equal at the time of printing. A tint block image is generated by performing a logical operation using a latent image background area designating image that is a binary image to be designated and a camouflage area designating image that is a binary image that designates a camouflage area. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed in one of the printing colors cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), which are the most frequently used among the image data to be printed. Note that the background threshold pattern and the latent image threshold pattern are parameters for determining the density of the background portion and latent image portion of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image when printing, and are specific components of the “background pattern parameter”. In addition, a dot pattern ON / OFF logical operation is performed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on a pixel basis to generate a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. However, unlike the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition process to be originally performed, the background-pattern addition processing execution operation in the present embodiment forms the background portion and the latent image portion at different densities when the KeyCode is determined from the original image. As a result, it can be realized by diverting the tint block adding function which is the original function.

  In FIG. 14, first, the printer image processing unit 313 reads document data via the image bus 309 in order to print the acquired copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document (S1401), and a histogram for each color with respect to the print color CMYK subjected to output color correction processing. Analysis is performed (S1402). In the histogram analysis, each color of CMYK may be counted for each pixel, or may be sampled and counted at a certain interval between pixels. Next, the minimum color of the CMYK color count values of the original image data to be printed is determined as the color for the tint block processing (S1403). Thereby, since the smallest CMYK value is determined according to the input image data, an effect of making the background pattern processing on the printer side stand out with respect to the image data can be obtained.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the internal processing of the tint block image processing unit 3134 in the printer image processing unit 313 of the MFP 102. The operation of the tint block image generation unit 3134 will be described with reference to these drawings.

  An input background image 4001, color information 4002, processing area information 4003, a latent image threshold pattern 4004, a background threshold pattern 4005, a latent image background area designation image 4006, and a camouflage area designation image 4007 are input to the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit 3134. A tint block image 4008 is generated and output. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit 3134 performs image processing on the input background image 4001 according to a predetermined rule to generate a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image 4008. Note that the input background image 4001 may be a multi-value image or a binary image. The processing area information 4003 is information indicating an area in the input image information where the background pattern embedding process is performed. The latent image background area designation image 4006 is an image for designating a latent image portion and a background portion, and is composed of one pixel and one bit. One bit (for example, 1) of the latent image background area designation image 4006 represents a latent image portion, and the other bit (for example, 0) represents a background portion. A camouflage area designating image 4007 is an image for designating an area where the density is to be reduced in order to have a camouflage effect, and is composed of one pixel and 1 bit, like the latent image background area designating image 4006. One bit (for example, 1) of the camouflage area designation image 4007 indicates that it is not a camouflage area, and the other bit (for example, 0) indicates a camouflage area whose density is lower than that of the surrounding area.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a latent image background area designation image 4006 and a camouflage area designation image 4007. In FIG. 16, 1601 is an example of a latent image background area designation image 4006, and 1602 is an example of a camouflage area designation image 4007.

  As described above, the background threshold pattern 4005 and the latent image threshold pattern 4004 are generated by thresholding appropriate image signals with the threshold values of the background dither matrix and the latent image dither matrix so that they are output as different densities at the time of print output. Has been.

  After determining the color of the tint block image in step S1403, the tint block image generation unit 3134 reads the input background image 4001, the latent image threshold pattern 4004, the background threshold pattern 4005, the latent image background region designation image 4006, and the camouflage region designation image 4007 ( S1404). Next, initial pixels for generating a tint block image are determined (S1405). For example, when the entire input image is subjected to image processing in the order of raster scanning from the upper left to the lower right, and changed to a tint block image, the upper left is set as the initial position. Next, the latent image threshold pattern 4004, the background threshold pattern 4005, the latent image area designation image 4006, and the camouflage area designation image 4007 are arranged on the tile from the upper left of the input background image 4001, and the input background image 4001 to be processed. The following equation (1) is calculated with respect to the above pixel, and it is determined whether or not the pixel value corresponding to the dot at the time of printing is written (S1406).

  Here, the definition of the component of Formula (1) is shown below.

nCamouflage: 0 if the pixel is a camouflage area in the camouflage area designation image, 1 otherwise
nSmallDotOn: 1 if the pixel value of the background threshold pattern is black, 0 if white
nLargeDotOn: 1 if the pixel value of the latent image threshold pattern is black, 0 if white
nHiddenMark: 1 for a pixel corresponding to a latent image portion in a latent image background region designation image, 0 for a pixel corresponding to a background portion
/ NHiddenMark: Denial of nHiddenMark. The latent image portion is 0 and the background portion is 1.

  At this time, it may be determined whether or not to write to the pixel value corresponding to the dot at the time of printing while referring to the pixel value of the input background image. In this case, the item (nBackground) obtained by referring to the input background image may be multiplied by the right side of Expression (1). This nBackground is set to 1 if the input background image has a specific pixel value (white area), and 0 otherwise. Next, the calculation result (value of nWriteDotOn) in step S1406 is determined (S1407). If the calculation result in S1407 is 1, a process of writing a pixel value corresponding to a dot at the time of printing is performed (S1408). On the other hand, if the calculation result in S1406 is 0, the processing of S1408 is not performed and the processing proceeds to S1409. Next, it is determined whether or not all the pixels in the processing target area of the input background image 4001 have been processed (S1409). If it is determined that the processing of all the pixels has not been completed, the process returns to S1406. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1409 that the processing of all pixels has been completed, it is determined that the generation of the tint block image has been completed, and color information is set for the tint block image according to the color information of the tint block image determined in S1403. (S1411), the input electronic data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are combined (S1412), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a part of the tint block image generated by the above operation.

  In FIG. 17, 1601 and 1602 in FIG. 16 are used as the latent image background area designation image and the camouflage area designation image. As a result, the latent image portion of the generated tint block image can be intentionally discriminated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when copying a document image in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern or the like is embedded so as to prevent unauthorized copying, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern originally added to the document is copied as it is. Whether or not to add a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is determined on the device side, and a process for surely raising the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be realized.

  In the first embodiment, when the original image is copied at the same magnification, the background pattern dither matrix characteristic of the background pattern is used, or the background pattern embedded in the original image is used or the background pattern is newly added on the device side. In the above embodiment, when processing such as enlargement / reduction is performed, the latent image itself that causes the tint block to appear is also enlarged / reduced. May be mistaken for a background image. In this embodiment, the tint block pattern addition determination process is performed using the characteristics of the latent image dither matrix in addition to the characteristics of the background dither matrix so that the process can be performed even when the process such as enlargement / reduction is performed. .

  In addition, about the process similar to Example 1, the same symbol is shown and schematic description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Procedure for printing copy-forgery-inhibited manuscript]
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit 3134 in the printer image processing unit 313 to realize a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the KeyCode information acquired by the above-described operation. is there.

  S1801 to S1807 represent each step. 18 is stored in the ROM 303 and executed by the CPU 301 as described above.

  In FIG. 18, first, it is determined whether or not the KeyCode information acquired during the document scanning operation exists (S1801). If the KeyCode information exists, the tint block pattern held by the device described in the KeyCode information is determined. Is read (S1802). Next, matching processing between the read-in copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern and the original image is executed (S1803), and the background matching rate and the latent image matching rate are compared (S1804). If the background matching ratio is determined to be high as a result of the comparison in S1804, it is determined that the background pattern cannot be normally generated from the original image, and it is determined to add the background pattern held by the device again ( In step S1805, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition processing operation is executed (S1806), and the operation ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1804 that the latent image matching rate is high, it is determined that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be normally generated from the document image, and it is determined to execute the process with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern embedded in the document (S1807). End the operation. On the other hand, if the KeyCode information itself cannot be acquired in S1801, it is determined that the information has not been processed by the device, and the process advances to S1807 to continue the processing with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern embedded in the document.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation of calculating the matching rate by the matching process with the original performed in S1803 in the operation of FIG. 18 described above.

  Note that S1901 to S1919 represent each step. 18 is stored in the ROM 303 and executed by the CPU 301 as described above. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the background dither matrix pattern in Example 1 is read as a printable level, and at the same time, it is determined whether the latent image matrix pattern is read as a printable level. The determination based on the background matrix pattern is the same as that in FIG.

  In FIG. 19, first, a latent image dither matrix applied to the same pattern as the tint block pattern acquired from the KeyCode information is read (S1901), and a dot count TrustCnt of the latent image dither matrix is calculated (S1902). Here, the latent image dither matrix is a binary pattern, and only the value of 1 is dot-counted. Next, the width Trust_W and the height Trust_H of the latent image dither matrix are read (S1903), and the sub-scanning counter I is initialized (S1904). Next, it is determined whether or not the sub-scanning counter I is larger than the difference between the document image height IMG_H and the latent image dither matrix height Trust_H (S1905), and if it is smaller, the main scanning counter J is initialized (S1906). . Next, it is determined whether or not the main scanning counter J is larger than the difference between the document image width IMG_W and the latent image dither matrix width Trust_W (S1907). If smaller, the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is initialized (S1908). Then, it is determined whether or not the latent image dither matrix height is larger than Back_H (S1909). If it is determined in S1909 that the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is smaller than the latent image dither matrix height Trust_H, the pattern determination main scanning counter L is initialized (S1910), and is larger than the latent image dither matrix width Trust_W? It is determined whether or not (S1911). If it is determined in S1911 that the pattern determination main scan counter L is smaller than the latent image dither matrix width Trust_W, it is confirmed whether data exists for each of the CMYK colors in the target pixel (K + I, L + J) of the original image. For each existing color, the color counters Ctr, Mtr, Ytr, Ktr are incremented by 1 (S1912), the pattern determination main scanning counter L is incremented by 1, and the process returns to S1911. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1911 that the pattern determination main scanning counter L is larger than the latent image dither matrix width Trust_W, the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is incremented by 1, and the process returns to S1909. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1909 that the pattern determination sub-scanning counter K is larger than the latent image dither matrix height Trust_H, it is determined that the pattern determination for one block is completed, and each color counter Ctr, Ytr, Mtr, Ktr is determined. Is larger than the dot count TrustCnt of the latent image dither matrix multiplied by the threshold rate Thd and smaller than the dot count TrustCnt of the latent image dither matrix (S1915).

In this determination, whether or not a pattern dot that can be inferred as a latent image dither pattern for each color is printed for one block is verified, and the threshold rate Thd is reproduced by printing the dot pattern of the latent image dither matrix. It is a value that determines the area of whether or not it is possible. Therefore, the color included in the range determined in S1915 becomes an area where the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed as it is, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be lifted. If it is within the range for each color in step S1905, the background pattern flag Ct, Mt, Yt, Kt corresponding to each color is incremented by 1 (S1916), the main scanning counter J is incremented by Trust_W (S1917), and S1907. Return to. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1915 that each color is not within the range, the corresponding color is not counted and the process proceeds to S1917. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1907 that the main scanning counter J is larger than the difference between the document image width IMG_W and the latent image dither matrix width Trust_W, the sub-scanning counter I is incremented by Trust_H (S1918), and the process returns to S1905. . On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1905 that the sub-scanning counter I is greater than the difference between the document image height IMG_H and the latent image dither matrix height Trust_H, the maximum values of the tint block pattern flags Ct, Mt, Yt, and Kt of the respective colors. Calculate all blocks
Is set as the latent image matching rate (S1919), and the operation is terminated. The latent image matching rate can be expressed by the following equation.

  If the background matching rate is higher than the latent image matching rate, the camouflage area will be printed, and the tint block pattern cannot be generated normally from the original image. The latent image matching rate is the background matching rate. If it is larger than this, the tint block pattern can be generated normally.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern originally added to the document is copied when the original image embedded with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is copied so as to prevent unauthorized copying. It is possible to determine whether to copy the image as it is or to add a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern again on the device side, and to realize a process for surely raising the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.

  In the first and second embodiments, the processing is limited to the case where the KeyCode information embedded in the document image includes only information such as a tint block pattern added by the device, but in the present embodiment, the processing is performed. The key code information includes the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information of the server that holds the original data and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data connected to the network on the network. Even for a tint block pattern, the above-described key code performs a tint block pattern addition determination process depending on the scan state of the document.

  In addition, about the process similar to Example 1 and Example 2, the same symbol is shown and schematic description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Outline of image processing system]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment in Example 3.

  The difference from FIG. 1 in the first embodiment is that a document image server 103 holding a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data used when a copy-forgery-inhibited document is actually printed via the Internet 104 is connected to the LAN 100. It is.

  More specifically, reference numeral 103 denotes a document image server, which holds an original image of a document, that is, digital electronic data not subjected to copy-forgery-inhibited pattern processing and a plurality of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data. Reference numeral 104 denotes an Internet network.

[Copying procedure for copy-forgery-inhibited document]
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern for a copy-prevented document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit 3123 in the scanner image processing unit 312. It is.

  Note that S2101 to S2110 represent each step. 21 is stored in the ROM 303 and executed by the CPU 301 as described above.

  In FIG. 21, first, the user scans a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document using the MFP 102 (S2101), and searches for KeyCode. The KeyCode includes the URL of the document image server 103 connected to the Internet network 104, the background pattern data ID and the background pattern character code embedded in the document. The background pattern ID includes background dither matrix information and latent image dither matrix information related to background pattern generation. Next, the MFP 102 transmits the KeyCode to the document image server 103 via the Internet 104 using the URL of the document image server 103 included in the automatically read KeyCode (S2102). The document image server 103 that has received the KeyCode from the MFP 102 replies that information distribution is possible (S2103). The MFP 102 notified from the document image server 103 that electronic data distribution of the tint block pattern is possible displays on the panel UI (not shown) that the information is available to the user and continues the user's operation. (S2104). Next, the user uses the operation unit 203 of the MFP 102 based on the information displayed on the panel UI to request distribution of the tint block pattern electronic data (S2105). Upon receiving the distribution data reception request from the user, the MFP 102 requests the document image server 103 to distribute the tint block pattern electronic data via the Internet 104 (S2106). The document image server 103 requested to distribute the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern electronic data transmits the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern electronic data stored in the document image server 103 to the MFP 102 via the Internet 104 (S2107). The MFP 102 that has received the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern electronic data from the document image server 103 notifies the panel UI that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern electronic data has been received (S2108), and the user confirms the completion of reception displayed on the panel UI. (S2109) The MFP 102 notifies the user of the end of work, and ends the operation (S2110). The tint block pattern electronic data received by the above operation is stored in the HDD 304 in the MFP 102.

[Procedure for printing copy-forgery-inhibited manuscript]
The copy-forgery-inhibited document printing operation is the same processing as in the first and second embodiments described above, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. It is.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern held by the device is used when copying a document image in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is embedded so that copying cannot be performed without permission. Without copying the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, it is possible to copy the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern originally added to the original as it is even if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is digitally added on the Internet network and the location of the added copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data is added to the original image with a barcode. Whether to add a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern on the device side. When adding a new copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern on the device side, download the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern electronic data from the Internet network to the device and make sure that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern appears. Processing can be realized.

  In the first to third embodiments, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit 3134 in the printer image processing unit 313 uses the key code information acquired by the above-described operation to realize a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying. In this embodiment, a document using a camouflage area designating image is determined by matching the background pattern with the background dither matrix used in the background pattern and the latent image dither matrix pattern. A tint block pattern addition determination process is performed by template pattern matching with an image.

  In addition, about the process similar to Example 1- Example 3, the same symbol is shown and schematic description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation for calculating the matching rate by the matching process with the original performed in S1103 in the operation of FIG. 11 of the first embodiment described above.

  S2201 to S2219 represent each step. Further, the control program for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 22 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301. In the present embodiment, a residual sequential test method (Sequential Similarity Detection Algorithm, hereinafter referred to as “SSDA method”) is taken as an example, but other methods can be realized as long as it is a template pattern matching method.

  In FIG. 22, first, a camouflage area image to be applied to the same pattern as the tint block pattern acquired from the KeyCode information is read (S2201), and the width CW and height CH of the camouflage area image are read (S2202). Next, the range width SW and height SH of the search area for pattern matching are set (S2203), and the sub-scanning counter I is initialized (S2204). Next, it is determined whether or not the sub-scanning counter I is greater than the difference between the document image height IMG_H and the search area height SH (S2205), and if it is smaller, the main scanning counter J is initialized (S2206). Next, it is determined whether or not the main scanning counter J is larger than the difference between the document image width IMG_W and the search area width SW (S2207). If it is smaller, the pattern matching sub-scanning counter K is initialized (S2208). It is determined whether or not the difference between the height SH and the camouflage region height CH is larger than the difference (S2209). If it is determined in S2209 that the pattern matching sub-scan counter K is smaller than SH-CH, the pattern matching main scan counter L is initialized (S2210), and is greater than the difference between the search area width SW and the camouflage area width CW? It is determined whether or not (S2211). If it is determined in S2211 that the pattern matching main scanning counter L is smaller than SH-CH, the camouflage image and each color of the document image from the target pixel (K + I, L + J) of the document image to the camouflage image region. The residual Er (I, J) at is calculated by the following equation (2) (S2212).

  However, Sij (K + I, L + J) is a superposition range, and W (K + I, L + J) is a camouflage area image.

  Next, the residual Er (I, J) in each color calculated in S2212 is compared with the pattern matching determination threshold Thd (S2213). In step S2207, it is determined that a camouflaged area image has been found, the corresponding color flags of the tint block pattern flags Cf, Mf, Yf, and Kf are incremented by 1 (S2214), the main scanning counter J is incremented by SW (S2215), and the process returns to S2207. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2213 that the residual Er (K, L) in each color is larger than the pattern matching threshold Thd, the pattern matching main scanning counter L is incremented by 1 (S2216), and the process returns to S2211. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2211 that the pattern matching main scanning counter L is larger than SW-CW, the pattern matching sub-scanning counter K is incremented by 1 (S2217), and the process returns to S2209. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2209 that the pattern matching sub-scanning counter K is larger than SH-CH, the process proceeds to S2215. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2207 that the main scanning counter J is larger than IMG_W-SW, the sub-scanning counter I is incremented by SH (S2218), and the process returns to S2205. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2205 that the sub-scanning counter I is greater than IMG_H-SH, it is determined that the template pattern matching process has been completed for all areas of the original image, and the tint block pattern flags Cf, Mf, Yf for each color are determined. , Kf is set as the matching rate (S2219), and the process ends. The pattern matching rate can be expressed by the following equation.

  If the pattern matching rate is larger than the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation threshold by the above operation, the camouflage area is also printed, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern cannot be normally generated from the document image.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when copying a document image in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern or the like is embedded so that it cannot be copied without permission, a template pattern matching process with a document image using a camouflage image is performed. By performing the above, it is possible to determine whether to copy the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern originally added to the document as it is or to add a new copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern on the device side, and to realize a process for surely raising the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the processing operation using a single copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is described. In this embodiment, key code information in which a plurality of different copy-forgery-inhibited pattern patterns are embedded is added to a document. The processing operation when the original image is printed as one copy by processing such as Nup is realized.

  In addition, about the process similar to Example 1-Example 4, the same symbol is illustrated and schematic description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Outline of image processing system]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment in Example 5.

  A difference from FIG. 20 in the third embodiment is that a plurality of document image servers are connected to the LAN 100 via the Internet network 104.

[Copying procedure for copy-forgery-inhibited document]
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern from a copy-prevented document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit 3123 in the scanner image processing unit 312. It is.

  S2401 to S2417 represent each step. 24 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301.

  The difference from FIG. 21 in the third embodiment is that a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern electronic data distribution request is made to a plurality of document image servers. Since the operation is the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of tint block document images in this embodiment. Different copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information is embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited originals 2501 and 2503, and KeyCodes 2502 and 2504 as predetermined specific information are printed at arbitrary positions on the originals, and the corresponding originals are analyzed by analyzing the KeyCode information. The image server can be specified.

[Procedure for printing copy-forgery-inhibited manuscript]
FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit 3134 in the printer image processing unit 313 to realize a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the KeyCode information acquired by the above-described operation. is there.

  S2601 to S2610 represent each step. In addition, the control program for realizing the processing shown in FIG. 26 is stored in the ROM 303 as described above, and is executed by the CPU 301.

  In FIG. 26, it is first determined whether or not the KeyCode information acquired during the document scanning operation is present (S2601). If the KeyCode information is present, the tint block pattern and the KeyCode information held by the device described in the KeyCode information. The tint block pattern electronic data downloaded from is read (S2602). Next, a matching process between the read-in copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern and the original image is executed (S2603), and the result is compared with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation threshold (S2604). As a result of the comparison in S2604, if it is determined that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern cannot be normally generated from the document image, the device use flag Df is incremented by 1 (S2605), and it is determined whether or not all KeyCode information has been processed (S2605). S2606). If it is determined in S2606 that the processing of all KeyCode information has been completed, the total number of KeyCode information is compared with the device usage flag Df (S2607), and it is determined that the total number of KeyCode information is larger than the device usage flag Df. If it is determined that the background pattern can be normally generated from the document image of at least one object, it is determined to execute the process with the background pattern embedded in the document (S2608), and the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S2607 that the total number of KeyCode information numbers is larger than the device use flag Df, it is determined that the background pattern cannot be normally generated for all objects, and the background pattern held by the device is newly added. (S2609), a tint block addition processing operation is executed (S2610), and the operation is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2606 that all KeyCode information has not been processed, the process returns to S2601. On the other hand, if the KeyCode information itself cannot be acquired in S2601, the process advances to S2608 to continue the processing with the ground pattern embedded in the document.

  Note that the pattern matching process in S2603 is the same as the process described in the first and fourth embodiments, and thus a description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 27 schematically shows an image obtained as a result of the above operation. Reference numeral 2701 denotes an image to which a background pattern held by the device is newly added by the operation of S2609. Reference numeral 2702 denotes an upper manuscript image of S2604. As a result of the operation, an image for which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is determined to be generated from the document image, 2703 is an image for which the lower document image is determined to be capable of generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern from the document image as a result of the operation in S2604, 2704 Shows an example of image data that is determined to be able to generate a tint block pattern from the original image as a result of the operation of S2604.

  By the above operation, when a document image in which a plurality of different background patterns are embedded is printed as one copy by processing such as Nup, the original image is reproduced if the background pattern can be reproduced from the original image of at least one object. If the background pattern cannot be reproduced with all objects, the background pattern can be newly added on the device side, and the background pattern can be surely revealed in one document.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the above embodiment, the input data is RGB data and the output data is CMYK data. However, the present invention can be used in all color space representations such as L * a * b * and XYZ.

  Further, a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer code (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores program codes stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing read.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, A ROM or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. It is not a thing.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the image processing system which can operate | use the image processing apparatus which can operate this invention. FIG. 2 is an external view illustrating an example of a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral that is a specific example of the MFP illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall hardware configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image rotation process part shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image compression process part shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation of extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern for a copy-preventing document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit illustrated in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. . FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a tint block document used in the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image to be printed by the copying operation of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern document illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for realizing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the acquired KeyCode information in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 5 according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the operation | movement which calculates a matching rate by the matching process with a manuscript by the operation | movement of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a determination result in the operation of FIG. 12. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition process execution operation in the printer possession pattern implemented by the operation | movement of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of internal processing of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 5 according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the latent image background area | region designation | designated image and camouflage area | region designation | designated image shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a part of tint block image produced | generated by the operation | movement of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for realizing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the acquired KeyCode information in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit illustrated in FIG. 5 according to the second exemplary embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of the operation | movement which calculates a matching rate by the matching process with the original implemented by operation | movement of FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment in Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern for a copy-preventing document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit illustrated in FIG. . FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for calculating a matching rate by a matching process with an original performed in the operation of FIG. 11 in the fourth embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a color image forming apparatus according to an embodiment in Example 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for extracting information for specifying the location of a device background pattern for a copy-preventing document to which a background pattern is added in the specific information processing unit illustrated in FIG. . FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a plurality of tint block document images in Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation for realizing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print that can reliably prevent unauthorized copying using the acquired KeyCode information in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image processing unit illustrated in FIG. FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing an image obtained by the operation of FIG. 26.

Explanation of symbols

100 LAN
101 Host computer 102 Digital MFP (MFP)
103, 105 Document image server 104 Internet network 201 Image reader unit 202 Printer engine unit 203 Operation unit 204 Tray 205 Document feeder 206 Paper discharge trays 207, 208, 209 Paper cassette 301 CPU
302 RAM
303 ROM
304 HDD
305 Image Bus I / F
306 Operation unit I / F
307 System bus 308 Network I / F
309 Image bus 310 RIP
311 Device I / F
312 Scanner Image Processing Unit 313 Printer Image Processing Unit 314 Image Rotation Processing Unit 315 Image Compression Processing Unit 316 NVRAM
3121, 3131, 3141, 3151 Image bus I / F controller 3122 Filter processing unit 3123 Specific information processing unit 3124 Input color correction processing unit 3125 Editing unit 3126 Scaling processing unit 3132 Resolution conversion processing unit 3133 Output color correction processing unit 3134 Background pattern image Processing unit 3135 Density correction processing unit 3136 Halftone processing unit 3142 Image rotation unit 3143 RAM
3152 input buffer 3153 image compression unit 3154 RAM
3155 Output buffer 4001 Input background image 4002 Color information 4003 Processing area information 4004 Latent image threshold pattern 4005 Background threshold pattern 4006 Latent image background area designation image 4007 Camouflage sympathy designation image 4008 Background pattern image

Claims (39)

Document reading means for reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
Storage means for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A search unit that searches the storage unit for electronic data of copy suppression information added to the document based on the specific information described in the document read by the document reading unit;
A comparison unit that compares the electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search unit and the copy suppression information present in the document read by the document reading unit;
As a result of the comparison means, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, printing means for printing the document;
As a result of the comparison means, when the copy suppression information present in the document is not reproducible, a selection means for selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search means from the storage means;
An adding unit for adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected by the selecting unit to the document read by the reading unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the document added by the adding unit. Document reading means for reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
Storage means for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
Search means for searching for an information distribution apparatus that distributes electronic data of copy suppression information added to the original document according to specific information described in the original document read by the original reading means;
Communication means for communicating with the information distribution device;
Receiving means for receiving electronic data of copy suppression information obtained by the communication means; electronic data of copy suppression information received by the receiving means; and copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading means; A comparison means for comparing
As a result of the comparison means, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, printing means for printing the document;
As a result of the comparison means, if the copy suppression information present in the document is not reproducible, a selection means for selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search means;
An adding unit for adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected by the selecting unit to the document read by the reading unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the document added by the adding unit. Document reading means for reading a document including a plurality of objects in which a plurality of copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
First storage means for storing the number of specific information included in the document;
A second storage means for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
Search means for searching for an information distribution apparatus that distributes electronic data of copy suppression information added to the original document according to specific information described in the original document read by the original reading means;
Communication means for communicating with the information distribution device;
Receiving means for receiving electronic data of copy suppression information obtained by the communication means; electronic data of copy suppression information received by the receiving means; and copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading means; A comparison means for comparing
As a result of the comparison means, a third storage means for storing the number of objects determined that the copy suppression information existing in the plurality of objects is not reproducible;
Specific information comparison means for comparing the number of specific information stored in the first storage means with the number of objects for which the copy suppression information stored in the third storage means cannot be reproduced;
If the number of specific information stored in the first storage means matches the number of objects stored in the third storage means as a result of the specific information comparison means, the duplicate searched by the search means A selection means for selecting electronic data of the suppression information;
An adding unit for adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected by the selecting unit to the document read by the reading unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the document added by the adding unit.   The specific information is converted into electronic information when the specific information described for specifying the electronic data of the copy suppression information of the original is read by the original reading unit. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 3).   5. The specific information includes at least one of data that can be embedded in bar code, alphanumeric characters, or other data described on the original by electronic watermarking. The described image forming apparatus.   4. The copy suppression information can be visually displayed on the original as a copy when read by the original reading unit. Image forming apparatus.   The electronic information includes device information for searching for copy suppression information used in a document from the storage unit by the search unit, and data information for searching electronic data of the copy suppression information in the device device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes:   The electronic information includes network address information for searching for the information distribution device by the search means, and data information for searching for electronic data of the copy suppression information in the information distribution device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The electronic data of the copy suppression information includes a latent image portion matrix, a background portion matrix, a latent image background region designation image, and a camouflage region designation image for generating a tint block image composed of a latent image portion and a background portion. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 7, and 8. The comparison means includes conversion means for converting the number of dots in the background portion matrix;
First size calculating means for calculating the size of the background portion matrix;
Data conversion means for converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated by the first size calculation means in the original;
Threshold value setting means for setting a constant ratio in the conversion means, and within the range of the number of dots converted by the conversion means and a value obtained by multiplying the dot number by the threshold value set by the threshold value setting means Determination means for determining whether the number of data calculated by the data conversion means is within;
Holding means for holding the determination result when the result of the determination means is true;
A determination comparison means for comparing whether the determination result held in the holding means in a size unit exceeds a certain value,
4. The copy suppression information present in the document is determined to be non-reproducible if the result of the determination / comparison means does not exceed a certain value. Image forming apparatus. The comparison means includes background conversion means for converting the number of dots in the background portion matrix,
Latent image conversion means for converting the number of dots of the latent image portion matrix;
First size calculating means for calculating the size of the background portion matrix;
Second size calculating means for calculating the size of the latent image portion matrix;
Background data conversion means for converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated by the first size calculation means in the original;
Latent image data conversion means for converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated by the second size calculation means in the original;
A threshold value setting means for setting a constant ratio in the background conversion means, and within a range of the number of dots converted by the background conversion means and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold value set by the threshold value setting means Background determination means for determining whether the number of data calculated by the background data conversion means is within,
A threshold value setting means for setting a constant ratio in the latent image conversion means, and the number of dots converted by the latent image conversion means and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold value set by the threshold value setting means. Latent image determination means for determining whether the number of data calculated by the latent image data conversion means is within a range;
A background determination holding means for holding a determination result when the result of the background determination means is true;
A latent image determination holding unit that holds a determination result when the result of the latent image determination unit is true;
Determination comparison means for comparing the result of the background determination holding means and the result of the latent image determination holding means;
When the value held by the latent image determination holding unit is larger than the value held by the background determination holding unit, it is determined that the copy suppression information existing in the document cannot be reproduced. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The comparison unit includes a pattern matching unit that performs template pattern matching between the camouflage region designation image and a region obtained by dividing the document image into a certain size, and a holding unit that holds a result of the pattern matching unit. ,
The copy suppression information existing in the document is determined to be unreproducible when it is determined that the result of pattern matching held in the holding unit is larger than a certain value. The image forming apparatus described in any one of 1 to 3. The adding means includes a tint block generation unit that generates a tint block image including a latent image portion and a background portion, and an analysis unit that analyzes a characteristic color of the document;
Determining means for determining the color of the tint block image based on the color information analyzed by the analyzing means;
Based on the color information determined by the determination means, the background pattern image is input by inputting region specifying information for specifying the latent image portion and the background portion and camouflage region specifying image information for specifying a white region for the document. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a synthesizing unit that synthesizes. A document reading step of reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A storage step of holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A retrieval step of retrieving electronic data of duplication suppression information added to the original from the specific information described in the original read by the original reading step from the storage step;
A comparison step of comparing the electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step with the copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading step;
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, a printing step for printing the document,
As a result of the comparison step, when the copy suppression information existing in the document is not reproducible, a selection step of selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step from the storage step;
An addition step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing process for printing the original document added by the adding process. A document reading step of reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A storage step of holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A search step for searching for an information distribution device that distributes electronic data of duplication suppression information added to the original by specific information described in the original read by the original reading step;
A communication step of communicating with the information distribution device;
A receiving step for receiving electronic data of the copy suppression information obtained by the communication step; an electronic data of the copy suppression information received by the receiving step; and a copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading step; A comparison process for comparing
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, a printing step for printing the document,
As a result of the comparison step, when the copy suppression information present in the document is not reproducible, a selection step of selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step;
An addition step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing process for printing the original document added by the adding process. A document reading step of reading a document including a plurality of objects in which a plurality of pieces of copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A first storage step for storing the number of specific information included in the document;
A second storage step holding a plurality of electronic data of the replication suppression information;
A search step for searching for an information distribution device that distributes electronic data of duplication suppression information added to the original by specific information described in the original read by the original reading step;
A communication step of communicating with the information distribution device;
A receiving step for receiving electronic data of the copy suppression information obtained by the communication step; an electronic data of the copy suppression information received by the receiving step; and a copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading step; A comparison process for comparing
As a result of the comparison step, a third storage step for storing the number of objects determined that the copy suppression information existing in the plurality of objects is not reproducible;
A specific information comparison step for comparing the number of specific information stored in the first storage step with the number of objects in which the copy suppression information stored in the third storage step is not reproducible;
As a result of the specific information comparison step, if the number of specific information stored in the first storage step matches the number of objects stored in the third storage step, the duplicate searched by the search step A selection step of selecting electronic data of suppression information;
An addition step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing process for printing the original document added by the adding process.   The specific information is converted into electronic information when the specific information described for specifying the electronic data of the copy suppression information of the original is read by the original reading step. An image processing method in the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 16.   18. The specific information includes at least one of data that can be embedded in bar code, alphanumeric characters, or other data described on the original by electronic watermarking. An image processing method in the described image forming apparatus.   17. The copy suppression information can visually display that the copy is a copy on the document when read by the document reading step. Image processing method in the formed image forming apparatus.   The electronic information includes device information for searching for copy suppression information used in a document from the storage step by the search step, and data information for searching electronic data of the copy suppression information in the device device. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to claim 14 or 17, characterized in that   The electronic information includes network address information for searching the information distribution device in the search step, and data information for searching electronic data of the copy suppression information in the information distribution device. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to claim 15.   The electronic data of the copy suppression information includes a latent image portion matrix, a background portion matrix, a latent image background region designation image, and a camouflage region designation image for generating a tint block image composed of a latent image portion and a background portion. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, claim 20, and claim 21. The comparison step includes a conversion step for converting the number of dots of the background portion matrix,
A first size calculating step of calculating a size of the background portion matrix;
A data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the first size calculation step in the original;
A threshold setting step for setting a constant ratio in the conversion step, and within the range of the number of dots converted in the conversion step and the value obtained by multiplying the dot number by the threshold set in the threshold setting step A determination step for determining whether or not the number of data calculated in the data conversion step is within;
If the result of the determination step is true, a holding step for holding the determination result;
A determination comparison step for comparing whether a determination result held in the holding step in a unit of size exceeds a certain value,
The copy suppression information existing in the document is determined to be non-reproducible when a certain value is not exceeded as a result of the determination / comparison step, according to any one of claims 14 to 16. Image processing method in another image forming apparatus. The comparison step includes a background conversion step of converting the number of dots of the background portion matrix,
A latent image conversion step of converting the number of dots in the latent image portion matrix;
A first size calculating step of calculating a size of the background portion matrix;
A second size calculating step of calculating the size of the latent image portion matrix;
A background data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the first size calculation step in the original;
A latent image data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the second size calculation step in the original;
A threshold setting step for setting a constant ratio in the background conversion step, and within a range of the number of dots converted in the background conversion step and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set in the threshold setting step A background determination step for determining whether the number of data calculated in the background data conversion step is within,
A threshold value setting step for setting a constant ratio in the latent image conversion step, and the number of dots converted in the latent image conversion step and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold value set in the threshold value setting step. A latent image determination step for determining whether the number of data calculated in the latent image data conversion step is within a range;
As a result of the background determination step, a background determination holding step for holding a determination result when true,
A latent image determination holding step for holding a determination result when the result of the latent image determination step is true;
A determination comparison step for comparing the result of the background determination holding step and the result of the latent image determination holding step;
When the value held in the latent image determination holding step is larger than the value held in the background determination holding step, it is determined that the copy suppression information existing in the document cannot be reproduced. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16. The comparison step includes a pattern matching step for performing template pattern matching between the camouflage region designation image and a region obtained by dividing the document image into a predetermined size, and a holding step for holding the result of the pattern matching step. ,
The copy suppression information existing in the document is determined to be unreproducible when it is determined that the result of pattern matching held in the holding step is greater than a certain value. An image processing method in the image forming apparatus according to any one of 14 to 16. The adding step includes a tint block generation step of generating a tint block image including a latent image portion and a background portion, and an analysis step of analyzing a characteristic color of the document;
A determination step of determining the color of the tint block image from the color information analyzed by the analysis step;
Based on the color information determined in the determination step, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is input by inputting region designation information for designating the latent image portion and the background portion and camouflage region designating image information for designating a white background for the document. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising a combining step of combining the images. A document reading step for reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A storage step for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A retrieval step of retrieving from the storage step electronic data of duplication suppression information added to the document based on the specific information described in the document read in the document reading step;
A comparison step of comparing the electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step with the copy suppression information existing in the original read by the original reading step;
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, a printing step for printing the document;
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is not reproducible, a selection step of selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step from the storage step;
An adding step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing step for printing the document added in the adding step. A document reading step for reading a document in which copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A storage step for holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A search step of searching for an information distribution device that distributes electronic data of copy suppression information added to the original document according to specific information described in the original document read in the original document reading step;
A communication step of communicating with the information distribution device;
A reception step of receiving electronic data of copy suppression information obtained by the communication step; an electronic data of copy suppression information received by the reception step; and copy suppression information present in the original read by the original reading step; A comparison step for comparing
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is reproducible, a printing step for printing the document;
As a result of the comparison step, if the copy suppression information present in the document is not reproducible, a selection step for selecting electronic data of the copy suppression information searched by the search step;
An adding step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing step for printing the document added in the adding step. A document reading step of reading a document including a plurality of objects in which a plurality of pieces of copy suppression information for suppressing unauthorized duplication in advance and specific information for specifying electronic data of the copy suppression information are described;
A first storage step for storing the number of specific information included in the document;
A second storage step holding a plurality of electronic data of the copy suppression information;
A search step of searching for an information distribution device that distributes electronic data of copy suppression information added to the original document according to specific information described in the original document read in the original document reading step;
A communication step of communicating with the information distribution device;
A reception step of receiving electronic data of copy suppression information obtained by the communication step; an electronic data of copy suppression information received by the reception step; and copy suppression information present in the original read by the original reading step; A comparison step for comparing
As a result of the comparison step, a third storage step for storing the number of objects determined that the copy suppression information existing in the plurality of objects is not reproducible;
A specific information comparison step for comparing the number of specific information stored in the first storage step with the number of objects in which the copy suppression information stored in the third storage step is not reproducible;
As a result of the specific information comparison step, if the number of specific information stored in the first storage step matches the number of objects stored in the third storage step, the duplicate searched by the search step A selection step for selecting electronic data of suppression information;
An adding step of adding electronic data of the copy suppression information selected in the selection step to the document read in the reading step;
And a printing step for printing the document added in the adding step.   28. The specific information is converted into electronic information when the specific information described for specifying the electronic data of the copy suppression information of the original is read by the original reading step. The program described in any one of 29.   31. The specific information includes at least one of data that can be embedded in bar code, alphanumeric characters, or other data written on the original by electronic watermarking. The program described.   30. The copy suppression information can visually indicate that the copy is a copy on the document when read by the document reading step. Program.   The electronic information includes device information for retrieving the copy suppression information used in the document from the storage step by the search step, and data information for retrieving electronic data of the copy suppression information in the device apparatus. 31. The program according to claim 27 or 30, characterized by comprising:   The electronic information includes network address information for searching for the information distribution device in the search step, and data information for searching for electronic data of the copy suppression information in the information distribution device. The program according to any one of claims 28 to 30.   The electronic data of the copy suppression information includes a latent image portion matrix, a background portion matrix, a latent image background region designation image, and a camouflage region designation image for generating a tint block image composed of a latent image portion and a background portion. A program according to any one of claims 27 to 29, 33, and 34. The comparison step includes a conversion step for converting the number of dots of the background portion matrix,
A first size calculating step for calculating a size of the background portion matrix;
A data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the first size calculation step in the original;
A threshold setting step for setting a constant ratio in the conversion step, and the number of dots converted in the conversion step and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set in the threshold setting step. A determination step for determining whether or not the number of data calculated in the data conversion step is within;
If the result of the determination step is true, a holding step for holding the determination result;
A determination comparison step for comparing whether the determination result held in the holding step in a unit of size exceeds a certain value,
30. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein it is determined that the copy suppression information existing in the document is not reproducible if a predetermined value is not exceeded as a result of the determination and comparison step. Program. The comparison step includes a background conversion step of converting the number of dots of the background portion matrix,
A latent image conversion step of converting the number of dots of the latent image portion matrix;
A first size calculating step for calculating a size of the background portion matrix;
A second size calculating step for calculating the size of the latent image portion matrix;
A background data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the first size calculation step in the original;
A latent image data conversion step of converting the number of data of each color into the size unit calculated in the second size calculation step in the original;
A threshold setting step for setting a constant ratio in the background conversion step, and within a range of the number of dots converted in the background conversion step and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set in the threshold setting step A background determination step for determining whether or not the number of data calculated in the background data conversion step falls within,
A threshold setting step for setting a constant ratio in the latent image conversion step, and the number of dots converted in the latent image conversion step and a value obtained by multiplying the number of dots by the threshold set in the threshold setting step. A latent image determination step for determining whether the number of data calculated in the latent image data conversion step is within a range;
A background determination holding step for holding a determination result when the result of the background determination step is true;
A latent image determination holding step for holding the determination result when the result of the latent image determination step is true;
A determination comparison step for comparing the result of the background determination holding step and the result of the latent image determination holding step;
When the value held in the latent image determination holding step is larger than the value held in the background determination holding step, it is determined that the copy suppression information existing in the document cannot be reproduced. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 16. The comparison step includes a pattern matching step for performing template pattern matching between the camouflage region designating image and a region obtained by dividing the document image into a predetermined size, and a holding step for holding the result of the pattern matching step. ,
The copy suppression information existing in the document is determined to be unreproducible when it is determined that the result of pattern matching held in the holding step is greater than a certain value. The program described in any one of 27-29. The adding step includes a tint block generation step of generating a tint block image including a latent image portion and a background portion, and an analysis step of analyzing a characteristic color of the document;
A determination step of determining the color of the tint block image based on the color information analyzed by the analysis step;
The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is input by inputting region designation information for designating the latent image portion and the background portion and camouflage region designation image information for designating a white region based on the color information determined in the determination step. The program according to any one of claims 27 to 29, further comprising a synthesizing step for synthesizing.