JP2006352493A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus with a N in 1 function that discards no information embedded in an image. <P>SOLUTION: An embedded information acquisition section 212 acquires information embedded in design patterns of originals on the basis of original image data by the originals. An information amount comparison section 213 compares the total amount of the acquired information with an amount of information embeddable to one original and saves surplus information unembeddable to one original to a storage device such as a hard disk, and a formed image edit section 214 edits the data so as to embed information associated with the location of the surplus information to the design patterns of the formed images. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular, a reading unit that reads information embedded in an image formed on a recording sheet, and an image formed on a plurality of recording sheets on a single recording sheet. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function formed in an integrated manner.

  In the field of image processing apparatuses such as image forming apparatuses in recent years, many digital watermarking techniques for embedding information in the background pattern of a recording sheet such as recording paper have been devised (see Non-Patent Document 1, Non-Patent Document 2, etc.). These have been widely put into practical use in order to embed information in a tint block image to an extent that cannot be easily determined by human perception and to prevent unauthorized use and tampering.

"Technical Information-[Papers] Binary Digital Watermarking Technology to Prevent Document Forgery-", [online], [Search June 5, 2005], Internet, <URL: http://capg.c4t.jp/ technology / watermark / binary.html>

Hiroyuki Yasuda, Toshio Hikima, “Outline of Digital Watermark Technology Val-Code (Registered Trademark) for Printed Documents and Its Application Solution”, Oki Technical Review, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., April 2004, Volume 71, 198, p. 20-23

  There is a limit to the amount of information that can be embedded in the tint block formed on the recording sheet. This is not limited to the method of embedding in the background pattern, and the same applies to other methods. On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function that aggregates and forms images formed on a plurality of recording sheets onto one recording sheet, information embedded in the image of the N originals is 1 Although it may be necessary to embed in one recording sheet, in a conventional image forming apparatus, if information embedded in N documents exceeds the amount of information that can be embedded in one recording sheet, embedding is performed. There was a problem that there was no choice but to discard information.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that does not discard information embedded in a document image in an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function. .

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is formed on a plurality of recording sheets and a reading unit that reads embedded information embedded in an image formed on a recording sheet. In an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function that collects and forms collected images on one recording sheet, when N images are formed on one recording sheet using the Nin1 print function, the N Embedding information storage means for accumulating and storing embedding information obtained from the number of images, amount of embedding information embedded in the N images, and information that can be embedded in one recording sheet Comparing means for comparing the amount, and location information indicating the location of the information not embedded in the recording sheet when the information embedded in the N images cannot be embedded in one recording sheet. , And editing means for editing the data so as to be embedded in the image is made, it is characterized in that it comprises a retraction means for retracting the amount of information that is embedded in a recording sheet.

  In the configuration of the present invention, when the amount of embedded information embedded in N document images exceeds the amount of information that can be embedded in one recording sheet, information that is not embedded in the recording sheet. Since the location information indicating the location of the information that is not embedded in the recording sheet is embedded in the formed image, the information embedded in the original document image is not discarded. The location information can be embedded in the background pattern included in the image to be formed. However, the location information is not necessarily embedded in the background pattern, but can be applied to other information embedding methods. Further, the location information is not limited to the file name as exemplified below, but can be separately managed by the image forming apparatus, the management server, or the like only as a management code.

  The location information may be information indicating a location in a nonvolatile storage device provided in the image forming apparatus. As the nonvolatile storage device, for example, a hard disk drive can be used, and the location information can be a file name including information.

  The image forming apparatus includes a communication interface that transmits / receives data to / from an external apparatus via a network, and the save unit saves information that is not embedded in a recording sheet to the external apparatus through the communication interface. The location information may be information indicating a location in the external device. As an external device, for example, a server that can be connected via a LAN, the Internet, or the like can be used. As location information, for example, a path name of a file can be used.

  The image forming apparatus includes a medium mounting unit for mounting a portable storage medium, and the retreating unit retreats information that is not embedded in a recording sheet to the portable storage medium through the medium mounting unit, and The information may be configured to be information indicating the portable storage medium and the location in the medium. As the portable storage medium, for example, various memory cards, memory sticks, flexible disks, MO, PD, CD, DVD, and other disk media can be used, and the location information includes, for example, an identifier and a file of the storage medium Names can be used.

  The evacuation unit may be configured to embed information that is not embedded in the recording sheet in a background pattern formed on another recording sheet. For example, when another medium cannot be used, it is possible to embed in another recording sheet such as recording paper.

  The image forming apparatus may further include an encryption unit that encrypts information that is not embedded in the recording sheet, and the location information includes information for decrypting the encrypted information. Especially, it is suitable for the case of retreating to an external device. However, the encryption process may always be performed.

  The evacuation means can be configured to evacuate all of the embedded information embedded in the N images as information not embedded in the recording sheet. For example, a configuration in which the location information is only the management code and all the embedded information is managed by a server or the like is possible.

  The evacuation means may be configured to evacuate less important information among the embedded information embedded in the N images as information not embedded in the recording sheet. As highly important information, for example, information for decryption when encrypted, information such as passwords that would interfere with access if such information cannot be obtained, such highly important information By embedding in the image, it becomes possible to access information more reliably.

  The image forming apparatus preferably includes a notification unit that prompts a change to another medium when one information save destination medium is not available. For example, a form in which a message prompting the user to attach a portable medium such as a memory card is displayed when the external server is turned off and cannot be saved is not limited to this. It is.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function, even when the information embedded in N images exceeds the amount of information that can be embedded in one recording sheet, it cannot be embedded. There is an effect that information of minutes is not discarded.

Hereinafter, a case where an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
(1) Overall configuration of embedded information management system

  First, an embedded information management system including the digital copying machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the embedded information management system. The embedded information management system is a digital copier (hereinafter simply referred to as “copier”) that forms an image based on original image data generated by reading an original or data transferred from an external personal computer (PC) or the like. 100) Management of information that is not embedded in the original when the Nin1 print function is used among the information embedded in the original image to be read by the copying machine 100. Information management server 310, an external management server (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “external server”) 320, and the like.

  The information management server 310 and the external server 320 are configured by an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC). The copier 100 and the information management server 310 are connected to the LAN 500. The LAN 500 can be connected to the Internet 600 via the router 400, and the external server 320 is connected to the Internet 600. The copying machine 100 can be connected to the external server 320 via the router 400. Computer names such as “PC001” and “PC002” are assigned to the copying machine 100 and the information management server 310 as identifiers.

(2) Overall Configuration of Copying Machine 100 Next, the configuration of the copying machine 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The copying machine 100 of the present embodiment is a color copying machine capable of forming a color image by superimposing cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) toners. is there.

  The copying machine 100 includes a color image reading unit 11 that acquires document image data by reading a document and the like, and document image data acquired by the color image reading unit 11 or data transmitted from the outside via the LAN 500. An image forming unit 12 that performs image formation based on the image forming unit 12 is provided.

  The color image reading unit 11 is a known one that reads an image such as a document placed on a platen glass by moving the scanner 111. The color image forming unit 11 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10.

  The ADF 10 automatically conveys the document to the document image reading position of the color image reading unit 11. In other words, the original placed on the original tray 101 is conveyed to the original reading position on the platen glass 102. The original transported to the original reading position is scanned by the scanner 111, and then again sent to the right in the drawing by the transport belt 103, and finally discharged onto the original discharge tray 104.

  Image information obtained by irradiation of the exposure lamp 112 installed in the scanner 111 is imaged on a full-color CCD sensor 117 via folding mirrors 113 to 116 and a condenser lens (not shown). The full-color CCD sensor 117 AD converts the image information into three types of electrical signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and thereby R, G, and B digital data representing a document or the like are converted. can get.

  The digital data for each color component obtained by the color image reading unit 11 is subjected to various types of data processing in the image data processing unit 20, and further, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K (Hereinafter, each reproduction color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is represented as C, M, Y, and K, respectively, and the number of the component related to each reproduction color is C, M, Y, and K are added as subscripts).

  The image data processing unit 20 sends the image data of each reproduction color to the print head unit 21 and drives a laser diode built in the print head unit 21 to select one of C, M, Y, and K. The surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is exposed for the reproduced color. The photosensitive drum 22 is uniformly charged by the charging charger 25 after the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member is removed by the cleaner 23 before the exposure, and the charge is removed by the eraser lamp 24. When the exposure is performed in a uniformly charged state, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22.

  The toner developing units 26C to 26K for the respective colors C, M, Y, and K drive only the toner developing units 26C to 26K for the colors to be developed in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 22, so that the photosensitive drum 22 is driven. Develop the electrostatic latent image on the surface. On the other hand, on the transfer drum 27, the CPU 210 (see FIG. 4) uses the detection signals from the paper size detection sensors 411, 421, and 431, which are provided in the respective paper cassettes 41, 42, and 43 and are composed of photoelectric sensors. One of the cassettes 41, 42, and 43 is selected and a recording sheet (not shown) is supplied. For example, it is possible to store recording sheets of various sizes such as A4 size in the paper cassette 41, A3 size in the paper cassette 42, and B4 size in the paper cassette 43.

  When the leading edge of the recording paper passes through the timing roller 28 and reaches the suction roller 29, it is gripped by the chucking mechanism on the transfer drum 27 and electrostatically attracted by the suction charger 30, so that the positional deviation occurs. The toner image that has been wound up without being generated and developed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is transferred onto the recording paper wound on the transfer drum 27 by the transfer charger 31.

  The above-described printing process is repeated for each of C, M, Y, and K reproduction colors at the time of full-color copying, and when the transfer of the toner image is completed for all colors, the separation claw 32 and the charge removal chargers 33 and 34 are changed. The recording paper is separated from the surface of the transfer drum 27 by operating. Note that the copying machine 100 can also perform monochrome copying, and at the time of monochrome copying, the above printing process is performed only for black (K) color.

  Since the toner image transferred to the recording paper is in an unstable state where it is peeled off as it is, the toner is fixed on the surface of the recording paper by pressing with the fixing device 35 while being heated, and then the paper discharge tray 36. Drain up. When copying on the back side of the recording paper (in the case of “double-sided copying”), the switching claw 51 is operated to feed the recording paper discharged from the fixing device 35 to the conveyance path 52 of the lower sheet reversing unit 50. Then, the paper is once pushed in the direction of the reversing tray 54 by the reversing roller 53, and then reversed by reversing the reversing roller 53 so as to reverse the front and back of the recording paper and send it to the conveyance path 55, thereby forming an image on the back surface. Yes.

  An operation panel OP1 is provided at a position on the copying machine 100 where it can be easily operated, as indicated by a dotted line. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel OP1. The operation panel OP1 of the present embodiment is provided with an operation unit 72 on which various keys for operation are arranged, and a liquid crystal touch panel (hereinafter simply referred to as “touch panel”) 74 on which settings, messages, and the like are displayed. ing.

  The operation unit 72 includes a ten key 721 for inputting the number of copies, a clear key 722 for clearing a numerical value designated by the ten key 721, a reset key 723 for returning all settings to initial settings, a stop key 724 for stopping operation, In addition to a start key 725 for instructing the start of copying, a mode switching key 726 for switching between the monochrome printing mode and the color printing mode is provided.

  By pressing a 2 in 1 button 741, a 4 in 1 button 742, a 9 in 1 button 743, and a 16 in 1 button 744 displayed on the touch panel 74, the user can use the Nin 1 print function. For example, when the 2 in 1 button 741 is pressed, document image data obtained from two documents is formed on one sheet of recording paper.

  A key on the lower part of the touch panel 74 is used to display an image by using the Nin1 print function among information embedded in the background pattern of the original image read by the color image reading unit 11 (hereinafter referred to as “embedding information”). Is a key for specifying how to process information (hereinafter referred to as “surplus information”) that has not been embedded on the recording paper on which is formed.

  For example, when the “HD” key 745 is pressed, the surplus information is stored in the hard disk drive 241 (see FIG. 4) in the copying machine 100. Information relating to the location of surplus information (hereinafter referred to as “location information”) such as a file name in the hard disk is embedded in the recording paper on which the image is formed.

  When the “memory card” key 746 is pressed, surplus information is stored in the memory card 243 set in the card reader / writer 242 (see FIG. 4). For example, a memory card identifier or a surplus information file name is embedded in the recording paper on which the image is formed as location information.

  When the “external server” key 747 is pressed, surplus information is stored in an external server such as the external server 320. For example, a path name of a file stored in an external server is embedded in the recording paper on which the image is formed as location information.

  When the “encrypt” key 748 is pressed in addition to the keys 745 to 747 described above, the surplus information is encrypted. This is particularly effective when storing surplus information in an external device such as the external server 320, but may be always encrypted. In the recording sheet on which the image is formed, as location information, for example, information used for decrypting the encrypted information (hereinafter referred to as “decryption information”) is embedded in addition to the path name of the surplus information file. It is.

  When encryption is performed, not only information saved as surplus information but also information embedded in a recording sheet on which an image is formed may be encrypted. In addition to embedding part of the embedding information read from the original (the amount that can be embedded) and the location information on the recording paper on which the image is formed, there are cases where only the location information is embedded. In some cases, the location information may be encrypted. The encryption algorithm is arbitrary. The decryption information may be managed separately without being embedded in the recording paper.

  The copying machine 100 can be connected to a network such as a LAN 500 via a communication interface 61 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The communication interface 61 is connected to the CPU 210 (see FIG. 4), can perform image formation using data transmitted from other devices such as a PC connected to the LAN 500, and color. Document image data read and generated by the image reading unit 11 can also be transmitted to the outside. Further, when the surplus information is stored in the information management server 310, the external server 320, or the like, transmission is performed via the communication interface 61.

(3) Configuration of Control Unit 200 Next, a detailed configuration of the control unit 200 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. The control unit 200 is configured around the CPU 210, and further includes a RAM 220, a ROM 230, a data storage unit 240, and the like.

  The CPU 210 is connected to the color image reading unit 11, the image forming unit 12, the image data processing unit 20, the operation panel OP1, and the like. The CPU 210 executes a program 231 stored in the ROM 230 or a program 221 loaded in the RAM 220 to control the entire copying machine 100. The RAM 220 is also used as a storage area 222 for information embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern of document image data and information embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern at the time of image formation.

  As the communication interface 61, for example, a NIC (network interface card) can be used. The data storage unit 240 includes a hard disk 241 and a card reader / writer 242. The card reader / writer 242 reads data from a memory card 243 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) or smart media, or writes data to the memory card 243. The memory card 243 can be used for data exchange with an external device such as a PC or data backup, for example. In this embodiment, the memory card 243 can be used for storing surplus information. .

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 200. The control unit 200 according to the present embodiment functionally includes an image data development unit 211, an embedded information acquisition unit 212, an information amount comparison unit 213, a formed image editing unit 214, and an encryption processing unit 215. The functions of these units are realized by a program 231 stored in the ROM 230, a program 221 loaded in the RAM 220, dedicated hardware, or the like.

  The image data expansion unit 211 expands PDL (page description language) format data included in a print job input from an external device such as a PC into an image data format such as a bitmap. The developed data is sent to the print head 21 and used for image formation by the image forming unit 12.

  The embedding information acquisition unit 212 acquires embedding information from document image data obtained by reading a document with the color image reading unit 11. The acquired embedded information is temporarily stored in the embedded information storage area 222 of the RAM 220. When the Nin1 print function is used, the information amount comparison unit 213 compares the total amount of embedding information acquired from N documents with the information amount that can be embedded in one document. In the present embodiment, information is embedded using a so-called background pattern method (see Non-Patent Document 1), and the maximum amount of information that can be embedded in one A4 size recording sheet is approximately 1,000 characters (1 Kbyte).

  When using the Nin1 print function, the formed image editing unit 214 edits the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern in which information is embedded together with image data to be formed on one recording sheet. The tint block can be formed, for example, as a light beige halftone dot image, and information can be embedded by changing the size of the halftone dot. At this time, if the embedded information of N documents stored in the embedded information storage area 222 cannot be embedded in one original, the surplus information is stored in the surplus information storage area 2411 in the hard disk 241, or the communication Processing such as transmission to the external server 320 or the like via the interface 61 is performed. Then, the embedded information is edited so that information to be embedded in one recording sheet and location information are embedded in the background pattern.

  The encryption processing unit 215 performs surplus information encryption processing. In the example of the figure, a case where encryption processing is performed when surplus information is transmitted to the outside via the communication interface 61 is illustrated, but the surplus information encryption processing may be always performed, Not only the surplus information but also the information embedded in the recording paper can be encrypted. In the present embodiment, the decrypted information is sent to the image information editing unit 214 and embedded in the background pattern.

(4) Processing Contents of Control Unit 200 Next, processing contents of the control unit 200 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of the embedded information processing by the control unit 200 of the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed when a document is placed on the document tray 101 of the ADF 10 and the start key 725 is pressed. The CPU 200 controls the color image reading unit 11 including the ADF 10 to read a document image, but details of these processes are not shown in the flowchart.

  In the embedded information processing, first, the embedded information acquisition unit 212 acquires embedded information embedded in a background pattern from document image data obtained by reading a document with the color image reading unit 11 (S101). When information is acquired from the background pattern (S102: YES), it is determined whether or not the Nin1 print function is used (S103). If there is no copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, information cannot be acquired (S102: NO), and the Nin1 print function is not used (S103: NO, the print process is executed as it is (S111).

  When the Nin1 print function is used (S103: YES), embedded information for N documents is accumulated and stored in the embedded information storage area 222 (S104). Then, the information amount comparison unit 213 compares whether or not the accumulated amount of embedded information exceeds the amount of information that can be embedded in one recording sheet (S105).

  When the amount of the embedded information stored is equal to or less than the amount of information that can be embedded in one sheet of recording paper (S106: NO), the embedded information for N sheets can be embedded as it is in the background pattern on the recording paper. Since it is possible, the image and the background pattern are edited (S107), and the printing process is performed (S111).

  When the amount of embedded information stored exceeds the amount of information that can be embedded in one sheet of recording paper (S106: YES), location information addition processing is performed (S108). This is because if as much information as possible is embedded in the tint block of the recording paper on which the image is formed, it is necessary to determine the contents of the information to be embedded on one recording paper including the location information.

  The location information includes a file name if surplus information is stored in the surplus information storage area 2411 of the hard disk 241, and a path name of the file if surplus information is transferred to an external device such as the external server 320. If the surplus information is to be encrypted, it includes composite information. If the surplus information is embedded by forming a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern on a separate sheet, a code indicating that the surplus information is to be embedded is included.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing of embedding information in the case of 4-in-1 printing. In the example shown in the figure, it is assumed that 200 bytes are embedded in the background pattern of document A, 400 bytes are stored in the background pattern of document B, 300 bytes are stored in the background pattern of document C, and 250 bytes are embedded in the background pattern of document D. When the 4-in-1 print function is used, the amount of embedded information embedded in four originals is 1150 bytes, which exceeds the amount of information (1000 bytes) that can be embedded in one recording sheet.

  Therefore, in the embedded information storage area 222, the location information is inserted into an area in which information to be embedded in the background pattern of the recording paper to be imaged by using the 4in1 print function is inserted, and the recording in which the image is formed in 4in1. A maximum of 1000 bytes of information including the location information is embedded in the paper background pattern. On the other hand, surplus information is saved in the medium such as the hard disk (S109). These processes are performed by the formed image editing unit 214. As processing contents of the formed image editing unit 214, more specifically, (1) erasing of a background pattern from a document image obtained by reading a document, (2) editing of the embedded information and location information, and saving of surplus information, (3) An original document image editing process for N original sheets formed by the Nin1 print function, and (4) a background pattern adding process to image data used for image formation. When the surplus information to be saved is encrypted, the encryption processing unit 216 is used as appropriate, and the location information includes the decryption information.

  A printing process is executed using the image data edited in the editing process (S110) by the formed image editing unit 215 (S111). A portion of the embedded information and location information embedded in the N original documents are embedded in the ground pattern of the printed recording paper. When the color image reading unit 11 reads the recording paper again, the location information is acquired from the background pattern, so that the embedded information embedded in the original document can be acquired again.

(Modification)
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the content of the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described in the embodiment, and for example, the following modifications may be implemented. it can.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the maximum amount of information that can be embedded is embedded in the background pattern of a recording sheet that is newly imaged using the Nin1 print function. The amount of information is arbitrary, and it is not always necessary to embed the maximum amount of information. Alternatively, the information to be embedded may be saved only as a management code, and all the embedded information of the original document may be saved as surplus information.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a processing method in such a case. The example in the figure is an example in the case where an image is formed by using a 4-in-1 print function using four originals embedded with embedded information similar to the example in FIG. 7, and an image is formed by using the 4-in-1 print function. Only location information (for example, a management code) is embedded in the background pattern of the recording paper. As a result, all the embedded information embedded in the original document is saved as extra information in a hard disk, an external server, or the like.

  (2) Depending on the importance of the embedded information, a method of dividing the processing can be considered. For example, passwords, composite information, etc. may not be accessible if the document cannot be read. However, such highly important information may be embedded in the background pattern of the image to be read and read. It is also possible to perform a process of saving information with little influence even when there is no such information.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the user can designate the save destination medium (hard disk, memory card, etc.) via the operation panel OP1. It is also possible to provide a configuration that encourages the use of another medium when a high medium cannot be used. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 74 in such a case.

  The example of FIG. 9 is an example of a screen that prompts the user to install the memory card 243 when there is no appropriate server outside such as when the power of the external server is turned off. In this case, for example, when the memory card 243 is attached to the card reader / writer 242 and the “OK” button 751 is pressed, the surplus information is written to the memory card 243 and the identifier of the memory card 243 is formed as the location information. Can be embedded in images. A user who does not hold the memory card 243 can return to the screen of FIG. 3, for example, by pressing a “Cancel” button 752.

  The example of FIG. 10 is an example of a screen for notifying the user that an information-embedded background pattern is to be formed on another recording sheet when there is no appropriate medium. In this case, when the “OK” button 751 is pressed, the surplus information is embedded in the background pattern of the other recording paper, and information such as the location information and the identification code is embedded as the location information in the formed image. be able to.

  The present invention can be applied to, for example, an image forming apparatus having a Nin1 print function.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an embedding information management system. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a copying machine 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the form of operation panel OP1. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a control unit 200. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of embedded information processing by a control unit 200. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the embedding information in the case of 4 in 1 printing. It is a figure for demonstrating the process of the embedding information in the modification of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen that prompts the user to attach a memory card 243 when there is no appropriate server outside. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for notifying a user that an information-embedded background pattern is to be formed on another recording sheet when there is no appropriate medium.

Explanation of symbols

10 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Color image reading part 12 Image forming part 20 Image data processing part 21 Print head 61 Communication interface 72 Operation part 74 Liquid crystal touch panel 100 Copier 200 Control part 210 CPU
211 Image Data Expansion Unit 212 Embedding Information Acquisition Unit 213 Information Amount Comparison Unit 214 Formed Image Editing Unit 215 Encryption Processing Unit 220 RAM
222 Embedded information storage area 230 ROM
240 Data storage unit 241 Hard disk drive 2411 Surplus information storage area 242 Card reader / writer 243 Memory card 310 Information management server 320 External management server 400 Router 500 LAN
600 Internet OP1 Operation panel

Claims (9)

A reading means for reading embedded information embedded in an image formed on a recording sheet, and a Nin1 print function for collecting and forming images formed on a plurality of recording sheets on one recording sheet are provided. In the image forming apparatus,
Embedding information storage means for storing and storing embedding information obtained from the N images when forming N images on one recording sheet using the Nin1 print function;
Comparison means for comparing the amount of embedded information embedded in the N images and the amount of information that can be embedded in one recording sheet;
When the information embedded in N images cannot be embedded in one recording sheet, the location information indicating the location of information not embedded in the recording sheet is embedded in the formed image. Editing means for editing data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a retraction unit that retreats information that is not embedded in the recording sheet. The location information is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is information indicating a location in a nonvolatile memory device provided in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
It has a communication interface that sends and receives data to and from external devices via the network.
The retracting means is
Through the communication interface, information that is not embedded in the recording sheet is saved to an external device,
The location information is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is information indicating a location in the external apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
A medium mounting unit for mounting a portable storage medium;
The retracting means is
Through the medium mounting portion, information that is not embedded in the recording sheet is saved to a portable storage medium,
The location information is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is information indicating a location in the portable storage medium and the medium. The retracting means is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information that is not embedded in the recording sheet is embedded in a background pattern formed on another recording sheet. The image forming apparatus further includes:
An encryption means for encrypting information not embedded in the recording sheet;
The location information is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising information for decrypting the encrypted information. The retracting means is
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein all of the embedded information embedded in the N images is saved as information not embedded in the recording sheet. The retracting means is
The information of low importance among the embedded information embedded in the N images is saved as information not embedded in the recording sheet. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes:
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that prompts a change to another medium when one information save destination medium cannot be used.

Images