JP2006521721A - Document containing a security image - Google Patents

Abstract

A document that contains a security image that enables the original to be distinguished from a copy of the original. The document can include an image with hidden conductive traces and contacts. The document can be verified as an original by applying a voltage to a plurality of probes in contact with the contacts.

Description

  This application is based on US Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 417,750, 60 / 417,751, 60 / 417,752, 60/417 filed on Oct. 10, 2002. No. 753, No. 60 / 417,754, No. 60 / 417,755, No. 60 / 417,756, No. 60 / 417,757, No. 60/417. , 758, part of a continuation-in-part of PCT application US03 / 32159 filed on Oct. 9, 2003, claiming the respective benefits of US Pat. This application is based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 443,288 filed on January 29, 2003, US Provisional Application No. 60 / 443,289 filed on January 29, 2003, (Unknown ) Claims the benefit of US provisional application (unknown), filed in January of the year. Each of the above applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  The present invention relates generally to document protection methods and products, and more particularly to methods and products for printing and obtaining originals that are easily distinguishable from copies made of those documents. is there. In this document protection method and product, the original can also be detected by a document reader.

  For example, in the past, many methods and products have been developed that can prevent counterfeiting of important documents such as money or financial instruments, and can easily distinguish unauthorized copies attempted from those documents from the original. Most of these methods and products involve producing originals by printing or lithography on high quality media such as silk, Japanese paper, and high contact rug paper. The original can be printed in either black and white (B & W) or color, and in the case of color, it is a spot color, a color background, and / or a multicolored print. In the case of color, there was a tendency to use multiple colors on the original to prevent copying by conventional means, which is the aesthetic value, ease of recognition, and the original purpose. Whether it is B & W or color, common printing processes of valuable originals are inter alia and gravure, among others. These and other processes mentioned in this application are well known in the art and therefore will not be described in detail.

  Most of the useful examples according to the prior art for preventing counterfeiting are made with a clear moire pattern or with a “latent” mark that is invisible or barely visible to the naked eye on the original The purpose is to do so. The term "latent image" is not used here to mean an invisible image that is developed after processing by a chemical reaction in the field of photography, but a mark printed on the original so that it is hardly visible to the naked eye. Used to show.

  These and other developments in the prior art for document protection are disclosed in the patent literature (for example, US Pat. No. 5,018, filed May 28, 1991, all by Ralph. C. Wicker). No. 767, U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,853 filed Mar. 16, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 3,675,948 filed Jul. 11, 1972, and Mar. 1979. U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,967 filed on Jan. 13 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,720 filed Oct. 14, 1980 and William H. Mowry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,180 filed on the 12th and U.S. Pat. No. 5 filed on Sep. 22, 1992 to Mowry et al. , 149,140 and US Pat. No. 5,487,567, filed Jan. 30, 1996, John R. Volpe). All of these patents disclose various means for realizing a method and product that makes it possible to distinguish a copy of a document from the original, such as “patterns of large and small dots”, “between dense lines” “Pattern” and images or indicia that are screen printed on the original with finely varying spacing and / or angles and are intended to produce a very well-noticed moire pattern effect against unauthorized copying. In this specification, the words “print”, “printed”, and “print” are used to refer to the production of the original, regardless of the technique used, and are referred to as “copy” and “copy”. The word is used to refer to making a copy from the original.

  However, it is well known that copier and computer scanner printer technology has become more sophisticated since the development of prior art in document protection. The goal of copying technology was to obtain copies that were as good as the original, especially for desktop publishing, even if not yet achieved. The fact that color documents “what they see is reflected in the results” is very achievable in copying machines, including copiers and scanning input devices, even on desktop computers. RTM. Color reproduction including color matching of color matching system and color matching between chromaticity standards is sufficiently advanced.

  Many if not all of the document protection methods and products were developed before such improvements in copier and computer reproduction technology, and the exact line between the copier scanner and the original security pattern. Newer color reproduction techniques have been found to be ineffective, especially in color copiers, with a "photo" setting that deliberately duplicates a document with a "blurred" focus to produce a continuous tone image effect that negates the variation. . Traditional methods of document protection, developed when copiers and printers have limited progress, are for the various forms of copier / duplicators and computer scanners / output devices that will be available now or soon. It cannot function while maintaining high reliability.

  Thus, for document security and security, it was essential that further improvements in the field of document protection were seen, especially for important originals that could not be easily distinguished from copying and originals. This is the case when copying or prevention of copying is necessary.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome the above problems and increase the security of documents.

  A document with an image includes a background portion printed with a first line number and a first color, a first image portion printed with a second line number and a second color, and a second line number and A second image portion printed in a third color can be included, and in the combined image, the first image portion and the second image portion are displayed in substantially the same color as the first color. The Within the document, the first image portion can include print lines, dots or spots, and the second image portion is a print line disposed between adjacent print line dots or spots of the first image portion. Includes dots or spots. Within the document, the first image portion can be printed at a density between 5% and 95% of the combined image of the first and second image portions. When the document is reproduced by a copying device or scanning device, the solid tonal color is reproduced in substantially the same color as the first color in the area of the first image portion and the second image portion, thereby The first image portion and the second image portion can be prevented from being reproduced.

  A document with an image includes a background portion having a printed line dot or spot of a first angle and a first color, a printed line dot or spot having substantially the same color as the first color and an angle different from the first angle. If the document is reproduced by a copying or scanning device, the solid tonal color is reproduced in the area of the image portion with substantially the same color as the first color, and Thus, the first image portion can be prevented from being reproduced. Within the document, at least one of the background portion and the image portion can be printed with a line count greater than about 175 lines per inch.

  The document with the image includes a background portion having printed line dots or spots of a first angle and a first number of lines, and an image portion having printed line dots or spots of a second angle and a second number of lines. The first number of lines is at least twice as large as the second number of lines. Within the document, the first number of lines may be greater than about 175 per inch. Within the document, the image formed by the image portion can be substantially hidden, and if the document is reproduced by a copying or scanning device, the image formed by the image portion is substantially within the reproduced document. Not hidden.

  An apparatus for authenticating a document as an original can enlarge an image included in the document, scan an image enlarged by the enlargement unit, and create an electronic image included in the document. A scanning unit capable of receiving the electronic form and determining whether the document contains a predetermined security image that is not reproduced when the document is reproduced or reproduced by a scanning device, and the predetermined security image is not detected In some cases, the document may comprise a microprocessor that determines that the document is not the original. In the apparatus, the microprocessor compares the layout of the document with the layout of the original, and the microprocessor can determine that the document is the original if the layout of the document corresponds to the layout of the original. The apparatus can further comprise a display that displays a message indicating whether the document has been determined to be original.

  The method of authenticating a document as an original includes a step of examining whether or not there is a predetermined security image that is not reproduced when the document is reproduced by a copying or scanning device, and the predetermined security image does not exist in the document And determining that the document is not the original. The method may further include comparing the document layout with the original layout and determining that the document is the original if the document layout corresponds to the original layout. The method may further include displaying a message indicating whether the document has been determined to be original.

  The computer-readable medium includes a step of examining whether there is a predetermined security image that is not reproduced when the document is reproduced by a copying or scanning device, and the document if the predetermined security image is not present in the document. Can store instructions for causing a computer to execute a method for authenticating a document including a step of determining that the document is not an original. For computer-readable media, the method further includes comparing the document layout to the original layout and determining that the document is the original if the document layout corresponds to the original layout. be able to. For computer readable media, the method may further include displaying a message indicating whether the document is determined to be original.

  The accompanying drawings, together with the description, are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, but are used to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are described below.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a document 1 having a security latent image 2 that is generally hidden from human eyes. In FIG. 1, the background region 3 is preferably printed with a high number of lines. The image 2 is printed with the first color 4 with a predetermined density, and further with the second color 5 with a predetermined density. As a result, the image 2 appears as a third color to the human eye. The background area 3 is printed in a third color or a color similar to the third color, so that the image 2 is not clear to the human eye.

  The image 2 can be formed by printing the first color 4, such as printing a line 6 having a predetermined pitch and thickness. Thereafter, the second color 5 is printed by, for example, using a negative image of the image 2 and printing a line 7 in which the second color is inserted between the lines 5 having a predetermined pitch and thickness. be able to. One skilled in the art will appreciate that lines 6 and 7 can be printed in a single print processing operation, such as by using a laser printer or the like. Furthermore, although only two colors are described for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will appreciate that more than two colors can be used, including more than six colors.

  The density of lines 6 and 7 controls the density of media, such as ink, used to control the pitch (distance between lines), the thickness of lines 6 and 7, or to print lines 6 and 7. It is preferable to control by controlling. The density of lines 6 and 7 should range from 5% to 95%, depending on the color selected for lines 6 and 7, the density of the media, the line thickness, and the desired appearance of image 2. Can do. In one embodiment, 50% density can be used for each of lines 6 and 7, with red for line 6 and green for line 7. Furthermore, in one embodiment, lines 6 and 7 can be printed at an angle different from the angle used to print background 3.

  Image 2 can be detected using a reading device that magnifies the image to reveal the two colors or selectively selects one of the two colors. When document 1 is copied or scanned by a conventional copying or scanning device such as a color copier, image 2 is not substantially reproduced in the copy. In particular, the copy of the document 1 includes the background area 3 and does not include the image 2 over the entire document even if the color tone is the same as the original 1. The presence or absence of the image 2 can be used to determine whether the document is an original or a copy.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a document 10 having a security latent image 14 that appears to be hidden to the human eye. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the document 10 preferably has a background region 11 that includes a high number of lines 12, such as about 175 or more 2.54 cm (1 inch). Line 12 is preferably colored. Image 14 has approximately the same number of lines, but preferably includes lines at angles different from line 12. Lines 12 and / or 15 may be lines, dots, or spots.

  In the example implementation of FIG. 2, line 12 can be printed in blue with 280 lines per inch, angle 30 degrees, and line 14 is 2.54 cm (1 inch). It is possible to print in 280 lines per line, angle 45 degrees, blue.

  The image 14 can be detected using a reading device that magnifies the image to reveal the line 15 or selectively sorts the line 12 to reveal the line 15. When document 10 is copied or scanned by a conventional copying or scanning device such as a color copier, image 14 is not substantially reproduced in the copy. In particular, the copy of the document 10 includes the background area 11 and does not include the image 14 throughout the document even if the color tone is the same as that of the original 10. The presence or absence of the image 14 can be used to determine whether the document is an original or a copy.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a document 20 having a latent image 22. The document 20 includes a first number of lines, such as 175 or more per inch, and a background area 21 that is preferably printed at a predetermined angle. The image 22 is preferably printed with a smaller number of lines than the number of lines in the background area 21. The number of lines 24 in the region 21 is preferably at least twice the number of screen lines of the lines 23 in the image 22. More preferably, the number of lines in region 21 is at least three times greater than the number of lines 23 in image 22. The angle of line 22 is preferably an angle that differs from the angle of line 24 by at least 5 degrees. The widths of the lines 24 and 23 can be selected to give a continuous look of the document. Both lines 24 and 23 preferably have the same color.

  In a secure document implementation using the principles illustrated in FIG. 3, the lines 24 in the background area 21 have at least 175 lines per inch, preferably 2.54 cm ( There can be at least 300 lines per inch, a line width of 0.0025 inches at a 45 degree angle, and the line 23 in the image 14 is 100 per 2.54 cm. It can have ~ 133 lines, preferably 95 lines per inch by 30 degrees.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a document 30 that includes a dedicated security image 33 having a plurality of high line number portions and low line number portions. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the document 30 preferably has a background area 31. The image 33 preferably includes a first segment 34 that includes a line 35 that ranges from a high line number to a low line number, and a second segment 36 that includes a line 37 that ranges from a low line number to a high line number. Although two segments are shown for each of the first and second segments 34 and 36, any number of segments can be used, including one segment for either segment 34 and 36. The number of lines in each of the segments 34 and 36 can vary linearly or non-linearly or step by step from one end point of each of the segments 34 and 36 to the opposite end point. Lines 35 and 37 can each be printed in black or any color.

  When the image 33 is reproduced by a conventional copying or scanning device, the reproduced image preferably exhibits significant distortions such as moire patterns.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a document 40 that includes a latent image 43 in the form of a bar code. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the document 40 includes a background area 41 including lines 42 having a predetermined number of lines and a predetermined angle. The image 43 preferably includes a plurality of bars 44 that can form a bar code that can include information readable by a bar code reader. The bar 44 preferably includes a predetermined number of lines 45, which may be the same number of lines as the lines 42. Preferably, line 45 can be printed at a different angle than line 42, as described in the structure of FIG. 3, or lines 45 and 42 are as described in the structure of FIGS. Can print in similar colors. Any suitable technique for realizing a bar code latent image that cannot be reproduced can be used. In the example structure according to the concept of FIG. 5, lines 42 and 45 can each be printed with the same number of lines, ranging from 150 to 400 lines per inch.

  Image 43 may be detected using a reading device that magnifies the image to reveal line 45 or selectively sorts line 42 to reveal line 45. A bar code reader can then detect the bar code and read information from the bar code. The information provided by the bar code can include document identification information or other security information.

  When document 40 is copied or scanned by a conventional copying or scanning device such as a color copier, image 43 is not substantially reproduced in the copy. In particular, the copy of the document 40 includes the background area 41 and does not include the image 43 throughout the entire document even if the color tone is the same as that of the original 40. The presence or absence of the image 43 can be used to determine whether the document is an original or a copy.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a document 50 that includes an image 52 that includes distortion or moire that causes a pattern. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the document 50 includes a background portion 51. The image 52 includes a background portion 53 that includes a predetermined number of lines 57 and a plurality of portions 54, 55, and 56 that have various numbers of lines that may be greater or less than the predetermined number of lines 57. preferable. For example, the number of lines in portions 54, 55, and 56 can be printed at one or more high lines, such as about 175 or more per inch, while background portion 53 is 2.54 cm ( It is possible to print with a low number of lines, such as about 100-135 per inch. Alternatively, the multi-line number portion can range from a high line number in a region to a low line number in a region adjacent to the high line number region.

  7A and 7B illustrate an image printed on a medium that substantially stops the reproduction of information contained on the medium. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, media 701, such as paper, includes printed images 702 and 703 that preferably interfere with scanners, fax machines, and laser copiers. The first set of print images represented by print image 702 can be printed in a dark color such as negative black. Thereafter, the second set of print images represented by the print image 703 is preferably the contact positive of the first print image 702 and can be printed with a reflective ink such as silver ink. Alternatively, one of these colors can be printed as a solid color image 706 across all of the media 705, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. Thereafter, a second color of the negative or positive image can be printed on the image 706, respectively, depending on the form of the first image. In both FIGS. 7A and 7B, reproduction of media 702 and 705 results in black copies, respectively, and the information on media 702 and 705 becomes unreadable, respectively.

  One skilled in the art can present any number of security images described in FIGS. 1-7B separately or in combination on a single document. FIG. 8A illustrates a document 100 that includes a plurality of security images 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 52 as described in connection with FIGS. FIG. 8B illustrates an identification card 200 that includes a plurality of security images 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 52 as described in connection with FIGS.

  A block copy can have a security image attached to a portion of the block copy so that the original can be distinguished from a copy.

  FIG. 9 shows an example configuration of a reading device that can be used to detect a secure image in the document 100 or card 200. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the document 1001 including the security image 1007 can be enlarged by an enlargement unit 1002 that supplies the enlarged image to the scanning unit 1003. The security image 1007 can be formed according to one or more of the techniques illustrated in FIGS. The magnifying unit 1002 can be a conventional magnifying device as known to those skilled in the art, and can be formed integral with the scanning unit 1003 or independent of the scanning unit 1003. You can also. Using the magnifying unit 1002, optical and / or digital magnification is possible and is known to those skilled in the art. A preferred magnifying device has the capability to magnify less than 100% of the document image up to 1000% of the document image.

  The scanning unit 1003 can be any conventional type of scanning unit, including a scanning unit that can supply a digital image of a photograph or an electronic word processor document from a text scan. The scanning unit 1003 can be of a type suitable for use with photo and text scanners, photocopiers, and facsimiles. The scanning unit 1003 preferably generates a scanned representation of the scanning result of the document 1001 and the secure image 1007 such as a digital representation and supplies this information to the microprocessor 1004. Scan unit 1003 may include one or more of RAM, floppy disk drive, writable CD drive, etc. that may be used to store the scanned representation prior to transmission to the microprocessor. A storage device (not shown) may be included.

  Microprocessor 1004 processes the scanned representation of document 1001, in particular security image 1007. The microprocessor preferably includes verification software that compares the scanned representation of the document against the original representation already stored in memory associated with the microprocessor 1004. Alternatively, the microprocessor 1004 can retrieve the original representation from a remote location, such as through a web site or a secure communication link. Microprocessor 1005 can provide the result of this comparison to display 1005.

  Microprocessor 1004 can also send instructions to the access device to grant access to the user when a valid document or ID card is detected. For those skilled in the art, access devices include access to a room or building through a protective door and access to information stored on a database through a secure access port or firewall, or simply It will be understood that it only needs to include access to complete a financial transaction. Preferably, access is denied if the microprocessor 1004 determines that the scanned document 1004 is not original.

  FIG. 10 shows an example method for detecting valid originals using the reading device shown in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the scanned representation of document 1001 and the corresponding original representation are retrieved by the microprocessor in step S1. As illustrated in step S2, the microprocessor 1004 examines the scanned representation of the document 1001 to determine whether a predetermined security image exists in the scanned document, and the predetermined security image is Preferably, the image is a security latent image that is not expected to be reproduced in a copy of a document, such as an image constructed in accordance with the principles of FIG. If the predetermined security image does not exist in the document 1001, NO is determined in step S2, and the microprocessor 1004 determines that the scanned document 1001 is not an original and displays “COPY” or “INVALID” or a similar command. The display 1005 can be commanded as follows.

  When a predetermined security image is present in the document 1001, the microprocessor 1004 indicates that the document is the original document, or the microprocessor 1004 is exemplified in step S3 as a measure for improving security. As can be seen, the layout of the scanned document 1001 can be analyzed. Layout analysis may include analysis of the placement of printed images, ie both visible and latent images, analysis of colors including black and white areas, and / or analysis of the number, pitch, and / or angle of lines in the image. Can do. The layout of the scanned document 1001 is compared with the expected layout of the original, as illustrated in step S4. If the layout of the scanned document 1001 does not match the expected layout of the original, NO in step S4, the microprocessor 1004 determines that the scanned document 1001 is not the original, and “COPY” or “INVALID” or a similar instruction Can be instructed to display 1005. If this layout matches the expected layout, YES in step S4, the microprocessor 1004 determines that the scanned document 1001 is the original or valid document, and “ORIGINAL” or “VALID” or The display 1005 can be instructed to display similar instructions.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a device for reading a bar code image formed on a document. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the document 2001 preferably includes a barcode image 2007 that is hidden from the human eye. The enlargement unit 1002 preferably enlarges the barcode image 2007 and supplies the enlarged image to the barcode reader 2003. A bar code reader 2003 can read a plurality of substantially parallel lines and detect at least one of the pitch, the number of lines, and the thickness of the plurality of substantially parallel lines. A bar code reader is preferred. The bar code reader 2003 supplies the detected information to the microprocessor 2004, and the microprocessor uses the detected information to determine the content of the information recorded in the bar code image 2007. . The recorded information preferably includes credibility and identity information of the document 2007, such as the name of an individual who uses the identification card as the document 2001.

  The microprocessor can authenticate the document 2001 bearing the bar code 2007 in the same way as illustrated in FIG. 10, in which case the bar code 2007 and the correspondence recorded by the bar code 2007 are recorded. The information to be performed is preferably one of the security images detected in step S2. For example, as a security-enhanced measure, the barcode 2007 is used with other security images and with the layout of the document 2007 to determine whether the document 2007 is the original or a valid document. Can do. In this method, forged documents or copied documents are denied access even though the bar code 2007 therein may be successfully reproduced.

  The architecture illustrated in each of FIGS. 9 and 11 can be included as a whole within a single device or multiple devices, and the functions associated with the architectures of FIGS. 9 and 11 are implemented by programmable software. Can be executed. In addition, the operations illustrated in FIG. 10 are programmable software on internal or external memory (not shown) associated with microprocessor 1004 or 2004, such as ROM or RAM or other memory, respectively. Can be executed. Software that performs the operations illustrated in FIG. 10 may be embodied in the form of data on a computer-readable medium. Computer readable media within the scope of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, a suitably configured computer or mobile communications device, and a readable / writeable optical disk, magnetic disk, readable / writeable card, magnetic tape, wired Physics capable of carrying information in a form readable by a computer or an associated peripheral device of a station, including wireless electrical transmission signals, or optical transmission of data using electrical and / or electromagnetic signals Including any physical or metaphysical medium. Data associated with the programmable software may be in the form of packetized digital data.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a conductive image 1200 on the document 100, and a plurality of security images 1, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 52 described in connection with FIGS. Including. The example of the conductive image 1200 preferably includes at least two contact areas 1201 connected by conductive traces 1202. In a preferred configuration, contact area 1201 and conductive trace 1202 may be hidden from view or obscured by being an image element and / or being embedded. The conductive image 1200 can be used to verify the validity of the document. One skilled in the art can make contact region 1201 and conductive trace 1202 with a suitable conductive medium, such as a metal pad, metal strip, conductive ink, or a suitable conductive material.

  FIG. 13 illustrates an example reading device 1300 that can be used with the conductive image 1200 to validate a document. The reading device is preferably in the form of a pen. The example reading device 1300 preferably includes a controller 1301 that causes a current to flow through the probe 1304 when a voltage is applied across the wire 1303 and the probe is inserted into a valid document 100 having a conductive trace 1200. When probes are placed on the contact area 1201, one for each area, the supplied current passes through one of the probes 1304, one of the contact areas 1201, the conductive trace 1202, and through the other contact areas. It is preferable to flow to another probe and return to the controller 1301 through the electric wire 1303, that is, complete one electric circuit. An indicator light 1302 is preferably provided that illuminates when current flows through the conductive trace 1202 from one probe 1304 to the other to indicate a valid document. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the indicator light 1302 can be comprised of one or more single color LEDs, or multiple color LEDs that light up when subjected to a sufficiently large current or voltage. Let's go. For example, when an activation switch (not shown) on the reading device 1300 is pressed, if the circuit is complete (a valid document has been detected), it will illuminate green and the circuit is complete. If it is not (the document is not valid), it will turn red or not at all.

  A person skilled in the art can further indicate that the indicator light 1302 is a conventional voltmeter that can display various attributes based on the received current, such as the current or voltage magnitude or measured resistance value of the conductive trace. It will be understood that any indicator display such as can be replaced and any of these values can be used to determine if the document is valid.

  FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment for detecting and preventing illegal desktop publishing of a document. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the document 1401 scanned by the scanning unit 1403 can include a secure image 1407. The security image is preferably an image created according to the principles described in connection with FIGS. The microprocessor 1404 preferably stores in the memory 1412 a list of prohibited images, such as US currency (eg, US $ 100 bills), and a predetermined hidden or non-hidden security image, Layout of prohibited images or selected portions of prohibited images, hidden or unhidden works or bar codes on prohibited images, line density of certain portions or all of prohibited images, line types (e.g., Preferably, a plurality of attributes of the forbidden image are stored, such as at least one of line features such as line, dot, spot), line pattern, and line color.

  The microprocessor may, as illustrated in step S151 of FIG. 15, from the web-based server 1420 via the Internet or a hard drive, CD, DVD, or floppy disk drive, memory card / stick Alternatively, images can be received from internal or external sources such as wired and / or wireless communications. As illustrated in step S152, the received image is evaluated to determine whether the image includes a predetermined security image that designates the image as a forbidden image. If the image does not include a predetermined security image, the answer is NO in step S152, and as illustrated in step S153, it is preferably uniquely associated with the forbidden document as described above. The document is evaluated by detecting the presence of the attribute. If it is not determined that the image is a prohibited image to be reproduced, the microprocessor 1404 sends a command to print the image to the printer 1414.

  If a forbidden image is detected, YES in steps S152 and S154, the microprocessor 1404 suppresses the reproduction of the document by the printer 1414, and the illegal activity documentation information describing the illegal activity attempt is stored in the memory 1412. Is preferably stored in the log. Illegal activity documentation is preferably maintained in memory 1412 so that investigative authorities can open a database and investigate illegal activity. The stored illegal activity documentation information is used to attempt document activity, identification of the document image source (eg, from a web server, scanner, etc.), user identification such as computer identification and user address, and illegal activity. Identification of the document that was attempted to be reproduced, such as date and time. Illegal activity documentation further includes the route of illegal documents from email and the Internet, such as Web addresses, and the length of time users spend on a particular Web site, the screen name, and the origin of the document. Identification can also be included. The server hosting the web site preferably includes a similarly programmed microprocessor, such as having the same program or having a dedicated guard chip. If the user logs on to the Internet, the microprocessor 1404 may further use the communications software or device 1410 to connect to the investigator's server 1421 without the user's knowledge or by the user's initiation. It is also possible to initiate an implicit communication with and send illegal activity documentation information. If the user does not log on to the Internet, the microprocessor 1404 preferably allows communication to occur at the next or later logon operation. The microprocessor 1404 also shuts down the computer (not shown) in which the microprocessor resides and / or shuts down the computer on which the microprocessor resides when a document is received from another computer when an illegal operation is detected. You can also shut down your email system.

  The present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and therefore by the claims All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the terms are intended to be included herein.

It is a figure which illustrates the document with a security latent image. FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a document having a security latent image that is hidden from human eyes. It is a figure which illustrates the other Example of the document containing a latent image. FIG. 6 illustrates a document including a dedicated security latent image. FIG. 3 illustrates a document including a latent image in the form of a bar code. FIG. 5 illustrates a document 50 that includes an image 52 that includes distortion or moire that causes a pattern. It is a figure which shows the example of a safety medium which prohibits reproduction of the information contained on a medium. It is a figure which shows the example of a safety medium which prohibits reproduction of the information contained on a medium. It is a figure which illustrates the document containing several security images. It is a figure which illustrates the document containing several security images. It is a figure which shows the example of a reading device for detecting the security image in a document. FIG. 10 illustrates an example method for authenticating that a document is an original document using the example reading device of FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the bar code reader example which can detect a bar code as a latent image. It is a figure which illustrates the document containing a conductive image example. It is a figure which shows the example of a verification device for verifying a document with a conductive image. It is a figure which shows the example of an apparatus for detecting the illegal disclosure of a document. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example method for detecting illegal disclosure of a document.

Claims (6)

A document with an image,
A first contact area included in the image;
A conductive trace included in the image and connected to the first contact area;
A document with an image that is included in the image and includes a second contact area connected to the conductive trace.   The document of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first contact area, the conductive trace, and the second contact area is obscured by a non-conductive portion of the image. A device for confirming the validity of a document containing a conductive image,
A plurality of electrical contacts configured to contact respective contact portions of the conductive image;
A controller configured to apply a voltage between the plurality of electrical contacts;
A display configured to provide an indication that a current is a valid document when current passes between the plurality of contacts through the conductive image.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display comprises a light.   The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of electrical contacts, the controller, and the display are housed in a single housing.   The conductive image has a conductor having a predetermined resistance, and the document is original when at least one of a predetermined resistance, a predetermined voltage, or a predetermined current is measured by the controller. The apparatus of claim 3 to be determined.

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