JP2007194997A - Image-recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compose and record a specified image, without spoiling original image so that the specified image can be recognized easily. <P>SOLUTION: The presence or the absence of a margin area in one page of the input original image is discriminated. When there is a margin area, it is determined whether a margin area, having such size that the specific image can be formed, can be reserved. When it can be reserved, the original image is shifted. When there is no a margin area when it cannot be reserved, the original image is reduced to reserve a margin area. The specified image is formed in this margin area and a specified image is composited in the original image. The composited image is printed in one page of recording paper and is outputted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that synthesizes and records a specific image representing restraint information such as copy prohibition on an original image.

  When image data such as a document is input to the image recording apparatus, the image is recorded on a recording sheet and output as a document. The output document can be easily copied. Here, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use by copying a document having confidential information such as a certificate.

Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, in the image recording apparatus, a specific image such as a copy check pattern and an original image are recorded in an overlapping manner. As a result, when the document is copied, the specific image emerges, and the original and the copy can be discriminated.
JP 2001-238075 A

  However, when the original image and the specific image are superimposed and recorded, the images interfere with each other and adversely affect the original image. For example, when the original image is a photograph, the hue of the photograph changes depending on the added specific image, and a good image cannot be obtained. When the original image is a color image, the superimposed specific image may be mixed into the original image. Then, the user cannot recognize the specific image. In this case, the specific image cannot function as checking information such as copy prohibition.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of combining and recording a specific image so that the original image can be easily recognized without impairing the image quality of the original image.

  The present invention is an image recording apparatus that combines a specific image with an input original image and records it within one page, and an area securing unit that secures an unimaged area in which no original image is formed within one page; And image forming means for forming a specific image in the non-image area.

  The area securing means forms a non-image area necessary for forming a specific image within one page. For example, even if there is no unimaged area or it is narrow, the unimaged area can be secured. Since the original image is not formed in this non-image area, even if the specific image is formed by the image forming means, the specific image and the original image are separated. Therefore, a good image is obtained as the original image, and an easily recognizable image is obtained as the specific image.

  Therefore, the area securing unit shifts the image area where the original image is formed, and secures an unimaged area around the original image. For example, the image area is shifted to one of up, down, left and right within one page, and the non-image area is arranged on one side of the image area. Alternatively, the image area is shifted to the center of one page, and non-image areas are arranged on both sides of the image area. As a result, a region having a size necessary for forming the specific image can be formed without damaging the original image.

  Further, the area securing means reduces the image area where the original image is formed, and secures an unimaged area around the original image. The non-image area is arranged all around the image area. Thereby, when there is no non-image area, the non-image area can be secured.

  Here, the area securing means includes means for determining a margin from the formation conditions of the original image, means for determining the arrangement of the non-image area according to the position and size of the margin, and the original image according to the non-image area. Means for changing the forming conditions. When using a margin in one page as an unimaged area, a margin of a size necessary for forming a specific image can be secured by shifting or reducing the image area. At this time, the formation condition of the original image is changed according to the change of the original image.

  Specifying means for specifying that specific image composition is to be performed, and when performing specific image composition, a specific image is formed after securing a non-image area, or without securing a non-image area. And selecting means for selecting whether to form. By this designation means, a specific image can be synthesized when necessary. Further, an image obtained by superimposing a specific image on the original image can be selected by the selection means.

  According to the present invention, by forming a specific image while ensuring a blank area, the specific image does not interfere with the original image, and the original image is not adversely affected. Further, since the specific image is formed separately from the original image, the specific image can be made conspicuous, and checking information such as copy prohibition can be reliably transmitted to the user.

  An image recording apparatus of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The image recording apparatus 1 is a digital multi-function peripheral that executes a copy mode, a print mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode, and includes a scanner unit 2 that reads a document and inputs image data, and an image data processing unit that processes the image data. 3 and an information processing unit 4 for processing input information such as authentication information.

  The image data processing unit 3 prints image data, an image processing unit 5 that edits, stores, and outputs input image data, a network communication unit 7 that transmits and receives data to and from an external device via a network 6, and prints image data. It has a print unit 8 for output, a management unit 9 that stores control information and setting information for the entire apparatus, and a device control unit 10 that controls the entire apparatus. The image processing unit 5 includes a hard disk device that stores image data.

  The information processing unit 4 includes an operation unit 11 for input operation, a display unit 12 such as a liquid crystal display, an interface unit 13 that communicates with a mobile terminal device such as a USB device or an IC card, and the operation unit 11 or the interface unit 13. Authentication section 14 that performs authentication on the authentication information input from, a memory 15 that stores information such as the input operation information and authentication information, and a control section 16 that performs processing on the operation information and authentication information. Communication by the interface unit 13 is not limited to wired communication but may be wireless.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of image recording apparatuses 1 are connected to a network 6 such as a LAN or a WAN. The image recording apparatus 1 includes a model that can process color image data and a model that can process only monochrome image data. The image recording apparatus 1 has a modem device (not shown) and can perform data communication with a facsimile apparatus through a telephone line.

  The network 6 is connected to an information processing apparatus 20 made up of a personal computer. Furthermore, the network 6 is connected from the router to the Internet via a communication line such as a telephone line or an optical fiber. These image recording apparatus 1 and information processing apparatus 20 form an image processing system.

  The image recording apparatus 1 can communicate with an external device such as an information processing apparatus 20 or an information processing apparatus connected to the Internet through a network 6 using a predetermined communication protocol. The image recording apparatuses 1 can also communicate with each other.

  The image data is transmitted from the external device to the image recording apparatus 1 through the network 6. The network communication unit 7 of the image recording apparatus 1 receives and inputs image data. In the case of facsimile communication, the modem device inputs image data. Image data is also input from the scanner unit 2. That is, the network communication unit 7, the modem device, and the scanner unit 2 function as data input means.

  When image data is input, the device control unit 10 receives a print mode, a copy mode, a scanner mode, and a facsimile mode based on input information from the operation unit 11 and processing setting information included in header information of the input image data. Execute one of the processes. In the print mode and copy mode, image processing is performed on the image data, and then the image is printed on recording paper. In the scanner mode, image data is stored in the hard disk device, and the image data is transmitted to the external device when called from the external device. In the facsimile mode, image data is transmitted to the facsimile apparatus.

  The device control unit 10 has a function of synthesizing a specific image with the original image input to the image data processing unit 3, recording it in one page, and outputting it. As shown in FIG. 3, an image area A where an original image is formed and a blank area B which is an unimage area where an original image is not formed exist on one page on which an image is recorded. The device control unit 10 includes an area securing unit that secures a margin area B in one page, a first image forming unit that forms a specific image in the margin area B, and a second image that forms a specific image so as to overlap the original image. Image forming means. Image formation by the first image forming unit and image formation by the second image forming unit can be selected, and the user can determine which image formation is to be executed.

  The specific image is an image representing check information such as copy prohibition. For example, the image is a combination of characters such as “copy prohibited” and “confidential” and a predetermined pattern. Or the image of only a character and the image of only a predetermined pattern may be sufficient. Image data for such a specific image is created in advance and stored in a hard disk device or a nonvolatile memory. Also, the user can arbitrarily create a specific image and register it in a hard disk device or the like.

  The area securing means discriminates a blank area from the formation conditions of the original image when recording the original image. Here, the formation conditions of the original image are the size of one page, the vertical and horizontal orientation of the page, the top and bottom, left and right margins, the binding margin, the binding direction, the presence / absence of double-sided printing, the presence / absence of aggregate printing, and the like. Then, the position and size of the blank area in one page are calculated, and the layout of the blank area is determined so that a specific image can be formed. The formation condition of the original image is changed so that the determined blank area can be arranged. By changing the forming conditions, the image area A in which the original image is formed is shifted or reduced within one page, and a blank area B necessary for forming the specific image is secured. These operations are executed by the image processing unit 5 according to commands from the device control unit 10.

  The first image forming unit forms the original image in the image area A, forms the specific image in the blank area B, and records and outputs the combined image in one page. The second image forming unit records and outputs the specific image superimposed on the original image. For example, an image obtained by combining the original image and the specific image is recorded in the image area A like watermark printing. That is, the device control unit 10 performs control so that the image processing unit 5 performs image composition processing and the printing unit 8 performs output processing.

  Next, an operation when a specific image is synthesized when the copy mode is executed will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the specific image is an image representing copy prohibition information. When the image data of the original image is input from the scanner unit 2, the device control unit 10 confirms whether it is designated to execute the synthesis of the specific image. This designation is performed by an input from the operation unit 11. If not specified, an image is recorded and output according to the selected mode. When specified, the device control unit 10 determines whether the specific image is formed in the image area A or the blank area B. A screen for setting the formation position of the specific image as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 12.

  When the image area A is selected, the device control unit 10 executes the second image forming unit. Image processing is performed to superimpose a specific image on the original image, and the synthesized image is printed on a recording sheet and output.

  When the margin area B is selected, a setting screen for securing the margin area B as shown in FIG. As a setting condition, “automatic margin creation” automatically secures a margin area B. “Can be reduced” allows the original image to be reduced when the blank area B is secured. When “automatic margin creation” is not selected, the user can arbitrarily set the margin area B.

  The device control unit 10 executes the first image forming unit according to the input setting conditions. First, information regarding the size of the recording paper and the size and position of the image area A is acquired from the formation conditions of the original image. Then, the position for forming the specific image is determined. The margin area B is determined based on these pieces of information. Thereby, when there is a margin area B and when there is a margin area B, the position and size of the margin area B in one page are detected.

  Here, the margin area B is generally arranged around the image area A. In other words, the blank area B exists on all sides of the image area A. Therefore, the device control unit 10 determines which of the blank areas B in the four sides is to form the specific image. For example, it is decided whether to use one side, two sides or four sides. The formation position is determined according to preset conditions. Alternatively, it is automatically determined according to the margin area B in one page. Moreover, you may decide based on the position which the user designated.

  When there is a blank area B, the device control unit 10 determines whether a blank area B having a size capable of forming a specific image can be secured. As a criterion for judgment, when a specific image is formed in the margin area B, the size is such that the user can immediately recognize the specific image. Therefore, it is determined whether the size of the margin area B has a predetermined value or more.

  When the specific image can be formed, the device control unit 10 determines the arrangement of the blank area B according to the specific image formation position. That is, the device control unit 10 shifts the image area A so that the necessary blank area B is obtained according to the position and size of the blank area B. The image processing unit 5 changes the formation condition of the original image according to the shift of the image area A. Thereafter, the printing unit 8 forms the original image in the image area A, forms the specific image in the margin area B, and prints the synthesized image on one page of recording paper for output.

  FIGS. 7 and 8 show an image of one page in the case where the formation position of the specific image is one margin area B. FIG. In FIG. 7, the specific image is formed in the left margin area B. At this time, the image area A is shifted to the right. In FIG. 8, the specific image is formed in the upper margin area B. At this time, the image area A is shifted downward.

  FIGS. 9 and 10 show images of one page in the case where the formation position of the specific image is the two blank areas B facing each other. In FIG. 9, the specific image is formed in the left and right margin areas B. At this time, the image area A is shifted to the center in the left-right direction. In FIG. 10, the specific image is formed in the upper and lower margin areas B. At this time, the image area A is shifted to the center in the vertical direction.

  When there is a margin area B but the margin area B is small or there is no margin area B, the device control unit 10 determines that the specific image cannot be formed, and in order to secure the necessary margin area B, the image area Reduce A. Here, when the image area A cannot be reduced, for example, when correction or change to the original image is prohibited, the blank area B cannot be secured. At this time, a warning that the specific image cannot be synthesized is displayed and notified by voice or the like.

  If the reduction is possible, the device control unit 10 calculates the scaling factor of the image area A so that the necessary blank area B is obtained. The image processing unit 5 performs image processing on the original image, changes the formation condition of the original image, and reduces the image area A. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the image area A is shifted according to the formation position of the specific image, and the synthesized image is printed on the recording paper and output. As shown in FIG. 11, the original image is reduced, and the specific image is formed in the margin areas B on all sides.

  In this manner, the blank area B for forming the specific image is secured, so that the specific image can be formed in a wide area. Therefore, the user can recognize the specific image immediately, and the specific image surely functions as restraint information. Further, the specific image can be recorded without being superimposed on the original image, and the image quality of the original image is maintained.

  In addition, when the recording unit 2 reads a recording sheet on which such a specific image is recorded, the image recording apparatus can accurately recognize the specific image. Therefore, processing such as copy prohibition can be reliably executed, and security is improved.

  Here, considering that the recording paper is read by the scanner unit 2 as the formation position of the specific image, the blank area B on the top side of one page may be set. The device control unit 10 determines the top side from the vertical and horizontal orientations of the page and determines the formation position of the specific image. In response to this, a margin area B is secured on the head side. Therefore, the specific image can be read quickly, and the subsequent processing can be performed quickly. In addition, if the formation position of the specific image is set to the margin area B on the head side and the margin area B opposite to the formation position, the specific image can be quickly recognized regardless of which side the recording paper is read.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, many corrections and changes can be added to the said embodiment within the scope of the present invention. The image recording apparatus may be a multi-function machine having a copy mode and a facsimile mode, or may be a dedicated machine having only a single mode such as a copier or a printer.

  Further, the operation of combining and outputting the specific image to the original image is performed not only when the copy mode is executed but also when the printer mode, the facsimile mode, and the scanner mode are executed. In the printer mode, an image synthesized on a recording sheet is recorded and output in accordance with an instruction from an external device in the same manner as in the copy mode. In the facsimile mode, an image obtained by combining a specific image with an original image is created and transmitted to a facsimile machine on the other side. In the scanner mode, an image obtained by combining a specific image with an original image is created, stored as image data, and data is transmitted to the accessed external device.

  A non-image area for forming a specific image may be secured in the image area other than the blank area around the image area. A blank part where no image is formed is extracted in the image area, and this blank part is set as an unimaged area.

The figure which shows schematic structure of the image recording device of this invention Overall configuration of image processing system The figure which shows the recording paper where the image is recorded Flow chart when combining specific image with original image The figure which shows the setting screen for setting the formation position of the specific image The figure which shows the setting screen in order to secure the margin area Figure showing a recording paper with the original image shifted and the specific image recorded in one margin Figure showing a recording paper with the original image shifted and the specific image recorded in one margin Diagram showing the recording paper with the original image shifted to the center and the specific image recorded in the margins on both sides Diagram showing the recording paper with the original image shifted to the center and the specific image recorded in the margins on both sides Diagram showing the recording paper with the original image reduced and the specific image recorded in the four margins

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording device 2 Scanner part 3 Image data processing part 4 Information processing part 5 Image processing part 6 Network 8 Print part 10 Equipment control part 11 Operation part 12 Display part A Image area B Blank area

Claims (8)

An image recording apparatus for synthesizing a specific image with an input original image and recording it in one page, and an area securing means for securing an unimaged area in which no original image is formed in one page; An image recording apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms a specific image. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area securing means shifts an image area where the original image is formed to secure an unimaged area around the original image. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area securing means shifts the image area to one of up, down, left and right within one page and arranges the non-image area on one side of the image area. 3. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the area securing means shifts the image area to the center of one page and arranges the non-image areas on both sides of the image area. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the area securing unit reduces an image area where the original image is formed, and secures an unimaged area around the original image. 6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the non-image area is arranged around the entire circumference of the image area. Specifying means for specifying that specific image composition is to be performed, and when performing specific image composition, a specific image is formed after securing a non-image area, or without securing a non-image area. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects whether to form the image. The area securing means includes means for determining a margin from the formation condition of the original image, means for determining the arrangement of the non-image area according to the position and size of the margin, and the formation condition of the original image according to the non-image area. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a changing unit.

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