JP2008048080A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily finding out a user who has duplicated a ground pattern original even when original discrimination disabling work processing is canceled and fraudulent copying is performed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus has a ground pattern recognition unit 50 for recognizing a prescribed ground pattern per specified pixel in reading a printing paper sheet with a prescribed ground pattern as an original when duplicating the original, a worked original discrimination disabling work function for processing images so that a read original image can not be judged when the ground pattern is recognized, and a user ID recognition function capable of recognizing a user ID upon utilization. Even when the original discrimination disabling work is canceled by a password, the user ID is stored as a history when the ground pattern is recognized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a single scanner and an image forming apparatus having a function of reading an original and identifying a read-prohibited original in a digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as copying, facsimile, and printer.

In digital multi-function peripherals that have functions such as single scanner and copy, facsimile, printer, etc., they become high-performance devices and can make precise copies even with color originals, such as securities such as banknotes and stock certificates. There is a need for measures against those who attempt to copy certain special manuscripts that are prohibited from copying and important documents such as confidential information.
In order to take such measures, it is conventionally determined that a user is prohibited from copying the original when the original is prohibited from being copied, for example, a predetermined special original such as securities such as banknotes and stock certificates. Or a technique for forming a pattern for prohibiting printing on recording paper or transfer of such image data to another apparatus on a read original image (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). 5).

In Patent Document 1, for example, when a manuscript is a predetermined special manuscript such as a manuscript for which copying is prohibited (for example, securities such as banknotes and stock certificates), the user is prohibited from copying the manuscript. The third person can be warned about the copying of the original by the user, and when the third person is warned, the warning operation is easily and easily performed by a general user. A color image forming apparatus that cannot be stopped is disclosed.
Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for preventing reproduction of a copy-prohibited image and preventing data operation via a network without sacrificing various page editing functions.
In Patent Document 3, it is possible to prohibit copying of a special manuscript and prevent illegal copying in advance without disturbing copying of a normal manuscript, and even if a special manuscript is copied, it can be traced. Also disclosed is a technique that reduces the reproducibility of the original and prevents and tracks illegal copying.
Patent Documents 4 and 5 disclose an image processing apparatus including an image processing technology, an image processing method, an image processing program, and a storage medium that stores the image processing program.

Furthermore, for research related to the unpublished pending application of the present applicant, an image processing device that prevents the leakage of the confidential document to the outside by copying a facsimile or using a copy of a confidential document, and the prohibition of the prohibition as a means for solving the problem, An image processing method and an image processing program are provided.
Similarly, in the research on the prior application of the present applicant, the original pattern data read by the image reading means is printed on the recording paper or transferred to another apparatus using the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition as a solving means. In the case where a pattern for prohibiting printing is formed, an image processing apparatus capable of performing a detection operation in a manner desired by an administrator when detecting whether printing or transfer is prohibited is disclosed.
JP 10-2222033 A JP 2000-175031 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-125259 JP 2004-274092 A JP 2004-201068 A

However, when copying a document, a sheet on which a predetermined copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is printed is used as a security function for preventing information leakage so that the original document cannot be identified. Impossible processing is applied. Such an unidentifiable process is not necessary for a specific user (the person who outputs the document or a person who can disclose information).
In addition, if the person in charge of the management is requested, the process for disabling the document can be canceled with a password. However, if the password is stolen, there is a security defect that makes it possible to impersonate the person in charge of management and make unauthorized copies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily identify a user who has made a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original copy even if the original unidentifiable processing is canceled and illegal copying is performed in consideration of the above-described circumstances. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a background pattern recognition means for recognizing a predetermined background pattern in a specific pixel when a document having a predetermined background pattern is read, and the background pattern recognition An image processing unit that performs image processing so that the read original image cannot be discriminated when the unit recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern, a user ID recognition unit that can recognize a user ID, and a storage unit that stores at least the user ID And an image forming apparatus that stores the user ID as a history in the storage unit when the tint block pattern is recognized even when the image processing by the image processing unit is canceled.
The invention according to claim 2 further includes display means for displaying at least a warning, and when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition means recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, the fact that the copy is illegal and the user ID are stored as a history. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a warning to the effect is displayed on the display unit.
The invention according to claim 3 further includes a voice transmission unit that warns by voice that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern recognition unit recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern and that the user ID is stored as a history. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a light emitting means for warning that the copy-forgery-inhibited copy is an illegal copy when the background pattern recognition means recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern. The image forming apparatus described above is characterized.

The invention according to claim 5 further includes setting means for setting at least on / off of a warning, and the warning by the display means cannot be turned on / off by the setting means. Item 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of Items 1 to 4.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the warning by sound can be turned on / off by the setting unit.
The invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the warning by the light emission can be turned on / off by the setting means.
The image processing means determines that a specific user whose identification code embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern matches a user ID is not subject to the image processing, and 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is not performed.

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the specific user is a group composed of a plurality of users.
In the invention according to claim 10, when pre-scanning the document having the predetermined background pattern, if the identification code embedded in the background pattern matches the user ID as a result of the pre-scanning, 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific user is notified in advance whether or not to perform image processing.
The invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein whether or not the specific user is to be subjected to the image processing is turned on / off by the setting means. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to easily identify a user who has made a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original copy even if the original discrimination impossible processing is canceled and illegal copying is performed.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine from the information in the tint block pattern that the specific user is not subject to the document indistinguishable processing, and the document indistinguishable processing cannot be performed. When the current user is an administrator, there is an effect that the troublesomeness of issuing a warning each time is eliminated.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the appearance of an operation panel of the system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system control block diagram of the image forming apparatus of FIG.
In addition to the liquid crystal display unit 2, the initial setting key 3, the numeric keypad 8, and the print button 11, the operation panel (setting means) 1 in FIG. 1 includes various keys and buttons such as a copy key 4, a scanner key 5, and a printer. A key 6, a facsimile (FAX) key 7, a clear button 9 and the like are shown.
Based on the system control block diagram of FIG. 2, a control mode as an embodiment of the system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The system controller 20 can have a plurality of functions such as a scanner application, a copy application, a FAX application, a printer application, and a single application, and controls the entire system.

The operation panel control device 21 is a device that displays the setting input of this system and the contents of its state. The image control device 22 reads a document image and writes an image on a transfer sheet by a known electrophotographic technique. The image data bus / control command bus 23 is a bus through which image data and control commands are transferred in a time division manner.
The CPU 24 controls the system controller 20. The ROM 25 stores a control program for the system controller 20. The RAM 26 is a working memory used by the CPU 24. An NVRAM (storage means) 27 is a nonvolatile memory and stores information of the entire system. The network I / F controller 28 controls connection with the network.
The system I / F 29 controls transfer of FAX data and printer data that are processed in the system according to a command from the CPU 24. The work memory 30 is a working memory for image development used by the printer. The frame memory 31 is a working memory that stores image data of a read image and a write image, and the image data is encoded data or dot image data.

The FIFO buffer 32 performs data transfer rate conversion when writing an input image to the frame memory 31. Similarly, the FIFO buffer 33 performs speed conversion when transferring the image data of the frame memory 31 as an output image.
The memory controller 34 controls input / output of images between the frame memory 31 and the HDDC 35 and the bus without the control of the CPU 24. The HDDC 35 includes a well-known HDD (Hard Disk Drive) (not shown) and performs input / output control of image data to the HDD. The HDD stores an image read by the image reading device 36 and an image acquired via a network.
The CPU 38 of the operation panel control device 21 controls the operation panel control device 21. The ROM 39 stores a control program for the operation panel control device 21. A RAM 40 is a working memory used by the CPU 38. The input device 41 is a device through which a user inputs system settings.
The display device (display means) 42 is a device (corresponding to the liquid crystal display unit in FIG. 1) for displaying them for the user who confirms the setting contents and status of the system.

The CPU 43 controls the image input / output control device 22. The ROM 44 stores a control program for the image input / output control device 22. A RAM 45 is a working memory used by the CPU 43.
The image writing unit 37 is a control unit of a known optical writing device that turns on laser light at a pixel frequency and scans it with a polygon scanner. The image processing unit (image processing means) 36 is a unit that controls a known optical scanner that reflects lamp light from a document and reads it by a CCD.
The image processing unit 36 performs image processing and separates visible and invisible identifiers from the image data. The separated identifier is encoded by the CPU 43 and sent to the system controller 20 to identify the image processing apparatus and computer existing on the network.
The document conveyance control unit 46 conveys the documents read by the image reading unit 36 one by one from the stacked documents. The document conveyance control unit 46 also detects the size of the document.

The electrophotographic process unit 47 is a unit for controlling a well-known electrophotographic technique in which a latent image written on a photosensitive member with a laser beam is converted into a real image with toner, transferred to a transfer paper, and fixed. Electrophotography is one example, and the present invention can be applied to image forming methods such as inkjet.
The transfer paper conveyance control unit 48 controls the conveyance of the transfer paper on which the image is transferred by the electrophotographic process unit 47. The billing device I / F unit 49 converts the command of the CPU 43 into a dedicated I / F of the billing device to connect the image input / output control device 22 and the billing device (not shown). The print permission / rejection signal is transmitted and received.
The background pattern recognition unit 50 performs background pattern recognition. The binarized image data is sent from the image reading unit 36 to the tint block recognition unit 50. Therefore, the background pattern recognition unit 50 sends the background pattern detection result to the image processing unit 36.
The image processing unit 36 fixes the image data to a predetermined gradation and phase according to the background pattern detection result sent from the background pattern recognition unit 50 and the instruction of the CPU 43, and prevents the document image from being read (image processing) so that the document image cannot be read. ).

2 further shows bus controls 51, 52, 53, and 54 for connecting the system controller 20 and the image input / output control device 22 via the image data bus / control command bus 23, and the operation panel control device 21 and the image input. Bus controls 55 and 56 connecting the output controller 22 are shown.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an administrator screen for system initialization of the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a screen for setting the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition function enabled. FIG. 5 is a block pattern recognition block diagram.
FIG. 3 shows an administrator screen for system initial settings. In the administrator setting screen 57, an unauthorized copy suppression icon 58 and a setting display icon 59 are set. In FIG. 4, a background pattern recognition function is enabled. An illegal copy suppression selection button 60 and a setting screen 61 are shown. Next, an example of recognizing a background pattern from image data will be described based on the background pattern recognition block diagram of FIG.

The ground pattern recognition block shown in FIG. 5 is included in the ground pattern recognition unit 50 shown in FIG. The binarized image data is sent to the isolated dot detector 62. The isolated dot detection unit 62 detects an isolated pixel 66 in the main scanning d pixel × sub-scanning l line (specific pixel). The isolated pixel detection information is sent to the phase information storage unit 63 together with the image data.
In the phase information storage unit 63, Bd which is Bd corresponding to the main scanning d pixel × B number and Bl corresponding to the sub scanning l line × L number is obtained from the information of the isolated pixel 66 in the main scanning d pixel × sub scanning l line. Stores positional relationship information 67 of isolated pixels in the × Ll block.
The pattern matching unit 64 performs matching 68 between the positional relationship information 67 of the isolated pixels 66 in the Bd × Ll block stored in the phase information storage unit 63 and a predetermined tint block pattern. The result of pattern matching by the pattern matching unit 64 is sent to the background pattern detection unit 65. The tint block detection unit 65 recognizes the tint block pattern by detecting predetermined n pattern matching in the sub-scanning line, and outputs a detection signal.
The isolated dot detection unit 62 and the pattern matching unit 64 cannot detect the tint block pattern due to pixel interference when the resolution of the document image data is lower than a predetermined value.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an example of reading a document on which a background pattern is printed according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an example of reading a document having no background pattern according to the present invention.
Next, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the difference in the image after reading between the original printed with the tint block and the original without the tint block will be described.
The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original 70 (FIG. 6) is recognized and read, and when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is recognized, the original image is processed (image processing) so that it cannot be read. When the copy-printed original 70 is read without recognizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, the original image is read as it is.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, even when an original 73 on which no background pattern is printed is recognized and read, the original image is read as it is because the background pattern is not recognized. Further, even if a document 73 that is not printed with a background pattern is read without recognizing the background pattern, the document image is read as it is.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of network connection. Next, based on the network connection in FIG. 8, an example of network connection and image data transfer according to the present embodiment will be described.
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is a digital multi-function peripheral 80, 81, a scanner device 82, 83, or a printer device 84, 85. The digital multifunction peripherals 80 and 81 can read a document and store and print an image. The scanner devices 82 and 83 can store the read images. The printer devices 84 and 85 can store an image to be printed and can print.
The digital multifunction peripherals 80 and 81 and the scanner devices 82 and 83 can directly transmit the read image as FAX data to the public line networks 86, 87, 88, and 89 as telephone lines. The digital multifunction peripherals 80 and 81, the scanner devices 82 and 83, and the printer devices 84 and 85 can be connected to the network 90, and can transmit and receive images.
The computers 91, 92, and 93 can operate the digital multifunction peripherals 80 and 81, the scanner devices 82 and 83, and the printer devices 84 and 85 connected to the network 90, can transmit and receive images, and store images. can do.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of effectively setting the tint block pattern recognition. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for inputting an administrator ID and an authentication code according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the administrator ID and the authentication code. Next, an example in which the system administrator sets whether to enable or disable the function of recognizing a tint block pattern will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
A system administrator (hereinafter simply referred to as an administrator) presses the initial setting key button 3 on the operation panel (setting means) 1 (FIG. 1) of the system in order to start unauthorized copy suppression setting. A setting is selected (S1). From the initial setting screen shown in FIG. 3, the system initial setting screen is displayed (S2). When the administrator setting icon 57 is selected and the administrator setting screen is selected (S3), before the administrator setting screen is displayed. Then, an authentication code input screen for identifying the administrator in FIG. 10 is displayed.
The administrator inputs the administrator ID and the administrator authentication code (S4). If the administrator ID registered in the system and the administrator authentication code shown in FIG. 11 match (No in S5). ), An administrator screen is displayed (S6). The administrator ID and the administrator authentication code are stored in the NVRAM 27 (FIG. 2).
The unauthorized copy suppression icon 58 on the administrator setting screen is selected (S7), and the unauthorized copy suppression selection screen of FIG. 4 is displayed (S8). On the unauthorized copy suppression selection screen, the unauthorized copy suppression (execute) 60 is selected from the unauthorized copy suppression setting icon (S9), the unauthorized copy suppression setting 61 ends (S10), and the function for recognizing the tint block pattern is effective. It becomes. The illegal copy suppression setting is stored in the NVRAM 27.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is recognized, and the user ID is stored as a history in NVRAM. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an unauthorized copy history screen.
Next, an example in which the user ID is stored as a history when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is recognized even when the “document discrimination impossible processing” is canceled by the password will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 9, 12, and 13.
Although not shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that a user ID input / recognition device (user ID recognition means) is provided. Such an apparatus is configured to perform ID recognition by inputting an ID using an ID card, inputting a user ID using a fingerprint / vein / eye iris, or the like (S11).
In step (S12) of FIG. 12, when the document is scanned, it is determined whether or not there is a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (S13), and it is assumed that the document has a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (Yes in S13). In this case, the user ID recognized in step (S12) is stored (saved) in the NVRAM 27 (S14).

Next, it is determined whether or not the document discrimination impossible process is being canceled (S15). If the content set in step (S9) in FIG. 9 is “No”, that is, the document discrimination impossible process is being canceled. (Yes in S15), the process is a normal process (S16), and in the opposite case (No in S15), a document discrimination impossible processing process (image process) is performed (S17). Since the contents in the NVRAM 27 can be referred to as a history as shown in FIG. 13, when an unintended illegal copy is detected, the user can be determined from this history.
As described above, when copying a document, a sheet on which a predetermined copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is printed recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern per specific pixel so that the original document cannot be identified as a security function for preventing information leakage. Documents that cannot be identified are processed. In this case, with respect to a specific user (the person who created the manuscript or the person who can disclose information), the manuscript non-discrimination processing is unnecessary.
If the person in charge of the management (administrator) is requested, the process of disabling the original document can be canceled by the password. However, if the password is stolen, there is a security flaw that makes it possible to impersonate the administrator and make unauthorized copies. Therefore, even if the original-indistinguishable processing is canceled and illegal copying is performed, there is an effect that the user who has copied the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original can be easily determined.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for displaying a warning that an illegal copy history is recorded. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting whether or not to issue a voice warning when unauthorized copying is performed.
Next, referring to FIGS. 2, 12, 14, and 15, the user ID is stored as a history, and the operation panel display is “illegal copy”, and the user ID is saved as a history. An example of notifying a warning will be described.
Assume that a document with a background pattern is obtained when the document is scanned in step (S13) in FIG. In step (S14), the user ID recognized in step (S11) is stored in NVRAM 27. Further, the display as shown in FIG. 15 is notified on the liquid crystal display unit 2 (FIG. 1) of the operation panel 1.
Thus, even if impersonating an administrator, the fact that the current user is making an unauthorized copy is recorded in the image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus), and it is displayed to the user that the user can be indexed. Notifying as a notification has an effect of preventing unauthorized copying.

Next, an example in which a user ID is stored as a history and a warning that “illegal copy” is made and the user ID is stored as a history is notified by using FIG. 2 and FIG. 12.
Assume that a document with a background pattern is obtained when the document is scanned in step (S13) in FIG. In step (S14), the user ID recognized in step (S11) is stored in NVRAM 27.
Furthermore, from a voice transmission device (voice transmission means) (not shown in FIG. 2) “Warning! A copy of this manuscript is considered an illegal copy. Your user ID is recorded as a history. "Is emitted and notified.
As a result, even if the current user impersonates an administrator, it is recorded in the image processing device that the unauthorized copy is being performed, and the unauthorized copy is made by notifying the user that the user can be identified as an audio notification. There is a deterrent effect. In this case, since the notification means is a voice, there is an effect that even visually impaired users can be identified.

Next, an example of storing a user ID as a history and notifying a warning of “illegal copy” by light emitting means such as a patrol will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 12.
Assume that a document with a background pattern is obtained when the document is scanned in step (S13) in FIG. In step (S14), the user ID recognized in step (S11) is stored in NVRAM 27. Further, a light is emitted from a light emitting device (light emitting means) not shown in FIG.
Thus, even if the current user impersonates an administrator, the image processing apparatus recognizes that unauthorized copying is being performed by notifying the surroundings with light emission with a brightness that can be noticed by the surroundings. This has the effect of preventing unauthorized copying.
In this case, since the notification means is a display appealing to the eyes, there is an effect that even a user who is audibly impaired can discriminate. However, at the time of unauthorized copying, the fact that unauthorized copying is recorded in the image processing apparatus and that the user can be determined is notified by light emission, as in the case of voice notification. In this case, the warning by the light emission of the light emitting means can be turned on / off by the operation panel 1 at the initial setting in order to eliminate the troublesomeness of light being emitted one by one. be able to.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 12, and 14, an example will be described in which the display warning on the operation panel 1 (FIG. 1) is always performed and the on / off setting by the operation panel 1 is not possible. Assume that a document with a background pattern is obtained when the document is scanned in step (S13) in FIG.
In step (S14), the user ID recognized in step (S11) is stored in NVRAM 27. Further, a display as shown in FIG. 14 is notified on the operation panel 1, and this display is always performed, and it is impossible to set such that it is not displayed in the initial setting or the like.
As described above, the fact that illegal copying is performed at the time of illegal copying is recorded in the image processing apparatus, and it is possible to suppress illegal copying by always displaying that the user can be indexed. .

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting whether or not to issue a voice warning when unauthorized copying is performed. Next, with reference to FIG. 15, an example will be described in which the audio warning can be turned on / off by the initial setting. In the initial setting or the like, by setting “No” on the screen as shown in FIG. 15, the warning voice from the voice transmission device is not emitted.
In this way, at the time of illegal copying, the fact that the current user is making illegal copying is recorded in the image processing apparatus, and the fact that the user can be identified is notified by voice. Since it is unnecessary for an administrator, there is an effect of eliminating the annoyance of making a sound each time.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for setting whether or not to issue a flash warning when illegal copying is performed. Next, an example in which the light emission warning can be set on / off by the operation panel 1 in the initial setting will be described with reference to FIG. In the initial setting or the like, by setting “No” on the screen as shown in FIG. 16, light emission from the light emitting means is not performed.
In this way, at the time of illegal copying, it is unnecessary to notify that the current user is making illegal copying by light emission when the current user is an administrator. There is an effect of eliminating the troublesomeness of emitting light of such a brightness.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation when a document is scanned by recognizing a user ID or group ID before scanning. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation when the user ID or group ID is recognized before scanning and the document is pre-scanned.
Next, using FIG. 2, FIG. 6 and FIG. 17, it is determined from information in the tint block pattern, and for a specific user, it is determined that the document cannot be determined to be processed. Explain no examples.
When the pattern 70 is printed as a background pattern as shown in FIG. 6, the user can specify such a specification that a specific user identification code (duplicator ID) is embedded in the background pattern. The identification code may be a numerical value or the like that can be clearly understood, or it may be a content such as encryption, and the form is not limited.
On the other hand, a case is assumed in which a printed matter (original on which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is printed) in which an identification code is embedded is used as an original. First, before scanning, the user ID recognition means recognizes the user ID or group ID (S20 in FIG. 17). Although not shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that a user ID input / recognition device which is a user ID recognition means is provided. As this means, ID recognition is performed by inputting a user ID, inputting an ID using an ID card, inputting a user ID using a fingerprint / vein / eye iris, etc. (S21 in FIG. 17).
Next, it is assumed that the original has a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern when the original is scanned (S22 in FIG. 17). The image processing unit 36 compares the ID recognized in step (S21) (S23 in FIG. 17). If the IDs do not match (No in S23), the image processing unit 36 performs the document discrimination impossible processing (S24 in FIG. 17). If this is the case (Yes in S23), it is determined that the user is not a document-distinguishable processing target user, and the document-distinguishable processing is not performed (S25 in FIG. 17), and the current copying or digitization ends as usual.

Next, a method of performing a pre-scan and notifying the user in advance of whether or not to process the document indistinguishable will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, when printing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern as shown in the pattern 70 of FIG. 6, it is possible for the user to specify that a specific user identification code (such as a user ID) is embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. To do. The identification code may be a numerical value or the like that can be clearly understood, or it may be a content such as encryption, and the form is not limited.
If you are not aware that you are a specific user by pre-scanning to notify the user whether or not to process the document indistinguishable, wasteful electronic files or printed matter that have been processed with indistinguishable document There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of.
On the other hand, a case is assumed in which a printed material with an identification code embedded is used as a document and copied. First, before scanning, the user ID recognition means recognizes a user ID or group ID (S30 in FIG. 18). Although not shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that a user ID input / recognition device as user ID recognition means is provided. As this means, ID recognition is performed by inputting a user ID, inputting an ID using an ID card, inputting a user ID using a fingerprint / vein / eye iris, etc. (S30 in FIG. 18).
Next, it is assumed that the original with a tint block is obtained when the original is scanned (S32 in FIG. 18). The image processing means compares with the ID recognized in step (S31) (S33 in FIG. 18), and if it does not match, it issues a document scan impossibility notification (S34 in FIG. 18). It is determined that the user is not an object to be processed, and a document scan enable notification is made (S35 in FIG. 17).

Next, a method in which the notification unit is a display will be described with reference to FIG. The administrator sets the “background pattern original document scan availability notification means” to “display” and stores it in the NVRAM 27 using the input device 41 in the operation panel control device 21 in advance as an initial setting or the like. Therefore, when notification of unauthorized copying is necessary, this is displayed on the display device 42.
Next, a method in which the notification unit is a voice will be described with reference to FIG. The administrator sets the “background pattern pattern document scan availability notification means” to “voice” and stores it in the NVRAM 27 by using the input device 41 in the operation panel control device 21 in advance by initial setting or the like. Therefore, when notification of unauthorized copying is required, a voice guide device (not shown) notifies that fact as a voice guide.
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of a method in which the image forming apparatus can be turned on / off by the operation panel 1 for a specific user to determine that the document cannot be processed without being processed. To do. The administrator turns on / off the document indistinguishable processing avoidance setting for a specific user with the input device 41 in the operation panel control device 21 in advance by initial setting or the like, and the contents are stored in the NVRAM 27. .
A specific user who is not subject to “undocumentable processing” is a unit of a specific group made up of a plurality of users, so that it is not limited to one person, “oo document digitizable group” “xxx document can be copied” This has the effect that it can be effective against multiple members such as “group”.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an external appearance of an operation panel of an image forming apparatus system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a system control block diagram of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen for an administrator for system initial setting of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. Schematic which shows the screen which sets a tint block recognition function effective. A block pattern recognition block diagram. Schematic which shows the example which read the original in which the background pattern was printed by this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of reading a document having no background pattern according to the present invention. Schematic which shows the example of a network connection. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting the ground pattern recognition to be valid. The figure which shows the screen which inputs administrator ID and authentication code by embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows a response | compatibility of administrator ID and an authentication code. The flowchart which shows the example which recognizes a tint block pattern and stores it in NVRAM as a user ID as a history. The figure which shows the example of a screen of an unauthorized copy log | history. The figure which shows the example of a screen which carries out warning display that the illegal copy log | history is recorded. The figure which shows the example of a screen which sets whether an audio | voice warning is notified when an unauthorized copy is performed. The figure which shows the example of a screen which sets whether the light emission warning is notified when an unauthorized copy is performed. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when scanning a document by recognizing a user ID or a group ID before scanning. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when a user ID or group ID is recognized before scanning and a document is pre-scanned.

Explanation of symbols

1 Operation Panel 2 Liquid Crystal Display Unit (Display Device 42)
20 System Controller 21 Operation Panel Control Device 22 Image Input / Output Control Device 24 CPU
36 Image reading unit 37 Image writing unit 38 CPU
43 CPU
50 Ground pattern recognition unit 63 Phase information storage unit 62 Isolated dot detection unit (isolated pixel detection)
63 phase information storage unit 64 pattern matching unit 65 tint block detection unit 80 image forming apparatus (digital multifunction device)
82 Scanner device 84 Printer device 86 Public network 91 Computer 90 Network

Claims (11)

A tint block pattern recognition means for recognizing a predetermined tint block pattern in a specific pixel when a document having a predetermined tint block is read;
Image processing means for performing image processing so that the read original image cannot be discriminated when the background pattern recognition means recognizes the background pattern;
User ID recognition means capable of recognizing a user ID;
Storage means for storing at least the user ID;
In an image forming apparatus comprising:
An image forming apparatus, wherein even when the image processing by the image processing unit is canceled, the user ID is stored in the storage unit as a history when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is recognized. A display means for displaying at least a warning;
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit recognizes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern, a warning that the copy is illegal and that the user ID is stored as a history is displayed on the display unit. Forming equipment.   3. The voice transmitting means for warning by voice that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition means recognizes the illegal copy and that the user ID is stored as a history when the pattern is recognized. Image forming apparatus.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a light emitting unit that warns by light emission that the copy is illegal when the tint block pattern recognition unit recognizes the tint block pattern. It further comprises setting means for setting at least on / off of the warning,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning by the display unit is disabled by the setting unit.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning by sound can be turned on / off by the setting unit.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning by the light emission can be turned on / off by the setting unit.   2. The image processing means determines that a specific user whose user ID matches an identification code embedded in the tint block pattern is not subject to the image processing, and does not perform the image processing. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific user is a group including a plurality of users.   When prescanning a document having the predetermined tint block, whether or not to perform the image processing is determined in advance when the identification code embedded in the tint block pattern matches the user ID as a result of the prescan. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a specific user is notified. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein whether or not the specific user is the target of the image processing is turned on / off by the setting unit.

Images