JP2008061027A - Image processor, image processing program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize on the side of a copy operator that there is a copy inhibited page in a read original when there is the copy inhibited page in the read original. <P>SOLUTION: An image read means 9 reads the original and generates image data, and a storage means 11 stores the generated image data. A pattern information detection means 13 detects whether or not there is pattern information indicating the copy inhibited page in the stored image data. When the presence of the pattern information is detected, an image data conversion means 15 detects characters or line images of the copy inhibited page and obtains the image data for which the respective characters or line images are converted to prescribed codes. An overlay means 17 overlays a code for copy inhibition on the converted image data. A printing means 19 prints the image data including the overlaid image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing program, and a storage medium. The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and image processing suitable for use in a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multi-function peripheral (MFP) equipped with a copy suppression function. The present invention relates to improvements in programs and storage media.

  In recent years, in order to meet the demand for improving document security in the market, pattern information indicating that a document is prohibited from being copied (copying) is embedded in a document in advance, and if the pattern information is detected, copying is performed by some means. Copiers with a function to suppress have been commercialized.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the background information 3b made up of small dots on the paper 1 and message information 3b made up of slightly larger dots embedded in the background area 3a to prohibit copying. In addition, the pattern information 5 is printed, and the target document content is printed on the paper 1 to create a “contract”, for example.

  When the printed paper 1 is copied by a copying machine, as shown in FIG. 5B, message information 3b such as “copy prohibited” embedded in the background area 3a appears black in the copy 1a, or as shown in FIG. In addition, the background area 3a appears on the copy 1b, and the message information 3b becomes blank, and the copy operator is indirectly notified that the printed sheet 1 is prohibited from being copied. Suppressing copying.

  In the copy 1a, the reason why the message information 3b embedded in the background area 3a emerges black as shown in FIG. 5B is that the background area 3a is made into a small dot d1 as shown in FIG. 6A, while the message information 3b is shown in FIG. This is because the small dot d1 is less likely to be reproduced and reproduced than the large dot d2 by embedding the dot d2 larger than the dot d1 as in B.

  In the copy 1b, when the background area 3a appears black as shown in FIG. 5C, conversely, the background area 3a is changed to a large dot d2 as shown in FIG. 6B and the message information 3b is changed to a small dot d1 as shown in FIG. It is obtained by doing.

  Conventionally, when the printed paper 1 in which message information 3b indicating copy prohibition is embedded in the background area 3a is copied by a copying machine, document security is ensured by not printing out the image data of the copy prohibited page. A configuration, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-142918 (Patent Document 1) has been proposed.

In this configuration, the dot pattern detection unit detects a background image included in the image data or a dot pattern embedded in the image from the image data obtained by reading the document image by the image reading unit, and presets the detected dot pattern and the preset value. When the dot patterns are compared with each other by the dot pattern determination means, and the mutual identity is determined, the image data reproduction function such as a copy function provided in the apparatus is regulated, and the copy function is stopped. It prevents unauthorized leakage of confidential documents through regulations.
JP 2005-142918 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, when a document including a mixture of copy-prohibited pages and copy-capable pages is copied using an automatic document feeder or the like, the copy-prohibited pages are not printed out or output in a blank state. There is a concern that the copying operator may not be aware of the presence or absence of a copy-prohibited page, and may not know which manuscript page has not been output or has been output blank.

  Whether or not a copy-prohibited page and a copy-permitted page are mixed is difficult for anyone other than the manuscript creator, and if the copy-prohibited page is not printed out or output in a blank state, for example, the copier fails. May be misunderstood, and unnecessary maintenance is required, which tends to be inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem. When there is a copy-prohibited page in the read original, image processing that makes it easy to grasp that there is a copy-prohibited page in the read original. An object is to provide an apparatus, an image processing program, and a storage medium.

  In order to solve such a problem, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads a document and generates image data, a storage unit that stores the generated image data, and the stored image Pattern information detecting means for detecting whether or not there is pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page in the data, and when the presence of the pattern information is detected, the character or line drawing in the image data related to the copy-prohibited page is detected Image data conversion means for obtaining image data obtained by detecting and converting individual characters or line drawings into predetermined codes.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention may be configured to have a printing unit that prints the image data.

  In the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image data conversion means may convert the same code as the predetermined code, or convert it to a code that is not filled.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention may have an overlay unit that overlays a copy-inhibiting code in the converted image data.

  In the image processing program of the present invention, image data generated by reading a document is stored, and an image processing computer that executes a function of detecting the presence or absence of pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page from the stored image data In addition, an image reading process for reading the document and generating the image data, a storing process for storing the generated image data, and detecting whether or not the pattern information exists in the stored image data are detected. Pattern information detection processing to be performed, and image data conversion processing for detecting characters or line drawings in the image data relating to the copy-prohibited page and obtaining image data obtained by converting individual characters or line drawings into predetermined codes It is.

  The image processing program of the present invention can be configured to execute the printing process of the image data.

  In the image processing program of the present invention, the image data conversion process may be converted to the same code as the predetermined code or to a code that is not filled.

  The image processing program of the present invention may be configured to execute an overlay process for overlaying a copy prohibition code in the converted image data.

  Furthermore, the storage medium of the present invention stores any one of these image processing programs.

  In such an image processing apparatus and image processing program according to the present invention, an image reading unit reads an original to generate image data, stores the generated image data in a storage unit, and stores the generated image data in the stored image data. The pattern information detecting means detects whether or not there is pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page. When the presence of the pattern information is detected, the image data conversion means detects the characters in the image data related to the copy-prohibited page. Alternatively, line data is detected and image data obtained by converting each character or line image into a predetermined code is obtained. Therefore, if the image data is confirmed, it is easy to grasp that there is a copy-prohibited page in the read original.

  In the present invention, in the configuration having the printing means for printing the image data, the existence of the copy-prohibited page can be grasped via a printed copy, and the approximate registration of the copy-prohibited page is visually determined. It is possible.

  In the present invention, the conversion to the same code as the predetermined code or the conversion to a code that is not filled is difficult to reduce the speed of the conversion operation and conversion process, and toner ink is used for printing. Can be kept low.

  In the present invention, in the configuration in which the copy prohibition code is overlaid on the converted image data, the presence of the copy prohibition page can be easily grasped through the display of the copy prohibition page.

  Since the storage medium of the present invention stores any one of these image processing programs, these image processing programs can be handled in the form of a tangible object.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. The image processing program and the storage medium storing the image processing program according to the present invention will be described in the process of describing the image processing apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading means 9, a storage means 11, a pattern information detecting means 13, an image data converting means 15, an overlay means 17, a printing means 19 connected via a bus 7. An operation display means 21, an interface means 23, and a control means 25 for controlling them are configured.

  Under the control of the control means 25, the image reading means 9 automatically reads, for example, a plurality of printed original pages, and performs electronic processing by performing filter processing, scaling processing, γ processing, gradation processing, and the like. It is a known digital copying machine reading means or scanner for generating image data, and the generated image data is sequentially stored in the storage means 11 for each page of the document. The storage means 11 will be described later.

  The image reading means 9 has an automatic paper feeding mechanism that automatically feeds a document of a plurality of pages, but since it is a known one, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The pattern information detection unit 13 reads the image data stored in the storage unit 11 in units of pages under the control of the control unit 25 and detects whether or not there is pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page in the image data. When the presence of the pattern information is detected, the image data relating to the copy-prohibited page is output to the image data converting means 15.

  The pattern information 5 indicating the copy-prohibited page in the image data is message information 3b such as “copy prohibited” with a large dot d2 in the background area 3a of the small dot d1, as described above with reference to FIGS. Is embedded, and when read by the image reading means 9, the message information 3b embedded in the background area 3a appears black as shown in FIG. 5B.

  Note that if the dot d1 of the background area 3a and the dot d2 of the message information 3b indicating copy prohibition are reversed, the background area 3a appears, but the message information 3b becomes white.

  For example, the pattern information detection unit 13 detects the dot d1 from the background region 3a by a known pattern matching method, calculates the dot density by counting the number of dots within a predetermined area, and similarly from the pattern information region. The dot d2 is detected by the pattern matching method, the number of dots within a predetermined area is counted, and the dot density of the pattern information 5 is calculated. For example, the tolerance for identity determination preset and stored in the storage unit 11 The threshold value (reference dot density) and the calculated dot density are compared, and if it is determined that they are included in the threshold value (reference dot density), the presence of the pattern information 5 is detected.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the image data conversion means 15 discriminates and recognizes individual characters and line drawings in the image data page and specifies individual characters and line drawings. The image data converted into the graphic mark 27 is created, and the converted image data is output to the overlay means 17.

  That is, the individual character areas of the clear character information “Irohani” are all automatically replaced with the same graphic mark 27 (■), and converted into “■■■■■” to create background image data. It has a function.

  The graphic mark 27 for replacing and converting individual characters and line drawings is not limited to the graphic (■), and may be a simple white code that is not filled, such as the graphic mark 27 (◯) shown in FIG. 2B. If so, it is possible to reduce the consumption of printing toner ink during printing.

  In addition, the symbols of the graphic marks 27 and the like to be replaced / converted do not have to be the same, and any symbols may be used as long as they are not directly related to the meaning of characters and line drawings, and can be selected by the operation display means 21 described later. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the overlay unit 17 overlays the converted image data converted into the background with the graphic mark 27 by setting, for example, a bold character string “copy prohibited” as a copy prohibition code 29 indicating copy prohibition. Thus, the overlay image data is created and replaced with the corresponding image data page in the storage unit 11 and stored.

  As a method for creating overlay image data by the overlay unit 17, a conventionally known method can be used. For example, the copy prohibition code 29 is superimposed on the converted image data to form one image data, and these are divided into a plurality of layers. For example, there is a method of superimposing in software.

  When the detection of the pattern information 5 and the predetermined overlay processing are completed for the image data, the printing unit 19 prints image data including overlay image data from the storage unit 11 and the like under the control of the control unit 25. Or a color printing engine.

  The interface unit 23 controls reading of the image processing program under control of the control unit 25 with respect to, for example, a hard disk (HDD), a USB memory, a flexible disk or other known external storage medium 31 that stores an image processing program to be described later. The input / output control unit.

  The operation display means 21 has a function of displaying various items in addition to specifically setting the above-described threshold value (reference dot density), codes such as the graphic mark 27 to be converted in the image data conversion means 15, and the like. It is composed of a liquid crystal touch panel that serves as both display means and input means arranged in a main body case (not shown), and is controlled by the control means 25.

  As described above, the control means 25 includes the image reading means 9, the storage means 11, the pattern information detecting means 13, the image data converting means 15, the overlay means 17, the printing means 19, and the operation display means connected via the bus 7. The CPU 21 controls the functions of the interface means 23 and the interface means 23, and a part of them may be substantially constituted.

  The storage unit 11 stores the operation program of the control unit 25 and, as described above, has a function of storing the generated image data, threshold value (reference dot density), converted image data, overlay image data, and the like. It is memory.

  Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 3 and the operation conceptual diagram in FIG.

  When the program is started, an image reading process is performed in which a plurality of pages of paper 1 as a document is read by the image reading means 9 in step S1 to sequentially generate image data, and the image data is stored in step S2. In step S3, the pattern information detection unit 13 executes pattern information detection processing to determine whether or not the pattern information 5 indicating copy prohibition exists in the image data.

  If the pattern information 5 does not exist in all the image data and step S3 is NO, the process proceeds to step S6.

  If the pattern information 5 exists on any page in all the image data and step S3 is YES, all the characters and line drawings in the image data related to the copy-prohibited page described above in step S4 are the same figure. A process of converting to the mark 27 is executed.

  In the subsequent step S5, a process of overlaying the copy prohibition code 29 indicating the copy prohibition page on the converted image data is executed. In step S6, all the image data including the overlay image data is printed, and the process ends.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, with respect to the sheet 1 on which “ABC” is displayed, the “ABC” is converted to “■■■” and the copy prohibition code 29 “prohibit” is overlaid and printed out. .

  These execution processes are image processing programs according to the present invention, and the storage medium 31 according to the present invention stores these image processing programs.

  As described above, in the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image reading means 9 for reading the original and generating the image data, the storage means 11 for storing the generated image data, and the copy-prohibited page in the stored image data. Pattern information detecting means 13 for detecting whether or not the pattern information 5 to be present exists, and when the presence of the pattern information is detected, the character or line drawing in the image data relating to the copy-prohibited page is detected to Image data conversion means 15 for obtaining image data obtained by converting characters or line drawings into predetermined graphic marks 27, overlay means 17 for overlaying the copy prohibition code 29 on the converted image data, and image data including the overlaid image data Is provided.

  Therefore, when there is a copy-prohibited page in the read original, the characters and line drawings of the copy-prohibited page are converted into a predetermined code such as a graphic mark (■ or ○) 27 and printed out. The copy prohibiting code 29 is overlaid on and printed out.

  Therefore, it is possible to determine that the copy-prohibited page is printed out in a state where it is difficult to determine the copy-prohibited page, and it is possible to determine that the copy-prohibited page has been printed out. Because it is easy to grasp this, it is easy for the copy operator to notice the existence of a copy-prohibited page, and it is difficult to visually distinguish the content, and it is easy to prevent copying of the copy-prohibited page. It is. Moreover, it is easy to determine that it is not a malfunction of a copying machine or the like.

  In addition, since the image data converting means 15 can automatically convert the same graphic mark (■ or ○) 27 as a predetermined code, the characters and line drawings on the copy-prohibited page can be converted into graphic marks (■ and ○). The circuit configuration and program for converting to 27 etc. are easy, and there are advantages that it is difficult to increase the cost and to reduce the processing speed.

  In particular, if a predetermined code is converted to a code that is not filled, such as a graphic mark “◯” 27 or a meaningless code string “...”, It is possible to reduce consumption of printing toner ink during printing. Yes, maintenance costs can be kept low.

  In the present invention, the overlay unit 17 is not necessarily provided, but by providing the overlay unit 17, it is possible to clearly understand that the copy is prohibited and to know the existence thereof.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, if the image reading means 9, the storage means 11, the image data converting means 15, and the pattern information detecting means 13 are provided, the object of the present invention can be achieved. The operation display means 21 is not essential, and the object of the present invention can be achieved as long as the storage means 11 can store the generated image data in a readable and writable manner.

  The image reading means 9, the storage means 11, the pattern information detecting means 13, the image data converting means 15, the overlay means 17, the printing means 19, and the control means 25 are not necessarily limited to the configuration connected via the bus 7. The present invention can also be implemented in a configuration in which a scanner as the image reading means 9, a storage means 11, a pattern information detecting means 13, a personal computer as the image data converting means 15, and a printer as the printing means 19 are connected via a network, for example.

  In the above-described image processing program according to the present invention, the image processing program is converted into a code such as the same graphic mark 27 or the like as a predetermined code, or is converted into a code that is not filled. Similar effects can be obtained.

  Further, in the image processing program according to the present invention, an effect similar to that of the image processing apparatus is obtained in the configuration in which the overlay process for overlaying the copy prohibition code 29 on the image data of the copy prohibition page having the reduced resolution is executed. be able to.

  In the present invention, the copy prohibition code 29 to be overlaid in the overlay means 17 and the processing operation thereof is not limited to the bold character string “copy prohibition”, but may be other character strings or confidential marks, It can be set arbitrarily according to the implementation.

  The pattern information detection method according to the present invention detects a dot pattern from the background region 3a by a known pattern matching method as described above, calculates a dot density within a predetermined area, and sets a threshold value (reference dot density). In addition to the method of detecting the presence or absence of the pattern information 5 in comparison, various detection methods such as the size of the dot pattern forming the dot pattern, the difference in the dot shape and the arrangement method, detection based on the presence or absence of dots, etc. This method is applicable.

1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the method of converting the image of image data. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an operation concept diagram illustrating an operation of the image processing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a sheet in which pattern information indicating copy prohibition is embedded. It is a figure explaining the dot pattern expressing a copy prohibition page.

Explanation of symbols

1 Paper 1a, 1b Copy 3 Background area 5 Pattern information 7 Bus 9 Image reading means 11 Storage means 13 Pattern information detecting means 15 Image data converting means 17 Overlay means 19 Printing means 21 Operation display means 23 Interface means 25 Control means 27 Graphic Mark (predetermined code)
29 Copy prohibition code 31 Storage medium d1, d2 dots

Claims (11)

Image reading means for reading a document and generating image data;
Storage means for storing the generated image data;
Pattern information detection means for detecting whether or not there is pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page in the stored image data;
Image data conversion means for detecting characters or line drawings in the image data relating to the copy-prohibited page and obtaining image data obtained by converting the individual characters or line drawings into predetermined codes when the presence of the pattern information is detected; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data conversion unit converts the predetermined code into the same code. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data conversion unit converts the predetermined code into a code that is not filled. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an overlay unit that overlays a copy prohibition code on the image data converted into the predetermined code. An image processing computer that stores image data generated by reading a document and executes a function of detecting the presence or absence of pattern information indicating a copy-prohibited page from the stored image data.
An image reading process for reading the document and generating the image data;
A storage process for storing the generated image data;
Pattern information detection processing for detecting whether or not the pattern information is present in the stored image data;
Image data conversion processing for detecting characters or line drawings in the image data relating to the copy-prohibited page and obtaining image data obtained by converting individual characters or line drawings into predetermined codes when the presence of the pattern information is detected; ,
An image processing program for executing The image processing program according to claim 6, wherein print processing of the image data is executed. The image processing program according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the image data conversion process converts the predetermined code into the same code. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image data conversion process converts the code into a code that is not filled as the predetermined code. The image processing program according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein overlay processing is executed to overlay a copy prohibition code on the image data converted into the predetermined code. 11. A storage medium storing the image processing program according to claim 6.

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