JP2008072581A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise convenience when image data is outputted to an external section. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 61 allows the image of a manuscript to be read by hardware resources (a scanner), and allows the read image data to be written and stored in a local memory 67. Then, when the image data in the local memory 67 is outputted to an engine part 120 (external part), a ground pattern (information) embedded in the image data is detected; and according to the result, work processing is performed relative to the image data, based as necessary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an image reading apparatus (for example, a scanner apparatus), a digital copying machine, a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a network file server, or a digital multifunction apparatus having a plurality of functions.

The image reading apparatus has a function of suppressing output of image data by using a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern included in the image data or transmitting to an authorized computer by using an identification code or the like, as seen in Patent Document 1, for example. ing.
JP 2004-164538 A

However, for example, in a usage pattern in an organization such as a company, there is a problem that convenience is impaired if output of image data is uniformly suppressed.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to improve convenience when outputting image data to the outside.

The present invention is an image processing apparatus having image storage means for storing image data, and image output means for outputting image data stored in the image storage means to the outside. In order to achieve the above object, It is characterized as follows.
An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an information detection unit that detects information embedded in image data to be output by the image output unit, and a detection result by the information detection unit, and the image as necessary. Processing means for processing the image data to be output by the output means is provided.

An image processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the output information notifying means for notifying information relating to the output of the image output means to the outside, and the output by the detection result by the information detecting means. Notification information range selection means for selecting a range of information to be notified by the information notification means is provided.
An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the output information notifying means for notifying information relating to the output of the image output means to the outside, and the output by the detection result by the information detecting means. And a notification destination selection means for selecting a notification destination by the information notification means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the processing means outputs the output by the image output means according to the detection result of the information detection means. Different processing is performed on the image data to be processed.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein image data to be output by the image output means is output to the processing means according to user authority as required. In contrast, a means for performing different processing is provided.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the image data to be output by the image output means to the processing means according to the detection result by the information detection means. Is provided with means for deleting.

  According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus detects information (background pattern etc.) embedded in the image data to be output to the outside (for example, the engine unit), and outputs it to the outside as necessary based on the detection result. By processing the image data to be processed (for example, painting or warning printing), it is possible to prevent important image data from being copied or distributed in advance, or to confirm that the image data to the outside is important data ( Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience when outputting image data to the outside.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
First, the software configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (multi-function peripheral) which is an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Note that the processing by each program shown below is actually executed by the CPU operating in accordance with each program, but for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that these programs execute processing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing mainly the software configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention.
The digital multifunction peripheral 1 is configured to include a software group 2, a device activation unit 3, and a hardware resource 4.

  The device activation unit 3 is executed first when the digital multifunction peripheral 1 (device) is turned on, and activates the application layer 5 and the platform 6. For example, each program of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 is read from a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as “HDD”) corresponding to the external storage means, and each read program is transferred to a memory area and started.

The hardware resources 4 include a black and white laser printer (B & W LP) 11, a color laser printer (Color LP) 12, hardware resources 13 such as a scanner and a facsimile, and image conversion hardware (MLC) 43.
The software group 2 includes an application layer 5 and a platform 6 that are activated on an operating system (hereinafter referred to as “OS”) such as UNIX (registered trademark). The application layer 5 includes programs that perform processing specific to user services related to image formation, such as printers, copies, faxes, and scanners. That is, it includes a printer application 21 that is a printer application, a copy application 22 that is a copy application, a fax application 23 that is a fax application, and a scanner application 24 that is a scanner application.

  The platform 6 interprets a processing request from the application layer 5 and generates a hardware resource 4 acquisition request, and manages one or more hardware resources 4 to control the control service layer 9 A system resource manager (hereinafter referred to as “SRM”) 39 that arbitrates acquisition requests, and a handler layer 10 that manages hardware resources 4 in response to acquisition requests from the SRM 39 are included.

  The control service layer 9 includes a network control service (hereinafter referred to as “NCS”) 31, a delivery control service (hereinafter referred to as “DCS”) 32, an operation panel control service (hereinafter referred to as “OCS”) 33, a fax control service (hereinafter referred to as “FCS”). 34), engine control service (hereinafter referred to as “ECS”) 35, memory control service (hereinafter referred to as “MCS”) 36, user information control service (hereinafter referred to as “UCS”) 37, system control service (hereinafter referred to as “SCS”). 38), etc., and is configured to include one or more service modules.

  The platform 6 is configured to have an API 53 that can receive a processing request from the application layer 5 using a predefined function. The OS executes the software of the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in parallel as processes.

  The process of the NCS 31 provides a service that can be commonly used for applications that require network I / O. Data received from the network side according to each protocol is distributed to each application, or data from each application. Mediation when sending to the network side. For example, data communication with a network device connected via a network is controlled by HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol Daemon) using HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

The process of the DCS 32 controls distribution of stored documents.
The process of the OCS 33 controls an operation panel serving as information transmission means between the operator and the main body control.
The FCS 34 process provides APIs to perform fax transmission / reception from the application layer 5 using the PSTN or ISDN network, registration / quotation of various fax data managed in the backup memory, fax reading, fax reception printing, etc. To do.

The process of the ECS 35 controls engine units such as the black and white laser printer 11, the color laser printer 12, and the hardware resource 13.
The process of the MCS 36 performs memory control such as acquisition and release of memory and use of the HDD.
The UCS 37 manages user information.
The process of the SCS 38 performs processing such as application management, operation unit control, system screen display, LED display, hardware resource management, and interrupt application control.

  The SRM 39 process controls the system and manages the hardware resources 4 together with the SCS 38. For example, arbitration is performed according to an acquisition request from an upper layer using the hardware resource 4 such as the black and white laser printer 11 and the color laser printer 12, and execution control is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the requested hardware resource 4 is available (whether it is not used by another acquisition request). Notify upper layer that it is available. In addition, scheduling for using hardware resources 4 in response to an acquisition request from an upper layer is performed, and the request contents (for example, paper conveyance and image forming operation by the printer engine, memory allocation, file generation, etc.) are directly executed. Yes.

The handler layer 10 performs a fax control unit handler (hereinafter referred to as “FCUH”) 40 that manages a fax control unit (hereinafter referred to as “FCU”), which will be described later, and allocates memory to the process and manages memory allocated to the process. Image memory handler (hereinafter referred to as “IMH”) 41.
The MEU 42 controls the MLC 43.
The SRM 39 and the FCUH 40 make a processing request for the hardware resource 4 by using the engine I / F 54 that can transmit the processing request for the hardware resource 4 by a predefined function.
The digital multi-function peripheral 1 can centrally process processes commonly required for each application on the platform 6.

Next, the hardware configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing a hardware configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG.
The digital multi-function peripheral 1 includes a controller 60, an operation panel 70, an FCU 80, a USB device 90, an IEEE 1394 device 100, an MLC 43, the black and white laser printer 11, the color laser printer 12, and the hardware resource 13 shown in FIG. Including an engine unit 120.

The controller 60 includes a CPU 61, a system memory (MEM-P) 62, a north bridge (hereinafter referred to as “NB”) 63, a south bridge (hereinafter referred to as “SB”) 64, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 66, A local memory (MEM-C) 67 and an HDD 68 are provided.
The operation panel 70 is connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60.
The MLC 43, FCU 80, USB device 90, IEEE 1394 device 100, and engine unit 120 are connected to the ASIC 66 of the controller 60 via the PCI bus 130.

In the controller 60, the local memory 67, the HDD 68, and the like are connected to the ASIC 66, and the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63 of the CPU chip set. In this way, if the CPU 61 and the ASIC 66 are connected via the NB 63, a case where the interface of the CPU 61 is not disclosed can be dealt with.
Note that the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are not connected via a PCI bus but are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) 65. As described above, in order to control execution of one or more processes forming the application layer 5 and the platform 6 in FIG. 1, the ASIC 66 and the NB 63 are connected via the AGP 65 instead of the low-speed PCI bus, thereby preventing performance degradation. It is out.

  The CPU 61 performs overall control of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. The NCS 31, DCS 32, OCS 33, FCS 34, ECS 35, MCS 36, UCS 37, SCS 38, SRM 39, FCUH 40, IMH 41, and MEU 42 in FIG. The printer application 21, the copy application 22, the fax application 23, and the scanner application 24 that form the application layer 5 are activated and executed.

The CPU 61 selectively executes each program described above and controls the hardware resource 4 (operation panel 70, FCU 80, USB device 90, IEEE 1394 device 100, or engine unit 120) as necessary, Functions as image output means, information detection means, processing means, output information notification means, notification information range selection means, and notification destination selection means, which are functions related to the present invention, can be realized.
The NB 63 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 61, system memory 62, SB 64, and ASIC 66.

The system memory 62 is a memory used as a drawing memory (image storage unit) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.
The SB 64 is a bridge for connecting the NB 63 to a ROM (not shown), the PCI bus 130, and peripheral devices.
The local memory 67 is a memory used as a copy image buffer (image storage means) and a code buffer.

Next, each example (example) of control related to the present invention by the CPU 61 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[First embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment.
The CPU 61 generates a print request in the copy application 22, the fax application 23, or the scanner application 24 in the application layer (application) 5, and uses the hardware resource 4 (scanner) through the platform 6, whereby the image of the document P To read.

Then, the read image data is written and stored in the local memory 67 (which may be the system memory 62 or the HDD 68) in FIG.
Alternatively, when a print request is generated from an external device such as a personal computer (PC) through the printer application 21 and the hardware resource 4 is used through the platform 6, print data (such as a character code) is received from the external device and an image is received. The data is converted into data (bitmap data), and the image data is written and stored in the system memory 62 (which may be the local memory 67 or the HDD 68).

  When the image data in the local memory 67 or the system memory 62 is output to the engine unit 120 (or other image forming apparatus), a background pattern (or other information) may be embedded in the image data. For example, the tint block pattern is detected, and the detection result is applied to the image data to be output to the outside, or the image data is replaced with warning document data that is image data for the warning document. Processing is performed as necessary, and image data that has been processed or image data that has not been processed (original image) is output to the engine unit 120 for printing. For example, a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-164538 may be used as a method for detecting a tint block pattern.

  According to the first embodiment, the tint block pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit (external) is detected, and the image data to be output to the engine unit according to the detection result is detected. By processing the image, it is possible to prevent important image data from being copied or disseminated in advance, or to remind the user that the image data to the engine unit is important data and to call attention. Convenience when outputting image data to the part can be improved.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment.
The CPU 61 performs the following control in addition to the control of the first embodiment. In other words, information regarding output to the engine unit 120 (printing by the engine unit 120) is delivered (notified) to an external device. At this time, the importance of the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 is determined based on the detection result of the tint block pattern, and the range of information to be delivered (notified) and the mail delivery destination are selected.

Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the mail delivery is ranked according to the tint block pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit 120. Then, for example, an operation on the operation panel 70 by an upper administrator sets a range of information to be delivered by mail according to the manager, or sets a mail delivery destination according to the tint block pattern.
Therefore, for example, when the detected background pattern is the background pattern A having the highest importance, the range of information to be delivered by mail is set as the range for the administrator A (for example, the entire range) and used by the administrator A. Select an external device as the mail delivery destination. If the detected background pattern is a background pattern D having a low importance level, the range of information to be delivered by mail is set as the range for the administrator D, and the external device used by the administrator D is selected as the destination of mail delivery. To do.

  According to the second embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as those of the first embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. That is, information relating to the output of image data to the engine unit is delivered to an external device by mail, and the range of information to be delivered by mail and the mail delivery destination are selected based on the detection result of the tint block pattern of the image data. For example, if the image data to be output to the engine unit is important image data, the fact that the image data is about to be copied or distributed is mail-delivered only to the target administrator A. Thereby, security at the time of outputting (printing) image data to the engine unit can be improved.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the third embodiment is only slightly different from the first embodiment, only that portion will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 61 ranks the prints according to the tint block pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit 120, and the following (1) to (1) to ( As shown in 4).

(1) When the tint block pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 is the tint block pattern A, the image data is filled (no original image).
(2) When the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 is the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern B, the image data is used for warning document data (for example, “secret”). ”) (No original image).
(3) When the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 is the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern C, warning printing such as top secret is performed on the image data.
(4) When the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 is the tint block pattern D, no processing is performed on the image data.

  According to the third embodiment, the tint block pattern embedded in the image data to be output to the engine unit is detected, and different processing is performed on the image data to be output to the engine unit according to the detection result. By processing (changing the processing level), for example, image data can be copied and distributed in organizational units such as company departments, departments, and rooms, so it is convenient to output image data to the engine part. The sex can be further improved.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
The CPU 61 performs both the same control as in the second embodiment and the same control as in the third embodiment.
According to this 4th Example, what combined the effect of 2nd Example and 3rd Example can be obtained.

[Fifth embodiment]
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the fifth embodiment.
When authentication information (for example, a combination of a login user name and a login password) is input by a user operation (operation on the operation panel 70 or an external device) by the user, the CPU 61 starts user authentication for the authentication information and inputs It is checked whether or not the one that matches the authentication information is registered in the HDD 68 (or a non-volatile memory (not shown)).

If the authentication information that matches the input authentication information is registered, the user who has performed the operation for inputting the authentication information is determined as the authentication user, and the user authentication is determined to be successful. In addition to the same control as in the first embodiment, the following control is also performed.
That is, it is checked whether or not the authorized user has access authority to the peripheral device and the incidental function attached to the digital multifunction peripheral. If the authorized user does not have access authority, the image data to be output to the operation panel 70 or the external device is checked. If the access authority is for the authenticated user, such as painting or replacing the image data with the warning document data, and processing the image data to be output to the operation panel 70 or an external device. No processing is performed.

Then, the processed image data can be referred to by an authenticated user (operator) who does not have access authority, and the image data (original image) which has not been processed can be referred to by an authenticated user who has access authority.
For example, the image data is displayed as thumbnails on the operation panel 70, or the thumbnails can be referred from an external device via a network.

Alternatively, the image data can be displayed and downloaded during image browsing when the image data is downloaded to an external device.
According to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the same functions and effects as in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the following functions and effects can be obtained. In other words, depending on the user authority, the image data to be output to the operation panel 70 or the external device engine unit is subjected to different processing as required, so that the image data can be referred to and the reference range for each unspecified number of users. Thus, security at the time of outputting (displaying) image data to an external device can be improved.

Note that the image data to be output to the engine unit 120 can be deleted based on the detection result of the tint block pattern embedded therein. By doing so, for example, copying or dissemination of the most important image data can be reliably prevented.
The embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital multifunction peripheral has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various image processing apparatuses such as an image reading apparatus, a digital copying machine, a printer apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a network file server, and the like. Is applicable.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, important image data can be prevented from being copied or distributed, or the user can be aware that the image data to the outside is important data and call attention. Therefore, convenience in outputting image data to the outside can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus that is highly convenient when outputting image data to the outside.

1 is a block diagram mainly showing a software configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating 1st Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating 2nd Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating 3rd Example of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating 5th Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Digital MFP 2: Software Group 3: Device Activation Unit 4: Hardware Resource 5: Application Layer 6: Platform 9: Control Service Layer 10: Handler Layer 11: Monochrome Laser Printer 12: Color Laser Printer 13: Hardware Resource 21: Printer application 22: Copy application 23: Fax application 24: Scanner application 31: NCS 32: DCS 33: OCS 34: FCS 35: ECS
36: MCS 37: UCS 38: SCS 39: SRM 40: FCUH
41: IMH 42: MEU 43: MLC 53: API
54: Engine I / F 60: Controller 61: CPU
62: System memory 63: NB 64: SB 65: AGP
66: ASIC 67: Local memory 68: HDD
70: Operation panel 80: FCU 90: USB device 100: IEEE 1394 device 120: Engine unit 130: PCI bus

Claims (6)

An image processing apparatus having image storage means for storing image data and image output means for outputting image data stored in the image storage means to the outside,
Information detecting means for detecting information embedded in the image data to be output by the image output means;
An image processing apparatus, comprising: a processing unit that performs processing on image data to be output by the image output unit according to a detection result of the information detection unit, if necessary. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Output information notifying means for notifying information relating to the output of the image output means to the outside;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a notification information range selection unit that selects a range of information notified by the output information notification unit based on a detection result by the information detection unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
Output information notifying means for notifying information relating to the output of the image output means to the outside;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a notification destination selection unit that selects a notification destination by the output information notification unit based on a detection result by the information detection unit. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit performs different processing on the image data to be output by the image output unit according to a detection result of the information detection unit. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit includes a unit that performs different processing on the image data to be output by the image output unit as necessary according to user authority. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the processing means includes means for deleting image data to be output by the image output means based on a detection result by the information detection means.

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