JP2009048221A - Image information output device, printer, information recording device, image information output program, printing program and information recording program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image information output device, a printer, and an information recording device or the like, allowing a follow-up survey of a first outputted source of outputted image information. <P>SOLUTION: This image information output device 1 outputting the image information has: a decision part 13 extracting copyright information included in the image information, and deciding whether or not the image information is protected by a copyright through the extracted copyright information; an identification number recording part 14 recording an identification number for identifying the device; and an output part 16 outputting the image information and the identification number when the image information is protected by the copyright. Thereby, because the image information protected by the copyright is outputted as identification number-included image information together with the identification number for specifying and identifying equipment of the image information output device having decoded the image information, the source of the image information can be obtained by the follow-up survey based on the identification number printed on printed matter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present application belongs to the technical field of an image information output apparatus and printing apparatus, an information recording apparatus, an image information output program and a printing program, and an information recording program, and in particular, an image information output apparatus that outputs image information protected by copyright, and It belongs to technical fields such as printing devices and information recording devices.

Conventionally, a technique has been introduced in which information related to copyright is incidentally recorded in image information and information related to copyright is displayed each time an image is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-230231 A (paragraph number [0134])

  However, in the above-described prior art, information related to the copyright of image information to be printed is added and output such as printing is performed, but unique information of the machine that performs output is not added. Therefore, it is difficult to trace which output device outputs the image information on the basis of the output image information, and deters anyone who attempts to illegally distribute copyright-protected image information. It had problems such as being unable to do so.

  The present application has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an example of the problem is that, when printing or the like is performed, the unique information of the aircraft that performed the output is also output at the same time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image information output device, a printing device, an information recording device, and the like that can later follow up where the image information was first output.

  Hereinafter, the present application will be described.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image information output device according to claim 1 is provided with an extraction means for extracting copyright information included in the image information, and the image information based on the extracted copyright information is copyrighted. Determination means for determining whether or not the image information output device is protected; identification number recording means for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device; and image information when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. Output means for outputting an identification number.

  In order to solve the above problems, the printing apparatus according to claim 8 outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output apparatus when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. In the printing apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus, the receiving means for receiving the image information output from the image information apparatus and the identification number, and the arrangement determining means for determining the arrangement of the received image information and the identification number at the time of printing And printing means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement.

  In order to solve the above problem, an information recording apparatus according to claim 11, when it is determined that image information is protected by copyright, includes an image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output apparatus. In an information recording apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus for outputting, a receiving means for receiving image information and an identification number output by the image information apparatus, a recording means for recording the image information and the identification number on a recording medium, It is characterized by having.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image information output program according to claim 12, a computer included in an image information output apparatus that records an identification number for identifying the image information output apparatus, is copyrighted in the image information. Extracting means for extracting information; determining means for determining whether or not image information is protected by copyright by the extracted copyright information; and when determining that the image information is protected by copyright, the image It is made to function as an output control means for outputting information and an identification number.

  In order to solve the above problem, the printing program according to claim 13 outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. A computer included in the printing apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus, receiving control means for controlling reception of the image information and identification number output by the image information apparatus, and arrangement of the received image information and identification number during printing And an arrangement determining means for determining the image information and a print control means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement.

  In order to solve the above problem, an information recording program according to claim 14, when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, includes an image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device. The computer included in the information recording device connected to the image information output device to output, the reception control means for controlling the reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information device, and the image information and the identification number on the recording medium. It functions as a recording control means for recording.

  Next, the best embodiment corresponding to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The present application is, for example, when a TV video received by a TV receiver is protected by copyright, or a recording / playback device or playback device such as an HD (Hard Disk) drive or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, or An image information output device that reproduces and outputs image information as a still image or image information as a still image in video information that is a moving image when video information output from a personal computer is protected by copyright Thus, the present invention can be applied to an image information output apparatus that outputs to the outside such as printing of image information or recording on a recording medium.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of the image information output apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example in which a video signal received by the TV receiver 11 is processed and output to the printer 31 will be described below. In order to simplify the explanation, the handling of the audio signal is omitted.

  The image information output device 1 includes a TV receiving unit 11 that receives a TV signal, a TV decoder 12 that receives and decodes the received video signal Sav from the TV receiving unit 11, and outputs the decoded image information as image information. A determination unit 13 for determining whether or not it is protected by copyright, an identification number recording unit 14 for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device 1, and identification of the image format by integrating the image information and the identification number A generating unit 15 that generates numbered image information, an output unit 16 that outputs the generated image information, an input terminal 17 that receives an input from another device, and an output terminal 18 that outputs a video signal to the other device. And is configured.

  The TV receiver 11 receives a TV signal, outputs a video signal Sav, and outputs a channel signal Sch.

  The TV decoder 12 receives and decodes the video signal Sav input from the TV receiving unit 11 and outputs it to the determination unit 13 as image information.

  For example, the determination unit 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), extracts copyright information from the decrypted image information, and determines whether the image information is protected by copyright. . Further, it is determined whether or not there is copyright holder information in the image information, and information indicating that the copyright holder information or the image information is protected by copyright is generated.

  The identification number recording unit 14 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a non-volatile memory, and records an identification number that identifies and identifies the image information output apparatus 1. The identification number will be described later.

  The generation unit 15 generates identification number-containing image information based on the decoded image information and the identification number recorded in the identification number recording unit. The image information including the identification number will be described later.

  The output unit 16 is composed of, for example, a CPU or a D / A (digital / analog) converter, and converts the image information and the generated image information including the identification number into a format suitable for external output and outputs it.

  Here, for example, the image information output device 1 in the first embodiment is the image information output device according to the present application, the determination unit 13 is the extraction unit and the determination unit according to the present application, and the identification number recording unit 14 is the present application. Such an identification number recording unit, the generation unit 15 configures a generation unit according to the present application, and the output unit 16 configures an output unit and an output control unit according to the present application.

  Next, the operation of the image information output apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

  The video signal Sav received by the TV receiver 11 is decoded by the TV decoder 12 and input to the determination unit 13 as image information.

  In the determination unit 13, information related to copyright is extracted from the input image information. Then, based on the extracted copyright information, it is determined whether the input image information is information protected by copyright.

  When it is determined that the information is not protected by copyright, the image information is output to the output unit 16.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the information is protected by copyright, it is determined whether or not copyright holder information is included in the input image information.

  When the copyright holder information is included or the copyright holder information can be generated, the copyright holder information is added to the image information. Then, the image information is output to the generation unit 15.

  On the other hand, when the copyright holder information is not included and the copyright holder information cannot be generated, the determination unit 13 displays information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright. Append to information. Then, the image information is output to the generation unit 15.

  Thus, in the generation unit 15 to which the image information protected by the copyright is input, the identification number specifying the device obtained from the identification number storage unit 14 is added to the image information to generate the image information including the identification number. To the output unit 16.

  Upon receiving either image information not protected by copyright or image information including an identification number, the output unit 16 converts the image information into a format suitable for external output and outputs it to the printer 31.

  Here, as the information regarding the copyright included in the image information, there are copyright information and copyright holder information.

  The copyright information refers to copy control information indicating whether or not image information is permitted to be copied. The copy information is free to copy, the copy once is permitted to be copied once, and the copy is prohibited. There is another). On the other hand, the copyright holder information refers to information indicating the attribute of the copyright holder, and in the case of an image signal obtained by receiving a TV broadcast, a broadcast channel, a broadcast station name, a program name, other than the above Accompanying information can be considered. In the case of an image signal obtained by reproducing a DVD, a disc title name and a release source name are listed.

  Specifically, when the type of the image signal is analog broadcasting (including terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting (broadcasting satellite: broadcasting using a broadcasting satellite), CS broadcasting (communication satellite: broadcasting using a communication satellite), Copyright information is not included in the image signal. Examples of copyright holder information relating to image signals include broadcast channels, broadcast station names (obtained from EPG (Electronic Program Guide) data), and program names (obtained from EPG data).

  When the type of the image signal is digital broadcasting, copyright information includes a digital copy control descriptor, a content usage descriptor, a pay broadcast descriptor, and the like. As copyright holder information, a broadcast channel, a broadcasting station name (BIT (Broadcaster) Information channel (obtained from channel name of Information Table)), program name (obtained from title name of EIT (Event Information Table)), additional information other than the above (when title detail in EIT has copyright information of video) added It is possible to do.

  Here, the digital copy control descriptor indicates information for controlling the copy generation in the storage device. When it is assumed that the storage is performed, the copyright holder stores the information related to the storage and copying of the image signal in the digital storage device. It is used to convey. The content use descriptor indicates information for controlling accumulation and output, and is used in combination with the digital copy control descriptor when the copyright holder controls the accumulation and output of the image signal. Even if the digital copy control descriptor indicates copy prohibition, it is characteristic that temporary storage may be possible depending on the content of the content use descriptor.

  When the received image signal is encrypted, it may be automatically regarded as protected by copyright. Further, it may be automatically determined that a condition such as copy prohibition or copy once is attached.

  When the image signal type is an image signal obtained by playing a DVD, the copyright information includes CGMS (Copy Generation Management System), CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media), CPPM (Content Protection for Prerecordor, Content Scramble System) may be included in the image signal, and as the copyright holder information, a disc title name and a release source name are added. The above contents are summarized in FIG.

  In addition, the identification number stored in the identification number storage unit varies depending on the type of device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used. When the device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used is a TV receiver, a combination of a model name and a serial number, or a combination of a manufacturer name, a model name, and a serial number (hereinafter, “(maker name +) model name + serial number”) In the case of a recording / playback device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) recorder or a DVD recorder that is used by connecting a device in which the image information playback device is used to the TV receiver, (manufacturer name +) A name + serial number or a copyright (CPRM etc.) management number can be considered. When the image information reproducing device is used as an image output device that outputs video recorded on an HD drive, (manufacturer name +) model name + serial number, etc. can be considered. Further, when the image information reproducing apparatus is used as an image output apparatus for outputting video recorded on a DVD drive, (manufacturer name +) model name + serial number can be considered. Further, when the image information reproducing apparatus is used for a LAN (Local Area Network) controller, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or the like is conceivable. Furthermore, when the image information reproducing apparatus is used for LSI (Large Scale Integration) compliant with the IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 standard, the copyright (DTCP (Digital Transmission Control number, etc.) is used. Can be considered. In this way, any number can be used as long as it can identify and identify a device determined by the type of device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used. The above contents are summarized in FIG.

  Next, a series of operations of the image information output method in the image information output apparatus 1 described above will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the output of image information is instructed by the user's operation, this flowchart starts the operation.

  Among the decrypted image information, information about the copyright is extracted from the image information designated by the user (step S1).

  Whether or not the image information is protected by copyright is determined from the copyright information among the extracted copyright information (step S2). Specifically, the determination is made based on copyright information extracted from the image information obtained by decoding the image signal.

  When it is determined that the target image information is not protected (step S2: N), the image information is output as it is without adding an identification number (step S7).

  When it is determined that the target image information is protected (step S2: Y), the process proceeds to step S3 to determine whether or not there is copyright holder information incidental to the target image information. 13 is determined (step S3).

  Specifically, when the image signal is obtained by receiving an analog broadcast, the TV receiver 11 that has received the TV broadcast, although the copyright holder information is not included in the image signal by the broadcast radio wave. Since the copyright holder information can be generated based on the channel signal Sch output from, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y). The generation method will be described later.

  In the case of an image signal obtained by receiving digital broadcasting, if the copyright information is included in the image signal, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright owner information (step S3: Y). If the copyright information is not included in the image signal, for example, the copyright information for copy protection is attached to the broadcast signal for some reason, but the copyright holder information is not attached. Similarly, since the image information output apparatus 1 can generate copyright holder information, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y).

  If it is determined that there is copyright holder information (step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is added to the image information (step S4).

  On the other hand, if for some reason the copyright holder information cannot be generated based on the channel signal Sch and it is determined that there is no copyright holder information incidental to the target image information (step S3: N), the incident It is determined that there is no copyright holder information to be performed (step S3: N). In this case, information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright is generated and added to the image information (step S5).

  After the copyright owner information is added in step S4, or after information indicating that the image information is protected by copyright is added in step S5, an identification number is added to the image information for identification. Numbered image information is generated (step S6). Specifically, as described above, identification information that identifies and identifies a device determined by the type of device in which the image information output apparatus 1 is used is extracted from the identification number recording unit 14 and added to the image information to include the identification number. Image information is generated (step S6).

  When it is determined in step S2 that the image information is not protected by copyright (step S2: N), or after the identification information is added in step S6, the image information or the image information including the identification number is output. The data is output to the outside via the unit 16 (step S7). This flowchart is complete | finished by the above.

  Here, in the first embodiment, for example, the “extraction means” according to claim 12 is executed by executing the process of step S1, and the process of step S2 is executed by executing the process of step S2. The “output control means” according to claim 12 is realized by executing the process of step S7.

  Next, a method for generating copyright holder information based on other information when the copyright information is not included in the image signal will be described.

  In the case of analog broadcasting, it is generated using a broadcast channel, a broadcast station name, and a program name. In the case of digital broadcasting, it is generated using broadcast channels, broadcast station names, program names, or accompanying information other than the above. In the case of an image signal obtained by reproducing a DVD, it is generated using a disc title name and a release source name.

  Next, the image information including the identification number will be described.

  The identification number-included image information is generated by adding the identification number extracted from the identification number recording unit 14 to the image information protected by the copyright to form an image format. The copyright holder information added to the image information can also be added. FIG. 5A shows an example when the created image information including identification information is actually printed.

  As described above, according to the image information output device 1 according to the first embodiment, the image information protected by the copyright includes the image information including the identification number together with the identification number of the image information output device that has decrypted the image information. Therefore, when the printer 31 that has received the image information including the identification number prints, it is possible to trace the origin of the image information by relying on the printed matter.

  In summary, the image information output apparatus 1 that outputs image information extracts copyright information included in the image information, and determines whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information. A determination unit 13, an identification number recording unit 14 for recording an identification number for identifying the device, and an output unit 16 for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. Have.

  Further, the image information output apparatus 1 further includes a generation unit 15 that generates image information including an identification number in an image format in which the image information and the identification number are integrated, and the output unit 16 generates the generated identification number-containing image. Information can also be output.

  The image information output program extracts the copyright information included in the image information from the computer included in the image information output device 1 that records the identification number for identifying the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information. A determination unit 13 that determines whether the image information is protected by copyright according to the right information; and an output that controls output of the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by the copyright Function as the unit 16.

  Thus, based on the output identification number-included image information or identification information, it is possible to follow up by which image information output device 1 the image information was first decoded or output. . Therefore, it acts as a psychological deterrent to those who intend to distribute copyright-protected image information illegally.

  In addition, 1st embodiment of this application is not limited above, For example, you may deform | transform as follows.

  In the first embodiment, the output image information including the identification number is arranged so that the identification number does not overlap the image area as shown in FIG. 5A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the identification number may be arranged so as to overlap the image area. When the identification number is arranged so as to overlap the image area, the boundary between the identification number and the image area may be clearly divided, or the color tone of the image is changed instead of clearly dividing the boundary, When image information is printed, the identification number may be identified from the printed matter. In either case, it becomes difficult to remove the identification number without affecting the image.

  Further, the program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is recorded on an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or the program is distributed and recorded via a network such as the Internet or a telephone line, It is also possible to cause each microcomputer or the like to function as the determination unit 13 or the generation unit 15 and the output unit 16 by reading and executing this with a general-purpose microcomputer provided in the determination unit 13. .

  In the first embodiment, the case where the video signal received by the TV receiver 11 is input has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recording / playback device such as the HD drive 22 or the DVD drive 23 or the playback is not limited thereto. The present invention is also applicable when video information output from the device or the personal computer 24 is input.

  In this case, for example, in the case of an image signal obtained by reproducing a DVD, if the copyright information is included in the obtained image information in step S3, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information ( Step S3: Y). Even when the copyright holder information is not included, if the information such as the disc title and the release source is written on the DVD, the image information output device is copyrighted based on the information such as the disc title and the release source. Therefore, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y). If it is determined that there is copyright holder information (step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is added to the image information (step S4).

  On the other hand, when information such as a disc title or a distributor is not written on the DVD, for example, when an image signal is shot for the purpose of personal home use and the title is not recorded on the DVD, or If the copyright holder information cannot be generated, for example, if the disc title or distributor information is not recorded on the DVD for some reason on a commercially available DVD, it is determined that there is no accompanying copyright holder information. (Step S3: N).

  In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the printer 31 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the output can be output to the recording device 32 that records on a recording medium.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the image information device 1 outputs the recording device 32 connected to the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information and the identification number. It has an interface 33 as an example of a receiving unit that receives image information and an identification number, and a recording head 34 as an example of a recording unit that records the image information and the identification number on a recording medium.

  The information recording program stores the computer included in the recording device 32 connected to the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information and the identification number when the image information is determined to be protected by copyright. 1 is made to function as reception control means for controlling reception of image information and identification number output by 1 and recording means for recording the image information and identification number on a recording medium.

  In this case, if the recorded image information is to be used secondarily, it can be traced by which image information reproducing apparatus 1 it was first decrypted, so that it is possible to illegally use image information protected by copyright. It has an effect as a psychological deterrent.

  In the first embodiment and the modification described above, the printer 31 and the recording device 32 are described as devices independent of the image information output device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the image information output device is not limited to this. You may make it have a printing function or the recording function to a recording medium.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram showing configurations of the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the case where image information including identification numbers is generated and output on the image information output device 1 side has been described. However, in the second embodiment described below, the image information output device 2 is an image. An example will be described in which information and identification information are output separately without being combined into one piece of information, and printing is performed with the printer 41 having received the output image information and identification number as a set of image information and identification number. .

Regarding the image information output device 2 The image information output device 2 according to the second embodiment has the same device configuration as that of the image information output device 1 according to the first embodiment. Are different from each other in that the identification number recording unit 14 is connected to the output unit 16.

For the printer 41 will be described below the structure and operation of the printer 41 which has received that received the identification number and the image information outputted by the image information output device 2.

  The printer 41 includes a receiving unit 42 that receives image information and an identification number separately output by the image information output device 2, an arrangement determining unit 43 that determines an arrangement at the time of printing the received image information and the identification number, and a determination. And a printing unit 44 that prints image information and an identification number based on the arrangement.

  The receiving unit 42 is a receiving port that receives image information and an identification number output from the image information output device 2 and sent via the printer cable 45.

  The arrangement determining unit 43 includes, for example, a CPU 46, a display 47, an operation button 48, and the like, and determines an arrangement position between the received image information and an identification number. The user can examine where the identification number should be arranged with respect to the image while looking at the image arrangement displayed on the display 47. As described above, when the arrangement is determined according to the user's instruction, the CPU 46 generates print data.

  The printing unit 44 includes, for example, a printer head and a driving unit, and prints the print data created by the arrangement determining unit 43.

  Here, for example, the image information output device 2 in the second embodiment is an image information output device according to the present application, the receiving unit 42 is a receiving unit according to the present application, and the arrangement determining unit 43 is an arrangement determining unit according to the present application. The printing unit 44 constitutes printing means according to the present application.

  The operation of the printer 41 having the above configuration will be described below.

  The printer 41 temporarily stores the identification information and the image information received from the image information output device 2 via the printer cable 45 in a memory buffer (not shown) included therein. Then, how the image is arranged with respect to the paper surface is displayed on the display 47.

  The user who has viewed the arrangement on the display 47 uses the operation button 48 to designate the position where the identification number is arranged with respect to the paper surface.

  Then, the arrangement of the identification number is determined by being specified by the user in this way, and the identification number and the image information whose arrangement is determined with respect to the paper surface are processed according to the printing instruction from the user. Are printed from the printing unit 44.

  Next, the operation flow of the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps common to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  It is determined that the target image information is protected through the same process as step S1 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 (step S2: Y), and it is determined in step S3 that the copyright information is included in the image information. If it is found (step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is transmitted to the printer 41 (step S14). The determination as to whether the image information has copyright information is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The printer 41, which has completed the initial operation (step S21) and is ready to receive, receives the copyright information transmitted from the image information output device 2 (step S22) and temporarily stores it in the memory buffer (step S23).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that there is no copyright owner information incidental to the image information (step S3: N), information indicating that the image information is copyright-protected information is generated to generate a printer. 41 (step S15). The information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright is the same as in the first embodiment.

  The printer 41 that has received the information indicating that the image information is copyright-protected information temporarily stores the received copyright information in the memory buffer (steps S22 and S23).

  After the copyright holder information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S14, or after the information indicating that the image information is copyright-protected information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S15, the image information reproducing apparatus The identification number is transmitted to the printer 41 (step S16). The identification number is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

  The printer 41 that has received the identification number temporarily stores the received identification number in the memory buffer (steps S24 and S25).

  When it is determined in step S2 that the image information is not protected by copyright (step S2: N), or after the identification information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S16, the image information is transmitted to the printer 41. (Step S7).

  The printer 41 that has received the image information temporarily stores the received image information in a memory buffer (steps S26 and S27).

  Then, the arrangement of the identification number and the image information is determined by the method described in the explanation of the operation of the printer 41 (step S28) and actually printed (step S29). This flowchart is complete | finished by the above.

  Here, in the second embodiment, for example, when the processes of steps S22, S24, and S26 are executed, the “reception control unit” according to claim 13 executes the process of step S28. The “arrangement determining means” according to claim 13 implements the “print control means” according to claim 13 by executing the process of step S29.

  As described above, according to the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment, the image information protected by copyright and the identification number of the image information output apparatus 2 obtained by decoding the image information are obtained. Since the image information and the identification number are received separately, the printer 41 having the image information and the identification number has a degree of freedom to determine the printing arrangement of the image information and the identification number. In the case of printing, the origin of the image information can be traced by relying on the printed matter, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

  In summary, when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the printer 41 connected to the image information output device 2 that outputs the image information and the identification number is the image information output by the image information device. Receiving unit 42 that receives the received image information and the identification number, an arrangement determining unit 43 that determines the arrangement of the received image information and the identification number at the time of printing, and printing that prints the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement Part 44.

  When the print program determines that the image information is protected by copyright, the image information device outputs a computer included in the printer 41 connected to the image information output device 2 that outputs the image information and the identification number. Receiving control means for controlling reception of image information and identification number to be received, arrangement determining means for determining arrangement of the received image information and identification number at the time of printing, and image information and identification number based on the determined arrangement It functions as a print control means for printing.

  In addition, 2nd embodiment of this application is not limited above, For example, you may deform | transform as follows.

  A plurality of arrangement plans for the identification number and the image information may be prepared in advance, and the operation button 48 may be used to allow the user to select one of the arrangement plans.

  Further, the program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is recorded on an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or the program is distributed and recorded via a network such as the Internet or a telephone line, It is possible to cause each microcomputer or the like to function as the arrangement determining unit 43 by reading and executing this using a general-purpose microcomputer provided in the arrangement determining unit 43.

  In the second embodiment, the output destination is limited to the printer 41. However, the output destination is not limited to this, and is a case where image information is output to a recording apparatus that records on a recording medium. Also good.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, a case has been described in which a device unique number that identifies and identifies a device of an image information output device that has decoded an image signal is output together with image information as an identification number. Without being limited thereto, other applications are possible. For example, it is applied so that information specifying a printing machine that has printed an image is output by printing together with the image, or it is applied so that information specifying a recording device to be recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium together with the image information. It is also possible to do. If you are wondering which printing machine was printed by which you looked at the printed material and if it was printed, if you output a number that identifies the printer model along with the image, follow up from the printed material. Is possible and easy. In addition, recording information that identifies the recording device in the recording medium has an effect as a psychological deterrent to those who attempt to illegally copy and record copyrighted image information.

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a configuration of an image information output apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the contents of the information regarding the copyright included in the image information. FIG. 3 shows the contents of an identification number that varies depending on the type of device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the image information output method of the image information output apparatus 1. FIG. 5 shows an example when image information including identification information is actually printed. FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram showing configurations of the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the image information output method and the printing method of the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41.

Explanation of symbols

1: Image information output device 2: Image information output device 13: Determination unit 14: Identification number recording unit 15: Generation unit 16: Output unit 31: Printer 32: Recording device 33: Interface 34: Recording head 41: Printer 42: Reception Part 43: Arrangement determining part 44: Printing part

Claims (14)

Extracting means for extracting copyright information included in the image information;
Determining means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information;
An identification number recording means for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device;
An output means for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright;
An image information output device comprising: The image information output device according to claim 1,
Further comprising generating means for generating image information including an identification number in which the image information and the identification number are integrated;
The image information output apparatus, wherein the output means outputs the generated image information including an identification number. The image information output device according to claim 2,
The image information including the identification number is printed after output,
The image information output device, wherein the generation unit generates the image information including the identification number arranged so that a printing position of the identification number does not overlap a printing position of the image information. The image information output device according to claim 2,
The image information including the identification number is printed after output,
The image information output device, wherein the generation unit generates the image information including the identification number arranged so that a printing position of the identification number overlaps a printing position of the image information. The image information output device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An image information output apparatus further comprising printing means for printing the image information including the identification number. The image information output device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The image information output apparatus, wherein the output means records the image information including the identification number on a recording medium. The image information output device according to claim 1,
The image information output apparatus, wherein the output means outputs the image information and the identification number separately. When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, in the printing device connected to the image information output device that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device,
Receiving means for receiving the image information and the identification number output by the image information device;
An arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement at the time of printing the received image information and identification number;
Printing means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement determining unit determines the arrangement so that the identification number does not overlap a printing position of the image information. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement determining unit determines the arrangement so that the identification number overlaps a printing position of the image information. When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the information recording apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output apparatus;
Receiving means for receiving the image information and the identification number output by the image information device;
Recording means for recording the image information and the identification number on a recording medium;
An information recording apparatus comprising: A computer included in the image information output device for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device;
Extraction means for extracting copyright information contained in the image information;
Determining means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright by the extracted copyright information;
Output control means for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright;
An image information output program characterized by being made to function as. When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, a computer included in the printing apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output apparatus,
Reception control means for controlling reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information device;
An arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement at the time of printing the received image information and identification number;
Print control means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement;
A printing program characterized by functioning as When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, a computer included in the information recording device connected to the image information output device that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device,
Reception control means for controlling reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information device;
Recording control means for recording the image information and the identification number on a recording medium;
An information recording program that functions as a computer program.

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