JP2009260454A - Image processor, image forming apparatus, and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor capable of knowing the status of a background pattern image after copying from an original document with the background pattern image formed therein without degrading the readable nature of characters or images in the original document. <P>SOLUTION: An image region detection portion detects an image region 41 occupied by characters and images on a form. A background pattern image generation portion generates a background pattern image at a contrast level in which the contrast between a background image and a latent image cannot be identified with a naked eye. A contrast adjustment portion changes a contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in a non-image region 42 with respect to the generated background pattern image. Specifically, the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in the non-image region is made to be bigger than the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in the image region. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing program for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a latent image that becomes apparent during copying is embedded in a background image.

As a method for inhibiting the copying of confidential documents and the like, as described in Patent Document 1, there is known a method using a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a warning character appears when the confidential document is copied by a copying machine. When a confidential document with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image printed on it is copied with a copying machine, warning characters such as “copy prohibited” will be printed on the copied material. Can be distinguished.
JP 2005-235181 A

  In this way, a document with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be checked how the background image or latent image is printed after copying on the display by using the print preview function of the personal computer that created the document. it can. Such a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed with the contrast between the background image and the latent image being suppressed to the extent that it is difficult to identify with the naked eye in order not to impair the legibility of characters and images of the document. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to determine how the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed on the created manuscript, and the only way to actually check the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is to copy the original and check the copy. It was.

  In addition, there is a method of generating a print image by giving contrast (density difference) between the background image and the latent image in order to confirm the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. However, if there is a large difference in contrast between the background image and the latent image, it becomes difficult to see the characters and images on the document.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a document on which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed, the state of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image after copying can be known without degrading the legibility of characters and images of the document. Thus, the object is to form a tint block image.

  An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image area detecting unit that detects an image area on which an image is formed from an original image used for image formation on the recording medium, and the recording medium A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation means for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a latent image that becomes apparent during copying is embedded in a background image, and the background image and the latent image included in the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Contrast adjustment means for adjusting the contrast of the image image to be different between the image area and the area other than the image area, and printing for generating a print image by superimposing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the original image And an image generation means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing program for detecting, from a document image used for image formation on a recording medium, an image area on which the image is formed on the recording medium. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generating means for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a latent image that becomes apparent during copying is embedded in a background image in an area corresponding to the entire surface of the recording medium; and the background image included in the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image Contrast adjustment means for adjusting the contrast of the latent image and the latent image to be different between the image region and the region other than the image region, and generating a print image by superimposing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the original image It is characterized by functioning as a print image generating means.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to make the contrast (density difference) between the background image and the latent image formed in the image area and the area other than the image area (blank area on the recording medium) different. In general, the background image and the latent image of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image are formed with a contrast that is difficult to identify with the naked eye in order not to impair the legibility of characters and images of the document. Therefore, the user can easily recognize the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image without degrading the legibility in the image area by making the contrast of the background image and the latent image different in the area other than the image area in which characters and images of the document are not formed. be able to.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the contrast adjusting unit sets a contrast between the background image and the latent image in a region other than the image region in the image region. It is characterized in that it is larger than the contrast between the background image and the latent image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in a region other than the image region as compared to the image region. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to image how the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image formed on the document becomes apparent after copying, and it is not necessary to copy the document to actually confirm the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Furthermore, since the latent image after copying (warning characters, etc.) can be clearly shown outside the image area, the psychological deterrent effect against unauthorized copying can be enhanced.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input of contrast between the background image and the latent image. The contrast adjusting means adjusts the contrast of the background image and the latent image in the image area and the area other than the image area based on the contrast instruction received by the instruction input receiving means. It is a feature.

  According to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily set a method of making the contrast of the background image and the latent image different. Here, the instruction relating to the contrast means, for example, instructing the magnitude of the contrast between the background image and the latent image, and the contrast can be visually recognized when it is desired to easily check the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image formed outside the image area. When it is desired to set a small value and to clearly confirm the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, an instruction input such as setting a large contrast can be performed.

  Invention of Claim 4 is an image processing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-3, Comprising: The said background image and area | regions other than the said image area by the said contrast adjustment means The apparatus further comprises selection input receiving means for receiving a selection input as to whether or not the contrast of the latent image is different, and the contrast adjustment means is only when the selection input receiving means receives a selection input for making the contrast different. The contrast between the background image and the latent image is adjusted so as to be different between the image region and the region other than the image region.

  According to this invention, the user can arbitrarily select whether or not to make the contrast of the background image and the latent image different between the image area and the area other than the image area.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for reading a document image, the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and an image forming method for forming the print image on a recording medium. Means.

  According to this invention, the effect similar to Claims 1-4 can be show | played.

  According to the present invention, by making the contrast between the background image and the latent image different in an area other than the image area where characters and images of the document are not formed, the user can read the image area without degrading the legibility. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be recognized in this area. In addition, when the contrast between the background image and the latent image is increased, it becomes easier for the user to visualize how the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image formed on the document becomes apparent after copying. Eliminates the need for copying. Furthermore, since the latent image after copying (warning characters, etc.) can be clearly shown outside the image area, the psychological deterrent effect against unauthorized copying can be enhanced.

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and a copying machine will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus. In addition, it may be a multifunction machine having functions such as a copy, a scanner, a facsimile, and a printer.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the copying machine 1. The copier 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a document reading unit 12, an image memory 13, an image processing unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an image forming unit 16, an input operation unit 17, and a network I / F unit 18. Configured.

  The control unit 10 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, reads a program stored in the storage unit 11 in accordance with an input instruction signal or the like, executes a process, and sends the processing to each functional unit. The copier 1 is comprehensively controlled by outputting an instruction signal, transferring data, and the like. The control unit 10 includes an image area detection unit 101, a tint block image generation unit 102, a contrast adjustment unit 103, and a print image generation unit 104.

  The image area detection unit 101 detects an image area occupied by characters or images on a sheet to be printed from a document original image created by document creation software or the like. As a method for detecting an image area, the margin area may be set as an area other than the image area (hereinafter referred to as “non-image area”) based on the margin information of the print setting condition, and the area other than the margin area may be set as the image area. Further, the image area may be detected by using a method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-222484.

  The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit 102 embeds the latent image in the background image to generate a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Specifically, the storage unit 11 stores a plurality of different background images and latent image images in advance (not shown), and the user selects arbitrary background images and latent image images via the input operation unit 17. The control unit 10 reads out the selected background image and latent image from the storage unit 11, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit 102 embeds the read-out latent image in the background image to generate a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image.

  The contrast adjustment unit 103 adjusts the contrast by changing the density of the background image and the latent image included in the generated tint block image. Details of the contrast adjustment between the background image and the latent image will be described later. The print image generation unit 104 generates a print image by superimposing the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the original image.

  The storage unit 11 stores programs, data, and the like for realizing various functions provided in the copying machine 1. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 11 stores a print program 111 and an image area detection program 112. The print program 111 is a program executed when an image is formed on a sheet based on an original image read by the original reading unit 12, and adjusts the contrast between the background image and the latent image in the image area and the non-image area. Thus, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated, and the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the original image are superimposed to generate a print image. The image area detection program 112 is a subroutine program of the print program 111 and is used to detect an area occupied by characters and images from a document image on a sheet to be printed.

  The document reading unit 12 reads a document with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and converts the read image into image data.

  The image memory 13 temporarily stores image data read by the document reading unit 12 and image data transmitted from an external device via the network I / F unit 18. The image processing unit 14 performs image processing such as image correction and enlargement / reduction on the image data stored in the image memory 13. The sheet feeding unit 15 feeds sheets one by one from the sheet feeding cassette and conveys them to the image forming unit 16.

  The image forming unit 16 forms an image on the paper based on the image data output from the image memory 13. The input operation unit 17 includes a display panel and various operation buttons, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 10 when an operation is performed by a user. The network I / F unit 18 includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and transmits / receives various data to / from an external device via a network (not shown) connected to the network I / F unit 18.

  FIG. 2A shows a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated by a conventional method, in which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which characters of “copy prohibited” are embedded in the background image 21 as a latent image 22 is printed on the entire sheet. FIG. 2B is a copy of the document 2. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the document 2 is copied by a copying machine, the dots constituting the latent image 22 have a size and density that can be resolved by the copying machine, so that the printed matter is faithfully printed. Is done. However, since the dots constituting the background image 21 are of a size that cannot be resolved by the copying machine, they are not printed or are lightly painted with light gray or the like as shown in FIG.

  In the original 2 on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated by such a conventional method is printed, the background image is displayed after copying on the display by using the display panel of the input operation unit 17 or the print preview function of the personal computer that created the original 2. It is possible to confirm how the image 21 and the latent image 22 become apparent. However, the background image 21 and the latent image 22 are formed with a contrast that is difficult to identify with the naked eye, even if it is desired to confirm on the paper what kind of copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is actually formed. Is difficult. In order to check the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, there is no method other than copying the document 2, and it takes time and effort to copy the paper. Therefore, a method for allowing the user to easily check the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image without copying a document on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed will be described below.

  FIG. 3A shows a manuscript 3 created by document creation software or the like. When the user prints a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the document 3, the document reading unit 12 first reads the document image of the document 3. Then, the control unit 10 reads and executes the print program 111, and then the image area detection program 112 is executed as a subroutine program. In accordance with the execution of the image area detection program 112, the image area detection unit 101 detects an image area in which characters, images, and the like are formed in the document 3. That is, the image area detection unit 101 detects an area surrounded by the frame 31 as an image area of the document 3 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the area inside the frame 31 is referred to as an image area 41, and the area outside the frame 31 is referred to as a non-image area 42.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the tint block image generation unit 102 generates a tint block image to be arranged on the entire sheet. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated here is low enough that the contrast between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 is difficult to identify with the naked eye. That is, a conventional tint block image is generated.

  Then, the contrast adjusting unit 103 makes the density difference between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 different between the image area 41 and the non-image area 42. Specifically, the contrast between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 formed in the non-image area 42 is increased so that the user can easily confirm the state of the tint block image that becomes apparent when the document 3 is copied. To do. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, the background image 21 and the latent image in the non-image area 42 are set by making the density of the latent image 22 in the non-image area 42 higher than the density of the latent image 22 in the image area 41. The contrast of the image 22 is increased. Alternatively, the density of the background image 21 in the non-image area 42 may be made lower than the density of the background image 21 in the image area 41. Of course, the density of both the background image 21 and the latent image 22 in the non-image area 42 may be changed in the direction in which the contrast increases.

  In this way, by increasing the contrast between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 in the non-image area 42, the user can easily recognize the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and copy the document 3 to confirm the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. There is no need for trouble. In addition, the image area 41 in which characters and images are formed has the same background pattern image (the contrast between the background image 21 and the background pattern image 22 is low enough to be difficult to identify with the naked eye). The legibility of the image is not impaired. Furthermore, if the contrast between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 is increased, the latent image (warning characters or the like) can be clearly shown, so that the psychological deterrent effect against unauthorized copying can be enhanced.

  Here, the contrast adjustment unit 103 may perform contrast adjustment using a predetermined contrast that is easy for the user to visually recognize the background image 21 and the latent image 22 formed on the document 3. You may make it perform contrast adjustment based on the magnitude | size of the contrast instruct | indicated and input from the input operation part 17. FIG. For example, when the user wants to easily check the background image 21 and the latent image 22, the user sets the contrast to a level that allows the contrast to be identified. FIG. 5 shows an example of the document 3 when printed with a large contrast. In addition, the contrast between the background image 21 and the latent image 22 in the non-image area 42 may be set to the same level as the background image and the latent image formed on the copy when the document 3 is copied.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow when the control unit 10 executes processing according to the print program 111, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow when the control unit 10 executes processing according to the image area detection program 112. The printing process according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  First, the control unit 10 displays a screen (not shown) for performing print settings on the display panel of the input operation unit 17. Via this print setting screen, the user can select and input various settings such as whether or not to print a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and whether or not the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image has a different contrast between the image area and the non-image area of the document. Do. When the contrast of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is not different between the image area and the non-image area of the document, that is, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image that appears after copying on the document is not confirmed (step S11; NO), the control unit 10 detects the image area. The process proceeds to step S13 without performing the process.

  When checking a tint block image that becomes apparent after copying on the document (step S11; YES), the control unit 10 reads the image area detection program 112 from the storage unit 11 and executes the process. The control unit 10 temporarily stores the document image in a work memory (not shown) included in the control unit 10 (step S21), and from this document image, the region occupied by the document image with respect to the sheet to be printed by the image region detection unit 101. (Image area) is detected (step S22). The image area detection unit 101 converts the detected image area into, for example, coordinate values on the paper (step S23), and the control unit 10 moves the process to step S13 of the printing process.

  Next, the background pattern image generation unit 102 generates a background pattern image (step S13). Specifically, first, the input operation unit 17 accepts selection of a background image and a latent image by the user. The storage unit 11 stores a plurality of different background images and latent image images in advance, and the user selects arbitrary background images and latent image images via a print setting screen displayed on the display panel. The latent image may be an arbitrary text character, an image read by a scanner, or the like in addition to the image stored in the storage unit 11. Then, the tint block image generation unit 102 embeds the latent image in the selected background image to generate a tint block image. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated in this step is formed so that the contrast between the background image and the latent image is low enough to be difficult to identify with the naked eye so as not to deteriorate the legibility of the original image.

  Next, when the image area is detected in step S12 (step S14; YES), the contrast adjustment unit 103 performs background image and latent image for the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in the image area and the non-image area. The contrast of the image is varied (step S15). That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in the non-image area is adjusted to be larger than the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in the image area.

  Subsequently, the print image generation unit 104 generates a print image by superimposing the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the original image (step S16), and the image forming unit 16 forms an image on a sheet based on the print image (step S16). S17). Then, the process ends.

  As described above, by increasing the contrast between the background image and the latent image formed in the non-image area of the document, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Eliminates the need for troublesome copying. In addition, the background image and the latent image formed in the image area have a contrast that is difficult to identify with the naked eye as in the past, so that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in the non-image area is maintained without impairing the legibility of characters and images on the document. The user can easily confirm how the image becomes apparent after copying. Furthermore, since the latent image (warning character or the like) can be clearly shown by increasing the contrast between the background image and the latent image, the psychological deterrent effect against unauthorized copying can be enhanced.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. In this embodiment, the copying machine having the function of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention has been described as an example. However, the present invention can also be realized by a computer such as a personal computer. In this case, the user creates a document with document creation software on a personal computer equipped with the function of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and instructs execution of printing. When printing execution is instructed, the control unit 10 in the personal computer reads the printing program 11 and executes processing. The print image generated by overlaying the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the document is output to an external printer via the network I / F unit 18 and printed.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine. The figure for demonstrating the conventional tint block image. The figure for demonstrating the image area | region detection method. The figure for demonstrating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in this Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in this Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing. The flowchart which shows the flow of an image area | region detection process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Copying machine (image forming device)
10 Control Unit 101 Image Area Detection Unit (Image Area Detection Unit)
102 Background pattern image generation unit (background pattern image generation means)
103 Contrast adjustment unit (contrast adjustment means)
104 Print image generation unit (print image generation means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Storage part 111 Print program 112 Image area detection program 12 Original reading part (reading means)
13 Image memory 14 Image processing unit 15 Paper feed unit 16 Image forming unit 17 Input operation unit (instruction input receiving means, selection input receiving means)
18 Network I / F section

Claims (6)

An image area detecting means for detecting an image area on which the image is formed on the recording medium from an original image used for image formation on the recording medium;
A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generating means for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a latent image that becomes apparent at the time of copying is embedded in a background image for an area corresponding to the entire surface of the recording medium;
Contrast adjustment means for adjusting the contrast of the background image and the latent image included in the generated tint block image to be different between the image region and a region other than the image region;
Print image generation means for generating a print image by superimposing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with the contrast adjusted and the document image;
An image processing apparatus.   2. The contrast adjustment unit, wherein the contrast between the background image and the latent image in a region other than the image region is larger than the contrast between the background image and the latent image in the image region. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Instruction input receiving means for receiving an instruction input of contrast between the background image and the latent image;
The contrast adjustment means has a contrast between the background image and the latent image different between the image area and an area other than the image area based on the contrast instruction received by the instruction input receiving means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is adjusted as follows. A selection input receiving means for receiving selection input as to whether or not the contrast of the background image and the latent image differs between the image area and the area other than the image area by the contrast adjustment means;
The contrast adjusting unit is configured so that the contrast between the background image and the latent image differs between the image region and the region other than the image region only when the selection input receiving unit receives a selection input that makes the contrast different. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein adjustment is performed. Reading means for reading a document image;
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Image forming means for forming the print image on a recording medium;
An image forming apparatus. Computer
An image area detecting means for detecting an image area on which the image is formed from a document image used for image formation on the recording medium;
A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generating means for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which a latent image that becomes apparent at the time of copying is embedded in a background image in an area corresponding to the entire surface of the recording medium
Contrast adjustment means for adjusting the contrast of the background image and the latent image included in the generated tint block image to be different between the image region and a region other than the image region;
Print image generating means for generating a print image by superimposing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with the contrast adjusted and the document image;
Image processing program to function as