JP2012244202A - Device capable of handling two-dimensional code, control method therefor, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To specify an effective area in a document when reading plural codes from plural document images, generating a new code on the basis of the codes, and arranging it on a document.SOLUTION: An effective area is specified from the number of white pixels included in image data of a document or code information.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of handling a two-dimensional code, a control method thereof, a program, and a storage medium.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a method of printing a document including a two-dimensional code by combining the two-dimensional codes so that they can be decoded later when they are copied with N-UP settings. Yes.

JP 2009-130819 A

  However, there are cases where a two-dimensional code is not added when only a part of a document having one two-dimensional code generated by such a technique is copied.

  For example, when two A4 originals are copied to an A3 original with 2 in-1 setting, it is assumed that a two-dimensional code is arranged at the upper right of the original. At this time, if only the left half original is copied at A4, the two-dimensional code is not included in the copy area, and the two-dimensional code is not added to the copy original.

An apparatus that reduces a first document image and a second document image to produce one output image,
Generating means for generating another code based on information included in the code of each manuscript image;
Detecting means for detecting an effective area of each document image;
An apparatus comprising: an arrangement unit that arranges the code generated by the generation unit in an area of a document detected by the detection unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to add a two-dimensional code when copying a part of a document copied with the N-UP setting.

It is a figure of the system (the 1) of the example in the present invention. It is a figure which shows the information contained in the two-dimensional code. It is a figure which shows a two-dimensional code. It is a processing flowchart of the Example in this invention. It is an effective area | region determination 1 processing flowchart of the Example in this invention. It is an effective area | region determination 2 processing flowchart of the Example in this invention. It is a figure of the system (the 2) of the Example in this invention.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system (part 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes only the MFP 105 as an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus may be anything as long as it can form an image on a memory or paper, and is not limited to an MFP (multi-functional printer).

  On the original 101, an image and a two-dimensional code 103 including information on the original 101 are printed.

  Similarly, a two-dimensional code 104 including an image and information related to the document 102 is printed on the document 102.

  The user sets a plurality of documents on a document table, reduces N (N is an integer of 2 or more) document images, uniformly synthesizes them on the same page, and prints them (hereinafter referred to as N-UP setting). The MFP 105 is instructed to perform copying at.

  When the document 101 and the document 102 are scanned by the MFP 105, the MFP 105 detects and decodes the two-dimensional code 103 and the two-dimensional code 104 included in the document 101 and the document 102.

  The information included in the two-dimensional code printed on the original includes information on the security of the original such as whether the original is copy prohibited, copy permitted, or conditional copy permitted such as a password or a login user. This information is hereinafter referred to as security information. The security information is not limited to information relating to copying permission / non-permission, and any information may be used as long as it relates to document security. For example, the security information may include information relating to scanning permission / non-permission, information relating to permission / non-permission of transmission to the outside, information relating to permission / non-permission of storage in a memory in the MFP, and the like.

  Next, there is information necessary to track who has instructed the output (creation) of the printed output. This information is hereinafter referred to as tracking information. Note that while the original is a paper to be scanned, the printed output is a paper on which some information is printed. When the printed output is a scan target, the document is equal to the printed output, so there is no substantial difference between the two.

  The tracking information includes, for example, the user name (User Name) of the user who instructed the output of the printed output, the serial number (Serial No.) of the image forming apparatus, the output time (Time) of the printed output, The name of the production company (Vendor) of the image forming apparatus is included.

  Since not only the user name but also other information mentioned above may indirectly help track who has instructed the output of the printed output, such information is also included in the meaning of the word tracking information. In the embodiment, it is included.

  In this embodiment, there are two types of information included in the two-dimensional code. Furthermore, it is assumed that the size of a two-dimensional code that can include these two types of information one by one (that is, two information in total) is defined.

  Only the two-dimensional code having the specified size is detected as a two-dimensional code.

  Further, by decoding the two-dimensional code, information included in these two-dimensional codes can be extracted. The MFP 105 determines which information is to be included in the printout 106 based on a setting (setting in the MFP 105) based on an instruction from a user or an administrator in advance, and encodes the information determined to be included. .

  The two-dimensional code 107 generated in this way is combined with an image reduced based on the N-UP setting, and a printed output 106 is output.

  As a result, for the two-dimensional code 107 of the printed output 106, the minimum necessary information is selected from the information contained in the two-dimensional code 103 of the original 101 and the two-dimensional code 104 of the original 102, and is inherited. Will be.

  Here, the definitions of the terms “decode” and “encode” in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating information included in the two-dimensional code. For example, the security information indicating “copy permission” is included in the two-dimensional code as command information in a tag format of “Security: copy_ok”.

  FIG. 3 shows a two-dimensional code obtained by coding the tag format instruction information shown in FIG.

  Decoding means extracting information (for example, information shown in FIG. 2) from a code such as a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, and a digital watermark, for example. Encoding means from information included in the code. Represents the generation of code.

  The above is the definition of decoding and encoding in the present embodiment.

  In the present embodiment and the like, the processing is mainly described in the case of a two-dimensional code. However, the above processing can be applied to codes other than the two-dimensional code, such as a one-dimensional code and a digital watermark. Those skilled in the art can easily understand.

  FIG. 4 is a processing flowchart of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The MFP 105 can accept pressing of a start button for starting copying after accepting an N-UP setting instruction from the user on the operation screen.

  Each process in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is started when the MFP 105 performs N-UP setting based on an N-UP setting instruction from the user and then the start button of the MFP 105 is pressed.

  Also, the processing of each step from step S1001 to S1015 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 can be executed by being controlled centrally by the CPU in the MFP 105.

  In step S1001, L documents on the document table are scanned to generate a document image as an electrical signal.

  Here, since the MFP 105 is based on the assumption that the N-UP setting is performed, it is assumed that the number of documents placed on the document table is L (where L is an integer equal to or greater than N).

  Further, in step S1001, N original images synthesized on the same page at the time of output are selected as a set from among the L original images generated in step S1001, and the process proceeds to step S1002.

  For example, when seven documents are placed on the document table and scanned with the 4-UP setting, the first page, the second page, the third page, the fourth page, the fifth page, the sixth page, and the seventh page The original image of the page is selected as a separate set.

  In step S1002, it is detected whether or not a two-dimensional code is included in each of all document images selected in step S1001.

  If no single two-dimensional code is detected in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1015.

  In step S1015, information having the lowest copy prohibition degree (for example, information indicating copy permission) is selected as security information among the security information that can be set in the MFP 105.

  In step S1015, the security information with the lowest copy prohibition level is automatically selected. However, the user may select the security information from the security information that can be set in the MFP 105.

  Further, as tracking information, current information (the current information is the user name of the user who instructed the output of the printed output, the serial number of the image forming device, the output time of the printed output, and the image forming device. Including production company information).

  On the other hand, if a two-dimensional code is detected in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether there are a plurality of two-dimensional codes detected in step S1002.

  If a plurality of two-dimensional codes are not detected in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1013, the only detected two-dimensional code is decoded, and the process proceeds to step S1014.

  In step S1014, security information and tracking information included in the two-dimensional code are selected from the result of decoding in step S1013, and the process proceeds to step S1008 to delete the two-dimensional code included in the document image.

  On the other hand, when a plurality of two-dimensional codes are detected in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1004.

  In step S1004, all the two-dimensional codes included in the document image (that is, all the two-dimensional codes detected in step S1002) are decoded one by one, and information included in these two-dimensional codes is extracted. If information can be extracted, it will transfer to step S1005.

  In step S1005, among the information obtained by decoding in step S1004, the security levels (in the present embodiment, the degree of copy prohibition) in the plurality of security information are compared with each set in the MFP 105, and the process proceeds to step S1006. Transition.

  Needless to say, in the three stages of copy permission, conditional copy permission, and copy prohibition, the copy prohibition degree increases in the order described here.

  In this embodiment, the copy prohibition degree is taken as an example of the security level. However, any security level may be used as long as it represents a difference in security-related levels. For example, the security information may include the scan prohibition level, the external transmission prohibition level, the storage prohibition level in the HDD in the MFP, and the like.

  For example, when two originals are scanned with the 2-UP setting, it is assumed that the first page includes copy permission information and the second page includes password permission information as a two-dimensional code.

  In this case, the security information with the highest security level (copy prohibition degree in this embodiment) selected in step S1006 is not a copy permission that allows copying unconditionally, but a password that only a person who knows the password can copy. Copy permission.

  In step S1006, first, security information with the highest security level is selected from the security levels compared in step S1005. Then, the tracking information attached to the selected security information (that is, the tracking information included in the same two-dimensional code as the security information having the highest security level) is selected.

  Here, the reason for selecting the tracking information attached to the security information with the highest security level is based on the following concept.

  A person who has output a printed output with a high degree of copy prohibition must be responsible for managing the printed output, and even if the image in the printed output is reduced by the N-UP setting, the printed output The responsibility of the person who output the object never disappears.

  Therefore, when N-UP copying (copying with N-UP setting) is performed, tracking information for tracking a person who has output a printed output of security information with a higher degree of copy inhibition is selected.

  For example, there are two originals, a copy-permitted document created by the MFP 1051 according to Mr. A's instruction at 20xx / yy / zz and a copy-permitted document with password created by the MFP 1052 according to Mr. B's instruction at 20aa / bb / cc. To do. Then, it is assumed that Mr. C has instructed copying of these two originals with the 2-UP setting. The first copy-permitted document is a document including security information indicating copy permission as a two-dimensional code. The second copy-permitted document with password is a document including security information indicating that copying is permitted only when a password is input as a two-dimensional code.

  In this case, the security information that is determined to have the highest security level (copy prohibition degree) in step S1006 is the copy permission with password included in the second original.

  Therefore, the security information of copy permission with password and the tracking information indicating 20aa / bb / cc, Mr. B, and the MFP 1052 are added as a two-dimensional code to the printed output of Mr. C.

  If the security levels compared in step S1005 are the same, the same security level as that included in the document is selected as the security level to be added when the printed output is output.

  For example, it is assumed that there are two originals, a copy-permitted original created by the MFP 1061 according to Mr. D's instruction at 20 uu / vv / www and a copy-permitted original created by the MFP 1062 according to the instruction from Mr. E at 20 dd / ee / ff. Assume that Mr. F has instructed to copy the two originals with the 2-UP setting.

  The first document is a document including security information indicating copy permission as a two-dimensional code, and the second document is a document including security information indicating copy permission as a two-dimensional code.

  In this case, the security information determined as the highest security level in step S1006 is copy permission included in the first and second originals.

  As the tracking information selected at this time, the oldest information is selected from the first and second tracking information.

  Here, the reason for selecting the oldest information is based on the following concept.

  Basically, a person who outputs a printout with a high security level must be responsible for managing the printout, and takes over information to identify the person who printed the printout with a high security level. .

  However, if the security level is the same, by identifying the person who printed the printed matter with a higher security level earlier, the information leakage source that first leaked the information can be easily identified, and a paper medium was created. Information sources can also be identified.

  Therefore, the copy permission security information and tracking information indicating 20 dd / ee / ff, Mr. E, and the MFP 1062 are added to the printed output of Mr. F as a two-dimensional code.

  Further, there are two originals including a password-permitted copy manuscript created by the MFP 1071 according to Mr. G's instruction at 20rr / ss / tt and a password-permitted copy manuscript created by the MFP 1072 according to Mr. H's instruction at 20 gg / hh / ii. Suppose there was. Assume that Mr. I has instructed copying of these two originals with the 2-UP setting.

  The first document is a document that includes security information indicating permission of copying with a password as a two-dimensional code, and the second document is also a document that also includes security information indicating permission of copying with a password as a two-dimensional code. It is. Assume that Mr. F has instructed to copy the two originals with the 2-UP setting.

  The first document is a document that includes security information indicating permission of copying with a password as a two-dimensional code, and the second document is also a document that also includes security information indicating permission of copying with a password as a two-dimensional code. It is.

  In this case, the security information determined as having the highest security level in step S1006 is a copy permission with a password included in the first and second originals.

  At this time, the password carried over to the printed output is the password attached to the oldest of the tracking information of the first and second sheets. This is based on the idea that the oldest information mentioned earlier is more important.

  As the tracking information selected at this time, the oldest information is selected for the same reason.

  Therefore, the printed output of Mr. I is added with security information for permission to copy with the password set by Mr. H, and tracking information indicating 20 gg / hh / ii, Mr. H, and the MFP 1072, as a two-dimensional code. It will be.

  In step S1008, the area where the two-dimensional code included in the document image exists is painted white, and the two-dimensional code is deleted. This process is performed for all document images including the two-dimensional code.

  In this embodiment, the whitening of the region where the two-dimensional code exists means that the pixel value of each pixel in the region is 0 (each pixel is white).

  In this way, by deleting the two-dimensional code existing in the document, the two-dimensional code including only necessary information is printed on the printed output. For example, detection and decoding of the two-dimensional code are performed. It can be done with shorter time.

  If the two-dimensional code of the original image is deleted, the process proceeds to step S1009.

  In step S1009, a new two-dimensional code is generated based on the information selected in steps S1006, S1014, and S1015.

  At this time, the encoding is performed so that a two-dimensional code having the same size as the two-dimensional code of the specified size added to the scanned originals 101 and 102 is generated. It should be noted that the two-dimensional code thus generated can be generated with the same size as the two-dimensional code added to the scanned originals 101 and 102 through security information and tracking information one by one through step S1006. It is because it narrowed down to.

  Alternatively, the current security information and tracking information are selected one by one through step S1015.

  Alternatively, the security information and the tracking information included in the only two-dimensional code are selected one by one through step S1014.

  As described above, in this embodiment or the like, when security information and tracking information are selected one by one, the two-dimensional code including such information fits within the specified size.

  Of course, when there is less information (in the case of only security information or only in the case of tracking information), it goes without saying that the two-dimensional code including that information fits within the specified size.

  In the present embodiment and the like, one piece of tracking information does not mean only the user name (User Name) and only the serial number (Serial No.).

  One piece of tracking information includes the user name (User Name), the serial number (Serial No.) of the image forming apparatus, the output time (Time) of the printed output, and the name of the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus (Vendor). Means one in the set.

  In step S1010, N document images are reduced in accordance with the N-UP setting, and the reduced images are allocated in one image area. As a result, a new original image is obtained. After the allocation, go to step S1011.

  In step S1011, a region for combining the two-dimensional code generated in step S1009 is determined by means for detecting a region where a valid image exists in one original image obtained in step S1010.

  In step S1012, the new original image obtained in step S1010 and the two-dimensional code generated in step S1009 are combined with the combination area determined in step S1011.

  Thereafter, the composite image is used as output image data. By processing in this way, a two-dimensional code is included in the output image.

  Thereafter, the MFP 105 prints the output image data as a printed output only when copying is permitted.

  Whether or not copying is permitted is determined based on information having the highest security level among the security information included in the N document image originals selected in S1001. For example, when the information with the highest security level is copy permission information with a password, it is determined by prompting the user to input a password and determining whether or not the password is correct. If it is correct, copying is allowed, and if it is wrong, copying is prohibited.

  FIG. 5 is an effective area determination 1 process flow diagram of the embodiment of the present invention.

  In step S2001, white pixels existing in the document image are calculated for N document images to be subjected to N-UP setting.

  The reason why white pixels are calculated here is because it is assumed that a document image having many white pixels is a blank sheet.

  The white pixel calculation method may determine whether the pixel is a value that means a white pixel. The target for detecting white pixels may be all the pixels in the document image, or a part of the document image.

  In step S2002, the calculated number of white pixels is compared. In this comparison, the size of each document image may be compared, or a threshold value may be set in advance to compare whether the threshold value is exceeded.

  In step S2003, an effective region is determined from the comparison result of the number of white pixels. An original image having the largest number of white pixels may be determined as an effective area, or an original image arranged at a specific location such as the first page in an original image exceeding a threshold value may be determined as an effective area.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the effective area determination 2 process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S3001, the two-dimensional code added to the N document images that are targets of N-UP setting is decoded. Since step S3001 is the same process as step S1004, these may be integrated. In step S3002, the security levels of the decoded two-dimensional code are compared. In this comparison, the respective security levels may be compared, or whether or not a certain security level is exceeded may be compared.

  In step S3003, a document image with a high security level is determined as an effective area. If there is a document with the same security level, a document image arranged at a specific location such as the first page is determined as an effective area. Also, when there are a plurality of documents exceeding a certain security level, the document image placed at a specific location may be determined as an effective area.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram of a system (part 2) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A two-dimensional code 204, a two-dimensional code 205, and a two-dimensional code 206 are added to the original 201, the original 202, and the original 203, respectively, and these originals are copied by the MFP 105 with 2-UP setting. The MFP 105 scans the original 201 and the original 202, and detects and decodes the two-dimensional code 204 and the two-dimensional code 205 included therein. Next, the MFP 105 selects the decoded security information and generates a two-dimensional code 209 based on the selected security information. Then, the image is combined with the reduced original image based on the 2-UP setting, and the printed matter 207 is output. The combination position of the two-dimensional code 209 may be determined by comparing the number of white pixels in the original 201 and the original 202, or may be determined from the security levels of the two-dimensional code 204 and the two-dimensional code 205.

  Subsequently, the MFP 105 scans the document 203 to detect and decode the two-dimensional code 206. Since the MFP 105 processes only one document, the security information of the two-dimensional code 206 is passed on to the two-dimensional code 210 as it is. Further, the MFP 105 reduces the document 203, combines it with the two-dimensional code 210, and outputs a printed matter 208. When white pixels are calculated for a reduced image, it can be seen that there is image data above the printed material 208 but no image data below the printed material 208. Therefore, the two-dimensional code 210 is arranged on the upper side of the printed matter 208 from the comparison result of the number of white pixels. Even when the security level is compared, since the two-dimensional code does not exist below the printed material 208, the two-dimensional code 210 is arranged above the printed material 208.

101, 102 Document 103, 104 Two-dimensional code 105 MFP

Claims (4)

An apparatus that reduces a first document image and a second document image to produce one output image,
Generating means for generating another code based on information included in the code of each manuscript image;
Detecting means for detecting an effective area of each document image;
An apparatus comprising: an arrangement unit that arranges the code generated by the generation unit in an area of a document detected by the detection unit. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code generated by the generation unit is not arranged by the arrangement unit for a document whose effective area is not detected by the detection unit. An apparatus that reduces a first document image and a second document image to produce one output image,
A generation step of generating another code based on information included in the code of each document image;
A detection step of detecting an effective area of each document image;
A placement step of placing the code generated in the generation step in a region of the document detected in the detection step. The method according to claim 3, wherein the code generated by the generation step is not arranged by the arrangement step for the document whose effective area is not detected in the detection step.