JP2893080B2 - Image processing method and apparatus, and copier, scanner, and printer using the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus suitable for preventing reading, printing, and the like of a document for which copying of bills, securities, and the like is prohibited, and a copying machine equipped with the same. , Scanners and printers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of a copying apparatus such as a full-color copying machine in recent years, the image quality of a copied image has reached a level indistinguishable from the original image and the naked eye, and such a faithful copy can be easily obtained. Was. However, it is necessary to consider that although the copying of banknotes and securities is originally prohibited in society, the risk of misuse for counterfeiting increases.Therefore, a counterfeiting prevention device for preventing such danger is required. Various types have been developed. And as one of them,
For example, there is an image processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-210591.

That is, such a processing apparatus is mounted on a full-color digital copying machine which reads an original image placed on an original platen and performs a copying process by scanning the entire surface of an original four times. When a document on the table is placed, the banknote will be roughly present based on the watermark B of the banknote A (see FIG. 45) to be counterfeited to be prevented from being forged by the first scan. Detect the correct position.

At the time of the second scan, an accurate position and an angle of the bill (accurate position coordinates of the bill on the platen) are detected based on the position of the watermark B. That is, the length and size of the bill A to be detected
Since the shape is known in advance, the edge (hatched portion) C of the bill A is extracted by binarizing it with a predetermined threshold value, and the coordinates (x1, y
1), (x2, y2) are obtained.

[0005] As a result, the inclination θ is obtained, so that during the third scan, a red stamp that is present in the case of a banknote is obtained from the accurate position (coordinates and angle θ of the vertex D of the document) obtained at the second scan. The position coordinates (x3, y3) of E are calculated, and based on the calculated position coordinates, an image of an area where the red seal is present is extracted, and it is determined whether or not the image is a red seal.

As described above, by performing the scan three times, it is determined whether or not the detection target (a bill in this example) is placed on the platen, and the bill or the like is placed on the platen and copied. If it is detected that the data is about to be copied, a predetermined forgery prevention process such as displaying the entire screen in black or prohibiting copying is performed at the fourth scan.

[0007]

However, the above-mentioned conventional device requires a very large memory capacity corresponding to at least the size of a bill or the like to be detected. This inevitably causes a problem that the types of bills and the like that can be detected are reduced.

Further, three scans are required to determine whether or not the document placed on the document table is a copy-prohibited material such as a bill.
If the document is tampered with, the position of the red seal E cannot be obtained, and as a result, it cannot be detected that the document being processed is the bill A to be detected.

In order to solve such a problem, for example, as shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, a guide line F composed of a wide solid line or a broken line is printed so as to surround a specific pattern E. It is conceivable to cut out the inside of the area surrounded by the guide line F and determine whether or not there is a predetermined specific pattern. That is, when the guide line F as shown is used, separation from other image information is easy, and the calculation of the inclination and angle and the calculation of the vertex coordinates can be easily performed using the straight line portion. I can do it accurately.

However, with such a configuration, since the guide line F is conspicuous (has a large characteristic), its existence, and furthermore, the existence of the specific pattern E specified by the guide line F can be easily visually recognized. As a result, the guide line F or the specific pattern E is likely to be falsified (addition of an extra line or erasing a part thereof). May not be determined as a specific pattern.

Furthermore, the conventional method and the guide wire F
Is suitable as a feature amount from a symbol present in a document in which copying or the like is prohibited, such as a red seal of a banknote (can be reliably determined, and general copying or the like is not prohibited) (It does not exist in the manuscript) A specific pattern is set as appropriate and pattern matching is performed with it.There are many types of manuscripts where copying etc. is prohibited even in Japan, and all such manuscripts are If such an attempt is made, an enormous amount of memory capacity and processing time are required, and the original functions such as real-time copy processing are impaired. In addition, three scans are required until a copy-prohibited item is finally determined, which is a bottleneck in high-speed processing.

Further, if a copy-prohibited material such as a new pattern appears after the copying machine or the like is manufactured, it cannot be detected or responded to, and a new characteristic amount is determined for detection.
It is necessary to make the copier or the like learn, which is complicated. The problem becomes even more pronounced when including foreign countries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to solve the above-described various problems. More specifically, a specific pattern exists in a document. Image processing method and apparatus, and a copying machine, a scanner, and a printer using the same, which can surely recognize the case, and can also specify the location of the pattern, thereby making it possible to cut out and determine a specific pattern easily and accurately. Is to provide. As another object, the number of scans to be performed for detecting / determining a specific pattern is made as small as possible, preferably one time, and as another object, the specific pattern itself (recognizing the position of the specific pattern and the like). If there is a positioning mark for positioning, include the presence of the positioning mark)
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and apparatus which are difficult to be identified by a person other than the party, and as a result, are difficult to be tampered with, and a copying machine and the like using the same.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the image processing method according to the present invention, a predetermined identical mark present in given image data is detected and its location is stored. Then, based on the detected position data of the mark, the number of marks existing on the outer periphery of a certain figure is obtained, and a specific pattern for specifying the detection target in the image data is obtained from the total number of marks. It is determined whether or not to do so (claim 1).

[0015] Preferably, the above-described processing is performed on a dummy mark which is the same as or similar to the mark at a predetermined position of the detection target. The arrangement position at this time is, in the case of the same mark, to be arranged at a position different from the outer periphery where the original mark constituting the specific pattern is arranged, and in the case of a similar mark, the arrangement is made. The position is arbitrary. More preferably, a specific pattern composed of a plurality of identical marks arranged on the outer periphery of a certain figure is arranged with the same mark also at the center of gravity.

[0016] The specific pattern composed of the plurality of marks is also conditioned on the relative existence positions of the marks arranged on a certain outer periphery, and the total number of marks existing on the outer periphery of the certain figure, It may be determined whether or not a specific pattern for specifying a detection target exists in the image data, based on the position data on the outer periphery of a certain figure (claim 4).

An apparatus for carrying out the above-mentioned various methods includes, for example, mark detection means for detecting a predetermined mark formed at a predetermined position of a detection target in given image data; A specific pattern detecting means for receiving the position information of the mark detected by the means and determining the presence or absence of a specific pattern on condition that at least a predetermined number of marks exist on the outer periphery of a certain figure. be able to. The configuration of the above-described positioning mark detecting means can be basically used as the mark detecting means (claim 5).

Preferably, the specific pattern detection means performs weighting such that the coefficient decreases as the distance from the outer periphery of the figure increases, and considers the number of the detected marks and the coefficient of the position of the mark. Then, a specific pattern is detected (claim 6).
Further, as the specific pattern detecting means, a fitness calculating means for calculating the fitness of the specific pattern likeness based on at least the number of the detected marks, and the fitness calculated by the fitness calculating means is a certain value or more. In this case, it is more preferable to include a matching means for performing rotation pattern matching with at least one reference pattern prepared in advance and detecting a desired specific pattern (claim 7).

Further, in the copying machine, the scanner and the printer according to the present invention, any one of the above image processing apparatuses is mounted, and the image data output from the original reading means of the copying machine is converted into a color signal. Means to input to the image processing device in parallel with the means,
Input / output signals to the control means of the scanner or the printer are input in parallel to the image processing apparatus.

Then, the predetermined pattern is detected based on the image data obtained by the predetermined scan, and it is determined whether or not the specific pattern exists in the original being copied. When it is determined that the pattern has the specific pattern, a control signal is sent to the processing means to control predetermined processing of copying, image reading, and output (printout).

[0021]

When a specific pattern is formed by arranging a plurality of identical marks in a predetermined positional relationship, the mark detection processing by the mark detection means includes the presence of the mark in given image data. Whether a mark is detected or not is acquired, and the position coordinate data is acquired. Since the specific pattern is basically formed by arranging a predetermined number of marks on the outer periphery of a certain figure, the specific pattern detecting means counts the number of marks existing on the outer periphery of the certain figure. By determining whether the value is a predetermined number (a certain margin may be provided above and below), the presence or absence of a specific pattern can be easily determined and real-time determination can be performed.

Further, if there are a plurality of predetermined numbers serving as judgment criteria, the pattern constituted by the detected marks is compared with a plurality of reference values in order, and it is also determined based on which number the specific pattern is detected. Upon detection, code information can be added to a specific pattern, and more complex detection can be performed, and security can be increased so as not to be erroneously recognized.

When weighting is performed based on the existence position, the coefficient decreases as the distance from the predetermined distance increases, while the mark exists at a position slightly deviated from the predetermined distance due to printing deviation or detection error. Even
Since the total number of marks is counted, the specific pattern can be reliably detected without erroneous recognition or erroneous detection.

If the position (relative position) of each mark on the outer periphery of a certain figure is also used as the detection condition of the specific pattern, first, the number of marks detected by the matching degree calculation means is calculated. Based on the calculated degree of conformity of the specific pattern, the pattern matching with at least one reference pattern prepared in advance is performed when the degree of conformity calculated by the degree of matching calculated by the matching means is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It is determined whether there is a pattern that matches. In this way, by giving the specific pattern the angle information, the determination process can be performed with higher accuracy. On the other hand, the pre-processing (refinement) of obtaining the degree of conformity without considering the angle information is performed. Since the number of times of performing is small, the processing speed is maintained at a high speed.

Further, the marks constituting the specific pattern are as follows:
Since it is sufficient if the coordinates can be specified, the size can be reduced and is not noticeable, and it is difficult for a third party to specify a specific mark having a predetermined positional relationship from the positioning marks. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to perform a copying operation or the like without detecting a positioning mark or a specific pattern by falsifying a predetermined portion in the document, the mark or the like cannot be specified. It is unlikely that it will match a real mark. Therefore, a detection target such as a bill is surely detected. When the dummy mark is formed together with the positioning mark, the falsification suppressing effect is further improved.

Further, when a banknote or the like is to be copied using a copier equipped with the image processing apparatus of the present invention, or when a document is read or printed out using a scanner or a printer, the document to be processed is processed. When it detects a specific pattern that exists inside, it issues a copy stop command, etc.
Copying, reading, and printing out of the same thing are not performed.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention and a copying machine using the same will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an apparatus for achieving the same object as the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this example, when an attempt is made to copy a banknote or the like for which copying is prohibited using the full-color copying machine, the copying process is detected and detected. 2 shows a processing device for stopping. That is, as shown in the figure, image information read by an image sensor of the copying machine is input to the positioning mark detecting means 1. This image information is sequentially transmitted in real time by a predetermined area as the scanning by the image sensor such as a CCD advances. As specific data, red (R), which is full-color information, For each of the green (G) and blue (B) components, 4
The resolution is 00 DPI.

The positioning mark detecting means 1
Then, using a mask or the like of a predetermined size, it is checked whether or not there is a positioning mark in the area by pattern matching, and a candidate pattern which is likely to be a specific pattern to be detected by the positioning mark is identified. (For example, the center of gravity for a triangle, the position of the vertex of a corner for a rectangular shape, etc.), and send the data to the specific pattern cutting means 2 at the next stage.

The specific pattern cutting means 2
In the above, based on given existence position (reference position) data, a predetermined portion in an image read using the control CPU is cut out, and a comparison pattern for performing pattern matching in a subsequent process is created. .
Then, the comparison pattern is sent to the specific pattern matching means 3 which is the next-stage matching means.

The specific pattern matching means 3 obtains the conformity of the comparison pattern to the reference pattern (specific pattern) by fuzzy pattern matching, determines whether the comparison pattern is a specific pattern or not, and at least determines whether the comparison pattern is a specific pattern. It outputs a control signal.

That is, as one embodiment of the image processing method of the present invention performed by using this embodiment, the data read by the ordinary copying machine is detected by the positioning mark detecting means 1 at the first scan. The candidate pattern (area to be cut out), which seems to be a specific pattern calculated based on the position where the positioning mark exists, is cut out by the specific pattern cutout means 2 at the time of the second scan and is converted into a candidate pattern of the area cut out by the specific pattern matching means. After performing predetermined processing for the pattern, pattern matching based on fuzzy inference is performed to determine whether or not the pattern is a specific pattern.

Before performing pattern matching using a precise image relatively close to the original image in the pattern matching means 3, processing targets are narrowed down by searching for positioning marks. It can be performed simply and at high speed, and the number of actual fuzzy inference processing targets (the number of times) can be reduced. Also, while each processing is being performed, other means, such as processing for reading an image and searching for a positioning mark, are being performed. Therefore, other processing is temporarily suspended while performing the determination processing and the like. It can be performed in real time and at high speed.

Next, a specific example of the above-described image processing method will be described. First, the positioning marks used in this example will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the positioning marks 4 surrounded by the dashed rectangles are formed of triangles in this example, and three or more (four in this example) such positioning marks 4 are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship. It is composed. Moreover, the four positioning marks 4 are arranged at the vertices of an asymmetrical square (other than a square).

Thus, if four positioning marks 4 having a predetermined positional relationship are detected, each mark 4
From the position coordinates, the direction and position of the document on the document table, that is, the relative existence position of each mark 4 and the specific pattern 6 can be uniquely specified. As a result, the positioning mark 4 can be detected by one recognition process, and based on it, the position of the candidate pattern that is likely to be a specific pattern can be accurately and quickly specified, and high-speed processing can be performed.

Further, since each positioning mark 4 only needs to be able to specify the coordinate position where the mark exists, it can be made smaller (compared to the guide line), making it difficult for a third party to understand its existence. But the recognition rate does not decrease. And by making this small,
The size of the window for detecting this can be reduced, the circuit for detecting the positioning mark 4 can be formed with a simple and inexpensive circuit, and the processing speed can be increased.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of dummy marks 5 similar to the positioning marks 4 are arranged around the plurality of positioning marks 4. Specifically, the positioning mark 4
, But each side is shortened. As a result, since there are many similar marks at first glance, it is difficult to notice that some of the marks constitute the positioning mark 4, and if any of the marks is used for positioning. It is difficult to specify whether the mark is a mark 4. Therefore, the document is less likely to be falsified, and if the document being processed is one whose copying is prohibited, it can be reliably detected. In particular, in the illustrated example, for the sake of convenience, the shape of the dummy mark 5 is uniformly set to the same shape (a triangle slightly smaller than the positioning mark 4), but a plurality of types of dummy marks 5 having different sizes are prepared.
By appropriately arranging them, it is possible to make it more difficult to identify the real positioning mark 4.

With this configuration, in the illustrated example, the pattern (“A”) 6 surrounded by the positioning marks 4 is extracted and cut out as a candidate pattern, but the pattern (“B”) 7 that is not surrounded is It is not extracted or cut out. In the illustrated example, the positioning mark 4 is surrounded by a dashed square for convenience of explanation, but the dashed square is not actually printed.

The specific pattern need not be limited to characters or symbols having a specific meaning as shown in FIG. 2, but may be, for example, in a predetermined area 6 'surrounded by positioning marks 4 as shown in FIG. May be an aggregate of a plurality of pattern elements 6'a arranged in a predetermined positional relationship.

In particular, as shown, each pattern element 6'a
Has the same shape as the dummy mark 5, it becomes more difficult to specify which is a positioning mark, which is a mark constituting a specific pattern, and which is a dummy mark irrelevant to those determinations. The possibility of tampering is reduced as much as possible.

The pattern element 6'a does not necessarily have to be the same as the dummy mark 5, but may be similar or may be the same or similar to the positioning mark 4. Also, a pattern or the like that has nothing to do with them may of course be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, dummy marks 4'a to 4'c composed of the same marks as the positioning marks 4a to 4d may be arranged. That is, in the present example, the four positioning marks 4a to 4d are each recognized as a real positioning mark only when they match as a mark and the relative positional relationship also matches, and a predetermined area is cut out. If even one is missing (there is no mark at the position corresponding to 4d in the illustrated example), it is not recognized as a positioning mark, and therefore the pattern "B" 7 is not cut out. In this way, by arranging the same mark as the positioning mark as a dummy, it becomes extremely difficult for a person who has attempted misuse to know the exact position of the positioning mark and / or the specific pattern.

Further, in each of the examples shown in the above figures, the specific patterns 6, 6 '
4a to 4d, it is formed in a predetermined region of the internal space, but the present invention is not limited to this.
If it is in a predetermined relative positional relationship from the outside, it may be outside.

That is, for example, taking FIG. 4 as an example, of the four positioning marks 4a to 4d, the pattern "B" which is located a predetermined distance outward from the vertices 4d and 4c of the longest side is determined. It may be a specific pattern, that is, a region to be cut out. And 4 as described above
Since the square formed by the positioning marks 4a to 4d is asymmetric, the region to be extracted and cut out can be uniquely obtained, so that the region can be easily and accurately specified.

Next, a specific configuration of each means of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 which is a first embodiment of the image processing apparatus of the present invention for carrying out the image processing method will be described. First, an example of the positioning mark detecting means 1 for detecting the positioning mark has a block configuration as shown in FIG. That is, given image data (RG
The gradation data (shading data) for the B data is converted into binary data by a predetermined threshold in the binarization processing unit 11, and the converted binary image is temporarily stored in the plurality of line memories 12. By appropriately setting the threshold value for binarization, for example, the pixel where the positioning mark exists can be set to black, and the outside (background side) can be all set to white.

Further, the output of the binarization processing section 11 is sent to the search section 13 via the line memory 12. The search unit 13 uses an n × m (n and m may be the same value or different values) mask or the like, and uses a predetermined pattern (positioning mark) existing in given image data (after binarization). ), Which is specifically as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the search unit 13 receives a flip-flop group 13a and the output of the flip-flop group 13a, and receives a hit for specifying the position of a predetermined pattern (positioning mark). A coordinate output circuit 13b for obtaining point coordinates (each cell (pixel) constituting a mask, center coordinates in this example), a decode circuit 13c for checking the presence or absence of a positioning mark, and an output of the decode circuit 13c And a determination unit 13d that obtains and outputs the center coordinates when the positioning mark is detected.

Then, specifically, the flip-flop group 1
3a is as shown in FIG. That is, in this example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, an area of 3 pixels in the main scanning × 3 pixels in the sub-scanning is to be processed, and is composed of nine (3 × 3) flip-flops FF. From the image data stored in the line memory 12, the three pixels WI0, WI1, and WI2 arranged in the sub-scanning direction are shifted by the shift clock SC.
In synchronization with LK, the first-stage flip-flops F00 and F00
10, input to F20. And WI0, WI1, WI
2, new pixel data is sequentially input with a timing by the shift clock and transferred to the next flip-flop. The pixel data Q of the binary image input from the output terminal Q of each flip-flop
00, Q01, Q02, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q20, Q21, Q22
Is output. The output of the flip-flop is set to 1 when the pixel is a black pixel.

When the input of the pixel data is completed up to the end in the main scanning direction, the input is performed from the head by shifting one line in the sub-scanning direction. In other words, this is equivalent to moving an area (mask) of 3 × 3 pixels to be subjected to pattern detection on the document.

The outputs Q00, Q01, Q02, Q1
0, Q11, Q12, Q20, Q21, and Q22 are the decoding circuit 1
3c. This decoding circuit 13
c is as shown in FIG. 7. When the pattern of 3 × 3 pixels output from the flip-flop group 13 a is a certain pattern (the central pixel is black and the other eight surrounding pixels are white) Indicates that the output of the AND element becomes High. That is, if the output HIT of the decoding circuit 13c is High, it is understood that there is a positioning mark centered on the flip-flop FF11.

Further, the coordinate output circuit 13b is connected to the addresses of the plurality of line memories 12, outputs the address of the image to be input to the flip-flop group 13a, and outputs from the central flip-flop FF11 of the flip-flop group 13a. The determination unit 1 determines the coordinates (XY) of the pixel
3d. And the determination unit 13
The output of the decoding circuit 13c and the coordinates XY of the positioning mark at that time are input to d. This determination unit 13d stores the coordinates XY in the positioning mark storage memory 21 if HIT is High. In this example,
In order to explain the basic principle, 3 × 3 pixels were used to search for a positioning mark. Therefore, nine flip-flops were prepared and the conditions of the decoding circuit as shown in the figure were used. It is necessary to appropriately set the number of flip-flops to be used and the conditions in the decoding circuit according to the portion.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, in addition to the positioning mark 4, a dummy mark 5 having a size different from that of the positioning mark 4 is formed. However, it is necessary to prevent the dummy mark 5 from being detected. Assuming that the actual dot patterns of the marks 4 and 5 are as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B (each square S corresponds to one pixel), the flip-flop group 13a is shown in FIG. Instead of the 3 × 3 one shown in FIG. 8, 10 × 1 so as to correspond to each cell (cell) S in FIG.
A group of 0 flip-flops may be used. Correspondingly, the decoding circuit also uses an AND element of 100 inputs (which may be equivalently configured by combining a plurality of AND elements), and the input terminal corresponding to the black pixel in FIG. In this case, the input of the AND element corresponding to the white pixel may be inverted. Then, HIT becomes High only at the time of the pattern shown in FIG. 8A, and becomes Low at other times (including FIG. 8B). Therefore, the coordinates XY when HIT is High may be output and stored as described above.

Furthermore, if the shape of the positioning mark 4 to be detected is made triangular as in this embodiment, there is an angle dependency. For example, the decoding circuit 13c corresponding to a plurality of patterns whose angles are changed (input is inverted) This can be dealt with by connecting in parallel the output of the flip-flop group 13a) and having a positioning mark if detected by any of the decoding circuits. .

When the positioning mark is a point for one pixel, the above-mentioned 3 × 3 mask (window) is used.
Can be used as it is. In such a case, there is a possibility that a dot of one pixel may be printed at a position that should not be originally arranged due to printing unevenness or the like. However, even in such a case, in this example, since it is specified as a genuine article only by detecting a plurality of positioning marks in a predetermined positional relationship and the cutout area is calculated, there is no problem in practical use. .

For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the size (for example, 8 × 8) including one positioning mark is set as one processing target unit, and 8 × 8 pixels are averaged and binarized. As a result, in FIG. 10A, the image becomes black when it is equal to or more than the binarization threshold, but in FIG. 10B, it can be white when it is equal to or less than the threshold. If the averaged and binarized unit is input to each flip-flop shown in FIG. 6, the circuits shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used as they are.

However, in such a case, an averaging processing unit for calculating an average of a predetermined number of pixels before or after the binarization processing unit 11 in FIG. 5 is required. In addition, the threshold for detecting the positioning mark preferably has an upper limit and a lower limit, and is binarized using a window comparator or the like.
For example, a pattern in which all of the black pixels in FIG. 8A are also black pixels can be excluded as exceeding the upper limit.

FIG. 9 shows a block configuration of the specific pattern extracting means 2. This means 2 is as shown in the figure.
Since the position coordinates of the positioning mark output from the positioning mark detecting means 1 at the time of the first scan are stored in the positioning mark coordinate storage memory 21, the data stored in the coordinate storage memory 21 is controlled. CPU3
0, and determines whether or not each position coordinate has a predetermined positional relationship. If the position coordinate is recognized as a genuine positioning mark, an area to be cut out based on the position coordinate is determined. (Coordinates).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, assuming that the reference line L is the horizontal direction of the document table, the coordinates (x1, y1), (x2, y2), (x2) of the four positioning marks 4 x
From (3, y3), (x4, y4), the inclination θT of the specific pattern 6 located at a predetermined relative position and the reference coordinates (x5, y5) of a region to be cut out (indicated by a broken line in the drawing) are obtained. Such processing is performed by the control CPU 30, and information on the specific pattern (for cutting out) is temporarily stored. That is, since the size (shape) of the cutout is known in advance, if the reference coordinates and the inclination (the two data are temporarily stored) are specified, the cutout region is uniquely determined.

Further, the specific pattern extracting means 2
Since the RGB data (shading image) before binarization is sent from the positioning mark detecting means 1, the image data is binarized by the binarizing section 22 and the binarized data is stored in the detailed memory 24. To be stored. The threshold value for binarization is determined by the value of 2
The threshold value is different from the threshold value in the value processing section 11, so that a specific pattern having a different color from the positioning mark can be binarized under optimum conditions.

Then, based on the control signal from the control CPU 30, of the binarized image data stored in the detailed memory 24, the predetermined position specified by the obtained reference position (x5, y5) and the inclination angle θT. Area (indicated by broken line in the figure)
Are extracted, and after the control CPU 30 extracts a predetermined characteristic amount, the extracted characteristic amount is sent to the specific pattern matching means 3. Since a part of the function of the control CPU 30 is included in the specific pattern cutout means 2, a flowchart of the function of the part involved is shown in FIG.

Next, the specific pattern matching means 3 will be described. The control CPU 30 is a program ROM
Based on the data stored in the image data 30a, the image data to be read out of the image data stored in the detailed memory 24 is specified, an area necessary for pattern matching in the image data is obtained, and the control CPU 30 Based on the control signal, the image data in each of the areas is sent from the detailed memory 24 to the inference unit 31, where:
An inference process is performed based on fuzzy knowledge such as rules and membership functions stored in the memories 32 and 33, and the similarity of given image data to a predetermined specific pattern is determined (FIG. 12). reference).

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
The feature amount is extracted by counting the number of pixels in each of the feature amount spaces (four regions in the illustrated example) in the cut-out image data. As a result, in the first feature space R1, the number of pixels is 24, and the second feature space R
In the case of 2, the number of pixels is 26, in the third feature space R3, the number of pixels is 30, and in the fourth feature space R4, the number of pixels is 29. This feature amount extraction is also performed by the control CPU 30.

Then, according to the rules and membership functions (shown in FIG. 14) created in advance, fuzzy inference is performed with the extracted feature amounts as inputs, and the degree of conformity (similarity) with the reference pattern is determined and output. I do. In the example shown in the figure, the degree of conformity is 0.6, which is equal to or greater than the determination criterion of 0.5.

Although the feature space is divided into grids in this example, it may be formed in any shape such as a concentric circle or a rectangle. The feature quantity to be extracted is not limited to the number of pixels described above, but may be the number of continuous / discontinuous pixels, the direction, or the like.

As described above, the conformity obtained as a result of inference based on a plurality of knowledge is determined by the control CPU 30.
Is output to a PPC (copier) via If the matching degree exceeds a certain threshold value, the copying machine determines that the copy is a copy prohibited object such as a bill, and performs a predetermined process of preventing forgery (copy prohibited,
Output on the whole black screen). The control CPU 30 may also determine whether or not the paper is a copy-prohibited material (specific pattern) such as a bill, and output the determination result (a stop signal or the like).

FIGS. 15 and 16 show examples in which the above-described apparatus is actually incorporated in a copying machine. As shown in the drawing, the reflected light of the light emitted from the lamp 52 on the original 51 placed on the original table 50 is read via the optical system 53 by the CCD 54 serving as an image sensor. The lamp 52 and the plane mirror constituting the optical system 53 are moved at a predetermined speed and scanned, and a predetermined portion of the original 51 is
The CD 54 sequentially reads the image data, and sends the image data (R, G, B) to the signal processing unit 55.

As shown in FIG. 16, the signal processing unit 55 includes a normal color processing circuit 56 and the above-described image processing device 57 according to the present invention. The data is sent to the processing device 57 in parallel. Then, the color processing circuit 56 separates the components into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (Bk) components, and outputs the components to the printing unit 58.
Then, the scanning is actually performed four times, and one component of the above four components (M, C, Y, Bk) is output to the laser driver 59 disposed on the input side of the printing means 58 with one scanning. Then, a predetermined position of the photosensitive drum 60 is irradiated with a laser beam. After the four scans are completed, a copy process is performed on the copy paper to make a copy 61
Is output. Since the mechanism for performing a specific copying process is the same as that of the conventional one, a description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, in the image processing device 57, during the signal processing in the color processing circuit 56, in parallel with the signal processing, first, during the first scan, the detection processing of the positioning mark is performed, and Based on the positioning marks detected at the time of the second scan, a cutout and a matching process are performed to determine the similarity of a pattern in the image data being read to a specific pattern, and the original 51 during the reading process is a copy of a bill or the like. In the case of a prohibited object, a control signal for stopping the output of the laser driver 59 is sent, or a control signal is sent to the color processing circuit 56, for example, various copy prohibition processes such as making the entire copy screen a black image. Will do.

In the above embodiment, the positioning mark is detected in the first scan, and the specific pattern is cut out and the similarity is calculated in the second scan. However, the order of processing is changed. If not, it is not always necessary to perform the processing at the first and second processing, and each processing can be performed at a desired scan. When there are many types of detection targets, a predetermined specific pattern is detected in the first and second scans, and another type of specific pattern is detected in the third and fourth scans. Can also.

As described above, it is not always necessary to detect a specific pattern by two scans. In particular, when the positioning mark and the specific pattern are close to each other, the specific pattern is stored in the buffer memory. It is possible to perform a process of identifying the position where the specific pattern exists from the detection of the positioning mark and cutting out the same in a single scan.

In the above-described embodiment, both the positioning mark and the dummy mark are separated by making each side of a triangle a triangle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. can do. And as an example, the inclination angle of the parallelogram is different, the base angle of the isosceles triangle is different, the trapezoid is the same height but the inclination angle is different, and various other polygons are The positioning mark and the dummy mark can be configured by various combinations such as different angles. In addition to not only making the angle different like this,
Of course, the dimensions may be changed appropriately as in the embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, a plurality of wavy lines M having predetermined widths different in shape may intersect with each other, and the positioning mark may be specified based on the difference in the shape of the intersection. That is, as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 7B and 7C, the shape of the dashed line M is different, so that the shape of the intersection (indicated by hatching) is also different. Therefore, an intersection of a predetermined shape forming the positioning mark may be detected therefrom. With such a configuration, a third party is highly likely to be recognized as a mere ground pattern, so that the possibility of tampering or the like is reduced as much as possible.

Further, it is not always necessary to provide a dummy mark, and an isosceles triangle or an asymmetrical polygon (including a triangle and a quadrangle) is also required as a positioning mark in order to uniquely determine the location of a specific pattern. It is preferable to arrange the positioning marks at the vertices. However, for example, the positioning marks may be arranged at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, square, or other regular polygon. In this case, for example, a line pattern having no directivity in the vertical and horizontal directions at the position of the center of gravity of the regular polygon is set as the specific pattern, so that the position of the specific pattern is uniquely obtained by one scan. be able to.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, four positioning marks are detected.
The number may be more than one, and the number is arbitrary. In addition, one or two marks can be provided by giving a characteristic (such as directionality) to the shape of the mark. Further, the same mark is used for each of the plurality of positioning marks. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and different or similar marks can be selected as the positioning marks. In such a case, the mark can be detected by connecting a plurality of decoder circuits formed corresponding to each mark in parallel to the output of the flip-flop group, and the control CPU determines the cutout position. Prior to checking the relative positional relationship between the detected positioning marks (the second processing step in FIG. 11), the checking is performed not only based on the positional relationship between the marks but also based on the relationship between the type and the position of the mark. Just do it.

Further, the positioning mark and the dummy mark may be separated from each other by changing the color instead of changing the shape. In such a case, the binarization processing unit 1 of the positioning mark detection unit 1 shown in FIG.
1 can be applied by using, for example, a binarizing circuit as shown in FIG. That is, this circuit includes the threshold setting unit 1
1a, 11b, upper limit for each of R, G, B,
By setting a lower limit threshold value and inputting the given RGB data to the window comparator 11c and comparing it with each threshold value, a pixel having a predetermined density (gradation) can be extracted. Then, only when a pixel of a desired color is given, the final output of the three-input AND element 11d becomes 1.

Further, the specific pattern to be detected is:
A pattern portion having a large feature amount existing in the original document may be used as conventionally performed (in this case, the position of the specific pattern can be accurately and easily known based on the detection of the positioning mark). Alternatively, it may be provided separately similarly to the positioning mark.

When the specific pattern is determined to be unique, the image processing apparatus only needs to have knowledge of the specific pattern, and the image processing apparatus can determine whether the new pattern, such as a new copy, appears afterwards. However, it can be detected simply by attaching the specific pattern to the prohibited object such as copying. Further, since the detection target is limited to a specific pattern, it can be applied to various types of prohibited objects such as copying, and can perform high-speed processing.

Further, the determination processing in the specific pattern matching means 3 is not limited to a method of obtaining a similarity with a reference pattern (specific pattern) prepared in advance as in the above-described embodiment, but also, for example, as shown in FIG. A specific pattern 6 ″ composed of binary information represented by white / black or the like is provided in a cutout area determined by the positioning mark 4,
The specific pattern matching means obtains 1/0 from the density of each cell constituting the specific pattern 6 ″, arranges them in a predetermined order, and decodes them with 1/0 (in the illustrated example, “0100
000010 ... "). Then, it may be determined whether or not the decoded value is a specific pattern by determining whether or not the decoded value matches reference code information indicating a specific pattern prepared in advance.

FIG. 20 shows a preferred embodiment of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, unlike the above-described example, a specific pattern present in an image is directly detected from given image information (without specifying an existing value by detecting a positioning mark). .

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of marks 8a, 8
The specific pattern 8 is configured by arranging b in a predetermined positional relationship. Specifically, a predetermined number (10 in the illustrated example) of marks 8b are arranged on a figure (on the outer periphery of a human profile in the illustrated example) centered on a certain mark 8a. In this example, the same number of marks 8b
Are arranged as the specific pattern 8, the arrangement positions of the respective marks 8b are arbitrary (not limited to those shown in the figure, but if there are ten marks on the outer periphery of the figure, all the specific patterns)
Becomes

The marks 8a and 8b constituting the specific pattern 8 used in this embodiment have the same shape characteristics as the positioning marks 4 in the first embodiment.

Therefore, the effect of the positioning mark 4 described in the first embodiment, that is, the coordinate position where the mark exists can be specified, so that the size of the mark can be reduced, and This makes it possible to obscure the existence thereof, and has the effect that the recognition rate does not decrease. Further, by reducing the size in this way, the window size for detecting the size can be reduced, the detection circuit can be configured with a simple and inexpensive device, and the processing speed can be increased. The marks 8a and 8b can be used as they are.

In the apparatus shown in FIG. 20, the mark detecting means 70 to which the image information is given detects the marks 8a and 8b present in the image information, finds the coordinate position, and finds each detected mark. Are sent to the specific pattern detecting means 80 at the next stage. Then, the specific pattern detecting means 80 determines the position of each of the marks 8a and 8b from FIG.
A plurality of marks 8a having a predetermined positional relationship as shown in FIG.
8b is determined, and the degree of matching is output.

That is, in the image processing method according to the present invention which is carried out using this apparatus, the original image read at a predetermined one of the scans performed a plurality of times is detected by the mark detecting means 7.
0, where the marks 8a and 8b are searched, and if detected, the coordinates of the existing position at that time are acquired and stored.

When the image reading for at least the width corresponding to the outer periphery of a certain figure has been completed (the determination processing (specific pattern detection processing) may be started after all the image reading is completed), the specific pattern detection is performed. The specific pattern is detected by operating the means 80 and checking whether or not the mark exists in a predetermined positional relationship in the read image from the detected position information of the mark.

Specifically, a predetermined window (N × N)
Is set, and the presence or absence of the mark is checked in each cell constituting the window based on the position coordinates of the mark,
It is determined whether or not a predetermined number (10 in the example of FIG. 21) of marks are present in a cell on the outer periphery of a certain figure.
If it exists, it is determined that there is a specific pattern.

A certain margin may be set in consideration of printing deviation, uneven printing, falsification, and the like. That is, a certain width is provided on the outer periphery of a certain figure, and if it exists within the range, it is recognized as a mark constituting a specific pattern. However, it is possible to perform high-precision detection (suppression of omission of detection and erroneous detection) by setting a constant weight and setting the weight to be lighter as the distance from the periphery of a certain figure is increased. Also, a predetermined margin may be provided for the existing number (10). As a result, even if there is a case where a part of the mark is missing due to natural fading, a detection error, or the like and the mark is not recognized as a mark, the mark can be reliably detected.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the mark constituting the specific pattern existing in the document is detected, and the presence or absence of the specific pattern is determined based on the position coordinates of the mark. Acquisition can be performed in one scan. Moreover, since it is only necessary to check whether or not the position coordinates of the mark are in a predetermined position (distance) relationship, the processing can be performed at high speed.

Note that the detection of a specific pattern does not necessarily need to use a window as described above. That is, in the case of processing by software, a mark is temporarily assumed to be the mark 8a of the center of gravity, and a mark existing at a position separated from the mark by a predetermined distance (a fixed margin width is possible) is detected. And find the corresponding number. If the number is within a certain range, it may be determined that there is a specific pattern.

Next, each means 70, of the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
The specific configuration of the 80 will be described. First, the mark detecting means 70 will be described. Since the shapes and the like of the marks 8a and 8b used in the present embodiment are the same as those of the positioning mark 4 of the first embodiment, the detection of the positioning mark according to the first embodiment is performed. A configuration substantially similar to that of the means 1 can be adopted.

That is, as shown in FIG. 22, given image data (gradation data (shading data) for RGB data) is converted into binary data by a predetermined threshold in a binarization processing section 71, The converted binary image is temporarily stored in a plurality of line memories 72. By appropriately setting the threshold value for binarization, for example, the mark 8a,
The pixel where 8b exists can be black, and the outside (background side) can be all white.

Further, the output of the binarization processing section 71 is sent to the search section 73 via the line memory 72. The search unit 73 uses an nxm (n and m may be the same value or different values) mask or the like and uses a mark (a small circle of a predetermined diameter) existing in given image data (after binarization). ) 8
a and 8b are searched, and are specifically as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the search section 73 receives the flip-flop group 73a and the output of the flip-flop group 73a, and receives hit point coordinates (mask) for specifying the positions of the marks 8a and 8b. And a decoding circuit 73c for checking the presence / absence of the marks 8a and 8b, and a coordinate output circuit 73b. And the output of the decoding circuit 73c are connected to a mark position storage memory 81 in the specific pattern detection means 80. Then, the output HIT of the decode 73c is High.
The output coordinates (X, Y) of the coordinate output circuit 73b when (there is a mark) are stored in the mark position storage memory 81.

Then, the flip-flop group 73a
Is for processing an area of 3 pixels in main scanning and 3 pixels in sub-scanning as shown in FIG. 6 and is basically composed of nine (3 × 3) flip-flops FF. Sets the number of the marks 8a and 8b according to the size of the marks 8a and 8b. That is, if the marks 8a and 8b are as shown in FIG. 8A, a 10 × 10 flip-flop group may be used. Correspondingly, the decoding circuit can also be configured by combining 100-input AND elements (a plurality of AND elements.
Assuming that the size of the mark is as shown in FIG. 8B, an 8 × 8 flip-flop group may be used. In response to this, the decoding circuit may use a 64-input AND element (a plurality of AND elements may be combined).

Then, from the image data stored in the line memory 72, the image data is sequentially applied to a predetermined flip-flop of the flip-flop group 73a at a predetermined timing.
Such an operation is performed by the flip-flop group 13 in the first embodiment.
Since it is the same as a, its description is omitted.

The output of each flip-flop of the flip-flop group is input to the decoding circuit 73c. The decoding circuit 73c is based on an AND element as shown in FIG. That is, the same number of input terminals as the flip-flops are provided, and as shown in FIG. 8 and the like, a portion where a black pixel is to be originally input is inputted as it is, and a portion which should be a white pixel is inputted in an inverted manner.
Thus, only when there is a small circle having a desired radius r, AND
The output of the element becomes High. Then, the decoding circuit 73c
Is high, it can be seen that there are marks 8a and 8b forming a specific pattern centering on the central flip-flop. In addition, in order to allow errors such as misregistration, printing unevenness, and blurring due to use, the output of each pixel is not directly connected to the input of the AND element. After the input to the OR element, the signal may be input to the AND element. In such a case, even if one pixel is cut off, "High" is input to the AND element, so that the marks 8a and 8b can be reliably detected.

Further, the coordinate output circuit 73b is connected to the addresses of the plurality of line memories 72, outputs the address of the image to be input to the flip-flop group 73a, and outputs from the central flip-flop of the flip-flop group 73a. The coordinates (XY) of the pixel are output.

With such a configuration, for example, FIG.
Assuming that image information as shown in (A) is given, the marks 8a and 8b are detected by the search unit 73, and their coordinate values are stored in the mark position reference memory 81. Since the output of the decoding circuit 73c is “Low” for “square”, the coordinate value at that time is not stored in the mark position reference memory 81. As a result, in the mark position reference memory 81, only the existing positions of the marks 8a and 8b constituting the specific pattern become "1" as shown in FIG. That is, the "circles" and "squares" can be used as dummy patterns. Further, since the same triangle is not detected if its size is changed, a triangle having a different size can be used as a dummy pattern. By appropriately arranging such a dummy pattern on the outer periphery of a certain figure or on a different outer periphery, it becomes more difficult for a third party to know the positions of the marks constituting the specific pattern, and there is a risk of tampering. Decrease as much as possible.

Next, the specific pattern detecting means 80 will be described. The specific pattern detecting means 80 is configured to detect the mark 8 detected in the preceding stage based on the mark position reference memory 81 and the data stored in the memory 81.
The determination means (CPU in this example) 82 for determining whether or not a and 8b constitute the specific pattern 8. Then, in the CPU 82, the program RO
The processing shown in FIG. 25 is performed based on the control signal from M.

First, in this example, when performing the determination process, a 15 × 15 window is used as shown in FIG. 26, and the presence / absence of a specific pattern is determined from the state of the mark existing in the window. . Each cell in this window corresponds to the size of a mark. Further, in this example, in consideration of a printing shift, a detection error, and the like, 1 is given as a coefficient (weighting) to a cell (a cell corresponding to the outer periphery of a certain figure) separated by a predetermined distance from the cell “C” at the center of gravity. A coefficient of 0.8 is set at a position shifted by one cell, and a coefficient of 0.5 is set at a position further shifted by two cells.

Then, the CPU 82 reads the data stored in the mark position storage memory 81, and checks a cell in the window corresponding to the position coordinates where the mark exists. In this state, the status of each cell (the presence or absence of a mark) is checked. First, it is determined whether or not there is a mark in the cell C at the center of the window (ST1). Because there is no specific pattern, the window is moved in the main scanning direction (ST8).

When the mark is present in the square C at the center of the window, among the coefficients assigned to the squares in the window, the coefficient exists in the "1" square on the outer periphery where the specific pattern exists. The number of marks, the number of marks existing in a cell with a coefficient "0.8" one cell away therefrom, and the number of marks existing in a cell with a coefficient "0.5" one cell further away are counted (ST2 to ST4). ).

Then, counting was performed as described above.
The total number of marks existing in the coefficients 1.0 to 0.5 is obtained, and it is determined whether the total number is within a certain range (ST).
5). The certain range is, for example, a case where the specific pattern
Assuming that there are 10 marks on the outer periphery as shown in FIG. 1, the mark is obtained by adding / subtracting a certain margin (which may be the same or different for both) to “10”. Range.

If it is determined in step 5 that the value exceeds a certain range, the process skips to step 8 because the pattern is not a specific pattern, shifts the position of the window, and determines the next image. On the other hand, when it is within a certain range, the average value (fitness) of the corresponding coefficient is calculated,
The matching degree (similarity) is output (ST6, ST7).

As an example, if the same pattern as the specific pattern shown in FIG. 21 exists in the image, the coordinates of the position of each mark are stored in the mark position storage memory 81, and are expanded on the window. Then, the result is as shown in FIG. That is, when the center mark 8a is positioned at the center C of the window, ten marks are positioned on the outer periphery (all indicate “M” at the position where the mark exists). Therefore, since the coefficients of the squares of each mark are all 1, the count value in step 2 is 1
At 0, the count value at steps 3 and 4 becomes 0. Therefore, since the total number is 10 and is within a certain range, the average value of the coefficients is obtained. In this case, since all are 1, the average value is also 1 (fitness 1 (100%)). Also one
If the number of marks has been falsified and erased, the total number counted is 9, which is within the range, so that the average value of the coefficients is calculated, and the positions of the remaining 9 marks are all the coefficients. When it is at 1, the average value is 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 29, when all the marks are present at the position of the coefficient 0.8, the total number of the count values becomes 10, so that the processing shifts to the processing for obtaining the average value of the coefficients. From (0.8 × 10) / 10, the average value (degree of conformity) is 0.8.

Since only the marks within the range of the coefficients 1 to 0.5 are to be processed, the same marks 8a and 8b as the marks 8a and 8b constituting the specific pattern 8 at other positions (coefficient 0) are used. Even if a shape mark is present, it is not counted, and does not affect the calculation of the adaptability at all. In other words, if a mark of the same shape is given at the position of coefficient 0,
Since it becomes a dummy pattern, it becomes more difficult for anyone other than the party to specify the mark that actually constitutes the specific pattern, and as a result, it is less likely to be falsified.

When the degree of conformity has been output, the process proceeds to step 8, and the window is moved by one cell in the main scanning direction. Then, it is determined whether or not the window moved beyond the rear end as a result of the movement in the main scanning direction (ST9). If not, the process returns to step 1, and based on the new window, the specific pattern is set in the new window. It is checked whether or not it exists (a degree of conformity is determined based on marks constituting a specific pattern).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 9 that the window is beyond the rear end, the main scanning direction is returned to the origin position, and the window is moved in the sub scanning direction. Then, as a result of the movement, if the position does not exceed the rear end of the window in the sub-scanning direction, the process returns to step 1 to perform a specific pattern detection process based on the newly set window. This allows
All areas in the read original are checked.

The conformity output in step 7 is sent to the copier body or the like as in the first embodiment, and if the conformity exceeds a certain value, the copy processing is performed. Is stopped. In this example, a mark constituting the specific pattern existing in the document is detected, and the presence or absence of the specific pattern is determined based on the position coordinates of the mark. This can be done in a single scan. As a result, the processing can be performed at a higher speed, and the pattern (matching degree calculation) processing can be performed at a higher speed because pattern matching of the symbols is not performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the detection processing of the specific pattern is performed by software has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the processing may be performed by hardware. As an example of the circuit configuration in such a case, the one shown in FIG. 30 can be used.

That is, a 15 × 15 flip-flop group 83 corresponding to the above-mentioned window is provided, and 1 is set to the flip-flop where the mark stored in the mark position storage memory 81 exists. 2 by appropriately setting data from the mark position storage memory 81 to the flip-flop group 83.
The window is moved in steps 8 to 11 shown in FIG.

The output of the flip-flop group 83 (the output of each flip-flop) is combined with the combinational circuit 84.
To send to. This combination circuit 84 multiplies the output of each flip-flop by each coefficient shown in FIG. 26 and obtains an average value of the calculation results to obtain the degree of conformity. , As shown in FIG.

That is, the output of each flip-flop constituting flip-flop group 83 is provided to multiplier 84a. The multiplier 84a is connected to the output of each flip-flop, and multiplies the output by a predetermined coefficient. The multiplied value is "0",
The value is one of “0.5”, “0.8”, and “1”. The output of the center flip-flop is multiplied by “0”.

The outputs of the multiplier 84a are input to a counter 84b. In the counter 84b, the multiplier 84a
Are counted as numbers other than 0 (0.5, 0.8, 1). Thereby, the flip-flop group 83
In the case where a specific pattern exists in the window constituted by the formula (2), the total number of marks 8b existing on the outer periphery and in a range having a certain width margin therefrom is obtained (steps 2 to 4 in FIG. 25). Processing).

The output of the counter 84b is the output of the comparator 8
4c. The comparator 84c uses a window comparator, and the upper limit value and the lower limit value serving as reference values serve as margins for the number of the marks 8b. Therefore, when the output of the counter 84b, that is, the total number of marks 8b is within the reference range (within the range of the upper limit / lower limit), the output is 1 (H), and when the output is out of the range, it is 0 (L). Becomes

The output of the comparator 84c is the AND element 84
d is input to one input terminal. A flip-flop group 83 is connected to the other input terminal of the AND element 84d.
Among them, the output of the central flip-flop (the flip-flop corresponding to the portion C in FIG. 26) is also connected. Therefore, when the center flip-flop is 1 (the mark 8a is present at the center) and the output of the counter 84b (the total number of marks 8b) is within a certain reference range, the output of the AND element 84d is 1 (H). , Otherwise 0
(L). That is, the AND element 84d here performs the determination processing in steps 1 and 5 of the flowchart of FIG. 25, and when the output of the AND element 84d is 1, it is valid (there is a possibility that a specific pattern exists). , 0
Is invalid (no specific pattern).

On the other hand, the output of the multiplier 84a is also connected to an adder 84e, and the outputs of the multipliers 84a are added to obtain a sum. The output of the adder 84e is connected to one input terminal of a divider 84f, and the counter 84b is connected to the other input terminal of the divider 84f.
Output is connected. Then, in this divider 84f,
The output of the adder 84e is divided by the output of the counter 84b, and the calculation result is output. As a result, the average value of the coefficients at the position where the mark 8b to be processed exists, that is, the degree of conformity is obtained, and the processing of steps 6 and 7 in the flowchart of FIG. 25 is performed.

As described above, the validity / invalidity flag output from the AND element 84d is output together with the degree of conformity. Therefore, the degree of conformity when the validity flag is output is determined on the copying machine main body side. When the specified pattern is exceeded, it can be recognized that the specific pattern exists, and the predetermined processing is performed in accordance with the specific pattern.

In the above embodiment, the multiplier 84a
Is connected to the outputs of all the flip-flops, but a multiplier for multiplying by a coefficient 0 may not be provided. That is, the output of the flip-flop corresponding to the location where the coefficient becomes 0 is not connected to the multiplier. In the above example, the output of the multiplier 84a is provided to the counter 84b, but the output of the flip-flop group 83 may be connected, for example. In this case, the flip-flop group 8
3 among the flip-flops constituting the coefficient “0.
Only the outputs of the flip-flops corresponding to "5", "0.8" and "1" are connected to the counter 84b. Then, 1 is supplied to the counter 84b from the flip-flop having the mark, and 0 is supplied from the flip-flop having no mark. Therefore, since the total number of flip-flops to which 1 has been output may be obtained, the flip-flop can be constituted by an adder.

A flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is shown as an example of the processing function of the CPU 82.
This is to achieve commonality with the above-described hardware processing. When processing is performed by software, processing can be performed based on a detected mark as described below.

That is, since the position coordinates of the detected mark are stored in the mark position storage memory 81, the distance between any two marks can be obtained from the position coordinate data. Therefore, a certain mark stored in the mark position storage memory 81 is temporarily assumed to be the mark 8a of the center of gravity, and a mark existing at a position separated from the mark by a distance (a certain margin width is possible) is detected. , The number of the corresponding marks is obtained. If the number is within a certain range, it may be determined that there is a specific pattern. When such processing is performed, when it is predicted that the number of actually detected marks when the apparatus is moved is small, the number of times of performing the determination processing is small, and higher-speed processing can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, the mark 8a exists at the center of gravity, and the mark 8b having the same shape as the mark 8b exists on the outer periphery at a predetermined distance from the center of gravity, thereby forming a specific pattern. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the center of gravity mark 8a may not be provided.
In such a case, the processing in step 1 in the flowchart in FIG. 25 and the AND element 84d in FIG. However, since the determination process based on the mark by the software described above cannot be performed, it is preferable that the specific pattern is formed from a combination of the mark 8a of the center of gravity and the mark 8b arranged on the outer periphery.

In each of the above embodiments and modifications,
In each case, the mark 8b to be arranged on the outer periphery is set on a single outer periphery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. May be used in which a mark 8b made of

In the above-described embodiment, whether or not a specific pattern is determined based on the number of marks 8b arranged on the outer periphery. However, the angular position (existing position) of each mark is determined.
May be added to the condition.

That is, in the second embodiment described above, FIG.
The specific pattern 8 having ten marks 8b shown in FIG. 1 and the specific pattern 8 'having ten marks 8'b shown in FIG. 33 are detected as the same specific pattern. Are recognized as different patterns (if the pattern shown in FIG. 21 is a specific pattern, the pattern shown in FIG. 33 is not recognized as a specific pattern). Accordingly, since angle information is required for the determination process, the processing speed is reduced, but the possibility of erroneous recognition is reduced as much as possible, and the recognition rate is improved.

As an apparatus for performing such processing, for example, a circuit shown in FIG. 34 can be used. That is, since the detection of the mark is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, it can be used as it is. In this embodiment, a part of the specific pattern detecting means is different.

Further, in this example, in order to speed up the determination process, first, as shown in the first embodiment, the determination process (calculation of the degree of conformity) is performed without depending on the angle position. When the degree of conformity is high in the processing, the pattern part is cut out and rotation pattern matching is performed. This makes it possible to easily extract the cut-out portion to be matched, and to reduce the number of times the matching process is performed while rotating. Therefore, high-speed processing can be achieved.

As a specific configuration, this example shows an example configured by hardware. As shown in the figure, a mark position recognition memory 81, a flip-flop group 83, and a combination circuit 84 as a fitness calculating means.
Can be used as it is in the second embodiment. Then, the output (conformity) of the combination circuit 84 is sent to a conformity check circuit (which can be composed of a normal comparator) 85, and it is determined whether or not the conformity is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference. If there is a certain reference or more, a cutout request signal is sent to the image cutout control circuit 86.

In the image cutout control circuit 86, when a cutout request is received, the center at that time is matched and the position information of the mark in a predetermined area is called from the mark position storage memory 81, and the matching circuit 87 in the next stage is called.
Send to

The matching circuit 87 compares the position of the mark stored in the reference pattern storage unit 88 with the detection pattern transferred from the image cutout control circuit 86, and determines whether or not they match. Then, the clipping start position is changed every fixed angle to perform 360 degrees. If there is a match at any of the cutout start angles, it is determined that there is a specific pattern. If none of them matches, a determination result that there is no specific pattern is output. At this time, the degree of conformity calculated by the combination circuit 84 may be output simultaneously. The image clipping control circuit 86 and the matching circuit 87 constitute matching means.

That is, in the image processing method using this embodiment, first, a mark is detected, and the location of the detected mark is stored. The steps up to this point are the same as those in the second embodiment. Next, a specific pattern in which a plurality of marks are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship is detected from the detected position of each mark. First, a pattern having the same number of marks as the specific pattern on a certain radius is used. (Conformity) is determined. That is, the same processing as the matching degree calculation processing in the second embodiment is performed. Next, when the degree of conformity is high as a result of the processing, the pattern portion is cut out and rotation pattern matching is performed. Then, when the specific pattern is detected, it is transmitted to the copying machine main body, and a predetermined copy prohibition process is performed.

In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the specific pattern to be detected is one type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The apparatus may be configured to recognize which specific pattern has been detected. Thereby, the code information can be added to the specific pattern.

That is, different specific patterns (the number of marks 8b arranged on the outer periphery are changed) are prepared in advance as specific patterns to be detected, as shown in FIGS. 35 to 37, for example. By providing such code information, each specific pattern can have a different meaning.

When a plurality of specific patterns exist as described above, for example, by arranging the plurality of specific patterns at a plurality of positions in the same original, all the specific patterns or a specific pattern or more can be obtained. When it is present inside, processing such as copying can be prohibited. This allows for multiple checks,
The probability of false recognition is reduced. That is, even when a specific pattern in a prohibited matter such as a copy is rubbed or stained due to long-term use and becomes difficult to detect, it can be detected using the remaining specific pattern. Also,
Conversely, when the density (feature amount) data is the same as the specific pattern in the general document, the detection target is set to 1
If two specific patterns are used, copying and the like cannot be performed even in such a case. However, by using a condition that a plurality of specific patterns match, the possibility that a pattern that is not prohibited by the copying or the like is prohibited is reduced.

Further, the above-mentioned various types of code information can be added to the types of bills, securities, etc., or the amount of bills, etc., in the case of bills. Thus, for example, when the present system is operated and an attempt is made to perform a process such as copying of a prohibited item such as copying, by storing which specific pattern has been detected and a stop command has been issued, the present system is stored. In addition to being able to know what kind of device has been copied in an apparatus, more specifically, a real machine such as a copying machine in which the apparatus is mounted, various usage methods can be provided.

As a specific device for detecting such a specific pattern, for example, one having the configuration shown in FIG. 38 can be used. Also in this example, the detection of the mark is the same as that in the above-described second embodiment, so that it can be used as it is. In this example, a part of the specific pattern detecting means is different. Only the changes will be described. As shown in FIG. 38, the combination circuit 84 'includes an upper / lower limit setting unit 8
Add 4 g.

Therefore, the upper / lower limit setting section 84g sets the patterns (A) to (C) shown in FIGS.
Is set as the reference value of the comparator 84c. That is, in FIG. 35 (pattern (A)), there are three marks 8b, and in FIG.
b, and in FIG. 37 (pattern (C)), there are seven marks 8b. Therefore, upper and lower limits obtained by adding / subtracting a predetermined margin in accordance with the number of each pattern are set. In this example, both margins are set to ± 1. At the same time, code information indicating which pattern has a reference value set is also output. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the circuit shown in FIG. 31 described above, the same reference numerals are given and the description of the function of each part is omitted.

In the image processing method using this embodiment, first, a mark is detected, and the position of the detected mark is stored. The steps up to this point are the same as those in the second embodiment. Next, it is set in each flip-flop of the flip-flop group 83 according to the detected position of each mark. Then, the multiplier 84a multiplies the output of each flip-flop by a predetermined coefficient, and counts a value other than 0 by the counter 84b. The second embodiment is also the same as the second embodiment in that the output result of the multiplier 84a is added by an adder 84e to obtain a sum of coefficients and then input to a divider 84f.

In this example, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the number of marks for all the specific patterns prepared in advance are sequentially given from the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g, and the suitability and the validity / invalidity are determined each time. . For example, it is assumed that a margin of ± 1 is given to a normal number. Then, for example, when the specific pattern (B) is detected, the output of the counter 84b becomes “5”. On the other hand, the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g sets “4” and “2” as the upper and lower limits for (A), respectively, in the comparator 84c. Therefore, the output of the comparator 84c becomes 0 (L), and an invalid flag is output from the AND element 84d. At this time, (A) is output from the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g as code information. Therefore, it can be seen that it is not the specific pattern (A).

Next, the upper / lower limit setting section 84g sets (B)
"6" and "4" as upper and lower limit values for
Is set in the comparator 84c. Therefore, the output of the comparator 84c becomes 1 (H), and the valid flag is output from the AND element 84d. At this time, the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g
Output (B) as code information. Therefore, the specific pattern (B) is valid, and the matching degree at that time is output from the divider 84f. If the matching degree is high, it is recognized that the specific pattern (B) exists.

Further, the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g
The upper and lower limits for (C) are "8" and "8" respectively.
"6" is set in the comparator 84c. Therefore, the comparator 84
The output of c becomes 0 (L), and an invalid flag is output from the AND element 84d. At this time, (C) is output as code information from the upper / lower limit setting unit 84g. Therefore, it can be seen that it is not the specific pattern (C).
As a result, it is known which specific pattern has been detected, and a predetermined process is performed based on the detection.

In addition to the above-described example, the specific pattern to which such code information has been added includes, as shown in FIGS. 39, 40 and 41 (patterns A, B and C), the number of marks 8b. May be performed in the same manner, and the positional relationship of the arrangement positions of the marks may be changed. This can be dealt with by using a method of specifying and detecting a specific pattern under the condition up to the rotation angle shown in FIG.

A specific configuration for detecting such different specific patterns and outputting them as code information can be applied by configuring the configuration of the specific pattern detection means as shown in FIG. As the detection means, those in the above-described embodiments can be used as they are.

That is, the basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 34, and each of the flip-flop groups 83 based on the mark position data detected by the mark detecting means 2 and stored in the mark position recognition memory 81. A predetermined value is set in the flip-flop, and the output of the flip-flop is sent to the combination circuit 84 to determine the degree of conformity. Then, the calculated degree of conformity is sent to the degree-of-fit check circuit 85, and if the degree of conformity is equal to or more than a certain reference, a cutout request signal is sent to the image cutout control circuit 86.

When the image cutout control circuit 86 receives the cutout request, the center at that time is matched, the mark position storage memory 81 is called, and the mark position information in the predetermined area is called out. Send to 87.

In the matching circuit 87, the detection pattern transferred from the image cutout control circuit 86 and
At this time, reference patterns corresponding to the patterns (A) to (C) are stored in the dictionaries 86a to 86c, respectively. The reference patterns stored in each of the dictionaries 86a to 86c are sequentially compared with each of the detected patterns to determine whether or not they match. Then, the clipping start position is changed every fixed angle to perform 360 degrees. If a match occurs at any of the cutout start angles, code information about the matched reference pattern is output.

If none of them match, a result of determination that there is no specific pattern is output. Also,
At this time, the matching degree calculated by the combination circuit 84 may be output simultaneously.

The image processing method using this embodiment is basically the same as the method in which code information is added to a specific pattern by changing the number of marks. Explaining only the differences, when specifically determining which specific pattern is present, the presence or absence (fitness) of a pattern having the same number of marks as the specific pattern on a certain radius is obtained. Next, when the degree of conformity is high as a result of the processing, the pattern portion is cut out and rotation pattern matching is performed. Then, a plurality of reference patterns to be used at the time of rotation matching are prepared according to the type of the specific pattern, compared with each pattern, and the code information of the reference pattern at the time of matching is output. As a result, it is known which specific pattern has been detected, and a predetermined process is performed based on the detection.

In each of the above-described embodiments (where the specific pattern is composed of a plurality of identical marks),
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to the copying machines shown in FIGS.

In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a color scanner, a color printer, a facsimile, a communication transmission device, and various other devices. Of course, it can be applied to the device.

As an example, as a scanner,
A configuration as shown in FIG. 43 can be adopted. That is, the scanner is roughly divided into an input unit 90 and a control unit 91.
And an output unit 92. And the input unit 9
In the case of 0, the original is scanned with light from the light source, and the reflection (transmitted light) obtained therefrom is detected by a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, a photomultiplier, a photodiode, etc., and converted into an electric signal. It is supposed to be sent. And the control unit 91
In this example, the number of electric signals from the input unit is increased or decreased, image processing such as predetermined gradation correction and contour enhancement is performed, and the corrected signal is sent to the output unit 92. Further, the output unit 92 performs data conversion as necessary based on the signal provided from the control unit 91 and outputs the data to a predetermined output device. That is, if the scanner and printer are separated (only perform pure reading),
In order to send information to a separately formed printer or the like, it is necessary to store temporarily read image data in a storage device (output device), so that a predetermined process required for the writing process is performed. Further, when the output device is a printer or the like (disposed in an integrated device), it performs predetermined electro-optical conversion and performs predetermined signal conversion processing for writing on a paper medium (photosensitive material). . As the specific configuration of each unit, a conventionally known general configuration can be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the present invention, an image processing device 93 is provided, and a signal relating to image data obtained from the input unit 90 is input to the image processing device 93 together with the control unit 91. As the image processing device 93, various types of processing devices for finally detecting a predetermined specific pattern shown in each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples can be used.
Then, the image processing device 93 performs a predetermined process for detecting a specific pattern (the above-described processes) based on the provided image data, and outputs a specific pattern to the control unit 91 when the specific pattern is detected. It will send a prohibition signal. Then, the control unit 91 stops the signal output to the output unit 92 based on the output prohibition signal. The prohibition signal may be given to the input unit 90 or the output unit 92.

FIG. 44 shows an example used for a printer. That is, the image data (electric signal) is input from the input unit 94 directly from the scanner or via a medium such as a storage device.
Given to. Then, after performing a predetermined image conversion process (conversion to data according to its own output mechanism) in the control unit 95, a predetermined electro-optical conversion process is performed in the output unit 96,
It reproduces image data given on a photosensitive material.

As described above, when the scanner is not provided with the image processing apparatus 93 having the operation stopping means for detecting the specific pattern, even if the original is a read-inhibited image, the image data is not read. Read it.

Therefore, the output signal of the control unit 95 is supplied to an image processing device 97 (equivalent to the above-described image processing device 93), where predetermined image processing is performed to detect a specific pattern. Then, when the specific pattern is detected, an output prohibition signal is sent to the control unit 95, and the data output from the control unit 95 to the output unit 96 is stopped. The output unit 9
Alternatively, an operation prohibition signal may be directly sent to 6 to stop the output unit 96.

[0156]

As described above, in the image processing method and apparatus according to the present invention and the copying machine using the same, the object (regardless of the size of the entire (outer shape) of a copy (printing) prohibited object or the like can be obtained. Since the detection is performed by focusing on the specific pattern included in a part of the data and determining whether or not the specific pattern is included, the memory capacity to be used can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. In addition, the position of the specific pattern can be accurately detected in one scan, and the specific pattern can be cut out in a subsequent scan or a scan being performed at the same time, and a predetermined determination process can be performed.

[0157] If a dummy mark identical or similar to the dummy mark is arranged around the positioning mark, it becomes difficult for a human to identify the genuine positioning mark, and there is a possibility that the mark will be falsified. Decrease as much as possible. In the case where the specific pattern is formed of the same or similar mark as the positioning mark, the falsification suppressing effect is further improved, and the specific pattern can be a common specific pattern for a plurality of types of detection targets. In addition to the knowledge of the common specific pattern, not only the multiple types of detection targets to be developed, but also new Can be detected simply by attaching the specific pattern to the data, and the knowledge to be stored and stored can be reduced. Therefore, the memory capacity can be reduced and the number of patterns to be processed can be reduced, so that high-speed processing can be performed.

If three or more positioning marks are arranged at predetermined positions and the shape formed by the lines connecting them is an isosceles triangle or an asymmetric shape, the position of the specific pattern is determined from the position of each mark. Can be determined simply, easily and accurately, so that the subsequent determination as to whether or not the pattern is a specific pattern can be made at high speed.

Further, the positioning mark detecting means includes a binarizing processing means for binarizing the given image data,
In the case of using the search means for searching the quantified data by using the mask divided into n × m, since the detection can be performed by a simple circuit (hardware), further high-speed processing is possible. Become. And since the positioning mark can be small, it can be made very large
Does not complicate.

Further, when the collating means is performed by similarity calculation, more specifically, by fuzzy inference, the matching between the reference pattern and the pattern existing on the actual document due to misregistration or printing unevenness of a specific pattern is performed. Even if there is a deviation, it can be reliably recognized. For the same reason, even if the distance between the positioning mark and the specific pattern is increased, the use of fuzzy inference (fuzzy pattern matching) does not cause an adverse effect (recognition rate reduction) due to a decrease in positioning accuracy.

Further, the collating means divides the cut-out area into N parts and decodes the result from the density judgment result of each divided cell, and the decoded information matches the reference code information to be detected previously obtained. If it is determined whether or not the comparison is made, it is possible to use a comparing means that outputs a detection signal when the values match, so that the configuration is simple and high-speed determination processing can be performed.

When a specific pattern is formed by arranging a plurality of identical marks in a predetermined positional relationship without using the positioning marks, in addition to the various effects described above, in addition to the above-described various effects, the mark detection means detects the marks. The detection process can be performed by substantially the same process as the above-described detection of the positioning mark, and the effect of the mark itself can be the same as that of the above-described positioning mark.

By mounting such an image processing apparatus in a copying machine, a scanner, or a printer, it is possible to reliably prohibit the output of a copy such as banknotes or securities, etc. (the copy itself is not performed). , An image different from the original (copy prohibited matter) is copied and output, and reading and printing of the original can be stopped.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an example of an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a positioning mark used in the example shown in FIG.
It is a figure showing an example of a dummy mark and a specific pattern.

FIG. 3 shows a positioning mark used in the example shown in FIG.
It is a figure showing other examples of a dummy mark and a specific pattern.

FIG. 4 shows a positioning mark used in the example shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating still another example of a dummy mark and a specific pattern.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a positioning mark detection unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a flip-flop group in the detection means.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a decoding circuit in the detection means.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dot pattern of a positioning mark and a dummy mark.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a specific pattern cutout unit and a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern cutout unit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing functions of a control CPU constituting a part of a specific pattern cutout unit.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating functions of a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of rules and membership functions stored in a rule memory and an MF memory in a specific pattern matching unit.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a binarization circuit for detecting a positioning mark when the positioning mark and the dummy mark are separated by changing colors.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing still another example of a positioning mark and a dummy mark.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another example of the specific pattern.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a preferred embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a specific pattern used in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a mark detection unit.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the operation of the mark detecting means.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a specific pattern detection unit.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating functions of a CPU.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern detection unit.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern detection unit.

FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the specific pattern detection means.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a specific pattern detection unit.

FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing another internal configuration of the specific pattern detecting means.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a combination circuit.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another example of the specific pattern.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing another example of the specific pattern.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing still another internal configuration of the specific pattern detection means.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of a specific pattern detecting means for detecting the specific pattern with code information shown in FIGS. 35 to 37;

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating another example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating another example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating another example in which code information is added to a specific pattern.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing a main part of an internal configuration of a specific pattern detecting means for detecting the specific pattern with code information shown in FIGS. 39 to 41;

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of the scanner according to the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printer according to the invention.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a conventional image processing apparatus.

FIG. 46 is a diagram for explaining a solution for solving the conventional problem.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 positioning mark detecting means 2 specific pattern cutting means 3 specific pattern matching means (collating means) 4, 4a to 4d positioning marks 5, 4'a to 4'c dummy marks 6, 6 'specific patterns 8, 8' specific Pattern 8a mark (center) 8b mark 11 binarization processing section (binarization processing means) 13 search section (search means) 13a flip-flop group (constituting a mask divided into n × m) 13b coordinate output circuit ( 13c Decoding circuit (detecting the same mark as the positioning mark) 13c Determining unit (detecting coordinate data) 70 Mark detecting means 71 Binary processing unit (binary processing) Means) 73 Search unit (search means) 73a Flip-flop group (constituting mask divided into n × m) 73b Coordinate output time Road (for detecting coordinate data) 73c Decoding circuit (for detecting the same mark as the positioning mark) 80 Specific pattern detecting means 81 Mark position storage memory 82 CPU 83 Flip-flop 84 Combination circuit (compatibility calculating means) 86 Image cutout control circuit (matching means) 87 Matching circuit (matching means) 88, 88a to 88c Dictionary in which predetermined reference patterns are stored 90 Input unit 91 Control unit 92 Output unit 93 Image processing device 95 Control unit 96 Output unit 97 Image Processing equipment

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/46 G06F 15/64 325J H04N 1/46 Z (72) Inventor Koichi Omae 10 Hanazono-do-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Address OMRON Corporation (72) Inventor Masataka Chiga 10 Okado Dodo-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture (56) References JP-A-6-164914 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated ( Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04N 1/40 G06T 7/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for detecting a predetermined same mark present in given image data and storing the position of the mark, and then, based on the detected position data of the mark, places the mark on the outer periphery of a figure. An image processing method in which the number of existing marks is obtained, and it is determined from the total number of marks whether or not a specific pattern for specifying a detection target exists in the image data. 2. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein said processing is performed on a mark in which a dummy mark identical or similar to said mark is arranged together with said mark at a predetermined position of a detection target. Method. 3. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern including the plurality of marks further has the same mark at the center of gravity of the figure. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific pattern composed of the plurality of marks has a condition that a relative existence position of the mark arranged on the outer periphery of a certain figure is also a condition. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not a specific pattern for specifying a detection target exists in the image data, based on position data on an outer periphery of a figure having each mark. 2. The image processing method according to claim 1. 5. A mark detecting means for detecting a predetermined mark formed at a predetermined position of a detection target in given image data, and a figure which receives position information of the mark detected by the mark detecting means, An image processing apparatus comprising: a specific pattern detection unit that determines whether or not a specific pattern exists on the condition that a predetermined number of marks exist on the outer periphery of the image. 6. The specific pattern detecting means performs weighting such that the coefficient decreases as the distance from the outer periphery of the certain figure increases, and considers the number of the detected marks and the coefficient of the position of the mark. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a specific pattern is detected. 7. The suitability calculating means for calculating the suitability of the specific pattern likeness based on at least the number of the detected marks, wherein the suitability calculated by the suitability calculating means is obtained. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a matching unit configured to perform pattern matching with a reference pattern prepared in advance when the value is equal to or more than a predetermined value to detect a desired specific pattern. 8. At least means for reading a document, color signal conversion means connected to the reading means for converting the read image data into a signal for printing, and receiving an output from the color signal conversion means; A copying machine comprising: a printing unit for performing a predetermined printing process, wherein the image processing device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is mounted, and the image data output from the unit that reads the original is read by the copying machine. The image signal is input to the image processing apparatus in parallel with the color signal conversion means, and the image processing apparatus performs the detection processing of the specific pattern based on image data obtained by a predetermined scan. It is determined whether or not the specific pattern exists, and when it is determined that the specific pattern is present, a control signal is transmitted to predetermined processing means of the copying machine. , Copying machine so as to control the copy. 9. An input device for reading a document, a control device connected to the input device for performing a predetermined image conversion process on the read image data, and an output device connected to the output device for receiving an output of the control device A scanner comprising: an output unit that outputs data to the image processing apparatus; and the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is mounted on the scanner, and the control unit controls image data output from the input unit. In parallel with the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus performs a detection process of the predetermined specific pattern based on given image data, and the specific pattern is included in the original being read. It is determined whether or not there is, and when it is determined that at least the specific pattern is present, a control signal is sent to predetermined processing means of the scanner, and the reading is performed. Ri scanner so as to control the process. 10. A printer comprising: a control unit for performing a predetermined image conversion process on given image data information; and an output unit for receiving an output of the control unit and performing a predetermined print process. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 is mounted, and image data to be input to a printer is input to the image processing apparatus in parallel with the output unit, and the image processing apparatus is provided Performing a detection process of the predetermined specific pattern based on the image data obtained, determining whether the specific pattern is present in the original being read, and determining that the specific pattern is present at least when determining that the document has the specific pattern. A printer which sends a control signal to predetermined processing means of the printer to control output processing.