JP2917523B2 - Image processing device including copier - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus including a copying machine, a facsimile machine, an image reader, and the like.

BACKGROUND ART As the performance of full-color copying machines has improved, counterfeiting of securities including bills has become a social problem. Therefore,
In order to prevent counterfeiting of bills, etc., it is determined whether or not the copy target image is a copy prohibited image. If the copy prohibited image is included in the target image, faithful copying is prohibited (for example, , Leaving some or all of the image on paper white, printing characters such as COPY over the image, etc.), or stopping the operation of part or all of the copier. (JP-A-60-229572 and JP-A-2-210481). Further, an image processing for detecting a copy-inhibited image regardless of the position or angle of a bill set in a copying machine has been proposed (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-210591).

However, in these proposed techniques, it is determined whether or not an image is prohibited from being copied each time copying is attempted. In a type in which faithful copying is prohibited, abnormal copying is performed every time. When a malicious counterfeiter attempts to copy many times,
If an erroneous operation occurs in the image determination, the copying of the bill is permitted. In a type in which the operation is stopped when an image for which copying is prohibited is found, once the operation of the copying machine is stopped, even normal copying thereafter cannot be performed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention makes it possible to recover an image processing apparatus including a copying machine after the operation is temporarily stopped.

The present invention allows a device to operate in an abnormal manner up to a predetermined number of times, causes the apparatus to operate in an abnormal manner, and stops the operation only when a prohibited image is read more than a predetermined number of times.

The present invention also prevents unauthorized copying of not only banknotes but also confidential documents.

The present invention further enables copying of a confidential document under specific conditions.

For better understanding, a case in which the present invention is applied to a copying machine will be described.

A copying machine according to the present invention comprises: first storage means in which prohibited image data representing a copy prohibited image is stored in advance; target image data generating means for reading a target image to be copied and generating target image data representing the target image; Determining means for comparing the image data with the prohibited image data to determine whether the target image includes the prohibited image; controlling means for prohibiting the copying operation in response to the determination that the target image includes the prohibited image; Means for inputting a prohibition release code representing an operation prohibition release authority, and means for checking whether the input prohibition release code is a valid one corresponding to the prohibition image included in the target image, wherein the input prohibition release code is The control means releases the operation prohibition when it is determined to be valid.

The prohibited image data representing the copy prohibited image is a pattern
Includes data processed to be suitable for matching. The same applies to the image data generated by the generating means.

The prohibition release code includes not only a key input code (number) and a code recorded on a card, but also data representing voice and fingerprint characteristics, and a physical key.

According to the present invention, the operation of the copying machine once stopped is restored by inputting the prohibition release code. Since this restoration work is permitted only to a person having a specific authority, there is no problem such as leakage of confidentiality.

Preferably, the second storage means for storing the image data read or generated by the target image data generation means, and the second storage means when the input prohibition release card is determined to be valid. Display means for displaying a target image represented by the stored image data is provided.

As a result, the target image that caused the operation to stop can be viewed, and it can be checked whether the copy-inhibited image has been correctly determined. If necessary, the reference data and parameters for pattern matching can be modified, thereby enabling more accurate determination.

In a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a means for counting the number of consecutive times that the determination means determines that the target image includes the prohibited image.

The control means controls to perform abnormal copying until the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number. When the number reaches the predetermined number, the control means prohibits the copying operation and releases the prohibition from the input means. Accept code input.

The abnormal copying means that a portion corresponding to the prohibited image is painted black, remains white, or a specific mark such as COPY is printed.

Since the operation is not stopped immediately when a prohibited image is found, but is copied abnormally a certain number of times,
During this time, the user learns that the user is trying to copy an image for which copying is prohibited, and stops illegal copying. Then, the copying machine returns to a normal state.

The present invention provides a copying machine capable of copying a copy-inhibited image by a person having a specific authority. This is particularly useful for confidential documents (documents).

A copying machine according to the present invention comprises: first storage means for storing in advance prohibited image data representing a copy prohibited image; target image data generating means for reading a target image to be copied and generating target image data representing the target image; Means for inputting a copy authority code enabling copying of a prohibited image; determining whether the copy authority code input by the input means is valid; if so, to that effect, or input copy authority Second storage means for storing the code,
Determining means for comparing the target image data with the prohibited image data to determine whether the target image includes a prohibited image; and determining the second image when the determining means determines that the target image includes the prohibited image. Control means is provided for permitting copying based on the contents stored in the storage means.

The control means permits copying when it determines that the input copy authority code is valid corresponding to the prohibited image included in the target image.

The control means prohibits the copying operation when the content stored in the second storage means does not indicate the right to copy the prohibited image included in the target image.

Generally defining an image processing apparatus according to the present invention,
It looks like this: The image processing apparatus includes a first storage unit that stores in advance prohibited image data representing a prohibited image, a target image data generating unit that reads a target image and generates target image data representing the target image, and a target image data generated by the generating unit. Output means for outputting the target image data
Determining means for determining whether or not the target image read by the generating means includes a prohibited image; at least one of the generating means and output means in response to determining that the target image includes the prohibited image A control unit for prohibiting one of the operations, an input unit for inputting a prohibition release code indicating an operation prohibition release authority, and a unit for checking whether the input prohibition release code is a valid one corresponding to the prohibition image included in the target image. The control means releases the operation prohibition when the input prohibition release code is determined to be valid.

The image data includes not only data representing pictures and figures read by the image sensor, but also data representing characters, symbols, and codes. In some cases, image data and character codes recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk are also included.

The image processing device is, for example, a copying machine. In this case, the output means is a copying means for copying the target image on paper.

The image processing device is, for example, a facsimile device. In this case, the output means is means for transmitting image data representing the target image.

The image processing device is, for example, an image reader. In this case, the output means is means for storing or transmitting image data representing the target image.

In a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a means for counting the number of consecutive times that the determination means determines that the target image includes the prohibited image.

The control means controls abnormal output until the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number, prohibits the operation when the predetermined number is reached, and releases the prohibition from the input means. Accept code input.

It can be set to be operable in advance to handle confidential documents and the like. An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: first storage means in which prohibited image data representing a prohibited image is stored in advance; target image data generating means for reading a target image and generating target image data representing the target image; An output unit for outputting the generated target image data, an input unit for an output authority code enabling output of the prohibited image, and judging whether or not the authority code input by the input unit is valid. Second storage means for storing the authority code if any, or input authority code; determination means for determining whether the target image read by the generation means includes a prohibited image;
And control means for permitting output based on the contents stored in the second storage means when the determination means determines that the target image contains a prohibited image.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electric configuration of a color copying machine.

FIG. 2 shows the flow of the pattern matching operation.

 3a to 3c show examples of confidential marks.

FIG. 4 is a table showing a correspondence relationship between a copy-prohibited image and a password enabling the copy prohibition to be released.

FIG. 5 is a table showing the correspondence between a copy-prohibited image and a password enabling the copy.

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing a first example of the operation of the copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a second example of the operation of the copying machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third example of the operation of the copying machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the operation of the copying machine.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are flow charts showing a fifth example of the operation of the copying machine.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electric configuration of the image reader.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a color copying machine will be described in detail.

This color copying machine prohibits copying of bills and confidential documents (documents).

No one is allowed to copy banknotes. Such a medium is called an absolute copy prohibited medium. Securities such as stock securities, bills, and checks can be included in the absolute copy-protected medium.

On the other hand, confidential documents can be copied only by a specific person. Such a medium is called a relative copy-prohibited medium.
Authority to copy a relative copy-protected medium is given only to a specific person.

As will be shown later, if the object to be copied by the copier (generally in the form of paper or sheet) (the object, the object to be copied, or the object having the object image) is an absolute or relative copy-protected medium, When determined, the copying machine stops copying-related operations or does not proceed with copying (these are generally referred to as copying prohibited). To stop the operation related to copying, stop the operation of the reading device of the target image (operation is prohibited),
There are various modes such as operation stop (operation prohibition) of the developing unit or transfer unit and operation stop (operation prohibition) of the copy sheet supply mechanism. In any case, the operation of part or all of the copying machine may be stopped (prohibited) (including turning off the power).

From a state in which the operation has stopped or a state in which the copying operation cannot be performed, these states are released and the copying operation is performed, the copying operation is restored, or the copying operation is returned to the initial state. Must be lifted).

The person who can release the copy prohibition is predetermined, and such a person is called a prohibition release authority.

The authority to release the prohibition on the absolute copy prohibition medium is called a specific maintenance person (for example, a specific person of a copier maker). The authority of the specific maintenance personnel is rank S.

In this embodiment, there are three types of persons who can cancel the relative copy prohibited medium. The authority of these persons is called rank A, rank B and rank C, respectively.

At an appropriate place in the confidential document (for example, at a predetermined location such as the upper left corner, upper right corner, center, or any other location), as shown in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c,
A special mark indicating that the document is confidential is printed (including a rubber stamp). The marks in FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c are referred to as "secret A", "secret B", and "secret C", respectively.

“Secret A” is attached to the document with the highest confidentiality. A person who can handle documents of "Secret A" is a person having rank A authority (for example, a director in a company), and only this person can release the prohibition of copying of documents of "Secret A".

“Secret B” is attached to a document with the highest confidentiality next to the document of “Secret A”. A person having the authority of rank A and a person having the authority of rank B (for example, a manager in a company) can handle the document of "Secret B", and can cancel the copy prohibition in the copying machine.

Documents with the lowest confidentiality are marked with “Secret C”. This document is handled by a person having the authority of rank A, rank B and rank C (for example, a section manager in a company as an example of a person having authority of rank C), and the copy prohibition is released.

A unique password is assigned to each person so that the copier can identify those who have these rights. As an example, the password of a person with rank S authority is ssss, and the password of a person with rank A, B and C authority is aaaa, b, respectively.
bbb, cccc.

FIG. 4 shows the authority, password, and copy-inhibited image that can be stopped and released in detail as described above.

As described above, even a person having the authority of rank S cannot copy a bill.

Confidential documents can be copied according to the rank of authority granted. Therefore, in addition to restarting the stopped copying operation, it is possible to give a copy permission in advance so that the copying operation is not stopped by the authority of these ranks A to C. The types of confidential documents that can be given such a copy permission (substantially the same as the release of copy prohibition, but differing in that they are given to the copying machine prior to the copy operation) also have the authority (ranks AC). ) Depending on. The authority of the copy permission, the password of the person having the authority, and the copy prohibited image that can be copied by the authority are the fifth.
It is summarized in the figure.

When there are a plurality of persons having the same rank authority, these persons may be assigned the same password or different passwords. It is only necessary that the rank of the authority and the password uniquely correspond.

In this embodiment, the marks “secret A”, “secret B” and “secret C” are assumed to be displayed in red. Of the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color image data obtained by color photographing (reading with a CCD line sensor) of these marks, only the color image data R matches these marks. Used for processing. In addition, only image data having a level (red density) equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value among the color image data R is used.

On the other hand, in the banknote collation processing, three primary colors each having a level between two thresholds with different levels
R, G, and B image data are used.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an electrical configuration of a color copying machine.

Original glass plate (or platen) for color copier
The copy target (document or the like) placed on or supplied to is read by the image reading device 11. Image reading device 11
Is equipped with a light source, a CCD line sensor for R, G, and B, a scanning mechanism, and a signal processing circuit including an A / D converter. The R, G, and B image data of the three primary colors to be displayed are sequentially output. This color image data is temporarily stored in the memory 12.

Based on the image data stored in the memory 12, it is determined whether or not the copy target is a banknote or a confidential document (a document with a mark of confidential A, confidential B, or confidential C) which is a copy-prohibited medium.
The flow of this processing is shown in FIG.

First, processing for confidential documents is performed. The main controller 20 sets in the comparator 13 a threshold value for discriminating the R color image data in order to identify a confidential mark indicating a confidential document. The R image data is read from the memory 12 and binarized by the threshold value set in the comparator 13.

The main controller 20 controls the overall operation of the copying machine, and includes peripheral devices such as a CPU, a memory, and an interface. The operation of main controller 20 will be described each time it is necessary.

Output image data of comparator 13 (target image data)
Are stored in the memory 17 via the AND gate 16.

The reference image obtained by binarizing the R image data of the marks “secret A”, “secret B” and “secret C” with the threshold value set in the comparator 13 is stored in the memory of the main controller 20. Data (reference pattern data, prohibited image data) is registered in advance.

The pattern matching circuit 18 sequentially compares the target image data stored in the memory 17 with the reference image data of the marks “secret A”, “secret B” and “secret C” registered in the main controller 20. , And whether the degree of similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (pattern matching processing).

A known technique can be used for the pattern matching processing. A method for comparing the target image data with the reference image data in pixel units or blocks of an appropriate size and obtaining the degree of coincidence, a method for calculating a cross-correlation value between the target image data and the reference image data, fuzzy inference There is a method of obtaining the degree of similarity by using the following method. In any of these methods, a window having the same size as the area represented by the reference image data (the area including the "secret A" mark) is set on the target image data in the memory 17, and this window is set. Scanning is performed in the horizontal and vertical directions. At each position in the window, the above-described degree of coincidence, cross-correlation value, degree of similarity, and the like are obtained, and the maximum value thereof is detected. If this maximum is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold,
The target image matches the reference image (corresponds to the reference image)
Is determined. This determination may be made by main controller 20. In any case, the determination result is given to main controller 20 or recognized by main controller 20. If necessary, pattern matching is performed by changing the size and arrangement angle of the target image or the reference image (for example, by affine transformation).

If it is determined that the target image has an image that matches any of the three types of confidential marks, copying of the target image is prohibited, as described later.

Subsequently, a pattern matching process is performed on the bill. First, two different threshold values are set in the comparator 13. The comparator 13 becomes a window comparator. The R image data read from the memory 12 is binarized by the comparator 13. For example, image data having a level between two thresholds is converted into one, and the rest is converted into zero. The binarized R image data is stored in the memory 14.

Subsequently, two different threshold values for G are set in the comparator 13. The G image data read from the memory 12 is binarized by the comparator 13 and stored in the memory 15.

Finally, two different thresholds for B are set in comparator 13. The B image data is read from the memory 12,
The data is sequentially binarized by the comparator 13. In synchronization with the reading of the B image data from the memory 12, the memories 14 and
The binary R image data and the B image data are sequentially read from 15 respectively. Therefore, these binarized
R, G, and B image data representing the corresponding pixel (same pixel or very close pixel)
The AND logic is applied to the AND gate 16, and the AND logic of the AND gate 16 is calculated. The AND logical operation result is stored in the memory 17.

On the other hand, certain parts of banknotes (for example, stamp patterns,
(Reference pattern data) (reference pattern data) (multiple types of reference image data) obtained by performing the same window comparator processing and AND processing as described above on R, G, B image data representing all images When there is a bill, the number of the kind) is registered in the main controller 20 in advance.

The pattern matching circuit 18 compares the image data stored in the memory 17 with the reference image data (a plurality of types) in the same manner as in the case of the confidential mark, and determines whether any of the reference image data matches the reference image data. Is determined.

The matching process for confidential documents and the matching process for banknotes may be performed in the reverse order. If the capacity of the memory 17 is large, the image data obtained by the binarization process for detecting the secret mark of the target image data is stored in the memory 17.
, And then a binarization process for banknote detection may be performed, followed by a pattern matching process. If two comparators are provided, two
The binarization process and the binarization process for bill detection can be performed simultaneously. If four comparators are provided, all binarization processes can be performed simultaneously. The threshold values for binarizing the R, G, and B image data may be the same or different. In the collation of the bill image, only the image data of a specific color may be used. For pattern matching, there are various methods other than the above-described binarization processing, such as conversion to dither image data. In the case of a bill, the collation processing may be performed by using features other than image data, for example, detection of magnetism.

The copying machine is provided with a keyboard 21 and is connected to the main controller 20. This keyboard 21 is used to perform various inputs (copy start, number of copies, presence / absence of sorting, magnification, clearing, etc.) for operating the copying machine, and to input a password by a person who has the authority to release copying prohibition. Used. A check as to whether or not the user has the authority to release the copy prohibition is performed based on the input password.

The ID code of a person having the authority to release the copy prohibition may be recorded on a card (magnetic card, optical card, or IC card). In this case, as indicated by the chain line, a card reader
22 are provided. Cards read by card reader 22
The data is provided to main controller 20.

Whether a person has the authority to cancel copying prohibition can be checked by entering a password (ID code), reading a card on which the ID code is recorded, fingerprint collation, voice collation, key (mechanical key or magnetic key), etc. It can be performed using.

A display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) 19 is used for displaying various kinds of information and warnings to the user of the copying machine, and also for displaying images stored in the memory 12 for recognition.

The color copying machine is further provided with components (such as a copying mechanism) for executing color copying. These elements may be known. At the time of copying, the R, G, B image data stored in the memory 12 is supplied to a signal processing circuit 25 and converted into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (BK) image data. You. The semiconductor laser is driven by the driver 26 in accordance with the converted image data, and an image is drawn on the photosensitive drum in the copying mechanism 23. The copying mechanism 27 further includes a developing unit, a transfer unit, a sheet feeding device, and the like. The copying mechanism 23 is controlled by the control device 24. The main controller 20 and the copy mechanism controller 24 communicate with each other. The copy mechanism controller 24 executes a copy operation only when permitted by the main controller 20. Main control unit
The signal processing circuit 25 or the driver 26 may be configured to perform the operation for copying only when permitted by 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the memory of the main control device 20 is provided with a table for associating (linking) a password with a copy-inhibited image (reference image data) that can be stopped by the password. . If necessary,
As shown in FIG. 5, a table for associating a password with a copy-inhibited image that can be copied by the password is provided in the memory of main controller 20.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show an example of a process related to copy prohibition and its release in a copying machine. This process is mainly executed by main controller 20.

In this example, when the object to be copied (copied object) is determined to be a banknote, it is printed in black and solid at the size corresponding to the banknote at the position corresponding to the position where the banknote is placed on the original placing glass plate. Or print a copy of the note and copy a specific mark (eg, "COPY")
(A large character) is printed out. This process is repeated a predetermined number of times (this is (n-1) times) as long as copying of the bill continues. When the nth banknote copy is attempted, the copier stops operating. If it is determined that the document includes a confidential mark (Secret A, Secret B, Secret C), the operation of the copying machine immediately stops.

The user places the copy target on the original placing glass plate or sets it on the auto feed mechanism, and presses the start button in the keyboard 21 (step 101). Then, as described above, the image represented by the image reading device 11 as a copy target on the glass plate is read, and data representing the image is stored in the memory 12 (step 102).

Thereafter, pattern matching between the target image and the reference image is performed as described above.

If the target image does not match any of the reference images (NO in Steps 103 and 104), the target image does not include a copy-inhibited image, so that a normal copying operation is performed.

That is, the counter k for counting the number of times of illegal copying of the bill described above is cleared (step 108), and the main controller 20 gives the copying mechanism controller 24 a copy permission (step 109). The image data stored in the memory 12 is processed by the signal processing circuit 25, the semiconductor laser is driven in accordance with the processed image data as described above, and the image represented by the image data is printed on the paper by the copying mechanism 23. Printed (step 110). Thereafter, the image data in the memory 12 is cleared (step 11).
1) Return to the initial state. This is a normal operation.

When it is determined that the target image includes the bill image (YES in Step 103), the counter k is incremented (Step 105), and it is determined whether the updated value of the counter k has reached n. (Step 106).

If the count value of the counter k has not reached n (NO in step 106), the image data in the memory 12 is processed. The pattern matching circuit 18 detects the position of the window showing the highest value of the degree of coincidence, correlation value or similarity between the target image and the reference image (the image of the bill), and sends data representing this position to the main controller 20. give. Main control unit
Reference numeral 20 writes image data representing black over the area corresponding to the size of the bill designated by the address represented by the position data in the memory 12. Alternatively, image data representing a specific mark is written in an area where the image data of the banknote exists in the memory 12 (step 107).

Thereafter, copying is permitted, and the image represented by the image data stored in the memory 12 is printed on paper (steps 109 and 110). Therefore, the paper in which the range in which the bills are present is solid black or the paper on which the specific mark is printed on the bill image is output from the copying machine. Memory 12 is cleared (step 11
1) Return to the initial state. Solid black printing can also be achieved by controlling the semiconductor laser when a black image is drawn on the photosensitive drum by the semiconductor laser. At this time,
It is preferable to display an advice on the display device 19 so as not to copy the bill.

Step 103 as long as banknotes are continuously copied
Operations 107 to 109 to 111 are repeated. This cheating is n
When the second time is reached (YES in step 106), copying is not permitted (step 112).

That is, the main controller 20 notifies the copying mechanism controller 24 of the fact that copying is not permitted, and the copying mechanism 23 stops operating. It is preferable that the main control device 20 also notifies the image reading device 11 and the keyboard 21 of copying non-permission. As a result, the image reading device 11 does not operate. Also, inputs related to copying, such as the start button on the keyboard 21, are ignored.

Also when it is determined that the confidential mark is included in the target image (YES in step 104), copying is not permitted (step 112). It is preferable that the copy non-permission is stored by turning on a non-permission flag in main controller 20.

When copying is not permitted, main controller 20 displays on display 19 that a password is to be entered, and waits for entry of the password (step 113). It is preferable that the cause of the stop of the operation of the copying machine is also displayed on the display device 19. For example, a display such as "Bill is going to be copied. Call a specific maintenance person." Or "A confidential document is going to be copied. Please call an authorized person."

When a person having the authority to release the copy prohibition inputs the password from the keyboard 21, it is checked whether the password corresponds to the copy prohibition image that has caused the operation to stop (steps 114 to 117).

For example, when the operation of the copying machine is stopped due to an attempt to copy a bill, YES is obtained in step 114 only when the password ssss is input. When the operation is stopped because the confidential mark “Secret B” is included in the target image, YES is obtained in step 116 only when the password aaaa or bbbb is input.

The key for entering the password is not the keyboard 21 on which the key used by the user to operate the copier is located.
It may be provided inside the copying machine. A confirmation button and a clear button, which will be described later, are also provided inside the keyboard 21 or the copying machine.

If it is determined that the image of the bill is included in the target image, and the password ssss of the person of rank S (specific maintenance staff) is input (YES in step 114), the image data stored in the memory 12 Is given to the display device 19, and the target image is displayed (step 118).

The specific maintenance personnel looks at the image displayed on the display device 19,
Determine whether it is a bill. If it is determined that the bill is indeed a banknote, the designated maintenance staff presses the clear button (step 12).
0). In response to the input from the clear button, the memory 12
Are cleared (step 121), and the process returns to the initial state. That is, the copy non-permission state is released (the non-permission flag is turned off), and the copy becomes possible. If the copy non-permission has been given to the image reading device 11 or the keyboard 21, the copy non-permission command is released. It is not always necessary to press the clear button to release the copy prohibition. The copy prohibition may be immediately released in response to the determination that the input password is OK.

When it is determined that the specific maintenance personnel is not a banknote by looking at the target image displayed on the display device 19, the determination by the pattern matching is incorrect. The specific maintenance person presses the confirmation button (step 119). In response, the counter k is cleared (step 123), and the process proceeds to step 109, where a copy permission is output from the main controller 20 and the memory
An image represented by the image data stored in 12 is copied (steps 109 to 111).

As described above, when a non-banknote is determined to be a banknote, there is an error in the reference image data of the banknote, or there is an error in the threshold for discriminating the coincidence, the correlation value, or the similarity. Inspection by specific maintenance personnel and correction of data or parameters are required.

The image display in step 118 is thus useful for determining whether or not pattern matching has been properly performed. However, this image display need not always be performed.

It is determined that the target image contains a confidential mark, and after a password registered in advance as being capable of canceling the operation stop caused by the confidential mark is input (YES in step 115, 116 or 117), the authorized person The confirmation button 122 is pressed (step 122). Then, the copy prohibition is released. That is, the counter k is cleared (step 123), and the process proceeds to step 109, where the image represented by the image data stored in the memory 12 is copied (109 to 111). The non-permission flag is also turned off. There is no problem because the authority has copied the document with the confidential mark.

Also in this case, an image represented by the image data stored in the memory 12 may be displayed on the display device 19. Further, it is not necessary to press the confirmation button, and the copy prohibition may be immediately released by confirming the password.

The password must be re-entered an appropriate number of times (for example,
Times, which is (m-1) times). However, if it is determined that the image does not correspond to the copy-inhibited image of the operation stoppage staff even after inputting m times (YES in step 124), the processing is left to the processing by the specific maintenance staff (step 125).
At this time, an alarm should be issued. Main control unit
20 will only accept passwords for specific maintenance personnel. The specific maintenance person performs the copy prohibition release operation and the processing as in steps 118 to 121.

In this example, in the case of a banknote, (n-1) copying attempts are permitted, but, as with the confidential mark, if the banknote is determined, copying is immediately prohibited (step 112). Good.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which, even when a confidential mark is determined in addition to a banknote, (n-1) copying operations are permitted without immediately prohibiting copying. However, also in this case, the image to be copied is a solid black or a specific mark added.

If the pattern matching circuit 18 determines that the image is a copy prohibited image (step 131), the process proceeds to step 105. Otherwise, normal copying is performed. Other processes are the same as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

In FIG. 6, if the bill is not the same bill, it is continuously (n-1) times abnormal copying is performed as long as it is a bill,
Copying is prohibited the nth time thereafter. Similarly, in FIG. 8, even if the images are not the same copy-inhibited image, if the image is a copy-inhibited image, (n-1) consecutive abnormal copying is performed successively, and thereafter the copy is inhibited.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the same copy-inhibited image as the previous time, (n-1) abnormal copying is performed, and thereafter n
Copying is prohibited the first time. Another memory is provided for storing the previous copy prohibited image.

When it is determined that the image is a copy prohibited image (YE in step 131)
S) If it is the first time (NO in step 132), the memory 12
Alternatively, the image data in the memory 17 is stored in another memory (step 133), and the counter k is set to 1 (step 134). If not the first time (in step 132
YES), if the stored image is the same as the image read this time (the matching degree, correlation value or similarity is equal to or more than the threshold value) (this matching is also performed by the pattern matching circuit 18). The counter k is further incremented (step 105), and if different, the current image is stored and the counter k is set to 1 (steps 133 and 134).

Others are the same as FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. Only in the case of the same banknote, (n-1) times of abnormal copying may be permitted, and copying may be prohibited at the nth time.

Fig. 10 shows that after copying a copy-forbidden image by mistake (an abnormal copy), the user notices and confirms that the user is trying to copy a legitimate target image that is not a copy-forbidden image. is there.

FIG. 10 illustrates only the parts different from the processing of FIG. After attempting to copy a copy-prohibited image (k ≠ 0, step 13
(YES at 6), the legitimate image (step
Only when (NO in 131) does not match the stored previous image (NO in step 137), the process proceeds to the normal copying operation.

This image is not a copy prohibited image (N in step 131
O), if the current image data and the previous image data match (YES in step 137), it is an error, and it is necessary for specific maintenance personnel to correct parameters and the like.

The concept of the example shown in FIG. 10 is also applicable in FIGS. 6 to 8. In this case, the steps in FIG.
132, 133, and 134 may be added to FIG. 6 or FIG.

The example shown in Figures 11 and 12 shows that a person who has the right to copy a confidential document (document) must enter a password before copying the confidential document that he / she is permitted to copy. It is something we forgive. The correspondence table shown in FIG. 5 is used (the table in FIG. 4 can be used instead of the table in FIG. 5). Such operations are not allowed because bills are absolutely copy-protected media. Therefore, processing (step
101-107,109-111, steps 112-114,118-121,123)
Are the same as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The keyboard 21 of the copying machine is provided with a password mode button (or "secret" button). The authorized person presses this button (step 141) and inputs the password by key (step 142).

If the entered password is registered in the table of FIG. 5, the password is determined to be OK (step 143). The valid password is stored in the memory of main controller 20 (step 144). Password entry is allowed up to m times (step 145).

After this, the authorized person will use the copier in normal use.

The password may be input in association with the confidential mark (“Secret A” or the like) and stored in association with the password.

If the target image read by the image reading device 11 includes a confidential mark (YES in step 104), step 144
It is checked whether the password stored in the step corresponds to the confidential mark included in the target image (step 14).
6). If the input password belongs to a person who has the authority to copy the confidential mark included in the target image, copying is permitted (step 109), and normal copying is performed (steps 110 and 111). Otherwise (including when no password has been entered). Copying is not permitted (FIG. 7, step 112). The processing when copying is not permitted is as shown in FIG.

The present invention relates to a facsimile machine, an image scanner,
The present invention is applicable to other image processing apparatuses.

In a facsimile apparatus, the above-described copy-prohibited medium may be read as a transmission-prohibited medium. In the facsimile apparatus, copy prohibition (copy operation stop) is read as transmission prohibition (transmission operation stop), copy prohibition release is referred to as transmission prohibition release, copy non-permission is referred to as transmission non-permission, and copy permission is referred to as transmission permission.

An image scanner performs operations such as transmitting read image data to a personal computer or the like via a transmission path or storing the image data in a memory (semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, or the like). Corresponds to the copying operation in. Therefore, transmission and storage operations are prohibited, and the prohibition is released in response to a valid password key input.

If the image is recorded on a recording medium as image data instead of being visually represented on a paper or sheet-like object, and if the image data is electronically copy-inhibited data or transmission or output-inhibited data, the Specific data (confidential code data) indicating the fact is recorded on the recording medium. Processing devices that handle such recording media are:
When this specific data is detected, electronic copying, transmission or output is prohibited, and the prohibition state is released in response to the input of a password having the authority to release prohibition.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus.

Information (characters, image information) on a medium (paper or the like) on which information to be transmitted is represented is read by an image reading device (including a CCD line sensor) 31, binarized by a comparator 32 and stored in a memory 33. Is stored once. pattern·
In the matching circuit 36, the image data in the memory 33 is compared with predetermined transmission prohibited image data,
If they do not match, transmission is permitted by the control device 35, and the image data in the memory 33 is transmitted from the transmission device 34 to another device. If they match, transmission is prohibited by the control device 35.
When the password of a person having the transmission permission authority is input from the keyboard 38, the transmission prohibition is released by the control device 35, and the image data in the memory 33 is transmitted from the transmission device 34. The display device 37 displays information for operation and operation of the facsimile machine, and displays an image whose transmission is prohibited as required. Further detailed processing is the same as that in the above-described copying machine. Transmitted,
Alternatively, the image data in the memory 33 whose transmission is prohibited is cleared as required.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic electrical configuration of the image reader.

Image data obtained by reading by the image reading device 41 is subjected to gamma correction, brightness adjustment,
After processing such as binarization is added as necessary, the memory 43
Is stored. In the pattern matching circuit 46,
The image data in the memory 43 is compared with the predetermined output prohibition image data, and if they do not match, the output is permitted by the control device 45, and the image data is output from the output circuit 44 and transmitted to a computer or a recording medium. Is done. If they match, the output is prohibited by the control device 45.
When the password of a person having the output permission right is input from the keyboard 48, the output prohibition is released and the image data in the memory 43 is output from the output circuit 44. The display device 47 displays information for operation of the image reader and information about the operation, and displays an image whose output is prohibited as required. The image data in the memory 43 is cleared after output or when output is prohibited. The detailed operation is the same as that in the copying machine.

Claims (27)

(57) [Claims] A first storage unit for storing in advance prohibited image data representing a copy prohibited image; a target image data generating unit for reading a target image to be copied and generating target image data representing the target image; A first determining means for determining whether the target image includes a prohibited image, a first input means for a prohibition release code representing an operation prohibition release authority, and a copy prohibition image. The second that stores the prohibition release code
Storage means for counting the number of consecutive times that the first determination means has determined that the target image contains the prohibited image; and for the image containing the prohibited image until the number counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined number. Control means for performing abnormal copying by means of a control means for inhibiting copying operation when a predetermined number of times has been reached, and receiving an input of a prohibition release code from the first input means; Is compared with the prohibition release code stored in the second storage means corresponding to the prohibition image determined by the first determination means to be included in the target image. A first checking unit for checking whether the input is a valid one, and when the input prohibition release code is determined to be valid by the first checking unit, the control unit performs a plurality of operations. A copy machine that releases the prohibition of copying operation. 2. The control means returns to normal copying when the first determination means determines that the target image does not include the prohibited image before the number of times counted by the counting means reaches the predetermined number. The copier according to claim 1, wherein the copier is controlled. 3. A third storage means for storing a target image determined by the first determination means to include a prohibited image, and a target image read by the generation means and stored in the third storage means. And a second determining means for comparing whether the images are different from each other and determining whether or not the images are different. The control means determines whether or not the first determining means determines that the target image includes the prohibited image. The target image read by the generation unit is determined not to include the prohibited image by the first determination unit, and the target image read by the generation unit is determined by the second determination unit to the third image.
2. The copying machine according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the image is different from the image stored in the storage means, the copying machine is controlled to return to normal copying. 4. The copying machine according to claim 1, wherein said counting means detects that said first determination means has determined that said same target image contains a prohibited image continuously for said predetermined number of times. 5. The copying machine according to claim 1, wherein said prohibited image is an image of part or all of a bill. 6. A copy authority code second input means for enabling copying of a copy-inhibited image, a fourth authority storing a copy authority code corresponding to the copy-inhibited image.
And a copy right code input by the second input means and a prohibited image determined by the first determination means to be included in the target image in the fourth storage means. A second check unit that compares the copy authority code entered with the second input unit to determine whether or not the copy authority code entered by the second input unit is valid; Even if the first judging means judges that the target image contains a prohibited image, copying is permitted when the inputted copy right code is judged to be valid by the second checking means. 2. The copying machine according to 1. 7. The copying machine according to claim 6, wherein said prohibited image is a mark indicating that the image is a confidential document. 8. The copying machine according to claim 6, wherein said prohibition release code and said copy authority code are the same for the same prohibited image. 9. The copying machine according to claim 6, wherein said first input means and said second input means are the same. 10. A method in which prohibited image data representing a plurality of types of copy-inhibited images is associated with a copy authority code enabling copying of the copy-inhibited image, and the rank of the copy authority possessed by the copy authority code is reflected. A storage means stored in advance, a target image data generating means for reading a target image to be copied, and generating target image data representing the target image; Means for inputting a copy authority code; means for comparing the target image data with a plurality of types of prohibited image data stored in the storage means to determine whether the target image contains any of the prohibited images; Means for storing the copy authority code input by the means and the prohibited image determined to be included in the target image by the determination means. Checking means for comparing the copy right code stored in the means with the copy right code input by the input means to determine whether or not the copy right code is valid; A copying machine comprising: control means for permitting copying when the input copy authority code is determined to be valid by the checking means, even when the determination is made. 11. The control unit prohibits a copying operation when the determination unit determines that the target image includes a prohibited image and the check unit does not determine that the input copy authority code is valid. The copier according to claim 10, wherein: 12. The copying machine according to claim 10, wherein the prohibited image is a mark indicating that the image is a confidential document. 13. A storage means for storing in advance forbidden image data representing a forbidden image, a target image data generating means for reading a target image and generating target image data for representing the target image, and a target image data generated by the generating means. Output means for outputting target image data, first determining means for determining whether or not the target image read by the generating means includes a prohibited image, first input means for a prohibition release code representing operation prohibition release authority, A second storage unit that stores a prohibition release code corresponding to the prohibition image; a unit that counts the number of consecutive times that the first determination unit determines that the target image includes the prohibition image; a number that is counted by the counting unit Is controlled so that abnormal output is performed until the predetermined number of times is reached, and when the predetermined number of times is reached, at least one of the generation means and the output means is controlled. Control means for prohibiting one of the operations and receiving an input of a prohibition release code from the first input means;
And comparing the input prohibition release code with a prohibition release code stored in the second storage means corresponding to the prohibition image determined by the first determination means to be included in the target image, A first check unit for checking whether the input prohibition release code is valid, and when the input prohibition release code is determined to be valid by the first check unit, the control unit performs An image processing device that releases operation prohibition. 14. The control means returns to a normal output when the first determination means determines that the target image does not include a prohibited image before the number of times counted by the counting means reaches the predetermined number. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control is performed in such a manner. 15. A third storage means for storing a target image determined to contain a prohibited image by said first determination means,
And a second determination unit that compares the target image read by the generation unit with the image stored in the third storage unit and determines whether the images are different. The control unit includes: After the first determining means determines that the target image includes the prohibited image, the target image read by the generating means is determined not to include the prohibited image by the first determining means, and the generating means determines The read target image is converted into the third image by the second determination means.
14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when it is determined that the image is different from the image stored in the storage unit, the image processing apparatus controls to return to a normal output. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said counting means detects that the same target image is determined by the first determination means to include the prohibited image continuously for the predetermined number of times. . 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said prohibited image is an image of a part or all of a bill. 18. An input means for inputting an output authority code enabling output of a prohibited image, a fourth storage means for storing an output authority code corresponding to the prohibited image, and an input means provided by the second input means. The output right code thus obtained is compared with the output right code stored in the fourth storage means corresponding to the prohibited image determined to be included in the target image by the first determination means. The apparatus further includes a second check unit that determines whether the output authority code input by the second input unit is valid. The control unit determines that the first determination unit includes a prohibited image in the target image. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein even when the determination is made, the operation is permitted when the input output right code is determined to be valid by the second checking means. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said prohibited image is a mark indicating that it is a confidential document. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said prohibition release code and said output authority code are the same for the same prohibited image. 21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said first input means and said second input means are the same. 22. A method in which prohibited image data representing a plurality of types of prohibited images is associated with an output right code enabling output of a prohibited image, and the rank of the right of the output right code is reflected, so that the prohibited image data has a large right. The storage means pre-stored, the target image data generating means for reading the target image, and generating the target image data representing the target image, the target image data being generated by the generating means Output means for outputting the target image data; input means for the output authority code; determining means for determining whether the target image read by the generating means includes any of the prohibited images stored in the storage means; Means corresponding to the output authority code input by the means and the prohibited image determined to be included in the target image by the determination means. A check unit that compares the output right code stored in the storage unit with the output right code input by the input unit to determine whether the output right code is valid; Control means for permitting output when the input output right code is determined to be valid by the check means, even when it is determined that the output right code is included. 23. An image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said image processing apparatus is a copying machine, and said output means is copying means for copying a target image onto paper. 24. A facsimile apparatus, wherein said output means is means for transmitting image data representing a target image.
23. The image processing device according to claim 22. 25. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, which is an image reader, and wherein said output means is means for storing or transmitting image data representing a target image. 26. The control means for prohibiting an output operation when the judgment means judges that the target image contains a prohibited image and the check means does not judge the inputted output right code as valid. 23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22. 27. The image processing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the prohibited image is a mark indicating that the image is a confidential document.