JP3265621B2 - Management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention is, processing such as a plurality of copying machines
The present invention relates to a management device that manages copy information transmitted from a management device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years,
With the development and spread of processing equipment such as copiers, copyright infringement due to copying of copyrighted work and unauthorized copying of confidential documents
It has been a problem. However, in the conventional analog copying machine, it is impossible to make a high-level determination of the original document, and a hard copy (2
It was impossible to manage the copy after the next generation at all.

[0003] Conventionally, when a confidential document leaks to the outside by copying, various devices and methods have been proposed to determine the source of the document. For example, a method has been proposed in which information such as identification information of a copying apparatus, date and time of copying, and time at the time of copying is represented by a barcode and added to a part of the copied document (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-111161). ). However, in this method, there is a problem that a barcode added to a copied document is hidden or a barcode added to another document is pasted and no effect is produced when the barcode is copied again. is there.

[0004] Further, when copying, for example, by changing the typeface of the print characters of a normal document and a confidential document, even if the copied document is edited or falsified by cutting and pasting, A method has been proposed which makes it possible to distinguish between normal and sensitive documents (U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,737). However, this method has a problem that no effect can be obtained when the original is composed of only figures and graphs.

Further, in image processing by a computer, a method of synthesizing character data into image data has been proposed.
A paper by Yasuhiro Nakamura and Koshio Matsui, "Synthetic encoding method of image and character using ternary density pattern" (1988,
Journal of the Institute of Image Electronics Engineers of Japan, pages 3-9). This is because, in image processing (image processing using a so-called density pattern method) in which the sum of the density values of each dot of a small area composed of n × n dots is used as the density value of one pixel of a document displayed on a display, one pixel is used. Attention is paid to each pattern displaying the density of the image data, and the character data is combined with the image data by the arrangement of each pattern. However, when this method is used in a copying machine, it is not possible to confirm a dot pattern that determines the density of each pixel from a hard copy document that has been printed out once. For this reason, even if the character data to be combined with the image data includes information for identifying the document, for example, a user name, a code number of a copying machine, a date and time of copying, etc., it is impossible to read it. It is possible. Therefore, according to this method, when a document related to confidential information is illegally leaked, the source of the leak cannot be determined from the hard copy.

[0006] On the other hand, various devices and methods have been proposed to prevent the leakage of confidential documents to the outside due to copying. For example, "copy prohibited" attached to the manuscript,
A copying machine has been proposed which stops a copying operation when a pre-registered character such as "confidential" is detected (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 2-266759). However, this copying machine can easily perform copying by hiding characters such as "copy prohibited" and "confidential" when performing copying.
For this reason, it is not possible to effectively prevent the document once copied with the characters hidden from being leaked to the outside. In addition, in the description of the embodiment disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-266759, image information of the entire original document, for example, the position and number of specific characters (for example, "to") are used as feature information. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei.
As in the case of the copier disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4 (1993) -2004, a large-capacity memory is required to store the characteristic information of all the originals whose copying is prohibited, and all the information is actually detected in accordance with the copying operation. It is difficult.

Further, in order to prevent illegal copying of, for example, bills and securities, a copying machine has been proposed in which a pattern of a characteristic portion of a document image for which copying is prohibited is stored and a copying operation is prohibited. JP-A-2-52384). In this copier, if the entire original image is stored as a characteristic portion, it is possible to cope with a case where a part of the original image is copied while concealing a part of the original image. To do so, a large-capacity memory is required, and the cost is high.

Further, a copying machine has been proposed in which copying cannot be performed without inputting a personal identification number (JP-A-2-120753 and JP-A-3-120561). However, there is a problem in that the operation is restricted and the usability is poor.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for processing a plurality of copying machines and the like.
An object of the present invention is to provide a management device that manages unauthorized copying based on copy information transmitted from a management device.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising:
The described management device is a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from a plurality of copying machines, and a storage unit that systematically stores additional information for identifying a document included in the information received by the receiving unit, Processing means for performing processing using the additional information stored in the storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to the first aspect, the processing unit uses the additional information stored in the storage unit to perform a total copy of a specific original. It is characterized by counting the number of sheets.

Further, in the management apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to the first aspect, the processing unit uses the additional information stored in the storage unit to copy a specific document. It is characterized by examining the generational relationship and analyzing the distribution route of the copy of the original. The management device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the management device according to the second aspect, further comprising input means for inputting information for designating a document, and wherein the processing means is input by the input means. It is characterized in that the total number of copies of the original specified by the information is totaled. The management device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the management device according to the third aspect, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for designating a document, wherein the processing unit is configured to input the information by the input unit. It is characterized by analyzing a distribution route of a copy of a document specified by the information. Furthermore, a management apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the management apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information by classifying the additional information for each copying machine. . Furthermore, a management device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the management device according to the first aspect, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information for each document.
Further, the management device according to claim 8 includes a receiving unit that receives information transmitted from a plurality of processing devices, and additional information for identifying a source of the processing device, which is included in the information received by the receiving unit. It is characterized by comprising storage means for systematically storing and processing means for performing processing using the additional information stored in the storage means.
Further, the management device according to claim 9 is the management device according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit totals the total number of copies of the specific source using the additional information stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by doing. Still further, the management device according to claim 10 is the management device according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit uses the additional information stored in the storage unit to determine a generation relationship of a copy of a specific source. And analyzing the distribution route of the copy of the original. Still further, the management device according to claim 11 is the management device according to claim 9, further comprising input means for inputting information for specifying a source, and wherein the processing means is input by the input means. It is characterized in that the total number of copies of the source specified by the information is totaled. Still further, the management device according to claim 12 is the management device according to claim 10, further comprising input means for inputting information for specifying a source, and wherein the processing means is input by the input means. It is characterized by analyzing the distribution channel of the copy of the source specified by the information. Still further, a management device according to a thirteenth aspect is the management device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information by classifying the additional information for each of the processing devices. . Still further, a management device according to claim 14 is the management device according to claim 8, wherein the storage means stores the additional information for each of the sources.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a management apparatus which receives information transmitted from each copying machine by a receiving unit, and includes additional information for identifying a document (for example, a book title or a document of the document) included in the received information. The page number, the number of copies, the generation number indicating the generation of the copy, the user name, the code number of the copying apparatus, additional information such as the copy date and time) are systematically stored in the storage means, and stored in this storage means. The processing using the additional information is performed by the processing means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to the first aspect, the processing unit further uses the additional information stored in the storage unit to store the total number of the specified original. Count the number of copies.

Further, the management device according to the third aspect of the present invention is the management device according to the first aspect, wherein the processing unit copies the specific document using additional information stored in the storage unit. The distribution relationship of the copy of the document is analyzed by examining the generational relationship. Still further, the management device according to claim 4 is the management device according to claim 2, further comprising:
Information for designating the original is input by the input unit, and the processing unit counts the total number of copies of the original specified by the input information. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus of the third aspect, information for designating a document is further input by an input unit, and the processing unit is specified by the input information. Analyze the distribution route of the manuscript copy. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus of the first aspect, the additional information is stored in the storage unit by classifying the additional information for each copying machine. Still further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the management apparatus according to the first aspect, the additional information is stored in the storage unit for each document. The management device according to claim 8, wherein the information transmitted from each processing device is received by the receiving device, and additional information for identifying the source of the processing device, which is included in the received information, is stored in the storage device. The processing is performed by the processing unit using the additional information stored in the storage unit. Further, the management device according to claim 9 is the management device according to claim 8, further using additional information stored in the storage unit.
The processing means totals the total number of copies of a specific source. Still further, the management apparatus according to claim 10 is the management apparatus according to claim 8.
In the management device described in (1), further, the processing unit checks the generation relationship of the copy of the specific document by using the additional information stored in the storage unit, and analyzes the distribution route of the copy of the document. Still further, the management device according to claim 11 is the management device according to claim 9, further comprising: inputting information specifying a source by input means;
The processing means totals the total number of copies of the source specified by the input information. Still further, claim 12
11. The management device according to claim 10, further comprising: inputting information specifying a source by an input unit, wherein the processing unit outputs a distribution route of a copy of the source specified by the input information. Is analyzed. Still further, in the management device according to the thirteenth aspect, in the management device according to the eighth aspect, the additional information is stored in the storage unit by being classified for each of the processing devices. Still further, in the management apparatus according to claim 14, in the management apparatus according to claim 8, the additional information is stored in the storage unit for each of the sources.

[0016]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention. (1) Outline of copy management system (2) Binarization and embedding of additional information (3) Detailed description of processing device 100 <3-1> Configuration of functional block of processing device 100 <3-2> Functions Outline of Block <3-3> Configuration of IR Unit 3 <3-4> Configuration of Operation Unit 4 <3-5> Configuration of P Analysis Unit 11 <3-6> Configuration of F Analysis Unit 12 <3-7> Configuration of Image Discrimination / Restoration Unit 13 <3-8> Configuration of Drawing Unit 14 <3-9> Configuration of Additional Information Management Unit 18 <3-10> Configuration of Security Management Unit 20 <3-11> Communication Management Unit 5 Configuration <3-12> Configuration of Main Control Unit 7 (4) Detailed Description of Management Device 200 <4-1> Configuration of Functional Blocks of Management Device 200 <4-2> Format of Storage Device 205 <4-3> Functions of the management device 200

(1) Outline of Copy Management System The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has such a size that an ordinary user cannot visually identify a hard copy of an image read from a document. The digital additional information is embedded in the image of the original document and printed.

The additional information embedded in the hard copy is
It is composed of information such as whether or not the document is a confidential document, the number of the copy from the original document, who copied the document, and when. For this reason, it is possible to prohibit an outsider or the like from illegally copying and taking out the hard copy in which the additional information is embedded, and to embed the hard copy when the confidential document is leaked illegally. By reading out the additional information stored, it is possible to check and track the outflow route.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hard copy management system. The system includes a plurality of image processing apparatuses 100,
, And 101,... Each of the image processing apparatuses 100, 101,... Makes a copy of a document and transmits the number of copies to the management apparatus 200. The management device 200 grasps the usage status of each of the image processing devices 100, 101,... The administrator performs various maintenance of the image processing apparatuses 100, 101,. The image processing apparatuses 100, 101,...
And a floppy disk (FD) 104.

The image data includes, for example, only image information relating to print output when the document 103 is an original document, and includes image information when the document 103 has been copied at least once from the original. And digital data of additional information embedded in the image in the previous process.

When creating a hard copy based on the image information provided in the image data output from each source, the processing devices 100, 101,... Embed additional information in the hard copy and The additional information is transmitted to the management device 200.

The management device 200 includes the processing devices 100 and 10
Based on the additional information transmitted from 1,..., The total number of illegal copies and outflow routes created based on the image data output from the source are also analyzed.

The following Table 1 shows unique additional information added to a hard copy created based on image data output from each source, and common additional information always added regardless of the source format. Information.

[Table 1]

Next, each additional information shown in Table 1 will be described. The book code is a unique code registered in all manuscripts, and is used to specify a book.

The apparatus identification code is an identification number unique to a processing apparatus having the information adding function of the present invention, and identifies which processing apparatus (100, 101,...) Is a hard copy processed and created by which processing apparatus. Used to

The volume name is an identification code of the floppy disk 104 as a storage medium, and is used to identify which floppy disk is a hard copy created based on image data input from the floppy disk.

The generation number added to the image data output from each source by the processing devices 100, 101,... Is used to manage the order of the hard copy created from the original document or the like. Data. FIG. 2 shows generation numbers embedded in the hard copy of each generation. As understood from this, the data of the information of the generation number increases for each next generation. If the image data output from the source does not have the additional information of the generation number, the information of the generation number is always added when the hard copy is created. If the source is the document 103 and the information of the generation number has already been added, a value obtained by changing this value to the next generation number is added to the hard copy.

On the other hand, the copy number is a number indicating the order of the hard copy created from the original document or the like, regardless of the generation number. As shown in FIG. 3, the copy number includes an identification code unique to the processing device, a source number unique to the source, and a copy number for managing the number of copies. When the number of source devices is one, the source numbers are sequentially assigned. When there are a plurality of processing devices, a number is sequentially assigned to each processing device, or a copy number and an identification number unique to each processing device are used in combination. However, since the copy number is the same as the lowest information of the generation number, it can be omitted if the association is defined in advance by the system.

As described above, by including the copy number in the additional information, it is possible to easily count the order of the hard copy created from the original document. Here, by comparing the number of copies stored by the legitimate user with the counting result, it can be determined whether or not an unauthorized copy has been performed.

When the password is not set in the image data output from the source, the user can set the password from the operation unit provided in the processing devices 100, 101,.

As shown in Table 1 above, additional information including the generation information for identifying the original, the user information of the copying apparatus, the apparatus identification information, and the like is transferred to a plurality of locations of the printing unit in the hard copy. Then, by reading these later, the outflow route of the copy can be grasped.

(2) Binarization and Embedding of Additional Information Next, binarization of the additional information shown in Table 1 above by the hard copy management system of the present invention, and hardware of the binarized additional information The embedding process in a plurality of places such as a print portion in a copy will be described in detail.

The binarization method of each additional information shown in Table 1 is not particularly limited, but an example is shown below.

Most of the additional information can be defined by a fixed size. For example, the book code is 20 digits (20
Byte) is sufficient, and the title of the book is also 20.
A data length of digits (20 bytes) is sufficient. For the same reason, 2 bytes are assigned to the page number, 8 bytes to the copy number, 4 bytes to the user ID number, 3 bytes to the use date and time, 2 bytes to the password, and 2 bytes to the total number of pixels. One byte is assigned to the byte and the generation number.
Here, of the additional information shown in Table 1, only the generation number is variable-length data, and data of 2 bytes × the number of generation numbers is allocated. This is because by increasing the data length as the number of generation numbers increases, there is no need to prepare extra data.

FIG. 4 shows the additional information represented by each data length as continuous data. This data is embedded at least twice in each hard copy. The order of these pieces of additional information is determined in advance, and if there is no corresponding data, temporary data such as "0" is input.

The embedding process of the additional information performed in the processing device 100 needs to be performed so as not to be noticeable to a general person. However, since the data shown in FIG. 4 is long, it may be difficult to embed it in a hard copy unobtrusively. In this embodiment, in order to deal with this, the data is divided into blocks having a predetermined bit length and embedded in a hard copy. Here, a block number for specifying a position in the data is added to each of the divided data. If it is difficult to embed even the data divided for each block, the priority is determined for each block, and the embedding is omitted.

To read the data of the additional information from the hard copy, the data of each block with a block number is read, and the data is restored by rearranging the data in the order of the block number. Here, the data of the block that cannot be read is deleted.

Further, the formation of the block data is not limited to the above case. As shown in FIG. 5, the data to be divided may have a variable length and a code number for identifying the format may be added to the beginning of each data. good. Here, the compression code is code data compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. However, in this method, it is necessary to determine a code number and a format, a compression code compression algorithm, and the like in advance.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the data of the additional information shown in FIG. 4 is divided in units of 8 bits. FIG. 6 shows the block data of the block number 1 and the block number 65 when the data of a certain additional information is divided in units of 8 bits. In this case, the block number is represented by 7 bits,
A total of 15-bit block data is defined by an MSB having a value of “11” and an LSB having a value of “01”. To read each block data embedded in the hard copy, an MSB having a value of “11” and a “01”
If there is a predetermined number of pixels between the LSBs having the values of, this is determined as embedded block data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the block data of block number 1 shown in FIG. 6 is embedded in an actual image. When embedding block data in an image, one of the binarized data (for example, value 0) is represented by a pixel having the same density as the surrounding pixels, and the other (for example, value 1) data is stored in the surrounding pixels. Pixels having a density slightly different from the density are represented (hereinafter referred to as density data). In FIG. 7, each density data of the block data is formed with an interval of one pixel. As shown, one block is composed of 2 + 7 + 8 + 2 = 19 bits, and if a black line portion for 40 dots exists in the hard copy image,
This block data can be embedded. Here, 40 dots is 1/10 inch (about 2.5 mm) in a printer / image reader apparatus having a resolution of 400 dpi, and a black line of this length exists in a normal character image. It is thought that. Therefore, 40 dots can be sufficiently embedded.

Next, a description will be given of a process of converting each block data formed by dividing the data of the additional information in a predetermined dot unit into density data and embedding it into an image in a hard copy.

FIG. 8 shows an example in which block data of additional information is converted into density data and embedded in a figure such as a character. (A) in the figure is an enlarged view of a normal character "a" of about 12 points printed on a hard copy.
(B) in the figure is a further enlarged part of the print character "a". In this example, the additional information is embedded in the two elliptical portions shown. (C) in the figure is an enlarged view of the inside of the elliptical part in which the additional information is embedded. The density data has a predetermined pitch (pixel interval) as shown in FIG.
Embedded with The density data shown in (c) is
This is obtained by converting the block data of (d).

The block data of the additional information can be embedded at an arbitrary position regardless of the position or the direction. By making the embedding position of the additional information unspecified, it is possible to make it impossible for a user who attempts to illegally take out a confidential document or the like to hide and copy the additional information embedded in the hard copy.

However, if block data is embedded in one place in a concentrated manner, it becomes conspicuous as image noise. Since it is desirable that the additional information embedded in the hard copy is not recognized by a general user, it is dispersed and embedded in the hard copy. As one example, as shown in FIG.
There is a method of embedding additional information in one direction from the corner of the sheet. Furthermore, in order to minimize the loss of information even when dirt or partial cut and paste is performed, it is desirable to embed additional information repeatedly in one hard copy as shown in FIG. In this case, in consideration of the possibility that data of some additional information may be erroneously restored due to dirt or the like, an odd set of additional information is embedded in a hard copy, and valid data is determined by majority decision. .

In the case of a document having a complicated density change, it is difficult to distinguish the image from the embedded additional information. Therefore, when embedding the additional information, a place where the density does not change is selected. However, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to embed feature points over a plurality of areas in a place where there is no change in density or in an area that does not include a density band for additional information.

In principle, for embedding the additional information, a predetermined density band is allocated for density data created from block data. However, FIG.
As shown in (a), in the case of a halftone image in which the density of the image changes continuously, the density value around the density band Wa used by the density data representing the block data is changed. That is, as shown in an enlarged manner in FIG. 11B, in the density band Wb following the density band Wa used in the density data, the gradient of the density change of the original image is changed. As a result, the density value of the image of the original within the density band Wa is changed to outside the range of the density band Wa.

FIG. 12 shows a method for embedding density data obtained by converting block data of additional information when continuous long density data cannot be embedded in one figure in a figure such as a hatched pattern. is there. In this case, each pattern itself is used as one density data to represent additional information. Also, as shown in FIG.
There is also a method of embedding reference data in parallel (four in the figure) without embedding density data indicating SB and embedding additional information by this length. This method has the advantage that the width can be increased but the length can be reduced.

By executing the above-described processing, it becomes possible to embed the additional information in the image of the document and print out the additional information as a hard copy. Therefore, by reading out the additional information embedded in the hard copy, information such as whether the hard copy is related to a confidential document, and when, by which copying machine, by whom and how many copies are obtained. be able to. By using this, it is possible to track the source of the confidential document that has leaked illegally.

(3) Detailed Description of Processing Apparatus Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the processing apparatus 100 will be described in detail. <3-1> Configuration of Function Blocks of Processing Device 100 FIG. 13 shows a configuration of each functional block of the processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and a flow of main data. Here, the flow of information for controlling the timing and the like of the entire processing apparatus 100 is omitted.

In FIG. 13, thick lines indicate lines through which image information data flows. The middle line indicates the line through which the data of the operation information flows. The dotted line indicates a line through which the data of the additional information flows.

<3-2> Outline of Each Function Block An outline of each function block shown in FIG. 13 will be described below.
A detailed description of each functional block will be given later. The external interface unit 1 is a unit that inputs image information output from the computer 102 to the packet analysis unit 11.

The packet (P) analysis section 11 analyzes image data input from the computer 102 via the external interface section 1 and extracts image information and additional information.

The floppy disk drive (FDD) 2
This is a means for inputting image data output from the floppy disk 104 to the F analysis unit 12.

The floppy disk (F) analysis unit 12
The image data input from the floppy disk 104 via the floppy disk device 2 is analyzed to extract image information and additional information.

The drawing unit 14 creates image data corresponding to the image information extracted by the packet analysis unit 11 and the floppy disk analysis unit 12, and outputs the image data to the image memory 16.

The image reading section 3 reads image data from the document 103 set on the document table, and outputs image data consisting only of image information to the image discriminating / restoring section 13 when the document is original. In the case of a document to which the additional information has been added, the image data including the additional information and the image information is output to the image determination / restoration unit 13. If the original has a built-in code transmitter, it receives the code information transmitted from the original and outputs it to the additional information management unit 18.

The image discriminating / restoring unit 13 analyzes the image data read from the image reading unit 3, extracts the image information and the additional information, restores the additional information, and restores the image data consisting only of the image information. I do.

The additional information management unit 18 aggregates various types of additional information added to the image data read from each source, embeds new additional information in the image data stored in the image memory 16, and collects the additional information. The transmitted additional information is transmitted to the management device 200 via the communication management unit 5.

The image memory 16 is a memory for editing image data to be hard copied by the output unit 6.

The filing device 8 stores the image information from the image memory 16 and the additional information from the additional information management unit 18 in association with each other.

The operation unit 4 is used to set copy conditions, display additional information read from each source, display a warning message when the confidentiality management unit 20 determines that copying is prohibited, and further provide a user ID number and source Input such as specification of the form.

The output unit 6 responds to an instruction from the operation unit 4
This is an electrophotographic printer that creates and outputs a hard copy based on the image data to which additional information is output from the image memory 16.

The editing unit 17 performs a falsification process on an image in the image memory 16 in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 4.

The confidentiality management unit 20 determines, for example, the prohibition of hard copy from the additional information collected by the additional information management unit 18 and the information set from the operation unit 4.

The communication manager 5 reads the image data from the source or creates a hard copy,
Information about hard copy creation such as additional information is communicated to the management device 200 shown in FIG.

The main control unit 7 reads the image data from each source, starts the packet analysis unit 11, the floppy disk analysis unit 12, the image reading unit 3, etc., and executes the entire processing apparatus 100 such as a hard copy process and a security management process. Of the sequence is executed.

<3-3> Configuration of Image Reading Unit 3 FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the image reading unit 3. The image reading unit 3
The image data is read from the document 103 set on the platen. If the document is an original, the image data including only the image information is output to the image discriminating / restoring unit 13 and the image data having the additional information is added. , The image data composed of the additional information and the image information is output to the image determination / restoration unit 13

If the original has a built-in code transmitter, it receives the code information transmitted from the original and outputs it to the additional information management unit 18 described later. Specifically, the manuscript with a built-in code transmitter is assumed to be a book with a built-in transmitter that transmits information for preventing copying that violates copyright law.

The image reading unit 3 includes an image reading control unit 301
An image reading unit 302 for reading image data of an original set on an original platen or in an automatic original exchange device 307, and a code transmitter 3030 embedded in the original
A code information reading unit 303 that reads code information including information such as a book title and a book code output from a display unit (see FIG. 15 described later); and an image interface unit 304
, A code interface unit 305, and various electrical components 30
6 and an automatic document exchange device 307.

The image reading section 302 reads the image data of the document set on the document table and outputs it to the image reading control section 301. The image reading control unit 301 outputs the image data to the bus B7 via the image interface unit 304.

The code information reading section 303 reads code information other than the image information and outputs it to the image reading control section 301. The image reading control unit 301 outputs the code information read by the code information reading unit 303 to the bus B11 via the code interface unit 305.

The automatic document exchange device 307 removes the document on the document table of the image reading unit 302 and automatically sets the next document. Further, the image reading control unit 301 is connected to various electric devices 306, and controls a motor or the like for driving an image reader.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration diagram of a device functioning as the image reading unit 302 and the code information reading unit 303. The apparatus includes a document glass 3021, a scanner unit 3022, an exposure lamp 3023, an antenna coil 3031 or a coil 3031 ',
2 and a code conversion unit 3033. The code information reading unit 303 employs a wireless system using radio waves, and transmits code information such as a book name and a book code output from a code transmitter 3030 incorporated in the document 103 such as a book to an antenna coil 3031. Read with. By adopting this method, the original glass 3021
It is possible to eliminate a reading error caused due to dirt or the like. However, the code information reading unit 303 does not function with a document such as a sheet document that does not have a built-in code transmitter.

Antenna coil 30 for receiving radio waves
Reference numeral 31 is made of a transparent material on the original glass 3020. The antenna may be such that a coil 3031 ′ is provided on the scanner unit 3022 instead of the antenna coil 3031. When the antenna 3031 on the original glass 3021 is used, reading is performed before scanning or turning on the exposure lamp 3023 for actual image reading in order to prevent a reading error due to noise generated by the image reading unit 3 itself. Also, when the antenna 3031 'of the scanner unit 3022 is used, reading is performed during a preliminary scan in which the exposure lamp is not turned on in order to reduce noise as much as possible.

FIG. 16 is a processing flowchart of the image reading section 3. When the power of the image reading unit 3 is turned on, first, the position of the scanner unit 3022 is set to the initial position, and the initial setting such as making the output of the exposure lamp constant is performed (step S301). When the user presses a code information reading key (not shown) provided on the operation unit 4 (step S30).
In step S303, the process reads the additional information of the document set on the platen (step S303). Here, if the original has a built-in code transmitter 3030, the code information is transmitted to the antenna 3031 or 303.
1 ′, the transmission / reception unit 3032 and the code conversion unit 30
The image data is output to the image reading control unit 301 via the control unit 33 (step S304). If the user presses an image reading key (not shown) provided on the operation unit 4 (YES in step S305), the image reading unit 302 starts operating to expose the original set on the original glass 3021 to the original. Irradiation is performed by the lamp 3023, the scanner unit 3022 is moved to read the image data of the original, and the read image data is output to the image reading control unit 301 (step S).
306).

As described above, in the image reading section 3 of the present embodiment, the book name and the book code output from the code transmitter 3030 incorporated in the original 103 such as a book by the wireless system using radio waves are used. The code information is read by the antenna coil 3031. By adopting such a method, it is possible to eliminate a reading error caused by a stain on the original glass 3021 or the like. Further, since the code transmitter is built in the document 103, it cannot be tampered with. Further, the code information read from the code transmitter is embedded in the image of the document as additional information in the additional information management unit 18 described later, and is embedded in the hard copy even when a part of the book is copied. By reading the additional information obtained, the source of the outflow can be tracked. In this way, it is possible to determine and track illegal copies that violate the Copyright Act.

<3-4> Configuration of Operation Unit 4 FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. The operation unit 4 sets copy conditions, displays additional information read from each source, inputs a password,
A warning message is displayed when the copy prohibition is determined to be 0, and a user ID number and a source form are specified.

The operation unit 4 includes an operation control unit 401 for controlling the operation unit 4, a message display unit 402, and a setting input unit 4
03, an IC card interface 404, an interface 405 for connecting the operation unit 4 to an external function unit via the bus B9, a calendar 406 for managing calendar information, and a preset identification code unique to each processing device. And a unique information memory 407 in which is stored.

The message display unit 402 displays the additional information read from the source, and displays a warning message when the confidentiality management unit 20 determines that copying is prohibited.

The setting input unit 403 executes designation of a source form, conditions of the output unit 6 for creating a hard copy, instructions for falsification processing to the editing unit 17, input of a user ID number, and the like.

In the IC card interface 404,
User I using his own IC card
Enter the D number. The information input here is always output to an external function unit via the interface 405.

The calendar 406 has a built-in timer that is backed up and manages the year, date and time, and time.

<3-5> Configuration of Packet Analysis Unit 11 The packet analysis unit 11 shown in FIG. 13 analyzes the contents of image data from the computer 102 input from the external interface 1 via the bus B5. As shown in FIG. 18, the packet analysis unit 11
2, a buffer 113 for storing temporarily inputted image data, a packet analysis processor 111, a working memory 114 for executing analysis processing, and an interface 1 for outputting image information relating to print output to a bus B3.
16 and an interface 117 for outputting additional information to the bus B11.

The image data input from the computer 102 to the interface 112 has a predetermined format, and includes image information and additional information as shown in FIG. Here, the additional information includes a data name such as a file name and a page number, and is output to the additional information management unit 18 via the bus B11. The image information includes data of a format designation, a print position designation, a character code, and a graphic code.
4 is output. The drawing unit 14 to which the image information has been input forms image data in the image memory 16 according to the image information.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the analysis processing of the packet analysis unit 11. This processing may be performed by a single processor or may be executed by the processor 701 of the main control unit 7 in a time sharing manner. After the initial setting (step S1101), when image data is received from the external interface 1 connected to the computer 102 (YES in step S1102), an analysis process is executed (steps S1103 to S1109). In the image information, character code and graphic code data are stored (step S110).
3 (YES in Step S3), and output to the drawing unit 14 (Step S1)
104). The format control data such as the format designation and the print position designation also included in the image information (step S1).
(YES in S105), it is used for the internal editing condition changing process (step S1106). Additional information (step S
(YES in 1107), and output to additional information management unit 18 (step S1108). Of the input data, data other than any of the above is used for other processing (step S1109).

<3-6> Configuration of Floppy Disk Analysis Unit 12 Floppy disk analysis unit 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 13
Analyzes the image data stored in the floppy disk read by the floppy disk device 2. As shown in FIG. 21, the floppy disk analyzing unit 12 includes an interface 122, a buffer 123 for storing temporarily inputted image data, a floppy disk analyzing processor 121, and a working memory 124 for executing an analyzing process. , An interface 126 for outputting data of image information to the bus B3, and an interface 127 for outputting data relating to additional information to the bus B11.

A plurality of files are stored on the floppy disk. The specification of the file is specified from the operation unit 4 via the bus B9. The data in the floppy disk is structured in a predetermined format.
And the additional information as shown in FIG. Here, the additional information includes a volume number of the floppy disk, a data name such as a file name, and a page number, and is output to the additional information management unit 18 via the bus B11. In addition, the image information can be specified as a format, a print position,
Drawing unit 1 consisting of character code and graphic code data
4 is output. The drawing unit 14 to which the data of the image information is input forms an image in the image memory 16 according to the data of the image information.

FIG. 23 shows the floppy disk analyzing unit 12.
5 is a flowchart of the analysis processing of FIG. This processing may be performed by a single processor or the processor 701 of the main control unit 7.
May be executed in a time-sharing manner. After the initial setting (step S1201), the floppy disk device 2
When the image data is received via the bus B6 connected to (YES in step S1202), an analysis process is executed (steps S1203 to S1209). Of the image information, character code and graphic code data relating to printing are output to the drawing unit 14 (YES in step S1203) (step S1204). Similarly, format control data such as a format specification of image information and a specification of a print position (YES in step S1205) are used for a process of changing internal editing conditions (step S1206). The additional information (YES in step S1207) is output to additional information management unit 18 (step S1208). Of the data entered,
Other data is subjected to other processing (step S1209).

<3-7> Configuration of Image Discriminating / Restoring Unit 13 The image discriminating / restoring unit 13 shown in FIG. 13 analyzes image data input via the bus B7, and outputs image information relating to printing and additional information. In addition to separating the embedded block data, the block data is restored to continuous additional information, and further, the image data of the original before the additional information is added is restored.

As shown in FIG. 24, the image discriminating / restoring unit 13 includes an interface 132 to which image data is input via the bus B7, an image memory 133, an image analysis processor 131, a feature point memory 134, a block It comprises a management memory 135, an interface 136 for outputting the restored image data to the bus B4, and an interface 137 for outputting the extracted additional information to the bus B11.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a process executed by the image determination / restoration unit 13. In the image discriminating / restoring unit 13,
After the initialization (step S1301), when image data is input (YES in step S1302), blocks are formed for each density distribution (step S1303), and density coordinates corresponding to feature points are picked up (step S1304). Here, the feature point indicates a pixel having a predetermined density, for example, representing the value 1 in FIG. Further, the coordinates of each feature point are converted into a plurality of binary numbers of a predetermined length from a predetermined positional relationship as shown in FIG. 7 (step S305). The binary numbers extracted in block units are rearranged in the order of block numbers according to a predetermined procedure, and are reorganized into additional information (step S1306). When the extraction of the additional information from the feature point is completed, the feature point is deleted from the image information, and the image data before the additional information is added is restored (step S1307). Here, the elimination of the feature point is executed by replacing the feature point with the density around the feature point. The extracted additional information is sent to the interface 137.
Is output to the bus B11 via the bus (step S130).
8). The restored image data is output to the bus B4 via the interface 136 (step S1).
309).

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the process of digitizing feature points (step S1305) shown in FIG.
The digitization of the feature points is performed by judging from the positional relationship of the feature points. In this embodiment, one block of the additional information is linearly embedded within a predetermined range. If this relationship is defined in advance for each system, the embedding may not be a straight line but may be an arc, for example.

More specifically, one feature point is searched for (step S1310). Next, all other feature points adjacent to each other within a predetermined distance are searched (step S131).
1). The maximum distance is the length of one block (= bit length × inter-bit distance). Next, it is confirmed whether or not these coordinates have a predetermined positional relationship (a straight line in this embodiment) (step S1312). Thereby, incorrect coordinates and data are deleted (step S131).
3). The coordinates of the valid data are converted into a binary number (step S1314). Each binary number is represented by the number of bits (step S1315) and upper and lower identification bits (step S1316).
Confirmation. Here, if everything is normal, it is stored as valid block data (step S1317).
The above processing is performed for all the extracted feature points (step S1318).

Numerical processing of the above feature points (step S13)
The block determined to be valid in 05) is converted to additional information in the next additional information restoration process (step S1306). FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the restoration processing of the additional information. First, block numbers provided for valid block data are arranged in order (step S1320). here,
If the minimum type of blocks necessary for restoring the additional information are available (YES in step S1321), the information of each block is confirmed (step S1322).

In this embodiment, since a plurality of sets of additional information are embedded in one hard copy, it is used to confirm whether or not data of the same block number matches. If the information of the same block number does not completely match, this is determined by majority vote. If the information of the block number cannot be specified even by using the majority decision, the block is invalidated (step S1324).
If there is a predetermined number or more of block data that is determined to be invalid, the hard copy having the additional information is determined to be a falsified original composed of a plurality of originals, and the additional information is ignored. Is notified to the additional information management unit 18 that the document is a falsified document (YE in step S1323).
S).

When the valid block data is specified, each additional information is reorganized according to a predetermined procedure (step S1325). In addition, the defective data
Initialize with a predetermined value (zero, blank, etc.).

By executing the above processing,
The additional information embedded in the image of the document can be read. The read additional information is processed by the main control unit 7, the additional information management unit 18, and the management device 200, which will be described later, to prohibit the copying of the confidential document and confirm the outflow source of the hard copy in which the additional information is embedded. Used for

<3-8> Configuration of the Drawing Unit 14 The drawing unit 14 shown in FIG. 13 is an image of character codes and graphic codes sent from the packet analysis unit 11 or the floppy disk analysis unit 12 via the bus B3. The image data is developed in the image memory 16 according to the information.

The specific system and configuration are the same as those used in the bitmap printer controller. However, when the image to be developed has gradation, the density band used for the density data (see FIG. 7) created by converting the block data of the additional information is not used.

<3-9> Configuration of Additional Information Management Unit 18 The additional information management unit 18 shown in FIG. 13 includes a packet analysis unit 11, a floppy disk analysis unit 12, an image reading unit 3, an image determination and restoration unit 13, an operation The additional information sent from the unit 4 via the bus B11 is collected and managed for each source. Further, a hard copy process (Steps S701, S711, S711) executed by the main control unit 7, which will be described in detail later.
In S718), a process of generating new additional information for each hard copy based on the aggregated additional information and embedding the additional information in the image data stored in the image memory 16 is performed (step 742).

FIG. 28 shows the structure of the additional information management unit 18. The additional information management unit 18 includes a processing device 181, a code input unit 182, a drawing unit 183, an operation information interface 184, a code output unit 185, and a pixel counting unit 1.
86.

The processing device 181 embeds additional information in the image memory 16 when creating a hard copy. Searching for additional information of a predetermined item specified by the operation unit 4 directly accesses the image memory 16 via the bus B1. At that time,
A necessary work area is a free area of the image memory 16. In practice, the main control unit 7 controls the processing device 181.

The pixel counting section 186 measures the pattern area of the image developed in the image memory 16. The image is made up of shading information of a predetermined resolution.
For simplicity, the total number of pixels equal to or higher than a predetermined density is treated as an area. In order to further improve the management accuracy, the area for each predetermined density may be managed.

The following Table 2 shows additional information transmitted from each functional unit to the additional information management unit 18.

[Table 2] As the value of the security rank included in the source-related information in “Table 2”, for example, the value of the highest security rank is determined to be 5, and as this value decreases, the degree of security decreases. When the value of the confidential rank is 0, it means that the document is a normal document that does not need to be confidential.

The additional information transmitted to the additional information management unit 18 is classified and managed for each source as shown in Table 3 below. Normally, only one set of source-related information is included for one page, but a falsified manuscript created by cutting and pasting a plurality of manuscripts includes a plurality of sets of source-related information. In such a case, the additional information management unit 18
Manage multiple sets of source related information. However, the same value is used for information other than the source related information.

[Table 3]

Table 4 below shows a method for adding new additional information and a method for updating it.

[Table 4] In the additional information shown in the table, the volume name is additional information output from the computer 102, and the data name is additional information output from the floppy disk 104.

In Table 4 above, generation 1 is added to the generation number when a new hard copy such as data from the floppy disk 104 or the computer 102 or a copy from the original 103 is made. In the case of re-copying from a once generated hard copy, a generation number next to the generation embedded in the hard copy is added (see FIG. 2).

When a hard copy is created from an original document to which no additional information is added, additional information is newly generated (the generation number is 1). At this time, the document name or the like can be input by the user from the operation unit 4 or can be automatically generated from the date or the user name.

As described above, by changing the predetermined information forming the additional information and newly embedding it in the image of the document,
User name, copy date and time,
It is possible to easily analyze the outflow source based on the number of copies and the like.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the process of embedding the additional information in the document image portion (step S742), which is executed by the additional information management unit 18 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 7.

This processing is executed by a program stored in the processing device 181 provided in the additional information management unit 18. First, as described later, binary block data divided by a predetermined number of dots is generated (step S1801). Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in order to embed each block data in the image in the hard copy, the block data is converted into a minute density block signal based on the value of the block data (step S1802). Processing unit 18
1 searches for an area for embedding the block data converted into the density block signal in step S1802 into an image in a hard copy (step S1803). Here, an area of a predetermined length for embedding the embedding data is searched (YES in step S1804), or there is no predetermined length for embedding, but the density changes slowly and the area is expanded and embedded in an adjacent area. If an area that can be used is searched (YES in step S1805), the embedding position of each block data is determined (step S1).
806) Further, the density value of each density block according to the place where the block data is embedded is determined (step S1).
807).

In the processing device 181, the above step S18
Each of the block data subjected to the processing of 01 to S1807 is written into the character code or graphic code data of the image information (step S1808). After performing the above processing for all the additional information (YE in step S1809)
S), after repeating this for a predetermined number of sets (see FIG. 9) to be embedded in one hard copy (step S1)
(YES in 910), the embedding process ends.

FIG. 30 shows a process of generating embedded data in which the data of the additional information is divided by a predetermined number of bits, block numbers are added to the data, block data is created, and this block data is converted into pixel density data. (Step S
1801) shows a flowchart.

First, a check code for enabling reproduction of block data to be embedded and a code for error correction are calculated (step S1820), and the data length of the additional information shown in FIG. 4 is calculated (step S1821). .
Next, how many bits are to be used to divide the data is determined, and the number is calculated (step S1822). Further, a block number is added to the divided data based on the number of divisions calculated in step S1822 (step S1823), and a mark LSB indicating a start point of the block data and a mark MSB indicating an end point are added (step S1824).
And S1835). By executing the above processing, embedded data (block data) having a configuration as shown in FIG. 6 is generated.

<3-10> Configuration of Security Management Unit 20 In the security management unit 20, when the additional information management unit 18 detects a security document with a security rank value of 1 or more, the security unit 20 inputs a password to the operation unit 4. Is requested, and when a book code is set in the additional information, the input of the book code is requested. When a password or a book code is input from the operation unit 4, the password is compared with a value of the password or the book code managed by the additional information management unit 18, and the result is output to the operation unit 4. Here, when the value of the personal identification number or the book code input from the operation unit 4 is different from the value managed by the additional information management unit 18, the copy operation is prohibited.

By performing the above processing, illegal leakage of a confidential document can be effectively prevented. Note that, in the present embodiment, the above processing is executed in a security management processing (step S715) of the main control unit 7 described later.

<3-11> Configuration of Communication Management Unit 5 The communication management unit 5 stores the additional information that is aggregated and managed by the additional information management unit 18 every time image data is read from a source or a hard copy is created. , To the management apparatus 200 via the line 105.

<3-12> Configuration of Main Control Unit 7 FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration of the main control unit 7. The main control unit 7 controls reading of image data from each source, activation of the packet analysis unit 11, the floppy disk analysis unit 12, the image reading unit 3, and the like, and execution of sequences such as hard copy processing and security management processing.

The main controller 7 comprises a program memory 702 and a data memory 703 with a processor 701 at the center, and is connected to each functional block of the processing device 100 via an interface 704.

FIG. 32 is a processing flowchart of the processor 701 provided in the main control unit 7. The main controller 7 turns on the power and initializes the controller (step S70).
1), an instruction to initialize the entire hard copy processing system is issued (step S702), and a process request waiting state is set (steps S703 and S704). The process starts when the user specifies from the operation unit 4 (Y in step S703).
ES), there is a case where data is received from the computer 102 (YES in step S704).

From the computer 102, the packet analyzer 1
1 when there is a request for analysis (NO in step S703)
Therefore, in step S703, the packet analysis unit 11 analyzes the image data of one page as described above, and separates the additional information and the image information. The packet analysis unit 11 outputs image information to the drawing unit 14, creates image data, stores the image data in the image memory, and outputs the extracted additional information to the additional information management unit 18. The unit 7 is notified of the completion of the process.

After receiving the notification of the completion of the process from the packet analysis unit 11, the main control unit 7 transmits the additional information output from the packet analysis unit 11 to the additional information management unit 18 via the communication management unit 5 to the management device. At step S705, the image data stored in the image memory 16 is output to the output unit 6, and a hard copy process is executed (step S706). These processes are performed by the computer 102
This is executed for each page of image data input from.

The instruction given by the user by operating the operation unit 4 includes the activation of the output unit 6 (YE in step S707).
S), there is a state setting for each function (NO in step S707 to step S720). Further, the activation of the output unit 6 from the operation unit 4 includes a hard copy process of a file stored in the floppy disk 104 (YES in step S708) and a hard copy process in the image reading unit 3 (NO in step S708). In step S712
To).

When Creating a Hard Copy of a File Stored on the Floppy Disk 104 (Step S
If YES in 708), the floppy disk analysis unit 12 is activated by an instruction from the operation unit 4 (step S70).
9). As described above, the floppy disk analysis unit 12 separates the image information and the additional information from the input image data. The floppy disk analysis unit 12 includes the drawing unit 1
4, the image data is created, the image data is stored in the image memory 16, and the extracted additional information is output to the additional information management unit 18. Notify.

When the main control unit 7 receives the notification of the completion of the process from the floppy disk analysis processing unit 12, the main control unit 7 transmits the additional information output from the floppy disk analysis processing unit 12 to the additional information management unit 18 via the communication management unit 5. To the management device 200 (step S710) and the image memory 16
Is output to the output unit 6 to execute hard copy processing (step S711). A plurality of pages of information are stored in the file of the floppy disk 104, and the above processing is executed in page units. When the hard copy of all pages is completed (step S71)
If the answer is YES in step 2, the next input waiting state is set. The floppy disk analysis unit 12 sequentially adds page numbers simultaneously with the page format.

When a user instructs a hard copy from the image reading unit 3, the image reading unit 3 is started (step S713). Here, the image reading section 3 reads the image data of the document set on the document table, and further reads the code information when the document is a book having a code transmitter. Next, the image determination / restoration unit 13 is activated (Step S714). The image discriminating / restoring unit 13 detects each block data of the additional information embedded in the image data read by the image reading unit 3 as described above,
After the data is restored to the continuous data, the data is output to the additional information management unit 18, and the image data before the additional information is added is restored and stored in the image memory 16.

When the process in the image discriminating / restoring unit 13 is completed, the main control unit 7 executes a security management process described later (steps S715 and S706). Here, if the original is not a confidential document, or if the document is a confidential document and a predetermined input such as a password is input from the operation unit 4 (YES in step S716), the document is output to the additional information management unit 18. Book code information and image discriminating / restoring unit 13
Is transmitted to the management device 200 via the communication management unit 5 (step S717), and the image data stored in the image memory 16 is output to the output unit 6 to execute a hard copy process. (Step S71
8). If a plurality of originals are set in the automatic original exchange apparatus 307 shown in FIG. 14, the process is executed for all the set originals (step S719).

When each main operation mode is set from the operation unit 4 (step S720), when the confidential mode is set (YES in step S721), the mode is changed (step S722). If a record confirmation process for managing the generation of the hard copy and the counting of the number of copies is performed in addition to the management of the confidential document at the time of copying (YES in step S723), the input of the password is requested (step S723). In step S724), when it is confirmed that the password matches the set password (YE in step S725).
S), a recording confirmation process described later is executed (step S726). Further, as another process, a process of adding an additional function to the hard copy (step S727) is executed.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of the hard copy process (steps S706, S711, and S718). First, the area of the pattern of the image developed in the image memory 16 is measured. The image is composed of shading information of a predetermined resolution, but in this embodiment, for simplicity,
The total number of pixels having a predetermined density or more is treated as a pattern area (step S730). Next, source extraction processing for confidentiality management, which will be described later, is performed (step S73).
1).

At the next step S732, the image memory 1
Then, it is determined whether or not the original developed in No. 6 has been falsified. Here, the determination as to whether or not the original is falsified is performed by checking whether or not the difference between the total number of pixels set in the additional information and the total number of pixels of the read original is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. It is performed by That is, if the value of the total number of pixels set in the additional information and the value of the total number of pixels counted in step S730 match or are within a predetermined allowable error range, the original is normally If the difference between the two values exceeds the allowable error range, it is determined that the document has been falsified. Further, even when the image discriminating and restoring unit 13 determines that the document is a falsified document in which a plurality of sets of additional information are embedded in the document and cut and pasted,
The read document is determined to be a falsified document.

At step S732, the image memory 1
If it is determined that the original developed in Step 6 is a falsified original, a falsification recording process described later is executed (Step S733), and the result and additional information included in the original are stored in the operation unit. 4 (Step S73)
4). At this time, additional information such as a password is not displayed for security management.

Next, if it is set in advance from the operation unit 4, the editing unit 17 requests the editing unit 17 to edit the original image (step S735). If the original image is changed as a result of the editing of the original image (step S
If YES in step 736), it is determined that a part of the document image has been falsified, and falsification recording processing is performed (step S737). After the alteration recording process is completed, the image data is temporarily saved in the image memory 16 (step S738).

After the image data is saved in the image memory 16, a hard copy of the number of copies set in advance from the operation unit 4 is performed (steps S739 to S74).
5). The main control unit 7 issues an instruction to the processing device 181 included in the additional information management unit 18, generates new additional information (step S739), and causes the management device 200 to communicate (step S740). Thereafter, the data saved in the image memory 16 is read again (step S741), and the additional information embedding process is executed (step S742, see FIGS. 29 and 30). Next, the output unit 6 is started (step S743), and the image data is read out from the image memory while synchronizing with the output destination device, and is printed out.
After the process is completed (step S744), the process returns after repeating the above process for the set number of copies. The generation number and copy number of the additional information added to the hard copy are changed for each hard copy. Also,
As the total number of pixels, a value obtained by counting the image after the editing process (step S735) is added.

FIG. 34 shows a drawing process (step S73).
It is a process flowchart of 1). The sampling process is a process for monitoring what document is being copied for each user.

The additional information management unit 18 confirms the user name by setting an IC card or the like (step S77).
0), comparing the additional information (stored in the additional information management unit 18) relating to the source currently being hard-copied with the information of the hard copy previously copied by the user stored in the filing device 8 (Step S77
1). If the source currently being hard-copied is new (YES in step S772), the additional information and image data added to the source are stored in the filing device 8 (steps S773 and S773). S774) Return.

FIG. 35 is a processing flowchart of the falsified document recording processing (steps S733, S737, S757). If it is determined that the original read from the image reading unit 3 has been tampered with, the additional information relating to the source of the image and the image data are stored in the filing device 8 (steps S781 and S782), and the process returns.

FIG. 36 shows the security management process (step S71).
The flowchart of the process of 5) is shown. When the confidentiality management process is executed, the main control unit 7 activates the confidentiality management unit 20 and
It checks the value of the confidential rank included in the additional information of the source read into the additional information management unit 18. If it is confirmed that the value of the confidential rank is set to 1 or more (YES in step S750), the control unit 4 is requested to output confirmation information such as a password (steps S751 to S75).
5). Here, if the book code is set in the additional information in advance as the confirmation information (step S751),
The code number is input from the operation unit 4 (step S75)
2). If a password is set in the additional information (step S753), the password is input from the operation unit 4 (step S754). In step S755, the entered code number or personal identification number is compared with each number set in the additional information. If the input number does not match the number set in the additional information, a warning message is displayed on the operation unit 4 (step S7).
56) and execute a falsification recording process (step S757);
After filing the image data and the additional information of the document that has been illegally copied into the filing device 8, the process returns.

By the above-described confidentiality management processing (step S715), it is possible to effectively prevent the confidential document from being illegally leaked. Further, since the input of the personal identification number or the like is not required for a document whose secret rank value is set to 0, there is an advantage that it does not hinder the copying of a normal document.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a recording confirmation process (step S726) for confirming recording information. In this process, the history of the hard copy is confirmed from the additional information such as the generation number and the copy number stored in the filing device 8. The confirmation method includes a method of retrieving additional information of a predetermined item designated by the user via the operation unit 4 and displaying the retrieved additional information on the operation unit 4 for confirmation (step S763). There is a method (steps S764 to S767) of printing and outputting the additional information and the corresponding document image together at the output unit 6 and confirming them.

When the user sets an item of additional information to be retrieved from the operation unit 4 (step S760), the filing device 8 retrieves the additional information of the corresponding item and the document data corresponding to the additional information. (Step S7
61). Here, the items to be set include the user and the image corresponding to the user stored in the filing apparatus 8 by the above-described extraction processing (step S731, see FIG. 34).

If the additional information of the set item is filed (step S762), this is displayed on the display unit 4.
(Step S763), and when there is a print output request, the additional information and the image data corresponding to the additional information are read out to the image memory 16 (step S763).
765), and activates the output unit 6 (step S766), and prints out this (step S767). The above processing (steps S761 to S767) is performed by the filing apparatus 8
Is executed for all the image data having the additional information filed in step S768, and the processing is repeated until the search for the additional information of the set item is completed (step S768).
To return.

By the above-described recording confirmation processing (step S726), it is possible to easily analyze a source image to which predetermined additional information has been added, such as a source of the outflow. Also,
Since a falsified and edited manuscript can also be checked, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to identify whether there is falsification or editing from the manuscript image itself as in the related art.

FIG. 38 shows an additional information adding process (step S
FIG. 727) is a diagram showing a process flowchart of (727). Operation unit 4
When additional information is input from (step S790)
If this is a password (step S791) and it is a new setting (YES in step S792), a password is set in the additional information and stored in the additional information management device 18. If the input additional information is the confidential rank (step S794) and is a new setting (YES in step S795), the confidential rank information is set as the additional information, and the additional information management unit 18
Is stored. If the additional information input from the operation unit 4 is not any of the above information, other processing is performed (step S797).

(4) Detailed Description of Management Apparatus 200 <4-1> Configuration of Functional Blocks of Management Apparatus 200 FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a configuration of functional blocks of the management apparatus 200. The management apparatus 200 receives a terminal 201 for performing input and display for operating the apparatus, a printer 202 for printing a processing result, and additional information transmitted from each processing apparatus via the line 105. A communication management unit 203, a processing device 204 that controls the entire management device 200, and a storage device 205 that stores all received additional information
It is composed of

<4-2> Format of Storage Device 205 The additional information received by the communication
04 is stored in the storage device 205. Usually, the management device 200 includes a plurality of processing devices (100 or 101, etc.).
Is connected. As the additional information received by the communication management unit 203, information on all hard copies processed by each processing device is sent.

The additional information stored in the storage device 205 is
It is stored and managed systematically as shown in FIG. The additional information is first classified for each device, and the information of each device is stored as one record for each source of one page. Each record stores the additional information embedded in the read source and the additional information embedded in the generated hard copy.

Here, the additional information embedded in the source includes a book code and a
It is composed of a book title, a page number, a copy number, a user ID number, a use date and time, a password, a total number of pixels, a generation number, and a generation number. Additional information embedded in the generated hard copy includes a copy number, a user ID number, a use date and time, a total number of pixels, a generation number,
And a generation number.

<4-3> Functions of Management Device 200 In the management device 200, the processing device 2
By giving an instruction to the storage device 205, the additional information stored in the storage device 205 is used to collect the total number of copies of a specific document, to confirm the outflow route of the specific document, and Processing such as searching for documents whose rank value is set to 1 or more is executed.

FIG. 41 is a processing flowchart executed by the management apparatus 200. If the additional information has been transmitted from the additional information management unit 18 or the confidentiality management unit 20 to the management device 200 (YES in step S5001), the additional information is stored in the storage device 205 (step S5002). When the terminal 201 instructs the processing device 204 to total the total number of copies including the generation copy (step S5003)
YES), a total copy number counting process described later (FIG. 42).
Reference) is performed (step S5004). When the terminal 201 instructs the processing device 204 to check the distribution route (YES in step S505), a distribution route confirmation process (see FIG. 44) described later is executed (step S5006).

When another process (step S5007) instructs a copy detection process of a confidential document from the terminal 201, a record in which the value of the confidential rank of the additional information is 1 or more is searched, and the record is retrieved. Or output to a printer. Thereby, the copy status of the confidential document can be grasped. If necessary,
Name of each source, user name (or user ID number)
You can know.

FIG. 42 is a processing flowchart of the total copy number totaling process (step S5004 in FIG. 41). Using a plurality of records, the management device 200 can check how many hard copies have been taken from a predetermined source. This makes it possible to check the outflow amount of the hard copy. For example, by comparing the outflow amount recorded separately, it is possible to determine whether the hard copy from the source is illegally outflow. it can.

First, the source to be tabulated is the terminal 201
To specify a document (step S5010).
Normally, an original name, book code, page number, or the like is used. All records related to the specified source are read from the storage device 205 (step S5011). Next, the generation relationship of each record is analyzed, and a system diagram showing the number of copies in each generation of the corresponding record is created (step S5012). Normally, the system diagram matches the generation number, but does not match when there are multiple sources with the same document name. In such a case, a copy number is used. Next, the number of copies is counted (step S5013). Here, when there are a plurality of system diagrams, the calculation is performed for each system diagram. The result is displayed on the terminal 201 and
Print output is performed as needed (step S5014).
By executing the total copy number totaling process, a display of the total copy amount and a printout as shown in the following FIG. 43 are obtained.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing the process of confirming the distribution route (step S5006 in FIG. 41). The management device 200 can track the outflow route of the copy using a plurality of records. By using this, it is possible to check when, by whom, by what device, and by what copy, what number of generations of hard copies that have flowed out of a predetermined source. Therefore, it is possible to track the source of the confidential document when the confidential document has been illegally leaked.

As in the case of the total copy number counting process, first, a source for checking distribution is input from the terminal 201 (step S5020). Usually, the name of the manuscript, book code,
Specify the source using the page number. Next, all records related to the specified source are read from the storage device 205 (step S5021). The generation relationship of the read record is analyzed, and a system diagram of the record is created (step S5022). Normally, the system diagram matches the generation number, but does not match when there are multiple sources with the same document name. In such a case, a copy number is used. Next, according to the system diagram, the user name or user ID number,
Alternatively, the device number or the like used for copying may be
And print it as needed (step S5023). By executing the distribution channel confirmation processing, an example of display or printout of the distribution channel of the copy as shown in FIG. 45 can be obtained.

[0155]

According to the management apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the processing means performs processing using the additional information (additional information for identifying the document) stored systematically in the storage means. By doing this,
In which copier, who statistically searches for additional information such as who copied what number of generations of originals from the original, and conversely, searches originals for predetermined additional information The user can make a copy of what original is being copied).

According to the second aspect of the invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular,
The processing unit counts the total number of copies of a specific document and compares the total number of copies with the number of copies stored by the user to check whether or not copying has been illegally performed.

Further, according to the third aspect of the invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular,
By examining the generation relationship of the copy of the specific document by the processing unit and analyzing the distribution route of the copy of the document,
The source of the illegally leaked original can be checked. Further, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the same effect as the second aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular, when the total number of copies of a specific document is counted by the processing means, information for designating the document can be input by the input means. Still further, according to the invention described in claim 5,
The same effect as the third aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular, when the processing unit checks the generation relationship of the copy of a specific document and analyzes the distribution route of the copy of the document, information specifying the document can be input by the input unit. Still further, according to the invention described in claim 6,
The same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained. In particular, the additional information can be classified for each copying machine and stored in the storage unit. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the same effect as the first aspect of the invention can be obtained. In particular, the additional information can be stored in the storage unit for each document. According to the management apparatus of the eighth aspect, the processing unit uses the additional information (additional information for identifying the source of the processing device) systematically stored in the storage unit by the processing unit. By doing so, it becomes possible to statistically search for the additional information with respect to the source of the predetermined processing device, or to search for the source of the predetermined processing device with respect to the predetermined additional information. Further, according to the ninth aspect, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect can be obtained. In particular, the total number of copies of a specific source is totaled by the processing means, and compared with the number of copies stored by the user, it can be checked whether or not copying has been illegally performed. Further, according to the tenth aspect, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect can be obtained. In particular, by checking the generation relationship of the copy of the specific source by the processing means and analyzing the distribution route of the copy of the source, it is possible to check the source of the illegally leaked original. Further, according to the eleventh aspect, the same effect as that of the ninth aspect can be obtained. In particular, when the total number of copies of a specific source is counted by the processing means, information for specifying the source can be input by the input means. Further, according to the twelfth aspect, the same effect as that of the tenth aspect can be obtained. In particular, when the processing unit checks the generation relationship of the copy of the specific source and analyzes the distribution route of the copy of the source, information specifying the source can be input by the input unit. Further, according to the thirteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect can be obtained. In particular, the additional information can be classified in each of the processing devices and stored in the storage unit. Further, according to the fourteenth aspect, the same effect as that of the eighth aspect can be obtained. In particular, the additional information can be stored in the storage unit for each of the sources.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hard copy management system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hard copy of each generation and a part of additional information to be embedded in the hard copy.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a copy number.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing binarized data of additional information added to a hard copy.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating each divided data when binarized data of additional information is divided by variable-length data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state of block data of block numbers 1 and 65 when binarized data of certain additional information is divided in units of 8 bits.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a case where block data of block number 1 is formed into a density block in order to actually embed the block data in an image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of embedding block data in a figure such as a character.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of embedding each block data of additional information in a density block into a hard copy.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of embedding when additional information is embedded in a document having a complicated density change.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a change in the density value of a document image when the density value of the document image changes continuously.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an embedding method when an image of a document is a knitted pattern or the like and long data cannot be embedded continuously.

13 is a diagram showing a configuration of each functional block of the processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and a flow of main data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading unit 3;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a device that functions as an image reading unit 302 and a code information reading unit 303.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the image reading unit 3;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit 4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a packet analysis unit 11;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a format of image data input from the computer 102.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the packet analysis unit 11;

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a floppy disk analysis unit 12.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a format of image data input from the floppy disk 104.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a processing flowchart of the floppy disk analysis unit 12.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image determination / restoration unit 13;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process executed by the image determination / restoration unit 13;

26 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a feature point quantification process shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a restoration process of additional information.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration of an additional information management unit 18.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process of embedding new additional information in the additional information management unit 18.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a process of generating embedded data.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main control unit 7.

FIG. 32 shows a processor 701 provided in the main control unit 7
3 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a flowchart of hard copy processing.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a sampling process.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a falsified document recording process.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of confidentiality management processing.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the record management processing.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of additional information addition processing.

39 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management device 200. FIG.

40 is a diagram illustrating a state of additional information stored in a storage device 205. FIG.

41 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the management device 200. FIG.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of total copy number totalization processing.

43 is a diagram illustrating a total copy number totaling process result displayed on the operation unit 4 or printed out by the output unit 6. FIG.

FIG. 44 is a view showing a processing flowchart of a distribution route confirmation processing.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating a result of a process of confirming a distribution route displayed on the operation unit 4 or output by the output unit 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Image reading part 4 ... Operation part 5 ... Communication management part 6 ... Output part 7 ... Main control part 13 ... Image discrimination | restoration part 18 ... Additional information management part 20 ... Security management part 100 ... Processing device 102 ... Computer 103 ... Original 104: Floppy disk (FD) 105: Line 200: Management device 3030: Code transmitter 3031: Antenna

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] A receiving means for receiving information transmitted from a plurality of copying machines; a storage means for systematically storing additional information for identifying a document included in the information received by the receiving means; A management unit for performing a process using the additional information stored in the storage unit. 2. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit totals the total number of copies of a specific document using the additional information stored in the storage unit. Management device. 3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit checks a generation relationship of a copy of a specific document using the additional information stored in the storage unit, and copies the copy of the document. A management device for analyzing a distribution channel of a product. 4. The management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for designating the original, wherein said processing unit is configured to process the original designated by the information input by said input unit. A management device for counting the total number of copies. 5. The management apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for designating the original, wherein the processing unit is configured to process the original designated by the information input by the input unit. A management device for analyzing a distribution channel of a copy. 6. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information classified for each copying machine. 7. The management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information for each document. 8. A receiving means for receiving information transmitted from a plurality of processing devices, and a storage systematically storing additional information included in the information received by the receiving means for identifying a source of the processing device. And a processing unit for performing a process using the additional information stored in the storage unit. 9. The management device according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit totals the total number of copies of a specific source using the additional information stored in the storage unit. Management device. 10. The management device according to claim 8, wherein the processing unit checks a generation relationship of a copy of a specific source using the additional information stored in the storage unit.
A management device for analyzing a distribution route of a copy of the document. 11. The management apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for specifying a source, wherein said processing unit is configured to execute the processing of the source specified by the information input by said input unit. A management device for counting the total number of copies. 12. The management apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an input unit for inputting information for specifying a source, wherein said processing unit is configured to store information on a source specified by the information input by said input unit. A management device for analyzing a distribution channel of a copy. 13. The management device according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information by classifying the additional information for each of the processing devices. 14. The management device according to claim 8, wherein the storage unit stores the additional information for each of the sources.