JP3320186B2 - Image forming method, image processing system, image forming apparatus, and image input apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, with the performance improvement of color copying machines,
There is concern that illegal use of color copiers, such as copying of securities, may occur.

In order to prevent unauthorized use of a color copier,
Technology to detect specific documents and prevent copying,
A technique has been proposed in which a device number of a copying machine is encoded and superimposed on a color print.

[0004]

However, conventionally, when a document is read and output by an image input device, it is possible to authenticate whether the image input device has a function of determining a specific document on the image output device side. Did not.

Further, it has not been possible to authenticate each other between the image input / output devices to have a specific original detecting function and an identification code adding function.

Therefore, when image data is transferred from the image input device to the image output device for printing, there is no guarantee that the image input device always determines a specific document and controls the output.

In view of the above, the present invention provides an image processing system and an image forming apparatus capable of reliably authenticating an image input apparatus, and furthermore, a specific original detection function and an identification code addition between image input / output apparatuses. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing system that has a function and can be authenticated.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming method, comprising the steps of:
An image forming method that transfers image data to a device to form an image.
Between the image input device and the image forming device.
The image forming apparatus outputs based on the exchange of data.
Attach information for identifying the image forming apparatus to an image
Whether the image input device has the first function
A first authentication step of authenticating, the image input device and the image
Based on the exchange of data with the image forming apparatus,
The image input device has a second function of identifying a specific image.
A second authentication process for authenticating whether or not the
In the first authentication step, the image forming apparatus
Authenticated as having the first function, and the second authentication
In the step, the image input device has the second function
When the first authentication process is performed, the image forming is performed.
When the image forming apparatus has the first function
If the image is not authenticated or the image is
The forming apparatus is certified to have the second specific function,
A control step of stopping image formation when there is no
It is characterized by.

[0009] The image processing system of the present invention has an image input device and an image forming apparatus, from the image input device
Based on the transferred image data, the image forming apparatus
An image processing system for forming an image, wherein the image input device
To determine whether the input image is a specific image
A first authentication unit that first the function authentication to the image input device whether the image input device has from the image forming apparatus that the image forming apparatus to output images of the image forming apparatus A second authentication unit configured to authenticate the image forming apparatus from the image input apparatus to determine whether or not the image forming apparatus has a second function of providing information for identifying the image forming apparatus ; The authentication means allows the image input device to
Authenticated to have the first function and the second function
The image forming apparatus is connected to the second specific device
Perform image formation when it is recognized that the
The first authentication means allows the image input device to perform the first
If it is not authenticated to have the function or the second
The image forming apparatus has the second function by the authentication unit.
Control means to stop image formation if not authenticated
And a step .

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has an image input device.
It receives image data transferred from the location, a image forming apparatus for image formation, spear of data with the image input device
Authentication means for authenticating whether or not the image input device has a function of determining a specific image based on the authentication;
The image input device has the function by the authentication means
Is determined, image formation is performed, and the
Control means for stopping image formation if not authenticated
And the following. In addition, the image input of the present invention
The input device transfers the input image data to the image forming device.
An image input device for performing image formation, wherein the image
Based on the data exchange with the forming device,
Generating apparatus for identifying the image forming apparatus in an output image.
Authentication that authenticates whether it has a function to add information
Means, and the authentication means causes the image forming apparatus to
If it is recognized that the image forming apparatus has the function,
Stop image formation if not recognized as having the function
And control means.

[0011]

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

(Signal Processing Block Diagram) FIG. 1 is a signal processing block diagram of the image scanner unit 2201 and the printer 2202.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1101 denotes a CCD color sensor; 1102, an analog amplifier;
Reference numeral 3 denotes an A / D converter, and reference numeral 1104 denotes a shading correction circuit that corrects a variation in brightness depending on a reading position of an image signal.

Reference numeral 1106 denotes a color space matching judging circuit for calculating in real time the similarity of the distribution in the three-dimensional color space between the read image data and a specific original such as a bill or securities.

By using the color signal after the shading correction, distortion of brightness and color depending on the position of the document is corrected, and the similarity of the color component in the color space regardless of the position where the input document is placed. The judgment can be made accurately. The shading correction circuit 1104 of the color image reading device is a well-known technology and will not be described in detail here.

Reference numeral 1105 denotes a print signal generation circuit.
This circuit converts input color signals R (red), G (green), and B (blue) into Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black) signals. This circuit includes delay means for compensating for the time required for the determination described below. Also, the real-time correction signal f1
113 modulates the print signal.

1107 is a real-time correction signal f111.
3 is generated.

Reference numeral 1108 denotes a read synchronization signal HS110.
9, CLK1110 and VS1112. HS1109 is a main scanning section signal.
LK1110 is a pixel reading basic clock signal,
VS1112 is a section signal indicating an effective area in the sub-scanning direction of document reading.

Reference numeral 408 denotes a density conversion circuit for correcting the density characteristics of the printer unit 2202.

Reference numeral 410 denotes an identification signal adding circuit described with reference to FIG. By adding identification information such as the printer serial number in light yellow to the image forming output by this circuit, it is possible to identify cases where misuse such as forming a specific image such as a bill by the image forming apparatus is performed. It becomes possible.

Reference numeral 450 denotes an image scanner unit 2201.
Is a microprocessor that performs image signal processing and printer authentication processing. By performing control of the image signal processing circuit and authentication processing with the printer unit 2202 using the same microprocessor as in this configuration, modification of the authentication processing, such as stopping the clock supply to the microprocessor 450, can be performed. In this case, the control function of the image signal processing circuit does not operate, and it is possible to increase the strength against modification of the apparatus.

The ROM 451 is a microprocessor 450
Is a read-only memory in which the above program is stored.

The RAM 452 is a microprocessor 452
Is a random access memory used as a work area.

The microprocessor 460 is the printer 22
02 is a microprocessor that performs image signal processing and authentication processing. As in the case of the microprocessor 450, the control of the image signal processing circuit and the authentication processing are performed by the same microprocessor, so that the strength against remodeling of the apparatus can be increased.

(Overview of Apparatus) FIG. 2 shows an overview of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2201 denotes an image scanner unit which reads a document and performs digital signal processing. Reference numeral 2202 denotes a printer unit which prints out an image corresponding to the document image read by the image scanner 2201 on a sheet in full color.

In the image scanner 2201, 2
Reference numeral 200 denotes a mirror pressure plate. A document 2204 on a platen glass (hereinafter, referred to as a platen) 2203 is irradiated with a lamp 2205, guided to mirrors 2206, 2207, and 2208.
D) An image is formed on 2210 and sent to the signal processing unit 2211 as full-color information red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components. 2205, 2206
Is the speed v, 2207 and 2208 are the speed 1/2 V, and the entire surface of the original is scanned (sub-scanning) by mechanically moving in the vertical direction with respect to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction of the licensor, and the signal processing unit 2211.

In the signal processing section 2211, the read image signal is stored in the image memory once and then electrically processed and processed for magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y) and black (Bk). Each component is decomposed and sent to the printer unit 2202. In addition, the image scanner 22
01, four reading operations are performed on the image data read by one original scanning, and one component among M, C, Y, and Bk is generated by image processing, and is sent to the printer unit 2202. One printout is completed by a total of four readings and processes.

Each of the M, C, Y, and Bk image signals sent from the image scanner unit 2201 is sent to a laser driver 2212. Laser driver 2212
Is a semiconductor laser 221 according to the image signal sent.
3 is modulated. The laser light is transmitted to the polygon mirror 22
14, via the f-θ lens 2215 and the mirror 2216,
The photosensitive drum 2217 is scanned.

Reference numeral 2218 denotes a rotary developing unit, which includes a magenta developing unit 2219, a cyan developing unit 2220, and a yellow developing unit 2
The developing unit 221 includes a black developing unit 2222, and the four developing units alternately contact the photosensitive drum 2217 to develop the electrostatic development formed on the photosensitive drum with toner.

Reference numeral 2223 denotes a transfer drum, which winds a sheet supplied from a sheet cassette 2224 or 2225 around the transfer drum 2223 and transfers an image developed on the photosensitive drum to the sheet.

After the four colors of M, C, Y, and Bk are sequentially transferred in this manner, the sheet passes through the fixing unit 2226, and is discharged after the toner is fixed on the sheet.

FIG. 3 shows that the image scanner 2201 has a specific document discriminating function on the printer 2202.
It is a flowchart explaining the process which the side authenticates.

In this process, the authentication function is realized by confirming from the printer that the image scanner has the secret information T given only to the image scanner having the specific document discriminating function.

At this time, by using the so-called zero-knowledge interactive proofing method, it is possible to confirm that the image scanner 2201 has the secret information T without placing the secret information T on the transmission line, so that a secure authentication operation can be performed. Can be realized.

In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the microprocessor 450 of the image scanner 2201 at the time of authentication processing is used.
And the operation flow of the microprocessor 460 of the printer 2202.

At 301, the microprocessor 450 of the image scanner generates a random number Rm, calculates X = Rm ² mod n at 302, and
To the microprocessor 460.

Here, n is a predetermined large composite number (product of large prime numbers).

The microprocessor 460 stores the X data received at 310 in its internal RAM at 311. Then, at 312, a random number Bm is generated.

Here, Bm is 1-bit data, that is, 0
Or a value of 1.

At 313, the microprocessor 450 for sending the data of Bm to the image scanner side,
When the value of Bm received in 304 and 305 is 0, 30
6, when the value of Bm is 1, the process of 307 is performed.

At 306, the data of Y = Rm is sent to the printer, and at 307, Y = TRm mo
Send the value of dn to the printer.

Here, T is confidential information given only to an image scanner having a specific original discriminating function.

The microprocessor 460 receiving the Y data at 314 checks the validity of the value of Y at 315 according to the following equations (1) and (2).

X = Y ² mod n if Bm = 0 (1) ZX = Y ² mod n if Bm = 1 (2) where X is the number stored in the RAM at 311 and Z is Z = T ² mod n (3).

Even if the received Y data is determined to be valid, the above steps 301 to 308 and 310 to 317 are performed a predetermined number of times (l times), thereby enabling more reliable authentication. Then, when the above processing is normally completed once, the image data is transferred at 309 and 318 assuming that the image scanner 2201 has the specific document discriminating function.

If the Y data is inappropriate at 315, the microprocessor 450 stops after displaying the error message shown at 316 in FIG.

By performing this processing, when the Y data received by the microprocessor 450 is inappropriate, the microprocessor 450 stops.
In order to restore the operation of 50, be sure to use the image scanner 2
The power supply of 201 must be turned off / on.

(Color Space Matching Determination Circuit 1106) FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the color space matching determination circuit 1106.

In the figure, R201 is the data of the upper 5 bits of the 8 bits of the R (red) signal from the shading correction circuit 1104. Similarly, G202 is a 5-bit G (green) signal, and B203 is a 5-bit B (blue) signal.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which information on the colors of a plurality of types of specific originals is stored. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the color of the specific document has a specific color distribution in the color space depending on the specific document. The operation of the ROM 204 is to determine whether or not the R, G, and B signals are input to addresses A _{0 to} A _14, and whether the input R, G, and B signals match the colors of a plurality of types of specific originals. Are the data D ₀ to
Is output to the D _7.

As shown in FIG. 12, information on the color of a specific document is stored in the data of the ROM 204. If the color matches the color of the specific document, 1 is set, and if not, 0 is set.
Is output to each of D _{0 to} D ₇ . D ₀ to D ₇ corresponds to a particular original eight from 0th to the 7th.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the data relating to the colors of a plurality of documents stored in the ROM 204 and the bit positions of the ROM 204. As a result, judgment information on the tint of eight different specific originals is output in parallel from D _{0 to} D ₇ for the input pixel data.

The smoothing circuits 220 to 227 are circuits for performing the smoothing operation shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 using the signals of the tint determination signals X ₀ 210 to X ₇ 217.

FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing the structure of one of the smoothing circuits 220 to 227.

In the figure, 701 and 702 are multipliers,
703 is an adder, 704 is a latch circuit, and 705 is a comparator. By using the weighted average of the input data and the previous data by the multipliers 701, 702, and the adder 703 for the determination, it is possible to determine the specific document as shown in FIG. 11 in consideration of the continuity of the data. Become.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the input Xi and the smoothed operation value Yi. If 1 continues as the value of the input Xi, the value of Yi increases.

In this way, when the input R, G, and B signals continuously match the color of the specific document,
237 becomes 1, and more accurate determination is possible without being affected by noise or the like.

In the color space determination circuits 240 to 247,
The similarity between the specific image data and the input color signal in the R, G, and B color spaces shown in FIG. 17 is calculated in real time,
Calculating the color space similarity judgment signal MK ₀ 260~MK ₇ 267.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one circuit among the color space determination circuits 240 to 247.

With this circuit configuration, the data Dn from the SRAM 209 and the signal Cn from the smoothing circuit are OR-operated and written into the SRAM 209. Only when the data Dn changes from 0 to 1, the counter 301 counts up. The counter 301 outputs the sub-scanning section signal V
It is cleared at the rise of S1112. Counter 30
The output value Zn of 1 and the constant δn of the register 302 are compared in magnitude by the comparator 303, and when Zn> δn, MKn
= 1, and when Zn ≦ δn, MKn = 0. δ
The value of n is set to a value of 1% of U _ORG in FIG. 16 (1 = 90 in this embodiment).

[0061]

[Outside 1] Here, U _ORG is represented by three R, G, and B coordinate axes in FIG.
It is a numerical value that uses a cube as a unit volume and is divided into two.

According to the above processing, the observation image data, that is, the data of the input color signal sequence is changed to the specific image data, R,
G, and B color space, when almost the same shape, color space similarity judgment signal MK ₀ 260~MK ₇ 267 is set to 1.

When the sub-scanning section signal VS1112 is 0 (LOW), the selectors 271 and 272 output the SRAM 209
Is cleared to zero. The address generator 270 is a circuit for sequentially generating all the addresses of the SRAM 209. When VS1112 is LOW, the SRAM 209 is cleared to 0 according to the address signal generated by the address generator 270.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a timing generation circuit for generating a timing signal shown in FIG.

CLK4 of 206 is a basic clock CLK.
1110 is a clock signal obtained by dividing the frequency of 1110 by 4;
A signal for controlling the write enable terminal of the RAM 209, and a signal 208 for controlling the output enable terminal of the SRAM 209.

(Generation of Real-Time Correction Signal) FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram for explaining the real-time correction signal generation circuit 1107.

With this circuit configuration, when it is determined that any one of a plurality of specific document data registered in the ROM 204 matches the observed image data in the color space, the real-time correction signal f1113 is set to 1 (High). ).

(Print Signal Generation Circuit) FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram for explaining the print signal generation circuit 1105.

The masking UCR operation circuit A 601 is a circuit that normally generates a print YMCBk signal from input RGB signals.

When it is determined that the input color signal matches the specific document, the masking UCR
Print Y'M 'with a different color (for example, more reddish)
This is a circuit for generating a C'Bk 'signal.

The selector 603 selects and outputs the signals of the circuits 601 and 602 in accordance with the real-time correction signal f1113, so that only the area determined to match the specific document is printed with a different color. Becomes possible.

In the above embodiment, the determination using the color is exemplified as the method for determining the specific document. However, it is needless to say that other determination methods such as pattern matching may be used. Further, in the above embodiment, the description has been made using the image processing apparatus between the image scanner and the printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Obviously, it can be used in various systems such as systems.

<Other Embodiments> In the first embodiment, the printer authenticates whether or not the image reading device has the specific document determining function, and the image reading device has the specific document determining function. The printer receives the image data and prints out the image data only when the printer can be approved.

In the second embodiment, if the apparatus for transmitting data to the printer is authenticated for the identification signal adding function of the printer, and if the printer can be authenticated to have the identification signal adding function, the image data is transmitted. The data is transferred to the printer.

FIG. 17 shows that the printer 2202 has an identification signal adding function.
It is a flowchart explaining the process which 1 side performs authentication.

In this processing, the authentication function is realized by confirming from the image scanner that the printer 2202 holds the secret information T 'given only to the printer having the identification signal adding function. .

At this time, by using a so-called zero-knowledge dialogue proofing method, it is possible to confirm that the printer 2202 has the secret information T without placing the secret information T ′ on the transmission path, and thus secure authentication is possible. Operation can be realized.

In the flowchart of FIG. 17, the microprocessor 45 of the image scanner 2201 during the authentication process
0 and the operation flow of the microprocessor 460 of the printer 2202.

At 1801, the microprocessor 460 of the printer 2202 generates a random number Rm.
In step 2, X = Rm ² mod n is calculated and sent to the microprocessor 450.

Here, n is a predetermined large composite number (product of large prime numbers).

The processor 450 receives the X
The data is stored in the internal RAM at 1811. Then, at 1812, a random number Bm is generated.

Here, Bm is 1-bit data, that is, a value of 0 or 1. At 1813, the Bm data is sent to the printer.

The microprocessor 460 has 1804, 1
If the value of Bm received at 805 is 0, the processing of 1806 is performed, and if the value of Bm is 1, the processing of 1807 is performed. In 1806, the data of Y = Rm is sent to the image scanner. 1
At 807, the value of Y = T'Rmmmod n is sent to the printer.

Here, T 'is secret information given only to a printer having an identification signal adding function.

At 1814, the microprocessor 450 receiving the Y data checks at 1815 the validity of the value of Y according to the following equation.

X = Y ² mod n if Bm = 0 (4) ZX = Y ² mod n if Bm = 1 (5) where X is the number stored in the RAM at 311 and Z is Z = T ′ ² mod n (6).

Note that even if the received Y data is determined to be valid, the above 1801 to 1808 and 1810 to 1
Performing the process of 817 a predetermined number of times (l times) enables more reliable authentication. Only when the above processing has been completed normally once, it is determined that the printer has the identification signal adding function, and the image data is transferred at 1809 and 1818. If the Y data is inappropriate at 1815, the error message shown in FIG. 18 is displayed at 1816, and then the microprocessor 450 stops.

By performing this processing, when the Y data received by the microprocessor 450 is inappropriate, the microprocessor 450 stops.
In order to restore the operation of 50, be sure to use the image scanner 2
The power supply of 201 has to be turned off / on.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a case where mutual authentication is performed between an image scanner and a printer.

In 2001, the image scanner authenticates the printer having the identification code adding function.

In 2002, the printer authenticates to the image scanner that it has the specific document detection function.

By performing the authentication operation between the image input / output devices, the unauthorized use of the color image input / output devices can be more reliably prevented.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image input device
And the image forming apparatus have first and second functions mutually.
Or that one device is a specific function of the other device
Authenticate that you have
By performing image formation by stopping the formation,
Image formation can be prevented. Also, the image input device
Spoofed as if it had the first function after being remodeled
Or has a second function as if the image forming apparatus was modified.
To exchange data
Impersonation can be detected by authentication with
Use and unauthorized image formation can be prevented.

Further, since the image input / output devices are individually authenticated as to whether or not they have a specific function, unauthorized use of the devices can be prevented with higher accuracy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an image scanner unit 2201 and a printer 22
02 is a signal processing block diagram.

FIG. 2 is an external view of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an error message according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a color space matching determination circuit 1106.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of color space determination circuits 240 to 247.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart.

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of a real-time correction signal generation circuit 1107.

FIG. 9 is a circuit block diagram of a print signal generation circuit 105.

FIG. 10 is a circuit block diagram showing a circuit configuration of smoothing circuits 220 to 227.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a relationship between an input Xi and a smoothed operation value Yi.

FIG. 12 shows the shape of a specific document in a color space and a determination ROM.
FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a shape of a specific document A in a color space.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a shape of a specific document B in a color space.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a relationship between data relating to a plurality of documents stored in the ROM 204 and bit positions of the ROM 204.

FIG. 16 is a diagram conceptually illustrating determination of similarity between a distribution of an input color image in a color space and a color distribution of a specific document.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an authentication process according to another embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an error message according to another embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating mutual authentication.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/40-1/409 H04N 1/46-1/64 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/32-1 / 36 G06T 7/00

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] An image input device that transmits an image data to an image forming apparatus;
An image forming method for transferring data between the image input apparatus and the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus precedes the output image based on the exchange.
A first method for providing information for identifying the image forming apparatus
Authenticate with the image input device whether it has the function
A first authentication step, and data exchange between the image input apparatus and the image forming apparatus;
The image input device recognizes the specific image based on the exchange.
The image forming apparatus determines whether or not the image forming apparatus has a second function.
A second authentication step in which the image forming apparatus authenticates with the first device;
Has been certified as having the capability, and in the second certification process,
Authentication that the image input device has the second function
The image forming is performed when it is performed, and the image is formed in the first authentication step.
It is determined that the image forming apparatus has the first function.
If not, or in the second authentication step, the image forming apparatus
If the device is not authenticated as having the second specific function,
And a control step of stopping the image formation in such a case. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second authentication steps include:
1. Secret information possessed only by the device having the second function
Zero-job dialogue that exchanges data based on data and random numbers
2. The authentication according to claim 1, wherein the authentication is performed using a proof.
Image forming method. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising an image input device and an image forming device.
Based on the image data transferred from the image input device.
An image processing system for forming an image with the image forming apparatus , wherein the image input by the image input device is a specific image.
First authentication means for authenticating from the image forming apparatus to the image input apparatus whether or not the image input apparatus has a first function of determining whether or not an output image of the image forming apparatus is provided; A second authentication unit configured to authenticate the image forming apparatus from the image input apparatus to determine whether the image forming apparatus has a second function of providing information for identifying the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus; The first authentication means causes the image input device to perform the first
And the image forming apparatus has the second specific function by the second authentication unit.
If it is determined that the
The authentication means causes the image input device to have the first function.
If not authenticated, or the second authentication means
The image forming apparatus has the second function
And control means for stopping image formation when authentication is not successful. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second authentication means include the first and second authentication means.
Confidential information and random information possessed only by the device having the second function
Zero Intellectual Dialogue Proof that Exchanges Data Based on Number
4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the authentication is performed using a password.
Image processing system. 5. An image forming apparatus for receiving image data transferred from an image input device and forming an image , wherein the image forming apparatus performs a preceding operation based on data exchange with the image input device.
An authentication unit for authenticating whether or not the image input device has a function of determining a specific image; and forming an image when the authentication unit determines that the image input device has the function. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that stops image formation when the user is not authenticated to have the function. 6. The authentication means is a device having the function.
Exchange of data based on secret information and random numbers
Authenticating using the Zero Chief Dialogue Proof
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: 7. Transferring input image data to an image forming apparatus.
An image input device for transmitting and performing image formation, based on data exchange with the image forming device.
The image forming apparatus identifies the image forming apparatus in an output image.
Whether it has a function to give information for
Authentication means, and the image forming apparatus has the function by the authentication means.
And the authenticated if performs image formation by, perforated the function
If it is not authenticated that the operation is
An image input apparatus characterized by comprising: a stage, a. 8. The authentication means is a device having the function.
Exchange of data based on secret information and random numbers
Authenticating using the Zero Chief Dialogue Proof
The image input device according to claim 7, wherein: