JP3530691B2 - Copy machine with special original judgment function - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention detects information for determining whether a manuscript is a special manuscript such as bills or securities, and whether the manuscript is a special manuscript using the detected information. The present invention relates to a copying machine having a special manuscript judgment function for preventing illegal copying of a special manuscript by judging whether or not there is a large number of manuscripts on a manuscript with a small number of microwave sensors and infrared sensors. The present invention relates to a copying machine having a special original document determination function capable of scanning an area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, improvements in image processing technology and image forming technology have made it possible to form images so finely that copy bills copied by a color copying machine and actual bills cannot be easily distinguished. . For this reason, a device has been developed that determines a special manuscript for which duplication of banknotes, securities, etc. is prohibited, and prohibits illegal copying in the case of a special manuscript, and is equipped with a function for judging a special manuscript. An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has also been proposed.

As the above-mentioned special original, there is an original in which metal fibers are imbedded in order to show that the original is a special original. In order to distinguish such a special manuscript from a normal manuscript, it is sufficient to detect the metal fibers embedded in the special manuscript. Therefore, as an image forming apparatus having a function of determining a special manuscript having metal fibers imbedded therein, for example, a manuscript is irradiated with microwaves, and transmitted waves or reflected waves of the irradiated microwaves are detected and detected. A detection sensor such as a microwave sensor that outputs a signal and the detection signal output from the detection sensor are input, and the detection signal is used to determine whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document. It is proposed that the section and the section be provided.

In the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the microwave sensor is generally provided in an image reading unit equipped with a CCD for image pickup, and reciprocates on the document placed on the platen together with the image reading unit, and in the forward path. The microwave irradiation and the reflected wave detection for detecting the metal fibers are performed. Then, the signal determination unit inputs the detection signal of the reflected wave output from the microwave sensor, compares the level of the input detection signal with a preset threshold value, and when the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, It is determined that the metal fibers are embedded in the document, and on the other hand, if the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold value, it is determined that the metal fibers are not incorporated in the document. As a result, when it is determined that the metal fiber is embedded in the document, it is determined that the document is a special document such as a bill or securities in which the metal fiber is embedded.

[0005]

In order to accurately determine whether a document is a special document or not, it is necessary to scan as many areas of the document as possible. A plurality of detection sensors such as sensors are provided in the image reading unit in a line shape so that the entire area of the original can be scanned. However, providing a plurality of detection sensors in a line has a problem of increasing the cost of the device.

On the other hand, when the number of detection sensors used is reduced in order to reduce the cost of the apparatus, the area on the manuscript that can be scanned is reduced, and it is possible to accurately determine whether the manuscript is a special manuscript. There was a problem that it could not be judged.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to scan a large area of an original even if the number of detection sensors used is reduced, and it is possible to accurately determine whether the original is a special original. The purpose is to be able to judge well.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a copying machine having a special manuscript determination function according to claim 1 determines whether a manuscript to be copied is a special manuscript such as banknotes or securities. By detecting information for determination and using the detected information to determine whether or not the original is the special original, a special original determination function for preventing illegal copying of the special original is provided. In a copying machine having the above, a reading unit that reads an image from the original document and an image read by the reading unit are analyzed to determine whether or not the read image contains an image unique to the special original document. , when it is determined that the contain a unique image in specific document in the read image, a first determination means for outputting the position information of the special document to a unique image, the special from the original In the manuscript Specific component contained in a closed-image
Inputting positional information of the unique image output from the first determining means and detecting means for detecting information regarding presence / absence of the presence, and moving the detecting means to an area where an image unique to the special document is displayed. Means for scanning by scanning, and the scanning hand
The steps move to the area where the unique image is displayed.
Before included in the unique image detected by the detection means
The second determination means for finally determining whether or not the original is the special original by analyzing information regarding the presence or absence of the peculiar component .

In addition, it has the special manuscript judgment function of claim 2
The copier has the special manuscript judgment function according to claim 1.
In the copying machine, the detecting means is an infrared sensor.
It is something.

Furthermore, the special document determination function of claim 3 is provided.
The copier that has the special document determination function according to claim 1
In the copying machine, the detection means is a microwave sensor.
It is the one.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a copying machine having a special document determination function according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG surface.

[0012] Incidentally, Te placed <br/> to the first embodiment described below, the special original such as paper money, securities, banknotes, valuable metal fibers are plowed to prevent forgery by copying It refers to securities, etc. Therefore, in the copying machine having a special document determination function according to the first implementation, for example, the detection sensor such as an infrared sensor or a microwave sensor, by detecting the metal fibers plowed into the document, the document is It is determined whether the document is a special document. However, the copier having the special document determination function according to the present invention,
As described above, it is possible to scan as many areas of the document as possible with a small number of detection sensors. The configuration of the special document to be determined, the type of detection sensor, the determination of the special document, etc. The method etc. are not limited.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a copying machine having a special document determining function according to the first embodiment. The copying machine having the special document determining function of the first embodiment is provided in the scanner 250,
A CCD sensor 251 that reads an image from a document (claim 1
(Corresponding to the reading means described above) and the first to third microwave sensors 252, which are provided in the scanner 250, irradiate a document with microwaves, detect the reflected waves, and output detection signals of the reflected waves. 254 (corresponding to the detecting means according to claim 1) and first to third microwave sensors 252 to 252.
First to third sensor moving units 25 for moving 54 in the main scanning direction of the document (corresponding to the second direction in claim 1).
5 to 257 (corresponding to the scanning means according to claim 1),
The first to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 make the first to third
Of the microwave sensor 252 to 254 to control the irradiation and detection of microwaves by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254, and the CCD sensor 2 by the scanner 250.
51 is moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 25
1, a CCD drive unit 259 (corresponding to the scanning unit according to claim 1) for controlling the reading of an image by the CCD sensor 2.
An image recognition unit 266 that analyzes the image read by 51 and detects a pattern peculiar to a special document from the read image.
(Corresponding to the first determining means of claim 1) and the detection signals output from the microwave sensors 252 to 254 are analyzed to determine whether or not the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities. A detection signal analysis unit 260 (corresponding to the second determination means of claim 1), an image processing unit 261 that processes an image read by the CCD sensor 251, and an image processing unit 261.
An image printing unit 262 that prints the image processed in 1. on a predetermined recording sheet, and a control unit 263 that controls the above units are provided.

Although the scanner 250 is provided with the three microwave sensors 252 to 254 in the copying machine having the special document determining function of the first embodiment, the number of microwave sensors is not limited to three. Absent. Also,
It is also possible to replace the microwave sensors 252 to 254 with infrared sensors. Further, the microwave sensor 252 is provided in the scanner 250 in order to facilitate scanning in the sub-scanning direction and to simplify the configuration of the device. Therefore, the microwave sensor 252 is connected to the scanner 2
Instead of being provided in 50, a mechanism for scanning in the sub-scanning direction may be provided.

Next, the operation of the copying machine having the special document determining function of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determination function of No. 1 .

When the start of copying is instructed, the process of reading an image from a document is started (S1001). That is, C
The CD drive unit 259 moves the scanner 250 in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 251 reads an image from the document. The control unit 263 monitors whether or not the image reading is completed (S1002).

In step S1003, the image recognition section 266 inputs the image read by the CCD sensor 251, and executes an image recognition process for detecting a pattern peculiar to the special document from the read image. The image recognition unit 266
For example, it already has data such as imprints printed on special documents such as banknotes and securities, and by comparing these data with the read image, a pattern unique to the special document can be obtained from the read image. To detect.

When the image recognition unit 266 does not detect a pattern peculiar to the special document from the read image (S1004), the image reading is finished (S10).
02), output processing of the read image is executed.

On the other hand, when the image recognition unit 266 detects a pattern peculiar to the special document from the read image (S
1004), special document determination processing by the first to third microwave sensors is executed (S1005). That is,
When the image recognition unit 266 detects a pattern peculiar to the special document from the read image, the position information of the pattern is sent to the control unit 263. The control unit 263, based on the input position information, the microwave sensor driving unit 258.
And the CCD drive unit 259 are controlled to move one or more of the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 to the position of the document on which the detected pattern is displayed.

After that, the microwave sensors 252 to 254
The special document determination process is executed (S1006).
That is, the microwave sensors 252 to 254 irradiate and scan a predetermined area of the document with microwaves, detect the applied reflected waves, and output detection signals of the reflected waves.

The detection signal analysis unit 260 inputs and analyzes the detection signals of the reflected waves from the microwave sensors 252 to 254, and determines whether the original 264 is a special original such as bills or securities with metal fibers imbedded therein. It is determined whether or not (S100
7). The detection signal analysis unit 260 inputs, for example, a detection signal of a reflected wave, compares the input detection signal with a preset threshold value, and when it is determined that the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, the document 264 is a metal fiber. It is determined that the document 264 is a special document such as banknotes or securities, and if the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold value, it is determined that the document 264 is not a special document.

If it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document (S1008), the control unit 263 immediately stops the copying process to prevent illegal copying of the special original document.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original document 264 is not a special original document (S1008), the special original document determination process is ended and the read image output process is executed (S100).
2).

As described above, according to the copying machine having the special document determination function of the first embodiment, the image is read in advance from the document, and the pattern unique to the special document is detected from the read image, so that the document becomes special. If the original is determined to be a special original, the microwave sensor is moved to the position where the detected pattern is displayed, and if the original is a special original, it is determined whether the original is a special original. Since it is decided to execute the processing for determining whether or not the original is a special original with high accuracy with a small number of detection sensors. As a result, the detection sensor is set to the scanner 25.
Document 2 with the same accuracy as the case where multiple lines are provided in 0
It is possible to determine whether 64 is a special document. Moreover, since the number of required microwave sensors can be reduced, the amount of microwaves output from the microwave sensor is also reduced, and the influence of the microwave on the human body can be further reduced.

According to the copying machine having the special document determining function of the first embodiment, three microwave sensors 252 to 254 are used as shown in FIG. 9, but the number of microwave sensors is one. Even if the document is a special document, it can be accurately determined whether the document is a special document.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined that the original 264 is a special original, the copying process is stopped, but the copy of the original 264 is a copy of the special original. As can be seen, the image read by the image processing unit 261 may be subjected to special image processing.

Reference Example 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 1. The copying machine having the special document determination function of Reference Example 1 is provided in the scanner 250, and the CCD sensor 251 for reading an image from a document and the scanner 250.
The first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254, which are provided on the document, irradiate the original with microwaves, detect the reflected waves, and output detection signals of the reflected waves, and the first to third microwave sensors. First to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 for moving the originals 252 to 254 in the main scanning direction of the original,
The first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are moved by the third sensor moving units 255 to 257, respectively, and the irradiation and detection of microwaves by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are controlled. The microwave sensor driver 258 and the scanner 250 are used for the CCD sensor 2
51 is moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 25
A CCD driving unit 259 for controlling the reading of an image by
The detection signal analysis unit 260 that analyzes the detection signals output from the microwave sensors 252 to 254 and determines whether the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities, and processes the image read by the CCD sensor 251. Image processing unit 261
An image printing unit 262 that prints the image processed by the image processing unit 261 on a predetermined recording sheet, and a control unit 263 that controls each of the above units.

Although the scanner 250 is provided with the three microwave sensors 252 to 254 in the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 1, the number of microwave sensors is not limited to three. . Further, the microwave sensors 252 to 254 can be replaced with infrared sensors. In addition, the microwave sensor 2
The scanner 250 is provided with 52 to facilitate scanning in the sub-scanning direction and to simplify the configuration of the apparatus. Therefore, instead of providing the microwave sensor 252 in the scanner 250, a mechanism for scanning in the sub-scanning direction may be provided.

In the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 1, when the scanner 250 is moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document by the control of the CCD driving unit 259, the first
~ The third microwave sensor 252 to 254 scans the document. At that time, the microwave sensor driver 258 is
~ Controlling the third sensor moving units 255 to 257,
~ The third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are respectively moved in the main scanning direction. As a result, the original can be zigzag scanned by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the loci of document scanning by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 in the copying machine having the special document determination function of the first reference example . Note that, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 264 indicates a document. The operation of the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 1 will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determining function of the first reference example . When the start of copying is instructed, the reading of an image from the original and the determination processing as to whether the original is a special original are started (S30).
1). That is, the CCD driver 259 is the scanner 25.
0 is moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 251
To start reading the image from the original. The first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document as the scanner 250 moves, and
The third sensor moving units 255 to 257 move the document in the main scanning direction. As a result, the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 scan the manuscript 264 in a zigzag manner while scanning the manuscript 264 in a zigzag manner as shown in FIG. Detect,
The detection signal of the reflected wave is output. Since the microwave sensor 252 is provided in the scanner 250, the process of determining whether the document is a special document ends when the image reading is completed (S302).

In step S303, when the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 detect the reflected waves of the microwaves applied to the document 264, the detection signal analysis section 260 analyzes the detection signals of the reflected waves. , It is determined whether the original 264 is a special original such as a bill or securities (S
304). The detection signal analysis unit 260 inputs, for example, a detection signal of a reflected wave, compares the input detection signal with a preset threshold value, and when it is determined that the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, the document 264 is a metal fiber. Banknotes
If it is determined that the document is a special document such as securities and the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold value, it is determined that the document 264 is not a special document.

When it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document (S305), the control unit 263 immediately stops the copying process to prevent illegal copying of the special original document.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original 264 is not a special original (S305), as described above, it is continued to determine whether the original 264 is a special original while reading an image from the original (S301 to S301). S305).

After that, when the reading of the image from the original document is completed without determining that the original document 264 is the special original document (S302), the special original document determination process is terminated,
Output processing of the read image is performed.

As described above, according to the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 1, the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are moved in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction of the document 264. Since the original 264 is scanned in a zigzag manner, many areas of the original can be scanned with a small number of detection sensors. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the document 264 is a special document with the same accuracy as in the case where a plurality of detection sensors are linearly provided in the scanner 250. Moreover, since the number of required microwave sensors can be reduced, the amount of microwaves output from the microwave sensor is also reduced, and the influence of the microwave on the human body can be further reduced.

According to the copying machine having the special manuscript determination function of the reference example 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the manuscript 264 is zigzag-scanned by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254. However, each microwave sensor 252
The document 264 may be obliquely scanned by moving the document 254 only in one direction of the main scanning direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document, it is decided to stop the copying process, but the copy of the original document 264 is a copy of the special original document. As can be seen, the image read by the image processing unit 261 may be subjected to special image processing. Further, although it is decided to perform the determination process of whether or not the original 264 is a special original at the same time as the reading of the image of the original 264, in the case of a prescanning type copying machine, the special original is not included in the prescan. The determination process may be performed.

[0038] Reference Example 2 is a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 2, the same structure as a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 1, the first to third micro-wave sensor 252 When ˜254 are moved in the sub-scanning direction, the original 264 is scanned in the forward and backward passes of the movement, and different positions in the main scanning direction of the original 264 are scanned in the forward and backward passes. Since the configuration of the copying machine having the special document determining function of Reference Example 2 is as shown in FIG. 1, its description is omitted here.

FIG. 4 shows the first to third microwave sensors 2 in the copying machine having the special document determining function of the second reference example .
It is explanatory drawing which shows the locus | trajectory of the original scanning by 52-254. As described above, in the copying machine having the special document determining function of the second reference example , the CCD driving unit 259 controls the scanner 250 to move in the sub-scanning direction of the document in the forward path and the backward path. Microwave sensor 2 of 3
The original 264 is scanned using 52 to 254. After the scanning on the outward path is completed, the microwave sensor driving unit 258
The first to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 move the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 in the main scanning direction, respectively. Then, in the returning path, different positions in the main scanning direction of the document 264 are scanned by using the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254. This reference below
The operation of the copying machine having the special document determination function of Example 2 will be described in more detail.

5 and 6 are flow charts showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determining function of the second reference example . When the start of copying is instructed, reading of an image from an original and determination processing as to whether the original is a special original are started in the outward path of movement of the scanner 250 in the sub-scanning direction (S501). That is, the CCD driving unit 259 moves the scanner 250 in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 251 starts reading an image from the document. First to third
The microwave sensors 252 to 254 of the scanner 250
Is moved in the sub-scanning direction with the movement of the document, and the document 264 is scanned while the document 264 is scanned with the microwaves as shown in FIG. 4, and the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected and reflected. Output the wave detection signal. Since the microwave sensor 252 is provided in the scanner 250, the process of determining whether or not the original on the outward path is a special original is completed when the image reading is completed (S502).

In step S503, when the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 detect the reflected waves of the microwaves applied to the original 264, the detection signal analysis unit 260 analyzes the detection signals of the reflected waves. , It is determined whether the original 264 is a special original such as a bill or securities (S
504). The detection signal analysis unit 260 inputs, for example, a detection signal of a reflected wave, compares the input detection signal with a preset threshold value, and when it is determined that the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, the document 264 is a metal fiber. Banknotes
If it is determined that the document is a special document such as securities and the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold value, it is determined that the document 264 is not a special document.

When it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document (S505), the control unit 263 immediately stops the copying process to prevent illegal copying of the special original document.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original 264 is not a special original (S505), as described above, it is continued to determine whether the original 264 is a special original while reading an image from the original (S501-S501). S505).

After that, when it is determined that the original 264 is not a special original and the reading of the image from the original is completed, that is, when the forward scan in the sub-scanning direction is completed (S502), FIG. Proceed to step S506.

In step S506, the first to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 move the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 in the main scanning direction.

In step S506, the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are respectively moved in the main scanning direction, and then the original document scanning process in the backward path is executed (S507). That is, the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document as the scanner 250 moves, and as shown in FIG. Scan H.264,
The reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected and the detection signal of the reflected wave is output. Since the microwave sensor 252 is provided in the scanner 250, the process of determining whether the original on the return path is a special document ends when the movement of the scanner 250 ends (S508).

In step S509, when the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 detect the reflected waves of the microwaves applied to the document 264 (S509), the detection signal analysis unit 260 detects the detected signals of the reflected waves. Is analyzed to determine whether or not the original 264 is a special original such as a bill or securities (S510).

When it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document (S511), the control unit 263 immediately stops the copying process to prevent illegal copying of the special original document.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the original 264 is not a special original (S511), as described above, the first to third
The backward scanning by the microwave sensors 252 to 254 is continued (S507 to S511).

Thereafter, the original 264 is not judged to be a special original, and the first to third microwave sensors 25 are
When the backward scan in the sub-scanning direction by 2 to 254 is completed (S508), the special document determination process is terminated and the read image output process is performed.

As described above, according to the copying machine having the special manuscript determination function of the second reference example , the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are used to scan the manuscript 264 in the forward and backward paths in the sub-scanning direction. Since it is decided to scan different positions in the main scanning direction, it is possible to scan many areas of the document with a small number of detection sensors. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the document 264 is a special document with the same accuracy as in the case where a plurality of detection sensors are linearly provided in the scanner 250. Moreover, since the number of required microwave sensors can be reduced, the amount of microwaves output from the microwave sensor is also reduced, and the influence of the microwave on the human body can be further reduced.

According to the copying machine having the special manuscript judgment function of the second reference example , as shown in FIG. 4, the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 are used to move forward and backward in the sub-scanning direction. However, the original 264 is scanned in this manner, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, scanning may be performed a plurality of times in the forward path in the sub-scanning direction. That is, since many areas of the document 264 are scanned, it is sufficient that the position of the document 264 in the main scanning direction can be changed and the scanning in the sub scanning direction can be performed multiple times.

Further, in the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 2, as shown in FIG. 4, the document 264 is linearly scanned using the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the original 264 may be scanned in zigzag.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is determined that the original 264 is a special original, the copying process is stopped, but the copy of the original 264 is a copy of the special original. The image processing unit 2
The image read in 61 may be subjected to special image processing. Further, although it is decided to perform the determination process of whether or not the original 264 is a special original at the same time as the reading of the image of the original 264, in the case of a prescanning type copying machine, the special original is not included in the prescan. The determination process may be performed.

Reference Example 3 FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 3. The copying machine having the special manuscript judgment function of Reference Example 3 is the same as the copying machine having the special manuscript judgment function of Reference Examples 1 and 2 in which the microwave sensor drive unit 25
8 is provided with a random number generator 265 that generates a random number for determining the scanning position of the original 264 in the main scanning direction. Since the other configurations are similar to those of the copying machine having the special document determining function of Reference Examples 1 and 2, description thereof is omitted here.

In the copying machine having the special manuscript determination function of the reference example 3, the scanner 250 is moved a plurality of times in the sub-scanning direction of the manuscript by the control of the CCD driving unit 259. Microwave sensor 252-2 of 3
The document 264 is scanned by using 54 (for example, reference example 2).
As described above, it may be two times of the forward pass and the backward pass in the sub-scanning direction). Then, every time each scanning is performed, the position of the original 264 in the main scanning direction is changed and scanning is performed, as shown in FIG. When changing the position of the original 264 in the main scanning direction, based on the random number generated by the random number generation unit 265 provided in the microwave sensor drive unit 258,
The microwave sensor drive unit 258 is used for each microwave sensor 2
The position of the original 264 to be scanned is determined by 52 to 254. The operation of the copying machine having the special document determination function of the third reference example will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 3.

When the start of copying is instructed, the control unit 263 confirms the number of scans, and then the random number generation unit 265 generates a random number (S802). Microwave sensor driver 258
Controls the first to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 based on the value of the random number generated by the random number generating unit 265 to cause the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254.
Is moved to a predetermined position on the original 264 in the main scanning direction (S803).

After moving each of the microwave sensors 252 to 254 to a predetermined position on the original 264 in the main scanning direction, reading of an image from the original and determination processing of whether or not the original is a special original are started. (S804). That is, the CCD driving unit 259 moves the scanner 250 in the sub-scanning direction of the document, and the CCD sensor 251 starts reading an image from the document. First to third microwave sensors 252 to 254
Is moved in the sub-scanning direction of the document in accordance with the movement of the scanner 250, while Shosa the microwave to the document 264, and scans the original 264, by detecting the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, the reflected wave The detection signal is output (see FIG. 4). In addition,
Since the microwave sensor 252 is provided in the scanner 250, the process of determining whether or not one original is a special original is completed when the movement of the scanner 250 is completed (S805).

In step S806, when the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 detect the reflected waves of the microwaves applied to the document 264, the detection signal analysis unit 260 analyzes the detection signals of the reflected waves. , It is determined whether the original 264 is a special original such as a bill or securities (S
807). The detection signal analysis unit 260 inputs, for example, a detection signal of a reflected wave, compares the input detection signal with a preset threshold value, and when it is determined that the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold value, the document 264 is a metal fiber. Banknotes
If it is determined that the document is a special document such as securities and the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold value, it is determined that the document 264 is not a special document.

When it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document (S808), the control unit 263 immediately stops the copying process to prevent illegal copying of the special original document.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original 264 is not a special original (S808), as described above, it is continued to determine whether the original 264 is a special original while reading an image from the original (S804-). S808).

After that, when the reading of the image from the document is completed, that is, when one scan is completed (S80
5) Returning to step S801, the control unit 263 determines whether or not a predetermined number of scans have been completed. Manuscript 264
If the scanning is performed a predetermined number of times without being determined to be a special document, the special document determination process is terminated and the read image output process is performed.

On the other hand, if the predetermined number of scans has not been completed, the random number generator 265 is caused to generate a random number (S80).
2). The microwave sensor driver 258 is a random number generator 2
Based on the value of the random number generated by 65, the first to third sensor moving units 255 to 257 are controlled to move the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 on the original 264 in the main scanning direction. It is moved to a predetermined position (S803).

After that, the original 264 is scanned by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 as described above, and the determination processing as to whether the original 264 is a special original is executed a predetermined number of times (S801 to S801). S808).

As a result, when it is determined that the original 264 is the special original, the copying process is stopped (S808), and the scanning of the predetermined number of times is completed without determining that the original 264 is the special original. If yes, output processing of the read image is performed (S801).

As described above, according to the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 3, when the document 264 is scanned a plurality of times by the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254,
Since the position in the main scanning direction of the document 264 scanned by each of the microwave sensors 252 to 254 is decided based on the random number generated by the random number generator 265 for each scanning, a small number of detection sensors are used. Many areas of the document can be scanned with. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the document 264 is a special document with the same accuracy as in the case where a plurality of detection sensors are linearly provided in the scanner 250. In addition, each microwave sensor 2 using random numbers
Since the positions to be scanned by 52 to 254 are determined, it is possible to prevent illegal copying by placing a special original document on a portion where the microwave sensors 252 to 254 cannot scan. Furthermore, since the number of required microwave sensors can be reduced, the amount of microwaves output from the microwave sensor is also reduced, and the influence of microwaves on the human body can be further reduced.

According to the copying machine having the special document determining function of the reference example 3, the document 264 is linearly scanned by using the first to third microwave sensors 252 to 254 as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the original 264 may be scanned in a zigzag manner.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that the original document 264 is a special original document, it is decided to stop the copying process, but the copy of the original document 264 is a copy of the special original document. As can be seen, the image read by the image processing unit 261 may be subjected to special image processing. Further, although it is decided to perform the determination process of whether or not the original 264 is a special original at the same time as the reading of the image of the original 264, in the case of a prescanning type copying machine, the special original is not included in the prescan. The determination process may be performed.

[0070]

As described above, according to the copying machine having the special document determining function according to the present invention (Claim 1), the reading means for reading the image from the original and the image read by the reading means are analyzed. It is determined whether or not the read image contains an image unique to the special document, and if it is determined that the read image contains an image unique to the special document, the image is unique to the special document. To output the position information of the image of the first
Is included in the image unique to the original and the special original.
Inputting the position information of the unique image output from the first determining means and the detecting means for detecting the information regarding the presence or absence of the unique component. Scanning means for scanning by moving to a displayed area, and said scanning
Is moved to the area where the unique image is displayed by means.
Included in the unique image detected by the detected means
The second determination means for analyzing the information regarding the presence or absence of the unique component and finally determining whether or not the original is a special original is provided, so that a large number of areas of the original can be detected by a small number of detecting means. Can be scanned. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not the original is a special original with the same accuracy as in the case where a plurality of detection sensors as detection means are provided in a line.

According to the copying machine having the special manuscript judgment function according to the present invention (Claim 2 ), in the copying machine having the special manuscript judgment function according to claim 1 , the detecting means is
Since it is an infrared sensor, it is possible to accurately discriminate between general documents and special documents such as bills and securities with metal fibers imbedded in them.

Further, according to the copying machine having the special original document judging function according to the present invention (claim 3 ), in the copying machine having the special original document judging function according to claim 1 , the detecting means is
Since it is a microwave sensor, it is possible to accurately discriminate general originals from special originals such as bills and securities with metal fibers imbedded therein.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram of a copying machine having a special document determination function according to a first reference example .

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a locus of document scanning by a microwave sensor in a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determination function of the first reference example .

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a locus of document scanning by a microwave sensor in a copying machine having a special document determination function of reference example 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of a copying machine having a special document determination function of reference example 2;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 2;

FIG. 7 is a block configuration diagram of a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 3;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of a copying machine having a special document determination function of Reference Example 3.

FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of a copying machine having a special document determination function according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copying machine having the special document determination function according to the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

250 scanner 251 CCD sensor 252 to 254 microwave sensor 255-257 sensor moving unit 258 Microwave sensor driver 259 CCD driver 260 detection signal analysis unit 261 Image processing unit 262 image printing unit 262 263 Control unit 264 manuscript 265 Random number generator 266 Image recognition unit

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A 61-255362 (JP, A) JP-A 57-103470 (JP, A) JP-A 7-30758 (JP, A) JP-A 8-56286 (JP , A) JP-A-8-241451 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. Information for determining whether or not a document to be copied is a special document such as banknotes or securities, and the detected information is used to detect the document as the special document. In a copying machine having a special manuscript determination function for preventing illegal copying of the special manuscript by determining whether or not the special manuscript is read, a reading unit that reads an image from the manuscript and an image read by the reading unit is analyzed. Then, it is determined whether the read image includes an image unique to the special document, and when it is determined that the read image includes an image unique to the special document, First determining means for outputting position information of an image peculiar to the special document, and a peculiar part included in the image peculiar to the special document from the document.
Detecting means for detecting the information regarding the presence or absence of the component, and the position information of the unique image output from the first determining means, and inputting the detecting means to the image unique to the special document. Scanning means for moving and scanning the area where is displayed, and the area where the unique image is displayed by the scanning means
To the unique image detected by the detection means moved to
Analyzing information about the presence or absence of the specific components included ,
A copying machine having a special document determining function, comprising: a second determining means for finally determining whether or not the document is the special document. 2. The detecting means is an infrared sensor.
The special document determination function according to claim 1 is provided.
Copier to do. 3. The detection means is a microwave sensor
The special document determination function according to claim 1, wherein
Copier with.