JP3659403B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that reproduces image information such as a color original or color data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this type of image processing apparatus performs printing by adding a specific pattern for specifying, for example, a color digital copying machine as a color image forming apparatus or a device itself, and using the output image, a banknote or the like It is possible to specify the copy model and the device itself to which the copy prohibited image is copied.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional color digital copying machine, when a copy-prohibited image such as a banknote is copied, a specific pattern is printed on the color copy image, so that it is relatively easy to specify the copy model and the device itself. However, the use of color digital copiers in recent years has increased in cases where a large number of unspecified people use them at convenience stores, etc., and it is necessary to specify who copied and who copied the prohibited images. It was difficult.
[0004]
Also, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-44777, “Copier Monitoring System”, a pattern detection device that detects a forgery prevention pattern such as banknotes is linked to a video camera, and the pattern detection device determines that a copy image is a forgery prevention document. In this case, a method is described in which an operator is photographed by operating a video camera. However, with this method, there are limits to the types of anti-counterfeiting patterns that can be detected, and for example, it is impossible to link the video camera to all copy-prohibited documents such as foreign banknotes, and there is insufficient treatment when problems occur. Met.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional circumstances, and provides an image processing apparatus that can easily and surely specify who has made a copy and who has made a print on all copy-prohibited originals. With the goal.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The color image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a color image forming apparatus that performs either color copying or color printing, and a photographing means for photographing persons involved by the color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is configured to transfer at least shooting specifying information for specifying the shooting means to the color image forming apparatus, and the color image forming apparatus is patterned with the shooting specifying information and the image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the color image forming apparatus. Specific patterns,For all color documentsSpecific pattern adding means for adding to copy or print image dataIn the case of color copying, the related person photographing is performed during the copying operation, and the color printing is performed by detecting the removal of the sheet from the paper discharge unit after the printing operation is completed. Photographing control means for controlling the photographing means to perform andThus, the above object can be achieved.
[0007]
With this configuration, since the specific pattern obtained by patterning the shooting specific information from the shooting unit and the image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the color image forming apparatus is added to the copy or print image data, the shooting specifying information and the image forming apparatus are added. By using both information together with the specific information, it is possible to specify the related-person photographed image photographed by the photographing means in accordance with the copy or print image. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely specify who made a copy and who printed on all color originals as well as all color prohibited originals such as banknotes.
[0008]
  Also,When performing color copying, stakeholder shooting is performed by the shooting means during the copying operation, and during color printing, after the printing operation is completed, removal of the sheet from the paper discharge unit is detected and shooting by the shooting means is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably photograph persons concerned such as a copy or print operator. In this case, since the photographing operation is performed only at a predetermined time, the number of photographing is reduced, so that the concerned person photographing by the photographing means can be performed for a long time, and the photographing data can be stored for a long time.
[0010]
Preferably, the photographing means in the color image forming apparatus of the present invention is arranged on the paper discharge side so as to photograph both the copied or printed paper surface and the related parties.
[0011]
With this configuration, it is possible to match the parties concerned with the copied or printed image by photographing both parties such as the operator and the paper P that has been copied or printed. It is possible to easily and reliably specify who made the copy and who printed the image.
[0012]
Furthermore, preferably, the photographing control means in the color image forming apparatus of the present invention detects the setting of a plurality of identical color copies or color prints, and only when performing the first color copy or color print, Control is performed so that the related person photographing is performed by the photographing means.
[0013]
With this configuration, when the same color copy or color print is performed, only one party shooting is performed, so that the number of shootings is reduced, and the party shooting can be performed for a long period of time. Can be stored for a long time.
[0014]
Furthermore, it is preferable that the color image forming apparatus and the photographing unit in the color image forming apparatus of the present invention have either a separable arrangement or an integrated structure.
[0015]
With this configuration, by separately arranging the color image forming apparatus and the photographing unit, the photographing unit can be installed out of the reach of human hands, so that it is possible to safely photograph related persons. Conversely, by integrating the color image forming apparatus and the photographing means, troublesome wiring processing of the photographing means and installation of the photographing means are not required when the color image forming apparatus is installed, and the handling is convenient. . Further, if a photographing function by photographing means is added to the color image forming apparatus, it is possible to also use photographing means such as a camera.
[0016]
Still preferably, the storage of photographing information in the color image forming apparatus of the present invention is either storage by the main body side of the photographing means or storage by the color image forming apparatus.
[0017]
With this configuration, when shooting information is stored by the shooting means, for example, in a still camera, since the shooting means and the film or memory are generally integrated, it is easy to use a general-purpose one. Is possible. In the case of storage by a color image forming apparatus, for example, in a video camera, the captured data is stored in the color image forming apparatus using a crime prevention photographing means, thereby enabling long-term shooting.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a color digital copying machine as a color image forming apparatus and an operator photographing camera using the color digital copying machine. After describing the entire configuration, an embodiment of the characteristic part of the present invention in which an operator photographing camera is added will be described in detail.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing an internal configuration of a digital color copying machine used in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a digital color copying machine 1 includes a document table 2 and an operation panel (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body, and a double-sided automatic document feeder 3 (RADF; Recirculating Automatic Document Feeder) on the document table 2. ) And an image reading unit 4, a paper feeding unit 5, an image forming unit 6, and a fixing device 7 for fixing a toner image transferred by the image forming unit 6 onto the paper P. .
[0020]
The double-sided automatic document feeder 3 is supported on the upper surface side of the document table 2 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the document table 2, and is mounted on the surface of the document table 2 with a predetermined positional relationship. This double-sided automatic document feeder 3 conveys a document so that one side of the document faces the image reading unit 4 at a predetermined position on the document table 2 and after the image reading on this one side is finished, the other side The document is reversed and conveyed toward the document table 2 so that the surface faces the image reading unit 4 at a predetermined position on the document table 2. Further, the double-sided automatic document feeder 3 discharges the original after one-sided image reading for one original is completed, and executes a double-sided conveyance operation for the next original. It should be noted that the above document transport and front / back reversing operations are controlled in relation to the operation of the entire copying machine.
[0021]
The image reading unit 4 is arranged below the document table 2 in order to read an image of the document conveyed on the document table 2 by the double-sided automatic document feeder 3. The image reading unit 4 includes document scanning bodies 41 and 42 that reciprocate in parallel along the lower surface of the document table 2, an optical lens 43, and a CCD line sensor 44 that is a photoelectric conversion element.
[0022]
The document scanning body 41 is composed of a first scanning unit, and the document scanning body 42 is composed of a second scanning unit. The first scanning unit includes an exposure lamp 411 that exposes the surface of the document image and a first mirror 412 that deflects a reflected light image from the document in a predetermined direction. It is reciprocated in parallel at a predetermined scanning speed while maintaining a certain distance. Further, the second scanning unit has a second mirror 421 and a third mirror 422 for deflecting the reflected light image from the original deflected by the first mirror 412 of the first scanning unit further in a predetermined direction. However, it reciprocates in parallel with the first scanning unit while maintaining a constant speed relationship.
[0023]
The optical lens 43 reduces the reflected light image from the original deflected by the third mirror 422 of the second scanning unit, and forms the reduced light image at a predetermined position on the CCD line sensor 44. .
[0024]
The CCD line sensor 44 sequentially photoelectrically converts the formed light image and outputs it as an electrical signal. The CCD line sensor 44 is a three-line color CCD that can read a black and white image or a color image and output line data that is color-separated into R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components. . Document image information converted into an electrical signal by the CCD line sensor 44 is transferred to an image processing unit 10 shown in FIG. 2 to be described later, and subjected to predetermined image data processing.
[0025]
Next, the paper feeding unit 5 will be described. The paper feed unit 5 includes a paper feed mechanism 51 and a paper transport unit 52.
[0026]
The paper feed mechanism 51 is disposed below the image forming unit 6, and separates sheets (recording media) P stacked and stored in the paper cassette 511 one by one from the upper side toward the image forming unit 6. To supply. In the digital color copying machine 1, cut sheet-like paper is used as the paper P.
[0027]
The paper transport unit 52 includes a pair of registration rollers 521, a downstream transfer paper transport belt mechanism 522, a further downstream switching gate 523, a paper discharge path 524, a switchback transport path 525, and a paper re-transport. Path 526.
[0028]
The pair of registration rollers 521 are to transport the paper P separated and supplied one by one by the paper feeding mechanism 51 to the image forming unit 6 with the timing controlled before the image forming unit 6.
[0029]
The transfer paper conveyance belt mechanism 522 is disposed below the image forming unit 6, and the sheet P is statically transferred to the transfer conveyance belt 522 c that is stretched between the driving roller 522 a and the driven roller 522 b so as to extend substantially in parallel. It is configured to be conveyed by electroadsorption. The transfer conveyance belt 522c is frictionally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow Z in FIG. 1 by the drive roller 522a, and conveys the paper P while gripping it.
[0030]
The switching gate 523 discharges the sheet P that has passed through the nip portion between the pair of fixing rollers of the fixing device 7 and discharges the sheet P to the outside of the copying machine main body, and the sheet P toward the image forming unit 6. This is selectively switched between the re-feeding paper re-conveying path 526.
[0031]
The paper discharge path 524 includes a discharge roller pair 524a provided on the downstream side of the conveyance direction switching gate 523, and a paper discharge tray 524b as a paper discharge unit attached to the outer wall of the copier body. The sheet P that has passed through the gate 523 is discharged onto a discharge tray 524b by a discharge roller pair 524a.
[0032]
The switchback conveyance path 525 is for switchback conveyance so that the paper P whose conveyance direction is switched again toward the image forming unit 6 by the switching gate 523 is reversed.
[0033]
The paper re-conveying path 526 is for the paper P that has been turned upside down via the switchback conveying path 525 to be supplied again to the image forming unit 6 via the pair of registration rollers 521. In other words, the paper P on which an image is formed on one side is re-transmitted via the switchback transport path 525 and the paper re-transport path 526 so as to be re-supplied to the image forming section 6 in time with the image formation of the image forming section 6. It is configured to be conveyed.
[0034]
Next, the image forming unit 6 will be described. The image forming unit 6 is located above the transfer conveyance belt 522c and close to the transfer conveyance belt 522c, and the first image formation station Pa, the second image formation station Pb, the third image formation station Pc, and the second image formation station Pc. Four image forming stations Pd are sequentially arranged in parallel from the upstream side of the sheet conveyance path.
[0035]
The image stations Pa to Pd have substantially the same configuration, and the paper P is sequentially supplied by the transfer conveyance belt 522c. Each of the image stations Pa to Pd has photosensitive drums 61a to 61d that are rotationally driven in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG.
[0036]
Around the photosensitive drum 61a, a charger 62a for uniformly charging the photosensitive drum 61a, a developing device 63a for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61a, and a developed photosensitive drum. A transfer discharger 64a for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 61a to the paper P and a cleaning device 65a for removing the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 61a are sequentially arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 61a. ing.
[0037]
A laser beam scanner unit 66a is provided above each photosensitive drum 61a. The laser beam scanner unit 66a includes a semiconductor laser element (not shown) that emits dot light modulated according to image data, and a polygon mirror (deflecting device) for deflecting the laser beam from the semiconductor laser element in the main scanning direction. 67a and an fθ lens 68a and mirrors 69a and 70a for forming an image of the laser beam deflected by the polygon mirror 67a on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61a. The image stations Pb to Pd are similar in configuration to the image station Pa, but differ in the following points.
[0038]
That is, the laser beam scanner 66a has a pixel signal corresponding to the black component image of the color original image, the laser beam scanner 66b has a pixel signal corresponding to the cyan component image of the color original image, and the laser beam scanner 66c has a color signal. A pixel signal corresponding to the magenta color component image of the original image is further input to the laser beam scanner 66d, and a pixel signal corresponding to the yellow color component image of the color original image is input thereto.
[0039]
As a result, electrostatic latent images corresponding to the color-converted document image information are formed on the respective photosensitive drums 61a to 61d. The developing device 63a contains black toner, the developing device 63b contains cyan toner, the developing device 63c contains magenta toner, and the developing device 63d contains yellow toner. The electrostatic latent images on the drums 61a to 61d are developed with these color toners. As a result, the document image information color-converted by the image forming unit 6 is reproduced as a toner image of each color.
[0040]
On the other hand, a paper suction (brush) charger 71 is provided between the first image forming station Pa and the paper feed mechanism 51, and this paper suction charger 71 charges the surface of the transfer conveyance belt 522c. By doing so, the paper P supplied from the paper feed mechanism 51 is transported without shifting between the first image forming station Pa and the fourth image forming station Pd in a state where the paper P is reliably adsorbed on the transfer transport belt 522c. Can be done.
[0041]
Further, a static eliminator 72 is provided between the fourth image station Pd and the fixing device 7 almost directly above the drive roller 522a. The static eliminator 72 is applied with an alternating current for separating the sheet P electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 522c from the transfer transport belt 522c.
[0042]
The operation of the above configuration will be described below. First, when the paper P is delivered from the paper feed cassette 511 and supplied into the guide of the paper feed conveyance path of the paper feed mechanism 51, the leading end portion of the paper P is detected by a sensor (not shown), Based on the detection signal output from the sensor, the paper P is temporarily stopped by the pair of registration rollers 521.
[0043]
Next, the sheet P is fed to the image stations Pa to Pd on the transfer conveyance belt 522c rotating in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. At this time, since the transfer conveyance belt 522c is charged by the charging charger 71 as described above, the sheet P is stably conveyed and supplied while passing through the image stations Pa to Pd. The
[0044]
In each of the image stations Pa to Pd, toner images of respective colors are formed and superimposed on the support surface of the paper P that is electrostatically attracted and transported by the transfer transport belt 522c. When the transfer of the image by the fourth image station Pd is completed, the paper P is sequentially peeled off from the transfer conveyance belt 522c by the discharger 72 for discharging from the front end portion thereof and guided to the fixing device 7.
[0045]
The paper P on which the toner image is fixed is finally discharged from the switching gate 523 through the discharge roller pair 524a to a paper discharge tray 524b from a paper discharge port (not shown).
[0046]
<< Circuit Description of Image Processing Unit 10 >>
Here, the configuration and function of the image processing unit 10 according to the present invention mounted on the color digital copying machine 1 will be described.
[0047]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit 10 in the color digital copying machine 1 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the image processing unit 10 of the color digital copying machine 1 includes an image data input unit 11 to which RGB color components are input from a CCD line sensor 44, an image generation unit 12, a hard disk (HD) device, a RAM ( A random access memory), an image data output unit 14, an image editing unit 15, an external interface 16, a communication / printer / fax interface 17, a specific pattern adding unit 18, and a central processing. And a unit (CPU; central processing unit) 19. The image generation unit 12, the image memory 13, the image data output unit 14, the external interface 16, the communication / printer / fax interface 17, the specific pattern addition unit 18, and the central processing unit (CPU: central processing unit) 19 include photographing means. A camera 8 and a PC network 9 are added to constitute a characteristic part of the present invention.
[0048]
The image data input unit 11 includes a shading correction circuit 111, a line matching unit 112, a sensor color correction unit 113, an MTF correction unit 114, and a γ correction unit 115. The CCD line sensor 44 is a three-line color CCD that reads a black and white document or a color document image and outputs line data that is color-separated into RGB color components. The shading correction circuit 111 corrects the line image level of the line data read by the CCD line sensor 44. The line alignment unit 112 includes a line buffer that corrects a shift in image line data read by the CCD line sensor 44. The sensor color correction unit 113 corrects the color data of each color line data output from the CCD line sensor 44. The MTF correction unit 114 corrects the change in the signal of each pixel so as to have an edge. The γ correction unit 115 corrects the brightness of the image and corrects the visibility.
[0049]
The image generation unit 12 includes a monochrome data generation unit 121 (monochrome original), an input processing unit 122, a region separation unit 123, a black generation unit 124, a color correction circuit 125, a zoom processing circuit 126, and halftone processing. Part 128. The monochrome data generation unit 121 (monochrome original) generates monochrome data from RGB signals of color image signals input from the image data input unit 11 via the image data bus. The input processing unit 122 converts the RGB signal into a YMC signal corresponding to each recording unit of the recording apparatus, and performs clock conversion. The area separation unit 123 separates whether the input image data is a character part, a halftone dot photograph, or a photographic paper photograph. The black generation unit 124 generates black by performing undercolor removal processing based on the YMC signal output from the input processing unit 122. The color correction circuit 125 adjusts each color of the color image signal based on each color conversion table. The zoom processing circuit 126 converts the input image information based on the set magnification. The halftone processing unit 128 is for expressing gradation such as multilevel error diffusion and multilevel dither.
[0050]
The image memory 13 temporarily stores each color image data subjected to halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 128. That is, the image memory 13 sequentially receives 8-bit 4-color (32-bit) image data serially output from the image generation unit 12 and temporarily stores the image data in the buffer, from 32-bit data to 8-bit 4-color image data. And four hard disks HD (rotary storage media) 131a to 131d that are stored and managed as image data for each color. Further, since the positions of the image stations are different, each color image data is temporarily stored in the delay buffer memory 132 (semiconductor memory) of the image memory 13, and each time is shifted so that each laser beam scanner unit 66a to 66d has image data. To prevent color shift at the same time.
[0051]
The image data output unit 14 includes a laser control unit 141 that performs pulse width modulation based on each color image data from the halftone processing unit 128, and a pulse width modulation signal corresponding to each color image signal output from the laser control unit 141. The laser beam scanner units 66a to 66d for each color for performing laser recording based on the above.
[0052]
The image editing unit 15 performs predetermined image editing on the image data temporarily stored in the image memory 13 through the image data input unit 11, the image generation unit 12, or an interface 16 or 17 described later. The image data editing operation is performed using an image composition memory (not shown).
[0053]
The external interface 16 is a communication interface means for accepting image data from an external image input processing device (camera means such as a communication portable terminal, a digital camera, and a digital video camera) provided separately from the color digital copying machine 1. It is. As the camera means, the operator photographing camera 8 may communicate with the external interface 16, but here, as shown in FIG. 3, a communication control line (communication cable) is connected to the central processing unit (CPU) 19 as shown in FIG. ) Etc. The image data input from the interface 16 is also converted into a data level that can be handled by the image forming unit 6 of the digital copying machine 1 by inputting the image data into the image generating unit 12 and performing color space correction. The hard disks 131a to 131d of the memory 13 are stored and managed.
[0054]
The communication / printer / fax interface 17 is a printer interface for inputting image data (including character data) created by a personal computer (PC) through the PC network 9 and accepts image data received by FAX. For black and white or color FAX interface. The image data input from the interface 17 is already a CMYK signal, and is subjected to halftone processing by the halftone processing unit 128 and stored and managed in the hard disks 131a to 131d of the image memory 13.
[0055]
The specific pattern adding unit 18 adds a specific pattern obtained by patterning photographing specific information and image forming apparatus specific information for specifying the color digital copying machine 1 as a color image forming apparatus to a copy or print image. . The shooting specifying information includes a camera installation number for specifying the camera 8, frame information (such as a frame number) and shooting time information, and the shooting information includes operator image information. The image forming apparatus specifying information includes a model name (symbol number or the like) specifying a color image forming apparatus and a production number (symbol number or the like).
[0056]
A central processing unit (CPU) 19 includes an image data input unit 11, an image generation unit 12, an image memory 13, an image data output unit 14, an image editing unit 15, an external interface 16, and a communication / printer / fax interface 17. One of color copying and color printing is performed by controlling the image data bus based on the sequence.
[0057]
Further, the central processing unit (CPU) 19 controls the camera 8 and the specific pattern adding unit 18, and the image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the color digital copying machine 1 using the camera shooting specifying information transferred from the camera 8. The new specific pattern (camera shooting specific information and image forming apparatus specific information) is added to the copy or print image. The specific pattern adding unit 18 and the central processing unit (CPU) 19 constitute specific pattern adding means.
[0058]
Further, in addition to the various control means described above, the central processing unit (CPU) 19 performs operator photographing during the copying operation during color copying, and paper from the paper discharge tray 524b after the printing operation during color printing. Camera control means is provided as shooting control means for outputting a shooting control signal for controlling the camera 8 so as to detect the removal of P by a sensor (not shown) and perform operator shooting.
[0059]
Hereinafter, as a characteristic part of the present invention, operator photographing control and specific information addition control during color copying and color printing by the color digital copying machine 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
[0060]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation management state by the central control unit (CPU) 19 of FIG. The details of the image data input unit 11, the image generation unit 12, the image memory 13, and the image data output unit 14 are the same as those described with reference to FIG.
[0061]
In FIG. 3, the central control unit (CPU) 19 manages the respective drive mechanism units constituting the color digital copying machine 1 such as the RADF, the scanner unit, and the laser printer unit by the sequence control as described above. Output a control signal.
[0062]
An operation board unit 191 including an operation panel is connected to the central control unit (CPU) 19 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control indicating the copy mode contents set and input by the operator according to each operation on the operation panel. The signal is transferred to the central processing unit (CPU) 19 and controlled so as to operate in accordance with the mode set in the color digital copying machine 1.
[0063]
The central control unit (CPU) 19 transfers control signals indicating various operation states of the color digital copying machine 1 to the operation board unit 191, and the operation board unit 191 side causes the apparatus to The operating state is displayed on the display unit or the like so as to show the operator what the state is.
[0064]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state of the digital color copying machine 1 of FIG. 1 with the camera 8 and the PC network 9. In FIG. 4, the digital color copying machine 1 and the camera 8 (camera means) are electrically connected by a communication cable 81 (communication control line) or wirelessly communicated to control from the digital color copying machine 1. The camera 8 is caused to perform a photographing operation by a signal. Further, the camera installation number, frame information (frame number, etc.) or shooting time information for specifying shooting by the camera 8 depending on the type of the camera 8 or the like is transferred to the digital color copying machine 1.
[0065]
The camera 8 is a still camera, and there is a camera of a film type, a memory type (digital camera), a video camera or the like, which shoots one frame at a time or a moving image. The image data of the photographed operator may be stored in the camera 8 or may be transferred to the digital color copying machine 1 and stored in a storage unit in the digital color copying machine 1. Furthermore, it is not always photographed, but only when color copying or printing is limited, and when color copying or color printing multi-copying (when the same copy or multiple print output is set on the operation unit) In the first image, only the first image is captured by the camera 8, and the second and subsequent images are not operated, so that the number of images is reduced and the operator 8 can be captured for a long time by the camera 8. Period storage is possible.
[0066]
If the camera 8 is installed in the layout as shown in FIG. 4, the operator performs a copying operation toward the digital color copying machine 1 during color copying, so that a photo is taken where the copy sheet includes the paper discharge tray 524b. Then, it is possible to photograph both the operator and the copy paper. On the other hand, during color printing, since the operator issues a print instruction from a PC (personal computer) via the PC network 9, there is no operator in front of the color digital copying machine 1 when printing is performed. When the person comes to the color digital copying machine 1 to pick up the printed paper and picks up the paper P, a sensor (not shown) detects this, and the camera 8 is controlled to shoot based on the detected output. Thus, it is possible to photograph both the target person (operator) and the printed paper P.
[0067]
In FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the installation number, frame information (frame number, etc.) and time information as shooting specifying information for specifying the operator shooting from the camera 8 are sent to the specific pattern adding unit 19 in FIG. The model number and production number as image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the digital color copying machine 1 taken in, and the installation number and frame as shooting specifying information for specifying shooting for correlation with the camera 8 The information and time information are patterned and added to the image generated by the image generation unit 12 in FIG. 2, and laser recording is performed by the image data output unit 14 via the image memory 13 on the paper P. A toner image is transferred and formed, further fixed, and discharged as an image-formed sheet P to a discharge portion.
[0068]
At the time of color copying, a color original is read by the image reading unit 4 in FIG. 1, and an image is generated by the image generation unit 12 in FIG. 2, and then a specific pattern patterned by the specific pattern addition unit 18 is added to the generated image. Specific pattern addition control to be performed. At the time of color printing, image data from a personal computer (PC) is transferred via the PC network 9 in FIG. 4, and is generated after the image generation unit 12 generates an image via the interface 17 in FIG. Specific pattern addition control for adding the specific pattern patterned by the specific pattern adding unit 19 to the image is performed.
[0069]
The operator photographing control by the color digital copying machine 1 and the camera 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. A central processing unit (CPU) 19 is connected to the camera 8 so as to communicate with each other. The unit (CPU) 19 outputs an instruction signal (control signal) for photographing operation / stop of the camera 8, while the camera 8 directs the color digital copying machine 1 to set the photographing number and frame information. In addition to data transfer of time and time information, data transfer of remaining capacity information such as the remaining amount of memory and film is also performed.
[0070]
The operation of the above configuration will be described below.
[0071]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the system operation of the present invention using a digital camera. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the camera photographing specific information is sent from the camera 8 to the central processing unit (CPU) 19 (F1), and the specific pattern adding unit 18 uses the information to identify the digital color copying machine 1 as a model. The installation number, frame information, and shooting time information for specifying the operator shooting are added to the specific pattern information obtained by patterning the name (symbol) and the production number (F2).
[0072]
Next, the execution of color copying (F3) and the execution of color printing (F4) are judged, and neither of them is performed, that is, when monochrome copying or printing is finished.
[0073]
Further, when color copying is executed, a color original is read (F5), and a specific pattern in which operator photographing specific information and image forming apparatus specific information are added to the image data generated by the image generation unit 12 is added ( F6) Laser recording (F8) is performed at the image data output unit via the image memory (F7), and a toner image is transferred and formed on the paper P (F9). Further, the toner image is fixed on the paper P (F10), and it is judged whether or not the paper on which the image is formed is output (F11).
[0074]
Judgment is made as to whether or not the image-formed paper P has been output (F11). This is due to a sensor (not shown) provided in the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 524a in FIG. When it reaches, the sensor is turned on, and when the paper P passes the discharge roller 524a, the sensor is turned off. As a result, when the sensor is turned on once and then the sensor is turned off, the output of the paper P is completed (discharged). Paper completed).
[0075]
Further, when the output of the paper P is completed, it is judged whether or not it is the second and subsequent sheets of multi-copy (F12), and if it is the second and subsequent sheets, it is terminated, and in the case of the first sheet, from the central processing unit (CPU) 19 A photographing instruction signal (control signal) for instructing the photographing to the camera 8 is output (F13), and the processing is ended.
[0076]
When executing color printing, the execution of color printing (F4) is judged, image data is transferred from the personal computer (PC) via the PC network 9 (F14), and the image generation unit 12 is transmitted via the interface 17. The specific pattern in which the operator photographing specific information and the image forming apparatus specific information are added is added to the image data generated in (F15). Laser recording (F17) is performed by the image data output unit 14 via the image memory 13 (F16), and a toner image is transferred and formed on the paper P (F18). Further, the toner image is fixed on the paper P (F19), and the paper P on which the image is formed is output (F20).
[0077]
Further, the operator detects that the printed paper P is picked up from the paper discharge tray 524b by a sensor (F21), receives this detection signal, judges whether it is the second or later of the multi-print (F22), If it is after the second sheet, the process is terminated, and if it is the first sheet, a photographing instruction signal is output from the central processing unit (CPU) 19 to the camera 8 (F23), and the process is terminated.
[0078]
The detection signal from this sensor is such that when the paper P is output to the paper discharge tray 524b in FIG. 1, the sensor is turned on, and when the paper P is picked up from the paper discharge tray 524b, the sensor is turned off.
[0079]
As described above, the central processing unit (CPU) 19 of the image processing unit 10 takes an image of the operator range by the camera 8 during the copying operation during color copying, and after the printing operation ends during color printing, the paper discharge tray. Since control is performed such that the removal of the sheet from 524b is detected and the range of the operator is photographed by the camera 8, it is possible to easily and surely photograph persons concerned such as a copy or print operator. In this case, since the specific pattern obtained by patterning the shooting specific information from the camera 8 and the image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the digital color copying machine 1 is added to the copy or print image data, By using both pieces of information together with the image forming apparatus specifying information, it is possible to easily specify a party-taken image taken by the camera 8 according to a copy or print image. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely specify who made a copy and who printed on all color originals as well as all color prohibited originals such as banknotes. Further, since the photographing operation is performed only at a predetermined time, the number of photographing can be reduced, the concerned person photographing by the camera 8 can be performed for a long time, and the photographing data can be stored for a long time.
[0080]
In FIG. 4, the digital color copying machine 1 and the camera 8 are separated from each other. However, even when the digital color copying machine 1 and the camera 8 are configured integrally, the same operational effects can be obtained.
[0081]
In the present embodiment, when the output of the paper P is completed, the camera 8 is instructed to shoot, but it is also possible to instruct to shoot between (F5) and (F13).
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, the laser beam scanner units 66a to 66d scan and expose the laser beam to perform optical writing on the photosensitive drums 61a to 61d. Instead of the scanner units 66a to 66d, a writing optical system (LED head) including a light emitting diode array and an imaging lens array may be used. The LED head is smaller in size than the laser beam scanner units 66a to 66d, and has no moving parts and is silent. Can be preferably used.
[0083]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect, the specific pattern obtained by patterning the shooting specific information from the shooting unit and the image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying the color image forming apparatus is added to the copy or print image data. By using both the specific information and the image forming apparatus specific information, it is possible to specify the party-photographed image captured by the photographing unit in accordance with the copy or print image. Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely specify who made a copy and who printed on all color originals as well as all color prohibited originals such as banknotes.
[0084]
  MaMosquitoIn the case of color copying, the relevant person takes a picture with the photographing means during the copying operation, and in the case of color printing, after the printing operation is completed, the taking out of the paper from the paper discharge unit is detected and the photographing means takes a picture of the concerned person. Alternatively, it is possible to reliably photograph persons concerned such as a print operator. In this case, since the photographing operation is performed only at a predetermined time, the number of photographing can be reduced, the photographing of the related person by the photographing means can be performed for a long time, and the photographing data can be stored for a long time.
[0085]
  Claims2According to the above, by photographing both parties such as the operator and the paper P that has been copied or printed, the copied or printed image can be matched with the parties, and all copy-prohibited documents can be matched. It is possible to easily and reliably identify who made the copy and who printed it.
[0086]
  And claims3According to the above, when the same color copy or color print is performed, the number of persons to be photographed can be reduced by taking only one person's photographing. Can be stored for a long time.
[0087]
  And claims4According to the above, by separately arranging the color image forming apparatus and the photographing means, the photographing means can be installed out of the reach of a person, so that the related person can be photographed safely. Conversely, by integrating the color image forming apparatus and the photographing means, troublesome wiring processing of the photographing means and installation of the photographing means are not required when the color image forming apparatus is installed, and the handling is convenient. . Further, if a photographing function by photographing means is added to the color image forming apparatus, the photographing means such as a camera can also be used.
[0088]
  And claims5According to the present invention, when shooting information is stored by the shooting means, for example, in a still camera, since the shooting means and the film or the memory are generally integrated, it is easy to use a general-purpose one. Can do. In the case of storage by a color image forming apparatus, for example, in a video camera, the captured data can be stored in the color image forming apparatus using a crime prevention photographing means, and long-term imaging can be performed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing an internal configuration of a digital color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit in the color digital copying machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an operation management state by a central control unit (CPU) of FIG. 2;
4 is a schematic diagram showing a connection state between the digital color copying machine of FIG. 1, a camera, and a PC network. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the system operation of the present invention using a digital camera.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital color copier
8 Camera (camera means)
9 PC network
10 Image processing section
11 Image data input section
12 Image generator
13 Image memory
14 Image data output unit
16 External interface
17 Communication / Printer / Fax Interface
18 Specific pattern addition part
19 Central processing unit (CPU)

Claims (5)

In an image processing apparatus having a color image forming apparatus that performs either color copying or color printing, and photographing means for photographing persons involved by the color image forming apparatus,
The photographing unit is configured to transfer photographing specific information for identifying at least the photographing unit to the color image forming apparatus,
A specific pattern added to the color image forming apparatus for adding a specific pattern obtained by patterning the photographing specific information and the image forming apparatus specific information for specifying the color image forming apparatus to a copy or print image for all color documents In the case of color copying, the person concerned is photographed during the copying operation, and in the case of color printing, the removal of the sheet from the paper discharge unit is detected after the printing operation is completed. An image processing apparatus provided with photographing control means for controlling the photographing means so as to perform . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing unit is disposed on a paper discharge side so as to photograph both a copied or printed sheet surface and a person concerned. The photographing control means is configured to detect the setting of a plurality of the same color copy or color print so that the concerned person photographing is performed only when the first one color copy or color print is performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 . The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein the color image forming apparatus and imaging means for either of the separation arrangement freely configured and integrated configurations. The storage of the photographic information, the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4 to one of storage due to storage and the color image forming apparatus according to the main body of the imaging means.

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