JP3772061B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

で示すことができる。
【００２１】
ここで、複写禁止物の濃度ｎ毎に対する画素数の総和を「Ｓ」とすると、読み取った原稿が複写禁止物に類似しているか否かを示す類似度「Ｐ」は、
【００２２】
【数２】

で示すことができる。
【００２３】
従って、類似度Ｐの値が大きいほど、読み取った原稿を構成する色が、複写禁止物を構成する色に類似していると判断することができる。
次に、複写機能付きカラーファクシミリ装置１におけるコピー時の動作について、図３及び図４に示すフローチャートを用いて説明する。なお、この動作は、ＲＯＭ１２に記憶されたプログラムに基づき、ＭＰＵ１１の制御により実行される。
【００２４】
さて、原稿が読取部１４に載置され、コピー部数がテンキー１６ａから設定されて、スタートキー１６ｄが押下されると、
図３に示すステップＳ１においては、読取部１４で原稿が読み取られる。このとき、ＣＩＥ表色系のＲＧＢ信号毎に画データが出力される。
【００２５】
ステップＳ２においては、読取部１４からＲＧＢ信号毎に出力された画データが、ＲＧＢ信号毎に画像メモリ１８に記憶される。
ステップＳ３においては、読み取った原稿のヒストグラムがＲＧＢ信号毎に作成される。具体的には、図２の破線で示すように、ＲＧＢ信号毎に「０〜２５５」の濃度に対する画素数を示すヒストグラムが作成される。
【００２６】
ステップＳ４においては、原稿のＲＧＢ信号毎における類似度が算出される。具体的には、前記（式１）及び（式２）に基づいて、原稿のＲＧＢ信号毎における類似度が算出される（算出処理）。
【００２７】
ステップＳ５においては、画像メモリ１８に記憶されたＣＩＥ表色系のＲＧＢ信号の画データに基づいて、ＸＹＺ表色系のＸＹＺ信号の画データに変換される。
【００２８】
ステップＳ６においては、前記ステップＳ３の処理と同様に、ＸＹＺ表色系のＹ信号における濃度に対する画素数を示すヒストグラムが作成される。
ステップＳ７においては、前記ステップＳ６において作成されたＹ信号のヒストグラムに基づいて、原稿の面積が算出される。具体的には、Ｙ信号のヒストグラムを構成する画データから読取部１４を構成する天板（白色）に該当する画データを減算することにより、原稿の面積が算出される。ここで、ＸＹＺ表色系におけるＹ信号を用いるのは、物体色の相対的な明暗を示す明度に概ね相関するからである。
【００２９】
図４に示すステップＳ１１においては、前記ステップＳ７の処理において算出された原稿の面積が、複写禁止物（例えば、紙幣）の面積に一致するか否かが判断される。そして、一致する場合は、原稿を構成する色（ＲＧＢ）が複写禁止物を構成する色（ＲＧＢ）に極めて類似するか否かを判断するために、ステップＳ１２に移行する。一方、一致しない場合は、複写禁止物ではないと判断して、通常のコピー動作を行わせるために、ステップＳ２２に移行する。
【００３０】
ステップＳ１２においては、Ｒ信号の類似度が、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ（例えば、９５〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ以上である場合は、ステップＳ１３に移行する。一方、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ未満である場合は、ステップＳ１７に移行する。
【００３１】
ステップＳ１３においては、Ｇ信号の類似度が、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ（例えば、９５〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ以上である場合は、ステップＳ１４に移行する。一方、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ未満である場合は、ステップＳ１７に移行する。
【００３２】
ステップＳ１４においては、Ｂ信号の類似度が、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ（例えば、９５〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ以上である場合は、ステップＳ１５に移行する。一方、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ未満である場合は、ステップＳ１７に移行する。
【００３３】
ステップＳ１５においては、ＲＧＢ信号のすべてにおける類似度が、コピー動作を禁止すべき値ＣＳ以上であるため、記録部１５でのコピー動作が禁止される。
【００３４】
ステップＳ１６においては、コピー動作が禁止された旨を示すメッセージが、表示部１７に表示される（表示処理）。
ステップＳ１７においては、Ｒ信号の類似度が、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ（例えば、８０〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ以上である場合は、ステップＳ１８に移行する。一方、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ未満である場合は、ステップＳ２２に移行する。
【００３５】
ステップＳ１８においては、Ｇ信号の類似度が、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ（例えば、８０〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ以上である場合は、ステップＳ１９に移行する。一方、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ未満である場合は、ステップＳ２２に移行する。
【００３６】
ステップＳ１９においては、Ｂ信号の類似度が、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ（例えば、８０〔％〕）以上であるか否かが判断される。そして、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ以上である場合は、ステップＳ２０に移行する。一方、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ未満である場合は、ステップＳ２２に移行する。
【００３７】
ステップＳ２０においては、ＲＧＢ信号のすべてにおける類似度が、解像度を低下させてコピー動作をすべき値ＲＤ以上であるため、ＲＧＢ信号の画データの解像度が低下される。そして、その低下された解像度の画データが記録部１５に出力される（出力処理）。具体的には、４００〔ｄｐｉ〕×４００〔ｄｐｉ〕から１００〔ｄｐｉ〕×１００〔ｄｐｉ〕の画データに解像度が低下されて、記録部１５に出力される。なお、本実施形態では、単純間引きで解像度を低下させている。
【００３８】
ステップＳ２１においては、前記ステップＳ２１における低解像度のデータに基づいて、記録部１５でコピー動作が行われる（記録処理）。
ステップＳ２２においては、通常のコピー動作が行われる。具体的には、４００〔ｄｐｉ〕×４００〔ｄｐｉ〕の解像度で、記録部１５でのコピー動作が行われる。
【００３９】
以上、詳述したように本実施形態によれば、次のような作用、効果を得ることができる。
（１）読取部１４からのＲＧＢ信号に基づいて、原稿のＲＧＢ信号毎における濃度に対する画素数を示すヒストグラムが作成される。そのヒストグラムと、ＲＯＭ１２に記憶されている複写禁止物のＲＧＢ信号毎における濃度に対する画素数を示すヒストグラムとに基づいて、原稿のＲＧＢ信号毎における類似度が算出される。そして、原稿の面積が複写禁止物（例えば、紙幣）の面積に一致する場合であって、原稿の類似度が極めて高い場合はコピー動作が禁止され、原稿の類似度が高い場合は解像度が低下されてコピー動作が行われ、原稿の類似度が低い場合は通常のコピー動作が行われる。つまり、原稿の類似度に応じて、いずれかのコピー動作が自動的に選択される。その結果、複写禁止物に類似する原稿をコピーする場合であっても、解像度が低下されてコピー動作が行われる。従って、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００４０】
（２）複写禁止物に類似する原稿をコピーする場合であっても、４００〔ｄｐｉ〕×４００〔ｄｐｉ〕から１００〔ｄｐｉ〕×１００〔ｄｐｉ〕に、解像度が低下されてコピー動作が行われる。このため、複写禁止物に類似する原稿をコピーする場合であっても、少なくともコピー動作が行われる。しかも、１００〔ｄｐｉ〕×１００〔ｄｐｉ〕の解像度であれば、文字等の認識に支障を与えることはない。従って、複写禁止物に類似する原稿をコピーする場合であっても、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００４１】
（３）解像度を低下させる効果が、最も大きい単純間引きが採用されている。このため、万一複写禁止物がコピーされたとしても、解像度が低下された状態でコピー動作が行われる。その結果、コピーされた場合であっても、複写禁止物のコピーであることを容易に判断することができる。従って、複写禁止物がコピーされた場合であっても、何ら問題が発生する余地はない。
【００４２】
（４）原稿の面積が複写禁止物（例えば、紙幣）の面積に一致する場合であって、原稿の類似度が極めて高い場合は、記録部１５でのコピー動作が禁止される。このため、複写禁止物がコピーによって、偽造されることはない。従って、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００４３】
（５）原稿の面積が複写禁止物（例えば、紙幣）の面積に一致する場合であって、原稿の類似度が極めて高い場合は、記録部１５でのコピー動作が禁止されるとともに、コピー動作が禁止された旨を示すメッセージが、表示部１７に表示される。このため、装置が故障等ではなく、原稿の面積や色が、複写禁止物に極めて類似しているために、コピー動作が禁止されたことが分かる。従って、コピーできないことが容易に分かる。
【００４４】
なお、前記実施形態は、次のように変更して具体化することも可能である。
・前記実施形態では、読取部１４で原稿を読み取って、記録部１５で記録紙に記録させる場合を想定したが、読取部１４で原稿を読み取って、その読み取った原稿の画データを送信する場合も考えられる。従って、画データを送信する場合にも、前記実施形態を適用しても良い。なお、このように画データを送信する場合には、原稿を読み取った画質が、超高画質（例えば、４００〔ｄｐｉ〕×４００〔ｄｐｉ〕）や高画質（例えば、２００〔ｄｐｉ〕×２００〔ｄｐｉ〕）の場合には、その画質を低下させる必要がある。このため、図４に示すステップＳ２０，２１の処理を、図５に示すフローチャートに変更する必要がある。
【００４５】
すなわち、図５に示すステップＳ３１においては、画質が超高画質又は高画質に設定されて、原稿が読み取られたか否かが判断される。そして、超高画質又は高画質に設定されて、原稿が読み取られていた場合は、ステップＳ３２に移行する。一方、超高画質又は高画質に設定されないで、原稿が読み取られた場合、つまり標準（例えば、１００〔ｄｐｉ〕×１００〔ｄｐｉ〕）に設定されて、原稿が読み取られていた場合は、ステップＳ３３に移行する。
【００４６】
ステップＳ３２においては、ＲＧＢ信号の画データの解像度が低下される。そして、その低下された解像度の画データがコーデック１９に出力される（出力処理）。具体的には、４００〔ｄｐｉ〕×４００〔ｄｐｉ〕又は２００〔ｄｐｉ〕×２００〔ｄｐｉ〕から１００〔ｄｐｉ〕×１００〔ｄｐｉ〕の画データに、解像度が低下されて、コーデック１９に出力される。
【００４７】
ステップＳ３３においては、画データがコーデック１９でＪＰＥＧ等に従って符号化される。
ステップＳ３４においては、符号化された画データがモデム２０で変調され、ＮＣＵ２１を介して、送信先に送信される。なお、原稿の画データを送信する場合は、図４に示すステップＳ１５において、送信が禁止される。また、図４に示すステップＳ２２においては、通常の送信が行われる。加えて、送信に先だって、送信先のＦＡＸ番号等が予め入力されていることは言うまでもない。
【００４８】
・前記実施形態では、原稿の類似度が高い場合には、解像度を低下させてコピー動作を行わせたが、これに代えて、特徴色を変更する方法（例えば赤色を黒色に変更）、特徴色を減色する方法（例えば赤色の減色）、階調を低下する方法（例えば２５６階調から６４階調に低下）や、これら解像度を低下する方法、特徴色を変更する方法、特徴色を減色する方法、又は階調を低下する方法を、適宜組み合わせた方法等を用いても良い。
【００４９】
・読取部１４で読み取った画データを、記録媒体（例えば、ＦＤ、ＣＤ）に記録する場合にも、前記実施形態を適用しても良い。
・さらに、複写禁止物であるか否かを判断するための機能を備えていない装置（例えば、カラースキャナ、カラーファクシミリ装置）から転送或いは受信した画データを記録する場合にも、前記実施形態を適用しても良い。
【００５０】
・前記実施形態を、カラーコピー機に適用しても良い。
さらに、上記実施形態より把握される請求項以外の技術的思想について、以下にそれらの効果と共に記載する。
【００５１】
〔１〕画データを記録する記録手段と、画データが複写禁止物に類似しているか否かを示す類似度を算出し、画データの類似度が高い場合は、解像度を低下させた画データを記録手段で記録紙に記録させる制御手段とを備えた画像処理装置。なお、記録手段は、前記実施形態における記録部１５に相当する。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物に類似する画データを記録する場合であっても、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５２】
〔２〕画データが複写禁止物に類似しているか否かを示す類似度を算出する算出処理と、画データの類似度が高い場合は、解像度を低下させた画データを記録する記録処理とからなる画像処理方法。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物に類似する画データを記録する場合であっても、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５３】
〔３〕画データが複写禁止物に類似しているか否かを示す類似度を算出する算出処理と、画データの類似度が高い場合は、解像度を低下させた画データを記録する記録処理とを、コンピュータで実行させるためのプログラムを記録した記録媒体。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物に類似する画データを記録する場合であっても、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５４】
〔４〕制御手段は、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、画データの出力を禁止する画像処理装置。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５５】
〔５〕出力処理は、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、画データの出力を禁止する画像処理方法。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５６】
〔６〕画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、画データの出力を禁止する出力処理を、コンピュータで実行させるためのプログラムを記録した記録媒体。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５７】
〔７〕前記〔１〕に記載の画像処理装置において、制御手段は、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、記録手段における画データの記録を禁止する画像処理装置。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５８】
〔８〕前記〔２〕に記載の画像処理方法において、記録処理は、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、画データの記録を禁止する画像処理方法。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００５９】
〔９〕前記〔３〕に記載の記録媒体において、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、画データの記録を禁止する記録処理を、コンピュータで実行させるためのプログラムを記録した記録媒体。このように構成すれば、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【００６０】
〔１０〕前記〔７〕に記載の画像処理装置において、メッセージを表示する表示手段を備え、制御手段は、画データの類似度が極めて高い場合は、記録手段における画データの記録を禁止するとともに、画データの記録を禁止した旨を示すメッセージを表示手段に表示する画像処理装置。なお、表示手段は、前記実施形態における表示部１７に相当する。このように構成すれば、コピーができないことが容易に分かる。
【００６１】
〔１１〕前記〔８〕に記載の画像処理方法において、画データの記録を禁止した旨を表示する表示処理を含む画像処理方法。このように構成すれば、コピーできないことが容易に分かる。
【００６２】
〔１２〕前記〔９〕に記載の記録媒体において、画データの記録を禁止した旨を表示する表示処理を、コンピュータで実行させるためのプログラムを記録した記録媒体。このように構成すれば、コピーできないことが容易に分かる。
【００６３】
【発明の効果】
本発明は、以上のように構成されているため、次のような効果を奏する。
請求項１に記載の発明によれば、コピー動作に支障を与えることなく、複写禁止物の偽造を防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】複写機能付きカラーファクシミリ装置の構成を示すブロック図。
【図２】濃度に対する画素数を示すヒストグラム。
【図３】コピー時の動作を示すフローチャート。
【図４】コピー時の動作を示すフローチャート。
【図５】別の実施形態における送信時の動作を示すフローチャート。
【符号の説明】
１…画像処理装置としての複写機能付きカラーファクシミリ装置、１１…制御手段を構成するＭＰＵ、１２…制御手段を構成するＲＯＭ、１３…制御手段を構成するＲＡＭ。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing equipment represented by a color copying machine or a copying function color facsimile apparatus or the like, more particularly, relates to an image processing equipment for preventing forgery by copying.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there have been cases in which forbidden items such as banknotes and securities are forged using a color copier or a color facsimile machine with a copying function. For this reason, it is indispensable to equip an apparatus having a copying function in this way with a function for preventing forgery of a copy-prohibited object by judging whether or not it is similar to the copy-prohibited object. Here, as a method for preventing counterfeiting of copy-prohibited objects, there is a method of comparing copy-prohibited data and original data using pattern matching or a histogram. If it is determined that the document is similar to a copy-prohibited object, the copy operation is prohibited in view of safety, or is recorded on recording paper in so-called all black.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if it is simply judged that the original is similar to a copy-prohibited object, the method of uniformly prohibiting copying is not possible even if the original is not a copy-prohibited original but is similar to a copy-prohibited object. Operation is prohibited. Further, when recording on recording paper in so-called all black, the recording paper and toner are wasted.
[0004]
The present invention was made in view of such problems, without giving any trouble to the copy operation, to provide an image processing apparatus capable of preventing the forgery of copy inhibition thereof is there.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing area information of a copy prohibition object, a reading means for reading an original, and an area for calculating an area of image data in the original. Calculated by a calculating means, a similarity calculating means for calculating for each color component of the image data a color similarity that is an index as to whether the image data is similar to a copy-prohibited object, and the area calculating means. When the area information of the image data does not match the area information stored in the storage means, the image data is output as it is, and the area information of the image data matches the area information stored in the storage means a first reference data and second reference data set in advance and the degree of similarity for each of the color components sequentially comparison, in the comparison process, the first base and the similarity of one color component Based on the comparison result between the data and the second reference data, the similarity is compared with the first reference data and the second reference data for the next color component, or the subsequent color component is included For other color components, the image data is switched as it is without comparing the similarity with the first reference data and the second reference data, and the similarity is the first reference for all color components. If it is determined that the data is higher than the data, the output of the image data is prohibited, the similarity is lower than the first reference data for any or all of the color components, and the similarity is the second for all the color components. If it is determined that the image data is higher than the reference data, the image data is output with a reduced resolution, and the similarity is lower than the second reference data for any or all of the color components. If it is determined in a control means for outputting without reducing the resolution of the image data.
[0009]
In the embodiments of the invention described below, the “image processing apparatus” described in the claims or means for solving the problems corresponds to the color facsimile apparatus 1 with a copying function, and the “control means” It corresponds to MPU11, ROM12, and RAM13.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is embodied as a color facsimile apparatus with a copying function will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the color facsimile apparatus 1 with a copy function includes an MPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a reading unit 14, a recording unit 15, an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, an image memory 18, a codec 19, a modem 20, and an NCU 21. The components 11 to 21 are connected to each other via a bus 22.
[0012]
The MPU 11 controls each unit constituting the color facsimile apparatus 1 with a copying function. The ROM 12 stores a program for controlling the color facsimile apparatus 1 with a copying function. In addition, the ROM 12 stores data relating to copy prohibited items such as banknotes. The RAM 13 temporarily stores various information related to the color facsimile machine 1 with a copying function.
[0013]
The reading unit 14 reads image data on a document and outputs color image data, that is, image data of 256 gradations for each RGB signal. The recording unit 15 includes an electrophotographic color printer, and records received image data and image data of a document read by the reading unit 14 in a copying operation on a recording sheet.
[0014]
The operation unit 16 is a numeric keypad (including * and # keys) 16a for inputting a telephone number, FAX number, etc., abbreviated key 16b for registering an abbreviated number or calling from an abbreviated number, and a pre-registered FAX number. Various operation keys, such as a one-touch key 16c for designating with a start key, a start key 16d for starting a document reading operation, and a communication / copy key 16e for setting a "communication (FAX)" mode or a "copy" mode. I have. A display unit 17 composed of an LCD or the like displays various information such as the operating state of the color facsimile machine 1 with a copying function.
[0015]
The image memory 18 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The codec 19 encodes (encodes) the image data read by the reading unit 14 using MH, MR, MMR, a color code JPEG method, or the like for transmission. The codec 19 decodes (decodes) the received image data.
[0016]
The modem 20 is an ITU-T recommendation T.30. 30 and ITU-T Recommendation T.30 for color. 30 based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to Annex D. 17, V. 27ter, V.L. Modulates and demodulates transmission / reception data according to 29. The NCU 21 controls the connection with the telephone line L and has a function for detecting the transmission and reception of dial signals corresponding to the FAX number of the other party.
[0017]
Next, based on the RGB signals output from the reading unit 14, it is shown whether or not the color (RGB) constituting the document is similar to the color (RGB) constituting the copy prohibited object (for example, banknote). A method of calculating the similarity will be described using a histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to the density shown in FIG.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, a histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to density is created for each RGB signal from the reading unit 14 (broken line shown in FIG. 2). Then, the histogram showing the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal is compared with the histogram (solid line shown in FIG. 2) showing the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal of the copy prohibited object stored in the ROM 12.
[0019]
That is, if the density is “n”, the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal of the copy prohibition stored in the ROM 12 is “m”, and the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal is “a”, The total sum “T” of the absolute value of the difference in the number of pixels is
[0020]
[Expression 1]

Can be shown.
[0021]
Here, assuming that the total number of pixels for each density n of the copy prohibition is “S”, the similarity “P” indicating whether or not the read original is similar to the copy prohibition is:
[0022]
[Expression 2]

Can be shown.
[0023]
Accordingly, it can be determined that the color constituting the read original is more similar to the color constituting the copy prohibited object as the value of similarity P increases.
Next, an operation at the time of copying in the color facsimile apparatus 1 with a copying function will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. This operation is executed under the control of the MPU 11 based on a program stored in the ROM 12.
[0024]
Now, when the document is placed on the reading unit 14, the number of copies is set from the numeric keypad 16a, and the start key 16d is pressed,
In step S <b> 1 shown in FIG. 3, the document is read by the reading unit 14. At this time, image data is output for each RGB signal of the CIE color system.
[0025]
In step S2, the image data output for each RGB signal from the reading unit 14 is stored in the image memory 18 for each RGB signal.
In step S3, a histogram of the read document is created for each RGB signal. Specifically, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 2, a histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to the density of “0 to 255” is created for each RGB signal.
[0026]
In step S4, the similarity for each RGB signal of the document is calculated. Specifically, the similarity for each RGB signal of the document is calculated based on the (Expression 1) and (Expression 2) (calculation processing).
[0027]
In step S5, based on the image data of the CIE color system RGB signal stored in the image memory 18, the image data is converted into image data of the XYZ color system XYZ signal.
[0028]
In step S6, similarly to the processing in step S3, a histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to the density in the Y signal of the XYZ color system is created.
In step S7, the area of the document is calculated based on the histogram of the Y signal created in step S6. Specifically, the area of the document is calculated by subtracting the image data corresponding to the top plate (white) constituting the reading unit 14 from the image data constituting the histogram of the Y signal. Here, the Y signal in the XYZ color system is used because it generally correlates with the lightness indicating the relative brightness of the object color.
[0029]
In step S11 shown in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the area of the document calculated in the process of step S7 matches the area of the copy prohibited object (for example, banknote). If they match, the process proceeds to step S12 in order to determine whether the color (RGB) constituting the document is very similar to the color (RGB) constituting the copy prohibited object. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that the copy is not prohibited and the process proceeds to step S22 to perform a normal copy operation.
[0030]
In step S12, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the R signal is greater than or equal to a value CS (for example, 95 [%]) at which the copy operation should be prohibited. If the value is equal to or greater than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the value is less than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S17.
[0031]
In step S13, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the G signal is equal to or greater than a value CS (for example, 95 [%]) at which the copy operation should be prohibited. If the value is equal to or greater than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the value is less than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S17.
[0032]
In step S14, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the B signal is equal to or greater than a value CS (for example, 95 [%]) at which the copy operation should be prohibited. If the value is equal to or greater than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the value is less than the value CS for which the copy operation should be prohibited, the process proceeds to step S17.
[0033]
In step S15, since the similarity in all of the RGB signals is equal to or greater than the value CS that should prohibit the copying operation, the copying operation in the recording unit 15 is prohibited.
[0034]
In step S16, a message indicating that the copy operation is prohibited is displayed on the display unit 17 (display process).
In step S17, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the R signal is equal to or higher than a value RD (for example, 80 [%]) at which the resolution is reduced and the copy operation is to be performed. If the value is equal to or greater than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed with the resolution lowered, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the resolution is less than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed, the process proceeds to step S22.
[0035]
In step S18, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the G signal is equal to or higher than a value RD (for example, 80 [%]) at which the resolution should be reduced and the copy operation should be performed. If the value is equal to or greater than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed with a reduced resolution, the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the resolution is less than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed, the process proceeds to step S22.
[0036]
In step S19, it is determined whether or not the similarity of the B signal is equal to or higher than a value RD (for example, 80 [%]) at which the copy operation should be performed with a reduced resolution. If the value is equal to or greater than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed with the resolution lowered, the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the resolution is less than the value RD at which the copy operation should be performed, the process proceeds to step S22.
[0037]
In step S20, since the similarity in all of the RGB signals is equal to or higher than the value RD at which the copy operation is performed with the resolution reduced, the resolution of the image data of the RGB signal is reduced. Then, the reduced resolution image data is output to the recording unit 15 (output processing). Specifically, the resolution is reduced to image data of 400 [dpi] × 400 [dpi] to 100 [dpi] × 100 [dpi] and is output to the recording unit 15. In the present embodiment, the resolution is reduced by simple thinning.
[0038]
In step S21, a copy operation is performed in the recording unit 15 based on the low-resolution data in step S21 (recording process).
In step S22, a normal copy operation is performed. Specifically, the copy operation in the recording unit 15 is performed with a resolution of 400 [dpi] × 400 [dpi].
[0039]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
(1) Based on the RGB signals from the reading unit 14, a histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal of the document is created. Based on the histogram and the histogram indicating the number of pixels with respect to the density for each RGB signal of the copy prohibition stored in the ROM 12, the similarity for each RGB signal of the document is calculated. Then, when the area of the original matches the area of a copy prohibited object (for example, banknote), the copy operation is prohibited when the similarity of the original is extremely high, and the resolution is reduced when the similarity of the original is high. Then, a copying operation is performed, and when the similarity between the originals is low, a normal copying operation is performed. That is, one of the copy operations is automatically selected according to the similarity of the originals. As a result, even when a document similar to a copy prohibited object is copied, the resolution is lowered and a copy operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited items without hindering the copy operation.
[0040]
(2) Even when copying a document similar to a copy-prohibited object, the copy operation is performed with the resolution reduced from 400 [dpi] × 400 [dpi] to 100 [dpi] × 100 [dpi]. . For this reason, at least a copy operation is performed even when a document similar to a copy-prohibited object is copied. In addition, if the resolution is 100 [dpi] × 100 [dpi], there is no problem in recognition of characters and the like. Therefore, even when a document similar to a copy prohibited object is copied, forgery of the copy prohibited object can be prevented without hindering the copying operation.
[0041]
(3) Simple thinning that has the greatest effect of reducing the resolution is employed. For this reason, even if a copy prohibited object is copied, the copy operation is performed in a state where the resolution is lowered. As a result, even if the copy is made, it can be easily determined that the copy is a copy prohibited object. Accordingly, there is no room for problems even when the copy prohibited material is copied.
[0042]
(4) When the area of the document matches the area of a copy prohibited object (for example, banknote) and the similarity of the document is extremely high, the copy operation in the recording unit 15 is prohibited. For this reason, the copy-prohibited object is never forged by copying. Therefore, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited items without hindering the copy operation.
[0043]
(5) When the area of the document matches the area of a copy prohibited object (for example, banknote) and the similarity between the documents is extremely high, the copy operation in the recording unit 15 is prohibited and the copy operation is performed. Is displayed on the display unit 17. For this reason, it can be seen that the copying operation is prohibited because the apparatus is not out of order and the area and color of the document are very similar to the copy prohibited object. Therefore, it can be easily understood that copying cannot be performed.
[0044]
In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the document is read by the reading unit 14 and recorded on recording paper by the recording unit 15. However, the image data of the read document is transmitted by reading the document by the reading unit 14. Is also possible. Therefore, the above-described embodiment may be applied when transmitting image data. Note that when image data is transmitted in this way, the image quality of the original read is very high (for example, 400 [dpi] × 400 [dpi]) or high (for example, 200 [dpi] × 200 [ dpi]), it is necessary to reduce the image quality. Therefore, it is necessary to change the processing of steps S20 and S21 shown in FIG. 4 to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0045]
That is, in step S31 shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the document has been read with the image quality set to an ultra-high image quality or a high image quality. If the document is read with the super high image quality or high image quality set, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the original is read without being set to super high image quality or high image quality, that is, if the original is read with the standard (for example, 100 [dpi] × 100 [dpi]) set, The process proceeds to S33.
[0046]
In step S32, the resolution of the image data of the RGB signal is lowered. Then, the reduced resolution image data is output to the codec 19 (output processing). Specifically, the resolution is reduced from 400 [dpi] × 400 [dpi] or 200 [dpi] × 200 [dpi] to 100 [dpi] × 100 [dpi], and the image data is output to the codec 19. The
[0047]
In step S33, the image data is encoded by the codec 19 according to JPEG or the like.
In step S 34, the encoded image data is modulated by the modem 20 and transmitted to the transmission destination via the NCU 21. When transmitting image data of a document, transmission is prohibited in step S15 shown in FIG. In step S22 shown in FIG. 4, normal transmission is performed. In addition, it goes without saying that the FAX number of the transmission destination is input in advance prior to transmission.
[0048]
In the above embodiment, when the similarity between the originals is high, the copy operation is performed with the resolution lowered. Instead, a method of changing the characteristic color (for example, changing red to black), A method for reducing colors (for example, red color reduction), a method for reducing gradations (for example, reduction from 256 to 64 gradations), a method for reducing these resolutions, a method for changing feature colors, and a feature color reduction For example, a method in which the method of reducing the gradation or the method of reducing the gradation is appropriately combined may be used.
[0049]
The above embodiment may also be applied to the case where image data read by the reading unit 14 is recorded on a recording medium (for example, FD, CD).
Further, the above embodiment is also applied to the case where image data transferred or received from an apparatus (for example, a color scanner or a color facsimile apparatus) that does not have a function for determining whether or not the copy is prohibited is recorded. It may be applied.
[0050]
The above embodiment may be applied to a color copier.
Further, technical ideas other than the claims ascertained from the above embodiment will be described below together with their effects.
[0051]
[1] Recording means for recording image data and similarity indicating whether the image data is similar to a copy-prohibited object are calculated. If the similarity of the image data is high, the image data with reduced resolution An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for recording the image on recording paper by the recording means. The recording means corresponds to the recording unit 15 in the above embodiment. With this configuration, even when image data similar to a copy prohibited object is recorded, forgery of the copy prohibited object can be prevented without hindering the copying operation.
[0052]
[2] A calculation process for calculating similarity indicating whether or not the image data is similar to a copy-prohibited object, and a recording process for recording image data with reduced resolution if the image data similarity is high An image processing method comprising: With this configuration, even when image data similar to a copy prohibited object is recorded, forgery of the copy prohibited object can be prevented without hindering the copying operation.
[0053]
[3] A calculation process for calculating similarity indicating whether or not the image data is similar to a copy-prohibited object, and a recording process for recording image data with reduced resolution when the image data similarity is high A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the program is recorded. With this configuration, even when image data similar to a copy prohibited object is recorded, forgery of the copy prohibited object can be prevented without hindering the copying operation.
[0054]
[4] control unit, when an extremely high degree of similarity image data, the image processing apparatus to prohibit the output of the image data. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0055]
[5] output process, when very high similarity image data, an image processing method for inhibiting the output of the image data. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0056]
[6 ] A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute an output process for prohibiting output of image data when the similarity of the image data is extremely high. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0057]
[7] The image processing apparatus according to [1], wherein the control unit prohibits recording of the image data in the recording unit when the similarity of the image data is extremely high. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0058]
[8] The image processing method according to [2], wherein the recording process prohibits recording of the image data when the similarity of the image data is extremely high. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0059]
[9] The recording medium according to [3], which records a program for causing a computer to execute a recording process for prohibiting recording of image data when the similarity of the image data is extremely high. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited materials.
[0060]
[10] The image processing apparatus according to [7], further including display means for displaying a message, wherein the control means prohibits recording of the image data in the recording means when the similarity of the image data is extremely high. An image processing apparatus for displaying on the display means a message indicating that recording of image data is prohibited. Note that the display means corresponds to the display unit 17 in the embodiment. With this configuration, it can be easily understood that copying cannot be performed.
[0061]
[11] The image processing method according to [8], including a display process for displaying that recording of image data is prohibited. With this configuration, it can be easily understood that copying cannot be performed.
[0062]
[12] A recording medium recording a program for causing a computer to execute a display process for displaying that recording of image data is prohibited in the recording medium according to [9]. With this configuration, it can be easily understood that copying cannot be performed.
[0063]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent forgery of copy-prohibited objects without hindering the copy operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a color facsimile apparatus with a copying function.
FIG. 2 is a histogram showing the number of pixels with respect to density.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation during copying.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation during copying.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of transmission in another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Color facsimile apparatus with a copy function as an image processing apparatus, 11 ... MPU which comprises a control means, 12 ... ROM which comprises a control means, 13 ... RAM which comprises a control means.

Claims (1)

Storage means for storing the area information of the prohibited copy;
Reading means for reading a document;
Area calculating means for calculating the area of image data in the original;
Similarity calculation means for calculating a color similarity that is an index as to whether the image data is similar to a copy-prohibited object for each color component of the image data;
If the area information of the image data calculated by the area calculation means does not match the area information stored in the storage means, the image data is output as it is, and the area information of the image data is stored in the storage means. If the area information matches the area information, the similarity is sequentially compared with the first reference data and the second reference data set in advance for each color component. Based on the comparison result between the similarity and the first reference data and the second reference data, the similarity is compared with the first reference data and the second reference data for the next color component, or For other color components including the color component, the image data is output as it is without comparing the similarity with the first reference data and the second reference data. If it is determined that the similarity is higher than the first reference data for the component, the output of the image data is prohibited, and the similarity is lower than the first reference data for any or all of the color components and all When it is determined that the similarity for the color component is higher than the second reference data, the resolution of the image data is reduced and output, and the similarity for any or all of the color components is higher than that for the second reference data. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that outputs the image data without reducing the resolution when it is determined to be low .

Images