JP3848481B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention prevents counterfeiting of banknotes, securities, etc.PaintingImage forming equipmentIn placeMore specifically, in order to improve the accuracy of determining whether or not the image data is image data representing banknotes / securities, etc.PaintingImage forming equipmentIn placeRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Due to improvements in image processing technology and image forming technology, it has become possible to perform image formation so finely that a copied banknote copied by a color copier and an actual banknote cannot be easily distinguished. For this reason, it is determined whether the manuscript to be copied is a special manuscript that is prohibited from copying, such as banknotes and securities, and if it is a special manuscript, copying is prohibited to prevent forgery. An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine has been proposed.
[0003]
In a copying machine having such a special document determination function, in general, a reading target is synchronized with a process of forming images of K (black), Y (yellow), C (cyan), and M (magenta). A reading process for reading color image data from the original is performed, and each time such a reading process is performed, whether the read color image data is image data representing a special original such as a banknote or a securities Judgment processing is performed. That is, in a conventional copier having a special document determination function, a document is read a plurality of times, and a plurality of color image data obtained from the same document by a plurality of reading processes are each a special document. A determination process of whether or not is performed.
[0004]
Since there are various types of special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities, it is possible to improve the judgment accuracy of special manuscripts by performing judgment processing multiple times on the same manuscript as described above. It becomes. Note that the process for determining whether or not the document is a special document is performed, for example, by comparing predetermined characteristics of the color image data to be determined with the characteristics of the special document.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional technique, since a plurality of color image data obtained from the same original by a plurality of reading processes are each subjected to a determination process as to whether or not the original is a special original, it is obtained by reading the same original. Although it is color image data, if strictly speaking, different color image data is used for each determination process, there is a possibility that the determination result of whether it is a special document may vary. was there. In other words, even for the same document, the color image data output by a plurality of reading processes is not exactly the same, and as a result, there is a variation in image quality, density, etc. between each color image data. Variation in the determination result of whether or not. Therefore, even if the determination process is performed a plurality of times on the same document, there is a limit to improving the determination accuracy of the special document.
[0006]
In addition, the above conventional technique has a problem that it is necessary to adjust a parameter for determining whether or not the document is a special document in consideration of variations in color image data to be determined. It was.
[0007]
Furthermore, the copier can be used as a scanner or a printer. Even in such a case, a special document is read and the color image data is output to the outside, or an externally generated special image is generated. There was also a need to reliably prevent the output of the original image. For example, when a copying machine capable of reading color image data by scanning the document once is used as a scanner, even if it is determined whether the document is a special document using the read color image data, the color image data Has already been output to the outside, and forgery of special manuscripts could not be reliably prevented.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to improve the determination accuracy of a special document by performing determination processing a plurality of times using the same image data.
[0009]
In addition, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a forgery prevention technique that can be applied even when a scanner, a printer, or a copier is used as a scanner or a printer.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the claims1The image forming apparatus generates composite image data by combining at least first color image data and second color image data, and forms a composite image by performing image forming processing based on the generated composite image data In the image forming apparatus having a function to perform the above, an input unit that inputs the first and second color image data, a storage unit that stores the first color image data input via the input unit, and the storage The first color image data is input from the means, the second color image data is input via the input means, and the input first and second color image data are combined to generate combined image data. And the first color image data is input from the storage unit before the synthesis process is performed by the synthesis unit. A process for determining whether or not the input first color image data is image data representing a special image such as banknotes / securities is predetermined for the same first color image data stored in the storage means. Each time the combined image data is generated by the combining means, the generated combined image data is input, and whether the input combined image data is image data representing the special image or not And a processing unit that executes a process for preventing the special image from being formed when the determination unit determines that the image data represents the special image at least once. , With.
[0018]
  Claims2The image forming apparatus of claim1In the image forming apparatus, the determination unit inputs the first color image data input via the input unit when the first color image data is stored in the storage unit, and the input It is determined whether or not the first color image data is image data representing the special image.
[0019]
  Claims3The image forming apparatus of claim1 or 2In the image forming apparatus described above, every time the determination unit determines whether or not the image data represents the special image, the determination parameter used for the determination is changed.
[0020]
  Claims4The image forming apparatus of claim1 to 3In the image forming apparatus according to any one of the above, the input unit is a scanner that reads color image data by scanning the document once.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, the present invention relates toPaintingImage forming equipmentSetAn embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a copying machine having a function (image determination device) for preventing counterfeiting of special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities.
[0024]
The copying machine according to the present embodiment has a memory for storing image data read by scanning a document, and the document is a special document such as a bill or a securities using the same image data stored in the memory. This is a function for determining whether or not the document is a plurality of times and improving the accuracy of the determination of the special document.
[0025]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the copying machine according to the present embodiment. A copying machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 inputs RGB image data (hereinafter referred to as “image data”) from a document in one scan and inputs image data from the scanner unit 101. The image processing unit 102 that executes predetermined image processing such as γ correction processing, RGB / YMCK conversion processing, gradation processing, etc. using the processed image data, and image data that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 102 are input. A printer unit 103 that executes image forming processing and forms a color image.
[0026]
In the copying machine 100, the image processing unit 102 includes a determination unit that executes a determination process for special documents such as banknotes and securities as will be described later. Further, a printer controller 104 can be connected to the copying machine 100 as shown in FIG. 1, and the copying machine 100 also functions as a scanner and printer of a computer 105 connected via the printer controller 104. .
[0027]
FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image processing unit 102 shown in FIG. The image processing unit 102 combines a dot correction unit 201 that performs dot correction processing on image data read by the scanner unit 101, a watermark γ unit 202 that performs watermark processing on image data, and two or more image data. A composition unit 203 that generates composite image data, a selector 204, a field memory 205, a color processing unit 206 that executes RGB / YMCK conversion processing, gradation processing, and the like, and a capacity capable of storing A3 full-color image data. The image data read by the scanner unit 101 is stored, and the image data is input via the memory unit 208 and the memory unit 208 having a scaling unit 207 that performs scaling processing of the image data. A determination unit 209 for determining whether or not the original is a special original such as a bill or a securities, And a control unit 209 for controlling the operation of the copying machine 100 based on the determination result of the constant unit 209.
[0028]
In FIG. 2, the determination unit 209 that determines whether or not the document is a special document is shown as one of the components of the image processing unit 102. May be provided.
[0029]
Next, a specific example of the special document determination process executed in the copying machine 100 having the above-described configuration will be described. Here, as an operation mode of the copying machine 100,
(1) Color copy mode
(2) Image composition mode
(3) Scanner mode
A special original determination process is described for each mode.
[0030]
(1) Color copy mode
First, a special original determination process in the color copy mode for forming a color image will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing in the color copy mode, and the special document determination processing executed when a full-color image is formed will be described below. In copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that image forming processing is executed in the order of K, Y, C, and M (the same applies to other modes). Further, the processing when it is determined that the document is a special document will be described after describing FIG.
[0031]
The scanner unit 101 scans the document once, reads RGB image data, and inputs it to the image processing unit 102 (S101). Subsequently, based on the image data input in step S101, an image formation process for K images, a storage process in the memory unit 208, and a special document determination process are executed (S102). The process of step S102 will be specifically described below.
[0032]
The image data input from the scanner unit 101 to the image processing unit 102 in step S101 is input from the dot correction unit 201 to the color processing unit 206 via the field memory 205. The color processing unit 206 generates K image data from the input RGB image data and inputs the K image data to the printer unit 103, and the printer unit 103 executes a process of creating a K image based on the K image data. .
[0033]
Also, the image data input from the scanner unit 101 to the image processing unit 102 in step S101 is input from the field memory 205 to the memory unit 208. The memory unit 208 stores the input image data and inputs the image data to the determination unit 209. The determination unit 209 determines whether or not the document is a special document such as a bill or a securities based on the input image data. That is, the determination unit 209 determines whether or not the document is a special document by determining whether or not the input image data is image data representing an image (special image) such as banknotes and securities. .
[0034]
Here, the determination unit 209 is
A process for binarizing image data based on a preset binarization threshold and determining whether the document is a special document based on the binary data
A process for analyzing image data based on preset color determination parameters and determining whether the document is a special document
A process for determining the distance between the image data and the contents of a dictionary prepared in advance and determining whether the document is a special document based on the determined distance
Etc. are executed to determine whether or not the document is a special document. When determining whether or not the document is a special document in each of the above processes, a preset similarity determination threshold is used.
[0035]
Each time the determination unit 209 performs a determination process, the determination unit 209 performs parameters for performing the determination process, that is,
(1) Binarization threshold
(2) Color judgment parameters
▲ 3 ▼ Contents of dictionary
(4) Similarity threshold
It is configured to be able to change. It is possible to freely set and change which parameter and how to change it. In FIG. 3, the determination unit 209 changes the determination parameter every time the special document determination process is executed in step S102, step S104, step S106, and step S108, and uses a different determination parameter for each step. It is determined whether or not there is.
[0036]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When step S102 is executed, the image data stored in the memory unit 208 is read in accordance with the Y image forming timing (S103), and the Y image forming process and the special document determining process are executed. (S104).
[0037]
Specifically, the image data read from the memory unit 208 in step S103 is input from the synthesis unit 203 to the color processing unit 206 via the field memory 205. The color processing unit 206 generates Y image data from the input RGB image data and inputs it to the printer unit 103, and the printer unit 103 executes a process of creating a Y image based on the Y image data. .
[0038]
Further, the image data read from the memory unit 208 in step S 103 is input from the field memory 205 to the determination unit 209 via the memory unit 208. The determination unit 209 determines whether or not the document is a special document such as a bill or a securities based on the input image data. At this time, the determination unit 209 executes the determination process using determination parameters different from those in the determination process in step S102.
[0039]
When the processing in step S104 is completed, the color image data stored in the memory unit 208 is read in accordance with the next C image formation timing (S105), and the C image formation processing and special document determination processing are performed. Is executed (S106). Thereafter, the color image data stored in the memory unit 208 is read in accordance with the M image forming timing (S107), and the M image forming process and the special document determining process are executed (S108). In addition, since the process of step S105-step S108 is as already described step S103 and step S105, description is abbreviate | omitted here.
[0040]
Next, an example of processing when the determination unit 209 determines that the document is a special document in at least one of steps S102, S104, S106, and S108 in FIG. 3 will be described. Here, the determination unit 209 inputs the determination result to the control unit 210, and the control unit 209 controls the color processing unit 206 and / or the printer unit 103 to prevent the image of the special document from being formed. Execute. The following processing is merely an example, and any method may be used as long as it is possible to prevent forgery of the special document.
[0041]
(1) If it is determined in step S102 that the document is a special document
K image: As is apparent from the processing in step S102, the image has already been formed in the special document determination processing in step S102.
Y image and C image: For example, the Y and C image data are not output from the color processing unit 206 to the printer unit 103 so that the Y image and the C image are not formed.
M image: In response to an instruction from the control unit 210, the color processing unit 206 performs image processing on the M image data so that the recording paper can be filled with the M image. An M image is formed so that the image can be filled (a solid image is formed).
As a result, the recording paper output from the printer unit 103 is filled with M, so that the forgery of the special document can be prevented and the user can be warned that the document is a special document. .
[0042]
(2) If it is determined in step S104 that the document is a special document
K image and Y image: As is apparent from the processing in step S102 and step S104, the image has already been formed in the special document determination processing.
C image: For example, the C image data is not output from the color processing unit 206 to the printer unit 103 so that the C image is not formed.
M image: In response to an instruction from the control unit 210, the color processing unit 206 performs image processing on the M image data so that the recording paper can be filled with the M image. An M image is formed so that the image can be filled (a solid image is formed).
As a result, the recording paper output from the printer unit 103 is filled with M, so that the forgery of the special document can be prevented and the user can be warned that the document is a special document. .
[0043]
(3) If it is determined in step S106 that the document is a special document
-K image, Y image, and C image: As is apparent in the processing of each step, the image has already been formed in the special document determination processing.
M image: In response to an instruction from the control unit 210, the color processing unit 206 performs image processing on the M image data so that the recording paper can be filled with the M image. An M image is formed so that the image can be filled (a solid image is formed).
As a result, the recording paper output from the printer unit 103 is filled with M, so that the forgery of the special document can be prevented and the user can be warned that the document is a special document. .
[0044]
(4) If it is determined in step S108 that the original is a special document
Since all color images (K image, Y image, C image, and M image) have already been created, the control unit 210 stops the operation of at least the printer unit 103 (for example, transfers the image to a recording sheet). To prevent illegal copying of special manuscripts.
[0045]
As described above, according to the copying machine according to the present embodiment, after the color image data is input and stored, the same stored color image data is input the number of times corresponding to the number of image forming operations, and the image forming process is performed. When the color image data stored in accordance with the image forming process is read, the same color image data is input every time the color image data stored in accordance with the image forming process is read.・ Determine whether or not the image data is a special manuscript such as securities, and execute processing to prevent the formation of a special image when it is determined that the image data is a special image. As a result, it is possible to perform determination processing a plurality of times using the same image data, so that it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of special manuscripts and to reliably counterfeit bills and securities. It is possible to stop.
[0046]
In addition, every time it is determined whether or not the image data represents a special image, the determination parameter used for the determination is changed so that the same image data represents the special image from various viewpoints. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of determining a special document.
[0047]
Further, since image data used for determination of the special document is stored in the memory by a single reading process, it is possible to prevent injustice such as replacing the document during the determination process.
[0048]
The process described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is a process for forming a full-color image. However, the process of FIG. 3 is, for example, a one-color image such as only red or only blue, red and blue, green and yellow, The present invention can be similarly applied to color images other than full-color images, such as the two-color image. However, when an image such as a one-color image is formed, not all K, Y, C, and M colors are used. As a result, as the number of image forming processes decreases, the number of determinations for special documents decreases compared to the full color case shown in FIG. 3, but the determination process can be performed by the same process as in FIG. it can. Further, the processing when it is determined that the document is a special document is basically the same as described in the case of a full-color image. However, if the image finally formed is not an M image, the M is not filled.
[0049]
Although detailed description is omitted, in the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, two images can be simultaneously formed on the photosensitive drum and simultaneously transferred onto two recording sheets. There is a mode called “Two chamfering”. In this two-chamfer mode, there are two cases: when two images are formed using image data read from the same document, and when two different images are formed by reading image data from two different documents. This process is included. Even in the case of two-sided chamfering, the above-described special document determination process is executed. However, in the case where image data is read from two different originals and two different images are formed simultaneously, at least one original Processing when it is determined that is a special document becomes a problem. In such a case, it is possible to perform processing such as painting only the image corresponding to the special document. However, in the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment, it is determined as a special document for convenience of control. Even if only one original is used, processing such as painting two images is performed to prevent illegal copying of a special original with simple control.
[0050]
(2) Image composition mode
Next, a process for determining a special document in the image composition mode will be described. Here, the image shown in 301 in FIG. 4 is an extracted image (the extracted image 301 shown in FIG. 4 is an area designated at the time of reading as an example, and is cut out at a dotted line portion. The image shown in 302 is called a background image, and the process of generating the composite image 303 by superimposing the extracted image 301 and the background image 302 is called image composition. Although it is assumed here that two images are combined, two or more images may be used. In the image composition mode, for example, there is a specific process such as an image watermark process performed by the watermark γ unit 202 in FIG. 2. Detailed description is omitted.
[0051]
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the outline of the special document determination process in the image composition mode. 5 and 6 show processing for forming a full-color composite image.
[0052]
First, the scanner unit 101 scans a document corresponding to the extracted image 301 in FIG. 4 once, reads RGB image data (hereinafter referred to as “extracted image data”), and inputs it to the image processing unit 102 (S201). ). Although the image forming process is not performed using the extracted image data itself, here, the process is performed in synchronization with the image forming timing of the K image.
[0053]
Subsequently, a storage process for storing the extracted image data input in step S201 in the memory unit 208 and a special document determination process are executed (S202). That is, the color image data input from the scanner unit 101 to the image processing unit 102 in step S201 is stored in the memory unit 208 via the field memory 205 from the dot correction unit 201 and also input to the determination unit 209. The determination unit 209 determines whether or not the document is a special document such as a bill or a securities based on the input extracted image data.
[0054]
The process for determining whether or not the document is a special document in the determination unit 209 is as described in the color copy mode. Here, there are two types of determination processing: special document determination processing using extracted image data and special document determination processing using composite image data described later. The special document determination process using the extracted image data is performed in steps S202 and S204, and the determination unit 209 changes the determination parameter for each step. Similarly, the special document determination process using the composite image data is performed in step S208, step S211, step S214, and step S217, and the determination unit 209 changes the determination parameter for each step.
[0055]
Returning to the description of the flowcharts of FIGS. When step S202 is executed, the extracted image data that is not actually formed but is stored in the memory unit 208 in accordance with the image forming timing of the Y image is read (S203), and the extracted image data is used. Special document determination processing is executed (S204).
[0056]
Specifically, the extracted image data read from the memory unit 208 in step S 203 is input from the synthesis unit 203 to the determination unit 209 via the field memory 205 and further the memory unit 208. The determination unit 209 determines whether or not the document is a special document such as a bill or a securities based on the input extracted image data. At this time, the determination unit 209 performs determination processing using determination parameters different from those in step S202.
[0057]
When the extracted image data is stored in the memory unit 208 in step S202, if the enlargement / reduction processing is performed by the enlargement / reduction unit 207, the enlargement / reduction unit 207 extracts the data before inputting to the determination unit 209. In some cases, it is necessary to perform processing for returning the image data to the original magnification. Whether or not such processing is necessary depends on what characteristics of the determination unit 209 is used.
[0058]
Then, as shown in step S205, the processes of steps S203 and S204 described above are repeatedly executed. That is, here, the determination process is executed in accordance with the image formation timing of the K, Y, C, and M images (although the image formation process is not actually performed). As described above, since the determination process in accordance with the image formation timing of the K and Y images has already been executed, the image data stored in the memory unit 208 is read out in accordance with the image formation timing of the next C image. In step S203, a special document determination process is executed (S204). Thereafter, the image data stored in the memory unit 208 is read in accordance with the M image forming timing (S203), and the special document determination process is executed (S204).
[0059]
In step S201 to step S205, when a special document determination process using the extracted image data is performed, a process for combining images is subsequently performed. The extracted image data is read from the memory unit 208, and the scanner unit 101 scans the document corresponding to the background image 302 in FIG. 4 once to read RGB image data (hereinafter referred to as “background image data”). Input to the image processing unit 102 (S206).
[0060]
Subsequently, the synthesizer 203 synthesizes the extracted image data and the background image data to generate synthesized image data (S207). After step S207, image formation processing of K image is performed using the composite image data, and special original determination processing is performed using the composite image data (S208).
[0061]
Specifically, the composite image data is input to the color processing unit 206 via the selector 204 and the field memory 205. The color processing unit 206 generates K image data from the input RGB composite image data and inputs the generated image data to the printer unit 103. The printer unit 103 executes a process of creating a K image based on the K image data. The
[0062]
In step S208, the composite image data is input to the determination unit 209 via the selector 207, the field memory 205, and the memory unit 208. The determination unit 209 determines whether the two originals to be combined are special originals such as banknotes and securities based on the input composite image data.
[0063]
When the processing in step S208 is completed, the extracted image data is read from the memory unit 208, and the scanner unit 101 scans the document corresponding to the background image 302 once to read the background image data and inputs it to the image processing unit 102. (S209).
[0064]
Subsequently, the synthesizer 203 synthesizes the extracted image data and the background image data to generate synthesized image data (S210). After step S210, Y image forming processing is performed using the composite image data, and special document determination processing is performed using the composite image data (S211).
[0065]
Specifically, the composite image data is input to the color processing unit 206 via the selector 204 and the field memory 205. The color processing unit 206 generates K image data from the input RGB composite image data and inputs the generated image data to the printer unit 103. The printer unit 103 executes a process of creating a Y image based on the Y image data. The
[0066]
In step S211, the composite image data is input to the determination unit 209 via the selector 207, the field memory 205, and the memory unit 208. The determination unit 209 determines whether the two originals to be combined are special originals such as banknotes and securities based on the input composite image data. At this time, the determination unit 209 executes the determination process using a determination parameter different from that in the determination process in step S208.
[0067]
When the process of step S211 is completed, the extracted image data is read from the memory unit 209 and the background image data is read from the memory unit 209 in the same manner as in steps S206 to S208 and steps S209 to S211 described above (S212). The extracted image data and the background image data are combined to generate combined image data (S213). Then, the C image forming process is performed using the composite image data, and the special document determination process is performed (S214).
[0068]
Further, when the process of step S214 is completed, the extracted image data and the background image data are read from the memory unit 209 (S215), and the combining unit 203 combines the extracted image data and the background image data to combine the combined image. Data is generated (S216). Then, an image forming process for the M image is performed using the composite image data, and a determination process for the special document is performed (S217).
[0069]
In the special document determination process in steps S202 and S204 in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, if it is determined that the extracted image data corresponds to the image of the special document, K, Y, and C based on the subsequent composite image data are determined. The image forming process is not performed, the process of painting the recording paper with M is performed, and the process of preventing forgery of the special document is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in any of the special document determination processing in step S208, step S211, step S214, and step S217 that the composite image data corresponds to the image of the special document, (1) described in the color copy mode. The same processing as in (4) to (4) is executed, and processing for preventing forgery of the special document is executed.
[0070]
In this way, the process of storing the extracted image data, inputting the stored extracted image data and inputting the background image data, and synthesizing the extracted image data and the background image data to generate composite image data is performed. During the execution of the process of forming a composite image by executing the number of times according to the number of times, the stored extracted image data is input before the composite process is executed, and the extracted image data is a special image such as a banknote or a securities. The process of determining whether or not the image data is represented is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times for the same stored extracted image data, and the composite image data is generated each time composite image data is generated by the composite process. Input, determine whether the composite image data is image data representing a special image, and if it is determined that the image data represents a special image at least once, In particular, since processing for preventing the formation of an image is executed, image data representing a special image for both at least one of a plurality of color image data to be synthesized and the synthesized image data after synthesis. Since it is possible to determine whether or not there is a counterfeit, it is possible to reliably prevent counterfeiting of banknotes and securities. In addition, by performing a process of determining whether or not the image data represents a special image even during the process of combining the images, for example, the image of banknotes / securities and the like can be obtained by combining the two image data. It is possible to prevent fraud such as generation.
[0071]
As is apparent from the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6, the document corresponding to the background image in FIG. 4 is read by the scanner unit 101 every time an image forming process is performed. It is possible to replace it. Even if a general document is replaced with a special document, it is impossible to replace the synthesized original image data with the special document because it is determined every time whether the combined image data is a special document.
[0072]
5 and 6, the synthesis process and the determination process for the full-color image have been described. However, the synthesis process and the determination process can be similarly performed for a one-color image, a two-color image, and the like. Needless to say.
[0073]
(3) Scanner mode
The scanner mode is a mode for causing the copier 100 to operate as a scanner and inputting image data read from a document to the computer 105 via the printer controller 104. Note that the operation of the copying machine 100 in the scanner mode can also be applied to a single scanner. By applying the description of the scanner mode to a single scanner, a special original image can be read. Occurrence can be prevented.
[0074]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing in the scanner mode. The scanner unit 101 scans the document once, reads RGB image data, and inputs it to the image processing unit 102 (S301). Subsequently, the image data input in step S301 is stored in the memory unit 208 from the dot correction unit 201 via the field memory 205 (S202).
[0075]
Subsequently, the R component data of the image data is read from the memory unit 208 (S303), and is input to the external computer 105 via the printer controller 104 and is input to the determination unit 209, and the document is a special document. It is determined whether or not (S304). Processing when it is determined that the document is a special document will be described later.
[0076]
After execution of step S304, the G component data is read from the memory unit 208 (S305), input to the external computer 105 via the printer controller 104, and input to the determination unit 209, and the document is a special document. It is determined whether or not (S306). At this time, the determination unit 209 executes the determination process using a determination parameter different from that in the determination process in step S304.
[0077]
Further, the B component data is read from the memory unit 208 (S307), input to the external computer 105 via the printer controller 104, and input to the determination unit 209 to determine whether the document is a special document. It is determined (S308). At this time, the determination unit 209 performs determination processing using determination parameters different from those in the determination processing in steps S304 and S306.
[0078]
Next, an example of processing performed when the determination unit 209 determines that the document is a special document in at least one of steps S304, S306, and S308 in FIG. 4 will be briefly described. Here, the determination unit 209 inputs the determination result to the control unit 210, and the control unit 209 controls the color processing unit 206 so that the image data representing the special document itself is not output to the external computer 105.
[0079]
(1) If it is determined in step S304 that the document is a special document
・ R component data: already output
G component data and B component data: For example, the color processing unit 206 is controlled so that the printer controller 104 does not output an image of the special document itself to the computer 105. For example, G component data and B component data can be prevented from being output to the computer 105. Further, the final B component data may be subjected to image processing so that a solid image is obtained.
[0080]
(2) If it is determined in step S306 that the document is a special document
・ R component data and G component data: already output
B component data: For example, the color processing unit 206 is controlled so that the printer controller 104 does not output the image of the special document itself to the computer 105. For example, the B component data may not be output to the computer 105, or the B component data may be subjected to image processing so that a solid image is obtained.
[0081]
As described above, the copying machine 100 according to the present embodiment scans a document to read image data, stores the read image data, reads the stored image data for each color component data, and stores it in the computer 105. During execution of the input process, every time the stored color component data is read out, the same color component data is input, and the input color component data is image data representing a special image such as a banknote / securities. If the color component data is determined to be image data representing a special image, the color image data itself read from the document is input to the information processing apparatus. Since the process for preventing the image is executed, an image to be output to the computer 105 as a result of determining whether or not the document to be read is a special document. It is possible to reflect the over data, it is possible for example to prevent the forgery of banknotes and securities using scanner. That is, although this scanner mode has been described here as a copying machine, as described above, this processing can be executed by a normal scanner.
[0082]
In FIG. 2, a memory unit 208 and a determination unit 209 constitute an image determination apparatus according to the present invention. Here, the scanner unit 101 corresponds to an input means for inputting image data to the image determination apparatus. This image determination apparatus can be installed not only in the copying machine 100 used in the description of the present embodiment, but also in a printer and a scanner, and can also be established as a single apparatus itself.
[0083]
In the case of the scanner mode, if the scanner is a type that reads R, G, and B component data separately, the processing in steps S303 to S308 in FIG. 7 is possible without storing image data in the memory. Can be executed.
[0084]
Further, here, image data read from a manuscript by a scanner is used, but similar determination processing can be performed on image data created by a computer or the like. Therefore, it is possible to find images of banknotes, securities, etc. created by a computer or the like, and to prevent forgery.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claims)1), The input first color image data is stored, the stored first color image data is input and the second color image data is input, and the input first and second color images are input. The process of generating the composite image data by combining the data is executed the number of times according to the number of image formations to execute the process of forming the composite image, and the first color stored before executing the composite process The same first color image data stored in the process of inputting image data and determining whether or not the input first color image data is image data representing a special image such as a banknote / securities Is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times, and every time the composite image data is generated by the composite processing, the generated composite image data is input, and the input composite image data represents the special image. If it is determined whether or not the image data represents the special image at least once, the processing is performed to prevent the special image from being formed, and the composition is performed. Since it is possible to determine whether or not the image data represents a special image for both at least one of the plurality of color image data and the synthesized image data after the synthesis, Counterfeiting can be prevented. In addition, by performing a process of determining whether or not the image data represents a special image even during the process of combining the images, for example, the image of banknotes / securities and the like can be obtained by combining the two image data. It is possible to prevent fraud such as generation.
[0093]
  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claims)2), When the first color image data is stored, it is determined whether or not the first color image data is image data representing a special image. It is possible to perform a determination process according to the operation. In addition, since the first color image data to be determined here is the same as the stored image data, multiple determinations using the same image data are performed while matching the operation of the image forming apparatus. Processing can be enabled.
[0094]
  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claims)3), The determination parameter used for the determination is changed every time it is determined whether or not the image data represents a special image, whereby the same image data represents the special image from various viewpoints. Therefore, it is possible to check the accuracy of the determination of the special document.
[0095]
  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claims)4), By using a scanner that reads color image data by scanning the document once as an image data input means, it is possible to perform determination processing a plurality of times using the same image data. It is possible to obtain a copying machine with high accuracy of document determination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing executed in the color copy mode in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an image composition mode executed in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing in the image composition mode in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing in the image composition mode in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of special document determination processing in the scanner mode in the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 copier
101 Scanner unit
102 Image processing unit
103 Printer unit
104 Printer controller
105 computers
201 Dot correction unit
202 watermark γ part
203 synthesis unit
204 selector
205 field memory
206 Color processing section
207 Scaling unit
208 Memory unit
209 Judgment unit
210 Control unit

Claims (4)

An image having a function of synthesizing at least the first color image data and the second color image data to generate composite image data, and forming a composite image by performing image forming processing based on the generated composite image data In the forming device,
Input means for inputting the first and second color image data;
Storage means for storing first color image data input via the input means;
The first color image data is input from the storage means, and the second color image data is input via the input means, and the input first and second color image data are synthesized to generate composite image data. A synthesizing unit that executes the number of times corresponding to the number of times of image formation,
Prior to execution of the composition processing by the composition means, the first color image data is input from the storage means, and the input first color image data is image data representing a special image such as a banknote / securities. The process for determining whether or not the same first color image data stored in the storage means is repeatedly executed a predetermined number of times, and is generated each time composite image data is generated by the combining means. Determination means for determining whether or not the input composite image data is image data representing the special image;
Processing means for executing processing for preventing the special image from being formed when the determination means determines that the image data represents the special image at least once;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The determination unit inputs the first color image data input via the input unit when the first color image data is stored in the storage unit, and the input first color image data is The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein it is determined whether or not the image data represents the special image. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit changes a determination parameter used for determination every time it is determined whether the image data represents the special image. It said input means, the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a scanner for reading the color image data by scanning a document once.

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