JP4225879B2 - Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image processing system, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus , an image processing system, and a computer program that prevent a confidential portion in a document from being inadvertently copied, printed, or faxed.

Among image processing apparatuses that perform copying, printing, or fax transmission, there is an image processing apparatus that restricts copying, printing, or fax transmission of highly confidential or important documents. For example, there has been proposed an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that prevent copying by an unspecified number of users by embedding a public key in a confidential document or an important document and making it impossible to copy without a corresponding secret key. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition, there has been proposed a copying machine that determines whether an important manuscript is based on the presence or absence of an underline or a document format, and prohibits copying in the case of an important manuscript (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-215351 JP-A-7-38747

  However, the image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 or the copying machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a problem in that convenience is reduced because copying of the entire document is restricted. For example, even a highly confidential or important document is not all confidential or important, and only a part is often confidential or important. Due to some confidential parts or important parts, copying of other parts is restricted, and convenience is reduced.

  As one method for solving this problem, there is a method proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-65215 by the applicant of the present application. In this method, a preset specific color portion is erased according to an authentication result or the like. By erasing only the specific color portion that is the confidential portion or the important portion, for example, the non-specific color portion that is not confidential or is not important can be copied as usual.

  However, a document to be printed, copied or transmitted by facsimile is not always a color document, and a monochrome document is often printed, copied or transmitted by facsimile. In the case of a black and white document, only the black color is used, so the specific color portion described above cannot be erased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. For example, a specific document format such as bold or underline is erased in accordance with authentication or instruction to create a confidential document or an important document in a monochrome environment. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method, an image processing apparatus , an image processing system, and a computer program capable of improving the convenience of output while maintaining high security.

  In addition, the present invention makes it possible to change the specific character format for each image data by acquiring the specific character format information related to the specific character format, increasing the degree of freedom of the character format used for the confidential part or the important part. Another object is to provide an image processing apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that can clearly indicate to a user that a confidential part or an important part (specific character format part) has not been intentionally output.

  The present invention also provides a computer program that increases the degree of freedom of the character format used for the confidential portion or the important portion by converting a predetermined character format portion of the image data to be transmitted to the image processing device into a specific character format. To do other purposes.

  In addition, the present invention makes it possible to designate a specific character format for each image data by transmitting the image data and specific character format information related to the specific character format to the image processing apparatus, so that the confidential portion or the important portion can be designated. Another object is to provide a computer program that increases the degree of freedom of the character format used.

An image processing method according to the present invention receives an image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs an output process of the received image data In the image processing method using, a step of authenticating a request source of output processing of received image data, and one of a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe a confidential part when authentication fails Extracting the specific character format portion corresponding to the specific character format from the received image data, and stopping outputting the extracted specific character format portion.

An image processing method according to the present invention receives an image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs an output process of the received image data In the image processing method using, the step of authenticating the request source of the output processing of the received image data and corresponding to one specific character format among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe the confidential portion And extracting the specific character format portion from the received image data, and stopping the output of the extracted specific character format portion if the authentication fails.
The image processing method according to the present invention receives an image data having a character in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output process request for the image data, and performs an output process of the received image data. an image processing method using the processing device and have set the security level against the plurality of specific character format which is preset in order to describe the confidential image portion, to one of the specific character format among the plurality of specific character format A step of extracting a corresponding specific character format portion from the received image data, and a step of controlling output or output stop by the output processing in accordance with a security level of the extracted specific character format portion. To do.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs an output process of the received image data Authentication means for authenticating the request source of the output processing of the received image data, and, if authentication by the authentication means fails, one of a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe a confidential part An extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to the character format from the received image data, and an output stop means for stopping the output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction means.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data The authentication means for authenticating the request source of the output processing of the received image data, and a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance for describing the confidential portion. And extracting means for extracting from the received image data; and output stopping means for stopping output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting means when authentication by the authenticating means fails.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs an output process of the received image data. An instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction or an output stop instruction for a part, and one specific character among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance for describing a confidential part when the instruction receiving means receives an output stop instruction An extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to the format from the received image data, and an output stop means for stopping the output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction means.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs an output process of the received image data. An instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction or an output stop instruction for a part, and a specific character format part corresponding to one specific character format among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance for describing a confidential part. The image processing apparatus includes an extraction unit that extracts from image data, and an output cancellation unit that stops output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction unit when the instruction reception unit receives an output cancellation instruction.
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and describes the confidential portion in the image processing apparatus that performs output processing of the received image data. preset have set the security level against the plurality of specific character format, extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to one particular character format among the plurality of specific character format, from the image data received in An extraction means and a control means for controlling output or output stop by the output processing according to the security level of the extracted specific character format portion.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the output process includes a process of transmitting the received image data, and a transmission destination storage unit in which a transmission destination permitted to transmit a specific character format portion of the received image data is stored When the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage unit, the extraction means for extracting the specific character format portion of the received image data, and the transmission of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction means It further comprises output stopping means for stopping.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the output process includes a process of transmitting the received image data, and a transmission destination storage unit in which a transmission destination permitted to transmit a specific character format portion of the received image data is stored And extraction means for extracting the specific character format portion of the received image data, and transmission of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction means is canceled when the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage unit Output stopping means for further comprising .

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires specific character format information related to a specific character format of received image data, and the extraction unit is configured to acquire the image based on the specific character format information acquired by the acquisition unit. It is configured to extract a specific character format portion of data.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that the specific character format information is added to the received image data, and the acquisition unit extracts the specific character format information added to the received image data. It is characterized by being.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the output canceling unit is configured to replace a specific character format portion with a predetermined symbol.

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an informing means for informing the output stop of the specific character format portion when the output of the specific character format portion is stopped.
In addition, an image processing system according to the present invention receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs an output process of the received image data, and the image processing device. An image processing system including a computer for transmitting image data, wherein the computer converts a format of an important character format portion included in image data to be transmitted into a specific character format set in advance to describe a confidential portion. And means for transmitting image data including the converted specific character format to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus authenticating a request source of output processing of the received image data; Extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion from the received image data, and if the authentication fails, the extracted specific character format portion is output. Characterized in that it stop.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus, a procedure for causing the computer to receive specific character format information relating to a specific character format, and for causing the computer to perform the image processing. And a procedure for converting a predetermined character format portion of image data to be transmitted to the apparatus into the specific character format.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus, and a procedure for causing the computer to receive specific character format information relating to a specific character format of image data to be transmitted. And a procedure for transmitting the received specific character format information to the image processing apparatus.

  A computer program according to the present invention is a computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus, and a procedure for causing the computer to receive specific character format information relating to a specific character format of image data to be transmitted. And a procedure for adding the received specific character format information to the image data.

  In the present invention, the request source of the output processing of the received image data is authenticated by the authentication means. When authentication by the authentication unit fails, a specific character format portion such as bold or underline of the received image data is extracted by the extraction unit, and output of the extracted specific character format portion is stopped by the output stop unit. When creating a document, for example, an important part (confidential part) is often bolded or italicized or underlined. When performing output processing of image data that includes a specific character format, if the requester of the output process can be authenticated, both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) are included. If the original image is output, but the request source of the output process cannot be authenticated, only the non-specific character format portion (normal portion) is output. Note that image data can be read by a scanner, or image data or document data can be received from a computer. The received image data can be printed on a recording sheet or transmitted by facsimile.

  In the present invention, a specific character format portion such as bold or underline of the received image data is extracted by the extracting means. The extracted specific character format portion can be managed separately from the non-specific format portion. Further, the request source of the received image data output process is authenticated by the authentication means. When authentication by the authentication unit fails, output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction unit is stopped by the output cancellation unit. When performing output processing of image data that includes a specific character format, if the request source of the output processing can be authenticated, both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) are included. When the original image is output, but the request source of the output process cannot be authenticated, only the non-specific character format portion (normal portion) is output. Further, by executing the authentication and the extraction of the specific character format portion in parallel, the image data output process can be performed efficiently.

  In the present invention, an instruction receiving unit receives an output instruction or an output stop instruction for a specific character format portion such as bold or underline. When an output stop instruction is accepted, the specific character format portion of the received image data is extracted by the extraction means, and the output of the extracted specific character format portion is stopped by the output stop means. When an output instruction is accepted when performing output processing of image data that includes a specific character format, the original image that includes both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) Although it is output, when an output stop instruction is accepted, only the non-specific character format part (normal part) is output.

  In the present invention, the specific character format portion of the received image data is extracted by the extracting means. The extracted specific character format portion can be managed separately from the non-specific format portion. Further, the instruction receiving unit receives an output instruction or an output stop instruction for a specific character format portion such as bold or underline. When an output stop instruction is received, the output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction unit is stopped by the output stop unit. When an output instruction is accepted when performing output processing of image data that includes a specific character format, the original image that includes both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) Although it is output, when an output stop instruction is accepted, only the non-specific character format part (normal part) is output. Further, the output processing of the image data can be efficiently performed by executing the determination of the output instruction and the extraction of the specific character format portion in parallel.

  In the present invention, a transmission destination that allows transmission of a specific character format portion such as bold or underline is stored in the transmission destination storage unit. When the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage unit, the specific character format portion of the received image data is extracted by the extraction unit, and the transmission of the extracted specific character format portion is stopped by the output cancellation unit. . When sending image data that includes a specific character format, if the destination is registered, the original image that includes both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) Is transmitted, but when the transmission destination is not registered, only the non-specific character format portion (normal portion) is transmitted.

  In the present invention, a transmission destination that allows transmission of a specific character format portion such as bold or underline is stored in the transmission destination storage unit. The specific character format portion of the received image data is extracted by the extracting means. The extracted specific character format portion can be managed separately from the non-specific format portion. When the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage unit, the transmission of the specific character format portion extracted by the extraction unit is stopped by the output cancellation unit. When sending image data that includes a specific character format, if the destination is registered, the original image that includes both the specific character format part (important part) and the non-specific character format part (normal part) Is transmitted, but when the transmission destination is not registered, only the non-specific character format portion (normal portion) is transmitted. Further, by executing the registration determination of the transmission destination and the extraction of the specific character format portion in parallel, the image data output process can be efficiently performed.

  In the present invention, when acquiring the specific character format information related to the specific character format such as bold or underline of the received image data, and extracting the specific character format portion of the image data, the acquired specific character format information Based on the extraction. The specific character format information can be received from a transmission source of image data, for example.

  In the present invention, the specific character format information is added to the received image data, and the obtaining unit extracts the specific character format information added to the received image data. For example, the specific character format information is added to the image data using a bar code according to a predetermined rule. The acquisition unit can recognize a barcode using, for example, OCR and acquire specific character format information corresponding to the barcode.

  In the present invention, the output canceling means stops the output of the specific character format part by replacing the specific character format part with a predetermined symbol. For example, the specific character format portion can be replaced with a symbol such as a black square (hereinafter referred to as a filled mark). If the output of the specific character format portion is stopped and only the non-specific character format portion is output, the user may misunderstand that it is a document creation error or a machine malfunction. By indicating the specific character format portion with a predetermined symbol such as a filled mark, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the specific character format portion has not been intentionally printed.

  In the present invention, when the output of the specific character format portion is stopped, the notification means notifies the output stop of the specific character format portion. For example, a message can be notified to an operation panel or the like. If the output of the specific character format portion is stopped and only the non-specific character format portion is output, the user may misunderstand that it is a document creation error or a machine malfunction. By notifying that the specific character format portion has not been output, it is possible to make the user recognize that the specific character format portion has not been printed intentionally.

  In the present invention, the specific character format information relating to the specific character format to be output of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is received, and the predetermined character format portion of the image data to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus is converted into the specific character format. The converted image data is transmitted. The image processing apparatus outputs or stops outputting the specific character format portion of the image data in accordance with authentication or instruction. The user can convert a predetermined character format of image data to be transmitted into a specific character format and transmit it to the image processing apparatus.

  In the present invention, the specific character format information relating to the specific character format of the image data to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is received, and the image data and the received specific character format information are transmitted. The image processing apparatus outputs or stops outputting the specific character format portion of the image data in accordance with authentication or instruction. The user can instruct the image processing apparatus to specify a specific character format of image data to be transmitted.

  In the present invention, the specific character format information accepted by the information processing apparatus such as a computer is added to the image data transmitted to the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, and the image data to which the specific character format information is added is transmitted. . For example, the specific character format information is added to the image data using a bar code according to a predetermined rule. The user can specify the specific character format of the image data and transmit the image data to which the specific character format information related to the specified specific character format is added to the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to switch output / output stop of a specific character format part (important part) such as bold or underline according to the authentication result of the requester of output processing. In addition, it is possible to prevent an unspecified number of documents including important parts from being copied, printed, or transmitted by facsimile, and the convenience for the user is improved.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to switch the output / output stop of a specific character format part (important part) according to an instruction, a document including the important part is copied and printed in a monochrome environment. Alternatively, facsimile transmission can be prevented and user convenience is improved.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to switch transmission / transmission of a specific character format portion (important portion) according to a transmission destination, even when a fax number is erroneously input in a monochrome environment, for example. Thus, transmission of an important part to an unknown transmission destination can be prevented, and user convenience is improved.

  According to the present invention, the specific character format information related to the specific character format of the image data to be output is acquired by the image processing apparatus, and the acquired specific character format is output according to authentication or instruction or the output is stopped. In addition, it is possible to prevent an unspecified number of people from copying, printing or facsimile transmission of a document containing a confidential part (specific character format), and also allowing the user to flexibly change the specific character format, so that the user can create a document or output a document. Improved convenience.

  According to the present invention, by adding the specific character format information to the image data to be output, the user can flexibly change the specific character format, and the convenience of user document creation or document output is improved. Further, it is possible to save the trouble of giving a specific character format instruction separately from the transmission of image data, and to prevent an error in the specific character format instruction or forgetting the instruction.

  According to the present invention, output processing of image data is efficiently performed by executing in parallel the determination of outputting or canceling output of a specific character format portion by authentication or instruction and the extraction of the specific character format portion. be able to.

  According to the present invention, a specific character format portion for which output has been stopped is indicated by a predetermined symbol such as a solid mark or a message is displayed on the display panel, so that the user is clearly notified that printing has not been intentionally performed. Can do.

  According to the present invention, when the image data is transmitted to the image processing device, the character format uniquely set by the user is specified by converting the predetermined character format portion of the image data into the specific character format and transmitting the specific character format. The format can be converted to improve the convenience of document creation or document output.

  According to the present invention, when image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus, the user can flexibly set the specific character format by accepting and transmitting the specific character format information related to the specific character format of the image data. Convenience of creation or document output is improved.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a communication network to which the image processing apparatus 10 is connected. The image processing apparatus 10 includes an image reading unit 100, a communication unit 150, an image memory 180 connected to the image reading unit 100 and the communication unit 150, a character restriction unit 110 connected to the image memory 180, and an image memory 180. And a character format identification unit 190 connected between the character restriction unit 110, an image processing unit 130 connected to the character restriction unit 110 and the communication unit 150, an image forming unit 140 connected to the image processing unit 130, and A control unit 120 connected to each unit, and a storage unit 170 and an operation unit 160 connected to the control unit 120 are provided. Each unit of the image processing apparatus 10 is controlled by the control unit 120.

  The operation unit 160 includes, for example, an operation panel 161 and a liquid crystal panel 162. The control unit 120 can receive an operation instruction from the operation panel 161 and display a processing status on the liquid crystal panel 162. The image processing apparatus 10 (communication unit 150) is connected to a network 26 to which a computer 22 is connected as shown in FIG. The network 26 is connected to an external network 24 such as the Internet or a telephone line. The control unit 120 performs output processing such as printing (copying, printing) or fax transmission in accordance with an operation instruction received from the computer 22 via the operation panel 161 or the communication unit 150 of the operation unit 160. The output process includes image data transmission or e-mail transmission to the computer 22 in addition to printing or facsimile transmission.

  The image reading unit 100 outputs image data obtained by converting a document into, for example, black and white (for example, a scanner), and the image forming unit 140 uses the exposure unit to transfer the received image data to the image carrier with an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized with a developer, and the visualized image is transferred to a recording medium (hereinafter referred to as recording paper).

  The image reading unit 100 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), reads image data of a document, and sends the read image data to the image memory 180. Further, the communication unit 150 performs communication control with the network 26, receives image data from the computer 22, for example, and sends the received image data to the image memory 180. The image data stored in the image memory 180 is sent to the character restriction unit 110 and the character format identification unit 190 under the control of the control unit 120. Here, the character format includes settings relating to character decoration such as underline or side points, typeface such as bold or italic, and characters such as font size or shading.

  The storage unit 170 stores specific character format information related to a specific character format such as bold or underline, and user information related to a requesting user of an output process that is permitted to output a specific character format portion of image data. The control unit 120 operates as a unit (authentication unit) that authenticates the request source of the output processing of the image data received by the image reading unit 100 or the communication unit 150. Gives the output stop instruction of the format part.

  The character format identification unit 190 identifies the character format of each character for the character region included in the image data, and sends the identification result (hereinafter, identification information) to the control unit 120 and the character restriction unit 110. The character format is identified as underlined or bold as in normal OCR. The control unit 120 compares the identification information received from the character format identification unit 190 with the specific character format information stored in the storage unit 170, and performs authentication if the specific character format is included. For the authentication, for example, the control unit 120 can compare the password received from the operation unit 160 with the password registered in the user information.

  When the output restriction instruction (including the specific character format information) is given from the control unit 120 to the character restriction unit 110, the image memory 180 is based on the identification information given from the character format identification unit 190. It operates as means for extracting a specific character format portion of image data received from (extraction means) and means for stopping output of the extracted specific character format portion (output stop means). For example, when printing on white paper, the character restriction unit 110 can convert the specific character format portion to white or the like, or can paint the specific character format portion in white or the like. The image data from which the specific character format portion has been erased (for example, converted into white) is sent from the character restriction unit 110 to the image processing unit 130. On the other hand, when there is no output stop instruction from the control unit 120, the character restriction unit 110 sends the received image data to the image processing unit 130 as it is.

  The image processing unit 130 performs image processing such as enlargement or reduction of the image data received from the character restriction unit 110 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 160, for example. In addition, the image processing unit 130 sends image data to the image forming unit 140 or the communication unit 150 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 120. The image forming unit 140 includes, for example, an LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), and forms an image on a recording sheet by forming an electrostatic latent image of image data received from the image processing unit 130 on a photoconductor. The communication unit 150 transmits the image data received from the image processing unit 130 to a transmission destination such as the computer 22 or an external fax machine instructed by the control unit 120.

  FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of a part of the image processing apparatus 10 mainly related to image reading and image formation. The image processing apparatus 10 includes a document table 670 having transparent glass or the like on the upper surface. An optical system for reading a document is disposed below the document table 670. The optical system includes an exposure light source 671 that irradiates light on a document placed on a document table 670, an imaging lens, and a plurality of reflecting mirrors 672 that guide light to a photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 673.

  In addition, an automatic document feeder 680 that automatically conveys a document and performs a document reading operation is installed above the document table 670. The automatic document feeder 680 feeds the documents one by one to the paper feed path 682 when the documents are set on the paper feed tray 681. The fed document is temporarily stopped with its leading edge pressed against the PS roller 683. By turning on a clutch (not shown), it is possible to connect the PS roller 683 to a drive unit of a conveyance motor (not shown) to resume the temporarily stopped original and send the original to the original reading window 688.

  By moving the exposure light source 671 directly below the document reading window 688 and irradiating the document with light in accordance with the start timing of document conveyance, the reflected light from the document is transmitted to the CCD 673 via each part of the optical system. Led. Document image data read by the CCD 673 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 and the like, and a laser scanning unit (LSU) 621 emits laser light to an image carrier (hereinafter referred to as a photoreceptor) 611. An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating the surface.

  The photoconductor 611 is formed in a drum shape and is driven to rotate. Around the photoconductor 611, a developing device 620 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 611 into a visible image with toner is disposed. Around the photosensitive member 611, there are a transfer charger 613 for transferring a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive member 611 to a sheet, a cleaning device for removing residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive member 611, and a charger for charging the surface of the photosensitive member 611 to a predetermined potential. 612 and an LSU 621 for irradiating a laser toward the laser irradiation point of the photoconductor 611 are arranged.

  The image data stored in the image memory 180 is sent to the image processing unit 130 via the character restriction unit 110, converted into an image in page units by the image processing unit 130, and then sent to the image forming unit 140. The forming unit 140 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member, and transfers the image formed on the photosensitive member to a recording sheet.

  The recording paper is stored in a paper cassette 630. A half-moon roller 631 for sending recording paper to the paper feed conveyance path 633 is disposed at the front end of the paper cassette 630. Further, based on a pre-registration detection switch (not shown) that detects the passage of the paper along the conveyance path from the paper supply side to the paper discharge side of the recording paper and a signal from the pre-registration detection switch, A PS roller 632 for aligning the toner image and the recording paper, a fixing roller portion 650 for fixing the toner image on the recording paper to the recording paper by a heating roller and a pressure roller, and the recording paper passing through the fixing roller portion 650 A fixing paper detection switch (not shown) for detecting the occurrence of the recording paper, a paper discharge detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the recording paper has passed on the paper discharge conveyance path 635, and a paper discharge roller 636 for discharging the recording paper. Has been placed. The recording paper passes through the above-described members from the paper cassette 630 and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 660, thereby completing a series of output processing (printing).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 10. The document (S10) read by the image reading unit 100 is sent to the image memory 180, and identification information related to the character format of the image data stored in the image memory 180 is transferred from the character format identification unit 190 to the control unit 120 and the character restriction unit 110. Given. The control unit 120 determines whether or not the specific character format is included in the image data based on the identification information and the specific character format information, and when the specific character format is included (S12: YES), the liquid crystal panel 162. The authentication information such as a password is received from the operation unit 160, the received authentication information is compared with the user information stored in the storage unit 170, and authentication is performed (S16). When the specific character format is not included (S12: NO), the control unit 120 sends the image data as it is to the image processing unit 130 without performing authentication.

  When the authentication fails (S18: NO), the control unit 120 sends an instruction to stop outputting the specific character format to the character restriction unit 110, and the character restriction unit 110 is based on the identification information received from the character format identification unit 190. The specific character format portion of the image data received from the image memory 180 is erased (for example, the specific character format portion is extracted, and the extracted specific character format portion is converted to white, for example) (S22), and the specific character format portion is erased. The received image data is sent to the image processing unit 130. When the authentication is completed (S18: YES), the control unit 120 does not send an output stop instruction for the specific character format to the character restriction unit 110, and the character restriction unit 110 directly receives the image data received from the image memory 180 as an image. The data is sent to the processing unit 130.

  The image data sent to the image processing unit 130 (S12: NO, S18: YES, S22) is sent to the image forming unit 140 and printed (image formation) on recording paper (S26). The same processing is repeated until there is no read original (S28: NO) (S28: YES).

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a document, and FIGS. 5B and 5C are diagrams showing examples of printed recording paper. An original 700 shown in FIG. 5A includes, for example, a specific character format portion 702 with an underline and a non-specific character format portion 701 with no underline. If the authentication fails, the control unit 120 controls the character restriction unit 110 to delete the specific character format portion 702 as described above, and the recording paper 710 is not specified as shown in FIG. The character format portion 701 is output, but the output of the specific character format portion 702 is stopped. When the authentication is completed, under the control of the control unit 120, the character restriction unit 110 sends the image data as it is to the image processing unit 130 as described above, and as shown in FIG. Both the specific character format portion 702 and the non-specific character format portion 701 are recorded.

  The printing on the recording paper has been described above as an example. For example, the image data sent to the character restriction unit 110 can be sent to the communication unit 150 via the image processing unit 130 and transmitted by fax. is there. Further, the image data received by the communication unit 150 from the computer 22 can be sent to the image memory 180, printed by the image forming unit 140, or faxed from the communication unit 150.

  For the authentication, in addition to accepting a password by the operation unit 160 or the communication unit 150, for example, authentication information of a wireless tag or an IC card is acquired by an acquisition unit provided in the image processing apparatus 10 and sent to the control unit 120. Is possible. Also, any authentication method can be used, such as accepting the IP address of the computer 22 by the communication unit 150 and using it for authentication.

  In the embodiment described above, the output / output stop of the specific character format portion is performed according to the success / failure of the user authentication, but the user can also instruct the output / output stop of the specific character format portion. . FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure by the image processing apparatus. In FIG. 6, in place of the process (S16, S18) for determining whether or not the authentication shown in FIG. 4 is completed, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the output of the specific character format part (important part). Processing (S20) is performed. For example, the operation unit 160 or the communication unit 150 is operated as a unit (instruction receiving unit) that receives an output instruction or an output stop instruction for a specific character format portion, and the character restriction unit 110 responds to an output stop instruction from the control unit 120. It is also possible to operate as means for extracting the specific character format portion (extraction means) and means for stopping the output of the extracted specific character format portion (output stop means).

  For example, by default, the control unit 120 or the storage unit 170 is set so that the output of the specific character format portion is stopped, and the user can input the specific character format from the operation unit 160 or the communication unit 150 (computer 22) as necessary. An output instruction can be given. In this case, the control unit 120 normally gives an instruction to stop outputting the specific character format part to the character restriction unit 110, but does not issue an instruction to stop output of the specific character format part when receiving an instruction to output the specific character format. . Similarly, by default, the specific character format portion is output, and when the user gives an instruction to stop outputting the specific character format portion, the specific character format portion is deleted by the character restriction unit 110, etc. The specific character format portion can be output or output can be stopped according to the format portion output instruction or the output stop instruction.

  It is also possible to perform both the authentication of the requester of the output process shown in FIG. 4 (S16, S18) and the output / output stop instruction determination (S20) of the specific character format portion shown in FIG. Further, the specific character format portion can be separated from the image data and added again at the time of image formation. For example, the character restriction unit 110 can separate, for example, an underline (specific character format) from the image data and add the underline again at the time of image formation. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 10. In the example of FIG. 7, the process for determining whether or not the authentication is completed (S16, S18), and the process for determining whether or not the user has instructed the output of the important part (specific character format part) (S20). Doing both. When there is a specific character format (S12: YES), the character restriction unit 110 separates (erases) the specific character format portion from the image data (S14). When the authentication is completed and the important part is output (S18: YES, S20: YES), the character restriction unit 110 adds the specific character format part to the image data (S24) and sends it to the image processing unit 130. Further, when the authentication fails (S18: NO) or when the authentication is completed but the important part is not output (S18: YES, S20: NO), the image data from which the specific character format part is separated is received from the character restriction unit 110. It is sent to the image processing unit 130.

  When the image processing apparatus 10 receives image data including a specific character format portion from the computer 22 and prints it, a user who creates a confidential document including the specific character format portion on the computer 22 confirms the contents. There is a high possibility of printing. In consideration of user convenience, user information or a program can be set so that image data received from the computer 22 by the communication unit 150 is printed as it is. The specific character format portion can be extracted or deleted by the control unit 120 or the image processing unit 130.

  The control unit 120 can also update the specific character format information stored in the storage unit 170 in response to the change instruction of the specific character format received by the operation unit 160 or the communication unit 150. For example, when an underline is used for a correction part, it is possible to set a specific character format (important part) such as bold or italic. The character format used for the important part varies depending on the user. Depending on the usage environment, the important character format (specific character format) is determined in advance, or the character format that cannot be used for the important character format is determined in advance. There is. By accepting the specification of the specific character format and making it changeable, the user can flexibly change the specific character format, improving convenience. However, it is preferable to update the specific character format information when the authentication based on the user information is completed.

  It is possible to improve security by restricting the copying or printing of confidential parts described in a specific character format. Further, it is possible to copy or print the specific character format portion by authentication or instruction, and it is possible to improve user convenience while maintaining high security. Further, since confidentiality is realized by describing the confidential part in a specific character format, it is possible to easily or efficiently create or output a document including the confidential part.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 20 according to the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 20 includes the image reading unit 100, the communication unit 150, the temporary image memory 180, the character format identification unit 190, the image processing unit 230, and the image forming unit 140. A control unit 220, an operation unit 160, and a storage unit 170.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 20 includes a character separation unit 210 connected to the temporary image memory 180, a first image memory 280 connected between the character separation unit 210 and the image processing unit 230, and a character separation unit. 210 further includes an encryption unit 284 connected to 210, a second image memory 282 connected to the encryption unit 284, and a decryption unit 286 connected between the second image memory 282 and the image processing unit 230. A character format identification unit 190 is connected between the temporary image memory 180 and the character separation unit 210. Each unit is controlled by the control unit 220. The encryption unit 284 can be configured integrally with the character separation unit 210, and the decryption unit 286 can be configured integrally with the image processing unit 230.

  The character separation unit (extraction means) 210 converts the image data received from the temporary image memory 180 as a specific character format part based on the identification information provided from the character format identification unit 190 and the specific character format information provided from the control unit 220. The non-specific character format portion is separated, the separated specific character format portion is sent to the encryption unit 284, and the non-specific character format portion is sent to the first image memory 280. The encryption unit 284 encrypts the specific character format portion received from the character separation unit 210 and sends the encrypted specific character format portion to the second image memory 282. The decrypting unit 286 decrypts the encrypted specific character format portion stored in the second image memory 282 and sends the decrypted specific character format portion to the image processing unit 230.

  The image processing unit (output canceling unit) 230, when the instruction to stop outputting the specific character format is not given from the control unit 220, the non-specific character format part stored in the first image memory 280, and the decoding unit 286. And the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion are combined with the original image data before being separated by the character separation portion 210, and the image forming portion 140 or the communication portion 150 is received. Send to. In addition, when the control unit 220 gives an instruction to stop outputting the specific character format, the image processing unit 230 applies only the non-specific character format portion stored in the first image memory 280 to the image forming unit 140. Alternatively, it is sent to the communication unit 150.

  In the second embodiment described above, the first image memory 280 and the second image memory 282 are separated, but the first image memory 280 and the second image memory 282 are the same image memory, and the storage area is the first image memory. It is also possible to divide into a storage area and a second storage area, store the non-specific character format portion in the first storage area, and store the encrypted specific character format portion in the second storage area. Encryption and decryption can also be performed by the control unit 220.

  Since the specific character format portion is encrypted and stored in the second image memory 282, even if the contents of the second image memory 282 are read out, they are encrypted, so the confidential portion (specific character format) It is possible to prevent leakage of (part).

  For example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk can be used as the first image memory 280, and a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM can be used as the second image memory 282. In this case, since the specific character format portion is only temporarily stored in the RAM, leakage of the confidential portion can be prevented more firmly. In addition, since the specific character format portion is only temporarily stored in the RAM, the encryption unit 284 and the decryption unit 286 may be omitted and encryption may not be performed.

(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment described above, the specific character format portion is stored in the second image memory 282. However, it is also possible to store both the specific character format portion and the specific character format portion. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the image processing apparatus 30 that stores image data (both specific character format portion and non-specific character format portion) in the RAM. The configuration of the image processing apparatus 30 is almost the same as that of the second embodiment (the image processing apparatus 20 of FIG. 8), but a hard disk 380 is used as the first image memory 280 and a RAM 382 is used as the second image memory 282. While being used, the encryption unit 284 and the decryption unit 286 are omitted.

  The character separation unit 210 extracts the specific character format portion, sends the non-specific character format portion to the hard disk 380, and sends the image data (both the specific character format portion and the specific character format portion) to the RAM 382. The image processing unit 230 converts the image data read from the RAM 382 (including both the specific character format portion and the specific character format portion) or the non-specific character format portion read from the hard disk 380 into the image forming unit 140 or the communication unit. 150.

  As described above, the image data is separated into the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion. When the authentication is successful, the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion are combined and output. If unsuccessful, output only the non-specific character format part, or separate the image data (including both the specific character format part and the non-specific character format part) and the non-specific character format part, If the authentication is successful, the image data can be output, and if the authentication is not successful, only the non-specific character format portion can be output.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the image data (including both the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion) stored in the RAM 382 is not encrypted, but the above-described second embodiment Similarly to the embodiment, the image data stored in the RAM 382 can be encrypted by the encryption unit or the control unit.

  In addition, it is preferable that the control unit 220 immediately erases the specific character format portion that has been read from the RAM 382 (second image memory 282) and for which the output processing has been completed. The control unit 220 immediately deletes the specific character format portion (confidential portion) that has become unnecessary after the output processing is completed, thereby preventing leakage of the confidential portion and improving security.

  In the second and third embodiments described above, the provision of the hard disk 380 makes it possible to store image data for a long period of time, improving user convenience. Moreover, since the non-specific character format portion excluding the confidential portion (specific character format portion) is stored in the hard disk 380, there is little risk of leakage of the confidential portion.

  In addition, when the character separation unit (extraction unit, output stop unit) 210 receives an output stop instruction from the control unit 220, it is also possible to stop the transfer of the specific character format portion to the RAM 382 or the second image memory 282. . In this case, when the output is stopped, the confidential portion (specific character format portion) is not stored in the RAM 382 or the second image memory 282, and leakage of the confidential portion can be prevented more firmly.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the non-specific character format portion is output without outputting the specific character format portion to prevent leakage of the confidential portion. However, the specific character format portion may be replaced with a predetermined symbol. Is possible. For example, in the second or third embodiment, the character separation unit 210 replaces the specific character format portion with a solid mark, or the image processing unit 230 replaces the specific character format portion with a solid mark and specifies. It is possible to output an image in which the character format portion is a filled mark.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a printed recording sheet. However, the example of FIG. 10A is an example corresponding to FIG. 5B, and a non-specific character format portion 701 and a fill mark portion (specific character format portion) 704 are printed on the recording paper 740. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to prevent leakage of the confidential portion (specific character format portion) by not outputting the specific character format portion 702, but only the non-specific character format portion 701 is printed. Therefore, the user may misrecognize that it is a document creation error or a machine failure. However, as shown in FIG. 10A, it is possible to clearly indicate that the confidential portion is not intentionally printed by representing the specific character format portion with a solid mark 704.

  The method of clearly indicating that printing has not been intentionally performed is not limited to the above method, and any pattern or indicia can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 10B, it is possible to clearly indicate that the specific character format portion was not printed intentionally by outputting only the underline 703 (only the underline and no characters). Become. The predetermined symbol may be a sign indicating that the specific character format part is not intentionally output, and may be a graphic such as a black square or a white circle, or “erase” or “confidential”. It is also possible to use letters.

  In addition, when the control unit 120 or 220 cannot authenticate the user and the specific character format portion of the image data is not printed, the specific character format portion is printed by the control of the control unit 120 or 220 at the timing when the printing is finished. It can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 162 (notification unit) of the operation unit 160, or can be notified from the communication unit (notification unit) 150 to the computer 22 of the print request source user. In addition, it may be notified by voice from a speaker (notification means) (not shown) that the specific character format portion is not printed, or a message may be printed by the image processing section (notification means) on the header portion of the printed recording paper. Is possible. By notifying that the specific character format portion is not printed, it is possible to clearly indicate to the user that the confidential portion is not intentionally output and to improve convenience.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the specific character format portion is printed when the authentication of the requesting user of the output process is completed. For example, when a document including a confidential portion is faxed from the communication unit 150, In response to this, it is possible to switch transmission / discontinuation of the specific character format portion. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the image processing apparatus 40 that stops outputting the specific character format portion according to the transmission destination. As in the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 40 includes an image reading unit 100, a communication unit 150, an image memory 180, a character restriction unit 110, a character format identification unit 190, an image processing unit 130, an image forming unit 140, A control unit 420, an operation unit 160, and a storage unit 470 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit (transmission destination storage unit) 470 stores transmission destination information such as a facsimile number of a transmission destination that permits transmission of the confidential portion. When the control unit 420 receives a fax transmission destination such as a fax number from the operation panel 161 of the operation unit 160, the control unit 420 checks whether the received fax transmission destination is registered in the transmission destination information of the storage unit 470, and is not registered. In this case, the character restriction unit (extracting means, output stopping means) 110 is instructed to stop outputting the specific character format.

  When the fax transmission destination is registered in the transmission destination information of the storage unit 470, the specific character format is not erased by the character restriction unit 110, and is controlled by the control unit 420, for example, as shown in FIG. In addition, the image data received by the image memory 180 is fax-transmitted from the communication unit 150 as it is. On the other hand, when the transmission destination fax number is not registered in the transmission destination information of the storage unit 470, the control unit 420 gives an output stop instruction to the character restriction unit 110. Therefore, the specific character identified by the character format identification unit 190 is used. The format part is erased (for example, converted into white color) by the character restriction unit 110, and the control unit 420 controls the image data from which the specific character format part is erased as shown in FIG. Sent by fax. Since the specific character format portion is transmitted only to the destinations registered in advance, it is possible to prevent leakage of the confidential portion and improve security, and improve user convenience.

  Also, when transmitting, an instruction to output / stop the specific character format portion is received from the computer 22 via the operation panel 161 or the communication unit 150 of the operation unit 160, and the character restriction unit is received from the control unit 420 according to the received instruction. It is also possible to give an output stop instruction to 110.

  When transmitting the specific character format portion, the control unit 420 can also encrypt the specific character format portion or the entire image data. By encrypting the confidential portion (specific character format portion) to be transmitted to the external communication line, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the confidential portion during transmission and enhance the security. Encryption can also be performed by encrypting the specific character format portion or the entire image data using a predetermined encryption method and key and then decrypting it with the receiving fax machine when transmitting the specific character format portion. However, only a specific user on the receiving side can perform decoding.

  Similarly to the second or third embodiment (FIG. 8 or FIG. 9), a character separation unit 210 is provided instead of the character restriction unit 110, and the first image memory 280 and the second image memory 282 (or RAM 382 and hard disk 380) are provided between the character separation unit 210 and the image processing unit 230, and the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion separated by the character separation unit 210 are combined and output by the image processing unit 230. Alternatively, it is possible to output only the non-specific character format portion.

  In each embodiment described above, a plurality of character formats can be set as the specific character format. In this case, since any one of a plurality of specific character formats may be used, user convenience is improved. The character format used for the important part varies from user to user. For example, a multi-character format may be used to clarify the difference in importance. By making it possible to set a plurality of specific character formats, the versatility (redundancy) of the character format used for the specific character format is enhanced, and the convenience can be improved.

  It is also possible to set a security level for a plurality of specific character formats and control output / output stop according to the security level. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of specific character format information in which a confidential level (importance) is set. In the example of FIG. 12, the specific character format of bold, side, underline, and italic is set from the one with the highest secret level. The control unit 120, 220, or 420 described above performs output / output stop control for, for example, the specific character format portion of the security level 3 or 4, and always outputs the specific character format portion of the security level 1 or 2. It is possible. Since output / output stop is controlled according to the character format to be used, the convenience of the user's document creation and output is improved.

  In fax transmission, it is also possible to set a confidential level (importance level) that permits transmission for each transmission destination. For example, in the transmission destination information in the storage unit 470, a confidential level that permits transmission to each transmission destination is set, and the specific character format of the confidential level permitted to the transmission destination is transmitted by the control unit 420. It is possible to erase (discontinue transmission) specific character formats that are not permitted. Similarly, it is also possible to set a security level that the control unit 120, 220, or 420 permits output for each copy, print, or fax transmission. For example, the control unit 120 outputs the confidential levels 1, 2 and 3 at the time of printing, always outputs the confidential levels 1 and 2 at the time of copying, and always outputs the confidential level 1 at the time of fax transmission. , 220 or 420.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the computer 22 connected to the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30, or 40 described above. The computer 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31, a RAM 32, a hard disk 33, an input unit 34 such as a keyboard, a display unit 35 such as a monitor, a communication unit 36 connected to the network 26, and a CD-ROM. (Conpact Disk-Read Only Memory) and an external storage device 37 such as a drive.

  The hard disk 33 stores specific character format information related to a specific character format received by the communication unit (reception unit) 36 of the computer 22 from the communication unit 150 of the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30, or 40. The image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30, or 40 transmits the specific character format information stored in the storage unit 170 or 470 from the communication unit 150 to the computer 22 under the control of the control unit 120, 220, or 420.

  Further, the hard disk 33 stores conversion character format information relating to user-specific important character formats. When the CPU 31 receives a print instruction for document data stored in the hard disk 33 from the input unit 34, the CPU 31 stores the document data in the document data to be printed based on the converted character format information and the specific character format information stored in the hard disk 33. It operates as means (converting means) for converting the important character format into the specific character format, and the converted image data is transmitted from the communication unit 36 to the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30 or 40.

  The computer program recorded on the recording medium 39 such as a CD-ROM is read out by the external storage device 37 and stored in the hard disk 33. The computer program is read out to the RAM 32 and executed by the CPU 31, whereby the computer 22 is described above. It is possible to operate as each means. It is also possible for the communication unit 36 to accept a computer program from another device and store it in the hard disk 33.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing document data. For example, when the character format (important character format) of the important part 802 of the document data 800 stored in the hard disk 33 is a double line underline and the specific character format is a single line underline, as described above. Then, the CPU 31 of the computer 22 creates document data 810 in which the important character format (important portion 802) is converted into the specified character format (specific character format portion 804). The created document data 810 is transmitted from the communication unit 36 to the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30, or 40. As described above, for example, when authentication fails, the specific character format portion 804 is deleted (for example, converted into white). The document data 820 is printed.

  By transmitting specific character format information related to the specific character format from the image processing device 10, 20, 30 or 40 to the computer 22, the computer 22 converts the important character format into the specific character format, and the image processing devices 10, 20 , 30 or 40 can be transmitted. The character format used for the important part varies depending on the user, but the specific character instructed by the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30 or 40 on the computer 22 side of the important character format uniquely used by the user. It is possible to convert it into a format, and the user can flexibly set a character format (important character format) to be used for an important part, thereby improving convenience.

  The converted character format information stored in the hard disk 33 can be updated by the CPU 31 in accordance with, for example, an operation from the input unit 34. The user who creates the document data by the computer 22 can use any character format for the important part without being restricted to the specific character format on the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30 or 40 side. The degree of freedom increases and convenience is improved.

  In the fifth embodiment described above, an important character format unique to a user is converted into a specific character format. However, for example, a specific character format in a printed document can be converted into a non-specific character format. For example, a non-specific character format can be registered in the converted character format information of the hard disk 33, and the CPU 31 can convert a specific character format portion of the document data into a non-specific character format. When the user uses the specific character format regardless of the importance, the specific character format portion is erased on the image processing device 10, 20, 30 or 40 side by converting it to the non-specific character format. It is possible to prevent. Further, when it is desired to print the specific character format portion, the specific character format portion is converted into a non-specific character format, and can be prevented from being erased on the image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30 or 40 side. In this case, the confidential document is often printed by a user who creates the confidential document with a computer, and the possibility of the confidential document leaking is low. It is possible to improve convenience at the time of printing for a user who creates a confidential document.

  Further, the CPU 31 can convert the specific character format portion into an erasure color or a predetermined symbol. For example, when printing on white paper, the specific character format portion can be converted to white (erased color). Also, for example, it is possible to convert a specific character format into a predetermined symbol such as a filled mark. By converting the specific character format portion to the erasure color, it is not necessary to erase (for example, convert to white) the specific character format on the image processing device 10, 20, 30 or 40 side, and the image processing device 10, 20, 30 or The load of output processing on the 40 side is reduced.

  The conversion of the important character format portion in the document data to the specific character format and the conversion of the specific character format portion in the document data to the non-specific character format can be performed simultaneously. For example, an important character format and a non-specific character format are registered in the converted character format information, and after the specific character format portion is converted into a non-specific character format by the CPU 31 in accordance with an instruction from the input unit 34, the important character format is It is also possible to convert the part into a specific character format.

  Further, under the control of the CPU 31, it is possible to transmit an output instruction or output stop instruction for the specific character format portion received by the input unit 34 from the communication unit 36 to the image processing apparatus. Since it is possible to instruct to output a specific character format portion at the time of printing, it is possible to improve convenience at the time of printing for a user who creates a confidential document. The image data to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus can be encrypted by the CPU 31. The encryption method and key are determined in advance, and the encrypted image data is decrypted by the image processing apparatus. By encrypting a specific character format portion (important portion) in a confidential document and transmitting it to the image processing apparatus, it is possible to prevent leakage of the important portion.

(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the computer 22 connected to the above-described image processing apparatus 10, 20, 30 or 40, and has the same configuration as the computer 22 shown in FIG. In the hard disk 33, the specific character format information received by the communication unit 36, the important character format to be converted into the specific character format in the document data, or the non-specific character format that is the conversion destination of the specific character format in the document data And character data to which an important document flag (for example, “1” is important and “0” is not important) is stored.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure of character format conversion. When the CPU 31 receives a print instruction for the document data stored in the hard disk 33 from the input unit 34, the important document flag, specific character format information, and converted character format information of the document data to be printed stored in the hard disk 33. The character format is converted based on. In the case of an important document (important flag = “1”) (S30: YES), when an important part (important character format part) exists (S32: YES), the CPU 31 converts the important character format part into a specific character format. (S36). When the document is not an important document (important flag = “0”) (S30: NO), when the specific character format portion exists (S42: YES), the CPU 31 converts the specific character format portion into a non-specific character format ( S44). The above-described processing is performed on each character of the document data.

  The image data having undergone the character format conversion shown in FIG. 16 is sent from the communication unit 36 to the image processing device 10, 20, 30 or 40. In the above-described sixth embodiment, the important character format portion is converted into the specific character format. However, for example, the important character format portion such as red can be converted into the specific character format.

(Seventh embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image processing apparatus 50 according to the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment (FIG. 1), the image processing apparatus 50 includes an image reading unit 100, a communication unit 150, an image memory 180 connected to the image reading unit 100 and the communication unit 150, and an image memory. 180, a character restriction unit 110 connected to 180, a character format identification unit 190 connected between the image memory 180 and the character restriction unit 110, an image processing unit 130 connected to the character restriction unit 110 and the communication unit 150, and an image The image forming unit 140 is connected to the processing unit 130, the control unit 120 is connected to each component, and the storage unit 170 and the operation unit 160 are connected to the control unit 120.

  In the present embodiment, a specific character format information extraction unit that acquires specific character format information related to a specific character format that is added to image data stored in the image memory 180 between the image memory 180 and the character restriction unit 110 ( Acquisition means) 192 is connected. The specific character format information is added to the image data in accordance with a predetermined rule. For example, a barcode corresponding to the specific character format information is added to the image data, a pattern corresponding to the specific character format information is added to the image data so that it is difficult for the human eye to recognize, or the specific character format information is supported. Thus, the image data can be slightly processed. Further, the specific character format information can be provided at a fixed position such as an end of the image data so that it can be recognized reliably.

  The specific character format information extraction unit 192 identifies, for example, a barcode (specific character format information) in the image data by OCR or the like, and stores the barcode stored in the specific character format information extraction unit 192 in advance and the specific character format. Based on the correspondence, it is possible to acquire a specific character format corresponding to the identified barcode. Further, for example, a pattern or processing portion (specific character format information) in the image data is identified by OCR or the like, and the correspondence relationship between the pattern or processing type stored in advance in the specific character format information extraction unit 192 and the specific character format Based on the above, it is possible to acquire a specific character format corresponding to the identified pattern or processing. The specific character format information acquired by the specific character format information extraction unit 192 is sent to the control unit 120.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure performed by the image processing apparatus 50. For example, when the original is read by the image reading unit 100 (S10), the image processing apparatus 50 acquires the specific character format information from the read image data by the specific character format information extraction unit 192 (S11), and acquires the specified identification. The character format information is sent to the control unit 120. In addition, the character format identifying unit 190 identifies the character format of each character of the image data, and sends the identification information to the control unit 120 and the color restriction unit 110. The control unit 120 determines whether or not the image data includes a specific character format based on the identification information and the specific character format information, and if the specific character format is included (S12: YES), the operation unit Authentication information such as a password is received from 160, and the received authentication information is compared with user information stored in the storage unit 170 to perform authentication (S16).

  When the authentication fails (S18: NO), an output stop instruction (including specific character format information) is sent from the control unit 120 to the character restriction unit 110. Receiving the output stop instruction, the character restriction unit 110 deletes the specific character format portion and the specific character format information based on the identification information sent from the character format identification unit 190 (S22). Information such as the position of the specific character format information to be erased can be obtained from the specific character format information extraction unit 192. When the authentication is successful (S18: YES) or when there is no specific character format (S12: NO), the control unit 120 does not send an output stop instruction for the specific character format to the character restriction unit 110, and the character restriction unit 110 Then, the image data read from the image memory 180 is sent to the image processing unit 130 as it is. The image data sent to the image processing unit 130 is sent to, for example, the image forming unit 140 and printed (image formation) on a recording sheet (S26). The same processing is repeated until there is no read original (S28: NO) (S28: YES).

  FIG. 19A shows an example of a document, and FIGS. 19B and 19C show examples of printed recording paper. An original 700 shown in FIG. 19A includes, for example, a specific character format portion (confidential portion) 702 underlined and a specific character format information portion 704. When the authentication fails, the control unit 120 controls the character restriction unit 110 to delete the specific character format portion 702 and the specific character format information portion 704 as described above, as shown in FIG. The non-specific character format portion 701 is output to the recording sheet 710, but the output of the specific character format portion 702 and the specific character format information portion 704 is stopped. If the authentication is successful, the character restriction unit 110 transfers the image data as it is as described above, and the recording paper 720 includes the specific character format portion 702 and the non-specific character as shown in FIG. Both the format portion 701 and the specific character format information portion 704 are output. As shown in FIG. 10, the specific character format portion 702 can be converted into a predetermined symbol.

  The specific character format information can be added again by the character restriction unit 110 or the image processing unit 130. By re-adding, deterioration due to copying of the specific character format information can be prevented. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure by the image processing apparatus 50. The image forming procedure shown in FIG. 20 is almost the same as the image forming procedure shown in FIG. 18, but when there is a specific character format (S12: YES), the character restriction unit 110 deletes the specific character format information. (S13). When the authentication is completed (S18: YES), the specific character format information is added again by the character restriction unit 110 or the image processing unit 130 (S25). If the authentication fails (S18: NO), the character restriction unit 110 deletes the specific character format portion because the specific character format information has been deleted (S13) (S22).

  It is possible to improve security by acquiring a specific character format related to the received image data and restricting copying or printing of a confidential part or an important part described in the acquired specific character format. In addition, since the output of the specific character format obtained from the image data is restricted, the specific character format can be changed for each image data, and the character format used for the confidential part or the important part can be freely set. In addition, the convenience of user document creation is improved.

  When transmitting the specific character format portion, the control unit 120 can also encrypt the specific character format portion or the entire image data. By encrypting the confidential portion (specific character format portion) to be transmitted to the external communication line, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the confidential portion during transmission and enhance the security. Encryption can also be performed by encrypting the specific character format portion or the entire image data using a predetermined encryption method and key and then decrypting it with the receiving fax machine when transmitting the specific character format portion. However, only a specific user on the receiving side can perform decoding.

  Similarly to the second or third embodiment (FIG. 8 or FIG. 9), a character separation unit 210 is provided instead of the character restriction unit 110, and the first image memory 280 and the second image memory 282 (or RAM 382 and hard disk 380) are provided between the character separation unit 210 and the image processing unit 130, and the specific character format portion and the non-specific character format portion separated by the character separation unit 210 are combined and output by the image processing unit 130. It is also possible to output only the non-specific character format part.

(Eighth embodiment)
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the computer 22 according to the present invention connected to the image processing apparatus 50 described above. Similarly to the sixth embodiment (FIG. 15), the computer 22 includes a CPU 31, a RAM 32, a hard disk 33, an input unit 34, a display unit 35, a communication unit 36, and an external storage device 37. .

  The hard disk 33 stores important part settings relating to important character formats uniquely set by the user. The hard disk 33 stores document data to which an important document flag is added. The important part setting can be received from the input unit (accepting means) 34, for example. When the CPU 31 receives an instruction for printing the document data stored in the hard disk 33 from the input unit 34, the CPU 31 determines the important character format in the document data to be printed based on the important part setting stored in the hard disk 33. It operates as means (addition means) for adding the specific character format information as the format to the image data, and transmits the added image data from the communication section (transmission means) 36 to the image processing apparatus 50.

  For example, a barcode (specific character format information) corresponding to a specific character format is added to image data, or a pattern (specific character format information) corresponding to a specific character format is added to image data so that it is difficult for human eyes to recognize The image data can be slightly processed corresponding to the specific character format. Further, the specific character format information can be added to a fixed position such as an end portion of the image data so that it can be surely recognized. The CPU 31 can add a barcode corresponding to the specific character format to the image data based on, for example, the correspondence between the barcode stored in the hard disk 33 in advance and the specific character format. Further, for example, a pattern corresponding to a specific character format is added or a process corresponding to a specific character format is performed based on a correspondence relationship between a pattern or processing type stored in the hard disk 33 in advance and a specific character format. Is possible.

  The computer program recorded on the recording medium 39 such as a CD-ROM is read out by the external storage device 37 and stored in the hard disk 33. The computer program is read out to the RAM 32 and executed by the CPU 31, whereby the computer 22 is described above. It is possible to operate as each means. It is also possible for the communication unit 36 to accept a computer program from another device and store it in the hard disk 33.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing document data. For example, when the important part 802 of the document data 800 is underlined (important character format), the CPU 31 of the computer 22 sets the important character format (underline) as the specific character format based on the important part setting. The specific character format information 806 is added to the image data 800. Image data 810 to which the specific character format information 806 is added by the CPU 31 is transmitted from the communication unit 36 to the image processing device 50. As described above, the image processing apparatus 50 acquires the specific character format information from the transmitted image data. For example, when the authentication fails, the image processing apparatus 50 deletes the specific character format portion 802 and the specific character format information portion 806 as image data. Print.

The important part setting stored in the hard disk 33 can be updated by the CPU 31 in accordance with, for example, an operation from the input unit 34. A user who creates document data with the computer 22 can set any important character format used for an important part of the image data to be transmitted to the image processing apparatus 50 as a specific character format, and print it in the intended character format. This increases the degree of freedom in document creation and improves convenience.
(Ninth embodiment)

  In the eighth embodiment described above, a plurality of character formats can be set as the important character format (specific character format). In this case, since any one of a plurality of important character formats may be used, user convenience is improved. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to set an importance level for each of a plurality of important character formats and use an important character format (specific character format) corresponding to the importance level. For example, by setting the importance level 3 to the red part in the document, it is possible to set a specific character format at the side point in the red part. In this case, the CPU (conversion means) 31 converts the character format of the red portion into a side point, and sets the side point to a specific character format. Such conversion settings relating to character format conversion are stored in the hard disk 33 of the computer 22 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for adding specific character format information accompanied by character format conversion. When the CPU 31 of the computer 22 receives a print instruction for the document data stored in the hard disk 33 from the input unit 34, the CPU 31 reads out the document data to be printed stored in the hard disk 33 and reads the important document flag of the read document data. Confirm. If the document is not an important document (important flag = “0”) (S50: NO), the CPU 31 converts the document data into a page description language (S60), stores it in the RAM 32 or the hard disk 33, and sends it from the communication unit 36 to the image processing device 50. Transmit (S62).

  In the case of an important document (important flag = “1”) (S50: YES), the CPU 31 executes an important part check process (S52). The CPU 31 determines whether each part (each object) in the document data is an important part based on the important part setting. For example, when red is set as an important part in the important part setting, the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is an important part based on whether or not red is included in the character format.

  After the important portion check processing, the CPU 31 performs conversion processing of the character format in the document data based on the conversion setting (S54). FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for converting a character format in document data. The CPU 31 determines whether each part (each object) in the document data is an important part based on the important part setting. If it is an important part (S70: YES), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the character format needs to be converted based on the conversion setting. If it is necessary (S72: YES), the CPU 31 determines the character format based on the conversion setting. Conversion is performed (S74). For example, it is possible to add a side point (specific character format) to the red part (important part) based on the conversion setting.

  If it is not an important part (S70: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not it is a specific character format based on the conversion setting. If it is a specific character format (S76: YES), the character format is determined based on the conversion setting. Is converted (S78). For example, it is possible to convert a character part (not an important part) to which a side point (specific character format) is added into bold based on the conversion setting. If conversion of the character format is not necessary (S72: NO) or not a specific character format (S76: NO), the process is terminated. The processing shown in FIG. 24 is performed on each part (each object) in the document data.

  After the conversion process of the character format in the document data (S54 in FIG. 23), the CPU 31 converts the document data into a page description language (S56), stores it in the RAM 32 or the hard disk 33, and relates to a specific character format based on the conversion setting. The specific character format information is added (S58) and transmitted from the communication unit 36 to the image processing device 50 (S62). The image processing apparatus 50 that has received the image data (document data) transmitted from the computer 22 performs image formation (printing) of the image data.

  In the embodiment described above, the specific character format information is added to the image data (S58 in FIG. 23), and the CPU 31 can add the authentication information to the image data. By adding the authentication information to the image data in the same manner as the specific character format information, the control unit 120 of the image processing apparatus 50 can extract the authentication information in the same manner as the specific character format information and perform authentication. . By adding the authentication information to the image data, there is no need to input a password or the like, and user convenience is improved. A plurality of pieces of authentication information can be added according to, for example, the importance (sensitivity).

  If the document is not an important document (confidential document), the computer 22 converts the document data into a page description language (S60 in FIG. 23), and the CPU 31 adds specific character format information indicating that there is no specific character format. It is also possible. Further, in the image processing apparatus 50, when there is no specific character format (S12: NO in FIG. 18) or when the specific character format is deleted (S22 in FIG. 18), the character restriction unit 110 or the image processing unit 130 causes the specific character format. It is also possible to add specific character format information indicating that there is no format to the image data. By adding specific character format information indicating that there is no specific character format to the image data, it can be clearly indicated that there is no specific character format. For example, when the specific character format information cannot be extracted even though the specific character format is specified, it is possible to prevent erroneous recognition that the specific character format is not specified.

  In the seventh, eighth, or ninth embodiment described above, the specific character format information is added to the image data by the computer 22, but the image processing apparatus is added similarly to the image data without adding the specific character format information. It is also possible to transmit to 50.

  The user who creates the document data by the computer 22 can freely set the character format of the important part of the image data to be transmitted, and can transmit the set character format (specific character format) to the image processing apparatus 50. Thus, it is possible to print in the intended character format, increasing the degree of freedom of document creation and improving convenience. Also, for example, by converting the important character format to the specific character format, the important character format that is normally used can be prevented from becoming the non-specific character format, or the specific character format of the non-important part is converted to the non-specific character format. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unimportant part from being accidentally changed to a specific character format.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the communication network to which the image processing apparatus was connected. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a part mainly related to image reading and image formation of the image processing apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure by the image processing apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a manuscript, (b) And (c) is a figure which shows the example of a recording paper. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an image forming procedure performed by the image processing apparatus. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an image forming procedure performed by the image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which memorize | stores image data (both a specific character format part and a specific character format part) in RAM. It is a figure which shows the example of the printed recording paper. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the image processing apparatus which stops the output of a specific character format part according to a transmission destination. It is a figure which shows the example of the specific character format information to which the confidential level was set. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the computer connected to the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of document data. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the computer connected to the image processing apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of character format conversion. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure by the image processing apparatus. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a manuscript, (b) And (c) is a figure which shows the example of the printed recording paper. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image forming procedure by the image processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the computer connected to the image processing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of document data. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the addition procedure of specific character format information. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the conversion processing procedure of the character format in document data.

Explanation of symbols

10, 20, 30, 40, 50 Image processing device 22 Computer 26 Network 31 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image reading part 110 Character restriction part 120,220,420 Control part 130,230 Image processing part 140 Image formation part 150 Communication part 160 Operation part 170,470 Storage part 180 Image memory 210 Character separation part 280 1st image memory 282 1st 2-image memory 284 Encryption unit 286 Decryption unit 380 Hard disk 382 RAM

Claims (18)

In an image processing method using an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data,
Authenticating the request source of the output processing of the received image data;
A step of extracting, from the received image data, a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe a confidential portion when authentication fails. And outputting the extracted specific character format portion. In an image processing method using an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data,
Authenticating the request source of the output processing of the received image data;
And extracting the specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format from among the plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe the confidential portion, and the authentication has failed. In this case, the output of the extracted specific character format portion is stopped. In an image processing method using an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data,
Have set the security level against the plurality of specific character format which is preset in order to describe the confidential image portion,
Extracting from the received image data a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format among the plurality of specific character formats;
And a step of controlling the output or the output stop by the output process according to the security level of the extracted specific character format portion. In an image processing apparatus that receives image data having characters set with a character format including a typeface or decoration and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data.
An authentication means for authenticating a request source of the output processing of the received image data;
When the authentication by the authentication unit fails, a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format is extracted from the received image data among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe the confidential portion. Extraction means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: output stopping means for stopping output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting means. In an image processing apparatus that receives image data having characters set with a character format including a typeface or decoration and an output processing request for the image data, and performs output processing of the received image data.
An authentication means for authenticating a request source of the output processing of the received image data;
An extracting means for extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format from a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe a confidential portion ;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an output canceling unit that cancels output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting unit when authentication by the authenticating unit fails. In an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs output processing of the accepted image data,
An instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction or an output stop instruction for the specific character format portion of the received image data;
When the instruction accepting unit accepts the output stop instruction, the image data that has received a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format among a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe the confidential portion Extraction means for extracting from,
An image processing apparatus comprising: output stopping means for stopping output of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting means. In an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs output processing of the accepted image data,
An instruction receiving means for receiving an output instruction or an output stop instruction for the specific character format portion of the received image data;
An extracting means for extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format from a plurality of specific character formats set in advance to describe a confidential portion ;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an output stopping unit that stops outputting the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting unit when the instruction receiving unit receives an output canceling instruction. In an image processing apparatus that accepts image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, and performs output processing of the accepted image data,
Have set the security level against the plurality of specific character format which is preset in order to describe the confidential image portion,
Extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion corresponding to one specific character format from the received image data among the plurality of specific character formats;
An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for controlling output by the output process or output stop according to a security level of the extracted specific character format portion. The output process includes a process of transmitting the received image data,
A transmission destination storage unit in which a transmission destination permitted to transmit a specific character format part of the received image data is stored;
An extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion of the received image data when the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage unit;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: an output stopping unit that stops transmission of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting unit. The output process includes a process of transmitting the received image data,
A transmission destination storage unit in which a transmission destination permitted to transmit a specific character format part of the received image data is stored;
Extraction means for extracting a specific character format portion of the received image data;
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: output stopping means for stopping transmission of the specific character format portion extracted by the extracting means when the transmission destination of the received image data is not stored in the transmission destination storage section. Item 9. The image processing device according to any one of Items 8. An acquisition means for acquiring specific character format information relating to the specific character format of the received image data;
11. The extraction unit according to claim 4, wherein the extraction unit is configured to extract a specific character format portion of the image data based on the specific character format information acquired by the acquisition unit. The image processing apparatus described. The specific character format information is added to the received image data,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the acquisition unit is configured to extract specific character format information added to the received image data.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output canceling unit is configured to replace a specific character format portion with a predetermined symbol.   The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 12, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies the output stop of the specific character format portion when the output of the specific character format portion is stopped. Image processing comprising: an image processing device that receives image data having characters in which a character format including a typeface or decoration is set, outputs the received image data, and a computer that transmits the image data to the image processing device In the system,
The computer includes means for converting a format of an important character format portion included in image data to be transmitted into a specific character format set in advance for describing a confidential portion, and image data including the converted specific character format. Means for transmitting to the image processing device,
The image processing apparatus includes an authentication unit that authenticates a request source of output processing of received image data, and an extraction unit that extracts a specific character format portion from the received image data. An image processing system, wherein output of a specific character format portion is stopped. A computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 10,
A procedure for causing a computer to accept specific character format information about a specific character format;
A computer program comprising: causing a computer to convert a predetermined character format portion of image data to be transmitted to the image processing device into the specific character format. A computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus according to claim 11,
A procedure for causing a computer to accept specific character format information relating to a specific character format of image data to be transmitted;
A computer program comprising: causing a computer to transmit received specific character format information to the image processing apparatus. A computer program for causing a computer to transmit image data to the image processing apparatus according to claim 12,
A procedure for causing a computer to accept specific character format information relating to a specific character format of image data to be transmitted;
A computer program comprising: causing a computer to add received specific character format information to the image data.

Images