JP4554347B2 - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a digital multi-function peripheral having functions such as a copy, a FAX, and a printer in which a copy image of a copy-prohibited document is not output when the copy-prohibited document becomes a copy target, and the image The present invention relates to a method for controlling a forming apparatus.

Various inventions have been proposed for processing when a copy-prohibited document is copied.
For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a determination unit that determines whether a document is a copy-prohibited document (for example, securities such as banknotes and stock certificates), and a case where the document is a special document. Comprises a first warning means for giving a predetermined warning to the user that copying of the original is prohibited, and a second warning means for warning a third party about the copying of the original by the user. A color image forming apparatus is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 uses an image data generation unit that scans a document image to generate image data corresponding to the document, and the image data generated by the image data generation unit. A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not a predetermined forbidden image exists; and when the discriminating unit discriminates that the forbidden image is present, the image data is displayed so as to be clearly different from the original image When it is determined that the forbidden image does not exist, a processing unit that outputs the image data generated by the image data generation unit as it is, and the image data output by the processing unit in units of pages An image processing apparatus having storage means for storing is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 3, it is possible to prohibit copying of a special manuscript and prevent illegal copying in advance without hindering copying of a normal manuscript so that even if a special manuscript is copied, it can be traced. A copier is disclosed.
JP 10-2222033 A JP 2000-175031 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-125259

  By the way, in a case where an image forming apparatus having a function of invalidating an image when a specific tint block pattern is recognized when the image is read, the job is interrupted to invalidate the image. If there is a reservation job after the job, the execution of the reservation job is prevented. However, in the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when a prohibited image exists, the image is not output, but the processing when there is a reserved job is not considered. It was. For this reason, when the output of the prohibited image is blocked, the output of the reserved job is also blocked at the same time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the situation of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to prevent the output of a prohibited image when a prohibited image exists in a document, but does not prevent execution of a reserved job. Thus, the operability is improved.

In order to achieve the above object, the first means is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information. If the image reading information includes copy-prohibited image information, the first means Means for recognizing prohibited image information, means for performing image processing for invalidating a read image when the copy prohibited image information is recognized by the recognizing means, and the copy prohibited image information by the recognizing means. , And a reserved job exists, an invalid image is output without interrupting the execution of the job, the copying prohibition image information is recognized by the recognizing means, and there is no reserved job. In some cases, the apparatus includes means for interrupting job execution .

  A second means is characterized in that, in the first means, the copy-prohibited image information is ground pattern information, and the recognizing means recognizes a ground pattern by referring to a specific pixel.

  The third means includes means for discharging, in the first means, the recording sheet on which the invalid image is formed from the recording sheet bundle on which the non-invalid image is formed. It is characterized by.

  The fourth means is characterized in that, in any one of the first to third means, an image reading device for reading a document and outputting the image reading information is provided.

  The fifth means is a means for selecting, in any one of the first to fourth means, whether to output an invalid image without interrupting the execution of the job, or to interrupt and warn the execution of the job. It is characterized by having.

  A sixth means is the fifth means, wherein the means for selecting has an operation input means for receiving an instruction from an operator and a notifying means for notifying the operation status to the operator, and executing a copy job When the copy-prohibited image information is recognized by the recognizing means and a reserved job exists, an invalid image is output without interrupting the job execution, or the job execution is interrupted and the notification is issued. Whether to warn the operator using the means is selected from the operation input means.

A seventh means is a method of controlling an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information, and a step of reading a document, and the copy-prohibited image information is included in the image information read in the step. When it is recognized that there is a reserved job, if there is a reserved job, the scanned image information is invalidated and the invalidated image information is printed on the recording sheet. In addition, there is a step of interrupting the execution of the job when there is no reserved job .

  In the seventh means, after the invalidated image information is printed in the seventh means, the printed recording sheet is shifted with respect to the recording sheet on which the image information not invalidated is printed and discharged. The method further includes a step.

  According to a ninth means, in a method of controlling an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information, a step of reading a document, and the copy-prohibited image information is included in the image information read in the step. When it is recognized that the job is set to be interrupted, the image information read is invalidated and the recording sheet is invalidated. And a step of printing the image information.

  According to a tenth means, in any one of the seventh to ninth means, the specific prohibited image information is ground pattern information, and the recognizing means recognizes a ground pattern by referring to a specific pixel. Features.

  In the embodiment described below, the means for recognizing copy-prohibited image information is the background pattern detecting unit 303, the means for performing image processing and the means for outputting invalid images are the CPU 225 and the image writing unit of the image input / output control device 232. The CPU 225 and the transfer paper conveyance control unit 227 of the image input / output control device 232 are the means for shifting and discharging the paper, the image reading device is the image reading unit 224, and the means for selecting is the display device of the operation panel control device 231 215 and the input device 214, the operation input means is the input device 214, the notification means is the display device 215, and the step of reading the original is recognized in step S 101, S 201 as including copy-prohibited image information. Whether there is a reserved job, and if there is a reserved job, read it In the step of invalidating the image information and printing the invalidated image information on the recording sheet, after the invalidated image information is printed in steps S102, S105, and S106, the printed recording sheet is not invalidated. In step S107, the process of shifting and discharging the recording sheet on which the image information is printed determines whether or not the job is set to be interrupted when the copy-prohibited image information is recognized. If the setting is not interrupted, the read image information is invalidated, and the invalidated image information is printed on the recording sheet in steps S202, S204, and S205, respectively.

  According to the present invention, when there is a reserved job, an invalid image is output without interrupting the execution of the job, so that the execution of the reserved job is not hindered and the prohibited prohibition image original is read. In this case, the usability can be improved.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view of a system operation unit controlled by an operation panel control device as viewed from the front, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment basically includes a system controller 230, an operation panel control device 231, and an image input / output control device 232.

  The system controller 230 has a plurality of functions and a single application such as a scanner application, a copy application, a FAX application, and a printer application, and controls the entire system. The operation panel control device 231 is a device that displays the setting input of the system and the contents of the state. The image input / output control device 232 reads a document image and writes an image on a transfer sheet by a known electrophotographic technique. These are connected by an image data bus / control command bus 220. The image data bus / control command bus 220 is a bus through which image data and control commands are transferred in a time division manner.

  The system controller 230 includes a CPU 205, ROM 204, RAM 203, NVRAM 202, work memory 200, frame memory 201, memory controller 210, system interface 207, network interface controller 206, FIFO buffers 209 and 210, HDDC 250, and bus controllers 211, 212, and 213. It is composed of each element including The CPU 205 controls the system controller 230. A control program for the system controller 230 is written in the ROM 204, and the CPU 205 executes control according to this control program. A RAM 203 is a working memory used by the CPU 205. The NVRAM 202 is a nonvolatile memory and stores information on the entire system. The network I / F controller 206 performs connection control with the network.

  A system I / F 207 controls transfer of FAX data and printer data processed in the system according to a command from the CPU 205. A work memory 200 is a working memory for image development used in the printer. The frame memory 201 is a working memory that stores image data of a read image and a write image, and the image data is encoded or a dot image. The FIFO buffer 209 performs data transfer rate conversion when writing the input image to the frame memory 201. Similarly, the FIFO buffer 208 performs speed conversion when transferring image data in the frame memory 201 as an output image.

  The memory controller 210 controls image input / output between the frame memory 201 and the HDDC 250 and the bus without the control of the CPU 205. The HDDC 250 has a known HDD inside and performs input / output control of image data to the HDD. The HDD stores an image read by the image reading device 223 and an image acquired via a network.

  The operation panel control device 231 includes an input device 214, a display device 215, a CPU 217, a ROM 215, a RAM 218, and a bus control unit 219. The CPU 217 controls the operation panel control device 231. A control program for the operation panel control device 231 is written in the ROM 216, and the CPU 217 executes control according to the control program. A RAM 218 is a working memory used by the CPU 217. The input device 214 is a device by which a user inputs system settings. The display device 215 is a device for displaying them so that the user can confirm the setting contents and status of the system.

  The image input / output control device 232 includes a CPU 225, a ROM 229, a RAM 228, an image writing unit 223, an image reading unit 224, a tint block recognition unit 235, an electrophotographic process unit 226, a transfer paper transport control unit 227, a document transport control unit 234, and a charging device. An interface unit 233 and bus control units 221 and 222 are provided.

  The CPU 225 controls the image input / output control device 232. The ROM 229 stores a control program for the image input / output device 232, and the CPU 225 executes control according to the control program. A RAM 228 is a working memory used by the CPU 225. The image writing unit 223 is a control unit of a known optical writing device that turns on laser light at a pixel frequency and scans it with a polygon scanner.

  The image reading unit 224 is a unit that controls a known optical scanner that reflects lamp light from a document and reads it by a CCD. The image reading unit 224 also performs image processing and separates visible and invisible identifiers from the image data. The separated identifier is encoded by the CPU 225 and sent to the system controller 230 to identify the image processing apparatus and computer existing on the network.

  The document conveyance control unit 234 conveys documents read by the image reading unit 223 one by one from the stacked documents. The document conveyance control unit 234 also detects the size of the document. The electrophotographic process unit 226 is a unit that controls a well-known electrophotographic technique in which a latent image written on a photosensitive member with a laser beam is converted into a real image with toner, transferred to a sheet, and fixed. The transfer paper conveyance control 227 performs conveyance control of the paper on which an image is transferred by the electrophotographic unit 226.

  In order to connect the image control apparatus 232 and the accounting apparatus, the accounting apparatus I / F 233 converts the command of the CPU 225 into a dedicated I / F of the accounting apparatus, and transmits / receives printing conditions, accounting, and a print permission signal to / from the accounting apparatus. The background pattern recognition unit 235 performs background pattern recognition. The binarized image data is sent from the image reading unit 224 to the background pattern recognition unit 235. The background pattern recognition unit 235 sends the background pattern detection result to the image reading unit 224. The image reading unit 224 fixes the image data to a predetermined gradation and phase according to the background pattern detection result sent from the background pattern recognition unit 235 and an instruction from the CPU 225, and performs image processing so that the original image cannot be read. Note that the bus control units 211, 212, 213, 219, 221, 222 control transmission / reception of signals between the connected units and the image data bus / control command bus 220.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display unit 105 is provided almost at the center of the system operation unit 100. The liquid crystal display unit 105 includes an LCD that displays setting contents and a touch panel that detects a pressed position on the LCD. On the left side of the liquid crystal display unit 105, an initial setting key 100, a copy application key 101, a scanner application key 102, a printer application key 103, and a FAX application key 104 are provided. When the initial setting key 100 is pressed, the initial setting key 100 is switched to an initial setting screen for performing detailed settings of the system and other applications. When the application keys 101 to 104 are pressed, the operation screen of each application is switched.

  Also on the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 105, a numeric keypad 106, a clear stop key 107, a mode clear key 108, a start key 109, and a program key 110 are arranged. The numeric keypad 106 is used when inputting numerical values such as the number of copies set. The clear stop key 107 is used to erase the input contents when inputting a value or to stop during a copying operation. The mode clear key 108 is used to return the content being set to the initial value. A start key 109 is used to start reading a document or copying by a scanner. The program key 110 is used when registering an arbitrary mode or calling the mode.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the background pattern recognition processing unit of the background pattern recognition unit in FIG. Hereinafter, background pattern recognition from image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The tint block pattern recognition processing unit is provided in the tint block recognition unit 224, and includes an isolated dot detection unit 300, a phase information storage unit 301, a pattern matching unit 302, and a tint block detection unit 303. The binarized image data is sent to the isolated dot detection unit 300, and the isolated dot detection unit 300 detects an isolated pixel in the main scanning d pixel × sub-scanning l line (reference numeral 304 indicates detection information of the isolated pixel). Showing). The isolated pixel detection information 304 is sent to the phase information storage unit 301 together with the image data. In the phase information storage unit 301, Bd which is Bd corresponding to the number of main scanning d pixels × B and Ll corresponding to sub scanning l lines × L from the detection information 304 of isolated pixels in the main scanning d pixels × sub scanning 1 lines. The positional relationship of isolated pixels in the × Ll block is stored as the positional relationship information 305 of isolated pixels.

  The pattern matching unit 302 performs matching between the positional relationship information 305 of isolated pixels in the Bd × Ll block stored in the phase information storage unit 301 and a predetermined tint block pattern (reference numeral 306 indicates pattern matching information). As a result of pattern matching in the pattern matching unit 302 (the pattern matching information 306 is sent to the background pattern detection unit 303. When the background pattern detection unit 303 detects a predetermined n number of pattern matching in the sub-scanning line, it is a background pattern. The isolated dot detection unit 300 and the pattern matching unit 302 require a predetermined resolution or higher when reading a document.If the resolution of the document image data is lower than a predetermined value, the pixel is detected. The tint block pattern cannot be detected due to the interference.

Next, the difference in the image after reading with respect to the original printed with the tint block and the original without the tint block will be described with reference to FIGS.
The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original 400 is read by recognizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. When the copy-printed original document 400 is read without recognizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, the original image is read as indicated by reference numeral 402. Even if the original 500 on which the background pattern is not printed is recognized and read, the background pattern is not recognized, so that the original image is read as indicated by reference numeral 501. Further, even if a document 500 that is not printed with a tint block is read without recognizing the tint block, the document image is read as it is as indicated by reference numeral 502. That is, when the copy-forgery-inhibited image information is recognized in the read document image information and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information is invalidated, the read-out image information is invalidated (reference numeral 402). When is valid, invalidated (not interpreted) is output (reference numeral 401) and cannot be used as a copy image. When the background pattern recognition is invalid as indicated by reference numeral 402, this image is not normally output and the job is interrupted. On the other hand, when the background pattern is not recognized, the read document image information is printed out regardless of whether the background pattern recognition is valid or invalid.

  The processing procedure of such processing is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

  In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, first, when a job is started, one image is read by the image reading unit 624 (step S101). At this time, it is determined whether or not a specific tint block pattern has been recognized by the tint block recognition unit 635 (step S102). If not recognized, the read image information is transferred to the transfer paper by the image writing unit 623 (step S103). The transferred transfer paper is discharged from the transfer paper transport control unit 627 to the paper discharge port (step S104).

  If a specific copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern is recognized in step S102, it is determined whether or not a reserved job exists (step S105). If it exists, the read image information is invalidated by the image writing unit 623 and transferred to the transfer paper. The image is transferred (step S106—reference numeral 401), and the transfer sheet conveyance control unit 627 shifts the discharge position from the normal transfer sheet bundle arrangement position and discharges it to the discharge port (step S107).

  After completing the above processing, it is determined whether or not reading of all the originals has been completed (step S109). If not completed, the original is further read, and if completed, the processing ends. If there is no reserved job in S5, the job is interrupted at that time (step S108-reference numeral 401).

  In the processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, whether or not to interrupt the job when the screen of FIG. 8 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 105 of the system operation unit (FIG. 1) in advance and a specific background pattern is read. Is set (selected), and the setting result is stored in the NVRAM 602.

  In this state, a job is started, one original is read by the image reading unit 624 (step S201), and it is determined whether or not a specific background pattern is recognized by the background pattern recognition unit 635 (step S202). If a specific tint block pattern is not recognized by the tint block recognition unit 635, the read image information is transferred to a transfer sheet by the image writing unit 623 (step S203), and discharged from the transfer sheet transport control unit 627 to the discharge port. (Step S206).

  If a specific tint block pattern is recognized in step S202, it is determined by referring to the setting contents of the NVRAM 602 whether or not the setting is to suspend the job (step S204), and the setting is not to suspend the job. In this case, the read image information is invalidated by the image writing unit 623 and transferred to the transfer sheet (step S205—reference numeral 401), and discharged from the transfer sheet conveyance control unit 627 to the discharge port (step S206).

  After the above processing is completed, it is determined whether or not reading of all the originals has been completed (step S209). If not completed, the original is further read, and if completed, the processing is terminated. If it is set to interrupt the job in S204, the job is interrupted at that time (S207).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an image forming apparatus having a function of performing a process of invalidating an image when a specific tint block pattern (prohibited image) is recognized when the image is read. If the job is interrupted, the invalidated image is output even if there is a reserved job after the above-mentioned job, so that the reserved job can be continuously executed, and the execution of the reserved job is prevented. There is nothing.

  In addition, when a transfer sheet on which an invalid image has been transferred is discharged without interrupting the job, the transfer sheet is shifted from the transfer sheet bundle on which the normal image is formed and discharged. The operator can easily determine the transfer sheet on which the converted image is printed.

  Furthermore, since the operator can select whether or not to interrupt the job when a specific background pattern is recognized, processing according to the will of the operator is possible.

It is the external view which looked at the system operation part controlled by the operation panel control apparatus in embodiment of this invention from the front. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating details of a background pattern recognition processing unit of the background pattern recognition unit in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state after reading a document on which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern as copy-prohibited image information is printed. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a state after reading a document on which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is not printed as copy-prohibited image information. It is a flowchart showing a processing procedure corresponding to the determination of whether or not there is a reserved job when a document on which a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is printed is read. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure corresponding to the determination of whether to interrupt a job when an original on which a background pattern is printed is read. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting whether to interrupt a job in FIG. 7.

Explanation of symbols

105 Liquid crystal display 106 Numeric keypad 202 NVRAM
205, 217, 225 CPU
214 Input device 215 Display device 220 Image data bus / control command bus 223 Image writing unit 224 Image reading unit 226 Electrophotographic process unit 227 Transfer paper conveyance control unit 230 System controller 231 Operation panel control device 232 Image input / output device 234 Document conveyance control Unit 235 Background pattern recognition unit 300 Isolated dot detection unit 301 Phase information storage unit 302 Pattern matching unit 303 Background pattern detection unit

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information,
Means for recognizing the copy prohibited image information when the image read information includes copy prohibited image information;
Means for performing image processing for invalidating the read image when the copy prohibition image information is recognized by the recognition means;
When the recognizing means recognizes the copy-prohibited image information and there is a reserved job, an invalid image is output without interrupting execution of the job, and the recognizing means performs the copy-prohibited image information. , And if there is no reserved job , means for interrupting job execution ,
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the copy-prohibited image information is ground pattern information, and the recognizing unit recognizes a ground pattern by referring to a specific pixel.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit that shifts and discharges the recording sheet on which the invalid image is formed from the recording sheet bundle on which the non-invalid image is formed. .   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image reading device that reads a document and outputs the image reading information.   5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for selecting whether to output an invalid image without interrupting the execution of the job or to interrupt and warn the execution of the job. The image forming apparatus described in the item. The means for selecting is
An operation input means for receiving a command from an operator;
A notification means for notifying the operation status to the operator;
And when the copy prohibition image information is recognized by the recognizing means during execution of a copy job and a reserved job exists, an invalid image is output without interrupting execution of the job, or The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the operation input unit selects whether to interrupt the job execution and warn the operator using the notification unit. In a control method of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information,
Scanning the document;
When it is recognized that the copy-prohibited image information is included in the image information read in the step, it is determined whether or not a reserved job exists, and if the reserved job exists, the read image Invalidating the information, printing the invalidated image information on the recording sheet, and interrupting the job execution when there is no reserved job , and
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   The method further comprises the step of, after printing the invalidated image information, shifting the printed recording sheet with respect to the recording sheet on which the image information not invalidated is printed and discharging the printed information. Item 8. A method for controlling an image forming apparatus according to Item 7. In a control method of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording sheet based on image reading information,
Scanning the document;
When it is recognized that the copy-prohibited image information is included in the image information read in the process, it is determined whether or not the job is set to be interrupted, and the job is interrupted. Invalidating the read image information and printing the invalidated image information on a recording sheet;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising:   10. The image formation according to claim 7, wherein the specific prohibited image information is ground pattern information, and the recognition unit recognizes a ground pattern by referring to a specific pixel. Control method of the device.

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