JP4852500B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing program that perform processing for embedding information related to an image to be subjected to image processing.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, many techniques have been realized in which information related to an image is converted into a machine-readable code and embedded (applied) in an image to be subjected to image processing. In this case, the extraction side is embedded by converting the embedded information into a machine-readable code that can be transmitted to the user side (extraction side) that extracts the embedded information from the image. It is desired to be able to grasp the contents of the information.

  Thus, for example, an image forming apparatus is disclosed in which an appropriate identifier can be obtained even when there are a plurality of types of information to be embedded when embedding information in an image to enable printing output (Patent Document 1). reference). In this Patent Document 1, an identifier of the related information is generated by a generation method according to the type of related information that is information related to an image, and an identification flag for identifying the type of related information is attached to the head of the generated identifier. By embedding in the image, the type of the related information can be discriminated even on the side where the related information is extracted.

JP 2005-311943 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when the related information to be embedded in the image is a character string other than a numeric string, for example, an English character string, the link information registration management unit 13 that is an external conversion server is inquired and A code string uniquely corresponding to a character string is acquired, and the acquired code string is converted into a barcode image to generate an identifier of related information. Therefore, in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in order to generate an identifier of related information when the related information is a character string other than a numeric string, a process such as conversion to a code string is necessary. Processing was complicated. Moreover, when the character string of the related information for which the generation of the identifier is desired is not registered in the external conversion server, it is difficult to generate the identifier of the desired related information.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and when embedded information and an identifier are extracted, embedded information that can be grasped can be easily embedded in a processing target image. An image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of embedding an identifier corresponding to additional information associated with all embedding information in a processing target image even when the identifier cannot be obtained The purpose is to obtain.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image acquisition means for acquiring a processing target image, and information related to the processing target image, wherein the processing target image is included in the processing target image. Embedded information acquisition means for acquiring embedded information, which is information to be embedded, and an identifier corresponding to the additional information accompanying the acquired embedded information are connected to a network and stored in association with the additional information. The identifier can be acquired by making a request to the server and acquiring the identifier from the server, and acquiring a response indicating that the identifier is not stored in the server by the identifier acquiring unit. If not, an identifier generating means for newly generating an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired, the embedded information, and the identifier And said identifier generated by the identifier or the identifier generating means obtained by obtained device, the superimposed image generating means for generating an information superimposing images embedded in the target image, a new identifier generated by the identifier generation means Is transmitted to the server to send a registration request for the new identifier to the server .

The invention according to claim 2 is an image processing system including an image processing device and a server connected to the image processing device via a network, wherein the image processing device acquires an image to be processed. Obtaining information, embedding information obtaining means for obtaining embedding information that is information related to the processing target image and is embedded in the processing target image, and additional information accompanying the acquired embedding information. By transmitting to the server, an identifier acquisition means for acquiring an identifier corresponding to the additional information from the server, and by acquiring a response that the identifier is not stored in the server by the identifier acquisition means, An identifier generating means for newly generating an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired; And write information, and the identifier generated by the identifier or the identifier generation unit acquired by the identifier acquiring means, a layered image generating means for generating an information superimposing images embedded in the target image, by said identifier generating means Transmitting means for transmitting the generated new identifier to the server to request registration of the new identifier to the server, wherein the server associates the additional information with the identifier. Storage means for storing the attached correspondence information, transmission / reception means for obtaining the identifier corresponding to the additional information received from the image processing apparatus from the correspondence information, and transmitting the obtained identifier to the image processing apparatus; And an image processing system.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image acquisition step for acquiring a processing target image, and embedding for acquiring embedding information that is information related to the processing target image and is embedded in the processing target image. An information acquisition step and an identifier corresponding to the additional information attached to the acquired embedded information are requested to a server connected to the network and stored in association with the additional information, and the identifier is sent from the server. The identifier acquisition step for acquiring the identifier, and the identifier acquisition step for acquiring the response indicating that the identifier is not stored in the server. An identifier generation step for newly generating an identifier corresponding to the additional information, the embedded information, and the identifier acquisition step. Obtained and the identifier or the identifier generated by the identifier generating step, the superimposed image generating step of generating information superimposed image embedded in the processing target image, a new identifier generated by said identifier generating step, the A transmission step of transmitting a request for registration of the new identifier to the server by transmitting to the server .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image acquisition step for acquiring a processing target image, and embedding for acquiring embedding information that is information related to the processing target image and is embedded in the processing target image. An information acquisition step and an identifier corresponding to the additional information attached to the acquired embedded information are requested to a server connected to the network and stored in association with the additional information, and the identifier is sent from the server. The identifier acquisition step for acquiring the identifier, and the identifier acquisition step for acquiring the response indicating that the identifier is not stored in the server. An identifier generation step for newly generating an identifier corresponding to the additional information, the embedded information, and the identifier acquisition step. Obtained and the identifier or the identifier generated by the identifier generating step, the superimposed image generating step of generating information superimposed image embedded in the processing target image, a new identifier generated by said identifier generating step, the An image processing program for causing a computer to execute a transmission step of requesting registration of the new identifier to the server by transmitting to the server .

  According to the present invention, the embedded information and identifier embedded are extracted by acquiring the identifier corresponding to the additional information accompanying the embedded information embedded in the processing target image and embedding it in the processing target image together with the embedded information. In this case, it is possible to easily embed embedding information whose contents can be grasped in the processing target image.

  Further, according to the present invention, even when an identifier corresponding to additional information associated with the embedded information cannot be obtained from the server, by generating a new identifier, additional information associated with all the embedded information can be obtained. There is an effect that the corresponding identifier can be embedded in the processing target image.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a PC (Personal Computer) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a copying machine, a facsimile apparatus, If you have a function to perform image processing, such as a scanner device or a multi-function device (MFP: Multi Function Peripherals) that contains multiple functions such as copy, fax, printer, etc. The invention can be applied.

  In the image processing system according to the present embodiment, in a PC, information related to an image to be processed (processing target image) designated by a user and an identifier corresponding to the type of the information are displayed as a QR code (Quick The response code is embedded in the image and transmitted to the printer, thereby printing the image in which the QR code is embedded in the printer.

  Here, the “QR code” is a matrix type two-dimensional code in which the same number of small square points are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, from “version 1” in which 21 are arranged on one side to “version 40” in which 177 are arranged. 40 specifications are available. In addition, a larger number of points in the QR code can record a larger amount of information, but the required area becomes larger. In addition, “turn” -shaped “cut-out symbols” (finder patterns) are arranged at three corners of the QR code, so that information can be read accurately from any 360 ° reading direction. .

  In the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, data such as characters and numbers is printed as a two-dimensional graphic pattern using a QR code that is one of two-dimensional codes that are imprinted and printed on the surface of the object or paper. Information is embedded in the image to be processed, but this is not a limitation. Any technology that can embed information in the image to be processed, such as two-dimensional code such as “PDF417”, “Data Matrix”, “Maxi Code”, etc. The method may be used. “PDF417” is a stack type two-dimensional code in the form of a stack of conventional barcodes. “Data Matrix” is a two-dimensional code having a configuration in which an L-shaped alignment pattern and a dotted timing cell are arranged and actual data is placed therein. “Maxi Code” is a two-dimensional code having a characteristic double-circle finder pattern in the center, which allows the reader to instantly recognize the position of the two-dimensional code. The same applies to the second and subsequent embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system according to the present embodiment includes a PC 100, a printer 200, an external server 300, and an information extraction device 400, and a network such as a telephone line, a wireless network, and the Internet. 500 are connected to each other.

  The printer 200 receives the information superimposed image in which the QR code is embedded in the processing target image and the print command from the PC 100, and prints the information superimposed image, that is, prints the processing target image and the QR code.

  The information extraction apparatus 400 reads a QR code from a paper (original) on which a processing target image and a QR code are printed by the printer 200 using a scanner or the like, and displays the information content of the QR code. So we assume a PC. Here, the information extraction apparatus 400 is not limited to a PC, and can be applied to any apparatus that can scan a document and includes a display device that displays information.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the external server and the PC according to the first embodiment. First, the external server 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the external server 300 mainly includes a type correspondence DB (database) 310.

  The type correspondence DB 310 stores correspondence information registered in association with the type of embedded information and an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information, and is stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory. It is remembered. Here, the embedding information is information related to the processing target image designated by the user, and is information embedded in the processing target image, for example, the creator ID of the processing target image “ 1234 ", creation date and time" 20070418 ", and the like. The type of embedded information indicates the type of the embedded information. In the above case, for example, it indicates “creator ID” or “creation date and time”.

  Details of the type correspondence DB 310 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of details of the type correspondence DB. As shown in FIG. 3, the type correspondence DB 310 registers the embedded information types “creator ID”, “creation date”, and the like, and the embedded information type identifiers “0x0010” and “0x0020” in association with each other. Yes.

  The external server 300 receives an identifier acquisition request designating the type of embedded information from the PC 100, reads an identifier corresponding to the received type of embedded information from the type correspondence DB 310, and acquires the read identifier as an identifier. It is transmitted (provided) to the PC 100 as a response to the request. Further, the external server 300 receives the type acquisition request designating the identifier from the information extraction device 400, reads out the type of embedded information corresponding to the received identifier from the type correspondence DB 310, and sets the type of the read embedded information. It is transmitted (provided) to the information extraction device 400 as a response corresponding to the type acquisition request.

  Next, the PC 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 100 includes a monitor 101, an input device 102, a network controller 130, an HDD 120, a display control unit 103, an input reception unit 104, an image acquisition unit 105, and an embedded information acquisition unit. 106, an identifier acquisition unit 107, an identifier generation unit 108, a superimposed image generation unit 109, and a transmission / reception unit 110.

  The monitor 101 is a display device that displays characters and images. The input device 102 is a keyboard, a mouse, a pointing device such as a trackball or a trackpad, and the user operates the screen displayed on the monitor 101.

  The network controller 130 includes a predetermined communication interface for performing communication with the outside of the PC 100, and performs communication between the network 500 and the PC 100.

  The HDD 120 is a storage medium that stores files such as processing target images to be printed by the printer 200, embedded information embedded in the processing target images, and the like.

  The display control unit 103 performs control to display on the monitor 101 a screen for designating a processing target image, a screen for setting information regarding printing of the processing target image, and the like.

  The input accepting unit 104 accepts an input to the screen displayed on the monitor 101 such as designation of a processing target image by the user operating the input device 102. Further, if the identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information cannot be acquired by the identifier acquiring unit 107 described later, the input receiving unit 104 corresponds to the type of embedding information of the processing target image specified by the user. Accept input of identifier.

  The image acquisition unit 105 acquires the processing target image that has been designated by the input reception unit 104 from the HDD 120. Further, the image acquisition unit 105 may acquire the processing target image that has received the designation from an externally attached HDD or portable HDD, or may acquire it from an external site or the like via a network such as the Internet.

  The embedding information acquisition unit 106 acquires, from the HDD 120, embedding information related to the specified processing target image when the input receiving unit 104 receives the specification of the processing target image. The embedding information acquisition unit 106 may acquire the embedding information related to the designated processing target image from the user input information from the input device 102. In addition, the embedded information acquisition unit 106 records the time of access as log data or the time stamp information that records the date and time when the event occurred, and the like to the processing target image specified via the network. Relevant embedded information may be acquired.

  The identifier acquisition unit 107 receives an identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information from the external server 300 in the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquisition unit 106. Specifically, when the designation of the processing target image is input by the user, the identifier acquisition unit 107 transmits an identifier acquisition request specifying the type of embedded information of the processing target image to the external server 300, An identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information transmitted is received from the external server 300 as a response to the identifier acquisition request. Further, the identifier acquisition unit 107 does not access the external server 300 via the network 500 every time the user designates the processing target image, but for example, copies of the type correspondence DB stored in the external server 300 It may be stored in a storage unit such as the HDD 120 in the PC 100, and when a processing target image is designated, the identifier may be acquired from the type correspondence DB stored in the PC 100. In this case, it is possible to reduce the time for accessing the external server 300 every time the designation is made.

  When the identifier acquisition unit 107 cannot acquire the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user, the identifier generation unit 108 receives from the user received by the input reception unit 104 An identifier is newly generated by setting the identifier of the type of the embedded information to be input as an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired.

  Here, “when the identifier could not be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 107” means, for example, the type of embedded information specified in the identifier acquisition request transmitted from the identifier acquisition unit 107 to the external server 300, and the embedded information This is a case where the identifier corresponding to the type of information is not registered in the type correspondence DB 310 in the external server 300. In the latter case, the identifier acquisition unit 107 receives a response from the external server 300 that the identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information specified in the identifier acquisition request is not registered in the type correspondence DB 310, and the response On the PC 100 side, it can be determined that the identifier could not be acquired from the external server 300. In addition, an identifier corresponding to the specified embedded information type is registered in the external server 300 as “when the identifier acquisition unit 107 could not acquire the identifier”, but the PC 100 has some reason such as a communication error. A reception error can also be considered when reception is not possible. Also in this case, the identifier generation unit 108 may newly generate an identifier.

  In this embodiment, the information input from the user is used as an identifier as it is, but the input information from the user may be processed in the PC 100 to be used as an identifier.

  When the identifier acquisition unit 107 can acquire the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedding information of the processing target image specified by the user from the external server 300, the superimposed image generation unit 109 acquires the acquired identifier and the processing target image. An information superimposed image in which embedded information is embedded in a processing target image using a QR code is generated. In addition, when the identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information of the processing target image specified by the user cannot be acquired from the external server 300, the superimposed image generation unit 109 and the identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 108 and the processing target An information superimposed image in which the embedded image of the image is embedded in the processing target image using a QR code is generated.

  Here, processing for embedding the identifier and the embedding information in the processing target image will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a case where only the embedding information of the processing target image is embedded in the processing target image. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the embedding information of the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to each type of the embedding information are embedded in the processing target image.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when only a plurality of embedding information is embedded in the processing target image, the embedding information 601 (creator ID) and the embedding information 602 (creation date and time) are continuously embedded. Therefore, it cannot be determined from where to where is one embedded information. Furthermore, it is impossible to determine what type of embedded information is embedded.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of embedding information and identifiers corresponding to these types are embedded in the processing target image. In this case, an identifier A (0x0010) corresponding to the type of the embedded information 601 is added before the embedded information 601, and an identifier B (0x0020) corresponding to the type of the embedded information 602 is added before the embedded information 602. ) To be embedded in the processing target image. That is, it is embedded in the order of the identifier A of the type of the embedded information 601, the embedded information 601, the identifier B of the type of the embedded information 602, and the embedded information 602. Thus, when the embedded QR code is read, the type of the embedded information 601 embedded next can be determined by the identifier A, the embedded information 601 can be recognized from the information up to the identifier B, and the embedded information 601 can be recognized. Can grasp the contents of the actual embedded information. Similarly, the type of the embedded information 602 embedded next can be determined by the identifier B, the embedded information 602 can be recognized by the information up to the next identifier, and the content of the actual embedded information can be determined by the embedded information 602. I can grasp. Therefore, contrary to FIG. 4, it is possible to determine from where to where is one embedded information, and also determine what type of embedded information is embedded. Will be able to.

  The transmission / reception unit 110 transmits / receives information via the network 500. For example, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits the information superimposed image generated by the superimposed image generation unit 109 to the printer 200. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits to the external server 300 the type of embedding information of the processing target image whose identifier could not be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 107 and the new identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 108. Then, a new identifier registration request is made to the external server 300.

  Next, an image processing procedure for embedding embedded information and an identifier in a processing target image by the PC 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing by the PC 100 according to the first embodiment.

  First, when the input receiving unit 104 receives a designation of a processing target image to be printed from a user, the image acquisition unit 105 acquires the processing target image designated from the HDD 120 (step S10). Next, the embedding information acquisition unit 106 acquires the embedding information embedded in the processing target image that has been designated by the user from the HDD 120 (step S11). Then, the identifier acquisition unit 107 acquires an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquisition unit 106 from the external server 300 (step S12).

  Next, the identifier acquisition unit 107 determines whether or not the acquisition of the identifier is successful (step S13). If the acquisition of the identifier is not successful (step S13: No), the input reception unit 104 Receives an input of a new identifier of the type of embedded information (step S14). Then, the identifier generation unit 108 generates a new identifier by using the identifier received from the user as an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired. Sends a new identifier registration request to the external server 300 by transmitting the type of embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired and a new identifier to the external server 300 (step S15). ). Then, the external server 300 that has received the type of the embedded information and the new identifier registers the received type of embedded information and the new identifier in association with each other in the type correspondence DB 310. Thus, when the external server 300 later receives an identifier acquisition request including the same type of embedded information, the external server 300 refers to the type correspondence DB 310 and transmits the corresponding identifier as a response to the identifier acquisition request to the transmission source. Can do.

  Then, the superimposed image generation unit 109 generates an information superimposed image in which the new identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 108 and the embedding information of the processing target image are embedded in the processing target image using a QR code (Step S1). S16).

  On the other hand, when the acquisition of the identifier is successful in step S13 (step S13: Yes), the superimposed image generation unit 109 converts the acquired identifier and the embedded information of the processing target image into a processing target image using a QR code. An embedded information superimposed image is generated (step S16). Next, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits the information superimposed image generated by the superimposed image generation unit 109 and the print command to the printer 200 (step S17).

  The printer 200 that has received the information superimposed image and the print command generated in this way from the PC 100 prints the received information superimposed image on a recording medium such as paper. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of paper when an information superimposed image is printed by a printer. As shown in FIG. 7, when the information superimposed image generated in the PC 100 is printed by the printer 200, an image in which the identifier and the embedded information are embedded using the QR code 701 is printed on the upper right of the paper 700. become.

  Next, a procedure for scanning the sheet on which the information superimposed image is printed and displaying the acquired information will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when a paper on which an information superimposed image is printed is scanned by the information extraction device.

  First, the information extraction apparatus 400 scans a sheet (original) on which an information superimposed image is printed by the printer 200 (step S20). Next, the information extracting device 400 acquires an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information and embedded information from the QR code in the scanned image (step S21). Then, the information extraction device 400 transmits the acquired identifier to the external server 300 (step S22).

  The external server 300 that has received the identifier from the information extraction device 400 searches the type of embedded information corresponding to the identifier received from the type correspondence DB (step S23), and acquires the type of embedded information. Then, the external server 300 transmits the type of the embedded information acquired to the information extraction device 400 that has transmitted the identifier (step S24).

  The information extraction device 400 that has received the type of embedded information from the external server 300 displays the type of received embedded information (step S25). In this way, the information extraction apparatus 400 such as a PC scans the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed by the image processing system of the present embodiment and reads the QR code, thereby processing the image to be processed printed on the paper. In order to acquire and display the embedded information and the type of the embedded information in the user, what type of information the embedded information embedded in the information superimposed image printed on the paper is Thus, the contents of the embedded information can be grasped.

  As described above, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the information in which the embedded information related to the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information acquired from the external server are embedded in the processing target image. Print the superimposed image. In addition, when the image processing system according to the present embodiment cannot acquire the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information from the external server, it generates a new identifier from the input information input by the user, An information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the generated identifier are embedded in the processing target image is printed. Then, the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed is read by a scanner, and the embedded information and the identifier are acquired and displayed. Therefore, by acquiring an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information embedded in the image and embedding it in the processing target image together with the embedding information, the embedding information embedded in the information superimposed image can be obtained without converting the embedding information. When the identifier is extracted, it is possible to easily embed the embedded information of the processing target image whose contents can be grasped. Even if the identifiers corresponding to the types of embedded information could not be obtained from the external server, the identifiers corresponding to all types of embedded information can be generated by generating new identifiers from the input information from the user. It can be embedded in the processing target image.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a multifunction peripheral is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a PC, a copier, a facsimile apparatus, a scanner having a function of performing image processing is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to any apparatus having a function of performing image processing.

  In the image processing system according to the first embodiment, in a PC, embedded information and an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information are embedded in a processing target image using a QR code and transmitted to the printer. An image in which a QR code is embedded is printed. In contrast, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, in the multi-function peripheral, the embedding information related to the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to the use application of the embedding information are represented by two types of dot patterns. Used to print an image embedded in the image.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the image processing system according to the present embodiment includes a multi-function device 800, an external server 301, and an information extraction device 400, and a network 500 such as a telephone line, a wireless network, and the Internet. Are connected to each other.

  The information extraction device 400 reads the dot pattern from a paper (original) on which two types of dot patterns are printed on the processing target image by the multifunction device 800 with a scanner or the like, and displays the information content of the dot pattern. As in the first embodiment, the present embodiment also assumes a PC. Here, the information extraction apparatus 400 is not limited to a PC, and can be applied to any apparatus that can scan a document and includes a display device that displays information.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the external server and the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. First, the external server 301 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the external server 301 mainly includes an application-compatible DB 320.

  The usage correspondence DB 320 stores correspondence information registered by associating the usage of the embedded information with the identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. Yes. Here, the embedded information is information related to the usage of the embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user, and is information embedded in the processing target image. For example, FAX transmission is performed. This indicates a FAX number for an intended use, and an email address for an email transmission purpose. The usage of embedded information is a method of using embedded information, such as “FAX transmission” or “mail transmission”.

  Here, the details of the use correspondence DB 320 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of details of the application-compatible DB. As shown in FIG. 11, in the usage correspondence DB 320, the usage information “FAX transmission” and “mail transmission” of the embedded information and the usage information identifiers “0xFF10” and “0xFF20” of the embedded information are registered in association with each other. Yes.

  The external server 301 receives an identifier acquisition request designating the use purpose of the embedded information from the multi-function device 800, and reads and reads the identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the received embedded information from the use correspondence DB 320 described above. The identifier is transmitted (provided) to the multi-function device 800 as a response to the identifier acquisition request. Further, the external server 301 receives a use acquisition request designating an identifier from the information extraction device 400, reads the use use of the embedded information corresponding to the received identifier from the use correspondence DB 320, and uses the read embedded information. The usage is transmitted (provided) to the information extraction device 400 as a response corresponding to the usage acquisition request.

  Next, the multifunction device 800 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the multifunction device 800 includes an operation panel 840, a scanner unit 830, a network controller 850, a printer unit 860, an HDD 820, a reading processing unit 801, a display input processing unit 802, and an image acquisition. A main unit 803, an embedded information acquisition unit 804, an identifier acquisition unit 805, an identifier generation unit 806, a superimposed image generation unit 807, an image processing unit 808, a transmission / reception unit 809, and a print processing unit 810. I have.

  The operation panel 840 includes a display unit (not shown) capable of displaying various screens. The operation panel 840 displays an input screen for inputting setting information regarding printing on the display unit, and the displayed input screen and A user inputs setting information and the like from an operation key (not shown).

  The scanner unit 830 scans and reads a sheet (original) placed by a user using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

  The network controller 850 includes a predetermined communication interface for performing communication with the outside of the multi-function device 800, and performs communication between the network 500 and the multi-function device 800.

  The printer unit 860 prints image data for printing generated by the image processing unit 808 on a medium such as a gist, and prints an information superimposed image (described later) generated by the superimposed image generation unit 807 on a sheet or the like. It is.

  The HDD 820 is a storage medium that stores files such as processing target images to be printed by the printer unit 860, embedded information of the processing target images, and the like.

  The reading processing unit 801 performs control to scan a document placed from the scanner unit 830, and generates image data of the scanned document.

  The display input processing unit 802 displays a screen for designating a processing target image, a screen for performing setting information relating to printing of the processing target image, etc. on the display unit of the operation panel 840, and designates a processing target image. An input to the screen displayed at 840 is received. If the identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information cannot be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 805 described later, the display input processing unit 802 uses the embedded information of the processing target image designated by the user. The control for receiving the input of the identifier corresponding to is performed.

  The image acquisition unit 803 acquires the processing target image whose designation is received by the display input processing unit 802 from the HDD 820. Further, the image acquisition unit 803 may acquire the processing target image that has received the designation from an externally attached HDD or portable HDD, or may acquire it from an external site or the like via a network such as the Internet.

  The embedding information acquisition unit 804 acquires embedding information related to the specified processing target image from the HDD 820 when the display input processing unit 802 receives specification of the processing target image. Also, the embedded information acquisition unit 804 may acquire embedded information related to the designated processing target image from user input information from the operation panel 840, as in the first embodiment. . The embedding information acquisition unit 804 may acquire embedding information related to the processing target image designated via the network from time stamp information or the like.

  The identifier acquisition unit 805 receives, from the external server 301, an identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information in the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquisition unit 804. Specifically, when the designation of the processing target image is input by the user, the identifier acquisition unit 805 transmits an identifier acquisition request specifying the usage of the embedded information of the processing target image to the external server 301. The identifier corresponding to the usage purpose of the transmitted embedded information is received from the external server 301 as a response to the identifier acquisition request. The identifier acquisition unit 805 does not access the external server 301 via the network 500 every time a processing target image is specified, but for example, stores a copy of the application-compatible DB 320 stored in the external server 301 in the multifunction device 800. If the image to be processed is specified, the identifier may be acquired from the use correspondence DB 320 stored in the multifunction device 800. In this case, it is possible to perform processing while shortening the time for accessing the external server 301 each time designation is made.

  The identifier generation unit 806 receives the identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information of the processing target image designated by the user from the external server 301 by the identifier acquisition unit 805, and accepts it by the display input processing unit 802. In addition, the identifier of the use purpose of the embedded information input from the user is set to an identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired, thereby generating a new identifier. It is. Here, “when the identifier could not be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 107” is the same as in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Also in this embodiment, the information input from the user is used as an identifier as it is, but the input information from the user may be processed in the multi-function device 800 to be used as an identifier.

  When the identifier acquisition unit 805 can acquire, from the external server 301, an identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user, the superimposed image generation unit 807 and the processing target image Information embedding information is generated by embedding the embedded information in the processing target image with two types of dot patterns. Also, when the identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user cannot be acquired from the external server 301, the superimposed image generation unit 807 uses the identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 806 and the processing An information superimposed image in which the embedded image of the target image is embedded in the processing target image with two types of dot patterns is generated.

  Here, processing for embedding the identifier and the embedding information in the processing target image will be described. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a case where only the embedding information of the processing target image is embedded in the processing target image. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the embedding information of the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to the usage of each embedding information are embedded in the processing target image.

  As shown in FIG. 12, when only a plurality of embedding information is embedded in the processing target image, the embedding information 605 (FAX transmission) and the embedding information 606 (folder distribution) are continuously embedded. Therefore, it cannot be determined from where to where is one embedded information. Furthermore, it is impossible to determine what usage information the embedded information is embedded in.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of embedded information and identifiers corresponding to their usage are embedded in the processing target image. In this case, an identifier C (0xFF10) corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information 605 is added before the embedded information 605, and an identifier D (corresponding to the type of the embedded information 606 is inserted before the embedded information 606. 0xFF30) is added and embedded in the processing target image. That is, it is embedded in the order of the identifier C of the type of the embedded information 605, the embedded information 605, the identifier D of the type of the embedded information 606, and the embedded information 606. As a result, when the embedded dot pattern is read, the usage of the embedded information 605 embedded next can be determined by the identifier C, the embedded information 605 can be recognized from the information up to the identifier D, and the embedded information From 605, the contents of the actual embedded information can be grasped. Similarly, the use purpose of the embedded information 606 embedded next can be determined by the identifier D, the embedded information 606 can be recognized by the information up to the next identifier, and the content of the actual embedded information by the embedded information 606 Can be grasped. Therefore, contrary to FIG. 12, it is possible to determine from where to where is one embedded information, and also determine what usage information the embedded information is used for. Will be able to.

  The image processing unit 808 performs processing for generating image data for printing in the printer unit from image data of a scanned document temporarily stored in the HDD 820.

  The transmission / reception unit 809 transmits / receives information via the network 500, uses the embedded information of the processing target image whose identifier could not be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 805, and the new information generated by the identifier generation unit 806. A new identifier is transmitted to the external server 301, and a new identifier registration request is made to the external server 301.

  The print processing unit 810 performs control such as printing the image data for printing generated by the image processing unit 808 and the information superimposed image generated by the superimposed image generating unit 807 by the printer unit 860.

  Next, an image processing procedure for embedding embedded information and an identifier in a processing target image by the multi-function device 800 and printing will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing by the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment.

  First, when the display input processing unit 802 receives a designation of a processing target image to be printed from a user, the image acquisition unit 803 acquires the processing target image designated from the HDD 820 (step S30). Next, the embedded information acquisition unit 804 acquires embedded information to be embedded in the processing target image that has been designated by the user from the HDD 820 (step S31). Then, the identifier acquisition unit 805 acquires an identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information acquired by the embedded information acquisition unit 804 from the external server 301 (step S32).

  Next, the identifier acquisition unit 805 determines whether or not the acquisition of the identifier is successful (step S33). If the acquisition of the identifier is not successful (step S33: No), the display input processing unit 802 An input of a new identifier for use of the embedded information is received from the person (step S34). Then, the identifier generation unit 806 generates a new identifier by using the identifier received from the user as an identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired, and the transmission / reception unit In step 809, a request for registering a new identifier is made to the external server 301 by transmitting to the external server 301 the usage of the embedded information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired and the new identifier. Step S35). Then, the external server 301 that has received the usage of the embedded information and the new identifier registers the received usage of the embedded information and the new identifier in the usage correspondence DB 320 in association with each other. As a result, when the external server 301 later receives an identifier acquisition request including the usage of the same embedded information, the external server 301 refers to the usage correspondence DB 320 and transmits the corresponding identifier to the transmission source as a response to the identifier acquisition request. be able to.

  Then, the superimposed image generation unit 807 generates an information superimposed image in which the new identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 806 and the embedded information of the processing target image are embedded in the processing target image using two types of dot patterns (step S36).

  On the other hand, when the acquisition of the identifier is successful in step S33 (step S33: Yes), the superimposed image generation unit 807 converts the acquired identifier and the embedded information of the processing target image into the processing target image by using two types of dot patterns. An embedded information superimposed image is generated (step S36). Next, the print processing unit 810 prints the information superimposed image generated by the superimposed image generation unit 807 on a sheet (step S37).

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet when an information superimposed image is printed by the multifunction machine. As shown in FIG. 15, when the information superimposed image generated by the MFP 800 is printed, a dot pattern 711 in which dots are arranged in the vertical direction and a dot pattern 712 in which dots are arranged in the horizontal direction on the entire surface of the paper 710. The image embedded using and will be printed.

  Then, the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed is scanned to display the embedded information and the usage of the embedded information. Regarding this procedure, except for the difference between the QR code and the two types of dot patterns, Since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted (refer FIG. 8).

  As described above, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the embedded information related to the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information acquired from the external server are embedded in the processing target image. Print the information superimposed image. In addition, the image processing system according to the present embodiment generates a new identifier when the identifier corresponding to the use purpose of the embedded information cannot be acquired from the external server, and generates the embedded information, the generated identifier, Is printed in an information superimposed image embedded in the processing target image. Then, the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed is read by a scanner, and the embedded information and the identifier are acquired and displayed. Therefore, by acquiring an identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information embedded in the image and embedding it in the processing target image together with the embedded information, the embedded information embedded in the information superimposed image can be obtained without converting the embedded information. When information and an identifier are extracted, it is possible to easily embed embedded information of a processing target image whose contents can be grasped. In addition, even when an identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information cannot be obtained from the external server, it can be used for all the usage of the embedded information by generating a new identifier from the input information from the user. The identifier can be embedded in the processing target image.

(Third embodiment)
In the image processing system according to the first embodiment, when an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information embedded in the processing target image cannot be obtained from the external server in the PC, a new identifier is created based on the identifier input by the user. Was generated. On the other hand, when the image processing system according to the present embodiment cannot acquire from the external server an identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information embedded in the processing target image in the PC, the processing target image stored in the PC And a new identifier is generated from the embedded information.

  Since the configuration of the image processing system, the printer, and the information extraction apparatus according to this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of an external server and a PC according to the third embodiment. First, since the external server 300 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted (see FIG. 2).

  Next, the PC 900 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the PC 900 includes a monitor 101, an input device 102, a network controller 130, an HDD 120, a user DB 940, a destination DB 950, a display control unit 103, an input reception unit 104, and an image acquisition unit. 105, an embedded information acquisition unit 106, an identifier acquisition unit 107, an identifier generation unit 908, a superimposed image generation unit 109, and a transmission / reception unit 110. Here, the monitor 101, the input device 102, the network controller 130, the HDD 120, the display control unit 103, the input reception unit 104, the image acquisition unit 105, the embedded information acquisition unit 106, and the identifier acquisition unit 107. Since the configurations and functions of the superimposed image generation unit 109 and the transmission / reception unit 110 are the same as those of the PC according to the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted (see FIG. 2), and different configurations will be described below.

  The user DB 940 stores user information in which information about the creator such as the name of the creator of the processing target image is registered corresponding to the creator ID of the processing target image, and a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory. Is remembered.

  The destination DB 950 stores destination information in which information about a destination such as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) from which the processing target image is acquired is registered corresponding to the creator ID of the processing target image. Or a storage medium such as a memory.

  If the identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user cannot be acquired from the external server 300 by the identifier acquisition unit 107, the identifier generation unit 908 acquires the acquired processing target image or An identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly generated from the embedded information. Here, “when the identifier could not be acquired by the identifier acquisition unit 107” is the same as in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, for example, referring to the user information registered in the user DB 940, the name of the creator of the processing target image is acquired using the creator ID registered in the header of the processing target image as a search key, An identifier is newly generated for the name of the acquired creator, and is set as an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired. Also, for example, referring to the destination information registered in the destination DB 950, the creator's email address or the like is obtained using the creator ID registered in the header of the processing target image as a search key, and the obtained email address For this, an identifier is newly generated, and an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be obtained. Also, for example, when the processing target image is acquired from the WEB site via the Internet, an identifier is newly generated for the URL of the WEB site, and the embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired It is an identifier corresponding to the type. In addition to the above, a new identifier may be generated by various methods from information regarding the processing target image or the embedded information.

  Next, an image processing procedure for embedding embedded information and an identifier in a processing target image by the PC 900 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing performed by the PC 900 according to the third embodiment.

  First, the processing from the acquisition of the processing target image by the image acquisition unit 105 to the acquisition of the identifier by the identifier acquisition unit 107 (steps S40 to S42) is the same as that in the first embodiment, and is omitted (steps S10 to S10). 12).

  Next, the identifier acquisition unit 107 determines whether or not the acquisition of the identifier is successful (step S43). If the acquisition of the identifier is not successful (step S43: No), the identifier generation unit 908 acquires the identifier. An identifier corresponding to the type of embedded information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly generated from the processing target image or the acquired embedded information (step S44). As described above, the new identifier is generated by referring to the user DB 940 and the destination DB 950 from the name and URL. Next, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits a new identifier to the external server 300 by registering the type of embedding information of the processing target image for which the identifier could not be acquired and a new identifier, and registering the new identifier to the external server 300 A request is made (step S45). Then, the external server 300 that has received the type of the embedded information and the new identifier registers the received type of embedded information and the new identifier in association with each other in the type correspondence DB 310. Thus, when the external server 300 later receives an identifier acquisition request including the same type of embedded information, the external server 300 refers to the type correspondence DB 310 and transmits the corresponding identifier as a response to the identifier acquisition request to the transmission source. Can do.

  Then, the superimposed image generation unit 109 generates an information superimposed image in which the new identifier generated by the identifier generation unit 908 and the embedding information of the processing target image are embedded in the processing target image using a QR code (Step S1). S46).

  On the other hand, when the acquisition of the identifier is successful in step S13 (step S43: Yes), the superimposed image generation unit 109 converts the acquired identifier and the embedded information of the processing target image into a processing target image using a QR code. An embedded information superimposed image is generated (step S46). Next, the transmission / reception unit 110 transmits the information superimposed image generated by the superimposed image generation unit 109 and the print command to the printer 200 (step S47).

  Then, the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed is scanned to display the embedded information and the usage of the embedded information. Since this procedure is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description is omitted. (See FIG. 8).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the PC in the first embodiment generates a new identifier from the processing target image and the embedded information stored in the PC, but the second embodiment In the MFP in the form, a new identifier may be generated from the processing target image and the embedded information stored in the MFP. Then, when the identifier generation unit 908 cannot acquire from the external server 300 an identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information of the processing target image specified by the user, the identifier acquisition unit 107 acquires the processing target image acquired. Alternatively, an identifier corresponding to the usage of the embedded information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly generated from the acquired embedded information.

  As described above, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, the information in which the embedded information related to the processing target image and the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information acquired from the external server are embedded in the processing target image. Print the superimposed image. Also, the image processing system according to the present embodiment generates a new identifier from the processing target image or the embedded image when the identifier corresponding to the type of the embedded information cannot be acquired from the external server, and The information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the generated identifier are embedded in the processing target image is printed. Then, the paper on which the information superimposed image is printed is read by a scanner, and the embedded information and the identifier are acquired and displayed. Therefore, by acquiring an identifier corresponding to the type of embedding information embedded in the image and embedding it in the processing target image together with the embedding information, the embedding information embedded in the information superimposed image can be obtained without converting the embedding information. When the identifier is extracted, it is possible to easily embed the embedded information of the processing target image whose contents can be grasped. Even if the identifier corresponding to the embedded information type cannot be obtained from the external server, the identifier corresponding to all the embedded information types can be generated by generating a new identifier from the processing target image or the embedded image. Can be embedded in the processing target image.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the PC according to the first and third embodiments. The PC according to the first and third embodiments includes a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5001, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) 5002 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 5003, and an HDD (Hard Disk). Drive), an external storage device 5004 such as a CD drive device, a display device 5005 such as a display device, an input device 5006 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a communication I / F 5007, and a bus 5008 for connecting them. It has a hardware configuration using a normal computer.

  The image processing program executed on the PC according to the first and third embodiments is an installable or executable file, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). And the like recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the image processing program executed on the PC according to the first and third embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. good. The image processing program executed on the PC according to the first and third embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the image processing programs of the first and third embodiments may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The image processing program executed on the PC according to the first and third embodiments includes the above-described units (display control unit, image acquisition unit, embedded information acquisition unit, identifier acquisition unit, identifier generation unit, input reception unit, superimposition) The module configuration includes an image generation unit and a transmission / reception unit. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads out and executes an image processing program from the storage medium, and the respective units are loaded onto the main storage device. The display control unit, the image acquisition unit, the embedded information acquisition unit, the identifier acquisition unit, the identifier generation unit, the input reception unit, the superimposed image generation unit, and the transmission / reception unit are generated on the main storage device. .

  FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the multi-function device 800 has a configuration in which the controller 10 and an engine unit (Engine) 60 are connected by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus. The controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire MFP 800 and controls drawing, communication, and input from an operation unit (not shown). The engine unit 60 is a printer engine that can be connected to a PCI bus, and is, for example, a monochrome plotter, a one-drum color plotter, a four-drum color plotter, a scanner, or a fax unit. The engine unit 60 includes an image processing part such as error diffusion and gamma conversion in addition to a so-called engine part such as a plotter.

  The controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a north bridge (NB) 13, a system memory (MEM-P) 12, a south bridge (SB) 14, a local memory (MEM-C) 17, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 16 and a hard disk drive (HDD) 18, and the north bridge (NB) 13 and the ASIC 16 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 15. The MEM-P 12 further includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12a and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12b.

  The CPU 11 performs overall control of the multi-function device 800, has a chip set including the NB 13, the MEM-P 12, and the SB 14, and is connected to other devices via the chip set.

  The NB 13 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 11 to the MEM-P 12, SB 14, and AGP 15, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P 12, a PCI master, and an AGP target.

  The MEM-P 12 is a system memory used as a memory for storing programs and data, a memory for developing programs and data, a memory for drawing a printer, and the like, and includes a ROM 12a and a RAM 12b. The ROM 12a is a read-only memory used as a program / data storage memory, and the RAM 12b is a writable / readable memory used as a program / data development memory, a printer drawing memory, or the like.

  The SB 14 is a bridge for connecting the NB 13 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The SB 14 is connected to the NB 13 via a PCI bus, and a network interface (I / F) unit and the like are also connected to the PCI bus.

  The ASIC 16 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge for connecting the AGP 15, PCI bus, HDD 18 and MEM-C 17. The ASIC 16 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that is the core of the ASIC 16, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C 17, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory) that perform rotation of image data by hardware logic. Access Controller) and a PCI unit that performs data transfer between the engine unit 60 via the PCI bus. An FCU (Fax Control Unit) 30, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) 40, and an IEEE 1394 (the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) 50 are connected to the ASIC 16 via a PCI bus. The operation display unit 20 is directly connected to the ASIC 16.

  The MEM-C 17 is a local memory used as an image buffer for copying and a code buffer, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 18 is a storage for storing image data, programs, font data, and forms. It is.

  The AGP 15 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed for speeding up graphics processing. The AGP 15 speeds up the graphics accelerator card by directly accessing the MEM-P 12 with high throughput. .

  Note that the image processing program executed by the MFP 800 according to the second embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The image processing program executed by the MFP 800 according to the second embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). ) Or the like may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the image processing program executed in the MFP 800 according to the second embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. good. Further, the image processing program executed by the MFP 800 according to the second embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The image processing program executed by the MFP 800 according to the second embodiment includes the above-described units (read processing unit, display input processing unit, image acquisition unit, embedded information acquisition unit, identifier acquisition unit, identifier generation unit, The module configuration includes a superimposed image generation unit, an image processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, and a print processing unit. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads and executes the image processing program from the ROM. Each unit is loaded on the main storage device, and a reading processing unit, a display input processing unit, an image acquisition unit, an embedded information acquisition unit, an identifier acquisition unit, an identifier generation unit, a superimposed image generation unit, an image processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, a print A processing unit is generated on the main storage device.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the external server and PC concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the detail of classification correspondence DB. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where only the embedding information of a process target image is embedded in a process target image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where the embedding information of a process target image and the identifier corresponding to each classification of the embedding information are embedded in a process target image. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image processing by PC100 concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the paper at the time of printing an information superimposed image with a printer. It is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing when a paper on which an information superimposed image is printed is scanned by the information extraction device. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the external server and multifunction device concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the detail of DB corresponding to a use. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where only the embedding information of a process target image is embedded in a process target image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the case where the embedding information of a process target image and the identifier corresponding to the usage of each of the embedding information are embedded in a process target image. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing performed by the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet when an information superimposed image is printed by a multifunction machine. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the external server and PC concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the image processing by PC900 concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of PC of 1st, 3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the multifunction device concerning 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Monitor 102 Input device 103 Display control part 104 Input reception part 105 Image acquisition part 106 Embedded information acquisition part 107 Identifier acquisition part 108,908 Identifier generation part 109 Superimposition image generation part 110 Transmission / reception part 120 HDD
130 Network controller 940 User DB
950 Destination DB
200 Printer 300, 301 External server 310 Type correspondence DB
320 DB for use
400 Information Extraction Device 500 Network 800 Multifunction Device 801 Reading Processing Unit 802 Display Input Processing Unit 803 Image Acquisition Unit 804 Embedded Information Acquisition Unit 805 Identifier Acquisition Unit 806 Identifier Generation Unit 807 Superimposed Image Generation Unit 808 Image Processing Unit 809 Transmission / Reception Unit 810 Printing Processing unit 820 HDD
830 Scanner unit 840 Operation panel 850 Network controller 860 Printer unit

Claims (4)

Image acquisition means for acquiring a processing target image;
Embedded information acquisition means for acquiring embedded information that is information related to the processing target image and is information embedded in the processing target image;
Obtain an identifier corresponding to the additional information associated with the acquired embedded information, request the server connected to the network and store the identifier in association with the additional information, and acquire the identifier from the server Means,
If the identifier cannot be acquired by acquiring a response that the identifier is not stored in the server by the identifier acquisition means, an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly added. Identifier generating means for generating
A superimposed image generating unit that generates an information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the identifier acquired by the identifier acquiring unit or the identifier generated by the identifier generating unit are embedded in the processing target image;
Transmitting means for requesting the server to register the new identifier by transmitting the new identifier generated by the identifier generating means to the server;
An image processing apparatus comprising: In an image processing system comprising an image processing device and a server connected to the image processing device via a network,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Image acquisition means for acquiring a processing target image;
Embedded information acquisition means for acquiring embedded information that is information related to the processing target image and is information embedded in the processing target image;
Identifier acquisition means for transmitting additional information accompanying the acquired embedded information to the server and acquiring an identifier corresponding to the additional information from the server;
If the identifier cannot be acquired by acquiring a response that the identifier is not stored in the server by the identifier acquisition means, an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly added. Identifier generating means for generating
A superimposed image generating unit that generates an information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the identifier acquired by the identifier acquiring unit or the identifier generated by the identifier generating unit are embedded in the processing target image;
Transmitting means for requesting the server to register the new identifier by transmitting the new identifier generated by the identifier generating means to the server ;
The server
Storage means for storing correspondence information in which the additional information is associated with the identifier;
Transmitting / receiving means for acquiring the identifier corresponding to the additional information received from the image processing device from the correspondence information and transmitting the acquired identifier to the image processing device;
An image processing system. An image acquisition step for acquiring a processing target image;
An embedding information acquisition step for acquiring embedding information that is information related to the processing target image and is information embedded in the processing target image;
Obtain an identifier corresponding to the additional information associated with the acquired embedded information, request the server connected to the network and store the identifier in association with the additional information, and acquire the identifier from the server Steps,
If the identifier could not be acquired due to the response that the identifier is not stored in the server in the identifier acquisition step, an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly added. An identifier generation step to generate,
A superimposed image generation step of generating an information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the identifier acquired in the identifier acquisition step or the identifier generated in the identifier generation step are embedded in the processing target image;
A transmission step of making a registration request for the new identifier to the server by transmitting the new identifier generated by the identifier generation step to the server;
An image processing method comprising: An image acquisition step for acquiring a processing target image;
An embedding information acquisition step for acquiring embedding information that is information related to the processing target image and is information embedded in the processing target image;
Obtain an identifier corresponding to the additional information associated with the acquired embedded information, request the server connected to the network and store the identifier in association with the additional information, and acquire the identifier from the server Steps,
If the identifier could not be acquired due to the response that the identifier is not stored in the server in the identifier acquisition step, an identifier corresponding to the additional information for which the identifier could not be acquired is newly added. An identifier generation step to generate,
A superimposed image generation step of generating an information superimposed image in which the embedded information and the identifier acquired in the identifier acquisition step or the identifier generated in the identifier generation step are embedded in the processing target image;
A transmission step of making a registration request for the new identifier to the server by transmitting the new identifier generated by the identifier generation step to the server;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.

Images