JP5200952B2 - Image forming apparatus, recording medium manufacturing method, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a recording medium manufacturing method, and an information processing apparatus.

  In recent years, the risk of counterfeiting banknotes, securities, etc. due to copying has increased with the advancement of performance of copying machines and the like. Another problem is that important documents and confidential documents can be easily counterfeited by copying due to an increase in security awareness. Therefore, various techniques for confirming whether a paper document is an original document or a forged document, that is, the originality of a paper document, have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

In Patent Document 1, a region having a higher reflectance and a region having a lower reflectance than the reflectance of the medium are detected in the same near infrared, and a specific document is determined according to the detection result.
In Patent Document 2, a random pattern image created by a plant fiber is observed in a state in which the plant fiber forming the test paper is intertwined in an irregular shape, and the feature amount of the observed pattern image and the feature stored in the storage unit are observed. By comparing the amount, the originality of various documents is secured.
In Patent Document 3, a print image of a regular printed material (original) is read, and a feature of an unreproducible random pattern formed without being controlled when the printed material is printed by a printing apparatus is registered in a memory. In the same way, for the printed material to be confirmed, the printed image is read, the characteristics of the random pattern that cannot be reproduced are compared with the features registered in the memory, and the printed material to be confirmed is the original according to the degree of similarity between the two. It is determined whether or not there is.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-210987 JP 2004-102562 A JP 2004-153405 A

Here, in general, the characteristics of a recording medium used for confirming the originality of the recording medium cannot be intentionally generated at a place intended by the printer if it is unreproducible. There wasn't.
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to confirm the originality of a recording medium using an unreproducible image intentionally generated at a location intended by a printer.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means for acquiring the shape information indicating the shape of the specific image used for confirming the originality of the recording medium, and the first image having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength. A developer that includes a forming material and a second image forming material, and is visually recognizable on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium, and transmits light reflected on the recording medium The specific image in which the first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in a non-reproducible state within the shape indicated by the shape information acquired by the acquisition unit is used. An image forming apparatus comprising image forming means for forming on a recording medium.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the image forming unit does not include a material having color developability due to absorption of light, and the developer has gloss more than the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image that can be visually recognized is formed on the recording medium using the image forming apparatus.
The invention according to claim 3, wherein the image forming means, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forming the specific image portion demonstrates that a part to verify the originality in the recording medium This is an image forming apparatus.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming means has a range of 10% to 35% or 65% with respect to a total amount of the first image forming material and the second image forming material. 2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the specific image is formed on the recording medium by using the developer containing the first image forming material in any amount within a range from 1 to 90%. Forming device.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the step of obtaining shape information indicating the shape of a specific image used for confirming the originality of the recording medium and the first image formation having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength A developer that includes a material and a second image forming material , and that is visually recognizable on the recording medium when the image is formed on the recording medium, and that transmits light reflected on the recording medium. Using the first image forming material and the second image forming material on the recording medium to form the specific image in which the first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in a non-reproducible state in the shape indicated by the shape information; And a step of outputting the recording medium on which the specific image is formed.
The invention described in claim 6 includes a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength, and on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium. The first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in a non-reproducible state using a developer that can be visually recognized and transmits light reflected on the recording medium . An acquisition unit that acquires the specific image read using the light of the specific wavelength from the recording medium on which the specific image is formed, and information on the specific image acquired by the acquisition unit is an original of the recording medium. At least one of processing to be stored in the own device as information for confirming the authenticity and processing to be transmitted to be stored in another device as information for confirming the originality of the recording medium. An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising a processing unit.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means reads from the recording medium on which the specific image is formed at the position of the recording medium on which the document image on which the originality is confirmed by the specific image is formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specific image obtained is acquired.
The invention according to claim 8 includes a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength, and on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium. The first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in a non-reproducible state using a developer that can be visually recognized and transmits light reflected on the recording medium . obtaining means for obtaining the specific image read using light of the specific wavelength from the recording medium in which the specific image is formed, the information regarding the specific image acquired by the acquisition unit, of the recording medium already processed to be matched with the information stored in the own device as information for confirming the originality, and the information that has already been stored as the information for confirming the originality of the recording medium to another apparatus And processing means for performing at least one of process of transmitting to case, an information processing apparatus characterized by comprising an output means for outputting the result of processing by said processing means.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition means reads from the recording medium on which the specific image is formed at the position of the recording medium on which the document image on which the originality is confirmed by the specific image is formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the specific image obtained is acquired.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed using an image that can be visually recognized and is not reproducible intentionally generated at a location intended by the printer. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another image cannot be seen by forming an unreproducible image on the other image.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another image cannot be seen by forming an unreproducible image on the other image.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, an unreproducible image can be formed on the document image whose originality is to be confirmed by the image.
According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to further improve the recognition accuracy of an unreproducible image as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.
According to the invention of claim 5, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed by using an image that can be visually recognized and can not be reproduced intentionally generated at a place intended by the printer. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another image cannot be seen by forming an unreproducible image on the other image.
According to the invention of claim 6, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed using an image that can be visually recognized and can not be reproduced intentionally generated at a place intended by the printer. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another image cannot be seen by forming an unreproducible image on the other image.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, even if an unreproducible image is formed by being superimposed on a document image whose originality is to be confirmed by the image, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed using an image that can be visually recognized and can not be reproduced intentionally generated at a location intended by the printer. In addition, it is possible to avoid a situation in which another image cannot be seen by forming an unreproducible image on the other image.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if an unreproducible image is formed by being superimposed on a document image whose originality is to be confirmed by the image, the originality of the recording medium can be confirmed.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First, the overall configuration of the computer system in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a computer system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, this computer system is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 10, a terminal device 40, and an image pattern management apparatus 70 to a network 80. Further, a digital pen 60 is connected to the terminal device 40 via the communication device 50.

The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that prints an image on a recording medium and outputs it as a print document. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a single printer or a printing machine, or may be a so-called multifunction machine having a scanner or a communication function. Here, as an image forming method in the image forming apparatus 10, an electrophotographic method may be used.
The terminal device 40 is a computer device that receives an image pattern on a print document from the digital pen 60 and transmits it to the image pattern management device 70 for registration or verification. In addition, processing for transmitting the registration result or collation result of the image pattern received from the image pattern management device 70 to the digital pen 60 is also performed. Here, as the terminal device 40, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, or another computer may be used.

The communication device 50 is a device that acquires information from the digital pen 60 and transmits the information to the terminal device 40. For example, an insertion port into which the digital pen 60 is inserted may be provided, and information stored in the digital pen 60 may be transmitted to the terminal device 40 when the digital pen 60 is inserted into the insertion port. In addition, information may be acquired from the terminal device 40 and transmitted to the digital pen 60. Here, as a method of communication with the terminal device 40, various methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and an infrared communication function are conceivable. In the figure, the communication device 50 is shown as a separate body from the digital pen 60, but it is not necessarily a separate body and may be integrated.
The digital pen 60 is an example of an information processing device, reads an image pattern formed of toner containing an infrared absorbing material by irradiating infrared light, and transmits the image pattern to the terminal device 40 for registration or verification. It is. In addition, it has a function of receiving and outputting an image pattern registration result or collation result from the terminal device 40.

The image pattern management device 70 is a computer device that manages image patterns read by the digital pen 60. As the management operation, there are an operation of receiving and newly registering an image pattern read by the digital pen 60, and an operation of collating the image pattern read by the digital pen 60 with a registered image pattern. Here, as the image pattern management device 70, for example, a personal computer, a workstation, or another computer may be used.
The network 80 is a communication line that connects the apparatuses so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. For example, it may be realized by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.
In this specification, the recording medium is not particularly limited as long as it is a medium capable of printing an image. A typical example is paper, but an OHP sheet or a metal plate may be used. However, in the following description, the recording medium is assumed to be paper.

By the way, in this embodiment, in such a system, an invisible toner containing an infrared absorber (hereinafter referred to as “I toner”) and a transparent toner not containing a pigment (hereinafter referred to as “T toner”) are used. A developer is prepared by mixing with a carrier, and an image (hereinafter referred to as “confirmation image”) for confirming the originality of a printed document is formed using the developer.
The confirmation image only needs to have a size of about 10 mm square so that a difference in gloss can be visually recognized (hereinafter, such a confirmation image is particularly referred to as a “confirmation small image”). In the case where a character is used as a confirmation image, the character may be printed with a line width of about 10 mm (hereinafter, such a confirmation image is particularly referred to as a “confirmation character image”). Such a confirmation image, when viewed with the naked eye, is an image in which a uniform transparent pattern emerges against the background of paper. Therefore, by printing characters such as “original” with this developer, it is possible to easily indicate that it is a portion for confirming the originality.

The confirmation image is also a pattern in which I toner and T toner are arranged in a random state that cannot be reproduced. However, since the non-reproducible pattern of I toner in T toner in the confirmation image is larger than the size of each toner, it can be easily recognized even by a device with a coarse resolution such as the digital pen 60. Also, although it is a random pattern that cannot be reproduced, it is transparent to visible light, so it can be recorded in the intended part of the document that should guarantee the originality formed under this pattern. It is possible to embed a confirmation image on top of various characters and images.
When such a confirmation image is read by an image reading device that senses infrared rays (for example, the digital pen 60 in FIG. 1), a pattern in which I toner is embedded in T toner in a random state that cannot be reproduced appears. Go up. Therefore, a pattern of about 100 μm is extracted as an image pattern in the original from among the complicated patterns of I toner and T toner, and stored as first feature information. On the other hand, the originality of the document to be confirmed is determined by reading the image pattern in the originality confirmation target portion with infrared rays as second feature information and comparing the second feature information with the first feature information. .

As described above, the present embodiment includes an operation for creating an unreproducible image pattern using a developer obtained by mixing I toner and T toner, and a new image by reading the created image pattern with infrared rays. Registered or registered with the registered image pattern.
Therefore, in the following, these operations will be described separately.

(Operation to create image pattern)
Since this operation is performed by the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 10. An image forming apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an example of an image reading unit 11 that reads an image on a document and generates image data, and an image forming unit that forms an image based on image data transferred from the image reading unit 11. The image forming unit 12 is connected externally to the image forming unit 12 and includes a tray unit 13 that supplies various sheets to the image forming unit 12. Also, a user interface (UI) unit 14 that receives operation input from the user and displays various information to the user, for example, a facsimile (FAX) unit 15 that transmits and receives image data via a public telephone line, such as a hard disk drive ( HDD), a memory unit 16 as an external storage device composed of a flash memory, a system control unit 17 for controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 10 and communication via a communication line, and power supply for supplying power to each unit A unit 18 is provided.

  Among these, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 12 includes five image forming modules 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K, and 20IT as an example of toner image forming units arranged in parallel at regular intervals. (Hereinafter also referred to as “image forming module 20”). Each image forming module 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image, a charger 22 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and a photosensitive member that is charged by the charger 22. An exposure unit 23 that exposes the drum 21 based on image data, a developing unit 24 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 21, and a cleaner 25 that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after transfer are arranged. ing. As a result, each image forming module 20 forms yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), and invisible (IT) toner images. Here, “invisible (IT)” means a toner obtained by mixing the above-described I toner and T toner. The black toner in this case may be a toner containing normal carbon black, but carbon black has sensitivity to infrared rays, and therefore interferes with a confirmation image printed over the black toner. In order to avoid this, it is desirable that the black toner is composed of a color material having no sensitivity to infrared. For example, by mixing cyan, magenta, and yellow pigments, a black toner that is black and has no sensitivity to infrared light can be obtained.

The image forming unit 12 also includes an intermediate transfer belt 26 onto which the color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 21 of the image forming modules 20 are transferred, and the color toner images from the image forming modules 20 to the intermediate transfer belt 26. Are provided with a primary transfer roll 27 that sequentially transfers (primary transfer) and a secondary transfer roll 28 that collectively transfers (secondary transfer) the superimposed toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 26 onto a sheet.
Further, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 29 that fixes the second-transferred toner image onto the paper by heat and pressure.

In addition, the image forming unit 12 includes a paper tray 311 that holds the paper P1. Further, the paper feed mechanism 32 that feeds the paper P1 from the paper tray 311 to the paper transport path R1, the paper transport path R1 from the paper tray 311 and the tray unit 13, the duplex transport path R2 used during duplex printing, and the manual paper tray. A paper transport mechanism 34 that transports the paper along the paper transport path R3 from 33 is provided.
Then, the image forming unit 12 is based on the image data from the image reading unit 11, the print command data acquired by the system control unit 17 via communication means (not shown), and the image data received by the FAX unit 15. Then, an image is formed on the paper held in the paper tray 311, the manual paper feed tray 33 or the tray unit 13.

In addition, the tray unit 13 includes a first paper supply unit 302 to a third paper supply unit 304 that are arranged vertically in the vertical direction.
The first paper supply unit 302 includes a paper feeding / conveying mechanism unit 322 that feeds and conveys the paper P2 to the image forming unit 12, and supplies the paper P2 to the image forming unit 12 from a paper tray 312 that holds the paper P2.
The second paper supply unit 303 includes a paper feeding / conveying mechanism unit 323 that feeds and conveys the paper P3 to the image forming unit 12, and supplies the paper P3 from the paper tray 313 holding the paper P3 to the image forming unit 12.
The third paper supply unit 304 includes a paper feeding / conveying mechanism unit 324 that feeds and conveys the paper P4 to the image forming unit 12, and supplies the paper P4 from the paper tray 314 holding the paper P4 to the image forming unit 12.
Then, the tray unit 13 supplies the paper P2 to P4 designated by the user's operation input in the UI unit 14 and the paper P2 to P4 designated by the print command data acquired by the system control unit 17 as the first paper supply. Supplied from the unit 302 to the third sheet supply unit 304 to the image forming unit 12.

Here, the toner used in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail.
First, Y toner used in the image forming module 20Y, M toner used in the image forming module 20M, C toner used in the image forming module 20C, and K toner used in the image forming module 20K have been conventionally used. Use the toner used.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, I toner and T toner are mixed at a ratio of 1: 2 and mixed with a carrier to produce a developer, and this developer is put into the developing device 24IT to create an image.
As this I toner, for example, a toner described in JP-A-2001-294785 can be used. That is, near-infrared absorption which does not substantially absorb light in the visible light wavelength region of 400 to 750 nm and has an absorption band with a molar extinction coefficient of 10 ⁸ cm ² / mol or more in the near-infrared light wavelength region of 750 to 1000 nm. It is a toner containing a pigment. Here, it is preferable that the molar absorption coefficient in the visible light wavelength region of 400 to 750 nm of the near-infrared absorbing dye is less than 2 × 10 ⁷ cm ² / mol.
As such a near-infrared absorbing dye, a polymethine dye having a structure in which a double bond and a single bond repeat (—CH═CH—) n can be mentioned. In particular, cyanine dyes, squarylium dyes, croconium dyes, among which dyes having a structure of [donor]-[acceptor]-[donor] in the molecule and relatively linearly arranged are preferable. Then, a croconium dye is more preferable. Furthermore, even if the molecular structure is compact, it is possible to sufficiently lengthen the absorber, and it has high solubility in organic solvents or aqueous mixed organic solvents and high dispersibility in resin polymers, and high color development. Particularly preferred are croconium dyes having: For example, what contains 0.4% of croconium pigment | dye is employable.

The T toner contains at least a binder resin.
The binder resin may be appropriately selected as long as it is substantially transparent, and examples thereof include polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyacrylic resins, other vinyl resins, polycarbonate resins, and polyamide resins. , Known resins used for general toners such as polyimide resins, epoxy resins, polyurea resins, and copolymers thereof. Among these, polyester resins are preferable because they can satisfy toner characteristics such as low-temperature fixability, fixing strength, and storage stability at the same time.
In the present specification, the “transparent toner” is a toner that does not contain a coloring material (color pigment, coloring dye, black carbon particles, black magnetic powder, etc.) for the purpose of coloring by light absorption or light scattering. Means. That is, “transparency” in the present specification is usually colorless and transparent, but depending on the type and amount of the fluidizing agent or mold release agent contained therein, the transparency may be slightly lower. It is virtually colorless and transparent.

Next, a functional configuration of the system control unit 17 in the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the system control unit 17.
As shown in the figure, the system control unit 17 in the present embodiment includes a print data acquisition unit 171, a confirmation image superimposing unit 172, and a print data output unit 173.

  The print data acquisition unit 171 acquires print data including a document image that is a meaningful image to be printed on paper and control information for controlling the printing. Here, the document image may be image data transferred from the image reading unit 11 or image data transferred from the FAX unit 15. Alternatively, image data obtained by rasterizing print command data (for example, PDL (page description language) data) received from a PC (Personal Computer) or the like by a communication means (not shown) of the system control unit 17. There may be. In addition, as the control information, in particular, information for instructing to print the confirmation image in superposition can be considered, but this may be added to the document image in response to an input from the UI unit 14, It may be added to the document image when rasterizing the print command data.

  The confirmation image superimposing unit 172 operates when the control information included in the print data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 171 instructs to superimpose and print the confirmation image. Then, a confirmation image is generated, and a composite image is generated by superimposing the confirmation image on the document image included in the print data. Here, what kind of image is generated as the confirmation image (whether the confirmation small image is generated, the confirmation character image is generated, or both are generated) is designated by the user from the UI unit 14 every time printing is performed. Alternatively, it may be set in the system in advance. In this embodiment, a confirmation image is used as an example of a specific image used for confirming the originality of a recording medium, and the shape of a confirmation small image or a confirmation character image is used as an example of the shape of the specific image. . Moreover, the confirmation image superimposing part 172 is provided as an example of the acquisition means which acquires the shape information which shows the shape.

  The print data output unit 173 generates print data for printing the document image received from the print data acquisition unit 171 or print data for printing the composite image received from the confirmation image superimposing unit 172, and forms an image. Output to unit 12.

Next, an image pattern creation operation in the present embodiment will be described.
In the image forming apparatus 10, the print command data received by the communication means (not shown) is input to the system control unit 17 from the image reading unit 11, the document image is input from the FAX unit 15, or the like. When a document image obtained by rasterizing is input, an image pattern creating operation is started. At this time, control information indicating whether or not the document image should guarantee originality, that is, whether or not a confirmation image for confirming the originality should be printed on the document image is also controlled from the UI unit 14, for example. Input to the unit 17.

Thereby, the operation of the system control unit 17 starts.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the system control unit 17.
In the system control unit 17, first, the print data acquisition unit 171 receives print data (step 101). Then, a document image is extracted from the print data (step 102).
The print data acquisition unit 171 determines whether the print data includes control information indicating that the confirmation image should be printed (step 103).

  As a result, if control information indicating that the confirmation image should be printed is included, the print data acquisition unit 171 passes the document image extracted in step 102 to the confirmation image superimposing unit 172, and the confirmation image superimposing unit 172 A confirmation image is generated (step 104). Then, the confirmation image superimposing unit 172 generates a composite image by superimposing the confirmation image on the document image (step 105). Thereafter, the composite image is transferred to the print data output unit 173, and the print data output unit 173 outputs the composite image as print data to the image forming unit 12 (step 106). As a result, the image forming unit 12 prints the document image on the paper using the commonly used Y toner, M toner, C toner, and K toner, and uses the I toner and T toner to print the confirmation image on the paper. Printed.

  On the other hand, if the control information indicating that the confirmation image should be printed is not included, the print data acquisition unit 171 passes the document image extracted in step 102 to the print data output unit 173, and the print data output unit 173 receives the document image. The image is output as print data to the image forming unit 12 (step 107). As a result, the image forming unit 12 prints the document image on the paper using the commonly used Y toner, M toner, C toner, and K toner, and does not print the confirmation image.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a print document in which an image is formed by the image forming unit 12 based on the print data output in step 106 of FIG.
In the figure, for the sake of explanation, a print document on which confirmation images 201 and 202 are formed is shown, but one confirmation image may be formed.
Here, the gloss of the confirmation image is 30 as measured by the 60 ° gloss, and the gloss of the paper at this time is 10. Therefore, although the confirmation image is an invisible image, it can be visually recognized due to the difference in gloss.
The confirmation images 201 and 202 include 12 mm × 12 mm small confirmation images 203 and 204 printed with the same developer between “original” and “book” of the confirmation character image “original”. Then, the image pattern of I toner in the confirmation small images 203 and 204 is registered as the original pattern.
Since the confirmation image is formed of a transparent developer, even if it is printed on the characters of the document as in the confirmation image 202, it is possible to read the characters below it.

(Registering / verifying image patterns)
Since this operation is performed by exchanging information between the digital pen 60 and the image pattern management device 70, the digital pen 60 will be described first.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the digital pen 60.
As illustrated, the digital pen 60 includes a control circuit 61 that controls the operation of the entire pen. The control circuit 61 includes an image processing unit 61a that processes the read image, and a data processing unit 61b that generates instruction data for instructing registration or collation from the processing result.
The control circuit 61 is connected to a pressure sensor 62 that detects the reading operation by the digital pen 60 by the pressure applied to the pen tip 69. Further, an infrared LED 63 that irradiates the medium with infrared light and an infrared CMOS 64 that reads an image by detecting reflected light are also connected. Furthermore, an information memory 65 for storing instruction data, a communication circuit 66 for communicating with an external device, a battery 67 for driving the pen, and a pen ID for storing pen identification information (pen ID) A memory 68 is also connected.

Next, a functional configuration of the data processing unit 61b in the digital pen 60 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the data processing unit 61b.
As illustrated, the data processing unit 61b in the present embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 611, a mode information acquisition unit 612, an instruction data generation unit 613, an instruction data output unit 614, a result data acquisition unit 615, A result data output unit 616.

The image acquisition unit 611 acquires the image pattern processed by the image processing unit 61a. In this embodiment, an image acquisition unit 611 is provided as an example of an acquisition unit that acquires a specific image read using light of a specific wavelength.
The mode information acquisition unit 612 acquires mode information (mode information) set by operating a mode changeover switch (not shown) of the digital pen 60. Here, the mode includes a registration mode for newly registering the read image pattern and a verification mode for verifying the read image pattern with the registered image pattern.

The instruction data generation unit 613 generates instruction data corresponding to the mode information acquired by the mode information acquisition unit 612 for the image pattern acquired by the image acquisition unit 611. That is, if the mode information acquisition unit 612 acquires registration mode information as mode information, registration instruction data for instructing registration of an image pattern is generated, and the mode information acquisition unit 612 acquires verification mode information as mode information. For example, collation instruction data for instructing collation of the image pattern is generated.
The instruction data output unit 614 transmits the instruction data to the communication circuit 66 so that the registration instruction data or the collation instruction data generated by the instruction data generation unit 613 is transmitted to the terminal device 40 and further to the image pattern management device 70 by the communication circuit 66. 66.

When the communication circuit 66 receives the result data indicating the registration result or the collation result of the image pattern in the image pattern management device 70 from the terminal device 40, the result data acquisition unit 615 acquires the result data from the communication circuit 66.
The result data output unit 616 outputs the result data received from the result data acquisition unit 615 to a display (not shown) of the digital pen 60.

Next, an operation of a part related to the digital pen 60 in the image pattern registration / collation operation in the present embodiment will be described.
First, the user scans the digital pen 60, for example, from the left end to the right end of the confirmation small image. Then, the infrared CMOS 64 reads the confirmation small image, and the image processing unit 61a passes the result of processing the confirmation small image to the data processing unit 61b. At this time, if the image read by the infrared CMOS 64 is smaller than the size of the image managed by the image pattern management device 70, the image processing unit 61a joins them to perform data processing as an image of sufficient size. Delivered to the unit 61b. Each print document is also printed with an image representing a document ID that uniquely identifies the print document (hereinafter referred to as an “ID image”), and the user can scan the confirmation small image or The ID image is scanned after the confirmation small image is scanned. Then, the infrared CMOS 64 reads the ID image, and the image processing unit 61a acquires the document ID from the ID image and transfers it to the data processing unit 61b.

Thereby, the operation of the data processing unit 61b starts.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the data processing unit 61b.
In the data processing unit 61b, first, the image acquisition unit 611 receives an image pattern from the image processing unit 61a and passes it to the instruction data generation unit 613 (step 601). At this time, the image acquisition unit 611 also receives the document ID from the image processing unit 61 a and passes it to the instruction data generation unit 613.
Then, the instruction data generation unit 613 determines whether the mode information received from the mode information acquisition unit 612 is registration mode information or collation mode information (step 602).

  As a result, if the information is registration mode information, the instruction data generation unit 613 generates registration instruction data for instructing registration of the image pattern, and transfers it to the instruction data output unit 614 (step 603). At this time, the instruction data generation unit 613 also includes the document ID passed from the image acquisition unit 611 in the registration instruction data. Thereby, the instruction data output unit 614 outputs the registration instruction data to the communication circuit 66, and instructs the result data acquisition unit 615 to wait for the result data from the communication circuit 66 (step 604).

  On the other hand, if it is the information on the collation mode, the instruction data generation unit 613 generates collation instruction data for instructing the collation of the image pattern, and transfers it to the instruction data output unit 614 (step 605). At this time, the instruction data generation unit 613 also includes the document ID passed from the image acquisition unit 611 in the collation instruction data. Thereby, the instruction data output unit 614 outputs the collation instruction data to the communication circuit 66, and instructs the result data acquisition unit 615 to wait for the result data from the communication circuit 66 (step 606).

Thereafter, when the result data is sent from the communication circuit 66, the result data acquisition unit 615 acquires the result data and transfers it to the result data output unit 616 (step 607). Here, the result data is data indicating the result of registration or verification of the image pattern in the image pattern management device 70, and is transmitted from the image pattern management device 70 to the digital pen 60 via the terminal device 40 and the communication device 50. It has been. When the result data is thus delivered, the result data output unit 616 outputs the result data to, for example, a display (not shown) provided in the digital pen 60 (step 608).
As a result, if the result data indicates that the image pattern registration was successful, a message such as “Original registration completed” is displayed on the display, and the result data indicates that the image pattern registration failed. If there is, a message such as “Failed to register original” is displayed. In addition, if the result data indicates that the image pattern has been successfully verified, a message such as “confirmed to be the original” is displayed, and if the result data indicates that the image pattern has failed to match, A message such as “Cannot confirm the original” is displayed. Although the registration result or the collation result is displayed on the display here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be output by voice or expressed by vibration of the digital pen 60.

In the above operation example, the position where the ID image is printed is not particularly limited, but the ID image may be printed on the entire surface of the sheet.
In that case, an image unit in which a position image representing a position where an ID image is printed and an ID image may be printed. Then, the digital pen 60 holds the range of the confirmation small image in advance, determines that the confirmation small image has been entered or exited from the range of the confirmation small image based on the position image, and the confirmation small image The user may be notified of the start or end of reading by, for example, vibration.

Next, the image pattern management device 70 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image pattern management apparatus 70.
As shown in the figure, the image pattern management device 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 70a that is a calculation means, a main memory 70b that is a storage means, and a magnetic disk device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 70c. Here, the CPU 70a executes various software such as an OS (Operating System) and an application to realize each function. The main memory 70b is a storage area for storing various software and data used for execution thereof, and the magnetic disk device 70c is a storage area for storing input data for various software, output data from various software, and the like. .
The image pattern management apparatus 70 further includes a communication I / F 70d for performing communication with the outside, a display mechanism 70e including a video memory and a display, and an input device 70f such as a keyboard and a mouse.

The functional configuration of the image pattern management apparatus 70 will be described.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image pattern management apparatus 70.
As shown in the figure, the image pattern management apparatus 70 according to the present embodiment includes a reception unit 71, a registration unit 72, an image pattern storage unit 73, a collation unit 74, and a transmission unit 75.

The receiving unit 71 receives registration instruction data and collation instruction data from the terminal device 40.
The registration unit 72 receives registration instruction data from the reception unit 71 and registers an image pattern included in the registration instruction data in the image pattern storage unit 73.
The image pattern storage unit 73 stores the image pattern sent from the registration unit 72 and holds it as a verification target from the verification unit 74 thereafter.
The collation unit 74 receives the collation instruction data from the reception unit 71 and collates the image pattern included in the collation instruction data with the image pattern already registered in the image pattern storage unit 73.
The transmission unit 75 transmits the result data indicating the registration result by the registration unit 72 and the result data indicating the verification result by the verification unit 74.

Next, the operation of the part related to the image pattern management apparatus 70 in the image pattern registration / collation operation in the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image pattern management apparatus 70.
In the image pattern management device 70, first, the receiving unit 71 receives instruction data from the terminal device 40 (step 701). Then, it is determined whether the instruction data is registration instruction data or collation instruction data (step 702).

  As a result, if it is registration instruction data, the receiving unit 71 transfers the registration instruction data to the registration unit 72, and the registration unit 72 registers the image pattern included in the registration instruction data (step 703). That is, the combination of the document ID and the image pattern included in the registration instruction data is stored in the image pattern storage unit 73. Then, the registration unit 72 determines whether or not the image pattern registration is successful (step 704). Here, if the registration is successful, that fact is set in the result data and transferred to the transmitting unit 75 (step 705). If registration fails, the fact is set in the result data and transferred to the transmission unit 75 (step 706).

  On the other hand, if it is the collation instruction data, the receiving unit 71 passes the collation instruction data to the collation unit 74, and the collation unit 74 collates the image pattern included in the collation instruction data with the registered image pattern (step). 707). That is, the combination of the document ID and the image pattern included in the collation instruction data is searched from the combination of the document ID and the image pattern stored in the image pattern storage unit 73. Then, the matching unit 74 determines whether or not the matching of the image pattern is successful (step 708). That is, it is determined whether or not the combination of the document ID and the image pattern included in the collation instruction data is stored in the image pattern storage unit 73. Here, if the collation is successful, that is, if the combination of the document ID and the image pattern included in the collation instruction data is stored in the image pattern storage unit 73, that fact is set in the result data and the transmission unit 75. (Step 709). If the collation fails, that is, if the combination of the document ID and the image pattern included in the collation instruction data is not stored in the image pattern storage unit 73, the fact is set in the result data and is sent to the transmission unit 75. Deliver (step 710).

  Then, the transmission part 75 transmits result data to the terminal device 40 (step 711). As a result, the result data is transmitted to the digital pen 60 via the communication device 50 and is transmitted to the data processing unit 61 b via the communication circuit 66 in the digital pen 60.

Thus, the operation of the present embodiment ends.
By the way, in this embodiment, the non-reproducible image pattern that floats in the transparent toner (T toner) is formed by the infrared absorbing toner (I toner), but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, an invisible toner containing an ultraviolet absorber may be used.

Alternatively, an invisible toner containing a fluorescent coloring material may be used. Such a fluorescent coloring material is not particularly limited as long as it is an organic material particle or an inorganic material that absorbs ultraviolet light and emits fluorescence at a fluorescence peak of 350 nm to 450 nm.
Specific examples of the fluorescent coloring material include inorganic fluorescent pigments, for example, alkaline earth metal sulfides such as calcium tungstate, magnesium arsenate, barium silicate, calcium phosphate and calcium zinc phosphate, silicate, phosphate, Tungstate; organic fluorescent pigment; optical brightener, for example 2,5, thiophenediyl (5-tert-butyl-1,3benzoxazole), 4,4′-bis (benzoxazole-2-Lewis) Stilbene, organic fluorescent dyes such as sodium 4,4′-bis (4-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl) stilbene-2 ′, 2′-disulfonate, 3-phenyl-7- ( 4-Methyl-5-phenyl-1,2,3-triazol-2-yl) coumarin, 3-phenyl-7- (2H-naphtho [1,2-d] -Triazol-2-yl) coumarin, 1- (4-acidsulfonylphenyl) -3- (4-chlorophenyl) -2-pyrazoline and other coumarin derivatives, naphthalimide derivatives, stilbene derivatives, benzothiazole derivatives, benzimidazole derivatives, benzo An oxazole derivative, a benzidine derivative, etc. are mentioned, In these, a coumarin derivative and a naphthalimide derivative are preferable, and a coumarin derivative is more preferable.
When such a fluorescent light emitting material is used, since the fluorescent light emitting material emits red light, an image pattern is extracted by the digital pen 60 that reads a visible red region.

  However, the toner that forms an unreproducible image pattern is not limited to these, and any toner may be used as long as the two types of toners have different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength.

Next, an experiment conducted to obtain an appropriate mixing ratio by changing the mixing ratio of I toner and T toner will be described.
(Example)
A solid image of 10 mm × 10 mm was printed using a developer containing 10%, 35%, 65%, and 90% of I toner. At this time, the solid image was printed under the letters “original” written in black, which has no sensitivity to infrared light. This image was visualized with an infrared absorption microscope, the size of a continuous image pattern was extracted, and the average diameter and number when converted to a sphere were measured.
Here, as the I toner, a toner containing styrene acrylic as a binder resin and wax as a release agent, and a toner containing 1% vanadyl naphthalocyanine as an infrared absorbing material was used.
Further, as the T toner, a toner containing styrene acrylic as a binder resin, containing wax as a release agent, and containing no coloring material or the like was used.
In this case, the image pattern has an appropriate size, and the success rate of image recognition is satisfactory.

(Comparative example)
A solid image of 10 mm × 10 mm was printed using a developer containing 5%, 50%, and 95% of I toner. At this time, the solid image was printed under the letters “original” written in black, which has no sensitivity to infrared light. This image was visualized with an infrared absorption microscope, the size of a continuous image pattern was extracted, and the average diameter and number when converted to a sphere were measured.
Here, as the I toner, a toner containing styrene acrylic as a binder resin and wax as a release agent, and a toner containing 1% vanadyl naphthalocyanine as an infrared absorbing material was used.
Further, as the T toner, a toner containing styrene acrylic as a binder resin, containing wax as a release agent, and containing no coloring material or the like was used.
In this case, the image pattern does not have an appropriate size, and the success rate of the image recognition is not satisfactory.

  Table 1 below summarizes the results of the above examples and comparative examples.

From the above, it was found that the image pattern has an appropriate size and the image recognition rate is high when the ratio of I toner is in the range of 10% to 35% and in the range of 65% to 90%.
Although not mentioned here, an appropriate range can be determined based on the L value in relation to transparency.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image by an electrophotographic method, but may form an image by another method, for example, an ink jet method.
In this embodiment, an image pattern management device 70 for registering and collating image patterns is provided separately from the digital pen 60 for reading image patterns. However, the digital pen 60 performs registration and collation of image patterns. You may do it.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the image pattern is read using the digital pen 60. However, the image pattern may be read using a flatbed scanner that can read the entire surface of the recording medium with a single operation.

It is the figure which showed the structure of the system with which embodiment of this invention is applied. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a system control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a system control unit in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the example of the print document output in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the structural example of the digital pen in embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the function structural example of the data processing part in the digital pen of embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the data processing part in the digital pen of embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the hardware structural example of the image pattern management apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed the function structural example of the image pattern management apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the operation example of the image pattern management apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus, 40 ... Terminal device, 50 ... Communication apparatus, 60 ... Digital pen, 70 ... Image pattern management apparatus

Claims (9)

An acquisition means for acquiring shape information indicating the shape of a specific image used for confirming the originality of the recording medium;
Including a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength , and can be visually recognized on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium, The first image forming material and the second image forming material are in a shape indicated by the shape information acquired by the acquisition means using a developer that transmits light reflected on the recording medium . An image forming means for forming the specific image arranged in an unreproducible state on the recording medium ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming means does not include a material having color developability due to light absorption, and can be visually recognized by using the developer that is more glossy than the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image is formed on the recording medium. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms the specific image at a location clearly indicating that the recording medium is a portion for confirming originality . 4.   The image forming unit may be in a range from 10% to 35% or in a range from 65% to 90% with respect to the total amount of the first image forming material and the second image forming material. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific image is formed on the recording medium using the developer containing the first image forming material in an amount. Obtaining shape information indicating the shape of a specific image used to confirm the originality of the recording medium;
Including a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength , and can be visually recognized on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium, In addition , the first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in a form that cannot be reproduced in the shape indicated by the shape information by using a developer that transmits light reflected on the recording medium. Forming the specified image on the recording medium,
And outputting the recording medium on which the specific image is formed. Including a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength , and being visually recognizable on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium; and From a recording medium on which a specific image in which the first image forming material and the second image forming material are arranged in an unreproducible state using a developer that transmits light reflected on the recording medium is formed. Acquisition means for acquiring the specific image read using light of the specific wavelength;
Information for storing the specific image acquired by the acquisition unit as information for confirming the originality of the recording medium in the own apparatus, and information for confirming the originality of the recording medium Processing means for performing at least one of processes to be transmitted for storage in another device ;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The acquisition unit acquires the specific image read from the recording medium on which the specific image is formed at a position of the recording medium on which the document image on which the original image is to be confirmed by the specific image is formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6. Including a first image forming material and a second image forming material having different sensitivities to light of a specific wavelength , and being visually recognizable on the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium; and the recording medium on which specific image by using the developer and the first image forming material and said second image forming material has been positioned in a not reproducible state is formed to transmit light reflected on the recording medium Acquisition means for acquiring the specific image read using the light of the specific wavelength from,
Information on the specific image acquired by the acquisition unit, already processed to be matched with the information stored in the own device as information for confirming the originality of the recording medium, and, originality of the recording medium Processing means for performing at least one of the processes to transmit to collate with the information already stored in other devices as information for confirming
Output means for outputting a result of processing by the processing means ;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   The acquisition unit acquires the specific image read from the recording medium on which the specific image is formed at a position of the recording medium on which the document image on which the original image is to be confirmed by the specific image is formed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

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