JP6098356B2 - Image reading apparatus, image forming system, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, an image forming system, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses are known as printers, copiers, and the like. The image forming apparatus forms an image corresponding to a document image on a sheet, and outputs the sheet as a printed matter. There is also known an image reading apparatus that generates a read image by reading a sheet (printed material) on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus. According to this image reading apparatus, the quality of the printed matter can be confirmed during the printing process or after printing by displaying or recording the read image or outputting it to an external device.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a defect inspection of an image (printed image) formed by an image forming apparatus on the basis of inspection image data (that is, a read image) obtained by reading a printed matter. An inspection apparatus that can be stored in consideration of security is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes an inspection unit that performs image defect inspection using inspection image data, a determination unit that determines whether or not to perform security processing on inspection image data, and an inspection according to the determination of the determination unit And a processing unit that performs security processing on the image data. Security processing includes encryption processing, processing on characters, processing on partial areas, and the like.

JP 2005-208890 A

  However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to conceal information included in a predetermined range in a read image by performing security processing, but it is possible to visually recognize an abnormality in an image that appears in the read image. There is a problem of disappearing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of appropriately visually recognizing an image abnormality while concealing information.

In order to solve such a problem, the first invention is to read a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generate a read image, and a reading generated by the image reading unit. An image reading apparatus comprising: an image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by an image forming apparatus based on an image; and an image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on a read image. I will provide a. In this case, when the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the position of the image abnormality evaluated by the image evaluation section, the image processing section corresponds the character information indicating the content of the image abnormality to the position of the image abnormality. And superimposed on the read image that has been subjected to the concealment process.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a read image, and an image based on the read image generated by the image reading unit. An image reading apparatus having an image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by a forming apparatus and an image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on a read image is provided. In this case, when the position of the predetermined range and the image abnormality evaluated by the image evaluation unit correspond to each other, the image processing unit performs difference data corresponding to the image abnormality based on the document image and the read image. And the difference data is combined with the read image that has been subjected to the concealment process.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a read image, and an image based on the read image generated by the image reading unit. An image reading apparatus having an image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by a forming apparatus and an image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on a read image is provided. In this case, when the position of the predetermined range and the image abnormality evaluated by the image evaluation unit correspond to each other, the image processing unit replaces information included in the predetermined range with alternative information as a concealment process. In addition, the abnormality of the image evaluated by the image evaluation unit is reproduced in the substitute information in the read image.

  Here, in any one of the first to third aspects, it is preferable that the image processing unit performs a concealment process using a range including confidential information in an image formed by the image forming apparatus as a predetermined range.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet based on a document image, and an image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, which is positioned at a subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus. An image forming system is provided.

The fifth invention is a program executed by a computer for controlling an image reading apparatus that reads a paper on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed, and reads the paper on which the image is formed to generate a read image Performing a concealing process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the generated read image, evaluating an abnormality of the image formed on the sheet based on the generated read image, When the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the evaluated image abnormality, the character information indicating the content of the image abnormality is associated with the position of the image abnormality and superimposed on the concealed read image. It provides a program for executing the steps of causing the computer.
A sixth invention is a program executed by a computer for controlling an image reading apparatus that reads a paper on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed, and reads the paper on which the image is formed to generate a read image Performing a concealing process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the generated read image, evaluating an abnormality of the image formed on the sheet based on the generated read image, When the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the evaluated image abnormality, the difference data corresponding to the image abnormality is generated based on the original image and the read image, and the concealment processing is performed on the read image. There is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a step of synthesizing difference data.
The seventh invention is a program executed by a computer for controlling an image reading apparatus that reads a paper on which an image corresponding to an original image is formed, and reads the paper on which the image is formed to generate a read image Based on the generated read image, a step of performing a process of substituting information included in the predetermined range with alternative information as a concealment process for concealing the predetermined range of information on the generated read image, and The step of evaluating the abnormality of the image formed on the paper and the step of evaluating the abnormality of the image as the substitute information in the read image when the position of the predetermined range and the abnormality of the evaluated image correspond to each other. There is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a process of reproducing an abnormality of an evaluated image.
Here, in any one of the fifth to seventh inventions, the step of performing the concealment process is a step of performing the concealment process with a range including confidential information in the image formed on the paper as a predetermined range. Is preferred.

  According to the present invention, by superimposing information indicating an image abnormality, it is possible to confirm from the read image an image abnormality within a predetermined range that cannot be recognized by concealment processing. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately visually recognize the image abnormality while concealing information.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an image forming system according to a first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the image reading apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. Explanatory drawing schematically showing the original image Explanation illustrating the abnormality of the image related to the printed image appearing in the read image Explanatory drawing which shows the state on which abnormality information was superimposed on the read image in which the concealment process was performed The flowchart which shows the procedure of the process which superimposes a concealment process and abnormality information Explanation illustrating the abnormality of the image related to the printed image appearing in the read image Illustration of difference data Explanatory drawing which shows the state on which abnormality information was superimposed on the read image in which the concealment process was performed Explanation illustrating the abnormality of the image related to the printed image appearing in the read image Explanatory drawing which shows the state on which abnormality information was superimposed on the read image in which the concealment process was performed

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an image forming system according to the first embodiment. This image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 10, an image reading apparatus 60, and a paper discharge tray apparatus 70. Each of these devices 10, 60, and 80 is configured as an independent device, and the image forming device 10, the image reading device 60 at the subsequent stage of the image forming device 10, and the image reading device are based on the conveyance direction of the paper P. A paper discharge tray device 70 is positioned at the rear stage of the device 60.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and forms a full-color image by arranging a plurality of photoconductors facing a single intermediate transfer belt in a vertical direction, so-called tandem type. A color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 10 includes a document reading device (not shown), exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, charging / developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, an intermediate transfer belt 23, a secondary transfer roller 24, a fixing device 30, and a control. The unit 50 is mainly configured, and these are housed in one housing.

  The document reading apparatus has an automatic document feeder (not shown) provided at the top of the apparatus, and obtains an image signal corresponding to a document image by reading a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder. The image signal is output to a document reading control unit (not shown). The document reading control unit performs processing such as A / D conversion, shading correction, and compression on the image signal to generate data corresponding to the document image, and outputs the data (document image) to the control unit 50. . The document image input to the control unit 50 is not limited to the one read by the document reading device, but may be, for example, one received from a personal computer connected to the image forming device or another image forming device. Good.

  Each exposure unit 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K includes a laser light source, a polygon mirror, and a plurality of lenses. Each of the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K corresponds to output information output from the control unit 50 based on the original image data, and applies laser beams to the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, which will be described later. Scanning exposure.

  The charging / developing unit 20Y is mainly composed of a photosensitive drum 21Y and a charging / developing unit 22Y disposed around the photosensitive drum 21Y, and forms an image corresponding to yellow on the photosensitive drum 21Y. The remaining charging / developing units 20M, 20C, and 20K have the same configuration as that of the charging / developing unit 20Y, and charging / developing units 22M, 22C, and 22K are provided around the photosensitive drums 21M, 21C, and 21K, respectively. The images corresponding to magenta, cyan, and black are formed on the photosensitive drums 21M, 21C, and 21K, respectively.

  The surface of each of the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K is uniformly charged by the charging / developing units 22Y, 22, 22C, and 22K, and is scanned by the above-described exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K. By exposure, latent images are formed on the individual photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. Further, the charging / developing units 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K develop the latent images on the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K by developing with toner. As a result, images (toner images) are formed on the photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. The images formed on the individual photosensitive drums 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are sequentially transferred to predetermined positions on the intermediate transfer belt 23, thereby forming an image in which the images of the respective colors are superimposed.

  The image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 23 is transferred onto the paper P conveyed at a predetermined timing by the secondary transfer roller 24.

  The paper transport unit 40 transports the paper P along the transport path. The paper P is stored in the paper supply tray 41, and the paper P stored in the paper supply tray 41 is taken in by the paper supply roller and sent out to the conveyance path. A plurality of conveying means for conveying the paper P is provided in the conveying path, and the paper P is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 24 through these conveying means. Each conveying means is constituted by, for example, a pair of rollers pressed against each other, and at least one of the rollers is rotationally driven through an electric motor as a driving means. In addition to the configuration of the pair of rollers, the conveyance unit can widely employ a configuration including a pair of rotating members such as a combination of belts or a combination of a belt and a roller.

  The fixing device 30 is a device that fixes an unfixed image on the paper P, and includes a pair of fixing members that are pressed against each other and a heater that heats one or both of the fixing members. The fixing device 30 causes the sheet P to pass through the nip portion of the pair of fixing members in the process of transporting the sheet P, whereby the image is transferred to the sheet P through the action of the pressure applied by the nip portion and the heat of the fixing member. To settle. The sheet P that has been subjected to the fixing process is transported downstream in the transport direction.

  Here, each of the above-described elements, that is, the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, the charging / developing units 20Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, the intermediate transfer belt 23, the secondary transfer roller 24, and the fixing device 30 are used for image formation. Parts. The image forming unit performs, for example, a document image through a series of processes of (1) forming an image, (2) transferring the formed image onto the paper P, and (3) fixing the transferred image onto the paper P. Is formed on the paper P.

  The paper P that has passed through the fixing device 30 is discharged to the image reading device 60 by the paper discharge roller 42. When image formation is also performed on the back surface of the paper P, the paper P on which image formation has been completed on the front surface of the paper P is conveyed to the reversing roller 43 below by a guide member (not shown). The reversing roller 43 holds the rear end of the conveyed paper P, reverses the paper P by reverse feeding, and sends it to the refeed conveyance path 44 in which a plurality of conveyance means are arranged. By this refeed conveyance path 44, the paper P whose front and back are reversed is conveyed again to the transfer position corresponding to the nip portion between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and the secondary transfer roller 24.

  The control unit 50 has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 10 in an integrated manner. For example, the control unit 50 is a computer including a CPU, a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a nonvolatile memory as an auxiliary storage device, a communication I / F unit, and the like. Are connected to each other.

  The control unit 50 controls the document reading device, the exposure units 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K, the charging / development units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, the fixing device 30, the paper transport unit 40, and the like, and thereby based on the print job. Thus, an image is formed on the paper P. A print job includes a document image of one page or a series of pages and setting information. The setting information includes, for example, the number of output copies, single-sided / double-sided output mode, the type of paper P (for example, basis weight or size), image density, magnification, and the like. That is, the control unit 50 forms an image corresponding to the document image on the paper P in accordance with the document image and the setting information.

  The operation display unit 55 is, for example, a touch panel that can perform an input operation according to information displayed on the screen. The operation display unit 55 outputs various types of information (for example, setting information) to the control unit 50 through a user input operation. Moreover, the operation display part 55 displays desired information by being controlled by the control part 50, and can thereby present information to the user.

  When the image reading device 60 receives the paper P supplied from the image forming device 10, the image reading device 60 performs a reading operation described later while transporting the paper P along the transport path, and discharges the paper P to the paper discharge tray 70. . The image reading device 60 includes an image reading unit 60, a paper transport unit 61, and an image reading control unit 65.

  The image reading unit 60 reads the paper P conveyed along the conveyance path, that is, the paper P on which an image corresponding to the original image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10. The image reading unit 60 is provided on the transport path of the paper P. For example, the image reading unit 60 includes a line sensor in which a plurality of imaging elements each performing photoelectric conversion for one pixel are arranged one-dimensionally in a direction (paper width direction) orthogonal to the paper transport direction. . By performing a reading operation on the sheet P conveyed by the line sensor, a read image corresponding to one side (corresponding to one page) of the sheet P can be generated. The read image that has been read is output to the image reading control unit 65.

  The paper transport unit 61 transports the paper P along the transport path, and is configured by a plurality of transport means provided along the transport path. Each conveying means is constituted by, for example, a pair of rollers pressed against each other, and at least one of the rollers is rotationally driven through an electric motor as a driving means. In addition to the configuration of the pair of rollers, the conveyance unit can widely employ a configuration including a pair of rotating members such as a combination of belts or a combination of a belt and a roller.

  The image reading control unit 65 has a function of controlling the image forming apparatus 10 in an integrated manner. For example, the image reading control unit 65 is a computer including a CPU, a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a non-volatile memory as an auxiliary storage device, a communication I / F unit, and the like. They are connected to each other via a bus.

  In the present embodiment, the image reading control unit 65 has a function as an image evaluation unit that evaluates the abnormality of the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 based on the read image generated by the image reading unit 60. . The image reading control unit 65 has a function as an image processing unit that performs a concealing process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the read image. Then, when the position of the predetermined range subjected to the concealment processing corresponds to the position of the evaluated image abnormality, the image reading control unit 65 detects the image abnormality in the read image subjected to the concealment processing. Processing to superimpose information to be shown is performed.

  The image reading control unit 65 is connected to the control unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 10 through an interface unit (not shown), and is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 50 of the image forming apparatus 10. As a result, the image reading control unit 65 can acquire a print job related to the paper P to be read or display the read image on the operation display unit 55.

  Since images may be formed on both sides of the paper P, the image reading device 60 may be configured accordingly. For example, the image reading unit 60 may be configured by a pair of line sensors that are opposed to each other with a conveyance path therebetween, or the paper conveyance unit 61 may be provided with a reversing mechanism that reverses the front and back of the paper P.

  The paper discharge tray device 70 is a device that stacks and stores the paper P discharged from the image reading device 60. The paper discharge tray device 70 includes an elevating tray 71. The elevating tray 71 is configured to be capable of moving up and down in the stacking direction of the paper P in order to enable a large amount of paper P to be discharged. Further, in the paper discharge tray device 70, a key is provided at a door for taking out the paper P stacked on the lifting tray 71 from the inside of the device housing, and a paper P can be taken out by anyone other than the one having the key. Ingenuity that cannot be done.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the image reading apparatus 60 according to the present embodiment. The process shown in this flowchart is called together with the execution of the print job, and is executed by the image reading control unit 65. The process shown in this flowchart shows the process per sheet. When a plurality of sheets P are continuously printed, this process is executed each time the sheet P is discharged to the image reading device 60. Will be.

  Hereinafter, description will be made on the premise of variable printing. Here, variable printing is a printing technique in which the layout of the original image is the same for each sheet of paper P to be printed, and printing is performed by replacing the contents. For example, as in direct mail, the layout of address and address is the same, but the destination is different, so it is used when printing with different printing contents.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image corresponding to the document image on the paper P in accordance with the execution of the print job, the image forming apparatus 100 discharges the paper P to the image reading device 60. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a manuscript image. The manuscript image includes information such as “name”, “address”, “person photograph”, and “message”.

  In step 10 (S10), the image reading control unit 65 operates the image reading unit 60 to read the paper P in accordance with the timing when the paper P passes the image reading unit 60. When the image reading unit 60 generates a read image, the image reading unit 60 outputs the read image to the image reading control unit 65.

  In step 11 (S11), the image reading control unit 65 performs an image evaluation process. The image evaluation process is a process for evaluating abnormality of an image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 and is performed based on the read image. In this image evaluation process, various image quality abnormalities can be evaluated. Examples of the image abnormality include a skew in which the position of the paper and the image (printed image) formed by the image forming apparatus 10 is shifted, an abnormality in which the density of the printed image is shifted to the low density side or the high density side, and a missing image. An abnormality in which a part is missing, an abnormality in which image unevenness such as blurring or color unevenness partially occurs, and the like can be given. In the present embodiment, the image abnormality includes not only an abnormality in the print image but also an abnormality that affects the quality of the paper P (printed material) on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10. Dirt and wrinkles that fall under this are applicable. By performing this image evaluation process, it is possible to specify the presence / absence of an image abnormality, the type of abnormality, the position and range of abnormality, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image abnormality that appears in a read image. In a printed matter, if “blur” occurs in part of the name, “dirt” occurs in part of the address, and “wrinkles” occur in part of the portrait, these image abnormalities Will also appear. The image reading control unit 65 evaluates these image abnormalities.

  In step 12 (S12), the image reading control unit 65 determines whether or not confidential information is included in the read image. The confidential information refers to confidential information in the print image, and typically includes personal information and other confidential information. However, the confidential information widely includes information that is not desired to be reproduced as it is in the read image among the information included in the print image. Whether or not confidential information is included can be determined based on the print job.

  In the example of the manuscript image shown in FIG. 3, “name”, “address”, “person photograph”, etc. are confidential information. The presence of the confidential information may be determined based on the information when it can be known in advance, or may be determined based on the print job. By performing the determination in step 12, the presence / absence of confidential information, the position and range of the confidential information, and the like can be specified. Here, the range of the confidential information is not limited to a certain fixed area but may be text such as characters.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 12, that is, if confidential information is included, the process proceeds to step 13 (S13). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 12, that is, if confidential information is not included, the processing proceeds to step 17 (S17) described later.

  In step 13, the image reading control unit 65 determines whether there is an image abnormality in a range including confidential information (hereinafter referred to as “confidential range”). In other words, the image reading control unit 65 determines whether or not the positions of the concealment range and the image abnormality correspond to each other. If the position of the concealment range does not correspond to the image abnormality, it is not recognized that there is an image abnormality in the concealment range, and the process proceeds to step 14 (S14). On the other hand, when the position of the concealment range corresponds to the image abnormality, it is recognized that there is an image abnormality in the concealment range, so the process proceeds to step 15 (S15).

  In step 14, the image reading control unit 65 performs a concealment process for concealing the confidential range information on the read image, thereby concealing the confidential information. The concealment process includes a mask process, a mosaic process, an information erase process, etc. In addition to this, a process for substituting a character or image with another character or image, or a character Includes encryption processing. That is, the concealment process according to the present embodiment refers to a process in which a predetermined range of information included in the print image is not recognized or understood from the read image. When the process of step 14 is completed, the image reading control unit 65 proceeds to the process of step 17.

  In step 15, the image reading control unit 65 performs concealment processing on the read image as in step 14.

  In step 16 (S16), the image reading control unit 65 performs a process of superimposing information (abnormal information) indicating image abnormality on the read image that has been subjected to the concealment process. In the example shown in FIG. 5, character information indicating the content of image abnormality is used as abnormality information, and the character information is superimposed on the read image in association with the position of the image abnormality. When the process of step 16 is completed, the image reading control unit 65 proceeds to the process of step 17.

  In step 17, the image reading control unit 65 performs output processing of image data corresponding to the read image. In the output process, it is conceivable to display a read image on the operation display unit 55 of the image forming apparatus 10, but in addition to this, it is stored in an internal storage provided in the image reading apparatus 60 or output to an external apparatus. It may be.

  Note that when the process directly moves from the process of step 12, the target of the output process is the read image read in step 10. On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step 14, the output process target is a read image on which concealment processing has been performed. When the process proceeds from step 16, the output process target is a read image that has been subjected to concealment processing and processing for superimposing abnormality information.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image forming system includes the image forming apparatus 10 that forms an image on the paper P based on the document image, and the image reading apparatus 60 that is positioned at the subsequent stage of the image forming apparatus 10. Yes. In this case, the image reading device 60 reads the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 10 and generates a read image, and information on a predetermined range with respect to the read image generated by the image reading unit 62. An image reading control unit 65 that performs a concealing process for concealing the image and evaluates an abnormality of the image formed on the paper P based on the read image. Here, when the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the evaluated image abnormality, the image reading control unit 65 superimposes information indicating the image abnormality on the concealed read image. Is going to do.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the information in the predetermined range is visually recognized by the concealment process. Further, by superimposing information indicating an image abnormality, it is possible to confirm from the read image an image abnormality within a predetermined range that cannot be recognized by concealment processing. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately visually recognize the image abnormality while concealing information.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading device 60 performs the concealment process using the range including confidential information in the image formed by the image forming apparatus 10 as the predetermined range.

  According to such a configuration, since highly confidential information can be concealed, secret management can be performed appropriately.

  In the present embodiment, all the read images are output, but only the read images that have been evaluated for image abnormalities by the image evaluation process may be output.

(Second Embodiment)
The image forming system according to the second embodiment will be described below. The image forming system according to the second embodiment is different from that according to the first embodiment in a method of processing a read image by the image reading device 60. Hereinafter, description of points that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

  Specifically, when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the image in the confidential part, the image reading control unit 65 performs the following subroutine processing instead of the processing in steps 15 and 16 shown in the first embodiment. Is going to do. Here, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of concealment processing and processing for superimposing abnormality information.

  First, in step 20 (S20), the image reading control unit 65 determines whether the type of image abnormality is dirt, wrinkles, etc. appearing on the paper, or whether the image itself is abnormal, blurring or uneven color. To do. If the type of image abnormality is dirt, wrinkles or the like, an affirmative determination is made in step 20, and the process proceeds to step 21 (S21). On the other hand, if the type of image abnormality is fading or uneven color due to image formation, a negative determination is made in step 20, and the process proceeds to step 24 (S24).

  In step 21, the image reading control unit 65 generates difference data. Specifically, the image reading control unit 65 generates difference data based on the print image shown in FIG. 3 and the read image shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, an image corresponding to an image abnormality is obtained from the difference data.

  In step 22 (S22), the image reading control unit 65 performs a concealment process on the read image, thereby concealing the confidential information.

  In step 23 (S23), the image reading control unit 65 synthesizes the difference data with the read image subjected to the concealment process. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, an image corresponding to the abnormality of the image is superimposed on the read image that has been subjected to the concealment process. That is, in step 23, an image indicating an abnormality of the image is used as abnormality information, and the image is superimposed on the read image in association with the position of the image abnormality.

  In step 24, the image reading control unit 65 determines whether the confidential information is text information or whether the confidential information is image information. If the confidential information is text information, an affirmative determination is made in step 24 and the process proceeds to step 25 (S25). On the other hand, if the confidential information is image information, a negative determination is made in step 24, and the process proceeds to step 26 (S26).

  In step 25, the image reading control unit 65 substitutes text information that is confidential information in the read image with text information different from this. Here, in the read image, as shown in FIG. 10, “name” which is confidential information is faint. In this case, the image reading control unit 65 performs substitution after giving the same degree of abnormality as the abnormality of the image to the replacement text information (see FIG. 11).

  In step 26, the image reading control unit 65 substitutes image information that is confidential information with image information different from this in the read image. In this case, the image reading control unit 65 performs the replacement after performing the same level of abnormality as the abnormality of the image generated in the read image on the replacement image information.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the image reading control unit 65 generates difference data corresponding to an image abnormality based on the document image and the read image, and combines the difference data with the read image on which the concealment process has been performed. I am going to do that.

  According to such a configuration, the actual image abnormality is reproduced in the concealed read image, so that the user can easily recognize the image abnormality. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately visually recognize the image abnormality while concealing information.

  In the present embodiment, the image reading control unit 65 performs the process of replacing the confidential information with the substitute information as the concealment process, and reproduces the abnormality of the image evaluated as the substitute information in the read image.

  According to such a configuration, the abnormality of the image that actually occurs is reproduced in the substitute information, so that the user can easily recognize the abnormality of the image. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately visually recognize the image abnormality while concealing information.

  The image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. . For example, according to the present embodiment, the image forming stem including the image forming apparatus and the image reading apparatus as independent apparatuses has been described. However, as an aspect of the image forming system, the image forming apparatus itself includes a function (image reading unit) corresponding to the image reading apparatus. In this embodiment, the image reading apparatus includes an independent control unit (image reading control unit). However, the image reading apparatus control unit and the image reading apparatus control unit may be shared. . In addition, an image reading apparatus that constitutes the image forming system and a program executed by a computer that controls the image reading apparatus itself function as part of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 15Y-15K Exposure part 20Y-20K Charging / development unit 21Y-21K Photosensitive drum 22Y-22K Charging / development part 23 Intermediate transfer belt 24 Secondary transfer roller 30 Fixing apparatus 40 Paper conveyance part 50 Control part 55 Operation Display unit 60 Image reading device 61 Paper conveying unit 62 Image reading unit 65 Image reading control unit 70 Paper discharge tray device 71 Paper discharge tray

Claims (9)

An image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a read image;
An image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by the image forming apparatus based on a read image generated by the image reading unit;
An image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the read image;
When the position of the predetermined range and the image abnormality evaluated by the image evaluation unit correspond to each other, the image processing unit corresponds to the character information indicating the content of the image abnormality and the position of the image abnormality. An image reading apparatus that superimposes the image on the read image that has been subjected to the concealment process . An image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a read image;
An image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by the image forming apparatus based on a read image generated by the image reading unit;
An image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the read image;
The image processing unit responds to an image abnormality based on the document image and the read image when the position of the predetermined range and the image abnormality evaluated by the image evaluation unit correspond to each other. An image reading apparatus that generates difference data and synthesizes the difference data with the read image subjected to the concealment process . An image reading unit that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed by an image forming apparatus and generates a read image;
An image evaluation unit that evaluates an abnormality of an image formed by the image forming apparatus based on a read image generated by the image reading unit;
An image processing unit that performs a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the read image;
The image processing unit performs the concealment process for replacing information included in the predetermined range with alternative information when the position of the predetermined range corresponds to an abnormality of the image evaluated by the image evaluation unit. An image reading apparatus that performs the processing and reproduces the abnormality of the image evaluated by the image evaluation unit in the substitute information in the read image .   4. The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs the concealment process using a range including confidential information in the image formed by the image forming apparatus as the predetermined range. 5. Image reading apparatus. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on a document image;
The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image reading device is positioned downstream of the image forming device ;
An image forming system comprising: A program that is executed by a computer that controls an image reading apparatus that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed,
Reading the paper on which the image is formed and generating a read image;
Performing a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the generated read image;
Evaluating the abnormality of the image formed on the paper based on the generated read image;
When the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the evaluated image abnormality, the character information indicating the content of the image abnormality is associated with the position of the image abnormality, and the concealment process is performed. Superimposing on the scanned image ;
A program for causing the computer to execute.   A program that is executed by a computer that controls an image reading apparatus that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed,
  Reading the paper on which the image is formed and generating a read image;
  Performing a concealment process for concealing a predetermined range of information on the generated read image;
  Evaluating the abnormality of the image formed on the paper based on the generated read image;
  When the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the evaluated image abnormality, difference data corresponding to the image abnormality is generated based on the document image and the read image, and the concealment process is performed. Combining the difference data with the read image,
A program for causing the computer to execute.   A program that is executed by a computer that controls an image reading apparatus that reads a sheet on which an image corresponding to a document image is formed,
  Reading the paper on which the image is formed and generating a read image;
  Performing a process of replacing the information included in the predetermined range with alternative information as a concealment process for concealing the information in the predetermined range for the generated read image;
  Evaluating the abnormality of the image formed on the paper based on the generated read image;
  A step of reproducing the abnormality of the image evaluated by the step of evaluating the abnormality of the image in the alternative information in the read image when the position of the predetermined range corresponds to the abnormality of the evaluated image When,
A program for causing the computer to execute.   The step of performing the concealment process is a step of performing the concealment process by setting a range including confidential information in an image formed on a sheet as the predetermined range. The program described in.

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