JP6290048B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus that generates image data by reading an image formed on a sheet is known. For sheets in which highly confidential information and less confidential information are mixed, it may be desired not to leave highly confidential information as image data. In addition, there is a case where it is desired not to leave a partial image desired by the user among the images on the sheet as image data regardless of the level of confidentiality.

JP 2010-100044 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program capable of generating image data from which a specified part is removed when an image on a sheet is read to generate image data. Is to provide.

  The image processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a specific image detection unit, a limited region determination unit, and an image data generation unit. The specific image detection unit detects a specific image included in an image obtained by reading the sheet. The restricted area determination unit determines a restricted area, which is a partial area of the image, based on the specific image detected by the specific image detection unit. The image data generation unit generates image data obtained by removing the restriction region determined by the restriction region determination unit from the image.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. An example figure of functional composition of control device 140 concerning a 1st embodiment. The schematic diagram which showed the image data of sheet | seat S1 processed by the control apparatus 140 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram which showed the image data of sheet | seat S2 processed by the control apparatus 140 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exemplary functional configuration of an image processing apparatus 100 according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus and an image processing program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus 100 is a erasing apparatus that reads and erases an image formed on a sheet. Specifically, it is as follows. The image processing apparatus 100 reads the sheet S and generates image data (image file). The sheet S is a paper sheet (paper, film, etc.) on which an image (characters, photographs, drawings, etc.) is formed with a color erasable colorant. In the following description, the sheet S is a copy sheet used for PPC (Plain Paper Copier). The colorant is used for forming an image on the sheet S. For example, the colorant is toner or ink. As the colorant, there is a decolorizable colorant whose color is erased. As a specific example of the color erasable colorant, there is a heat erasable toner in which the color is erased by applying a temperature higher than the fixing temperature. As another specific example of the color erasable colorant, there is an ink that can be erased by a chemical treatment using a solvent. In the following description, the colorant is a heat decolorable toner. In the following description, erasing the image on the sheet S by erasing the color of the colorant is also simply referred to as “decoloring the image”. In this embodiment, “decoloring” refers to making an image formed with a color different from the background color of the paper (including not only chromatic colors but also achromatic colors such as white and black) visually invisible. Means.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 110, a reading unit 120, a decoloring unit 130, a control panel CP, a control device 140, a discharge unit 160, and a discharge tray T. Prepare.

  The sheet feeding unit 110 includes a tray on which the sheet S is placed. The sheet feeding unit 110 feeds the sheet S placed on the tray to the reading unit 120 via the roller R1. For example, the sheet S is placed on a tray by the user.

  The reading unit 120 includes an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS). For example, the scanning optical system is configured by arranging a plurality of image sensors in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array. The reading unit 120 reads an image of the sheet S fed from the paper feeding unit 110 via the roller R1 by an optical scanning system. The reading unit 120 generates digital image data (image file) by reading the image of the sheet S. Hereinafter, the image data generated by the reading unit 120 is referred to as first image data. The reading unit 120 outputs the generated first image data to the control device 140. Note that the first image data is not stored in a non-volatile storage device such as a storage unit 154 or another storage device described later unless otherwise specified. The first image data is held in a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a storage circuit such as a register.

  In addition, here, the reading unit 120 has been described as a configuration that reads an image of the sheet S fed from the paper feeding unit 110 via the roller R1, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the reading unit 120 may be provided inside the paper feeding unit 110. In this case, the reading unit 120 reads the sheet S placed by the user before being fed. Note that the reading unit 120 (the sheet feeding unit 110) may further include a correction mechanism that corrects the inclination, deflection, and the like of the sheet S placed by the user.

  The decoloring unit 130 includes a heating unit. For example, the heating unit includes a heat lamp such as a halogen lamp as a heat source. Furthermore, the heating unit includes a temperature sensor. A heat lamp is a heat source whose internal resistance increases as the temperature rises. The heat source may be a heater using IH (Induction Heating) technology. The temperature sensor acquires the temperature of the decoloring unit 130 (heating unit). The decoloring unit 130 heats the surface on which the image of the sheet S that has passed the reading unit 120 is formed by the heating unit. For example, the decoloring unit 130 heats the sheet S at a temperature of 140 ° C. or higher, which is higher than about 100 ° C., which is the fixing temperature of the thermodecolorable toner. As a result, the image formed on the sheet S is erased.

  The control panel CP includes a display unit and an operation unit. For example, the display unit and the operation unit are touch panel liquid crystal displays. The control panel CP generates an operation request signal in accordance with a user operation. Here, the operation request signal is a signal representing the contents of processing such as reading and decoloring. The display unit and the operation unit may be configured by separate devices. Further, the operation unit may be configured using a push button, a dial button, or the like instead of the touch panel type.

  The control device 140 is a computer that performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, the control device 140 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 140 includes a storage device such as a ROM, RAM, HDD, SSD, EEPROM, flash memory or the like. ROM is an abbreviation for “Read Only Memory”. HDD is an abbreviation for “Hard Disk Drive”. SSD stands for “Solid State Drive”. EEPROM stands for “Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory”. The control device 140 includes a communication interface for communicating with other devices. Note that the control device 140 may be a dedicated computer that controls the reading unit 120, separate from the computer that performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The control device 140 includes a control unit 142 and a storage unit 154. For example, the control unit 142 is a software function unit that functions when a processor executes a program stored in a storage device. Also, some or all of the functional units of the control unit 142 may be hardware functional units such as an LSI or an ASIC. LSI is an abbreviation for “Large Scale Integration”. ASIC is an abbreviation for “Application Specific Integrated Circuit”. For example, the control unit 142 controls the paper feeding unit 110, the reading unit 120, the erasing unit 130, and the discharge unit 160, respectively. In addition, the control unit 142 performs image processing on the first image data output from the reading unit 120. Here, the control device 140 is configured not to store the first image data output from the reading unit 120 in the storage unit 154 or the like, but this is not the case in the following case. In the case of a configuration further including a second storage unit and an overwrite unit that are different from the storage unit 154 (not shown), the control device 140 may store the first image data in the second storage unit. The overwrite unit overwrites the second storage unit a plurality of times with random data or the like after the second image data described later is generated. Thereby, the first image data stored in the second storage unit can be erased. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 does not store the first image data at the end of all the processes.

  The storage unit 154 stores information such as the second image data, the temperature of the decoloring unit 130, and an operation request signal. For example, the storage unit 154 is a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, HDD, SSD, EEPROM, or flash memory. Note that the storage unit 154 may be an external nonvolatile storage device instead of the one built in the control device 140.

  The discharge unit 160 discharges the sheet S supplied from the decoloring unit 130 via the roller R2 to the discharge tray T. The discharge unit 160 includes a switching mechanism that switches the discharge destination of the sheet S based on the control of the control device 140. For example, the switching mechanism is a flapper F that switches the discharge destination of the sheet S based on the control of the control device 140. The flapper F operates to switch the discharge destination of the sheet S to the first sheet receiving portion. The discharge unit 160 operates the flapper F based on the control of the control device 140 and discharges the sheet S to the first sheet receiving unit via the roller R3. Alternatively, the discharge unit 160 discharges the sheet S to the second sheet receiving unit via the roller R3 without operating the flapper F based on the control of the control device 140.

  The discharge tray T includes a first sheet receiving portion T1 on which the sheet S discharged from the discharge portion 160 is placed, and a second sheet receiving portion T2. The discharge tray T places the sheet S discharged from the discharge unit 160 on any sheet receiving unit. For example, the reusable sheet S is placed on the first sheet receiving portion T1. Further, the non-reusable sheet S is placed on the second sheet receiving portion T2. Here, the reusable sheet S refers to the sheet S that has been decolored by the decoloring unit 130. The non-reusable sheet S refers to a sheet S that has not been erased by the decoloring unit 130. It is assumed that there are no particular restrictions on the number of sheet receiving portions provided in the discharge tray T.

  For example, the roller R1 is a registration roller or the like. The roller R1 is controlled by the control device 140 so as to stop the rotation of the roller for a predetermined time after the sheet feeding unit 110 feeds the sheet S. Therefore, the fed sheet S collides with the contact portion (nip portion) of the roller R1 whose rotation has stopped. At this time, if the sheet S to be fed is inclined, the collided sheet S is in contact with the roller R1 evenly while the entire front end surface of the sheet forms a deflection. After this state (after a predetermined time has elapsed), the roller R1 is controlled by the control device 140 so as to drive the rotation of the roller. Accordingly, the roller R1 can supply the sheet S to the reading unit 120. As a result, the sheet S is fed to the reading unit 120 without inclination and can be read with higher accuracy.

  Next, the functional configuration of the control device 140 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an example of a functional configuration of the control device 140 according to the first embodiment. The functional units and devices included in the image processing apparatus 100 are connected via an internal bus IB or the like, and can input / output data mutually.

  For example, the control device 140 includes a reading control unit 144, a logic control unit 146, a specific image detection unit 148, a restricted area determination unit 150, an image data generation unit 152, and a storage unit 154. Among these, the reading control unit 144, the logic control unit 146, the specific image detection unit 148, the restricted area determination unit 150, and the image data generation unit 152 correspond to the control unit 142.

  The reading control unit 144 controls the reading unit 120 to read the sheet S fed to the reading unit 120.

  The logic control unit 146 controls the paper feeding unit 110, the erasing unit 130, and the discharge unit 160. For example, the logic control unit 146 performs control so that the sheet S placed by the user is fed to the reading unit 120.

  For example, the logic control unit 146 controls the temperature of the decoloring unit 130 (heating unit) based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor of the decoloring unit 130.

  Further, the logic control unit 146 controls the discharge unit 160 to switch the discharge destination of the sheet S based on the decolored state of the sheet S. Here, the decolored state indicates the degree of decoloring of the sheet S supplied to the discharge unit 160. For example, the decolored state is determined from an image acquired by an image sensor (not shown) separately provided in the discharge unit 160. Further, the decoloring state may be determined based on comparison with correspondence information stored in advance in the storage unit 154. The correspondence information is information obtained from a theoretical value derived from the temperature of the color erasing unit 130, the speed at which the sheet S is fed, and the like, and a comparison between actually measured values.

  The specific image detection unit 148 detects a specific image from the first image data read by the reading unit 120. For example, the specific image refers to a group of pixels connected to each other that have a predetermined luminance value or more and a predetermined number or more. For example, when the color depth of the first image data is 256-bit data, the specific image detection unit 148 detects a group of connected pixels having a luminance value of 130 or more and 15 pixels or more as the specific image. For example, the predetermined luminance value is set as a value that calculates the distribution of luminance values in the luminance histogram of the first image data and divides the calculated distribution into two. For example, the specific image detection unit 148 sets a predetermined luminance value using a known method such as a mode method or a Kittler method. Thus, the specific image detection unit 148 can detect a line drawn with a predetermined luminance value and a thickness equal to or larger than a predetermined pixel as a specific image.

  The specific image detection unit 148 may detect an image showing a predetermined color as the specific image. For example, when the first image data is a color scale, the specific image detection unit 148 detects the color of the image based on the color information stored in association with each other. The color information is image information of three primary colors of red, green, and blue having a predetermined luminance value or higher. Accordingly, the specific image detection unit 148 can detect an image having a color that matches or is close to the color information stored in advance as the specific image. When the first image data is a color scale image, the specific image detection unit 148 may perform gray scale processing and detect the specific image by the above method.

  The specific image detection unit 148 may detect an image having a predetermined shape as the specific image. The specific image detection unit 148 detects the shape of the image based on the feature amount and the outline (edge) stored in advance in association with each other. As a result, the specific image detection unit 148 can detect, as the specific image, an image having a shape that matches or is close to a predetermined circular or square image.

  The specific image detection unit 148 may detect the specific image by combining various detection methods. For example, the specific image detection unit 148 detects, as a specific image, an image having a predetermined thickness, a predetermined color, and a predetermined shape from the first image data. Note that the lines, colors, and shapes of the specific image do not necessarily need to be completely coincident, and lines, hues, and shapes having similar thicknesses may be detected. As a result, the specific image can be detected with higher accuracy.

The restricted area determination unit 150 determines the restricted area based on the specific image detected by the specific image detection unit 148.
Here, the restricted area is an area of image data that is not left on image data generated by the image data generation unit 152 described later. For example, the restricted area determination unit 150 determines an area surrounded by a line (specific image) having a predetermined thickness as the restricted area. Note that the limited area determination unit 150 may determine not only the line (specific image) but also the area surrounded by the color and shape described above as the limited area. For example, the restricted area determination unit 150 determines an area inside a graphic indicating a predetermined shape (specific image) as the restricted area.

  The image data generation unit 152 replaces the restricted area determined by the restricted area determination unit 150 with a predetermined image stored in the storage unit 154 in advance, and generates image data. Hereinafter, the image data generated by the image data generation unit 152 is referred to as second image data. The predetermined image is an image filled with white, black, or the like, or a random character string or symbol string, and may be any image as long as the image is different from the image in the restricted area. The image data generation unit 152 stores the generated second image data in the storage unit 154.

  Here, an example of processing of the control device 140 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating image data of the sheet S processed by the control device 140 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the sheet S1 indicates the sheet S read by the reading unit 120. For example, using the marker MK, the user draws a line so as to surround an arbitrary place on the sheet S1 as an area (restricted area) where image data is not to be left at the time of reading. For example, the marker MK is a dedicated colored pen corresponding to the image processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, and has a predetermined thickness and color. Here, the predetermined thickness and color are determined in advance so that the specific image formed using the marker MK can be detected by the specific image detection unit 148. In addition, the marker MK may be made of a decoloring ink that disappears when heated. As a result, the image formed on the sheet S1 using the marker MK is decolored by being heated. The marker MK is not limited to a dedicated colored pen, and may be a general-purpose colored pen as long as a specific image that can be detected by the specific image detection unit 148 can be formed. The specific image may be formed in advance by the image forming apparatus instead of being formed by the user using the marker MK.

  For example, in the case of the sheet S1 on which the letters A to Z are formed, the user draws a line using the marker MK so as to cover the character strings Q to U. The reading unit 120 reads the sheet S1 and generates first image data. The reading unit 120 outputs the generated first image data to the control device 140. The specific image detection unit 148 detects a line formed by the marker MK as a specific image from the first image data output from the reading unit 120. The restricted area determination unit 150 determines the area E1 that includes the line (specific image) detected by the specific image detection unit 148 and is surrounded by the line (specific image) as the restricted area. At this time, the limited region determination unit 150 may determine the limited region as not including the line (specific image) detected by the specific image detection unit 148. That is, the restricted area determination unit 150 may determine a restricted area so that a line (specific image) having a predetermined thickness is left in the image data and only an area surrounded by the line is not left in the image data. As shown in FIG. 3B, the image data generating unit 152 generates the second image data D1 by replacing the restricted area determined by the restricted area determining unit 150 with an image (predetermined image) filled with white. . The image data generation unit 152 stores the generated second image data D1 in the storage unit 154.

  Here, an example of the operation and processing of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  First, the specific image detection unit 148 determines whether or not a specific image is detected from the first image data read by the reading unit 120 (ACT 100). When a specific image is not detected (ACT100: No), the process of this flowchart is complete | finished. When the specific image is detected (ACT 100: Yes), the limited region determination unit 150 determines the limited region based on the specific image detected by the specific image detection unit 148 (ACT: 102). Next, the image data generation unit 152 replaces the restricted area determined by the restricted area determination unit 150 with a predetermined image (ACT 104). Next, the image data generation unit 152 generates second image data replaced with a predetermined image (ACT 106). Thereby, the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  According to the image processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment described above, a specific image can be detected from image data obtained by reading a sheet. The image processing apparatus 100 can determine the restricted area based on the detected specific image. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data excluding the determined restricted area. As a result, when the image processing apparatus 100 reads an image on a sheet and generates image data, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data from which a specified part is removed.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 100 can detect a specific image formed by the user. Thereby, the image processing apparatus 100 can determine the reading range in accordance with the usage state of the user.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, modified examples of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, as a difference from the first embodiment, a case where there is no specific image on the sheet S read by the reading unit 120 will be described. Note that descriptions of functions and the like common to the first embodiment are omitted.

  For example, when the user has not drawn a line using a marker MK in a predetermined area as a limited area in advance, the image processing apparatus 100 performs the following process. The image processing apparatus 100 displays the first image data without a specific image on the display unit of the control panel CP, an external display device, or the like. Here, the external display device is a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a liquid crystal display connected via a communication interface. The user inputs a specific image using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the like to an image (first image data) displayed on the display unit of the control panel CP or an external display device. The GUI is a pointing device such as a pen tablet, a mouse, or a touch panel. The image processing apparatus 100 performs image processing on the first image data including the specific image input by the user.

  As a result, image data indicating the specific image can be added to the first image data later. As a result, it is possible to adapt to the usage state of the user, and convenience is improved.

[Second Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Here, as a difference from the first embodiment, a difference between specific images detected by the specific image detection unit 148 and a difference between subsequent processing methods will be described. Note that descriptions of functions and the like common to the first embodiment are omitted.

  Here, an example of processing of the control device 140 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating image data of the sheet S2 processed by the control device 140 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sheet S <b> 2 on which the letters A to Z are formed indicates the sheet S that is read by the reading unit 120.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the specific image detection unit 148 detects the code CD formed in the blank portion of the sheet S2 on the first image data indicating the sheet S2. For example, the code CD is a bar code or a two-dimensional code. The code CD represents the position of the restricted area on the first image data. The code CD represents the coordinates of one of the four corners of the restricted area and the lengths of the long side and the short side. Hereinafter, information indicating the coordinates of one of the four corners of the restricted area and the lengths of the long side and the short side will be referred to as “coordinate information”. For example, the coordinate information indicates information of the length 60 in the positive direction of X and the length 60 in the negative direction of Y with the coordinate P (2, 40) and the coordinate P as the base point. The coordinate unit is [mm], [bit], [dot], or the like, and may be an arbitrary unit specified by the user. Information indicating the correspondence between the predetermined code CD and the coordinate information is stored in the storage unit 154 in advance. Further, the predetermined code CD may be formed in advance in the blank portion of the sheet S by the image forming apparatus, or may be formed by the user.

  The restricted area determination unit 150 acquires coordinate information corresponding to the predetermined code CD detected by the specific image detection unit 148 from the storage unit 154. The restricted area determination unit 150 derives the area E2 based on the coordinate information acquired from the storage unit 154. For example, the restricted area determination unit 150 derives an area E2 that covers the characters A, B, C, H, I, and J based on the coordinate information corresponding to the code CD. The restricted area determination unit 150 determines the derived area E2 as a restricted area.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, the image data generating unit 152 generates the second image data D2 by replacing the restricted area determined by the restricted area determining unit 150 with an image (predetermined image) filled with white. . The image data generation unit 152 stores the generated second image data D2 in the storage unit 154.

  Here, an example of the operation and processing of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment.

  First, the specific image detection unit 148 determines whether or not a predetermined code is detected from the blank portion of the first image data read by the reading unit 120 (ACT 200). When a predetermined code is not detected (ACT200: No), the process of this flowchart is terminated. When a predetermined code is detected (ACT200: Yes), the restricted area determination unit 150 acquires coordinate information corresponding to the detected predetermined code CD from the storage unit 154 (ACT202). Next, the restricted area determination unit 150 derives the area E <b> 2 based on the coordinate information acquired from the storage unit 154. Next, the restricted area determination unit 150 determines the derived area E2 as the restricted area (ACT 204). Next, the image data generation unit 152 replaces the restricted area determined by the restricted area determination unit 150 with a predetermined image (ACT 206). Next, the image data generation unit 152 generates second image data replaced with a predetermined image (ACT 208). Thereby, the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  According to the image processing apparatus 100 of the second embodiment described above, the predetermined code CD formed on the sheet to be read can be detected. The image processing apparatus 100 can derive the restricted area from the coordinate information corresponding to the detected predetermined code CD. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data excluding the determined restricted area. As a result, when the image processing apparatus 100 reads an image on a sheet and generates image data, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data from which a specified part is removed.

[Third Embodiment]
The image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment will be described below. Here, as a difference from the third embodiment, a configuration further including the authentication device 200 and the authentication unit 202 will be described. Note that description of functions and the like common to the first and second embodiments is omitted.

  Here, a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. The functional units and devices included in the image processing apparatus 100 are connected via an internal bus IB or the like, and can input / output data mutually.

  The authentication device 200 is a device that authenticates information for identifying individual users. Here, the authentication device 200 is an example of an acquisition unit. Hereinafter, information for identifying individual users is referred to as “ID (Identification) information”. For example, the authentication device 200 is a card reader or the like that authenticates an IC (Integrated Circuit) card in which an ID is recorded. After the sheet S is placed on the paper feeding unit 110, the authentication device 200 acquires ID information from the IC card held over a predetermined position. The authentication device 200 outputs the acquired ID information to the control device 140. Further, when the ID information is not acquired, the authentication device 200 outputs information indicating that the ID is not acquired to the control device 140. Note that the authentication device 200 is not limited to a card reader, and may be a biometric authentication device that authenticates glow, veins, and the like.

  The authentication unit 202 collates the ID information output from the authentication device 200 with the ID information stored in the storage unit 154 in advance. The authentication unit 202 causes the above-described specific image detection unit 148, the limited region determination unit 150, and the image data generation unit 152 to perform image processing when the ID information matches by the collation. Hereinafter, the image processing of the specific image detection unit 148, the limited region determination unit 150, and the image data generation unit 152 is referred to as “reading limitation processing”. The authentication unit 202 controls the storage unit 154 to store the first image data generated by the reading unit 120 after the reading restriction process. Thereby, only a specific user can acquire image data (first image data) read without limitation.

  Further, the authentication unit 202 causes the control device 140 to perform a read restriction process based on the information indicating that the ID is not acquired, which is output from the authentication device 200. That is, the control device 140 according to the third embodiment performs the same processing as the processing performed by the control device 140 according to the first and second embodiments described above.

  Further, the authentication unit 202 may acquire the ID information from the predetermined code CD when the ID information is further added to the predetermined code CD detected by the specific image detection unit 148. It is assumed that the ID information given to the predetermined code CD is predetermined as the user ID information that can be read without restriction when the code CD is formed. The authentication unit 202 collates the ID information acquired from the predetermined code CD with the ID information stored in the storage unit 154 in advance. If the ID information does not match by the verification, the authentication unit 202 causes the control device 140 to perform a read restriction process. Further, the authentication unit 202 does not cause the control device 140 to perform the read restriction process when the ID information matches by the collation. That is, the authentication unit 202 does not cause the control device 140 to perform the read restriction process only when the preset ID information matches the ID information of the user of the image processing apparatus 100. Accordingly, the user who forms the code CD can cause the user of the image processing apparatus 100 to use the reading function without limitation only in the case of a preset user. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 can perform image processing with higher security.

  The ID information is not limited to information for identifying individual users, but may be information for identifying a plurality of people as one group. Further, a plurality of predetermined codes CD to which ID information is assigned may be formed on the sheet S. In this case, the read restriction permission level may be determined step by step for each predetermined code CD given by the ID information, not limited to two choices of whether or not to restrict reading.

  Here, an example of the operation and processing of the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

  First, the authentication device 200 determines whether or not an ID has been acquired (ACT 300). When the ID is not acquired (ACT300: No), the image processing apparatus 100 performs reading with restriction (ACT302). Thereby, the processing of this flowchart is completed. When the ID is acquired (ACT 300: Yes), the authentication unit 202 determines whether the ID assigned to the predetermined code CD matches the acquired ID (ACT 304). If they do not match (ACT 304: No), the image processing apparatus 100 performs reading with restriction (ACT 302). Thereby, the processing of this flowchart is completed. If they match (ACT 304: Yes), the authentication unit 202 collates the acquired ID with the ID stored in advance in the storage unit 154 (ACT 306). Next, the image processing apparatus 100 performs reading without limitation (ACT 308). Next, the authentication unit 202 performs control so that the first image data generated by the reading unit 120 is stored in the storage unit 154. Thereby, the processing of this flowchart is completed. Note that the process of ACT 302 is the same as the process executed by the image processing apparatus 100 according to the first and second embodiments.

  According to the image processing apparatus 100 of the third embodiment described above, user ID information can be authenticated. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 can limit reading according to the user. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 can perform image processing with high security.

  Further, the authentication unit 202 does not allow the control device 140 to perform the read restriction process only when the preset ID information matches the ID information of the user of the image processing apparatus 100. Accordingly, the user who forms the code CD can cause the user of the image processing apparatus 100 to use the reading function without limitation only in the case of a preset user. As a result, the image processing apparatus 100 can perform image processing with higher security.

  According to the image processing apparatus 100 of at least one embodiment described above, a specific image can be detected from image data obtained by reading a sheet. The image processing apparatus 100 can determine the restricted area based on the detected specific image. Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data excluding the determined restricted area. As a result, when the image processing apparatus 100 reads an image on a sheet and generates image data, the image processing apparatus 100 can generate image data from which a specified part is removed.

Some functions of the image processing apparatus 100 in the above-described embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing this function is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. And you may implement | achieve by making the computer system read the program recorded on the recording medium which recorded the program mentioned above, and executing it. Here, the “computer system” includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a portable medium, a storage device, and the like. The portable medium is a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or the like. The storage device is a hard disk or the like built in the computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” is a program that dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line in the case of transmitting a program via a communication line. The communication line is a network such as the Internet or a telephone line. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” may be a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client. Volatile memory holds a program for a certain period of time. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the program may be a program that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.
Further, the image processing apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment may be a function unit of an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Image processing apparatus, 110 ... Paper feed part, 120 ... Reading part, 130 ... Decoloring part, 140 ... Control apparatus, 142 ... Control part, 144 ... Reading control part, 146 ... Logic control part, 148 ... Specific image detection , 150 ... Restricted area determination unit, 152 ... Image data generation unit, 154 ... Storage unit, 160 ... Discharge unit, 200 ... Authentication device, 202 ... Authentication unit, T ... Discharge tray, CP ... Control panel

Claims (5)

A specific image detection unit that detects a specific image included in an image obtained by reading a sheet;
Based on the specific image detected by the specific image detection unit, a limited region determination unit that determines a limited region that is a partial region of the image;
An image data generation unit for generating image data excluding the restricted region from the image;
An acquisition unit for acquiring information indicating a specific individual;
With
The image data generation unit generates image data without removing the restricted area from the image when the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the specific individual that has been determined in advance from the sheet;
Image processing device. The specific image detecting unit detects the specific image based on characteristics of a predetermined image;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The restricted area determination unit determines, as the restricted area, an area surrounded by the specific image among the images.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2. The restricted area determination unit determines the restricted area based on information associated with the specific image;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. In a control computer provided in the image processing apparatus,
The specific image included in the image obtained by reading the sheet is detected,
Based on the detected specific image, a restriction region that restricts a part or all of the image is determined,
Generating the image data excluding the determined restricted region from the image;
Get information that shows a specific individual,
When information indicating the specific individual that has been determined in advance is acquired from the sheet, image data is generated without removing the restricted area from the image.
Image processing program.

Images