JPH04332260A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve a security for preventing forgery at the time of removing or exchanging a circuit for preventing the forgery. CONSTITUTION:An add/on board 116 is equipped with an add/on character preparing part 109 which prepares an invisible pattern data(add/on character) to be synthesized with picture data from an image sensor 100, and a connector 117 which electrically connects a font ROM 110 in which the font of the add/on character is stored, with the main body. At the time of receiving the in struction of copying, a CPU 112 detects the electric connecting state of the connector 117, and turns the copying into a non-executable state when the connector is in the non-connecting state, and turns the copying into the executable state when the connector is in the connecting state. In this executable state, the add/on character preparing part 109 of the add/on board 116 is activated so that the pattern data can be prepared, and synthesized with the picture data.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that optically reads a color document and performs image processing for outputting the document in full color.

0002

[Prior Art] As the image quality of color copiers continues to improve, various techniques have been proposed to add information to the output image that the output image is a copy rather than the original in situations where measures such as counterfeit prevention are required. ing. One of these methods is to combine specific codes or patterns into the output image. In this method, a storage means for storing the pattern,
By adding a compositing means for compositing a pattern with an image and compositing a specific pattern into an output image with a tone and density that is not noticeable to the human eye, it is possible to confirm that the image is not the original but a copy. Make it clear.

0003

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above conventional example, if the means for synthesizing patterns is removed or the storage means for storing patterns is replaced with one that does not contain patterns, the specific pattern cannot be synthesized. However, since the image is outputted without any discrepancy, the objective of preventing forgery cannot be easily achieved.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the conventional examples, and its purpose is to improve the security for preventing forgery when removing or replacing a circuit for preventing forgery. The object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device.

[0005]

[Means for solving the problem] Solving the above problems,
In order to achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that synthesizes predetermined pattern data during image processing of input image data, and includes a generation means for generating the pattern data, and a generation means for generating the pattern data. The image processing apparatus is characterized by comprising a confirmation means for confirming the state, and a determination means for deciding execution/non-execution of the image processing based on the confirmation result by the confirmation means.

[0006]

[Operation] According to this configuration, the generation means generates pattern data to be synthesized with input image data, the confirmation means confirms the state of the generation means, and the determination means based on the confirmation result by the confirmation means. Decide whether to perform image processing.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, a copying machine is shown as an example of application of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various other devices such as printers and facsimile machines. In the following description, documents to be prevented from forgery include banknotes, gift certificates, securities, and the like.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of a digital color copying machine which is a first embodiment of the present invention. The overall configuration of the figure is roughly divided into a reader section 201 and a printer section 203.

(Structure of Reader Section 201) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of reader section 201 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. In the figure, 100 is an image sensor composed of a CCD, etc., which converts the read image information into an electrical signal and converts it into an A/D converter.
An analog image signal is output to the converter 101. An A/D converter 101 binarizes an analog image signal using, for example, a predetermined threshold value, and outputs a digital image signal to the color masking unit 102 . Reference numeral 103 denotes an undercolor removal unit that removes the gray component in the three color signals and replaces it with a black signal. A gradation correction unit 104 executes gradation processing (gamma, brightness, contrast, density conversion, etc.). Reference numeral 105 denotes an image modulator which includes a region generation circuit (not shown) and performs various image processing according to this circuit. Reference numeral 107 denotes a scaling unit that performs scaling processing.

116 is an add-on board, and 117 is a connector. The add-on board 116 is connected to the main body of the copying machine through a connector 117. 121 is the image bus, 11
8 is a signal line, 120 is a CPU bus, CPU bus 120
are connected via a connector 117. signal line 11
8 is always maintained in an active state by the add-on character generation unit 109, and becomes a positive state when the add-on board 116 is removed. 109 is an add-on character generation unit, and a font ROM 110
An image signal is generated based on the pattern stored in the image signal. This pattern is used as a code to indicate that the output image is not the original image but a copy image.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an image synthesizing section that synthesizes an image signal from the original and an image signal from the add-on character generating section 109. This synthesis is performed, for example, so that the image from the add-on character generation circuit 109 is output with a constant density and color tone. These colors are not noticeable to the human eye, but by choosing a color tone (for example, a single color of yellow) and density that can be clearly seen on a CCD, etc., they become an effective means of preventing counterfeiting.

Reference numeral 108 denotes an interface with a printer section serving as an image forming section, which communicates with the printer section 203 by using, for example, a serial communication section in addition to image signals. 111 is the system bus, CPU112, ROM1
14 and RAM 113 are connected to transmit signals related to the operation of this device. A CPU 112 controls the entire apparatus. A ROM 114 stores programs for the CPU 112 to operate. Reference numeral 113 denotes a RAM, which is used as a work area for the CPU 112 that performs control operations based on the program in the ROM 114.

Reference numeral 115 denotes an operation unit, which includes an image sensor 100.
The printer is equipped with keys, switches, and a display section for setting copying conditions for images read by the scanner, that is, copying modes (conditions such as density, number of sheets, and variable magnification).

(Configuration of printer 203) In FIG.
301 is a polygon scanner that scans a photosensitive drum with a laser beam; 302 is a first-stage magenta (M) image forming section; 303, 304, and 305 are image forming sections 3;
Cyan (C) and yellow (Y) with the same configuration as 02.
), black (K) image forming units.

In the image forming section 302, 318 is a photosensitive drum that forms a latent image by exposure to laser light;
A developing device 13 develops toner onto the drum 318. In the developing device 313, 314 is a sleeve that performs toner development by applying a developing bias, 315 is a primary charger that charges the photosensitive drum 318 to a desired potential, and 317 is a sleeve that charges the surface of the drum 318 after transfer. 316 is an auxiliary charger that eliminates static electricity from the surface of the drum 318 that has been cleaned by the cleaner 317 and allows the primary charger 315 to obtain good charging;
30 is a pre-exposure lamp for erasing the residual charge on the drum 318, and 319 is a transfer charger that discharges from the back side of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the drum 318 to a transfer member.

Reference numerals 309 and 310 are cassettes for storing the transfer members, 308 is an adsorption charger for adsorbing the transfer members from the cassettes 309 and 310 onto the transfer belt 306, and 312 is used to rotate the transfer belt 306; This is a transfer belt roller that charges by attraction.

Reference numeral 324 denotes a charge eliminating charger to facilitate separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306, and reference numeral 325 denotes a peeling charger to prevent image disturbance due to peel discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt. 326 and 327 are pre-fixing chargers that supplement the adsorption force of the toner on the transfer member after separation and prevent image disturbance; 322 and 323 eliminate static from the transfer belt 306 and initialize the transfer belt 306 electrostatically; 328 is a belt cleaner for removing dirt from the transfer belt 306.

307 is separated from the transfer belt 306,
This is a fixing device that thermally fixes the toner image on the transfer member that has been recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 326 and 327 onto the transfer member.

Reference numeral 329 denotes a paper leading edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the transfer member fed onto the transfer belt by the paper feeding unit 308, and a detection signal from the paper leading edge sensor is sent from the printer unit to the leeting unit. It is used as a sub-scanning synchronization signal when sending a video signal from to the printer section.

(Explanation of copy operation) Add-on board 11
6 to the main body and use the anti-counterfeiting function in add-on mode will be explained below.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams explaining the operation of the add-on mode according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart explaining the setting operation of the add-on mode according to the first embodiment, and FIG. is a flowchart illustrating a copy operation according to the first embodiment.

First, in FIG. 5, when the administrator operates the operation unit 115, the service mode (option ) is displayed for setting the add-on mode (step S1). The first example is
This is an example in which the display section is a touch panel. To set the add-on mode, the user presses the key 401 of the icons displayed on this screen (step S2).
), or to cancel (non-set) the add-on mode, similarly press the key 400 in the icon (step S3) to instruct whether or not to add the anti-counterfeiting function.

The above processing is an operation such as maintenance that is permitted only to administrators such as service personnel, and cannot be operated by general users. For example, during maintenance, the administrator cancels the add-on mode, inspects the device for failure, etc., and resets the add-on mode when the inspection is completed.

Next, regarding the copy operation by the user,
If a normal copy key (not shown) on the operation unit 115 is pressed and the add-on mode is set at this time,
First, the signal line 118 is checked, and if the result is active (step S21), since the add-on board 116 has not been removed, the copy operation is started (step S22). On the other hand, when the signal line 118 is positive, that is, no add-on board is installed (step S21), the copy operation is not executed and a warning message as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display ( Step S23). Of course, if the add-on mode is not set, maintenance etc. will be performed by the administrator, and normal copying operations will be possible. That is, in the copy operation, the signal line 118 is never checked.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the anti-counterfeiting function is removed by the user,
The feature is that it is controlled so that copying is automatically impossible.

As explained above, according to the first embodiment, an anti-counterfeiting circuit can be easily added, and once the anti-counterfeiting function is added, the circuit cannot be disconnected by anyone other than the service. If there is an act of eliminating the so-called forgery prevention function, copying will automatically become impossible, and security against forgery can be maintained reliably.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the reader section according to the second embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a memory map under the control of a CPU that controls a reader section in the embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration except for the add-on board is the same as that in FIG. 1, so explanations of the same functions and configurations as in FIG. 1 will be omitted, and only features unique to the second embodiment will be explained.

In FIG. 7, 216 is an add-on board of the second embodiment, which is connected to the main body of the copying machine through a connector 217. 221 is an image bus, and 218 is a signal line. The signal line 218 is connected to the add-on character generator 20
9 is always maintained in an active state, and becomes a positive state when the add-on board 216 is removed. Reference numeral 209 denotes an add-on character generation unit, which generates an image signal based on a pattern stored in the font ROM 210. This pattern is used as a code to indicate that the output image is not the original image but a copy image.

The CPU bus 120 also communicates with the font ROM 210 that stores patterns in the add-on board 216, and the CPU 112 is configured to be able to directly view the contents of the font ROM 210. In the memory map shown in FIG. 8, the font ROM 210 is divided into a header section that stores header information such as a serial number, and a font data section that stores font data.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the copy operation according to the second embodiment.

In the add-on mode, when the copy key (not shown) on the operation unit 115 is pressed, the header information stored in the font ROM 210 is read out (step S31), and if predetermined conditions are met, If (step S32), the copy operation is started (step S33). On the other hand, if the conditions are not met,
A warning message as shown in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment is displayed on a display section (not shown), and the process is terminated without performing a copy operation (step S34).

As described above, the second embodiment provides a certain condition for the header information as a countermeasure for when the header information is changed due to replacement of an add-on board, etc., and when the condition is met. It is controlled so that the copy operation is only possible when the add-on board is installed, and is designed to prevent counterfeiting, which cannot be determined simply from the installation state of the add-on board.

The present invention may be applied to a system made up of a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus made up of one device. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to cases where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or device. Now, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the installation condition of the add-on board and the conformity of the conditions of the header information are the conditions for the copy operation, but the condition may be that both of these conditions are satisfied.

[0034]

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention,
In addition to being able to easily add a counterfeit prevention circuit,
Once the anti-counterfeiting function has been added, if there is an action that removes the anti-counterfeiting function, such as disconnecting the circuit by someone other than the service, copying will become impossible, and security against forgery can be maintained. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a reader section 201 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of a digital color copying machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating operation in add-on mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating operation in add-on mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an add-on mode setting operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a copy operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a reader section according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8: CP that controls the reader section in the second embodiment
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a memory map under the management of U.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a copy operation according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 Image sensor 101 A/D conversion section 102 Color masking section 103 Undercolor removal section 104 Tone correction section 105 Image modulator 106 Composition section 107 Enlargement/reduction section 108 I/F 109, 209 Add-on character generation section 11
0,210 Font ROM112,212
CPU 113, 213 RAM 114, 214 ROM 115 Operation section 116 Add-on board 117, 217 Connector 118, 218 Signal line 301 Polygon scanner 302 to 305 Image forming section 306 Transfer belt 307 Fixing device 308 Paper feeding section 309, 310 Cassette 311 Adsorption Charger 312 Transfer belt roller 313 Developer 314 Sleeve 315 Primary charger 316 Auxiliary charger 317 Cleaner 318 Drum 319 Transfer charger 322, 323 Transfer belt neutralization charger 324
Static neutralizing charger 325 Peeling charger 327 Pre-fixing charger 328 Belt cleaner 329 Paper leading edge sensor

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claims: 1. An image processing device that synthesizes predetermined pattern data during image processing of input image data, comprising: generation means for generating the pattern data; confirmation means for confirming the state of the generation means; and the confirmation means. An image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: determining means for determining execution/non-execution of the image processing based on a confirmation result by the means. 2. The confirmation means includes detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the generation means, and the determination means determines execution of the image processing when the detection means detects the presence of the generation means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The generating means includes a storage means for storing predetermined information in advance, and the checking means checks whether the predetermined information stored in the generating means satisfies a predetermined condition; 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines execution of the image processing when the confirming means confirms that the predetermined condition is satisfied. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a predetermined message when said deciding means decides not to perform said image processing.