JPH06291920A - Picture processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain safer, more stable and more accurate management by generating a copying machine ID to specify a copying machine from a bar code read by a picture read means. CONSTITUTION:The picture proccessor is provided with a picture read means reading optically an organal to obtain a picture signal, a communication control means making communication with a host computer through a line, and a bar code 4201 used to specify the unit, the picture read means reads a bar code and the communication control means uses the result of reading. In this case, the unit is made up of the bar code 4201, a scanning system 226, an orginal valid picture area 4203, and an orginal platen 4202. Then the bar code 4201 is expressed two kinds of solid lines with a different thickness, and two kinds of space bars with a different thickness, the width of the thin line nearly 0.5mm and the width of the thick line is nearly 1mm and when the bar code is read by a resolution of 400dpi, the number of picture elements of them is nearly 8 pixels and nearly 16 pixels and the difference is easily identified.

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 for managing an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine from a host computer through a public line or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a copying machine management system in which a host computer on a management site side and a copying machine are connected by various lines and a copying machine is managed by using a centralized management device. In such a system, it is necessary to identify the copier for selecting the target copier, calculating statistics, checking security, etc. However, identification by line number is not stable due to changes in the customer's telephone number. Especially, when a plurality of copying machines are connected to one communication line control device, it is impossible to specify the copying machines only by the line numbers, and individual copying machines can also be specified by the port. It is affected by changes in the copier connection.

Therefore, in the copying machine management system as described above, a so-called copying machine ID is used to identify the copying machine.
Is managed using.

Therefore, in the copying machine, it is necessary to store the copying machine ID in the backup RAM or ROM.

[0005]

However, when the copying machine ID is stored in the backup RAM, the contents may be erased due to the reduction of the power supply or the clearing of the RAM contents.

Further, when the copying machine ID is stored in the ROM, the contents of the ROM are different for each machine, which hinders management due to checksums and the like, and in a factory or the like, the R
There is a drawback that it is not possible to perform mass copy of OM in a batch.

The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device that can appropriately manage the image processing device through a line.

[0008]

In the image processing apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems, an image reading means for optically reading an original to obtain an image signal and a host computer are communicated through a line. Communication control means for performing
And a bar code for identifying the machine body, the image reading means reads the bar code, and the communication control means uses the read result.

[0009]

The following embodiments of the present invention scan a bar code carrying information unique to each copying machine when the power switch is turned on, after clearing the backup RAM, etc. The above problem is solved by confirming the copy machine ID that identifies each copy machine.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments.

In the following embodiments, an example of a copying machine is shown as an application example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that it can be applied to various other apparatuses.

FIG. 2 shows a full-color copying machine used in the description of this embodiment, which has a digital color image reader section in the upper part and a digital color image printer section in the lower part.

In the reader unit, the original 30 is placed on the original table glass 31 and exposed and scanned by the exposure lamp 32, so that the reflected light image from the original 30 is focused on the full color sensor 34 through the lens 33 and color separation is performed. Get the image signal. The color-separated image signal is processed by a video processing unit, which will be described later, through an amplifier circuit (not shown), and then sent to the printer section.

In the printer section, the photosensitive drum 1 as an image bearing member is surrounded by a pre-exposure lamp 11, a corona charger 2, a laser exposure optical system 3, a potential sensor 12, and four developing devices 4Y, 4C, 4M. 4K, on-drum light amount detection means 1
3, a transfer device 5, and a cleaning device 6 are arranged and rotatably carried in the direction of the arrow.

In the laser exposure optical system 3, the image signal from the reader section is converted into an optical signal by a laser output section (not shown), reflected by the polygon mirror 3a, and then reflected by the lens 3.
It is projected on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 through b and the mirror 3c.

The photosensitive drum 1 is used to form an image on the printer section.
Is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the surface of the drum is neutralized by the pre-exposure lamp 11, and then uniformly charged by the charger 2, and the light image E is irradiated for each separated color to form a latent image.

Next, a predetermined developing device is operated to develop the latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image using resin as a base. The developing units are eccentric cams 24y, 24c, 24m,
By the operation of 24k, the photosensitive drum 1 is selectively approached according to each separated color.

Further, by the transfer device 5, the recording material supplied to the position facing the photosensitive drum 1 via the conveying system,
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred. Transfer device 5
Has a transfer drum 5a, a transfer charger 5b, an attraction charger 5c for electrostatically attracting a recording material, an attraction roller 5g, an inner charger 5d, and an outer charger 5e, and is rotatably supported so as to rotate. A recording material carrying sheet 5f made of a dielectric polycarbonate film is integrally stretched in a cylindrical shape in the circumferential opening area. As the transfer drum 5a is rotated, the toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred by the transfer charger 5b. The image is transferred onto the recording material carried on the recording material carrying sheet 5f. In this way, a desired number of color images are transferred to the recording material that is adsorbed and conveyed to the recording material carrying sheet 5f to form a full-color image. Further, in order to prevent scattering of powder on the recording material carrying sheet 5f and adhesion of oil on the recording material,
Cleaning with the fur brush 14, the backup brushes 15 and 17, and the oil removing roller 16 is performed before or after image formation and when a paper jam (jam) occurs.

When the transfer of the toner image required for the mode instructed by the user is completed, the recording material is separated from the transfer drum 5a by the action of the separation claw 8a, the separation push-up roller 8b, and the separation charger 5h, and the heat roller fixing is performed. The paper is discharged to the tray 10 via the container 9. After the transfer, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 1 is cleaned by the cleaning device 6 to prepare for the next image formation.

When images are formed on both sides of the recording material,
Immediately after the fixing device 9 discharges the recording material, the conveyance path switching guide is driven, and after the recording material reaches the reversing path 21a through the conveyance vertical path 20, the reverse end of the reversing roller 21b causes the trailing end of the recording material to start. And store in the intermediate tray 22. Then, the image forming process described above is performed again to form an image on the other surface.

In this embodiment, the eccentric cam 25 is operated at a desired timing, and the cap of the recording material carrying sheet 5f and the photosensitive drum 1 can be arbitrarily set by the cam follower 5i integrated with the transfer drum 5a. It is configured.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a copying machine management system.

In FIG. 1A, 100 is a copying machine main body, 800 is a copying machine control means for controlling the copying machine, and 901 is a copying machine control means.
Is a communication control means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the centralized management device, 902 is a communication transmission means, 900 is a centralized management device for managing a plurality of copying machines in the first round, and 903 is an external communication line. Is a public line, and 904 is a host computer placed at a management base for managing each copying machine.

In FIG. 1 (2), 900 is a centralized management device, 905 is a CPU for controlling communication, 906 is a RAM for storing various information such as communication data and telephone numbers of management bases, and 907 is a control. ROM for storing a program for storing data, 908 to 913 are ports for communicating with the communication control means 901 of each copying machine, and 914 is a modem for communicating with a host computer at a management site via a public line. Is.

FIG. 3 shows a control device 800 according to this embodiment.
9 shows a block diagram of 900. In the figure, reference numeral 800 is a control device of the copying machine 100, and 900 is an external communication line control device, which are connected by RS-232C interfaces 805 and 907.

Reference numeral 801 denotes a CPU for controlling the copying machine, and 802.
Is a ROM storing a control procedure (control program) of the copying machine 100, and the CPU 801 controls each constituent device connected via a bus according to the control procedure stored in the ROM 802. Reference numeral 803 denotes a RAM, which is a main storage device used as a storage area for input data and a work storage area, and 804 inputs a control signal output from the CPU 801 to a load and a signal from the sensor 122 and transfers it to the CPU. I / O port for

A CPU 901 controls the external communication line controller. RS-232C interface 907
When data is transferred from the main body of the copying machine via the RAM, the transferred data is transferred to the RAM provided in the external communication control device.
The data is temporarily stored in 903, and after the data transfer from the copying machine main body is completed, the NCU unit 906 is controlled to establish a communication line connection with the outside, and after the line connection, the data is transferred to the outside through the modem 905 and the NCU unit 906. When data is transferred from the outside, the transfer data is transferred to the RAM 90.
Temporarily stored in 3 and RS-
Data is transferred to the main body of the copying machine via the 232C interfaces 805 and 907.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement configuration example of the operation panel provided in the copying machine main body 100.

Reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key,
This is used when the operator (user) is in the setting mode such as the binding margin amount setting and the document frame erasing size setting.

A cursor key 627 is used to select a setting item such as a setting mode.

Reference numeral 628 denotes an OK key, which is used when confirming the setting contents such as the setting mode.

An all reset key 606 is pressed to return to the standard mode. Also, use this key when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode.

A copy start (copy start) key 605 is pressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has the function of a clear key during standby (standby) and a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is also used to cancel the set number of copies. The stop key is pressed to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pushing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is pressed when setting the number of copies. It is also used when setting the asterisk (*) mode.

Reference numeral 619 denotes a memory key, which allows the user to register modes that are frequently used. In this embodiment, four modes M1 to M4 can be registered.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys, which are pressed when manually adjusting the copy density.

An AE key 613 is used to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or AE key.
Press to cancel (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual (manual).

Reference numeral 607 denotes a copy paper selection key, which is pressed when selecting the upper paper lifter 119, the lower paper lifter 115, the paper deck 124, and the multi-manual paper feed 150. When a document is placed on the RDF 300, this key can be used to select APS (automatic paper cassette selection).

Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed to make a unity size copy.

Reference numeral 616 denotes an automatic variable magnification key, which is pressed when the image of the original is automatically enlarged / reduced in accordance with the designated transfer paper and original size.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original.

A binding margin key 625 is used to create a binding margin of a designated length on the designated side of the transfer paper.

Reference numeral 624 is a photographic key, which is pressed when copying a photographic original.

Reference numeral 623 denotes a multiple key, which is pressed when an image is created from two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user erases the frame of a standard size original document, and at that time, the size of the original document is set by the asterisk key 601.

Reference numeral 621 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed to erase the frame of the original in accordance with the copy paper size.

Reference numeral 629 is a cover mode setting key, which is used when the front cover, the back cover are prepared and the slip sheet is inserted.

A page continuous copy key 630 is used to continuously copy the left and right pages of a two-page spread book.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method selection key for selecting a staple sort, sort, group discharge method. When the stapled sorter is connected to the sheet after recording, staple sort mode, sort mode, group mode. Select or cancel the selection mode.

Reference numeral 631 denotes a reservation key, which is used when starting the setting of a copy mode for a reserved document placed on a reservation tray (not shown) and when canceling the reservation setting.

A reservation setting key 632 is used as a confirmation key when the reservation mode is set.

Reference numeral 633 is a guide key, which is used when displaying explanations of functions corresponding to various keys on the operation unit.

Reference numeral 701 is an LC for displaying information regarding copying.
It is a D (liquid crystal) type message display. 2
Characters and figures are displayed with 40 * 64 dots. For example, the number of copies set with the numeric keypad 603, the standard variable magnification key 60
8, 609, same size key 610, zoom keys 617, 61
The copy magnification set in 8, the paper size selected by the paper selection key 607, a message indicating the state of the copying machine main body, a guide message indicating the operation procedure, and other setting contents of various modes are displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which is an AE key 61.
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3.

Reference numeral 709 denotes a residual heat indicator, which lights up in the residual heat state.

FIG. 5 is a main flow of the centralized management device.

When there is no request from either the host side or the copying machine side, the central control unit sequentially polls ports 1 to 6 (1003) and creates the state table shown in FIG. In the status table, "connection status" indicates whether or not a copying machine is connected to each port, "copying machine ID" is an identifier unique to the copying machine, and "password" is an access from the host. The "call request" is a key code permitted, and is an identifier for requesting a call to the host when an E code indicating an error occurs in the copying machine.

When the host is called (1001),
The host receives the ID and password of the copying machine requesting data (1005) and searches the status table (1
006). If there is a corresponding copying machine, the copying machine and the host are put into a pass-through state (1007), and the copying machine returns the instructed response in response to the request from the host.

The entire sequence including the host is shown in FIG.

The format of the ID and password commands coming from the host is shown in FIG.

Next, the communication sequence triggered by the copying machine will be described.

In FIG. 5, when a call request is made on the copying machine side (1002), the central control unit calls the host and notifies the host of the ID of the copying machine (100
4) After that, after checking the ID and password as described above, the pass-through state is established between the copying machine and the host (100
7) It becomes possible to send and receive data.

Check whether there is a call request from the copying machine (10
02) is the "connection state" of the state table shown in FIG.
The item of "call request" is checked, and it is determined that the copying machines of the ports for which both are set are in the call request state.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the entire communication sequence including the host.

Finally, a description will be given of how to deal with the case where the user changes the port of the centralized management device to which the copying machine is connected.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed sequence of the all-port scanning state table set.

PORT-SEL is a variable for designating a port number for sequential scanning. First, 1 is input as an initial value (2001). Next,
It issues a polling command to the port with the number indicated by PORT-SEL and waits for its response (200
3).

If there is a response, it is determined that the copying machine is connected to the port, and the "connection status" in the status table
(2004). Then, the ID / password stored on the copying machine side and the presence / absence of a call request on the copying machine side are inquired (2005), and similarly set in the status table (2006). After checking one port, move to the next port (PORT-
SEL is incremented), and the above sequence is repeated. When the check of the last port is completed, this routine is completed (2010).

Further, if a response is not returned within a certain period of time after sending the polling command, it is determined that the copying machine is not connected to the port (2003), and the "connection status" variable in the status table is reset (200).
9).

The above check routine is periodically executed when the central control unit is in the idle state, and the result is stored in the state table. Therefore, the communication sequence with the host should be performed as described above. Allows the host to access regardless of the port number.

[Image Scanner Unit] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the video processing unit. In the figure, 2
Reference numerals 10-1, 210-2, and 210-3 denote CCD (solid-state image sensor) sensors having red (R), green (G), and blue (B) spectral sensitivity characteristics, respectively, which are A / D converted. After that, signals of 8-bit outputs 0 to 255 are output.

Since the CCD sensors 210-1, 210-2 and 210-3 used in this embodiment are arranged with a constant distance, the spatial shifts of the delay elements 401 and 402 are corrected. .

Reference numerals 403, 403 and 405 denote log converters, which are constituted by a look-up table ROM or RAM and convert the luminance signal into a density signal. Reference numeral 406 is a known masking and UCR (under color removal) circuit, and although detailed description thereof is omitted, magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black for output depending on the three input signals. Each signal of (Bk) is output in a frame-sequential manner with a predetermined bit length, for example, 8 bits for each reading operation.

Reference numeral 407 is a known spatial filter circuit,
The spatial frequency of the output signal is corrected. A density conversion circuit 408 corrects the density characteristics of the printer unit 202, and is composed of the same ROM or RAM as the log converters 403 to 405.

On the other hand, reference numeral 414 is a microcomputer (hereinafter, CPU) which controls the present apparatus, and corresponds to the CPU 801 in FIG. A ROM 415 stores a program for operating the CPU 414, and corresponds to the ROM 802 in FIG. 3 described above. A RAM 416 is used as a work area for executing various programs. 413 is an input / output port (hereinafter, I / O) connected to the CPU 414.
409 is a port), and 409 is a determination circuit for a specific document.

Here, the specific manuscript judgment circuit 409 judges the possibility that at least one of the plurality of specific manuscripts is being read, and the judgment signal H is output in multi-valued 2 bits. That is, if it is most likely that at least one of the plurality of specific originals is being read, H
= “3” is output, and if the possibility is the least,
H = “0” is output. The determination circuit 409 includes a thinning circuit 301 and a frequency dividing circuit 31 which will be described later with reference to FIG.
0 is provided, and the decimation processing of the input R, G, B signals is also performed.

The CNO signal is a 2-bit frame sequential signal and is a control signal indicating the order of four reading operations for printing Y, M, C, and K. CNO signal is CP
It is generated from U414 via I / O port 413 and switches the operating condition of the masking / UCR circuit 406. Further, the above-described frame sequential signal CNO is also input to the determination circuit 409, and the determination reference can be switched for each of the four reading operations to determine different specific originals.

Reference numeral 410 is a pattern addition circuit, which is a CPU
2-bit pattern level selection signal P designated by 414
It is a portion for adding a pattern, which is difficult for human eyes to identify, to the copy image according to S. The pattern to be added is created from the image signal P read by the reader.

[Timing Chart] FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a thinning circuit, and FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a frequency dividing circuit. 17 is a timing chart of signals in the main scanning direction.

The VSYNC signal is a sub-scanning section signal,
It is a signal indicating the image output section of the sub-scan. HSYNC
Is a main scanning synchronization signal, which is a signal for synchronizing the start of main scanning. CLK is a transfer clock of an image and is a basic clock for various image processes in this embodiment.

On the other hand, CLK 'is a signal obtained by dividing the CLK signal by 1/4, and serves as a basic clock in the determination circuit 409. The SEL signal is a timing signal used in the thinning circuit 301 described above, and is generated by the frequency dividing circuit 310 shown in FIG. 15, respectively. That is, the frequency dividing circuit 3
10 is an inverter 451, a 2-bit counter 452,
It is composed of an inverter 453 and an AND gate 454. The 2-bit counter 452 is cleared (initialized) by the HSYNC signal which is the main scanning synchronization signal, and then C
The LK signal is counted, and the count value is output with 2 bits (D0, D1). The upper bit D1 is CLK '
It is output as a signal, and the logical product of the inverted signal of the lower bit D0 and the upper bit D1 is output as the SEL signal.

As a result, the thinning circuit 301 shown in FIG.
, Flip-flops 455, 456, 457 and 461, 462, 4 holding data with the CLK signal
63, selectors 458, 459, 460, flip-flops 464, 465 for holding data by CLK 'signals,
466. The thinning circuit 301 is shown in FIG.
As shown in 6, CL is decimated at a rate of 1/4 from the R (or G, B) signals transferred by the CLK signal, and CL
An R '(or G', B ') signal synchronized to K'can be obtained.

[Determination Circuit] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the determination circuit 409. In the figure, reference numeral 301 denotes a thinning circuit as shown in FIG. 14, which thins data in order to reduce the addition of the processing circuit of the determination circuit 409 itself.
302 is a color matching / lookup table ROM
(Hereinafter, referred to as “color matching LUT”), and color matching between a plurality of types of specific originals (securities, banknotes, etc.) and input data is performed. The color matching LUT3
Reference numeral 02 indicates the tint distribution of 32 types of specific original documents in advance, and holds the determination result as to whether or not the tint of the pixel matches the tint of the specific original document.

That is, the CNO signal, which is a frame sequential signal, is input to the upper 2 bits of the address and the upper 5 bits of the image signal of each color of RGB, which are thinned out to the lower 15 bits, are input to the ROM 302. For each value 0 to 3 of each CNO signal, whether or not the tint of the pixel matches the tint of the eight types of specific originals is simultaneously output in correspondence with 8-bit data, and four scanning scans are performed. In 32, a total of 32 types of specific originals are determined.

Then, 303-1, 303-2, ..., 3
Reference numeral 03-8 denotes a tint determination circuit configured by the same hardware, which includes an integrator 306, a register 307-1,
307-2, 307-3, and a comparator module 308, each of which determines the possibility that a specific document exists in the document by 2 bits. A maximum value circuit 309 outputs the maximum value of the determination result outputs of the tint determination circuits 303-1 to 303-8. That is, the determination result of the most probable existence among the eight types of specific originals is output.

[Integrator] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the integrator 306 according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams showing inputs and outputs of the integrator 306. Figure 1
6, flip-flops 501 and 505 hold data at the rising timing of the CLK 'signal. 502 is a multiplier, which inputs an 8-bit 2-input signal (A, B) and outputs an 8-bit signal (A × B / 255) as a multiplication result. Reference numeral 503 is also a multiplier, which inputs a 1-bit input signal (A) and an 8-bit input signal (B) and outputs an 8-bit output signal (A × B) as a multiplication result.

An adder 504 inputs an 8-bit 2-input signal (A, B) and outputs an 8-bit signal (A + B) as an addition result.

As a result, in the main integrator 306,
For a binary input signal x _i , an 8-bit output signal y _i is
It is expressed by the following equation (1). That is, y _i = (α / 255) y _i-1 + β · x _i-1 (1) Here, α and β are preset constants, and the various characteristics of the integrator are determined by the magnitude of these values.

For example, when α = 247 and β = 8
And input x as shown in FIG. _i-1 In contrast, Figure 1
Output y as shown in 9_i Is output.

Here, inputs such as 1701 and 1702 are "1" even though the perimeter is almost "0", and surroundings are almost "1" like the point 1703. Nevertheless, the input that seems to be “0” is noise.
Is considered to be. This is processed by the integrator 306, and the registers 307-1 to 307-3 in FIG.
(R1), 1704-2 (R2 value), 1704-3 (R
Noise can be removed by setting an appropriate threshold value (such as ternary value) and binarizing the output y _i of the integrator with this.

[Comparison Module] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the comparator module 310. In the figure, reference numerals 1801, 1802, 1803 denote comparators, 1804.
Is an inverter, 1805 is an AND gate, 1806, 1
Reference numerals 807 denote OR gates, respectively. As described in the description of FIG. 13, the register 307-1 stores R1,
A value R2 is set in the register 307-2 and a value R3 is set in the register 307-3, and there is a relationship of R1>R2> R3. With this configuration, as a result, the determination result is quantized into 2 bits and output. That is, when R1 <(input), 11 (binary number) is output, when R2 <(input) ≦ R1, 10 (binary number) is output, and when R3 <(input) ≦ R2, 01 (binary number) is output. (Binary number)
Is output, and if (input) ≦ R3, 00 (binary number) is output.

[Pattern Adding Circuit] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the structure of the pattern adding circuit 410. In FIG. 21, 1901 is a sub-scanning counter, 1902 is a main scanning counter, 1903 is a lookup table RAM (hereinafter referred to as “LUT”), 1905 is a flip-flop,
1913 is an AND gate, 1906, 1907, 190
Reference numerals 8 and 1909 denote a register 1910, a 4to1 selector, 1911 and 1913, an AND gate, and 1912, an adder. Reference numeral 1914 denotes a binarization circuit that binarizes the image signal P after passing through the spatial filter, and outputs 1 when the value of the image signal is larger than a predetermined threshold value and outputs 0 when the value is smaller. The binarized data output from the binarization circuit 1914 is written in the dual port RAM 1915. Dual port RAM
The image to be written in 1915 is an image written in a specific place of the image scanner unit 4202 as indicated by 4201 in FIG. In addition, the image is attached to a non-replaceable component among the components of the reader, that is, on the lower surface of the upper plate outside the platen glass 4203 and within the reading range of the image sensor of the carriage 226.

When writing an image in the dual port RAM 1915, the CNO signal is set to "0", that is, the image signal P is controlled so as to be a signal produced most depending on the green (G) signal of the CCD 210. This is because the green signal is the closest to the luminance signal of the image among the signals that can be easily created.

The dual port RAM 1915 is a CPU
The contents are read from 414 using the data bus Data and the address bus Adr. Similarly, the RAM 1903 is a dual port RAM (hereinafter referred to as “RAM”),
RA using the data bus Data and the address bus Adr
The same data read in M1915 is written in the RAM 1903.

Here, the sub-scanning counter 1901 outputs the main scanning synchronization signal HSYNC and the main scanning counter 1902 outputs the pixel synchronization signal CLK each with a 9-bit width, that is, 512.
Counts repeatedly in a cycle. RAM 19 as described above
03 holds the pattern to be added,
The lower 6 bits of the count value of each of the sub-scanning counter 1901 and the main scanning counter 1902 are input.

Only one bit of the output of the RAM 1903 is referred to, the AND gate 1904 performs a logical product with each of the upper 3 bits of the main scanning counter 1901 and the sub-scanning counter 1902, and the flip-flop 1905 synchronizes with the CLK signal. AND gate 1913
In, the logical product is obtained with both of the 2-bit CNO signal “0” and the CNO signal “1”, and then the AND is sent to the AND gate 1911. This is a valid signal only when CNO = 3, that is, currently being printed in yellow.

On the other hand, the registers 1906, 1907, 19
The values P1, P2, P3, and P4 are held in advance in 08 and 1909, and one of P1 to P4 is selected according to the pattern level selection signal PS designated by the CPU 414, and the AND gate is selected. After 1911,
A pattern is added to the input signal V by the adder 1912 and V'is output. Therefore, when CNO = 2, that is, when printing is currently in yellow, the RAM 1903
The pattern held in is repeatedly read and added to the signal to be output.

Here, it is set that P1 <P2 <P3 <P4, and the selector 1910 sets s = 00 (2
(Binary) Y = A, s = 01 (binary) Y
= B, s = 10 (binary number), Y = C, and s
= 11 (binary number), Y = D is set. Therefore, when PS = 00 (binary number), V '= V + P.
1, PS = 01 (binary number), V '= V + P2, P
When S = 10 (binary number), V ′ = V + P3, and
When PS = 11 (binary number), a pattern is added so that V '= V + P4.

Here, the pattern to be added is added only by the yellow toner so that it is difficult for the human eye to identify it. It utilizes the weak identification ability. Furthermore, by varying the level of the pattern to be added according to the possibility that a specific document exists in the input image, it is possible to make the pattern almost invisible to human eyes in a normal copy, and the specific document is The more likely it is, the more clearly the pattern is added.

[Copy Result] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the copy result. In the figure, reference numeral 1001 denotes the added pattern, and the content held in the RAM 1903 is added. In the example shown in FIG. 22, “ABC
The two-stage pattern of "D" and "1234" is added in a pattern of 64 pixels x 64 pixels and is repeated for every 512 main scanning lines and 512 sub scanning lines so that it is difficult for human eyes to identify. Therefore, by setting this as the machine-specific serial number or by encoding the serial number, it is possible to limit the device that has been copied by examining the copy.

Further, when there is a high possibility that a specific original document which should not be copied exists in the read image,
For example, a clear pattern can be added with black toner.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pitch for adding the pattern is set to every 512 pixels (or lines) in the main scanning, but in the present embodiment, it is 400 dpi (dots / dots / dots / dots / dot).
Inch) resolution, so a pattern is added about every 32.5 mm. On the other hand, the width of the banknotes (Bank of Japan notes) in the lateral direction is about 76 mm, and the width of the banknotes of the major countries in the lateral direction is also about 60 mm to 120 mm.
Since it is between mm, this pattern is always added to the inside of the copied banknote when the banknote is copied. Therefore, even if only a banknote portion is cut and misused, the copy machine used for copying can be limited by identifying the copy and reading the added pattern.

[Flowchart] FIG. 23 shows the CPU 414.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a setting procedure of a pattern level selection signal PS according to FIG.

First, immediately after the start of copying, the pattern level selection signal PS is set to "0" in step S1102. Next, in step S1103, the current determination level H is compared with the value of PS, and if H is larger, the value of H is set in PS in step S1104. If not, the process returns to step S1103. That is, the maximum value from the copy start to the present is set in PS according to the history of the determination signal H.

As described above, as a method for identifying a device in a copy, a specific pattern that should not be copied by adding a specific pattern that is difficult for human eyes to identify is used. ) Is copied, it can be used as a clue to identify the copying device. Furthermore,
By repeatedly adding a specific pattern at a pitch shorter than the length of the short side of the bill, a part of the copy is cut off, and even if it is misused, the specific pattern is always added in the copy, By appraising this, it is possible to identify or narrow down the copied device or the copied person.

Reference numeral 417 is a sub-scanning counter, which is the CPU 4
14 are connected by an address bus, a data bus, and an interrupt line. The CPU 414 sets an arbitrary count number in the register of the sub-scanning counter and enables the interrupt from the sub-scanning counter to start a routine for taking in pixel data at a specific sub-scanning address. That is, the sub-scanning counter 417 counts the main-scanning synchronization signal HSYNC, and outputs an INT signal to the CPU when the register value set by the CPU becomes equal to the count value. Next, the CPU activates a routine for prohibiting writing to the RAM for writing the image data for each line or a routine for stopping the scanning system to cause the image data of the sub-scanning address set in the RAM. Is saved. That is, the data in the RAM represents the density change of the pixel in the main scanning direction of the scanning system.

With the above configuration, the CPU 414 can read the data for one line of the specific sub-scanning address.

At that time, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy by reading a plurality of times at different sub-scanning positions. That is, the value of the register in the sub-scanning counter is set to the CPU
Reset and repeat the above operation.

FIG. 12 shows the position of the bar code. 4201 is a bar code, 226 is a scanning system, and 420.
3 is a document effective image area, and 4202 is a document table.

The bar code is represented by two types of solid lines having different thicknesses and two types of blank lines having different thicknesses. In this embodiment, the thin line has a width of about 0.5 mm and the thick line has a width of about 1 mm. When read at 400 dpi, the number of pixels is about 8 pixels and about 16 pixels, respectively. The difference can be easily identified.

In the present embodiment, the density is 127
The higher part is determined to be a solid line, and the lower part to 126 is determined to be a blank line.

In addition, if the value of the line width is out of a certain range, it is possible to judge that the bar code may have been revised and prohibit all the operations of the apparatus.
That is, 5 to 11 pixels are thin lines, 13 to 19 pixels are thick lines, and the operation of the device is prohibited when other line widths exist. Similarly, if the solid line part and the blank line part are not discriminated at 127 and there is a density outside a certain range, it is highly likely that the bar code has been revised, and the operation of the apparatus is determined. It is also possible to prohibit. That is, 0 to 50 are blank line parts, 20
The solid line portion is from 0 to 255, and the operation of the apparatus is prohibited when other density exists.

As described above, according to the present invention, in the copying machine management system for managing a plurality of copying machines, the copying machine ID for specifying the copying machine is obtained from the bar code read by the image reading means. By generating
ROM and backup R for shipping and servicing
It is possible to perform safer, more stable, and more accurate management as compared with the case of only inputting to the AM.

Moreover, the barcode can be used as an add-on to the image of the machine number, and the barcode can be made common.

[0116]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately manage the image processing apparatus through the line.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration block diagram.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a main flow of a centralized management device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state table.

FIG. 7 is a sequence of all-port scanning state table set.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overall sequence.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a format of a password command.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a video processing unit.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a document table.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a determination circuit 409.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a thinning circuit.

FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a frequency dividing circuit.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an integrator 306.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart of signals in the main scanning direction.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing input / output of an integrator 306.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing input / output of an integrator 306.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a comparator module 310.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pattern adding circuit 410.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a copy result.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a setting procedure of a pattern level selection signal PS by the CPU 414.

[Explanation of symbols]

 900 Centralized management device 904 Host computer

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image reading means for optically reading an original to obtain an image signal, a communication control means for communicating with a host computer through a line, and a bar code for specifying a machine body, An image processing apparatus, characterized in that the barcode is read by means and the reading result is used by the communication control means. 2. The image output device according to claim 1, further comprising an image output device that adds a signal corresponding to the barcode to the image signal obtained by the reading device and prints it out. Image processing device.