JPH07203196A - Recognition device for specific original - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the specific original recognition device detecting a fault state by self-diagnosis. CONSTITUTION:Recognition image sets having prescribed images are arranged within a read range of an image read means 1 and at the outside of a read range of an original. Image data of the recognition image sets are fed to a recognition means 22, and whether or not the recognition system is operated normally is discriminated based on the recognition result. Or plural simulating specific original image data are prepared in advance in a storage means and optional image data among plural simulating specific original image data are fed to the recognition means 22 to discriminate whether or not the recognition means 22 implement normal operation based on the recognition result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a specific manuscript recognition device for recognizing an image of a specific manuscript of banknotes or securities, and more particularly to an invention for checking whether or not the particular manuscript recognition device is operating normally.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the improvement in image quality of color copying machines,
There is a fear of counterfeiting of specific manuscripts such as banknotes and securities. Therefore, recent color copiers are equipped with a specific document recognition device that determines whether or not the document to be copied is the above-described specific document. When the specific document recognition device recognizes the specific document, , Measures have been taken to prevent the copying.

[0003]

However, there is a drawback in that a specific document to be blocked is copied due to erroneous recognition due to a change with time of the copying machine or a failure of the recognition function of the specific document recognition device. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a specific document recognizing device capable of detecting an abnormal state by self-diagnosis in order to avoid the above drawbacks.

[0005]

In order to solve the above problems, according to the present invention, an image reading means 1 for reading a document and converting it into image data, and an image reading means for the same, according to an embodiment described later. Receiving means 22 for receiving the image data from No. 1 and recognizing whether the original is a specific original; determining means 23 for determining whether the original is a specific original from the recognition result from the recognizing means 22; A recognition image plate 1kp provided with a predetermined image, which is arranged at a position within the reading range of the image reading unit 1 and outside the reading range of the original document, and the image of the recognition image plate is read by the image reading unit. The operation from the image reading means to the recognizing means is normal when the recognizing means recognizes the image of the recognized image plane based on the recognition result. Characterized in that it comprises a means 23 for determining whether or not Luke.

Further, the image input means 1, a recognition means 22 for receiving the input image data from the image input means 1 and recognizing whether or not the input image data is the image data of a specific original, and the recognition means 22. A determination unit 23 that determines whether the input image data is image data of the specific document based on the recognition result from, a pseudo specific document image data storage unit 24 that stores data of a plurality of pseudo specific document images,
Arbitrary image data of the data of the plurality of pseudo specific document images is read from the pseudo specific document image data storage means 24, switched to the input image data and supplied to the recognition means, and the recognition result is recognized. Means 23 for determining whether or not the operation of the means and the input path and the output path of the recognition means are normal.

[0007]

In the former invention, the image of the recognition image plane within the reading range is read and recognized by the recognition means prior to reading the original. If the document reading unit to the recognition unit are operating normally, a predetermined recognition result of the image of the recognition image plane is obtained. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the system from the image reading means to the recognition means is operating normally based on the recognition result from the recognition means.

In the case of the latter invention, the storage means 24 is previously stored.
The pseudo specific document image data arbitrarily selected from the data of the plurality of pseudo specific document images prepared in step S1 is supplied to the recognition means 22, and it is determined whether the recognition system is operating normally in the same manner as above. To be done.

In the latter case, it is possible to increase the difficulty level of unauthorized system modification as compared with the case of using a specific one pseudo specific original.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a specific document recognition apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings by taking the case of application to a color copying machine as an example.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a processing system of an example of a color copying machine to which the example of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 shows its mechanical section.

The color copying machine of this example converts the image information of the read color image into image information to be transferred onto a sheet and recognizes a specific original, as well as the image input device section 1 which is a reading means of the original image. And an image output device unit 3 for transferring a color image onto a sheet. In addition, an operation unit such as a copy button and L
User interface 4 including display such as CD
Is provided.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming process controller 5 controls the entire color copying machine. In this example, each device unit 1, 2, 3, 4
Each of them is provided with a microprocessor, and a control signal is exchanged with the processor of the image forming process control device section 5 through the communication line 6. However, without providing a microprocessor in each device section 1, 2, 3, 4,
The image forming process control device 5 can centrally control the entire color copying machine.

Each device unit will be described in more detail.

First, the image input device unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 which is an enlarged view of this portion.

1a is a platen glass, 1b is a light source comprising a halogen lamp, 1c, 1d and 1e are mirrors,
Reference numeral 1f is a lens, and 1g is an image sensor (line sensor) including a CCD, for example.

The light source 1b and the mirror 1c are attached to the full-speed carriage 1h, and the mirrors 1d and 1e are attached to the half-speed carriage 1i. Then, the full-speed carriage 1h is moved along the lower surface of the platen glass 1a in a direction orthogonal to the electric scanning direction of the image sensor 1g indicated by an arrow, and the half-speed carriage 1i is moved in the same direction at a speed half that of the full-speed carriage 1h. The image of the original placed on the platen glass 1a is read at a resolution of, for example, 400 dots per inch (400 dpi).

In the case of this example, the reference white plate / is located at a position around the platen glass 1a within the movement range of the carriages 1h and 1i and at which the image can be read.
A recognition image plate 1k is provided.

FIG. 4 shows the reference white plate / recognition image plate 1k.
One example is shown, and it is in the shape of an elongated plate. Standard white version /
In this example, the recognition image plate 1k is arranged adjacent to the platen glass 1a on the image reading movement start side of the carriages 1h and 1i, and its long side direction is orthogonal to the movement direction of the carriages 1h and 1i. . The arrows in FIG. 4 indicate the movement directions of the carriages 1h and 1i.

The reference white plate / recognition image plate 1k is
As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the area is divided in the direction of the short side, one area of which is defined as a reference white plate portion 1kw and the other area is defined as a recognized image plate portion 1kp. In this example,
Considering the moving directions of the carriages 1h and 1i, the reference white plate portion 1kw is arranged prior to the recognition image plate portion 1kp.

The surface of the reference white plate section 1kw facing the inside of the image input device section 1 is a white reflective surface, and the read output of the reflected light from the reference white plate section 1kw is an image signal. It is used for dynamic range adjustment, shading correction, etc.

An image for detecting an abnormal state of the recognition system (hereinafter referred to as a recognition check image) is printed on the inner surface of the image input device unit 1 of the recognition image plane unit 1kp.
Attached or provided by other methods. The recognition check image may be a bill or an image of securities, but in this example, it is a predetermined image other than the specific document image.

In this case, in the image input device unit 1, at the time of reading, the reference white plate portion 1kw and the recognized image plate 1k are read.
p, and then the original document 1j placed on the platen glass 1a
Is radiated by the light source 1b, and the reflected light is reflected by the mirrors 1c, 1d, 1
The light is reflected by e, and an image is formed on the image sensor 1g by the lens 1f. Practically, the light from the lens 1f is color-divided into three primary colors of light, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) by a color filter, and is incident on an image sensor for each color light. The image information of the color image is read.

Then, the image input device section 1 amplifies the image information of the read color image, that is, each of the three primary color signals of light by an analog amplifier and then A / D converts the digital image data (light 3 primary color data) and output to the image processing apparatus 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device section 2 includes an image signal processing circuit 21, a recognition circuit 22, and a control circuit 23 composed of a microprocessor. The image signal processing circuit 21 receives the R, G, and B three-primary-color image data, and performs various conversions for improving color, gradation, definition, other image quality and reproducibility, correction processing such as shading correction,
Various types of processing such as editing processing are performed to convert the toner into primary color K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) signals (process color gradation toner signals). Then, the process color gradation toner signal is
It is converted into an on / off binary toner signal and output to the image output device section 3.

The image output device section 3 first detects the image processing device 2.
The image data of the primary colors K, Y, M, and C of the toner, which are sequentially sent from, are converted into optical signals by the laser beam scanning device 3a. The laser beam scanning device 3a is an infrared semiconductor,
It is composed of a laser, a lens, and a polygon mirror, and an optical signal becomes spot light to scan the photosensitive drum 3b.

The photosensitive drum 3b is charged by the charger 3c, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by an optical signal. The latent image becomes a toner image due to the two-component magnetic brush phenomenon on the rotary developing device 3d, which is transferred from the paper tray 3e and transferred onto the paper adsorbed on the transfer drum 3f.
After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 3b is cleaned with a cleaner 3g to remove excess toner. This process is repeated in the order of K, Y, M, and C to perform multiple transfer on a sheet, strip the sheet from the transfer drum 3f, fix the toner by the fixing device 3h, and discharge the toner.

The user interface 4 is provided with an LCD and a transparent touch panel, and the user selects a desired function and gives an instruction for its execution condition from the switch panel and displays the operating condition of the copying machine on the LCD.

Further, in the image processing device section 2, the color image signal subjected to correction processing such as shading correction and input gradation correction in the image signal processing circuit 21 is supplied to the recognition circuit 22.

The recognition circuit 22 is provided with a recognition image memory 22M in this example. This recognition image memory 22M
In this example, the image pattern information of the specific document for which forgery of banknotes, securities, etc. should be prevented, and the recognition image plate section 1k
The image pattern information of the recognition check image formed in p is stored.

The recognition circuit 22 uses the recognition image memory 22.
Pattern matching between the image pattern information stored in M and the input image information from the image input device unit 1 is performed, and the matching degree data of the matching degree of both is output and transferred to the control circuit 23.

The control circuit 23 includes a CPU 231, a program ROM 232, a work area RAM 233, and an I / O.
A port 234 and a communication interface 235 are provided, and I
The fitness data from the recognition circuit 22 is fetched from the / O port 234. Then, the CPU 231 compares this suitability data with a predetermined threshold value set in advance,
It is determined whether or not the threshold value is exceeded, and the determination output information is output to the interface 235 and the communication line 6.
To the image forming process control device section 5 via.

The image forming process control unit 5 recognizes from the determination information whether or not the document is a specific document, and determines whether or not copying is permitted. If not, the image output unit 3 is determined. Control signal to, for example, C (cyan)
Forgery is prevented by making a copy that is significantly different from the original, such as outputting a solid-colored solid output image. The image forming process may be stopped.

Further, the image forming process control unit 5 is
The judgment information for the recognition check image of the recognition image plate portion 1 kp is used to judge whether or not the recognition system is operating normally. When it is judged that the recognition system is abnormal, the LCD of the user interface 4 indicates that Is displayed, or an alarm sound or a voice message is issued to notify that the specific original cannot be recognized, and any image forming process is prohibited.

In this embodiment, the image input device section 1 as the image reading means → a part of the image signal processing circuit 21 → recognition circuit 22 → control circuit 23 is operated to see whether the recognition system is operating normally. Diagnosis is made, for example, when the color copier is turned on.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the color copying machine of this example when the recognition system is diagnosed when the power is turned on.

That is, when the power switch is operated and the power is turned on, the operation starts (step 101),
In the image input device unit 1, the carriage control means is controlled by a command from the image forming process control device unit 5 to perform well-known shading correction.
Read kw (step 102). Next, the recognition check image of the recognition image plate portion 1kp formed by dividing the area on the same plate is read (step 103).

The read recognition check image is pattern-matched with the image data in the memory 22M by the recognition circuit 22 of the image processing device section 2, and the fitness data is sent to the CPU 231 of the control circuit 23 via the I / O port 234. Then, the CPU 231 determines whether or not the fitness data is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value (step 104).

If the degree of conformity is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it is determined that the recognition system from the image input device section 1 to the recognition circuit 22 is normal, and an instruction to copy the document from the user interface 4 (press the copy button). (Step 105).

Then, if there is an instruction to copy the original, the image input device section 1 reads the original on the platen glass 1a by the carriage control means being controlled by the image forming process control section 4 (step 106). . In the image processing device section 2, the image data of the original document and the memory 22 are stored.
The pattern matching with the specific document image data is performed by the recognition circuit 22, and the control circuit 23 determines whether or not the fitness data is greater than or equal to the threshold value (step 10).
7).

When the degree of conformity is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it is determined that the original is a specific original, and a copy (a specific original image forming process) that is significantly different from the original is performed, for example, C color solid painting. (Step 108), forgery is prevented. If it is determined in step 107 that the degree of conformity is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the document is not a specific document and the normal document image process is executed (step 109) to reproduce the document faithfully. Do. After steps 108 and 109, the process returns to step 105 where the original copy instruction is awaited, and the operations of steps 105 to 109 are repeated.

On the other hand, in step 104, the matching degree is less than or equal to the threshold value as a result of the judgment based on the result of the pattern matching between the recognition check image of the recognition image plane portion 1 kp in the recognition circuit 22 and the image information in the memory 22. If it is determined that the recognition system is abnormal, the user interface 4 informs the user that the specific document cannot be recognized as described above (step 110). All image forming processes are prohibited (step 111). This allows
It prevents a specific document from being copied due to an abnormal operation of the recognition system.

In the case of the embodiment described above, a simple structure is provided in which a recognition image plate on which a recognition check image is printed is provided on the periphery of the platen glass 1a which can be read by the image input device section 1. , It is possible to diagnose whether the specific document recognition system is operating normally.

When the reference white plate and the recognition image plate are formed as one plate like the embodiment, the number of parts is not increased and the device can be realized at a low cost as compared with the conventional device.

In the above example, the recognition image plane portion 1 kp is read only once when the power is turned on, but it may be read every time during the preliminary scanning before the document scanning.

The reference white plate and the recognition image plate may be arranged independently of each other, or the reference white plate and the recognition image plate may be selectively switched at the same reading position. May be.

It should be noted that when the recognition image plane is read and the degree of conformity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is possible to determine that the functions of the copying machine from the image input device section 1 to the recognition circuit 22 are normal. User interface 4
It is also possible to provide a diagnostic system for a color copying machine by notifying the user of the information.

Next, another embodiment of the specific document recognition apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. This example is also an example in the case where the present invention is applied to a color copying machine, and the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the color copying machine of this example. The mechanical structure is exactly the same as that of FIG. 2 except that the recognition image plane is not provided.

In this example, the image processing device section 2 is provided with a memory 24 for storing image information for checking an abnormal state of the recognition system and a selector 25. Then, the selector 25 selects one of the image information from the image signal processing circuit 21 and the image information read from the memory 24 and supplies it to the recognition circuit 22.

The selector 25 is the CPU 2 of the control circuit 23.
31 is selectively controlled via the I / O port 234,
During the normal copy processing operation after pressing the copy button, the image data from the image signal processing circuit 21 is selected,
At times other than the normal copying process, that is, when the copying machine is in the standby state, the image data from the memory 24 is selected.

That is, during the normal copying process, the image data of the original read by the image input device section 1 is the selector 25.
And supplied to the recognition circuit 22. Recognition circuit 22
Performs pattern matching between the specific document image pattern data stored in the memory 22M and the read image data of the document, and outputs the matching degree data to the control circuit 23 in the same manner as the above example.

The CPU 231 of the control circuit 23 reads this conformity data via the I / O port 234 and compares it with a predetermined threshold value. If the conformity is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is determined that the document is not a specific document. Then, the normal image forming process is executed, and when it is equal to or more than the threshold value, it is determined that the original is a specific original, and a specific original image forming process is performed such as performing copy output which is significantly different from the original.
Alternatively, the copying operation may be stopped.

In the standby state, a read control signal is sent from the CPU 231 of the control circuit 23 to the memory 24 via the I / O port 234 at random timing, for example, and the image data from the memory 24 is used for random reading. The checking operation of the recognition system is performed at various timings.

In this case, the memory 24 stores the image data for the copy type recognition check. On the other hand, in the case of this example, the image memory 22 of the recognition circuit 22.
Unlike the above-mentioned example, the image pattern information corresponding to the recognition check image is not stored in M, but only the image pattern information of a specific document that should prevent copying of banknotes, securities, etc. is stored in M.

As the image information for a plurality of types of recognition check stored in the memory 24, image data (hereinafter referred to as a pseudo specific document) having different matching degrees when the recognition circuit 22 operates normally. Image data).

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a plurality of types of pseudo specific image data stored in the memory 24, PA,
It shows a state in which six types of pseudo specific document image data of PB, PC, PD, PE and PF are prepared. In the case of this example, the pseudo specific document image data PA, PB, and PC each have an image pattern of a 1000-yen bill, but the recognition circuit 22 for normal operation has a matching degree of 80% and 20%, respectively.
It is assumed that it is recognized as different from 90%, and similarly, the pseudo specific document image data PD, PE, and PF are each 1
Although it is an image of 0000 yen bill, recognition circuit 2 for normal operation
It is said that the degree of conformity of 2 is recognized as different, that is, 80%, 20%, and 90%, respectively.

Then, each pseudo specific original image data PA,
The data of the respective fitness levels of PB, PC, PD, PE, and PF are stored in a memory different from the memory 24, in this example, in the program ROM 232 of the control circuit 23, as the determination reference data for determining whether or not the recognition system is abnormal. Image data P
It is stored in association with A, PB, PC, PD, PE, and PF. Therefore, the read control signal indicating which of the six types of pseudo specific document data is read from the memory 24 is output by the CPU 231 to the I / O port 234.
Then, at the same time, the fitness data corresponding to the selected pseudo specific document data is read from the ROM 232 as the determination reference data.

In the case of this example, a read control signal supplied from the CPU 231 to the memory 24 via the I / O port 234 causes one of the pseudo specific original image data of a plurality of types to be stored in the memory 24. The specific document image data is randomly selected and read.

Because of this random selective reading, in this example, six types of pseudo specific original image data PA to PF
The numerical values 0 to 5 are made to correspond, the numerical values 0 to 5 are generated as random numbers, and the read control signal is set so as to read the pseudo specific document image data corresponding to the numerical values generated by the random numbers 0 to 5. .

As described above, when the copying machine is in the standby state, the pseudo specific original image data randomly selected from a plurality of types is read from the memory 24 at random timing, and is read via the selector 25. Are supplied to the recognition circuit 22. The recognition circuit 22 uses the memory 2
It is compared with the specific document image pattern data stored in 2M, and the compatibility data is sent to the control circuit 23.

The CPU 231 of the control circuit 23 fetches this compatibility data via the I / O port 234 and RO
The compatibility data corresponding to the selected pseudo specific document image data read from M232 is compared. For example, if the memory 24 selects the pseudo specific document image data PA, the data showing the compatibility of 80% is read from the ROM 23.

If the recognition system is normal, the recognition circuit 2
The fitness data from 2 is 80% or a value in the vicinity thereof. Therefore, the CPU 231 determines that the recognition system is operating normally when the matching degree data of both match or almost match, and enters a state in which the normal copying operation is permitted. The recognition system determines that there is an abnormality (for example, disconnection of wire, circuit failure or unauthorized modification), and stops all image forming processes.

The above checking operation of the recognition system is repeated at random timing until the copying operation is started.

According to the embodiment described above, the operation diagnosis of the recognition system is performed by using one pseudo specific original image data randomly selected from a plurality of kinds of pseudo specific original image data, so that a single test is performed. A method for diagnosing the operation of a recognition system using a pattern (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4
Even if there is a simple illicit modification as compared with the Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.-302374), the abnormal state can be correctly detected.

That is, when the selector 25 switches between the read output image data of the original and the single test pattern signal, and the operation diagnosis of the recognition system is performed by the single test pattern signal, if the test pattern signal is found, As shown in FIG. 8, a means for generating the same signal as the test pattern signal is provided as the illegal circuit 31, and the selector 25 recognizes the recognition circuit 2 as shown by a cross mark in the drawing.
By simply disconnecting the path to 2 and supplying the output test pattern signal of the unauthorized circuit 31 to the recognition circuit 22, unauthorized modification can be performed. That is, the specific document is placed on the platen glass,
Even if it is read by the image input device unit 1, the recognition circuit 2
2, the read image data is not supplied, but since the illegal circuit 31 cannot detect an abnormality of the recognition system due to illegal modification.

Similarly, if a single test pattern is found, its matching degree can be easily found. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the path of the matching degree data from the recognition circuit 22 to the control circuit 23 is cut off. Forgery is possible only by modifying the control circuit 23 so that the data from the illegal circuit 32 that generates the data of the matching degree is supplied to the control circuit 23.

However, in the embodiment of FIG.
Since one pseudo specific document image data randomly selected from a plurality of kinds of pseudo specific document image data is used for operation diagnosis of the recognition system, there is a simple unauthorized modification as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. This can be surely detected as an abnormal state. That is, not only the malfunction of the recognition circuit 22 but also the recognition circuit 22 from the image input device unit 1 is detected.
It is also possible to detect an abnormality such as an illegal circuit provided in the path to the input end of the control circuit 24, or an abnormal circuit provided in the path between the output end of the recognition circuit 22 and the control circuit 24. it can.

Further, in the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, since a plurality of types of image data having different degrees of conformity are used and the image data and the degree of conformity data are stored in different memories, the pseudo specific original image Even if the memory 24 is rewritten such as being rewritten, it can be detected as an abnormal state.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, it is of course possible to prepare a plurality of types of pseudo specific document images having the same suitability.

Further, the timing of diagnosing the operation of the recognition system is not random, but may be only when the power is turned on as in the above-mentioned example. Alternatively, it may be performed every time when copying is started by pressing the copy button.

The above is an example of the case where the present invention is applied to a color copying machine, but the present invention is also applicable to an apparatus such as a facsimile or a scanner.

[0073]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to diagnose whether the specific document recognizing device is operating normally, and monitor whether the forgery can be surely prevented.

When the recognition image plane is arranged within the original reading range, there is an advantage that the specific original recognition device can be manufactured at low cost.

Further, in the case of an apparatus for checking the operation abnormality of the recognition system by using image data arbitrarily selected from a plurality of pseudo specific document image data, it is possible to increase the difficulty level of illegal modification and prevent forgery. Great effect.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a color copying machine to which an embodiment of a specific document recognition apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism of a color copying machine to which the specific document recognizing device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main part of an embodiment of a specific document recognition apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a main part of an embodiment of a specific document recognition apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of an example of a color copying machine to which an embodiment of the specific document recognizing device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example of a color copying machine to which another embodiment of the specific document recognizing device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a main part of another embodiment of the specific document recognizing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of unauthorized modification.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of unauthorized modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Image Input Device Part 2 Image Processing Device Part 3 Image Output Device Part 4 User Interface 5 Image Forming Process Control Device Part 22 Recognition Circuit 23 Control Circuit 24 Pseudo Specific Original Image Memory 25 Selector 1k Standard White Plate / Recognized Image Plate 1kw Standard White Plate 1kp recognition image plate

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image reading unit for reading a document and converting it into image data, a recognition unit for receiving the image data from the image reading unit and recognizing whether the document is a specific document, and the recognition unit. Determination means for determining whether the original is a specific original based on the recognition result, and a recognition image provided with a predetermined image in a position within the reading range of the image reading means and outside the reading range of the original. From the recognition result when the image of the plate and the recognition image plate is read by the image reading means and the image of the recognition image plate is recognized by the recognition means, from the image reading means to the recognition means Specific document recognition apparatus including means for determining whether or not the operation is normal. 2. An image input means, a recognition means for receiving input image data from the image input means, and recognizing whether the input image data is image data of a specific original, and a recognition result from the recognition means. From the input image data to determine whether the input image data is image data of the specific document, a pseudo specific document image data storage unit that stores data of a plurality of pseudo specific document images, and the pseudo specific document image data storage From the means, any image data of the plurality of pseudo specific document image data is read out, switched to the input image data and supplied to the recognizing means, and the operation of the recognizing means and the recognizing means based on the recognition result. A specific document recognizing device, which is provided with a means for determining whether an input path and an output path are normal.