JPH1070651A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the reliability of an image recognition function. SOLUTION: This processor is provided with a recognition means 21 recognizing whether or not an image represented by received image data is a specific image, an output means 4 to provide a output of a signal controlling image processing depending on the recognition result by the recognition means 21, a storage means 22 storing data denoting a state of the recognition means 21, a supply means 5 supplying power to the storage means 22, and the storage means cannot store the data normally when no power is received by the supply means.

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 performing an image based on input image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of color copying machines and color printers, it has become easy to obtain high-quality full-color printed matter. Conventionally, anyone can easily obtain the required color prints by performing image processing using a high-performance color scanner and a computer, which would otherwise be impossible only with a specialized printing company.

However, with the spread of these apparatuses, there is a need for a technique for preventing counterfeiting of specific images such as bills and securities using a color copying machine or a color printer. In this technique, reference data is created in advance from image information of predetermined bills and securities, and it is determined whether or not the input image is a bill or securities based on the reference data. Many of these techniques detect forgery by expanding input image data, performing pattern matching or fuzzy inference with the reference data, and extracting characteristic points of bills and securities.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional image recognition apparatus. 1 is an image processing circuit, 2 is an image recognition device, 3 is a printer engine, and 4 is a control device. The image to be printed is input to the image recognition device 2 by the image processing circuit 1 as digital image data. The image recognition device 2 recognizes a specific image such as a bill or securities by the above-described pattern matching or fuzzy inference. The recognition result is input to the control device 4. Image data from the image recognition device 2 is input to the printer engine 3 and output as a print image. On the other hand, the control device 4 controls the printer engine based on the recognition result of the image recognition device 2, and if a specific image is to be printed on a banknote or the like, the printer engine is stopped or printed so as not to be able to print normally. To block. Therefore, it becomes impossible to print out a specific image.

[0005]

However, in the system having the above structure, when a specific image is intentionally printed by a hacker or the like, the image recognition device is easily modified by modifying the image recognition device with a jumper or the like or replacing the pseudo device. There was a problem that printing was possible.

For this reason, it has been desired to prevent illegal reproduction of a specific image by such a jumper or the like.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to improve the reliability of an image recognition function.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention recognizes whether an image represented by image data is a specific image based on input image data. A recognition unit, an output unit that outputs a signal for controlling image processing according to a recognition result by the recognition unit, a holding unit that holds data indicating a state of the recognition unit, And a supply unit for supplying power, wherein the holding unit cannot normally hold the data when power is not supplied from the supply unit.

[0009]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an image processing circuit 1
Is output to the image recognition device 2. An image recognition circuit 21 recognizes a specific image to be recognized from image data. When the specific image is recognized, a recognition signal is issued to the control device 4, the normal operation of the printer engine is stopped by the control device, and the specific image faithful print output is prevented. Alternatively, no image data may be output from the image recognition circuit 21 or deformed image data may be output. On the other hand, when the specific image is not recognized, the image data from the image recognition circuit 21 is output to the printer engine 3 and normally outputs a print image. The control device 4 controls the printer engine and also controls the image recognition device 2. 22
Is a RAM which holds at least a security code. The power of the RAM 22 is always supplied from the backup power supply 5. The control device 4 determines whether the image recognition device 2 is operating normally by checking the security code stored and held in the RAM 22 in the control device in advance. Since the RAM 22 is always supplied with power from the backup power supply 5, the security code is always held. If a hacker or the like has an image recognition device 2
If the user attempts to hack by remodeling, the power supply to the RAM 22 inside the image recognition device 2 is stopped, and the security code stored and held in the RAM 22 is destroyed. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the image recognition device 2 is not in a normal state when the hack is modified. Based on the detection result, the control device 4 performs processing such as stopping the normal operation of the printer engine and displaying the information on the operation panel. The destruction of the data in the RAM 22 is also caused by the momentary interruption of the power supply due to the short-circuit of the wiring during the remodeling as well as the removal of the image recognition device 2.

With the above arrangement, if the image recognition device is modified to intentionally print out a specific image such as a bill, the image recognition device will not operate normally thereafter, and security can be maintained. In addition, it is possible to detect a history of modification or the like.

Note that, instead of the above-described RAM 22, data (security code) indicating the state of the image recognition device 2 may be stored using a register or a latch.

As described above, if a specific image is intentionally printed and modified to add a modification or the like, the modification is recognized, the normal operation is not performed thereafter, and the effect of improving the security of the image recognition apparatus can be obtained.

[0013]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image recognition function can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 image processing circuit 2 image recognition device 21 image recognition circuit 22 RAM 3 printer engine 4 control device 5 backup power supply device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recognition unit for recognizing whether or not an image represented by image data is a specific image based on input image data, and controlling image processing according to a recognition result by the recognition unit. Output means for outputting a signal indicating the state of the recognizing means, and supply means for supplying power to the holding means. An image processing apparatus that cannot normally hold the data when power is not supplied by the image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at the time of the image processing, confirmation of data held by the holding unit is performed. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said holding means is a RAM. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is a register or a latch.