JPH11327252A - Recognition device, image forming device using the same and toner cartridge used in image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recognition device capable of comparatively easily changing reference data registered in a dictionary and realizing accurate recognition over a long term. SOLUTION: Plural dictionaries 30a to 30d to store reference data for recognizing a specified image area are mounted in the cartridges for respective colors 20a to 20d of a toner cartridge exchangeably attached to an image forming device main body 10. The reference data stored in the dictionary is transmitted to a processing part in a printer controller part 25 through an I/F part 32 so as to recognize whether or not the image of a processed object is a specified image. Every time the toner cartridge is exchanged, the dictionary is updated and exchanged to a new one.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recognition device, an image forming apparatus using the same, and a toner cartridge used in the image forming device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The use of an image forming apparatus such as a color copier or a color printer to prevent illegal activities such as copying of prohibited materials such as banknotes and other securities and confidential documents, etc., into images such as copying. Various types of unauthorized copy prevention devices have been developed.

[0003] Although the unauthorized copy prevention apparatus differs in specific recognition algorithm and dictionary data to be used, it basically extracts, for example, a predetermined feature amount from read image data, and prepares the extracted feature amount in advance. When the image data is compared with the reference data, and it is determined that the image is likely to be a detection target, the output of the image itself is stopped, or a copy prohibition process is performed in which the image is modified and output after being modified.

[0004] Therefore, the unauthorized copying prevention apparatus includes a dictionary for storing at least the above-mentioned reference data, a feature amount extracted, and a degree of conformity / similarity of an image to be processed based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. A recognition unit for obtaining (an index indicating the likelihood of a detection object) and a determination unit for determining whether or not to execute the copy prohibition process based on the recognition result of the recognition unit are provided. Then, the dictionary, the recognition unit, and the determination unit are mounted on one board. In actual use, the board is inserted into the main body of the copying machine so as to be electrically and mechanically connected to the main body of the copying machine. In an actual apparatus, there is a structure in which the determination unit is installed on the side of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and a dictionary and a recognition unit are mounted on a board.

[0005]

However, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus has the following problems. That is,
To prevent illegal copying with high accuracy for a long period of time, it is necessary to update dictionary data. This is because, when the design of the banknote changes or the banknote itself to be recognized changes, the reference data for comparison also changes. Further, in the case where a more accurate recognition algorithm is developed without being limited to the dictionary data, there is a request to change the recognition unit.

However, in practice, since all the components are incorporated on one board, a part of the circuit configuration such as a dictionary cannot be replaced. Therefore, updating the dictionary data is difficult or practically difficult. Also,
Because of the high level of confidentiality, replacement at the installation location is not possible, and it is necessary to take the product back to a factory or the like where the parts are replaced. Therefore, it is time consuming, expensive, and impractical.

Further, the same can be said for other image forming apparatuses such as a color printer. Since the color printer is inexpensive, the above-mentioned problem becomes more remarkable (from cost requirements).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object to solve the above-described problems and to exchange reference data and recognition algorithms registered in a dictionary relatively easily. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recognition device capable of performing accurate recognition over a long period of time, an image forming device using the same, and a toner cartridge used in the image forming device.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a recognition apparatus according to the present invention includes a dictionary mounted on an image forming apparatus and storing reference data for recognizing a specific image; A processing unit that performs recognition on whether or not the image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the image forming apparatus, wherein the toner cartridge is replaceably attached to the image forming apparatus. The dictionary is mounted (claim 1).

Further, as another solving means, a dictionary mounted on the image forming apparatus and storing reference data for recognizing a specific image, and an image to be processed based on the reference data stored in the dictionary are stored. A recognition unit including a processing unit that performs recognition regarding whether the image is the specific image and an output unit that outputs a recognition result of the processing unit, wherein the toner cartridge is replaceably attached to the image forming apparatus. The dictionary, the processing unit, and the output unit are mounted (claim 2).

An image forming apparatus, such as a copying machine or a printer, for forming and outputting given image data has a toner cartridge for forming an image, that is, for printing and transferring to paper. Since the toner cartridge is a consumable item, it needs to be replaced when the toner runs out. That is, while using the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one at a predetermined timing. Therefore, if the dictionary of the recognition device (Claim 1) or the recognition device itself (Claim 2) is mounted on the toner cartridge, the dictionary and the recognition algorithm are replaced with a new one by replacing the toner cartridge. can do. Therefore, even when a new bill or the like appears, it is possible to respond quickly. In addition, when the replacement operation of the toner cartridge is performed, the replacement operation of the dictionary / recognition device is automatically completed, so that it is not necessary to return to the factory for replacement and the convenience is improved.

Preferably, the divided reference data is stored in a plurality of dictionaries. Then, the plurality of dictionaries are attached to a plurality of color cartridges, respectively. That is, in the case of a color copying machine, a color printer, or the like, a plurality of types of toner cartridges are attached for each color. Therefore, if a dictionary or the like is mounted on each color cartridge, not only the capacity that can be stored is increased, but also the following various requirements are satisfied, so that the effectiveness and convenience are further improved.

That is, the division of the reference data means that the reference data is simply divided, for example, because of the large number of data, divided and stored in a plurality of dictionaries, and in the actual recognition processing, the divided dictionaries are read out. In some cases, reference data is generated.
This increases the storage capacity.

In another aspect, the divided reference data is reference data for each color, and the reference data for each color may be attached to a corresponding color cartridge. Further, on the premise of the invention of claim 4, a position detecting means for detecting the position of the color cartridge is further provided, and a dictionary to be used is determined according to the position of the color cartridge detected by the position detecting means. (Claim 5).

That is, for example, when image data is sent for each color of a cartridge to be used, it may be read from a dictionary in which reference data for the color is stored.
Therefore, if the reference data for each color is divided and stored, if a certain color is processed, the dictionary for that color is used, that is, one dictionary is used at a time. Becomes possible. According to the fifth aspect, the color cartridge to be used can be recognized by detecting the position of the toner cartridge. Based on this, a dictionary to be used can be determined and output. In addition, it is preferable that each color cartridge constituting the toner cartridge be replaceable for each color, since the latest dictionary for the color can be mounted.

Further, the divided reference data may be divided for each type of a detection target. Here, for each type of the detection target, for example, when the detection target is a banknote, it may be stored separately for each country. As a result, it is possible to perform a recognition process mainly on banknotes of a country to be detected. Further, the invention is not limited to each country as described above. For example, in addition to discriminating between banknotes and other securities, confidential documents, and the like, various types are applied.

On the other hand, the dictionary stores reference data and individual information for specifying the contents of the reference data, and a dictionary to be used is determined from a plurality of dictionaries based on the individual information. Good (claim 7). Here, the “individual information” is, for example, information for specifying the type described above, or version information as defined in claim 8. When the version information is stored in the dictionary, the latest dictionary can be used based on the version information (claim 8). That is, when the cartridge can be replaced for each color as described above, the replacement time does not always coincide with the use frequency of each color. Therefore, even if the reference data stored in each color cartridge is for the same or the same type of specific image, the date of manufacture of the dictionary mounted on each color cartridge, that is, the version is changed with the replacement of the color cartridge. It can be different. This is because when the reference data is improved for high-accuracy recognition or when the design of the banknote is changed, the dictionary may be changed accordingly. In such cases,
If you always use the latest version of the dictionary,
The recognition rate is increased, and the possibility of erroneous detection is suppressed as much as possible.

Preferably, the dictionary is constructed using a rewritable recording medium. That is, instead of discarding the used color cartridge as it is, the container itself may be reused. In such a case, if it is rewritable, new toner can be supplied and the contents of the dictionary can be updated as necessary, so that even if the contents of the dictionary are different from the previous shipment, It is possible to prevent the color cartridge from being unable to be reproduced because the contents are old, and it is possible to effectively use resources.

On the other hand, in the recognition apparatus according to claim 2, when the image to be processed is recognized as the specific image, the output of the toner cartridge mounted with the recognition apparatus is controlled and output. You may comprise so that the function of performing a prohibition process may be further provided. In this way, when an attempt is made to form or output an image for which copying, printing, or the like is prohibited, the prohibition process can be handled on the toner cartridge side. Specifically, by stopping the supply of toner or changing the supply amount,
The image to be formed can be made different from the image for which the output command has been issued.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming and outputting an image based on given image data, and an image forming apparatus mounted on the image forming apparatus. The recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the recognition device can be configured to perform a recognition process based on the provided image data (claim 11).

Further, there is further provided a detecting means for detecting whether or not a regular toner cartridge in which the dictionary or the dictionary, the processing section and the output section are mounted is attached, and the detection result of the detecting means is a regular toner. It is more preferable to provide a function for stopping the normal operation of the image forming apparatus when the cartridge is not attached (claim 12). In this way, when a toner cartridge without a dictionary or the like is used, the output process cannot be performed, and it is possible to prevent an unauthorized image formation and output using an unauthorized toner cartridge. It should be noted that such a check as to whether the information is legitimate can be made by using, for example, the individual information in claims 7 and 8. Further, the information is not limited to the individual information, and information for recognizing that it is a regular dictionary or the like may be output. Of course, the detection is not limited to the electrical detection, and the shape of the cartridge and the object to be detected separately attached to the cartridge are detected and detected.
Recognition is possible, and various measures can be taken.

The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming apparatus main body for forming and outputting an image based on the given image data, and the recognition device according to claim 7 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus main body further includes a determination unit that obtains the individual information stored in the dictionary and determines a dictionary to be used, and the recognition device determines the given image data by the determination unit. The recognition processing may be performed using the dictionary (claim 13).

The toner cartridge according to the present invention is a toner cartridge which is exchangeably attached to an image forming apparatus which forms and outputs an image based on given image data. The dictionary in the recognition device, comprising: a dictionary that stores reference data, and a processing unit that performs recognition as to whether an image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. It is configured to have an interface mounted on the cartridge and connecting the dictionary and the processing unit (claim 14).

Also, a toner cartridge which is exchangeably attached to an image forming apparatus which forms and outputs an image based on given image data, wherein the dictionary stores reference data for recognizing a specific image. And a processing unit for performing recognition on whether or not the image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. It may be configured to further include an interface for outputting to the forming apparatus (claim 15).

[0025]

FIG. 1 shows a color laser beam printer (LBP) on which an embodiment of a recognition device according to the present invention is mounted. As shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed roller 12 is provided below the inside of the printer main body 10, and a paper feed path A from a paper feed cassette (not shown) installed below the printer main body 10 or a manual feed tray ( (Not shown)
The paper is guided to the paper feed roller 12 via any one of the paper feed paths B from the printer, and is conveyed on the conveyance path 13.

A transfer belt 14 is provided in the middle of the transport path 13, and a predetermined color is transferred to a sheet at a point X and printed.
Further, a cleaner 15 is provided downstream of the point X in the rotation direction of the transfer belt 14, and is cleaned after the above-described transfer to prepare for the next transfer. Also, the transfer belt 14
A photosensitive drum 16 is provided in contact with the belt surface.

Then, around the photosensitive drum 16,
A charger 17, a photosensitive drum cleaner 18 and a toner cartridge 20 are arranged. Further, the light emitted from the exposure laser 26 is reflected by the polygon mirror 27 in a predetermined angle direction so that a predetermined position on the belt surface of the transfer belt 14 between the toner cartridge 20 and the charger 17 is exposed. Has become. Then, the emission control of the exposure laser 26 and the angle control of the polygon mirror 27 are performed by control signals from the printer controller 25. The printer controller 25 operates upon receiving a print control command S given from an external device such as a computer.

On the other hand, the sheet on which the predetermined color has been transferred at the point X is conveyed as it is, and passes through the fixing device 21 provided on the unloading side to fix the color on the sheet. Reference numeral 22 in the drawing denotes a fixing oil roll. Then, the sheet after passing through the fixing device 21 is discharged through the discharge port 24 (path of arrow C), and is discharged to a tray (not shown) provided on the side surface of the printer main body 10, or the path of arrow D. And is discharged and supplied to a tray (not shown) installed on the upper surface of the printer body 10.

Since the function of the above-described printer is the same as that of the related art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present invention, dictionaries 30a to 30d storing reference data for image recognition are mounted on the toner cartridge 20, as shown in FIG. And
The toner cartridge 20 is a Y cartridge 20a,
Since there are four cartridge colors, the cartridge 20b for M, the cartridge 20c for C, and the cartridge 20d for K, the dictionary 30
a to 30d are also mounted on each cartridge. And the dictionaries 30a to 30d used here are:
In each case, reference data for detecting the same (identical type) specific image is stored, and version information is also stored together with the reference data.
Further, it is constituted by a rewritable recording medium, for example, an EPROM or a flash ROM. of course,
The dictionary may be configured using a non-rewritable ordinary ROM.

Further, an interface (I / F) section 32 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer controller section 25 is provided on the rotation axis of the toner cartridge 20, and each of the dictionaries 30a to 30d has its I / F section 32 It is connected to. The I / F unit 32 can have an internal structure as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

That is, a selector 32a is built in and each of the cartridges 20a to 20d
The data S1 required for recognition processing such as reference data stored in the dictionaries 30a to 30d attached to. In the present embodiment, since the dictionary 30a to 30d also stores version information and the like, the version information and the like S are stored.
2 is given to the printer controller 25 as it is. As the output S3 of the selector 32a, data stored in the dictionary selected by the selector signal S4 given from the printer controller 25 is sent to the printer controller 25. The connection between the dictionaries 30a to 30d and the I / F unit 32, and the connection of the I / F
The printer controller unit 32 and the printer controller 25 are realized by using a connection mode that can always be connected even when rotated, in addition to a slip ring or the like.

Further, a recognition / judgment unit for judging whether or not an image to be printed is a prohibited matter such as copying based on the reference data stored in the dictionaries 30a to 30d is formed on a board and provided to the printer controller unit 25. Has been implemented.

With this configuration, by replacing the consumable cartridge, the latest dictionary can be always installed and the recognition process can be performed based on the dictionary.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be applied in various ways. A specific example will be described below.

* Store the divided reference data in the dictionaries 30a to 30d If the data amount of the reference data is large, it can be divided and stored. This enables more accurate recognition. In this case, since all the dictionaries are basically used, the selector 32a may be omitted, and all the dictionaries may be directly sent to the printer controller 25. Also, the selector signal S4
, The output of the dictionary mounted on each color cartridge may be sequentially selected and output. On the other hand, since there is no version information for using the latest one, there is no need to provide the signal line of S2 in FIG. 3 anyway. It is also possible to use the line of the signal S2 as information for performing the operation.

Instead of using all of them, dictionaries 30a to 30d storing reference data for the colors may be mounted on the cartridges 20a to 20d for the colors. As an example, for the Y cartridge 20a, a dictionary 3 storing reference data for Y is stored.
0a will be implemented.

In this case, although not shown, a position detection sensor for detecting the position of each color cartridge is further provided, and a dictionary to be used is determined according to the position of the color cartridge detected by the position detection sensor. It may be. That is, in response to the output of the position detection sensor, a select signal S4 for the dictionary to be used is sent from the printer controller unit 25 (the select signal S4 may be automatically output from the position detection sensor). May be used.

Further, the divided reference data is:
For example, the classification may be performed for each type of detection target, such as for Japanese banknotes and US banknotes. In addition, the type is not country-specific, but may take various forms other than banknotes, gift certificates, and the like.

* Recognition Device Mounted on Toner Cartridge In each of the above embodiments, a dictionary is mounted on the toner cartridge, and the processing unit is realized by a separately formed board. Although an example in which the recognition device is mounted is described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the recognition device itself may be mounted on the toner cartridge.

* Output Prohibition Processing In the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, since various kinds of conventional recognition processing can be used, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Then, as a result of the recognition, if the output is a prohibited matter such as a copy and the output must be prohibited, the output is stopped, blackened or the like is reduced, and the resolution is reduced and blurred, as in the related art. Various methods can be used, such as outputting the image as an image or printing with a specific mark overlaid.

Further, in the present invention, since the dictionary / recognition device is mounted on the toner cartridge, for example, when the recognition device is mounted on the toner cartridge, the recognition target image is recognized as the specific image. The apparatus may further have a function of controlling the output of the toner cartridge and performing output inhibition processing. That is, a mechanism is provided to adjust or open / close the toner output amount of the toner cartridge, and output a different amount from the normal toner output amount when a specific image is recognized. This different amount may be less or more, and even 0,
That is, printing may not be performed. In any case, the printed matter printed out does not reproduce the given image data itself.

* Detection of a legitimate toner cartridge A detection unit is further provided for detecting whether a legitimate toner cartridge equipped with a dictionary or a recognition device is mounted, and the detection result of the detection unit is a legitimate toner cartridge. A function to stop the normal operation of the image forming apparatus (color LBP) when not attached. The detection unit stores, for example, regular recognition information in a dictionary, and sends the recognition information to the printer controller unit 25 using the signal S2 line shown in FIG. Then, when the detection unit mounted on the printer controller unit 25 receives the recognition information and determines that the recognition information is normal, the normal operation, that is, the recognition processing is performed by the recognition device, and when the recognition is not prohibited, such as copying. Prints out. If a proper toner cartridge is not attached, normal recognition processing cannot be performed, and normal operation is stopped.
That is, printing is stopped or printing is performed at a reduced resolution.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a color printer has been described, but it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a color copying machine and other image forming apparatuses.

[0045]

As described above, in the recognition apparatus according to the present invention, the image forming apparatus using the same, and the toner cartridge used in the image forming apparatus, the dictionary or the recognition apparatus itself is mounted on the toner cartridge. Each time the cartridge is replaced, the dictionary is updated and replaced with a new one. Therefore, the reference data registered in the dictionary and the recognition algorithm can be exchanged relatively easily, and accurate recognition can be performed over a long period of time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a main part thereof.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an I / F unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 20 toner cartridge 20 a to 20 d color cartridge 25 printer controller unit 30 a to 30 d dictionary 32 I / F unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Kakiuchi Omron Co., Ltd.

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A dictionary mounted on an image forming apparatus and storing reference data for recognizing a specific image, and a determination as to whether an image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. A recognition device comprising: a processing unit for performing recognition; wherein the dictionary is mounted on a toner cartridge that is replaceably mounted on the image forming apparatus. 2. A dictionary which is mounted on the image forming apparatus and stores reference data for recognizing a specific image, and relates to whether or not an image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. What is claimed is: 1. A recognition device comprising: a processing unit for performing recognition; and an output unit for outputting a recognition result of the processing unit, wherein the dictionary, the processing unit, and the output A recognition device, wherein the unit is mounted. 3. The recognition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the divided reference data is stored in a plurality of dictionaries, and the dictionaries are respectively attached to a plurality of color cartridges. 4. The recognition apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the divided reference data is reference data for each color, and the reference data for each color is attached to a corresponding color cartridge. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a position detecting means for detecting a position of the color cartridge, wherein a dictionary to be used is determined according to the position of the color cartridge detected by the position detecting means. Recognition device as described. 6. The recognition apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the divided reference data is divided for each type of a detection target. 7. The dictionary stores reference data and individual information for specifying the contents of the reference data, and determines a dictionary to be used from a plurality of dictionaries based on the individual information. The recognition device according to claim 1. 8. The recognition apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the individual information is version information, and the latest dictionary can be used based on the version information. 9. The recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the dictionary is configured using a rewritable recording medium. 10. The recognition device according to claim 2, wherein:
When the image to be processed is recognized as the specific image, the recognition device further includes a function of controlling an output of the toner cartridge in which the recognition device is mounted and performing an output prohibition process. 11. An image forming apparatus main body for forming and outputting an image based on given image data, and a recognition device according to claim 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising: a recognition device configured to perform a recognition process based on the provided image data. 12. A detection device for detecting whether a dictionary or a regular toner cartridge on which the dictionary, the processing unit, and the output unit are mounted is attached, and a detection result of the detection unit is a regular toner. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a function of stopping a normal operation of the image forming apparatus when a cartridge is not mounted. 13. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming apparatus main body for forming and outputting an image based on given image data; and the recognition device according to claim 7 mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The forming apparatus main body further includes a determination unit that acquires the individual information stored in the dictionary and determines a dictionary to be used, and the recognition device determines the given image data by the determination unit. An image forming apparatus that performs recognition processing using a dictionary. 14. A toner cartridge which is exchangeably attached to an image forming apparatus which forms and outputs an image based on given image data, wherein the dictionary stores reference data for recognizing a specific image. A recognition unit comprising a processing unit that performs recognition on whether or not the image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary, wherein the dictionary is mounted on the toner cartridge, and A toner cartridge having an interface for connecting a dictionary and the processing unit. 15. A toner cartridge which is exchangeably attached to an image forming apparatus which forms and outputs an image based on given image data, wherein the dictionary stores reference data for recognizing a specific image. And a processing unit that performs recognition on whether or not the image to be processed is the specific image based on the reference data stored in the dictionary. A toner cartridge further comprising an interface for outputting to a forming apparatus.