WO2007060858A1

WO2007060858A1 - Image information output device and printer, information recorder, image information output program and printing program, and information recording program

Info

Publication number: WO2007060858A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/322637
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hirotaka Furuta
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2005-11-25
Filing date: 2006-11-14
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: JP2009048221A

Abstract

An image information output device enabling the source from which the outputted image information is originally outputted to be identified, a printer, an information recorder and so forth are provided. An image information output device (1) for outputting image information comprises a judging section (13) for extracting copyright information included in the image information and judging from the extracted copyright information whether or not the image information is protected by copyright, an identification number recording section (14) for recording the identification number for identifying a device, and an output section (16) for outputting the image information and the identification number when the image information is judged to be protected by copyright. With this, since the image information protected by the copyright and the identification number for identifying a device of the image information output device (1) which has decoded the image information are outputted as identification number-including image information, the source of the image information can be traced on the basis of the identification number printed on a printed object if a printer prints the identification number-including image information.

Description

Specification

Image information output apparatus and printing apparatus, information recording apparatus, image information output program, printing program, and information recording program

Technical field

The present application belongs to the technical field of an image information output device and printing device, an information recording device, an image information output program and a printing program, and an information recording program, and in particular, an image that outputs image information protected by copyright. It belongs to the technical field of information output devices, printing devices, information recording devices, etc.

Background art

Conventionally, a technique has been introduced in which copyright information is incidentally recorded in image information and copyright information is displayed each time an image is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-230231 (paragraph number [0134])

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] However, in the above-described conventional technology, although information related to the copyright of image information to be printed is attached and output such as printing is performed, unique information of the machine that performs output is not added. Therefore, it is difficult to trace which output device outputs the image information based on the output image information, and it is attempted to distribute copyright-protected image information illegally. The problem of not being able to deter those who do it.

[0004] The present application has been made in view of the above-described problems, and one example of the problem is that when printing or the like is performed, the unique information of the machine that performed the output is also output at the same time. An object of the present invention is to provide an image information output device, a printing device, an information recording device, and the like that can later follow up where the image information was first output. Means for solving the problem

[0005] Hereinafter, the present application will be described.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the image information output device according to claim 1 provides image information. Identifying means for extracting copyright information contained in the image, determining means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information, and identification for identifying the image information output device An identification number recording means for recording the number; and an output means for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the printing apparatus according to claim 8 is an identification for identifying image information and an image information output apparatus when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. In the printing apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus that outputs the number, receiving means for receiving the image information and the identification number output from the image information apparatus, and arrangement of the received image information and the identification number at the time of printing are arranged. It is characterized by comprising arrangement determining means for determining, and printing means for printing image information and an identification number based on the determined arrangement.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the information recording device according to claim 11 is an identification for identifying the image information and the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. In an information recording apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus for outputting the number, a receiving means for receiving the image information and the identification number output from the image information apparatus, and the image information and the identification number are recorded on a recording medium. Recording means.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an image information output program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to a computer included in an image information output device that records an identification number for identifying an image information output device. Extraction means for extracting copyright information contained in the image, determination means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information, and image information is protected by copyright When it is determined that the image information and the identification number are output, the output control means functions as output control means.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the printing program according to claim 13 is an identification number for identifying the image information and the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. The computer included in the printing apparatus connected to the image information output apparatus that outputs the image information, the reception control means for controlling the reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information apparatus, and the received image information and the identification number An arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement at the time of printing, and a print control means for printing image information and an identification number based on the determined arrangement! It is characterized by functioning as.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the information recording program according to claim 14 identifies the image information and the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. A computer included in the information recording device connected to the image information output device for outputting the identification number, a reception control means for controlling reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information device, and the image information and the identification number. As a recording control means for recording the above and the like on a recording medium.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing a configuration of an image information output apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 shows the contents of the copyright information included in the image information.

[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 shows the contents of an identification number that varies depending on the type of equipment in which the image information playback device is used.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an image information output method of the image information output apparatus 1.

FIG. 5 shows an example when image information including identification information is actually printed.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram showing configurations of an image information output device 2 and a printer 41 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an image information output method and a print method of the image information output device 2 and the printer 41.

Explanation of symbols

[0012] 1 Image information output device

2 Image information output device

13 Judgment part

14 Identification number recording section

15 Generator

16 Output section

31 Printer

32 Recording device 33 interface

34 Recording head

41 Printer

42 Receiver

43 Placement determination unit

44 Printing section

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the best embodiment corresponding to the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

The present application is, for example, when a TV video received by a TV receiver is protected by copyright, or a recording / playback device or playback device such as an HD (Hard Disk) drive or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive, or Image information that is output by reproducing image information as a still image or image information as a still image in video information that is a moving image when the video information that is also output by the computer is protected by copyright The output device can be applied to an image information output device that outputs to the outside such as printing of image information or recording on a recording medium.

[0014] (First embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of the image information output apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, an example in which the video signal received by the TV receiver 11 is processed and output to the printer 31 will be described below. To simplify the explanation, the handling of audio signals is omitted.

[0015] The image information output device 1 includes a TV receiving unit 11 that receives a TV signal, a TV decoder 12 that receives and decodes the received video signal Sav from the TV receiving unit 11, and outputs it as image information. A determination unit 13 for determining whether or not the converted image information is protected by copyright, an identification number recording unit 14 for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device 1, and the image information and the identification number. A generation unit 15 that generates image information including an identification number in an image format, an output unit 16 that outputs the generated image information, an input terminal 17 that receives input from other devices, and other video signals And an output terminal 18 for outputting to the other device. [0016] The TV receiver 11 receives a TV signal, outputs a video signal Sav, and outputs a channel signal Sch.

[0017] The TV decoder 12 receives and decodes the video signal Sav input from the TV receiver 11, and outputs it to the determination unit 13 as image information.

[0018] The determination unit 13 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), extracts copyright information from the decrypted image information, and has the ability to protect the image information by copyright. Judge whether or not. Further, it determines whether or not there is copyright holder information in the image information, and generates information indicating that the copyright holder information or the image information is information protected by copyright.

The identification number recording unit 14 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that is a nonvolatile memory, and records an identification number that identifies and identifies the image information output apparatus 1. The identification number will be described later.

[0020] The generation unit 15 generates image information including an identification number based on the decoded image information and the identification number recorded in the identification number recording unit! / The image information including the identification number will be described later.

The output unit 16 is constituted by, for example, a CPU or a DZA (digital Z analog) converter, and converts image information and generated image information including an identification number into a format suitable for external output and outputs the converted image information.

Here, for example, the image information output device 1 in the first embodiment is an image information output device according to the present application, the determination unit 13 is an extraction unit and a determination unit according to the present application, and an identification number recording unit. 14 is an identification number recording unit according to the present application, a generation unit 15 is a generation unit according to the present application, and an output unit 16 is an output unit and an output control unit according to the present application.

Next, the operation of the image information output apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

The video signal Sav received by the TV receiving unit 11 is decoded by the TV decoder 12 and input to the determining unit 13 as image information.

[0024] In the determination unit 13, the information about the copyright is also extracted from the input image information power.

Then, based on the extracted copyright information, it is determined whether the input image information is information protected by copyright. When it is determined that the information is not protected by copyright, the image information is output to the output unit 16.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the information is protected by copyright, it is determined whether or not copyright holder information is included in the input image information.

[0027] When copyright holder information is included! /, Or when copyright holder information can be generated

The copyright holder information is added to the image information. Then, the image information is output to the generation unit 15.

[0028] On the other hand, when the copyright holder information is not included and the copyright holder information cannot be generated! / ヽ, the judgment unit 13 uses the information protected by the copyright. Information indicating that it is present is added to the image information. Then, the image information is output to the generation unit 15.

In the generation unit 15 to which image information protected by copyright is input in this way, an identification number for identifying the device obtained from the identification number storage unit 14 is added to the image information, and the image information including the identification number is included. Is generated and output to the output unit 16.

[0030] The output unit 16 that receives either image information or image information including an identification number, protected by copyright, converts it into a format suitable for external output and converts it to the printer 31. Is output.

[0031] Here, the copyright information included in the image information includes copyright information and copyright holder information.

[0032] Copyright information refers to copy control information (Copy Control information) indicating whether or not copying of image information is permitted.

Information), which includes copy free, copy once to allow one copy (copy once), and copy prohibitted. In contrast, copyright holder information refers to information indicating the copyright holder's attributes. In the case of an image signal obtained by receiving a TV broadcast, the broadcast channel, broadcast station name, program name, Additional information other than, can be considered. In the case of an image signal obtained by playing a DVD, the disc title name and release source name can be listed.

[0033] Specifically, the type of image signal is analog broadcasting (terrestrial broadcasting, BS broadcasting (broadcasting satellite: transmission using satellite, CS transmission (communication satellite: broadcasting using communication satellite)). Copyright information is included in the image signal! / . Examples of copyright holder information related to image signals include broadcast channel, broadcast station name (obtained from EPG (Electrical Program Guide) data), and program name (obtained from EPG data).

[0034] When the type of image signal is digital broadcasting, copyright information includes a digital copy control descriptor, a content usage descriptor, a pay broadcast descriptor, etc., and copyright holder information includes a broadcast channel, a broadcasting station name ( (Obtained from channel name of BIT (Broadcaster Information Table)), Kan Name and Ban (obtained from title name of EIT (Event Information Table)), additional information other than the above (title detail in EIT etc. It is conceivable to add information (when there is S).

[0035] Here, the digital copy control descriptor indicates information for controlling the copy generation in the storage device, and when the storage is assumed to be performed, the copyright holder is informed about the storage and copy of the image signal. Is used to transmit to the digital storage device. The content usage descriptor indicates information for controlling accumulation and output, and is used in combination with the digital copy control descriptor when the copyright holder controls accumulation and output of image signals. Even if the digital copy control descriptor indicates copy prohibition, it is characteristic that temporary storage may be possible depending on the content of the content usage descriptor.

[0036] When the received image signal is encrypted, it may be automatically regarded as protected by copyright. In addition, it may be automatically determined that a copy is prohibited or a copy once condition is attached.

[0037] When the image signal type is an image signal obtained by playing a DVD, the copyright information includes CGMS (Copy Generation Management System), CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media), CPPM (Content Protection for Prerecorded) Media) and CSS (Content Scramble System) may be included in the image signal, and the title of the disc and the name of the distributor are added as copyright holder information. The above is summarized in Figure 2.

[0038] The identification number stored in the identification number storage unit varies depending on the type of device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used. If the device that uses the image information playback device is a TV receiver, the combination of the model name and serial number, or the manufacturer name, model name, and serial number HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which is used by connecting the device where the image information playback device is used to the TV receiver ("Manufacturer name +) Model name + Serial number") In the case of recording / playback equipment such as recorders and DVD recorders, (manufacturer name +) model name + serial number, or copyright (CPRM, etc.) management number can be considered. Image information playback device ¾ When used as an image output device that outputs video recorded on the D drive, (manufacturer name +) model name + serial number, etc. can be considered. In addition, when the image information playback device is used as an image output device that outputs video recorded in a DVD drive, (manufacturer name +) model name + serial number can be considered. Further, when the image information reproducing apparatus is used for a LAN (Local Area Network) controller, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or the like can be considered. Furthermore, when it is used for LSI (Large Scale Integration) compliant with the Ti IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 1394 standard, the copyright management (D TCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection) etc.) is managed. Possible numbers. In this way, any number can be used as long as it can identify and identify the device determined by the type of device in which the image information reproducing apparatus is used. The above is summarized in Figure 3.

Next, a series of operations of the image information output method in the image information output apparatus 1 described above will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0040] When an output of image information is instructed by a user operation, this flowchart starts the operation.

[0041] Among the decrypted image information, information relating to the copyright is also extracted for the image information power designated by the user (step Sl).

Whether or not the image information is protected by copyright is determined from the copyright information in the extracted copyright information (step S2). Specifically, the image information power obtained by decoding the image signal is also determined based on the extracted copyright information.

[0043] When it is determined that the target image information is not protected (Step S2: N)

The image information is output as it is without adding an identification number (step S7).

[0044] If it is determined that the target image information is protected (step S2: Y), the process proceeds to step S3, and whether there is copyright holder information attached to the target image information. Kana It is determined by the cut 13 (step S3).

[0045] Specifically, when the image signal is obtained by receiving an analog broadcast, the image signal by the radio wave should include the copyright holder information, but the TV broadcast Since copyright holder information can be generated based on the received channel signal Sch output from the TV receiver 11, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y). The generation method will be described later.

[0046] In the case of an image signal obtained by receiving a digital broadcast, if the copyright information is included in the image signal, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y). If the copyright information is not included in the image signal, for example, the copyright information for copy protection is attached to the broadcast signal for some reason, but the copyright owner information is attached! /, End Since the image information output apparatus 1 can generate copyright holder information as in the case of the analog signal, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y).

If it is determined that there is copyright holder information (step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is added to the image information (step S4).

On the other hand, the copyright holder information cannot be generated based on the channel signal Sch for some reason, and there is no copyright holder information attached to the target image information! (Step S3: N), it is determined that the accompanying copyright holder information is none! / ヽ (step S3: N). In this case, information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright is generated and added to the image information (step S5).

[0049] After the copyright owner information is added in step S4, or after the information indicating that the image information is copyright-protected information is added in step S5, the image An identification number is added to the information to generate image information including the identification number (step S6). Specifically, as described above, identification information identifying and identifying a device determined by the type of device for which the image information output device 1 is used is extracted from the identification number recording unit 14 and added to the image information. The image information including the identification number is generated by (Step S6).

[0050] If it is determined in step S2 that the image information is not protected by copyright (step S2: N), or after the identification information is added in step S6, the image information Alternatively, the image information including the identification number is output to the outside via the output unit 16 (step S7). This flowchart is complete | finished by the above.

[0051] Here, in the first embodiment, for example, when the process of step S1 is executed, the "extraction means" according to claim 12 is executed by executing the process of step S2. The “determination means” according to claim 12 implements the “output control means” according to claim 12 by executing the process of step S7.

[0052] Next, a method for generating copyright owner information based on other information when the copyright information is not included in the image signal will be described.

In the case of analog broadcasting, it is generated using a broadcast channel, a broadcast station name, and a program name. In the case of digital broadcasting, it is generated using the broadcasting channel, broadcasting station name, program name, or additional information other than the above. In the case of an image signal obtained by playing a DVD, it is generated using the disc title name and the distributor name.

Next, image information including identification numbers will be described. The identification number-included image information is generated by adding the identification number extracted from the identification number recording unit 14 to the image information protected by the copyright to form an image format. The copyright holder information added to the image information can also be added. Figure 5 (a) shows an example of printing the created image information including identification information.

[0055] As described above, according to the image information output apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the image information protected by the copyright is identified together with the identification number of the image information output apparatus that has decrypted the image information. Since it is output as numbered image information, when the printer 31 that has received this identification numbered image information performs printing, it is possible to trace the origin of the image information by relying on the printed matter.

In summary, the image information output device 1 that outputs image information extracts copyright information included in the image information, and the image information is protected by copyright by the extracted copyright information. Judgment unit 13 for judging whether or not there is an identification number recording unit 14 for recording an identification number for identifying the device, and when it is judged that the image information is protected by copyright, the image information and the identification number And an output unit 16 for outputting.

The image information output device 1 further includes a generation unit 15 that generates image information including an identification number in an image format in which the image information and the identification number are integrated, and the output unit 16 is generated. It is also possible to output image information including an identification number.

[0058] The image information output program extracts the copyright information contained in the image information by identifying the computer included in the image information output device 1 that records the identification number for identifying the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information. A determination unit 13 for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information, and output of the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. Function as an output unit 16 that controls

[0059] Thus, based on the output identification number-included image information or identification information, the image information output device 1 that first decoded or output the image information is traced. It becomes possible. Therefore, it acts as a psychological deterrent to those who attempt to distribute copyright-protected image information illegally.

Note that the first embodiment of the present application is not limited to the above, and may be modified as follows, for example.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the output image information including the identification number is arranged so that the identification number does not overlap the image area as shown in Fig. 5 (a). However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the identification number may be arranged so as to overlap the image area. If the identification number is placed so as to overlap the image area, the boundary between the identification number and the image area may be clearly separated, or the color tone of the image is changed instead of clearly dividing the boundary. When image information is printed, the identification number may be determined for the printed product force. In either case, it is difficult to remove the identification number without affecting the image.

[0062] Further, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is recorded on an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or the program is distributed and recorded via a network such as the Internet or a telephone line. These microcomputers can be read and executed by a general-purpose microcomputer provided in the determination unit 13 to function as the determination unit 13, the generation unit 15, and the output unit 16, respectively. It is also possible to make it.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the case where the video signal received by the TV receiver 11 is input is described. Although described above, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to recording / playback equipment or playback devices such as the HD drive 22 and DVD drive 23, or when video information output from the computer 24 is input. is there.

[0064] In this case, for example, in the case of an image signal obtained by reproducing a DVD, when the copyright holder information is included in the obtained image information in step S3, the accompanying copyright holder information is It is determined that there is (step S3: Y). Even when the copyright holder information is not included, if the information such as the disc title or distributor is written on the DVD, the image information output device will be based on the disc title and seller information. Since copyright holder information can be generated, it is determined that there is accompanying copyright holder information (step S3: Y). If it is determined that there is copyright holder information (step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is added to the image information (step S4).

[0065] On the other hand, information such as the disc title and the distributor is written on the DVD. In this case, for example, the title is recorded on the DVD, which is an image signal shot for the purpose of personal use. If it is not possible to record the copyright holder information on a commercially available DVD for some reason, such as when recording the disc title or distributor information on the DVD, etc. It is determined that there is no copyright holder information (step S3: Ν).

In the first embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the printer 31 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to output to the recording device 32 that records on a recording medium.

[0067] Specifically, when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the recording device 32 connected to the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information and the identification number is the image information device. 1 includes an interface 33 as an example of a receiving unit that receives the image information and the identification number output by 1, and a recording head 34 as an example of a recording unit that records the image information and the identification number on a recording medium.

[0068] The information recording program is a computer included in the recording device 32 connected to the image information output device 1 that outputs the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. Receiving control means for controlling reception of the image information and identification number output from the image information apparatus 1, and recording means for recording the image information and identification number on a recording medium; And make it work.

[0069] In this case, if the recorded image information is to be used for the second time, it is possible to track which image information reproducing apparatus 1 first decrypted the image information. Therefore, the image information protected by copyright is illegal. It has an effect as a psychological deterrent to those who try to use it.

[0070] In the first embodiment and the modification described above, the printer 31 and the recording device 32 are described as devices independent of the image information output device 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information output device may have a printing function or a recording function to a recording medium.

[0071] (Second Embodiment)

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of the image information output device 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the case where the image information output device 1 side generates and outputs the image information including the identification number has been described, but in the second embodiment described below, the image information output The device 2 outputs the image information and the identification information separately without combining them into one piece of information, and the printer 41 that has received the output image information and the identification number prints the image information and the identification number as a set. An example will be described.

[0073] Image information output device 2

The image information output device 2 according to the second embodiment has the same device configuration as the image information output device 1 according to the first embodiment, but outputs image information and identification information separately. Therefore, the difference is that the generation unit is not provided and the identification number recording unit 14 is connected to the output unit 16.

[0074] Printer 41

The configuration and operation of the received printer 41 that has received the image information and the identification number output by the image information output device 2 will be described below.

The printer 41 includes a receiving unit 42 that receives image information and an identification number output separately by the image information output device 2, and an arrangement determining unit that determines the arrangement of the received image information and the identification number at the time of printing. 43 and a printing unit 44 that prints image information and an identification number based on the determined arrangement. The receiving unit 42 is a receiving port that receives image information and an identification number that are output from the image information output device 2 and sent via the printer cable 45.

The arrangement determining unit 43 includes, for example, a CPU 46, a display 47, an operation button 48, and the like, and determines an arrangement position between the received image information and an identification number. User displays 4

While observing the image layout displayed in Fig. 7, it is possible to examine where the identification number should be positioned relative to the image. As described above, when the arrangement is determined according to the user's instruction, the CPU 46 generates print data.

The printing unit 44 includes, for example, a printer head and a driving unit, and prints the print data created by the arrangement determining unit 43.

Here, for example, the image information output device 2 in the second embodiment is the image information output device according to the present application, the receiving unit 42 is the receiving means according to the present application, and the arrangement determining unit 43 is the present application. The arrangement determining means, the reception control means, and the print control means, and the printing unit 44 constitutes the printing means according to the present application.

The operation of the printer 41 having the above configuration will be described below.

The printer 41 stores the identification information and the image information received from the image information output device 2 via the printer cable 45 in a memory buffer (not shown) included therein. Then, it displays on the display 47 how the image is arranged with respect to the paper surface.

The user who sees the arrangement on the display 47 uses the operation buttons 48 to specify the position where the identification number is arranged with respect to the paper surface.

Then, the arrangement of the identification number is determined by being specified by the user in this way, and the identification number and the image information whose arrangement is determined with respect to the paper surface are in accordance with the user's print instruction. The operation is shifted to actual printing, and printing is performed from the printing unit 44.

Next, the operation flow of the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Steps common to those in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0084] It is determined that the target image information is protected through the same process as step S1 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 (step S2: Y), and in step S3, the copyright information is added to the image information. If it is determined that there is a copyright (Step S3: Y), the copyright holder information is printed. (Step S14). The determination as to whether the image information has copyright information is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0085] The printer 41, which has completed the initial operation (step S21) and is ready to receive, receives the copyright information transmitted from the image information output device 2 (step S22) and temporarily stores it in the memory buffer ( Step S23).

[0086] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that there is no copyright owner information attached to the image information (step S3: N), information indicating that the image information is protected by copyright is displayed. It is generated and sent to the printer 41 (step S15). Information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0087] Printer 4 which has received information indicating that the image information is information protected by copyright 4

1 temporarily stores the received copyright information in the memory buffer (steps S22 and S2).

3).

[0088] After the copyright owner information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S14, or after the information indicating that the image information is copyright-protected information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S15. Then, the identification number of the image information reproducing apparatus is transmitted to the printer 41 (step S16). The identification number is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

The printer 41 that has received the identification number temporarily stores the received identification number in the memory buffer (steps S24 and S25).

[0090] When it is determined in step S2 that the image information is not protected by copyright (step S2: N), or after the identification information is transmitted to the printer 41 in step S16, The image information is transmitted to the printer 41 (step S7).

The printer 41 that has received the image information temporarily stores the received image information in a memory buffer (steps S26 and S27).

Then, the arrangement of the identification number and the image information is determined by the method described in the explanation of the operation of the printer 41 (step S28) and actually printed (step S29). This flowchart is completed by the above.

[0093] Here, in the second embodiment, for example, the processing of steps S22, S24, and S26 is executed, so that the "reception control means" force described in claim 13 performs the processing of step S28. When executed, the “printing control means” according to claim 13 is realized by executing the “placement determining means” force step S29 according to claim 13.

As described above, according to the image information output apparatus 2 and the printer 41 according to the second embodiment, the image information protected by the copyright and the image information output apparatus 2 obtained by decoding the image information are identified. Since the number is separately transmitted to the printer 41, the printer 41 that has received the image information and the identification number has a degree of freedom in determining the printing arrangement of the image information and the identification number. In the case of printing, the origin of the image information can be traced and checked with the printed matter, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

In summary, when the image information is determined to be protected by copyright, the printer 41 connected to the image information output apparatus 2 that outputs the image information and the identification number is used by the image information apparatus. A receiving unit 42 that receives image information and an identification number to be output, an arrangement determining unit 43 that determines the arrangement of the received image information and identification number at the time of printing, and image information based on the determined arrangement V And a printing unit 44 for printing the identification number.

[0096] When the printing program determines that the image information is protected by copyright, the printing program includes a computer included in the printer 41 connected to the image information output device 2 that outputs the image information and the identification number. Based on the reception control means for controlling the reception of the image information and the identification number output from the image information device, the arrangement determining means for determining the arrangement of the received image information and the identification number at the time of printing, and the determined arrangement! Thus, it is made to function as a print control means for printing the image information and the identification number.

Note that the second embodiment of the present application is not limited to the above, and may be modified as follows, for example.

[0098] A plurality of arrangement plans for the identification number and the image information may be prepared in advance, and the operation button 48 may be used to allow the user to select one of the arrangement plans.

[0099] Further, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is recorded on an information recording medium such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, or the program is distributed and recorded via a network such as the Internet or a telephone line. These are read and executed by a general-purpose microcomputer or the like provided in the arrangement determining unit 43, so that each microcomputer functions as the arrangement determining unit 43. Is also possible.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the output destination is limited to the printer 41. However, the output destination is not limited to this. When outputting image information to a recording apparatus that records on a recording medium. It may be.

[0101] In the first and second embodiments described above, the case has been described in which the device unique number that identifies and identifies the device of the image information output device that has decoded the image signal is output together with the image information as the identification number. However, the present application is not limited to this, and other applications are possible. For example, the information specifying the printing machine that printed the image is applied to be output together with the image by printing, or the information specifying the recording device to be recorded on the recording medium is recorded on the recording medium together with the image information. Application is also possible. Looking at the printed matter When a question arises as to which printing machine is clean and which was printed, if the number identifying the printer model is output along with the image, the printed matter is traced. It becomes possible and easy. In addition, recording information that identifies the recording device in the recording medium is effective as a deterrent to those who attempt to illegally copy and record copyrighted image information.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] extraction means for extracting copyright information included in image information;

Determining means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright based on the extracted copyright information;

An identification number recording means for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device; and an output means for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. When,

An image information output device comprising:

[2] In the image information output device according to claim 1,

A generating means for generating image information including an identification number in which the image information and the identification number are integrated;

The image information output device, wherein the output means outputs the generated image information including an identification number.

[3] In the image information output device according to claim 2,

The image information including the identification number is printed after output,

The image information output device, wherein the generation unit generates the image information including the identification number arranged so that the print position of the identification number does not overlap the print position of the image information!

[4] In the image information output device according to claim 2,

The image information output device, wherein the generation unit generates the image information including the identification number arranged so that a printing position of the identification number overlaps a printing position of the image information.

5. The image information output device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising printing means for printing the image information including the identification number.

[6] The image information output device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the output unit records the image information including the identification number on a recording medium. An image information output device.

[7] The image information output device according to claim 1,

The image information output device, wherein the output means outputs the image information and the identification number separately.

[8] When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the printing device connected to the image information output device that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device.

¾ 【こ； / 、、

A receiving means for receiving the image information output from the image information device and the identification number;

An arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement at the time of printing the received image information and an identification number; a printing means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement;

A printing apparatus comprising:

[9] The printing apparatus according to claim 8,

The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement determining unit determines the arrangement so that the identification number does not overlap a printing position of the image information.

[10] The printing apparatus according to claim 8,

The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement determining unit determines the arrangement so that the identification number overlaps a printing position of the image information.

[11] In an information recording device connected to the image information output device that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright;

An information recording apparatus comprising: recording means for recording the image information and the identification number on a recording medium.

[12] A computer included in the image information output device for recording an identification number for identifying the image information output device, Extraction means for extracting copyright information contained in the image information;

Determining means for determining whether the image information is protected by copyright by the extracted copyright information;

Output control means for outputting the image information and the identification number when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright;

An image information output program characterized by causing the function to function as:

[13] Included in the printing device connected to the image information output device that outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device when it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright. Computer

Reception control means for controlling reception of the image information and the identification number output by the image information device;

An arrangement determining means for determining an arrangement at the time of printing the received image information and an identification number; a printing control means for printing the image information and the identification number based on the determined arrangement;

A printing program characterized by functioning as

[14] When it is determined that the image information is protected by copyright, the information recording device connected to the image information output device outputs the image information and an identification number for identifying the image information output device. Included computers,

An information recording program that functions as a recording control unit that records the image information and the identification number on a recording medium.