JP4661458B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and in particular, to a technique for counterfeit copying such as banknotes and securities.

  In recent years, improvement in the printing performance of printers has enabled high-quality printing, and along with this, crimes due to counterfeiting of banknotes, securities, etc. are frequently occurring. In order to deal with this problem, Patent Document 1 below identifies whether an image expressed by an externally input image signal is a specific image, and if it is determined as a specific image, A technique for adding a predetermined tracking pattern is disclosed.

Specifically, whether the image is a specific image is identified based on the following three checks. (1) Check whether image information from outside is all line drawing code or character code, (2) Check whether image information from outside is mono-color image or full-color image, (3) Image from outside This is a check of whether the appearance degree of the predetermined color included in the information is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If all the image information from the outside is a line drawing code, a mono-color image, or if the appearance degree is a predetermined value or less, it is determined that the image is not a specific image such as a banknote. The tracking pattern is not added.
JP-A-6-340112

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, it is necessary to always perform identification processing for determining whether or not the image is a specific image for all image information from the outside, resulting in a problem that the processing speed of the entire printing operation is slowed down. . Moreover, in the above-described conventional technology, any check is based on image information from the outside.

  The present invention has been completed on the basis of the above-described circumstances, and the object thereof is a process for countermeasures against unauthorized use by a counterfeit copy by a relatively simple process by another method not conventionally proposed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of determining whether or not to execute the process.

As means for achieving the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 is formed by an image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data, and the image forming means. Based on the input source discriminated by the discriminating means for discriminating whether the formed image is a specific image based on the input image data, discriminating means for discriminating the input source of the input image data And determining means for determining whether or not to perform identification processing by the identifying means.
The “image forming apparatus” of the present invention may be not only a printing apparatus such as a printer (for example, a laser printer), but also a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine having a printer function and a reading function (scanner function). .
The “recording medium” is not limited to a paper recording medium such as paper, but may be a plastic recording medium such as an OHP sheet.
The “specific image” means an image that should be prohibited from forged copy or unauthorized use by the forged copy, and includes, for example, images of banknotes and securities.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention generates an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on input image data, and image data obtained by adding a predetermined pattern to the image based on the input image data. A granting unit; a discriminating unit that discriminates an input source of the input image data; and a determination unit that determines whether or not to perform the granting process by the granting unit based on the input source discriminated by the discriminating unit. It is characterized by providing.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the determining unit executes the processing when the input source determined by the determining unit is inside the image forming apparatus. It is characterized in that it is decided not to.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the determining unit is configured such that when the input source determined by the determining unit is an external facsimile device, It is determined that the processing is not executed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data, and whether or not the formed image formed by the image forming means is a specific image. Identifying means based on the input image data, setting means for setting operating conditions for image formation by the image forming means, and identification by the identifying means based on the operating conditions set by the setting means. comprising determining means for determining whether to execute processing, wherein the operating condition, characterized in der Rukoto relates suppressing developer saving mode using the developer in the image forming operation by the image forming means And

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for generating an image on a recording medium based on input image data, and generating image data obtained by adding a predetermined pattern to the image based on the input image data. And determining whether or not to execute the applying process by the applying unit based on the operating condition set by the setting unit, the setting unit for setting the operating condition of the image forming by the image forming unit, and the operating condition set by the setting unit. comprising a determining unit, wherein the operating condition is characterized der Rukoto relates suppressing developer saving mode using the developer in the image forming operation by the image forming means.

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to this configuration, based on the input source of the input image data, it is determined whether or not the identification process by the identification unit is to be executed. Therefore, for example, when the input source is highly reliable, the identification process is not executed, and the useless identification process can be omitted, and the processing speed of the entire image formation can be increased.

<Invention of Claim 2>
According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not to execute the process of applying a predetermined pattern based on the input source of the input image data. Therefore, for example, in the case of a highly reliable input source, it is possible to suppress wasteful developer consumption by not performing the assigning process, and it is possible to increase the processing speed of the entire image formation. .

<Invention of Claim 3>
The input source of the input image data is, for example, an external communication device that transmits the input image data to the image forming apparatus via a communication line, or an original reading unit of an image forming apparatus having a reading function (scanner function). , External to the image forming apparatus, and internal to the image forming apparatus such as an internal memory for storing a test pattern, a data generation unit for generating the test pattern based on information stored in the internal memory, etc. There is.
Of these, the latter is considered to be a reliable input source with almost no risk of forgery in the first place. Therefore, in this configuration, when the input source is inside the image forming apparatus, the identification or assignment process is not executed.

<Invention of Claim 4>
In general, input image data received from the outside by facsimile communication has a low image quality, so that problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying do not occur much even if an image is formed as it is. Therefore, in this configuration, even if the input source is outside the image forming apparatus, if the input source is an external facsimile apparatus, the identification or assignment process is not executed.

<Invention of Claims 5 and 6>
According to this configuration, the identification or assignment process is executed based on the operating conditions set in the image forming apparatus, not on the information on the input image data itself. In addition, when the developer suppression mode is set, a low quality image is formed. In this case, it is possible not to execute the identification or provision process.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a main part of a laser printer. In the following description, for the front and rear directions, the front direction of the apparatus will be described as the front side (the right side in FIG. 1).

  A laser printer (corresponding to the image forming apparatus of the present invention) 1 is configured as a four-cycle color laser printer, and includes a sheet feeding unit 7 that accommodates sheets 5 as recording media in a stacked manner on the bottom side of a main body casing 3. A paper conveyance path L is formed above the paper conveyance path L.

  The sheet conveyance path L is as shown by a solid line in FIG. 1, and is reversed by about 180 degrees in a U shape from the front side to the rear side of the laser printer 1 at the upper front part of the paper feeding unit 7, and then the rear part of the laser printer 1. Head for. Then, when reaching the rear end side, this time it is reversed to about 180 degrees in a U-shape toward the front side, and a path to the paper discharge tray 69 provided on the upper surface wall of the main body casing 3 is taken. As will be described in detail below, a toner image is formed on the paper 5 delivered from the paper supply unit 7 in the conveyance process of the paper conveyance path L, and this is thermally fixed by the fixing unit 29 so that a desired image is obtained. Is to be formed.

2. Configuration of Each Unit The sheet feeding unit 7 includes a sheet feeding tray 11, a sheet feeding roller 13, a conveyance roller 15, and a registration roller 17. The paper feed roller 13 takes out the paper 5 stacked on the paper feed unit 7 one by one, and the transport roller 15 directs the fed paper 5 toward an image forming position (a contact position with a transfer roller 27 described later). Transported.

  The image forming unit 9 (corresponding to the image forming unit of the present invention) includes a scanner unit 21, a process unit 23, and an intermediate transfer belt mechanism unit 25. The scanner unit 21 includes a laser light emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror, a plurality of lenses, and a reflecting mirror. In this scanner unit 21, a laser beam based on output image data emitted from a laser light emitting unit is passed or reflected through a polygon mirror, a reflecting mirror, and a lens to be described later, a belt photoconductor (OPC: Organic Photo Conductor). The surface of 33 is irradiated by high-speed scanning.

  The process unit 23 includes a belt photoreceptor mechanism unit 31 and a developing cartridge 35. The belt photoreceptor mechanism 31 includes a first belt photoreceptor roller 39, a second belt photoreceptor roller 41, a third belt photoreceptor roller 43, and a belt wound around these three photoreceptor rollers 39, 41, 43. The photoconductor 33 is a main component, and a belt photoconductor charger 45, a potential adder 47, and a potential gradient controller 49 are additionally provided.

  The surface of the belt photoconductor 33 is uniformly positively charged by the belt photoconductor charger 45 and then exposed by high-speed scanning of a laser beam from the scanner unit 21. Since the charged portion is eliminated in the exposed portion, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the belt photosensitive member 33 in which a positively charged portion and an uncharged portion are arranged.

  The developing cartridge 35 includes a developing roller 37, a separation solenoid 38, a supply roller (not shown), a toner storage unit, and the like, and is dedicated to each color, that is, a yellow developing cartridge 35Y that stores yellow toner, and cyan toner. Are provided, a cyan developing cartridge 35C containing magenta toner, a magenta developing cartridge 35M containing magenta toner, and a black developing cartridge 35K containing black toner.

  These developing cartridges 35K, 35C, 35M, and 35Y are arranged in the vertical direction with the developing roller 37 facing the belt photosensitive member 33, and drive the separation solenoids 38K, 38C, 38M, and 38Y. As a result, the developing rollers 37K, 37C, 35M, and 35Y can be brought into contact with the surface of the belt photosensitive member 33 individually.

  Then, for example, when the developing roller 37 of the yellow developing cartridge 35Y is brought into contact with the belt photoreceptor 33 on which the electrostatic latent image is formed (the other developing rollers are separated from each other), the positively charged yellow toner Adheres only to the uncharged portion of the belt photoreceptor 33. As a result, a yellow visible image is formed on the belt photoreceptor 33.

  The intermediate transfer belt 51 constituting the intermediate transfer belt mechanism unit 25 is for sequentially transferring visible images of respective colors formed on the belt photoreceptor 33 to form a color image (toner image). The first intermediate transfer belt roller 53, the second intermediate transfer belt roller 55, and the third intermediate transfer belt roller 57 are supported by three rollers. An intermediate transfer belt roller 53 is disposed opposite to the intermediate transfer belt roller 53. Therefore, in the previous example, when the belt photoconductor 33 moves, the yellow visible image is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 51 when facing the intermediate transfer belt 51.

  In order to form a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 51, it is necessary to transfer other colors other than yellow. For this purpose, the same transfer procedure as that for yellow may be repeated. That is, in the case of a magenta visible image, the magenta separation solenoid 38M is driven to bring only the developing roller 37 of the magenta developing cartridge 35M into contact with the belt photoreceptor 33.

  As a result, a magenta visible image is formed on the belt photoreceptor 33. The magenta visible image has already been transferred to the yellow visible image when the belt photosensitive member 33 moves and the magenta visible image faces the intermediate transfer belt 51 in the same manner as described above. Then, the image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 51 in an overlapping manner. Such a similar operation is repeated with cyan toner accommodated in the cyan developing cartridge 35C and black toner accommodated in the black developing cartridge 35K, whereby a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 51. .

  The transfer roller 27 is for collectively transferring the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 51 onto the paper 5, and is formed by coating a roller made of a conductive rubber material on a metal roller shaft. . The transfer roller 27 is disposed opposite to the third intermediate transfer belt roller 57 with the intermediate transfer belt 51 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 51 is transferred onto the paper 5 by the transfer roller 27 while the paper 5 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 51 and the transfer roller 27.

  The fixing unit 29 is disposed behind the intermediate transfer belt mechanism unit 25, and includes a heating roller 61, a pressing roller 63 that presses the heating roller 61, and a pair of downstream rollers of the heating roller 61 and the pressing roller 63. A conveyance roller 65. The heating roller 61 includes a halogen lamp for heating, with an outer layer made of silicon rubber and an inner layer made of metal. The heating roller 61 heat-fixes the color images collectively transferred onto the paper 5 by the transfer roller 27 while the paper 5 passes between the heating roller 61 and the pressing roller 63.

3. Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the laser printer 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the laser printer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 90 includes a CPU 91, a ROM 92 as a built-in memory, a RAM 93 (corresponding to an input source in the image forming apparatus of the present invention), an image memory 94, and a control unit 95. Further, the control device 90 includes an interface 98 for connecting to an external device such as an image reading unit (scanner unit) 96 and a personal computer 97 so that data communication is possible, a specific image identifying unit 99, an additional information memory 110, and an additional pattern generating unit. 100 and an NCU 103 as a facsimile receiving means connected to an external facsimile apparatus (not shown) via an exchange 102.

  The ROM 92 stores various control programs for controlling the laser printer 1, and the RAM 93 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read. The RAM 93 stores, for example, a test pattern for testing print quality, a current setting information list of the laser printer 1, a data reception history, and the like (hereinafter referred to as “test pattern etc.”). For example, when the demo print function is executed by an operation of the operation unit 104 described later, the image forming process by the image forming unit 9 is executed based on the test pattern data. The image reading unit 96 is for reading a document placed on a document table (not shown) provided in the laser printer 1 as image data.

As described above, in the laser printer 1 of the present embodiment, the “input image data” for printing an image on the paper 5 or the like includes the following.
a. Test pattern data from the RAM 93 when the demo print function is executed.
b. Facsimile data from an external facsimile machine received via the NCU 103.
c. Document data from the image reading unit 96.
d. Document data from the personal computer 97 received via the interface 98.

  Then, the input image data is subjected to a development process to image data (development process to bitmap data) by the CPU 91 and is temporarily stored in the image memory 94. The specific image identification unit 99 (corresponding to the identification means of the present invention) converts the specific image (for example, banknote or securities) into the formed image based on the image content of the image data developed by the input image data under the control of the CPU 91. Is included). For example, an attempt is made to match a formed image with a specific image stored in advance. Although the additional information memory 110 and the additional pattern generation unit 100 will be described later, they generate an additional pattern (corresponding to a predetermined pattern of the present invention) as tracking information.

  The control unit 95 includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and is electrically connected to the image forming unit 9 described above, the operation unit 104 including an input panel, and the display unit 105 including various lamps. Then, the CPU 91 controls each of these units, mainly the control unit 95, the image memory 94, the specific image identification unit 99, the additional information memory 110, and the additional pattern generation unit 100 according to the flowchart described below, so that the color on the sheet 5 is controlled. An image is formed.

4). Operation by Control of CPU FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing executed by the CPU 91.
When the power of the laser printer 1 is turned on by the user, the CPU 91 first performs an initialization process (for example, a process for initializing the RAM 93 and the image memory 94), and enters a standby state for input image data in S1. Then, when the input image data is input (“Y” in S1), the CPU 91 expands the input image data into image data (S2), and in S3, the source of the input image data (input source) ) Is a communication protocol which is either the RAM 93 built in the laser printer 1, the external facsimile machine connected via the NCU 103, the image reading unit 96, or the personal computer 97 connected via the interface 98. Based on the information of. At this time, the CPU 91 functions as a determination unit of the present invention.

  Specifically, when the CPU 91 receives a command signal for executing the demo print function from the operation unit 104, the CPU 91 determines that the input image data is data such as a test pattern and the transmission source is the RAM 93, and the input image When the data is received via the NCU 103, it is determined that the input image data is facsimile data and that the transmission source is an external facsimile apparatus. Further, when the CPU 91 receives a command signal for executing the image reading function from the operation unit 104, the CPU 91 determines that the input image data is document data and the transmission source is the image reading unit 96, and the input image data is determined. When received via the interface 98, it is determined that the transmission source is an external communication device such as a personal computer 97.

  Here, when the transmission source is the RAM 93, it is obvious that the test pattern data is determined in advance and is not a specific image such as a banknote. Further, when the transmission source is an external facsimile apparatus, the facsimile data received by facsimile communication usually has a low image quality (for example, less than 600 dpi) even if it includes a specific image such as a banknote. Therefore, in these cases, even if the printing process by the image forming unit 9 is executed as it is, problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying will not be caused.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when the transmission source is the RAM 93 or an external facsimile machine (“Y” in S3), the CPU 91 executes the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern addition process (S5). In step S6, the image data obtained by developing the input image data from the RAM 93 or the external facsimile apparatus is directly transferred to the image forming unit 9 as output image data. As a result, an image based on the input image data from the RAM 93 or the external facsimile apparatus is printed on the paper 5 as it is.

  On the other hand, when the transmission source is the image reading unit 96 or the personal computer 97 (“N” in S3), if the specific image is included in the input image data from them, the counterfeit copy is performed if the printing process is performed as it is. Problems such as unauthorized use may occur. Therefore, the CPU 91 delivers the image data stored in the image memory 94 in S4 to the specific image identification unit 99, and as described above, the specific image is included in the formed image based on this image data. A specific image identification process for determining whether the image is included is executed. At this time, the CPU 91 functions as a determination unit of the present invention. When it is identified that the specific image is not included (“N” in S4), the CPU 91 executes the image data obtained by developing the input image data as it is as the output image data without executing the next additional pattern adding process. The image is transferred to the forming unit 9, whereby an image based on the input image data from the image reading unit 96 or the like is printed on the paper 5 as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is identified that the specific image is included (“Y” in S4), the CPU 91 executes an additional pattern applying process in S5. Specifically, the CPU 91 first causes the additional pattern generation unit 100 to execute to generate an additional pattern. Here, the additional pattern of the present embodiment is a dot pattern composed of a plurality of dots, for example, and represents information useful for tracking the manufacturer name, printer model, printing date and time, etc. by the dot arrangement. Yes. The additional information memory 110 stores the manufacturer name, printer model, printing date and time, and the additional pattern generation unit 100 generates an additional pattern according to information such as the manufacturer name.

  Thereafter, in S6, the CPU 91 sequentially reads out the image data from the image memory 94, and delivers image data with an additional pattern obtained by superimposing the additional pattern on the read image data to the image forming unit 9 as output image data. Then, an image in which an additional pattern is superimposed on an image based on input image data from the image reading unit 96 or the like is printed on the paper 5. At this time, the CPU 91 functions as a providing unit of the present invention.

5. Effects of the present embodiment In the present embodiment, the specific image identification process (S4) for analyzing the image content of the input image data and identifying whether or not the specific image is included based on the source of the input image data is performed. Decide whether or not to execute. Therefore, in the first place, problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying do not occur, and input image data from the RAM 93 or an external facsimile apparatus is analyzed to identify whether or not a specific image is included in the image contents. The useless specific image identification process (S4) can be omitted, and the speed of the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be increased.

< Reference Example 1 >
FIG. 4 shows Reference Example 1 . The difference between the first embodiment is a method for determining whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) described above, and the other points are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given and the redundant description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

In this reference example , the operation unit 104 can set the resolution of an output image to be printed on the paper 5 to a desired level. Specifically, for example, when obtaining document data from the image reading unit 96, a document image is captured at the resolution set by the operation unit 104 (corresponding to the setting unit of the present invention), and document data corresponding to the resolution is obtained. To get. Further, when the original data is acquired from the personal computer 97 received via the interface 98, even if the original data is high resolution from the personal computer 97, if the low resolution is set by the operation unit 104 or the like, Output image data corresponding to the low resolution is generated and printing processing is performed.

  Here, for example, when the resolution of the output image (formed image) printed on the paper 5 based on the input image data is a predetermined level or less, even if the input image is a specific image such as a banknote, the quality is low. Therefore, problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying do not occur.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, in this reference example , in step S10, the CPU 91 replaces the sender determination process (S3 in FIG. 3) with the resolution of the original data from the external communication device such as the personal computer 97 in the first place. For example, it is determined whether the resolution is 600 dpi or higher, or the resolution set by the operation unit 104 is 600 dpi or higher.

  Then, when those resolutions are less than 600 dpi (“N” in S10), the CPU 91 prints a low-quality output image on the paper 5, and problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying occur. Therefore, the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern provision process (S5) are skipped, and output image data corresponding to the resolution is output to the image forming unit 9 (S6). On the other hand, if the resolution is 600 dpi or higher (“Y” in S10), the CPU 91 may cause problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying if the printing process is executed as it is. An image identification process (S4) is executed.

  Even with such a configuration, whether or not a specific image is included in the analysis of the image content of the input image data for low-resolution print processing that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copy in the first place The useless specific image identification process (S4) of identifying the image data can be omitted, and the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be speeded up.

<Embodiment 2 >
FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment lies in the method for determining whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) described above, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given and the redundant description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

  In the laser printer 1 of this embodiment, a toner save mode (corresponding to the developer suppression mode of the present invention) can be set via the operation unit 104 or the like. In this toner save mode, priority is given to the suppression of toner consumption, and printing is performed while reducing the amount of toner used to such an extent that the image contents can be grasped to some extent. Specifically, for example, the image forming operation is executed by lowering the developing bias of the toner to the developing roller 37 or the exposure intensity by the scanner unit 21 from the normal time. When this toner save mode is set, an output image with low image quality is printed on the paper 5, so that there is a low possibility of problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copying.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the CPU 91 determines whether or not the toner save mode is set in S20 instead of the determination processing of the transmission source (S3 in FIG. 3). Yes. When the toner save mode is set (“Y” in S20), the CPU 91 skips the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern imparting process (S5), and the low image quality in which the toner is suppressed. Are output to the image forming unit 9. On the other hand, when the toner save mode is not set (“N” in S20), there is a possibility of illegal use due to counterfeit copying, so the specific image identification process (S4) is executed.

  Even in such a configuration, the image content of the input image data is analyzed to identify whether a specific image is included in the toner save mode setting that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copy. Thus, the useless specific image identification process (S4) can be omitted, and the speed of the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be increased.

< Reference Example 2 >
FIG. 6 shows Reference Example 2 . The difference from the first embodiment lies in the method for determining whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) described above, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given and the redundant description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

In the laser printer 1 of this reference example , the CPU 91 can recognize the size of the paper 5 loaded on the paper feed tray 11. Specifically, for example, paper size information is obtained based on the position of a guide provided in the paper feed tray 11 and slidably moved in accordance with the paper size to be stacked. Alternatively, in the configuration in which the user sets the paper size loaded on the paper feed tray 11 through, for example, operation on the operation unit 104 or data communication from an external communication device such as the personal computer 97, the setting information The paper size information can be obtained based on the above.

  If the size of the paper 5 loaded on the paper feed tray 11 is smaller than the general size of bills or securities, the image will be cut even if it is printed with high quality. There is little possibility of problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, in this reference example , the CPU 91 determines that the size of the paper 5 loaded on the paper feed tray 11 is a predetermined size in S30, instead of the sender discrimination process (S3 in FIG. 3). If it is less than the size (“N” in S30), the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern applying process (S5) are skipped, and the output image data is output to the image forming unit 9 as it is. On the other hand, when the size of the sheet 5 is equal to or larger than the predetermined size (“Y” in S30), there is a possibility of illegal use due to forged copying, and therefore the specific image identification process (S4) is executed.

  Even with such a configuration, the image content of the input image data is analyzed in the case where the paper 5 having a size smaller than a predetermined size that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying is set in the paper feed tray 11 in the first place. However, it is possible to omit the useless specific image identification process (S4) of identifying whether or not a specific image is included in this, and to increase the speed of the printing process of the laser printer 1 as a whole.

< Reference Example 3 >
FIG. 7 shows Reference Example 3 . The difference from the first embodiment lies in the method for determining whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) described above, and the other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given and the redundant description is omitted, and only different points will be described next.

When the drawing size of the output image printed on the paper 5 is smaller than the drawing size of the specific image such as a banknote, there is no possibility that the entire specific image is included in the image of the input image data in the first place. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, in this reference example , the CPU 91 determines that the drawing size of the output image printed on the paper 5 is the specified image instead of the sender determination process (S <b> 3 in FIG. 3) in S <b> 40. It is determined whether or not the drawing size is exceeded.

  Specifically, for example, the CPU 91 reads the drawing size (maximum size) in each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for the output image from the image data developed in S2. The RAM 93 or the like stores in advance threshold values corresponding to the drawing sizes in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the specific image, and the threshold values and the drawing sizes of the output image in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Compare each size. If the drawing size of the output image is smaller than the drawing size of the specific image in at least one of the directions, the CPU 91 determines that the drawing size of the output image is smaller than the drawing size of the specific image (S40). Then, the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern imparting process (S5) are skipped, and the output image data is output to the image forming unit 9 as it is. On the other hand, if the drawing size of the output image is greater than or equal to the drawing size of the specific image in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction (“Y” in S40), there is a possibility of unauthorized use due to forged copying. Therefore, the specific image identification process (S4) is executed.

  Even with such a configuration, the input image data having a drawing size smaller than the specific image that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copy in the first place is analyzed for the image content and whether the specific image is included in this The useless specific image identification process (S4) of identifying whether or not can be omitted, and the printing process of the laser printer 1 as a whole can be speeded up.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In the first embodiment, the specific image identification process (S4) is determined based on the source of the input image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the specific image identification process shown in FIG. A configuration (corresponding to the invention of claim 2) may be adopted in which (S4) is omitted and whether or not the additional pattern addition processing (S5) is executed based on the transmission source of the input image data. Even in such a configuration, when the source of the input image data is the RAM 93 or an external facsimile apparatus and there is no problem such as unauthorized use due to forged copying, the additional pattern adding process (S5) is omitted. As a result, consumption of useless developer (toner) can be suppressed, and the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be accelerated.

  (2) In the first embodiment, when the transmission source of the input image data is the RAM 93 built in the laser printer 1, the specific image identification is performed as “when the input source is inside the image forming apparatus” in the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an external recording medium (for example, a compact flash (registered trademark)) that can be attached to and detached from the laser printer 1 may be used. The demo print function may be executed based on the data. In this case, it is desirable that the external recording medium is non-rewritable, or is distributed by a laser printer manufacturer and the specifications are not disclosed, and data such as test patterns are protected by encryption.

  (3) In the first embodiment, when the image reading unit 96 originally has only reading performance with a resolution of a predetermined level or less (for example, less than 600 dpi), the transmission source is the image reading unit 96 Alternatively, the specific image identification process (S4) or the like may not be executed.

(4) In the reference example 1 and the second embodiment, it is configured to determine whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) based on whether the output image resolution is high or low or the toner save mode is set. Not limited to this, it is determined whether or not the specific image identification process (S4) of FIGS. 4 and 5 is eliminated, and the additional pattern addition process (S5) is executed based on whether the resolution of the output image is high or the toner save mode is set. The structure which determines this may be sufficient. Even in such a configuration, a wasteful developer (toner) can be obtained by omitting the additional pattern imparting process (S5) for low-quality print processing that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copy. ) And the speed of the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be increased.

(5) In the reference example 2 described above, it is determined whether or not to execute the specific image identification process (S4) based on the size of the paper 5 loaded on the paper feed tray 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that the specific image identification process (S4) of No. 6 is eliminated, and whether or not the additional pattern applying process (S5) is executed based on the size of the paper 5. Even in such a configuration, an additional pattern applying process (S5) is performed in the case where a sheet 5 having a size less than a predetermined size that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to counterfeit copy is set in the sheet feed tray 11. By omitting, consumption of useless developer (toner) can be suppressed and the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be accelerated.

(6) In the reference example 3 described above, it is determined whether to execute the specific image identification process (S4) based on whether the drawing size of the output image is equal to or larger than the drawing size of the specific image. 6, the specific image identification process (S4) of FIG. 6 is eliminated, and whether or not to perform the additional pattern adding process (S5) is determined based on whether the drawing size of the output image is equal to or larger than the drawing size of the specific image. May be. Even in such a configuration, it is useless by omitting the additional pattern adding process (S5) for input image data having a drawing size smaller than the specific image that does not cause problems such as unauthorized use due to forged copying. Consumption of the developer (toner) can be suppressed, and the printing process of the entire laser printer 1 can be speeded up.

(7) In contrast to the above reference example 3 , instead of the drawing size of the output image, the CPU 91 reads the data amount of the input image data from the header information, and the data amount and the specific image stored in advance in the RAM 93 or the like. The threshold value corresponding to the data amount is compared, and when the data amount of the input image data is smaller than the threshold value, the specific image identification process (S4) and the additional pattern providing process (S5) are skipped, and the output image data is directly output. May be output to the image forming unit 9, while the specific image identification process (S4) may be executed when the amount of input image data is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

(8) In each of the first and second embodiments and Reference Examples 1 to 3 , when it is identified that the specific image is included in the output image in the specific image identification process (S4), the additional pattern adding process (S5) However, the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the additional pattern applying process (S5), the CPU 91 uses, for example, an image of toner with a small amount of toner in the developing cartridge 35 among yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Alternatively, a color image may be formed by replacing the image with a toner image having a larger amount of remaining toner. With such a configuration, invalidation of image formation of a specific image can be realized by a simple method of replacing a developer image.

(9) With respect to Embodiments 1 and 2 and Reference Examples 1 and 2 , the execution timing of S3, S10, S20, and S30 may be performed before the image data development process (S2).

(10) A specific image obtained by executing a plurality of determination processes (S3, S10, S20, S30, S40) by combining at least two or more configurations from the first and second embodiments and the first to third examples. Of course, it is possible to improve the identification accuracy of whether or not to perform the identification process (S4).

(11) It may be configured to determine whether or not to perform the specific image identification process (S4) based on the material, color, weight, and the like of the recording medium instead of the size of the paper 5 with respect to the reference example 2 . . For example, the material, color, or weight of the recording medium is recognized, and the specific image identification process (S4) is not performed when this is a type of paper that is not generally used for banknotes or securities. The material of the paper 5 can be recognized based on the designation information when the user designates the type of recording medium (OHP, paper, cardboard, etc.) loaded on the paper feed tray 11 in advance by the operation unit 104, for example. Further, the color or weight can be recognized by providing a sensor for detecting the color or weight.

(12) For each of the first and second embodiments and reference examples 1 to 3 , the additional pattern adding process (S5) is omitted, and the CPU 91 specifies the formed image based on the image data in the specific image identifying process (S4). When it is identified that the image is included (“Y” in S4), the configuration may be such that printing is prohibited and output is not performed to the image forming unit 9 (S6).

1 is a side sectional view of a main part of a laser printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration The flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing performed by CPU. The flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing performed by CPU of the reference example 1. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of control processing executed by the CPU of the second embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing performed by CPU of the reference example 2. The flowchart which shows the flow of the control processing performed by CPU of the reference example 3.

1. Laser printer (image forming device)
5 ... paper (recording medium)
9. Image forming section (image forming means)
91 ... CPU (discriminating means, determining means, giving means)
93 ... RAM (input source in the image forming apparatus)
99. Specific image identification unit (identification means)
104 ... operation unit (setting means)

Claims (6)

Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data;
Identification means for identifying whether the formed image formed by the image forming means is a specific image based on the input image data ;
Determining means for determining an input source of the input image data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether to perform identification processing by the identification unit based on an input source determined by the determination unit. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data;
Providing means for generating image data obtained by adding a predetermined pattern to an image based on the input image data ;
Determining means for determining an input source of the input image data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether or not to perform the applying process by the adding unit based on the input source determined by the determining unit. 3. The image according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the processing is not executed when the input source determined by the determination unit is inside the image forming apparatus. Forming equipment. 4. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the processing is not executed when the input source determined by the determination unit is an external facsimile apparatus. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data;
Identification means for identifying whether the formed image formed by the image forming means is a specific image based on the input image data ;
Setting means for setting operating conditions for image formation by the image forming means;
Determining means for determining whether or not to execute identification processing by the identification means based on the operating condition set by the setting means ;
The operating conditions, the image forming apparatus according to claim der Rukoto relates suppressing developer saving mode using the developer in the image forming operation by the image forming means. Image forming means for forming an image on a recording medium based on input image data;
Providing means for generating image data obtained by adding a predetermined pattern to an image based on the input image data ;
Setting means for setting operating conditions for image formation by the image forming means;
Determining means for deciding whether or not to perform the granting process by the granting means based on the operating condition set by the setting means ;
The operating conditions, the image forming apparatus according to claim der Rukoto relates suppressing developer saving mode using the developer in the image forming operation by the image forming means.

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