JP4745294B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program for extracting electronic watermark data from image information relating to an image.

  In recent years, an image stored or registered in an image processing apparatus has been increasingly transferred to an external device (for example, a PC (Personal Computer)) via communication, or output from an external device to a printer. With such an increase in transfer and output, forgery of the output image and use of an image ignoring copyright have become problems. In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to embed necessary information in an image in order to prevent forgery or to specify an author or the like when transferring or outputting to another device. An electronic watermark technique is often used to embed information in an image. At present, various techniques have been proposed for this electronic watermark technique.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, tracking data is added as electronic watermark data to a print image. Specifically, tracking data used for specifying the output device is added to electronic watermark data to form a tracking pattern, and the formed tracking pattern is combined with print data to be output and output to a printer. A color image forming apparatus is described.

JP 2002-10057 A

  However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, tracking data cannot be acquired by an apparatus that cannot extract added electronic watermark data. In other words, since an electronic watermark embedded in image data by a predetermined embedding method can be extracted only by a predetermined extraction method corresponding to the above embedding method, an extraction method not corresponding to the above predetermined embedding method is used. There is a problem that electronic watermarks cannot be extracted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and in an environment in which an extraction method corresponding to the predetermined embedding method has not been acquired or an environment in which electronic watermarks cannot be extracted at all, The purpose is to exert a deterrent to prevent counterfeiting and copyright infringement.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to claim 1 includes an extraction unit that extracts electronic watermark data from image information, and a first tint block image that is superimposed on the image information. A deletion unit that deletes part of the information included in the electronic watermark data extracted by the extraction unit so as to fit in a predetermined amount of data that can be included; and Generating means for generating a first copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having content corresponding to the electronic watermark data after the information is deleted, and a second copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including identification information for specifying the electronic watermark data; And a superimposing unit that superimposes the both tint block images generated by the generating unit on the image information.

The image processing method according to claim 2 is within a predetermined data amount that can be included in the extraction step of extracting electronic watermark data from the image information and the first copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image superimposed on the image information. As described above, a deletion step of deleting a part of the information included in the electronic watermark data extracted by the extraction means, and the electronic watermark data after the partial information is deleted by the deletion step A generation step for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including identification information for specifying the electronic watermark data, and a superimposing step for superimposing the two copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by the generation step on the image information And.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the image processing method according to the second aspect is performed by a computer.
It is made to perform .

According to the invention according to claim 1 and 2, an effect that the information held as electronic watermark data can be easily acquired.

In addition, the program according to claim 3 can be realized by using the computer by executing the program according to claim 2 by causing the computer to read and execute the program, and the same effects as the image processing method can be achieved. Play.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. Examples of the image processing apparatus include a document scanner, an image server, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of an image processing system of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this system, a color original scanner 10 including a reading unit 11 and an image data output I / F (Interface) 12 is connected to an image data interface control CDIC (hereinafter simply referred to as CDIC) 14 of an image data processing apparatus ACP 40. ing. A color printer 100 is also connected to the image data processing apparatus ACP40. The color printer 100 receives the recorded image data from the image data processor IPP (Image Processing Processor; hereinafter simply referred to as IPP) 15 of the image data processing apparatus ACP 40 to the writing I / F 134 and prints it out at the image forming unit 135. To do. The image forming unit 135 is shown in FIG.

  In the present system, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 30, a finisher 34, a large-capacity paper feed tray 36, a paper feed bank 35, and the like are further connected via a serial bus Sb.

  An image data processing device ACP (hereinafter simply referred to as ACP) 40 includes a parallel bus Pb, a memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC) 13, a memory module (hereinafter simply referred to as MEM) 16 as an image memory, Hard disk device HDD (hereinafter simply referred to as HDD) 17, which is a nonvolatile memory, system controller 1, RAM 4, nonvolatile memory 5, font ROM 6, CDIC 14, IPP 15, external serial board 2, local bus I / F 3, local bus I / F 3 And a local bus Rb for connecting the RAM 4 and the like, a parallel bus I / F 7, a network I / F 8, and a serial bus I / F 9. A facsimile control unit FCU (hereinafter simply referred to as FCU) is connected to the parallel bus Pb. The operation board 20 is connected to the system controller 1.

  The reading unit 11 that optically reads the original of the color original scanner 10 photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the lamp irradiation on the original by the CCD 207 (FIG. 3) on the sensor board unit SBU (hereinafter simply referred to as SBU). R, G, B image signals are generated, converted to RGB image data by an A / D converter, subjected to shading correction, and sent to the CDIC 14 via the output I / F 12. The RGB image data is multi-value image data (for example, 8-bit configuration) representing multi-gradation having a configuration of 3 bits or more.

  The CDIC 14 performs data transfer between the color original scanner 10 (output I / F 12), the parallel bus Pb, and the IPP 15 and communication between the process controller 131 and the system controller 1 that controls the ACP 40 with respect to the image data. . The RAM 132 is used as a work area for the process controller 131, and the ROM 133 stores an operation program for the process controller 131.

  A memory access control IMAC (hereinafter simply referred to as IMAC) 13 controls writing / reading of image data and control data to / from the MEM 16 and the HDD 17.

  The system controller 1 controls the operation of each component connected to the parallel bus Pb. In addition, when the system controller 1 controls reception of an image file, the system controller 1 generates and updates management information based on information held by each component. The management information will be described later.

  The RAM 4 is used as a work area for the system controller 1, and the nonvolatile memory 5 stores an operation program for the system controller 1.

  The operation board 20 instructs processing to be performed by the ACP 40. For example, the type of processing (copying, facsimile transmission, image reading, printing, etc.), the number of processings, etc. are input. Thereby, the image data control information can be input.

  The image data read from the reading unit 11 of the color document scanner 10 is subjected to shading correction by the SBU of the color document scanner 10 and then subjected to image distortion correction, such as background removal, scanner gamma correction, and filter processing, by the IPP 15. After processing, the data is stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17. When the image data of the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 is printed out, the IPP 15 converts the RGB signal into a YMCK signal, and performs image quality processing such as printer gamma conversion, gradation conversion, and gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing. Do it. The image data after the image quality processing is transferred from the IPP 15 to the writing I / F 134. The writing I / F 134 performs laser control on the gradation processed signal by pulse width and power modulation. Thereafter, the image data is sent to the image forming unit 135, and the image forming unit 135 forms a reproduced image on the transfer paper.

  The IMAC 13 includes a parallel bus control 171, an access control 172, a memory control 173, a serial port 174, a serial port control 175, a compression / decompression module 176, an image editing module 177, a network control 178, a system I / F 179, a local bus control 180, A data modification module 181.

  Further, the IMAC 13 controls the access of the image data and the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 based on the control of the system controller 1, the expansion of the print data of the PC 1000 connected on the LAN, and the compression of the image data for effective use of the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. / Perform expansion.

  Further, the IMAC 13 performs extraction, embedding of watermark data, modification of watermark data, or the like when processing image data.

  The image data sent to the IMAC 13 is stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 after data compression, and the stored image data is read out as necessary. The read image data is decompressed, returned to the original image data, and returned from the IMAC 13 to the CDIC 14 via the parallel bus Pb. After the transfer from the CDIC 14 to the IPP 15, the image quality processing is performed and output to the writing I / F 134, and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit 135.

  In the flow of image data, the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral are realized by the bus control by the parallel bus Pb and the CDIC 14. Facsimile transmission is performed by performing image processing on the read image data at the IPP 15 and transferring it to the FCU via the CDIC 14 and the parallel bus Pb. The FCU performs data conversion to the communication network and transmits it as facsimile data to the public line PN1002. Facsimile reception is performed by converting line data from the public line PN1002 into image data by the FCU and transferring it to the IPP 15 via the parallel bus Pb and CDIC14. In this case, no special image quality processing is performed, and the image is output from the writing I / F 134 and a reproduced image is formed on the transfer paper in the image forming unit 135.

  In a situation where a plurality of jobs, for example, a copy function, a facsimile transmission / reception function, and a printer output function operate in parallel, the usage rights of the reading unit 11, the image forming unit 135, and the parallel bus Pb are allocated to the system controller 1 and the process. Control is performed by the controller 131. The process controller 131 controls the flow of image data, and the system controller 1 controls the entire system and manages the activation of each resource. The function selection of the digital multi-function peripheral is performed on the operation board 20, and processing contents such as a copy function and a facsimile function are set by a selection input of the operation board 20.

  The system controller 1 and the process controller 131 communicate with each other via the parallel bus Pb, the CDIC 14 and the serial bus Sb. Specifically, communication between the system controller 1 and the process controller 131 is performed by performing data format conversion for data and interface between the parallel bus Pb and the serial bus Sb in the CDIC 14.

  Various bus interfaces such as a parallel bus I / F 7, a serial bus I / F 9, a local bus I / F 3, and a network I / F 8 are connected to the IMAC 13. The system controller 1 is connected to related units via a plurality of types of buses in order to maintain independence in the entire ACP 40.

  The system controller 1 controls other functional units via the parallel bus Pb. The parallel bus Pb is used for transferring image data. The system controller 1 issues an operation control command for causing the IMAC 13 to store image data in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. This operation control command is sent via the IMAC 13, the parallel bus I / F 7, and the parallel bus Pb.

  In response to this operation control command, the image data is sent from the CDIC 14 to the IMAC 13 via the parallel bus Pb and the parallel bus I / F 7. The image data is stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 under the control of the IMAC 13.

  On the other hand, the system controller 1 of the ACP 40 functions as a printer controller, network control, and serial bus control in the case of calling from the PC as a printer function. In the case of via the network B, the IMAC 13 receives print output request data or storage (storage) request data via the network B via the network I / F 8. Request data (foreign command) via the network B is notified to the system controller 1, and the IMAC 13 transfers or receives and accumulates the accumulated data via the network B in accordance with a command from the system controller 1 that responds to the request data.

  Print output request data from the PC is developed into image data by the system controller 1. The development destination is an area in the MEM 16. Font data necessary for expansion is obtained by referring to the font ROM 6 via the local bus I / F 3 and the local bus Rb. The local bus Rb connects the system controller 1 to the nonvolatile memory 5 and the RAM 4. Regarding the serial bus Sb, in addition to the external serial port 2 for connection to the PC, there is also an interface for transfer with the operation board 20 which is the operation unit of the ACP 40. This is not print development data, but communicates with the system controller 1 via the IMAC 13 to accept processing procedures and display the system status. Data transmission / reception between the system controller 1, the MEM 16, the HDD 17, and various buses is performed via the IMAC 13. Jobs using the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 are centrally managed in the entire ACP 40.

  FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of a multi-function full color digital copying machine A1 equipped with the image data processing apparatus ACP40 shown in FIG. The full-color copying machine A1 shown in FIG. 2 is roughly constituted by units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 30, an operation board 20, a color document scanner 10, a color printer 100, and a paper feed bank 35. Yes. A finisher 34 with a tray capable of stacking a stapler and imaged paper, a double-sided drive unit 33, and a large-capacity paper feed tray 36 are mounted on the printer 100.

  A LAN (Local Area Network) to which the PC 1000 is connected is connected to the image data processing apparatus ACP 40 (FIG. 1) in the apparatus. The PC 1000 and the image data processing apparatus ACP 40 are connected to a wide area communication network B such as the Internet via a router. Can be connected to. An exchange PBX 1001 connected to a public line PN (facsimile communication line) 1002 is connected to the facsimile control unit FCU (FIG. 1). The printed paper of the color printer 100 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 108 or the finisher 34.

  FIG. 3 shows a document image reading mechanism of the color document scanner 10 and the ADF 30 attached thereto. The original placed on the contact glass 231 of the color original scanner 10 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 232, and reflected light (image light) of the original is reflected by the first mirror 233 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction y. The illumination lamp 232 and the first mirror 233 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) that is driven at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction y. Second and third mirrors 234 and 235 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) that is driven in the same direction as the first carriage, and the image light reflected by the first mirror 233. Is reflected downward (z) by the second mirror 234, reflected in the sub-scanning direction y by the third mirror 235, converged by the lens 236, irradiated to the CCD 207, and converted into an electrical signal (contact glass). Scan the hand placed document on top). The first and second carriages are driven in the y direction (original scanning) and backward (return) in the y direction by using the traveling body motor 238 as a driving source (flatbed type original reading). The CCD 207 is an image pickup element that has a photoelectric conversion element array in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in the main scanning direction, and repeatedly outputs image reading signals of the array in main scanning line sections.

  The color document scanner 10 is equipped with an automatic document feeder ADF 30. The documents stacked on the document tray 241 of the ADF 30 are fed between the conveyance drum 244 and the pressing roller 245 by the pickup roller 242 and the registration roller pair 243, and are in close contact with the conveyance drum 244 and pass over the reading glass 240. Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 248 serving as a pressure plate below the document tray 241 by the paper discharge rollers 246 and 247. When the original passes through the reading glass 240, the original is irradiated by an illumination lamp 232 that is positioned immediately below and is stationary, and the reflected light of the original is irradiated to the CCD 207 through an optical system below the first mirror 233. It is photoelectrically converted (sheet feed type document reading).

  A white reference plate 239 and a base point sensor 249 for detecting the first carriage are provided between the reading glass 240 and the scale 251 for positioning the document start end. The white reference plate 239 is used for reading a document having a uniform density due to variations in individual light emission intensities of the illumination lamps 232, variations in the main scanning direction, sensitivity variations for each pixel of the CCD 207, and the like. It is prepared to correct the phenomenon that the read data varies (shading correction). In this shading correction, first, the white reference plate 239 is read for one line in the main scanning direction before scanning the document, the read white reference data is stored in the memory, and when reading the document image, for each pixel scanned in the document, The image data is divided by the corresponding white reference data on the memory.

  FIG. 4 shows the mechanism of the color printer 100. The color printer 100 of the present embodiment is a laser printer. In this laser printer 100, four sets of toner image forming units for forming images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (black: K) are in the transfer paper moving direction. They are arranged in this order along (from the lower right to the upper left direction y in the figure). That is, it is a four-drum type full-color image forming apparatus.

  These magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y) and black (K) toner image forming units are respectively photoconductor units 110M, 110C, 110Y having photoconductor drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K. 110K and developing units 120M, 120C, 120Y and 120K. Also, the arrangement of each toner image forming unit is such that the rotation axes of the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y and 111K in each photosensitive unit are parallel to the horizontal x-axis (main scanning direction), and transfer paper. It is set so as to be arranged at a predetermined pitch in the movement direction y (sub-scanning direction).

  In addition to the toner image forming unit, the laser printer 100 carries a laser exposure unit 102 by laser scanning, paper feed cassettes 103 and 104, a pair of registration rollers 105, transfer paper, and sets the transfer position of each toner image forming unit. The image forming apparatus includes a transfer belt unit 106 having a transfer conveyance belt 160 that conveys the sheet so as to pass, a belt fixing type fixing unit 107, a paper discharge tray 108, a double-sided drive (surface reversal) unit 33, and the like. The laser printer 100 also includes a manual feed tray, a toner supply container, a waste toner bottle, and the like (not shown).

  The laser exposure unit 102 includes laser emitters 41M, 41C, 41Y, and 41K, polygon mirrors, f-θ lenses, reflection mirrors, and the like, and is provided on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K based on image data. Laser light is irradiated while swinging and scanning in the main scanning x direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

  A one-dot chain line in FIG. 4 indicates a transfer sheet conveyance path. The transfer paper fed from the paper feed cassettes 103 and 104 is transported by a transport roller while being guided by a transport guide (not shown), and is sent to the registration roller pair 105. The transfer sheet sent to the transfer conveyance belt 160 at a predetermined timing by the registration roller pair 105 is carried by the transfer conveyance belt 160 and is conveyed so as to pass through the transfer position of each toner image forming unit.

  The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K of each toner image forming unit are transferred to a transfer sheet carried and conveyed by the transfer conveyance belt 160, and the color toner images are superimposed, that is, a color image is formed. The formed transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit 107. That is, the transfer is a direct transfer method in which a toner image is directly transferred onto a transfer sheet. When passing through the fixing unit 107, the toner image is fixed on the transfer paper. The transfer sheet on which the toner image is fixed is discharged or fed to the discharge tray 108, the finisher 36, or the double-sided drive unit 33.

  The outline of the yellow Y toner image forming unit will be described below. Other toner image forming units have the same configuration as that of yellow Y. The yellow Y toner image forming unit includes the photoconductor unit 110Y and the developing unit 120Y as described above. In addition to the photosensitive drum 111Y, the photosensitive unit 110Y includes a brush roller that applies a lubricant to the surface of the photosensitive drum, a swingable blade that cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum, and a static elimination lamp that irradiates light on the surface of the photosensitive drum. , A non-contact type charging roller for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the like.

  In the photoconductor unit 110Y, a laser beam L modulated on the surface of the photoconductor drum 111Y uniformly charged by a charging roller to which an AC voltage is applied and modulated by the laser exposure unit 102 based on print data and deflected by a polygon mirror. Is irradiated while scanning, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 111Y. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11IY is developed by the developing unit 20Y to become a yellow Y toner image. At the transfer position where the transfer paper on the transfer conveyance belt 160 passes, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11IY is transferred to the transfer paper. The surface of the photosensitive drum 111Y after the toner image has been transferred is coated with a predetermined amount of lubricant by a brush roller, then cleaned by a blade, discharged by the light emitted from the discharging lamp, and subjected to the next static charge. Prepared for formation of an electrostatic latent image.

  The developing unit 120Y contains a two-component developer containing a magnetic carrier and negatively charged toner. A developing roller, a conveying screw, a doctor blade, a toner concentration sensor, a powder pump, and the like are provided so as to be partially exposed from the opening on the photosensitive drum side of the developing case 120Y. The developer accommodated in the developing case is triboelectrically charged by being stirred and conveyed by the conveying screw. A part of the developer is carried on the surface of the developing roller. The doctor blade uniformly regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roller, and the toner in the developer on the surface of the developing roller moves to the photosensitive drum, whereby the toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image becomes a photosensitive member. Appears on drum 111Y. The toner density of the developer in the developing case is detected by a toner density sensor. When the density is insufficient, the powder pump is driven to replenish the toner.

  The transfer belt 160 of the transfer belt unit 106 is hung on four grounded stretching rollers so as to pass through the transfer positions that are in contact with and face the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K of the toner image forming units. It has been turned. One of the stretching rollers is 109. Among these stretching rollers, an electrostatic attracting roller to which a predetermined voltage is applied from a power source is arranged so as to face an entrance roller on the upstream side in the transfer sheet moving direction indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow. The transfer paper that has passed between these two rollers is electrostatically attracted onto the transfer conveyance belt 160. An exit roller on the downstream side in the transfer sheet moving direction is a drive roller that frictionally drives the transfer conveyance belt, and is connected to a drive source (not shown). In addition, a bias roller to which a predetermined cleaning voltage is applied from a power source is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer conveyance belt 160. The bias roller removes foreign matters such as toner adhering to the transfer conveyance belt 160.

  Further, a transfer bias applying member is provided so as to come into contact with the back surface of the transfer conveyance belt 160 forming a contact facing portion that contacts and faces the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K. These transfer bias applying members are Mylar fixed brushes, and a transfer bias is applied from each transfer bias power source. The transfer bias applied by the transfer bias applying member applies transfer charge to the transfer conveyance belt 160, and a transfer electric field having a predetermined strength is formed between the transfer conveyance belt 160 and the surface of the photosensitive drum at each transfer position. .

  The paper that is conveyed by the transfer conveyance belt 160 and onto which the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, 111Y, and 111K are transferred is sent to the fixing device 107, where the toner image is heated and pressed. Heat-fixed. After the heat fixing, the sheet is fed to the finisher 34 from the paper discharge port 34 ot to the finisher 34 on the upper side of the left side plate. Alternatively, the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 108 on the upper surface of the printer main body.

  Among the four photosensitive drums, the photosensitive drums 111M, 111C, and 111Y for forming a magenta image, a cyan image, and a yellow image are each an electric motor (color drum motor; color drum) for driving a color drum (not shown). M: Driven by a one-stage reduction through a power transmission system and a speed reducer (not shown). The photosensitive drum 111K for black image formation is driven at a one-stage speed reduction by a single electric motor (K drum motor: not shown) for driving the black drum via a power transmission system and a speed reducer (not shown). The Further, the transfer conveyance belt 160 is rotated by driving of a transfer driving roller via a power transmission system by the K drum motor. Accordingly, the K drum motor drives the K photoconductor drum 11K and the transfer conveyance belt 60, and the color drum motor drives the M, C, Y photoconductor drums 11M, 11C, and 11Y.

  The K developing device 120K is driven by an electric motor (not shown) that drives the fixing unit 107 via a power transmission system and a clutch (not shown). The M, C, and Y developing devices 120M, 120C, and 120Y are electric motors (not shown) that drive the registration rollers 105, and are driven via a power transmission system and a clutch (not shown). The developing devices 120M, 120C, 120Y, and 120K are not constantly driven, but receive drive transmission from the clutch so that they can be driven with a predetermined timing.

  Please refer to FIG. 2 again. The finisher 34 has a stacker tray, that is, a stacking / lowering tray 34hs and a sort tray group 34st. The finisher 34 discharges paper (printed paper, transferred paper) to the stacking / lowering tray 34hs, and discharges to the sort tray group 34st. It has a sorter paper discharge mode.

  The sheet fed from the printer 100 to the finisher 34 is transported in the upper left direction, passes through the upside down U-shaped transport path, switches the transport direction downward, and then ejects the stacker according to the set mode. In the mode, the sheet is discharged from the discharge port to the loading / lowering tray 34hs. In the sorter paper discharge mode, the paper being discharged at that time of the sort tray group 34st is discharged to the assigned sorter tray.

  When the sorter paper discharge mode is designated, the finisher internal paper discharge controller drives the sort tray group 34st placed at the lowermost overlap retract position to the use position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Increase the spacing. In the sorter paper discharge mode, for a set number of copies or prints (one person), when the sorter paper discharge mode is set for copy sorting, each transfer paper on which the same document (image) is printed is sorted into the sort tray group 34st. Assorted and stored in each tray. When the sorter discharge mode is set for page sorting, each tray is assigned to each page (image), and each transfer sheet on which the same page is printed is stacked on one sort tray.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of the functional configuration of the CDIC 14. The CDIC 14 includes an image data input / output control 161, an image data input control 162, a data compression unit 163, a data conversion unit 164, a parallel data I / F 165, a data decompression unit 166, an image data output control 167, a serial data I / F 168, a serial A data I / F 169 and a command control 170 are provided, and communication with other components is enabled via the IPP 15, the parallel bus Pb, and the serial bus Sb.

  In the CDIC 14, the image data input / output control 161 receives the image data output from the color document scanner 10 (SBU) and outputs it to the IPP 15. The IPP 15 performs “scanner image processing” 190 (FIG. 8) and sends it to the image data input control 162 of the CDIC 14. The data received by the image data input control 162 is subjected to primary compression of the image data in the data compression unit 163 in order to increase the transfer efficiency on the parallel bus Pb. The compressed image data is converted into parallel data by the data converter 164 and sent to the parallel bus Pb via the parallel data I / F 165. Image data input from the parallel data bus Pb via the parallel data I / F 165 is serially converted by the data converter 164. This data is primarily compressed for bus transfer and is decompressed by the data decompression unit 166. The expanded image data is transferred to the IPP 15 by the image data output control 167. In the IPP 15, RGB image data is converted into YMCK image data by “image quality processing” 300 (FIG. 8), converted into image data YpMpCpKp for image output of the printer 100, and output to the color printer 100.

  The CDIC 14 has a conversion function of parallel data transferred by the parallel bus Pb and serial data transferred by the serial bus Sb. The system controller 1 transfers data to the parallel bus Pb, and the process controller 131 transfers data to the serial bus Sb. For communication between the system controller 1 and the process controller 131, the data converter 164 and the serial data I / F 169 perform parallel / serial data conversion. The serial data I / F 168 is for IPP15, and serial data transfer is also performed with IPP15.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of the configuration of the IMAC 13. The IMAC 13 includes an access control 172, a memory control 173, a secondary compression / decompression module 176, an image editing module 177, a data modification module 181, a system I / F 179, a local bus control 180, a parallel bus control 171, a serial port control 175, a serial A port 174 and a network control 178 are provided. The secondary compression / decompression module 176, the image editing module 177, the parallel bus control 171, the serial port control 175, and the network control 178 are connected to the access control 172 via DMAC (direct memory access control), respectively.

  The system I / F 179 transmits / receives commands or data to / from the system controller 1. Basically, the system controller 1 controls the entire ACP 40. The system controller 1 manages the resource allocation of the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 and controls other units via the system I / F 179, the parallel bus control 171 and the parallel bus Pb.

  Each unit of the ACP 40 is basically connected to the parallel bus Pb. Therefore, the parallel bus control 171 manages the transmission / reception of data to / from the system controller 1, the MEM 16, and the HDD 17 by controlling the bus occupation.

  The network control 178 controls connection with the LAN. The network control 178 manages transmission / reception of data to / from an external expansion device connected to the network. Here, the system controller 1 does not participate in the operation management of the connected devices on the network, but controls the interface in the IMAC 13. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, control for 100BASE-T is added.

  The serial port 174 connected to the serial bus has a plurality of ports. The serial port control 175 includes a number of port control mechanisms corresponding to the types of buses prepared. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, port control for USB and 1284 is performed. In addition to the external serial port, it controls the command reception with the operation unit or the transmission / reception of data related to display.

  The local bus control 180 interfaces with the local serial bus Rb to which the RAM 4 necessary for starting the system controller 1, the nonvolatile memory 5, and the font ROM 6 for expanding printer code data are connected.

  In the operation control, command control by the system controller 1 is performed from the system I / F 179. In the data control, access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 from an external unit is managed centering on the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. The image data is transferred from the CDIC 14 to the IMAC 13 via the parallel bus Pb. Then, the image data is taken into the IMAC 13 by the parallel bus control 171.

  Memory access of the captured image data leaves the management of the system controller 1. That is, the memory access is performed by direct memory access control (DMAC) independently of the system control. For access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17, the access control 172 arbitrates access requests from a plurality of units. The memory control 173 controls an access operation of the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 or data reading / writing.

  When accessing the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 from the network, the data taken into the IMAC 13 via the network control 178 from the network is transferred to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by the direct memory access control DMAC. The access control 172 mediates access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 in a plurality of jobs. The memory control 173 reads / writes data to / from the MEM 16 and the HDD 17.

  When accessing the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 from the serial bus, the data taken into the IMAC 13 via the serial port 174 by the serial port control 175 is transferred to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by the direct memory access control DMAC. The access control 172 mediates access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 in a plurality of jobs. The memory control 173 reads / writes data to / from the MEM 16 and the HDD 17.

  Print output data from a PC connected to the network or serial bus is developed by the system controller 1 in the memory area in the MEM 16 and HDD 17 using the font data on the local bus.

  The system controller 1 manages the interface with each external unit. For data transfer after being taken into the IMAC 13, each DMAC shown in FIG. 6 manages memory access. In this case, since the DMACs perform data transfer independently of each other, the access control 172 prioritizes job collisions or access requests for access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17.

  Here, the access to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 includes an access from the system controller 1 via the system I / F 179 for developing a bitmap of stored data in addition to the access by each DMAC. In the access control 172, the DMAC data permitted to access the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 or the data from the system I / F 179 is directly transferred to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by the memory control 173.

  The IMAC 13 includes a secondary compression / decompression module 176 and an image editing module 177 with respect to data processing therein. The secondary compression / decompression module 176 compresses and decompresses data so that image data or code data can be effectively stored in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. The secondary compression / decompression module 176 controls the interface with the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by DMAC.

  The image data once stored in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 is called from the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 to the secondary compression / decompression module 176 via the memory control 173 and the access control 172 by the direct memory access control DMAC. The image data thus converted is returned to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by the direct memory access control DMAC or output to the external bus.

  The image editing module 177 controls the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by the DMAC, and performs data processing on the image data in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. Specifically, the image editing module 177 performs rotation processing of image data, synthesis of different images, and the like as data processing in addition to clearing the memory area. The image editing module 177 reads the secondary compressed data from the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 and decompresses it to the primary compressed data by the secondary compression / decompression module 176, and the same decoding logic as the data decompression 163 of the CDIC 14 in the image editing module 177. The primary compressed data is expanded into image data and expanded in the memory in the image editing module 177, and is processed. The processed image data is primarily compressed by the same encoding logic as the primary compression logic of the CDIC 14, further subjected to secondary compression by the secondary compression / decompression module 176, and written to the MEM 16 and the HDD 17.

  The image editing module 177 includes a watermark data embedding function 177a and a watermark data extraction function 177b. When embedding a watermark in the document information (image data) of the image file, the system controller 1 designates the target image file to the image editing module 177 and instructs embedding of the electronic watermark. The image editing module 177 gives information for accessing the image file to the watermark data embedding function 177a. The watermark data embedding function 177a accesses the image file in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17, writes the control information in the electronic watermark data frame, and stores the image file in the amount of data in the electronic watermark data frame. The document information (image data) is replaced with an electronic watermark data frame.

  Also, any method may be used for writing the electronic watermark data frame into the document information (image data). For example, in the present embodiment, information embedded as an electronic watermark data frame is divided every 4 bits, and 5 bits of information, which is 1 bit added as a flag first, is embedded in the least significant bit every 5 pixels. I will do it.

  Thereby, when extracting, by confirming the least significant bit of the first pixel every 5 pixels, it can be confirmed whether 5-bit information is embedded in the 5 pixels. If it is determined that it is embedded, information on the least significant bit of the next four pixels is extracted. By repeating this, an electronic watermark data frame can be extracted.

  When extracting electronic watermark data from the document information (image data) of the image file, the system controller 1 instructs the image editing module 177 to extract the electronic watermark by specifying the target image file. The image editing module 177 gives information for accessing the image file to the watermark data extraction function 177b. The data extraction function 177b accesses the image file of the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 and searches whether there is an electronic watermark data frame (header information: electronic watermark identification information) in the front end area of the document information therein. If there is, the electronic watermark presence information and the electronic watermark data frame control information are written to the output register and output to the system controller 1. When there is no electronic watermark data frame, the electronic watermarkless information is written to the output register and output to the system controller 1.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between each bit of the electronic watermark data frame held by the watermark data extraction function 177b, the corresponding management information item, and the priority order when generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. As shown in the figure, electronic watermark identification information is held at the first byte. For example, if the electronic watermark identification information is “0”, it indicates that it is not embedded, and if it is “1”, it indicates that it is embedded. Information corresponding to the item of management information is held from the second byte. By setting the management information item and the number of bits in advance for the second and subsequent bytes in this way, the watermark data extraction function 177b can extract information corresponding to the item. The extracted watermark data is held in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 by controlling the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 by the DMAC. The retained watermark data is called up when necessary from “background pattern composition 2” 202 or “background pattern composition 1” 204 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the priority order for embedding in association with each item is held. That is, there is a limit to the amount of data that can be included in the tint block image when generating the tint block image. Therefore, when generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, an item to be embedded is determined according to priority. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which information on unnecessary items is not included even though information on unnecessary items is included in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image after printing. That is, a tint block image can be generated based on appropriate information. An item indicated by “-” in the priority order indicates information that does not need to be embedded as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being embedded.

  The data modification module 181 includes a data deletion module 181a, a data addition module 181b, and a data change module 181c. When the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated, the system controller 1 instructs the data modification module 181 to modify the extracted electronic watermark before generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Then, the data modification module 181 controls the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 by DMAC, and modifies the watermark data stored in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17. Specifically, the data modification module 181 compares the data volume of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with the data amount of each item, and deletes information on items that cannot be embedded by the data deletion module 181a according to the above-described priority order. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, when the data modification module 181 determines that items up to the sixth priority can be embedded according to the data capacity, the image file name is embedded, and the priority after the file type is embedded. The item information is not embedded. In this case, the data deletion module 181a deletes information on items that are not embedded, such as file types.

  The data modification module 181 may add other information to be embedded as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to the watermark data stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 when generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. For example, when an image file is input from another PC, the data addition module 181b receives the received image in the information for each item of watermark data extracted from the image file and stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17. As management information used for file management, it is conceivable to add information such as a reception date and time or an IP address for specifying a destination PC.

  Further, the data modification module 181 may change the watermark data stored in the MEM 16 and the HDD 17 when generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. For example, if the data change module 181c holds the registration date and time of the image file and the reception date of the image file, the data change module 181c changes '2005' indicating the year to '05' and sets it as the registration date and time for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. It is conceivable that “05/06/07” is written. Furthermore, even if ranks “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” are embedded in the tint block image, they are unknown when referred to by other users, so the data change module 181c determines that “print prohibited document”. , 'Important document', 'Cautious document', 'Regular document' can be considered.

  The data change module 181c also performs the watermark data change process according to the language code. This language code is used on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 of the operation board 20 to switch between Japanese and English. By using this language code, a tint block image described in a language that can be recognized by the user is generated by the modification of the data change module 181c. For example, if the language code indicates Japanese, the data change module 181c changes the registration date and time to '05 / 06/07 '(year / month / day), and if the language code indicates English, The registration date is changed to '07 / 06/05 '(day / month / year).

  Further, the data modification module 181 may designate change of the layout or the like when generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image based on the setting input from the operation board 20 by the user. Specifically, when the user refers to an image file to be superimposed on the operation board 20 and instructs where to place characters or the like in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the characters or the like of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image based on this instruction The data modification module 181 modifies the data so as to be arranged. In addition, layout information necessary for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image may be generated and held.

  Although different from the present embodiment, the data modification module 181 generates an identification ID for identifying watermark data stored in the HDD 17 when generating the background pattern, and embeds the identification ID in the background pattern image. good. That is, the watermark data may be changed to the identification ID and then superimposed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in which the identification ID is embedded. For example, in this case, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for access is added to the header or footer of the image file. When the image file on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is superimposed is printed, the user accesses the URL added to the printed image file, and inputs the identification ID embedded as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Thus, watermark data can be referred to. As a result, even when printed, data embedded as an electronic watermark can be acquired.

  FIG. 8 shows an image processing outline of the IPP 15. The read image is transmitted from the input I / F (interface) of the IPP 15 to the “scanner image processing” 190 via the SBU and CDIC 14. This “scanner image processing” 190 is for the purpose of correcting the reading deterioration of the read image signal. After performing the shading correction, the scanner gamma conversion and the like are performed, and then the data is transferred to the CDIC 14 and stored in the MEM 16. The image data stored in the MEM 16 and read out is transferred to the IPP 15 again via the CDIC 14. Then, “image quality processing” 300 is performed.

  When transferring an image file in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 to an information processing means such as an external device such as the PC 1 via the network, the system controller 1 uses the image editing module 177 of the IMAC 13 to electronically store the document information in the image file. A search is performed for watermark data, and when there is a watermark data extraction function 177b, a tint block image having contents corresponding to the management information extracted and output is converted into a tint block synthesis function “IP pattern synthesis 2” of IPP15. 202 is used to compose the image of the image file. The image information of the image file transferred to the PC 1 may be document data (text data) or image data (pixel data). In any case, when a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is combined, it is easy to combine the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image layer by superimposing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image layer on the target image plane. Therefore, the present invention does not intend to exclude this layer superposition mode. However, in order to make it difficult to intentionally delete the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in the PC 1 and to increase the reliability of carrying a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, in this embodiment, “background pattern composition 2” 202 If it is document data, the document data is converted into an image using a font ROM, and then converted into image data of 1 pixel per pixel by gradation processing such as dither processing or error diffusion processing. It is combined with 1-bit copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data. In other words, a pixel having an image component of either the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition image or the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is set as a bit with an image component by logical sum operation.

  FIG. 9 shows an outline of the image processing function of the IPP 15. The IPP 15 performs separation generation (determination of whether an image is a character region or a photographic region: image region separation) 193, background removal 194, scanner gamma conversion 195, filter 196, “background pattern composition 2” 202, color correction 302, scaling 303, Image processing 304, printer gamma conversion 305, gradation processing 306, and “background pattern composition 1” 204 are performed.

  The IPP 15 also includes an input interface 191 and an output interface 197 as interfaces for the scanner image processing 190, an input interface 201 and an output interface 203 as interfaces for the “background pattern composition 2” 202, and a printer image quality processing 300. An input interface and an output interface 307 are further provided as interfaces for the above.

  The IPP 15 is a programmable arithmetic processing unit that performs image processing. Image data input to the CDIC 14 from the output I / F 12 of the color original scanner 10 is transferred to the IPP 15 via the CDIC 14, and the signal deterioration (scanner system signal) accompanying the quantization to the optical system and the digital signal by the IPP 15. (Deterioration) is corrected and output (transmitted) to the CDIC 14 again. In the IPP 15, “image quality processing” 300 is performed on the image data returned from the CDIC 14 to the IPP 15. In “image quality processing” 300, RGB signals are converted into YMCK signals by color correction 302, and scaling processing such as scaling 303, image processing 304, printer gamma conversion 305, gradation conversion, dither processing, or error diffusion processing is performed. 306, and if there is an instruction, “background pattern composition 1” 204 is performed.

  When printing of an image file in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 is instructed from an external device such as the PC 1 or from the operation board 20, the system controller 1 uses the image editing module 177 of the IMAC 13 to write the document information in the image file. A search for electronic watermark data is performed, and if there is, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern extraction function 177 b extracts the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the management information and outputs the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern synthesis function “copy-forgery-inhibited pattern combination 1” 204 of IPP 15. Is used to compose the image of the image file. Since the image data to be added to the background pattern is converted into print data of 1 bit per pixel in the gradation processing 306 before the “background pattern composition 1” 204, the background pattern image data is transferred to each pixel bit in the “background pattern composition 1” 204. Are synthesized. That is, a pixel having an image component of either the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern addition image or the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is determined as a bit with an image component by performing a logical sum operation between bits.

  Next, “background pattern composition 1” 204 will be described. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of “background pattern composition 1” 204 according to the embodiment. As shown in this figure, “background pattern composition 1” 204 includes “background pattern generation 1” 204a and “background pattern overlay 1” 204b, and generates a background pattern image corresponding to the extracted electronic watermark, The generated tint block image is superimposed on the image of the image file. Similarly, “background pattern composition 2” 202 includes “background pattern generation 2” 202a and “background pattern overlay 2” 202b, and performs the same processing as “background pattern composition 1” 204, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The “background pattern generation 1” 204a generates a background pattern image corresponding to the watermark data held in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17. The “background pattern superimposition 1” 204b superimposes the generated background pattern image and an image file. In the present embodiment, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the watermark data indicates a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including watermark data that can be visually confirmed by the user. As a specific example, after the image file on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is superimposed is printed, the watermark data held in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17 appears as characters by copying the printed matter. Can be confirmed visually.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing data development on the memory during the generation of a tint block pattern by the “tint block synthesis 1” 204. First, the “background pattern generation 1” 204a of the “background pattern composition 1” 204 secures an area necessary for generation on the memory (RAM 4). Next, “background pattern generation 1” 204a performs the bitmap development shown in FIG. 11A on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy deletion pattern held in advance by “background pattern generation 1” 204a using the reserved area. . In parallel with this, “background pattern generation 1” 204a creates a copy suppression character. As described above, the data to be embedded as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is stored in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17. Therefore, the “background pattern generation 1” 204a acquires these data. Next, “background pattern generation 1” 204a performs the development shown in FIG. 11B on the acquired character string with bitmap data of a predetermined font, size, and inclination. Further, the “background pattern generation 1” 204a develops the background pattern copy remaining pattern as a bitmap as shown in FIG. Of course, the areas of the images shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are developed into different areas.

  Then, “background pattern generation 1” 204a performs an AND process on the bitmap data of the character string that becomes the copy suppression character and the bitmap data of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy remaining pattern, and generates the copy suppression character shown in FIG. To do. Next, the “background pattern generation 1” 204a overwrites the copy-suppressed character bitmap data created in this way at a predetermined position in the area where the above-described background pattern copy residual pattern is developed, thereby FIG. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image shown in is created.

  The “background pattern superimposition 1” 204b superimposes the generated background pattern image and the image information (image data) of the image file.

  Next, a background pattern image generated by “background pattern generation 1” 204a or “background pattern generation 2” 202a will be described. At the stage when the created copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the image file on which the document information is superimposed are printed, characters embedded as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image do not stand out conspicuously. For example, after the image file on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image shown in FIG. 11E is superimposed is printed, it is difficult for the user to confirm the character “patent”. When the printed material is copied, the character “patent” appears on the white background of the copied material. This is because the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image copy / erasure pattern is erased at the copying stage and remains after the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image copy remaining pattern is copied. The tint block image copy remaining pattern and the tint block copy erasure pattern may be any patterns regardless of known patterns.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is an image that is difficult for the user to confirm after printing and before copying, and characters and the like appear after copying. However, character information may be added using a pattern that can be confirmed by the user before copying, that is, after printing. Even in this case, the added character information or the like can be confirmed, so that the information embedded as an electronic watermark can be retained even when printed or the like.

  In this case, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image may correspond to each of the management ranks A, B, C, D and no management rank, and the background image with the higher management rank may have a higher background image density and a more vivid color. As a result, the alerting effect and the information damage effect during printing and copying are high. Several of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images associated with each of the management ranks A, B, C, D and no management rank are registered in the HDD 17 for each rank, and one of the several is one management. Selected and set to rank. This setting can be changed using the initial setting function of the operation board 20.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the generated tint block image. As shown in the figure, in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, character information such as data included in the image file as watermark data is written as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. The character information and the like are described as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy remaining pattern, and the background is described as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy deletion pattern. As a result, even if the data held as watermark data is printed, the user can continue to hold it and check it.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy obtained by copying the print with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image illustrated in FIG. 12 added thereto. As shown in the figure, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy erasure pattern added to the background is erased, and the character information described in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern copy remaining pattern remains. As a result, since the embedded character information or the like is manifested at the time of copying, it is possible to check the information managed in association with the image file. This information is originally obtained by extracting information embedded as an electronic watermark and modifying the extracted information as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. In other words, the information embedded as an electronic watermark can be confirmed as information managed as an electronic watermark even outside a device that can recognize the electronic watermark.

  Further, as described above, as an embodiment, it may be possible to add an identification ID as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and describe a URL for accessing a header or footer. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image in which an identification ID is added as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and a URL is described in the footer. As shown in the figure, since the URL for accessing is described, the user can confirm where the outflow source of the image or the printed material is. Further, by accessing this URL and inputting the identification ID, the associated management information or the like can be referred to.

  As a result, the identification ID is embedded as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Therefore, by requesting information from the copying machine A1 based on the identification ID, the information held as watermark data is transmitted to the other image. Information held as watermark data by the device or the user can be easily acquired.

  Thus, by embedding watermark data or information that can be identified by watermark data as characters, embedded information can be recognized without using a special device for recognition. In other words, even in an environment in which an electronic watermark cannot be recognized, information previously stored as an electronic watermark in an image can be acquired.

  When the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is combined, the system controller 1 stores the data specifying the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in the HDD 17 corresponding to the management rank information in the management information in the IPP 15 (“background pattern composition 2” 2202 or “background pattern composition 1” 204). At the same time, the management information (text data) is converted into image data (pixel bits) using the font ROM 6 by the IMAC 13 and output to the IPP 15. The IPP 15 combines an image image obtained by superimposing management information on a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with an image image to be combined.

  FIG. 15 shows an outline of image processing control of the system controller 1 shown in FIG. When the copying machine A1 is turned on and an operating voltage is applied from a power supply circuit (not shown) (step S1), the system controller 1 executes a power-on response initialization process (step S2) to execute an operation board. The liquid crystal touch panel 79 displays a copy mode input standby screen set to default (standard) as shown in FIG. 16 via the CPU (not shown) of the operation board 20 (step S3). ).

  In the following, the word “step” is omitted, and only the step number is written in parentheses. The system controller 1 reads the input to the operation board 20 and switches the display of the operation board 20 through the CPU in the operation board 20, but in the following, it is described that the operation is performed through the CPU. Is described as being performed by the operation board 20.

  Next, the system controller 1 waits for an input from the operation board 20 or a command from the PC 1 and reads and decodes it (step S4).

  As shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the liquid crystal touch panel 79, the operation board 20 includes a numeric keypad 80a, a clear / stop key 80b, a start key 80c, an initial setting key 80d, a mode clear key 80e, and a test print key 80f. The test print key 80f is a key for printing only one copy regardless of the set number of print copies and confirming the print result. By pressing the initial setting key 80d, the initial state of the machine can be arbitrarily customized. The paper size stored in the machine can be set or the state set when the copy function reset key is pressed can be arbitrarily set. When the initial setting key 80d is operated, an “initial value setting” function for setting various initial values, a “password registration” function, a “copyright registration / setting” function, an “usage record output” function, etc. A selection key to specify is displayed. Also, select applications that are preferentially selected when there is no operation for a certain period of time, set the transition time to low power according to the International Energy Star Plan, and set the transition time to auto-off / sleep mode. It is possible to set.

  On the liquid crystal touch panel 79, various function keys and a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus are displayed. The liquid crystal touch panel 79 has a “copy” function, a “scanner” function, a “print” function, a “facsimile” function, an “store” function, an “edit” function, a “register” function, and other functions for selecting and executing. A function selection key 80g is displayed. The storage function is a function for storing image data of a document read by the color document scanner 10, facsimile reception data, and image data from a PC in the storage area of the HDD 17. These are operation keys for accessing the stored file (file name, attribute information, and search display for checking thumbnail images). The registration function is a function for storing in the registration area of the HDD 17. Among the image files stored in the storage area of the HDD 17, an image file that is highly common for use by many users, an image file that is desired to be stored for a long time, a special file This is a function for storing an image file to be set for management in a registration area of the HDD 17. A “registration” key on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 is an operation key for activating this registration function.

  On the liquid crystal touch panel 79, an input / output screen determined by the function designated by the function selection key 80g is displayed. For example, when the “copy” function is designated, as shown in FIG. 16, the function keys 79a, 79b and A message indicating the number of copies and the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed. When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 79, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in gray. When the details of the function must be specified (for example, the type of page printing), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display device, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.

  Reference is again made to FIG. When “input reading” (step S 4) reads that the “read” key of the function selection key 80 g has been operated (touched) (step S 5), the system controller 1 displays a “read” input screen on the liquid crystal display 79. Display (step S6) and execute "read" (step S7). FIG. 17 shows a “read” input screen. The contents of “read” (step S7) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When reading that the “registration” key of the function selection key 80g is operated in “input reading” (step S4) in FIG. 15 (step S8), the system controller 1 displays the “registration” input screen on the liquid crystal display 79. Display (step S9) and execute "registration" (step S10). The “registration” input screen is used to input the registration destination on the HDD 17, the name of the image file to be registered, and the information format of the document information. The contents of “registration” (step S10) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When reading that the “print” key of the function selection key 80g is operated in “input reading” (step S4) in FIG. 15 (step S11), the system controller 1 displays a “print” input screen on the liquid crystal display 79. Display (step S12) and execute "print" (step S13). FIG. 20 shows a display on the liquid crystal touch panel 79 when the user touches “print” in the function selection key 80 g and designates one of the storage / registered files in the HDD 17. The contents of “print” (step S13) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the command from the PC 1000 is read by “input reading” (step S4) in FIG. 15, the system controller 1 executes “PC application” (step S15). The contents will be described later with reference to FIGS.

With reference to FIG. 18, the contents of “read” in step S7 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. When the “read” input screen (FIG. 17) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79 and the process proceeds to “read” (step S7), the system controller 1 generates an image file in the storage area of the HDD 17 (step S1701). The management rank input of the user to the display 79 is read (step S1702). The “management rank” displayed on the “read” input screen (FIG. 17) is a type of management information attached to the image data read by the color original scanner 10, and in this embodiment, the rank is 4 from A to D. Seeds, and these ranks are addressed to the following management content;
Rank A: Printing prohibited
Rank B: Printing when user authentication is established; printing prohibited when not established,
Rank C: Note that printing is managed,
Rank D: Print free (no management)
FIG. 17 shows a state in which the default rank A is designated as the management rank. Which rank is set as the default can be changed by initial setting using the initial setting key 80d. When the user touches the rank B button shown in FIG. 17, the rank A button is switched to non-designated white, the rank B button is switched to gray being designated, and the rank of the input register of the operation board 20 is changed. The designation information is updated from one indicating rank A to one indicating rank B.

  Reference is again made to FIG. When the user operates the start key 80c of the operation board 20 after completing the input to the management rank frame, the system controller 1 reads the data in the input register of the operation board 20 (step S1702), and the color original scanner 10 The image is read and the read image data is written to the memory MEM16 (step S1703). Then, management information for the read image data is generated and written into the image file generated this time in the storage area on the HDD 17 (step S1704). The management information includes an image file name, file type, number of pages, directory on the copying machine A1, management rank, source (user ID, ID of A1), transfer source, registration date and time, and editing history. The ID of A1 in the source is the domain name of the copying machine A1 + individual name (global IP address + private IP address). The transfer source is the domain name + individual name of the device (for example, PC) that has sent the document information. The edit history is the change and date / time of the management information data excluding the edit history, and the edit (change) and date / time of the in-file document information.

  Next, the system controller 1 generates electronic watermark data of management information (step S1705), and embeds the electronic watermark data in the image data written in the memory MEM16 (step S1706). Then, the image data in which the watermark is embedded is written in the image file generated this time in the storage area on the HDD 17. Then, the contents of the management information are displayed on the display 79 (step S1708). Therefore, the image file generated this time in the storage area on the HDD 17 includes the same management information in the form of the management information data itself and the electronic watermark embedded in the image data. Yes.

  With reference to FIG. 19, the contents of “registration” in step S10 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. When the “registration” input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79 and the process proceeds to “registration” (step S 10), the system controller 1 displays the multifunctional copier A 1 in the “registration destination” designation block of the “registration” input screen. The name (abbreviation) is displayed, the last file name of the image file list in the storage area on the HDD 17 is displayed in the “file name” designation block, and the displayed file is displayed in the “file type” designation block. The data format of the image data in the name file is displayed (step S21). As a registration destination, a server or a PC connected to the LAN or the wide area communication network B can be designated in addition to the own device (A1). These servers and PCs are registered in the own device (A1), and are switched to the “registration destination” designation block by operating the scroll key at the right end of the “registration destination” designation block. The file name in the “file name” designation block can also be switched to another by operating the scroll key. The “file type” can also be switched to another by operating the scroll key.

  When it is received that the “registration destination”, “file name”, “file type”, and the like have been changed from the user, the changed contents are read (step S22).

  When the user accepts the operation of the “registration” key on the “registration” input screen (FIG. 17) (step S23), the main controller reads the setting (input) of the “registration” input screen at that time. A password verification screen is popped up on the liquid crystal display 79 (step S24). Then, it is determined whether or not the password input by the user matches the password in the management information of the image file having the designated file name (step S25). If it is determined that they match (step S25: Yes), management information is generated by changing the management information to reflect the current input (step S26). Then, an image file of the updated management information is generated. That is, an image file storing the updated management information data and image data in which the electronic watermark data of the management information is embedded is generated (step S27). The image file is registered in the registration destination (step S28). When the registration destination is the own device (A1), it is registered in the registration area of the HDD 17. Then, the original image file in the storage area of the HDD 17 is deleted (step S29).

  With reference to FIG. 21, the contents of “print” in step S13 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. The “print” input screen (FIG. 20) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79, the file list of the storage area and registration area of the HDD 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79, the user designates one file, and password verification is performed appropriately. When the user operates the start key after finishing the process, in response to this, the system controller 1 proceeds to “print” (step S13) shown in FIG. Then, electronic watermark data of the print designated image is extracted (step S31). Then, it is determined whether there is a watermark (step S32). If there is a watermark, the management information represented by the watermark is restored from the watermark (step S33). If there is no watermark, the management information of the image file is extracted (step S34).

  The system controller 1 determines whether or not the rank data of the management information is the management rank A (Step S35). In the case of the management rank A (step S35), the system controller 1 displays on the liquid crystal display 79 notification information “instructed document is prohibited to print. Not printed” assigned to the management rank A and registered in the HDD 17. (Step S48), and the print instruction rejection of the image file is registered in the management area of the HDD 17 (step S43).

  If it is not the management rank A (step S35: No), the system controller 1 determines whether or not it is the management rank B (step S36).

  When the rank data of the management information is the management rank B (step S36: Yes), the system controller 1 displays the notification information “Please enter the password” assigned to the management rank B and registered in the HDD 17 on the liquid crystal display. 79 is displayed (step S37). When the user inputs a password, it is checked whether it matches the one registered in the nonvolatile memory in the system controller 1 (step S38).

  If the passwords match (step S38: Yes), the system controller 1 determines whether or not an electronic watermark is included in the image file (step S39).

  When there is a watermark (step S39: Yes), the data modification module 181 in the IMAC 13 modifies the watermark into data suitable for superposition according to an instruction from the system controller 1 (step S40). Then, the “background pattern generation 1” 204a (FIG. 10) generates the background pattern image corresponding to the watermark (step S41). Thereafter, the “background pattern superimposition 1” 204b superimposes the generated background pattern image and the document information (image data) to generate a print target image (step S42).

  Thereafter, the generated print target image is output to the printer 100 (step S43). When printing is completed, the system controller 1 writes the file ID, document processing ID (data indicating completion of printing), and user ID of the printed image file together with the date / time information in the document information management table of the HDD 17 (step S44).

  When the user does not input the password, and when the password is different from the registered one, the system controller 1 assigns to the management rank B authentication error and registers the notification information “There is no proper password. “Printing prohibited. No printing” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79 (step S49), and the file ID and document processing ID (data indicating printing rejection) of the image file designated for printing are displayed in the document information management table of the HDD 17. ) And the user ID are written together with the date and time information (step S44).

  If it is not the management rank B (step S36: No), the system controller 1 determines whether or not it is the management rank C (step S45).

  When the rank data of the management information is the management rank C (step S45: Yes), the system controller 1 assigns the management rank C and the notification information “registered in the HDD 17 has a punishment for taking the print out of the part other than the part to which it belongs. Do you agree with this? -Y--N- "is displayed on the liquid crystal display 79 (step S46). Then, an input as to whether or not the user understands is accepted (step S47).

  When ‘−Y− (YES)’ accepts an input (step S47: Yes), processing up to printing and updating information is performed in the same manner as described above (steps S39 to S44). If '-N- (NO)' is input, printing is rejected (steps S49 and S44).

  If it is not the management rank C (step S45: No), the system controller 1 determines whether or not it is the management rank D (step S48).

  When the rank data of the management information is the management rank D (step S48: Yes), the system controller 1 prints the document information with the printer 100 in the same manner as the above-described processing (steps S39 to S44). When none of the management ranks A to D can be extracted (step S48: No), the system controller 1 displays “Printer is prohibited. Printing is not performed” on the liquid crystal panel 79 (step S49). Then, the management information is updated and the process ends (step S44).

  The contents of the “PC application” (step S15) will be described with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. When there is a document transfer request command from the PC, the system controller 1 saves (stores) the PC ID (identification code: PC name) and user ID (identification code: user name) in the command in the internal memory of the system controller 1. ;Remember. Then, the image editing module 177 of the IMAC 13 checks whether there is watermark data in the image data of the designated image file on the HDD 17 (step S91).

  If there is watermark data (step S91: Yes), the data modification module 181 in the IMAC 13 modifies the watermark into data suitable for superimposition (step S92) according to an instruction from the system controller 1. The “background pattern generation 2” 202a of the IPP 15 generates a background pattern image corresponding to the watermark data (step S93). Thereafter, the “background pattern overlay 2” 202b superimposes the generated background pattern image and the image file to generate an image file on which the background pattern image is superimposed (step S94). Then, it transfers to PC (step S95).

  If there is no watermark (step S91: No), the image file is transferred as it is to the PC (step S97). In any case, the system controller 1 stores the file ID of the transmitted image file, the document processing ID (data indicating transmission to the PC), the ID of the PC that requested the transfer, and the ID in the document information management table of the HDD 17. The user ID is written together with the date / time information (step S98).

  If the command from the PC is a scanner read & transfer request, the system controller 1 generates an image file in the same manner as the “read” (step S7) shown in FIG. 18 in response to the read instruction from the operation board 20. The image is read and a watermark is embedded in the image data and stored in the image file (steps S51 to S57). Then, the file is transferred to the PC (step S58), and the file ID of the transmitted image file, the document processing ID (data indicating transmission to the PC), the ID of the PC that requested the transfer, and the user ID are stored in the document information management table of the HDD 17. Are written together with the date and time information (step S98).

  If the command from the PC is an instruction to print an image file from the PC, the system controller 1 performs IMAC13 (image editing module 177) extraction and a watermark embedded in the image data of the PC document. Data is extracted (step S81), and the image file transferred by the PC is stored in the HDD 17 (step S82). Then, the management information of the watermark is extracted, and it is determined whether there is a watermark (step S62). If there is no watermark, the management information of the image file is extracted (step S64). If there is, the watermark management information is extracted. Extract (step S63).

  Then, similarly to the “printing” (step S13) shown in FIG. 21 in response to the instruction from the operation board 20 described above, printing according to the management rank information and password verification or printing rejection is performed (step S65). ~ S78). Then, the file ID of the image file designated for printing, the document processing ID (printing, printing rejection), the PC ID and the user ID are written together with the date / time information in the document information management table of the HDD 17 (step S98).

  If the command from the PC is an image file print request on the HDD 17, the watermark of the image data is extracted in the same manner as in the above-described step 91 (step S61). Then, similarly to the “printing” (step S13) shown in FIG. 21 in response to the instruction from the operation board 20 described above, printing according to management rank information and password verification or printing rejection is performed (step S62). ~ S78). Then, the file ID of the image file designated for printing, the document processing ID (printing, printing rejection), the PC ID, and the user ID are written together with the date / time information in the document information management table of the HDD 17 (step S97).

  The PC 1000 shown in FIG. 1 stores an application (program) that uses the copier A1. The application is started up, and a copy using the copier A1 is started from the operation input screen, and the color original scanner 10 of the copier A1. Reading (& transfer to PC1 or storage / registration of A1 in HDD 17), printing of A1 HDD 17 / printing of registered document, printing of image on PC1, facsimile transmission / reception printing using copying machine A1, on PC It is possible to instruct to store / register an image in A1, read a registered image file in the HDD 17 of the copying machine A1, and edit an image file in the HDD 17 of the copying machine A1. In summary, the input / output function of the operation input screen displayed on the display of the PC 1 is the same as that of the operation board 20, and the input / output operations that can be performed by operating the operation board 20 are similarly performed on the personal computer display in the PC 1000. It can be carried out. In this case, input is performed with a mouse and a keyboard.

  FIG. 24 shows an outline of processing of the “document application” DUA using the copying machine A1 loaded on the PC 1000. When the “document application” DUA is activated, the application DUA displays the input screen shown in FIG. 25 on the display of the PC 1000 (step S101). At this time, if “file” is set to the initial display, a list of image files in the HDD 17 of the A1 is obtained from the multi-function copier A1 in which a link is set as an image file database in the application DUA, and an input screen is displayed. Write to and display. FIG. 25 shows a state in which this list is displayed. If the user file is specified, the application DUA downloads the specified image file from the copying machine A1 and opens the image file (steps S102 to S105), and the watermark data extraction function 177b of the multifunction copying machine A1. If the watermark data embedded in the image data in the image file is extracted by the same function, and the extraction succeeds (if there is watermark data), the watermark data is saved in the register and the watermark is applied to the image data. Delete the data. Then, the password is collated corresponding to the management rank of the management information included in the watermark data (or image file management information if there is no watermark) (step S106). In the case of an image file that does not require password verification, and if the password entered by the user matches the password registered in the multi-function copying machine A1, the image data is developed in the display memory and displayed on the display of the PC 1 ( Step S107). After that, when there is a print instruction for the displayed image, the application DUA generates a print data file of the displayed image, and if there is watermark data extracted for the image, the image data is The watermark data is added and stored in the print data file (steps S108 to S111), and the print data file (print command) is transferred to the MFP A1 (step S112). Upon receiving this transfer, the system controller 1 of the multifunction peripheral A1 executes step S81 and subsequent steps in FIG.

  When “read” on the input screen shown in FIG. 25 is designated, the application DUA displays an input screen similar to the read input screen shown in FIG. 17 on the display of the PC 1 (step S115). When the user inputs to the input screen are read and a start instruction is input, the reading instruction is transmitted to the multifunction device A1 together with the data input on the reading input screen. The system controller 1 of the multifunction device A1 reads the document image in step S51 and subsequent steps in FIG. 22 to generate an image file, accumulates it in the HDD 17, and transfers the image file to the PC 1.

  When “registration” on the input screen shown in FIG. 25 is designated, the application DUA displays a registration input screen similar to the operation screen shown in FIG. In the registration input screen, not “file” in the input screen shown in FIG. 25 but “registration” is selected. When the user designates an image file on the accumulated file list and instructs to start, the application DUA instructs the multifunction device A1 to register the designated image file. The system controller 1 of the multi-function peripheral A1 executes the designated image file when the conditions specified by the management information such as password verification are satisfied by the same processing as the processing after step S23 of “Registration” (step S10) in FIG. Are stored in the registration area of the HDD 17 and deleted from the storage area.

  When “print” on the input screen shown in FIG. 25 is designated, the application DUA displays a print input screen similar to the operation screen shown in FIG. In the print input screen, not “file” in the input screen shown in FIG. 25 but “print” is selected and displayed. When the user designates an image file in the stored file list or the registered file list and instructs to start, the application DUA instructs the multifunction device A1 to print the designated image file. The system controller 1 of the multi-function peripheral A1 prints the image of the designated image file when the conditions defined by the management information such as password verification are satisfied by the same processing as the processing after step 61 in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data corresponding to the watermark data is superimposed on the document information. This makes it possible to refer to it by copying it even though it is not normally visible after it is output, so normally you cannot refer to the embedded information like an electronic watermark, but you need embedded information. In this case, the watermark data embedded by copying can be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated using watermark data as characters as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. However, the present invention is not limited to such a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. That is, any image may be used as long as it is a tint block image that can be recognized by another device or a user.

  In the above-described embodiment, the image data used for superimposing the image file on the document information (image data) is not limited to the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data.

  As an example different from the present embodiment, image data that can be visually recognized may be superimposed on image data used for superimposition. Visually recognizable image data is image data that can be understood by the user or the like without using a special device. As the visually recognizable image data, for example, an image or the like additionally showing character information such as a stamp, an icon, or a DATE display can be considered. Thereby, after the superimposed image file is printed, the user can grasp the contents embedded as an electronic watermark by referring to the printed matter.

  In this way, the image can be read and extracted by the copying machine A1 according to the present embodiment by superimposing the visually recognizable image corresponding to the electronic watermark on the image of the image file. The user can visually recognize the information embedded as an electronic watermark in the system even when it is output outside the operating system.

  Further, it may be possible to select whether to use either a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or visually recognizable image data from a touch panel such as an image forming apparatus.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the modification of watermark data, one or more of data deletion, data addition, and data change is performed, but the modification of watermark data is limited to these. It is not a thing.

  In this embodiment, since the data managed as watermark data is retained as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, it is possible to acquire information retained as an electronic watermark even if the electronic watermark is not recognized. Became.

  Further, in the present embodiment, information embedded as an electronic watermark in the system even outside the system operated by the extraction and embedding of the electronic watermark by the copying machine A1 and the method used in the copying machine A1. Can be recognized by the user, so that the information can be used. In addition, for example, it is possible to prevent unauthorized copying of a printed material on which the image is superimposed by, for example, making the user refer to the author's name included in the superimposed image. It is possible to exert a deterrent to prevent counterfeiting and copyright infringement even outside the system operated by extraction or embedding.

  In the present embodiment, since the data modification module 181 modifies the watermark data held in the MEM 16 or the HDD 17, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the watermark data is generated. Since the watermark data suitable for generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is modified, the usefulness of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is improved. In addition, according to the data deletion module 181a included in the data modification module 181, unnecessary data is deleted when generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and only necessary data is stored in the data capacity that can be embedded in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Made it possible. Further, according to the data addition module 181b, it is possible to add useful data to the image. In this embodiment, the data adding module 181b embeds management information held in advance in a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and can embed valid data other than watermark data as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Further, according to the data change module 181c, since the data is changed to an optimum form, it is possible to improve the visibility of the embedded data or reduce the amount of unnecessary data.

  The invention relating to the present embodiment will be additionally described below. In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the code | symbol of the corresponding | compatible element of the above-mentioned embodiment or a corresponding matter is appended for reference as an example in parentheses. The same applies to the following.

Appendix 1 shows storage means for storing image information (MEM, HDD);
Means (1, IMAC) for reading out image information requested by the external device (PC 1000) through communication from the storage means;
Means for extracting watermark data of the read image information (177b);
Means (IPP) for combining the tint block image corresponding to the extracted watermark data with the image represented by the read image information; and
Means (1, CDIC, IMAC) for sending image information represented by the synthesized image to the external device (PC1000) via communication;
An image processing apparatus comprising:

Supplementary Note 2 is an imaging device (10) including an imaging device (207) and means (SBU) for converting an image signal generated by the imaging device into digital data, that is, image data;
Means (1) for generating management information of image data generated by the imaging device (10);
Means (1,177a) for generating watermark data including the management information and adding it to the image data;
and,
Means (IMAC) for accumulating image data with watermark data stored in storage means (MEM, HDD) of the image processing apparatus (ACP);
The image processing apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising:

  According to this, a document requiring confidentiality can be read by the imaging device (10), and watermark data can be added and stored in the storage means (MEM, HDD). Thereby, the confidential effect described in Appendix 1 can be expected.

  Appendix 3 is the image processing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, further comprising a printer (100) that prints an image represented by the image information on paper.

  According to this, the image information in the storage means (MEM, HDD) can be printed out by the printer (100). If the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is synthesized at the time of printout as in the case of transmission by communication, tracking management of the print image becomes easy, and an effect of suppressing abuse of the print image can be expected.

  The supplementary note 4 is that the image processing apparatus further includes a printer (100) that prints an image represented by the image information on paper, and the image information generated by the imaging apparatus (10) corrects image reading distortion. The image processing apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein the image data used for printing by the printer (100) is subjected to data processing (300) that matches the printing characteristics of the printer.

  According to this, image information with good reproducibility can be obtained, and a printed image with good reproducibility can be obtained.

  Appendix 5 further includes means (1, IMAC) for receiving image information of a print instruction through communication; means (177b) for extracting watermark data included in the received image information; and extracted watermark data Means for synthesizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image with the image represented by the image information (IPP), and printing the synthesized image on a sheet by the printer; image processing apparatus according to appendix 3 or appendix 4 .

  According to this, when image information with watermark data added is sent from an external device and printing is instructed, the image information obtained by synthesizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is printed. An inhibitory effect can be expected.

  Appendix 6 is the image processing apparatus according to Appendix 5, further comprising means (1, IMAC) for storing image information of a print instruction received via communication in the storage means (MEM, HDD).

  According to this, even after the image information is printed out by the external device user, the image information stored in the storage means (MEM, HDD) is confirmed, printed out as necessary, and the image information is read from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. It is also possible to track the provenance.

  Appendix 7 further includes means (20) for instructing the image processing apparatus to print image information stored in the storage means; in accordance with this instruction, watermark data is extracted from the image information read from the storage means Then, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the extracted watermark data is combined with the image represented by the read image information, and the combined image is printed by the printer; the image processing apparatus according to any one of appendix 3 to appendix 6 .

  According to this, it is possible to print the image information in the storage means by operating the instruction means (20) in the image processing apparatus. Image information with watermark data is printed with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, so that a high confidentiality effect can be expected.

  Appendix 8 reads out the image information of the storage means that the external device (PC1) requested to print via communication, extracts watermark data from the read image information, and extracts a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the extracted watermark data. The image processing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 3 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the composite image is combined with an image represented by the read image information and the composite image is printed by the printer.

  According to this, even when printing of image information in the storage means is instructed from the external device (PC1), the image information with watermark data is printed with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, so that a confidential effect can be expected.

  Supplementary note 9 is that in the synthesis of a tint block image, when the image information is document data, the image information is converted into an image image, and the pixel bit information of the tint block image data is synthesized with the pixel bit information (202). In the case of image data, the image processing apparatus according to appendix 1, appendix 5, appendix 7 or appendix 8, wherein the pixel bit information of the tint block image data is combined with the pixel bit information of the image information (204).

  According to this, since the image information obtained by synthesizing the tint block is a pixel data bit obtained by synthesizing the tint block information, it is impossible to delete the tint block information from the image information, and the reliability of holding the tint block information is high.

  Appendix 10 converts the image information to be printed into 1-pixel 1-bit print image data for a printer, and then synthesizes each bit information of 1-pixel 1-bit copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data with each bit information ( 300), appendix 5, appendix 7 or appendix 8.

  According to this, since the image information obtained by synthesizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image represents one pixel of the image with one bit and each bit is obtained by combining the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image information, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern information can be deleted from the image information. This is impossible and the reliability of holding the tint block information is high.

Appendix 11 includes storage means (MEM, HDD) for storing image information, means for reading and writing image information to the storage means (1, IMAC), and means for extracting watermark data added to the image information (177b). ), Means (IPP) for composing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to watermark data into an image represented by image information, communication means (8), and transmission / reception of image information to / from information processing means (PC1) by controlling each means An image processing apparatus comprising control means (1, IMAC) for performing
The information processing means (PC1) for transmitting and receiving image information via communication to the image processing apparatus,
The information processing means (PC1) designates image information of the storage means (MEM, HDD) and instructs transmission to the information processing means (PC1), and the control means (1, IMAC) responds to the instruction. The image information designated is read from the storage means (MEM, HDD), the watermark data added to the read image information is extracted, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the watermark data is represented by the image information. An image processing system that synthesizes the image and sends it to the information processing means (PC1).

  According to this, in the image processing system in which information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus via a dedicated communication line or a network, the effect described in Appendix 1 can be expected.

  Supplementary Note 12 is that the image processing device includes an image pickup device (10) including an image pickup device (207) and means (SBU) for converting an image signal generated by the image pickup device into digital data, that is, image data; Means (1) for generating management information of image data generated by (1); means for generating watermark data including the management information and adding it to the image data (1,177a); and image data with watermark data added thereto The image processing system according to claim 11, further comprising: means (IMAC) for storing the data in the storage means (MEM, HDD).

  According to this, the effect described in Appendix 2 can be expected in an image processing system in which information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to an image processing apparatus via a dedicated communication line or network.

  Appendix 13 is the image processing system according to Appendix 11 or 12, wherein the image processing apparatus further includes a printer (100) that prints an image represented by the image information on a sheet.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which information processing means such as the PC 1000 is communicatively connected to the image processing apparatus via a dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 3 can be expected.

  The supplementary note 14 is that the image processing apparatus further includes a printer (100) that prints an image represented by the image information on a sheet, and the image information generated by the imaging apparatus (10) corrects image reading distortion. 13. The image processing system according to appendix 12, wherein image data processing (300) is added to image information used for printing of the printer (100) in accordance with data processing (300) according to the printing characteristics of the printer.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which information processing means such as the PC 1000 is communicatively connected to the image processing apparatus via a dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 4 can be expected.

  The supplementary note 15 is that the image processing apparatus further includes means (1, IMAC) for receiving image information of a print instruction through communication; means for extracting watermark data included in the received image information (177b); and Means for synthesizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the extracted watermark data with the image represented by the image information (IPP); and printing the synthesized image on a sheet by the printer; The image processing system described in 1.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which the information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus via the dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 5 can be expected.

  Appendix 16. The image processing according to Appendix 15, wherein the image processing apparatus further includes means (1, IMAC) for storing image information of a print instruction received via communication in the storage means (MEM, HDD). system.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which the information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus via the dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 6 can be expected.

  The supplementary note 17 further includes means (20) for instructing the printing of the image information stored in the storage means to extract watermark data from the image information read from the storage means in response to the instruction. Then, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the extracted watermark data is combined with the image represented by the read image information, and the combined image is printed by the printer; the image processing system according to any one of supplementary notes 13 to 16 .

  According to this, in the image processing system in which information processing means such as the PC 1000 is communicatively connected to the image processing apparatus via a dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 7) can be expected.

  Appendix 18 is that the image processing apparatus reads the image information of the storage means requested by the information processing means (PC1) through communication, extracts watermark data from the read image information, and extracts the watermark data. The image processing system according to any one of Supplementary Note 13 to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image corresponding to the image data is combined with the image represented by the read image information and the composite image is printed by the printer.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which the information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus via the dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 8 can be expected.

  Supplementary note 19 is that the image processing apparatus combines the pixel bit information of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data with the pixel bit information when the image information is document data when combining the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. 202) When the image information is image data, the pixel bit information of the tint block image data is synthesized with the pixel bit information of the image information (204), described in appendix 11, appendix 15, appendix 17 or appendix 18. Image processing system.

  According to this, in the image processing system in which the information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus via the dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 9 can be expected.

  Appendix 20 is that the information processing means (PC1) extracts watermark data added to the image information downloaded from the image processing apparatus and deletes it from the image information (106 in FIG. 24); The image processing system according to appendix 11, wherein the extracted watermark data is added to the image information and transmitted (111 and 112 in FIG. 24);

  According to this, in the image processing system in which the information processing means such as the PC 1000 is connected to the image processing apparatus through a dedicated communication line or network, the effect described in Appendix 10 can be expected.

  Appendix 21 is the image processing system according to Appendix 20, wherein the information processing means (PC1) displays image information from which watermark data has been deleted on a display;

  According to this, only the image that the watermark data does not appear as noise and the image information originally represents is displayed on the display. Since the presence of watermark data is not known on the display, it is effective in concealing watermark data.

  By having such a configuration, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image appears in a displayed or printed image even if it is transferred from an external device to another external device. In addition to being easy, it has the effect of suppressing abuse.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus, the image processing method, and the image processing program according to the present invention are useful as a technology for holding information as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. In particular, information embedded as an electronic watermark is used for a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. Suitable for embedding technology.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an image data processing apparatus ACP, a color document scanner and a color printer connected thereto according to an embodiment. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a multi-function full-color copying machine including an image data processing apparatus ACP, a color original scanner, and a color printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of a reading mechanism of the document scanner according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of an image forming mechanism of the printer according to the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the image data interface control CDIC concerning Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the image memory access control IMAC concerning Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the correlation of each bit of the electronic watermark data frame embedded in this Embodiment, the item of corresponding management information, and the priority at the time of producing a tint block image. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the function structure of the image data processor IPP concerning Embodiment. It is a block diagram showing typically the functional composition of image data processor IPP concerning an embodiment. It is a functional block diagram showing the composition of background pattern composition 1 concerning an embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the data expansion | deployment on the memory of the generation process of the background pattern pattern by the background pattern synthesis | combination 1 concerning embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image produced | generated by the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation 1 concerning embodiment. It is the figure which showed the example of the copied material which copied the printed material to which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image printed from the color printer concerning embodiment was added. It is the figure which showed an example of the image which identification ID was added as a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and URL was described in the footer printed from the color printer concerning another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the image processing control of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP concerning Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the upper surface of the operation board according to the embodiment, and the liquid crystal display shows an input screen in a “copy” mode. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the upper surface of the operation board according to the embodiment, and the liquid crystal display shows an input screen in a “read” mode. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the image processing control "read" of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP concerning embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the image processing control "registration" of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP concerning embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the upper surface of the operation board according to the embodiment, and the liquid crystal display shows an input screen in a “print” mode. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the image processing control "print" of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP concerning Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of content of the image processing control “PC application” of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other part of the content of the image processing control "PC application" of the system controller of the image data processing apparatus ACP concerning an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of image utilization processing using a multifunction full-color copying machine by a program “multifunction machine application” (DUA) installed in a PC according to an embodiment; It is a top view which shows the image file selection screen displayed on the display of PC by the program "multifunction apparatus application" (DUA) installed in PC concerning embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 System controller 2 External serial board 3 Local bus I / F
4 RAM
5 Nonvolatile memory 6 Font ROM
7 Parallel bus I / F
8 Network I / F
9 Serial bus I / F
10 Color Document Scanner 13 Image Memory Access Control IMAC
14 Image data interface control CDIC
15 Image data processor IPP
16 Memory module MEM
17 Hard disk device HDD
20 Operation Board 30 Automatic Document Feeder 34 Finisher 34hs Stacking Descent Tray 34ud Lifting Platform 34st Sort Tray Group 40 Image Data Processing Device ACP
41M, 41C, 41Y, 41K Laser emitter 100 Color printer 102 Optical writing unit 103, 104 Paper feed cassette 105 Registration roller pair 106 Transfer belt unit 107 Fixing unit 108 Paper discharge tray 110M, 110C, 110Y, 110K Photosensitive unit 111M, 111C, 111Y, 111K Photosensitive drums 120M, 120C, 120Y, 120K Developer 160 Transfer conveyor belt 161 Image data input / output control 162 Image data input control 163 Data compression unit 164 Data conversion unit 164
165 Parallel data I / F
166 Data decompression unit 166
167 Image data output control 168 Serial data I / F
169 Serial data I / F
170 Command Control 171 Parallel Bus Control 172 Access Control 173 Memory Control 174 Serial Port 175 Serial Port Control 176 Compression / Expansion Module 177a Watermark Data Embedding Function 177b Watermark Data Extraction Function 178 Network Control 179 System I / F
180 Local bus control 181 Data modification module 181a Data deletion module 181b Data addition module 181c Data change module 190 Scanner image processing 191, 201 Input interface 193 Separation generation 194 Background removal 195 Scanner gamma conversion 196 Filter 197, 203, 307 Output interface 202 Background pattern Synthesis 2
202a Background pattern generation 2
202b Superposed pattern 2
204 Background pattern synthesis 1
204a Generation of tint block 1
204b Background pattern overlay 1
231 Document table glass 232 Illumination lamp 233 First mirror 234 Second mirror 235 Third mirror 236 Lens 207 CCD
238 Stepping motor 239 Reference white plate 240 Glass 241 Document tray 242 Pickup roller 243 Registration roller pair 244 Conveying drum 245 Pressing roller 246, 247 Discharge roller 248 Discharge tray combined pressure plate 249 Base sensor 251 Scale 302 Color correction 303 Scaling 304 Image Processing 305 Printer gamma conversion 306 Gradation processing 1000 PC
1001 Exchanger PBX
1002 Public line PN

Claims (3)

Extraction means for extracting electronic watermark data from image information;
A part of the information included in the electronic watermark data extracted by the extraction unit is deleted so as to be within a predetermined data amount that can be included in the first copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image superimposed on the image information. Delete means,
A first copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having contents corresponding to the electronic watermark data after the partial information has been deleted by the deleting means, and a second copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including identification information for specifying the electronic watermark data Generating means for generating
Superimposing means for superimposing the two copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by the generating means on the image information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: An extraction step for extracting electronic watermark data from the image information;
A part of the information included in the electronic watermark data extracted by the extraction unit is deleted so as to be within a predetermined data amount that can be included in the first copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image superimposed on the image information. Delete step,
A generation step of generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image having contents corresponding to the electronic watermark data after the partial information has been deleted by the deleting step, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image including identification information for identifying the electronic watermark data; ,
A superimposing step of superimposing the two copy-forgery-inhibited pattern images generated by the generating step on the image information;
An image processing method comprising:   An image processing program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 2.

Images