Image processing apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001This invention relates to an image processing apparatus for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus having a function to determine whether inputted image data is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills and securities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002In recent years, in association with progress in the fields of image processing technology and image forming technology, it has become possible to form an image so exquisitely that sometimes a copied bill prepared with a color copying machine can not be distinguished from an actual bill. For this reason, and there have been developed apparatuses for determining specific drafts such as bills and securities and inhibiting the specific drafts to be copied illegally.

0003However, with the conventional technology, apparatuses which inhibit output of an image when the image is determined as for a specific draft have been provided, but there has been no apparatus which allows output of an image in a case, for instance, where the image is to be processed by an eternal device, appending information that the image may be for a specific draft, on the condition that the image is not printed directly on recording paper.

0004Also with the conventional technology, determination as to whether an image is for a specific draft or not is executed based on inputted image data, but any particular consideration has not been taken to a case where an image may be treated as that for a specific draft or not as that for a specific draft by subjecting the image to particular deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, or painting.

0005Also there has not been provided any image forming apparatus in which a degree of severity in recognition of a specific draft can be changed according to user management or situation of use.

0006Also in the conventional technology, determination as to whether an image is for a specific draft or not is executed by comparing a certain threshold value and a degree of similarity, so that sometimes a draft to be suspected as a specific draft is determined as a non-specific draft because of a threshold value preset, and the similar images as described above have been processed based on the recognition that the images are not for specific draft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0007It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which allows output of doubtful image data in a case where the image data is processed by an external device appending information that the image data may be for a specific draft.

0008It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which can accurately make determination as to whether inputted image data is for a specific draft or not taking into account a case where the image data may be for a specified draft or not may be for a specific draft once subjected to particular deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, and painting.

0009It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus in which a degree of severity in recognition of a specific draft can be switched according to user management or situation of use.

0010It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which can inhibit copying of an image not decisively determined as for a specific draft but suspected as for a specific draft.

0011In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, if a specific draft determining means determines whether inputted image data received from a scanner or an external device is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities, a data appending means adds data for a specific draft indicating a result of determination by the specific draft determining means to the image data to be outputted, so that, in a case where the image data is processed by an external device, output can be allowed by appending information that the image data to be outputted may be a specific draft to the image data.

0012In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, if the specific draft determining means determines whether inputted image data received from a scanner or an external device is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities, a data appending means adds data for a specific draft indicating a result of determination by the specific draft determining means to the image data to be outputted, so that, in a case where the image data is processed by an external device, output can be allowed by appending information that the image data to be outputted may be a specific draft to the image data. Also, in a case where the inputted image data is coded image data, and at the same time the data for a specific draft has not been added thereto, a decoding means does not execute the normal decoding operation.

0013In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means makes determination by using the image data having been subjected to the specified image processing as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not in a case a new image processing is specified to the inputted image data, and the data appending means adds the data according to a latest result of determination outputted from the specific draft determining means, so that, even in a case where the inputted image data is treated as for a specific draft by subjecting the inputted image data to specified image processing, a result of determination can accurately be appended to the image data.

0014In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means computes a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and then an inhibiting means inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more.

0015In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means computes a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and then the inhibiting means inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where enciphered code has been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, and also inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where enciphered code has not been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more.

0016In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means computes a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and then the inhibiting means inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where user code has been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, and also inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where user code has not been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more.

0017In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the inhibiting means inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data, and also evades operation for forging a specific draft by preventing a draft from being taken out by locking the draft holding plate locking function.

0018In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means computes a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and then a processing situation storage means stores situation of processing such as a date of determination or contents of image processing in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or that any particular determination can not be made.

0019In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means computes a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and then an image data storage means stores image data to be outputted in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or that any particular determination can not be made.

0020In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means makes determination by using image data having been subjected to the specified image processing as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not in a case where image processing associated with deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, or painting is specified to the inputted image data.

0021Other objects and features of this invention will become understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0022<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a color digital copying machine with an external interface according to the present embodiment ; and</li><li>Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are explanatory views showing a locking function according to the present embodiment.</li></ul>

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

0023Next, a detailed description is made for a color digital copying machine with an external interface as an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention with reference to the related drawings.

0024Fig. 1 shows configuration of a color digital copying machine with an external interface according to the present embodiment comprising a scanner 101 optically reading an image of a draft, subjecting the read image to A/D conversion (analog/digital conversion), MTF conversion or the like, and outputting the image as R, G, B data, an external interface 102 for receiving image data inputted from an external device, a selector 103 for receiving R, G, B data from the scanner 101 as well as from the external interface 102 and selectively outputting any of the image data, an image processing section 104 for receiving R, G, B data from the selector 103, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and outputting the image data as Y, M, C, K data, a printer 105 for forming an image on recording paper according to the Y, M, C, K data outputted from the image processing section 104, an external interface 106 for outputting the Y, M, C, K data outputted from the image processing section 104 to an external device, a selector 107 for selectively outputting the Y, M, C, K data outputted from the image processing section 104 to either the printer 105 or external interface 106, an operating section 108 for executing various key input and message output, and a system controller 109 for controlling each of the components described above.

0025The image processing section 104 has an image processing function to subject inputted image data to various types of image processing such as a γ-correction, conversion from R, G, B data to Y, M, C, K data, gray level processing, or a γ -correction for a printer according to characteristics of a device (herein the printer 105) or processing mode of image data, an image processing function to subject inputted image data to deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, or painting according to specified conditions, and a specific draft determining function to determine whether or not inputted image data is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills and securities as shown in specific draft determining section.

0026The external interface 102 corresponds to a decoding means according to the present invention having a function to decode image data inputted from an external device, and a function to read data for a specific draft from image data inputted from the external device.

0027The external interface 106 corresponds to a coding means and a data appending means according to the present invention, and has a function to code image data to be outputted and a function to append data for a specific draft indicating a result of determination by the specific draft determining section 104a to the outputted image data.

0028The operating section 108 can input enciphered code and user code by making use of various types of key input described above.

0029The system controller 109 controls each section (each unit) as well as communications via the external interface 102 and external interface 106, and has a function to store, maintain and check enciphered code as well as user code, a function to count and check a result of determination by the specific draft determining means 104a, a function to store and maintain data for situation of processing such as date of determination or contents of image processing by the specific draft determining sections 104a, and a function to store and maintain image data according to a result of determination by the specific draft determining section 104a.

0030With the configuration described above, now description is made for operations of the image processing apparatus. In a case of ordinary processing for copying, namely in a case where an image of a draft is read by a scanner and the image data is inputted to the image processing apparatus, output from the scanner 101 is R, G, B data, and the R, G, B data is sent to the image processing section 104. In the image processing section 104, the R, G, B data is converted to density data by means of γ-correction , then the density data is converted to Y, M, C, K data by solving the masking equation, and furthermore the data is subjected to γ-correction for a printer according to characteristics of the printer.

0031Herein if the printer 105 is a printer having 4 sets of image forming unit, Y, M, C, K data is inputted from the image processing section 104 all at once, and a full-color image is formed on recording paper. Also in a case of a printer having only one set of image forming unit, Y, M, C, K data is sequentially converted from the R, G, B data and outputted in the image processing section 104 to execute image forming on recording paper 4 times, and thus a full-color image is formed by sequentially superimposing colors. Namely, in a case of a printer having only one set of image forming unit, scanning is executed by the scanner 101 4 times to form images for Y, M, C, and K respectively. Also when forming a full-color image with 3 colors of Y, M and C, scanning is executed 3 times.

0032On the other hand, in a case where external interfaces 102 and 106 are used the image data is sent to the image processing section 104 via the external interface 102 from the outside instead of the scanner 102, or the image data is outputted to various external devices via the external interface 106 instead of being outputted to the printer 105.

0033The image data subjected to various types of image processing in the image processing section 104 is sent to the specific draft determining section 104a in the image processing section 104, where determination is made as to whether the image data is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities. At first the specific draft determining means 104a computes a degree of similarity between the processed image data and a specific drafts inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities, and the object image data is classified to 3 values of (T) indicating that the image data is for a specific draft, (F) indicating that the image is not for a specific draft, and (N) indicating that any decision can not be made for the image data according to the computed degree of similarity.

0034In this embodiment, determination as to whether image data is for a specific draft or not is made according to a degree of similarity. For instance, in a case where a degree of similarity is computed in a range from 0 % to 99 %, if a degree of similarity is more than 90 %, the image data is determined as (T) indicating that the image data is for a specific draft, if a degree of similarity is 69 % or less, the image data is determined as (F) indicating that the image data is not for a specific draft, and if a degree of similarity is smaller than 90 % and larger than 69 %, the image data is determined as (N) indicating that any particular decision can not be made for the image data.

0035A result of the determination (T, F, N) is sent to a system controller 109. The image data used in determination for a specific draft is then sent via a selector 107 to the printer 105 or external interface 106.

0036When a result of determination is inputted, the system controller 109 executes a processing for inhibiting copying as well as for appending data for a specific draft as described below according to the result of determination. At first, when outputting image data to the internal printer 105, if a result of determination indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft (T), output of the image data is stopped (inhibited) at the point of time. Concretely, all contents of the image data (assuming herein that the image data is based on 256 gray levels) is converted to "0" or "255", or driving of the printer 105 is stopped. Also, when outputting image data to an external device, the system controller 109 makes the external interface 106 execute a processing for appending data for a specific draft.

0037Next, a description is made for a method of appending data for a specific draft in the external interface 106. Image data is outputted in synchronism to a main scanning sync. signal (LSYNC), an auxiliary scanning sync. signal (FGATEB), and a pixel clock (CLK). In recent years, color image data has a resolution of around 400 dpi, 300 dpi, and 240 dpi, and is expressed with 8 bits for R, G, and B or Y, M, C, and K respectively (256 gray levels). Herein it is assumed that the lowest bit is data bit for a specific draft. However, in a case where data value is not more than 15, namely in a case where the upper 4 bits are zero (0), if any data is put in the lowest bit, a noise component becomes larger, so that, only when data value is 16 or more, the lowest bit is used as data bit.

0038Also it should be noted that, although the following description assumes that image data consists of 8 bits, the lowest bit can be used as data bit if the data consists of around 6 bits or more. In other cases, even if 1 bit is added as dedicated data bit, there occurs no substantial cost-related problem, so that a new bit is added, if necessary.

0039The external interface 106 traces data dot by dot in the main scanning direction, and the lowest bit in data consisting of 16 dots or more is stored in a memory (not shown herein). When 8 or more pieces of data each consisting of 16 dots or more has been detected, data sampling is finished. In a case where a number of pixels each comprising data of 16 or more dots is 7 or less, data for a specific draft is not appended to the line.

0040In a case where, even if 8-bit data has been sampled, a result of determination (T) is provided to the subsequent data with a value of 16 or more according to instruction of the system controller 109, only the lowest bits are rewritten with contents of the memory described above successively. When 8 pieces of data have been rewritten, again rewriting of data is started from the first bit. If a result of determination is (F), only the lowest bits are rewritten to data with contents in the memory above having been inverted.

0041If a result of determination is (N), of the 8 bits which are the lowest bits for 8 dots (pixels) each comprising first 16 or more bits stored in the memory described above, any 1 bits or several bits are inverted. Herein it is possible to append data corresponding to a similarity to a specific draft (for instance, a value indicating a degree of similarity) by specifying a bit or bits to be inverted. Also it is possible, by deciding bit or bits to be inverted, to determine, when any other bit has been inverted, that the data has not been appended correctly to the image data or the image data has been intentionally distorted (or modified). It should be noted that, as in case of data consisting of 6 bits or more, only the lowest bit is rewritten, any problem relating to the image quality does not occur, and it is regarded as a kind of noise in the output image.

0042On the other hand, in a case where image data is compressed (coded) in the external interface 106 and is outputted to an external device, as ADCT conversion or the like generally used for compression of multi-valued image is not reversible, it is impossible to store data for a specific draft according to a method in which the lowest bit in image data is used as data bit as described above. For this reason, in this case, when compressing image data by means of ADCT, data for specific data is appended using the lowest bit of a DC component signal. Coding of DC component is reversible, and coding may be executed after data for a specific draft is appended, and may not be executed. In this case, however, data is for each 8 x 8 x 8 pixel.

0043Next, a description is made for a processing of reading data for a specific daft in an external I/F. In a case where data for a specific draft has been appended to image data as described above, and at the same time the image data has not been coded, a lowest bit of 8 dots in a first 16 or more pieces of data for each line is sampled in the memory, and the lowest bit is checked for each dot in subsequent 16 or more pieces of data. In a case where any different data is in any portion, the portion is recognized as an image for a specific draft.

0044Also in a case where the coded data is received from an external device, data for a specific draft is checked only for its DC component signal. The data for a specific draft is transferred to a system controller 109, treated like a result of determination by the specific draft determining section 104a, and control for inhibition is executed.

0045In this operation, in a case where the image is subjected to processing and then outputted to an external device, determination is made by the specific draft determining section 104a as to whether the image data is for a specific draft or not after having been subjected to various types of image processing, the data for a specific draft is added in the external I/F 106. For this reason, even in a case where the data for a specific draft appended to the inputted image data indicates (T), the image is determined as (N) by the specific draft determining section 104a, (N) as data for a specific draft is added thereto in the external I/F 106 and outputted in a case where the image data after having been subjected to image processing is treated not as that for a specific draft. And also even in a case where the data for a specific draft added to the inputted image data indicates (N), the image is determined as (T) by the specific draft determining section 104a, (T) as data for a specific draft is added thereto in the external I/F 106 and outputted in a case where the image data after having been subjected to image processing is treated as that for a specific draft. Furthermore, the external I/F 102 decodes the image data by being subjected to processing in which DC component is set to zero (0) in a case where data for a specific draft is not accurately appended thereto (or is not appended thereto).

0046The system controller 109 always checks any of which (T), (F), or (N) a result of determination to the inputted image data is, and when the result is (T), a processing to prevent the image from being normally outputted is executed. Also, normal output of the image is stopped until when a state (F) since succession of a state of (N) is computed, and reaches a prespecified number of times C is recognized.

0047Also the system controller 109 requires, if the state (N) is recognized, input of enciphered code by an operator, and if the enciphered code is inputted through the operating section 108, the enciphered code is compared to the previously stored enciphered code, then if it is correct, the image data is outputted. Herein, in a case where enciphered code is not inputted within a specified period of time, or in a case where the inputted enciphered code is not coincident to the previously stored enciphered code, the image data is abandoned and each section of the apparatus is returned to its initial state.

0048Also herein, the operator may be asked to again input the enciphered code before the image data is abandoned so that the inputted enciphered code is again compared to the previously stored enciphered code.

0049Furthermore, a plurality of enciphered code may be previously prepared, allocated as user code to each user or each section a user belongs to so that each user can input the user code as described above to be compared to the previously stored enciphered code. With this operation, even in case of image for a specific draft being abused, it becomes easier to pursue the cause because users are put under more strict management.

0050As shown in Fig. 2A to Fig. 2C, if the case where the inputted image data from the scanner 101 is determined as for a specific draft (T), the locking function is controlled by the system controller 109 by providing a locking function in a pressing plate section of a scanner 101 (a draft holding plate), so that the draft can not be taken out, which makes it possible to effectively suppress to copy a specific draft.

0051Also when it is determined that the image data is for a specific draft (T) or that any determination can not be made (N) regardless of the scanner 101 or the external I/F 102 from which image data is received, the system controller 109 stores the image data in an internal memory (not shown herein). And also such data as the date of determination or the contents of image processing at the time described above may be stored at the point of time in the internal memory (not shown herein) as situation of processing. With this operation, it becomes possible to specify or assume the inputted image data itself.

0052It should be noted that, in a case where the image data is stored in the internal memory, a method of storing image data compressed or storing only an important portion thereof for determination may be employed to reduce a required memory capacity.

0053In the present embodiment as described above, determination is made as to whether inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, and a result of the determination is appended to image data to be outputted as data for a specific draft, so that copying and forging of a specific draft can be prevented even in a case where only image data is transferred through the external I/F 106 without being actually outputted onto recording paper.

0054Also in a case where data for a specific draft has not been appended to inputted image data through the external I/F 102, normal processing (normal decoding) can not be executed, so that data for a specific draft is always appended to image data in a case where it is expected to receive normal image data from an external device and obtain a normal image.

0055Also even in a case where certain image data is determined as for a specific draft or not as that for a specific draft according to change in a criteria for determination in each image processing, an accurate result of determination to image data to be outputted can always be obtained, and also the obtained result can be appended thereto as data for a specific draft.

0056In determination as to whether the image data is for a specific draft or not, in a case where a state indicating that any determination can not be made (N) is successively continued, it is possible to inhibit copying of the image like in a case where it is determined that the image data is for a specific draft (T), so that copying or forging can be prevented without fail even in a case where the image can not precisely be determined not as that for a specific draft.

0057Also a user is managed with his enciphered code or user code, and a criteria for determination as to whether the image is for a specific draft or not can be made severer to users other than the authorized users.

0058Also it is possible to inhibit with the interlock mechanism for a draft to be taken out, so that the apparatus can be identified simultaneously when copying or forging is executed.

0059Also in a case where it is determined that an image is for a specific draft (T) and that any particular determination can not be made (N), the image data is stored, so that the specific draft can easily be checked afterwards.

0060Also in a case where it is determined that an image is for a specific draft (T) and that any particular determination can not be made (N), date of the determination or the contents of image processing is stored as situation of processing, so that the situation of copying or forging thereof can clearly be defined.

0061As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a specific draft determining means for determining whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities, and a data appending means for appending data for a specific draft indicating a result of determination by the specific draft determining means to the image data to be outputted, so that, in a case where, for instance, the image data is to be processed by an external device, output thereof can be allowed by appending information that the image data to be outputted may be a specific draft to the image data.

0062In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a decoding means for decoding image data in a case where the inputted image data is coded image data, a coding means for coding image data having been subjected to the various types of image processing, a specific draft determining means for determining whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities, and a data appending means for appending data for a specific draft indicating a result of determination by the specific draft determining means to the coded image data, and the decoding means does not execute the normal decoding operation in a case where the inputted image data is coded image data and at the same time the data for a specific draft has not been added to the image data, so that, in a case where the image data is to be processed by an external device, output thereof can be allowed by appending information that the image data may be a specific draft to the image data. Also, in a case where data for a specific draft has not been appended to the inputted image data, the normal decoding operation can not be executed, so that it is always possible to append data for a specific draft in a case where it is required to receive image data from an external device and obtain a normal image.

0063In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means makes determination by the image data having been subjected to the specified image processing, when a new image processing is specified to the inputted image data, as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, and the data appending means adds the data according to a latest result of determination outputted from the specific draft determining means, so that, even in a case where the inputted image data may be treated as that for a specific draft or not as that for a specific draft because the image data has been subjected to particular deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, or painting, determination can accurately be made as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not.

0064In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a specific draft determining means for computing a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and an inhibiting means for inhibiting operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more, so that it is possible to inhibit copying of an image similar to a specific draft which can not be determined as that for a specific draft, but which can be suspected as that for a specific draft like in a case where image data is determined as that for a specific draft, when the similar image is outputted successively.

0065In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a storage means with enciphered code previously stored therein, an inputting means for inputting the enciphered code, a specific draft determining means for computing a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and an inhibiting means for inhibiting operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where enciphered code has been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, and also for inhibiting operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where enciphered code has not been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more, so that it is possible to inhibit copying of an image similar to a specific draft which can not decisively be determined as for a specific draft but is suspected as a specific draft in a case where the similar image is successively outputted. Also a degree of severity in recognition of a specific draft can be changed according to user management with his enciphered code, and at the same time output situation of a similar image which can not decisively be determined as for a specific draft but is suspected as for a specific draft can be controlled.

0066In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a storage means with user code previously set to each user stored therein, an inputting means for inputting user code, a specific draft determining means for computing a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and an inhibiting means for inhibiting operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where user code has been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, and also for inhibiting operations for image processing or output of image data in a case where user code has not been inputted and a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or in a case where a result of determination above indicating that any particular determination can not be made is successively outputted a specified number of times or more, so that it is possible to inhibit copying of an image similar to a specific draft which can not decisively be determined as for a specific draft but is suspected as a specific draft in a case where the similar image is successively outputted, like in a case where it is determined that the image is as for a specific draft. Also a degree of severity in recognition of a specific draft can be changed according to user management with his enciphered code, and at the same time output situation of a similar image which can not decisively be determined as for a specific draft but is suspected as for a specific draft can be controlled.

0067In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the scanner has a draft holding plate and a locking function to lock the draft holding plate, and the inhibiting means inhibits operations for image processing or output of image data and also prevents a draft from being taken out by locking the draft holding plate locking function, so that when a specific draft is copied or forged, an apparatus can be identified simultaneously when the operation is executed.

0068In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a specific draft determining means for computing a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and a processing situation storage means for storing situation of processing such as a date of determination or contents of image processing in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or that any particular determination can not be made, so that, in a case where it is determined that the inputted image data is for a specific draft or that any particular determination can not be made, the date of determination or the contents of image processing is stored as processing situation, which makes it possible to define the situation of copying or forging thereof. Also, output situation of a specific draft or a similar image to a specific draft can be controlled by storing the data for processing situation.

0069In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention for receiving image data from a scanner or an external device, subjecting the inputted image data to various types of image processing, and then outputting the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises a specific draft determining means for computing a degree of similarity between the inputted image data and a specific draft inhibited to be copied such as bills or securities and determines whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, or deciding that any particular determination can not be made according to the degree of similarity therebetween, and an image data storing means for storing the outputted image data in a case where a result of determination by the specific draft determining means indicates that the inputted image data is for a specific draft, or that any particular determination can not be made, so that, in a case where it is determined that the inputted image data is for a specific draft or that any particular determination can not be made, the image data in that situation is stored, which makes it possible to easily check later the situation of copying or forging thereof. Also, output situation of a specific draft or a similar image to a specific draft can be controlled by storing the data for processing situation.

0070In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, the specific draft determining means makes determination by using image data having been subjected to the specified image processing as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not in a case where image processing associated with deformation or processing such as size change, mirroring, inclination, color conversion, or painting is specified to the inputted image data, so that, even in a case where a criteria for determination is changed according to various types of image processing as to whether the inputted image data is for a specific draft or not, an accurate result of determination to outputted image data can always be obtained.

0071Although the invention has been described with respect to a specific embodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.