Picture processing unit

【0001】

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an image processing device having a function of discriminating illegal copying.

【0002】

[Problems to be solved by conventional techniques and inventions]

In recent years, with the development and widespread use of copiers, copyright infringement by copying copyrighted works and illegal copying of confidential documents have become problems. However, with conventional analog copiers, it is not possible to make advanced judgments on the original manuscript, and hard copies (copies of the second and subsequent generations) should be completely managed for the partially copied parts. Was impossible.

【0003】

Conventionally, various devices and methods have been proposed in order to prevent leakage to the outside due to copying of confidential documents. For example, a copying machine has been proposed that stops the copying operation when pre-registered characters such as "copy prohibited" and "secret" attached to the manuscript are detected (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-266759). ). However, in this copying machine, copying can be easily performed by hiding characters such as "copy prohibited" and "secret" when copying. For this reason, once the characters are hidden and copied, the original cannot be effectively prevented from leaking to the outside. Further, in the remarks of the examples disclosed in JP-A-2-266759, image information of the entire manuscript, for example, the position and number of specific characters (for example, "to") are used as feature information. It is disclosed that the copy-prohibited manuscript is determined based on the above, but as in the case of the copying machine of JP-A-2-284189 described below, in order to store the feature information of all the manuscripts for which copying is prohibited. Requires a large amount of memory, and in fact, it is difficult to detect all the information corresponding to the copying operation.

【0004】

Further, for example, in order to prevent illegal copying of banknotes, securities, etc., a copying machine has been proposed in which copying is prohibited by storing the pattern of the characteristic portion of the original image that prohibits copying (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-). No. 52384). In this copier, if the entire original image is stored as a feature part, it is possible to deal with the case where a part of the original image is hidden and copied, but the feature part of all the original images for which copying is prohibited is stored. In order to do so, a large amount of memory is required, which increases the cost.

【0005】

Furthermore, copiers have been proposed that make copying impossible without entering a password (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-120753 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-120561), but when copying unimportant sentences. However, there is a problem that it is not easy to use due to restrictions.

【0006】

On the other hand, when a confidential document is leaked to the outside by copying, information such as the identification information of the copying device at the time of copying, the date and time of copying, and the time is represented by a barcode in order to determine the source of the leak of this document. A method of adding to a part of the copied manuscript has been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-111161). However, this method has a problem that no effect can be produced when the barcode attached to the copied original is hidden or when the barcode attached to another original is pasted and copied again. is there.

【0007】

In addition, when copying, for example, by changing the typeface of the printed characters between a normal document and a confidential document, even if the copied manuscript is edited or tampered with by cutting and pasting, the normal document A method has been proposed that makes it possible to distinguish between and confidential documents (US Pat. No. 4,837,737). However, this method has a problem that no effect can be produced when the manuscript consists only of figures and graphs.

【0008】

Furthermore, in image processing by computer, the method of synthesizing character data in image data is described in the paper by Yasuhiro Nakamura and Koshio Matsui, "Composite Coding Method of Image and Character Using Trivalent Density Pattern" (1988, It is described in the Journal of the Imaging Electronics Society, pp. 3-9). This is one pixel in image processing (image processing using the so-called density pattern method) in which the sum of the density values of each dot in a small area consisting of n × n dots is used as the density value of one pixel of the document displayed on the display. Focusing on each pattern that displays the density of, the character data is combined with the image data by the arrangement of each pattern. However, when this method is used in a copier, it is not possible to confirm the dot pattern that determines the density of each pixel from the hard copy document once printed and output. Therefore, even if the character data to be combined with the image data includes information for identifying the original, for example, the user name, the code number of the copier, the date and time of copying, etc., it is impossible to read the information. It is possible. Therefore, with this method, when a confidential document is illegally leaked, the source of the leak cannot be determined from the hard copy.

【0009】

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that effectively discriminates illegal copying.

【0010】

[Means for solving problems]

Claims of the present application<u style="single">1</u>According to the invention, in an image processing apparatus that creates a copy of an image based on image data read from a predetermined source, additional information added to the image data for identifying the source is input. The input means, the binarization means for binarizing the additional information input by the input means, the search means for searching the area in which the additional information should be embedded in the image data, and the search means for searching. The embedding means for embedding the additional information binarized by the binarizing means in the area in the image data as additional information having a size that cannot be visually identified by a general user, and the additional information It is characterized by being provided with an output means for outputting an image based on the embedded image data.

【0011】

Also, the claims of the present application.<u style="single">2</u>According to the invention, in an image processing apparatus that creates a copy of an image based on image data read from a predetermined source, additional information added to the image data for identifying the source is input. A general user can apparently identify the input means, the binarization means for binarizing the additional information input by the input means, and the additional information binarized by the binarization means. It is an embedding means for embedding in the image data as additional information of a size that cannot be achieved, an embedding means for embedding a plurality of sets of additional information in one image data, and an image output based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded. It is characterized by having an output means for performing.

【0012】

Further, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application identifies the source added to the image data in an image processing apparatus that creates a copy of the image based on the image data read from a predetermined source. An input means for inputting additional information for the purpose, a binarizing means for binarizing the additional information input by the input means, and an additional information binarized by the binarizing means for general users. Is an embedding means to be embedded in the image data as additional information having a size that cannot be visually identified. The additional information is divided into a plurality of parts, and each of the divided parts is divided into the image data. The feature is that it is provided with an embedding means for embedding in different places in the inside and an output means for outputting an image based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded.

【0014】

[Action]

Claim<u style="single">1</u>The described image processing apparatus inputs additional information added to the image data by the input means, binarizes the input additional information by the binarization means, and uses the search means to enter the additional information in the image data. A general user apparently identifies an area in which the additional information is to be embedded, and the additional information binarized by the binarization means in the area in the searched image data by the embedding means. It is embedded as additional information having a size that cannot be used, and the output means outputs an image based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded.

【0015】

Also, claims<u style="single">2</u>The described image processing apparatus inputs additional information added to the image data by the input means, binarizes the input additional information by the binarization means, and binarizes the input additional information by the embedding means. A plurality of sets of additional information are embedded in one image data as additional information having a size that cannot be visually identified by a general user, and based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded by an output means. Output the image.

【0016】

Further claims<u style="single">3</u>The described image processing apparatus inputs additional information added to the image data by the input means, binarizes the input additional information by the binarization means, and uses the embedding means to binarize the input additional information. The additional information binarized by the above is divided into a plurality of parts, and each of the divided parts is sized to a different location in the image data so that a general user cannot apparently identify it. The additional information is embedded as additional information, and the output means outputs an image based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded.

【0018】

[Example]

Hereinafter, examples of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in the following order. (1) Outline explanation of copy management system (2) Binarization and embedding of additional information (3) Detailed explanation of processing device 100 &lt;3-1&gt; Configuration of functional blocks of processing device 100 &lt;3-2&gt; Each function Outline of block &lt;3-3&gt; Configuration of IR unit 3 &lt;3-4&gt; Configuration of operation unit 4 &lt;3-5&gt; Configuration of P analysis unit 11 &lt;3-6&gt; Configuration of F analysis unit 12 &lt;3-7&gt; Configuration of image discrimination and restoration unit 13 &lt;3-8&gt; Configuration of drawing unit 14 &lt;3-9&gt; Configuration of additional information management unit 18 &lt;3-10&gt; Configuration of confidential management unit 20 &lt;3-11&gt; Communication management unit 5 Configuration &lt;3-12&gt; Configuration of main control unit 7 (4) Detailed explanation of management device 200 &lt;4-1&gt; Configuration of functional blocks of management device 200 &lt;4-2&gt; Format of storage device 205 &lt;4-3&gt; Functions of management device 200 [0019]

(1) Outline of copy management system The image processing apparatus according to this embodiment is a digital image processing device having a size that cannot be visually identified by a general user when making a hard copy of an image read from a manuscript. The additional information is embedded in the image of the manuscript, and this is printed out.

【0020】

The additional information embedded in the hard copy is composed of information such as whether or not the document is a confidential document, the number of copies from the original manuscript, who made the copy at what time, and the like. For this reason, it is possible to prohibit outsiders from illegally copying and taking out a hard copy in which additional information is embedded, and when a confidential document is illegally leaked, it is embedded in the taken out hard copy. By reading out the additional information, it is possible to confirm and track the outflow route.

【0021】

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hard copy management system. This system consists of a plurality of image processing devices 100, 101, ... And a management device 200. The image processing devices 100, 101, ... Make a copy of the original and transmit the number of copies to the management device 200. The management device 200 grasps the usage status of each image processing device 100, 101, .... The administrator performs various maintenance of the image processing devices 100, 101, ... Based on this. The image processing devices 100, 101, ... include a computer 102 and a floppy disk (FD) 104 in addition to the manuscript 103 as sources for outputting image data.

【0022】

For example, when the manuscript 103 is an original manuscript, the image data consists only of image information related to print output, and when the manuscript 103 is a manuscript that has been copied from the original at least once, the image data of the image information data. In addition, it includes digital data of additional information embedded in the image in the previous process.

【0023】

When making a hard copy based on the image information provided in the image data output from each source, the processing devices 100, 101, ... Embed additional information in the hard copy and manage the device via the line 105. The additional information is transmitted to 200.

【0024】

The management device 200 also analyzes the total number of illegal copies created based on the image data output from the source and the outflow route based on the additional information transmitted from the processing devices 100, 101, ....

【0025】

The following "Table 1" shows the unique additional information added to the hard copy created based on the image data output from each source, and the common additional information that is always added regardless of the source form. Shown.

[table 1]<img he="133" id="000002" wi="154" file="2_0003598331.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /> 【0026】

Next, each additional information shown in the above "Table 1" will be described. The book code is a unique code registered in all manuscripts and is used to identify a book.

【0027】

The device identification code is an identification number unique to the processing device having the information addition function of the present invention, and is used to identify which processing device (100, 101, ...) is the hard copy processed and created. Used.

【0028】

The volume name is an identification code of the floppy disk 104 which is a storage medium, and is used to identify which floppy disk is the hard copy created based on the image data input from the floppy disk.

【0029】

The generation number added to the image data output from each source by the processing devices 100, 101, ... Is the data used to manage the number of the hard copy created from the original manuscript, etc. is there. Figure 2 shows the generation number embedded in each generation's hard copy. As can be understood from this, the data of generation number information increases with each next generation. If the image data output from the source does not have additional generation number information, the generation number information is always added when the hard copy is created. If the source is the manuscript 103 and the generation number information has already been added, the hard copy is added with this value changed to the next-generation number.

【0030】

On the other hand, the copy number is a number indicating the number of the hard copy created from the original manuscript or the like, regardless of the generation number. As shown in FIG. 3, the copy number includes a processing device-specific identification code, a source-specific source number, and a copy copy number that manages the number of copies. Source numbers are assigned in order when there is only one processing device. When there are a plurality of processing devices, a number is assigned to each processing device in order, or a copy number and an identification number unique to each processing device are used in combination. However, since the copy number is the same as the lowest information of the generation number, it can be omitted if the association is defined in advance in the system.

【0031】

By including the copy number in the additional information in this way, it is possible to easily total the number of the hard copy created from the original manuscript. Here, by comparing the number of copies stored by a legitimate user with the aggregated result, it is possible to determine whether or not an illegal copy has been executed.

【0032】

Further, when the personal identification number is not set in the image data output from the source, the user can set it from the operation unit provided in the processing devices 100, 101, ....

【0033】

As shown in "Table 1" above, additional information consisting of generation information for identifying the original, user information of the copying device, device identification information, etc. is embedded in a plurality of places in the printing section in the hard copy. Later, by reading these, it becomes possible to grasp the outflow route of the copy.

【0034】

(2) Binarization and embedding of additional information Next, the binarization of the additional information shown in the above "Table 1" by the hard copy management system of the present invention, and in the hard copy of the binarized additional information. The embedding process in a plurality of places such as a printing portion will be described in detail.

【0035】

The binarization method of each additional information shown in the above "Table 1" is not particularly limited, but an example thereof is shown below.

【0036】

Much of the additional information can be defined in a fixed size. For example, a book code with a data length of 20 digits (20 bytes) is sufficient, and a book name with a data length of 20 digits (20 bytes) is sufficient. For the same reason, 2 bytes are allocated for the page number, 8 bytes for the copy number, 4 bytes for the user ID number, 3 bytes for the date and time of use, 2 bytes for the PIN code, and 2 bytes for the total number of pixels. 1 byte is allocated for the number of bytes and generation numbers. Here, of the additional information shown in "Table 1", only the generation number is variable-length data, and 2 bytes x the number of generation numbers are assigned. This is because it is not necessary to prepare extra data by increasing the data length as the number of generation numbers increases.

【0037】

FIG. 4 displays the additional information represented by each of the above data lengths as continuous data. This data is embedded in at least two or more in each hardcopy. Further, the order of each of these additional information is determined in advance, and if there is no corresponding data, provisional data such as "0" is input.

【0038】

The process of embedding additional information performed in the processing device 100 needs to be performed so as not to be noticeable to the general public. However, since the data shown in FIG. 4 is long, it may be difficult to embed it in a hard copy inconspicuously. In this embodiment, in order to deal with this, the above data is divided into blocks having a predetermined bit length and embedded in a hard copy. Here, a block number for specifying a position in the data is added to each of the divided data. Further, when it is difficult to embed even the data divided for each block, the priority order is determined for each block, and the embedding of the priority is omitted.

【0039】

To read the additional information data from the hard copy, the data of each block with the block number is read, and the data is rearranged in the order of the block number to restore the above data. Here, the data of the block that cannot be read is deleted.

【0040】

Further, the formation of the block data is not limited to the above case, and as shown in FIG. 5, a method may be adopted in which the data to be divided has a variable length and a code number for identifying the format is added to the beginning of each data. Here, the compressed code is code data compressed by a predetermined compression algorithm. However, in this method, it is necessary to determine the code number and format, the compression algorithm of the compressed code, and the like in advance.

【0041】

In this embodiment, the additional information data shown in FIG. 4 is divided in 8-bit units. FIG. 6 shows the block data of block number 1 and block number 65 when the data of certain additional information is divided in 8-bit units. In this case, the block number is displayed in 7 bits, and a total of 15 bits of block data is defined by the MSB having the value of "11" and the LSB having the value of "01". To read each block data embedded in the hard copy, if there is a predetermined number of pixels between the MSB with the value of "11" and the LSB with the value of "01", this is embedded. Judge as block data.

【0042】

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the block data of block number 1 shown in FIG. 6 is embedded in an actual image. When embedding block data in an image, one of the binarized data (for example, value 0) is represented by pixels with the same density as the surrounding pixels, and the other data (for example, value 1) is represented by the surrounding pixels. It is represented by a pixel with a density slightly different from the density (hereinafter referred to as density data). Further, in FIG. 7, each density data of the block data is formed with an interval of one pixel. As shown in the figure, one block consists of 2 + 7 + 8 + 2 = 19 bits, and if there is a black line for 40 dots in the hard copy image, this block data can be embedded. is there. Here, 40 dots is 1/10 inch (about 2.5 mm) for a printer / image reader device with a resolution of 400 dpi, and it is assumed that a black line of this length exists in a normal character image. Conceivable. Therefore, 40 dots can be sufficiently embedded.

【0043】

Next, a process of converting each block data formed by dividing the additional information data into predetermined dot units into density data and embedding it in the image in the hard copy will be described.

【0044】

FIG. 8 shows an example in which block data of additional information is converted into density data and embedded in a figure such as a character. (A) in the figure is an enlarged view of a normal character "a" of about 12 points printed on a hard copy. (B) in the figure is a further enlargement of a part of the printed character "a". In this example, the additional information is embedded in the two ellipses shown. (C) in the figure is an enlargement of the inside of the ellipse in which additional information is embedded. The density data is embedded at a predetermined pitch (pixel spacing) as shown in FIG. The concentration data shown in (c) is a conversion of the block data in (d).

【0045】

The block data of the additional information can be embedded at any position regardless of the position and orientation. By making the embedding position of the additional information unspecified, it is possible to make it impossible for a user who illegally takes out a confidential document or the like to hide the additional information embedded in the hard copy and copy it.

【0046】

However, if the block data is embedded in one place, it will be noticeable as image noise. Since it is desirable that the additional information embedded in the hard copy is not recognized by general users, it is distributed and embedded in the hard copy. As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, there is a method of embedding additional information in order from the corner of the paper in three directions. Furthermore, in order to minimize information loss even when dirt or partial cutting and pasting is performed, it is desirable to repeat multiple sets of additional information in one hard copy as shown in FIG. In this case, considering that some additional information data may be erroneously restored due to dirt etc., an odd set of additional information is embedded in the hard copy, and the valid data is determined by majority vote. ..

【0047】

In the case of a manuscript with a complicated density change, it is difficult to distinguish between the image and the embedded additional information, so there is no density change when embedding the additional information.<u style="single">place</u>Select. However, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to embed the feature points over a plurality of regions as long as the density does not change or the region does not include the density band for additional information.

【0048】

In principle, for embedding additional information, a predetermined density band is assigned for the density data created from the block data. However, as shown in FIG. 11A, in the case of a halftone image in which the density of the image changes continuously, the density value around the density band Wa used by the density data representing the block data is used. To change. That is, as shown enlarged in FIG. 11B, in the density band Wb following the density band Wa used in the density data, the slope of the density change of the original image is changed. As a result, the density value of the original image in the density band Wa is changed to the outside of the density band Wa.

【0049】

FIG. 12 shows a method of embedding density data obtained by converting block data of additional information when continuous long density data cannot be embedded in one figure in a figure such as a braided pattern. In this case, each pattern itself is used as one density data to represent additional information. There is also a method of embedding reference patterns in parallel (4 in the figure) and embedding additional information by this length without using the density data indicating LSB or MSB as shown in the figure. This method has the advantage that the width can be increased but the length can be shortened.

【0050】

By executing the above processing, it becomes possible to embed the additional information in the image of the original and print it out as a hard copy. Therefore, by reading the additional information embedded in the hard copy, it is possible to obtain information such as whether the hard copy is related to a confidential document, and further, when, by which copying machine, by whom, how many copies were copied. be able to. By using this, it is possible to trace the source of the leaked confidential document that has been illegally leaked.

【0051】

(3) Detailed Description of Processing Device The configuration and operation of the processing device 100 will be described in detail below. &lt;3-1&gt; Configuration of Functional Blocks of Processing Device 100 FIG. 13 shows the configuration of each functional block of the processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the flow of main data. Here, the flow of information that controls the timing and the like of the entire processing device 100 is omitted.

【0052】

In FIG. 13, the thick line indicates the line through which the image information data flows. The middle line indicates the line through which the operation information data flows. The dotted line indicates the line through which the additional information data flows.

【0053】

&lt;3-2&gt; Outline of each functional block The outline of each functional block shown in FIG. 13 will be described below. A detailed description of each functional block will be given later. The external interface unit 1 is a means for inputting image information output from the computer b into the packet analysis unit 11.

【0054】

The packet (P) analysis unit 11 analyzes the image data input from the computer 102 via the external interface unit 1 to extract image information and additional information.

【0055】

The floppy disk device (FDD) 2 is a means for inputting image data output from the floppy disk 104 to the F analysis unit 12.

【0056】

The floppy disk (F) analysis unit 12 analyzes the image data input from the floppy disk 104 via the floppy disk device 2, and extracts image information and additional information.

【0057】

The drawing unit 14 creates image data corresponding to the image information extracted by the packet analysis unit 11 and the floppy disk analysis unit 12, and outputs the image data to the image memory 16.

【0058】

The image reading unit 3 reads the image data from the original 103 set on the platen, and when the original is the original, the image reading unit 3 outputs the image data consisting of only the image information to the image discrimination / restoring unit 13 and adds additional information. In the case of the added manuscript, the image data including the additional information and the image information is output to the image discrimination / restoration unit 13. If the manuscript has a built-in code transmitter, the code information transmitted from the manuscript is received and output to the additional information management unit 18.

【0059】

The image discrimination / restoration unit 13 analyzes the image data read from the image reading unit 3, extracts the image information and the additional information, restores the additional information, and restores the image data consisting of only the image information.

【0060】

The additional information management unit 18 aggregates various additional information added to the image data read from each source, embeds new additional information in the image data stored in the image memory 16, and aggregates the additional information. Is transmitted to the management device 200 via the communication management unit 5.

【0061】

The image memory 16 is a memory for editing image data to be hard-copied by the output unit 6.

【0062】

The filing device 8 separately stores the image information from the image memory 16 and the additional information from the additional information management unit 18 in relation to each other.

【0063】

The operation unit 4 sets copy conditions, displays additional information read from each source, displays a warning message when the confidentiality management unit 20 determines that copying is prohibited, and also displays the user ID number and source form. Enter the designation etc.

【0064】

The output unit 6 is an electrophotographic printer that creates and outputs a hard copy based on the image data to which the additional information is added output from the image memory 16 according to the instruction from the operation unit 4.

【0065】

The editorial unit 17 executes falsification processing of the image on the image memory 16 in response to an instruction from the operation unit 4.

【0066】

The confidentiality management unit 20 determines whether or not hard copying is prohibited from the additional information collected in the additional information management unit 18 and the information set by the operation unit 4.

【0067】

The communication management unit 5 communicates information related to the creation of the hard copy such as additional information to the management device 200 shown in FIG. 1 via the line 105 each time the image data is read from the source or the hard copy is created.

【0068】

The main control unit 7 reads image data from each source, starts the packet analysis unit 11, floppy disk analysis unit 12, image reading unit 3, etc., and sequences of the entire processing device 100 such as hard copy processing and confidentiality management processing. Take control.

【0069】

&lt;3-3&gt; Configuration of Image Reading Unit 3 FIG. 14 shows the configuration of the image reading unit 3. The image reading unit 3 reads the image data from the original 103 set on the platen, and when the original is the original, the image reading unit 3 outputs the image data consisting of only the image information to the image discrimination / restoring unit 13 and adds additional information. In the case of the added manuscript, the image data including the additional information and the image information is output to the image discrimination / restoration unit 13.

【0070】

If the manuscript has a built-in code transmitter, the code information transmitted from the manuscript is received and output to the additional information management unit 18 described later. The manuscript with a built-in code transmitter is specifically assumed to be a book with a built-in transmitter that transmits information to prevent copying that violates the Copyright Law.

【0071】

The image reading unit 3 is output from the image reading control unit 301, the image reading unit 302 that reads the image data of the original set on the platen or in the automatic document changing device 307, and the code transmitter 3030 embedded in the original. It is composed of a code information reading unit 303 for reading code information consisting of information such as a book name and a book code, an image interface unit 304, a code interface unit 305, various electrical components 306, and an automatic document exchange device 307.

【0072】

The image reading unit 302 reads the image data of the document set on the platen and outputs it to the image reading control unit 301. The image reading control unit 301 outputs this image data to the bus B7 via the image interface unit 304.

【0073】

The code information reading unit 303 reads code information other than the image information and outputs it to the image reading control unit 301. The image reading control unit 301 outputs the code information read by the code information reading unit 303 to the bus B11 via the code interface unit 305.

【0074】

The automatic document changer 307 removes the document on the platen of the image reading unit 302 and automatically sets the next document. Further, the image reading control unit 301 is connected to various electrical components 306 and controls a motor or the like that drives the image reader.

【0075】

FIG. 15 shows a configuration diagram of a device that functions as an image reading unit 302 and a code information reading unit 303. The apparatus includes a document glass 3021, a scanner unit 3022, an exposure lamp 3023, an antenna coil 3031 or a coil 3031', a transmission / reception unit 3032, and a code conversion unit 3033. The code information reading unit 303 adopts a wireless method using radio waves, and the code information such as the book name and the book code output from the code transmitter 3030 built in the manuscript 103 of the book or the like is transmitted to the antenna coil 3031. Read with. By adopting this method, it is possible to eliminate reading errors caused by dirt on the original glass 3021. However, the code information reading unit 303 does not function for a document such as a sheet document that does not have a built-in code transmitter.

【0076】

The antenna coil 3031 for receiving radio waves is composed of a transparent material on the original glass 3020. The antenna may have a coil 3031'arranged on the scanner unit 3022 instead of the antenna coil 3031. When the antenna 3031 on the original glass 3021 is used, it is read before scanning or turning on the exposure lamp 3023 for actual image reading in order to prevent a reading error due to noise generated by the image reading unit 3 itself. Also, when the antenna 3031'of the scanner unit 3022 is used, reading is performed during the preliminary scan in which the exposure lamp is not turned on in order to reduce noise as much as possible.

【0077】

FIG. 16 shows a processing flowchart of the image reading unit 3. When the power of the image reading unit 3 is turned on, the position of the scanner unit 3022 is first set to the initial position, and the initial setting such as making the output of the exposure lamp constant is performed (step S301). When the user presses the code information reading key (not shown) provided in the operation unit 4 (YES in step S302), the reading process of the additional information of the document set on the platen is executed (step S303). Here, the code transmitter is in the manuscript<u style="single">Built-in</u>If so, the code information is received by the antenna 3031 or 3031'and output to the image reading control unit 301 via the transmission / reception unit 3032 and the code conversion unit 3033 (step S304). When the user presses the image reading key (not shown) provided in the operation unit 4 (YES in step S305), the image reading unit 302 starts operation and exposes the document set in the document glass 3021. The lamp 3023 irradiates the image, moves the scanner unit 3022 to read the image data of the original, and outputs the read image data to the image reading control unit 301 (step S306).

【0078】

As described above, in the image reading unit 3 of this embodiment, the code information such as the book name and the book code output from the code transmitter 3030 built in the manuscript 103 of the book or the like is input by the wireless method using radio waves. Read by antenna coil 3031. By adopting such a method, it is possible to eliminate reading errors caused by dirt on the original glass 3021 and the like. Further, since the code transmitter is built in the manuscript 103, it cannot be tampered with. Furthermore, the code information read from the code transmitter is embedded in the image of the manuscript as additional information in the additional information management unit 18 described later, and even if a part of the book is copied, it is embedded in the hard copy. The source of this outflow can be traced by reading the additional information provided. In this way, it is possible to identify and track illegal copies that violate copyright law.

【0079】

&lt;3-4&gt; Configuration of Operation Unit 4 FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 4 shown in FIG. The operation unit 4 sets copy conditions, displays additional information read from each source, inputs a password, displays a warning message when copying is prohibited by the confidentiality management unit 20, and also displays a user ID number. And input such as specifying the form of the source.

【0080】

The operation unit 4 connects the operation control unit 401 that controls the operation unit 4, the message display unit 402, the setting input unit 403, the IC card interface 404, and the operation unit 4 and the external functional unit via the bus Bg. It is composed of an interface 405 to be connected, a calendar 406 that manages calendar information, and a unique information memory 407 that stores a preset identification code unique to each processing device.

【0081】

The message display unit 402 displays additional information read from the source and displays a warning message when the confidentiality management unit 20 determines that copying is prohibited.

【0082】

The setting input unit 403 executes the specification of the source form, the conditions of the output unit 6 for creating a hard copy, the instruction of falsification processing to the editorial unit 17, the input of the user ID number, and the like.

【0083】

In the IC card interface 404, the user ID number is input using the IC card owned by the user. The information input here is always output to the external functional unit via the interface 405.

【0084】

Calendar 406 has a built-in backed up timer that manages the year, date and time, and time.

【0085】

&lt;3-5&gt; Configuration of Packet Analysis Unit 11 The packet analysis unit 11 shown in FIG. 13 analyzes the contents of the image data from the computer 102 input from the external interface 1 via the bus B5. As shown in FIG. 18, the packet analysis unit 11 prints an interface 112, a buffer 113 for storing temporarily input image data, a packet analysis processor 111, a work memory 114 for executing analysis processing, and printing. It consists of an interface 116 that outputs image information related to output to bus B3 and an interface 117 that outputs additional information to bus B11.

【0086】

The image data from the computer 102 input to the interface 112 is configured in a predetermined format, and is composed of image information and additional information as shown in FIG. Here, the additional information consists of a data name such as a file name and a page number, and is output to the additional information management unit 18 via the bus B11. Further, the image information is composed of data of format designation, print position designation, character code and graphic code, and is output to the drawing unit 14 via the bus B3. The drawing unit 14 into which the image information is input forms image data in the image memory 16 according to the image information.

【0087】

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the analysis process of the packet analysis unit 11. This process may be performed by a single processor or may be executed in a time-division manner from the processor 701 of the main control unit 7. After the initial setup (step S1101), when the image data is received from the external interface 1 connected to the computer 102 (YES in step S1102), the analysis process is executed (steps S1103 and S1109). Of the image information, the character code and graphic code data (YES in step S1103) are output to the drawing unit 14 (step S1104). Also, the format control data such as the format specification and the print position specification included in the image information (YES in step S1105) is used for the internal editing condition change process (step S1106). The additional information (YES in step S1107) is output to the additional information management unit 18 (step S1108). Of the input data, data that is neither of the above is used for other processing (step S1109).

【0088】

&lt;3-6&gt; Configuration of Floppy Disk Analysis Unit 12 The floppy disk analysis unit 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 13 analyzes the image data stored in the floppy disk read by the floppy disk device 2. As shown in FIG. 21, the floppy disk analysis unit 12 includes an interface 122, a buffer 123 for storing temporarily input image data, a floppy disk analysis processor 121, and a working memory 124 for executing analysis processing. It is composed of an interface 126 that outputs image information data to the bus B3 and an interface 127 that outputs data related to additional information to the bus B11.

【0089】

A plurality of files are stored in the floppy disk, but the file is specified by the operation unit 4 via the bus B9. The data in the floppy disk is composed of a predetermined format, and is composed of image information and additional information as shown in FIG. 22. Here, the additional information consists of the volume number of the floppy disk, the data name such as the file name, and the page number, and is output to the additional information management unit 18 via the bus B11. Further, the image information is composed of data of format designation, print position designation, character code and graphic code, and is output to the drawing unit 14. The drawing unit 14 into which the image information data is input forms an image in the image memory 16 according to the image information data.

【0090】

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the analysis process of the floppy disk analysis unit 12. This process may be performed by a single processor or may be executed in a time-division manner from the processor 701 of the main control unit 7. After the initial setting (step S1201), when the image data is received via the bus B6 connected to the floppy disk device 2 (YES in step S1202), the analysis process is executed (step S1203 and S1209). Of the image information, the character code and graphic code data related to printing (YES in step S1203) are output to the drawing unit 14 (step S1204). Similarly, format control data such as image information format specification and print position specification (YES in step S1205) is used for internal editing condition change processing (step S1206). The additional information (YES in step S1207) is output to the additional information management unit 18 (step S1208). Of the input data, data that is neither of the above is subjected to other processing (step S1209).

【0091】

&lt;3-7&gt; Configuration of Image Discrimination Restoration Unit 13 The image discrimination restoration unit 13 shown in FIG. 13 analyzes the image data input via the bus B7 and is embedded as image information related to printing and additional information. While separating from the block data, the block data is restored to continuous additional information, and further, the image data of the manuscript before the additional information is added is restored.

【0092】

As shown in FIG. 24, the image discrimination / restoration unit 13 includes an interface 132 in which image data is input via the bus B7, an image memory 133, an image analysis processor 131, a feature point memory 134, and a block management memory 135. It is composed of an interface 136 that outputs the restored image data to the bus B4 and an interface 137 that outputs the extracted additional information to the bus B11.

【0093】

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the process executed by the image discrimination / restoration unit 13. In the image discrimination restoration unit 13, after initialization (step S1301), when image data is input (YES in step S1302), each density distribution is blocked (step S1303), and the coordinates of the density corresponding to the feature point are obtained. Pick up (step S1304). Here, the feature point indicates, for example, a pixel having a predetermined density representing the value 1 in FIG. 7. In addition, the coordinates of each feature point are converted into a plurality of binary numbers having a predetermined length from the predetermined positional relationship as shown in FIG. 7 (<u style="single">Step S1305</u>). The binary numbers extracted in block units are rearranged in the order of block numbers according to a predetermined procedure and reorganized into additional information (step S1306). When the extraction of the additional information from the feature points is completed, the feature points are deleted from the image information and the image data before the additional information is added is restored (step S1307). Here, the erasure of the feature points is executed by replacing the feature points with the density around the feature points. The extracted additional information is output to bus B11 via interface 137 (step S1308). Further, the restored image data is output to the bus B4 via the interface 136 (step S1309).

【0094】

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the process of digitizing the feature points shown in FIG. 25 (step S1305). The digitization of the feature points is performed by judging from the positional relationship of the feature points. In this embodiment, one block of additional information is linearly embedded within a predetermined range. If this relationship is defined in advance for each system, the embedding does not have to be a straight line, and may be, for example, an arc.

【0095】

Specifically, first find one feature point (step S1310). Next, all other feature points that are adjacent to each other within a predetermined distance are searched for (step S1311). The maximum distance is the length of one block (= bit length x bit-to-bit distance). Next, it is confirmed whether these coordinates have a predetermined positional relationship (straight line in this embodiment) (step S1312). As a result, incorrect coordinates and data are deleted (step S1313). The coordinates of the valid data are converted to binary numbers (step S1314). For each binary number, the number of bits (step S1315) and the upper / lower identification bit (step S1316) are confirmed. Here, if everything is normal, it is stored as valid block data (step S1317). The above processing is performed on all the extracted feature points (step S1318).

【0096】

The block determined to be valid in the feature point digitization process (step S1305) is converted into additional information in the next additional information restoration process (step S1306). FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the restoration process of additional information. First, the block numbers provided in the valid block data are arranged in order (step S1320). Here, if the minimum types of blocks required to restore the additional information are available (YES in step S1321), the information in each block is confirmed (step S1322).

【0097】

In the case of this embodiment, since a plurality of sets of additional information are embedded in one hard copy, it is used to confirm whether or not the data of the same block number match. If the information of the same block number does not exactly match, it is decided by majority vote. If the information of the block number cannot be specified even by using the majority vote, the block is invalidated (step S1324). If there are more than a predetermined number of block data that are judged to be invalid, it is determined that the hard copy with the additional information is a falsified manuscript consisting of a combination of a plurality of manuscripts, the additional information is ignored, and the manuscript Notify the Additional Information Management Department 18 that is a falsified manuscript (YES in step S1323).

【0098】

When valid block data is identified, each additional information is reorganized according to a predetermined procedure (step S1325). In addition, defective data is initialized with a given value (zero, blanks, etc.).

【0099】

By executing the above processing, the additional information embedded in the image of the original can be read. The read additional information is processed by the main control unit 7, the additional information management unit 18, and the management device 200, which will be described later, to prohibit copying of confidential documents and to confirm the source of the hard copy in which the additional information is embedded. Used for.

【0100】

&lt;3-8&gt; Configuration of Drawing Unit 14 The drawing unit 14 shown in FIG. 13 follows the image information of the character code and the graphic code sent from the packet analysis unit 11 and the floppy disk analysis unit 12 via the bus B3. Expand the image data to the image memory 16.

【0101】

The specific method and configuration are the same as those used in the bitmap type printer controller. However, when the developed image has gradation, the density band used for the density data (see FIG. 7) created by converting the block data of the additional information is not used.

【0102】

&lt;3-9&gt; Configuration of Additional Information Management Unit 18 In the additional information management unit 18 shown in FIG. 13, from the packet analysis unit 11, the floppy disk analysis unit 12, the image reading unit 3, the image discrimination restoration unit 13, and the operation unit 4. Aggregate and manage additional information sent via bus B11 for each source. Further, in the hard copy process (steps S701, S711, S718) executed by the main control unit 7, which will be described in detail later, new additional information is generated for each hard copy based on the aggregated additional information, and the additional information is generated. Is embedded in the image data stored in the image memory 16 (step 742).

【0103】

FIG. 28 shows the configuration of the additional information management unit 18. The additional information management unit 18 includes a processing device 181, a code input unit 182, a drawing unit 183, an operation information interface 184, a code output unit 185, and a pixel counting unit 186.

【0104】

The processing device 181 embeds additional information in the image memory 16 when creating a hard copy. To search for additional information of a predetermined item specified by the operation unit 4, the image memory 16 is directly accessed via the bus B1. At that time, the free area of the image memory 16 is used as the required work area. Actually, the main control unit 7 controls the processing device 181.

【0105】

The pixel coefficient unit 186 measures the pattern area of the image expanded in the image memory 16. The image is composed of shading information of a predetermined resolution, but here, for simplification, the total number of pixels having a predetermined density or higher is treated as an area. In order to further improve the control accuracy, the area for each predetermined concentration may be managed.

【0106】

The following "Table 2" shows the additional information sent from each functional unit to the additional information management unit 18.

[Table 2]<img he="178" id="000003" wi="154" file="3_0003598331.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" />The confidentiality rank value included in the source-related information in "Table 2" is set to, for example, the highest confidentiality rank value of 5, and the lower the value, the lower the degree of confidentiality. If the confidentiality rank value is 0, it means that the document does not need to be confidential.

【0107】

The additional information transmitted to the additional information management unit 18 is classified and managed as shown in "Table 3" shown below for each source. Normally, only one set of source-related information is included in one page, but a falsified manuscript created by cutting and pasting a plurality of manuscripts contains a plurality of sets of source-related information. In such a case, the additional information management unit 18 manages a plurality of sets of source-related information. However, the same value is used for information other than source-related information.

[Table 3]<img he="186" id="000004" wi="154" file="4_0003598331.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /> 【0108】

"Table 4" below shows how to add new additional information and how to update it [Table 4].<img he="224" id="000005" wi="154" file="5_0003598331.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" />Of the additional information shown in the table, the volume name is the additional information output from the computer 102, and the data name is the additional information output from the floppy disk 104.

【0109】

In "Table 4" above, generation 1 is added to the generation number when a new hard copy is made, such as data from a floppy disk 104 or computer 102, or a copy from a manuscript 103. When recopying from a hard copy once generated, add the next generation number of the generation embedded in the hard copy (see Figure 2).

【0110】

When making a hard copy from an original manuscript to which no additional information is added, new additional information is generated (generation number is 1). At this time, the document name and the like can be input by the user from the operation unit 4, and can also be automatically generated from the date and the user name.

【0111】

As described above, by changing the predetermined information that constitutes the additional information and newly embedding it in the image of the manuscript, the outflow source based on the user name, copy date and time, number of copies, etc. corresponding to each hard copy. Can be easily analyzed.

【0112】

The following FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of the process of embedding the additional information in the manuscript image unit (step S742) executed by the additional information management unit 18 according to the instruction of the main control unit 7.

【0113】

This process is executed by the program stored in the processing device 181 provided in the additional information management unit 18. First, as will be described later, binary block data divided by a predetermined number of dots is generated (step S1801). Next, in order to embed each block data in the image in the hard copy as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is converted into a minute density block signal based on the value of the block data (step S1802). The processing device 181 searches for an area for embedding the block data converted into the density block signal in step S1802 into the image in the hard copy (step S1803). Here, a region of a predetermined length for embedding the embedded data is searched (YES in step S1804), or there is no predetermined length for embedding, but the density changes slowly and the region is expanded and embedded in the adjacent region. When the area where the block data can be embedded is searched (YES in step S1805), the embedding position of each block data is determined (step S1806), and the density value of each density block according to the place where the block data is embedded is determined. Determine (step S1807).

【0114】

In the processing device 181, each block data processed in steps S1801 to S1807 is written in the character code or graphic code data of the image information (step S1808). After performing the above processing for all additional information (YES in step S1809), and repeating this for a predetermined number of sets to embed in one hard copy (see FIG. 9) (YES in step S1910), embedding processing To finish.

【0115】

FIG. 30 shows an embedded data generation process (step S1801) in which the additional information data is divided by a predetermined number of bits, a block number is added to the block data to create block data, and the block data is further converted into pixel density data. ) Flochart is shown.

【0116】

First, the check code for enabling reproduction and the code for error correction are calculated in the block data to be embedded (step S1820), and the data length of the additional information shown in FIG. 4 is calculated (step S1821). Next, the number of bits to divide the data is determined, and the number is calculated (step S1822). Further, the block number is added to the divided data based on the number of divisions calculated in step S1822 (step S1823), and the mark LSB indicating the start point and the mark MSB indicating the end point of the block data are added (steps S1824 and S1835, respectively). ). By executing the above processing, embedded data (block data) having the configuration shown in FIG. 6 is generated.

【0117】

&lt;3-10&gt; Configuration of Confidentiality Management Unit 20 When Confidentiality Management Unit 20 detects a confidential document with a confidentiality rank value of 1 or more, Operation Unit 4 is requested to enter a password. At the same time, if the book code is set in the additional information, the input of the book code is requested. When the password or book code is input from the operation unit 4, the value is collated with the value of the password or book code managed by the additional information management unit 18, and the result is output to the operation unit 4. Here, if the value of the password or book code input from the operation unit 4 is different from the value managed by the additional information management unit 18, the copy operation is prohibited.

【0118】

By performing the above processing, it is possible to effectively prevent the unauthorized leakage of confidential documents. In this embodiment, the above process is executed in the confidentiality management process (step S715) of the main control unit 7, which will be described later.

【0119】

&lt;3-11&gt; Configuration of communication management unit 5 In communication management unit 5, each time image data is read from a source or a hard copy is created, additional information collected and managed by additional information management unit 18 is transferred to the line e. Notify the management device g via.

【0120】

&lt;3-12&gt; Configuration of Main Control Unit 7 FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the configuration of the main control unit 7. The main control unit 7 controls the reading of image data from each source, the activation of the packet analysis unit 11, the floppy disk analysis unit 12, the image reading unit 3, and the like, and the execution of sequences such as hard copy processing and confidentiality management processing.

【0121】

The main control unit 7 is composed of a program memory 702 and a data memory 703, centered on the processor 701, and is connected to each functional block of the processing device 100 via the interface 704.

【0122】

FIG. 32 shows a processing flowchart of the processor 701 provided in the main control unit 7. After the power is turned on and the control unit is initialized (step S701), the main control unit 7 instructs the initialization of the entire hard copy processing system (step S702) and waits for a processing request (steps S703 and S704). ). The start of the process may be specified by the user from the operation unit 4 (YES in step S703) or may be started by receiving data from the computer 102 (YES in step S704).

【0123】

When the computer 102 requests the packet analysis unit 11 to analyze (NO in step S703 and YES in step S703), the packet analysis unit 11 analyzes one page of image data as described above. Then, the additional information and the image information are separated. The packet analysis unit 11 outputs the image information to the drawing unit 14, creates the image data, stores the image data in the image memory, outputs the extracted additional information to the additional information management unit 18, and then performs the main control. Notify Part 7 of the completion of processing.

【0124】

After receiving the notification of the completion of processing from the packet analysis unit 11, the main control unit 7 transmits the additional information output from the packet analysis unit 11 to the additional information management unit 18 to the management device 200 via the communication management unit 5. (Step S705), the image data stored in the image memory 16 is output to the output unit 6, and the hard copy process is executed (step S706). These processes are executed for each page of image data input from the computer 102.

【0125】

The instructions that the user instructs by operating the operation unit 4 include the activation of the output unit 6 (YES in step S707) and the status setting for each function (NO in step S707 to step S720). Furthermore, in order to start the output unit 6 from the operation unit 4, the hard copy processing of the file stored in the floppy disk 104 (YES in step S708) and the hard copy processing in the image reading unit 3 (NO in step S708). Then go to step S712).

【0126】

When making a hard copy of the file stored in the floppy disk 104 (YES in step S708), the floppy disk analysis unit 12 is started by the instruction from the operation unit 4 (step S709). As described above, the floppy disk analysis unit 12 separates the image information and the additional information from the input image data. The floppy disk analysis unit 12 outputs image information to the drawing unit 14, creates image data, stores the image data in the image memory 16, and outputs the extracted additional information to the additional information management unit 18. Notify the main control unit 7 of the completion of processing.

【0127】

When the main control unit 7 receives a notification of the completion of processing from the floppy disk analysis processing unit 12, the main control unit 7 manages the additional information output by the floppy disk analysis processing unit 12 to the additional information management unit 18 via the communication management unit 5. While transmitting to 200 (step S710), the image data stored in the image memory 16 is output to the output unit 6 to execute the hard copy process (step S711). Information on a plurality of pages is stored in the file of the floppy disk 104, and the above processing is executed in page units. When the hard copy of all pages is completed (YES in step S712), it will be in the state of waiting for the next input. The floppy disk analysis unit 12 adds page numbers in order at the same time as the page format.

【0128】

When the user instructs the hard copy from the image reading unit 3, the image reading unit 3 is activated (step S713). Here, the image reading unit 3 reads the image data of the document set on the document table, and further reads the code information when the document is a book provided with a code transmitter. Next, the image discrimination / restoration unit 13 is started (step S714). As described above, the image discrimination / restoration unit 13 detects each block data of the additional information embedded in the image data read by the image reading unit 3, restores the data to continuous data, and then causes the additional information management unit 18. At the same time as outputting, the image data before the additional information is added is restored and stored in the image memory 16.

【0129】

When the process in the image discrimination / restoration unit 13 is completed, the main control unit 7 executes the confidentiality management process described later (steps S715 and S706). Here, if the manuscript is not a confidential document, or if it is a confidential document and a predetermined input such as a password is input from the operation unit 4 (YES in step S716), it is output to the additional information management unit 18. The code information of the book and the additional information restored by the image discrimination restoration unit 13 are transmitted to the management device 200 via the communication management unit 5 (step S717), and the image data stored in the image memory 16 is output. Output to 6 and execute the hard copy process (step S718). Here, when a plurality of documents are set in the automatic document changing device 307 shown in FIG. 14, the execution is performed for all the set documents (step S719).

【0130】

From operation unit 4<u style="single">Various</u>If the operating mode is set (step S720) and the sensitive mode is set (YES in step S721), change the mode (step S722). In addition to managing confidential documents at the time of copying, if a record confirmation process that manages the generation of hard copies and the total number of copies is instructed (YES in step S723), the password is required to be entered (YES). In step S724), if a match with the set password is confirmed (YES in step S725), the record confirmation process described later is executed (step S726). In addition, as another process, an additional process (step S727) of an additional function to the hard copy is executed.

【0131】

Figure 33 below shows a flowchart of the hard copy process (steps S706, S711, S718). First, the area of the image pattern expanded in the image memory 16 is measured. The image is composed of shading information of a predetermined resolution, but in this embodiment, for simplification, the total number of pixels having a predetermined density or higher is treated as the pattern area (step S730). Next, the source extraction process for confidentiality management, which will be described later, is performed (step S731).

【0132】

In the next step S732, it is determined whether or not the manuscript expanded in the image memory 16 has been tampered with. Here, the judgment as to whether or not the manuscript has been tampered with is to check whether or not the difference between the total number of pixels set in the additional information and the total number of pixels of the read manuscript is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Is executed by. That is, if the value of the total number of pixels set in the additional information and the value of the total number of pixels counted in step S730 match or are within a predetermined margin of error, the original is not tampered with and is normal. If the difference between the two values exceeds the margin of error, it is judged that the manuscript has been tampered with. Further, even when the image discrimination / restoration unit 13 determines that the original is a falsified manuscript in which a plurality of sets of additional information are embedded and the manuscript is cut and pasted, the read manuscript is the falsified manuscript. Judge that.

【0133】

If it is determined in step S732 that the manuscript expanded in the image memory 16 is a falsified manuscript, the falsification recording process described later is executed (step S733), and the result and the manuscript include the manuscript. The additional information to be displayed is displayed on the operation unit 4 (step S734). At this time, for confidentiality management, additional information such as a password is not displayed.

【0134】

Next, if it has been set in advance from the operation unit 4, the editing unit 17 is requested to edit the original image (step S735). If the original image is changed as a result of the editing process of the original image (YES in step S736), it is determined that a part of the original image has been tampered with, and the tampering recording process is performed (step S737). .. After the falsification recording process is completed, the image data is temporarily saved in the image memory 16 (step S738).

【0135】

After the image data is saved in the image memory 16, the hard copy of the number of copies set in advance from the operation unit 4 is performed (steps S739 and S745). The main control unit 7 issues an instruction to the processing device 181 included in the additional information management unit 18, generates new additional information (step S739), and communicates with the management device 200 (step S740). After that, the data saved in the image memory 16 is read again (step S741), and the additional information embedding process is executed (see steps S742, FIGS. 29 and 30). Next, the output unit 6 is activated (step S743), the image data is read from the image memory while synchronizing with the output destination device, and this is printed and output. After the process is completed (step S744), the process is repeated for the set number of copies, and then the process returns. Of the additional information added to the hard copy, the generation number and the copy number are changed for each hard copy. Further, as the total number of pixels, the one counted for the image after the editing process (step S735) is added.

【0136】

FIG. 34 is a processing flowchart of the sampling process (step S7311). The sampling process is a process for monitoring what kind of document is being copied for each user [0137].

The additional information management unit 18 confirms the user name by setting an IC card or the like (step S770), and files additional information (stored in the additional information management unit 18) regarding the source currently being hard-copied. The information stored in the device 8 is compared with the information of the hard copy copied in the past by the user (step S771). Here, if the source currently being hard-copied is new (YES in step S772), after storing the additional information and image data added to the source in the filing device 8 (step S773 and). S774) Return.

【0138】

FIG. 35 is a processing flowchart of the recording process of the falsified manuscript (steps S733, S737, S757). If it is determined that the original document read from the image scanning unit 3 has been tampered with, additional information regarding the source of the image and image data are stored in the filing device 8 and then returned (steps S781 and S782).

【0139】

FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of the processing of the confidentiality management processing (step S715). When the confidentiality management process is executed, the main control unit 7 starts the confidentiality management unit 20 and examines the value of the confidentiality rank included in the additional information of the source read by the additional information management unit 18. When it is confirmed that the confidentiality rank value is set to 1 or more (YES in step S750), the operation unit 4 is requested to output confirmation information such as a password (steps S751 and S755). Here, if the book code is set in the additional information in advance as confirmation information (step S751), the code number is input from the operation unit 4 (step S752). If a password is set in the additional information (step S753), the operation unit 4 is required to enter the password (step S754). In step S755, the entered code number or password is compared with each number set in the additional information. Here, if the entered number does not match the number set in the additional information, a warning message is displayed on the operation unit 4 (step S756), the falsification recording process is executed (step S757), and the information is illegally executed. The image data and additional information of the document that is about to be copied are filed in the falsification device 8 and then returned.

【0140】

By the confidential management process (step S715), it is possible to effectively prevent the confidential document from being leaked illegally. Further, since the document whose confidentiality rank value is set to 0 does not require the input of the password or the like, it has an advantage that it does not interfere with the copying of a normal document.

【0141】

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of the record confirmation process (step S726) for confirming the record information. In this process, the hard copy history is confirmed from the additional information such as the generation number and the copy number stored in the filing device 8. The confirmation method includes a method of searching for additional information of a predetermined item specified by the user via the operation unit 4 and displaying the searched additional information on the operation unit 4 for confirmation (step S763). There is a method (step S764 and S767) in which the additional information and the corresponding original image are printed out by the output unit 6 and confirmed.

【0142】

When the additional information item to be searched from the operation unit 4 is set by the user (step S760), the additional information of the corresponding item and the manuscript data corresponding to this additional information are searched from the filing device 8 (step S761). ). Here, the items to be set include the user stored in the filing device 8 by the sampling process (step S731, see FIG. 34) and the corresponding image.

【0143】

If the additional information of the set item is filed (step S762), this is displayed on the display unit 4 (step S763), and if there is a request for print output, the additional information and this addition are added. The image data corresponding to the information is read into the image memory 16 (step S765), the output unit 6 is started (step S766), and this is printed out (step S767). After executing the above processing (steps S761 to S767) for all the image data having the additional information filed in the filing device 8 and repeating until all the searches for the additional information of the set items are completed (step). S768), return.

【0144】

By the process of the record confirmation process (step S726), it is possible to easily analyze the outflow source and the like of the original image to which the predetermined additional information is added. Further, since the falsified and edited manuscript can be examined, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to identify the presence or absence of falsification or editing from the manuscript image itself as in the conventional case.

【0145】

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the additional information addition processing (step S727). If the additional information is input from the operation unit 4 (step S790), this is the password (step S791), and if it is a new setting (YES in step S792), the password is set in the additional information. Then, this is stored in the additional information management device 18. If the entered additional information has a confidentiality rank (step S794) and is a new setting (YES in step S795), the confidentiality rank information is set in the additional information, and the additional information management unit 18 It is remembered in. If the additional information input from the operation unit 4 is not any of the above information, other processing is performed (step S797).

【0146】

(4) Detailed Description of Management Device 200 &lt;4-1&gt; Configuration of Functional Blocks of Management Device 200 Figure 39 is a diagram showing the configuration of functional blocks of management device 200. The management device 200 receives additional information sent from each processing device via the terminal 201 for inputting and displaying the device, the printer 202 for printing the processing result, and the line 105. It is composed of a communication management unit 203, a processing device 204 that controls the entire management device 200, and a storage device 205 that stores all the received additional information.

【0147】

&lt;4-2&gt; Format of the storage device 205 The additional information received by the communication management unit 203 is stored in the storage device 205 by the processing device 204. Usually, a plurality of processing devices (100, 101, etc.) are connected to the management device 200. As the additional information received by the communication management unit 203, information about all the hard copies processed by each processing device is sent.

【0148】

The additional information stored in the storage device 205 is systematically stored and managed as shown in FIG. 40. The additional information is first classified for each device, and the information for each device is stored as one record for each source on one page. Each record stores additional information embedded in the read source and additional information embedded in the generated hard copy.

【0149】

Here, as already explained in "Table 1", the additional information embedded in the source includes the book code, the book name, the page number, the copy number, the user ID number, the date and time of use, and the password. It is composed of a number, a total number of pixels, a number of generation numbers, and a generation number. The additional information embedded in the generated hard copy is composed of a copy number, a user ID number, a date and time of use, a total number of pixels, a number of generation numbers, and a generation number.

【0150】

&lt;4-3&gt; Function of the management device 200 In the management device 200, by giving an instruction from the terminal 201 to the processing device 204, the additional information stored in the storage device 205 is used to obtain a specific manuscript as described later. It executes processing such as totaling the total number of copies, checking the outflow route of a specific document, and searching for a document whose confidentiality rank value is set to 1 or more.

【0151】

FIG. 41 is a processing flowchart executed by the management device 200. When the additional information is transmitted to the management device 200 from the additional information management unit 18 or the confidential management unit 20 (YES in step S5001), the additional information is stored in the storage device 205 (step S5002). When the terminal 201 instructs the processing apparatus 204 to count the total copy number including the generation copy (YES in step S5003), the total copy number counting process (see FIG. 42) described later is executed (step S5004). .. When the processing device 204 is instructed to confirm the distribution route from the terminal 201 (YES in step S505), the distribution route confirmation process (see FIG. 44) described later is executed (step S5006).

【0152】

Further, when the copy detection process of the confidential document is instructed from the terminal 201 as another process (step S5007), the record whose confidentiality rank value of the additional information is 1 or more is searched and displayed on the operation unit 4. Or output to a printer. As a result, the copy status of the confidential document can be grasped. If necessary, the name of each source and the user name (or user ID number) can be known.

【0153】

FIG. 42 is a processing flowchart of the total copy number aggregation processing (step S5004 in FIG. 41). The management device 200 can use a plurality of records to check how many hard copies have been taken from a predetermined source. This makes it possible to check the amount of hard copy leaked, for example, by comparing it with the amount of leak recorded separately, it is possible to determine whether or not the hard copy from the source has been leaked illegally. it can.

【0154】

First, enter the source to be aggregated from Terminal 201 and specify the document (step S5010). Normally, the manuscript name, book code, page number, etc. are used. Read all records related to the specified source from storage 205 (step S5011). Next, the generation relationship of each record is analyzed, and a system diagram showing the number of copies of the corresponding record in each generation is created (step S5012). Normally, the system diagram matches the generation number, but does not match when there are multiple sources with the same document name. In such a case, use the copy number. Next, the number of copies is totaled (step S5013). Here, if there are a plurality of system diagrams, they are totaled for each system diagram. This result is displayed on the terminal 201 and printed out as needed (step S5014). By executing the total copy number aggregation process, the display and print output of the total copy amount can be obtained as shown in FIG. 43 below.

【0155】

FIG. 44 shows a processing flowchart of the distribution route confirmation processing (step S5006 in FIG. 41). The management device 200 can track the outflow route of the copy by using a plurality of records. By using this, it is possible to investigate how many copies of the first generation hard copy leaked from a predetermined source were copied by when, by whom, by which device, and how many copies. Therefore, it is possible to track the source of the leak when the confidential document is illegally leaked.

【0156】

As in the total copy number aggregation process, first input the source for confirming distribution from Terminal 201 (step S5020). Normally, the source is specified using the name of the manuscript, the book code, and the page number. Then all records related to the specified source are read from storage 205 (step S5021). Analyze the generational relationship of the read records and create a system diagram of the records (step S5022). Normally, the system diagram matches the generation number, but does not match when there are multiple sources with the same document name. In such a case, use the copy number. Next, the user name or user ID number, the device number used for copying, etc. are displayed on the terminal 201 according to the system diagram, and are printed as necessary (step S5023). By executing the distribution route confirmation process, an example of display or print output of the copy distribution route as shown in FIG. 45 below can be obtained.

【0158】<u style="single">[Effect of the invention]</u>Claims of the present invention<u style="single">1</u>According to the described image processing apparatus, the additional information input by the input means is binarized, the area in which the additional information is to be embedded is searched for in the image data, and the area in the searched image data is binarized. The added information is embedded as additional information of a size that cannot be visually identified by a general user, and the image is output based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded, so that the embedded information is confidential. Unauthorized copying can be effectively determined while ensuring the property, and an area in which the additional information should be embedded can be searched for in the image data, and the additional information can be embedded in the searched area.

【0159】

Also, the claims of the present invention.<u style="single">2</u>According to the described image processing device, the additional information input by the input means is binarized, and the binarized multiple sets of additional information are of a size that cannot be apparently identified by a general user. As additional information, it is embedded in one image data and the image is output based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded. Therefore, it is possible to effectively determine illegal copying while ensuring the confidentiality of the embedded information. It is possible to embed a plurality of sets of additional information in one image data, and even if stains or partial cutting and pasting are performed, information loss can be minimized.

【0160】

Further, a claim of the present invention<u style="single">3</u>According to the described image processing apparatus, the additional information input by the input means is binarized, the binarized additional information is divided into a plurality of parts, and each of the divided into the plurality of parts is included in the image data. The information is embedded in different parts of the box as additional information of a size that cannot be visually identified by general users, and the image is output based on the image data in which the additional information is embedded. Unauthorized copying can be effectively determined, and the additional information can be divided into a plurality of parts, and each of the divided parts can be embedded in different parts of the image data. It is possible to avoid conspicuous image noise by embedding additional information in one place.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a hard copy management system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hard copy of each generation and a part of additional information embedded in the hard copy.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a copy number.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing binarized data of additional information added to a hard copy.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each divided data when the binarized data of additional information is divided by variable length data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of block data of block numbers 1 and 65 when the binarized data of certain additional information is divided in 8-bit units.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a case where the block data of block number 1 is made into a density block in order to actually embed it in an image.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of embedding block data in a figure such as a character.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method of embedding each block data of additional information in a density block in a hard copy.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an embedding example in the case of embedding additional information in a document having a complicated density change.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in the density value of a document image when the density value of the document image changes continuously.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an embedding method when the image of a manuscript is a knitting pattern or the like and long data cannot be continuously embedded.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of each functional block of the processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 and a flow of main data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image reading unit 3.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of an apparatus that functions as an image reading unit 302 and a code information reading unit 303.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the image reading unit 3.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit 4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration of a packet analysis unit 11.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a format of image data input from a computer 102.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the packet analysis unit 11.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a floppy disk analysis unit 12.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a format of image data input from a floppy disk 104.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the floppy disk analysis unit 12.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image discrimination / restoration unit 13.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a flowchart of processing executed by the image discrimination / restoration unit 13.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a flow chart for digitizing the feature points shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a flowchart of additional information restoration processing.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a configuration of an additional information management unit 18.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a flow chart of embedding processing of new additional information in the additional information management unit 18.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a flowchart of embedded data generation processing.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main control unit 7.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a processor 701 provided in the main control unit 7.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a flow chart of hard copy processing.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a sampling process.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a falsified manuscript recording process.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of confidentiality management processing.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a record management process.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of additional information addition processing.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management device 200.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a state of additional information stored in the storage device 205.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of the management device 200.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of total copy number aggregation processing.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing a total copy number aggregation processing result displayed on the operation unit 4 or printed and output by the output unit 6.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing a processing flowchart of a distribution route confirmation process.

FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a result of a distribution route confirmation process displayed on the operation unit 4 or output by the output unit 6.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... Image reading unit 4 ... Operation unit 5 ... Communication management unit 6 ... Output unit 7 ... Main control unit 13 ... Image discrimination restoration unit 18 ... Additional information management unit 20 ... Confidential control unit 100 ... Processing device 102 ... Computer 103 ... Manuscript 104 ... Floppy disk (FD) 105 ... Line 200 ... Management device 3030 ... Code transmitter 3031 ...antenna