Image processing apparatus

Image processing device and method

Invention part

The present invention relates to a color image processing device, and more specifically, the present invention relates to a color image processing device with the function of judging a specific original.

Related background crafts

In recent years, with the development and realization of high-quality color original copying devices, the fear of counterfeiting banknotes, stocks, bonds and other crimes has been caused. In order to prevent this crime of forgery, a method is proposed in U.S. Patent Application No. 478,280, whereby a pattern of a specific shape is extracted from the output of a line sensor of the original reading, and the pattern is compared with the predetermined template data. And detect whether there are banknotes, and when detecting the existence of banknotes, stop the copying job.

U.S. Patent Application Nos. 351,165 and 426,044 propose methods to prevent counterfeiting of banknotes.

However, generally speaking, the position and angle of the original base plate of the original copying device are not known at all, and the original original is mixed with other originals, so it is difficult to extract the required specific shape pattern from these originals. .

Even if the desired pattern has been successfully drawn, the pattern to be drawn depends on the type of banknote (amount, country of issuance) and is different. All possibilities need to perform pattern comparison procedures. Therefore, the amount of data to be processed and the processing time are extremely large and long.

Moreover, as the number of extracted patterns increases, the amount of data of the template for pattern comparison also increases. The memory capacity required is also huge.

On the other hand, in this type of device, generally speaking, a method for converting a color component of a color original to a predetermined value is an effective means for identifying the original hue. For example, when considering and checking whether a specific hue is originally contained, and if it does, the copy operation is stopped, consider a configuration shown in FIG. 24.

The color-separated R, G, and B signals are A/D converted by an A/D converter 1301, and then a shading correction circuit 1302 is used for shading improvement. The output signal of the shadow correction circuit 1302 is sent to a log converter 1301 and a look-up table (hereinafter referred to as LUT) 1306. The output signal of the log converter 1303 is transmitted through a shielding circuit 1304 and a lower color removal circuit (hereinafter referred to as UCR circuit) 1305 to be converted into Y, M, C, and K signals for printing and output, and so on The signal creates a copy image.

On the other hand, data indicating whether the input R, G, and B signals correspond to the color of the specific original 0 or 1 is written in the LUT 1306 in advance. When it is equivalent to the original color, a "1" signal is generated. Reference number 1307 indicates a counter to count the number of times when "1" is present, and 1308 indicates a comparator to compare the count value with a predetermined threshold, and when the count value is greater than the threshold, output a " 1 "signal. When the comparator generates a "1" signal, a selector 1309 stops generating an image signal and replaces it with a fixed value, such as 255, so as to stop constructing a copy image.

In the above configuration, assuming that the input R, G, and B signals each consist of seven numbers, the LUT 1306 requires a capacity of 2 Mbif. However, if this large-capacity look-up table can work on the basis of the pixel unit of the original image, a response time of tens of nanoseconds is required. This is a disadvantage, that is, the reaction time cannot be dealt with by cheap EPROM or the like.

One purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the shortcomings of the above-mentioned conventional technology.

That is, another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device that can accurately identify a specific script.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, an image processing device is provided, which includes: an input device for inputting color image information; and a discrimination device for identifying whether the color image information contains a A predetermined image; and a processing device for processing the color image information according to the result of the identification by the identification device.

An image processing method is proposed, which includes the steps of: inputting color image information; and identifying whether the color image information contains a predetermined image based on the color distribution of the input color image information.

Yet another object of the present invention is to enable multiple specific scripts to be authenticated at the same time.

In order to achieve the above objectives, according to the present invention, an image processing device is shown, including: a conversion device for converting color image information into a plurality of code information according to color information; a processing device for collecting code information in a predetermined area, And construct a distribution map; the identification device is used to identify whether the image represented by the color image information is a predetermined image based on the distribution map; and the control device is used to control the processing of the image information based on the result of the identification device identification .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device which can adjust the coordination of the capacity of the LUT and the response time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device suitable for high-speed processing.

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image processing device is shown, including: an input device for inputting a plurality of color component signals, and a look-up table device, which uses a plurality of color component signals as addresses and outputs data for Identify the similarity between the image represented by the multiple color component signals and a predetermined image; and the control device is used to control the processing of the multiple color component signals according to the output data of the look-up table device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to effectively prevent the forgery of banknotes or the like.

To achieve the above objectives, according to the present invention, an image processing device is shown, including; a reading device for scanning an original image and generating image data; a first identifying device for generating image data based on the reading device, Identify the identity (or identity) between the original image and a predetermined image; and a processing device for processing image data, wherein the reading device generates image data for identification by the identification device from the first scan, and Two scans generate image data for processing by the processing device; and the device further contains a second identification device for identifying the identity (or identity) between the first scanned object and the second scanned object.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device with a simple structure and a small circuit scale.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image processing device is shown, including: an input device for inputting a plurality of color component signals each composed of n numbers; a conversion device for converting each color component signal into each m A color component signal composed of digital elements (n>m); and a discriminating device for identifying the sameness between the image represented by the color component signal supplied by the input device and a predetermined image (or Identity).

An image processing device is also shown, including: an input device for inputting image data; a dilution device for spatially diluting the image data supplied by the input device; a table conversion device for generating data based on The image data diluted by the dilution device identifies whether the input original is a specific original, and the control device is used to control the processing of the image data supplied by the input device according to the output of the table conversion device.

The above and other objectives and features of the present invention can be clarified from the following detailed description and the attached scope of patent application and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows an example of the structure of the present invention; Fig. 2 is used to illustrate the sampling of a target color; Fig. 3 is an example of the distribution of a target color; Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the color judgment look-up table; Fig. 5 is used for illustration A judgment area; Figures 6-1A to 6-1D and 6-2A to 6-2D show examples of distribution diagrams; Figures 7A and 7B show examples of processing results; Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the second embodiment; Figure 9 Another embodiment of the color judgment look-up table is shown; Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the third embodiment of the copying device, in which the image reading device of the present invention is installed; Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the embodiment Copy operation of CPU 1021.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the fourth embodiment as a main part of the copying device, in which the image reading device of the present invention is installed; Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the inside of the image scanning unit of the copying device of the present invention Structure; Fig. 14 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of a dilution circuit 2111 of the sixth embodiment; Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of a CPU in the sixth embodiment; Fig. 16A is a block diagram showing one of the sixth embodiment Specify the structure of the original judgment unit 2112; Fig. 16B is a block diagram showing the structure of an "OR" writing circuit 2411; Fig. 16C is a timing diagram of a timing signal generating circuit used to generate timing signals; Fig. 17 is a block diagram, Shows the typical structure of the integrators 4011 to 4018; Figures 18A and 18B are used to illustrate the integration effect; Figures 19A and 19B are used to illustrate the relationship between a specific script and the color space; Figure 20 is used to illustrate the color space data of a specific script and Determine the relationship between ROM 2401; Figure 21 shows the positional relationship between a specific original and the recognition interval; Figure 22 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the copying device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 23 is a block diagram showing The structure of the dilution circuit of the seventh embodiment; FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the structure of the image scanning unit of a common example; and FIG. 25 is used to illustrate the method of using the color space to determine the specific original.

(First embodiment)

According to the following embodiments of the present invention, attention is paid to the color that constitutes a banknote or the like. Extract the color tone and distribution in a specific limited window of the original image to detect the existence of the banknote or the like. Moreover, if it is determined that there are banknotes or the like, the image in the window is generated in a format different from the ordinary format, thereby preventing forgery crime.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. An original 102 placed on the original base glass 101 is illuminated by a halogen lamp 103 to illuminate the original. The original image is projected on the 1CCD line sensor 105 by a rod-shaped lens array 104. The color separation filters of R, G, and B are sequentially applied to the CCD line sensor 105 in a dot shape. The sensor 105 generates the original color separation signal at a pixel density of about 400 d.pi (dots per inch). For example, a line sensor composed of R, G, and B three line sensors arranged in parallel can also be used as the line sensor 105. The components 103 to 105 are scanned in the direction shown by the arrow, and the device is read line by line and the original image is generated. A sampling and holding circuit (S/H circuit) 106 extracts and holds a sample of each pixel of the output signal of the CCD line sensor 105. An A/D converter 107 converts the analog signal from the S/H circuit 106 into a digital signal. A shadow correction circuit 108 corrects the output fluctuation caused by the sensitivity change in the pixel of the CCD line sensor. The R, G, and B signals generated by the shading correction circuit 108 are converted into complementary color C (cyan), M (purple), and Y (yellow) signals by a log conversion circuit 109. A black extraction circuit 110 extracts the minimum value K (black) of C, M, and Y. A masking circuit 111 and a UCR (under color removal) circuit 112 perform the familiar color correction process. The image data is then transferred to a selector 118 as the area sequential signals of C, M, Y, and K.

On the other hand, the R, G, and B output signals of the shading correction circuit 108 are averaged by an averaging circuit 113 according to N×N pixels (N=approximately 8 to 32 pixels). The output signal of the averaging circuit 113 is transmitted through a look-up table (LUT) 114, which will be described later, and the original data of the entire area is temporarily stored in a frame buffer 115. At this time, simultaneously with the averaging process, the R, G, and B output signals are again sampled at every interval M pixels (M=approximately 8 to 32 pixels), thereby reducing the amount of data. The averaging and re-sampling procedures are executed in at least one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The data temporarily stored in the frame buffer 115 is processed by the CPU 116 (described later) to discriminate whether there are banknotes or the like. This differentiated action is performed on multiple areas of the original. If it is determined that there are banknotes, the CPU 116 sends the address of an image corresponding to the relevant area to a gate signal generating circuit 117. The generating circuit 117 sends a gate signal to the selector 118. The selector 118 supplies the image signals C, M, Y, and K from the UCR circuit 112 to the area where there is no banknote or the like, and supplies a false signal (fixed value signal) to the area where the banknote or the like exists. For example, O or FF can be used as a false signal. The output signal of the selector 118 is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter 119. The analog signal is compared by a comparator 121 with the output signal of a triangle wave generating circuit 120, which is synchronized with an image clock signal. The output signal of the comparator 121 is transmitted through a laser driver 122 to modulate the pulse width of a semiconductor laser 123. The output of the semiconductor laser is collimated by an appropriate optical system and scanned on a photosensitive drum 125 by a polygon mirror 124, which rotates at a high speed to write a latent image. The latent image formed on the drum 125 undergoes development processing, copy transfer processing, and fixing processing (not shown), and forms a visible image on the paper in the order of C, M, Y, and K in the order of areas, and completes the copy operation .

In the above operations, the process of storing data in the frame buffer and the identification process can be executed during the pre-scan, and a gate signal generated from the identification result can also be generated during the main scan. On the one hand, it can also be constructed in a way, that is, extract data in the first time (Y scan) of area scans of Y, M, C, and K, and extract data at the second and third time of scan (M and C scans). ) Executes the identification procedure, and only generates the gate signal in the last area (fourth time) (K scan).

The authentication procedure executed by the LUT 114 and the CPU 116 will now be explained. Now we discuss the situation of using three kinds of banknotes A, B, and C as identification objects. First, prepare standard samples of banknotes A, B, and C, and sample them at 32 points, as shown in Figure 2, to obtain the R, G, and B values corresponding to each point. The sampling point corresponding to banknote A is placed at R_<i>a1</i>To R_<i>a32</i>,G_<i>a1</i>To G_<i>a32</i>, And B_<i>a1</i>To B_<i>a32</i>. The sampling point corresponding to banknote B is placed in R_<i>b1</i>To R_<i>b32</i>,G_<i>b1</i>To G_<i>b32</i>, And B_<i>b1</i>To B_<i>b32</i>. The sampling point corresponding to banknote C is placed at R_<i>c1</i>To R_<i>c32</i>,G_<i>c1</i>To G_<i>c32</i>, And B_<i>c1</i>To B_<i>c32</i>. Secondly, color difference signals α (=RG) and β (=GB) are obtained. The distribution of α and β is shown in Fig. 3, for example. Banknotes A, B, and C each have a bunch of 32 points. LUT 114 generates a code C_<i>g</i>, Which indicates the R, G, and B values of the original image are closest to the group of banknotes A, B, and C. LUT 114 and generate a code C_<i>n</i>, Which indicates the R, G, and B values are closest to the nearest 1 to 32 points in the group. For example, in the situation in Figure 3, C_<i>g</i>= 2 (Group B) and C_<i>n</i>= 6. Its details have the structure shown in Figure 4.

When the values of R, G, and B are close to A, code C_<i>g</i>Set at 1; set at 2 when approaching B; and set at 3 when approaching C. Reference numerals 401 and 402 denote subtractors for counting α (=RG) and β (GB) from the R, G, and B values. Reference numeral 403 denotes a LUT for generating code signal C_<i>g</i>(Generate one of 1, 2, and 3 corresponding to A, B, and C), indicate which of the groups of A, B, and C in Fig. 3 are closest to the values of α and β; and generate code C_<i>n</i>(Generate one of 1 to 32), indicating which of the 32 points of A, B, and C is closest to the value of α and β. When the above shortest distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (that is, when there is no A, B, and C), C is generated_<i>g</i>=0 and C_<i>n</i>=0. Since only the color difference signals α and β are used, the luminance information is lost in the case of this classification. In consideration of this situation, a LUT 404 and a window comparator 405 are used. Reference numeral 404 indicates the second LUT for storing and C_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>One of the same standard value G. For example, when C_<i>g</i>= 2 and C_<i>n</i>=6, the G value G of the standard sample is generated_<i>b6</i>. Value G_<i>b6</i>The G value of the original image and the original image are supplied to the window comparator 405 to discriminate whether the following conditions are satisfied.

G_<i>b6</i>-dGG_<i>b6</i>+d...(1) where d represents a predetermined constant.

The result of the authentication is supplied to the selector 406. When the situation (1) is met, C is directly generated_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>. When condition (1) is not met, reset C_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>At 0 and produces C_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>. The original image is transformed into code information C by the above method_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>, And store the information in the frame buffer 115.

C in the entire area of the original_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>After the value has been written into the frame storage 115, the CPU 116 then reads the data from the buffer 115 and discriminates whether there is a banknote. The above identification procedure is now explained.

The content of the frame buffer 115 is first divided into multiple areas, as shown in FIG. 5. The entire area of the original image 102 is then sampled every M pixels and transformed into C_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>, And the generated data are stored in the frame buffer 115. Therefore, each area is obtained by dividing into a plurality of windows, and each area has a predetermined size.

Then construct the C in each region_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>The distribution map. C_<i>g</i>The distribution diagram is shown in, for example, Figure 6-1A or 6-2A. Now suppose that Figures 6-1A to 6-1D show the distribution of area 1. Figures 6-2A to 6-2D show the distribution of area 2. Exclude C_<i>g</i>=0, because it is not close to all A, B, and C. About C_<i>g</i>= C in the case of 1, 2, 3_<i>n</i>The distribution diagrams are shown in Figures 6-1B, 6-1C, 6-1D, 6-2B, 6-2C, and 6-2D. In the above figures, each of FIGS. 6-1A and 6-2A shows the number of pixels with a color close to any one of A, B, and C existing in the target area. Figures 6-1B, 6-2B, 6-1C, 6-2C, 6-1D, and 6-2D each show that the color image is biased toward which of colors 1 to 32 in each group of A, B, and C. Therefore, in the case where the banknote exists in the target area, C_<i>g</i>The distribution map focuses on one of 1, 2, and 3. On the contrary, C_<i>n</i>The distribution map can be regarded as equally distributed from 1 to 32 (this is because 1 to 32 are equivalent to the colors of the respective positions of the banknotes shown in Figure 2, so if there are banknotes, they should also contain these colors). In the examples shown in Figures 6-1A to 6-2D: (1) In area 1, although the distribution map is centered on C_<i>g</i>=2, but when C_<i>g</i>=2, C_<i>n</i>The distribution map is concentrated at one point, and it is believed that only occasionally contains a few similar colors. On the other hand, (2) In area 2, the distribution map is concentrated on C_<i>g</i>=3, and C_<i>g</i>=3 corresponding to C_<i>n</i>The distribution map is also distributed from 1 to 32, so it can be concluded that the banknotes exist.

Therefore, by C_<i>g</i>And C_<i>n</i>The distribution graph calculates the second parameter, and executes the judgment.

When C_<i>g</i>= 1, 2, 3, the number of pixels = N_<i>g</i>(1), N_<i>g</i>(2), N_<i>g</i>(3)

When C_<i>g</i>=1 and C_<i>n</i>=1,2,...,32, the number of pixels = N_<i>n</i>^<i>A</i>(1), N_<i>n</i>^<i>A</i>(2),...,N_<i>n</i>^<i>A</i>(32)

When C_<i>g</i>= 2 and C_<i>n</i>=1,2,...,32, the number of pixels = N_<i>n</i>^<i>B</i>(1), N_<i>n</i>^<i>B</i>(2),...,N_<i>n</i>^<i>B</i>(32)

When C_<i>g</i>=3 and C_<i>n</i>=1,2,...,32, the number of pixels = N_<i>n</i>^<i>C</i>(1), N_<i>n</i>^<i>C</i>(2),...,N_<i>n</i>^<i>C</i>(32)

Also, suppose N_<i>n</i>(1) to N_<i>n</i>(32) It has been rearranged in order from the maximum count value. Thereafter, each parameter is calculated as follows.

<maths><img file="TW246726B_D0001.tif" /></maths>

<maths><img file="TW246726B_D0002.tif" /></maths>

<maths><img file="TW246726B_D0003.tif" /></maths>

Where N_<i>g</i>(1), N_<i>g</i>(2), N_<i>g</i>(3): The degree of pixels that are close to the colors of groups A, B, and C, σ(1), σ(2), and σ(3): the degree of distribution from 1 to 32 in groups A, B, and C.

From the above, when the following conditions are met, it is concluded that there is a banknote: when K is equal to any of the values 1, 2, and 3, N_<i>g</i>(K)+h, and σ(K)+h_<i>2</i>

Among them, +h_<i>1</i>And +h_<i>2</i>Is a predetermined constant.

As mentioned above, in the presence of banknotes, the gate signal generating circuit 117 generates a gate signal and erases the image of the relevant area.

Figures 7A and 7B show the results of the processing performed as described above. FIG. 7A shows an image of the original banknote when the banknote is placed on positions 701 and 702. Figure 7B shows one of the copied images produced. The judgment result shows that the banknotes are present at positions 703, 704, 705, and 706, and a gate signal is generated to smear the image in the relevant area (shaded part) with black.

(Second embodiment)

Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of the second embodiment. The description of the same parts as in Figure 1 is omitted. The output of the UCR circuit 112 is supplied to a leveling circuit 801 and a line buffer 802. The outputs of the leveling circuit 801 and the line buffer 802 are supplied to the selector 118 and switched according to the gate signal generated by the gate signal generating circuit 117, which is generated according to the judgment result. In this case, in the area where it is determined that there are banknotes, a blurred image that has received the leveling process is generated, and the purpose of copying the specific image has not been completed.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the structure of the LUT 114. Three LUT 901, 902, and 903 and C_<i>g</i>= 1, 2, and 3 corresponding settings, each receiving R, G, and B signals. Each LUT generates C_<i>n</i>Signal. And set up three-frame buffers 904, 905, and 906, respectively. The CPU 116 successively inspects the contents of the frame buffers 904 to 906, and executes the judgment program in a similar manner to the above embodiment, thereby judging that C_<i>g</i>= Whether any one of 1, 2, and 3 obtains the identification result indicating the existence of banknotes. If the R, G, and B signals of about four to five digits of the eight digits of each R, G, and B output signal of the A/D converter 107 are supplied to each LUT 901 to 903, then The capacity of these LUTs can be set to a small value.

According to the above embodiments of the present invention, forgery crimes can be prevented by a relatively simple structure. Since the judgment procedure is executed only based on the original color, a stable judgment result can be obtained regardless of the position and angle of the banknote or the like. Moreover, even if multiple objects to be judged are set or an object is replaced, this situation can be easily dealt with only by changing the look-up table.

In the above embodiments, R, G, and B signals are used as input signals. However, you can also use things such as (Y, M, C), (L^<i>＊</i>, A^<i>＊</i>,b^<i>＊</i>), (Y, I, Q), (Y, C_<i>r</i>,C_<i>b</i>) And other input signals. On the other hand, although the color difference signals RG and GB are used to determine the color, for example, these signals can also be transformed into such as (Y, I, Q), (L^<i>＊</i>, A^<i>＊</i>,b^<i>＊</i>), (L, U, V), (H, L, S) and other signals. The code information can also be composed of a three-dimensional distribution, not only containing color but also brightness. In the case where it has been determined that there is a specific original, the program executed is not limited to the smearing program or the leveling program, but is sufficient to perform other programs, such as stopping the copy operation, which is different from the processing program of ordinary original banknotes.

As described above, according to the present invention, a color image processing device can be provided, which can accurately identify a specific original.

(Third embodiment)

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the copying device, in which an image reading device of the present invention is installed.

In the copying device shown in FIG. 10, an original 1001 placed on the original seat glass 1002 is illuminated by an original halogen lamp 1003 during pre-scanning and main scanning, and an image is generated by a rod-shaped lens row 1004. On a CCD line sensor 1005. The color separation filters of R, G, and B are sequentially applied to the CCD line sensor 1005 in the form of dots. The sensor 1005 generates the original color separation signal for each pixel and each line in the order of R, G, B, R, G, B,...

Reference numeral 1006 denotes a sampling and holding circuit (hereinafter referred to as S/H circuit). The S/H circuit 1006 samples and holds the output signal of each pixel of the CCD line sensor 1005. An analog/digital converter (hereinafter referred to as A/D converter) 1007 converts the analog signal generated by the S/H circuit 1006 into a digital signal. A shadow correction circuit 1008 corrects output fluctuations caused by changes in the sensitivity of the pixels of the CCD line sensor 1005. An input shielding circuit 1009 shields and processes the R, G, and B signals supplied by the shadow correction circuit 1008 according to the characteristics of the CCD. The output signal of the input shielding circuit 1009 is sent to the distribution pattern composing circuit 100 and the model unit 1017, which will be described later.

The distribution map construction circuit 1010 constructs the distribution map from the R, G, and B signals sent from the input shielding circuit 1009, and stores it in a memory 1014 in the subsequent stage. The template unit 1017 has a first template 1015 and second templates 1016a to 1016n to compare the original image data that has been read. Reference numeral 1015 denotes a memory (the first pattern) for storing a plurality of specific scripts, such as pattern information of banknotes of n countries. Based on the general pattern information such as the color and shape of the banknotes of each country that has been stored, it is checked whether the input image may be the same as any of these. Reference numerals 1016a to 1016n designate the memory (second template), which is used to store detailed information such as pattern and color of the corresponding banknote, and each pattern information is stored in the first pattern. Perform a more detailed judgment on the input image that has been judged by the first panel.

Reference numeral 1018 denotes an "or" circuit. When at least one of the outputs of the second templates 1016a to 1016n indicates that there is a banknote as a result of the judgment, the judgment signal is sent to a switch unit 1012 to turn off the switch unit 1012. In this way, normal image data is not sent to the printing unit 1013, and counterfeiting of banknotes can be prevented.

A color processing circuit 1011 performs color processing, such as logarithmic transformation, masking, UCR (under color removal), and the like. The switch unit 1012 controls the operation of the subsequent printing unit 1013. The printout unit 1013 is composed of, for example, a laser beam printer, and when the switch unit is set to "on", the printout unit is set to the printout mode. The memory 1014 stores the distribution map manufactured by the distribution map composition circuit 1010 during pre-scanning. Reference numeral 1021 denotes a CPU for controlling the entire device; 1022 denotes a ROM, which stores control programs (programs based on the flowchart in FIG. 11, etc.) for operating the CPU 1021; and 1023 denotes a RAM, which is used Work area for various programs.

The operation of the above structure will now be explained.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the control of the copy operation, which is executed by the CPU 1021 in this embodiment.

First, the operation of the pre-scan mode is explained. In the pre-scan mode, the size and density of the original are normally detected. However, in this embodiment, the following procedure is executed. According to a copy instruction of an operating unit (not shown) (step S1), the original 1001 placed on the original base glass 1002 is illuminated by the halogen lamp 1003, and an image is formed on the CCD line sensor 1005 (step S2). The signal converted by the sensor 1005 is sent to the S/H circuit 1006, and each pixel is sampled and held. Thereafter, the A/D converter 1007 converts the signal into a digital signal. After that, the digital signals of R, G, and B are transmitted through the shadow correction circuit 1008 and the input mask circuit 1009, and receive shadow correction and mask processing. The output signals R, G, and B of the input shielding circuit 1009 are supplied to the distribution pattern composing circuit 1010 and the model unit 1017. The distribution map data prepared by the distribution map construction unit is temporarily stored in the memory 1014. On the other hand, the signal sent to the template unit 1017 is compared with the content of the first template 1015 to determine whether there is a banknote (step S3). The control of this judgment is controlled by the CPU 1021 execution. Therefore, if it is determined that the input image data is not the same as all the banknotes registered in the second templates 1016a to 1016n, a switch "on" signal is sent to the switch unit 1012, and the switch unit 1012 is connected to "on". In this way, the normal copy operation is performed. Conversely, if it is determined that the input image data is the same as any of the banknotes registered in the second templates 1016a to 1016n, the second template is used to perform detailed judgments in the next main scan.

The pre-scan operation is completed by the above operations, and then the main scan is executed to perform the normal copy operation (step S5). The main scan is performed four times for Y, M, C, and K in a manner similar to the first embodiment. A procedure similar to the pre-scan is executed until the input shielding circuit 1009 is reached. The signal generated by the input shielding circuit 1009 is sent to the distribution pattern composing circuit 1010 and the model unit 1017. The distribution pattern composing circuit 101 produces a distribution pattern according to the transmitted signal, and the color processing circuit of the subsequent stage executes the above-mentioned predetermined color processing. Thereafter, when the switch unit 1012 is set to "on", the color processing signal is sent through the switch unit 1012 to the printing unit 1013, and a hard copy is generated. Now explain the "on/off" operation of the switch unit 1012 in the main scan. The distribution map manufactured by the distribution map construction circuit 1010 is sent to the memory 1014 and compared with the distribution map stored by the CPU 1021 during pre-scanning (step S6). The comparison result is sent to the switch unit 1012, and when the two profiles match (step S7), the switch unit 1012 remains in the "on" state, and the normal copy operation is performed (step S8). If the two distribution maps are different (step S7), this means that the original during the pre-scanning is different from the original during the main scanning, and it is also possible that the original seat glass has been replaced with banknotes after the main scanning is completed. Therefore, the switch unit 1012 is set to "OFF", and the copy operation is stopped.

From the above processing flow, it can be checked whether the original during the pre-scanning and the original placed on the original seat glass 1002 during the main scanning are different. If the original has been replaced, the copy operation can be prohibited.

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a possibility of banknotes during the pre-scanning, the signal sent to the template unit 1017 in the main scanning is supplied to the second template 1016 through the first template, and after the main scanning is completed (step S9 ), the pattern information, color information, etc. are respectively compared (step S10), because the type of the specific original, that is, the country and type of the banknote have been determined in the first template 1015 during the pre-scanning. Therefore, if it is determined that the input image data is not related to banknotes, the switch "on" signal is sent to the switch unit 1012, the switch unit 1012 remains in the "on" state, and the normal copy operation is started (step S12). Conversely, if it is determined that there is a banknote, the switch "OFF" signal is sent to the switch unit 1012, the switch unit is turned off "OFF", and the copy operation is stopped.

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, two comparison procedures are performed between the first pattern and the detailed second pattern. The first pattern has color distribution data on various banknotes, and the second pattern has data on various banknotes. Therefore, it can be avoided that the copy operation time is longer than the normal copy time due to the time required to determine the banknote.

On the other hand, since the sameness (or identity) of the original in the pre-scan and the original in the main scan is also distinguished, it is possible to prevent forgery of banknotes due to the exchange of the original after the pre-scan is completed.

In the above third embodiment, banknotes are proposed as an example of objects for preventing counterfeiting. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, but can also be applied to prevent forgery of stocks and bonds, various contract documents, etc.

Various printers, such as electrophotographic laser beam printers, thermal transfer printers, dot printers, inkjet printers, etc., can also be used as the printing unit 1013.

The algorithm in the first embodiment can also be used as the algorithm for performing judgment in the above-mentioned template. Each of the above templates is composed of RAM, ROM, or the like. Therefore, by rewriting the contents of RAM or replacing ROM, it can also deal with the situation where the object that is prohibited from copying has been changed (for example, the pattern and color of the banknote have been changed).

(Fourth embodiment)

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the fourth embodiment as a main part of the copying device, in which the image reading device of the present invention is installed. In the figure, the constituent elements similar to those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals. An input unit 1030 has the same structure as the structure before the input shielding circuit 1009 in FIG. 10. In the fourth embodiment, the printing permission from one of the template units 1017 is directly instructed to the printing unit 1013.

In the main scan, the output signals R, G, and B from the input unit 1030 are sent to the distribution pattern composition circuit 1010 and the template unit 1017. The signal sent to the distribution pattern composing circuit 1010 is transmitted along a path similar to the third embodiment, and when the switch unit 1012 is set to "on", the signal is transferred to the printing unit 1013.

The template unit 1017 has a first template 1015 (not shown) and second templates 1016a to 1016n (not shown) similar to the third embodiment. Use these templates to determine whether there are any banknotes in the original. At this time, if it is determined that the banknote exists, the print permission signal, which has one of the functions similar to the switch "on" signal in the third embodiment, is directly supplied to the printout unit 1013. Conversely, if it is determined that there are banknotes, the data in the address where the banknotes were originally determined to exist is sent to the printing unit 1013. When the signal of this data is received, the printing unit 1013 is painted in black and the part indicated by the address data is generated. In this case, if an "and" circuit is set in the data input part of the printout unit 1013 to calculate the "and" result of the image data in the address of the object to be painted in black, this smearing can be easily performed program.

With the above configuration, an effect similar to the third embodiment can also be easily obtained.

(Fifth embodiment)

The fifth embodiment has a similar configuration to the fourth embodiment described above. The printing unit 1013 that has received the address data from the model unit 1017 produces an image, and the image is blurred to the extent that it cannot be used as a banknote corresponding to the received address data. Mosaic processing or the like can also be used as this method.

An effect similar to the first embodiment can also be obtained by the above configuration.

As described above, according to the present invention, the original image determined to be a specific original can of course prohibit copying.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the image scanning unit of the copying device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, reference numeral 2101 denotes an A/D converter for converting analog signals of R, G, and B into digital signals. These analog signals are provided by input devices, such as CCD line sensors, and the host computer. (Not shown) Wait for delivery. Reference numeral 2102 denotes a shadow correction circuit for correcting the shadow of the digital R, G, and B signals. Reference number 2103 denotes a log converter, which is composed of a look-up table ROM (or RAM), used to convert the shadow-corrected R, G, and B signals (luminance signals) into concentration signals; 2104 is a shield Circuit; and 2105 is a UCR circuit. The masking circuit 2104 and the UCR circuit 2105 perform masking processing and UCR (under-color removal) processing on the density signal from the logarithmic converter 2103.

Reference numeral 2111 denotes a dilution circuit for diluting the corrected R, G, and B signals from the shadow correction circuit 2102. The structure of the dilution circuit 2111 will be described below with reference to FIG. 14. The reference numeral 2112 indicates a specific original judgment unit, which is used to determine whether a specific original exists based on the diluted R, G, and B signals from the dilution circuit 2111. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 16, the structure of the specific original judgment unit 2112 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing the structure of the dilution circuit 2111 of the sixth embodiment. In the figure, reference numerals 2201a, 2201b, and 2201c denote flip-flops, which are operated by the same clock signal CLK as the image signal; and 2202a, 2202b, and 2202c denote flip-flops, which are divided by the frequency of the clock signal CLK by 4. One of the obtained clock signals CLK' operates. The waveforms of the clock signal CLK 2203 and the clock signal CLK' 2204 are also shown in FIG. 14. The function of the dilution circuit 2111 is to extract time-sequential image data every predetermined n clock signals.

The structure of the copying device will now be explained.

Fig. 22 is a side sectional view showing the internal structure of the copying device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1201 denotes an image scanning unit for reading an original and performing digital signal processing; and 1202 is a printing unit for printing and outputting the original image read by the image scanning unit 1201 An equivalent image is printed in full color on a piece of paper.

In the image scanning unit 1201, the reference numeral 1200 denotes a mirror surface pressing plate. One of the originals 1204 placed on the original seat glass (hereinafter referred to as the platform) 1203 is illuminated by a lamp 1205. The reflected light is fed to mirrors 1206, 1207, and 1208, and an image is formed by a lens 1209 on a 3-line sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 1210, which is paralleled by the three R, G, and B line sensors Arrangement composition. The image data becomes red (R), green (G), and blue (B) full-color information components and is sent to the signal processing unit 1211. The lamp 1205 and the mirror 1206 are moved mechanically at a speed V and the mirrors 1207 and 1208 are also mechanically moved at a speed V/2 in a direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the electrical scanning direction (main scanning direction) of the line sensor, thereby scanning Originally the entire area. The signal processing unit 1211 electrically processes the read image signal, divides it into purple (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (BK) components, and sends it to the printing unit 1202. One of the M, C, Y, and BK components is sent to the printing unit 1202 by the image scanning unit 1201 by a single scan. One printout is completed by scanning the original four times in total.

The M, C, Y, or BK image signal sent from the image scanning unit 1201 is supplied to the laser driver 1212. The laser driver 1212 modulates and drives the semiconductor laser 1213 according to the image signal. The laser beam is reflected and transmitted by a polygon mirror 1214, an f-θ lens 1215, and a mirror 1216, and is scanned on a photosensitive drum 1217.

Reference numeral 1218 denotes a rotary developing device, including: a magenta developing unit, a cyan developing unit 1220, a yellow developing unit 1221, and a black developing unit 1222. The above four developing units alternately move to contact the photosensitive drum 1217, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the drum 1217 is developed by the toner of each color.

Reference numeral 1223 designates a copy transfer drum. The paper sent from the paper cassette 1224 or 1225 surrounds the copy transfer drum 1223, and the image developed on the photosensitive drum 1217 is copied and transferred to the paper.

After the four-color images of M, C, Y, and BK are sequentially copied and transferred onto the paper, the paper passes through the fixing unit 1226 and is discharged out of the copying device.

FIG. 16A is a block diagram showing the structure of the specific original judgment unit 2112 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a typical structure of the integrators 4011 to 4018. 18A and 18B are used to illustrate the integral effect of the sixth embodiment. 19A and 19B are used to illustrate the relationship between the specific script and the color space. FIG. 20 shows the relationship between the color space data of the specific original and the data in the judgment ROM 2401. Figure 21 shows the positional relationship between the specific original and the recognition interval. Figure 25 illustrates the method of using color space to determine a specific script.

In FIG. 16A, it is determined that the ROM 2401 is composed of a read-only memory with a data width of 8 digits and an address width of 15 digits. Corresponding data of the eight predetermined originals are stored in the ROM 2401.

The R, G, and B color image signals supplied by the image scanning unit 1201 are sent as an address signal for determining the ROM 2401. The information indicating whether or not the specific original image data shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20 exists in the corresponding R, G, and B spaces is stored in the judgment ROM 2401. When the colors shown in the input color signals 2313, 2314, and 2315 are included in the color distribution range of the image portion of the specific original A and B in the shaded portion of the RGB space shown in Figures 19A and 19B, determine the ROM The output signal of 2401 is 1. Otherwise, the output signal is 0.

The judgment information generated by the ROM 2401 is supplied to the integrators 4011 to 4018 via the latch circuit 2402.

Since the integrators 4011 to 4018 have the same configuration, the integrator 4011 will now be explained as a typical example.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for illustrating the integrator 4011.

In FIG. 17, reference numerals 2501 and 2504 denote multipliers; 2502 is an adder; and 2503 is a latch circuit for adjusting a certain time. Multiplier 2504 performs X_<i>i</i>X255(1-B) is multiplied to the i-th signal x_<i>i</i>(0 or 1), which is supplied by using a predetermined weighting factor B. The result of the multiplication is supplied to the B terminal of the adder 2502. On the other hand, the multiplier 2501 performs Y_<i>i-1</i>×β is multiplied to the (i-1)th output signal Y_<i>i-1</i>This is supplied by the latch circuit 2503. The result of the multiplication is supplied to the A terminal of the adder 2502. Adder 2502 execute X_<i>i</i>X255(1-β)+Y_<i>i-1</i>The addition of ×β, and the result of the addition Y_<i>i</i>. That is, the integrator 4011 performs the integration represented by the following equation (2) on all input data, Y_<i>i</i>=X_<i>i</i>X255(1-β)+Y_<i>i-1</i>×β.........(2)

By performing the above integration, the input value "1" is continuously supplied to the integrator 4011, as shown in Fig. 18B, the output value of the integrator 4011 is close to 255, as shown in Fig. 18A. On the other hand, when the input value is constantly "0", the output value is close to 0.

Since the comparison arithmetic units 4001 to 4008 have the same configuration, the comparison arithmetic unit 4001 will now be described as a typical example. The amplitude of the output value A of the integrator 4011 is compared with the amplitude of a predetermined constant value B stored in the register 4021. Indicate one of the comparison results, judgment signal C_<i>1</i>Produced according to the following situation (3).

C_<i>1</i>=1(A_<i>1</i>&gt;B_<i>1</i>)C_<i>1</i>=0(A_<i>1</i>B_<i>1</i>)………(3)

According to the above method, when the input signal is continuously consistent with the specific original image data, compare the input signal C of the arithmetic unit 4001_<i>1</i>Placed at 1. The other comparison arithmetic units 4002 to 4008 and the register 4022 also function in the same way as the comparison arithmetic unit 4001 and the register 4021.

The counters 2421 to 2428 also have the same structure. Only when output signal C_<i>1</i>When it is 1, the counter 2421 counts up. The counter 2421 counts the number of pixels contained in a specific original recognition area corresponding to the hatched portion of FIG. 21.

An "or" write circuit 2411 calculates and compares the output signal C of the arithmetic unit 4001 to 4008_<i>1</i>To C_<i>8</i>And write the "or" results in a RAM 2412. The RAM 2412 has the same size as the judgment ROM 2401, and has a digit width of 8 digits and an address width of 16 digits.

FIG. 16B is a block diagram showing the structure of the "OR" writing circuit 2411. Reference numeral 2412 denotes an SRAM of 32K. The R, G, and B signals each composed of five digits are supplied to the input terminal A as the address bus_<i>0</i>To A_<i>14</i>. The data 4021 to 4028 are supplied to the input terminal D after completing the "or" calculation (described later)_<i>0</i>To D_<i>7</i>, As information. Reference numeral 4112 denotes a timing signal generating circuit for generating the timing signal shown in FIG. 16c.

In the "or" arithmetic operation part of the hatched area, it reflects a read-out enable signal DE and at the timing of the clock signal CLK' from the input terminal D_<i>0</i>To D_<i>7</i>Read the stored data from the input terminal A_<i>0</i>To A_<i>14</i>The input signal specifies the address, and the data is latched into the latch circuit. On the other hand, the "or" circuit calculates the "or" result of the input signals 4021 to 4028 and the latched memory data. The calculated "or" result is generated by the buffer memory at an inverter timing terminal R_<i>i0</i>superior.

If at least one of the data of the address specified by the input signals 4021 to 4028 is sequentially input to the R, G, and B signals each consisting of five digits) is equal to "1", then the "1" data is stored in SRAM 2412 middle.

Due to the input signal D_<i>0</i>To D_<i>7</i>Stored in an independent address, so parallel judgment procedures can be performed on eight specific scripts.

By calculating the number of the number element "1" generated by the judgment result stored in the RAM 2412, one of the volumes in the RGB space of the hatched part of Fig. 25 is calculated, as the counting data in Fig. 16A, the reference numeral 2415 indicates A CPU is used to control the entire specific original judgment unit 2112; 2415a is a ROM in which the program of the flowchart in FIG. 15 is stored, and the CPU 2415 operates accordingly; and 2415b is a RAM, which is used as a work area for various programs. The CPU 2415 mainly reads the data of the counters 2421 to 2428 and the RAM 2412, and discriminates whether there is a target original in the input original.

One of the inputs of the integrator in Figure 17 is determined by X_<i>i</i>Display, and an output is displayed by Yi (1i8). Execute the calculation procedure according to the following equation (4).

Y_<i>i+1</i>= β. Y_<i>i</i>+255(1-β)X_<i>i</i>………(4)

In the above equation (4), β represents a constant for controlling the integral action of the integrator. Satisfy the following relationship in the range of 0&lt;β&lt;1.

<img file="TW246726B_D0004.tif" />

That is, when the set value of β shown in FIG. 18B is close to 1, an integral value change curve slowly changes. Conversely, when the set value of β is close to 0, the change curve suddenly changes. In this embodiment, β=31/32.

An identification object is assumed to be an original of the same size as a banknote. However, if a small original image such as a stamp is used as the identification target, β should be set to a small value, such as 7/8. The β value can be set to an arbitrary value by the scanning unit (not shown) according to the identification object.

(Sixth embodiment)

Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the control executed by the CPU 2415 in the sixth embodiment.

First, when it is detected that it is desired to start reading the original information, when starting to read the original, an INH signal 2404 is set to 0 in step S1201. After that, it is instructed to read the original text in step S1202. In step S1203, a variable n is set to 1, that is, the count value of the nth counter is sequentially stored in the RAM 2412. In step S1204, the value of the counter in FIG. 16a, in this case, because n=1, the value of the counter 2421 is read out and stored in a predetermined variable area in the RAM 2412.

In step S1205, the total number of "1" data stored in the variable area of RAM 2412 in FIG. 16A is calculated. The total is placed in a variable vol.

The variable vol represents a value indicating the volume of the hatched part in Fig. 25, that is, vol=Tjd.

In step S1206, it is checked whether the value of the variable area is equal to or greater than a predetermined constant K.

The value of the variable area corresponds to the number of pixels in the identification area shown by the hatched part in FIG. 21. Therefore, by comparing the value range of the variable area and the range of the constant K, it is possible to discriminate whether the input image has a relationship with the banknote. That is, when the variable area value is greater than K, it is determined that the input image may be related to the original banknote.

In step S1207, the value of the variable vol determined in step S1205 is calculated, and the similarity r between the image data measured in the color space shown in the following equation (5) and the image data of the specific original is calculated, and compared The similarity r and constant β.

In Figure 25, Torg indicates that a specific original image data (hereinafter referred to as specific image data) has been registered first, and is equivalent to the part of the display line displayed in the RGB space, and indicates one of the RGB coordinate spaces Volume. Tjd means to read out the original image data (hereinafter referred to as the measured image data), and is equivalent to a hatched part in the KGB space, in which the measured image data is displayed to compare the output signal of the arithmetic unit 4001 to 4008 Is 1. Tjd indicates a volume in the RGB coordinate space. In the above case, the similarity r is expressed by the following equation (5).

<maths><img file="TW246726B_D0005.tif" /></maths>

When the value of similarity r is close to 1, the similarity between the measured image data and the specific image data is high.

Since vol=Tjd, the identification<maths><img file="TW246726B_D0006.tif" /></maths>Among them, r (Gamma) represents a constant, determined by experiment, and indicates a matching ratio in the color space. Assume r=0.7.

Assuming that the identification result is true, it is concluded that the measured image data has a high similarity with the specific image data, and copying should be prohibited.

Among the above components, the output of the flip-flops 2202a, 2202b, and 2202c in FIG. 14 is the data obtained by diluting the image signal to 1/4. Therefore, it is only necessary to set the operating speed of the LUT (look-up table) of the judgment ROM 2401 in FIG. 16A to a value of 1/4 of the speed of the ordinary device.

As mentioned above, in extracting the color components of the color original, the large-capacity LUT can be constituted by an EPROM or similar device, which has a lower response speed. In other words, the balance between the capacity of the LUT and the reaction speed can be maintained.

(Seventh embodiment)

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing the structure of the dilution circuit 2111 of the seventh embodiment. Only the dilution circuit of R is shown here, as a typical example of R, G, and B. The clock signals CLK and CLK' are the same as those in FIG. 14. In FIG. 23, reference numeral 2301 denotes a flip-flop, which is operated by the clock signal CLK and maintains the image signal before performing the dilution process; 2302 is an adder; 2303 is a flip-flop to maintain the addition The result; and 2304 is an "and" gate, used to calculate the "and" result between a Q output signal of the flip-flop 2303 and a reset signal RST (2305), the reset signal is the clock signal CLK every four cycles Set to 0 afterwards.

Reference numeral 2306 designates a digital element transfer circuit for multiplying the addition result from the adder 2303 by 1/4 times, and 2307 designates a flip-flop, operated by the clock signal CLK'. In the above configuration, the average value of four adjacent pixels is generated in the clock signal CLK of four cycles. At the same time as the dilution process, a four-pixel leveling process is performed. As described above, the dilution circuit of the seventh embodiment obtains the time-sequential image data of the predetermined n clock signals and the added average value of the subsequent samples.

In the above situation, the scattered noise contained in the original image signal is eliminated, and the accuracy of color judgment is improved.

As mentioned above, according to the present invention, in extracting the color components of the color original, the large-capacity LUT can be constructed by EPROM or the like with a lower response speed. In other words, the balance between the capacity of the LUT and the reaction speed can be maintained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but many modifications and changes can be made within the scope and spirit of the appended patent application of the present invention.