JP3078433B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus used for a digital copying machine, a facsimile machine, a scanner, an image filing apparatus, and the like. To an image processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the improvement of image processing technology and image forming technology, it has become possible to copy a banknote copied by a digital color copying machine and an actual banknote so precisely that it cannot be easily distinguished. For this reason, a digital color copying machine has been put to practical use in which a special document, such as a bill or a securities, for which copying is prohibited is discriminated, and illegal copying is prohibited in the case of a special document.

[0003] As a method of discriminating such special manuscripts such as bills and securities, input image data is compared with a specific mark (pattern data) registered in advance by a pattern matching method. If there is a document, how to determine that the document is a special document,
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-54681, a method of comparing and discriminating the shapes of histograms based on hue distribution has been proposed.

[0004] On the other hand, in a corporate office or the like, even for general documents other than special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities, copying is prohibited from the viewpoint of the importance of the contents of the document and confidentiality. Documents (hereinafter referred to as copy prohibited documents). Generally, such a copy-prohibited document is stamped with a confidential seal, a copy-prohibited mark, or the like, so as to be distinguished from a document that can be copied.

[0005]

However, in the prior art,
A confidential seal or a mark of copy prohibition is imprinted on the copy prohibition document, and the user is recognized as a copy prohibition document, and the copy of the copy prohibition document is copied on the assumption that the user observes the prohibition. Since copying is prohibited, copying cannot be substantially prohibited. For example, a user can copy using a copying machine, facsimile sending using a facsimile device, and However, there is a problem that it is also possible to input the data into the image filing device and save it.

It is conceivable to apply the above-mentioned conventional method of discriminating a special original to discrimination of a copy-inhibited document to constitute a device for prohibiting copying of a copy-inhibited document. When a secret seal or a copy prohibition mark is discriminated and copying of a copy prohibition document is prohibited, when a secret seal or a copy prohibition mark is covered with paper or the like and copied. Cannot be discriminated, and copying of a copy-inhibited document cannot be prohibited.

[0007] Further, when the shape of the histogram based on the hue distribution is compared and discriminated, there is a problem that the method cannot be applied to a device that handles image information as black and white binary data, and there are various copy prohibited documents. In addition, since the shapes of the histograms based on the hue distributions are not necessarily common, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently determine the copy-inhibited document.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to reliably determine a copy-inhibited document and to surely prohibit copying, transfer, storage, and input of image information of the copy-inhibited document. And

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing method in which input image information is subjected to image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, gamma correction processing, and gradation processing. A black peak detecting means for detecting whether or not the pixel data of interest is a black peak from pixel data of interest and pixel data adjacent thereto for each pixel data constituting the image information; The detection result of the black peak detection means is input, and a black peak for determining whether or not a black peak density in a certain area centering on the pixel data of interest matches a black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern is determined. A copy prohibition statement for determining whether or not the image information is a copy prohibition document based on a density determination unit and the number of pixel data determined to match by the black peak density determination unit; Determination means, wherein the copy-inhibited document is created in advance using paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern is printed or copied over the entire surface of the paper, and the copy-inhibited document determination means determines whether or not the document is a copy-inhibited document. An image processing device is provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus for performing image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, γ correction processing, and gradation processing on input image information. Black peak detecting means for detecting, from each pixel data of interest and pixel data adjacent thereto, whether or not the pixel data of interest is a black peak, for each pixel data constituting the image information; Means for inputting the detection result of the means and determining whether or not the black peak density in a certain area centered on the pixel data of interest matches the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern; Inputting the image information to detect a white background area, and inputting the detection result of the black peak detection means and the detection result of the white background area detection means to detect a black peak. Surrounding white background area determining means for determining whether a white background area of a predetermined size exists around a predetermined distance from the detected pixel data, and a determination result of the black peak density determining means and a surrounding white background area The target pixel data determining unit that determines whether the target pixel data is a part of the copy prohibition pattern based on the determination result of the determination unit, and that the target pixel data is a part of the copy prohibition pattern by the target pixel data determination unit. A copy-inhibited document determining means for determining whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the determined number of pixel data. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus which is created by using copied paper and which determines whether or not the document is a copy-inhibited document by the copy-inhibited document determining means.

The copy-inhibited document judging means counts the number of pixel data judged to be a part of the copy-inhibited pattern existing in one line in the main scanning direction, and the counted value is set to a predetermined first value. If the threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a line determination unit that determines the line as a copy-inhibited pattern line, a determination result of the line determination unit for a predetermined line, and a copy for counting the number of copy-inhibited pattern lines in the predetermined line A prohibition pattern line counting means; and a determination means for determining that the image information is a copy prohibition document if the count value of the copy prohibition pattern line counting means is equal to or greater than a preset second threshold value. is there.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, γ correction processing, and gradation processing on input image information. A copy prohibition pattern detecting means for detecting, for each pixel data constituting the image information, whether or not the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern and capable of changing the detection accuracy; And determining whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the number of pixel data detected as being a part of the copy-inhibited pattern by the copy-inhibited pattern detection means;
A copy prohibition document determining unit capable of changing the determination accuracy; and a change unit for changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit and the determination accuracy of the copy prohibition document determination unit. The present invention provides an image processing apparatus in which a copy prohibition pattern is created using paper on which a copy prohibition pattern is printed or copied, and the copy prohibition document determination means determines whether or not the document is a copy prohibition document.

The change means is an operation panel, and changes the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection means and the judgment accuracy of the copy prohibition document judgment means via the operation panel. The change means is a timer means for automatically changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection means and the judgment accuracy of the copy prohibition document judgment means according to a preset time.

[0014]

The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is arranged such that, for each pixel data constituting image information, whether or not the pixel data of interest has a black peak is determined from pixel data of interest and pixel data adjacent thereto. To determine whether the black peak density in a certain area centered on the target pixel data matches the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern, and determine the number of pixel data determined to match. , It is determined whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document, so that a copy-inhibited document created in advance by using a paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern is printed or copied on the entire surface of the paper is reliably determined.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is arranged such that, for each pixel data constituting image information, whether the pixel data of interest is a black peak is determined from pixel data of interest and pixel data adjacent thereto. Is detected, and it is determined whether or not the black peak density in a certain area centered on the target pixel data matches the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern. Further, a white background region is detected from the image information, and it is determined whether or not a white background region of a predetermined size exists around a predetermined distance from the target pixel data detected as a black peak. Further, based on whether or not the black peak density of the copy prohibition pattern matches, and whether or not a white background area of a predetermined size exists around a certain distance, the pixel data of interest is a part of the copy prohibition pattern. To determine whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the copy-inhibited pattern. A copy-inhibited document created using paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern is printed or copied is reliably determined.

It should be noted that whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document is determined based on the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the above-described copy-inhibited pattern. Copy-inhibited document determining means), counts the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the copy-inhibited pattern existing in one line in the main scanning direction, and if the counted value is equal to or larger than a preset first threshold value. , The line is determined to be a copy-inhibited pattern line, the number of copy-inhibited pattern lines in the predetermined line is counted, and if the count value is equal to or greater than a preset second threshold value, the image information is a copy-inhibited document. By making the determination, a copy-prohibited pattern provided in advance on the entire surface of the paper is recognized, and a copy-prohibited document is reliably determined.

Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention (claim 4,
5, 6) detects, for each piece of pixel data constituting the image information, whether or not the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern, and determines that the pixel data is a part of the copy prohibition pattern. Based on the number of detected pixel data,
By judging whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document, a copy-inhibited document created by using a paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern has been printed or copied in advance on the entire surface of a sheet is reliably determined. In addition, by changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection means and the determination accuracy of the copy prohibition document determination means, the determination can be made particularly strict when there is a high possibility that the image information of the copy prohibition document is input. For example,
By changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection means and the judgment accuracy of the copy prohibition document judgment means via the operation panel, the discrimination may be made stricter if necessary. According to
The determination may be strict.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, taking an example in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine, [Embodiment 1], [Embodiment 2], [Embodiment 3], [Embodiment 4], [Embodiment 4] Example 5),
Embodiment 6 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] In Embodiment 1, for each piece of pixel data constituting image information, it is detected whether or not the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern. Based on the number of pixel data detected as being part of the pattern,
By determining whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document, a copy-inhibited document created in advance by using a paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern is printed or copied on the entire surface of a sheet is reliably determined.

The digital copying machine according to the first embodiment will be described below in the order of the overall configuration of the digital copying machine, the copy-inhibited pattern, the copy-inhibited pattern detecting section, the copy-inhibited document determining section, and the copy-inhibited document discriminating process.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment. Image information obtained by reading an image from a document and performing A / D conversion (analog / digital conversion) is shown in FIG. A scanner 101 for outputting (digital signal), and an image processing unit 102 for inputting image information from the scanner 101 and executing various image processing to be described later and copy prohibition document determination processing of the present invention.
A plotter 103 for outputting image information on which image processing has been performed by the image processing unit 102 to recording paper; and an operation display unit 1 for inputting various modes and displaying messages.
04 and a system controller 10 for controlling the above-described units.
And 5.

Further, the image processing unit 102 uses a shading correction filter, a smoothing filter, an edge emphasis filter, and the like to perform various types of filter processing on the input image information. Magnification processing unit 107 for performing the magnification, and γ for performing the γ correction processing
A correction unit 108, a gradation processing unit 109 for converting image information into multi-value data set in advance, and a scanner 1
A copy prohibition pattern detecting unit 110 for inputting image information from the image data 01 and detecting whether or not the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern for each pixel data constituting the image information; A copy prohibited document determination unit 111 that determines whether or not the image information is a copy prohibited document based on the number of pixel data that is detected by the copy prohibited pattern detection unit 110 as being a part of the copy prohibited pattern.
The image information is input from both the white data generator 112 for generating image information composed of white data, and the gradation processing unit 109 and the white data generator 112, and according to the determination result of the copy prohibited document determination unit 111, And a selector 113 for selectively outputting to the plotter 103 either image information input from the gradation processing unit 109 or image information input from the white data generator 112 (that is, white data).

Here, the copy prohibition pattern will be described with reference to FIG. The copy prohibition pattern is a pattern for determining whether or not the image information (that is, the original document) is a copy prohibition document. In the present invention, a document on which the copy prohibition pattern is formed is referred to as a copy prohibition document. judge. Therefore, the copy prohibition document is created using paper on which a copy prohibition pattern has been printed or copied on the entire surface of the paper in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, on a sheet of paper on which a copy prohibition pattern 201 has been created
By recording a confidential document, a copy-prohibited document can be created.

In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the copy prohibition pattern 201 is created by using a confidential numbering function of a digital copying machine, which is a known technique, but the invention is not particularly limited to this. The copy prohibition pattern 201 by the confidential numbering function, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
Number composed of halftone dots of about 65 lines (here, 1)
It is. As shown in FIG. 2A, for a document in which the copy prohibition pattern 201 is recorded over the entire surface of the paper, the apparatus of the present invention determines that the document is a copy prohibition document and prohibits copying, as will be described in detail later. Perform the operation of Conversely, a normal copying operation is performed for other documents.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the copy prohibition pattern detecting section 110. For each pixel data constituting the image information,
From the target pixel data and pixel data adjacent thereto, a black peak detector 301 for detecting whether the target pixel data is a black peak, and a detection result of the black peak detector 301 are input, and the target pixel data is input. A black peak density determining unit 302 for determining whether or not a black peak density in a certain area at the center coincides with a black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern; and inputting image information to detect a white background area The detection result of the white background region detection unit 303, the black peak detection unit 301, and the detection result of the white background region detection unit 303 are input, and a predetermined size is set around the target pixel data that is detected as a black peak at a predetermined distance. The determination result of the surrounding white background region determining unit 304 and the determination result of the black peak density determining unit 303 and the determination result of the surrounding white background region determining unit 304 that determine whether a white background region exists. Based on the target pixel data is constituted by determining the target pixel data determining unit 305. whether a part of a copying-inhibited pattern.

More specifically, the black peak detector 301
As shown in FIG. 4, the pixel data of interest is a central pixel E in a 3 × 3 matrix, the density of the central pixel E is higher than that of the other pixels, and the density of the central pixel E is a predetermined threshold , Black pixel threshold), the pixel data of interest is detected as a black peak pixel.

Further, the black peak density determining unit 302 determines that the area of a certain area centered on the pixel data of interest (for example, 11 × 1
The black peak density of one matrix) is measured, and it is determined whether or not the peak density of halftone dots of about 65 lines characteristic of the copy prohibition pattern 201 shown in FIG.

Similarly, in the white area detection unit 303,
The presence or absence of a white background in a certain area is detected, and whether or not a white background exists is detected. At this time, detection of the presence or absence of a white background is performed, for example, by binarizing each pixel of an M × M matrix (for example, an 11 × 11 matrix) with a predetermined threshold (hereinafter, referred to as a white background detection threshold), When all the pixels are white, the inside of the N × N matrix is detected as a white background area.

Further, the peripheral white background area determination unit 304
The detection result of the white area detection unit 303 and the black peak detection unit 30
Based on the detection result of No. 1, it is determined whether or not there is a white background area in an area at a certain distance from the pixel detected as the black peak pixel. The determination of the presence or absence of a peripheral white background is performed, for example, by referring to FIG.
As shown in FIG.
Areas 502, 503, and 50 separated by a fixed distance d to the right
When a white background exists at 4,505, the target pixel 501 is determined as a pixel having a peripheral white background region. here,
The determination as to whether or not a white background exists is made in areas 502, 503, 504, and 505 in the four directions of up, down, left, and right. As shown in FIG. Left, right, diagonally upper left, diagonally upper right, diagonally lower right, diagonally lower left eight directions area 50
By looking at 2 to 509, the determination accuracy of the peripheral white background area may be enhanced. Alternatively, in FIG. 5A, the determination can be made only in the regions 502 and 503 in the upper and lower directions, so that the hardware amount can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.

Finally, the target pixel data determination unit 305
Black peak density determination unit 302 and surrounding white background region determination unit 304
Based on the result, when the black peak pixel (pixel of interest) has a black peak density characteristic of the copy prohibition pattern and there is a white background in an area separated by a certain distance, the pixel data of interest is replaced with the copy prohibition pattern. The pixel is determined to be a pixel, and a copy prohibition pattern determination result is output.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111. The copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 determines whether each pixel data is A copy prohibition pattern determination result for each is input, the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the copy prohibition pattern existing in one line in the main scanning direction is counted, and the count value is set to a first threshold value set in advance. If TH1 or more, the line determination unit 601 for determining the line as a copy-inhibited pattern line, and the determination results of the line determination unit 601 are held for N lines, and the number of copy-inhibited pattern lines in the N lines (count value M Copy prohibition pattern line counting section 60 for counting
2 and the count value M of the copy prohibition pattern line counting unit 602
If (M ≦ N) is equal to or greater than a second threshold value TH2 set in advance, a determination unit 603 that determines that the image information is a copy-inhibited document and outputs a white data selection signal “1” is provided.

Operation of Discrimination Process for Copy-Prohibited Document In the above configuration, the operation of discrimination process for a copy-prohibited document will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

A user sets a document (original document) to be copied at a predetermined position of the scanner 101 and operates the operation display unit 10.
When a copy start key (not shown) is pressed, image information of the document is read by the scanner 101, and A
After the / D conversion, the digital signal is input to the image processing unit 102 as a digital signal.

The image processing unit 102 inputs image information, which is a digital signal, to both the filter processing unit 106 and the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110. The image information input to the filter processing unit 106 is subjected to predetermined image processing by a filter processing unit 106, a scaling processing unit 107, a γ correction unit 108, and a gradation processing unit 109.
Is forwarded to

On the other hand, the image information input to the copy prohibition pattern detecting section 110
At 10, for each pixel data constituting the image information, it is detected whether or not the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts showing the operation of the copy prohibition pattern detecting section 110. FIG. 7A is a flowchart showing the operation of the white area detecting section 303 and the peripheral white area determining section 304, and FIG. Section 301, black peak density determination section 302, and target pixel data determination section 305
The two operation flowcharts are executed simultaneously by parallel processing.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7A, first, the white background area detection unit 303 detects the presence or absence of a white background in a certain area, and detects whether or not a white background exists (S7).
01). Next, the surrounding white background area determination unit 304 receives the detection result of the black peak detection unit 301 and determines whether or not it is a black peak (S702). The presence / absence of a white background area in an area at a certain distance from the pixel detected as the black peak pixel is determined, and the determination result is output to the target pixel data determination unit 305 (S703). On the other hand, if it is not the black peak, the processing for the pixel data of interest ends, and the process returns to S701.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3B, first, the black peak detecting unit 301 detects whether or not the target pixel data is a black peak (S704, S705).
If it is not the black peak, the target pixel data determination unit 305 determines that the target pixel data is not part of the copy prohibition pattern (S710).

On the other hand, if it is a black peak, the black peak density is determined by the black peak density determination unit 302 (706), and it is determined whether or not the black peak density matches the black peak density of the copy prohibition pattern (S707). . If they do not match, the target pixel data determination unit 305 determines that the target pixel data is not part of the copy prohibition pattern (S71).
0). If they match, the surrounding white area determination unit 3
04, the presence or absence of a peripheral white background area is determined (S7).
08) If there is a surrounding white background area, the fact that the pixel data of interest is part of the copy prohibition pattern is output as a copy prohibition pattern determination result (S709), and the process ends. Conversely, if there is no peripheral white background area, the target pixel data determination unit 305 determines that the target pixel data is not a part of the copy prohibition pattern (S710).

The above steps S701 to S710 are executed for each pixel data of the image information, and finally executed for the entire input image information.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the copy-inhibited document judging section 111. First, a copy prohibition pattern determination result for each pixel data is input to the line determination unit 601 and the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the copy prohibition pattern existing in one line in the main scanning direction is counted ( S80
1). Next, the count value is compared with the first threshold value TH1 (S
802), if the count value ≧ TH1, the line is determined to be a copy prohibition pattern line (S803), and the count value <TH.
If it is 1, it is determined that the line is a general line that is not a copy prohibition pattern line (S804).

Subsequently, the copy prohibition pattern line counting section 6
In step 02, the determination result of the line determination unit 601 is held for N lines, and the number of copy prohibition pattern lines (count value M) in the N lines is counted (S805). Then, the count value M and the second
Is compared with the threshold value TH2 (S806), and the count value M ≧ TH
If it is 2, it is determined that the image information is a copy prohibited document,
A white data selection signal "1" is output (S807). On the other hand, if the count value M <TH2, the white data selection signal “0” is output (S808), and the process ends.

As described above, the selector 113 receives image information from both the gradation processing unit 109 and the white data generator 112. When the white data selection signal is “1”, the selector 113 selectively selects the white data input from the white data generator 112 according to the determination result (white data selection signal) of the copy prohibited document determination unit 111. Output to the plotter 103. Also, the white data selection signal “0”
In the case of, the image information input from the gradation processing unit 109 is selectively output to the plotter 103.

Accordingly, the copy prohibition pattern is detected by the above processing, and if it is determined that the document is a copy prohibition document, the image information is replaced with white data. It is not output to the document 103, in other words, the copying of the image information which is the copy prohibited document is prohibited by the selector 113.

As described above, in the first embodiment, when the black peak pixel (pixel of interest) has a black peak density characteristic of the copy prohibition pattern and a white background exists in a region separated by a certain distance, the pixel of interest is Since the data is determined to be a pixel of the copy prohibition pattern, the presence of the copy prohibition pattern can be accurately and easily detected.

Further, it is determined whether or not each line is a copy-inhibited pattern line, and if the number M of copy-inhibited pattern lines in N lines exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined as a copy-inhibited document. , It is possible to determine a copy-inhibited document without erroneous determination.

It is determined whether each line is a copy-inhibited pattern line. If the number M of copy-inhibited pattern lines in N lines exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the document is a copy-inhibited document. The portion determined as a copy-inhibited document by the white data generator 112 and the selector 113 can be reliably erased even from the middle of the page.

In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the image processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a digital copying machine. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Facsimile transmission can be prohibited. When the present invention is applied to an image filing apparatus, filing of a copy-inhibited document can be prohibited by the same processing. Further, when the present invention is applied to a scanner, reading of a copy-inhibited document can be prohibited by the same processing.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which image information of a copy-inhibited document is replaced with white data.
It may be replaced with black data or replaced with data having a predetermined pattern.

[Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, the detection accuracy of the copy-inhibited pattern detection unit 110 and the determination accuracy of the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 are changed via the operation display unit 104, so that the When image information is highly likely to be input, discrimination can be made particularly strict. Example 2
Is similar to that of the first embodiment, and only different parts will be described.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a digital copying machine according to the second embodiment.
A parameter for changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110 in advance, a copy prohibition document determination unit 111
A ROM 901 in which parameters for changing the determination accuracy of are stored.

For example, the parameters for changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110 include the black peak threshold value of the black peak detection unit 301 and the white background region detection unit 30.
3 and the number of directions in which the white background is viewed in the peripheral white background area determination unit 304 (the number of determination directions shown in FIG. 5).
Etc. can be set.

As a parameter for changing the determination accuracy of the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111, a first threshold value TH1 of the line determination unit 601 and a second threshold value TH2 of the determination unit 603 can be set.

In the above configuration, by inputting a password from the operation display unit 104, a parameter corresponding to the password in the ROM 901 is transferred to the copy-inhibited pattern detection unit 110 and the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111. At this time, for example, if each parameter is set to a numerical value that makes detection or determination strict, the accuracy of determining a copy-inhibited document is improved.

According to the second embodiment, the accuracy of discriminating a copy-inhibited document can be changed from the operation display unit 104.
The user can strictly prohibit copying of a copy-prohibited document according to the use situation, use environment, and the like. Further, in a situation where copying of a copy-inhibited document is difficult to execute, the determination of a copy-inhibited document is made broader to reduce the probability that a general document is determined to be a copy-inhibited document, and suppress erroneous determination.

[Third Embodiment] In a third embodiment, the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110 and the copy prohibition document determination unit 1 are automatically set by a timer.
By changing the determination accuracy of 11, the determination can be made particularly strict in a time zone in which the image information of the copy prohibited document is likely to be input. Since the configuration and operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment,
Only different parts will be described.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to the third embodiment. In the system controller 105, parameters for changing the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110 and the copy prohibition document determination unit 111 are set in advance. A ROM 901 in which parameters for changing the determination accuracy of are stored. Also, 10
Reference numeral 01 denotes a timer for performing time management.
By setting the time from 04, when the set time is reached, the ROM 901 is controlled and the parameters are automatically set in the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110 and the copy prohibition document determination unit 111.

For example, the time management by the timer 1001 is performed by detecting and judging that the prohibition of the copy prohibition document becomes strict at a time when the copy prohibition document (confidential document) is likely to be copied such as on the night of a day or on a holiday. Are strict, and the parameters are ambiguous at times when there are many people in the office, such as during the daytime on weekdays, to suppress erroneous determinations.

According to the third embodiment, the parameters of the copy-inhibited pattern detecting section 110 and the copy-inhibited document judging section 111 can be set in conjunction with time, so that the copy-inhibited document can be determined according to the preset time. Can vary in severity.

[Fourth Embodiment] In the fourth embodiment, when it is determined that the document is a copy prohibited document,
A warning is displayed via the operation display unit 104 to the effect that the input image information is a copy-inhibited document. In addition,
Since the configuration and operation of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, only different portions will be described.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a digital copying machine according to the fourth embodiment. The determination result (white data selection signal) from the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 is transmitted to the system controller 1.
When the white data selection signal is “1”, the system controller 105 determines that the copy-inhibited document has been copied, and via the display unit of the operation display unit 104 (for example, a liquid crystal display panel). , "The copy-protected document has been copied. Or "The document is a copy-protected document. 』
Output warning message.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, a warning message is output and displayed via the operation display unit 104, so that a person who tries to copy a copy-inhibited document illegally can be used. The effect of suppressing this can be achieved.

Fifth Embodiment In a fifth embodiment, when it is determined that the document is a copy-prohibited document,
It outputs a warning sound to the effect that the input image information is a copy-inhibited document via audio output means such as a buzzer and a speaker. Note that the configuration and operation of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore only different portions will be described.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to the fifth embodiment. The determination result (white data selection signal) from the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 is transmitted to the system controller 1.
When the white data selection signal is “1”, the system controller 105 determines that the copy-inhibited document has been copied, and drives the buzzer 1201 to generate a warning sound. Here, the buzzer 1201 may be a speaker, and may generate a sound of a pre-registered warning message instead of the warning sound.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, a warning sound is output via the buzzer 1201. In addition to the suppression effect, it is possible to notify surrounding people when illegal copying is performed.

[Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, by prohibiting the output prohibition of the copy-inhibited document via the operation display unit 104, the image information of the copy-inhibited document can be output when necessary. Things. Since the configuration and operation of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, only different portions will be described.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a digital copying machine according to the sixth embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes an AND circuit. By inputting a personal identification number from the operation display unit 104, the judgment result from the copy prohibition document judgment unit 111 can be invalidated and a normal copy operation mode can be set. Becomes

More specifically, a white data selection signal "1" is output to the AND circuit 1301 in the case of a copy-inhibited document according to the determination result from the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111, and in the case of not a copy-inhibited document, White data selection signal "0" is AN
It is output to the D circuit 1301. On the other hand, the system controller 105 normally outputs a copy prohibition designating signal “1” to enable copy prohibition.

Therefore, when the white data selection signal “1” is input from the copy prohibited document determination section 111, the AND circuit 1301 outputs the white data selection signal “1” to the selector 113 as a result of the AND processing.

When a password is input from the operation display unit 104, the system controller 105 outputs a copy prohibition designating signal "0" to cancel (invalidate) the copy prohibition. As a result, the AND circuit 1301
Always outputs a white data selection signal “0” to the selector 113 as a result of the AND processing irrespective of the determination result of the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 because one input is “0”. In other words, by inputting a password from the operation display unit 104, the determination result from the copy-inhibited document determination unit 111 is invalidated, and the normal copy operation mode can be set.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the judgment result of the copy prohibition document judgment unit 111 can be invalidated via the operation display unit 104. In other words, the copy prohibition can be canceled. Therefore, it is possible to make it possible for a specific administrator to copy a copy-inhibited document only when it is necessary.

In the first to sixth embodiments described above,
As shown in FIG. 3, the copy prohibition pattern detection unit 110
To the black peak detecting section 301 and the black peak density determining section 30
2, white background area detection unit 303, peripheral white background area determination unit 30
4, and a target pixel data determining unit 305. As shown in FIG. 14, a black peak detecting unit 301 for detecting whether or not the target pixel data is a black peak, and a detection by the black peak detecting unit 301 A black peak density determination unit 302 that inputs the result and determines whether the black peak density in a fixed area centered on the pixel data of interest matches a black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern, A pixel data determination unit 305, and when the determination result of the black peak density determination unit 302 is a black peak density characteristic of the copy inhibition pattern, the pixel data determination unit 305 converts the pixel data of interest into the copy inhibition pattern. May be determined, and a copy inhibition pattern determination result may be output. In this case, the same effects as those of the first to sixth embodiments can be obtained.

[0073]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the target pixel data has a black peak from the target pixel data and the adjacent pixel data for each pixel data constituting the image information. It is determined whether or not there is a pixel, and it is determined whether or not the black peak density in a certain area centered on the target pixel data matches the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern. In order to determine whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the number of data, a copy-inhibited document created in advance using a paper on which a copy-inhibited pattern is printed or copied on the entire surface of the paper is reliably determined. Therefore, copying, transfer, storage, and input of image information of a copy-inhibited document can be reliably prohibited.

Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention detects whether or not the pixel data of interest has a black peak from the pixel data of interest and pixel data adjacent thereto for each pixel data constituting the image information. Then, it is determined whether or not the black peak density in a fixed area centered on the target pixel data matches the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern. Further, a white background region is detected from the image information, and it is determined whether or not a white background region of a predetermined size exists around a predetermined distance from the target pixel data detected as a black peak. Further, based on whether or not the black peak density of the copy prohibition pattern matches, and whether or not a white background area of a predetermined size exists around a certain distance, the pixel data of interest is a part of the copy prohibition pattern. To determine whether the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the number of pixel data determined to be part of the copy-inhibited pattern. A copy-prohibited document created using paper on which a prohibition pattern has been printed or copied can be reliably determined, and copying, transfer, storage, and input of image information of a copy-prohibited document can be reliably prohibited.

Further, the image processing apparatus of the present invention changes the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection means and the judgment accuracy of the copy prohibition document determination means, so that there is a high possibility that the image information of the copy prohibition document is input. In particular, the discrimination can be particularly strict.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy prohibition pattern.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a copy prohibition pattern detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a black peak detection method in a black peak detection unit.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a method of determining a white background area by a peripheral white background area determination unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a copy-inhibited document determining unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of a copy prohibition pattern detection unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a copy-inhibited document determining unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another configuration example of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 101 scanner 102 image processing unit 103 plotter 104 operation display unit 105 system controller 106 filter processing unit 107 scaling processing unit 108 gamma correction unit 109 gradation processing unit 110 copy prohibited pattern detection unit 111 copy prohibited document determination unit 112 white data generation device 113 Selector 301 Black peak detection unit 302 Black peak density determination unit 303 White background region detection unit 304 Peripheral white background region determination unit 305 Attention pixel data determination unit 601 Line determination unit 602 Copy inhibition pattern line counting unit 603 Determination unit 901 ROM 1001 Timer 1201 Buzzer 1301 A
ND circuit

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-12422 (JP, A) JP-A-2-90188 (JP, A) JP-A-2-83571 (JP, A) JP-A-5-235 219353 (JP, A) JP-A-6-70134 (JP, A) JP-A-6-217122 (JP, A) JP-A-7-36317 (JP, A) JP-A-7-273984 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/40-1/409 G03G 21/04 G06T 7/00

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for performing image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, γ correction processing, gradation processing, and the like on input image information, wherein each pixel data constituting the image information is A black peak detecting unit for detecting whether or not the target pixel data is a black peak from the target pixel data and pixel data adjacent thereto; And a black peak density determining means for determining whether or not a black peak density in a predetermined area centered on the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern matches the black peak density determining means. Copy prohibition document determination means for determining whether or not the image information is a copy prohibition document based on the number of pixel data obtained. Body has been created using a printing or copying a paper copy prohibition pattern, an image processing apparatus characterized by determining whether a copy inhibited document in the copy-inhibited document determining means. 2. An image processing apparatus for performing image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, γ correction processing, and gradation processing on input image information. A black peak detecting unit for detecting whether or not the target pixel data is a black peak from the target pixel data and pixel data adjacent thereto; A black peak density determining means for determining whether a black peak density in a certain area centered on the black peak density of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern matches, and detecting the white background area by inputting the image information And a detection result of the black peak detection means and a detection result of the white background area detection means, which are separated by a certain distance from the target pixel data detected as a black peak. And peripheral white area determining means for determining whether a white area of a predetermined size are present around the,
Target pixel data determining means for determining whether or not the target pixel data is a part of a copy prohibition pattern based on the determination result of the black peak density determining means and the determination result of the surrounding white background area determining means; A copy-inhibited document determining unit that determines whether or not the image information is a copy-inhibited document based on the number of pixel data determined to be a part of the copy-inhibited pattern by the data determining unit; An image processing apparatus wherein a prohibited document is created in advance by using a paper on which a copy prohibited pattern is printed or copied on the entire surface of the paper, and the copy prohibited document determination means determines whether the document is a copy prohibited document. . 3. The copy-inhibited document judging means counts the number of pixel data judged to be a part of a copy-inhibited pattern existing in one line in the main scanning direction, and the counted value is set to a predetermined first value. If the threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a line determination unit that determines the line as a copy-inhibited pattern line, a determination result of the line determination unit for a predetermined line, and a copy for counting the number of copy-inhibited pattern lines in the predetermined line Prohibition pattern line counting means, and determination means for determining that the image information is a copy prohibition document if the count value of the copy prohibition pattern line counting means is equal to or greater than a second threshold value set in advance. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. An image processing apparatus for performing image processing such as filter processing, scaling processing, gamma correction processing, and gradation processing on input image information, wherein each pixel data constituting the image information is A copy prohibition pattern detecting means for detecting whether the pixel data is a part of a predetermined copy prohibition pattern and capable of changing the detection accuracy, and a copy prohibition pattern detected by the copy prohibition pattern detection means. Based on the number of pixel data detected as being a part of the document information, determining whether or not the image information is a copy prohibited document, and changing the determination accuracy; Changing means for changing the detection accuracy of the copy-inhibited pattern detection means and the judgment accuracy of the copy-inhibited document determination means; Printing or are prepared using the copying a paper, an image processing apparatus characterized by determining whether a copy inhibited document in the copy-inhibited document determining means. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the change unit is an operation panel, and changes the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit and the determination accuracy of the copy prohibition document determination unit via the operation panel. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The changing means is a timer means,
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the detection accuracy of the copy prohibition pattern detection unit and the determination accuracy of the copy prohibition document determination unit are automatically changed according to a preset time.