JP4548606B2 - Image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for performing various types of information processing by embedding position information in image data, printing on paper, and extracting position information from image data on the paper.

  In recent years, the development of computers and networks has been remarkable, and not only character data but also various kinds of data such as image data and audio data are handled in computers and networks. There is a technique for adding additional information to these data to make it easier to handle and increase its value.

  A typical technique is digital watermarking. Digital watermarking technology is a technology that uses human perception (visual and auditory) characteristics and embeds information other than content into digital content such as still images, video, and audio so that it cannot be perceived by humans. Say. As a technique using this digital watermark, there is a technique in which position information is embedded in image data and printed on a paper surface, and an absolute position on the paper surface is detected using a pen-type scanner or the like.

  Here, the digital watermark embedding technique and the digital watermark application technique are described in Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 1. Further, Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose techniques for detecting position information by embedding position information in image data.

JP 2001-223880 A JP 2000-330718 A JP 2002-240387 A Japan Patent Office General Affairs Department Technology Research Section Technology Trends Group, "Standard Technology Collection Digital Watermark", [online], March 28, 2003, Japan Patent Office, [Search June 21, 2005], Internet <URL: http: //www.jpo.go.jp/shiryou/s_sonota/hyoujun_gijutsu/denshi_sukashi/index.htm>

  However, in the conventional invention, information is not embedded based on the configuration and status of the device that embeds information. Therefore, depending on the configuration and status of the device, information cannot be embedded or information is embedded. There is a possibility that the productivity of printing due to the accompanying increase in image data for printing or a reduction in image quality as compared with the case where information is not embedded may occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. That is, the present invention provides image processing selection means for selecting image processing means and parameters for image data, and output image data for generating output image data using the image processing means and parameters selected by the image processing selection means. In an image processing apparatus comprising: generating means; position code generating means for generating position code image data based on information to be embedded in output image data; and image data synthesizing means for combining output image data and position code image data The image processing selection means sets image processing means and parameters separately for the output image data and the position code image data.

  In the present invention, when the position-coded image data is embedded in the image data, the image processing means and parameters can be set separately for the image data and the position-coded image data. Therefore, according to the characteristics of each image data. An optimum processing means can be set.

  The present invention also includes a selection step for selecting image processing means and parameters for the image data, an output image data generation step for generating output image data using the image processing means and parameters selected in the selection step, In an image processing program comprising a position code generation step for generating position code image data based on information to be embedded in output image data, and an image data synthesis step for combining output image data and position code image data, The image processing means and parameters are set separately for the output image data and the position code image data.

  According to the present invention, in the image processing program for embedding image data and position-coded image data, image processing means and parameters can be set separately for the image data and the position-coded image data. Accordingly, an optimum processing means can be set.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, information such as a position that can be uniquely specified without duplication is embedded in arbitrary image data for a plurality of functions such as a copy, a scanner, a printer, and a FAX while suppressing the influence on productivity and image quality. It is possible to output printed matter. In addition, while limiting the impact on printout productivity and image quality, using a variety of configurations and printers, including models that are not originally supposed to embed information, uniquely identify any image data without duplication. It is possible to output a printed matter in which information such as possible positions is embedded.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image information processing system to which the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied. In this image information processing system, one or more clients 2 and one or more multifunction peripherals (image forming apparatuses) 1 are connected to each other via a network N. One or more servers 3 are also connected to the network N as necessary.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment uses (1) image processing selection means for selecting image processing means and parameters for image data, and (2) image processing means and parameters selected by the image processing selection means. Output image data generating means for generating output image data; (3) position code generating means for generating position code image data based on information to be embedded in the output image data; (4) output image data and the position code image data; Image data synthesizing means, and the image processing selecting means is characterized in that the image processing means and parameters are set separately for the output image data and the position code image data.

  Here, the configurations of (1) to (4) for realizing the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment are configured to be incorporated in the client 2 in the image information processing system shown in FIG. A configuration in which each device 1 and each client 2 are incorporated in a shared manner is conceivable. In the following description, an example in which the configurations (1) to (4) are incorporated in the client 2 will be mainly described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine. That is, the multi-function peripheral includes a communication unit 11, an image data input unit 12, a position information issue unit 13, a device configuration acquisition unit 14, and an image processing selection unit 15.

  The communication means 11 is means for exchanging image data to be output and various instructions between the client 2 and the multifunction peripheral, and is realized by, for example, a data transfer apparatus that exchanges information via the network N or the like.

  The image data input means 12 acquires image data from an input image and inputs it as image data to be embedded with position information or as image data to be read out.

  The input image data includes, for example, image data scanned from a printed material, image data received by FAX, image data taken by a digital camera, or a file created by application software.

  The image data input means 12 is, for example, a scanner device such as a flat head scanner, a handy scanner, or a pen scanner and its control means, a FAX receiving device and its control means, a read / write device such as a magnetic disk or memory card, and its This is realized by a control means, a data transfer apparatus that exchanges data via a network, or a means for rasterizing a file created by application software into a bitmap image.

  The position information issuing means 13 selects an area where an arbitrary area can be uniquely specified based on a predetermined standard, and serves as a reference point on the paper to be printed, or the entire area of the paper according to the size of the paper to be printed and the resolution of the position information. Issue location information.

  Here, the location information issuing means 13 issues location information as follows. For example, a sufficiently wide area is divided into x steps (x = 0, 1, 2, ... x) in the vertical direction and y steps (y = 0, 1, 2, ... y) in the horizontal direction. Assuming an area XY, it is assumed that an area of m steps in the vertical direction and n steps in the horizontal direction are required to acquire position information with a predetermined resolution on the A4 size paper (see FIG. 4).

  When the image data input by the image data input means 12 is printed on A4 size paper, the position information issuing means 13 extracts empty areas of m steps in the vertical direction and n steps in the horizontal direction in the region XY, and the position information is described later. Is issued to the position code generation means 24.

  The device configuration acquisition unit 14 is a unit that acquires information on the configuration of the multifunction device 1 that outputs image data. The information on the configuration of the multifunction machine includes, for example, the model name, the type of color material that is filled, and the like. The acquired information is transmitted to the client as necessary.

  The image data output means 15 outputs image data instructed to be output or image data in which position information is embedded in a predetermined format. Therefore, the image data output means 15 is realized by, for example, a printer device and its control means. That is, the image data output means 15 outputs the document printed on paper, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client. That is, the client 2 includes a communication unit 21, an image processing selection unit 22, an output image data generation unit 23, a position code generation unit 24, an image data synthesis unit 25, an image data separation unit 26, and a position code decoding unit 27. It has become. Among these, the image processing selection means 22, the output image data generation means 23, the position code generation means 24, and the image data synthesis means 25 are the main components of the image processing apparatus of this embodiment.

  The communication means 21 is means for exchanging position information, information related to the configuration of the multifunction peripheral and image data to be output between the client 2 and the multifunction peripheral 1. For example, the communication means 21 exchanges information via the network N or the like. This is realized by the data transfer device to be performed.

  The image processing selection means 22 has a plurality of image processing means, and selects image processing means and parameters based on information related to the configuration of the multifunction peripheral. Here, the image processing means and parameters are, for example, a means for generating position code image data with an invisible color material, a means for generating position code image data with a visible color material, and a parameter for determining the density of the code image data. This is a parameter that determines the compression ratio of the image coding method and compression coding by lossless or lossy coding, and is a plurality of color space conversion tables optimized according to the color material to be used. Or image resolution conversion according to the functional performance of the output device.

  The output image data generation means 23 receives the input image data obtained by the image data input means using the image processing means and parameters selected by the image processing selection means 22 by the multifunction device 1 that actually outputs. Convert to output image data.

  The position code generating means 24 generates position code image data based on the position information issued from the position information issuing means 13. The position information issued from the position information issuing means 13 includes, for example, only one point serving as a reference on the paper to be printed, or position information for the entire paper surface according to the size of the paper to be printed and the resolution of the position information.

  If the position information issued from the position information issuing means 14 is only one point as a reference, the position code generating means 24 outputs the position information for the entire surface of the paper according to the size of the paper to be printed and the resolution of the position information. Is generated.

  Further, the position code generation means 24 from which the position information for the entire surface of the paper is obtained is obtained from the position code image data from the position information using means capable of expressing character information and numerical information as image information such as a two-dimensional barcode. Can be considered (see FIG. 5), but the specific method is not limited to the above.

  The image data synthesizing unit 25 performs a process of synthesizing the input image data and the position code image data. For the synthesis, for example, a specific gradation or tone is removed from the input image data and the position code image data is corrected so as to be expressed by the specific gradation or tone and synthesized as image data, or the input image data and the position code image are combined. It is conceivable to synthesize the data on the same paper by printing the data on the same paper using printing materials having different optical characteristics (see FIG. 6), but the specific method is not limited to the above. Here, the printing materials having different optical characteristics include, for example, inks having remarkably different absorption rates, reflectances, transmittances, etc., visible light absorption rates, reflectances, transmittances, and the like of infrared light and ultraviolet light. Or toner.

  The image data separating unit 26 separates the position code image data from the image obtained by combining the input image data and the position code image data. Separation is performed, for example, by separating a specific gradation or color tone from image data obtained by synthesizing input image data and position code image data, and extracting position code image data, or only for printing materials having specific optical characteristics. A corresponding image data input means is separately prepared and only position-coded image data is extracted (see FIG. 7). However, a specific method is not limited to the above. Here, the image data input means corresponding only to a printing material having a specific optical characteristic corresponds to, for example, a printing material having a high infrared light absorptivity, and absorbs visible light, reflects light, and transmits light. A scanner or camera that does not capture information corresponding to the rate.

  The position code decoding means 27 performs a process of decoding position information from position code image data. For example, it is conceivable to extract position information by decoding a position code printed with a two-dimensional barcode or the like, but the specific method is not limited to the above. When there are a plurality of pieces of position information obtained at a certain time point, for example, all the position information extracted or obtained as the representative value is the position information at the center of gravity of the input image data (see FIG. 8).

  In addition to the above configuration, the client 2 is provided with image data input means as required. The image data input means is, for example, a scanner device such as a flat head scanner, a handy scanner, or a pen scanner and its control means, a FAX receiving device and its control means, a read / write device such as a magnetic disk or memory card, and its control. It is realized by a means, a data transfer device for transferring data via a network, or a means for rasterizing a file created by application software into a bitmap image.

  Next, a processing procedure in the image information processing system to which the image processing apparatus of this embodiment is applied will be described. This processing procedure is realized as processing of the image processing program according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the position information embedding processing procedure centered on the client. Reference numerals not shown in the following description refer to FIGS.

  The user wants to embed positional information such as image data scanned from a printed matter, image data received by FAX, image data taken by a digital camera, or a file created by application software, using the image data input means of the client 2 Data is input (step S11).

  The communication means 21 of the client 2 requests the issuance of position information and configuration information of the multi-function device 1 that can uniquely specify an arbitrary area to the multi-function device 1 to be output (step S12).

  The position information issuing unit 13 of the multifunction machine 1 issues a part or all of the position information to be printed on the sheet to the client 2. At this time, the client 2 sequentially requests the multifunction device 1 for position information necessary for printing. Alternatively, the client 2 requests the multifunction device 1 for a predetermined number of pieces of position information, accumulates it in the position information accumulating means and uses it for printing. May be charged.

  It should be noted that the position information to be issued can uniquely identify the position on the paper or the paper surface, and does not issue position information that overlaps on a plurality of papers. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the location information used for printing is issued by the multifunction device itself that performs printing, but is issued by another multifunction device 1 connected via the network N. The position information may be acquired and used, or the position information issued by the server 3 having the position information issuing means connected via the network N may be acquired and used.

  At the same time, the device configuration acquisition unit 14 of the multifunction device 1 collects the model name and the type of the color material that is filled and issues it to the client 2. Alternatively, it may be issued when the multifunction device is activated or when the client is activated or at the first communication, and only when a change has occurred, may be notified and information may be issued.

  The client 2 receives the issued position information and device configuration information through the communication unit 21, generates position code image data by the position code generation unit 24, and outputs the position code image data by the image processing selection unit 22. Based on the information related to the configuration, image processing means and parameters that can embed the information reliably are selected, and the output image data generation means 23 uses the selected image processing means and parameters to actually output. The image data is converted into output image data accepted by the multifunction device 1 to be executed (step S13).

  For example, in the multi-function device 1 that embeds information in image data formed by a Y color material, it is necessary to form position code image data on the Y plate, and a color material different from YMCK, for example, infrared light absorption or In a multi-function machine that embeds position information in image data formed by ultraviolet light-absorbing color material, a plate for infrared or ultraviolet light-absorbing color material is generated separately from image data such as characters, figures, and photographs. It is necessary to form position code image data. The plate on which the position code image data should be generated may be different for each multi-function peripheral. For example, in the case of a model that cannot be independently filled with infrared light absorbing color material, the position code image data is formed on the K plate. It is conceivable that the image data that should be generated on the K plate is formed on the YMC plate. The specific method is not limited to the above.

  Further, when output image data is generated and transferred to the multi-function device 1, the image data is generally compressed and transferred once in order to reduce the transfer time. If position-coded image data consisting of a fine image is subjected to lossy compression coding, there is a risk of losing the embedded information. Therefore, for the version in which the information is embedded, the lossy compression encoding parameters must be set or lossless encoding must be performed so that the information is not lost.

  In order to reduce the transfer time for the entire image to be printed, JBIG, which is a lossless compression method, and JPEG, which is an irreversible compression method, are used at a low compression rate for the position code image data. Then, parameters such as quantization table, scaling factor, or color difference component thinning are set so as to achieve a high compression rate using JPEG. Alternatively, if the position code image data is a binary image, the position code image data may be binarized and encoded by MMR, JBIG, or the like. The specific method is not limited to the above. For the same purpose, for example, the position code image data may be converted into low resolution image data by performing resolution conversion for high resolution or no resolution conversion, and otherwise.

  In addition, when the position code is embedded in the entire image data, for example, when information is embedded in the Y plate, the color tone of the entire printed image may become yellow, and mainly infrared light or ultraviolet light. Color material that absorbs light and reflects or transmits visible light is not necessarily completely invisible and may be dragged to a specific color tone, so it is necessary to correct the color tone using a dedicated color space conversion table, etc. . For this reason, a plurality of color space conversion tables corresponding to the position code image data, such as a table set so that the Y plate is thinned, are selected according to the color material actually used. The specific method is not limited to the above.

  At this time, a request from the user at the time of information embedding, for example, a request for influence on the information embedding strength and image quality may be reflected in the selection result by the image processing selection means.

  For MFPs and printers that are not supposed to embed information, image processing means and parameters that can embed information by image processing selection means are taken into account, taking into account the effect on information embedding strength and image quality. select. For example, if there is an instruction to embed information in the output of a monochrome printer, the client converts the input image data into a binary image using a dither method, an error diffusion method, etc. In order to reduce the influence on the image data, for example, for the portion where the position code exists, whitened image data is generated and encoded by MMR, JBIG, or the like. The specific method is not limited to the above.

  Next, the image data synthesizing means 25 of the client 2 synthesizes the input image data and the position code image data (step S14). However, in the case of a file created with application software, it is not expanded into bitmap image data on the client, but is simply converted into a page description language (PDL) and packaged with position-coded image data. But you can.

  The client 2 uses the communication means 21 to transfer the image data obtained by combining the input image data and the position code image data to the multi function device 1 (step S15).

  The multi-function device 1 outputs the image data transferred by the communication unit 11 by the image data output unit 15 (step S16). However, in the case of a file created by application software, if it is transferred as it is or converted into page description language (PDL) and packaged with position-coded image data, it is bitmapped by the multifunction device. After being developed into image data, it is combined with the position code image data and output by the image data output means 15.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration of the image processing apparatus of the present invention (image processing selection means 22, output image data generation means 23, position code generation means 24, image data composition means 25) is provided in the client 2, and the client 2 Although the description has focused on the case where the multifunction device 1 performs processing on the sent image data, these configurations may be provided in the multifunction device 1. The processing procedure of the multifunction machine 1 in this case will be described below.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the position information embedding processing procedure centering on the multifunction peripheral. Reference numerals not shown in the following description refer to FIGS. 2 and 3. In this example, the image processing selection means 22, the output image data generation means 23, the position code generation means 24, and the image data synthesis shown in FIG. It is assumed that the means 25 is provided in the multifunction machine 1.

  First, the user embeds position information such as image data scanned from a printed matter, image data received by FAX, image data taken by a digital camera, or a file created by application software, by the image data input means of the client 2. Enter the image data you want. The communication unit 21 of the client 2 transfers the image data to the multifunction machine 1 to be output and instructs printing (step S21).

  The position information issuing unit 13 of the multifunction machine 1 issues position information to be printed on the paper. It should be noted that the position information to be issued can uniquely identify the position on the paper or the paper surface, and does not issue position information that overlaps on a plurality of papers. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the location information used for printing is issued by the multifunction device 1 that performs the printing, but is issued by another multifunction device 1 connected via the network N. The acquired position information may be acquired and used, or the position information issued by the server 3 having the position information issuing means connected via the network may be acquired and used.

  At the same time, the device configuration acquisition means 14 of the multifunction device 1 that is going to output collects its own model name and the type of color material that is filled. Alternatively, the data may be collected when the multifunction device 1 is activated, when the client 2 is activated, or when the first communication is performed, and may be collected again only when a change occurs.

  Based on the issued position information and the collected device configuration information, position code image data is generated by the position code generation means 24, and image processing is performed by the image processing selection means 22 based on information related to the configuration of the MFP 1. The output image data generation means 21 uses the selected image processing means and parameters to convert the output image data into output image data that is accepted by the multi-function device 1 that actually outputs (step S22).

  For example, in the multi-function device 1 that embeds information in image data formed of Y (yellow) color material, it is necessary to form position code image data on the Y plate, and Y (yellow) M (magenta) C (cyan) In the multi-function device 1 in which position information is embedded in image data formed by a color material different from K (black), for example, an infrared light absorption color material or an ultraviolet light absorption color material, image data such as characters, figures, photographs, etc. In addition, it is necessary to generate a plate for color material that absorbs infrared light or ultraviolet light to form position code image data.

  The plate on which the position code image data should be generated may be different for each multi-function peripheral. For example, in the case of a model that cannot be independently filled with infrared light absorbing color material, the position code image data is formed on the K plate. It is conceivable that the image data that should be generated on the K plate is formed on the YMC plate. The specific method is not limited to the above.

  Further, when output image data is generated and transferred to the multifunction device 1, it is common to transfer the image data after compression-encoding it to reduce the transfer time. If position-coded image data consisting of a fine image is subjected to lossy compression coding, there is a risk of losing the embedded information. Therefore, for the version in which the information is embedded, the lossy compression encoding parameters must be set or lossless encoding must be performed so that the information is not lost.

  In order to reduce the transfer time of the entire image to be printed, JBIG (Joint Bi-level Imaging Group), which is a lossless compression method, and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), which is a lossy compression method, are used at low compression rates for position-coded image data. The parameters such as quantization table, scaling factor, or thinning of the color difference component are set so that the compression ratio is high, and the compression ratio is high, for example, using JPEG. Alternatively, if the position code image data is a binary image, the position code image data may be binarized and encoded by MMR, JBIG, or the like. The specific method is not limited to the above. For the same purpose, for example, the position code image data may be converted into low resolution image data by performing resolution conversion for high resolution or no resolution conversion, and otherwise.

  In addition, when the position code is embedded in the entire image data, for example, when information is embedded in the Y plate, the color tone of the entire printed image may become yellow, and mainly infrared light or ultraviolet light. Color material that absorbs light and reflects or transmits visible light is not necessarily completely invisible and may be dragged to a specific color tone, so it is necessary to correct the color tone using a dedicated color space conversion table, etc. . For this reason, a plurality of color space conversion tables corresponding to the position code image data, such as a table set so that the Y plate is thinned, are selected according to the color material actually used. The specific method is not limited to the above.

  Next, the image data synthesizing unit 25 performs a process of synthesizing the input image data and the position code image data (step S23). Then, the multifunction machine 1 outputs the combined image data by the image data output unit 15 (step S24).

  Next, the position information reading processing procedure in the image information processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Reference numerals not shown in the following description refer to FIGS.

  The user can use the image data input means of the client 2 to display all or one of the image data in which the position information is embedded, such as image data scanned from a printed matter, image data taken with a digital camera, or a file created with application software. Part is input (step S31). Note that the image data input means 12 of the multifunction device 1 may capture all or part of the image data as position information. In this case, the captured image data is transferred to the client 2 via the communication means 11.

  Next, the image data separation means 26 of the client 2 separates the position code image data from the image obtained by combining the input image data and the position code image data (step S32).

  Next, the position code decoding means 27 of the client 2 decodes position information from the position code image data. For example, the position code printed with a two-dimensional barcode or the like is decoded to extract position information (step S33).

  Based on the decoded position information, the client 2, for example, a document printed on paper, data output to a CRT display or liquid crystal display, a file shaped by HTML, etc., or an instruction to each control means, For example, all or part of a predetermined file is displayed, and printing is permitted or prohibited (step S34).

  In the present embodiment, an example in which image data is input by the client 2 and output by the multifunction device 1 is shown. However, position-coded image data acquired from the own device or the server 3 using the image data read by the multifunction device 1. May be embedded in the output image data and printed out from the image data output means 15. Even in this case, similarly to the processing performed by the client 2 described above, the image processing means and parameters for the position code image data and the output image data are set separately and processed.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the image information processing system to which the image processing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is applied. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a multifunction machine. It is a schematic diagram shown about issue of position information. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a client. It is a schematic diagram shown about position code image data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the synthesis | combination of the positional information on the paper surface. It is a schematic diagram which shows isolation | separation of position information. It is a schematic diagram shown about extraction of position information. It is a flowchart explaining the positional information embedding processing procedure centering on a client. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a position information embedding process procedure centered on a multi-function peripheral. It is a flowchart explaining a position information reading process procedure.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... Client, 3 ... Server, 11 ... Communication means, 12 ... Image data input means, 13 ... Location information issuing means, 14 ... Equipment configuration acquisition means, 15 ... Image data output means, 21 ... Communication means , 22 ... Image processing selection means, 23 ... Output image data generation means, 24 ... Position code generation means, 25 ... Image data synthesis means, 26 ... Image data separation means, 27 ... Position code decoding means

Claims (2)

Image processing selecting means for selecting image processing means and parameters relating to the image processing separately for generating position-coded image data and converting input image data,
A position code image representing the embedded information according to a version to generate position code image data representing the embedded information determined based on device configuration information relating to a configuration of a device for printing output image data in which information is embedded Select the image processing means and parameters used to generate the data,
Depending on the position sign image data should be generated version determined based on the device configuration information, the color change due to embedded in the output image data generated by embedding into the input image data before Symbol position sign image data Image processing means and parameters for correction to prevent image processing, and image processing selection means for selecting image processing means and parameters used for conversion of the input image data; and
This print medium based on position information corresponding to the print medium on which the output image data is printed, using the image processing means and parameters for generating the position-coded image data selected by the image processing selection means Position code image data generating means for generating position code image data indicating information indicating a position in
Input image data conversion means for converting the input image data using the image processing means and parameters for conversion of the input image data selected by the image processing selection means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: output image data generation means for generating the output image data by embedding the generated position code image data in the converted input image data. A selection step of separately selecting the image processing means and the parameters related to the image processing for generating the position-coded image data and for converting the input image data,
A position code image representing the embedded information according to a version to generate position code image data representing the embedded information determined based on device configuration information relating to a configuration of a device for printing output image data in which information is embedded Select the image processing means and parameters used to generate the data,
Depending on the position sign image data should be generated version determined based on the device configuration information, the color change due to embedded in the output image data generated by embedding into the input image data before Symbol position sign image data A selection step of selecting image processing means and parameters for correcting the input image data , the image processing means and parameters for correcting to prevent
The position in the print medium based on the position information corresponding to the print medium on which the output image data is printed, using the image processing means and parameters for generating the position code image data selected in the selection step. A position code image data generation step for generating position code image data indicating information representing
An input image data conversion step for converting the input image data using image processing means and parameters for conversion of the input image data selected by the selection step;
An image processing program for causing an image processing apparatus to execute an output image data generation step of generating the output image data by embedding the generated position code image data in the converted input image data.

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