JP2000184178A - Picture forming device, picture processor, copying protection method for picture forming device, copying protection method for picture processor, and computer readable storage medium with program stored - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent carelessly copyies distributed by easily generating a document whose copying is limited and limiting the copy processing of the document as intended by a user. SOLUTION: A marking addition circuit adds copying inhibition or secondary copying inhibition marking as picture information to picture information, which is read by a scanner 201 and is stored in a picture memory 2091, to output picture information based on the indication of copying inhibition or secondary copying inhibition, picture information is deleted if it is discriminated by the marking discrimination circuit 2092 that copying inhibition marking is added to picture information which is read by the scanner part 201 and is stored in the picture memory 2091, and secondary copying inhibition marking is changed to copying inhibition marking to output picture information if it is discriminated that secondary copying inhibition marking is added.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image processing apparatus capable of storing image information read by scanning a document by a reading section in a memory and outputting the image information stored in the memory to a recording medium. The present invention relates to an apparatus, a copy protection method for an image forming apparatus, a copy protection method for an image processing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a copy output result by a copy protection function of a conventional image forming apparatus.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 14, a word of a warning indicating “copy prohibition” for a copy output result (“copy prohibition” shown in (a), “No COPY” shown in (b))
Alternatively, a mark (not shown) is printed.

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1301 denotes a copy original, and a phrase ("invalid") indicating that when a copy is made, the copy output 1302 is a copy of the copy-inhibited original
Alternatively, a mark (not shown) is printed with special ink or printed using special paper so that the mark is printed on the copy output.

As described above, in the conventional image forming apparatus,
When the function of prohibiting copying of important documents or the like is used, a word indicating copy prohibition is printed as shown in FIG. 14, or when copying is performed as shown in FIG. Special ink or paper is used to indicate that the output is copy output.

[0006]

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a copy state of a document by a predetermined organization.

[0007] As shown in the figure, even in a predetermined organization such as a company, even if a higher-ranking manager tries to copy and distribute documents and the like only to certain managers or more, as shown in FIG. In a conventional image forming apparatus that prints a word or a mark of a prohibited warning, there is a problem that a person who performs the copy ignores the warning and performs the copy, and the copy is eventually passed to lower-level people.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, in a conventional image forming apparatus using special inks and papers, the cost for special inks and recording papers is increased, There is a problem that it is necessary to provide the above device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first invention to the twenty-third invention according to the present invention is to cope with the prohibition of copying or the prohibition of copying after the second generation. Based on an instruction as to whether or not to add the prohibition information to the recording medium at the time of output, it is possible to cope with the copy prohibition or the second or later generation prohibition of the image information read from the document and stored in the storage unit. Adding prohibition information as image information and outputting the image information to the image forming unit; and, by referring to image information read from a document and stored in a storage unit, prohibiting copying or copying the second and subsequent generations to the image information. It is determined whether or not prohibition information corresponding to prohibition is added. If it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added to the image information, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted. And the picture If it is determined that the prohibition information corresponding to the second or later generation copy prohibition is added to the information, the prohibition corresponding to the second generation or later copy prohibition added to the image information stored in the storage unit. By changing the information to prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition and outputting the information to the image forming unit, a copy-restricted document can be easily created, and the copy process of the document can be performed as intended by the user. Image forming apparatus, image processing apparatus, copy protection method for image forming apparatus, copy protection method for image processing apparatus, and storage storing computer-readable program capable of preventing inadvertent copy diffusion Is to provide a medium.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a reading section (scanner section 201 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) scans an original to store image information read by a storage section (FIGS. 2 and 3). And an image forming unit (FIG. 1, FIG. 1) based on the image information stored in the storage unit.
In the image forming apparatus in which the printer unit 200 shown in FIG. 3 can output on a recording medium, it instructs whether or not to add prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or second and subsequent copy prohibition on the recording medium at the time of output. Instruction means (copy protection switch 1001 on operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4)
3) and prohibition information (copy protection marking 801 shown in FIG. 5) corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or subsequent generation copy prohibition for the image information stored in the storage unit based on the instruction of the instruction means. 804, a first control means (marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3) for adding the copy prohibition marking 701 and grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6 as image information and outputting the image information to the image forming section; A determination unit (refer to FIG. 2) that refers to the image information stored in the storage unit at the time of reading and determines whether or not prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or subsequent generation copy prohibition is added to the image information. Marking discrimination circuit 2092 shown in FIG. 6), and prohibition information (copy prohibition marking 70 shown in FIG. ) Is deleted, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and the discrimination means adds the prohibition information (see FIG. When it is determined that the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702) is added, the prohibition information corresponding to the second generation or later copy prohibition added to the image information stored in the storage unit corresponds to the copy prohibition. The second control means (the marking discriminating circuit 2 shown in FIG. 2) instructs the first control means to change to the prohibition information.
092).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the second control means (the marking determination circuit 2092 shown in FIG. 2)
The determination means (the marking determination circuit 209 shown in FIG. 2)
If it is determined in step 2) that the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copying is added to the image information, the fact that the original read by the reading unit cannot be copied (shown in FIG. 4B) "! Copy prohibited manuscript" is displayed on the display unit (LCD display unit 10010 shown in FIG. 4).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second control means (the marking determination circuit 2092 shown in FIG. 2)
If the discrimination means determines that the image information is added with the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copy of the second generation or later, an image for which copying is prohibited is output (shown in FIG. 4A). "! Copy prohibited output is performed.")
Is displayed on the display unit (the LCD display unit 10010 shown in FIG. 4).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first control means (the marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 2)
Based on an instruction from the instruction means (the copy protection switch 10013 on the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4), an image for which copying or copying of the second generation or later is prohibited is output (see FIG. 4A). The "! Copy prohibited output." And "Restrict copy within two generations" shown in (c) of FIG. 4 are displayed on the display unit (LCD shown in FIG. 4).
Display control is performed on the display unit 10010).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, before reading the document by the reading unit, the reading unit pre-scans the document on the document table, and stores information read by the pre-scan in the storage unit. Determining whether or not prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added to the information stored in the storage unit by the discrimination means, and determining that the prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added by the discrimination means. In this case, a third control means (a marking discriminating circuit 2092 shown in FIG. 2) for stopping the copying process is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit (an image memory 2091 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) which stores image information read by scanning a document by a reading unit (scanner unit 201 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). ), And instructs a generation to prohibit copying in an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording medium by the image forming unit (printer unit 200 shown in FIG. 3) based on the image information stored in the storage unit. Instruction means (copy protection switch 10013, numeric keypad 10016 on operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4) for instructing whether or not to add prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition after the indicated generation to the recording medium at the time of output. ) And, based on the instruction from the instructing means, with respect to the image information stored in the storage unit, prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copying after the instructed generation (the copy information shown in FIG. 5). Over protection marking 80
1 to 804, a copy prohibition marking 701 shown in FIG.
First control means (marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3) for adding a grandchild copy prohibition marking 702) as image information and outputting the image information to the image forming unit, and for reading the image information stored in the storage unit. Referring to FIG. 2, a discriminating means (marking discriminating circuit 2092 shown in FIG. 2) for discriminating whether the prohibition information is added to the image information and a generation for which prohibition of copying is prohibited by the prohibition information. If it is determined that the prohibition information (copy prohibition marking 701 shown in FIG. 6) corresponding to the prohibition of copying of the first generation or later is added, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and If it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copying of any generation other than the first generation is added to the image information,
A second control unit that instructs the first control unit to change the prohibition information added to the image information stored in the storage unit to prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the previous generation or later. Control means (the marking determination circuit 20 shown in FIG. 2)
92).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an image information input by an input unit (a scanner unit 201 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an interface 2095 shown in FIG. 2) is stored in a storage unit (an image shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Memory 2091) and an image forming unit (FIG. 1, FIG. 1) based on the image information stored in the storage unit.
In an image forming apparatus in which the printer unit 200 shown in FIG. 3 can form an image on a recording medium, it is determined whether or not the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or later generation copy prohibition is added to the recording medium at the time of output. Instruction means for instructing (copy protection switch 10 on operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4)
013, designated by an external device (not shown) via the interface 2095), and based on an instruction from the instruction means, to prohibit copying of the image information stored in the memory or prohibiting copying of the second and subsequent generations. Control means (marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3) for adding the corresponding prohibition information as image information and outputting it to the image forming unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the prohibition information is a bar code (copy prohibition marking 701, grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6) indicating a numerical value corresponding to a generation whose copying is prohibited. It is.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an instruction means (copy protection switch 10 on the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4) for instructing copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition.
013) and input means for inputting image data (FIGS. 1 and 2).
Scanner unit 201 shown in FIG. 2 and interface 2 shown in FIG.
095) and information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition of the image data according to the instruction state of the instruction means (copy protection marking 801 to copy protection marking 801 shown in FIG. 5).
804, output means (marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3 is interface 20) for adding the copy inhibition marking 701 and grandchild copy inhibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6 and outputting the added image data to the image forming apparatus.
95 is output).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information indicating the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition (copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 5, copy prohibition marking 701 shown in FIG. 6, grandchild copy prohibition marking 702). Is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the instruction means is an operation unit (operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4),
Manual input (copy protection switch 100
The instruction is given by 13).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information indicating the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition (copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 5, copy prohibition marking 701 and grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6). Is to add a plurality of cycles to the image indicating the image data.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, when the instruction by the instruction unit is not performed, the output unit outputs the image data to which the information indicating the copy inhibition or the grandchild copy inhibition is not added to the image forming apparatus. (Step (5) in FIG. 7).

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a judging means for judging from input image data whether the image data is copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition (the marking discrimination circuit 20 shown in FIG. 2).
92) and if the image data is copy-prohibited by the determination means, faithful reproduction is prohibited, and if the image data is grandchild copy prohibition, information indicating copy prohibition is added to the image data and output. Output means (a marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3).

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information indicating the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition (copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 5, copy prohibition marking 701 and grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6). Is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided information indicating the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition (copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 5, copy prohibition marking 701 and grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6). Is to add a plurality of cycles to the image indicating the image data.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, when the determination means does not determine that copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition is required, the output means outputs the image data to the image forming apparatus (step (5) in FIG. 6). ))

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, a display means (FIG. 4B) for displaying a determination result of the determination means ("! Copy prohibited original" shown in FIG. 4B). 4 further includes an LCD display unit 10010) shown in FIG.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage section (an image memory 2091 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) for storing image information read by scanning a document by a reading section (a scanner section 201 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). And the image forming unit (the printer unit 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3) can form an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. A determination step (step (3) in FIG. 7) of determining whether or not copy inhibition or inhibition information corresponding to copy inhibition of the second and subsequent generations is added to the image information with reference to the image information stored in the section. ), Steps (10) and (13) in FIG.
If it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to prohibition of copying is added to the image information (step (10) in FIG. 8),
A deletion step of deleting the image information stored in the storage unit (step (11) in FIG. 8), and a case where it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of the second generation or later is added to the image information (Step (13) in FIG. 8) changes the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the second and subsequent generations added to the image information stored in the storage unit to the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition. A change output process (steps (14) and (15) in FIG. 8) for outputting to the image forming unit, and whether or not to add prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition for the second and subsequent generations on a recording medium at the time of output Instruction step (not shown before step (1) in FIG. 7) for instructing
An additional output for adding, to the image information stored in the storage unit, image information stored in the storage unit based on the instruction and prohibiting information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or later generation copy prohibition as image information and outputting the image information to the image forming unit. Process (step (4) in FIG. 7)
(6) to (9)).

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in a copy protection method of an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, an instruction step (step (1) in FIG. A) a previous step (not shown)), an input step of inputting image data (a step not shown in place of step (1) in FIG. 7), and copying or prohibiting copying of the image data according to the instruction state. An output step (steps (4), (6) to (9) in FIG. 7) of adding the information indicating prohibition and outputting the image data after the addition to the image forming apparatus.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in a copy protection method of an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, it is determined from the input image data whether the image data is copy prohibited or grandchild copy prohibited. Judgment process (step (3) in FIG. 7, step (10) in FIG. 8,
(13)) and when it is determined that the image data is copy-prohibited, faithful reproduction is prohibited (step (11) in FIG. 8), and when it is determined that the image data is grandchild copy prohibited. Is an output step of adding information indicating copy prohibition to the image data and outputting it (step (1) in FIG. 8).
4) and (15)).

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in a storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition is instructed. In accordance with the instruction state, an instruction step (not shown before step (1) in FIG. 7) for inputting image data, an input step (not shown in place of step (1) in FIG. 7) for inputting image data, An output step of adding information indicating copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition to the image data and outputting the added image data to the image forming apparatus (steps (4), (6) to (9) in FIG. 7) ) Is stored in a storage medium.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, wherein the image data is converted from input image data. Judgment process for judging whether copy is prohibited or grandchild copy is prohibited (step (3) in FIG. 7, steps (10) and (13) in FIG. 8)
If the image data is determined to be copy prohibited, faithful reproduction is prohibited (step (1) in FIG. 8).
1)) If the image data is determined to be grandchild copy prohibited, an output step of adding information indicating the copy prohibition to the image data and outputting (step (14) in FIG. 8,
And (15)) stored in a storage medium.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 201 denotes an image scanner unit (hereinafter, a scanner unit) for reading an original. A signal processing control unit 209 performs digital signal processing on a document image read by the scanner unit 201 or image data transferred from an external device such as a computer (not shown) via a predetermined communication medium. Reference numeral 200 denotes a printer unit which prints out an image based on image data subjected to digital signal processing by the signal processing control unit 209 on a recording medium such as recording paper in full color.

In the scanner section 201, an original pressing plate 202 presses an original 204 on an original plate 203 onto the original plate 203. Reference numeral 205 denotes a halogen lamp.
The upper document 204 is irradiated with light.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a three-line sensor (hereinafter, CCD)
And a red (R) sensor 210-1, a green (G) sensor 210-2, and a blue (B) sensor 210-3.
7. Lens 20 including far-infrared cut filter 231
8, the light information imaged on the CCD 210 is color-separated into red (R), green (G),
Read the blue (B) component. Signal processing control unit 209
Electrically processes the R, G, B signals read by the R, G, B sensors 210-1 to 210-3, and outputs magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), black (B
K) is decomposed into components and sent to the printer unit 200. The signal processing control unit 209 includes an image memory 2091, a marking determination circuit 2092, a marking addition circuit 2093, an interface (I / F) 20 shown in FIG.
95 and an ordinary digital signal processing unit.

Reference numeral 211 denotes a standard white plate which generates correction data of read data by R, G, B sensors 210-1 to 210-3. The standard white plate 211 has substantially uniform reflection characteristics from visible light to infrared light, and has white color when visible. Using this standard white plate 211, R, G, B
The output data of the visible sensors of the sensors 210-1 to 210-3 is corrected. An optical sensor 230 is a flag plate 229.
In addition, an image tip signal VTOP is generated.

An operation display unit 212 includes various displays such as an LCD and an LED and various keys, and can instruct various settings and operations to the image forming apparatus. Details are shown in FIG. 4 described later.

In the printer unit 200, reference numeral 101 denotes an image writing timing control circuit, which includes magenta (M), cyan (C), and cyan (C) input from an external device such as a computer (not shown) via the scanner unit 201 or a predetermined communication medium. The semiconductor laser 102 is modulated and driven based on image signals of yellow (Y) and black (BK). Reference numeral 103 denotes a polygon mirror, which is rotationally driven by a polygon motor 106, reflects laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 102, and f
The scanning is performed on the photosensitive drum 105 via the −θ lens 104 and the return mirror 216.

The photosensitive drum 105 includes a polygon mirror 10
3 forms an electrostatic latent image by laser scanning. 107
Is a BD sensor, which is provided near the scanning start position of one line of laser light, detects line scanning of laser light, and outputs a main scanning start signal (scanning start reference signal (B
D signal)).

219 is a magenta (M) developing device, 220 is a cyan (C) developing device, 221 is a yellow (Y) developing device,
A black (BK) developing unit 222 develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 105 to form a toner image. Reference numeral 108 denotes a transfer drum, which is a paper cassette 224 or 2
The recording paper fed from the printer 25 is conveyed by suction, and the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 105 is transferred onto the recording paper.

Reference numeral 110 denotes an ITOP sensor, which is a transfer drum 1
By detecting the passage of the flag 111 fixed in the transfer drum 108 by the rotation of 08, a sub-scanning start signal for each color (a signal indicating the leading end position of the recording sheet adsorbed on the transfer drum 108 (ITOP signal)) Generate A fixing unit 226 fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer drum 108.

The operation of each section will be described below.

First, when copying is started by operating the operation display unit 212, the document 204 on the document table 203 is read.
Is irradiated with light from a halogen lamp 205,
Is reflected by mirrors 206 and 207 and forms an image on CCD 210 by lens 208. Next, CCD
Reference numeral 210 denotes color separation of light information from the document 204 to obtain full-color information red (R), green (G), and blue (B).
The component is read and sent to the signal processing control unit 209. In addition,
The speed of the halogen lamp 205 and the mirror 206 is “V”.
The mirror 207 scans the entire surface of the document by mechanically moving at a speed “V / 2” in a direction perpendicular to the electrical scanning direction (hereinafter, the main scanning direction) of the line sensor (hereinafter, the main scanning direction).

Further, using the standard white plate 211, R, G,
The output data is corrected by the visible sensors of the B sensors 210-1 to 210-3. Further, the optical sensor 230 generates the image leading edge signal VTOP together with the flag plate 229. In the signal processing control unit 209, the read R, G, B
The signal is processed electronically, decomposed into magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (BK) components, and sent to the printer unit 200.

Note that, for one document scan (scan) in the scanner unit 201, one component among M, C, Y, and BK is sent to the printer 200, and one print is performed by a total of four document scans. Out is completed.

An image signal sent from an external device such as a computer (not shown) via the scanner unit 201 or a predetermined communication medium is transmitted to the image writing timing control circuit 1.
01 is sent. Image writing timing control circuit 10
1 is magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y),
The semiconductor laser 10 according to a black (BK) image signal
2 is modulated. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 102 is reflected by the rotating polygon mirror 103,
The f-θ lens 104 corrects the fθ, reflects the return mirror 216, scans the photosensitive drum 105,
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 105.

Further, while the photosensitive drum 105 rotates four times, the four developing machines 219 to 222 are alternately operated by the photosensitive drum 10.
5, M, C, and C formed on the photosensitive drum 105.
Develop with toner corresponding to the electrostatic latent images of Y and BK. Recording paper 10 fed from paper cassette 224 or 225
The recording paper 9 is wound around the transfer drum 108, and after the four colors M, C, Y, and BK of the toner image developed by the developing machine are sequentially transferred, the recording paper passes through the fixing unit 226 and is discharged.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and particularly shows reading of copy protection marking in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, an image memory 2091 stores image data read from a document placed on a document table 203 by the scanner unit 201. Reference numeral 2092 denotes a marking discriminating circuit which refers to image data stored in the image memory 2091, and executes copy protection marking (prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition of second and subsequent generations, shown in FIG. 6 described later) in the image data. Copy prohibition marking, grandchild copy prohibition marking) are detected (for example, whether or not predetermined image data is stored in a predetermined area in the image memory 2091), the type of the marking is determined, and the copy prohibition marking is determined. If it is determined that the document is not printed, the image output by the printer unit is prohibited (the image data stored in the image memory 2091 is deleted), and the copy placed on the document table is prohibited (copy is not possible). This is displayed on the operation display unit 212 (shown in FIG. 4B described later).

When it is determined that the marking in the detected image data is a grandchild copy prohibition marking,
An instruction is issued to a marking adding circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 3 to be described later to perform a copy process (copy inhibition output) of a document whose grandchild copy is prohibited, and the fact is displayed on the operation display unit 212 (see FIG. (Shown in (a)).

Reference numeral 2095 denotes an interface (I / F).
Image data is input from an external device such as a host computer via a predetermined communication medium such as a network, and output to the image memory 2091.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a part of the control configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and particularly shows writing of copy protection marking in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2093 denotes a marking addition circuit which is a marking (copy prohibition) corresponding to a marking area on the image memory 2091 when a copy prohibition output or a grandchild copy prohibition output is instructed by the operation display unit 212 or the host computer. Marking or grandchild copy prohibition marking) is written as image data, and the printer unit 200 outputs an image and performs copy prohibition output (shown in FIG. 4A to be described later) or grandchild copy prohibition output ( 4 (described later in FIG. 4) is displayed on the operation display unit 212 (or the I / F 2095).
Notify the host computer via).

Similarly, when a command for performing copy prohibition output or grandchild copy prohibition output is issued by the marking discrimination circuit 2092, a marking corresponding to a marking area on the image memory 2091 (copy prohibition marking or grandchild copy prohibition marking) is similarly performed. Is written as image data, and the printer unit 200 outputs an image.

The marking determination circuit 2 shown in FIG.
092 and the marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG.
Connected for communication. Further, the marking discrimination circuit 2092 and the marking addition circuit 2093 may be configured by different circuits or may be configured by one circuit.
Furthermore, the marking discrimination circuit 2092 and the marking addition circuit 2093 are constituted by a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown) even if they are constituted by hardware, and the CPU executes the above processing based on a program stored in the ROM. You may comprise.

FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A corresponds to the case where the copy inhibition output is selected and the copy is executed, and FIG. (C) when a copy-inhibited original is copied
Corresponds to the case where the grandchild copy prohibited output is selected and the copy is executed.

In the figure, reference numeral 10010 denotes an LCD display unit for performing copy-inhibited output as shown in FIG.
The original placed on the document table 203 is a copy-inhibited original as shown in (b), and the copy restriction within two generations, that is, the grandchild copy inhibited output (copy after the second generation) as shown in (c) Various messages can be displayed.

Reference numeral 10011 denotes a start key. By pressing this key, execution of copy processing can be instructed. Reference numeral 10012 denotes a stop key. By pressing this key, an instruction to interrupt the copy process can be given. Reference numeral 10016 denotes a numeric keypad. By pressing this key, the number of copies and the like can be set. 100
Reference numeral 13 denotes a copy protection switch, which can set the copy protection (copy prohibited output, grandchild copy prohibited output). Pressing the copy protection switch 10013 once selects the copy prohibited output, pressing it again selects the grandchild copy prohibited output, and pressing this key again cancels the copy protection setting. can do.

Reference numeral 10014 denotes an L for copy inhibition output selection display.
In ED, when the copy protection output is selected by the copy protection switch 10013, the light is turned on as shown in FIG. 10015 is a grandchild copy prohibited output selection display LE
In D, when the grandchild copy prohibition output is selected by the copy protection switch 10013, the light is turned on as shown in (c).

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a copy protection mark added to a recording medium by the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

In the drawing, reference numerals 801 to 804 denote copy protection markings (copy prohibition markings or grandchild copy prohibition markings), for example, in the upper, lower, left and right areas of a recording medium such as copy paper, in place of image data of a read original. Add marking image data. Note that the copy protection marking may use data corresponding to yellow which is hardly visible to human eyes. As a result, the deterioration of the image quality due to the addition of the copy protection mark can be prevented to a minimum, and the possibility of the malicious operator noticing the existence of the copy protection mark can be reduced. In addition, copy protection markings 801 to 804
Is attached to a part of the copy paper, but if a yellow color that is hardly visible to human eyes is used, the entire image may be attached in a plurality of periods (for example, every 1 cm). As a result, the copy protection marking can be easily detected, and can be reliably detected.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing in detail the copy protection marking shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes an example of a copy prohibition marking, which is a bar code of numerical data “1” and corresponds to prohibition information corresponding to prohibition of copying. Reference numeral 702 denotes an example of a grandchild copy prohibition marking, which is a barcode of numerical data “2” and corresponds to image information of prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition of second and subsequent generations.

Hereinafter, the copy protection function in the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the first copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. In addition, (1) to (15) indicate each step.

When the copy protection switch 10013 of the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed to select the copy prohibited output or grandchild copy prohibited output, and after the copy protection is set, the copy start key 10011 is pressed. Then, a copy start task is started, the document on the document table is scanned (1), and the image data is recorded in the image memory 2091 (2).

The marking discrimination circuit 2092 refers to the image data on the image memory 2091 to determine whether or not copy protection marking (copy prohibition marking 701, grandchild copy prohibition marking 702) is present (detected) (3). If the copy protection marking is not detected, the marking addition circuit 2093 determines whether or not to set the copy protection marking (that is, the copy protection switch 1001).
It is determined whether the copy protection setting is set to copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition by 3)
(4).

If it is determined that copy protection marking is not set, normal copy processing is performed (5).

On the other hand, if it is determined that copy protection marking is to be set (that is, copy protection is set to copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition), then whether copy protection marking should be set,
Alternatively, it is determined whether grandchild copy prohibition marking is set (6).

If it is determined that the copy prohibition marking is to be set, the marking addition circuit 2093
It is determined that the copy prohibition marking 701 is added as image data to a predetermined area of the image memory 2091 (for example, the area of the copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 6) (7), while the grandchild copy prohibition marking is set. When the marking is performed, the marking addition circuit 2093
Adds the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 as image data to a predetermined area of the image memory 2091 (for example, the area of the copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 6) (8), and attaches the image data in the image memory 2091 to the printer. The output is performed by the unit 200, and the "copy prohibited output is performed" shown in FIG. 4A or the "copy within two generations is restricted" shown in FIG. 4C on the operation display unit 212. Is displayed (9).

On the other hand, in step (3), when the marking discrimination circuit 2092 detects the copy protection marking by referring to the image data in the image memory 2091, it is determined whether or not the type of the detected marking is the copy prohibition marking. If it is determined (10) that the type of the marking is the copy prohibition marking 701, the marking determination circuit 2092 deletes the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 201 from the image memory 2091 (11). Then, a warning message of "! Copy prohibited manuscript." Is displayed on the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4B (12), and the process is stopped.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step (10) that the type of the detected marking is not the copy prohibition marking, it is determined whether or not the detected type of the marking is the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 (13). If it is determined that the type of the detected marking is the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702, the marking addition circuit 2093
Is the area of the copy protection marking portion of the image data of the original read by the scanner unit 201 (for example,
Copy protection markings 801 to 801 shown in FIG.
The grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 added to the area 804) is deleted, the copy prohibition marking 701 is written as image data (14), copy output is performed, and the operation display unit 212 is displayed as shown in FIG. A message "Perform copy prohibition output" is displayed (15).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (13) that the type of the detected marking is not the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702, the processing is terminated.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a copy restriction result when a copy process is performed using the copy protection function of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and particularly corresponds to a case where grandchild copy is prohibited.

First, a "0th generation" user (distributor of a document or the like) selects grandchild copy prohibition by the copy protection switch 10013 shown in FIG. 4 (by a grandchild copy prohibition operation), and copies the document. In this case, the output result in which the grandchild copy is prohibited (copy within the second generation is restricted (copy after the second generation is prohibited)) is passed to the "first generation" user. Next, when a “first generation” user executes copy processing using the output result of which the grandchild copy is prohibited as a document, the output result of which the copy is prohibited is passed to the “second generation” user. Become. Therefore, the "second generation" user cannot execute copy processing using the output result of which the copy is prohibited as a document.

As described above, when a higher-ranking manager tries to copy and distribute a document or the like only to a certain manager or higher in an organization such as a company, for example, the manager (“0th generation” user) is the chief manager. If you want to distribute a copy of a document only to the post of "(2nd generation) user" or higher, if you copy the manuscript by performing the operation of prohibiting grandchild copy,
The copy output distributed by the chief (the “second generation” user) is a copy-prohibited output, and it is possible to prevent inadvertent spread of the copy.

Thus, an inexpensive image forming apparatus having a copy protection function capable of reliably prohibiting copying or grandchild copying by using a special printing mechanism using a special ink or a configuration without using expensive recording paper. An apparatus can be provided.

As described above, the information of copy prohibition and grandchild copy prohibition (copy prohibition marking 701, grandchild copy prohibition marking 702) is marked on the copied paper, and the marking is recognized at the time of copying. Control of prohibition of output and prohibition of grandchild copying can be easily realized in a general digital copying machine.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
Scans the original for copy processing and stores it in the image memory 2.
A case has been described where the marking determination circuit 2092 detects copy protection marking based on the image data captured in the image data 091. However, the document is prescanned before the copy document scan is performed (before the copy operation starts). Based on the pre-scan image data taken into the image memory 2091, the marking determination circuit 20
92 may be configured to determine the presence or absence of copy protection marking. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

Hereinafter, the copy protection function in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the second copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

When the copy start key 10011 of the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed, the original on the original plate is prescanned, and the prescanned image data is recorded in the image memory 2091 (1).

The marking discrimination circuit 2092 refers to the pre-scan image data on the image memory 2091 to determine whether the copy prohibition marking 701 shown in FIG. 6 is present (detected) (2), and the copy protection marking is performed. If is not detected, a document scan is executed.

On the other hand, in step (2), when the marking discrimination circuit 2092 detects the copy prohibition marking 701 shown in FIG. A warning message of "! Copy prohibited document." Is displayed as shown in FIG. 4 (b) (3), and the process is terminated.

According to the above-described processing, when execution of copy processing is instructed for an original for which copying is prohibited, the user is notified to the user at the pre-scanning stage before the start of the copy operation (before scanning the original for image formation). If the document is a copy-prohibited document by notifying that the document is a “copy-prohibited document”, it is possible to prevent the scanner unit 201 from being worn out by useless scanning, and to omit a waiting time for useless scanning.

In the above-described pre-scan, not only the presence / absence of copy protection marking is determined, but also various kinds of information (for example, original size, copy magnification, copy density, color / color) necessary for the copy operation before the start of the copy operation.
(Information such as monochrome) may be obtained at the same time.

As a result, the digital copier normally performs various kinds of information (for example,
It is possible to efficiently determine whether or not copying is prohibited in the pre-scan performed to obtain the document size, copy magnification, copy density, color / monochrome, and other information.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, a case has been described in which copy protection or prohibition of grandchild copy can be selectively set as a copy protection function, but the user can select a desired stage (number of generations). May be configured so that copy protection can be set arbitrarily. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

By pressing the numeric keypad 10016 after pressing the copy protection switch 10013 shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to set and instruct copy protection up to an arbitrary stage (an arbitrary number of generations).

Hereinafter, the copy protection function in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the third copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Note that (1) to (3) indicate each step.

After pressing the copy protection switch 10013 of the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4 and pressing any number key of the numeric keypad 10016, the copy protection is set (input) to a desired stage (1). Then, when a copy start key 10011 is pressed, a copy start task starts, a document on the document table is scanned, and the image data is recorded in the image memory 2091.

Next, the marking addition circuit 2093 outputs a copy prohibition marking (for example, the copy prohibition marking 7 shown in FIG. 6) according to the stage inputted in step (1).
01, a barcode indicating the number of copy prohibition steps similar to the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702) as image data in a predetermined area of the image memory 2091 (for example, the area of the copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 6).
(2), the image data in the image memory 2091 is output by the printer unit 200, and a message of “Perform copy restriction within generation ○” is displayed on the operation display unit 212 (3).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

When a copy start key 10011 of the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed, a copy start task starts, a document on the document table is scanned, and the image data is recorded in the image memory 2091. If the marking discrimination circuit 2092 detects copy protection marking with reference to the image data on the image memory 2091, it is determined whether or not the type of the detected marking is copy prohibition marking (one-step (one generation) copy prohibition). (1), and when it is determined that the type of the marking is the copy prohibition marking, the image data of the document read by the scanner unit 201 is deleted from the image memory 2091 (2), and the operation display unit 212 Then, a warning message of "! Copy prohibited manuscript." Shown in FIG. 4B is displayed (3), and the process is stopped.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the type of the detected marking is not the copy prohibition marking, 1 is subtracted from the value of the copy restriction of the detected marking (copy prohibition stage) (4). . Next, a copy prohibition marking corresponding to the value of the copy restriction (for example, a bar code indicating the number of stages of copy prohibition similar to the copy prohibition marking 701 and the grandchild copy prohibition marking 702 shown in FIG. 6) is used as image data. This is added to a predetermined area of the memory 2091 (for example, the area of the copy protection markings 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 6) (5), the image data in the image memory 2091 is output by the printer unit 200, and the operation display unit 212 displays “ ○ Restrict copy within generation. "Is displayed (6).

In the present embodiment, when the value of the detected marking (the value of the bar code) is “1”, the copy is prohibited. For example, when the grandchild copy is prohibited, the value of (2) is used. Code) marking.
When copy output is performed using the copy output marked with the value of “2” as a document, the value of the marking added to the copy output is “1”. Since copying of this copy output is prohibited, grandchild copying can be prohibited.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily add a mark of copy prohibition or copy restriction to a copy output document, thereby preventing careless copying of important documents.

Although the present embodiment has been described using an electrophotographic color copying machine, the present invention may be applied to an image forming apparatus of an ink jet type, a sublimation type, or other types.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus.

Further, the copy prohibition marking is not limited to the bar code as shown in FIG. 6, but may be any number or symbol as long as it is a marking capable of distinguishing the copy prohibition stage. It may be something.

The data of the copy prohibition marking is
It is assumed that the information is stored in the marking determination circuit 2092, the marking addition circuit 2093 shown in FIG. 2, or a non-volatile memory (not shown).

Furthermore, the position where the copy prohibition marking is added is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention can communicate with an external device such as a host computer via a predetermined communication medium such as a network from the interface (I / F) 2095 shown in FIG. Is stored in the image memory 2091 and can be output by the printer unit 200.

In this case, it is possible to instruct the host computer to set copy protection such as copy prohibition, grandchild copy prohibition, and copy prohibition after an arbitrary stage (arbitrary number of generations). An image for which copying after the stage (arbitrary generation number) is prohibited can be formed.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, according to the instruction state of copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition by the operation display unit 212 shown in FIG. 2 or the marking discrimination result by the marking discrimination circuit 2092 shown in FIG. hand,
The scanner unit 201 shown in FIG.
A case has been described in which information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition is added to image data input from F2095, and the added image data is image-formed on a recording medium by the printer unit 200 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows image data after addition of information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition.
The image processing apparatus may be configured to output the image data to another image forming apparatus from the I / F 2095 shown in FIG.

Further, the image memory 20 shown in FIGS.
91, marking discrimination circuit 2092, operation display unit 21
2, the present invention may be applied to an image processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a workstation including the I / F 2095 and the marking addition circuit 2093.

In this case, a predetermined communication medium such as a network or a predetermined storage medium such as a memory card or the like is used in accordance with a copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition instruction state by the operation display unit 212 or a marking discrimination result by the marking discrimination circuit 2092. Information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition is added to input image data, and the added image data is transferred to a predetermined storage medium such as an image forming apparatus or a memory card via a predetermined communication medium such as a network. Can be output to

Hereinafter, the configuration of a control program readable by the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various control programs readable by the image forming apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

7, 8, 10, and 11 in this embodiment.
The functions shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, and C
D-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0122]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, image information read by scanning a document by the reading unit is stored in the storage unit, and the image forming unit can output the image information on the recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. In the apparatus, the instruction means instructs whether or not to add the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the copy prohibition of the second generation or later to the recording medium at the time of output, and performs the first control based on the instruction of the instruction means. Means for preventing copy or second copy of the image information stored in the storage unit;
The prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition after the generation is added as image information and output to the image forming unit, and the determination unit refers to the image information stored in the storage unit at the time of reading, and The second control means determines whether or not the information includes copy prohibition or prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition for the second and subsequent generations. The second control means controls the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition in the image information by the determination means. When it is determined that the image information has been added, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and the second determination is added to the image information by the determination unit.
If it is determined that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the generation or later is added, the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the second generation or later added to the image information stored in the storage unit is copied. Since the first control unit is instructed to change to the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition, it is possible to easily create a document in which copying or grandchild copying is prohibited, and to perform a copy process of the document intended by the user. Can be restricted to the street.

According to the second invention, when the second control means determines that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition is added to the image information by the discrimination means, the second control means controls the reading section. Since the display control that the read original cannot be copied is displayed on the display unit, the user can easily recognize that the original to be copied is a copy-inhibited original.

[0124] According to the third invention, the second control means determines whether or not the discrimination means has determined that the image information has been added with the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copying of the second and subsequent generations. Since the display unit controls the display unit to output an image for which copying is prohibited, the user can easily recognize that the copy result being output is an output for which copying is prohibited.

According to the fourth aspect, the first control means includes:
Based on an instruction from the instruction means, the display unit controls display on the display unit to output an image for which copying or copying for the second and subsequent generations is prohibited, so that the copy result being output prohibits copying or grandchild copying. It can be easily recognized that the output is

According to the fifth aspect, before the original is read by the reading section, the original on the original platen is pre-scanned by the reading section, and information read by the pre-scan is stored in the storage section. When the discriminating means determines whether or not prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added to the information stored in the storage unit, and when the discrimination means determines that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added. Since the third control means for controlling the suspension of the copying process is provided, it is possible to know that copying of the document is prohibited at the time of prescanning before reading the document for output. Of the device and loss of time due to the execution of the operation.

According to the sixth aspect, image information read by scanning the original by the reading section is stored in the storage section,
An image forming apparatus in which an image forming unit can form an image on a recording medium based on image information stored in the storage unit,
Instructing means for instructing a generation for which copying is to be prohibited and for adding prohibition information corresponding to copying prohibition after the indicated generation to a recording medium at the time of output, based on the instruction of the instructing means. The first control means adds, to the image information stored in the storage unit, prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of a designated generation or later as image information and outputs the image information to the image forming unit; Determining, by reading the image information stored in the storage unit at the time of reading, whether the prohibition information is added to the image information and the generation in which the prohibition information is prohibited from being copied; Means for deleting the image information stored in the storage unit when the discrimination means determines that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of the first generation or later is added to the image information; By means If it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition for any generation other than the first generation is added to the image information, the prohibition added to the image information stored in the storage unit is determined. Since the first control means is instructed to change the information to the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the immediately preceding generation, it is possible to easily create a document for which the copy of the desired generation or later is prohibited. In addition, the copy process of the original can be restricted as intended by the user.

According to the seventh aspect, the image information input by the input section is stored in the storage section, and the image forming section can form an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage section. In the image forming apparatus, the instruction means instructs whether or not to add prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition of the second generation or later to the recording medium at the time of output, and based on the instruction from the instruction means, The control means controls copying of the image information stored in the
Since the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition of copying after the generation is added as image information and output to the image forming section, the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition is selectively instructed, and the copy or grandchild copy is prohibited. Can be easily created.

According to the eighth aspect, the prohibition information is a barcode indicating a numerical value corresponding to a generation for which copying is prohibited, so that it is constituted by a general and inexpensive barcode generation circuit or barcode recognition circuit. be able to.

According to the ninth and thirteenth inventions, the output means sets the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition on the image data input by the input means in accordance with the copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition instruction state by the instruction means. Since the information shown is added and the image data after the addition is output to the image forming apparatus, a document in which copying or grandchild copying is prohibited can be easily created.

According to the tenth aspect, since the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow, the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added. Can be minimized, and the possibility that a malicious operator will notice the presence of information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition can be reduced.

[0132] According to the eleventh aspect, the instruction means includes:
Since this is an operation unit and an instruction is given by manual input, it is possible to easily create a document for which copying or grandchild copying is prohibited by a simple manual operation.

According to the twelfth aspect, the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added to the image indicating the image data a plurality of times, so that the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is surely added. Can be detected.

According to the fourteenth and seventeenth aspects, the judging means judges from the input image data whether the image data is copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition. The output means prohibits faithful reproduction, and if the image data is grandchild copy prohibition, outputs the image data with information indicating copy prohibition, and outputs the information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition. Copy processing of the added document can be restricted as intended.

According to the fifteenth aspect, since the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow, the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added. Can be minimized, and the possibility that a malicious operator will notice the presence of information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition can be reduced.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is periodically added to the image indicating the image data. Can be detected.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the image forming apparatus further includes display means for displaying the result of the judgment by the judgment means, so that the user can confirm that the original to be copied is a copy-inhibited original. It can be easily recognized.

According to the nineteenth aspect, image information read by scanning a document by the reading section is stored in the storage section, and the image forming section stores the image information on the recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage section. In a copy protection method for an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image, a copy prohibition or prohibition information corresponding to a copy prohibition of the second generation or later is added to the image information with reference to the image information stored in the storage unit. And if it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition has been added to the image information, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted and the second generation and subsequent generations are added to the image information. If it is determined that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition is added, the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the second generation or later added to the image information stored in the storage unit is copied. Is changed to prohibition information corresponding to the above, and is output to the image forming unit. Also, it is instructed whether or not the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or later generation prohibition is added to the recording medium at the time of output. Based on the instruction, to the image information stored in the storage unit, prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition of the second generation or later is added as image information and output to the image forming unit. A document for which copying or grandchild copying is prohibited can be easily created, and copy processing of the document can be restricted as intended by the user.

According to the twentieth and twenty-second aspects, copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition is instructed, and information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition is added to input image data according to the instruction state. Since the image data after the addition is output to the image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily create a document in which copying or grandchild copying is prohibited.

According to the twenty-first and twenty-third inventions, it is determined from the input image data whether the image data is copy-prohibited or grandchild copy-prohibited. If it is determined that the image data is copy-prohibited, faithfully If the image data is determined to be prohibited for grandchild copying, information indicating that copying is prohibited is added to the image data and output. It is possible to restrict the copy processing of the copied original as intended.

Therefore, it is possible to easily create a document with copy restrictions, and to limit the copy processing of the document as intended by the user, thereby preventing inadvertent spread of copies. It works.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a control configuration of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation display unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a copy protection mark added to a recording medium by the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

6 is a schematic diagram showing the copy protection mark shown in FIG. 5 in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a copy restriction result when a copy process is performed using the copy protection function of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth copy protection processing procedure in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a memory map that stores an image according to the present invention and various control programs that can be read by the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a copy output result by a copy protection function of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a copy output result by a copy protection function of a conventional image forming apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a copy state of a document by a predetermined organization.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200 printer unit 201 scanner unit 212 operation display unit 701 copy prohibition marking 702 grandchild copy prohibition marking 801 to 804 copy protection marking 2091 image memory 2092 marking discrimination circuit 2093 marking addition circuit 10013 copy protection switch

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (54) [Title of the Invention] An image forming apparatus, an image processing apparatus, a copy protection method for an image forming apparatus, a copy protection method for an image processing apparatus, and a storage for storing a computer-readable program. Medium

Claims (23)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus that stores image information read by scanning a document by a reading unit in a storage unit, and that the image forming unit can output on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. An instructing means for instructing whether or not prohibition information corresponding to a copy prohibition or a second or subsequent generation copy prohibition is added to a recording medium at the time of output; and storing the information in the storage unit based on the instruction of the instructing means. First control means for adding, as image information, prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition for the second and subsequent generations to the output image information and outputting the image information to the image forming unit; A determining unit that refers to the read image information at the time of reading, and determines whether or not prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition of second and subsequent generations is added to the image information; When it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to prohibition of copying is added to the image information, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and the second and subsequent generations are copied to the image information by the determination unit. When it is determined that the prohibition information corresponding to the prohibition is added, the prohibition information corresponding to the second generation or later copy prohibition added to the image information stored in the storage unit corresponds to the copy prohibition. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second control unit that instructs the first control unit to change to prohibition information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second control unit is configured to copy the original read by the reading unit when the determination unit determines that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition is added to the image information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display indicating that the image forming apparatus cannot be performed is controlled on a display unit. 3. An image for which copying is prohibited when the determining means determines that prohibition information corresponding to prohibition of copying of a second generation or later is added to the image information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls display on a display unit to output the image. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first control means controls display on a display unit to output an image for which copying or copying of a second or subsequent generation is prohibited, based on an instruction from the instruction means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit pre-scans the document on the platen before reading the document by the reading unit, stores information read by the pre-scan in the storage unit, and stores the information in the storage unit by the determination unit. To determine whether or not the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition is added to the information stored in the storage unit. If the discrimination means determines that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition is added, the copy process is stopped. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third control unit that performs the operation. 6. An image forming apparatus, wherein image information read by scanning a document by a reading unit is stored in a storage unit, and the image forming unit can form an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. An instruction unit for instructing whether or not to add a copy prohibition instruction and a prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition after the indicated generation to the recording medium at the time of output; First control means for adding, as image information, prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of a designated generation or later to the image information stored in the storage unit and outputting the image information to the image forming unit; Judging means for referring to the image information stored in the storage unit at the time of reading, and judging whether or not prohibition information has been added to the image information and a generation in which the prohibition information prohibits copying; When it is determined by the step that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the first generation or later is added to the image information, the image information stored in the storage unit is deleted, and the image information is deleted by the determination unit. If it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of any generation other than the first generation is added to the image information, the prohibition information added to the image information stored in the storage unit is replaced An image forming apparatus comprising: a second control unit that instructs the first control unit to change to prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition of a previous generation or later. 7. An image forming apparatus in which image information input by an input unit is stored in a storage unit, and the image forming unit can form an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. Instructing means for instructing whether or not to add prohibition information corresponding to prohibition or copy prohibition of the second and subsequent generations on a recording medium at the time of output; and an image stored in the memory based on an instruction from the instructing means. Control means for adding, as image information, prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition or copy prohibition for the second and subsequent generations to the information and outputting the image information to the image forming unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the prohibition information is a barcode indicating a numerical value corresponding to a generation for which copying is prohibited. 9. Instructing means for instructing copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition, input means for inputting image data, and indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition to the image data according to the instruction state of the instructing means. Output means for adding information and outputting the added image data to the image forming apparatus. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the instruction unit is an operation unit, and the instruction is given by manual input. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is periodically added to the image indicating the image data. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs image data to which no information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added when the instruction by the instruction unit is not performed. The image processing device according to claim 9. 14. A determination means for determining from the input image data whether the image data is copy-prohibited or grandchild copy-prohibited. If the image data is copy-prohibited by the determination means, faithful reproduction is prohibited. Output means for adding information indicating copy prohibition to the image data when the data is grandchild copy prohibition, and outputting the image data. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is added to the image as data corresponding to yellow. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information indicating the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is periodically added to the image indicating the image data. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the output unit outputs the image data to the image forming apparatus when the copy prohibition or the grandchild copy prohibition is not determined by the determination unit. 18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes a display unit that displays a result of the determination by the determination unit. 19. An image forming apparatus, wherein image information read by scanning a document by a reading unit is stored in a storage unit, and the image forming unit can form an image on a recording medium based on the image information stored in the storage unit. In the copy protection method of the apparatus, referring to the image information stored in the storage unit, it is determined whether or not prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or subsequent generation copy prohibition is added to the image information. A determining step; a deleting step of deleting the image information stored in the storage unit when it is determined that prohibition information corresponding to copy prohibition is added to the image information; If it is determined that the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the second generation is added, the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition of the second generation or later added to the image information stored in the storage unit is added. A change output step of changing to the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition and outputting the same to the image forming unit; and determining whether the prohibition information corresponding to the copy prohibition or the second or subsequent generation prohibition is added to the recording medium at the time of output. And a prohibition information corresponding to a copy prohibition or a second generation or later copy prohibition is added as image information to the image information stored in the storage unit based on the instruction. A copy protection method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: an additional output step of causing a forming unit to output. 20. A copy protection method for an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, comprising: an instruction step of instructing copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition; an input step of inputting image data; An output step of adding information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition to the image data and outputting the added image data to an image forming apparatus. Protection method. 21. A copy protection method for an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, comprising: a determination step of determining, from input image data, whether the image data is copy-prohibited or grandchild copy-prohibited; If it is determined that the copy is prohibited, faithful reproduction is prohibited, and if the image data is determined to be grandchild copy prohibited, information indicating copy prohibition is added to the image data and output. And a copy protection method for the image processing apparatus. 22. A storage medium storing a program readable by a computer for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to the image forming apparatus, an instruction step of instructing copy inhibition or grandchild copy inhibition, An input step of inputting, and an output step of adding information indicating copy prohibition or grandchild copy prohibition to the image data according to the instruction state, and outputting the added image data to an image forming apparatus. A storage medium storing a computer readable program characterized by the above-mentioned. 23. A storage medium storing a computer readable program for controlling an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to an image forming apparatus, comprising the steps of:
A determination step of determining whether grandchild copy is prohibited; if the image data is determined to be copy-prohibited, faithful reproduction is prohibited; if the image data is determined to be grandchild copy-prohibited, An output step of adding information indicating copy prohibition to the image data and outputting the image data, wherein a computer-readable program is stored.