JP2001094772A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: In an image processing apparatus having a forgery prevention device, when a specific original is included in image data, it is determined whether or not such image data is for the purpose of forgery. In addition, an image processing apparatus that performs normal image output when such image data is not intended for forgery is provided. SOLUTION: An identification device 3 identifies whether or not a specific original is included in image data. When the specific document is included in the image data, the identification device 3 determines whether image data other than the specific document exists in the image data. When image data other than the specific document exists in the image data, the identification device 3 determines that the image data is not output for the purpose of forgery. In this case, the image processing apparatus outputs the image data as usual.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of performing a change process on a document having a predetermined specific pattern, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus for suppressing forgery of stamps.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the performance of image processing apparatuses such as full-color copiers has been improved and has become widespread. Accordingly, counterfeiting of specific manuscripts such as banknotes and securities has become a problem. As means for preventing such forgery, there is a full-color copying machine having a forgery prevention device.

A full-color copying machine having the above-described anti-counterfeiting device detects whether or not a specific original such as a bill or securities is included in the original. If it is detected that the specific document is included, the output of the image data is stopped. As a result, forgery of specific documents such as bills and securities can be prevented.

However, while bills and the like are used alone, stamps and income stamps are used in a state of being attached to other documents. Therefore, while bills and the like are not copied for purposes other than forgery, stamps and the like are simultaneously copied for the purpose of copying the contents of other documents on which stamps and the like are pasted. There is a case.

[0005] For example, a user may copy the address of a letter with a stamp and save transmission destination information. Further, the user may copy the document with the income stamp attached and save the document.

In a full-color copying machine having the above-described forgery prevention device, since this document contains a specific manuscript,
Such copying is determined to be counterfeiting, and printing is stopped. Therefore, the user did not copy for the purpose of copying the contents of the document with the stamp, etc.
It has been pointed out that it cannot be copied.

As a prior art relating to a color copying machine having a function of preventing forgery of a specific original such as a bill or a securities, there is a technique of printing a model number and a machine number of the color copying machine on transfer paper.

The color copier according to the prior art forms a regular dot pattern representing the model number and the machine number of the color copier on the transfer paper during printing. This dot pattern is formed at the time of all printing. Thus, when a printing result in which a specific document such as a bill or securities is duplicated is found, the forged color copying machine is specified by the dot pattern. This dot pattern has the lowest visibility and is formed of yellow which is hardly noticeable.

[0009]

However, according to the above-mentioned prior art, it is possible to copy a document on which the above-mentioned stamp or the like is affixed. Cannot be faithfully copied. Also, if a specific manuscript is copied for forgery purposes,
Although the dot pattern is formed, copying is performed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an image processing apparatus having a forgery prevention device includes:
If the image data contains a specific document, it is determined whether or not the image data is forged, and if the image data is not forged, a normal image An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device that performs output.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a specific document determining means for determining whether or not a specific document is included in image data;
A judging means for judging whether or not the image data is forgery, and an image output for limiting the image output of the image data when the judging means judges that the image data is forgery. And limiting means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus of the first aspect, the judging means aims to forge the image data when the ratio of the specific document in the image data is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio. Is determined.

[0013] The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2.
In the apparatus of the above, the determining means is for the purpose of forgery of the image data when there is a specific document in the image data and there is no significant pattern in an area where the specific document is not included in the image data. Is determined.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the judging means determines that the image data is forged when a specific document is present in a predetermined number or more in the image data. The purpose is to judge that the purpose is.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the judging means includes a predetermined character string included in an area of the image data which does not include the specific original. When a character string is not included, the image data is determined to be for the purpose of forgery.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the judging means aims to forge the image data if the specific original is modified in a predetermined manner. It is characterized by judging that it is not what was done.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the judging means creates a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string of an area of the image data not including the specific original. If the circumscribed rectangle is smaller than a predetermined size, it is determined that the image data is intended for forgery.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the judging means creates a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string of an area of the image data not including the specific original. However, when the circumscribed squares have a predetermined arrangement, it is characterized that it is determined that the image data is for the purpose of forgery.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing device includes an input device 1, an image conversion device 2, an identification device 3, a storage device 4, and an output device 5.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the input device 1 and the output device 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, when the image processing device is a scanner, the input device 1 is configured by an image reading device. When the image processing device is a scanner, the output device 5 is configured by a communication device or a recording device.

When the image processing device is a copying machine, the input device 1 is constituted by an image reading device. When the image processing device is a copying machine, the output device 5 is configured by an image recording device.

When the image processing device is an image editing device,
The input device 1 includes a communication device or a recording device. When the image processing device is an image editing device, the output device 5 includes a communication device or a recording device.

When the image processing device is a printer, the input device 1 is constituted by a communication device or a recording device.
When the image processing device is a printer, the output device 5 is configured by an image recording device.

The input device 1 includes an image reading device, an external communication device, or a storage device. When the image processing device is a scanner or a copying machine, the input device 1
Is composed of an image reading device. When the input device 1 is constituted by an image reading device, the input device 1 scans a document and creates image data. The created image data is
It is transmitted to the image conversion device 2.

When the image processing device is an image editing device or a printer, the input device 1 is constituted by a communication device or a recording device. When the input device 1 is configured by a communication device, the input device 1 expands the received data in a predetermined procedure to create image data. When the input device 1 is configured by a recording device, the input device 1 reads image data stored in a recording medium. Image data is
It is transmitted to the image conversion device 2.

The image conversion device 2 comprises a conversion means 21, a processing means 22, and a conversion means 23.

The conversion means 21 converts the image data input from the input device 1 into a format that can be recognized by the identification device 3. When the identification device 3 determines that the specific data is included in the image data,
Image data is processed to prevent forgery. Conversion device 23
Converts the image data into a format compatible with the output device 5.

The processing of the image data may include adding a pattern indicating that the image data is an illegal copy. The processing of the image data may be performed by superimposing a pattern representing the body identification information of the image processing apparatus on the image data. The processing of the image data may be to replace a specific document in the image data with predetermined image data. The processing of the image data may be to create image data in which an image pattern of a specific document in the image data is partially replaced. The processing of the image data may be processing by a combination of these.

The identification device 3 identifies whether or not the image data contains a specific document. Such identification is performed by comparing the image data input from the image conversion device 2 with the data of the specific document stored in the storage device 4.

The storage device 4 stores data of specific documents such as bills and securities. The storage device 4 sends out data of a specific manuscript such as a bill or a securities based on a request from the identification device 3.

The output device 5 is composed of an image recording device, an external communication device, or a storage device. When the output device 5 is an image recording device, the output device 5 prints image data on recording paper. When the output device 5 is an external communication device, the image data is transmitted via a communication line. When the output device 5 is a storage device, the output device 5 stores image data.

An operation of searching for specific documents such as bills and securities in image data when the image processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is a copying machine will be described.

The original is scanned by the input device 1 and converted into image data. After a predetermined process such as correction is applied to the image data, the input device 1 sends the image data to the image conversion device 2.

The conversion means 21 in the image conversion device 2 converts the image data into a format compatible with the identification device 3. The converted image data is sent to the identification device 3.

The identification device 3 reads reference data of a specific document from the storage device 4. The identification device 3 compares the image data with the reference data and determines whether or not the image data includes a specific document. When a specific document is included in the image data, the identification device 3 determines by a predetermined method whether the image data is copied for forgery or is copied without forgery. The identification device 3 sends this determination result to the image conversion device 2 as a determination signal.

The operation of the image conversion device 2 is controlled by the above-mentioned discrimination signal. If it is determined that the image data has been copied for the purpose of forgery, the processing means 22 performs forgery prevention processing on the image data.

Note that the processing may be performed by adding a pattern representing an illegal copy to the image data. It may be obtained by adding a pattern representing device identification information to image data. The image data in which the area including the specific document is changed to image data different from the specific document may be processed. The pattern of the specific document may be partially replaced. Further, processing by a combination of these may be performed.

The image data processed by the processing means 22 is
The conversion unit 23 converts the data into a form that can be output by the output device 5. If the image data has not been copied for forgery, the image data is not processed,
The conversion unit 23 converts the data into a form that can be output by the output device 5.

The output device prints the image data or the image data processed by the processing means 22 on transfer paper.

Identification device 3 in the embodiment of the present invention
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A first embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 identifies whether or not a specific document is included in the image data. When the specific document is included in the image data, the identification device 3 calculates the ratio of the area of the specific document to the image data.

When the ratio is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the identification device 3 sends a determination signal to the image conversion device 2. This determination signal indicates that the image data is forged.

For example, when the specific document is a stamp, the ratio of the area of the stamp to the postcard is a constant value. Therefore, when the ratio of the area of the stamp to the postcard is equal to or more than the certain value, it can be determined that the document is not a normal document. Therefore, when the specific image is a stamp and the ratio of the stamp area to the image data is equal to or more than a predetermined value when the specific image is a stamp, the copying of the image data is intended to be forgery. You can judge.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to identify whether the copy of the image data is forged or not by the ratio of the area occupied by the specific document to the image data.

Identification device 3 in the embodiment of the present invention
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A second embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 identifies whether or not a specific document is included in the image data. Also, the identification device 3
A region where a significant pattern exists is identified from a region where the specific document is not included in the image data. The area where the significant pattern exists is an area obtained by removing the specific original and the blank area from the image data. For example, in the case of a stamp, an address and a name are described in an area where such a significant pattern exists.

If the specific document is present in the image data and the area where the significant pattern exists is less than a predetermined ratio in the image data, the identification device 3 determines that the image data is forged. Judge that it was copied for the purpose. The identification device 3 transmits a determination signal to the image conversion device 2 when determining that the image is copied for the purpose of forgery.

Stamps and income stamps are used while attached to other documents. Therefore, the user may make a copy not for the purpose of forgery but for preserving the contents of a stamp or other document with an income stamp.

In this case, information other than the specific original such as a stamp and a revenue stamp is formed on the original to be copied. Therefore,
According to the second embodiment, even if a specific original such as a stamp or a revenue stamp is included, if information other than the specific original is equal to or more than a certain ratio, it is determined that the copying of the image data is not a forgery purpose. It becomes possible.

Identification device 3 in the embodiment of the present invention
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A third embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 identifies whether or not a specific original is included in the image data. The identification device 3 also calculates the number of specific images included in the image data. When the calculated number of specific documents is equal to or larger than the predetermined number, the identification device 3 determines that the image data is copied for the purpose of forgery.

For example, a stamp must be attached to a document for a predetermined amount. A stamp for this amount is attached to the document.
However, usually more than a certain number of stamps are not affixed to documents. Therefore, when the number of stamps equal to or larger than the number of commonly used stamps is included in the image data, it can be determined that the copy of the image data is for the purpose of forgery.

According to the third embodiment, whether or not the copy of the image data is forged is determined by identifying whether or not the image data contains a specific document in a predetermined number or more. Can be determined.

[0055] Identification device 3 in the embodiment of the present invention.
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A fourth embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 identifies whether or not a specific original is included in the image data. Also, the identification device 3
Performs character recognition in an area of the image data that does not include the specific document. If no characters are written in this area in a proper arrangement, the identification device 3 determines that the copying of the image data has been performed for the purpose of forgery. Identification device 3
Transmits a discrimination signal to the image conversion device 2 when it is determined that the object is forgery.

As described above, stamps and income stamps are used while attached to other documents. Other documents may have specific character strings. For example, a postal code is described on a postcard. In addition, the letters of the receipt are described in the receipt.

Therefore, even if a stamp or income stamp is included in the image data, if the postal code or the document including the receipt is included in the document, the image data is forged. It is possible to determine that it was not copied for the purpose.

According to the fourth embodiment, by discriminating whether or not a predetermined character string is included in the image data, it is determined whether or not the image data is copied for forgery. It will be possible to judge.

The identification device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A fifth embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The storage device 4 stores data obtained by modifying a specific document. For example, stamps are stamped. And this postmark is usually circular. The identification device 3 identifies whether or not the image having the stamp stamped thereon stored in the storage device 4 exists in the image data.

The stamp on which the postmark has been stamped is no longer copied for the purpose of exercising. Therefore, the identification device 3 can determine that the copy is not for the purpose of forgery. In such a case, the identification device 3 does not transmit the determination signal to the image conversion device 2.

According to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not image data has been copied for forgery by identifying whether or not a specific original has been altered. Become.

Incidentally, the identification of the postmark may be such that a predetermined shape is extracted from around the stamp. further,
The character string in such an area may be recognized. For example, a predetermined circular figure is identified from around the stamp. This circular figure is likely to be a postmark. Then, the characters in the figure are recognized. Postmarks are usually
The name of the post office where the postmark was made and the date and time when the postmark was made are entered. By recognizing these character strings, it is possible to recognize that the stamp is a stamp with a postmark.

[0065] Identification device 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A sixth embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 extracts a specific document from the image data. The identification device 3 extracts a region having the significant pattern from a region where the specific document is not included in the image data.

The identification device 3 extracts a pattern consisting only of black from the region having the significant pattern. The identification device 3 detects the smallest rectangular area circumscribing this pattern. From the size of this rectangle, the identification device 3
It is determined whether the image data has been copied for forgery.

For example, in the case of a postcard, a destination address and an address are described. These characters have a certain size or more. If the character area has a certain size or more, the identification device 3 can determine whether or not the stamp is forged for copying.

When the size of the rectangle is smaller than a predetermined size, the identification device 3 determines that the copying of the image data is for the purpose of forgery. When the identification device makes such a determination, it sends a determination signal to the image conversion device 2.

According to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not copying of image data is for the purpose of forgery, based on the size of the character area.

[0071] Identification device 3 in the embodiment of the present invention.
However, if the specific original is included in the image data,
A seventh embodiment for determining whether or not such image data has been copied for forgery will be described.

The identification device 3 extracts a specific document from the image data. The identification device 3 extracts a region having the significant pattern from a region where the specific document is not included in the image data.

The identification device 3 extracts a pattern consisting only of black from the area having the significant pattern. The identification device 3 detects the smallest rectangular area circumscribing this pattern. The identification device 3 determines from the arrangement of the rectangles
It is determined whether the image data has been copied for forgery.

For example, in the case of a vertically written postcard, an address and a name are described. In this case, the rectangle includes two vertically long rectangles. As described above, when there are a plurality of the rectangles and they are arranged in a predetermined direction, it is determined that the image data is not copied for the purpose of forgery.

If the rectangles are not arranged in a predetermined manner, the identification device 3 determines that the copying of the image data is for the purpose of forgery. When the identification device 3 makes such a determination, it sends a determination signal to the image conversion device 2.

According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not copying of image data is for the purpose of forgery, based on the arrangement of character strings.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a copy of a revenue stamp according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3C to which the revenue stamp 31 is attached as shown in FIG. 3A is copied by the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the receipt shown in FIG. 32 is printed on the copy sheet. Although the receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3C is affixed with the revenue stamp 31 which is a specific image, it is not intended for counterfeiting, so that the copying machine prints as usual.

The receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3E stamped on the receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3C with the revenue stamp 31 attached thereto.
Is copied by a copying machine, a receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3 (f) is printed on copy paper. The receipt 32 has an income stamp 31, which is a specific image, affixed thereto. However, since the income stamp 31 is stamped, this copy has no purpose of forgery. Therefore, the receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3F is output as usual.

The income stamp 31 is a specific original. Therefore, when copying only the revenue stamp 31, this action is aimed at forgery. Therefore, the revenue stamp 31 shown in FIG. 3B is not printed on the copy sheet.

When the image data is forged, the model number and the machine number of the copying machine may be described in the area of the specific document in the image data. According to this, the revenue stamp 3 shown in FIG.
Image data in which the model number of the copying machine and the machine number are added to 1 are formed on the transfer paper.

This forged revenue stamp 31 is affixed,
The stamped receipt 32 shown in FIG. 3H is copied by a copying machine. The copying machine does not judge that the copy is for forgery because the receipt 32 is included in the image data. However, on the revenue stamp 31 in the receipt 32, the model number of the copying machine and the machine number are described. Therefore, FIG.
When the receipt 32 shown in (h) is found, this copying machine is identified by the model number and the machine number.

[0082]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a specific document determining means for determining whether or not a specific document is included in image data, Determining means for determining whether or not the image data is intended, and image output limiting means for limiting image output of the image data when the image data is determined to be forged. With this, even if a specific document is included in the image data, it is possible to output an image unless the image data is forged. Further, according to the first aspect of the invention, when the image data is for the purpose of forgery, it is possible to restrict the image output.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, the determining means determines that the image data is forged when the ratio of the specific document in the image data is a predetermined ratio or more. By judging that it was done,
If the ratio of the specific document to the image data is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the image can be output. According to the second aspect of the present invention, if the ratio of the specific document to the image data is equal to or larger than the predetermined size, the image output can be restricted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the device of the first or second aspect, the determining means includes the step of determining whether the image data includes a specific original and the image data does not include the specific original. When there is no significant pattern, it is possible to judge whether a specific manuscript was output as an image attached to a document by judging that the image data was intended for counterfeiting. Become. According to the invention described in claim 3, even if a specific manuscript is stuck on a document,
It is possible to output images. According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to restrict image output when a specific original is not attached to a document.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the judging means determines whether or not the specific document exists in the image data in a predetermined number or more.
By judging that the image data is for the purpose of forgery, it is possible to prevent an illegal copy of the specific image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the judging means includes a character string existing in an area where the specific original of the image data is not included. If the predetermined character string is not included, it is determined that the image data is for the purpose of forgery. Will be possible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, when the specific original has been subjected to a predetermined alteration, the image data is forged. Therefore, it is possible to limit the image output of the image data in which the specific original is not subjected to the predetermined alteration.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the judging means includes a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string of an area of the image data not including the specific original. When the circumscribed rectangle is smaller than a predetermined size, the image data including the specific document is determined to be forgery by determining that the image data is forgery. It is possible to easily determine whether or not this is the case.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the judging means comprises a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string of an area of the image data not including the specific original. If the circumscribed rectangle has a predetermined arrangement, it is determined whether the image data including the specific document is forgery by determining that the image data is forgery. Can be easily determined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example showing a configuration of an input device and an output device of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an example of a copy of a revenue stamp according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input device 2 Image conversion device 3 Identification device 4 Storage device 5 Output device 21 Conversion means 22 Processing means 23 Conversion means 31 Revenue stamp 32 Receipt

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A specific document determining means for determining whether or not a specific document is included in image data; a determining means for determining whether the image data is for the purpose of forgery; An image output restricting means for restricting an image output of the image data when it is determined that the image data is forgery. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that the image data is for the purpose of forgery when the ratio of the specific document in the image data is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio. The image processing device according to claim 1. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the determining unit determines that the specific document is included in the image data and that no significant pattern exists in an area of the image data that does not include the specific document. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus determines that the target is forgery. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that the image data is for counterfeiting when the specific document exists in a predetermined number or more in the image data. Item 4. The image processing device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the character string existing in the area of the image data not including the specific document does not include a predetermined character string. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus determines that the image is intended. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines that the image data is not for the purpose of forgery when the specific original has been modified in a predetermined manner. 6. The image processing device according to any one of items 5. 7. The deciding means creates a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string of an area of the image data not including the specific document, and when the circumscribed rectangle is smaller than a predetermined size, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein it is determined that the image data is for forgery. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit creates a circumscribed rectangle circumscribing a character string in an area of the image data where the specific document is not included, and when the circumscribed rectangle has a predetermined arrangement, 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data is determined to be for the purpose of forgery.
An image processing apparatus according to the item.