JP2001324898A - Print control device and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To create a form with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern for checking illegal copying, and to improve the degree of freedom of design and reduce costs. SOLUTION: A security tint is generated by a basic security tint which disappears at the time of copying by a copying machine and a hidden security tint which is clearly copied at the time of copying by a copying machine. A form output device 1 that creates a form by printing, and a character string indicating information different for each form, such as a serial number assigned to each form, a name of a distribution destination of each form, or a printing date and time, as a hidden security tint. Print.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing control device for printing a form with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern for controlling copying for an unauthorized purpose, and a storage medium storing the control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, paper with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern has been used for important documents such as cash vouchers and seal certificates.
A copy check pattern is a pattern that partly disappears and is only partially reproduced when copied by a copier. For example, it looks like a fine geometric pattern at first glance, and when copied, the character "copy" appears. What emerges is known.

[0003] When a form with the copy check pattern is copied, only a copy that is clearly recognized as a copy can be obtained, so that there is an effect of checking the copy for an unauthorized purpose. Conventionally, when creating such a form with a copy-control tint block, purchase paper on which the copy-check tint block has already been printed,
It was set in the printer.

[0004]

However, when creating a form with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, it is necessary to always purchase a special paper, and it is not possible to replace it with inexpensive paper. There was a problem that conversion was difficult.

Further, if a dedicated printer cannot be prepared for paper with copy-inhibited pattern, it takes time and effort to replace plain paper with paper with copy-inhibited pattern, resulting in a reduction in work efficiency. Was. For example, when a copy-control tint block is to be applied only to a part of a document, such as when a copy-preventive tint block is to be applied only to a specific page of a multi-page document, the paper must be replaced without fail every time. There is a problem that the efficiency is significantly reduced. When there are a plurality of portions requiring the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, or when printing a plurality of forms, there is a problem that workability is extremely reduced.

Further, since documents and forms printed on paper with copy-inhibited copy-forgery-inhibited pattern are regarded as official originals, there is a possibility that the paper with copy-inhibited copy-forgery-inhibited pattern before printing is misused.
For this reason, it is necessary to take measures against theft or loss of the paper before printing, which has led to an increase in management costs.

Further, since paper on which only the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is previously printed is required, if the number of types of paper is increased, costs such as management cost and printing cost increase remarkably. However, if the number of types of paper is reduced, only similar forms can be created, and there is a problem that the design is restricted.

Further, if the number of types of paper is reduced in order to reduce costs, characters that appear during copying must be converted to general-purpose character strings such as "copy", "copy", and "invalid". It was difficult to use different character strings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom of design and reduce costs when creating a form with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern for checking illegal copying.

[0010]

The present invention has the following features in order to solve such a problem. In the following description of the means, a configuration corresponding to the embodiment is shown by parentheses as an example. Reference numerals and the like are reference numerals and the like in the drawings described later.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print control apparatus for producing a printed matter by a printing apparatus, wherein a copy is formed by a lost pattern at the time of copying which is difficult to copy by a copying machine and a remaining pattern at the time of copying which can be copied by the copying machine. A tint block generation unit that generates a check tint block (for example, a CPU that performs the processing shown in FIG. 8)
2) and control means (for example, a CPU 2 for performing the processing shown in FIG. 9) for creating the printed matter by printing the copy check tint block generated by the tint block generation means together with print data on a print medium. It is characterized by the following.

Here, the copy-erasable pattern is, for example, a pattern composed of dots having a size smaller than the resolution at the time of reading an original by a copying machine, and which cannot be completely reproduced or difficult by the copying machine. Also, the pattern disappeared when copying,
Examples of the remaining pattern at the time of copying include a geometric pattern and a logo mark, but may be a character string. Further, examples of the print medium include paper and a film made of a synthetic resin, but a cloth may be used, and the print medium is not particularly limited as long as the image can be fixed by a printing apparatus.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a print control apparatus for creating a printed matter by a printing apparatus, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern which is difficult to be copied by a copying machine and a copy-erasable pattern which can be copied by a copying machine by a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generating means. A copy check pattern is generated by the remaining pattern, and the generated copy check pattern is printed on a print medium together with the print data by the control means, thereby creating a printed matter. The created printed matter is copied by a copying machine. The copy obtained in this way loses the lost pattern at the time of copying and only the remaining pattern at the time of copying is printed. Therefore, the copy obtained by the copying machine is different from the original printed matter in appearance, and it is clear that the copy has been made. Therefore, copying for an unauthorized purpose does not make sense. As a result, duplication for an unauthorized purpose can be suppressed, and the printed content can be protected. Also, it is not necessary to prepare special print media such as special paper in advance, and general print media can be used. Therefore, even if important prints are created, the print media before printing must be strict. Need not be managed. As a result, the cost of the print medium can be reduced, and the management cost can be reduced. In addition, since a common print medium can be used for a printed matter that does not require a copy-forgery-inhibited tint block, it is possible to save trouble such as replacement of the print medium. Then, since the copy-control tint block generated by the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern block is printed, there is no need to worry about an increase in cost even if the types of the copy-control tint block patterns are increased. A desired printed matter can be created without any restrictions.

[0014]

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

[First Embodiment] First, the configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the form output device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing).
Unit) 2, RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, storage device 4, storage medium 5 included in storage device 4, printing device 6,
It comprises a display unit 7, an input unit 8, and a transmission control unit 9, and each unit is connected by a bus 10.

The CPU 2 reads a system program, for example, a program file 4b, stored in the storage device 4, develops the work program in the work area in the RAM 3, executes the program, and drives and controls each unit of the form output device 1. Also, CP
U2 responds to an input instruction from the input unit 8 and
It reads and executes the business application file 4a in the server, and executes various business processes corresponding to input instructions, such as order / delivery management, creation of bills and quotations, and the like.

Then, the CPU 2 generates display information for displaying the form created in the above-mentioned business process, the input contents in the input section 8 and the like, and outputs the generated information to the display section 7.
To display various screens.

The CPU 2 executes security tint block generation processing (FIG. 8) to generate a security tint block, and stores the generated security tint block data in the storage device 4 as a security tint block data file 4d. The security tint block generated here is a tint block that is printed on a form by the form output device 1, and is composed of a basic security tint block and a hidden security tint block.

Among them, the basic security tint block can be visually recognized as a pattern on a form, and disappears without being reproduced when copied by a copying machine. The basic security tint is
For example, it is printed in an area specified in the form, such as an area where the transaction details are printed. On the other hand, the hidden security tint is printed at a predetermined position so as to be superimposed on the basic security tint, and is hidden on the form by the basic security tint, so that it is clearly copied when copied by a copying machine.

Therefore, at first glance, a form with the security tint and the hidden security tint can be visually recognized on the surface of the form with the security tint printed by the form output device 1. In addition, copies obtained by copying this form with security tint block with a copying machine include:
The basic security tint is not reproduced, and only the hidden security tint is clearly copied. For this reason, the form printed by the form output device 1 and the copy obtained by copying this form with the copying machine can be easily distinguished.

Further, the CPU 2 executes a print control process to be described later, stores print data generated by the application in the print data memory 3a, and stores data relating to the form of the form in the form data memory 3b. Further, an individual security tint block which is individually set for each form is generated, and the security tint block data file 4 is generated.
The data is combined with the data of d and stored in the tint block data memory 3c. Then, the data in the print data memory 3a, the form data memory 3b and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c are output to the printer driver, and the printing device 6 prints a form with the security copy-forgery-inhibited pattern.

The RAM 3 forms a work area for temporarily storing system programs executed by the CPU 2, various application programs, and data relating to these programs. Also, RAM3
Is provided with a print memory 31 for storing data for printing a form.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the print memory 31. As shown in FIG. 2, in the print memory 31, memory areas of a print data memory 3a, a form data memory 3b, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c are formed.

The print data memory 3a stores the form output device 1
Supplier name and product name printed on the form created by
This is a memory area for storing print data such as the amount of money.

The form data memory 3b is a memory area for storing data relating to the form of the form, such as the title of the form created by the form output device 1, the print position of the date entry field and the ruled lines, and the like.

The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c stores the form output device 1
Is a memory area for storing data related to the security tint block on the form created by.

The storage device 4 has a storage medium 5 in which programs, data and the like are stored in advance, and this storage medium 5 is formed of a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium is fixedly provided in the storage device, or is detachably mounted,
The storage medium stores the system program, various application programs corresponding to the system, a print control processing program, data processed by each processing program, document data, and the like.

The program, data, and the like stored in the storage medium 5 are partially or wholly received from another device such as a server or a client from the transmission control unit 9 via a transmission medium such as a network line. The storage medium may be configured to be stored, and the storage medium 5 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Further, the program may be configured to be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a file structure in the storage device 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the business application file 4a, the program file 4b, the form data file 4c, the security Copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data file 4d, print data file 4e, security pattern A file 4f, security pattern B file 4g, security form definition file 4
h, a distribution destination table file 4i, a serial number management table file 4j, and a document management file 4k.

The business application file 4a is a file of various application programs executed by the CPU 2 in the form output device 1, and is, for example, an application for performing various business processes such as creation of an estimate or delivery note. It is a file such as a program. The program file 4b is a file such as a system program for controlling each unit of the form output device 1 by the CPU 2.

The form data file 4c includes a form of a form printed out by the printing device 6 of the form output device 1, that is, data relating to the format and format of the form. For example, for each form such as a quote, a delivery note, an invoice, etc., it includes data for determining a ruled line, a printing position of various information such as a customer name, a product name, and a price.

The security tint block data file 4
d includes data related to the security tint block generated in the security tint block generation process (FIG. 8). Further, the print data file 4e is data for printing a form generated when the business application file 4a is executed by the CPU 2, and includes, for example, a product described in each form such as an estimate, a delivery note, and an invoice. Name, amount, supplier name, etc. are included.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the security pattern A file 4f includes a plurality of pattern data that can be printed on a form as a basic security tint. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, “standard 1”, “standard 2”
In the security tint block generation process (FIG. 8), a basic security tint block is generated using one of these two patterns.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the security pattern B file 4g contains data relating to a plurality of character strings to be printed on a form as hidden security tint blocks. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, a character string “copy invalid” is included as “standard 1”.
The character string “COPY” is included as “standard 2”, and the character string “copy prohibited” is included as “standard 3”.

In the security tint block generation process (FIG. 8),
A hidden security tint is generated based on any character string in the security pattern B file 4g.

The pattern of the hidden security tint is not particularly limited, and a desired pattern can be used. In the present embodiment, as an example, the pattern shown in FIG. Shall be used.

FIG. 5 shows a security form definition file 4
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of h. As shown in FIG. 5, the security form definition file 4h includes various data for printing the security tint block on the form by the printing device 6. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the name of the printer to be used is set in the item “DEV”, and the form name is set in the item “NAME”. The item “FORM” sets the form name of the form, and the item “SEQ-FORM” sets the file name of the security tint block data file 4 d in which the security tint block data is set.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the security form definition file 4h includes print control processing (FIGS. 9 to 1).
Data related to the individual security tint block set in 2) is included.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the type of the individual security tint block is set in the item "SEQ-DT" of the security form definition file 4h. In the first embodiment, as shown in the margin of FIG. 5, “$ HAIHU” indicating that the individual security tint block is generated based on the distribution destination name, and the individual security tint block type is generated based on the system date. Three types, "$ SYS # DATE" indicating the case and "$ NUMBER" indicating generation based on the serial number of the form can be set.

Other, security form definition file 4
As the data included in h, the form and color of the individual security tint block are set in the item “SEQ-PATb”, and the item “DT-STAB” is set.
The print start position of the individual security tint block is set in "RT", and the print size of the individual security tint block is set in the item "DT-SIZE". In this embodiment, as the form of the individual security tint block set in the item “SEQ-PATb”, only one type of the pattern shown in FIG. 4C will be described.

Further, as shown in the margin of FIG. 5, the file name of the security form definition file 4h is “form name.Seqdef” with a predetermined extension added to the form name. That is, the security form definition file 4h is
A name corresponding to the name of each form, generated for each form, and stored in the storage device 4.

FIG. 6 shows the distribution destination table file 4i.
As shown in (a), data in which a form name, a distribution destination, and a distribution number are associated is included. In the example shown in FIG. 6 (a), the distribution destination corresponding to the form "mitumori1" is "", and the number of distribution is only one copy. The distribution destination of the form “kikaku1” is “XX department manager, ×
× Section chief, @ Section chief, Mr. □□ ”, and the number of distributions is four. Furthermore, the distribution destination of the form “kikaku2” is “○
× department manager, △ ○ section manager, □ ○ section manager ”, and the number of distributions is set to 3 copies.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the serial number management table file 4j includes data in which the form name is associated with the final serial number. Here, the serial number is
When printing each form, it is a serial number assigned to each form, and the last number of the serial number is set in the serial number management table file 4j. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, “c-list
The final serial number of the form “1” is “02103”. That is, since the serial numbers from “1” to “02103” have already been assigned, the number of printed sheets is 2103. Similarly, the form with the form name “c-list2” is already 192
It can be seen that sheets have been printed. The form is printed as the final serial number in the serial number management table file 4j,
It is updated each time a new number is assigned.

The printing device 6 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a printer such as a laser printer, an ink jet printer, a sublimation printer, etc., and drives and controls the printer under the control of the CPU 2 to print out various forms. The printing method of the printer is not limited, but a printer capable of printing at a resolution of about security tint block is desirable. Further, although the present embodiment is described as including a printer capable of performing color printing, a printer capable of performing only monochrome printing may be employed.

The display unit 7 is a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
And a display screen such as an LCD (liquid crystal display screen).
The display screen is driven and controlled in accordance with the display information input from step 2 to display various screens.

The input unit 8 includes a keyboard having numeric keys, character keys, and various function keys. The input unit 8 generates an operation signal corresponding to the operated key and outputs the generated operation signal to the CPU 2. Also,
The input unit 8 may include a pointing device such as a mouse, a tablet, or a touchpad. In this case, the input unit 8 includes an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the pointing device and a relative position designated by the operation. A signal indicating coordinates is generated and output to the CPU 2.

The transmission control unit 9 has a modem (MODEM: MO
dulator / DEModulator) or terminal adapter (T
A: Terminal Adapter) and controls communication with an external device via a communication line such as a telephone line or an ISDN line. The modem modulates digital data processed by the CPU into an analog signal conforming to the frequency band of the telephone line in order to communicate with an external device such as a personal computer via the telephone line,
Further, the terminal adapter is a device for demodulating an analog signal input via a telephone line into a digital signal. The terminal adapter converts an existing interface into an ISDN in order to communicate with an external device such as a personal computer via an ISDN line. This is a device for converting to an interface corresponding to.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the form output device 1 and each file in the storage device 4. Note that, in FIG.
, A form definition program denoted by reference symbol C, an individual security tint block generation program denoted by reference symbol D, and a printer driver denoted by reference symbol E:
Each shows a program executed by the CPU 2 at each stage.

First, the CPU 2 executes the business application indicated by the symbol A, and when a print job is generated based on the processing data of the business application, the CPU 2
2 executes a print control program indicated by reference symbol B.

By executing the print control program, a form definition program indicated by reference numeral C is executed in accordance with an input instruction in the input unit 8, and based on the security pattern A file 4f and the security pattern B file 4g, a form data file 4c. , A security tint block data file 4d is generated.

When executing the print control program,
Based on the distribution destination table file 4i, the serial number management table file 4j, and the security pattern B file 4g, an individual security tint block generation program indicated by reference numeral D is executed.

In the print control program, based on the form form data file 4c, security tint block data file 4d, print data file 4e, security form definition file 4h, and data obtained by the processing of the individual security tint block generation program. Then, print data is generated and output to the printer driver indicated by reference symbol E. Thereafter, by the processing of the printer driver indicated by reference character E, the drive of the printing device 6 is controlled based on the data generated by the print control program, and the form is printed out.

Next, a security tint block generation process and a print control process executed by the CPU 2 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
Here, a program for realizing each function described in these flowcharts is stored in a recording medium in the form of a readable program code,
U2 sequentially executes the operation according to the program code. Further, the CPU 2 can also sequentially execute the operation according to the above-described program code transmitted via the transmission medium. That is, an operation unique to this embodiment can be executed using a program / data externally supplied via a transmission medium in addition to a recording medium.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the security tint block generation process executed by the CPU 2. First, when the pattern pattern, color, print start position, and print size (the size in the X direction and the size in the Y direction) of the basic security tint block are input by an input operation in the input unit 8,
The CPU 2 converts the input data into SEQ-PATa,
It is temporarily stored in the RAM 3 as IRO, START, XSIZE, and YSIZE (step S11).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 reads the SEQ-PA in the RAM 3
Read the corresponding tint block pattern from the security pattern A file 4f using the Ta data as a key,
(Step S12).

The CPU 2 further sets a print color according to the IRO data in the RAM 3 and sets the start point of the print start to STAR.
T, and the print sizes in the X and Y directions are set to the input values of XSIZE and YSIZE, respectively, and the basic security tint block data is generated based on these set values. It is stored in the tint block data memory 3c (step S13).

Thereafter, the CPU 2 confirms with the operator whether or not the input relating to the basic security tint has been completed (step S14). If there is an input instruction to the effect that the input has been completed, the process proceeds to step S15, and the operation has not been completed. If there is an input instruction to the effect, the process returns to step S11.

In step S15, the pattern pattern, color, print start position, and print size (the size in the X direction and the size in the Y direction) of the hidden security tint are input by the input operation of the input unit 8, and the CPU 2 inputs the information. The obtained data are converted into SEQ-PATb, IRO, START, XSIZ
E and YSIZE are temporarily stored in the RAM 3. Here, the print color, that is, IRO, may be the same as the input value related to the basic security tint block in step S11.

Subsequently, the CPU 2 reads the SEQ-PA in the RAM 3
Using the Tb data as a key, the corresponding tint block pattern is read from the security pattern A file 4f, and the PATb
(Step S16).

The CPU 2 further sets a print color in accordance with the IRO data in the RAM 3 and sets the start point of the print start to STAR.
At the position of T, the sizes in the X and Y directions are set to the input values of XSIZE and YSIZE, respectively, and the basic security tint block data is generated based on these set values. Then, the generated data is stored in the tint block data memory 3c (step S17).

Thereafter, the CPU 2 confirms with the operator whether or not the input relating to the hidden security tint has been completed (step S18), and if there is an input instruction to the effect that the process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S19, and the process has not been completed. If there is an input instruction to the effect, the process returns to step S15.

Then, the CPU 2 executes the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3
The data stored in c is output to the security tint block data file 4d, that is, the form name (CYO-ID) .Sjimon file (step S19), and this processing ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print control process executed by the CPU 2. In FIG. 9, first, the CPU 2 acquires a form name to be printed as a CYO-ID (step S21).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 reads the CYO-ID.Seqdef file, that is, the security form definition file 4h corresponding to the acquired form name, based on the CYO-ID obtained in step S21 (step S22). ).

If the corresponding security form definition file 4h does not exist (step S23; N
o), the CPU 2 executes a normal printing process without a security tint block (step S24), and ends this process.

If the corresponding security form definition file 4h exists (step S23; Yes)
s), DEV, NA from security form definition file 4h
ME, FORM, SEQ-FORM, SEQ-DT, SEQ-OATb, DT-START, DT
-Obtain data of each setting item such as SIZE (Step S
25).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 obtains the number of print copies and sets it as a variable PR_CNT (step S26). Here, the number of copies may be obtained by searching the distribution destination table file 4i in the storage device 4 based on the form name and acquiring the number of copies as the number of prints, or inputting an instruction in the input unit 8. The number may be the number of copies.

Subsequently, the CPU 2 obtains security tint block data based on the set value of SEQ-FORM obtained in step S25, and stores it in the tint block data memory 3c (step S27).

For example, security form definition file 4
When h is configured as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 2
In step S25, “mitumori.S” set in SEQ-FORM
Get the file name "jimon". Then, in step S27, a file having the file name "mitumori.Sjimon" is searched, and the data of the searched file is stored in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c.

Further, the CPU 2 acquires form data based on the setting value of the FORM acquired in step S25 and stores it in the form data memory 3b (step S25).
28). For example, if the security form definition file 4h has the configuration shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 2 acquires the file name “mitumori1.Form” in step S25. In step S28, a file having the file name "mitumori1.Form" is searched, and the data of the searched file is stored in the form data memory 3b.

Thereafter, the CPU 2 acquires the data generated by the business application that has generated the print job, and stores the data in the print data memory 3a (step S29).

[0086] The CPU 2 obtains the SE obtained in step S25.
The individual security tint block generation process (FIGS. 10 to 12) is executed in accordance with the set value of the Q-DT, and the generated individual security tint block is stored in the tint block data memory 3c (step S30).

Thereafter, the CPU 2 decrements (−1) the value of PR_CNT (step S 31), and subsequently, the data in the print data memory 3 a, the form data memory 3 b, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3 c of the print memory 31. Are combined to generate form printing data and output to the printer driver (step S32).

Then, the CPU 2 initializes the print memory 31 (step S33), and determines whether the value of PR_CNT has become 0 (zero) (step S34). Where PR
If #CNT is not 0, the process returns to step S27 and continues. If the value of PR # CNT is 0,
Since the processing has been performed for all the forms to be printed, this processing ends. Therefore, the print control process shown in FIG.
The processing is executed until the value of PR_CNT, that is, the number of print copies becomes 0, and then the processing ends.

Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, FIG.
The individual security tint block generation process executed in step S30 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for generating an individual security tint block using a serial number. The processing shown in FIG. 10 is executed when the set value of SEQ-DT in the security form definition file 4h is “$ NUMBER”.

In FIG. 10, the CPU 2 first obtains the contents of the serial number management table file 4j and temporarily stores it as a NUMBER (step S41). And
PA of the tint block pattern stored in step S16 (FIG. 8)
Using Tb, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern of a numeric string stored as NUMBER is generated, and the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is stored as PATb # NO (step S42).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 refers to the security form definition file 4h, acquires the set value of DT_START, and stores it as START (step S43).

Thereafter, the CPU 2 generates data for printing out the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern stored as PATb # NO at the position of START acquired in step S43, and stores it in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c (step S44).

As described above, the processing shown in FIG.
In the print control process of FIG. 9, a serial number unique to each form is printed as part of the hidden security tint block.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for generating an individual security tint block using the name of a distribution destination. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed when the set value of SEQ-DT in the security form definition file 4h is “$ HAIHU”.

In FIG. 11, first, the CPU 2 acquires the set value of NAME of the security form definition file 4h and temporarily stores it (step S51). Then CP
U2 searches the distribution destination table file 4i using the acquired NAME as a key, acquires a character string of the corresponding distribution destination name, and stores it as HAIHU # STR (step S52). HAIHU # STR is a character string containing the names of all distribution destinations.

Then, the CPU 2 cuts out the PR_CNT-th character string from HAIHU_STR and stores it as HAIHU (step S53). As a result, only the distribution destination name corresponding to the form currently being processed is extracted.

The CPU 2 generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern of the character string stored as NAME using the PATb of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern stored in step S16 (FIG. 8) and stores it as PATb # HAIHU (step S54).

Next, the CPU 2 refers to the security form definition file 4h, acquires the set value of DT_START, and stores it as START (step S55).

[0086] The CPU 2 obtains the ST obtained in step S55.
Data for printing out the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern of PATb # HAIHU at the position of ART is generated and stored in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c (step S56).

As described above, by the processing shown in FIG. 11, the name of the distribution destination corresponding to each form is printed as a part of the hidden security tint in the print control processing of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for generating an individual security tint block using a system date. The processing shown in FIG. 12 is executed when the set value of SEQ-DT in the security form definition file 4h is “$ SYS_DATE”.

In FIG. 12, the CPU 2 first obtains the system date of the form output device 1 and temporarily stores it as SYS_DATE (step S61). Also, CP
U2 obtains the system time of the form output device 1 and
It is stored as S # TIME (step S62).

Then, the CPU 2 generates a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern of a character string of SYS_DATE and SYS_TIME using the PATb of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern in step S16 (FIG. 8), and sets the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern as PATb_DATETIME. It is stored (step S63).

Subsequently, the CPU 2 refers to the security form definition file 4h, acquires the set value of DT_START, and stores it as START (step S64).

[0091] The CPU 2 obtains the ST obtained in step S64.
At the ART position, data for printing out the tint block stored as PATb # DATETIME is generated, and the tint block data memory 3 is generated.
c (step S65).

As described above, according to the processing shown in FIG. 12, in the print control processing shown in FIG. 9, the date and time at the time of processing are printed on each form as part of the hidden security tint.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of security tint block in this embodiment. FIG. 13A shows an example of a security tint block printed, and FIG. 13B shows a state copied by a copying machine.

In the example shown in FIG. 13A, a basic security tint block 101 is printed in the entire frame, and a hidden security tint block 102 of a character string "invalid" is further printed therein. In the example shown in FIG. 13A, for convenience of explanation, the basic security tint 101 and the hidden security tint 102 are shown so that they can be visually identified. It is difficult to determine by visual inspection, and it is also difficult to recognize that there is a character string “invalid”.

The basic security tint 101 and the hidden security tint 102 shown in FIG. 13A change as shown in FIG. 13B after copying by the copying machine. That is, while the basic security tint block 101 is erased by copying by the copying machine, the hidden security tint block 10 is hidden.
2 is printed more clearly than the original shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of the security tint block shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the basic security tint block 101 is composed of fine dots and blanks. On the other hand, the hidden security tint 102
Are composed of dots larger than the dots forming the basic security tint block 101 and blanks.

The dots constituting the basic security tint block 101 are smaller in size than the resolution of a general copying machine, and cannot be read by the copying machine or are very difficult, and therefore cannot be reproduced by copying by the copying machine. . However, since the basic security tint block 101 is composed of many dots, some patterns and colors can be visually recognized on the original form.

On the other hand, the dots constituting the hidden security tint 102 conform to the resolution of the copying machine and can be easily read and reproduced by the copying machine. For this reason, it is printed clearly at the time of copying. However, in the state before copying, since it overlaps with the basic security tint block 101,
It is difficult to visually recognize.

If the blank constituting the hidden security tint is small and has a size smaller than the resolution of the copying machine, it becomes difficult to read the blank of the hidden security tint and reproduce it. In this case, the hidden security tint block is printed darker than the original because the dots are reproduced and the blank is not reproduced.

Therefore, when the form with the security tint block is copied, the basic security tint block 101 is lost and the hidden security tint block 102 is printed darker than the original of the copy source. As a result, a completely different form is created. It is clear that this form is a copy by copying, so that unauthorized copying can be checked.

Next, a form printed out by the form output device 1 is illustrated by taking an estimate as an example. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of form data stored in the form data memory 3b of the print memory 31 when creating an estimate. As shown in FIG. 15, the form data includes data related to the format of the estimate, such as the position of the ruled line of the form and the position of the date printing.

FIG. 16 shows that the print memory 3
An example of a security tint block stored in one tint block data memory 3c is shown. The security tint block shown in FIG. 16 is composed of a basic security tint block indicated by reference numeral F and hidden security tint blocks indicated by reference numerals G and H. The hidden security tint is a two character string of “copy invalid” indicated by reference sign G and “▲▲▲ industry” indicated by reference sign H. Among them, the character string “copy invalid” is selected from the security pattern B file 4g (FIG. 4B). Further, the character string “▲▲▲ Industry” is the distribution destination name set in the distribution destination table file 4i (FIG. 6A) in association with the form name “mitumori1”.

That is, the hidden security tint indicated by the symbol G can be used for all forms if selected by inputting an instruction.
An individual security tint for a quote named "mitumori1".

Then, the form data shown in FIG.
When the security tint block shown in FIG. 16 is combined with the security tint block shown in FIG.
Thus, a synthetic foam as shown in FIG. The composite form shown in FIG. 17 is a form in which a security tint block is arranged only in an area where a product name, a price, and the like are described in an estimate. For this reason, according to the combination form shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to control copying of a portion in which data such as a product name and a price is described.

Next, the print data stored in the print data memory 3a of the print memory 31 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the print data memory 3a contains data to be printed by a business application, such as a product name and a price, to be printed on a form.

FIG. 19 shows the composite form shown in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form obtained based on the print data illustrated in FIG. 18. It is in the form of a quote, but the security tint block is printed in the area where the price and product name are described.

When the form shown in FIG. 19 is copied by a copying machine, as shown in FIG. 20, “copy invalid” and “▲▲▲ industrial” printed as the hidden security tint are printed.
Character string appears clearly. Therefore, in copying by the copying machine, only a copy completely different from the original of the form created by the form output device 1 can be obtained, so that illegal copying can be checked.

FIG. 21 exemplifies a customer list as a form printed by the form output device 1. FIG. 21 (a)
In the customer list shown in (b), "copy prohibited" is printed as a hidden security tint, and the tint block of the name of the distribution destination generated in the individual security tint block generation process (FIG. 11) is " Suzuki B "," Yamada K "
Is printed.

When the customer list shown in FIG. 21A is copied, a hidden security tint “Suzuki B” appears as shown in FIG. This hidden security tint is
This is the name of the distribution destination of each form, and this copy is "Suzuki B"
It is clear that the material distributed to was copied.

That is, if a different distribution destination name is printed for each form as a hidden security tint, when the form is copied, the distribution destination of the form used as the original of the copy source can be specified. Therefore, illegal copying can be more strongly restrained. In the above individual security tint block generation processing (FIGS. 10 to 12), when the system date and the serial number of the form are printed as the hidden security tint, similarly, the printing date of the form as the original of the copy is similarly printed. Or, you can specify the serial number.

As described above, according to the form output device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 2
By executing the security tint block generation process (FIG. 8), the security pattern A stored in the storage device 4 is obtained.
Based on the settings in the file 4f, the security pattern B file 4g, and the security form definition file 4h, a security tint is generated that includes a basic security tint that disappears during copying and a hidden security tint that is clearly copied during copying. The print data stored in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c, the print data in the print data memory 3a, the form data in the form data memory 3b, and the security copy-forgery-inhibited pattern in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 3c are printed by the printing apparatus 6 through the print control process (FIG. 9). Have them print and create forms.

Thus, a form on which the print data and the security tint block are printed can be easily created. When the created form is copied by the copying machine, the basic security tint is not copied in the obtained copy, but the hidden security tint is clearly copied, which is apparently different from the original form. For this reason, it is meaningless to make a copy for an unauthorized purpose, so that the unauthorized copy can be checked.

Further, since the security tint block is printed by the printing device 6, a common print sheet can be used for printing a normal form without a security tint block and for printing a form with a security tint block. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of printing paper, and by using printing paper of various designs, it is possible to easily create a form with rich design while having a security tint block. Further, even in a case where a normal form and a form with a security tint block are alternately printed, the trouble of exchanging the printing paper and the like can be saved, and the work efficiency can be improved.

Further, in addition to general-purpose character strings such as “copy” and “invalid” as the hidden security tint, the name of the distribution destination, the serial number for each form set in the serial number management table file 4j, Information unique to each form, such as the print date and time, can be printed. That is, since a hidden security tint different for each original form is printed on a copy obtained by copying the form created by the form output device 1 with a copying machine, the original form is specified. It is possible to check copying for illegal purposes strongly.

Note that in the first embodiment,
The pattern used for the hidden security tint and the individual security tint is only one type shown in FIG. 4C, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the security pattern B file 4g shown in FIG. May be configured so that a desired pattern can be specified from among the plurality of patterns.

In the print control process shown in FIG. 9, each form is printed one by one. However, it is also possible to perform processing on a form composed of a plurality of pages. In this case, if the security tint block is generated for each page, various security tint blocks different for each page can be set, and a form in which pages with security tint blocks and pages without security tint blocks are mixed. However, printing can be performed quickly.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the form output device 1 prints out two types of forms: a form used as an original and a form used as a regular copy.

In the second embodiment, portions having the same configuration as the form output device 1 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

FIG. 23 shows the structure of the document management file 4k according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the document management file 4k, a form name is set in association with the last update date and time when each form was updated. In the document management file 4k, the date and time when the form was printed out, the name of the person who performed the output, the output category, the storage location of the outputted form, the name of the person in charge of storage, the output purpose, and the print count are set, respectively. Is done.

The print category is "1" or "2".
Is set. The print section “1” indicates the printing of the original, and the print section “2” indicates the printing of a regular copy. The print count indicates the number of copies printed, for example, 2
“2” is set when printing is performed collectively.

For example, in FIG. 23, the third record from the top indicates that the output person "Taro Yamada"
At 1:34 pm on the 0th, “2 copies” of “regular copy”
Indicates that it was printed.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the configuration of the security form definition file 4h according to the second embodiment. As shown in the drawing, a printer name, a form name, a form name, a security tint block data name, and the like are set in the security form definition file 4h.

The security form definition file 4h
Includes data for printing the original form and a form as a regular copy by the form output device 1.

For example, in the security form definition file 4h shown in FIG. 24, an item "DEV" in which a printer name is set, an item "NAME" in which a form name is set, "FORM" in which a form name is set, And the data of each item of “SEQ-FORM” in which the file name of the print control program and the security tint block data file are set.

Further, as data relating to the original printing, a character string of the original certification to be printed on the form as the original certification is set in the item “GEN-PR”, and the item “GEN-PR-MEN” is set in the item “GEN-PR-MEN”.
The print side on which the original certificate is to be printed is set, and the item "GEN-PR-C
OLOR "is set with the print color of the original certificate, and the item" GEN-
The font of the original certificate is set in "PR-FONT", and the printing start position of the original certificate is set in the item "GEN-PR-START".

The security form definition file 4h
The item “COP-
In "PR", a character string of a regular copy certificate to be printed on a form as proof of regular copy is set, and in the item "COP-PR-MEN", a printing surface on which the regular copy certificate is printed is set, and in the item "COP-PR-MEN", In "COP-PR-COLOR", the print color of the regular copy certificate is set, in the item "COP-PR-FONT", the font of the regular copy certificate is set, and in the item "COP-PR-START", The print start position of the regular copy certificate is set.

Therefore, the security form definition file 4
Based on the data of each item set in h, the character string of the original certificate can be printed on the form as the original, and the character string of the normal copy certificate can be printed on the form as a regular copy.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the print control process. In FIG. 24, first, the form name to be printed is input by operating the input unit 8, so that C
The PU 2 stores the form name as CYOUHYO in the RAM 3 (Step S101).

Subsequently, a print type indicating whether to print the original or to print a regular copy is input.
U2 stores the input type as SYUBETSU in the RAM 3 (step S102).

Next, when the name of the person in charge of output is input, the CP
U2 stores the input contents in the RAM 3 as P-TANTOU (step S103).

Thereafter, similarly, when the storage location is input, the CPU 2 stores the input content as HOKAN in the RAM 3 (step S104), and stores the input content in the RAM 3 as H-TANTOU when the storage clerk is input. (Step S1
05) Furthermore, when the output purpose is input, the input content is
It is stored in the RAM 3 as KUTEKI (step S10
6).

Then, the CPU 2 determines that the form specified in step S101, that is, the form name is CYOUHYO, and
Open the form stored in AM3 (step S107),
With reference to the document management file 4k corresponding to this form, the latest update date and time is obtained and stored in the RAM 3 as MODY-DATE, and the process proceeds to step S109 (step S10).
8).

At step S109, the CPU 2 refers to the security form definition file 4h and refers to the DEV, NAME,
FORM, SEQ # FORM, GEN-PR, GEN-PR-MEN, GEN-PR-COLOR,
GEN-PR-FONT, GEN-PR-START, COP-PR, COP-PR-MEN, CO
Acquire the setting values for each item such as P-PR-COLOR, COP-PR-FONT, COP-PR-START.

Thereafter, the CPU 2 shifts to step S110 to obtain security tint block data based on the obtained set value of SEQ # FORM in the RAM 3, stores it again in the RAM 3 as SEQ-FORM, and shifts to step S111. I do.

In step S111, the CPU 2 acquires the form data set in the acquired FORM in the RAM 3, stores it as CYO-FORM, and proceeds to step S112. In step S112, SEQ-FORM and CYO-FORM are combined and stored in the print memory 31.

Subsequently, in step S113, the CPU 2 reads the document management file 4k, and proceeds to step S114 to determine whether or not the set value of SYUBETSU is "1", that is, whether or not it indicates printing of the original. Is determined. If the original is to be printed (step S114; Y
es), the process proceeds to step S115, and if a regular copy is to be printed (step S114; No), the process proceeds to step S1.
Move to 17.

In step S115, the CPU 2 sets the character string to be printed to the set value of GEN-PR, and sets the printing surface to GEN-PR-M
Set to EN, set the print color to GEN-PR-COLOR, set the font to GEN-PR-FONT, and set the print start position to GEN-PR-START
And the set value is stored in the print memory 31.

[0138] Then, the CPU 2 performs the updating process of the document management file 4k and the printing process based on the various information related to printing (step S116), and ends the process.

When printing a regular copy, the CPU
2 sets the character string to be printed to the setting value of COP-PR, sets the printing surface to COP-PR-MEN, sets the printing color to COP-PR-COLOR, and sets the font to COP-PR-FONT. Set the print start position
COP-PR-START is set, and the set value is stored in the print memory 31 (step S117).

Thereafter, the CPU 2 performs a process of updating the document management file 4k and a process of printing based on various information related to printing (step S118), and ends the process.

Here, the update / print processing of the document management file 4k in step S116 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 27 shows the update / print processing of the document management file 4k when printing the original. First, the CPU 2 determines the set value of the form name CYOUHYO acquired in step S101 and
The document management file 4k is indexed based on the setting value of the last update date MODY-DATE acquired in step 08 (step S12).
1).

Then, it is determined whether or not there is a corresponding record (step S122). If there is a corresponding record, the process is terminated. If there is no corresponding record, 1 is set to the print count P-CNT (step S123), and then 1 is set to the section KBN (step S124).

Then, the CPU 2 determines the document management file based on the set values of KBN and P-CNT set in step S124 and the set values of H-TANTOU and MOKUTEKI obtained in the print control process (FIG. 25). 4k, a new record is recorded and the document management file 4k is updated (step S12).
5), proceed to step S126.

In step S126, the data in the print memory 31 is output to the printer driver to execute printing, and the process ends. By the above processing, the document management file 4k is updated every time the required original is printed, and since the already printed original is not printed again, the printing of the unauthorized original can be suppressed, and the form can be saved. Easy and reliable management.

Next, the process of updating the document management file 4k in step S119 (FIG. 26) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 28 shows a process of updating the document management file 4k when printing a regular copy. First, the CPU 2 determines the set value of the form name CYOUHYO acquired in step S101 and
The document management file 4k is indexed based on the setting value of the last update date MODY-DATE acquired in step 08 (step S13).
1).

Then, it is determined whether there is a corresponding record (step S132).
The print count P-CNT is set to 1 (step S13).
3) The process proceeds to step S135 described below. If there is a corresponding record, the value of the print count P-CNT of the record is incremented (+1) (step S134), and the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S135, the setting value of the distribution destination name is obtained from the distribution destination table file 4i based on the setting value of CYOUHYO.

Then, the process proceeds to step S136, where the CPU 2 obtains the number of distribution destination names with “,” included in the obtained distribution destination name as a delimiter, and sets the number in the HAIHU-CNT.
For example, in the distribution destination table file 4i, "XX section manager, XX section manager,「 section manager, □
□ ", CPU2
Recognizes “,” as a break and determines the number of elements of the distribution destination as “4”.

Subsequently, the CPU 2 determines that the value of P-CNT is HAIH
It is determined whether or not the value of U-CNT is exceeded (step S13).
7) If the value of P-CNT is larger than the value of HAIHU-CNT, this process is terminated.

If the value of P-CNT is equal to or smaller than HAIHU-CNT (step S137; No), the CPU 2 sets “2” to the section KBN (step S138).

Then, the CPU 2 proceeds to steps S137 to S137.
A new record is recorded in the document management file 4k based on the setting values of KBN and P-CNT set in 138 and the setting values of H-TANTOU and MOKUTEKI obtained in the print control processing (FIG. 25). The document management file 4k is updated (step S139).

After that, the CPU 2 outputs the data in the print memory 31 to the printer driver to execute the printing (step S140), and ends this processing.

By the above processing, the number of regular copies is printed only at the number of distribution destinations, so that the number of regular copies of a form can be easily and reliably managed.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen in the print control process (FIG. 25). The input screen shown in FIG. 29 is displayed on the display unit 7 when inputting each item such as a form name to be output, a division, an output person name, a storage location, a storage person, an output purpose, etc., prior to the print control processing. Screen. The operator can output a desired form by inputting each item according to the instructions on this screen.

Next, an example of a form printed by the form output device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form printed by the form output device 1 as an original. In FIG. 30, as indicated by a reference numeral L, a character string of an original certificate certifying the original is printed on a form printed as the original. In the example shown in FIG. 30, it is "original".

As described above, the printing color of the original certificate indicated by the symbol L is the security form definition file 4h (FIG. 24).
The color set as the GEN-PR-COLOR is a color that is difficult to read by a copying machine, such as transparent or yellow, and is easily lost during copying.

Further, the form shown in FIG. 30 has a basic security tint shown by reference numeral J and a hidden security tint shown by reference numeral K printed thereon. As described above, the basic security tint is lost during copying by the copier, and the hidden security tint is clearly copied during copying by the copier.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a form printed as a regular copy by the form output device 1. As shown in FIG. FIG.
As shown by the symbol M, a form printed as a regular copy is printed with a character string of a regular copy certifying that the copy is a regular copy. In the example shown in FIG.
OPY ".

Further, as described above, the print color of the regular copy certificate indicated by the symbol M is the security form definition file 4h.
The color set as COP-PR-COLOR in FIG. 24 is a color that is difficult to read by a copying machine and easily disappears during copying, such as transparent or yellow, like the printing color of the original certificate. is there.

FIG. 32 shows an example in which the forms shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 are copied by a copying machine. As shown in FIG. 32, when an original or a form of a regular copy is copied by a copying machine, the original copy certificate shown by a reference symbol L in FIG. 30 and the regular copy certificate shown by a reference symbol M in FIG. Both disappear and are not reproduced.

Also, the basic security tint shown by the symbol J disappears at the time of copying, and only the hidden security tint shown by the symbol K is clearly copied. For this reason,
Copying with a copier yields only those copies that are clearly legitimate copies.

FIG. 33 shows an example in which a system date is printed as a hidden security tint on a form printed as a regular copy. In the form shown in FIG. 33, in addition to the basic security tint shown by the symbol J and the hidden security tint shown by the symbol K, a hidden security tint of the system date shown by the symbol N is printed. Further, as shown by a symbol M, a character string of a normal copy certificate is printed.

FIG. 34 shows a case where the form shown in FIG. 33 is copied by a copying machine. As shown in FIG. 33, in FIG. 33, the basic security tint block indicated by the symbol J and the normal copy certificate indicated by the symbol M are lost during copying and are not reproduced.

On the other hand, the hidden security tint shown by the symbol K in FIG. 33 is clearly printed, and
The hidden security tint of the system date indicated by is printed clearly.

Therefore, it is clear that the form obtained by copying is an illegal copy by a copying machine, and since the printing date and time of the form as the original of the copy source is clear, a stronger illegal copy can be made. In addition to being able to check, it is possible to identify the original form in the case of unauthorized copying.

FIG. 35 shows an example in which a serial number is printed as a hidden security tint on a form printed as a regular copy. In the form shown in FIG. 35, in addition to the basic security tint shown by the symbol J, the hidden security tint shown by the symbol K, and the hidden security tint of the serial number shown by the symbol O are printed. Further, as shown by a symbol M, a character string of a normal copy certificate is printed.

FIG. 36 shows a case where the form shown in FIG. 35 is copied by a copying machine. As shown in FIG. 35, in FIG. 35, the basic security tint block indicated by the symbol J and the normal copy certificate indicated by the symbol M are lost during copying and are not reproduced.

On the other hand, the hidden security tint shown by the symbol K in FIG. 35 is clearly printed, and the symbol O
The hidden security tint of the serial number indicated by is printed clearly.

Therefore, it is clear that the form obtained by copying is an illegal copy by a copying machine, and since the serial number of the original form of the copy source is clear, a stronger illegal copy can be made. You can check it. Furthermore, in the case of unauthorized copying, the original form and information such as its storage location and the person in charge of management can be easily specified from the serial number.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the form printed as the original is printed with the character string of the original certification indicating the original, and is printed as a regular copy. The printed form is printed with a character string of a regular copy certificate indicating that the copy is a regular copy. Then, the character string of the original certificate and the character string of the normal copy certificate are printed so as to be lost at the time of copying by the copying machine. Further, for the form created by the form output device 1, management information such as the form name, the last update date and time, the classification of the original and regular copy, the person in charge of output, the storage location, etc. is stored as a document management file 4k. By controlling the printing of the form with the character string of the original certificate and the character string of the normal copy certificate in accordance with the contents in 4k, the number of copies of the form as the original is reduced by one.
The number of copies of a form as a regular copy is limited to the number of distribution destinations.

Therefore, the form with security tint block can be easily managed by storing the document management file 4k. In particular, by storing the document management file 4k in the form output device 1, the management can be performed manually. As compared with the case where the information is recorded, mistakes in recording and intentional alteration of information can be more reliably prevented, and the form can be surely protected. In addition, by printing the character string of the original certificate and the character string of the regular copy certification, while certifying that the original and the regular copy are valid,
Since the number of copies of the original and regular copies is limited, it is possible to suppress copying by the copying machine and prevent unnecessary printing by the form output device 1, thereby reliably protecting print data and improving reliability. it can.

In particular, the contents of the document management file 4k are updated at the time of printing the original and regular copy, and the number of copies is limited based on the contents of the document management file 4k. Restrictions can be made reliably without being affected by actions.

In the second embodiment, the character string of the original certificate and the character string of the normal copy certificate are
Although the printing is performed in the printing color set in the security form definition file 4h, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing may be performed as a part of the hidden security tint, or At a printing position apart from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern, printing may be performed using the same print color and pattern as the basic security copy-forgery-inhibited pattern and hidden security copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. Further, the form name, type, person in charge, and the like to be printed are input through the input unit 8, but may be configured to receive only input based on a specific input means or input method.

Further, the setting items in the document management file 4k are merely examples, and the configuration is arbitrary, and it goes without saying that the specific detailed configuration can be changed as appropriate.

[0177]

According to the printing control apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and the storage medium of the sixth aspect, the copy obtained by the copying machine is different from the original printed matter in appearance. Copying for an unauthorized purpose does not make sense because it becomes clear that the copy was made. As a result, duplication for an unauthorized purpose can be suppressed, and the printed content can be protected. Also, there is no need to facilitate special printing media such as special paper in advance,
Since a general print medium can be used, it is not necessary to strictly manage the print medium before printing even when an important printed matter is created. As a result, the cost of the print medium can be reduced, and the management cost can be reduced. In addition, since a common print medium can be used for a printed matter that does not require a copy-forgery-inhibited tint block, it is possible to save trouble such as replacement of the print medium. Then, since the copy-control tint block generated by the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern block is printed, there is no need to worry about an increase in cost even if the types of the copy-control tint block patterns are increased. A desired printed matter can be created without any restrictions.

According to the printing control apparatus of the present invention, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generating means determines the remaining pattern at the time of copying consisting of a common pattern common to a plurality of prints and a variable pattern indicating information unique to each print. Since the copy check tint including the copy check pattern is generated, it is possible to print a different copy remaining pattern for each printed material, such as the name of the distribution destination, the printing date and time, and the serial number sequentially assigned to the printed material. In other words, on the copy obtained by copying the printed matter with a copier, the remaining pattern at the time of copying that is different for each original printed matter is printed, so that the original printed matter can be identified and copied for an unauthorized purpose. Can be strongly restrained.

According to the printing control apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, management information relating to a printed matter created by the printing apparatus,
For example, since information such as the document name of the printed matter, the person in charge of printing, the printing date and time, and the storage location after printing is stored in the storage unit, the printed matter with the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern can be easily managed. Further, since the management information is stored in the print control device, it is possible to more reliably prevent a recording error or intentional alteration, and to more reliably manage the printed matter, as compared with a case where management is performed manually after printing.

According to the printing control apparatus of the fourth aspect, the original printing control means prints the original certification pattern, which is difficult to be copied by the copying machine, on the printing medium together with the copy check pattern and the print data. Since the number of times of printing the original certification pattern for one print data is limited to only one by the original printing restriction means, only a part of the printed matter on which the original certification pattern indicating the original is printed is created. As a result, the original on which the copy check pattern and the original certification pattern are printed is not duplicated. For this reason, while the duplication by the copying machine is restricted by the copy check tint block and the original certification pattern, by preventing the copy of the printed matter as the original copy, the printed contents can be more reliably protected and the reliability can be improved. .

According to the printing control apparatus of the present invention, the normal copy print control means prints the normal copy certification pattern which is difficult to copy by the copying machine on the print medium together with the copy check pattern and print data. The number of distribution destinations corresponding to the printed matter on which the regular copy certification pattern is printed is acquired by the distribution destination number acquisition unit, and the number of times the regular copy certification pattern is printed for one print data by the regular copy print control unit is The original printing restriction means limits the number of distribution destinations acquired by the distribution number acquisition means to less than the number of distribution destinations.
A printed matter on which a regular copy certification pattern for certifying a regular copy is printed, only the number of copies corresponding to the distribution destination is printed. As a result, the printed matter on which the copy check pattern and the regular copy certification pattern are printed is not duplicated more than necessary. Therefore, while the duplication by the copier is restricted by the copy check tint block and the regular copy certification pattern, the redundant printing of the original is prevented, so that the print content is more reliably protected and the reliability is improved. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing in detail a configuration in a print memory 31 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing in detail a file configuration in a storage device 4 shown in FIG.

4A and 4B are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of each file shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 4A shows a security pattern A file 4f;
(B) shows the security pattern B file 4g
(C) shows an example of a pattern used for the hidden security tint block.

FIG. 5 shows a security form definition file 4h shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the structure of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of each file shown in FIG. 3; FIG. 6A shows a distribution destination table file 4i;
(B) shows the serial number management table file 4j.

7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the form output device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and each file in the storage device 4 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing security tint block generation processing executed by the form output device 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a print control process executed by the form output device 1 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example in which individual security tint block generation processing in step S30 of FIG. 9 is performed using a serial number.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example in which individual security tint block generation processing in step S30 of FIG. 9 is performed using the name of a distribution destination.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example in which individual security tint block generation processing in step S30 of FIG. 9 is performed using a system date.

13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a security tint block according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 13A illustrates a security tint block printed on a form by the form output device 1, and FIG.
Shows a case where the security tint block shown in (a) is copied by a copying machine.

14 is an enlarged view of a main part of the security tint block shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of form data of a form printed out according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a security tint block of a form printed out according to the first embodiment;

17 is a diagram showing an example of a combined form obtained by combining the form data shown in FIG. 15 and the security tint block shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of print data of a form printed out according to the first embodiment.

19 is a diagram showing an example of a form obtained by printing the composite form shown in FIG. 17 and the print data shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a case where the form shown in FIG. 19 is copied by a copying machine.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams illustrating an example of a form printed and output in the first embodiment. FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams of a form on which an individual security tint block is printed based on the name of a distribution destination. Here is an example.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a case where the forms shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B are copied by a copying machine.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a document management file 4k according to the second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a security form definition file 4h according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a print control process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a print control process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing in detail the update / print processing of the document management file 4k executed in step S116 of FIG.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing in detail the update / print processing of the document management file 4k executed in step S118 of FIG.

FIG. 29 shows a display unit 7 in the print control processing shown in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen displayed by the user.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form printed and output as an original in the second embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form printed out as a regular copy in the second embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a case where the forms shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 are copied by a copying machine.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form printed out as a regular copy in the second embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a case where the form shown in FIG. 33 is copied by a copying machine.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of a form printed out as a regular copy in the second embodiment.

36 is a diagram showing a case where the form shown in FIG. 35 is copied by a copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 form output device 2 CPU 3 RAM 31 print memory 3a print data memory 3b form data memory 3c copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data memory 4 storage device 4a business application file 4b program file 4c report form data file 4d security copy-forgery-inhibited pattern data file 4e print data file 4f security pattern A file 4g Security pattern B file 4h Security form definition file 4i Distribution destination table file 4j Serial number management table file 4k Document management file 5 Storage medium 6 Printing device 7 Display unit 8 Input unit 9 Transmission control unit 10 Bus

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/40 H04N 1/40 Z 9A001 (72) Inventor Tetsushi Takeshita 2-229 Sakuragaoka, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo F-term in the Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Tokyo office (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 CL10 JJ02 2H027 DA41 EE07 EE08 EJ04 EJ06 EJ08 EJ09 FA33 FD01 FD08 FD10 2H034 FA01 5C076 AA14 AA16 BA02 BA06 CA02 5C06 PP02 PP06 BB03 BB04 CC02 DD07 HH28 JJ35 KK42 LL03

Claims (6)

[Claims] A print control apparatus for producing a printed matter by a printing apparatus, wherein a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is generated by a copy-inhibited pattern which is difficult to copy by a copying machine and a copy-inhibited pattern which can be copied by a copying machine. A print control apparatus comprising: a generation unit; and a control unit configured to print the copy check tint block generated by the tint block generation unit together with print data on a print medium to generate the printed matter. 2. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern generation means for generating a copy-control copy-forgery-inhibited pattern including a remaining pattern at the time of copying consisting of a common pattern common to a plurality of the printed materials and a variable pattern indicating unique information for each printed material. The print control device according to claim 1. 3. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit configured to store management information relating to a printed matter created by the printing apparatus. 4. An original printing control means for printing an original certification pattern, which is difficult to copy by a copying machine, on said print medium together with said copy check pattern and said print data, and said one original printing control means 4. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an original printing restriction unit configured to limit the number of times of printing the original certification pattern for data to only one. 5. A normal copy print control means for printing a normal copy certification pattern, which is difficult to copy by a copying machine, on said print medium together with said copy check pattern and said print data, and a normal copy print control means. A distribution destination number acquisition unit for acquiring the number of distribution destinations corresponding to the printed matter on which the certification pattern is printed; and 5. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an original printing restriction unit configured to limit the number of distribution destinations acquired by the distribution destination acquisition unit to the number of distribution destinations or less. 6. A storage medium storing a computer-executable program for causing a printing device to create a printed matter, wherein the pattern is a copy-erasing pattern that is difficult to copy by a copying machine and a copy-remaining pattern that can be copied by a copying machine. A computer-executable program code for generating a copy-control tint block by the computer, and a computer-executable program code for causing the printing device to print the generated copy-control tint block on a print medium together with print data. A storage medium storing a program including: