JP2008131452A - Image-forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate a pattern image suitable for the preferences of a user by improving the degree of freedom when generating the pattern image. <P>SOLUTION: An image-forming device 1 has a control section. The control section acquires the original image of a latent image and a background original image from the outside, performs mask processing to the original image of the latent image by a first mask image in which dots are arranged concentrically to generate a latent image, performs mask processing to the background original image from a second mask image in which dots are arranged dispersedly to generate a background image, and composites the generated latent image and the background image to generate the pattern image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that generates a tint block image.

  In recent years, with the improvement in image quality of image forming devices, documents and banknotes, etc. that are forbidden to be copied due to legal or confidential reasons such as forms, resident certificates, checks, stock certificates, etc. Has occurred.

  As a measure for preventing the above-described problem, a specially printed paper called anti-counterfeit paper is used. On the anti-counterfeit paper, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image synthesized with a background image is formed so that a latent image composed of characters and symbols such as “copy prohibited” is difficult to see.

  In this copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the dots disappear after the copying because the latent image where the dots remain after copying because the dots are concentrated and the dots having the same density as the latent image are dispersed and arranged. When it is copied by the image forming apparatus, a latent image composed of predetermined characters and symbols such as “copy prohibited” appears to appear. Therefore, by using the paper on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed, it is possible to consciously suppress illegal copying or to specify the original.

  As an image forming apparatus for forming such a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, for example, a combined copy of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and a body image such as a document is formed, and as an image forming apparatus for printing out, a unit copy-forgery-inhibited pattern print pattern is selected and read out. The unit copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing pattern is repeatedly written in the overlay frame memory and expanded as many times as the predetermined print area is filled, and the image data corresponding to the print information input by the host device is expanded in the data frame memory. A technique for synthesizing data expanded in a memory and printing it out is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a plurality of pieces of style information including a plurality of pieces of setting information of the tint block print (contrast of the latent image or background image, character string and image data to be the latent image, font and size of the character string, etc.) are stored. A technique for generating a tint block pattern based on style information selected from the plurality of style information and drawing the tint block pattern together with print data is disclosed (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-164739 JP 2005-107777 A

  However, in the conventional technology as described above, a character string or image data that becomes a latent image can be selected only from a character string or image data stored in advance, and a background image that is stored in advance. The user can select only the character string and image data desired by the user as a latent image or background image, and the degree of freedom in generating a tint block image is limited. Accordingly, a tint block image cannot be generated.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom in generating a tint block image and to generate a tint block image according to the user's preference.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided image acquisition means for acquiring a first image that is a source of a latent image and a second image that is a source of a background image from the outside, and a first in which dots are concentrated. A mask process is performed on the first image using one mask image to generate the latent image, and a mask process is performed on the second image using a second mask image in which dots are dispersed. The image forming apparatus includes a generation unit that generates the background image and generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by combining the generated latent image and the background image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the image acquisition unit acquires the first image or the second image from an external device connected via a network. It is characterized by that.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the image forming apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a document, and the image acquisition unit is read by the image reading unit. The image is acquired as the first image or the second image.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the image forming apparatus includes an image storage unit that stores the first image or the second image, and the generation unit. Is characterized in that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated by reading out the first image or the second image stored in the image storage means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the binarization is performed to perform a binarization process on the first image and the second image. And the generation unit repeatedly arranges the first image and the second image binarized by the binarization unit in a predetermined area, respectively, and the first repetitive image. Repetitive image generation means for generating a second repetitive image, and the mask processing using AND processing is applied to the first repetitive image and the first mask image generated by the repetitive image generation means, and A latent image generating unit that generates a latent image, and the background image obtained by subjecting the second repetitive image generated by the repetitive image generating unit and the second mask image to the mask processing using AND processing. A background image generating means for generating A reversal processing unit configured to perform a reversal process on one of the first repetitive image and the second repetitive image generated by the reverse image generation unit to generate a reversal image; and Processing for generating a processed image by performing AND processing on either the latent image or the background image generated by the generated reverse image and the other image not subjected to the reverse processing by the reverse processing means OR processing is performed on the image generation unit, the processed image generated by the processed image generation unit, and the latent image or the background image that is the original of the inverted image generated by the inversion processing unit. And a tint block image generating means for generating the tint block image.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the repetitive image generating unit arranges the first image row in which the first images are arranged in a plurality of rows. When generating the first repetitive image, the first repetitive image includes an input unit that receives an instruction of a distance between the first images and an arrangement start position of an odd row or an even row, and the repetitive image generation unit includes the input unit. The first repetitive image is generated in accordance with the instruction received by.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a tint block image storage unit that stores the tint block image generated by the generating unit. It is said.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a composite image is generated by combining a main body image and the tint block image generated by the generating unit. The image processing apparatus includes: a composite image generation unit; and an image formation unit that forms the composite image generated by the component image generation unit on a recording medium.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first image that is the source of the latent image and the second image that is the source of the background image can be acquired from the outside. Since the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated based on the second image, the degree of freedom of generation of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be improved, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image according to the user's preference can be generated.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained, as well as the first image and background from which the latent image is generated from an external device connected via the network. The second image that is the source of the image can be acquired, and a tint block image can be generated based on the image created by the external device.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first or second aspect can be obtained, and the image read by the image reading unit is converted into the first image and the original latent image. The second image that is the source of the background image can be acquired, and a tint block image can be generated based on the image formed on the document.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in any one of the first to third aspects can be obtained, as well as the first latent image stored in the image storage means. A copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated using the first image and the second image that is the basis of the background image.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as any one of the first to fourth aspects can be obtained, and the latent image can be obtained based on the acquired first image and second image. An image image and a background image can be generated, and a tint block image can be generated based on the generated latent image and background image.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in the fifth aspect can be obtained, and the first repetitive image can be generated according to the preference of the user.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the same effect as in any one of the first to sixth aspects can be obtained, and the tint block image generated according to the user's preference is stored. The stored tint block image can be read and used as necessary, and the time and labor required to generate the tint block image can be reduced.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, the same effect as in any one of claims 1 to 7 can be obtained, and a composite image is generated according to the main body image and the generated tint block image. The generated composite image can be formed on a recording medium.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment reads an image from a document, forms the image on a recording medium such as paper as a processing target paper, or forms an image based on image data received from an external device or the like. It is a digital multi-function peripheral provided with image forming means for forming on a recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body 1a and a printer controller 1b. The image forming apparatus 1 is communicably connected to an external device PC on the network N via a LANIF (Local Area Network InterFace) 14b of the printer controller 1b.

  The main body 1a includes an image reading unit 20, an operation display unit 30, a printing unit 40, and an image control unit 100.

  The image control unit 100 includes a control unit 110, a nonvolatile memory 120, a reading processing unit 130, a compression IC 140, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 150, an image memory 160, a decompression IC 170, and a writing processing unit 180.

  The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 110 includes the nonvolatile memory 120 and various processing programs stored in the ROM. Central control of the operation of each part. For example, in accordance with an instruction signal input from the operation display unit 30 or the external device PC, the copy mode, the printer mode, and the scanner mode are switched, the processing program for each mode is read, and control such as copying, printing, and reading of image data is performed. Do.

In addition, the control unit 110 is configured to realize the present invention.
A first image (hereinafter referred to as a latent image original image) that is a source of a latent image from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 using the external device PC or the image reading unit 20 connected to the printer controller 1b via the network N. And an image acquisition unit that executes an image acquisition process for acquiring a second image (hereinafter referred to as a background original image) that is a source of the background image, and stores the acquired latent image original image and background original image in the image memory 160. The acquired latent image original image and background original image, or the latent image original image and background original image previously stored in the image memory 160 are masked against the latent image original image by a first mask image described later. A latent image is generated by performing processing, and a background image is generated by performing mask processing on the background original image using a second mask image described later, and the generated latent image and background image are Generation means for executing generation processing for generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and synthesis for executing composite image generation processing for generating a composite image by performing OR processing on a body image to be described later acquired from outside and the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image The function as an image generation means is realized.

  The latent image is, for example, an image formed with dots in which markers forming symbols such as “copy prohibited” and “copy material” are concentrated, and dots remain after copying. An image on which a sign such as “copying prohibited” is displayed, for example, an image referred to as a background pattern. The background image is an image formed by dots in which an image having substantially the same density as that of the latent image is dispersed and disappears after copying or is less noticeable than the latent image. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is an image combined with the background image so that the latent image is difficult to see.

The first mask image is an image in which a first mask pattern in which dots are concentrated and arranged in a predetermined size is repeatedly arranged in a predetermined region, and mask processing is performed on the latent image original image. It is the image which gives. The second mask image is an image in which a second mask pattern in which dots are dispersed and arranged in a predetermined size is repeatedly arranged in a predetermined area, and mask processing is performed on the background original image. It is an image to be applied.
The predetermined area is an area in which an image can be formed on a recording medium on which a composite image is formed (hereinafter referred to as an image forming area).

  The main body image is an image including text data composed of characters and symbols, and image data such as graphics and photographs. The composite image is an image generated by overlapping the main body image and the background image so that the image quality of the main body image does not deteriorate.

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration diagram when generating processing is executed in the control unit 110.
As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 110 includes a binarization unit 110a, a repetition unit 110b, a latent image generation unit 110c, a background image generation unit 110d, an inversion unit 110e, a processed image generation unit 110f, and a tint block image generation unit. And a generation unit 110h including 110g.

  The binarization unit 110a realizes a function as binarization means for performing binarization processing on the latent image original image and the background original image, and the binarized latent image original image and background original image Is stored in the image memory 160.

  The repeating unit 110b repeatedly arranges the binarized latent image original image and background original image stored in the image memory 160 in the image forming area according to the instruction input from the operation display unit 30, respectively. A function as repetitive image generation means for generating a first repetitive image (hereinafter, latent image repetitive image) and a second repetitive image (hereinafter, background repetitive image) is realized, and the first mask pattern and the second mask Each pattern is repeatedly arranged in the image forming area to generate a first mask image and a second mask image.

  The latent image generation unit 110c performs a mask process using AND processing on the latent image repetitive image generated by the repetition unit 110b and the first mask image and combines them to generate a latent image image. As a function.

  The background image generation unit 110d has a function as a background image generation unit that generates a background image by performing mask processing using AND processing on the background repetition image and the second mask image generated by the repetition unit 110b. Realize.

  The reversing unit 110e realizes a function as a reversing processing unit that performs reversal processing on either one of the latent image repetitive image and the background repetitive image generated by the repetitive unit 110b to generate a reversal image. In the present embodiment, the reversing unit 110e performs reversal processing on the latent image repetitive image.

  The processed image generation unit 110f is a reverse image generated by the reverse unit 110e (in this embodiment, a reverse image of the latent image repetitive image) and the other image that has not been subjected to the reverse process by the reverse unit 110e (this embodiment). In the embodiment, a function as a processed image generation means for generating a processed image by performing an AND process on one of the latent image and the background image (background image in the present embodiment) generated by the background repeated image). Realize.

  The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generation unit 110g is either a processed image generated by the processed image generation unit 110f or a latent image or background image (in this embodiment, a latent image) that is the original of the inverted image. A function as a tint block image generating means for generating a tint block image by performing OR processing on is realized.

  Therefore, the generation unit 110h including the repetition unit 110b, the latent image generation unit 110c, the background image generation unit 110d, the inversion unit 110e, the processed image generation unit 110f, and the tint block image generation unit 110g realizes a function as a generation unit.

  As described above, the generation unit 110h can generate the latent image and the background image based on the acquired latent image original image and the background original image, and generate the tint block image based on the generated latent image and the background image. Can do.

  The nonvolatile memory 120 stores various processing programs and data related to image formation, as well as data processed by various other programs, and the nonvolatile memory 120 stores a first mask pattern and a second mask pattern. Is realized.

  The reading processing unit 130 performs various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, and shading processing on the analog image signal input from the image reading unit 20, and then generates digital image data. The generated image data is output to the compression IC 140.

  The compression IC 140 performs compression processing on the input digital image data and outputs it to the DRAM control IC 150.

  The DRAM control IC 150 controls the compression processing of the digital image data by the compression IC 140 and the decompression processing of the compressed image data by the decompression IC 170 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 160. . For example, when an instruction to store the analog image signal read by the image reading unit 20 is given, the compression processing of the digital image data input from the reading processing unit 130 is executed by the compression IC 140, and the compressed image data is stored in the image memory 160. Stored in the compression memory 161. When the print output of the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 161 is instructed, the compressed image data is read from the compression memory 161, decompressed by the decompression IC 170, and stored in the page memory 162. Further, when an instruction to print out the uncompressed image data stored in the page memory 162 is given, the uncompressed image data is read from the page memory 162 and output to the writing processing unit 180.

  The image memory 160 includes a compression memory 161 and a page memory 162 configured from DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The compression memory 161 is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 162 is a memory for temporarily storing uncompressed image data to be printed out before print output.

  The image memory 160 also includes a latent image original image or background original image acquired from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 using the external device PC connected to the printer controller 1b via the network N, the image reading unit 20, or the like. The image storage means for storing the preset latent image original image or background original image, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image storage means for storing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated by the generation process are realized.

  The generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is stored in the image memory 160, so that the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be stored according to the user's preference, and the stored copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be read and used as necessary. It is possible to reduce the time and labor required to generate the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image.

  The decompression IC 170 performs decompression processing on the input compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 180 generates print data for image formation based on the uncompressed image data input from the DRAM control IC 150 and outputs the print data to the print unit 40.

  The image reading unit 20 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor 21, an image reading control unit 200, and an automatic document feeding unit, a reading unit, and the like (not shown). The image reading control unit 200 controls the automatic document feeding unit, the reading unit, and the like to execute exposure scanning of the platen glass and the document surface placed on the reading position, and the reflected light is photoelectrically generated by the CCD image sensor 21. Read the original image with conversion. The read analog image signal is output to the reading processing unit 130 of the image control unit 100.

  The image reading unit 20 reads an image of a reading object such as a document placed on the platen glass as a latent image original image and a background original image, or a main body image, and transmits the image to the image control unit 100. A function as a means is realized.

  The operation display unit 30 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 31, an operation display control unit 300, and other touch panels and operation key groups (not shown). A touch panel is provided on the LCD 31 so as to cover the LCD 31, and the operation display control unit 300 performs various setting screens and various processing results for inputting various setting conditions according to display signals input from the control unit 110. Etc. are displayed on the LCD 31. Further, the operation display control unit 300 outputs an operation signal input from the operation key group or the touch panel to the control unit 110.

  In addition, when executing the generation process for generating the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the operation display unit 30 instructs to acquire a background original image, an instruction to acquire a latent image original image, and a sheet according to the type of recording medium on which the composite image is formed. In addition to receiving an instruction of size, a plurality of arrangement patterns of the latent image original image are displayed, an arrangement pattern instruction screen for receiving the instruction of the arrangement pattern, and the designated arrangement pattern includes a plurality of latent image original images arranged in a straight line. In the case of an arrangement pattern in which a plurality of rows of latent image original images are arranged, position information (x, y) indicating the distance between the latent image original images, position information (z) indicating the arrangement start position of odd or even rows ) Is displayed on the LCD 31, and various instruction signals input by a touch panel or operation keys are output to the control unit 110. To achieve.

  As described above, the user can instruct the arrangement pattern and the position information (x, y, z) via the operation display unit 30, so that the latent image repetitive image can be generated according to the user's preference.

  The paper size corresponding to the type of recording medium is a standardized paper size such as A3 size, A4 size, B5 size, B6 size, etc., and an image that is an area in which a composite image can be formed according to this paper size. A formation region is predetermined. Therefore, the size of the image forming area is determined by receiving an instruction for the paper size.

  As an arrangement pattern displayed on the arrangement pattern instruction screen, for example, an arrangement pattern in which a plurality of latent image original images in which a plurality of latent image original images are arranged in a straight line is arranged, or a latent image original image sequence is a recording magnification medium. The arrangement pattern is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance direction, the arrangement pattern in which the latent image original image is arranged in a staggered manner, the arrangement pattern in which these are combined, and the like.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of an arrangement pattern in which a plurality of latent image original image sequences in which a plurality of latent image original images are arranged on a straight line are arranged. In the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 3, five rows of latent image original images R in which two latent image original images G1 are arranged in a direction B orthogonal to the conveyance direction A of the recording medium are arranged.

  As the positional information (x, y) indicating the distance between the latent image original images G1, the distance between the latent image original images G1 adjacent to the direction B perpendicular to the transport direction A is x, and adjacent to the transport direction A. The distance between the latent image original images G1 is y.

  Further, the position information (z) indicating the arrangement start position of the odd-numbered row or even-numbered row is arranged in the image forming region E from the end of the latent image sequence R in the arrangement direction to the head of the latent image sequence R. A distance z to the latent image original image is set.

  The print unit 40 performs electrophotographic image formation processing based on the input print data, and print outputs such as a paper feed unit, a paper feed conveyance unit, an image formation unit 41, a fixing unit, and a carry-out unit. And the print control unit 400. The print control unit 400 controls the operation of each unit of the print unit 40 such as the image forming unit 41 according to an instruction from the control unit 110, and forms an image on a recording medium based on the print data input from the writing processing unit 180. Let it be done.

  In addition, the print unit 40 forms an image forming a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or a composite image on a recording medium based on print data of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image or a composite image in which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and the main body image are combined in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 110. A function as a means is realized.

  Next, each part of the printer controller 1b will be described. The printer controller 1b manages and controls print jobs input to the image forming apparatus 1 from an external apparatus PC connected to the network N when the image forming apparatus 1 is used as a network printer. It has a function of receiving data to be printed from the PC and allocating the data as a print job according to the operating state of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The printer controller 1b includes a controller control unit 11b, a DRAM control IC 12b, an image memory 13b, and a LANIF 14b.

  The controller control unit 11b comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the printer controller 1b, and the operation state of the image forming apparatus 1 includes data such as a latent image original image and a background original image input from the external device PC via the LANIF 14b. In accordance with the function, the function of delivering the job to the main body 1a is realized.

  The DRAM control IC 12b controls storage of data received by the LANIF 14b in the image memory 13b and reading of data from the image memory 13b. The DRAM control IC 12b is connected to the DRAM control IC 150 of the image control unit 100 via a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and reads data from the image memory 13b in accordance with an instruction from the controller control unit 11b to the DRAM control IC 150. Output.

  The image memory 13b is composed of a DRAM and temporarily stores output data that has been input.

  The LANIF 14b is a communication interface for connecting to a network N such as a network interface card (NIC) or a modem, and receives data from the external device PC. The received data is output to the DRAM control IC 12b.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a sorting unit that performs a sorting process on recording media on which images are formed, a punch unit that performs a punching process that punches holes, a stapling unit that performs a stapling process that stops staples on a bundle of storage media, a folding unit. You may provide the post-processing unit provided with the folding unit which performs a process, the cutting unit which performs a cutting process, etc.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
4 to 8 are flowcharts relating to image acquisition processing, generation processing, and composite image generation processing in the present embodiment. The operations illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8 are executed by the cooperation of each unit of the image control unit 100 and the control unit 110.

FIG. 4 shows a main flowchart regarding image acquisition processing, generation processing, and composite image generation processing in the present embodiment.
First, when an instruction to execute this processing is received from the operation display unit 30, a selection instruction for a means for acquiring a tint block original image (latent image original image and background original image) is received (step S1). For example, on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, as a means capable of acquiring a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, a screen on which the image reading unit 20, the external device PC, and the image memory 160 can be selected is displayed, and the selection instruction is accepted.

  When it is determined whether or not an instruction to acquire the background pattern original image is received from the image reading unit 20 (step S2), and when it is determined that an instruction to acquire the background pattern original image is received from the image reading unit 20 (step S2; Yes) Then, an image acquisition process for acquiring a latent image original image from the image reading unit 20 is executed (step S3), and further, an image acquisition process for acquiring a background original image from the image reading unit 20 is executed (step S4), and step S11. Proceed to

  When it is determined that an instruction to acquire a background pattern original image has not been received from the image reading unit 20 (step S2; No), it is determined whether an instruction to acquire a background pattern original image has been received from the external device PC (step S2). S5) When it is determined that an instruction to acquire a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original image has been received from the external device PC (step S5; Yes), an image acquisition process for acquiring a latent image original image from the external device PC is executed (step S6). Further, an image acquisition process for acquiring a background original image from the external device PC is executed (step S7), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  When it is determined that an instruction to acquire a background pattern original image has not been received from the external device PC (step S5; No), it is determined whether an instruction to acquire a background pattern original image has been received from the image memory 160 (step S8). ), When it is determined that an instruction to acquire the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original image has been received from the image memory 160 (step S8; Yes), an image acquisition process for acquiring the latent image original image from the image memory 160 is executed (step S9). Further, an image acquisition process for acquiring a background original image from the image memory 160 is executed (step S10), and the process proceeds to step S11.

  When it is determined that the instruction to acquire the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern original image is not received from the image memory 160 (step S8; No), this process is terminated.

  After the latent image original image and the background original image are acquired, an arrangement pattern instruction screen for the latent image original image is displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30 (step S11), and an instruction for the arrangement pattern is received (step S12). .

  After the arrangement pattern instruction is received, an arrangement interval instruction screen is displayed on the CD of the operation display unit 30 (step S13), and position information x, y, z is received as the arrangement interval instruction (step S14). ).

  After step S14, a generation process is executed to generate a tint block image (step S15). After the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated, a screen for accepting an instruction to form the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the recording medium is displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, and an instruction to form the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the recording medium. Is determined (step S16).

  When it is determined that an instruction to form a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the recording medium is received (step S16; Yes), the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is output as print data to the print unit 40, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is formed and output on the recording medium. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image forming process is executed (step S17).

  If it is determined that an instruction not to form a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image on the recording medium is received (step S16; No), the process proceeds to step S18.

  A screen for accepting an instruction as to whether or not to form a composite image on a recording medium is displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, and it is determined whether or not an instruction for forming a composite image on the recording medium has been accepted (step). S18).

  When it is determined that an instruction not to form a composite image on the recording medium is received (step S18; No), the process returns to step S1.

  If it is determined that an instruction to form a composite image on a recording medium is received (step S18; Yes), a main body image is acquired from the image reading unit 20 or the external device PC (step S19), and the acquired main body image and A composite image generation process is performed in which OR processing is performed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image generated in step S15 to generate a composite image (step S20).

  When the composite image generation process is executed and the composite image is generated, the generated composite image is output as print data to the printing unit 40, and a print process is executed in which the composite image is formed and output on the recording medium ( Step S21), the process is terminated.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an image acquisition process for acquiring a latent image original image from the image reading unit 20 executed in step S3.

  First, a screen showing a procedure for acquiring a latent image original image is displayed on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, for example, “A document on which an image (hereinafter referred to as a document image) is formed is placed on a platen, and a reading start key is pressed. A screen with a message such as “Please press” is displayed (step S31). The user places a document on which a document image is formed on the platen according to the screen displayed on the LCD 31.

  A document placed on the platen is detected (step S32), and a document image formed on the document is read as a latent image original image (step S33).

  Then, the binarization processing is performed on the original image read as the latent image original image (step S34), the binarized latent image original image is stored (step S35), and this processing is ended. The

  The flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the background original image from the image reading unit 20 executed in step S4 is the latent image source of the flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the latent image original image from the image reading unit 20 shown in FIG. Since the image is the same as the background original image, illustration and description are omitted.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of image acquisition processing for acquiring a latent image original image from the external device PC executed in step S6.

  First, on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, a procedure for acquiring a latent image original image and a screen showing a list of connectable external devices PC, for example, “specify an external device from a list of displayed external devices PC, A screen displaying a message such as “Please select an image to be the latent image source image” is displayed (step S41). The user gives an instruction to select the external device PC according to the screen displayed on the LCD 31.

  When an instruction to select an external device PC is received by the operation display unit 30 (step S42), a list of image data that can be acquired by the image forming apparatus 1 among the images of the selected external device PC is displayed (step S43). ) The user gives an instruction to select desired image data from the displayed list of image data.

  When an instruction for selecting image data is received by the operation display unit 30 (step S44), the selected image data is read as a latent image original image via the printer controller 1b (step S45).

  Then, the binarization processing is performed on the image data read as the latent image original image (step S46), the binarized latent image original image is stored (step S47), and this processing is terminated. The

  The flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the background original image from the external device PC executed in step S7 is the latent image original image of the flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the latent image original image from the external device PC shown in FIG. Since it is the same except that it becomes a background original image, illustration and description are omitted.

  FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an image acquisition process for acquiring a latent image original image from the image memory 160 executed in step S9.

  First, on the LCD 31 of the operation display unit 30, a screen showing a procedure for acquiring a latent image original image and a list of selectable image memories 160, for example, “Specify an image memory from a list of displayed image memories, and A screen on which a message such as “Please select an image to be the image source image” is displayed (step S51). The user gives an instruction to select the image memory 160 according to the screen displayed on the LCD 31.

  When an instruction to select the image memory 160 is received by the operation display unit 30 (step S52), a list of images that can be acquired among the images included in the selected image memory 160 is displayed (step S53), and the user can display An instruction to select a desired image is issued from the list of images.

  When an image selection instruction is received by the operation display unit 30 (step S54), the selected image is read out from the image memory 160 as a latent image original image (step S55).

  Then, the binarization process is performed on the image read out as the latent image original image (step S56), the binarized latent image original image is stored (step S57), and this process is terminated. The

  The flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the background original image from the image memory 160 executed in step S10 is the latent image original image of the flowchart of the image acquisition process for acquiring the latent image original image from the image memory 160 shown in FIG. Since it is the same except that it becomes a background original image, illustration and description are omitted.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the generation process executed in step S15.
The repetitive unit 110b repeatedly arranges the binarized background original image stored in the image memory 160 in the image forming area corresponding to the paper size input from the operation display unit 30 to the repetitive unit 110b. A background repetitive image is generated (step S61).

  In addition, the binarized latent image original image stored in the image memory 160 by the repetition unit 110b is input to the arrangement pattern and position information (x, y, z) input from the operation display unit 30 to the repetition unit 110b. ), A plurality of repetitive images are arranged in the image forming area corresponding to the paper size, and a latent image repetitive image is generated (step S62).

  Note that step S61 and step S62 may be executed in parallel, and a background repetitive image may be generated after the latent image repetitive image is generated.

  When the repeated background image is generated by the repeating unit 110b (after step S61), the second mask generated by the background image generating unit 110d by repeatedly arranging the second mask pattern in the image forming region by the repeating unit 110b. The image and the background repeated image are subjected to AND processing and synthesized to generate a background image (step S63).

  When the latent image repetitive image is generated by the repetitive unit 110b (after step S62), the latent image generation unit 110c generates the first mask pattern generated by repeatedly arranging the first mask pattern in the image forming area by the repetitive unit 110b. The one mask image and the latent image repetitive image are combined by AND processing, and a latent image is generated (step S64).

  When the latent image is generated by the latent image generation unit 110c (after step S64), the reversing unit 110e performs reversal processing on the repetitive image of the latent image to generate a reversed image (step S65).

  After the background image and the reverse image are generated (after Step S63 and Step S65), the processed image generation unit 110f performs AND processing on the background image and the reverse image to generate a processed image (Step S63). S66).

  When the processed image is generated by the processed image generator 110f (after step S66), the latent image generated by the latent image generator 110c and the processed image generated by the processed image generator 110f are ORed. Then, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is generated (step S67), the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is stored in the image memory 160, and the process is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, the latent image original image and the background original image can be acquired from the outside, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated based on the acquired latent image original image and background original image. Can be improved, and a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image according to the user's preference can be generated.

  Since the latent image original image and the background original image can be acquired from the external device PC, the image reading unit 20, and the image memory 160 connected via the network N, the background pattern is based on the image created by the external device PC. An image can be generated, a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated based on an image formed on a document, or a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image can be generated based on a latent image original image and a background original image stored in advance.

  Furthermore, a composite image can be generated according to the main body image and the generated tint block image, and the generated composite image can be formed on a recording medium.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. It is a functional block diagram at the time of performing a production | generation process in the control part 110. This is an arrangement pattern example in which a plurality of latent image original image sequences in which a plurality of latent image original images are arranged on a straight line are arranged. It is a main flowchart regarding the image acquisition process, the generation process, and the composite image generation process in the present embodiment. It is a flowchart of the image acquisition process which acquires a latent-image original image from the image reading part 20 performed in step S3. It is a flowchart of the image acquisition process which acquires a latent-image original image from the external apparatus PC performed in step S6. It is a flowchart of the image acquisition process which acquires a latent-image original image from the image memory 160 performed in step S9. It is a flowchart of the production | generation process performed in step S15.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1a Main-body part 1b Printer controller 11b Controller control part 12b DRAM control IC
13b Image memory 14b LANIF
20 Image Reading Unit 21 CCD Image Sensor 30 Operation Display Unit 31 LCD
40 Print section 41 Image forming section 100 Image control section 110 Control section 110a Binarization section 110b Repetition section 110c Latent image generation section 110d Background image generation section 110e Inversion section 110f Processing image generation section 110g Background pattern image generation section 110h generation section 120 Non-volatile memory 130 Reading processing unit 140 Compression IC
150 DRAM control IC
160 Image memory 161 Compression memory 162 Page memory 170 Decompression IC
180 Write processing unit 200 Image reading control unit 300 Operation display control unit 400 Print control unit N Network PC External device

Claims (8)

Image acquisition means for acquiring a first image as a source of a latent image and a second image as a source of a background image from the outside;
The latent image is generated by masking the first image with a first mask image in which dots are concentrated and the second image is generated with a second mask image in which dots are distributed. Generating a background image by performing mask processing on the image of the image, and generating a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by combining the generated latent image and the background image;
Providing
An image forming apparatus. The image acquisition means includes
Obtaining the first image or the second image from an external device connected via a network;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Image reading means for reading an image formed on a document;
The image acquisition means includes
Obtaining the image read by the image reading means as the first image or the second image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Image storage means for storing the first image or the second image;
The generating means includes
Reading the first image or the second image stored in the image storage means to generate the tint block image;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. Binarization means for performing binarization processing on the first image and the second image;
The generating means includes
The first image and the second image binarized by the binarization unit are repeatedly arranged in a predetermined area to generate a first repetitive image and a second repetitive image. Repetitive image generation means;
Latent image generating means for generating the latent image by performing the mask processing using AND processing on the first repeated image and the first mask image generated by the repeated image generating means;
Background image generation means for generating the background image by performing the mask processing using AND processing on the second repetitive image generated by the repetitive image generation means and the second mask image;
A reversal processing unit that performs a reversal process on one of the first repetitive image and the second repetitive image generated by the repetitive image generation unit to generate a reversal image;
AND processing is performed on either the latent image or the background image generated by the inverted image generated by the inversion processing unit and the other image not subjected to the inversion processing by the inversion processing unit. Processing image generation means for generating an image;
The tint block pattern is obtained by performing an OR process on the processed image generated by the processed image generation unit and the latent image or the background image that is the original of the inverted image generated by the inversion processing unit. A tint block image generation means for generating an image;
Having
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. When the repetitive image generating means generates the first repetitive image by arranging a plurality of rows of the first image sequence in which a plurality of the first images are arranged, between the first images. Comprising an input means for receiving an instruction of an array start position of a distance, an odd row or an even row;
The iterative image generating means includes
Generating the first repetitive image in response to an instruction received by the input means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. Comprising a tint block image storage unit that stores the tint block image generated by the generating unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A synthesized image generating means for generating a synthesized image by synthesizing the main body image and the tint block image generated by the generating means;
Image forming means for forming the composite image generated by the composite image generating means on a recording medium;
Providing
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

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