JPH08289159A - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] It is an object to provide an image processing method and an apparatus thereof that can output an image together with authentication information that cannot be easily discriminated by others. [Configuration] When user authentication information is input from the operation unit (S2), a random number seed is determined based on the input authentication information (S3), and a random number is generated based on the determined seed. (S4), the input authentication information is encrypted using the random number (S5). A pattern corresponding to the data thus encrypted is generated, the pattern is added to the image information (S11), and printing is performed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and an apparatus therefor, for example, an image processing method capable of transmitting or copying the image information by adding information for identifying the operator of the copied or transmitted image. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image processing apparatuses capable of inputting and processing digital image data have become widespread, and these have high resolution and are capable of high-definition image output and transmission. Further, in order to prevent illegal copying or printing using such a high-definition image processing device, it has been proposed to print an operator's signature or seal on a part of the copied image. ing. However, when an image stamped with a hand-written signature or a real stamp is digitized using such a device, the authentication information (signature), which is originally an analog pattern, is easily copied or printed and illegally recorded. May be used. Therefore, in order to prevent such illegal images from being printed or copied, a digital signature technique has been attempted in which an operator inputs authentication information such as an ID code as a numerical value, and the authentication code is encrypted and added to an image.

Conventionally, the above-mentioned digital signature technique has been studied in a monochrome image communication system and the like. For example, in a G3 facsimile image which is a monochrome binary image, a method of embedding authentication information bit by bit in a black-and-white boundary pixel portion after MH encoding is under study. This method is outlined below. If the authentication information is run-length encoded, and the run length is an even number, if the "0" is embedded, the run length is left unchanged, and if the "1" is embedded, the right pixel on the boundary is inverted to set the run length to 1 increase. If the run length is odd,
When embedding "0", the pixel on the left side of the boundary is inverted to reduce the run length by "1", and when embedding "1", the run length is left unchanged. In this way, the conventional method was to consider that even if the run length is changed by at most 1 pixel, it has almost no effect on the output image (reference material image deep cryptography, by Koshio Matsui, published by Morikita Publishing Co., Ltd.).

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems.

That is, in the case of a color digital image having multi-value gradation, there arises a problem of where to set the boundary pixel. Further, in the case of a color image, if the run length is changed by one pixel, the color shift at the boundary portion becomes conspicuous and the image quality deteriorates. Furthermore, since the conventional method is designed to perform authentication when demodulating an encoded signal, it is difficult to verify the legitimacy of the image just by looking at the image that has already been output. It was On the other hand, if the output image can be authenticated, even a person other than the person who owns the authentication information can easily infer the authentication information based on the authentication code of the output image. be able to. Therefore, there is a problem that an image may be illegally output by another person using the authentication information.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of outputting an image together with authentication information that cannot be easily discriminated by others.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of adding authentication information to image data and outputting the image data without degrading the image quality.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of adding authentication information to color image data and outputting the same without deteriorating the image quality.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and apparatus capable of outputting an image without deteriorating the image quality together with the authentication information which cannot be easily discriminated by others.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, it is an image processing apparatus for inputting image information, performing image processing and outputting, and input means for inputting authentication information of a user, and encryption means for encrypting the authentication information input by the input means. A pattern generating means for generating a pattern according to the data encrypted by the encrypting means, and an output means for adding the pattern generated by the pattern generating means to the image information and outputting the image information.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing method of the present invention comprises the following steps. That is, it is an image processing method of inputting image information, performing image processing and outputting, and a step of inputting authentication information of a user, an encryption step of encrypting the input authentication information, and the above-mentioned encryption. The method includes a step of generating a pattern according to the data encrypted by the step, and a step of adding the pattern to the image information and outputting the image information.

[0012]

In the above structure, when image information is input and user authentication information is input, the input authentication information is encrypted and a pattern is generated according to the encrypted data. The pattern thus generated is added to the image information and output.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the case of a copying machine and a facsimile machine is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a printer, a printer interface unit, or the like may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Application to other devices is also possible.

<First Embodiment> [Concept] FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually explaining the features of an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the user follows the instruction displayed on the operation unit 101 of the copying machine 100 of the embodiment, and the digital value (signature information) unique to the user, for example, "F" in hexadecimal 8 digits.
A92853B "is input by using the keys of the operation unit 101. The digital value thus input is encrypted by the copying machine 100 and converted into, for example," C03D2514 ". The authentication data 103 based on the digital value is added (added) to the original image data to obtain the copied image 102.

[Outline of Apparatus] FIG. 2 is a structural sectional view showing the structure of a copying machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, an image scanner 2201 reads a document image at a resolution of, for example, 400 dpi (dots / inch) and performs digital signal processing. 22
A printer 02 prints out image data corresponding to an original image read by the image scanner 2201 on a recording sheet in full color.

In the image scanner 2201, 22
Reference numeral 00 denotes a mirror surface pressure plate which presses the original 2204 placed on the original table glass 2203 onto the glass 2203. The original 2204 is illuminated by a lamp 2205, the reflected light is guided to mirrors 2206 to 2208, and is imaged on a 3-line sensor 2210 by a lens 2209. This CC
The D line sensor 2210 detects a color component spectrally separated by a filter for each color component, and the red sensor 1201-
1, green sensor 1210-2, blue sensor 1210
-3, each color sensor decomposes into full color information, that is, sensor red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components, and a signal processing unit 2211 as a signal representing the light intensity of each component. Sent to. The lamp 2205 and the mirror 2206 are at a speed V and the mirrors 2207 and 2208 are at a speed V / 2 in a direction orthogonal to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction of the three-line sensor 2210.
Scans the entire surface of the original by moving each (sub-scan)
The read document image data is processed by the signal processing unit 22.
Sent to 11.

The image signal read by the scanner 2201 is once stored in the image memory of the signal processing unit 2211 and then electrically processed to be magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), black. (K) is decomposed into each component and sent to the printer 2202. Further, the image scanner 2201 performs four read operations on the image data read by one scan of the original, and one of M, C, Y, and K is subjected to image processing.
One color component is generated and sent to the printer 2202.
By reading out and performing image processing four times in total, an image is printed according to one document scan.

Image signals of M, C, Y and K colors sent from the image scanner 2201 are sent to a laser driver 2212. This laser driver 2212
The semiconductor laser 2213 is modulated and driven according to the sent image signal. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 2213 passes through the polygon mirror 2214, the f-θ lens 2215, and the mirror 2216, and the photosensitive drum 2217.
Scan over.

Reference numeral 2218 denotes a rotary developing device, which is a magenta developing section 2219, a cyan developing section 2220, and a yellow developing section 22.
21 and a black developing unit 2222, and these four developing units alternately contact the photosensitive drum 2217 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2217 with toner. A transfer drum 2223 winds the paper supplied from the paper cassette 2224 or 2225 and transfers the image developed on the photosensitive drum 2217 to the recording paper.

After the four colors M, C, Y, and K have been transferred in this order in color, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing unit 2226 to fix the toner on the recording paper. , The paper is ejected outside the device.

[Image Scanner] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image scanner 2201 of this embodiment.

In the figure, 1210-1 to 1210-
3 is a CCD having R, G, B spectral sensitivity characteristics
The sensor (solid-state image sensor) is incorporated in the 3-line sensor 2210 shown in FIG. 2 and outputs, for example, an 8-bit image signal that is A / D converted. Therefore,
Each color of R, G, and B is "0" depending on each light intensity.
It is classified into "255" stages. CCD 12 of this embodiment
Since 10-1 to 1210-3 are arranged with a constant distance therebetween, the spatial deviation thereof is corrected by using the delay elements 1401 and 1402. 1403-140
Reference numeral 5 is a logarithmic converter, which is configured in the form of a look-up table by ROM or RAM, and is a 3-line sensor 2210.
The image data sent from is converted from a luminance signal to a density signal. 1406 is a known masking / UCR
In the (under color removal) circuit, although detailed description is omitted, each of the three signals input outputs M, C, Y, and K signals in a frame sequential manner for each reading operation, for example, Output with a predetermined bit length such as 8 bits.

A known spatial filter circuit 1407 corrects the spatial frequency of the output signal. A density conversion circuit 1408 corrects the density characteristics of the printer 2202.
ROM or R as well as the logarithmic converters 1403 to 1405
Composed of AM. A pattern addition circuit 1410 adds a pattern to the output image.

On the other hand, a CPU 1411 controls the entire image scanner 2201 of this embodiment. 14
Reference numeral 12 is an I / O port, which is connected to the CPU 1411. Here, a signal CNO separately input to the masking / UCR circuit 1406 and the pattern adding circuit 1410.
Is a 2-bit output color selection signal, which is output from the CPU 1411 via the I / O port 1412, and controls the sequence of four transfer operations based on the logic shown in FIG.
Masking / UCR circuit 1406 and pattern addition circuit 1
The operating conditions of 410 are switched.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the value of the 2-bit signal CNO and the color of the print output. According to this, when the value of the signal CNO is "0", it is magenta, when it is "1", it is cyan, when it is "2", it is yellow, and when it is "3", it is black. Each is specified as a print color.

[Processing Flowchart] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a processing flow for superposing and printing the signature information inputted in the copying machine 100 of this embodiment.

This process is started when the power of the copying machine 100 is turned on. First, in step S1, the message "Enter signature data" is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 101.
Is displayed. Next, in step S2, the user inputs the signature information (digital value) using the keys of the operation unit 101 or the like. As a result, the process proceeds to step S3 to determine a random number seed (initial value). This is to obtain a person-specific seed, as the encryption needs to be uniquely determined for a particular person. However, if this seed is stored as a constant in the ROM or the like, the seed value may be seen by others, so a part of the digital value input as the signature information is used as the seed in addition to the constant of the ROM. . Then, in step S4, a random number is generated using the seed determined in step S3. Then, in step S5, an exclusive OR of the digital value input in step S2 and the random number generated in step S4 is calculated, and the input digital value is encrypted. The signature information thus encrypted is stored in the add-on register a.
-H (801 to 807 in FIG. 15) is set. still,
Each of these registers is a 4-bit register.

Next, in step S6, a timer for measuring the execution key acceptance time is started. This timer may be an internal timer provided in the CPU 1411 or a program timer that measures time by software. Next, in step S7, "copy execution or end" is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 101, and the process proceeds to step S7.
At step 8, the input key of the operation unit 101 or the end key is waited for. If not input, the process proceeds to step S9, and it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer exceeds the time limit, for example, 3 minutes. If the time does not exceed the time limit, the process proceeds to step S8 to wait for a key input. When the execution or end key is not pressed before the time limit is exceeded, the process returns from step S9 to step S1 and waits for the signature information to be input again. This is to prevent unauthorized use in which a person other than the user who has input the title information carries out printing based on the signature information by forgetting to press the end key.

On the other hand, in step S8, if the execution key or the end key is input within the time limit, the process proceeds to step S10 to judge the key input. When the end key is pressed, the process returns to step S1 and the signature information is input again. On the other hand, when the execute key is pressed, step S11
In step S12, the pattern obtained by encrypting the input signature information is superimposed on the document image data, and is output to the printer 2202 in step S12 for printing. Then, the process returns to step S6 to wait for input of the execution or end key. In this way, after all the copying operations are completed (after the end key is pressed), the authentication information is prevented from being superimposed on the image data unless the signature information is input again.

[Operation Unit] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the operation unit 101 of the copying machine of this embodiment.
The operation unit 101 of the present embodiment is composed of, for example, a touch panel in which a display unit and a key input unit are integrated.

In step S21, the message "Please enter signature" is displayed on the screen, and "Signature input key" 6
When 00 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S22, and the ten key shown in the figure is displayed on the display unit. This step S22
Then, the signature information is digitally input using the displayed "0" key to "F" key. Each time one digit is input, “*” is displayed at the top of the display screen so that it is easy to determine which digit the input is. When the last digit, which is the eighth digit, is input, the message "Please wait while digital signature is being generated" is displayed as shown in step S23. Then, in step S24, a message "You can copy. Please press" end "when all the copying is completed" is displayed, and in step S25, wait for either the end key or the execute key to be pressed.

If there is no key input, the process proceeds to step S26 to check whether it is within the time limit, and if so, the process returns to step S25 to wait for the key input, and when the time limit is exceeded, the display of step S21 is returned to. When the execution key or the end key is input in step S25, the process proceeds to step S27, and the type of the input key is determined. When the "end key" is pressed, steps S27 to S2
Return to 1 and wait for the "digital signature input key" to be pressed again. If the "execute key" is pressed, the process proceeds from step S27 to step S28, and step S1 in FIG.
The copy process shown in 1 and step S12 is executed, and the message "Running. Please wait for a while" is displayed on the display unit. Thus, when the copying is completed, the process returns to step S24. If the time for accepting the execute / end key is exceeded without pressing any of these keys, the process returns to step S21.

[Encryption Processing] FIG. 7 is a flow chart detailing the encryption processing in the present embodiment. Steps S3 through S3 of FIG.
This corresponds to the process of step S5.

First, in step S31, the input 8-digit digital value (signature information) is stored character by character in, for example, A [0] to A [7]. Next in step S32
Then, digital signature data for seed creation, for example, A
Select [s]. Here, s is a constant, for example, "2". Next, in step S33, a seed is created and is substituted into the variable n of the one-way function. Here the constant SEED
To the random number seed (x: x = SEED + A [s]) by adding A [s] selected in step S32. This allows
A person who does not know the signature information (digital value) cannot generate the same seed and cannot perform the same encryption, so that the security of the signature data can be improved. Here, the value of the constant SEED is a positive integer except "1".

Next, in step S34, the counter i
Is set to "0", and it is determined in step S35 whether the value of the counter i is smaller than the number of characters of the digital value (signature information), for example, "8", and step S36.
The processing of loop 1 from is performed. And step S35
Then, when the value of the counter i becomes equal to the number of characters (8) of the digital value, the process proceeds to step S43 and the loop 1 is exited.

In step S36, the value of the counter j is set to "0", and in step S37, the value of the counter j is smaller than the bit number of one character of the signature information, for example, "4 (4 bits because it is a hexadecimal number)". Whether or not it is determined, and if so, the process of loop 2 from step S38 is performed. When the value of the counter j becomes equal to the number of bits of one character of the digital value, the process proceeds to step S41, and the second loop 2 is exited.

The processing in step S38 is one of the known one-way functions based on the difficulty of factorization. The remainder is obtained by the constant N with respect to the square of the variable x, and the variable x is updated with the remainder. Here, the constant N is, for example, two different prime numbers “7” and “1” whose modulo “4” is “3”.
It is the product “77” of 1 ”. Next, the process proceeds to step S39,
The shift register sh_r is shifted to the left by 1 bit, and the value of the least significant bit of x obtained in step S38 is stored in the least significant bit (rightmost bit position) of the shift register sh_r. Then, in step S40, 1 is added to the counter j, and the process returns to step S37 to repeat the process of loop 2. When exiting this loop 2, a 4-bit code is stored in the shift register sh_r.

When the value of the counter j becomes "4" or more, the process proceeds to step S41, and the digital value A corresponding to the counter i.
The exclusive OR of [i] and the cipher in the shift register is taken, and the inputted digital value is encrypted. Then, in step S42, 1 is added to the counter i, and the process returns to step S35 to repeat the process of loop 1. When the value of the counter i is equal to or more than "8" in step S35, the process proceeds to step S43, the loop 1 is exited, and the encrypted digital value is added to the add-on register (A
[0] to A [7]).

[Pattern Adding Method] Next, an example of a pattern adding method in the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the additional pattern of this embodiment.

In the figure, 4 × included in the area 301
The 4 pixels are modulated so that, for example, the gradation of the image signal becomes + α, and the 2 × 4 pixels included in the regions 302 and 303 respectively have the gradation of −α of the image signal. Pixels other than the regions 301 to 303 are modulated and are not modulated. 8 × 4 included in these areas 301 to 303
A pixel is a unit dot of the additional pattern. As described above, the reason why 8 × 4 pixels are used for one unit of the additional pattern is that the printer 2202 of the present embodiment can use 20 pixels in a known image area.
This is because the 0-line processing is performed, and it may be difficult to read the additional pattern if the unit of the additional pattern is 1 pixel.

9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of the add-on line of this embodiment.

In FIG. 9, 401 is an add-on line having a width of, for example, 4 pixels. Each of the unit dots 401a to 401e shown in FIG. 8 is composed of, for example, 8 × 4 pixels. These unit dots 401a to 401e
Are arranged in the main scanning direction at intervals d1 (for example, 128 pixels) at a substantially constant period.

Further, in FIG. 10, 501 to 510 are add-on lines, each having a width of, for example, 4 pixels,
They are arranged in the sub-scanning direction at intervals d2 (for example, 16 pixels) in a substantially constant cycle. As will be described later in detail, for example, one add-online represents 4-bit information, and eight add-on lines 502 to 509 (line 0 (line 0) to line 7) form a set of 32 bits. Of additional information can be represented. The add-on lines are repeatedly formed in the sub-scanning direction. For example, add-on lines 501 and 509 shown in FIG. 10 represent the same information.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing an example of a method of expressing information by add online.

In FIG. 11, both 601 and 602 are add-on lines, and both add-on lines are adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction. Also, 601a, 601b and 602a
Is a unit dot, and adjacent ad online unit dots are spaced apart by at least a distance d3 (for example, 32 pixels) in the main scanning direction in order to prevent adjacent ad online unit dots from approaching and conspicuous. Is set as follows.

The data represented by the unit dot is determined by the phase difference between the unit dot 602a and the unit dot 601a. FIG. 11 shows an example of representing 4-bit information, and the unit dot 602a represents "2" of hexadecimal data. For example, if the unit dot 602a is at the leftmost end, it represents data "0", and if it is at the rightmost end, it represents data "F".

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a set of add-on lines representing all additional information. FIG. 12 (a) shows the first add-on line line0 (line 0), and FIG. 12 (b) shows the fourth add-on line. This represents the online line 3 (line 3).

As shown in FIG. 12, in line 0, d4 is placed on the right side of all the original unit dots 701a to 701d.
Dots 702a to 702d at intervals of (for example, 16 pixels)
Has been added. Further, in the line 3, dots 705a to 705d are added to the right of all the original unit dots 704a to 704d at intervals of d5 (for example, 32 pixels). The additional dot on each of these ad onlines is a marker for clarifying the number of the ad online. The two add-on markers are added so that the top and bottom in the sub-scanning direction can be determined even from the output image.

Further, for example, the pattern to be added is added only with the yellow toner by utilizing the fact that the human eye has a low discrimination ability with respect to the pattern drawn with the yellow (Y) toner.

The dot interval in the main scanning direction of the additional pattern and the repeating interval of all additional information in the sub scanning direction are
It is necessary to determine that all information is surely added to a thin and uniform area where dots can be surely identified in a specific original document. As a guide, information may be added at a pitch that is ½ or less of the width of a thin and uniform area that allows dots to be reliably identified in the target specific document.

[Pattern Adding Circuit 1410] Next, an example of the configuration of the pattern adding circuit 1410 of this embodiment will be described.

13 to 15 are block diagrams showing circuit configuration examples of the pattern adding circuit 1410 of this embodiment.

In FIG. 14, the sub-scanning counter 819 sends the main-scanning synchronizing signal HSYNC to the main-scanning counter 814.
Then, the pixel synchronization signal CLK is repeatedly counted with a width of 7 bits, that is, 128 cycles. AND gate 82 connected to outputs Q2 and Q3 of sub-scanning counter 819
0 indicates that bit 2 and bit 3 of the sub-scanning counter 819 are
When both are high level, it outputs a high level signal. That is, the output of the AND gate 820 is 1 in the sub-scanning direction.
Every 6 lines, it becomes high level for 4 lines, and this is used as an add-on enable signal.

The gate 822 inputs the output of the AND gate 820 and the upper 3 bits (Q4 to Q6) of the sub-scanning counter 819, and the enable signal LINE0 of the line 0 of the add-on line is added by the gate 821. Line 3 enable signal LIN
E3 is generated.

On the other hand, the main scanning counter 814, whose details will be described later, is loaded with an initial value by HSYNC, and the gates 815 to 817 are the upper four bits of the main scanning counter 814.
Input the bits (Q3 to Q6). AND gate 815
Output becomes high level in a section of 8 pixels for every 128 pixels, and this is used as a dot enable signal. Further, the gates 816 and 817 input signals LINE0 and LINE3, respectively, in addition to the upper 4 bits of the main scanning counter 814, and generate mark enable signals for line 0 and line 3, respectively. These dot and mark enable signals are combined by the OR gate 818, and the logical product of the output of the OR gate 818 and the output of the AND gate 820 is taken by the AND gate 824, which becomes the high level only on the add-on line. It becomes a dot and mark enable signal.

The output of the AND gate 824 is latched by the flip-flop 828 in synchronization with the pixel synchronizing signal CLK, and the AND gate 830 outputs the 2-bit output color selection signal CNO (CNO0, CNO1).
Is ANDed with. Here, bit 0 (CNO0) of the output color selection signal CNO is the inverter 829.
Then, the logic is inverted and input to the AND gate 830, and the bit 1 (CNO1) of the output color selection signal CNO is input to the AND gate 830 as it is. As a result, the signal CNO = “2”, that is, the dot and mark enable signal becomes valid when the yellow color image is printed.

Further, the output of the AND gate 824 is also connected to the clear terminal CLR of the counter 825, and when the AND gate 824 is at the high level, the counter 825 outputs
That is, the pixel sync signal CLK is counted only when the add-on dots are enabled. Bits 1 and 2 (Q1, Q2) of the output of the counter 825 are input to the exclusive OR gate 826, and the exclusive OR gate 826 receives the exclusive OR gate 826 for a period of 4 CLK in the middle of the add-on dot period (8 CLK). The output goes low. The output of the exclusive OR gate 826 is synchronized with the pixel synchronization signal CLK by the flip-flop 827 and is output as the signal MINUS. When the signal MINUS is at low level, the add-on dots are modulated to + α. still,
The flip-flop 827 is for removing the whiskers of the signal MINUS and for matching the phase with the add-on dot enable signal.

This signal MINUS is input to the selection terminal S of the selector 838 of FIG. The AND circuit 832 outputs the modulation amount α of 8 bits from the register 831.
And the output of the AND gate 830 are input. AND gate 83 at the timing of add-on dots
Since the output of 0 becomes the high level, the AND section 832 outputs the 8-bit modulation amount α at the timing of the add-on dot. Therefore, the pixels other than the add-on dots are not modulated because the modulation amount output from the AND circuit 832 is “0”.

Reference numeral 833 is an adder and 835 is a subtractor, and an 8-bit image signal V, for example, is input to the terminal A.
The modulation amount α output from the AND circuit 832 is input to the terminals B of the adder 833 and the subtractor 835. The output of the adder 833 is input to the OR circuit 834, and the output of the subtractor 835 is input to the AND circuit 837. When the addition result (V + α) of the adder 833 overflows and the carry signal CY is output, the OR circuit 834 forcibly outputs the calculation result, for example, “255”.
I have to. In addition, the AND circuit 837 is provided with a subtraction unit 835.
When the subtraction result (V−α) of (1) underflows and the carry signal CY is output, the carry signal CY inverted by the inverter 836 forces the operation result subtracted by the subtraction unit 835 to be, for example, “ It is set to 0 ".

The calculation results (V + α) and (V−α) by the adder 833 and the subtractor 835 are input to the selector 838, selected by the selector 838 according to the signal level of the selection signal MINUS, and output as V ′. It

With the above circuit configuration, the dot modulation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed.

Further, the value loaded from the terminal of FIG. 14 to the main scanning counter 814 is generated as follows.
First, since the flip-flop 813 and the counter 809 are reset by the sub-scanning synchronization signal VSYNC, "0" is set as the initial value of the main scanning counter 814 in the first add-on line. Here, the signal ADLIN input to the clock terminals of the counter 809 and the flip-flop 813 is a signal obtained by synchronizing the output of the AND gate 820, which is an add-on enable signal, with the main scanning synchronization signal HSYNC by the flip-flop 823. .

The selector 810 is responsive to a 3-bit signal from the counter 809, which is input to the select terminal S, for example, and has eight add-on lines, for example, four.
The output of one of the registers 801 to 808 in which the bit value is set is selected and output to the adder 811.

The select signal of the selector 810 is the signal A
It is generated by a counter 809 that counts DLIN. At the first add-on timing, the counter 809 is cleared by the sub-scanning synchronization signal VSYNC, so the value of the select signal is “0”. Therefore,
The selector 810 selects the output of the register 801.
Then, when the signal ADLIN rises, the count value of the counter 809 advances by 1, and the selector 810 causes the register 802 to operate.
Select the output of After that, the selector 810 determines that the signal AD
The outputs of the registers 803 to 808 are repeatedly selected in synchronization with LIN.

The selector 8 thus selected and output
The output of 10 is input to the B terminal of the adder 811 and added to the output of the adder 812. The addition result is input to the flip-flop 813 and latched in the flip-flop 813 at the falling edge of the signal ADLIN. The 5-bit signal thus latched is input to the main scanning counter 814.

The output of the flip-flop 813 is
While being sent to the main scanning counter 814, the adder 81
It is also input to the terminal B of 2 and the terminal A of the adder 812.
(F) It is added to the input constant value, for example, "8", and sent to the adder 811. This is an offset value for leaving a space between the dot position of the add-on line and the dot position of the add-on line one line before in the sub-scanning direction.

[Copy Result] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the copy result in this embodiment, showing only an example of the arrangement of the unit dots of the add-on line.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 901 denotes, for example, a specific document image, and the add-on unit dot is indicated by a black square.

As described above, according to the first embodiment,
By adding the signature information, which is the authentication information unique to the user of the copying machine, onto the copy as an encrypted digital signal, it is possible to obtain a copy image that can identify the operator who actually made the copy.

Further, in this embodiment, since the pattern to be added on is printed in an inconspicuous color such as yellow,
It is possible to minimize the deterioration of the printed image.

<Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the present invention is applied to a color facsimile machine. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. [Concept] FIG. 17 is a diagram conceptually explaining the second embodiment. In FIG. 17, reference numeral 911 indicates a facsimile machine on the transmitting side, and 910 indicates a facsimile machine on the receiving side. Reference numeral 920 denotes an original image read by the sending facsimile apparatus 911, and reference numeral 921 denotes a received image in which the authentication information 922 added by the user is added to the original image.

First, the user of the facsimile apparatus 911 on the transmission side, in accordance with the display displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 913, enters signature information unique to the user, for example, "FA92853B" in 8 digits in hexadecimal from the operation unit 913. input. The signature information thus input is used for the facsimile device 9
For example, "C03D2514" is obtained by being encrypted in 11. The encrypted signature information and the original image data read by the sending facsimile device 911 are transmitted to the receiving facsimile device 910 via a line.
The receiving side facsimile device 910 obtains the output image 921 by superimposing (adding on) the received signature information on the received image data.

[Device] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the structure of a facsimile device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

A reading unit 1701 photoelectrically reads a document image and outputs digitized image data. A recording unit 1702, for example, a laser beam printer or a thermal transfer printer, prints an image based on the received image information or the image data input from the reading unit 1701. An operation unit 1703 corresponds to the operation units 912 and 913 in FIG. 17, and includes an input key for inputting signature information, a display unit for displaying a message to the user, and the like. A control unit 1704 controls the operation of the entire facsimile apparatus of the embodiment, and controls various functions of the facsimile apparatus including encryption of signature information and add-ons. Reference numeral 1705 is a line control unit, which communicates by a protocol. A bus 1706 connects the above-mentioned units.

[Sending Process Flowchart] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process in the sending facsimile machine of the second embodiment.

First, in step S51, a message "Enter signature data" is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 1703, and
Prompt the user to enter the signature data numerically.
Next, proceeding to step S52, when signature data is input using the keys of the operation unit 1703, proceeding to step S53, a random number seed (initial value) is determined. This requires a seed that is unique to a person, as in the first embodiment above, the encryption must be uniquely determined for a particular person. However, if such a seed is stored in the ROM or the like as a constant, the seed value may be seen by another person. Therefore, a part of this signature information is R
The seed value is used in addition to the OM constant. Then, in step S54, a random number is generated using the seed value determined in step S53. Next, in step S55, the signature information input in step S52 and the random number generated in step S54 are exclusive-ORed for encryption. The signature information thus encrypted is set in the register for transmitting the add-on pattern.

Next, in step S56, a timer for measuring the call key acceptance time of the transmission destination is started. Then, the process proceeds to step S57, the message "Call to send or end" is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 1703, and the input of the destination call key or the end key of the operation unit 1703 is waited for. If there is a key input, steps S58 to S6
Although the process proceeds to 0, if the destination call key acceptance time timer activated in step S56 times the time limit, for example, 3 minutes, the process returns from step S59 to step S51 to wait for the signature information to be input again. This is because if you forget to press the end key, someone other than the owner of the signature information
This is to prevent the signature information from being illegally created.

When the key input is accepted within the predetermined time in step S58, the process proceeds to step S60, and the type of the input key is discriminated. When the end key is accepted in step S60, the process branches to step S51 to return to input of signature information again. As a result, after all the transmission is completed, the same authentication information is prevented from being transmitted to the receiving side facsimile apparatus unless the same signature information is input again.

When the calling for transmission to the receiving side facsimile device is instructed, the process proceeds to step S61, and the receiving side (destination) facsimile device is called. Next, in step S62, the reading unit 1701 reads the set original image. Next, in step S63,
The add-on pattern, which is the encrypted signature data, and the image data read by the reading unit 1701 are transmitted. After that, the process returns to step S51 and waits for an input of calling or termination of the destination facsimile machine.

[Reception Side Processing Flowchart] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing flow in the receiving side facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment.

First, in step S71, it is determined whether or not a facsimile signal has arrived, and if there is an incoming call, the process proceeds to step S72 to determine whether or not an encrypted digital signature (add-on pattern) is present in the incoming data. If the encrypted digital signature information is present, the process proceeds to step S73, but if the encrypted digital signature information is not present, the process proceeds to step S74, and the received image information is decrypted and printed as in the normal facsimile reception. To do.

In step S73, the encrypted digital signature information is added to the image data, and step S74
Then, the encrypted digital signature information is added and added to the received and decrypted image data to print the image. After that, the process returns to step S71 to wait for the arrival of the next facsimile signal.

[Operation Unit] FIG. 21 is a view for explaining a display example and an operation example on the operation unit 913 of the transmitting side facsimile apparatus of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation unit 91 is used.
Reference numeral 3 is a touch panel.

First, in step S81, when the "signature data input key" is pressed, the screen shown in the figure is displayed. Here, the message “Please input the signature data” is displayed on the display unit, and accordingly, the signature data peculiar to the user is input by using the “0 key” to the “F key” of the operation unit 913. To be done. Also here, as in the case of the first embodiment described above, "*" is displayed at the upper part of the screen every time one digit is input, so that it is possible to easily determine the digit of the input. When the eighth digit is thus input, the message shown in step S83 is displayed.

Next, in step S84, a message prompting the key input of the "end key" or "call key of the destination" is displayed. When the key input is made, the process proceeds from step S85 to step S87, and the type of the input key Is determined. Also here, when there is no key input for a predetermined time, for example, 3 minutes, the process proceeds from step S86 to step S81 and waits for the "signature input key" to be pressed again.

On the other hand, if the "call destination key" is pressed in steps S85 and S87, the process proceeds to step S88, and as shown in the figure, the message "Enter the fax number of the destination using the 10 key" is operated. It is displayed in the section 913. When the FAX number of the callee is thus input by the 10 key, the process proceeds to step S89, a known facsimile transmission operation is performed, and the message "Sending. Please wait for a while" is displayed during this facsimile transmission. When the transmission is completed in this way, the process returns to step S84 to wait for the input of the end key or the call key of the next transmission destination.

Since the encryption, the pattern adding method and the structure of the pattern adding circuit in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment,
By encrypting the signature data, which is the authentication information unique to the sender of the facsimile, and adding it on the facsimile transmission image, a facsimile image that can identify the sender of the facsimile can be obtained.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. The present invention can also be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program for implementing the present invention to a system or an apparatus.

As described above, according to this embodiment, digitized authentication information can be encrypted and superimposed on an image having multi-color and multi-value gradation. Further, it becomes possible to transmit the image to which the authentication information is added and reproduce it on the receiving side.

[0094]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that an image can be output together with authentication information that cannot be easily discriminated by others.

Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the authentication information can be added to the image data and output without degrading the image quality.

Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the authentication information can be added and output to the color image data without deteriorating the image quality.

Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that an image can be output without deteriorating the image quality together with the authentication information which cannot be easily discriminated by others.

[0098]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually explaining a feature of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural sectional view showing a configuration of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image scanner of this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a value of a 2-bit signal CNO and a color of print output.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for superimposing and printing signature information input in the copying machine of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example for inputting signature information and copying in the copying machine of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an encryption process of input signature information in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of an additional pattern of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an add-on line in this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an add-on line in this embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a method of expressing information by add online in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a method of expressing information by add online in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a pattern adding circuit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a pattern adding circuit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a pattern adding circuit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a printing example according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram conceptually explaining an operation in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a facsimile apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process in the facsimile machine on the transmitting side of the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a facsimile machine on the receiving side of the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart for explaining an operation in the facsimile apparatus on the transmission side of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Copier 101, 912, 913, 1703 Operation unit 910, 911 Facsimile device 1141 CPU 1410 Pattern addition circuit 1701 Reading unit 1702 Recording unit 1704 Control unit 1705 Line control unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G09C 1/06 G06F 15/66 450 H04N 1/40 H04N 1/40 Z

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for inputting image information, performing image processing and outputting the image information, the input means inputting authentication information of a user, and the authentication information input by the input means is encrypted. Encryption means, pattern generation means for generating a pattern according to the data encrypted by the encryption means, output means for adding the pattern generated by the pattern generation means to the image information and outputting the image information, An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. The encryption means encrypts the authentication information using a one-way function.
The image processing device according to item 1. 3. The encryption means determines a random number seed based on the authentication information to generate a random number, and encrypts the authentication information with the random number and the authentication information. Item 1. The image processing device according to item 1. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the authentication information is a numerical value. 5. The image information is color image information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is added to the image information in yellow. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is defined by an array of pixels arrayed in a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction of the image information. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is a printer device. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit is a communication device. 9. An image processing method for inputting image information, performing image processing, and outputting the image, comprising a step of inputting user authentication information, and an encryption step of encrypting the input authentication information. An image processing method, comprising: a step of generating a pattern according to the data encrypted by the encryption step; and a step of adding the pattern to the image information and outputting the image information. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein in the encryption step, the authentication information is encrypted using a one-way function. 11. The encryption step comprises: determining a seed of a random number based on the authentication information to generate a random number, and encrypting the authentication information with the random number and the authentication information. Item 9. The image processing method according to Item 9. 12. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the authentication information is a numerical value. 13. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the image information is color image information, and the pattern is yellow and is added to the image information. 14. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the pattern is defined by an array of pixels arrayed in a main scanning direction or a sub scanning direction of the image information.