Document determination system and printing device

Abstract

To determine whether a printed material is a regular printed material with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A document determination system 100 comprises: a server device 1 that stores identification information JD in association with document information JDC; a printer 2 that prints a document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC and a code image CD indicating the identification information JD on a print medium MD to create a regular printed material PM; and a scanner 3 that reads print images PP printed on printed materials P including the regular printed material PM and a copied printed material CP obtained by copying the regular printed material PM. The printer 2 prints the code image CD in a preset end area ARE of the print medium MD. The server device 1 determines whether the printed material P is the regular printed material PM based on the code image CD included in the print image PP read by the scanner 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a document judgment system and a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques are known for distinguishing between copies and genuine documents. Patent Document 1 describes a technique that enables the authenticity of a document to be confirmed by embedding a hash value generated from print data as a pattern and printing the embedded hash value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-16934 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a technique that can distinguish between copies and genuine documents using a simpler configuration than the technique described in Patent Document 1 and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A document determination system according to one embodiment for solving the above problem includes an information processing device that stores identification information in association with document information, a printing device that prints a document image corresponding to the document information and a code image indicating the identification information on a printing medium to generate a genuine printed matter, and a reading device that reads the print image printed on printed matter including the genuine printed matter and a copy printed matter obtained by copying the genuine printed matter, wherein the printing device prints the code image in a predetermined edge area of ​​the printing medium, and the information processing device determines whether the printed matter is the genuine printed matter based on the code image included in the print image read by the reading device.

[0006] Another aspect of a printing device that solves the above problem is a printing device that acquires document information and a code image indicating identification information corresponding to the document information from an information processing device, prints a document image corresponding to the document information and the code image on a printing medium, and generates a printed material, wherein the printing device prints the code image in a predetermined edge area of ​​the printing medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a document determination system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a printer. [Diagram 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a borderless print area and a normal print area. [Figure 4] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the relationship between the first code image and the second code image and misalignment during printing. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a genuine printed matter. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a genuine printed matter. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a printed copy. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a printer. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a server device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a document determination system 100. First, the configuration of the document determination system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The document assessment system 100 includes a server device 1, a printer 2, a scanner 3, and a copier 4. The printer 2, scanner 3, and copier 4 are each communicatively connected to the server device 1 via the network NW. The printer 2, scanner 3, and copier 4 are each communicatively connected to the server device 1 in accordance with, for example, the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The network NW is, for example, the Internet.

[0010] In this embodiment, the network NW is the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0011] In this embodiment, the printer 2, scanner 3, and copier 4 are each communicatively connected to the server device 1 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, but are not limited to this. The printer 2, scanner 3, and copier 4 may each be communicatively connected via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In addition, in this embodiment, the copying machine 4 is connected to the server device 1 so as to be able to communicate with it, but this is not limiting. The copying machine 4 does not have to be connected to the server device 1.

[0012] In response to a request from the printer 2, the server device 1 transmits the document information JDC and a code image CD indicating the identification information JD to the printer 2. In this embodiment, the code image CD includes a first code image CD1 and a second code image CD2. The server device 1 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device."

[0013] The printer 2 acquires the document information JDC, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2 from the server device 1. The printer 2 arranges the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 in an edge area ARE of a printing medium MD, such as a sheet of printing paper. The printer 2 then prints the document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2 on the printing medium MD to generate a genuine printed matter PM. The printer 2 is further described with reference to FIG. The end area ARE will be described with reference to FIG. The genuine print PM will be further described with reference to FIGS. The printer 2 corresponds to an example of a "printing device."

[0014] The copier 4 copies the genuine printed matter PM to generate a copy printed matter CP. Specifically, the copier 4 reads an image formed on the genuine printed matter PM, prints the read image on a printing medium MD, and generates a copy printed matter CP. The copy print CP will be further described with reference to FIGS. The copier 4 corresponds to an example of a "copying device."

[0015] The scanner 3 reads the printed image PP printed on the printed matter P, which includes the genuine printed matter PM and the copy printed matter CP. The printed image PP printed on the genuine printed matter PM is referred to as the genuine image PPM, and the printed image PP printed on the copy printed matter CP is referred to as the copy image PCP. The scanner 3 then transmits the printed image PP to the server device 1. The regular image PPM will be further explained with reference to FIGS. The copy image PCP will be further explained with reference to FIGS. The scanner 3 corresponds to an example of a "reading device."

[0016] The server device 1 receives the print image PP from the scanner 3, and judges whether the print image PP corresponds to the regular print PM or the duplicate print CP. Then, the server device 1 transmits the judgment result to the scanner 3.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the server device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The server device 1 includes a first control unit 11 and a first communication interface mechanism 12. The first control unit 11 controls the operation of each unit of the server device 1. The first control unit 11 includes a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B.

[0018] The first communication interface mechanism 12 communicates with each of the printer 2, scanner 3, and copier 4 via wired communication in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11 and in compliance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface mechanism 12 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted to the connector. The first communication interface mechanism 12 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the first processor 11A and the like of the first control unit 11 are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit constituting the first communication interface mechanism 12 are mounted on the main board of the first control unit 11.

[0019] The first control unit 11 is a controller including a first processor 11A and a first memory 11B. The first memory 11B is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B is configured with a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor storage element such as a flash read only memory (ROM), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The first memory 11B may include a random access memory (RAM) that configures a work area for the first processor 11A. The first memory 11B stores data processed by the first control unit 11 and the first control program PGM1 executed by the first processor 11A.

[0020] The first processor 11A may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured such that a plurality of processors function as the first processor 11A. The first processor 11A controls each part of the server device 1 by executing a first control program PGM1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PGM1 to control each part of the server device 1, but the first control unit 11 may be an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The ASIC may execute processing according to implemented functions. The first control unit 11 may be a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit may execute processing by performing signal processing.

[0022] The first control unit 11 includes a document transmission unit 111, a determination unit 112, and a document storage unit 113 as functional blocks. Specifically, the first processor 11A executes the first control program PGM1, whereby the first processor 11A functions as a document transmission unit 111 and a determination unit 112. The first processor 11A executes the first control program PGM1, whereby the first processor 11A causes the first memory 11B to function as a document storage unit 113.

[0023] The document storage unit 113 stores the identification information JD in association with the document information JDC. The identification information JD is information for identifying the document information JDC. The identification information JD is, for example, a hash value corresponding to the document information JDC. In this embodiment, the identification information JD includes first identification information JD1 and second identification information JD2.

[0024] Moreover, the document storage unit 113 stores the code image CD in association with the document information JDC. In this embodiment, the code image CD includes a first code image CD1 and a second code image CD2. The first code image CD1 corresponds to the first identification information JD1. The first code image CD1 is, for example, an image of a one-dimensional barcode indicating the first identification information JD1. The second code image CD2 corresponds to the second identification information JD2. The second code image CD2 is, for example, an image of a one-dimensional barcode indicating the second identification information JD2. In this embodiment, the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 are each a one-dimensional barcode image, but are not limited thereto. The first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 may each be a two-dimensional barcode image.

[0025] In response to a request from the printer 2, the document transmission unit 111 transmits to the printer 2 the document information JDC, and the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 corresponding to the document information JDC. The document sending unit 111 receives, for example, the first identification information JD1 from the printer 2. The document sending unit 111 reads out the document information JDC, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2 corresponding to the first identification information JD1 from the document storage unit 113. Then, the document sending unit 111 transmits the document information JDC, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2 read out from the document storage unit 113 to the printer 2.

[0026] The determination unit 112 receives a printed image PP from the scanner 3. The printed image PP includes a regular image PPM that is an image printed on a regular printed matter PM, and a copy image PCP that is an image printed on a copy printed matter CP. The determination unit 112 determines whether or not the print image PP is a regular image PPM based on the code image CD included in the print image PP. The regular image PPM includes, for example, a first code image CD1 and a second code image CD2. The duplicate print CP does not include at least one of the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2. For example, if the print image PP does not include at least one of the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2, the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP is not a regular image PPM but a copy image PCP. Then, the determination unit 112 transmits the determination result to the scanner 3.

[0027] For example, when the print image PP includes the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2, the determination unit 112 extracts the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 from the print image PP. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is stored in the document storage unit 113. If the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is not stored in the document storage unit 113, the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP is not a regular image PPM. Then, the determination unit 112 transmits the determination result to the scanner 3. When the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is stored in the document storage unit 113, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1. When the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is not stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1, the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP is not a regular image PPM. Then, the determination unit 112 transmits the determination result to the scanner 3. If the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1, the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP is a regular image PPM. Then, the determination unit 112 transmits the determination result to the scanner 3.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the printer 2. The printer 2 is a device that prints characters, images, etc. on a print medium MD such as printing paper. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the printer 2 is an inkjet printer.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 2 includes a second control unit 21, a second communication interface mechanism 22, a memory mechanism 23, an input mechanism 24, a display mechanism 25, a printing unit 26, an ink supply unit 27, and a printing medium storage unit 28. The second control unit 21 controls the operation of each unit of the printer 2. The second control unit 21 includes a second processor 21A and a second memory 21B.

[0030] The second communication interface mechanism 22 communicates with the server device 1 by wired communication in accordance with an instruction from the second control unit 21 and in compliance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The second communication interface mechanism 22 includes a connector for connecting an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable and an interface circuit for processing signals transmitted to the connector. The second communication interface mechanism 22 is an interface board having a connector and an interface circuit, and is connected to a main board on which the second processor 21A of the second control unit 21 and the like are mounted. Alternatively, the connector and interface circuit constituting the second communication interface mechanism 22 are mounted on the main board of the second control unit 21.

[0031] The storage mechanism 23 includes a non-volatile memory such as an HDD, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or an SSD, and stores various data in a rewritable manner.

[0032] The input mechanism 24 includes input means such as operation switches and a touch panel provided on the printer 2, detects operations performed by the user on the input means, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the operation to the second control unit 21. The second control unit 21 executes processing corresponding to the user operation based on the input from the input mechanism 24.

[0033] The display mechanism 25 includes a display panel such as a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display mechanism 25 performs operations such as turning on, off, and blinking the LEDs and displaying images on the display panel under the control of the second control unit 21.

[0034] The printing unit 26 prints characters, images, and the like on a printing medium MD such as printing paper using ink under the control of the second control unit 21. The printing unit 26 includes a print head 261, a carriage 262, a scanning motor 263, and a transport motor 264 as components related to printing. The print head 261 is of an inkjet type and ejects ink supplied from an ink supply unit 27 toward the print medium MD to print characters, images, and the like on the print medium MD. A carriage 262 carries the print head 261 and scans in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the print medium MD. A scanning motor 263 scans the carriage 262. A transport motor 264 transports the print medium MD in the transport direction.

[0035] The ink supply unit 27 houses an ink tank that stores ink, and supplies ink from the ink tank to the print head 261 of the printing unit 26. The inks supplied by the ink supply unit 27 are, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks.

[0036] The print medium storage unit 28 is configured to be able to store the print medium MD. When the print medium MD is cut paper, the print medium storage unit 28 delivers the stored cut paper to a transport path (not shown) by transport by the transport motor 264. The print medium storage unit 28 may also be configured to collect printed matter P, which is the print medium MD after printing. The configuration for collecting the printed matter P may be a configuration in which cut paper is stacked and placed.

[0037] Next, the functional blocks of the second control unit 21 of the printer 2 will be described. The second memory 21B stores the second control program PGM2. The second control unit 21 includes, as functional blocks, an authentication unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a generation unit 213, a synthesis unit 214, a print execution unit 215, and an image storage unit 216. Specifically, when the second processor 21A executes the second control program PGM2, the second processor 21A functions as an authentication unit 211, an acquisition unit 212, a generation unit 213, a synthesis unit 214, and a print execution unit 215. When the second processor 21A executes the second control program PGM2, the second processor 21A causes the second memory 21B to function as an image storage unit 216.

[0038] The image storage unit 216 stores the document image PDR. The document image PDR is an image corresponding to the document information JDC. The document image PDR is generated by the generation unit 213 and stored in the image storage unit 216 by the generation unit 213. The image storage unit 216 also stores a composite image PS. The composite image PS is composed of a document image PDR, a first code image CD1, and a second code image CD2. The composite image PS is generated by the composition unit 214 and stored in the image storage unit 216 by the composition unit 214. The composite image PS will be further explained with reference to FIG.

[0039] The authentication unit 211 performs personal authentication of the user. The authentication unit 211 accepts the authentication ID of the user, for example, via the input mechanism 24. If the accepted authentication ID indicates a legitimate user, the authentication unit 211 determines that the personal authentication has been successful and accepts a print instruction from the user. On the other hand, if the accepted authentication ID does not indicate a legitimate user, the authentication unit 211 determines that the personal authentication has failed and does not accept a print instruction from the user.

[0040] The acquiring unit 212 requests the server device 1 to transmit the document information JDC based on an instruction from the user. Then, the acquiring unit 212 acquires the document information JDC and the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 corresponding to the document information JDC from the server device 1.

[0041] The generating unit 213 generates a document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC. The generating unit 213 also causes the image storage unit 216 to store the document image PDR.

[0042] The synthesizing unit 214 synthesizes the document image PDR, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2 to generate a synthetic image PS. The synthesizing unit 214 causes the image storage unit 216 to store the synthetic image PS. For example, the composition unit 214 places the document image PDR in the first printable area ARD, and places the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 in the edge area ARE. The edge area ARE indicates the area of ​​the second printable area ARN outside the first printable area ARD. The first printable area ARD is the printable area when the borderless printing function is not used, and the second printable area ARN is the printable area when the borderless printing function is used. In this embodiment, a first code image CD1 is arranged in a first end region ARE1 along an edge of the printing medium MD, and a second code image CD2 is arranged in a second end region ARE2 along an edge of the printing medium MD. The first end region ARE1 is located in the left direction DL of the first printable region ARD, and the second end region ARE2 is located in the right direction DR of the first printable region ARD. The first printable area ARD, the second printable area ARN, the first end area ARE1, and the second end area ARE2 will be further described with reference to FIG. The processing of the synthesis unit 214 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0043] The print execution unit 215 uses a borderless printing function to print the composite image PS on the print medium MD. A second printable area ARN, which is the printable area when using the borderless printing function, includes the print surface area ARP of the print medium MD. The print surface area ARP indicates the range of the print surface of the print medium MD. The processing of the print execution unit 215 will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0044] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a borderless print area and a normal print area, in which the print medium MD is A4 size as defined by ISO 216. In FIG. 3, an upward direction DU, a downward direction DD, a leftward direction DL, and a rightward direction DR are indicated by arrows.

[0045] The printing surface area ARP indicated by a solid line indicates the range of the printing surface of the printing medium MD. The printing surface is the surface of the printing medium MD on which an image is printed. The vertical size H2 of the printing surface area ARP is, for example, 297 mm, and the horizontal size W2 of the printing surface area ARP is, for example, 210 mm. In FIG. 3, the vertical size refers to the size in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction), and the horizontal size refers to the size in the lateral direction (left-right direction).

[0046] The first printable area ARD, indicated by a dashed line, is the printable area when the borderless printing function is not used. The first printable area ARD is located in the center of the print surface area ARP. Specifically, the up-down direction of the first printable area ARD is parallel to the up-down direction of the print surface area ARP, and the center position PC of the first printable area ARD coincides with the center position PC of the print surface area ARP. The center position PC of the print surface area ARP indicates the intersection of a first center line LC1, which indicates the center position of the print surface area ARP in the left-right direction, and a second center line LC2, which indicates the center position of the print surface area ARP in the up-down direction. The composition unit 214 places the document image PDR in the first printable area ARD. The vertical size H1 of the first printable area ARD is, for example, 291 mm, and the horizontal size W1 of the first printable area ARD is, for example, 204 mm.

[0047] Of the printable area ARP, the area outside the first printable area ARD, i.e., in the edge area ARE, the vertical size ΔH1 of the area located in the upward direction DU and downward direction DD of the first printable area ARD is calculated by the following formula (1). ΔH1=(H2-H1) / 2 (1) In this embodiment, the vertical size H2 of the printable area ARP is 297 mm, and the vertical size H1 of the first printable area ARD is, for example, 291 mm, so that the vertical size ΔH1 of the end area ARE is calculated to be 3 mm using formula (1).

[0048] In the end area ARE, the areas located in the left direction DL and right direction DR of the first printable area ARD, i.e., the first end area ARE1 and the second end area ARE2, have a horizontal size ΔW1 that can be calculated using the following formula (2). The first end area ARE1 is an area in the end area ARE that is located in the left direction DL of the first printable area ARD. The second end area ARE2 is an area that is located in the right direction DR of the first printable area ARD. ΔW1=(W2-W1) / 2 (2) In this embodiment, the horizontal size W2 of the printing surface area ARP is 210 mm, and the horizontal size W2 of the first printable area ARD is, for example, 204 mm, so that using equation (2), the horizontal size ΔW1 of each of the first end area ARE1 and the second end area ARE2 is calculated to be, for example, 3 mm. That is, in the printing surface area ARP, an edge area ARE having a size of 3 mm is arranged around the first printable area ARD. This edge area ARE is an area where no image is formed if the borderless printing function is not used.

[0049] The second printable area ARN, indicated by a two-dot chain line, is the printable area when using the borderless printing function. The print surface area ARP is positioned in the center of the second printable area ARN. Specifically, the up-down direction of the second printable area ARN is parallel to the up-down direction of the print surface area ARP, and the center position PC of the second printable area ARN coincides with the center position PC of the print surface area ARP. The vertical size H3 of the second printable area ARN is, for example, 301 mm, and the horizontal size W3 of the second printable area ARN is, for example, 214 mm.

[0050] Of the second printable area ARN, in the area outside the print surface area ARP, the vertical size ΔH2 of the area located in the upward direction DU and the downward direction DD of the print surface area ARP is calculated by the following formula (3). ΔH2=(H3-H2) / 2 (3) In this embodiment, the vertical size H3 of the second printable area ARN is 301 mm, and the vertical size H2 of the print surface area ARP is 297 mm, so that the vertical size ΔH2 is calculated to be 2 mm according to formula (3).

[0051] Of the second printable area ARN, the horizontal size ΔW2 of the area outside the print surface area ARP located in the left direction DL and right direction DR of the print surface area ARP is calculated by the following formula (4). ΔW2=(W3-W2) / 2 (4) In this embodiment, the horizontal size W3 of the second printable area ARN is 214 mm, and the horizontal size W2 of the print surface area ARP is 210 mm, so that the horizontal size ΔW2 is calculated to be 2 mm using formula (4). That is, in the second printable area ARN, a 2 mm area is arranged around the printing surface area ARP, in which the printing medium MD is not placed when the printing medium MD is transported to the regular printing position, even when the borderless printing function is used.

[0052] The end area ARE indicates an area of ​​the second printable area ARN that is outside the first printable area ARD. The end area ARE includes a first end area ARE1 and a second end area ARE2. In this embodiment, the first end area ARE1 is an end area ARE of the second printable area ARN in the left direction DL of the first printable area ARD, and the second end area ARE2 is an end area ARE of the second printable area ARN in the right direction DR of the first printable area ARD. The combining unit 214 arranges the first code image CD1 in the first end region ARE1 along the edge of the printing medium MD. In other words, the combining unit 214 arranges the first code image CD1 in the first end region ARE1 so that the longitudinal direction of the first code image CD1 is parallel to the up-down direction of the printing medium MD. The combining unit 214 also arranges the second code image CD2 in the second end region ARE2 along the edge of the printing medium MD. In other words, the combining unit 214 arranges the second code image CD2 in the second end region ARE2 so that the longitudinal direction of the second code image CD2 is parallel to the up-down direction of the printing medium MD.

[0053] Therefore, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD1 is equal to or smaller than the horizontal size ΔW1 of the first end region ARE1. Also, the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD2 is equal to or smaller than the horizontal size ΔW1 of the second end region ARE2. The horizontal size CW1 is the horizontal size of the first code image CD1. The horizontal size CW2 is the horizontal size of the second code image CD2.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first end region ARE1 and the second end region ARE2 are end regions ARE that face each other laterally on the printing medium MD, but are not limited thereto. The first end region ARE1 and the second end region ARE2 may be end regions ARE that face each other vertically on the printing medium MD.

[0055] 3, a part (right part) of the first code image CD1 is located inside the printing surface area ARP, and the remaining part (left part) of the first code image CD1 is located outside the printing surface area ARP. Therefore, the part (right part) of the first code image CD1 located inside the printing surface area ARP is formed on the printing medium MD. Similarly, a part (left part) of the second code image CD2 is located inside the printing surface area ARP, and the remaining part (right part) of the second code image CD2 is located outside the printing surface area ARP. Therefore, the part (left part) of the second code image CD2 located inside the printing surface area ARP is formed on the printing medium MD.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 and the misalignment during printing. In the printer 2, when printing, the print medium MD may be misaligned from the correct position on the transport path or the like in at least one of the upward direction DU, downward direction DD, left direction DL, and right direction DR as shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the amount of misalignment ΔSW in each of the upward direction DU, downward direction DD, left direction DL, and right direction DR is, for example, 2 mm or less. The correct position is a position where the printing medium MD is placed in the center of the second printable area ARN, as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, when the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position, the value of the horizontal size ΔW2 at the left end of the second printable area ARN matches the value of the horizontal size ΔW2 at the right end of the second printable area ARN. In other words, both are 2 mm.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first code image CD1 is formed on the left edge of the printing medium MD, and the second code image CD2 is formed on the right edge of the printing medium MD. Therefore, when the printing medium MD is shifted in the left direction DL or the right direction DR from the normal position, the left-right sizes of the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD change. Therefore, the relationship between the deviation in the left direction DL or right direction DR from the correct position on the printing medium MD and the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] The upper part of FIG. 4 shows a first code image CD1 formed on the printing medium MD, and the lower part of FIG. 4 shows a second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD. The left column of Fig. 4 shows a case where the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW2 in the left direction DL from the correct position. The center column of Fig. 4 shows a case where the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position. The right column of Fig. 4 shows a case where the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW1 in the right direction DR from the correct position.

[0059] First, a description will be given with reference to the center column of Fig. 4. When the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD11 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW11, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 4. The first code image CD11 is the first code image CD1 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position. The horizontal size CW1 is the size of the first code image CD11 in the left-right direction. The horizontal size CW11 is smaller than the horizontal size ΔW1 shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the horizontal size ΔW1 is 3 mm, so the horizontal size CW11 is set to, for example, 2.8 mm.

[0060] Furthermore, when the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position, the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD21 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW21, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4. The second code image CD21 is the second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is placed in the correct position. The horizontal size CW2 is the size of the second code image CD21 in the left-right direction. The horizontal size CW21 is smaller than the horizontal size ΔW1 shown in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, since the horizontal size ΔW1 is 3 mm, the horizontal size CW21 is set to, for example, 2.8 mm.

[0061] Next, a description will be given with reference to the right column of Fig. 4. When the printing medium MD is shifted in the right direction DR from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW1, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD12 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW12, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 4. The first code image CD12 is the first code image CD1 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is shifted in the right direction DR from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW1. The horizontal size CW12 is calculated by the following formula (5). CW12=CW11-ΔSW1 (5) When the lateral size CW11 is, for example, 2.8 mm and the deviation amount ΔSW1 is, for example, 2 mm, the lateral size CW12 is, for example, 0.8 mm.

[0062] As explained with reference to the right column of Figure 4, when the printing medium MD is shifted in the right direction DR from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW1, in order for the first code image CD12 to be formed on the printing medium MD, the horizontal size CW11 must be set to a value larger than the shift amount ΔSW1 according to the above equation (5).

[0063] When the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW1 in the right direction DR from the correct position, the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD22 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW22, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4. The second code image CD22 is the second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW1 in the right direction DR from the correct position. The horizontal size CW22 is calculated using the following formula (6). CW22=CW21+ΔSW1 (6) When the lateral size CW21 is, for example, 2.8 mm and the deviation amount ΔSW1 is, for example, 2 mm, the lateral size CW22 is 4.8 mm.

[0064] Next, a description will be given with reference to the left column of Fig. 4. When the printing medium MD is shifted in the left direction DL from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW2, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD13 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW13, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 4. The first code image CD13 is the first code image CD1 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is shifted in the left direction DL from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW2. The horizontal size CW13 is calculated by the following formula (7). CW13=CW11+ΔSW2 (7) When the lateral size CW11 is, for example, 2.8 mm and the deviation amount ΔSW2 is, for example, 2 mm, the lateral size CW13 is 4.8 mm.

[0065] When the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW2 in the left direction DL from the correct position, the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD23 formed on the printing medium MD becomes the horizontal size CW23, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 4. The second code image CD23 is the second code image CD2 formed on the printing medium MD when the printing medium MD is shifted by a shift amount ΔSW2 in the left direction DL from the correct position. The horizontal size CW23 is calculated by the following formula (8). CW23=CW21-ΔSW2 (8) When the lateral size CW21 is, for example, 2.8 mm and the deviation amount ΔSW2 is, for example, 2 mm, the lateral size CW12 is 0.8 mm.

[0066] As explained with reference to the left column of Figure 4, when the printing medium MD is shifted in the left direction DL from the correct position by a shift amount ΔSW2, the second code image CD23 is formed on the printing medium MD, so that the horizontal size CW21 must be set to a value larger than the shift amount ΔSW2 according to the above equation (8).

[0067] As described with reference to FIG. 4, even if the printing medium MD is shifted in the left direction DL or the right direction DR from the correct position, the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 are formed on the printing medium MD.

[0068] As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD1 and the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD2 are set to values ​​that satisfy the following expressions (9) and (10). ΔSW1 <CW1<ΔW1 (9) ΔSW2 <CW2<ΔW1 (10) Each of the horizontal size CW1 and the horizontal size CW2 corresponds to an example of the "size of the code image in the short side direction." The lateral size ΔW1 corresponds to an example of a "size in the short side direction" of each of the first end region ARE1 and the second end region ARE2.

[0069] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a genuine printed product PM. Fig. 5 shows a first genuine printed product PM1, which is a genuine printed product PM when the printing medium MD is placed in the genuine position. A first genuine image PPM1 is formed on the first genuine printed product PM1. The first genuine image PPM1 is a genuine image PPM formed in a first printing surface area ARP1 of the first genuine printed product PM1 when the printing medium MD is placed in the genuine position. The first printing surface area ARP1 indicates the area of ​​the printing surface of the printing medium MD that constitutes the first genuine printed product PM1.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, the first regular image PPM1 includes a document image PDR, a first code image CD11, and a second code image CD21. The document image PDR is formed in a first printable area ARD of the printing medium MD, the first code image CD11 is formed in a first end area ARE1, and the second code image CD21 is formed in a second end area ARE2.

[0071] 4, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD11 is the horizontal size CW11, and the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD21 is the horizontal size CW21. The horizontal size CW11 is, for example, 2.8 mm, and the horizontal size CW21 is, for example, 2.8 mm.

[0072] The first reading area ARS1 indicates an area in which the scanner 3 reads an image formed on the print medium MD. The first reading area ARS1 coincides with the area of ​​the first regular image PPM1. That is, the image read by the scanner 3 coincides with the first regular image PPM1. Therefore, the scanner 3 transmits the first regular image PPM1 to the server device 1 as the print image PP. The determination unit 112 of the server device 1 determines that the printed image PP (here, the first regular image PPM1) is a regular image PPM because the printed image PP includes the first code image CD11 and the second code image CD21.

[0073] The second reading area ARS2 indicates an area in which the copier 4 reads an image formed on the print medium MD. In Fig. 5, the second reading area ARS2 coincides with the first printable area ARD. The copier 4 then reads the document image PDR in the first printable area ARD. The copier 4 then forms the document image PDR on the print medium MD to generate the first copy CP1 shown in Fig. 6.

[0074] In this embodiment, the second read area ARS2 coincides with the first printable area ARD, but is not limited to this. If the second read area ARS2 differs from the first printable area ARD, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD1 and the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD2 must further satisfy the following formulas (11) and (12). CW1<ΔSW1+ΔRW (11) CW2<ΔSW2+ΔRW (12) Here, the horizontal size ΔRW is the left-right size of the non-reading area that extends along the longitudinal direction of the printing medium MD. The non-reading area is an area outside the second reading area ARS2 on the printing surface of the printing medium MD. When formula (11) or formula (12) is not satisfied, the print image PP of the duplicate printout CP may include the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2. In this case, the determination unit 112 of the server device 1 may not be able to determine whether the print image PP is a regular image PPM or not.

[0075] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a copy print CP, which is a first copy print CP1 corresponding to the first genuine print PM1 shown in FIG. In Fig. 5, the second reading area ARS2 coincides with the first printable area ARD, so the copier 4 reads the document image PDR in the first printable area ARD and forms the document image PDR on the print medium MD. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6, the document image PDR is formed in the first copy surface area ARCP1 of the first copy printed matter CP1, and the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 are not formed. The first copy surface area ARCP1 indicates the area of ​​the copy surface of the first copy printed matter CP1.

[0076] The first copy surface area ARCP1 coincides with the area where the scanner 3 reads the image formed on the print medium MD. In other words, the image read by the scanner 3 coincides with the first regular image PPM1. Therefore, the scanner 3 transmits the first copy image PCP1 to the server device 1 as the print image PP of the first copy printout CP1. The first copy image PCP1 includes the document image PDR, but does not include the first code image CD1 or the second code image CD2. The determination unit 112 of the server device 1 determines that the print image PP (here, the first copy image PCP1) is a copy printout CP because the print image PP does not include the first code image CD11 and the second code image CD21.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a genuine printed matter PM. Fig. 7 shows a second genuine printed matter PM2, which is a genuine printed matter PM when the printing medium MD is shifted in the right direction DR from the genuine position by a shift amount ΔSW1. A second genuine image PPM2 is formed on the second genuine printed matter PM2. The second genuine image PPM2 is a genuine image PPM formed in the first printing surface area ARP1 of the second genuine printed matter PM2 when the printing medium MD is shifted in the right direction DR from the genuine position by a shift amount ΔSW1. The second printing surface area ARP2 indicates the area of ​​the printing surface of the printing medium MD that constitutes the second genuine printed matter PM2.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the second regular image PPM2 includes a document image PDR, a first code image CD12, and a second code image CD22. The document image PDR is formed in a first printable area ARD of the printing medium MD, the first code image CD12 is formed in a first end area ARE1, and the second code image CD22 is formed in a second end area ARE2.

[0079] 4, the horizontal size CW1 of the first code image CD12 is the horizontal size CW12, and the horizontal size CW2 of the second code image CD22 is the horizontal size CW22. The horizontal size CW12 is, for example, 0.8 mm, and the horizontal size CW22 is, for example, 4.8 mm.

[0080] The first reading area ARS1 indicates an area in which the scanner 3 reads an image formed on the print medium MD. The second reading area ARS2 coincides with the area of ​​the second regular image PPM2. That is, the image read by the scanner 3 coincides with the second regular image PPM2. Therefore, the scanner 3 transmits the second regular image PPM2 to the server device 1 as the print image PP. The determination unit 112 of the server device 1 determines that the printed image PP (here, the second regular image PPM2) is a regular image PPM because the printed image PP includes the first code image CD12 and the second code image CD22.

[0081] The second reading area ARS2 indicates an area where the copier 4 reads an image formed on the printing medium MD. In FIG. 7, the second reading area ARS2 is set at a position shifted by ΔSW1 in the right direction DR with respect to the first printable area ARD. In other words, the copier 4 sets the area of ​​the printing medium MD excluding the end area ARE as the second reading area ARS2. Then, the copier 4 reads the document image PDR and the second code image CD221 in the second reading area ARS2. The second code image CD221 is located at the left end of the second code image CD22 and is an image included in the second reading area ARS2. Then, the copier 4 forms the document image PDR and the second code image CD221 on the printing medium MD to generate the second copy printed matter CP2 shown in FIG. 8.

[0082] 8 is a diagram showing another example of the duplicate print CP, which is a second duplicate print CP2 corresponding to the second genuine print PM2 shown in FIG. 8, the document image PDR and the second code image CD221 are formed in the second copy surface area ARCP2 of the second copy print CP2, and the first code image CD1 is not formed. The second copy surface area ARCP2 indicates the area of ​​the copy surface of the second copy print CP2.

[0083] The second copy surface area ARCP2 coincides with the area where the scanner 3 reads the image formed on the print medium MD. In other words, the image read by the scanner 3 coincides with the second regular image PPM2. Therefore, the scanner 3 transmits the second copy image PCP2 to the server device 1 as the print image PP of the second copy printout CP2. The second copy image PCP2 includes the document image PDR and the second code image CD221, but does not include the first code image CD1. The determination unit 112 of the server device 1 determines that the print image PP of the second copy printout CP2 (here, the second copy image PCP2) is not a regular image PPM because the print image PP does not include the first code image CD1.

[0084] As described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 8, when the printed image PP includes the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2, the determination unit 112 determines that the printed image PP is a genuine image PPM. When the printed image PP does not include at least one of the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2, the determination unit 112 determines that the printed image PP is not a genuine image PPM. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether the printed image PP is a genuine image PPM or not.

[0085] Next, the processing of the second control unit 21 of the printer 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the printer 2. First, in step S101, the authentication unit 211 executes personal authentication of the user. If the personal authentication fails, the process ends. If the personal authentication succeeds, the process proceeds to step S103. Then, in step S103, the acquisition unit 212 accepts a print instruction from the user and requests the server device 1 to transmit document information JDC. Next, in step S105, the acquisition unit 212 acquires from the server device 1 the document information JDC, and the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 corresponding to the document information JDC.

[0086] Next, in step S107, the generation unit 213 generates a document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC. Next, in step S109, the composition unit 214 generates a composite image PS by combining the document image PDR, the first code image CD1, and the second code image CD2. For example, the composition unit 214 arranges the document image PDR in the first printable area ARD, arranges the first code image CD1 in the first end area ARE1, and arranges the second code image CD2 in the second end area ARE2. Next, in step S111, the print execution unit 215 is set to execute the borderless printing function. Next, in step S113, the print execution unit 215 uses the borderless printing function to print the composite image PS on the print medium MD, after which the process ends.

[0087] Next, the process of the first control unit 11 of the server device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the server device 1. First, in step S 201 , the determination unit 112 receives a print image PP from the scanner 3 . Next, in step S203, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the print image PP includes the first code image CD1. If the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP does not include the first code image CD1 (step S203; NO), the process proceeds to step S225. If the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP includes the first code image CD1 (step S203; YES), the process proceeds to step S215. Then, in step S215, the determination unit 112 extracts the first code image CD1 from the print image PP. Next, in step S217, the determination unit 112 determines whether the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is stored in the document storage unit 113 or not.

[0088] If the determination unit 112 determines that the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is not stored in the document storage unit 113 (step S207; NO), the process proceeds to step S225. If the determination unit 112 determines that the first identification information JD1 corresponding to the first code image CD1 is stored in the document storage unit 113 (step S207; YES), the process proceeds to step S219. Then, in step S219, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the print image PP includes the second code image CD2. If the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP does not include the second code image CD2 (step S219; NO), the process proceeds to step S225. If the determination unit 112 determines that the print image PP includes the second code image CD2 (step S219; YES), the process proceeds to step S221. Then, in step S221, the determination unit 112 extracts the second code image CD2 from the print image PP. Next, in step S223, the determination unit 112 determines whether or not the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 in step S217.

[0089] If the determination unit 112 determines that the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is not stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 in step S217 (step S223; NO), the process proceeds to step S225. Then, in step S225, the determination unit 112 determines that the printed image PP is not an image printed on a genuine printed matter PM (that is, a genuine image PPM), and transmits this determination result to the scanner 3. After that, the process ends. If the determination unit 112 determines that the second identification information JD2 corresponding to the second code image CD2 is stored in the document storage unit 113 in association with the first identification information JD1 in step S217 (step S223; YES), the process proceeds to step S227. Then, in step S227, the determination unit 112 determines that the printed image PP is an image printed on a genuine printed matter PM (that is, a genuine image PPM), and transmits this determination result to the scanner 3. After that, the process ends.

[0090] 10, the determination unit 112 determines whether the printed image PP is an image printed on a genuine printed matter PM depending on whether the printed image PP includes the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to determine whether the printed image PP is an image printed on a genuine printed matter PM.

[0091] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 10, the document determination system 100 of this embodiment includes a server device 1 that stores identification information JD in correspondence with document information JDC, a printer 2 that prints a document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC and a code image CD indicating the identification information JD on a printing medium MD to generate a genuine printed matter PM, and a scanner 3 that reads a printed image PP printed on a printed matter P including the genuine printed matter PM and a copy printed matter CP that is a copy of the genuine printed matter PM, and the printer 2 prints the code image CD in a predetermined edge area ARE of the printing medium MD, and the server device 1 determines whether the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM based on the code image CD included in the printed matter PP read by the scanner 3.

[0092] According to this configuration, whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM is determined based on the code image CD contained in the printed image PP read by the scanner 3, making it possible to determine whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM with a simple configuration.

[0093] In addition, the code image CD is composed of a first code image CD1 and a second code image CD2 that is different from the first code image CD1, and the printer 2 prints the first code image CD1 in a first end region ARE1 of the end regions ARE that are opposed to each other vertically or horizontally on the printing medium MD, and prints the second code image CD2 in a second end region ARE2 that is opposed to the first end region ARE1.

[0094] According to this configuration, of the end regions ARE that face each other vertically or horizontally on the printing medium MD, a first code image CD1 is printed in a first end region ARE1, and a second code image CD2 is printed in a second end region ARE2 that faces the first end region ARE1. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM depending on whether or not the printed image PP includes the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM with a simple configuration.

[0095] In addition, the code image CD is a rectangular image, the longitudinal direction of the code image CD is arranged along the edge of the printing medium MD, and the short-side size of the code image CD is larger than the deviation ΔSW of the printing medium MD during printing and smaller than the short-side size of the first end region ARE1 and the second end region ARE2.

[0096] According to this configuration, the size of the code image CD in the short direction is larger than the amount of misalignment ΔSW of the printing medium MD during printing, so even if misalignment of the printing medium MD occurs during printing, the printed image PP of the genuine printed matter PM includes the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2. Furthermore, since the size of the code image CD in the short side direction is smaller than the sizes of the first end region ARE1 and the second end region ARE2 in the short side direction, the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 can be prevented from overlapping with the document image PDR.

[0097] Furthermore, the server device 1 determines, based on the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 contained in the print image PP read by the scanner 3, whether or not the print P is a genuine print PM.

[0098] According to this configuration, whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM is determined based on the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 contained in the printed image PP, so that whether or not the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM can be determined with a simple configuration.

[0099] Additionally, the printer 2 prints the code image CD in the edge area ARE using a borderless printing function.

[0100] According to this configuration, the code image CD is printed in the edge area ARE using the borderless printing function, so that the code image CD can be printed in the edge area ARE.

[0101] Furthermore, the scanner 3 reads the entire print image PP of the print medium MD constituting the printed matter P, on the surface on which the print image PP is formed.

[0102] According to this configuration, the scanner 3 reads the entire print image PP of the print medium MD, so that the print image PP of the genuine print matter PM that the scanner 3 reads can include the code image CD.

[0103] Further, the copier 4 which generates the duplicated printed matter CP reads an image in the area excluding the edge area ARE in the genuine printed matter PM, and prints the read image on the printing medium MD.

[0104] According to this configuration, the copier 4 reads the image of the area of ​​the genuine printed matter PM excluding the edge area ARE and prints the read image on the printing medium MD, so that the printed image PP of the printed copy printed matter CP does not include the code image CD.

[0105] The printer 2 of this embodiment obtains document information JDC and a code image CD indicating identification information JD corresponding to the document information JDC from the server device 1, prints a document image PDR corresponding to the document information JDC and the code image CD on a printing medium MD, and generates a printed matter P, and the printer 2 prints the code image CD in a predetermined edge area ARE of the printing medium MD.

[0106] According to this configuration, the code image CD is printed in a predetermined edge area ARE of the printing medium MD, so that it becomes possible to determine whether the printed matter P is a genuine printed matter PM based on the code image CD contained in the printed image PP read by the scanner 3.

[0107] This embodiment shows one embodiment, and any modification and application are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0108] In this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is a server device 1 will be described, but is not limited to this. The "information processing device" is configured to be able to communicate with the printer 2 and the scanner 3, and may include a document transmission unit 111, a determination unit 112, and a document storage unit 113.

[0109] In this embodiment, the "printing device" is an inkjet printer 2 that uses ink as the printing material, but is not limited to this. The "printing device" may be, for example, an electrophotographic printer that uses toner as the printing material.

[0110] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the server device 1 transmits document information JDC and code image CD to the printer 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The server device 1 may transmit document information JDC and identification information JD to the printer 2, and the printer 2 may generate a code image CD corresponding to the identification information JD.

[0111] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the printer 2 prints the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 in the end areas ARE that face each other laterally, but the present invention is not limited to this. The printer 2 may also print the first code image CD1 and the second code image CD2 in the end areas ARE that face each other vertically.

[0112] This embodiment describes a document determination method that is realized by the first processor 11A provided in the server device 1 executing the first control program PGM1, but it is also possible to configure the first control program PGM1 executed by the first processor 11A to realize this document determination method in the form of a printed medium on which it is recorded in a computer-readable manner, or a transmission medium that transmits this first control program PGM1. The print medium may be a magnetic or optical print medium or a semiconductor memory device. Examples of the print medium include portable or fixed print media such as a flexible disk, HDD, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, and card-type print medium. The print medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device provided in the server device 1.

[0113] The functions of the first control unit 11 of the server device 1 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The first control unit 11 may further include a co-processor such as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The first control unit 11 may perform various controls by making both the CPU and the co-processor work together, or by selectively using one of them.

[0114] The processing units in the flowchart of Fig. 10 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 11, and are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units in the flowchart may be further divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. One processing unit may also be divided so as to include more processing. The order of the processing may be appropriately changed within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the invention.

[0115] This embodiment describes a document determination method that is realized by the second processor 21A provided in the printer 2 executing the second control program PGM2, but it is also possible to configure the second control program PGM2 executed by the second processor 21A to realize this document determination method in the form of a printing medium on which it is recorded in a computer-readable manner, or a transmission medium that transmits this second control program PGM2. The printing medium may be a magnetic or optical printing medium or a semiconductor memory device. Examples of the printing medium include portable or fixed printing media such as a flexible disk, HDD, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, and card-type printing medium. The printing medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device of the printer 2.

[0116] The functions of the second control unit 21 of the printer 2 may be realized by one or more processors or semiconductor chips. The second control unit 21 may further include a co-processor such as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), Micro Control Unit (MCU), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The second control unit 21 may perform various controls by cooperating with both the CPU and the co-processor, or by selectively using one of the two.

[0117] The processing units in the flowchart of Fig. 9 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the second control unit 21, and are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units in the flowchart may be further divided into more processing units according to the processing contents. One processing unit may also be divided so as to include more processing. The order of the processing may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

[0118] Each functional unit shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 indicates a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. It is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units. In the above-mentioned embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of each of the other units of the server device 1 and the printer 2 can also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 100... document judgment system, 1... server device (information processing device), 11... first control unit, 11A... first processor, 11B... first memory, 111... document transmission unit, 112... judgment unit, 113... document storage unit, 12... first communication interface mechanism, 2... printer (printing device), 21... second control unit, 21A... second processor, 21B... second memory, 211... authentication unit, 212... acquisition unit, 213... generation unit, 214... synthesis unit, 215... print execution unit, 216... image storage unit, 22... 2 communication interface mechanism, 24... input mechanism, 26... printing unit, 3... scanner (reading device), 4... copier (copying device), ARCP1... first copy surface area, ARCP2... second copy surface area, ARD... first printable area, ARE... edge area, ARE1... first edge area, ARE2... second edge area, ARN... second printable area, ARP... printing surface area, ARP1... first printing surface area, ARP2... second printing surface area, ARS1... first reading area, ARS2... second reading area, CD... code image, CD1, CD11, CD12, CD13...1st code image, CD2, CD21, CD22, CD221, CD23...2nd code image, CP...copy print, CP1...1st copy print, CP2...2nd copy print, CW1, CW11, CW12, CW13...horizontal size, CW2, CW21, CW22, CW23...horizontal size, H1, H2, H3...vertical size, JD...identification information, JD1...1st identification information, JD2...2nd identification information, JDC...document information, MD...printing medium, P...print, PCP...copy image , PCP1...first copy image, PCP2...second copy image, PDR...document image, PGM1...first control program, PGM2...second control program, PM...regular printout, PM1...first regular printout, PM2...second regular printout, PP...printed image, PPM...regular image, PPM1...first regular image, PPM2...second regular image, PS...composite image, W1, W2, W3...horizontal size, ΔH1, ΔH2...vertical size, ΔRW...horizontal size, ΔW1, ΔW2...horizontal size, ΔSW, ΔSW1, ΔSW2...amount of deviation.

Claims

1. an information processing device that stores identification information in association with document information; A document image corresponding to the document information and a code image indicating the identification information are printed on a print medium. a printing device for printing and generating a genuine print product; The authentic printed matter and the copy printed matter obtained by copying the authentic printed matter are printed on the printed matter. A reading device for reading a printed image; Equipped with The printing device prints the code image in a preset edge region of the printing medium; The information processing device reads a code image included in the printed image read by the reading device. Based on the result, it is determined whether the printed matter is the genuine printed matter, The code image includes a first code image and a second code image different from the first code image. It is composed of The printing device is configured to print a first end region of the print medium, the first end region being one of the end regions facing each other vertically or horizontally. the first code image is printed in a first end region, and the second code image is printed in a second end region opposite the first end region. Print the code image, Document assessment system.

2. The code image is a rectangular image, and the longitudinal direction of the code image is The size of the code image in the short direction is determined by the size of the print medium when printed. the amount of deviation and smaller than the size of the first end region and the second end region in the short-side direction stomach, The document determination system according to claim 1 .

3. The information processing device reads the first code included in the print image read by the reading device. and determining whether the printed matter is the genuine printed matter based on the image and the second code image. Determine, The document determination system according to claim 2 .

4. The printing device prints the code image in the edge region using a borderless printing function. The document determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The reading device reads a surface on which the print image is formed of a print medium constituting the printed matter. reading the entire printed image on the print medium; The document determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The copying machine for generating the duplicated printed matter is a copying machine for generating the duplicated printed matter by dividing the genuine printed matter into a region other than the edge region. reading an image of the area and printing the read image on the printing medium; The document determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Document information and a code image showing identification information corresponding to the document information are obtained from an information processing device. Get it, A document image corresponding to the document information and the code image are printed on a print medium, and a printed matter is obtained. A printing device that generates The code image includes a first code image and a second code image different from the first code image. It is composed of The printing device is configured to print a first end region of the print medium, the first end region being one of the end regions facing each other vertically or horizontally. the first code image is printed in a first end region, and the second code image is printed in a second end region opposite the first end region. Print the code image, Printing device.

Images