Image forming apparatus, program, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that prevents an unauthorized behavior on a document image.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus combines an embedded image with a document image, and the image forming apparatus has: a setting receiving unit that receives settings of an oblique visible angle of the embedded image; an angle deformation unit that processes data of the embedded image so as to change the angle of the embedded image according to the oblique visible angle settings; a re-drawing unit that processes the data of the embedded image so that the details of the embedded image with a deformed angle are drawn by a predetermined pattern; and a composition unit that combines the data of the embedded image drawn by the pattern with data of the document image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a program, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In order to suppress illegal acts such as unauthorized citation or illegal citation of manuscript images, techniques for synthesizing a stamp image, a background pattern image, or a watermark image with a manuscript image have been conventionally known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a process for printing an image including a background pattern image that restricts the use of copies and the like in a system configured to include an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer and a printing apparatus such as a printer.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in consideration of the impression of viewers, it is desirable that the influence degree on the manuscript image of embedded images such as stamp images, background pattern images, or watermark images is small. On the other hand, it is desirable that embedded images such as stamp images, background pattern images, or watermark images are not easily tampered with by image processing software after being synthesized with the manuscript image. Furthermore, it is desirable that embedded images such as stamp images, background pattern images, or watermark images are difficult for unauthorized users to notice after being synthesized with the manuscript image. Note that Citation Document 1 does not describe such content.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses illegal acts against a manuscript image.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention synthesizes an embedded image with a manuscript image Then execute the print process.An image forming apparatus comprising a setting reception unit that receives the setting of the oblique viewing angle of the embedded image, The embedded image printed on the document surface is made less visible when viewed from the user's normal viewing angle than when viewed from the angle set to the oblique viewing angle. The embedded image according to the aforementioned oblique viewing angle setting The statue The data of the embedded image is changed image The angle deformation section to be processed, and the Image processing The contents of the embedded image are, To reduce the degree of impact on the aforementioned original image. The data of the embedded image is drawn in a predetermined pattern. image A redrawing unit that processes the image, and a compositing unit that combines the data of the embedded image drawn with the pattern with the data of the original image. A printing unit prints the original image in which the embedded image data has been combined with the original image data, It holds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress fraudulent activities against original image files. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a software configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an example image of an embedded image. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative image showing an example of an embedded image with a changed angle. [Figure 8] This is an example image of an embedded image that has been redrawn according to a predetermined pattern. [Figure 9] This is an example image of a source image created by combining embedded images using the oblique viewing function. [Figure 10]This is an example image of a document printed using the oblique viewing function. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1, an image forming apparatus 10 and a user terminal 12 are connected to each other via a network 18 such as a local area network (LAN) and the Internet.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 10 is an electronic device equipped with a printing function. The image forming apparatus 10 is, for example, a printer or an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). An MFP is a multifunction device that has functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment executes a program such as a print application. By executing the program, the image forming apparatus 10 realizes various functions such as a print function.

[0013] User terminal 12 is an example of an information processing terminal operated by a user. User terminal 12 can be a notebook PC, desktop PC, wearable PC, mobile phone, smartphone, tablet device, game console, PDA, etc. The user can operate user terminal 12 to send a print job to the image forming apparatus 10 and have the image forming apparatus 10 execute the printing process according to that print job. Note that the configuration of information processing system 1 in Figure 1 is just one example.

[0014] <Hardware Configuration> 《Image Forming Apparatus》 The image forming apparatus 10 included in the information processing system 1 has, for example, the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control device 300, an operation display device 302, an image input device 304, an image output device 306, a primary storage device 308, a secondary storage device 310, and an external communication device 312. The control device 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 320 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 322.

[0015] The control device 300 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10 by executing the program read from the secondary storage device 16 to the primary storage device 15. The programs executed by the image forming apparatus 10 include various software belonging to the application layer, service layer, and handler layer of the software group described later.

[0016] Note that the program executed by the control device 300 may be stored in advance in the secondary storage device 310 and provided, or may be provided on a recording medium readable by the image forming apparatus 10 that records a file in an installable format or an executable format. The recording medium readable by the image forming apparatus 10 is a CD-ROM, a memory card, a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like.

[0017] Also, the program executed by the control device 300 may be provided by downloading it from another image forming apparatus 10 or another computer that can communicate via the external communication device 312.

[0018] The operation display device 302 includes a liquid crystal display for displaying information and an input device such as a hardware switch or touch panel for receiving user input. The image input device 304 is a device that inputs image data printed on paper media using a scanner function. The image output device 306 is a device that prints image data using a printer function according to job information. The primary storage device 308 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) that functions as a work area of ​​the control device 300. The secondary storage device 310 is a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The secondary storage device 310 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. The external communication device 312 is a device that communicates data with user terminals 12 etc. via the network 18.

[0019] "computer" The user terminal 12 is implemented by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment. The computer 500 in Figure 3 includes a CPU 501, ROM 502, RAM 503, HD 504, HDD controller 505, display 506, external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, network I / F 509, data bus 510, keyboard 511, pointing device 512, DVD-RW drive 514, and media I / F 516.

[0020] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the computer 500. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

[0021] The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection interface 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, external devices include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or image forming apparatus 10. The network interface 509 is an interface for data communication using the network 18. The data bus 510 is an address bus, data bus, etc., for electrically connecting various components such as the CPU 501.

[0022] The keyboard 511 is an example of an input device equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 512 is an example of an input device for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving a cursor. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW 513 is just an example, and may be a DVD-R or the like. The media interface 516 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the recording medium 515, such as flash memory.

[0023] <Software configuration of image forming apparatus> Figure 4 is a software configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 has a software group 200 for realizing various operations using the engine 241 and hardware resources 242.

[0024] The software suite 200 includes an application layer 200a that runs on an OS such as UNIX®, a service layer 200b, and a handler layer 200c. The platform 200e, which provides various functions to the application layer 200a, includes a service layer 200b, a handler layer 200c, and a hardware layer 200d.

[0025] Furthermore, platform 200e includes an API (Application Program Interface) 251 that receives processing requests from application layer 200a via predefined functions, etc., and an engine I / F 252. The engine I / F 252 receives drive commands from software group 200 to engine 241 and hardware resource 242.

[0026] The application layer 200a includes a group of software consisting of applications operated by the user. The software included in the application layer 200a makes requests to the platform 200e in accordance with the user's operations on the operation display device 302 of the image forming apparatus 10, and executes the functions of each application. For example, the application layer 200a includes a printer application 201, a copy application 202, a fax application 203, a scanner application 204, and a net file application 205.

[0027] The service layer 200b includes a group of software that controls various functions of the image forming apparatus 10, such as image input functions, image output functions, image processing functions, and external communication functions. The service layer 200b includes one or more service modules such as NCS (Network Control Service) 211, OCS (Operation Panel Control Service) 212, FCS (Fax Control Service) 213, MCS (Memory Control Service) 214, ECS (Engine Control Service) 215, DCS (Delivery Control Service) 216, CCS (Certification and Charge Control Service) 217, LCS (Log Control Service) 218, UCS (User Information Control Service) 219, and SCS (System Control Service) 220.

[0028] NCS211 is a service that can be commonly used by applications that require network I / O. NCS211 distributes data received from the network side via various protocols to each application, and acts as an intermediary when each application sends data back to the network side.

[0029] OCS212 is a service that controls the operation display device 302 on which the user performs input operations (for example, control the operation of the touch panel). FCS213 is a service that provides APIs from the application layer 200a for sending and receiving faxes using PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) networks, registering and quoting various fax data managed in backup memory, reading faxes, and printing received faxes.

[0030] MCS214 is a service that controls the memory of the primary storage device 308 and the secondary storage device 310. ECS215 is a service that controls the hardware layer 200d, including the engine 241 and hardware resources 242. DCS216 is a service that controls the distribution of stored documents, etc. CCS217 is a service that controls authentication and billing. LCS218 is a service that manages and maintains log information. UCS219 is a service that manages user information.

[0031] SCS220 is a service that performs tasks such as application management, control of the operation display device 302, control of the system screen display, management of hardware resources 242, and control of interrupt applications.

[0032] Furthermore, the service layer 200b includes the SRM (System Resource Manager) 221. The SRM 221 is software that controls the system together with the SCS 220, and manages the engine 241 and hardware resources 242. For example, the SRM 221 arbitrates and controls execution in accordance with acquisition requests from higher layers that utilize the engine 241 and hardware resources 242.

[0033] Specifically, SRM221 determines whether the hardware resource 242 that is the target of the acquisition request is available, and if it is available, it notifies the upper layer that the hardware resource 242 is available. SRM221 also schedules the use of the hardware resource 242 in response to the acquisition request from the upper layer and executes the requested operations (for example, paper transport by the printer engine, image creation operation, memory allocation, and file generation).

[0034] The handler layer 200c includes a group of software that controls the storage and retrieval of data to the primary storage device 308 and the secondary storage device 310, as well as the control of the engine 241 and hardware resources 242 belonging to the hardware layer 200d. For example, the handler layer 200c includes an FCUH (Facsimile Control Unit Handler) 231, an IMH (Image Memory Handler) 232, and an MEU (Media Edit Utility) 233.

[0035] FCUH231 manages the control unit that controls the fax function included in the hardware layer 200d. IMH232 allocates memory to processes and manages the memory allocated to processes. MEU233 is connected to the hardware layer 200d and controls the MLB (Media Link Board) and other components included in the hardware resource 242.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the hardware layer 200d includes an engine 241 and hardware resources 242. For example, the engine 241 is a hardware resource that controls the plotter and scanner, etc. Hardware resources 242 are hardware resources other than the engine 241.

[0037] <Functional Configuration> Figure 5 shows the functional configuration of an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Figure 5 includes a setting reception unit 100, a job reception unit 102, a setting storage unit 104, an angle deformation unit 106, an embedded image storage unit 108, a redrawing unit 110, a pattern storage unit 112, a synthesis unit 114, and a printing unit 116. Each of these functions is realized by processing that one or more programs cause the control device 300 to execute.

[0038] The setting reception unit 100 accepts settings related to the embedded image. The settings related to the embedded image include various parameters necessary to use the oblique viewing function. These parameters include the setting for the oblique viewing angle of the embedded image. In addition, the parameters may also include the specification of a pattern to be used in the redrawing described later.

[0039] Settings related to embedded images may be received from the user operating the operation display device 302, or from job information such as printing received from the user terminal 12. The settings related to embedded images received by the setting reception unit 100 are stored in the setting storage unit 104.

[0040] Furthermore, the job reception unit 102 receives job information such as printing from the user terminal 12. The job reception unit 102 may store the job information received from the user terminal 12 in the secondary storage device 310 and receive job information such as printing from a user operating the operation display device 302.

[0041] When the oblique viewing function is used, the angle deformation unit 106 reads data of an embedded image stored in the embedded image storage unit 108, such as the one shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is an illustrative diagram of an example of an embedded image. The embedded image in Figure 6 is a copyright image, which is an example of a stamp image.

[0042] Furthermore, the angle deformation unit 106 reads the oblique angle setting of the embedded image, which is included in the settings related to the embedded image, from the setting storage unit 104. The angle deformation unit 106 performs image processing to change the angle of the embedded image in Figure 6 to that of the embedded image in Figure 7, according to the read oblique angle setting of the embedded image. Figure 7 is an illustrative image of an example of an embedded image with a changed angle. The embedded image in Figure 7 has been processed so that it is difficult for the user to see the embedded image from the normal angle from which they view the document (for example, directly above the document surface).

[0043] The pattern storage unit 112 stores data for predetermined patterns. The predetermined patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 112 are patterns that, when combined with the original image, do not appear as embedded images when viewed from a normal angle. The redrawing unit 110 reads the data for the predetermined patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 112.

[0044] The redrawing unit 110 performs image processing to redraw the embedded image whose angle has been changed by the angle deformation unit 106 using a pattern read from the pattern storage unit 112, for example, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is an illustrative diagram of an example of an embedded image redrawn with a predetermined pattern. Note that in Figure 8, the colors are darker than they actually are for clarity. An embedded image redrawn with a predetermined pattern has less impact on the original image when combined with the embedded image than the embedded image before redrawing.

[0045] The compositing unit 114 performs image processing to composite the embedded image, such as the one redrawn by the redrawing unit 110 as shown in Figure 8, onto the original image included in the job information, for example, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is an illustrative image of an example of an original image in which an embedded image has been composited using the oblique viewing function. As shown in Figure 9, for example, the embedded image in an original image in which an embedded image has been composited using the oblique viewing function is difficult to see from the normal viewing angle of a user, thus allowing the embedded image to be composited onto the original image without being conspicuous. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, for example, the embedded image in an original image in which an embedded image has been composited using the oblique viewing function is difficult to see from the normal viewing angle of a user, making it difficult for unauthorized users to notice. Moreover, as shown in Figure 9, for example, an original image in which an embedded image has been composited using the oblique viewing function is not easy to tamper with.

[0046] The printing unit 116 performs printing according to the data of the original image created by the composite unit 114 by compositing the embedded images. In the case of print job information in which the oblique viewing function is not used, the printing unit 116 may receive the data of the original image included in the job information received by the job reception unit 102 from the composite unit 114 and perform printing.

[0047] When the oblique viewing function is used, the printing unit 116 prints a document like the one shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is an image of an example of a document printed using the oblique viewing function.

[0048] For example, in the document shown in Figure 10(A), the embedded image appears faint when viewed from the normal angle a user would normally view the document (in the direction of the dotted arrow), making it difficult to see. The solid arrow in Figure 10(A) also shows the user viewing the document from an angle set to an oblique viewing angle.

[0049] A user viewing the original document from the angle indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 10(A) can see the embedded image, which appears darker, as shown in Figure 10(B). Note that the original document image is omitted in Figure 10(B).

[0050] <Processing> Next, the details of the processing of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the information processing system according to this embodiment. Here, the processing when the image forming apparatus 10 receives print job information using the oblique viewing function from the user terminal 12 will be described.

[0051] In step S10, the image forming apparatus 10 receives print job information from the user terminal 12. In step S12, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the settings related to the embedded image from the received print job information. In step S14, the image forming apparatus 10 determines whether or not the print job information utilizes the oblique viewing function, according to the settings related to the embedded image that it has read.

[0052] If the print job information does not utilize the oblique viewing function, the image forming apparatus 10 proceeds to step S26 and performs the print processing according to the received print job information. If the print job information utilizes the oblique viewing function, the image forming apparatus 10 proceeds to step S16.

[0053] In step S16, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the data of the embedded image, for example, shown in Figure 6. In step S18, the image forming apparatus 10 reads the oblique angle setting of the embedded image included in the settings for the embedded image. The image forming apparatus 10 performs image processing to change the angle of the embedded image in Figure 6 to the embedded image in Figure 7, according to the oblique angle setting of the embedded image that it has read.

[0054] In step S20, the image forming apparatus 10 reads out data of a predetermined pattern. In step S22, the image forming apparatus 10 performs image processing to redraw the embedded image, whose angle was changed in step S18, using the read-out pattern, for example, as shown in Figure 8.

[0055] In step S24, the image forming apparatus 10 performs image processing to combine the embedded image, as shown in Figure 8, which was redrawn in step S22, with the original image included in the job information, for example, as shown in Figure 9. In step S26, the image forming apparatus 10 performs printing processing according to the data of the original image into which the embedded image was combined in step S26.

[0056] Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to synthesize an embedded image with the original image that has little impact on the original image, is difficult for unauthorized users to notice, and is not easy to tamper with. Furthermore, the embedded image of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment is an embedded image that remains on the original even if it is copied. Moreover, the embedded image of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment becomes easier to see when the original is viewed from an angle set to an oblique viewing angle. Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, unauthorized acts against the original image can be suppressed.

[0057] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the image forming apparatus 10 performs processing related to the oblique viewing function. However, for example, the information processing device 14 of the service provision system 2 shown in the information processing system 1 of Figure 12 may also perform this processing.

[0058] Figure 12 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. Figure 12 shows a configuration in which a service provision system 2 is added to the information processing system 1 of Figure 1. The service provision system 2 includes one or more information processing devices 14. The service provision system 2 may be, for example, a computer system that provides cloud services.

[0059] The information processing device 14 of the service provision system 2 performs the processing related to the oblique viewing function that was performed by the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. For example, the information processing device 14 receives job information such as printing from the user terminal 12.

[0060] The information processing device 14 performs image processing related to the oblique viewing function, which was performed by the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, and transmits the data of the original image, which has been synthesized with embedded images through the image processing related to the oblique viewing function, to the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 10 can print an original as shown in Figure 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the information processing device 14 of the service provision system 2 may receive job information such as printing from the image forming apparatus 10, perform image processing related to the oblique viewing function that was performed by the image forming apparatus 10 in the first embodiment, and transmit data of the original image, which has been synthesized by the image processing related to the oblique viewing function, to the image forming apparatus 10.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed above, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. Each of the functions of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the functions described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1. Information Processing System 2. Service Delivery System 10 Image forming apparatus 12 User terminals 14 Information Processing Devices 18 Network 100 Setting Reception Section 106 Angle deformation section 110 Redraw section 114 Synthesis section 116 Printing Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0064] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-152912

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that performs a printing process by compositing an embedded image onto a source image, A setting reception unit that accepts the setting of the oblique viewing angle of the embedded image, An angle deformation unit that processes the data of the embedded image to change the embedded image according to the oblique viewing angle setting so that the embedded image printed on the document surface is less visible when viewed from the normal viewing angle of the user than when viewed from the oblique viewing angle setting, A redrawing unit that processes the data of the embedded image so that the content of the image-processed embedded image is drawn in a predetermined pattern that reduces the degree to which it affects the original image, A combining unit that combines the data of the embedded image drawn with the pattern with the data of the original image, A printing unit prints the original image in which the embedded image data has been combined with the original image data, An image forming apparatus having

2. The printing unit prints the original image such that the embedded image appears fainter when viewed from the normal angle at which the user views the original document than when viewed from the angle set to the oblique viewing angle. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. In an image forming apparatus that performs printing by compositing an embedded image onto a source image, A setting acceptance step that accepts the setting of the oblique viewing angle of the embedded image, An angle deformation step of image processing the embedded image data so that the embedded image printed on the document surface is less visible when viewed from the normal viewing angle of the user than when viewed from the angle of the oblique viewing angle setting, thereby changing the embedded image according to the oblique viewing angle setting. A redrawing step in which the data of the embedded image is image-processed so that the content of the image-processed embedded image is drawn in a predetermined pattern that reduces the degree to which it affects the original image, A synthesis step in which the data of the embedded image drawn with the pattern described above is combined with the data of the original image, A printing step of printing the original image in which the embedded image data has been combined according to the data of the original image in which the embedded image data has been combined, A program to execute.

4. An information processing system comprising an information processing device that performs image processing to synthesize an embedded image onto a document image and an image forming apparatus that performs printing processing, wherein the information processing system is communicated with each other, The aforementioned information processing device is A setting reception unit that accepts the setting of the oblique viewing angle of the embedded image, An angle deformation unit that processes the data of the embedded image to change the embedded image according to the oblique viewing angle setting so that the embedded image printed on the document surface is less visible when viewed from the normal viewing angle of the user than when viewed from the oblique viewing angle setting, A redrawing unit that processes the data of the embedded image so that the content of the image-processed embedded image is drawn in a predetermined pattern that reduces the degree to which it affects the original image, A combining unit that combines the data of the embedded image drawn with the pattern with the data of the original image, It has, The image forming apparatus is A printing unit that prints the original image in which the embedded image data has been combined according to the original image data, in which the embedded image data has been combined. An information processing system having [a certain feature].

Images