Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus is capable of shifting an illegal copy preventing pattern so that an image reading device can recognize the pattern printed at the edge end of the printing range on a paper even when the printing range on the paper is changed by, for example, trimming and user settings. The apparatus includes an image output unit outputting an image to a prescribed region; an output position setting unit acquiring output region information, comparing the output region information with the illegal copy preventing pattern; and determining an output position of the illegal copy preventing pattern based on the comparison result, and a combining unit combining the illegal copy preventing pattern and image data based on the output position determined by the output position setting unit. The image output unit outputs the image combined by the combining unit.

Abstract: An extended function of an apparatus at a data distributed destination is managed by an apparatus at a data distributing source. An image input unit reads a document and generates image data, which is encrypted by an encrypting unit, generating encrypted document data. An allowance code generating unit generates an allowance code allowing decryption of the encrypted document data and sends it to a code attaching unit. The code attaching unit attaches the allowance code to the encrypted document data and sends the data to a data distribution unit, which sends the data to an image processing apparatus at a data distributed destination. At the data distributed destination, the allowance code is separated from the distributed data, and a decrypting unit is operated based on the allowance code and the encrypted document data is decrypted.

Abstract: A disclosed image processing apparatus is capable of shifting an illegal copy preventing pattern so that an image reading device can recognize the pattern printed at the edge end of the printing range on a paper even when the printing range on the paper is changed by, for example, trimming and user settings. The apparatus includes an image output unit outputting an image to a prescribed region; an output position setting unit acquiring output region information, comparing the output region information with the illegal copy preventing pattern; and determining an output position of the illegal copy preventing pattern based on the comparison result, and a combining unit combining the illegal copy preventing pattern and image data based on the output position determined by the output position setting unit. The image output unit outputs the image combined by the combining unit.

Abstract: An image reader reading a long-size original is disclosed that includes a division part configured to divide the image data of the read long-size original into multiple files; a compression part configured to compress the image data divided by the division part by a preset standard method; a storage part configured to store the image data compressed by the compression part; and an addition part configured to add data indicating the contents of the image data stored in the storage part to the image data.

Abstract: An image forming system includes an image processor, a print engine, optional units, and a serial communication line. The print engine manages a variety of information including its own status. Priority for inquiry is given the information. The image processor has a function of generating a command used when the image processor inquires of the print engine information. The command includes flag data indicating whether the image processor requests information having the highest priority or information having a priority lower than the highest priority. The image processor further has a function of sending the command to the print engine and receiving a response from the print engine. The print engine has a function of receiving the command and sending the image processor, as the response, the requested information.