Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for steganographically encoding a file which is in a page description language (PDL) such as PostScript. Aspects of the present invention can be used to: i) encode a PDL file and generate an encoded PDL file; and ii) provide an “interpreter” which generates raster images from a PDL file. Portions of the raster images can be steganographically encoded. Encoded raster images can be printed or the raster images can be combined into a new PDL file.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a printed matter managing system configured to print a file to which a label in accordance with identifying information of the file is applied and to manage the printed file as a printed matter, comprising: a detection unit configured to detect the label applied to the printed matter in one of reading the printed matter by a computer configured to limit one of using a result from the reading of the printed matter by the computer and physically carrying out the printed matter and the identifying information contained in the detected label.

Abstract: Methods and systems for associating objects with corresponding machine behaviors. Machine behaviors refer to responsive actions that are triggered when an object (which may be physical or electronic) is encountered. Examples of these behaviors include fetching a web page, executing software instructions, etc. A registration system enables machine behaviors to be associated with objects through use of object identifiers. For an electronic object such as an audio or video signal, the identifier can comprise a steganographic in-band watermark, a numeric ID or song/artist name field in a in a file header; a 128-bit hash value obtained by applying a hashing algorithm to the content data, the file header data, a portion thereof, etc. The disclosure particularly focuses on an embodiment utilizing stickers as objects, and watermarks as identifiers, but the technology can be implemented in many other, different, forms.

Abstract: An information identification apparatus includes a processor and a storage device. The storage device stores computer programmed instructions which when activated by the processor cause the processor to operate as a specially programmed processor. The processor obtains image data assumed to be embedded with supplemental information, extracts a portion of the image data to obtain target pattern data from the portion of the image data, obtains reference information, compares the target pattern data with the reference information to generate a comparison result, and determines whether the supplemental information embedded in the image data is identifiable using the reference information based on the comparison result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of watermarking a binary stream resulting from the encoding of a set of coefficients comprising at least one coefficient encoded by predictive coding, called predictively coded coefficient. The method comprises the steps of: a) identifying, in the binary stream, a first binary word representing the predictively coded coefficient; b) computing a modified coefficient from the predictively coded coefficient on the basis of at least one watermarking bit; c) encoding the modified coefficient into a second binary word; and d) replacing in the binary stream the first binary word with the second binary word.

Abstract: Mail processing methods and systems. A method includes receiving a mailpiece at a local system and scanning the mailpiece by the local system to produce an image. The method can include receiving payment information from the customer by the local system for mailing the mailpiece. The method includes applying an identification code to the mailpiece by the local system, and after the mailpiece is delivered to a central processing facility, processing the mailpiece, using the image, by a central server system at the central processing facility. Related apparatuses and systems are discussed.

Abstract: A method of processing images, including: training an image classifier to obtain a trained classifier, the training including: forming multiple prediction error sets from neighboring samples of a set of known images, a prediction error for each pixel of the error sets being formed by subtracting a predicted pixel value from an original value; thresholding the formed prediction error sets; and training the image classifier using the thresholded prediction error sets.

Abstract: A method for embedding information in a document includes encoding information as a plurality of data carrying dot patterns. For each of a plurality of blocks of a document page to be rendered, the method includes determining whether the block is blank. Each of the plurality of data carrying dot patterns is embedded in a respective one of the blank blocks. The document with the embedded data carrying dot patterns is rendered.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a security element for a security document include: a first portion of the security document, the first portion of the security document having at least one aperture therethrough, the or each aperture being defined by an internal surface of the first portion of the document; and either printing through the first portion of the security document such that ink is deposited onto at least a part of the internal surface of the at least one aperture, or printing through the first portion of the security document onto a second portion of the security document provided behind the first portion of the security document, such that ink is deposited onto at least a part of the second portion of the security document aligned with the at least one aperture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for secure watermarking of print jobs using a smartcard. The method includes receiving, from a user, a request to print a document with a secured watermark and obtaining authorization data from a smartcard provided by the user. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a pin associated with the smartcard and obtaining authorization to print with a secured watermark from an authorization server based on the authorization data and the user pin. The method further includes obtaining a listing of secured watermarks available on a multifunction peripheral, receiving, from the user, a selection of a selected secured watermark from the listing of secured watermarks, and transmitting a print request to the multifunction peripheral, the print request including a secured watermark instruction and authorization to use the selected secured watermark.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image receiving unit configured to receive image data, a sender identifying unit configured to identify a sender of the received image data, a check unit configured to check whether the identified sender corresponds to a predetermined sender, a management information providing unit configured to provide management-purpose image data obtained by encoding management information for controlling at least one of a transmission operation for transmitting an image scanned from a printout and a copy operation for copying an image scanned from a printout, and a print unit configured to print the management-purpose image data together with the received image data in response to a check result by the check unit indicating that the identified sender corresponds to the predetermined sender.

Abstract: An image output system includes a computer and a complex machine connected to the computer. A password generating section of the complex machine, in a case where a user ID transmitted from a transmitting section of the computer is stored in a HDD, generates a password which is different from the user ID, and the transmitting section transmits the password generated by the password generating section. A controller, in a case where the password received by a password receiving section and the password transmitted from the password transmitting section to the computer, controls an image forming section to output image data which is not combined with electronic watermark information by an electronic watermark information combining section.

Abstract: A printing apparatus for combining a document image with a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to perform printing includes a unit configured to determine a video count value from the document image, a unit configured to determine a video count value from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, and a unit configured to multiply the video count value determined from the document image by a rate of dots other than dots constituting the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image in the document image to obtain a product, and to add, to the product, the video count value determined from the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to determine a video count value for the printing.

Abstract: An image processing device, which includes: an original reception unit that receives an original image; a dot image generation unit that generates, on the basis of additive information to be added to the original image, a dot image in which a plurality of dots each formed by one or more pixels are arranged; a state alteration unit that, when any of the dots in the dot image is determined to be not extractable, alters a state of the non-extractable dot on the basis of a relationship between a position on the dot image generated by the dot image generation unit and a corresponding position on the original image; and a composite image generation unit that generates a composite image by superimposing, on the original image, the dot image having the state of the non-extractable dot altered by the state alteration unit.

Abstract: A data storing unit stores therein first data that includes replaceable data and can be printed by a printing unit or generate print data to be printed. A map-information storing unit stores therein data identification information for identifying the replaceable data and its position in the first data in association with each other. A replacement-data obtaining unit obtains the data identification information and replacement data for replacing the replaceable data. A data generating unit generates second data in which the replaceable data is replaced with the replacement data at the position corresponding to the data identification information.

Abstract: A digital multifunction peripheral includes a communication unit which inputs document image data, a processing circuit which processes the document image data from the communication unit, a print unit which prints an image corresponding to the document image data processed by the processing circuit, and a memory which holds a ground pattern image file which is generated by converting ground pattern image data into a machine dependent format extractable only by the processing circuit and is registered from outside. The processing circuit extracts the ground pattern image data from the ground pattern image file in a case where document image data of a ground pattern print object is input from the communication unit, and embeds the ground pattern image data into the document image data.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus outputs an application form to be used in applying for access authorization, which is printed with an identification image showing information including identification information of terminal equipment. The authentication apparatus scans the application form which is filled out by a user as required, recognizes the abovementioned information from the image data obtained by scanning, and authorizes the terminal equipment that corresponds to the abovementioned recognized information to have access to a specified network.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image information acquisition device, an embedment information acquisition device, an embedment mode information acquisition device, an embeddability determination device, and an embeddability information output device. The image information acquisition device acquires image information on a target image into which supplemental information is to be embedded. The embedment information acquisition device acquires embedment information on the supplemental information. The embedment mode information acquisition device acquires embedment mode information on an embedment mode in which the supplemental information is embedded in the image information. The embeddability determination device determines embeddability of the supplemental information into the image information based on the embedment mode information, the embedment information, and the image information.

Abstract: A method for forming a variable data job includes a fixed original image provided by original image data in a first multiple channel color plane and content provided by variable image data in a second multiple channel color plane. The original image data is converted to fixed image data in a clear channel color plane. Raster image processing is performed on the fixed image data to translate the fixed image data into a first ready-to-print file. The ready-to-print file is saved in a memory as a post-RIP file. The variable image data is subsequently provided in at least the second multiple channel color plane. Image processing is performed on the variable image data to obtain a second ready-to-print file. The post-RIP file is merged with the second ready-to-print file for forming the variable data job. The variable data job is printed to render output.

Abstract: A method for providing information is disclosed. Page descriptors are stored in a server. A printed page is printed by a printer with visible and invisible data. The invisible data is indicative of one or more of the page descriptors. A sensing device senses the invisible data when placed in an operative position relative to the printed page, and transmits information extracted from sensed invisible data to the server. The page descriptor of the printed page is identified by the server, and information associated with the page descriptor and positioning of the sensing device relative to the printed page is provided by the server.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and systems related to watermark encoding via pixel spacing modulation. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method modulates the pixel spacing associated with an image to encode a watermark.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve dissatisfaction of the user who cannot take out the source data in a case where a code image in the original can not be decoded. In order to accomplish the above object, the invention provides an image processing apparatus comprising code image detection unit that determines whether or not an code image is included in the original image data, code image decoding unit that decodes the code image to extract source data if it is determined that the code image is included by the code image detection unit, and synthesizing unit that encodes information obtained by decoding a partial area of the code image and overlaying encoded information on the area where the code image is included, if the code image decoding unit is successful in decoding only the partial area of the code image.

Abstract: An image area detecting portion detects an area (image area) in a sheet subjected to printing where characters and images take up. A pattern creating portion creates a copy prevention pattern in such a manner that a latent image is embedded only to a detected image area with respect to a mask pattern into which a dot pattern is incorporated. A print image creating portion superimposes the generated copy prevention pattern and the document image to each other. When the printed object is read in a copying machine having a copy guard function, detection of the dot pattern can be performed without being interfered by a latent image since only a mask pattern is printed in an area corresponding to a reading start position.

Abstract: Described herein is a method to encode infrared (IR) security watermarks using a named color dictionary within a PDL in a device independent manner. A set of colors is chosen that lies within the common gamut of printing devices and then defined in a device-independent color space. For each color and output device, a metameric pair of device colorant values corresponding to minimum and maximum black (K) is obtained using inversion techniques. These extremes are selected in order to obtain the maximum perceivable IR signal. The metameric pair sets are processed to extract a smaller subset that satisfies certain criteria, including bounds on the K difference, total ink area coverage, and deviation from the neutral axis. The final data is then stored in resource files that link fixed device-independent IR color names to pairs of variable device-dependent colorant values.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reader unit to scan a page to be printed, a security mark acquisition unit at least one security mark, an image process unit to perform image blending by applying parameters preset in the scanned page to be printed and the security mark, a control unit to provide the image process unit with the preset parameters, and an output unit to output an image blended of the image process unit.

Abstract: In a copy generation management on paper, the present invention aims to detect a falsification in embedded information and increase the capacity of embedded information while maintaining security. The image processing device embeds second additional information into document image data embedded with first additional information. The image processing device deletes a part where the first additional information is embedded in the document image data, and embeds the second additional information into the part of the first additional information thus deleted. The image processing device further embeds third information different from the first and second additional information at a position different from position at which the second additional information is embedded. Further, the embedding means embeds the third information at a position indicated by the second additional information.

Abstract: Original image data obtained by reading an original is joined with watermark data associated with a watermark for copy control, which appears as a result of making a copy. The watermark generating section sets the spatial frequency of a chromatic halftone pattern of a foreground, which appears as a result of making a copy, lower than the spatial frequency of an achromatic halftone pattern of a foreground, which appears as a result of making a copy. Accordingly, it becomes more difficult to recognize a foreground in an original document when the foreground is generated using an achromatic color, while a foreground in the duplication is recognized clearly when the foreground is generated using a chromatic color.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printer in which particular information is set to designate the printer is a qualified printer, and a host device for transmitting print information created by a particular application to the printer. The particular application has an information adding unit that adds information to the print information. The printer has a decision unit that decides whether the information added to the print information matches the particular information stored in the printer, and a print processing unit that prints the print information only if this is the case. This arrangement enables qualified electronic form data to be printed only by a qualified printer, and a qualified printer to print only qualified electronic form data, without requiring significant modifications of existing printer programs or electronic form data specifications.

Abstract: On receiving FAX image data, an image forming apparatus determines whether or not a security code is superimposed on the image data. If superimposed, the image forming apparatus stored the content of the security code and erases the superimposed security code from the image. Thereafter, the image forming apparatus creates a higher-resolution security code including the same information as that of the stored security code. The FAX image is converted into a higher-resolution image. The higher-resolution security code is superimposed on the FAX image with a higher resolution resulted from the conversion, and the resultant FAX image is printed.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: an obtaining unit that obtains image information including a grey-level value of a pixel; a modifying unit that modifies the grey-level value of the pixel included in the image information obtained by the obtaining unit; a color image forming unit that forms on a recording medium a color image in accordance with information showing the color image including the grey-level value of the pixel modified by the modifying unit; and a transparent image forming unit that forms on the recording medium a transparent image overlapping the color image.

Abstract: A watermarked image generation apparatus embeds target data in an original image to generate a watermarked image. The watermarked image generation apparatus includes a target-data embedding unit and a marker-image embedding unit. The target-data embedding unit embeds the target data in respective plural embedding areas contained in the original image, to generate a watermarked image. The marker-image embedding unit embeds in the watermarked image a plurality of marker images used for identifying the plurality of embedding areas.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, a recording medium and a program capable of suppressing security dots from being reproducible visibly while enhancing reproduction of a color, in an original, specified by a user, in the process of forming a monochrome image from a color image. The image processing apparatus includes a unit for taking a color image, a unit for separating a color image into respective color elements, a unit for judging the security dots through the use of the separated data, and a unit that, when it is judged that security dots are included, recalculates the blending ratio through the use of the security dot judgment result to convert the color image into a monochrome image.

Abstract: A document manipulation authentication apparatus includes a storage section and a determination section. The storage section stores management information associating each document with at least one of devices. When a request for manipulating a specific document using a specific device is made, the determination section determines as to whether or not the requested specific manipulation is permitted, based on whether or not the specific document and the specific device are associated with each other in the management information stored in the storage section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, computer-program, and storage medium capable of acquiring a paper fingerprint efficiently and improving convenience for users. An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an image sensor acquiring RGB signals. The G signal is separated from the acquired RGB signals, and the RGB signals are input into a gain adjustment 1+A/D-converting 1 section and the separated G signal is input into a gain adjustment 2+A/D-converting 2 section. The gain adjustment 2+A/D-converting 2 section performs gain adjustment on the input G signal on a different basis from the gain adjustment 1+A/D-converting 1 section. The gain-adjusted G signal is input into a paper fingerprint extracting section via a shading correcting section. The paper fingerprint extracting section extracts a paper fingerprint based on the input G signal.

Abstract: There are provided a first section for acquiring image data; a second section for storing the acquired image data; a third section for acquiring accessory information; a fourth section for storing the accessory information; a fifth section for generating an image ID and an accessory information ID; a sixth section for embedding the image ID and the accessory information ID in the image data; a seventh section for extracting an image ID and an accessory information ID from a result of scanning of the index sheet; an eighth section for reading accessory information on the basis of the accessory information ID; a ninth section for selecting image data through use of accessory information; a tenth section for reading selected image data; an eleventh section for arranging the image data; and a twelfth section for sending index sheet images having the information embedded therein and the arranged album images.

Abstract: An output image forming unit generates a print image based on an input image. A partial region image forming unit specifies an image region, which is not to be printed when the print image is printed on a print sheet, and generates region information indicating a region obtained by merging a region on the input image corresponding to the specified image region, and a surrounding region of this region on the input image. The partial region image forming unit generates embedded information including the region information. An additional information multiplexing unit embeds the embedded information in the print image, and outputs that print image to a printer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for creating a fluorescent watermark within an image on a substrate, such as paper. The method involves creating a halftone image using two different halftone strategies. The halftone method is combined with a binary watermark mask to form two color patterns (e.g., one in a background region of the image and one in a watermark region of the image) and two successive-filling halftone algorithms, such that the ink droplets deposited by one color pattern cover more of the substrate than the ink droplets deposited by the other color pattern, with the two color patterns having approximately the same reflectance under normal light. However, under UV illumination, a visible difference (e.g., the watermark) is seen in the two patterns.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to prevent a two-dimensional code to be additionally embedded from corrupting a two-dimensional code which has been embedded when a document in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded is copied or when a document in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded is overlaid on form data in which the two-dimensional code has been embedded. In the present invention, when it is detected that a second two-dimensional code is embedded in an input image, the input image is printed without overlay of a first two-dimensional code thereon. Furthermore, when form data for overlaying is stored, when it is detected that a third two-dimensional code is embedded in the form data or when it is detected that a second two-dimensional code is embedded in an input image, the input image is output without overlay of a first two-dimensional code thereon.

Abstract: An image forming device is provided which embeds a decodable two-dimensional code when embedding (printing) a two-dimensional code in an original document. The image forming device represents additional information by associating virtual points with dots in one-to-one correspondence and arranges dots in positions deviated from virtual points associated with the dots. The image forming device includes a determining unit for determining intervals between the virtual points and virtual points adjacent to the virtual points and determining sizes of the dots, and an arranging unit for arranging dots having the determined sizes to respective virtual points having the determined intervals. The determining unit may determine dots to have sizes other than sizes proportional to the determined intervals.

Abstract: A tint block image generation program generates tint block image data which forms a tint block image including a latent image portion, which is reproduced during copying, and a background portion, of which output density drops during copying, on a print medium. The program causing a computer to execute: a latent image portion generation step of generating data of a plurality of first dots on the latent image portion; and a background portion generation step of generating data of a plurality of second dots having a second screen ruling, and data of a plurality of third dots which are dispersed among the second dots, and of which size is smaller than that of the second dots, in the background portion.

Abstract: An access control system with at least one entrance lane (4) has two or more antenna coils (12 to 15) arranged in pairs mutually opposing each other. Each antenna coil pair (12, 13 or 14, 15) is actuated by a reading device (20) for reading out a transponder (22) carried by the user, the transponder (22) having a transponder coil (24) coupleable with the antenna coils (12 to 15). The two mutually opposing antenna coils (12, 13 or 14, 15) of a pair are actuated at the same time, but alternately either in an in-phase or antiphase operation mode. For reading out the transponder (22) carried by the user the one operation mode, with which the transponder (22) is detected, is maintained until the reading transaction is completed.

Abstract: A digital camera comprising a watermark-adding device, which comprises a device for obtaining the signal values of digital signals, a bits dividing device, an altered regions initializing device, an eigenvalue calculating device, an encrypting device and a watermark embedding device. The bits dividing device divides the data recording each pixel point of the digital image, on the basis of bit, into bits for calculating the eigenvalue of the image, bits for hiding the watermark and bits for locating altered regions. The altered regions initializing device can set all the data of the bits for locating altered regions to 0 or 1. The eigenvalue calculating device can calculate the eigenvalue of digital signals. The encryption device encrypts the calculated eigenvalue. The watermark embedding device embeds the eigenvalue information in the digital signals.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus includes a user interface driver to provide a security preview setup screen such that security preview options for each object are selected when a call signal is transmitted from a graphic device interface according to a print request signal input from an application program and a previewer to divide objects through the security preview setup screen and to secure a corresponding one of the objects when the security preview options are set so as to perform preview. A preview screen upon which security options for each object are set is displayed, thereby preventing malicious use and easily achieving security intended by a user.

Abstract: A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate.

Abstract: A communication system includes: at least one user terminal; a printer; a storage device; a registering unit; and a list transmitting unit. The printer includes a print controlling unit that prints an image on a recording sheet based on target print data received from a user terminal, and that prints on the same recording sheet a mark set by the user terminal according to a mark configuration parameter. The registering unit records in the storage device a combination of a mark configuration parameter and identification data that is received from one of the at least one user terminal, the mark configuration parameter indicating configuration of a mark that has been set at the subject user terminal, the identification data identifying one user that has set the mark. The list transmitting unit transmits to each user terminal data of a mark list that lists up at least one combination of the mark configuration parameter and the identification data that has been stored in the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and product resulting from the application of distortion security images in a digitally printed color anti-copy document, printed on demand, which may be variable use laser printers or printer/copiers and/or ink-jet printers and/or digital presses at any resolution.

Abstract: A print control device capable of controlling a printer to execute a printing operation is provided with a data converting module configured to convert job data output by an application and print setting data set by the control device into print data, a search condition defining module configured to define a search condition, a searching module configured to search the print setting data based on the search condition set by the search condition setting module, and an executing module configured to execute a predetermined operation when the print setting data meets the search condition.

Abstract: A processing apparatus, method, and medium storing a computer program that combine two or more designated images (S1254), and input the type of security process to be performed for the combined image (S1253). The security process is performed for the combined image using the information associated with the input type of security process (S1255).

Abstract: For facilitating detecting the position of additional information embedded in image information shown on a printed matter, an input unit configured to input image information and an embedding unit configured to embed a plurality of code patterns in the image information according to additional information are provided. The additional information includes direction-determination information used to detect the direction in which the additional information is embedded in the image information. When one of the code patterns is rotated, the rotated code pattern corresponds to one of the code patterns that are not yet rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing method, an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for dealing with inverted characters (outlined characters) constituted by white pixels on a black ground in a tree structure same as that of normal characters constituted by black pixels on a white ground. In the present invention, black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks are sampled recursively from a binary image, tree structure data indicating a positional relation between the sampled black pixel blocks and white pixel blocks is created, an inverted image is created by white-black-inverting the insides of black pixel blocks that can include inverted characters, of black pixel blocks included in the tree structure data, white pixel blocks and black pixel blacks are sampled from the created inverted image, and data regarding the sampled white pixel blocks and black pixel blocs is added to corresponding nodes of the tree structure data.