Abstract: An image processing apparatus which, in outputting images including copies of original images, if an image that has restriction information embedded therein and an image that has no restriction information embedded therein are in a state mixed in the original images, is capable of embedding the restriction information in an image that is output based on the image that has no restriction information embedded therein. When the copy restriction information is extracted from a read image, the copy restriction information is stored in an embedded information-extracting section. When the copy restriction information is not extracted from the read image, dot pattern data corresponding to the copy restriction information stored in the embedded information-extracting section is generated. The dot pattern data and image data output from a scanner are synthesized. A printer prints an image on a sheet based on the synthesized image data.

Abstract: A dual color matching feedback control method, system and processor-readable medium for hiding an infrared marking in a wide range of customer selectable colors. The approach includes an inline spectrophotometer sensor to measure at least two color mixtures and a matching color feedback control unit adjusts the two mixtures to match each other in color appearance. A customized color can be selected from a smaller gamut of darker color by a customer and a sufficient difference in a black toner (k toner) between the two color mixtures can be maintained to provide sufficient contrast for the infrared detection. An initial match can be provided by incorporating a color model that is similar to a predicted color mixture. The two colors can then be rendered and adjusted for better match prior to rendering the hidden mark.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, an input part inputs additional information to be embedded when printing a document. A developing part develops a character contained in the document, into which character the additional information is to be embedded, using a form deformed according to the additional information.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the media reuse determination apparatus has a decoding section, a reusability determination section, and an output section. The decoding section decodes information related to management of a print media attached to the print media obtained by using a reading apparatus to read the object having the information recorded thereon, and it carries out error correction during decoding of the information. On the basis of the result of the error correction carried out during decoding of the information by the decoding section, the reusability determination section determines whether or not the print media can be reused. The output section outputs the result of the determination made by the reusability determination section.

Abstract: A print data generating device comprises a retrieving unit, a bar code data generating unit, and a print data generating unit. The retrieving unit is configured to retrieve image data of an original image. The bar code data generating unit is configured to generate, based on the image data of the original image, data of at least one bar code that stores the original image. The print data generating unit is configured to generate, based on the image data of the original image and the data of the at least one bar code, print data of a print image that includes the at least one bar code arranged on one page and the original image arranged on one or more pages.

Abstract: A printing system has a terminal apparatus and a printing apparatus that are interconnected via a network. The terminal apparatus includes an obtainer that gains access to the printing apparatus and obtains print setting screen data stored in the printing apparatus, a display that displays on itself a print setting screen according to the obtained print setting screen data, an input part that inputs print setting data via the print setting screen displayed on a display thereof, and a transmitter that transmits the inputted print setting data to the printing apparatus. And the printing apparatus includes a receiver that receives the print setting data from the terminal apparatus, and a code generator that generates an appropriate print controlling code for the received print setting data.

Abstract: When an image of a read out document is acquired, an MFP obtains information of a read out state of the image (document orientation or the like) or a copy setting information (magnification and the like), qualified as the copy permissive condition embedded in the image. Copying is permitted only when the read out state of the image or the copy setting of the image matches the permissive condition embedded in the image.

Abstract: A process for securing a document including a step of printing a distribution of dots on said document, said printing, as a result of unanticipated unknowns in printing, causing an unpredictable variation, dot by dot, of at least one geometric characteristic of the printed dots and prior to said print step, a step generating said distribution of dots so that at least half the dots of said distribution are not laterally juxtaposed to four other dots of said dot distribution, and at least one dimension of at least one part of the dots of said distribution of dots is of the same order of magnitude as the average for the absolute value of said unpredictable variation. In embodiments, during the step generating the dot distribution, more than half the dots do not touch any other dot of said distribution.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to methods and apparatus employing digital watermarking. Once claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory for storing received digital imagery or audio, in which the digital imagery or audio comprises digital watermarking including a first instruction, in which the digital watermarking is hidden in the digital imagery or audio through alterations of data representing the digital imagery or through alterations of data representing the audio; and an electronic processor programmed for: decoding the digital watermark from the digital imagery or audio to obtain a first instruction; and based at least in part on the obtained first instruction, updating said apparatus when an address associated with the digital imagery or audio changes. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: An image registration device includes: an associated image acquisition unit that acquires an associated image associated with a document image read from a medium on which the document image is formed, a predetermined process being to be performed on the document image; and a registration unit that registers the associated image acquired by the associated image acquisition unit with the associated image being assigned to the predetermined process.

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 processing apparatus of the invention specifies, in a scanned image of an original, a first region including a specific form pattern (a two-dimensional bar-code pattern or the like) with the digital information embedded therein and a second region not including the specific form pattern to apply the image processing to the scanned image. More particularly, the image processing apparatus applies different processing to the first region and the second region, respectively. For example, a working degree to the first region is made smaller than a working degree to the second region to apply the specific image working processing to both the regions.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and processing barcoded documents such that a safety net may be implemented to catch barcode errors. Barcodes may be generated for placement on the first and last page of documents. Each barcode may be associated with a document. During processing of barcoded documents, if a barcode is missing or misread, the safety net will catch the error and mark the affected pages for further review.

Abstract: A printing system, comprising a detecting system, which detects from a content to be printed a link destination address as an address assigned to information being associated with the content, a code symbol generating system, which generates a code symbol representing the link destination address detected by the detecting system in a format recognizable to a code symbol reader, a print control system, which controls the code symbol generated by the code symbol generating system to be appended to the content and a printer unit included in the print control system to print the contents along with the appended code symbol.

Abstract: In a case of deleting a two-dimensional code for personal information protection, job control information within line two-dimensional code is deleted together, leading to being incapable of obtaining tracking information or performing job control. A control unit deletes tracking information within the extracted additional information, that is, in a case where the tracking information includes first tracking information and second tracking information, deletes the second tracking information. The control unit changes the job control information within the extracted additional information to job prohibition. An encode unit encodes the additional information to generate a two-dimensional code. When the control unit detects that a memory receives the two-dimensional code including the updated additional information and a document image, in a memory the two-dimensional code and the document image are combined to generate a document image to which the two-dimensional code is added.

Abstract: For a selected pixel value, amounts of color material used of respective color materials used to print a background region, and those of respective color materials used to print a latent image region are calculated. The calculated amounts of color material used are stored in a memory in association with the selected pixel value. Amounts of color material used corresponding to respective pixel values of a pixel value group are read out from the memory, and are output to a printing apparatus.

Abstract: A trapping determination process section calculates edge intensities in a main scanning direction and a sub scanning direction of each pixel by using differential filters for each color plane. The trapping determination process section determines, for at least two color planes, whether there is a pixel where the absolute values of the edge intensities are equal to or greater than a threshold and the edge intensities take positive and negative values, respectively. When such a pixel exists, the trapping determination process section calculates color differences between this pixel and the average values of the pixel values in an increment direction region and a decrement direction region, and determines a direction in which the color difference is smaller to be a similar color direction. The trapping determination process section determines, on the basis of the similar color direction, whether or not to perform a trapping process, and performs the trapping process.

Abstract: A printing setting apparatus is disclosed that includes a first part to establish a connection to a printing apparatus; a second part to make a setting with respect to printing of printing data; a third part to add a first ground pattern to the printing data in response to the second part making a first setting for adding the first ground pattern; a fourth part to obtain information indicating whether a second setting for adding a second ground pattern is made in the printing apparatus; and a fifth part to disable the second part from accepting the first setting in response to the fourth part obtaining the information indicating that the second setting is made in the printing apparatus, and enable the second part to accept the first setting in response to the fourth part obtaining the information indicating that the second setting is not made in the printing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention aims that in a printing environment holding only a print instruction and a print data, a printing system capable of updating, changing, correcting, etc. only an additional drawing object is provided by holding an instruction about printing of an additional drawing object (added information) based on the print instruction. In printing out print data on a target page with an additional drawing object added, a job ticket generation means generates a job ticket according to the information about an additional drawing object and instruction information about the printout. Printout means perform printout based on the job ticket generated by the job ticket generating means.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a latent image generating unit and a background image generating unit. The latent image generating unit generates a latent image using both of a first color component to be printed with a first color material and second color components to be printed with second color materials having an optical property different from an optical property of the first color material, or generates the latent image using only the second color components. The background image generating unit generates a background image, which serves as the background of the latent image, using only the second color components when the latent image generating unit uses both of the first color component and the second color components, or generates the background image using both of the first color component and the second color components when the latent image generating unit uses only the second color components.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reading unit configured to read a print product and a transmission unit configured to transmit image data of the print product to an external apparatus. The apparatus further includes an inhibition unit configured to inhibit the transmission of the image data based on inhibition information included in the image data. If the image data includes trace information to be used to trace a printer user of the print product in addition to the inhibition information, a control unit acquires the trace information and causes a display unit to perform a display based on the trace information without causing the output unit to transmit the image data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protection of products and packaging against counterfeiting using dedicated authentication protocol coupled with portable devices. It is based on the product identification information, i.e., PIN, generated by the product manufacturer, stored in the product database and added to product or packaging in an open and/or a hidden form. The open part is directly available to the consumer before buying, opening or consuming the product or package or damaging its integrity while the hidden part is only revealed after these operations. The hidden information can also be disappearing after a predefined interval of time or number of trials or usages. Both parts are communicated to the authentication server in a predefined order to verify the product or package authenticity. The presence, absence, or multiple requests for the same product PIN, confirm or reject product authenticity or detect attempt at attacking the system or using counterfeited products.

Abstract: A printing system includes a printing unit and a print controlling unit. The printing unit is configured to print a primary image and a secondary image on a recording medium and that is capable of switching between a multicolor printing mode and a monochrome printing mode. The print controlling unit includes a determining unit and a color restricting unit. The determining unit determines whether the secondary image has an attribute indicating the monochrome printing mode. The color restricting unit controls the printing unit to print the primary image and the secondary image in the monochrome printing mode if the determining unit determines that the secondary image has the attribute indicating the monochrome printing mode.

Abstract: The invention enables creating a mark-able document for a user to mark, and recognizing and processing the user-marked mark-able document to generate an accurate user-readable result that has broad application. The application program used to create, process, and generate a printed output based on the processing includes an array of functionality to create a wide variety of mark-able documents.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an information adding unit, an execution determination unit, and an execution control unit. The information adding unit determines whether or not to store first information to which a predetermined value is added, in a storage unit, based on a result of analysis of image data, and adds the predetermined value to the first information and stores the first information in the storage unit in association with the image data when the determination is positive. The execution determination unit determines whether the first information with the predetermined value added thereto is in the storage unit or not. The execution control unit controls whether or not check of print quality is to be executed before the execution of print of the image data, based on the result of the determination by the execution determination unit.

Abstract: An automated system and a method for extracting a region of interest from a digital image are disclosed. The method includes identifying a subset of training images from a larger set of training images, each training image in the set having a respective identified region of interest. The subset is identified based on a measure of similarity between the digital image and the images in the set of training images. At least one region of interest is extracted from the digital image based on an analysis of the identified regions of interest in the subset of training images.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image reader that reads each of the plurality of documents and obtains image data corresponding thereto; a code detection/analysis portion that detects, from the image data, identification codes included in the documents and including output processing information which is information relating to an output processing method for the image data; a image group extraction portion that extracts an image data group made up of image data including the output processing information that is identical with each another; and a representative image determination portion that determines, within the image data group, at least one piece of representative image data; and a code deletion portion that deletes identification codes other than those for the representative image data within the image data group.

Abstract: A computer-readable tint block image generation program that causes a computer to execute a tint block image generation step of generating tint block image data including a latent image portion and a background portion which have different output densities to be reproduced during copying has: a camouflage pattern registration step of inputting and storing in a memory multi-grayscale camouflage pattern data; and a tint block image data generation step of generating a latent image portion image data based on a latent image portion screen for an area corresponding to the latent image portion, and generating a background portion image data based on a background portion screen for an area corresponding to the background portion, for grayscale values of the multi-grayscale camouflage pattern data.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an erasure decision device is disclosed. The erasure decision device comprises a detection unit configured to detect at least one mark at a predetermined position on a sheet after an erasing treatment and to output the detection result. The erasure decision device further comprises a control unit configured to determine whether a residual image remains on the sheet after the erasing treatment based on the detection result.

Abstract: Haptic security features, which are generally not visually perceptible or reproducible, are applied on a surface of a substrate according to a predetermined scheme. The haptic security features are complemented by visual features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features, and/or otherwise to features of an underlying image that is already printed on the substrate. One or more colored ink layers that includes characters or other features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features is embedded into the haptic security features on the surface of the substrate to form a composite security feature that has visual information as well as haptic response. Haptic security features are based on redundantly encoding features that are pre-printed on the substrate in a preliminary step of forming a visual image on the substrate by overprinting portions of the underlying pre-printed image related to the haptic security features.

Abstract: An information management apparatus includes: a memory storing main information to be stored to be identified by at least an identification code; a receiving unit receiving the identification code for identifying the main information and image information where character information for specifying a user of the main information is photographed; a specifying unit specifying the stored main information on the basis of the identification code and specifying the user on the basis of the character information, among the received image information; a character information photographing region determining unit determining which main character information photographing region the character information belongs to, among plural predetermined character information photographing regions; and an access right assigning unit assigning a predetermined type of access right to the user specified from the character information for each determined character information photographing region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer readable storage medium storing a program to make a computer realize functions of an image storage unit to store image data for generating a tint block image, a tint block image generation unit to generate the tint block image based on the image data, a script generation unit to generate a script for forming the tint block image based on the tint block image generated by the generation unit, a script adding unit to add the script to print data and a print data input unit to input the print data in which the script is added by the adding unit to an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus includes a pattern detection unit to detect whether an input image includes a specific pattern as a portion of the image, a conversion unit to convert the specific pattern into data in a predetermined format, an encryption unit to encrypt the data in the predetermined format and to generate an encryption pattern from the encrypted data, and an output unit to output an image that is similar to the input image except for the portion of the image, which includes the encryption pattern rather than the specific pattern in the output image.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer usable program product for avoiding redundant printing are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An application executing in a data processing system receives a request to print a document. A determination is made whether a valid shared print of the document is available, the valid shared print being a hard-copy of the document that is currently within a validity period and is available for sharing among multiple entities. The shared valid print is requested from a current owner of the shared valid print. If the request is successful, possession of the shared valid print is changed in a prints repository from the current owner to a new owner and a new printing of the document according to the request to print the document is suspended.

Abstract: In a document processing system, a client PC transmits a request to generate a document for which multiple printing is to be prevented to a document generating server. The document generating server receives this request, and determines whether this request is one for generating the document for which multiple printing is to be prevented. Depending on the result of this determination, the document generating server appends a display for unauthorized printing to the document, and appends a button for printing operation in order to carry out printing of the document.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of embedding information into an image comprises dividing the image into a plurality of blocks, providing a plurality of embedded blocks corresponding to the plurality of blocks, respectively, each of the embedded blocks having the same size as each of the blocks when each of the blocks is smaller than a predetermined size, each of the embedded blocks having the predetermined size and being placed at the center of each the block when each of the blocks is not smaller than the predetermined size and selectively modifying the characteristic value of each of the embedded blocks in accordance with the information to be embedded.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of recording image information and additional information added separately from the image information to a photographic printing medium is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: image information acquisition means for acquiring the image information, additional information acquisition means for acquiring the additional information, and recording means for recording the image information acquired by the image information acquisition means and the additional information acquired by the additional information acquisition means to the photographic printing medium, wherein the recording means can record the additional information by applying a transparent material that absorbs light of a specific wavelength to the area that does not absorb the light on a recording surface of the photographic printing medium.

Abstract: Methods for generating an inverse mask image are provided. In one aspect, image data is determined for an image to be printed said image data having color data for a first set of colors used in a first color model; and, an inverse mask toner image is generated using color data for one of the first set of colors. The inverse mask image is generated based upon the color data for a selected one of the first set of colors so that the inverse mask pattern can be generated without first determining of color separation toner images that define amounts of color toner to be applied to a receiver to form the image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for printing secure documents incorporating hidden security features. In one system, a printer firmware module embeds a security feature in printer instructions to print a secure document. In another system, a software module on a computing device embeds a security feature in printer instructions to print a secure document. In another system, a software module on a computing device provides data to a printer firmware module to embed a security feature in printer instructions to print a secure document. In another system, a print server pre-processor module embeds a security feature in printer instructions to print a secure document. In another system, a security appliance security module generates security features in the form of security instructions that are embedded into a secure document to be printed.

Abstract: Information includes at least a location of each physical defect on a printable media supply. A machine-readable pattern associated with the information is added to the printable media supply.

Abstract: A process for creating a barcode with an embedded logo considers a printer gamut and divides the printer gamut into multiple regions. A virtual printer gamut is then generated with the colors in bright and dark regions. A target logo image is generated by mapping the virtual gamut to the original logo image. A logo with embedded barcode is produced using the colors specified in the target logo image.

Abstract: Tools are provided for (i) obtaining image data in which information is embedded by printing multiple types of patterns in a matrix, (ii) calculating multiple vertical-line-segment sequences and multiple horizontal-line-segment sequences, obtained by connecting vertically arranged patterns and horizontally arranged patterns, respectively, in the image data with polygonal lines, (iii) searching for a vertical line segment and a horizontal line segment intersecting with each other for each combination of one of the vertical-line-segment sequences and one of the horizontal-line-segment sequences, (iv) calculating an intersection point between the thus-found vertical line segment and the horizontal line segment as a position of a pattern, and (v) extracting the information embedded in the printed material by identifying types of patterns at the calculated intersection points.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has R, G and B dot pattern detection units that detect the presence/absence of image data of operation restricting dot patterns of R, G and B color components respectively in document image data. A dot pattern color determination unit determines the presence/absence of the operation restricting dot pattern and the color of the operation restricting dot pattern on a document from the detection results from the detection units. A restriction detail table storage unit stores, beforehand, a table showing the correspondence relationship between the color of the operation restricting dot pattern and a restriction detail concerning a copy operation. An image formation control unit determines, based on a determination of the dot pattern color determination unit and the table, whether a current setting of a multi-functional peripheral is relevant to the restriction detail corresponding to the color, and, when relevant, prohibits the copy operation.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for calibrating a document processing device from a composite document is disclosed. A composite document including human-readable content and machine-readable code marks is input into a document processing device. The machine-readable code marks are decoded to identify at least one spatial pointer including at least one nominal property of at least a portion of the human-readable content. The at least one nominal property is compared to an input property of the human-readable content. One or more distortions in the input property compared to the at least one nominal property are identified. The document processing device is calibrated based on the identified distortions.

Abstract: In prior art, there are some occasions where functions of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern are impaired when printed on a sheet after rotation because of the level difference appearing between the density level of a latent image portion and the density level of a background portion of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. To cope with the problem, the image processing apparatus which has a generating unit for generating copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data and a rotation unit for rotating the generated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data, wherein the generating unit generates the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image data to be rotated by the rotation unit in accordance with a rotation angle in the rotation unit.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus capable of embedding digital watermark information in image data and capable of controlling output of the embedded digital watermark information is provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains image data containing a plurality of pieces of character information, obtains corresponding information that corresponds to the character information contained in the obtained image data, obtains, using the character information, area information indicating an area to which the corresponding information is to be inserted, and determines an insertion style of the corresponding information based on the obtained area information.

Abstract: Methods and systems herein provide for securely advancing continuous form media including pre-printed sensitive elements. A command is identified for advancing the media without imprinting on the sensitive elements. A security image is identified for voiding the sensitive elements. The security image is then imprinted on the sensitive elements as the media is advanced to void the sensitive elements. Embodiments include detecting a Non Process Run Out (NPRO) command at a printer for advancing the media without imprinting the sensitive elements, and imprinting the security image onto the sensitive elements as the media is advanced to void the sensitive elements. Further embodiments include detecting that a print job includes a blank logical page for advancing the media without imprinting the sensitive elements, and imprinting the security image onto the sensitive elements as the media is advanced to void the sensitive elements.

Abstract: In one implementation, a physical version of a document is converted to a digital representation of the physical version and a new certificate is computed for the digital representation of the physical version. The new certificate is computed based on the digital representation of the physical version, at least one processing step performed on the digital representation, and a prior certificate computed for a prior digital representation indicative of the physical version. In another implementation, a document is validated.

Abstract: A process for securing a document including a step of printing a distribution of dots on said document, said printing, as a result of unanticipated unknowns in printing, causing an unpredictable variation, dot by dot, of at least one geometric characteristic of the printed dots and prior to said print step, a step generating said distribution of dots so that at least half the dots of said distribution are not laterally juxtaposed to four other dots of said dot distribution, and at least one dimension of at least one part of the dots of said distribution of dots is of the same order of magnitude as the average for the absolute value of said unpredictable variation. In embodiments, during the step generating the dot distribution, more than half the dots do not touch any other dot of said distribution.