Abstract: A printing system for printing both secure value documents and non-secure documents while ensuring that fraudulent copies of secure value documents printed by the printing system can be detected is provided. The printing system determines if the source is a secure or non-secure source. If the source of the image is a secure source, it will print the image, including any graphic security features. If the source is a non-secure source, before printing the image a filter is applied to the image data to remove any graphic security features included in the received image and/or the printing system will not add any graphic security features to the received image to ensure that the printed image will not contain any copy detection graphic security features.

Abstract: A method of securely duplicating in a copying machine a document which includes a readable security device. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: reading the readable security device to determine contents of the readable security device; copying the document; generating a copy of the readable security device that includes data which is determined from the contents of the readable security device; and attaching the copy of the readable security device to the copy of the document before the copy of the document exits the copying machine to generate a secure duplicate of the document.

Abstract: An image copying device includes: a setting section setting an image processing condition specified by a user; a determination section determining whether or not an image processing condition is embedded in a read image obtained by reading out a sheet; and a control section that, if the determination section determines that the image processing condition is not embedded in the read image, performs control for generating a copied material of the read image by using the image processing condition set by the setting section. If the determination section determines that an image processing condition is embedded in the read image, the control section performs control for generating a copied material by using the embedded image processing condition and a part of the image processing condition set by the setting section, the part not conflicting with the embedded image processing condition.

Abstract: In the present invention, an administration server stores therein: a user ID and an academic conference book-classification which are associated with each other; and a book ID and a library book-classification which are associated with each other. Further, a copy device includes: a user ID acquiring section for acquiring the user ID; a book ID acquiring section for acquiring the book ID; a first acquiring section for acquiring from the administration server the academic conference book-classification associated with the user ID; a second acquiring section for acquiring, from the administration server, a library book-classification associated with the book ID; and a copy control section for controlling a copying operation to be performed with respect to a book, based on the academic conference book-classification, and the library book-classification.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate counterfeit deterrence in a printer or the like. A final image is scanned from a photoreceptor belt before or after transfer of the image to a print medium or from the print medium itself prior to output, and the scanned image data is assessed using a set of stored criteria to detect counterfeit signatures in the scanned image. Upon a determination that the scanned image includes a restricted image, and therefore contains one or more counterfeit image, the printer is shut down, electronically locked until serviced, and/or caused to damage or mark the printed counterfeit image(s).

Abstract: A condition determination unit (102) determines a to-be-used copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image from a first copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image generated using a latent pattern designed as a pattern that becomes visible upon copy and a background pattern designed as a pattern that becomes invisible upon copy and a second copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image generated using the latent pattern. A tint block image generation unit (105) generates the determined copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image. A combining unit (106) combines the generated copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image with a print target image. A print data processing unit (107) generates print data on the basis of the combined data and outputs the print data to a printer (108).

Abstract: An image processing system and method for copying an original document while maintaining the security of the document and for providing a high quality copy each time a copy is required.

Abstract: Whether a job-lock function is enabled is determined. Whether a current mode is a mode for outputting an image of an area on an original document onto a recording paper is determined. When the job-lock function is determined to be enabled, and when the current mode is the mode for outputting the image of the part of the area of the original document on the recording paper, the image of an area larger than the part of the area is read. It is possible to improve accuracy of recognizing a copying protection pattern, and to improve security, even when density unevenness is present on a copying prevented original document.

Abstract: A CPU of an image forming apparatus, such as a color electrophotographic copying apparatus, reads print step information from a memory, such as a USB memory, that stores print image data and print step information relating to a plurality of print steps for producing a print of the print image data and a progress state of the print steps. The CPU updates the progress state of the print steps stored in the memory subsequent to the print step being performed by a printer in the image forming apparatus, displays a next print step to perform based on the read print step information, and controls the printer. The image forming apparatus thus avoids leaks of the print data, and prevents useless printing and erratic job processing. Thus, even an inexperienced operator can provide sophisticated high quality print service using the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A printing system for printing both secure value documents and non-secure documents while ensuring that fraudulent copies of secure value documents printed by the printing system can be detected is provided. The printing system determines if the source is a secure or non-secure source. If the source of the image is a secure source, it will print the image, including any graphic security features. If the source is a non-secure source, before printing the image a filter is applied to the image data to remove any graphic security features included in the received image and/or the printing system will not add any graphic security features to the received image to ensure that the printed image will not contain any copy detection graphic security features.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus generates printing image data of a printing image and copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern-image data of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be added to the printing image. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image includes a latent image and a background image. The apparatus includes a selecting unit and a printing-data generating unit. The selecting unit selects either the transparent-printing designation or overlay-printing designation, the transparent-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is superimposed on the printing image, and the overlay-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the printing image is superimposed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. The printing-data generating unit generates printing data based on the printing designation selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus generates printing image data of a printing image and copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern-image data of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to be added to the printing image. The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image includes a latent image and a background image. The apparatus includes a selecting unit and a printing-data generating unit. The selecting unit selects either the transparent-printing designation or overlay-printing designation, the transparent-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image is superimposed on the printing image, and the overlay-printing designation is used for generating printing data so that the printing image is superimposed on the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. The printing-data generating unit generates printing data based on the printing designation selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: Conventionally, it is impossible to securely and efficiently implement the judgment of specific images. In order to solve this task, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in including an input unit (in these embodiments, this corresponds to, for example, the interface unit in FIG. 1) for inputting color image data, an judging unit (this corresponds to, or example, the forgery judging unit in FIG. 1) for judging whether the judgment of whether a color image composed of the color image data is a specific image has been already performed, and an image judging unit (this corresponds to, for example, the forgery judging unit in FIG. 1) for judging whether the color image include the specific image if the judgment has not been performed yet.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that generates print data sent to a printing device acquires variable information from a plurality of devices, the variable information being finalized when the printing device carries out printing. The apparatus selects variable information from the plural pieces of variable information acquired from the plurality of devices in accordance with its own operation environment and operating location. The apparatus then adds the selected variable information to the print data and outputs the resultant.

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: A multi-functional copying machine according to the invention has a scanner for reading the image of a document and image information appended to the document and a printer for forming the image on a medium. It compares the image read by the scanner and the image information, determines according to the extent of alteration of the image whether or not reproduction of the image of the document as it is can be permitted and, if permitted, produces a copy from the reproduced image of the document. If reproduction is forbidden of the image of the document as it is, whether or not to permit restoration of the scanner-read image according to the image information is determined and, if permitted, a copy is produced from the restored image. This makes it possible to keep track of any alteration in a copyrighted image by quick processing, prevent altered copyrighted images from circulation, and protect copyrighted images appropriately.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a visible image forming device for forming a visible image on a recording material in a visible image forming area, a supplying device provided with a containing portion for containing the recording material therein, and for supplying the recording material from the containing portion to the visible image forming area, a conveying device for conveying the recording material from the visible image forming area to the containing portion, and an executing device for executing a mode in which the supplying device supplies the recording material having the visible image formed thereon to the visible image forming area, the visible image forming device forms a visible image so as to superimpose it on the visible image formed on the recording material, and the conveying device conveys the recording material having the visible images formed thereon in superimposing relationship with each other to the containing portion.

Abstract: An print control apparatus for printing a reproduction checking image in colors. In a print control apparatus 1 that has a printing device 6 to print a document, a CPU 2 combines a remaining pattern image composed of dots larger than a minimum dot size readable by a color copying machine and a vanishing pattern image composed of dots having the same size as the larger dot and dots smaller than the minimum dot readable by the color copying machine to produce a reproduction checking image and causes the printing device 6 to print the reproduction checking image along with document print data on paper (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An image processing portion (1) performs binarization, segmentation, and feature extraction of a received image using a RAM (2), compares the extracted feature with specific pattern data stored in a dictionary data memory (3), performs recognition processing, and provides recognition results to a CPU (4). The dictionary data memory is a volatile memory, in which specific pattern data held by the CPU is written by the CPU when power is turned on. Since the data stored in the volatile memory is erased when power is turned off, the dictionary data memory can be removed and the contents are analyzed when the power is turned off without causing any trouble.

Abstract: One or more character strings are extracted from within an inputted image. The extracted character strings are retrieved to find one or more identical character strings. A determination is then made as to whether or not the identical character strings are laid out regularly, with processing performed on the inputted image depending on the findings of the determination.

Abstract: When the present image forming apparatus is used as a network scanner configured to read a document and forward corresponding image data to a network, delay memories M, C, K allow RGB image data supplied from the scanner to be delayed by an equal time. A specific document detecting section decides whether or not any document image read by the scanner is a specific document and, if it is a specific document, provides a specific document detection signal SOD to a selector. In response to this signal, the selector selects mask data from a mask data retaining section in place of the RGB image data and outputs the mask data. Thus, it is possible to prevent the specific document image data from being transmitted through the network to an external device.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus detects a predetermined image data included in image data and transmits an electromagnetic signal to a memory card within a predetermined vicinity of the image forming apparatus. The memory card is configured to carried by a user of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus receives identification information of the user from the memory card and has a memory which stores predetermined function information. The predetermined function information is associated with to the identification information of a predetermined user and defines functions of the image forming apparatus which the predetermined user is authorized to use. When the predetermined image data is detected by the detector, the image forming apparatus restricts the functions of the image forming apparatus based on the predetermined function information associated with the identification information of the predetermined user.

Abstract: An information processing device allows for user recognition of the difference between a print product (original) and a copy product of the print product. The information processing device includes a receiving unit which receives a character string which is concealed on a print product and appears on a copy product of the print product; a generating unit which generates printing data in which dots are concentrated into masses in a first area and dots are distributed in a second area and in which either of the first area and the second area is based on the received character string, such that the print product is produced by an image forming device; and a display controlling unit which controls display of first image data and second image data, wherein the second image data is different from the first image data, and the received character string appears in the second image data.

Abstract: In an image formation apparatus that prints out print data to a sheet, a print data storage unit stores the print data, a printing unit conducts print processing to the print data stored in the print data storage unit, a password acquisition unit acquires a password for the print data from an outside of the apparatus, and a printing control unit allows the printing unit to start the print processing of the print data under condition that the password acquisition unit acquires the password for the print data.

Abstract: An added information encoding part repeatedly arranges two kinds of copy inhibition code arrays of the unit two-dimensional arrays to which copy inhibition codes are assigned, and condition code arrays of the unit two-dimensional arrays to which codes for removing the copy inhibition are assigned, into a two-dimensional array according to given rules. A background image formation part generates a background image in which copy inhibition pattern image areas and condition pattern image areas are repeatedly and two-dimensionally arranged according to given rules, while referring to this array, and the pattern images corresponding to respective codes stored in the background image formation part, and stores the generated background image into a background image buffer. An image composing part reads out document images from a document image buffer, and the background image from the background image buffer, and superimposes them into a composite image.

Abstract: The CPU of the image forming apparatus sets up an ADF reading magnification in the ADF driving unit including the motor and the motor driver referring to the first magnification conversion table in the memory of the system unit when reading a document image while a document is being moved. Further, the reading magnification that is also in the ADF driving unit is also set in the specific document detection unit. The specific document detection unit makes the pattern matching as to whether the read image data is that of a specific document using the magnification dictionary (specific image data) that is set and outputs a detection signal as the result of the matching to the CPU. As that time, the CPU controls the output of the applicable read image data by a printer according to the detection signal.

Abstract: Conventionally, when counterfeit judgment processing by using electronic watermark is performed in a printer driver, a printing speed is lowered due to heavy load. To solve the problem, in the printer driver, first, it is judged whether or not image data indicated by input print information is in high quality. If the image data is in high quality, it is judged whether or not the image data represents a particular image. If the image data represents the particular image, predetermined processing is performed on the image data. This minimizes the execution of counterfeit judgment processing and reduces the load.

Abstract: Viewability is improved creating more reliable visual recognition of an image including a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image to clearly distinguish a copy and an original being displayed for preview. An image processing apparatus produces data of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image that is added to an image to be output for printing and comprises a latent image and a background image. The apparatus includes: a display unit for displaying an image; and a display control unit for distinctively displaying images, on the display unit, in a first display state displaying the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image and in a second display state in which a display mode of at least one of the latent image and the background image of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image differs from a display mode of the image displayed in the first display state.

Abstract: A watermark system includes an embedder, detector, and reader. The watermark embedder encodes a watermark signal in a host signal to create a combined signal. The detector looks for the watermark signal in a potentially corrupted version of the combined signal, and computes its orientation. Finally, a reader extracts a message in the watermark signal from the combined signal using the orientation to approximate the original state of the combined signal. While adapted for images, video and audio, the watermark system applies to other electronic and physical media. For example, it can be applied to mark graphical models, blank paper, film and other substrates, texturing objects for ID purposes, etc.

Abstract: A system and method provide for content-based authentication of binary graphs. The method includes the step of receiving an electronic file having a graphical content. An object level representation of the graphical content is then generated and authentication information is added to the electronic file based on the object level representation. The method further provides for authenticating the object level representation with a text authentication algorithm. Thus, by building a bridge from graphs to text at the character level, the present invention allows authentication of graphs using suitable text document authentication algorithms. When pixel level precision of the graph is required, a pixel level authentication can be added. This layer lets the owner detect as well as localize changes in the graph at the pixel level. Both levels of authentication are optional depending on the application.

Abstract: A copy control technique using digital watermark information, which makes it possible to prevent a content from being erroneously subjected to a copy control process according to wrong copy control information at a content-to-content transition. Copy control information in the form of digital watermark information (WM) is embedded in a content to control copying of the content in accordance with the embedded copy control information. A content-to-content transition is detected by detecting a change in a content state, such as a change in image luminance, or a change in copy control information associated with a content, or is detected on the basis of a flag, a descriptor, or channel switching. In response to detection of a content-to-content transition, a reset signal is output to a WM analyzer to reset current copy control information into a “undefined” state, so that copy control is performed in a mode such as a copy-free mode assigned to the “undefined” state.

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: An image recording device includes: a reading unit for reading an image of original paper; a paper storage for storing recording paper of a plurality of types; a recording unit for recording the image read by the reading unit, on the recording paper alternatively selected from the paper storage; an original information receiving unit for receiving paper information from an information chip which is provided on the original paper and on which the paper information is stored; and a selection control unit for selecting the recording paper to be used for an image recording based on the paper information received by the original information receiving unit.

Abstract: In an image processor in a print system, an output device processes input data and outputs the processed data, while a detector detects whether data of a specified pattern is included in the input data or in the processed data, in parallel to the data processing by the output device. A stop controller makes the output device stop to output the processed data at an irregular timing after the detector detects the specified pattern. The printer prints an image on a sheet of paper, based on the data outputted by the output device. Thus when the specified pattern in an image is detected, the printing is stopped but the stop position becomes irregular.

Abstract: An image processing system and method for copying an original document while maintaining the security of the document and for providing a high quality copy each time a copy is required. The system and method comprising inputting image information, generating output limitation information corresponding to the image information, storing the image information and corresponding output limitation information, reading a document containing the output limitation information, and outputting the stored image information in accordance with reading of the output limitation information.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed, the system including a receiving hardware interface (300) for coupling page description data to an interpreter (304) said interpreter interpreting the page description data to thereby output a display list to a renderer software interface (308) which processes the display list to thereby output a processed display list, and rendering hardware (312) for processing the processed display list to thereby output raw pixel data, wherein the receiving hardware interface (300), the interpreter (304), the rendering software interface (308), and the rendering hardware (312) are arranged to operate in a pipelined manner, being thereby capable of concurrently processing job data from at least one page of the print job.

Abstract: The present specific document determining apparatus according to the present invention comprises a microwave sensor for irradiating a microwave to and scanning a document, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, outputting a first detection signal, again irradiating a microwave and scanning the document after the document is placed on a contact glass, detecting a reflected portion of the irradiated microwave, and outputting a second detection signal; a signal processing section for using the first detection signal as a reference signal and comparing a level of the reference signal to a level of the second detection signal to make determination as to whether metallic fiber is included in the document or not, and a controller for making determination as to whether the document is a specific one or not according to a result of determination by the signal processing section.

Abstract: When printing output data that become output objects, copyright data attached to the corresponding said output data or information on copyright managed by a copyright managing device are selectively used to execute a print processing of said output data. This allows the output process to be executed based on the copyright information best suited for the corresponding output data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a scanning mechanism, first and second memories, an image accumulating mechanism, a detecting mechanism, a determining mechanism, and a code assigning mechanism. The first memory stores a reference dot pattern indicating an anti-copy background dot pattern. The second memory stores image data. The image accumulating mechanism accumulates image data of an original image into the second memory. The detecting mechanism detects a background dot pattern embedded in a background image included in the image data of the accumulated original image. The determining mechanism compares the detected background dot pattern with the reference dot pattern and determines whether the detected background dot pattern is substantially identical to the reference dot pattern.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can form an image of a high-precision security information for anti-reproduction. A photosensitive material-coated area in a recording paper is exposed with an exposure unit to form an image of a high-precision security information. Since the image of the security information is thus formed by exposing the photosensitive material, it can be formed as an image incapable of reproduction.

Abstract: An image data processing apparatus that selects, as an output destination of image data, either a printer or a personal computer in accordance with an instruction from an operator. When the printer is selected as the output destination, a first pattern composed of high-density dots that is less influenced by noise during an image forming process is embedded as the additional information into the image data. When the personal computer is selected as the output destination, a second pattern composed of low-density dots is embedded as the additional information into the image data. The image data containing the additional information is output to the selected output destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an image-forming device having at least one patterned roller for affecting the amount of toner present on a print medium when the print medium is advanced through a paper path of the image-forming device and contacts the at least one patterned roller. The roller includes a purposeful pattern that is formed in an outer surface of the roller. The purposeful pattern is configured to form an identifying mark on a print medium as a result of the amount of toner present on the print medium.

Abstract: An image forming device that forms images of original documents having both image data and control data thereon is disclosed, and is comprised of an original document reading means which includes a CCD, a control data extraction means, and a processing means. The original document reading means reads the image data and the control data on an original document. The control data extraction means extracts the control data from the data read by the original document reading means. The processing means processes the image data read by the original document reading means and forms an image thereof based upon the control data extracted by the control data extraction means. This image forming device can be used to prohibit the unauthorized copying of certain documents.

Abstract: An image forming device that forms images of original documents having both image data and control data thereon is disclosed, and is comprised of an original document reading means which includes a CCD, a control data extraction means, and a processing means. The original document reading means reads the image data and the control data on an original document. The control data extraction means extracts the control data from the data read by the original document reading means. The processing means processes the image data read by the original document reading means and forms an image thereof based upon the control data extracted by the control data extraction means. This image forming device can be used to prohibit the unauthorized copying of certain documents.

Abstract: A magnetic detection device has a roller unit to which conveying rollers are attached, a fixing unit that installs the roller unit movably in the direction to contact to or leave away from a magnetic head, and eccentric shafts that are provided rotatably between the fixing unit and the roller unit. This magnetic detection device has an adjusting means to adjust a gap between the magnetic head and the conveying roller by relatively moving the roller unit to against the fixing unit.

Abstract: Multi-bit auxiliary information is hidden in imagery (e.g., digital photographs, video), using steganographic techniques. Such information can be used for various purposes, including identifying an image as originating from a particular source. In some embodiments, certain bits of the auxiliary information effect no change to the image. A variety of different arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A form of stochastic random distribution is used to print an invisible watermark using a typical, e.g. 600 dpi, printer. The watermark contains such information as “Do Not Copy,” or other such information. While the watermark is not visible on a first generation version of a document that is printed, various techniques are used to print the watermark in such a way that it becomes readily apparent when the first generation document is photocopied. The preferred embodiment of the invention is concerned with a technique for improving such techniques, for example so that gray levels are improved to address variations from printer to printer. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is also concerned with a technique for performing error diffusion watermarking without the need for performing a calibration step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the manipulation of differential gloss as may be inherent in halftoned images by utilization of tags. By selectively applying halftones with anisotropic structure characteristics, which are significantly different in orientation while remaining identical in density, as directed by tag settings, a gloss image may be superimposed within an image without the need for special toners or paper. Conventional copier systems will not typically be able to copy such a superimposed gloss image.

Abstract: Additional data useful for the management of copies of a document for an image forming apparatus is embedded in a hard copy of the document. The additional data is embedded in an image of a document as discrete dots arranged in a prescribed format. Preferably, the size of each of said discrete dots is such as not to be recognized easily with the naked eye. The image data for embedding the additional data can be obtained by reading a document, or by receiving data sent from a computer. Additional data embedded in a hard copy can be extracted from the image data on the hard copy. Further, the production of a copy according to the image data, can be controlled according to the extracted additional data. Additional data is generated for each copy according to the extracted additional data for embedding it in a hard copy to identify each copy.

Abstract: An image processing system and method for copying an original document while maintaining the security of the document and for providing a high quality copy each time a copy is required. The system and method comprising inputting image information, generating output limitation information corresponding to the image information, storing the image information and corresponding output limitation information, reading a document containing the output limitation information, and outputting the stored image information in accordance with reading of the output limitation information.