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 forming apparatus has a collating section which collates image information from a scanner with a specific image and determines whether or not there is a same portion, and a line delay section which outputs the image information after delaying the image information in accordance with time spent on collation processing. Because a dedicated memory is unnecessary due to timing between processing of the collation processing section and other processings being coordinated at the line delay section, a large reduction in costs can be realized.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a substrate and a nano-pattern of nano-structures disposed on the substrate, wherein the nano-pattern is configured for forming a latent message (e.g., a warning or alert message) that appears on a copy of the document. The nano-pattern forms one of a foreground and a background of the latent message; and another pattern, e.g., a conventional pattern or another nano-pattern, forms the other of the foreground and background of the latent message. The nano-pattern and the other pattern are configured, such that the foreground and background exhibit substantially similar visual densities on an original of the document, and exhibit substantially different visual densities on the copied document. This can be accomplished by forming the nano-pattern with nano-structures (e.g.

Abstract: A computer (901) has a function of controlling operation of an image recognition unit (201) for counterfeiting prevention in a printer (902). According to this function, a control signal (S1) for instructing operation of the image recognition unit is output to the printer when the type of a command (C1) received from an application (102) is a command type of an image as an object of counterfeiting prevention, while the control signal is not output when the type of the received command is not the command type of an image as an object of counterfeiting prevention. The printer has a function of operating the image recognition unit for image data (D1) applied from the computer only when the control signal is received from the computer.

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: An image, in which a pattern image is arranged so as to express a control information for inhibiting copying or for removing the inhibition, is defined as an image to be read. A copy inhibition code or a condition code for removing the inhibition is assigned for the pattern image. In a “normal copy mode” of a copier, a copy inhibition information detecting part detects the copy inhibition code in an obtained image, and a controller halts the copying when the copy inhibition code is detected. A condition information detecting part detects the condition code in the obtained image. A copy mode is provided in which the copying operation is permitted when the condition matches. The controller permits copying when a condition, such as permitting a specific user to perform copying or the elapse of a predetermined day and time delimited period, is established.

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: A method and apparatus for preventing or inhibiting effective reproduction of documents such as currency, checks, stock certificates, and any other printed document including a pre-defined security mark printed therein. The subject method and apparatus operate to effect a multi-step review of all digital image data acquired from a printed document to be reproduced for purposes of locating any potential security marks and further examining same for purposes of positively identifying a potential security mark as an actual security mark. If a mark is located and verified to be an authentic security mark, effective reproduction of the printed document will not be permitted and/or other security measures will be taken.

Abstract: Image output apparatus comprising a marking engine (3); and a marking engine control system (2) for supplying data defining an image in a suitable format to the marking engine to cause the marking engine to output the image. The marking engine control system includes a system for: 1) determining from the data defining the image, or from the condition of the marking engine control system, whether the marking engine could output an image of a predetermined type which is not to be output, and if it could not, controlling the marking engine to output the image; and 2) if it is determined in step 1) that the marking engine could output an image of the predetermined type, determining from the data defining the image whether the image includes image characteristics indicating that the image is of the predetermined type; and controlling the marking engine to output the image only if the image is determined no to be of the predetermined type.

Abstract: In case of managing image data among plural image processing apparatuses, an object of the present invention is to suppress or restrain, as much as possible, that the image data is illegally or unfairly used. In order to achieve the object, e.g., it is provided an image processing apparatus which is connected to an external apparatus being an output destination of the image data, the image processing apparatus comprises an input means for inputting the image data representing an image, an addition means for adding additional information capable of specifying the external apparatus to the image data inputted by the input means, in a state that the additional information is difficult to be perceived by human eyes, and an output means for outputting the image data to which the additional information was added by the addition means, to the external apparatus.

Abstract: An non-reproducible image formation preventing apparatus has a recognition section, a storage section and a comparison/determination section. The recognition section performs recognition processing for received image data, determines whether or not the image data is an non-reproducible image, and outputs the determination result to an image formation section. The storage section stores non-reproducible image data recognized as an non-reproducible image by the recognition section. The comparison/determination section compares the non-reproducible image data stored in the storage section with an image based on input image data given through an image process section and finding a match degree therebetween. If either of the comparison/determination section and the recognition section determines that the image is an non-reproducible image, a detection signal is sent to the image formation section for stopping normal print.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members and a plurality of image forming devices for forming toner images on the respective image bearing members, wherein the toner images formed on the respective image bearing members by the respective image forming devices are successively transferred to a transfer medium, and wherein a toner image for identifying the apparatus is formed on the image bearing member having the highest temperature among the plurality of image bearing members.

Abstract: Detection and deterrence of counterfeiting permits one to make legitimate color copies without introducing visual artifacts or experiencing substantial processing delays. We enable an efficient counterfeit deterrence by the use of an hierarchic detection scheme, in which the majority of documents are classified as free of suspicion using a simple algorithm that imposes a negligible computational burden. The remainder of documents, which are labeled as suspicious, receive analysis by one or more potentially complex detection algorithms. If the suspicious document is identified as being a secure document, this will lead to printing with selectively deteriorated service or complete denial of service. For one embodiment, the scheme uses a color look-up table (LUT) to detect a characteristic color (or colors) of frequently counterfeited documents and alters the characteristic color in the copies if a more accurate second test verifies that printing of a counterfeit is being attempted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for use in a network system including a network and a plurality of print-data-outputting apparatuses which sends via the network print-data including identification information identifying the print-data-outputting apparatus to the image forming apparatus for outputting a hardcopy of the print-data. The image forming apparatus receives print-data from each of a plurality of print-data-outputting apparatuses via the network, recognizes characteristics of the received print data, and judges whether reproduction of the received print-data is legally forbidden. If the received print data is forbidden, the image forming apparatus alters the received print-data so as to cause the fidelity of a reproduction of the received print-data to be lost or deteriorated and adds to the altered print-data identification information identifying the specific print-data-outputting apparatus sending the print-data.

Abstract: A method of outputting a recording medium on which forgery-inhibited data of a certificate of residence, securities, or the like which is obtained through a communication network such as a computer network and is inhibited to be forged by copying is printed directly from a printer without using a copy forgery preventing sheet. A recording medium outputting system of the invention is constructed by connecting a LAN having a DB server managing transmission/reception of data to/from a database disposed in a city office or the like, and a number of LANs each having a terminal and a printer installed in stores such as convenience stores via a communication line and the internet.

Abstract: An anticounterfeit detector (ACD) does both a high and low resolution scan of a document. The video signal resulting from the low resolution scan is used to detect a selected type of image, e.g., currency, negotiable securities, etc., by using ACD hardware or software. A corrective action is taken, e.g., preferably even partial printing from the high resolution scan is prevented, the video signal is invalidated, etc., if the selected image is detected. The low resolution signal can also be obtained by decimating or low pass filtering the high resolution signal.

Abstract: An image forming system includes a scanner to read image data, an image forming apparatus to form an image on an image receiving medium based on the image data, an input panel to input a user's manual signature and a memory to store an image of a user's manual signature. Further, the system includes a processing unit to collate an image of a user's manual signature input through the input panel with an image of a user's manual signature stored in the memory and to approve the use of at least one of the scanner and the image forming apparatus by user according to a result of the collation.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing photocopied or laser-printed documents from original documents produced by offset printing, handwriting, or typewriting. A document is scanned at low-resolution and at high-resolution to produce a low-resolution and a high-resolution matrix representation of the presence or absence of ink or toner at discrete locations on the surface of the document. Printed regions detected at low-resolution are used to mask regions of the high-resolution matrix representation from the analysis. The remaining unmasked regions of the high-resolution matrix representation are analyzed to detect discrete microdots uniformly distributed within those regions. The presence of microdots on the surface of the document indicates that the document was produced as a photocopied or a laser-printed duplicate.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an image processing system capable of detecting at a high speed whether copy-protected information is embedded in image data. For this purpose, the image processing system that practices this invention uses image data having a low resolution in detecting the embedded position of the copy-protected information. When the position is detected, the neighboring image is extracted in units of blocks on the basis of the pattern size and compared with the pattern image. If a specific pattern is detected as the result of comparison, the image is regarded as an original to be copy-protected, and appropriate processing is executed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus having a function for detecting a specific original decides the degree of similarity between the image represented by input image signals and the image of a specific original which is not to be allowed to be copied, e.g., currency. The image processing apparatus determines the content of the image processing in accordance with the result of the decision, and processes the input image signals on the basis of the determined content.

Abstract: Pattern detection methods, which may be embodied in copiers or scanners/printers, examine documents to be copied or printed to determine whether the documents contain one or more targeted patterns. The pattern detection methods include algorithms that look for certain features and geometric relationships between the features in determining whether one or more of the targeted patterns are present.

Abstract: Detection and deterrence of counterfeiting permits one to make legitimate color copies without introducing visual artifacts or experiencing substantial processing delays. An efficient counterfeit deterrence is enabled by the use of an hierarchic detection scheme, in which the majority of documents are classified as free of suspicion using a simple token detection algorithm that imposes a negligible computational burden. The remainder of documents, which are labeled as suspicious, receive analysis by one or more additional detection algorithms. If the suspicious document is identified as being a secure document, this will lead to printing with selectively deteriorated service or complete denial of service. For one embodiment, tokens having a characteristic color (or colors) and spacing, are incorporated into the design of frequently counterfeited documents. The scheme uses a color look-up table (LUT) to detect an initial token having the characteristic color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of outputting a recording medium on which forgery-inhibited data of a certificate of residence, securities, or the like which is obtained through a communication network such as a computer network and is inhibited to be forged by copying is printed directly from a printer without using a copy forgery preventing sheet. A recording medium outputting system of the invention is constructed by connecting a LAN having a DB server managing transmission/reception of data to/from a database disposed in a city office or the like, and a number of LANs each having a terminal and a printer installed in stores such as convenience stores via a communication line and the Internet.

Abstract: An image reading is executed to only specific originals among plural originals. An original information detecting part detects original information on each original based on the result of prescanning. A judging part, based on copying conditions set by a user, judges whether the original information meets the copying conditions or not and determines the necessity of copying accordingly. An operation control part controls respective constitutions based on the result of judging of necessity. According to this device, for example, only color originals can be copied or only originals having a specific size can be copied. Furthermore, only originals present between colored partition papers can be copied.

Abstract: A copier in which reading of an original is carried out simultaneously with formation, on the basis of image data obtained by the reading of the original, of a multicolored transfer image which is to be transferred onto a sheet, and conveying of the sheet is started during the formation of the transfer image, and at a transfer position, the transfer image is transferred onto the sheet. After starting of the reading of the original and before starting of the conveying of the sheet, if it is sensed, on the basis of the image data obtained by the reading of the original, that the original is a copying prohibited original, the sheet is not conveyed and copying processing is stopped.

Abstract: Watermark data is encoded in a digitized signal by forming a noise threshold spectrum which represents a maximum amount of imperceptible noise, spread-spectrum chipping the noise threshold spectrum with a relatively endless stream of pseudo-random bits to form a basis signal, dividing the basis signal into segments, and filtering the segments to smooth segment boundaries. The data encoded in the watermark signal is precoded to make the watermark data inversion robust and is convolutional encoded to further increase the likelihood that the watermark data will subsequently be retrievable notwithstanding lossy processing of the watermarked signal. Watermark data is encoded in a basis signal by division of the basis signal into segments and inverting the basis signal in segments corresponding to watermark data bits with a first logical value and not inverting the basis signal in segment corresponding to watermark data bits with a different logical value.

Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method for manufacturing a photographic paper. The apparatus allows a matrix of dots to be formed as a latent image on the photographic paper at a first pitch in a horizontal direction, and a second pitch in a vertical direction. The apparatus includes an exposure head which has an array of LED elements, a feed mechanism for feeding the photographic paper, a fiber array of light transmission members (second plastic fibers) arranged at a first pitch for transmitting light from the exposure head to the photographic paper, a light guide for guiding the light from the exposure head to the fiber array, and a light emission controller for energizing all the LED elements of the exposure head each time the photographic paper is fed a second pitch. The apparatus allows dots to be formed as a latent image on the photographic paper which have clear profiles and are free of density variations.

Abstract: An image processing system includes an image processing apparatus having an encrypting circuit for reading an image of an original, converting the read image into an image signal, and encrypting the image signal by using data concerning encryption, a transmitting unit for transmitting the encrypted image signal to another image processing apparatus, and an image processing apparatus for receiving the encrypted, transmitted image signal and decrypting the signal by using the data concerning encryption.

Abstract: An image recognition method and device detects an object mark reliably even when the mark is defaced with a different color. RGB signals are transmitted to color extraction unit. The color extraction unit has a characteristic color extraction block to extract the characteristic color of the object mark. A binary image is generated from the extracted pixels which are the color of the mark and stored in storage device. A mark detection unit detects the location of the mark in the stored image data and an image extraction unit extracts the region where the mark is located and obtains a feature count. A matching unit compares the feature count with a reference pattern and finds the goodness of fit. A control unit subjects the goodness of fit value to threshold value processing to determine whether this is a nonreproducible document. If the mark has been defaced with black ink, the pixels constituting the mark are extracted by a likely color extraction block.

Abstract: A system for creating copy restrictive media is disclosed. The system comprises printing a first pattern of microdots (80) on a first set of documents and printing a second pattern of microdots (82) on a second set of documents. A first key code is associated with the first microdot pattern (80), which allows a copy machine to copy the first set of documents, and a second key code is associated with the second microdot pattern (82), which allows a copy machine to copy the second set of documents. This system allows individual copyright owner to insure that no one else is able to reproduce their copyrighted documents.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus (or method) includes a reception unit (or step) for receiving digital color image data through an interface from an external apparatus, and a discrimination unit (or step) for discriminating, from the received digital color image data, whether an image represented by the digital color image data is a specific image. A control unit (or step) controls printing using the color image data in accordance with a discriminated result by the discrimination unit.

Abstract: A digital image reproducing apparatus, such as a copier, facsimile machine, or a scanner includes a code detector which analyzes a digital representation of an input document, either directly or in memory for visually apparent machine readable code embedded in the background of the document. A decoder operatively connected with the detector analyzes the machine readable code and determines a security code associated with the original document. A control unit compares the security code from the document with a user authorization or security code and, based on the comparison determines whether to allow or disallow the digitized document to be reproduced. If the document is allowed to be reproduced, an image reproducing system, under the control of the control unit, reproduces the document including any image on the document and the low density tinted background containing the machine readable code.

Abstract: When an operator starts an operation for copying in full-color image forming mode, a predetermined warning to copy-protected materials and others is given to the operator, and an actual copy cannot be performed unless the operator confirms this warning. When the operator starts the operation of copying in the full-color image forming mode, and/or during the copying operation, a third party such as a manager of the copying machine is notified of these facts for enabling help in the copying operation and finding the copying of copy-protected materials.

Abstract: An image input apparatus calculates degree of matching between read original and a specific original of a bank note, for example, stored in advance. In accordance with the result of calculation, destination of information transmission data to be output externally is selectively determined, and the information is transmitted to the determined destination. As a result, an image reading apparatus is provided which allows transmission of determination information of the specific original to a necessary site, in accordance with the degree of matching between the read original and the specific original.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect marks of a specified shape and color on a document and to extract a specified pattern consisting of a number of these marks. An RGB color signal is sent, color by color, by way of image input unit 12 to binary processing unit 13. If the marks are yellow, the B signal for the pixels constituting the marks will be smaller than the other signals. The B signal is sent to mark shape extraction unit 13a and threshold processing is executed. Simultaneously, R, G and B are sent to mark color extraction unit 13b, and the fact that the marks are yellow is detected. AND element 13c finds the logical product of these processes, and a binary image is generated from which only the yellow pixels have been extracted. This binary image is transmitted to mark location detection unit 15 by way of storage unit 14. The shapes of the marks are matched against reference data and location data are extracted for the marks.

Abstract: A system for producing non-copyable prints. In a xerographic printer, text is printed using clear toner. Thus, the only optical difference between toner and non-toner portions of the page is in the reflectivity. The plastic toner will reflect more light than the paper. A human reader can now read the image by holding the page at such an angle that the eye will intercept the reflected light from the toner, producing a contrast between the lighter appearing toner and the darker appearing paper. However, a copier scanner is always set up to avoid reflected light, by supplying light at an oblique angle and reading at a right angle. In this case the diffused light is approximately equal for both toned and untoned surfaces, the scanner will detect no difference and the copier will not be able to copy the original.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method both offering a high-precision and general-purpose capability of identifying an image and performing appropriate processing depending on whether identification is effected. In the image processing apparatus and image processing method, image data is detected in visible and invisible light reflected from each of a target pixel and surrounding pixels. Based on the image data detected in visible and invisible light, a specific pattern is identified. The specific pattern appears substantially the same in color as a surrounding area under visible light but different in characteristic therefrom under invisible light, which is identified using the image data of the target pixel and surrounding pixels provided by a detector. The image processing apparatus is controlled depending on whether the identification is effected.

Abstract: An image processing method and an apparatus using the method enable information to be added particularly to a two-valued image having a high resolution so that the information can be read reliably. In a counter section of the apparatus, clock pulses with respect to the main scanning direction and clock pulses with respect to the sub scanning direction are counted as an 8-bit yellow component density image signal is input, and a determination is made as to whether the position at which mark M is to be added has been reached and as to whether, if the addition position is reached, the present position is a position at which a modulation amount .alpha.(=255) is to be added to the image signal or a position at which a modulation amount .beta. is to be subtracted from the image signal. The result of this determination is output to a selecting device. The selecting device is supplied with the input Y component density image signal and two signals obtained by modulating this signal with the modulation amounts .alpha.

Abstract: A color-negative photographic print medium for restricting the copying of an image in the medium utilizing a pattern of removable color-subtractive microdots depth-wise positioned anywhere within a transparent protective overcoat and a support layer which supports at least one image-forming layer is disclosed. The microdots are undetectable by the unaided eye, but detectable by copying machines programmed to prevent copying when microdots are detected.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for storing and reading out image data. An authorization code inputting element reads in an authorization code from an authorization medium on which a particular authorization code is recorded and a user identification inputting element inputs user identification information including the individual user authorization number issued at the time of the user being registered. A user control element controls the users by the authorization code and the user identification information, and a function-limiting element limits the scope of functions that can be used by the user in case the user can not be identified by the inputted authorization code or the inputted user identification information. Thus, the storing of image data by an unidentified user can be blocked, and the confidentiality of stored imaged data can be secured.

Abstract: A method and device for securely duplicating sensitive documents. A marking element is entered on the original document to identify its confidential nature, as well as an encoded rules elements which defines duplication restrictions of the document. For each duplication request (101) for a sensitive document (102), the document is digitized (103) to determine the presence of a marking element (104) and to find the duplication restrictions, i.e., the encoded rules elements (106). Duplication may be performed (110) depending on the restrictions defined in the rules elements (106) and after an authorization check (108). A duplication may be obtained by requesting the computerized original of the document from the document issuer. In addition to the selective control of reproduction of documents the method and device is particularly suitable for preventing the duplication of documents for fraudulent purposes, multiple duplication of selected documents, and for copyright administration.

Abstract: A method including:providing a facility with at least one controlled access electronic printing machine;printing original documents with the controlled access electronic printing machine, wherein printed images formed thereby arise from marking materials containing at least one photoactive additive;equipping all uncontrolled access reprographic devices within the facility with a secure illumination source capable of exposing an object document with sufficient intensity to activate the photoactive additive; andilluminating the object document with the secure illumination source of the uncontrolled access reprographic device, wherein the object documents having original document images printed thereon cannot be copied or scanned in a normal copy or scan illumination interval.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input device for inputting image data representing an original, a discrimination unit for discriminating whether the original includes a predetermined color image, and an output unit for outputting a discrimination result of the discrimination unit. The discrimination unit performs discriminations corresponding to a first predetermined color image and a second predetermined color image which is different from the first predetermined color image. The discrimination unit includes a color memory which stores first and second standards corresponding to the first and second predetermined color images, respectively.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, which judges whether image forming is permitted when a pre-registered identification number is received, includes an input mode setting unit for setting either a first mode or a second mode, where the first mode deals with a numerical string received by an input receiving unit as a first identification number, and the second mode deals with the numerical string received by the input receiving unit as a second identification number. The image forming apparatus also performs display control to have a display unit not display the received numerical string in the case where the first mode is set and to have a display unit display the received numerical string in the case where the second mode is set.

Abstract: The color tone distributions of a plurality of types of specific originals are stored in advance in a ROM, and a first similarity between the color tone distributions corresponding to a predetermined discrimination criterion, and an input image signal is discriminated. A second similarity between the color tone distributions corresponding to a discrimination criterion which is changed based on the first similarity, and the input image signal is discriminated. Whether or not an original is similar to one of the plurality of types of specific originals is discriminated on the basis of the first and second similarities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color tone detection sensor for detecting the tone of a color actually printed, a color conversion processing section for executing color conversion to inputted image data, and a system controller for executing color tone detection prior to an operation for detecting a copy-inhibited document in a copy-inhibited document detecting section, causing the copy-inhibited document detecting section to execute the operation for detecting a copy-inhibited document using image data subjected to color conversion in the color conversion processing section when the detected color tone is not a specified one, or causing the copy-inhibited document detecting section to execute the same operation using the inputted image data when the detected color tone is a specified one.

Abstract: A system for single-pass printing of a tamper-resistant, electronic form character on a print media sheet is provided. The system includes a printing subsystem and a character generation subsystem communicating with the printing subsystem. The character generation subsystem includes (1) a database for storing a plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters, each of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters including an electronic form character overlaying a security background, and (2) a character manager for retrieving a selected one of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters from the database in response to an instruction provided by the printing subsystem to the character manager, the selected one of the plurality of tamper-resistant, composite electronic form characters being transmitted to the printing subsystem for single-pass printing thereof on the print media sheet.

Abstract: In the present image forming system, when a digital copying machine having no specimen image judging section makes a copy, it transfers an input image to an image processing apparatus having the specimen image judging section within the system to request to judge whether the input image is a copy-prohibited image on its behalf. When the judging result is returned within a predetermined period, the digital copying machine controls the copying operation based on the judging result: when the judging result is negative, a normal copying operation is carried out; when the copying is totally prohibited, the image processing apparatus ends the copying operation after informing the user that the copying operation is terminated because the copying of the subject image is prohibited. Consequently, whether the subject image data are a specimen image like paper money can be discovered at the image processing machine, thereby preventing a crime, such as forgery of paper money or securities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quasi-reprographically replicating a source document. The source document is digitized, appropriate locations for embedded code are detected, and any embedded code located in the digitized document along with the detected locations are forwarded to a decoder. The decoder forwards the decoded information to a control unit which processes this information and forwards it to a encoder whereafter it is inserted in the digitized document. The hardcopy replication of the source document being substantially visually identical to the source document, even though new or additional embedded machine-readable data has been added or existing data has been changed. The process occurs without intervention by an operator and without knowledge of the operator producing the replicated documents.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for removing an image forming substance such as toner from an image holding member such as a sheet of transfer paper, an unstabilizing agent is provided to the image holding member. An attaching state between the image forming substance and the image holding member stably attaching the image forming substance on a surface thereof is changed to an unstable state by the unstabilizing agent. The image forming substance is separated and removed from the image holding member by making a separating member come in close contact with the image forming substance on the image holding member having the provided unstabilizing agent. A processing situation mark showing a processing situation of removal of the image forming substance is formed in the image holding member. The processing situation mark can be removed from the image holding member by the image forming substance removing processing.