JP3580105B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus used for an apparatus having a function of reading an original such as a copying machine and a facsimile, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of an original and outputs image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art An image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document and outputs image data has been used in apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile that need to convert a document into image data.
[0003]
In particular, in the technical field of copiers, digital color copiers have improved the ability to faithfully reproduce the images of originals, and as a result, there have been many instances where specific originals that should not be copied in social life are maliciously copied. ing. In this case, the specific document refers to a document in which copying of bills, securities, and the like is prohibited.
[0004]
As a technique for preventing such a specific document from being copied, a technique for determining whether or not a specific document has been read by an image reading apparatus has been proposed. As typical examples of such techniques, the techniques disclosed in JP-A-6-62234 and JP-A-6-178066 are described below.
[0005]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-62234 discloses a method in which dictionary data in which characteristic information of a specific document is stored in advance and image data of an actually read document are compared and collated. There is disclosed a technique for determining whether or not the data is correct. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. HEI 6-178066, a service center stores pattern data of a specific document which is referred to for making a comparison determination as to whether or not the document is a specific document. A technique is disclosed in which a document is downloaded from a center to an image reading apparatus via a communication line, and using the pattern data, it is determined whether or not the actually read document is a specific document.
[0006]
As described above, when determining whether or not a specific document is a specific document by comparing and comparing the data for determining the specific document with the image data of the actually read document, it is necessary to determine a plurality of types of specific documents. When performing this, the following processing has been performed. That is, a plurality of types of data for determination are prepared corresponding to each of a plurality of types of specific documents, and the data is used in a predetermined order to determine whether the document is a specific document. Such data comparison and collation are sequentially performed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image reading apparatus as described above has the following problems. Since the order of a plurality of data for discrimination used for comparison and collation of data was fixed, the order of the data for discrimination could not be changed. The type of the specific document that is highly likely to be read differs depending on the use environment of the image reading apparatus. Therefore, in a use environment where the order of the data for determination is fixed, and there is a high possibility that a specific document of a later type in the determination order is read, the document read by the image reading apparatus is not used. It was not possible to quickly determine that the document was a specific document. That is, since the order of the data for determination is fixed, there is a problem that the timing of determining that the read original is the specific original is delayed depending on the use environment.
[0008]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and has the following objects. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus capable of promptly determining that a read original is a specific original regardless of the use environment of the image reading apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to prohibit the use of read image data of a specific document. Still another object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily recognize that a specific document has been read outside the image reading apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, an image reading apparatusIs an image reading apparatus for reading an image of a document and outputting image data, wherein the reading means and the specific document determining means are provided., Storage meansAnd collation order setting means. The reading means reads the image of the document and converts it into image data. The specific document discriminating means sequentially compares each of a plurality of predetermined specific document discriminating data corresponding to each of the plurality of types of specific documents with image data of the document read by the reading means, and reads the data. It is sequentially determined whether or not the original read by the means includes a specific original.The storage unit stores destination information indicating a destination of the image reading device, and usage language information indicating a language used by the image reading device.The collation order setting means sets the collation order of a plurality of specific document discrimination data used for discrimination of the specific document by the specific document discrimination means.Stored destination and language informationAre set in an order determined according to.
[0010]
In this way, each of the plurality of specific document discrimination data is sequentially collated with the image data of the document read by the reading unit, and whether or not the specific document is included in the document read by the reading unit is determined. The collation order of the specific original discrimination data when the discrimination is sequentially performed isStored destination and language informationAre set in an order determined according to For this reason, it is possible to determine the collation order of the specific document discrimination data in the order in which the likelihood of being read in the environment where the image reading device is used is large. Since the collation order of the application data can be determined, it is possible to quickly determine that the read original is the specific original regardless of the use environment of the image reading apparatus.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the present invention, an image reading apparatus is an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document and outputs image data, wherein a reading unit that reads an image of the document and converts the image into image data; Each of a plurality of specific document discrimination data determined in advance corresponding to each of the specific documents is sequentially collated with image data of the document read by the reading unit, and the specific document is read by the reading unit. The specific document discriminating means for sequentially discriminating whether or not a specific document is included, and priority order information in which a collation order of a plurality of specific document discriminating data used for discriminating a specific document by the specific document discriminating means is stored. Means for determining the collation order based on the priority information when priority information is stored, and an image reading device when the priority information is not stored. And a collation setting means for setting the collation to the order determined according to the environment used.
Preferably an image readerIs, OutThe apparatus further includes force prohibition means. The output prohibiting unit prohibits the output of the image data of the document read by the reading unit when the specific document discriminating unit determines that the specific document is included.
[0012]
As described above, when the specific document discriminating unit determines that the specific document is included, the output of the image data of the read document is prohibited, so that the use of the read image data of the specific document is prohibited. can do.
[0013]
Preferably an image readerIs,The information external output means is further included. The information external output means outputs, to the outside of the image reading apparatus, information indicating that the specific document has been read when the specific document determining means determines that the specific document is included.
[0014]
As described above, when the specific document discriminating means determines that the specific document is included, information indicating that the specific document has been read is output to the outside of the image reading apparatus. The fact that the specific document has been read can be easily grasped outside the image reading apparatus.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an image reading apparatus used in a copying machine will be described as an example of an image reading apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image reading apparatus used in another apparatus such as a facsimile can be used. Is also applicable.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of a copying machine provided with an image reading device. Referring to FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 is roughly divided into an image reading device 10 and a printer 20. The image reading device 10 includes a document table 511, a lamp 501, a motor 502, an image reading unit 503, and an image processing unit 504.
[0017]
A document to be copied is placed on the document table 511. The image of the document placed on the document table 511 is exposed and scanned by the emission of the lamp 501. The image of the document scanned by exposure is photoelectrically converted by an image reading unit 503 including an image sensor such as a CCD, and is converted into image data. The image of the document is read by the CCD 503 by such conversion into image data. The image reading unit 503 forms a reading unit that reads an image of a document and converts the image into image data. Then, the image data of the document read by the image reading unit 503 is provided to the image processing unit 504, and the image processing unit 504 performs predetermined image processing.
[0018]
The image processing unit 504 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). In image processing section 504, the CPU reads and executes an image processing program stored in the ROM, and performs predetermined image processing on image data by using the RAM as a work area. The image data subjected to the predetermined image processing by the image processing unit 504 is provided to the printer 20.
[0019]
In the image processing unit 504, in addition to the normal image processing, various processes such as a process for determining a specific document and a process for preventing copying of the specific document are performed as described later. Here, the specific document refers to a document in which copying of bills, securities, and the like is prohibited.
[0020]
In the printer 20, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 512 based on the image data provided from the image processing unit 504. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by developing units 507a to 507d that perform development with four color toners, and is transferred to the surface of a sheet held on a transfer drum 506. In this case, the sheet held on the transfer drum 506 is transported from any of the storage cassettes 513a to 513c to the transfer drum 506. The sheet on which the transfer has been performed is then separated from the transfer drum 506 and sent to the fixing device 505. The fixing device 505 fixes an image on a sheet. The sheet on which the image has been fixed is discharged on a discharge tray 514.
[0021]
The copying machine 1 is provided with a memory card insertion unit 508 into which a memory card 509 storing (storing) various information used in the copying machine 1 is inserted. When the memory card 509 is inserted into the memory card insertion section 508, information stored in the memory card 509 is read out to the copying machine 1.
[0022]
The copier 1 is provided with a destination selection key 510 for selecting a destination. The destination selection key 510 can select three types of destinations for Asian destinations, North American destinations and European destinations according to the mode of key operation.
[0023]
Next, a function of determining a specific document in the image reading apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a specific document discriminating function unit in the image reading apparatus 10. In FIG. 2, portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.
[0024]
Referring to FIG. 2, image reading apparatus 10 includes image reading unit 503, image data storage unit 102, reference data storage unit 103, reference order data storage unit 104, pattern extraction unit 105, specific document recognition unit 106, copy protection It includes a pattern data storage unit 107, an image data output switching unit 108, an information transmission data storage unit 109, and an information transmission unit 110. An external information management center 111 is installed outside the copying machine 1 provided with the image reading device 10.
[0025]
The pattern extracting unit 105 and the specific document recognizing unit 106 are included in the CPU. The image data storage unit 102 is included in the RAM. The reference data storage unit 103, the reference order data storage unit 104, the specific document recognition unit 106, and the copy protection pattern data storage unit 107 are included in the ROM.
[0026]
As described above, the image reading unit 503 reads an image of a document to be copied, converts the read image into image data, and provides the image data to the image data storage unit 102. The image data storage unit 102 temporarily stores the image data provided from the image reading unit 503.
[0027]
The specific document recognizing unit 106 performs data collation as described later, determines whether the read document is a specific document, and recognizes the specific document. The reference data storage unit 103 stores reference data used by the specific document recognition unit 106 to determine a specific document. Here, the reference data is data indicating an image pattern of the specific document, and is referred to at the time of collation when determining the specific document. The reference data is stored in the reference data storage unit 103 in such a manner that a plurality of types of specific documents such as various bills and various types of securities can be distinguished. I have.
[0028]
The reference order data storage unit 104 stores a plurality of types of reference order data, which is data indicating the order in which the plurality of types of reference data described above are used for collation for discriminating a specific document. The reference order data is stored in the reference order data storage unit 104 so that the order in which the reference data is used for collation for discriminating a specific document is set to an order suitable for the use environment of the image reading apparatus 10, that is, the use environment of the copying machine 1. Are stored, and are selectively used according to the usage environment.
[0029]
The pattern extracting unit 105 extracts a pattern of the image data of the document read and stored in the image data storage unit 102, and supplies pattern data indicating the pattern to the specific document recognizing unit 106.
[0030]
The specific document recognizing unit 106 reads out reference order data corresponding to the use environment of the image reading apparatus 10, that is, the use environment of the copying machine 1 from the reference order data storage unit 104, and stores the reference order indicated by the reference order data in the specific document. Are set as the determination order. Then, the specific document recognizing unit 106 sequentially reads out the reference data from the reference data storage unit 103 in accordance with the reference order set according to the use environment, and outputs the data of the pattern of the specific document indicated by the read reference data and the pattern extraction The pattern data of the document provided from the unit 105 is sequentially compared and collated, and based on the collation result, it is determined whether or not the read document includes a specific document.
[0031]
The image data output switching unit 108 selectively reads out the image data of the document stored in the image data storage unit 102 and the copy protection image data stored in the copy protection image data storage unit 104 and outputs them to the printer 20. It is for doing. The data output from the image data output switching unit 108 is switched in response to a switching signal provided from the specific document recognition unit 106. Here, the copy prevention image data is predetermined image data for preventing copying of a specific document, and includes image data indicating that copying of the specific document is prohibited.
[0032]
The copy protection image data is not limited to image data indicating that copying of a specific document is prohibited, and may be image data indicating that copying of a read document is not possible. Other image data such as a graphic image may be used. That is, as the copy prevention image data, any image data other than the specific document may be used.
[0033]
When it is determined that the read original does not include the specific original based on the determination result as to whether the specific original is included or not, the specific original recognition unit 106 outputs the read image data. A switching signal for causing the image data output switching unit 108 is given. In response to the switching signal, the image data output switching unit 108 reads out the image data of the document stored in the image data storage unit 102 and supplies the read image data to the printer 20. As a result, if the specific original is not included in the read original, the read original is copied.
[0034]
On the other hand, when the specific original recognition unit 106 recognizes that the specific original is included in the read original based on the determination result of whether or not the specific original is included, the specific original recognition unit 106 outputs the copy prevention pattern data. A switching signal for causing the image data output switching unit 108 is given. In response to the switching signal, the image data output switching unit 108 reads out the copy protection pattern data stored in the copy protection pattern data storage unit 107 and supplies the data to the printer 20. Accordingly, when the read original includes the specific original, the read original is not copied, and a predetermined copy prevention image is printed on paper and output from the printer 20. .
[0035]
As described above, when it is determined that the read original includes the specific original based on the determination result of whether or not the specific original is included, the specific original recognition unit 106 further transmits the information transmission data. A command signal for outputting to the outside of the copying machine 1 is given to the information transmitting unit 110. The information transmitting section 110 is for transmitting the information transmitting data stored in the information transmitting data storage section 109 to the outside of the copying machine. When the read original contains a specific original, the information transmitting section 110 It operates in response to a command signal from the document recognition unit 106. Here, the information transmission data is predetermined information for transmitting to the outside that the read original includes the specific original.
[0036]
When a command signal is received from the specific document recognizing unit 106, the information transmitting unit 110 reads out the information transmitting data stored in the information transmitting data storage unit 109 and transmits the information transmitting data to the external information management center 111. I do. The external information management center 111 is an organization that performs information management such as management of the operation status of a large number of copying machines outside the copying machine 1. As described above, when a specific original is included in the read original, information transmission data indicating that fact is transmitted to the external information management center 111. Therefore, the external information management center 111 outside the copying machine 1 can easily grasp that the read original includes the specific original based on the information transmission data.
[0037]
Next, a process of setting the collation order, which is the reference order of the reference data, in the specific document recognition unit 106 will be described. First, the concept of the process of reading the reference order data from the reference order data storage unit 104 will be described. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a concept of a process of reading reference order data from the reference order data storage unit 104.
[0038]
Referring to FIG. 3, reference order data storage section 104 includes reference order data section 104a and label data section 104b. The reference order data section 104a is a data file composed of data in which a plurality of types of reference order data are associated with label numbers. Here, the label number is a number assigned to each of a plurality of types of reference order data, and the reference order data can be specified based on the label number.
[0039]
The label data section 104b is a file composed of data indicating the relationship between the use environment of the copying machine 1 and the label number of the reference order data in a table format. The use environment of the copying machine 1 includes destination information indicating a destination (a destination, that is, an area where the copying machine 1 is used) of the copying machine 1 (machine), and a language (Japanese) used by the copying machine 1 (machine). , Language, and English), and individual setting information indicating information individually set for the copying machine 1 (machine). These destination information, used language information, and individual setting information are stored in the RAM. Note that the destination information, the language used, and the individual setting information may be stored in the ROM.
[0040]
The label data section 104b uses the destination information and the language information to be used as parameters as parameters, and a plurality of table data TDs in which label numbers 1, 2,... 44,. TD1, TD2,... TDn) exist. That is, basically, the label number is determined based on the correlation between the destination information and the used language information, but the relationship between the destination information and the used language information and the label number differs for each individual setting information. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the label number 23 is determined based on the correlation between the destination information, the language information used, and the individual setting information.
[0041]
When the label number is determined, the reference order data corresponding to the determined label number is read out of the data of the label data section 104b. In this way, the reference order data is determined based on the label number. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the reference order data of the label number 23 is the order of 0-1-2-3 (the order of the reference data 0-reference data 1-reference data 2-reference data 3). I have.
[0042]
In each of the reference order data, the order of the reference data is determined in an order in which the use environment of the copying machine 1, that is, the use environment of the image reading device 10 is most likely to be used.
[0043]
Next, a processing procedure of a reference order data setting process, which is a specific process for determining and setting the reference order data, will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the reference order data setting processing.
[0044]
Referring to FIG. 4, first, in step # 101, it is determined whether or not there is priority information. Here, the priority information is information that defines the priority for using the reference data for collation. If the priority order for using the reference data for collation is determined in advance, priority order information indicating the priority order is stored in the ROM. If it is determined in step # 101 that there is priority order information, the process proceeds to step # 107, where the reference order is determined according to the priority order information, and the reference order data setting process ends.
[0045]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step # 101 that there is no priority information, the process proceeds to step # 102, where the destination information of the machine is read. Next, the routine proceeds to step # 103, where the language information of the machine is read. Next, the routine proceeds to step # 104, where the individual setting information is read.
[0046]
Next, proceeding to step # 105, the label number is determined based on the read out destination information, the language information used, and the individual setting information in the manner shown in FIG. Next, in step # 106, the reference order data is read based on the label number in the manner shown in FIG. 3, and the reference order is determined according to the read reference order data. Thereafter, the reference order data setting process ends.
[0047]
As described above, when there is priority information, the reference order is determined based on the priority information. On the other hand, when there is no priority information, the reference order is determined based on the destination information, the language used, and the individual setting information. The reference order is determined. When the reference order is determined in this way, the order of the reference data used for collating the data for identifying the specific document is set to the reference order according to the determination.
[0048]
In this way, the reference order of the reference data is set according to the use environment of the copying machine 1, that is, the use environment of the image reading device 10. Further, as described above, the reference order of the reference order data is determined in the order in which there is a high possibility of being read in various use environments, so that the use environment of the copying machine 1, that is, the image reading It is possible to determine a specific document in an order suitable for the environment in which the apparatus 10 is used.
[0049]
By the above-described reference order data setting processing, a collation order setting unit that sets the collation order of the data for identifying a specific document to an order determined according to the use environment is configured.
[0050]
Next, a description will be given of a setting procedure of how the used language information and the destination information used in the above-described reference order data setting processing are set in the copying machine 1.
[0051]
First, the used language information will be described. The used language information is set based on the information stored in the memory card 509. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the memory area of the memory card 509.
[0052]
Referring to FIG. 5, the memory area of the IC of memory card 509 is an area to which addresses C000H to DFFFH are assigned by the above-described address designation by the CPU. It is roughly divided into three areas.
[0053]
The system area ES stores data such as the storage capacity of the memory card 509 (8 kilobytes in this case), format, format type, and the like. The user area EU stores data unique to the operator, such as a password and language designation information D2. This language designation information D2 includes the above-mentioned language information to be used. The program area EP stores data for editing and copying set by the tablet and the operation panel (not shown).
[0054]
Next, a processing procedure of a memory card process, which is a process for performing various settings based on data stored in the memory card 509, will be described. The memory card processing is executed by the CPU. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the memory card processing.
[0055]
Referring to FIG. 6, when the power of copying machine 1 is turned on, first, in step # 201, initial setting of each unit is performed. Then, in step # 202, the process waits until memory card 509 is inserted into card insertion unit 508. When memory card 509 is inserted into card insertion portion 508, in step # 203, memory card 509 is a regular memory card compatible with an offline editor (not shown) based on data in system area ES of memory card 509. A check is made to see if there is any.
[0056]
If it is determined that the memory card is not a regular memory card, for example, if a card corresponding to a model different from the offline editor is inserted, an error display is performed on a predetermined display unit in step # 204. On the other hand, if it is determined that the memory card is a legitimate memory card, it is determined in step # 205 whether or not there is language designation information in the memory area of memory card 509. If it is determined that there is language designation information, use language information is set according to the language designation information in step # 206, and the memory card process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no language designation information, other settings are made in step # 207, and the memory card process ends.
[0057]
Next, destination information will be described. The destination information is set according to the selection operation state of the destination selection key 510. The setting of the destination information is performed by a destination setting process executed by the CPU of the copying machine 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the destination setting processing. In FIG. 7, there are three destinations: an Asian destination indicating destinations in the Asian region, a North American destination indicating destinations in the North American region, and a European destination indicating destinations in the European region. This will be described using an example.
[0058]
Referring to FIG. 7, first, in step # 301, it is determined whether or not destination selection key 510 is on-edge. If it is determined that the destination selection key 510 is not on-edge, the destination setting process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the destination selection key 510 is on-edge, the destination is determined based on the selection mode with the destination selection key 510 as described below.
[0059]
At step # 302, it is determined whether or not it is destined for Asia. If it is determined that the destination is the Asian destination, the destination information is set to the Asian destination in step # 303, and the destination setting process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is not destined for Asia, it is determined in step # 304 whether or not the vehicle is destined for North America. If it is determined that the destination is the North American destination, the destination information is set to the North American destination in step # 305, and the destination setting process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vehicle is not destined for North America, it is determined in step # 306 that the vehicle is destined for Europe, and the destination information is set for Europe, and the destination setting process ends.
[0060]
In this embodiment, destination information, used language information, and individual setting information are used as elements that determine the use environment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another element may be added to the above-described element, or an element other than the above-described element may be used as the element that determines the use environment.
[0061]
Next, a specific document discrimination process, which is a process for determining whether or not the document is a specific document in the specific document recognition unit 106 and handling image data based on the result of the determination, will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the specific document determination processing.
[0062]
Referring to FIG. 8, first, in step # 401, a process of reading the image pattern data extracted from pattern extracting section 105 is performed. Then, in step # 402, a process is performed in which reference data to be subsequently collated is obtained in accordance with the order indicated by the reference sequence data, and the reference data is read from reference data storage unit 103 and set as collation data.
[0063]
Next, in step # 403, the reference data of the specific document set as the data for comparison and the image pattern data of the read document are compared and collated, and the pattern of those data is determined by a predetermined matching degree calculation process. Processing for obtaining the degree of coincidence is performed.
[0064]
Next, in step # 404, it is determined whether or not the degree of coincidence obtained in step # 403 is larger than a predetermined threshold value for the degree of coincidence. The threshold value in this case is set to a value at which the read original can be determined to be a specific original. Therefore, if the degree of coincidence is greater than the threshold, the read original is determined to be a specific original. If the degree of coincidence is equal to or less than the threshold, the read original is not a specific original. Is determined. The above-described threshold value needs to be set to a value that allows a specific original to be completely identified in consideration of an error in processing when obtaining the degree of coincidence.
[0065]
If it is determined in step # 404 that the degree of coincidence is greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the read document is a specific document of the type that has been compared and compared, and in step # 405 copy prevention processing is performed. Then, the specific original discrimination process is completed. Here, the copy prevention process is a process of giving a switching signal for causing the specific document recognition unit 106 to output the copy protection pattern data to the image data output switching unit 108 and outputting the copy protection pattern data to the printer 20; A process of giving a command signal for outputting the transmission data to the information transmission unit 110 and transmitting the information transmission data from the information transmission unit 110 to the outside of the copying machine 1.
[0066]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step # 404 that the degree of coincidence is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, it is determined that the read document is not a specific document of the type that has been compared and compared, and reference is made in step # 406. A determination is made as to whether the reference data is the last reference data in the reference sequence defined by the sequence data. If it is determined in step # 406 that the reference data is not the last-order reference data, the process returns to step # 402, where the next-order reference data is set, and the comparison and collation processing as described above is performed using the reference data. Repeat. That is, comparison and collation are performed using a plurality of types of reference data in an order according to the reference order defined by the reference order data.
[0067]
If it is determined that the read original is a specific original by the end of the comparison and collation using the reference data in the last order, the above-described copy prevention processing is performed at that time. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the read original is the specific original even after the comparison and collation using the reference data in the last order, it is determined that the read original is not the specific original, and in step # 407, the copy prevention process is not performed. The specific document recognizing unit 106 supplies the image data output switching unit 108 with a switching signal for outputting the image data of the read document, and the image data of the read document is output to the printer 20. . As a result, normal copying is performed. After step # 407, the specific original discrimination process ends.
[0068]
The specific document discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the read document includes the specific document by the above-described specific document discriminating process is configured.
[0069]
In such a specific document discrimination process, a specific document is discriminated by sequentially comparing and comparing a plurality of types of reference data with image data of a read document. Since the reference order is set based on the reference order data in which the order of the reference data is determined in the order of possibility of being used in the usage environment, a relatively early stage of the reference order in any usage environment It is possible to determine that the document is a specific document.
[0070]
Next, a description will be given of a data transmission mode in the copy prevention process based on the specific document discrimination process in the copying machine 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a data transmission mode in the copy prevention process based on the specific document determination process. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part related to the copy protection processing.
[0071]
Further, when it is determined that the specific document is included, the copy prevention pattern data is output. Therefore, when the operator or the administrator views the output, it is determined that the specific document is read by the copying machine 1. Can be easily grasped. Such output of the copy prevention pattern data also has an effect of giving a warning to a person who intends to copy a specific document.
[0072]
Referring to FIG. 9, image data output switching unit 108 switches the image data to be output to one of image data (hereinafter, referred to as read image data) Da of a read original and copy prevention pattern data Db. It is possible. The image data output switching unit 108 supplies the copy protection pattern data Db to the printer 20 in response to a switching signal provided from the CPU 10a of the image reading device 10 when the copy protection processing is performed. At the same time, when the copy prevention process is performed, information transmitting section 110 supplies information transmitting data to external information management center 111 in response to a switching signal provided from CPU 10a.
[0073]
As described above, when the copy protection processing is performed, the paper on which the image of the copy protection pattern data is printed is output from the printer 20 without performing the normal copy, and the image data of the read original is output. , The use of the read image data of the specific document can be prohibited. As described above, the output prohibiting means is configured to prohibit the output of the image data of the original when the CPU 10a and the image data output switching unit 108 determine that the specific original is included in the read original. . Further, when the copy prevention process is performed, information transmission data indicating that the specific document has been read is transmitted from the information transmission unit 110 to the external external information management center 111. It can be easily recognized that the specific document has been read by the image reading device 10. As described above, when the CPU 10a and the information transmitting unit 110 determine that the read original includes the specific original, the information indicating that the specific original has been read is output to the outside of the image reading apparatus 10. An information external output means is configured.
[0074]
On the other hand, when the copy protection processing is not performed, the copy protection pattern data Db and the information transmission data are not output, and the image data output switching unit 108 responds to the switching signal given from the CPU 10a of the image reading apparatus 10. Supplies the read image data Da to the printer 20. As described above, when the copy prevention process is not performed, normal copying is performed. Therefore, when the copy prevention process is not performed, normal copying is smoothly performed without any trouble.
[0075]
The main effects obtained by the embodiment described above are summarized as follows. The order of the reference data is determined in the order in which the reference order data is more likely to be used in the use environment of the copying machine 1, that is, in the use environment of the image reading device 10. By determining the reference order data in this way, it is possible to determine a specific document in an order suitable for the use environment of the copying machine 1, that is, the use environment of the image reading device 10. That is, a specific document is determined by sequentially comparing and collating a plurality of types of reference data with image data of a read document, but the order of the reference data is determined in descending order of the possibility of being used in the use environment. Therefore, in any use environment, it is possible to quickly determine that the document is a specific document at a relatively early stage in the reference order.
[0076]
Further, when it is determined that a specific document is included, the output of the image data of the read document is prohibited, so that the use of the read image data of the specific document can be prohibited. .
[0077]
Further, when it is determined that the specific document is included, information indicating that the specific document has been read is output to the outside of the image reading apparatus 10. Therefore, the image reading is performed based on the information. The fact that the specific document has been read by the apparatus 10 can be easily grasped outside the image reading apparatus 10.
[0078]
Next, other configuration examples of the present invention will be listed below.
When the specific document discriminating means determines that a specific document is included, a predetermined alternative image other than the specific document is used instead of the image data of the document read by the reading means described above. The image reading apparatus may further include alternative image data output means (CPU 10a and image data output switching unit 108) for outputting data (copy prevention pattern data). In this way, the operator or the administrator can see the output of the substitute image data to easily understand that the specific document has been read by the copying machine 1. The output of such substitute image data also has an effect of giving a warning to a person who intends to copy a specific document.
[0079]
A selection output unit (image data output switching unit) capable of selectively outputting read image data (read image data) and predetermined substitute image data (copy prevention pattern data) other than a specific document; 108) may be further included in the image reading device. The selection output means outputs the read image data when the specific document discriminating means determines that the specific document is not included, and the specific document discriminating means includes the specific document. When the determination is made, substitute image data is output.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an internal configuration of a copying machine provided with an image reading device.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a specific document discrimination function unit in the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a concept of a process of reading reference order data from a reference order data storage.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a reference order data setting process.
FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a memory area of a memory card.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a memory card process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of destination setting processing;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a specific document discriminating process.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a data transmission mode in a copy prevention process based on a specific document determination process.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image reading device
10a CPU
106 Specific Document Recognition Unit
107 Copy protection pattern data storage
108 Image data output switching unit
109 Information transmission data storage
110 Information Transmission Department
104 Reference order data storage
111 External Information Management Center

Claims (4)

An image reading device that reads an image of a document and outputs image data,
Reading means for reading an image of a document and converting the image into image data;
Each of a plurality of specific document discrimination data predetermined corresponding to each of the plurality of types of specific documents is sequentially collated with image data of the document read by the reading unit, and read by the reading unit. Specific document discriminating means for sequentially determining whether or not the specified document is included in the document,
Storage means for storing destination information indicating a destination of the image reading device, and used language information indicating a language used by the image reading device;
A collation for setting the collation order of the plurality of specific original discrimination data used for discrimination of the specific original by the specific original discrimination means to an order determined according to the stored destination information and the language information used. An image reading device including: an order setting unit. An image reading device that reads an image of a document and outputs image data,
Reading means for reading an image of a document and converting the image into image data;
Each of a plurality of specific document discrimination data predetermined corresponding to each of the plurality of types of specific documents is sequentially collated with image data of the document read by the reading unit, and read by the reading unit. Specific document discriminating means for sequentially determining whether or not the specified document is included in the document,
Means for storing priority information in which the collation order of the plurality of specific document discrimination data used for discrimination of the specific document in the specific document discriminating means is predetermined;
If the priority information is stored, the collation order is determined based on the priority information.If the priority information is not stored, the collation order is determined according to the environment in which the image reading device is used. A collation order setting unit that sets the collation order to a determined order. 2. An output prohibition unit for prohibiting output of image data of a document read by the reading unit when the specific document discrimination unit determines that the specific document is included. Or the image reading device according to 2. An information external output unit that outputs information indicating that the specific document has been read to the outside of the image reading device when the specific document determination unit determines that the specific document is included; The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising:

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