JP4193321B2 - Image processing system, computer, image processing apparatus, and processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image processing system, a computer, an image processing apparatus, andProcessing methodIt is about.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various image recognition systems for dealing with counterfeiting of conventional banknotes / securities, etc. have been proposed for devices that are implemented in a closed system from image input to image formation, such as a color copying machine, Has been implemented. In addition, forgery with open systems has become a social problem as image reading devices such as image scanners and image forming devices such as personal computers (PCs) and printers have become more sophisticated and less expensive. Various countermeasures have been studied.
[0003]
In any case, as basic image recognition processing, the acquired image data (input data) is processed by the image data processing unit (feature extraction unit), and the image data output by the image data processing unit is non-volatile. A specific pattern stored in advance in a memory or the like is compared, and the recognition result is output to the control unit.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In addition, securities distributed in the city may always be added or changed. For example, there are switching of banknote design and issuing of new denominations. In such a case, it is necessary to update to dictionary data storing a specific pattern and recognition algorithm for detecting a new securities.
[0005]
In this case, in the case of a color copying machine, the sales form is often lease or rental, and since maintenance is required, installation location and customer management are relatively well maintained. Therefore, if the dictionary data is to be updated, it is possible to specify the current installation position of the color copier equipped with the target image recognition system and update the data.
[0006]
However, color printers and color scanners are often sold at stores, and tracking and managing whereabouts after sales is cumbersome and practically difficult. Therefore, it is difficult to update the recognition dictionary and the like as described above.
[0007]
Therefore, by installing a recognition dictionary / engine in the drivers of various devices and automatically installing a recognition dictionary etc. when installing the driver, it is ensured without complicating the user's processing. This is preferable because the version of the recognition dictionary can be upgraded.
[0008]
However, if the user attempts malicious output maliciously, for example, if he / she notices that the unauthorized output is not possible due to the driver update, unauthorized output is possible by returning to the old version of the driver before the update. End up.
[0009]
  The present invention relates to an image processing system, a computer, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing system that can reliably prevent unauthorized output in an apparatus used in an open system such as a color printer, a color scanner, and a computer.Processing methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An image processing system according to the present invention includes (1) a computer and an image processing apparatus.And communication connectedAn image processing system, wherein the computerPrevent unauthorized image data outputInformation forOn the computerMeans to installAnd an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier capable of comparing old and new information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data from the image processing device;SaidPreventing illegal image data outputWhen trying to install the information for the information, the identifier of the information to be installed,By the acquisition meansThe image processing apparatusObtained fromDetermine old and new with identifierA means for determining whether the image processing apparatus can rewrite an identifier for comparing the old and new information for preventing output of unauthorized image data, and the computer requests the identifier. Means for transmitting the identifier to the computer when it is received, and means for updating the identifier when the computer is requested to update the identifier. And the computerIf it is determined that the identifier of the information to be installed on the computer is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus, the installation is performed and the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus is updated to the identifier of the installed information.Request to image processing deviceAnd when it was judged that it was old, it was not installed.
[0011]
  (2) A computer according to the present invention is a computer in the image processing system according to (1), wherein means for installing information for preventing output of unauthorized image data in the computer, and output of the unauthorized image data The information to be installed when trying to install the acquisition means for acquiring an identifier for comparing the new and old of the information for preventing the image from the image processing apparatus and the information for preventing the output of the unauthorized image data And an identifier for determining whether the identifier acquired from the image processing apparatus by the acquisition means is new or old. The identifier of the information to be installed by the determination means is based on an identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. The installation is not performed when it is determined that the version is too old.
  (3) Further, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus in the image processing system of (1), and rewrites an identifier that can compare old and new information for preventing output of illegal image data. Means for storing the information, means for transmitting the identifier to the computer when the computer requests the identifier, and means for updating the identifier when the computer requests updating of the identifier.
  (4) An image processing system according to the present invention is an image processing system in which a computer and an image processing apparatus are communicatively connected, and the computer is provided with information for preventing unauthorized output of image data. Means for installing, and means for transmitting an identifier of information to be installed to the image processing apparatus when installing information for preventing the output of the unauthorized image data. In the apparatus, means for storing rewritable identifiers for comparing new and old information for preventing illegal image data output, receiving means for receiving identifiers of information to be installed from the computer, and New and old of the identifier received from the computer by the receiving means and the identifier stored in the rewritable manner. Comprises a constant determining means, and means for transmitting the determination result information in which the determination means determines to said computer. The computer receives the determination result information from the image processing apparatus, and performs installation if the identifier of the information to be installed in the computer is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. The identifier stored in the processing device is updated to the identifier of the installed information, and the installation is not performed if it is old.
  (5) Another computer according to the present invention is a computer in the image processing system according to (4), wherein the information for preventing the output of unauthorized image data is installed in the computer,Preventing illegal image data outputMeans for transmitting the identifier of the information to be installed to the image processing apparatus when the information for installation is to be installed; and the identifier of the transmitted information to be installed sent from the image processing apparatus; And means for receiving determination result information for determining whether the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus is new or old. Based on the received determination result information, the installation process is executed or not executed.
  (6) Another image processing apparatus of the present invention is the image processing apparatus in the image processing system of (4), and can rewrite identifiers that can compare old and new information for preventing output of unauthorized image data. And a means for receiving the identifier of the information to be installed from the computer, an identifier received from the computer by the receiving means, and an identifier stored in the rewritable manner is determined. The determination means, the means for transmitting the determination result information determined by the determination means to the computer, and the determination means determines that the identifier of the information to be installed is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. And a means for updating the stored identifier.
[0012]
  (7)The image processing system according to the present invention includes:The computer of (1) and the image processing apparatus are connected for communication.An image processing system, wherein the computerObtaining means for obtaining an identifier on the image processing apparatus side from the image processing apparatus;When trying to send image data to the image processing device,Information to prevent output of illegal image data installedAn identifier,Acquired by the acquisition meansJudgment of old and new with identifier stored in image processing deviceA means for determining whether the image processing apparatus can rewrite an identifier for comparing the old and new information for preventing output of unauthorized image data, and the computer requests the identifier. Means for transmitting the identifier to the computer in the case ofOn the computerInformation to prevent output of illegal image data installedWhen it is determined that the identifier is older than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus, normal image data may not be output.
  (8)The computer of the present invention is the above(7)Computer in the image processing systemBeforeAcquisition means for acquiring an identifier on the image processing apparatus side from the image processing apparatus, and when sending image data to the image processing apparatus,Information to prevent output of illegal image data installedA determination unit that determines whether the identifier and the identifier stored on the image processing apparatus side acquired by the acquisition unit are new or old.Information to prevent output of illegal image data installedWhen it is determined that the identifier is older than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus, normal image data may not be transmitted to the image processing apparatus.
  (9)The image processing apparatus of the present invention is the above(7)An image processing apparatus in the image processing system ofPreventing illegal image data outputIt is preferable to comprise means for storing an identifiable identifier for comparing the old and new information, and means for transmitting the identifier to the computer when the computer requests the identifier.
[0013]
  (10) of the present inventionProcessing methodIs the computer described in (2) aboveProcessing performed byAnd obtaining the identifier stored in the image processing apparatusProcessing stepsThe identifier of the information to be installed and the acquisitionPerform processing stepsJudgment to determine the new or old with the identifier stored in the acquired image processing deviceProcessing steps, The judgmentPerform processing stepsOutputs result information based on the judgment resultThe output processing steps are sequentially executed.
  (11) AnotherProcessing methodAs the image processing apparatus according to (6) above,Processing performed byObtaining an identifier of information to be installed in the computerProcessing stepsThe acquisitionPerform processing stepsJudgment to determine whether the acquired identifier of the information to be installed and the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus so as to be rewritable are old and newProcessing steps, Said judgmentPerform processing stepsOutputs result information based on the judgment resultThat sequentially execute output processing stepsIt is also good.
  (12) Still anotherProcessing methodAs the computer described in (8) aboveProcessing performed byAnd obtaining the identifier stored in the image processing apparatusProcessing stepsThe identifier stored in the computer and the acquisitionPerform processing stepsJudgment to determine the new or old with the identifier stored in the acquired image processing deviceProcessing steps, Said judgmentPerform processing stepsOutputs result information based on the judgment resultThat sequentially execute output processing stepsIt is also good.
[0014]
  (13)As the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the above (1)Or (4)It is preferable that the information for preventing unauthorized use is installed in the computer together with the driver for the image processing apparatus.
[0015]
  The identifier stored in the image processing device isThe newest identifier among the identifiers added to the information used in the image processing systemHas been updated to. That is, it corresponds to the final version referred to in the embodiment. Note that this is a case where the image processing system is composed of a plurality of devices, and some of the devices may be connected to other devices to construct a new image processing system. In that case, the same type of information is different for multiple devices that construct a new image processing system.KnowledgeIf a bespoke is stored, the newest one is stored in the image processing system.KnowledgeA separate child is better.
[0016]
The “information for preventing unauthorized use” may be any information for preventing unauthorized use of the image processing system in addition to a recognition dictionary, a recognition engine, a black list, etc. for recognizing prohibited items such as copying. good. In addition, “information” may consist only of “information and identifier for preventing unauthorized use” or may further include other information. The information may be in any form such as a program or data. It is preferable to use information (driver or the like) used for image processing as other information because information for preventing unauthorized use can be automatically incorporated and updated.
[0017]
The “image processing apparatus” referred to in the present invention includes, for example, an image reading apparatus such as a scanner and an image forming apparatus such as a printer, as well as a personal computer and other computers. In short, any device capable of image processing may be used.
[0018]
  According to the present invention, when new information is to be installed in the devices constituting the image processing system,Try to installThe identifier added to the information isAlready in the image processing deviceRememberedKnowledgeIf it is older than the other child, normal processing is not performed. As a result, once stored information for preventing unauthorized use is not returned to information for preventing unauthorized use having an older identifier.
[0019]
  The same thingIsThis can also be said when the image processing apparatus storing the bespoke is incorporated in an image processing system connected to various apparatuses. That is, if the information stored in the image processing system is old identifier information, normal image processing and the like can be suppressed.
[0020]
The above-described components of the present invention can be combined as much as possible. Each means constituting the management apparatus and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit, or can be realized by a programmed computer.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an example of an open system for outputting an image to which the present invention is applied. As shown in the figure, a color scanner 20 and a color printer 30 are connected to a personal computer 10, and image data read by the color scanner 20 is sent to the personal computer 10, and after performing predetermined image processing there, the color printer 30. To print out. Of course, the image data processed by the personal computer 10 is not limited to the image data sent from the color scanner 20 as described above, but may be given via a recording medium such as MO or FD.
[0022]
In the illustrated example, the connection between the personal computer 10 and the color scanner 20 and the color printer 30 is described as being directly connected by a general interface. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is connected to the network. Also included. In other words, the installation location may be remote.
[0023]
It is assumed that the printer driver 11 is installed on the personal computer 10 side. The printer driver 11 is a program in which an unauthorized output prevention function, that is, a recognition dictionary and an image recognition engine for detecting prohibited items such as copies such as banknotes and securities are incorporated. Of course, in the following description, an example in which an unauthorized output prevention function is incorporated in a printer driver will be described. However, an unauthorized output prevention function may also be added to a scanner driver for the color scanner 20.
[0024]
The color printer 30 is provided with a version information storage unit 31 for storing and holding version information of the printer driver 11 installed in the personal computer 10.
[0025]
Then, the personal computer 10 acquires the version information stored in the version information storage unit 31 and executes a predetermined process based on the acquired version information. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when installing a printer driver, the driver installer 12 normally installs the printer driver in the storage unit 13 of the personal computer 10. However, in the present invention, before executing the installation, the management unit 40 checks the current version (final version) and the version to be installed, determines whether installation is possible, and is provided on the condition that the installation is permitted. The installer 12 performs an actual installation process.
[0026]
That is, the program or the like (in this case, the printer driver) has version information as an identifier for comparing old and new. Version information includes a numerical version number and a release sequence number. Furthermore, various types of data can be applied as long as the data can be compared in terms of magnitude, such as name, alphabet, date, and character string length.
[0027]
The management unit 40 acquires the version information of the printer driver to be installed and the version information stored in the version information storage unit 31 of the color printer 30, and the two versions acquired by the version acquisition unit 41. A determination unit 42 that receives information and determines whether it is new or old is provided. Then, when the version information to be installed is the same as or newer than the current version information stored and held in the color printer 30, the determination unit 42 sends an installation permission notification to the installer 12, and A version information update command is sent to the version writing unit 43 together with the version information of the driver to be installed.
[0028]
When receiving the update command, the version writing unit 43 of the color printer 30 stores the acquired version information of the driver to be installed in the version information storage unit 31. Thus, the latest version information of the driver is stored and held in the version information of the color printer 30.
[0029]
Although not shown, the personal computer 10 and the color printer 30 are each equipped with a communication interface, and the management unit 40 sends and receives data to and from the printer 30 via the communication interface. Yes.
[0030]
Next, functions of each processing unit described above will be further described while explaining specific processing procedures. As shown in FIG. 3, when updating at least one of a printer driver and an image recognition engine / recognition dictionary, if an attempt is made to install a printer driver in which they are integrated, the installer 12 is installed in the management unit. Notify that there was a request.
[0031]
At this time, if the version information of the printer driver to be installed is also notified, the notified version information is acquired, and if the version information is not notified, the version acquisition unit 41 installs the version information. Extract and acquire version information of the printer driver to be used. The determination unit 42 is provided with the version information to be installed acquired in this way.
[0032]
Further, the version acquisition unit 41 of the management unit 40 that has received the notification of the installation request inquires of the color printer 30 about the final version (ST1). On the color printer 30 side, the final version information stored in the version information storage unit 31 is read and notified to the personal computer 10 side (ST2), so that the version acquisition unit 41 acquires the final version information and also determines the determination unit 42. To give.
[0033]
Thereby, since the two pieces of version information are given to the determination unit 42, the two are compared, and it is determined whether or not the version information to be installed is the final version or more (ST3).
[0034]
If it is not the final version, that is, if it is an old version, a notification for rejecting the installation is given to the installer 12 (ST4). As a result, it is not possible to return to the old version, and unauthorized use can be prevented.
[0035]
If the version is equal to or higher than the final version (including the same version), it is determined that the installation is permitted. First, the version writing unit 43 of the printer 30 is finalized together with the acquired version information to be installed. A version update request is notified (ST5).
[0036]
In response to this, the version writing unit 43 rewrites the stored contents of the version information storage unit 31 to the acquired final version (ST6), and when completed, sends the completion code back to the personal computer side. 12 executes the installation process (ST7).
[0037]
The color printer 30 also does not update the version information as it is when the version is received, but checks whether the version is new or old, and the received version information is newer than the current version information stored. It is recommended to update after confirming this. In this way, it is possible to prevent the version down more reliably.
[0038]
According to the first embodiment, since the final version information is stored in the color printer 30, even if the personal computer 10 is initialized (hard disk format, OS re-installation, etc.), the color printer 30 Since the printer does not operate unless a printer driver having version information that is the same as or newer than the final version stored in is installed, version down can be reliably prevented.
[0039]
In the present embodiment, the installer 12 and the management unit 40 are described as separate processing units. However, the function shown by the management unit 40 may be incorporated in the installer 12 as a matter of course. Of course, a version information storage unit may be provided on the computer side. The same applies to the embodiments described below.
[0040]
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment described above, the version is checked on the personal computer side, but in this embodiment, it is performed on the color printer 30 side.
[0041]
That is, the management unit 40 is incorporated in the color printer 30 side. Prior to the installation of the printer driver by the installer 12, the version notification unit 44 of the personal computer 10 sends the version information of the printer driver to be installed to the version acquisition unit 41 of the management unit 40 on the color printer 30 side. Notice. Note that the version notification unit 41 is also described outside the installer 12 in FIG. 4, but it may of course be incorporated inside as one of the functions of the installer 12.
[0042]
The functions of the version acquisition unit 41, the determination unit 42, and the version writing unit 43 that constitute the management unit 40 are performed by an internal bus or the like when transmitting / receiving data to / from other processing units. However, the specific processing functions are basically the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0043]
Next, an actual installation procedure will be described with reference to FIG. First, when there is an installation request, the version information of the printer driver to be installed is notified to the color printer 30 side (ST11). Upon receiving this notification, the version acquisition unit 41 reads the final version information stored in the version information storage unit 31 (ST12), and sends two version information to the determination unit 42. The determination unit 42 compares the two new versions of the received version information to determine whether the version information of the printer driver to be installed is greater than or equal to the final version (ST13).
[0044]
Then, the result of the determination is notified to the installer 12 on the personal computer 10 side. When the version is equal to or higher than the final version, the version writing unit 42 is operated, the version to be installed is written in the version information storage unit 31, and the final version information is updated. (ST14). Further, the installer 12 refuses or executes the installation in response to the received communication availability notification (ST15 to ST17).
[0045]
FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Each of the embodiments described above corresponds to a case where a printer driver is newly installed. However, some printer drivers are permitted to be installed without connecting the color printer to the personal computer 10. In such a case, the final version information stored in the color printer is acquired and cannot be compared prior to installation.
[0046]
Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, before the personal computer 10 sends the image data to the color printer 30 via the output unit 15 and prints out, the version information is confirmed and stored in the storage unit 13 of the personal computer 10. After confirming that the version of the printer driver is equal to or higher than the final version stored in the version information storage unit 31 of the color printer 30, the image data is actually output to the color printer 30.
[0047]
That is, when receiving the image data, the output unit 15 issues an inquiry notification as to whether output is possible to the management unit 40 (version acquisition unit 41). Upon receiving this, the version acquisition unit 41 acquires the version information of the printer driver to be used from the storage unit 13 as in the above embodiments, and outputs the color printer to be output from the version information storage unit 31 of the color printer 30. The final version information stored in 30 is acquired, and the two pieces of version information are passed to the determination unit 42.
[0048]
The determination unit 42 compares the two versions of the version information, and if the version information of the printer driver stored in the storage unit 13 is equal to or greater than the final version information stored on the color printer 30 side, an output permission notification is issued. This is given to the output unit 15. If this permission notification is received, the output unit 15 outputs the received image data to the color printer 30.
[0049]
If the determination unit 42 determines that the information is older than the final version information, the determination unit 42 outputs a normal output prohibition instruction to the output unit 15. Receiving this, the output unit 15 prohibits the output of the image data. Further, when outputting image data, quality such as resolution and color reproduction may be lowered, a part or all of the quality may be painted with a predetermined color, or a predetermined warning message may be output.
[0050]
Furthermore, when the determination unit 42 determines that the version is older than the final version, various measures such as resetting the device, releasing or resetting the connection with the color printer 30 can be taken.
[0051]
According to the present embodiment, the illegal output suppression effect is effectively exhibited even in the case shown in FIG. That is, once the printer driver is upgraded on the personal computer 10 (version 2.0), and the final version (version 2.0) is stored in the version information storage unit of the color printer 30, then the old version of the printer driver is stored. Even if it is connected to another personal computer 10 'in which is installed, normal output can be stopped when it is recognized.
[0052]
Furthermore, even when switching between computers of different architectures and using the same printer, the final version information is stored on the printer side, so that the final version information is not dependent on the platform. It can be easily handled by setting.
[0053]
In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the present invention is applied to a program such as a printer driver. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and data may be used. That is, for example, the model number of a device such as an illegally used printer is stored in the storage unit 13 of the computer as a black list. This storage may be performed simultaneously with the installation of the printer driver, for example, or may be stored by various other methods. When the printer is connected to the PC or when it is used for printing, the printer model number is acquired, and if it is recognized as a blacklisted printer, the printout is stopped. There is a system in which a printer once illegally used is made unusable thereafter.
[0054]
At this time, version information is also added to the black list, and when the black list is registered in the storage unit 13 of the personal computer 10, the version information is stored in the version information storage unit 31 of the printer 30. In this way, even if an attempt is made to install an old version blacklist (such as a blacklist in which the printer used by the user is not registered), it is blocked by the first and second embodiments.
[0055]
Further, even if this printer is connected to a personal computer in which an old version of the black list is registered and attempts to illegally output it, this is prevented by the third embodiment described above.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, in the present invention,usedFinalCorresponding to the versionIn the case of information having an identifier stored and retained and an identifier older than that, it is possible to prevent normal processing, so that information for preventing unauthorized use cannot be rewritten to an old one, and color Unauthorized output can be reliably prevented in devices used in open systems such as printers, color scanners, and computers.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing procedure;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 PC
11 Printer driver
12 Installer
13 Memory unit
15 Output section
20 Color scanner
30 Color printer
31 Version information storage
40 Management Department
41 Version acquisition unit
42 judgment part
43 Version writing section
44 Version notification section

Claims (13)

An image processing system in which a computer and an image processing apparatus are connected by communication,
The computer includes
Means for installing information on the computer to prevent unauthorized output of image data;
Obtaining means for obtaining an identifier from the image processing apparatus for comparing old and new information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data;
A determination unit that determines whether the identifier of the information to be installed and the identifier acquired from the image processing apparatus by the acquisition unit are new or old when installing information for preventing the output of the unauthorized image data. And
In the image processing apparatus,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
Means for transmitting an identifier to a computer when the identifier is requested by the computer;
Means for updating the identifier when requested to update the identifier from the computer,
When the computer determines that the identifier of information to be installed in the computer is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing device, the computer installs the identifier stored in the image processing device. An image processing system which requests the image processing apparatus to update to a new one and does not perform installation when it is determined that the image processing apparatus is out of date. A computer in the image processing system of claim 1,
Means for installing information on the computer to prevent unauthorized output of image data;
Obtaining means for obtaining an identifier from the image processing apparatus for comparing old and new information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data;
A determination unit that determines whether the identifier of the information to be installed and the identifier acquired from the image processing apparatus by the acquisition unit are new or old when installing the information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data; With
A computer which is configured not to perform installation when it is determined by the determination means that an identifier of information to be installed is older than an identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus in the image processing system according to claim 1,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
Means for transmitting an identifier to a computer when the identifier is requested by the computer;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for updating an identifier when an update of the identifier is requested from the computer. An image processing system in which a computer and an image processing apparatus are connected by communication,
The computer includes
Means for installing information on the computer to prevent unauthorized output of image data;
Means for transmitting an identifier of information to be installed to the image processing apparatus when attempting to install information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data;
In the image processing apparatus,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
Receiving means for receiving an identifier of information to be installed from the computer;
Determining means for determining whether the identifier received from the computer by the receiving means and the identifier stored in the rewritable manner are old and new;
Means for transmitting the determination result information determined by the determination means to the computer,
The computer receives the determination result information from the image processing apparatus, and performs installation if the identifier of the information to be installed in the computer is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized in that the identifier stored in is updated to the identifier of the installed information, and installation is not performed if it is old. A computer in the image processing system of claim 4,
Means for installing information on the computer to prevent unauthorized output of image data;
Means for transmitting an identifier of information to be installed to the image processing apparatus when attempting to install information for preventing output of the unauthorized image data ;
An identifier of the transmitted information to be installed sent from the image processing device, and means for receiving determination result information for determining whether the identifier stored in the image processing device is new or old,
A computer that executes or does not execute an installation process based on the received determination result information. An image processing apparatus in the image processing system according to claim 4,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
Receiving means for receiving an identifier of information to be installed from the computer;
Determining means for determining whether the identifier received from the computer by the receiving means and the identifier stored in the rewritable manner are old and new;
Means for transmitting the determination result information determined by the determination means to the computer;
An image comprising: means for updating the stored identifier when the determination means determines that the identifier of the information to be installed is newer than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. Processing equipment. An image processing system in which the computer according to claim 1 and an image processing apparatus are connected by communication,
The computer includes
Acquisition means for acquiring an identifier on the image processing apparatus side from the image processing apparatus;
When transmitting image data to the image processing apparatus, an identifier of information for preventing output of illegal image data installed on the computer side, and the image processing apparatus side acquired by the acquisition means are stored. Determination means for determining whether the identifier is new or old,
In the image processing apparatus,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
Means for transmitting an identifier to a computer when the identifier is requested from the computer,
The computer outputs normal image data when determining that the identifier of information for preventing the output of unauthorized image data installed in the computer is older than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized in that it is not performed. A computer in the image processing system of claim 7,
Acquisition means for acquiring an identifier on the image processing apparatus side from the image processing apparatus;
When transmitting image data to the image processing apparatus, an identifier of information for preventing output of illegal image data installed on the computer side, and the image processing apparatus side acquired by the acquisition means store Determination means for determining whether the identifier is new or old,
When the determination means determines that the identifier of the information for preventing the output of unauthorized image data installed in the computer is older than the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus normally A computer characterized by not transmitting image data. An image processing apparatus in the image processing system according to claim 7,
Means for rewritable storing an identifier that can compare the old and new information to prevent unauthorized image data output;
An image processing apparatus comprising: means for transmitting an identifier to a computer when the identifier is requested from the computer. A processing method executed by the computer according to claim 2,
An acquisition processing step of acquiring an identifier stored in the image processing device;
A determination processing step for determining whether the identifier of the information to be installed and the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus acquired by executing the acquisition processing step are new or old;
An output processing step for outputting result information based on a result determined by executing the determination processing step;
Are sequentially executed. A processing method executed by the image processing apparatus according to claim 6,
An acquisition processing step of acquiring an identifier of information to be installed in the computer;
A determination processing step for determining whether the identifier of the information to be installed acquired by executing the acquisition processing step and the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus so as to be rewritable are;
An output processing step for outputting result information based on a result determined by executing the determination processing step ;
Are sequentially executed. A processing method executed by the computer according to claim 8, comprising:
An acquisition processing step of acquiring an identifier stored in the image processing device;
A determination processing step for determining whether the identifier stored in the computer and the identifier stored in the image processing apparatus acquired by executing the acquisition processing step are new or old;
An output processing step for outputting result information based on a result determined by executing the determination processing step ;
Are sequentially executed. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein information for preventing output of the illegal image data is installed in the computer together with a driver for the image processing apparatus.

Images