JP2000261655A - Image processing apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] Because digitalized works can be exchanged by networking or electronic file creation,
It is difficult to prevent unauthorized copying of those literary works only with the copy prevention function that depends on the print side. SOLUTION: Information about copyright contained in image data is searched (S5003), and if no information about copyright is detected, whether or not there is information about copyright corresponding to the image represented by the image data is determined. Is referred to the database (S5004), and information on the copyright according to the result of the query is added to the image data (S5006 to S5010).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an image processing apparatus having a function of protecting the copyright of a digitized document or image and a method therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as the performance of color copiers has been improved, securities such as banknotes, stock certificates, and receivables, commuter passes, prize tickets for events, and cash vouchers (hereinafter referred to as "specific manuscripts")
) Is being developed.

[0003]

As a technique for preventing copying of a specific document, mainly, image data read out is compared with image data of a specific document stored in a memory in advance.
A method is known in which it is determined whether or not an image can be copied, and if the result of the determination indicates negative, the printer performs processing so as not to print out normally.

However, in recent years, networking and electronic files have been advanced, and digitalized images have been exchanged via a network. Therefore, digitalization has been required only with a copy protection function that depends on a printer. It is difficult to prevent unauthorized copying of copyrighted documents and images.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus having a function of protecting the copyright of a digitized document or image and a method therefor. . In particular, it is an object of the present invention to protect copyright in image processing by giving appropriate and reliable information on copyright to each input image data.

[0006]

The present invention has the following arrangement as one means for achieving the above object.

[0007] The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an input means for inputting image data (for example, a copyright control information adding unit 2004 shown in FIG. 2), and a detecting means for detecting information on copyright contained in the input image data. (For example, the controller 3004 shown in FIG. 3), and if no information about the copyright is detected, a database (for example, whether or not there is information about the copyright corresponding to the image represented by the input image data) Inquiring means (for example, the controller 3004 shown in FIG. 3) for inquiring the database machine 3007 shown in FIG. 3 and adding means (for example, FIG. 3) for adding information on the copyright corresponding to the inquiry result to the input image data. And a header data adding unit 3003) shown in FIG.

In the image processing method according to the present invention, image data is input (for example, step S5001 shown in FIG. 5), and information on copyright included in the input image data is detected (for example, step S5002 shown in FIG. 5). If the information about the copyright is not detected, the database is queried as to whether there is information about the copyright corresponding to the image represented by the input image data (for example, step S5004 shown in FIG. 5). And adding information about the copyright according to the inquiry result to the input image data (for example, step S5008 shown in FIG. 5).

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, images obtained from all publications for which copyrights can be set and all images for which copyrights can be set will be referred to as “copyrights”.

[0010]

First Embodiment [Scanner] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a scanner according to the present embodiment. The scanner 1000 includes a scanner main body 1000a and a document feeder 1000b.

In the scanner main body 1000a, reference numeral 1010 denotes a platen glass on which a document is placed, and 1012 denotes a first mirror unit. The first mirror unit 1012 includes a halogen lamp 1005 for illuminating a document and a first reflection mirror 1002. 1020 is the second mirror unit, the second reflection mirror
1003 and a third reflecting mirror 1004. 1001
Is a lens unit for forming an image of reflected light from a document on a color CCD linear image sensor (hereinafter simply referred to as “CCD”) 1100. Reference numeral 1009 denotes a platen glass when the document is read by using the document feeder 1000b.

The original reading scan in the above configuration is as follows. An original is placed on the platen glass 1010, and the mirror units 1012 and 1020 are moved at a two-to-one speed by a stepping motor 1014 in the direction of arrow A (sub-scanning direction).
To read the original image. In this case, the movement of the mirror units 1012 and 1020 is started from the position indicated by the broken line.

In the document feeder 1000b, 100
Reference numeral 6 denotes a paper feed tray for supplying the original, 1007 denotes a pickup roller for picking up the original, 1008 denotes a feed roller for supplying the original, and 1011 denotes a discharge tray. The document is mounted on the paper feed tray 1006 with the reading surface facing up.

When reading one side of the original, the original is sent to a feed roller 1008 by a pickup roller 1007. Then, the document supplied by the feed roller 1008 in synchronization with the reading timing is conveyed along a path indicated by a dashed arrow, passes over the platen glass 1009, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 1011. The reflected light from the original passing on the platen glass 1009 is reflected by the mirror units 1012 and 1012.
An image is formed on the CCD 1100 through the lens unit 1001 and the lens unit 1001.

On the other hand, when reading both sides of the original, the original supplied by the feed roller 1007 is conveyed along the path shown by the solid line arrow.
, An image of the surface is read. Thereafter, the image is reversed according to the transport path indicated by the solid arrow, the image on the back side is read in the direction opposite to the direction when reading the front side, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 1011 in the same manner as when reading on one side. Note that the transport direction of the document on the platen glass 1009 is
When reading the front surface, the direction is indicated by arrow B, and when reading the back surface, the direction is indicated by arrow C. Therefore, reading in the direction of arrow B is called reading in the forward direction, and reading in the direction of arrow C is called reading in the reverse direction.

[Signal Processing Circuit] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a signal processing circuit of the scanner 1000.

A signal of each color output from the CCD 1100 is input to an analog signal processing unit 2001, sampled and held, and adjusted to a predetermined signal level by a gain control amplifier. Converted to digital data. In the analog signal processing unit 2001, the amplifier gain and the reference level (offset) of the A / D converter are switched according to the image reading direction.

The shading correction unit 2002 is for correcting sensitivity variations between pixels of the CCD 1100, and has two types of correction data according to the reading direction (forward / reverse). This is because the output signal from the CCD 1100 becomes a different color signal depending on the reading direction, and the charge transfer path in the CCD 1100 is different in the reading direction (forward / reverse). The shading correction unit 2002
Also has a function of correcting a signal shift (color shift) due to a difference in spatial position of each RGB line of the CCD 1100.

The masking correction unit 2003 corrects the RGB color space, and has two types of correction coefficients corresponding to the reading direction (forward / reverse). Therefore, the masking correction unit 2003
Is constant for colors regardless of the reading direction.

From the analog processing unit 2001 to the masking correction unit
The copyright control information adding unit 2004 adds copyright control information to the digital data of each color normalized by the process of 2003. The addition of the copyright control information will be described in detail below. The digital data of each color to which the copyright control information has been added is temporarily stored in the memory 2005, and is sent to a device such as a film recorder, a printer, a personal computer, or a facsimile machine according to a user's instruction.

In the above-described circuit configuration, for example, setting and control of the gain and offset of the analog signal processing unit 2001, memory control for color shift correction by the shading correction unit 2002, and correction coefficients of the masking correction unit 2003 are performed by the controller. Managed by 2007. Further, a clock and a timing pulse required by each block are generated by a timing generation unit 2006 controlled by the controller 2007.

In the above description, an image scanner has been described as an example of an image input device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image may be input from an image input device such as a digital still camera, a digital video camera, or a film scanner, or an image recorded on a recording medium such as an optical disk or a magnetic disk may be input. Included in the configuration.

[Copy Control Information] FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the manner in which copyright control information is added to an image of a copyrighted work. That is, the control information regarding the copyright is added as header data outside the data area of the target image (hereinafter, referred to as “non-image area”).

The header data includes a prohibition / permission flag 4001 for determining whether or not printing is permitted, and a secret code 4002 that is a code unique to a copyrighted work including an electronic file. And the image data is prohibited /
When the permission flag 4001 is “1”, printing is possible, and when “0”, printing is not possible. If prohibition / permission flag 4
When it is desired to print image data in which 001 is “0”, it is necessary to obtain a code corresponding to the personal identification code 4002 from a copyrighted publisher or author.

The prohibition / permission flag 4001 indicates not only the prohibition / permission of printing but also recording on a film by a film recorder, recording on an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a recording medium such as a SMART card or a compact flash (CF) card. Is also used to determine whether or not recording is possible and transmission via a network or a communication line.

[Copy Control Information Addition Unit] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the copyright control information addition unit 2004.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 3001 denotes an image memory for storing image data of a document; 3002, a header data generating unit for generating copyright control information based on information from a controller 3004; 3003, a header data generating unit 3002 A header data adding unit for adding header data to the image data; 3004, an instruction for control information related to copyright, and a controller for controlling display and communication; 3005, a copyright information display unit for displaying information about copyright; 3006, a database A host computer that manages the machine 3007 and a line 3008 are lines.

When the image data output from the masking correction unit 2003 is held in the image memory 3001, the controller
3004 is an external host computer 30 via line 3008
Access is made to 06 to check whether the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is a copyrighted work. Specifically, the image data stored in the image memory 3001 or a part thereof is sent to the host computer 3006, and information on copyright corresponding to the image data is received. Of course, if there is no copyright information corresponding to the image data, the host computer 3006 sends a response indicating "no copyright information".

Then, the controller 3004 instructs the header data generation unit 3004 to generate header data. The generated header data is added to the image data by the header data adding unit 3007. The copyright control information added to or added to the image data is displayed on the copyright information display unit 3005.

Next, generation of header data will be described with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the controller 3004.

When image data is stored in the image memory 3001 (S5001), it is searched whether or not the image data includes header data including copyright control information (S5002). If there is header data, the process is terminated.

If there is no header data, the database machine 3007 is accessed via the host computer 3006 (S5004) to check whether the image represented by the image data is a copyrighted work (S5005). For example, if image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is registered as a literary work in the database machine 3007, it is determined that the image data stored in the image memory 3001 represents the literary work, and permission is granted. The / prohibition flag 4001 is set to '0' (S5006). Then, a code corresponding to the copyrighted work is received via the host computer 3006 (S5007), and the received code is set in the personal identification code 4002 (S500
8), end the processing.

On the other hand, if image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is not registered in the database machine 3007, the permission / prohibition flag 4
001 is set to “1” (S5009), and for example, “111... 1” is set to the personal identification code 4002 to indicate that the image represented by the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is not a copyrighted work. The value set in the personal identification code 4002 is not particularly limited as long as it does not overlap with a code unique to the copyrighted work.

As described above, the copyright control information adding unit 2004 adds the header data including the copyright information to the image data, thereby protecting the copyright. In addition,
The copyright can be protected by adding the print prohibition information to the image created by the user by connecting the copyright information input unit to the copyright control information addition unit 2004 or the like.

[0035]

[Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how copyright control information is added to an image of a copyrighted work in the second embodiment. That is, a copyright mark, which is control information regarding copyright, is added to the non-image area of the target image. The copyright mark is
It is composed of a mark indicating prohibition / permission of printing or the like (for example, a hatched line attached to the copyright mark shown in FIG. 7 indicates prohibition), a logo of the supplier and a management number of the copyrighted work. If the user wants to print an image represented by image data having a copyright mark for which prohibition has been set, it is necessary to obtain the code of the management number from the publisher or author who has the copyright. Note that a “watermark” can be used as the copyright mark.

FIG. 6 shows the copyright control information adding section 20 of the second embodiment.
04 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the controller.
A copyright mark generation unit that generates copyright control information based on the information from 04, and 6003 is a copyright mark addition unit that adds the copyright mark generated by the copyright mark generation unit 6002 to the image data.

Next, generation of a copyright mark will be described with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG.
004.

When image data is stored in the image memory 3001 (S8001), it is searched whether or not the image data has a copyright mark (S8002). If there is a copyright mark, the process is terminated.

If there is no copyright mark, the database machine 3007 is accessed via the host computer 3006 (S8004) to check whether the image represented by the image data is a copyrighted work (S8005). For example, if image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is registered as a copyrighted work in the database machine 3007, it is determined that the image data stored in the image memory 3001 represents a copyrighted work, and the copyrighted work is determined. Set prohibition on the mark (S800
6). Then, via the host computer 3006, the logo and management number corresponding to the work are received (S8007),
The received logo and management number are set in the copyright mark (S8008), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is not registered in the database machine 3007, permission is set for the copyright mark (S8009), and the copyright mark is set to "Author". Information indicating "none" is set (S8010).

In this manner, the copyright mark including the copyright information is added to the image data by the copyright control information adding unit 2004, and the copyright can be protected. In addition, by adding a copyright mark to the image created by the user himself,
The protection of the copyright is also performed by the copyright control information adding unit 20.
It becomes possible by connecting the copyright information input section to 04 or the like.

[0043]

Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining how copyright control information is added to an image of a copyrighted work in the third embodiment. That is, a barcode indicating control information regarding copyright is added to the non-image area of the target image. This bar code is composed of a prohibition / permission flag indicating prohibition / permission of printing or the like and a password. If the user wants to print an image represented by image data for which the prohibition / setting flag is set to prohibition, it is necessary to obtain a code corresponding to the work from a publisher or author who has the copyright.

FIG. 9 shows the copyright control information adding section 20 of the third embodiment.
04 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of 900, where 9002 is the controller 30
A barcode generation unit that generates a barcode indicating copyright control information based on the information from 04, 9003 is a barcode generation unit 90
A barcode adding unit that adds the barcode generated in 02 to image data.

Next, generation of a barcode will be described with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG.
This is what is done by 3004.

When image data is stored in the image memory 3001 (S1101), it is searched for a barcode in the image data (S1102), and if there is a barcode, the process is terminated.

If there is no barcode, the database machine 3007 is accessed via the host computer 3006 (S1104) to check whether or not the image represented by the image data is a copyrighted work (S1105). For example, if image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is registered as a literary work in the database machine 3007, it is determined that the image data stored in the image memory 3001 represents a literary work, and prohibited. / Enable flag set to disable (S1
106). Then, a code corresponding to the copyrighted work is received via the host computer 3006 (S1107), the received code is set as a personal identification code (S1108), and the process ends.

On the other hand, when image data corresponding to or similar to the image data stored in the image memory 3001 is not registered in the database machine 3007, permission is set to the prohibition / permission flag (S1109).

In this manner, the bar code including the copyright information is added to the image data by the copyright control information adding unit 2004, and the copyright can be protected. In addition, by adding a barcode to the image created by the user himself,
The protection of the copyright is also performed by the copyright control information adding unit 20.
It becomes possible by connecting the copyright information input section to 04 or the like.

According to each of the embodiments described above, it is possible to add copyright control information when reading a copyrighted work or to image data after reading.
It is possible to prevent illegal copying such as a copy of a copyrighted work or a grandchild copy, and to prevent illegal distribution as digital data.

[0052]

[Other Embodiments] The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a copying machine). Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It is needless to say that a case in which the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing part or all of the actual processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus having a function of protecting the copyright of digitalized documents and images, and a method therefor. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to protect copyright in image processing by giving appropriate and reliable information on copyright to each input image data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a scanner.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a signal processing circuit of the scanner shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a copyright control information adding unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how copyright control information is added to an image of a copyrighted work;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating generation of header data;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a copyright control information adding unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining how copyright control information is added to an image of a work in the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating generation of a copyright mark,

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a copyright control information adding unit according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which copyright control information is added to a copyrighted work image in the third embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating generation of a barcode.

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting image data, a detecting unit for detecting information on copyright included in the input image data, and when the information on copyright is not detected, the information is represented by the input image data. Query means for querying a database as to whether or not there is information on copyright corresponding to the image to be read, and additional means for adding information on copyright according to the result of the inquiry to the input image data. Image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is an image input device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the information on the copyright. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inquiry unit transmits the input image data to a database, and receives information on copyright corresponding to the input image data from the database. An image processing device according to any one of the above. 5. Inputting image data, detecting information on copyright included in the input image data, and, when the information on copyright is not detected, a copyright corresponding to the image represented by the input image data. An image processing method comprising: inquiring a database as to whether or not information on a right exists; and adding information on a copyright according to the result of the inquiry to the input image data. 6. A recording medium on which a program code for image processing is recorded, wherein the program code includes at least a code for inputting image data and a step for detecting information on copyright included in the input image data. And a code of a step of inquiring a database whether or not there is information on copyright corresponding to the image represented by the input image data when the information on copyright is not detected; and A code for a step of adding information on copyright according to the result to the input image data.