JPH08179689A - Image data processing device and image data processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] To provide an image processing device that encrypts arbitrary image data, outputs the encrypted image data in the form of an image, and reads and decrypts the output image. [Configuration] An image to be encrypted is read from the image reader 12. The control unit 22 divides the read image into a plurality of image blocks, rearranges them according to the encryption key, and further performs black-and-white inversion and mirror conversion. Further, the encrypted image is printed by controlling the print control unit 15. When decrypting an encrypted image, the image reader 12 reads the encrypted image. The control unit 22 performs black-and-white inversion and mirror conversion according to the encryption key, rearranges the image blocks, and decrypts them. The decrypted image is printed by controlling the print control unit 15.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data processing apparatus for reading image data, encrypting and printing the image data, and reading and decoding the printed encrypted image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When exchanging a document at a place where it may be exposed to the mail or the public, it is conceivable to encrypt the content of the document when it is desired to keep the content secret to a third party.

[0003]

In this case, a document is manually created according to a predetermined encryption / decryption procedure, but it is very difficult to manually encrypt / decrypt the document. It was time-consuming. Also, in the case of automatically encrypting / decrypting instead of manual work, data is encrypted / decrypted on an electric signal, and the encrypted data is passed to the intended other party. It was necessary to send the data via a telephone line, wireless, or the like, or to send the memory itself storing the encrypted data.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and encrypts arbitrary data and prints it out in the form of an image, or prints it out on the other side sent via a communication line.
An object is to provide an image data processing device and an image processing method for reading and decoding a print image received by mail or communication. In addition, the present invention uses a basic recording medium such as paper to perform encryption by a simple operation, and image data processing in which contents are not known to a third party even if documents are exchanged in a place exposed to the eyes. Another purpose is to provide a device.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an image data processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises image data reading means for reading image data,
An encryption unit for converting the image data of the original image read by the image data reading unit into the image data of the encrypted image, and the image data of the encrypted image read by the data reading unit for decrypting the original image Decoding means for converting into image data, printing means for printing on the recording medium the image data of the encrypted image obtained by the encrypting means and the image data of the original image obtained by the decrypting means, It is characterized by including.

In the image data processing method according to the second aspect of the present invention, an original image input step of inputting an original image, and the original image input by the image input step is divided into a plurality of minute images. , An encryption step for rearranging, an encrypted image output step for outputting an encrypted image composed of minute images rearranged by the encryption step, and an encrypted image output for the encrypted image output step are inputted. An encrypted image input step, a decryption step of decrypting the original image by dividing the encrypted image input in the encrypted image input step into a plurality of minute images and rearranging them, and the decrypted step And a decoded image output step of outputting an original image.

An image data processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is an image data reading means for reading image data, and image data of an original image read by the image data reading means is an image of an encrypted image. Encryption means for converting data, data transmission means for transmitting image data of the encrypted image obtained by the encryption means,
Data receiving means for receiving the image data of the encrypted image,
Decoding means for decoding the image data of the encrypted image received by the data receiving means and converting it into the image data of the original image, the image data of the encrypted image obtained by the encryption means, and the decryption Printing means for printing the image data of the original image obtained by means on a recording medium,
It is characterized by including.

An image data processing method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an original image input step of inputting an original image, and dividing the original image input by the image input step into a plurality of minute images. An encryption step of rearranging, a step of transmitting an encrypted image composed of minute images rearranged by the encryption step, a receiving step of receiving the encrypted image transmitted by the transmitting step, and the receiving step The encrypted image output step of outputting the encrypted image received by the encrypted image input step, the encrypted image input step of inputting the encrypted image output in the encrypted image output step, and the encryption input in the encrypted image input step A decoding step of decoding the original image by dividing the digitized image into a plurality of minute images and rearranging the minute images; Characterized in that it comprises a and a decoded image output step of outputting a more decrypted original image.

[0009]

With the above configuration, according to the image data processing apparatus and method according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the input (read) image can be encrypted and output (printed). it can. The contents cannot be recognized even when looking at the output image. Therefore, there is no fear that the contents of the document will be leaked even if the image is transmitted using a communication means such as ordinary mail. Further, the receiver can decode the original image and check the contents.

According to the image data processing apparatus and method according to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the input (read) image is encrypted and transmitted to the other side without being output (printed). can do. In addition, the received encrypted image can be output (printed) in the encrypted state and decrypted to check the content.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of a first embodiment in which the image data processing device of the present invention is applied to a word processor.

The word processor of FIG. 1 has a key input unit 1
1, an image reader 12, an A / D converter 13, a display 14, a print controller 15, a print head 16, a paper feed motor 17, a carriage drive motor 18, and a ROM.
(Read-only memory) 19 and character font memory 2
0, a RAM (random access memory) 21, and a control unit 22.

The key input unit 11 has an image reading mode,
A mode key for setting operation modes such as character input mode and print mode, a print key for instructing normal printing, an encrypted print key for printing an encrypted image, and a decryption for printing a decrypted image. It is provided with keys for inputting various data / commands such as a print key, a character key for inputting characters, a numerical key for inputting numbers, and an execution key.

The image reader 12 is composed of a CCD or the like, reads an arbitrary image, converts it into an analog image signal, and outputs it to the A / D converter 13. A / D converter 13
Converts the analog image signal supplied from the image reader 12 into a digital image signal and supplies the digital image signal to the control unit 22.

The display unit 14 displays various display data. The print head 16 is, for example, a thermal head including a heating element that generates heat by controlling the energization of the print control unit 15, and heats the heat-meltable ink ribbon to print a dot pattern on a sheet (recording sheet).

The paper feed motor 17 drives the platen,
The recording paper is conveyed in the sub scanning direction. The carriage drive motor 18 reciprocates the carriage including the print head 16 in the main scanning direction, and also moves the print head 16 up and down with respect to the platen to contact or separate the paper.

The print controller 15 has a print head driver, a paper feed motor driver, and a carriage drive motor driver, and controls the printing operation.

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 19 executes an operation program of the control unit 22, for example, operations such as image data reading, encryption, decryption and printing shown in FIG. 6, or data input operation. Stores programs and other information that does not require rewriting. The character font memory 20 stores character font data.

The control unit 22 is composed of a CPU (central control unit) and the like, controls the entire system in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 19, and processes such as image data reading, encryption, decryption, printing, which will be described later. I do.

RAM (random access memory) 21
2, as shown in FIG. 2, a mode register 21A, an input data memory 21B, a print data memory 21C, an image memory 21D, an encryption key memory 21E, a data processing memory 21F, and an image block position memory 21G. Equipped with.

The mode register 21A stores a mode flag corresponding to each operation mode such as an image reading mode, a character input mode, a print mode, an encrypted print mode, a decrypted print mode and the like. The input data memory 21B stores character data (code data) input from the key input unit 11. The print data memory 21C stores bit pattern data to be printed.

The image memory 21D includes an image reader 12
The image data read by is stored as a bitmap pattern. The encryption key memory 21E stores an encryption key or a decryption key for encrypting or decrypting the read image data. The encryption key and the decryption key are input from the key input unit 11. Details of the encryption key and the decryption key will be described later.

The data processing memory 21F temporarily performs data conversion processing at the time of division rearrangement of image data, black-and-white inversion, and mirror inversion, and the image memory 2 according to the processed contents.
This is a work area used when rewriting the contents of 1D. The image block position memory 21G stores the position data (address) of the image block obtained by dividing the image.

Next, a method of encrypting image data used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the image to be encrypted (original image) is as shown in FIG.
The image is 65 mm long and 50 mm wide. The image to be encrypted is
As shown in FIG. 3, it is divided into 130 × 10 image blocks in total. Image block numbers 1 to 130 are assigned to these image blocks as illustrated.

The image data is encrypted by rearranging these image blocks in image block units according to the encryption key and then mirror-reversing or black-and-white inversion of the image data in each image block. The activation key consists of a 4-digit number "P1P2P3P4".

The first digit value P1 is the first encryption parameter, and indicates to shift the first to 130th image blocks in the image block unit (P1 + 2) toward the upper side of the image block. The overflowed image block is shifted to the first image block. For example, when P1 = 1, the shift amount is 3 image blocks, for example, the 1st image block to the 127th image block are the 4th to 130th image blocks, and the 128th image block to the 130th image block are the 1st image blocks. ~ The third image block.

The second digit value P2 is a second encryption parameter, and the first to 130th image blocks are divided into image block rows (10 image blocks arranged in the horizontal direction) by (P2
+2) Instruct to shift the image block downward. The overflowed image block row is shifted to the first image block row. For example, when P2 = 2, the shift amount is four image block rows, and for example, the first image block to the tenth image block of the first image block row are the fifth image block rows.
The 41st image block to the 50th image block in the image block row. Similarly, the 12th of the 13th image block row
The 1st image block to the 130th image block are the 31st image block to the 40th image block in the fourth image block row.

The third-order value P3 is a third encryption parameter, and the first to 130th image blocks are (P3) in units of image block rows (13 image blocks arranged in the vertical direction).
+2) Instruct to shift to the right in the image block. The overflowed image block sequence is shifted to the first image block sequence. For example, when P3 = 3, the shift amount is 5 image block strings, and for example, the 1st, 11th to 121st image blocks of the 1st image block string are the 6th image block strings.
The sixth, 16th to 126th image blocks in the image block sequence are set. Similarly, the 9th, 19th,
The ~ 129 image blocks are the fourth, 14th, ~ 124th image blocks of the fourth image block sequence.

The value P4 of the fourth place is a fourth encryption parameter, and is a parameter for instructing whether the image data of the rearranged first to 130th image blocks is subjected to black-and-white inversion and mirror inversion. Is. Here, the black and white inversion means a process of inverting the black and white of the image of each image block. Mirror inversion means a process of converting the image of each image block into a mirror image. The black-and-white inversion can be realized, for example, by inverting the bit data value “1” or “0” in each image block. In addition, mirror inversion replaces the 1st bit data and the 40th bit data of each dot row in each image block, the 2nd bit data and the 39th bit data, ..., and the 20th bit data. 21st
It can be realized by exchanging bit data.

For example, when P4 = 0, 1, and 2, both black and white inversion and mirror inversion are “present”, and P4 = 3, 4,
In case of 5, black-and-white inversion and mirror inversion are “Yes” and “No”
In the case of P4 = 6, 7, and 8, the black-and-white inversion and the mirror inversion become “none” and “exist”, and in the case of P4 = 9, the black-and-white inversion and the mirror inversion both become “none”.

Here, the image block 1 of the image to be encrypted
It is assumed that the right arrow “→” is drawn in black on a white background and the encryption parameter is “1230”. In this case, the first image block is 3 by the first parameter P1.
The image block is shifted upward to become the fourth image block. Then, by the second parameter P2, the fourth image block is shifted in the upper row direction by four image block rows,
This is the 44th image block. Then, the third parameter P
By 3, the 44th image block is shifted upward by 5 image block columns to become the 49th image block. And
According to the fourth parameter, black-and-white inversion and mirror inversion of the 49th image block is “present”, and image data of the 49th image block is a white left arrow “←” on a black background.

The above processing is executed for all the image blocks to complete the encryption.

Decoding may be performed by performing the reverse operation of the above-mentioned processing. That is, black-and-white inversion and mirror inversion are performed according to the fourth parameter P4, and (P3 +
2) The image block row is shifted in the lower column direction by the number of image block rows, the image block row is shifted in the lower direction by (P2 + 2) image block rows according to the second parameter P2, and each image block is shifted according to the first parameter P1. (P1
+2) Shift in the lower direction by the number of image blocks.

When the image that has been encrypted for decryption is read by the image reader 12, the orientation of the encrypted image (image after encryption) and the image reader 12 is correct, as shown in FIG. Since they do not match, the encrypted image may be read in a tilted state and may not be decrypted correctly. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the encrypted image is printed, a guide frame as shown in FIG. 5 is printed around the encrypted image. The length of each position mark forming the guide frame is equal to the size of each image block. When the decoded image is read obliquely, the position of each image block and the position of each dot therein can be accurately obtained from the position of each position mark.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the start address of the image block B4-2 in the fourth row and second column (referred to as the upper left address, which is indicated by point Q in FIG. 4) is the position marks F1 and F
It can be obtained from the intersection of a straight line L1 connecting 2 with a straight line L2 connecting the position marks F3 and F4. The coordinates of each dot in each image block are the start address and the straight lines L1 and L2.
It can be calculated from the slope shown by.

Next, input (read) an arbitrary image,
The operation up to encryption and printing will be described with reference to FIGS.

When reading an image, the user operates the read key of the key input unit 11 to instruct the control unit 22 to read the image. In response to this instruction, the control unit 22
Sets a read mode flag in the mode register 21A in the RAM 21 and controls the image reader 12 and the A / D converter 13. When the user scans the image reader 12 and reads an image, the read image signal is A / D.
It is supplied to the control unit 22 via the conversion unit 13. Control unit 2
2 writes the supplied image data in the image data memory 21D in a bitmap pattern.

Next, the process of encrypting and printing the image data expanded in the image memory 21D will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user operates the keys of the key input unit 11 to set the print mode. Next, the user operates the “encrypted print key” to encrypt and print the image. This key operation is performed in step S of the flowchart.
1 is detected in step S2. The control unit 22
The encrypted print mode flag is set in the mode register 21A of the RAM 21.

Subsequently, the control unit 22 clears the encryption key memory 21E, the data processing memory 21F and the image block position memory 21G in the RAM 21 (step S).
3). Subsequently, in order to input the encryption key, the control unit 22 displays “Encryption key?” On the display unit 14 and requests the input of the encryption key. Since the encryption key is composed of four-digit numbers, it is determined in step S whether four-digit numbers have been input.
Check in step 5, and repeat steps S4 and S5 until a 4-digit number is input.

It is confirmed in step S that a four-digit number has been input.
If the confirmation is made in step 5, the control unit 22 requests the registration of the encryption key, so that the display unit 14 displays, for example, "ENTRY?" (Step S6). When the execution key is operated (step S7), the encryption key held in the input data memory 21B is stored in the encryption key memory 21E (step S8). If the cancel key is operated,
The process returns to step S4.

When the encryption key is registered, the control unit 22
The encrypted image data on the image memory 21D is logically divided into a plurality of image blocks (step S9). Control unit 2
2 detects the start address (address of the upper left position) of each divided image block and stores it in the image block position memory 21G of the RAM 21.

Then, a process for rearranging the image blocks is performed (step S10). That is, based on the first digit value P1 of the registered encryption key, each image block is shifted in the upper direction in image block units, and based on the second digit value P2 of the registered encryption key, Each image block row is shifted in the upper direction in image block row units, and each image block row is shifted in the upper direction in image block row units based on the value of the third digit of the registered encryption key. These operations are performed using the data processing memory 21F.

Next, based on the value of the fourth digit of the registered encryption key, black-and-white inversion processing and mirror inversion processing are performed on each image block as needed (steps S11 to S16).
This work is also performed using the data processing memory 21F.

Subsequently, the above-described guide frame (position mark) is added on the image memory 21D for positioning at the time of decoding (step S17). After that, the image data on the image memory 21D is transferred to the print data memory 21C one print line at a time, further cut out one line at a time, and sent to the print control unit 15. The print control unit 15 uses the print head 1
6, the paper feed motor 17 and the carriage drive motor 18 are controlled to print an image (step S33).

When the encrypted image is received, the content cannot be determined as it is, so it is necessary to decrypt it. In this case, the user obtains the encryption key used for encryption from the sender and reads the encrypted image together with the guide frame using the image reader 12 by the same process as the above-mentioned reading operation.

When the reading is completed, the decryption print key of the key input unit 11 is operated. This key operation is detected in step S18 via steps S1 and S2, and the process proceeds to step S19 where the mode register 2 of the RAM 21
The decryption print mode flag is set to 1A. If the operated key is neither the print key, the encrypted print key, nor the composite print key, another process (step S3)
4) is put into effect.

In step S19, the control unit 22 controls R
The encryption key memory 21E, the data processing memory 21F, and the image block position memory 21G in the AM 21 are cleared (step S19). Subsequently, for example, "decryption key?" Is displayed on the display unit 14 to request the input of the decryption key (step S20). The decryption key is a 4-digit number that is exactly the same as the encryption key, but it corresponds to the encryption key.
For example, 4 with different reverse arrangement, such as P4, P3, P2, and P1.
It may be a digit number. It is checked in step S21 whether a 4-digit number is input, and steps S20 and S21 are repeated until a 4-digit number is input. When it is confirmed in step S21 that a four-digit number has been input, the control unit 22 requests registration of the decryption key, so that the display unit 14 displays, for example, "ENTRY?" (Step S2).
2). When the execution key is operated (step S23), the input decryption key is stored in the encryption key memory 21E (step S24). If the cancel key is operated, the process returns to step S20.

When the decryption key is registered, the control unit 22
From the position of the guide frame on the image memory 21D, the start address of each image block and the inclination of the image are obtained (step S25). The positions of each dot to be decoded may be calculated at this stage.

Next, the fourth digit value P of the registered decryption key
Based on 4, the black and white reversal process and the mirror reversal process are applied to each image block (steps S26 to S31). This work is performed using the data processing memory 21F.

Subsequently, the image blocks are rearranged to the original state (step S32). That is, first, each image block string is shifted in the lower direction based on the third digit value P3 of the decryption key. Next, the second digit P2 of the registered decryption key
Each image block row is shifted in the lower direction based on the value of, and each image block is shifted in the lower direction based on the value P1 of the first digit of the decryption key. These operations are performed using the data processing memory 21F.

In this way, when the decoded image data is obtained in the image memory 21D, the control unit 22 transfers the image data in the image memory 21D to the print data memory 21C one print line at a time, Further, it is cut out line by line and sent to the print control unit 15. Print control unit 15
Controls the print head 16, the paper feed motor 17, and the carriage drive motor 18 to print an image.

In this way, an arbitrary image can be read, encrypted, printed on an arbitrary recording medium, and transmitted to another person. For example, a postcard can be selected as a medium and mailed, or it can be printed on plain paper and sent by facsimile. Even if this image is seen by a third party, its contents will not be leaked. Also, read the encrypted image sent from others, decrypt it, and print it.
You can check the contents. Therefore, the documents and images can be communicated with each other using a normal communication means without the third party knowing the communication contents. In addition, since encrypted communication can be performed in the form of an image, secret communication can be easily performed without complicated steps such as computer communication (personal computer communication).

Although an example in which an image is read by the image reader 12 and encrypted is described, a document (text data or the like) input from the key input unit 11 is encrypted and printed,
It is also possible to decrypt this. In this case, a character (character code) is input from the key input unit 11 by a character input operation in a normal word processor and stored in the input data memory 21B. Then, the font corresponding to the character code stored in the input data memory 21B is read from the character font memory (character generator) and is developed in the image memory 21D on the RAM 21.
The pattern data developed on the image memory 21D is encrypted and printed by the processing of steps S2 to S17.

When normal printing is instructed,
The flow proceeds from step S1 to step S33, and the image on the image memory 21D is printed as it is.

(Second Embodiment) In the above embodiment, the encrypted image is printed on a sheet and transmitted. However, for example, the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus, the read image is encrypted, and this is printed. It is also possible to directly send to the other party without a matter. In this case, on the receiving side, the encrypted image is once printed as it is, as in a normal facsimile, and the image is read using an image reader and decrypted.

Second related to such a facsimile machine
Examples will be described below. FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the facsimile apparatus according to the second embodiment. The facsimile apparatus of FIG. 7 has a key input unit 31, an image reading unit 32, and a display unit 33.
The printing unit 34, the ROM 35, the RAM 36, the receiving unit 37, the transmitting unit 38, and the control unit 39.

The key input unit 31 includes an encrypted transmission key for transmitting an encrypted image, a decryption print key for printing a decrypted image, a numerical key for inputting a destination facsimile number, an execution key, etc. Equipped with various keys.

The image reading section 32 has the functions of the image reader 12 and the A / D conversion section 13 of the first embodiment.

The display unit 33 displays the data. Printing section 3
Reference numeral 4 has a configuration such as one for printing on thermal paper, or one for electrostatic photography in which a toner image is formed on a photosensitive drum and transferred to a medium.

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 35 executes an operation program of the control unit 39, for example, operations such as reading, encryption, transmission, reception, decryption, printing of image data shown in FIGS. Stores programs and other information that does not require rewriting. A RAM (random access memory) 36 stores various kinds of information.

The receiving section 37 is connected to a communication line such as a telephone line and receives a facsimile signal. The transmitter 38 is connected to a communication line such as a telephone line and transmits a facsimile signal of a normal image or a facsimile signal of an encrypted image. The control unit 39 controls the entire system according to the program stored in the ROM 19 and also performs processing such as image data reading, encryption, decryption, and printing described later.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 8, when transmitting encrypted image data, the image reading unit 32 reads the image data (step T
1) The image is stored in the image memory in the RAM 36 (step T2). In this state, the user inputs the facsimile number of the transmission destination, the encryption transmission key, and the encryption key from the key input unit 31. Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 39 encrypts the image stored in the RAM 36 based on the input encryption key and adds the guide frame (step T3). Subsequently, the control unit 39 converts the image encrypted by using the run length method or the like into image data for facsimile communication. The transmitter 38 transmits the encrypted image data (step T4).

On the other hand, when the encrypted image data is sent by facsimile, the receiving unit 37 receives it (step T11) and supplies it to the control unit 39, as shown in FIG. The control unit 39 decompresses the received data, and the printing unit 34 prints the encrypted image data as it is and outputs it (step T12). This reception processing is the same as the operation at the time of normal facsimile reception in which received data is expanded and printed.

When decrypting the encrypted image received and printed, the user uses the image reading unit 32 to read the printed encrypted image data together with the guide frame, and then to the RAM.
The data is stored in 36 (step T21). Next, the encryption key or the corresponding decryption key is input and the decryption print key is operated. The control unit 39 decrypts the image data stored in the image memory according to the input key (step T22). Then, the decrypted image data is printed by the printing unit (step T23).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the encrypted image can be transmitted by facsimile communication, and can be decrypted and printed by the receiver side without printing.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, in the second embodiment, the encrypted image data is transmitted by facsimile communication, but the image data may be transmitted by other wired or wireless communication. Further, the shift direction, the shift amount, etc. for encryption are examples, and can be arbitrarily changed. Also, the encryption and decryption algorithms used in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other arbitrary encryption / decryption algorithms can be used.

Although the present invention is applied to the image data processing apparatus which performs a series of processes from image reading to printing in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, a device having only a function of reading an image, encoding and printing the image, and a device having only a function of decrypting encrypted image data may be arranged.

[0068]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to perform communication by using an input, encryption, and a print of this. Therefore, it is possible to communicate an arbitrary document by using a normal communication means while maintaining confidentiality.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a word processor to which an image data processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a memory map showing a configuration example of a RAM shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of encrypting an image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an image reader is tilted with respect to an image.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between an encrypted image and a guide frame.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of reading an image, encrypting it, and printing it, and a process of reading an encrypted image, decrypting it, and printing it.

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile apparatus to which the image data processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading an image, encrypting the image, and transmitting the encrypted image data by facsimile.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving image data transmitted by facsimile and printing the image data.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of restoring an original image from received encrypted image data and printing the image.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Key input unit, 12 ... Image reader, 13 ... A
/ D conversion unit, 14 ... Display unit, 15 ... Print control unit, 16
... print head, 17 ... paper feed motor, 18 ... carriage drive motor, 19 ... ROM, 20 ... character font memory, 21 ... RAM, 22 ... control section, 31 ... key input section, 32 ... image reading section , 33 ... Display unit, 34 ... Printing unit, 35 ... ROM, 36 ... RAM, 37 ... Receiving unit,
38 ... Transmission unit, 39 ... Control unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Agency reference number FI Technical display location H04L 9/10 9/12

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image data reading unit for reading image data, an encryption unit for converting image data of an original image read by the image data reading unit into image data of an encrypted image, and the image data reading unit. Decoding means for decoding the image data of the read encrypted image and converting it to the image data of the original image, the image data of the encrypted image obtained by the encrypting means, and the decrypting means An image data processing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints the image data of the original image on a recording medium. 2. An image data reading means for reading image data, an encryption means for converting the image data of the original image read by the image data reading means into image data of an encrypted image, and the encryption means. Data transmitting means for transmitting the image data of the encrypted image, data receiving means for receiving the image data of the encrypted image, and decrypting the image data of the encrypted image received by the data receiving means to obtain the original data. Decoding means for converting into image data of the image, printing means for printing the image data of the encrypted image obtained by the encrypting means and the image data of the original image obtained by the decrypting means on a recording medium An image data processing device comprising: 3. An input means for inputting an encryption key and a decryption key is further provided, wherein the encryption means creates the image data based on the encryption key input from the input means, and performs the decryption. 3. The encryption unit decrypts the encrypted image data based on a decryption key corresponding to the encryption key used when encrypting the encrypted image input from the input unit. The image data processing device according to. 4. The encryption means generates encrypted image data by dividing the image data into a plurality of areas and rearranging them, and performing a data inversion process for each area. The image data processing device according to 1 or 2. 5. The image data processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the printing means prints alignment indexes corresponding to the plurality of areas on a recording medium together with the encrypted image data. 6. An original image input step of inputting an original image, an encryption step of dividing the original image input by the image input step into a plurality of minute images and rearranging them, and rearranging by the encryption step. An encrypted image output step of outputting an encrypted image formed of the minute image, an encrypted image input step of inputting the encrypted image output in the encrypted image output step, and an input of the encrypted image input step A decrypted step of decrypting the original image by dividing the encrypted image into a plurality of minute images and rearranging them, and a decrypted image output step of outputting the original image decrypted by the decryption step. Characteristic image data processing method. 7. An original image input step of inputting an original image, an encryption step of dividing the original image input by the image input step into a plurality of minute images and rearranging the minute images, and rearranging by the encryption step. A step of transmitting an encrypted image composed of the minute image, a receiving step of receiving the encrypted image transmitted by the transmitting step, and an encrypted image outputting step of outputting the encrypted image received by the receiving step. , An encrypted image input step of inputting the encrypted image output in the encrypted image output step, and dividing the encrypted image input in the encrypted image input step into a plurality of minute images and rearranging them A decoding step for decoding the original image, and a decoded image output step for outputting the original image decoded by the decoding step. An image data processing method, comprising: