JPH03120561A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow copying only to limited users and to facilitate management of copying by inputting a code to release copying prohibition and allowing the copying when it is matched with the code registered beforehand. CONSTITUTION:A reference data concerning an original is stored in a storing means B and documents prohibited from being copied are registered. Next a reference data for releasing in inputted from a registering means E and is stored by the means B. Thus, the registered copying prohibiting data and the coded data for releasing are stored. Then, while the copying is carried out, if the inputted date and the copying prohibiting data are matched and the copying is stopped, the coded data is inputted and compared by a comparing means C with the stored reference data, and if they match, copying is carried out by a releasing means F through a control means D. Thus, copying is possible only for limited users and the management of the copying is facilitated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to an image forming apparatus having a forgery prevention function.

(Prior Art) In recent years, digital color copying devices have been developed that combine a color image device using a CCD or the like as an image forming device with a digital color printer such as a laser beam printer or an inkjet printer. It has become possible to reproduce and record images faithfully, including color tones. For this reason, there is a risk that paper sheets and δ types such as banknotes and securities whose duplication is prohibited can be easily counterfeited.

However, conventional copying machines have not been provided with means for prohibiting the copying of banknotes, securities, important documents, and the like.

(Problem to be solved by the invention) As described above, in the conventional example, it is possible to copy banknotes, securities, etc., and it is also possible to copy FFI required documents. There was a problem. As described above, as the performance of image forming apparatuses continues to improve, it has become difficult to deal with these fraudulent copies such as counterfeit banknotes. As a solution to this problem, Japanese Patent Application No. Sho 63-267198 was filed to eliminate the above-mentioned problems and prohibit duplication by allowing users to freely register any paper sheets or δ types that they wish to prohibit from being duplicated. The company provides an image forming apparatus that can perform the following operations.

However, in this case, copying is prohibited even for the person who recorded the file, and there is a problem that it is impossible to solve the problem temporarily or completely cancel it.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems.In order to cancel the copy prohibition, a code is input and when it matches a preset code, copying is permitted. Only a limited number of users are allowed to make copies, thus making it easier to manage copies, and by using a personal card, information on who made copies and when is also stored in the CPU5, allowing even more detailed management. The purpose is to

[Means for resolving imposition]

Therefore, in the present invention, data input means for reading and inputting data, J for storing reference data, (quasi-data storage means, data input by the data input means, and reference data storage means for storing reference data) are provided. The data comparison means compares the reference data stored in Based on the comparison result, an image forming apparatus comprising a copy permission control means for controlling copy permission controls the above-mentioned [1].
It is an attempt to achieve a goal.

Further, in the above invention, the above object is achieved by an image forming apparatus having a reference data registration means for registering reference data in a reference data storage means.

Further, the invention aims to achieve the above object by using an image forming apparatus having a canceling means for temporarily or completely canceling copy prohibition.

[Effect]

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, data is read and inputted by the data input means, the reference data is stored in the reference data storage stage, and the input data is compared with the reference data by the data comparison means. When copy prohibition control is performed, data is input, the input data and reference data are compared by a data comparison means, and based on the comparison result, copy permission is controlled by a copy permission control means. . Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the reference data is registered by the reference data registration means. Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the copying prohibition is temporarily or completely canceled by the canceling means.

(Example) An example of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective and side view of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG.
Figure 4 is a detailed diagram of the operation panel 20 in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a detailed diagram of the digitizer 16 in Figure 3, Figure 5IA is a message displayed when copying a copy-prohibited Bunko, and Figure 6 is a detailed diagram of the digitizer 16 in Figure 3. Messages shown in sequence when the message in FIG. 5 is operated are shown in sequence. FIG.
C) is a message that cannot be copied, and FIG. 6(d) is also a message that cannot be copied. Figure 7 shows controller 1 in Figure 2.
8 is a flowchart showing the operation control of this embodiment by the CPU 22 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the circuit of FIG.
The figure is a plan view showing a copy prohibition registration display message, and FIG. 9(a) is a f-record code input message, and FIG.
Similarly, b) is a registration code input message. 10th
This figure is a block diagram illustrating a partial modification of the controller 13 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a message for inserting a personal card.

In Figure 1 of the drawing, A is a data input means for reading and inputting data, B is a reference data storage means for storing reference data, and C is data inputted by the data input means A and stored in the reference data storage means B. A data comparison means D for comparing reference data inputs data when copy prohibition is controlled, and data comparison means C compares the data with the reference data, and based on the comparison result, allows copying. Copy permission control means for controlling E, reference data registration means for registering reference data in the reference data storage means, F
is a means of lifting the copying prohibition temporarily or completely.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic internal structure of a digital color copying apparatus which is an image forming apparatus of this embodiment. As shown in FIG.
and a digital color image printing device (hereinafter referred to as
(referred to as a color printer) 2. This color reader 1 reads color image information of a document for each color using color separation means and a photoelectric conversion element such as a COD (charge-coupled device), and converts it into an electrical digital image signal.

It also includes the data input means A. The color printer 2 is an electrophotographic laser beam color printer that reproduces a color image for each color in accordance with the digital image signal and records the image in the form of digital dots on a recording paper in multiple rotations.

First, an overview of the color reader I will be explained.

3 is a document, 4 is a platen glass on which the document 3 is placed, and 5 is a rod for condensing the reflected light image from the document exposed and scanned by the halogen exposure lamp 10 and inputting the image to the same-magnification full-color sensor 6. The array lens 7 is a sensor output signal amplification circuit, and these elements 5, 6, 7, and 10 work together as a document scanning unit 11 to perform exposure scanning in the direction of arrow A1.

The color separation image number read every one line without exposure scanning is amplified to a predetermined voltage by the sensor output signal amplification circuit 7, and then the signal line 50! The signal is input to the video processing unit 12 and subjected to call processing. signal line 5
01 is a coaxial cable to ensure faithful transmission of signals.

Reference numeral 502 denotes a signal line that supplies driving pulses for the full-color sensor 6 of the same magnification type, and all necessary driving thereof is generated within the video processing unit 12.

Reference numerals 8 and 9 denote a white plate and a black plate for correcting the image signal's self-level and black level, respectively, and by irradiating them with the halogen exposure lamp 10, the signal level of each predetermined density can be achieved. This signal level can be obtained from the full-color sensor 6, and this signal level is used for white level correction and black level correction of video No. 13.

13 is a control unit (controller) having a microcomputer, and includes the reference data storage means B, data comparison means C9, copy permission control means, reference data registration means E, and release means F. This control unit 13 performs display on the operation panel 20, key input control, and control of the video processing unit 12 via a bus 508, and controls the position sensor Sl.

S2 indicates the position of the document scanning unit 11 by the signal means 50.
9.510, and further controls the stepping motor drive circuit 15 that pulse-drives the stepping motor 14 for moving the document scanning unit 11 through the signal line 503, and controls the stepping motor drive circuit 15 that pulse-drives the stepping motor 14 for moving the original scanning unit 11 through the signal line 504, and the exposure lamp driver through the signal line 504. It performs ON/10FF control of the halogen exposure lamp 10 and light M control, and performs all controls of the color reader unit 1 such as the digitizer 16, internal keys, and display unit control via a signal line (bus) 505.

During L'AM exposure scanning, the above-mentioned yf, continuous operation unit 1
The color image signal read by the amplifier circuit 7
．． The signal is input to the video processing unit 12 via the signal line 501, undergoes various processing within this unit 12, and is sent to the color printer 2 via the interface circuit 56.

Next, an outline of the color printer 2 will be explained.

711 is a scanner, which includes a laser output unit (not shown) that converts the image signal from the color reader 1 into light 13, a polygon mirror 712 of a polyhedron (e.g., octahedron), and a motor (not shown) that rotates this mirror 712. and an f/θ lens (imaging lens) 713. 714 is a reflecting mirror that changes the optical path of the laser beam. 715 is a photosensitive drum. The laser beam emitted from the laser output unit is reflected by a polygon mirror 712, passes through a lens 713 and a mirror 14, and linearly scans (raster scan) the surface of a photosensitive drum 715 to form a latent image corresponding to the original image. .

In addition, 717 is a primary charger, 718 is a full exposure lamp,
723 is a cleaner section that collects residual toner that has not been transferred; 724 is a pre-transfer charger; these members are arranged around the photosensitive drum 715.

A developing unit 726 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 715 by laser exposure.

731Y, 731M, 731C.

7318 is a developing sleeve 730Y, 730M that directly performs development in contact with the photosensitive drum 715.

730C and 7308 are toner hoppers that hold spare toner, and 732 is a screw that transports the developer.
2 constitute a developing unit 726, and these members are arranged around the circuit axis P of the developing unit. For example, when forming a yellow toner image, yellow toner development is performed at the position shown in this figure, and when forming a magenta toner image, the developing unit 726 is rotated around the axis P in the figure and exposed to light. A developing sleeve 731M in the magenta developing device is disposed at a position in contact with the body 715. cyan,
Black development operates similarly.

Further, 716 is a transfer drum that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 715 onto a sheet of paper.

719 is an actuator plate for detecting the moving position of the transfer drum 716; 720 is this actuator plate 71;
a position sensor that detects that the transfer drum 716 has moved to the home position by approaching 9;
725 is a transfer drum cleaner; 727 is a paper press roller; 728 is a static eliminator; and 729 is a transfer charger. These members 719, 720, 725, 727, and 729 are arranged around the transfer roller 716, respectively.

On the other hand, 735.736 is a paper feed cassette that stores paper (paper sheets), 737, 738 is a paper feed roller that feeds paper from the cassette 735.736, and 739.740, 741
are timing rollers that take timing of paper feeding and conveyance, respectively.

The paper fed and conveyed via these members 735 to 741 is guided by the paper guide 49 and wound around the transfer drum 716 while its leading end is supported by the gripper, and the image forming process begins.

Further, 550 is a drum rotation motor, which rotates the photosensitive drum 71.
5 and the transfer drum 716 are rotated synchronously.

750 transfers the paper to the transfer drum 716 after the image forming process is completed.
742 is a conveyance belt that conveys the removed paper, and 743 is an image fixing unit that fixes the paper conveyed by the conveyance belt 742. Image fixing section 743 has a pair of heat pressure rollers 744 and 745.

FIG. 3 shows details of the operation panel 20 of the color copying apparatus shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, 400 is a copy start key (copy button) for instructing to start copying, 401 is a reset key for returning to standard mode, 402 is an enter key for setting registration mode or service mode, 40
4 is a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values such as the set number of copies, and 403 is a clear/stop key for clearing the set number or stopping continuous copying. Reference numeral 405 denotes a liquid crystal display and a touch panel that display the settings of each mode and the status of the printer 2 by pressing a finger.

407 is a center movement key that specifies center movement in the movement mode, 408 is an RM4 recognition key that automatically detects the document size and document position during copying, 406 is a projector key that specifies projector mode, and 409 is the previous key. Recall key for restoring the copy setting state, 4
10 is a memory key (Ml, M2.M3゜M4) for storing or recalling pre-programmed setting values of each mode.
), and 411 are registration keys for each memory.

FIG. 4 shows the appearance of a digitizer 16 used as an example of a device for specifying an area. In FIG. 4, 422 is a zoom key, 423 is a movement key, 424 is an area designation key,
425 is a color create key, 426 is an enlarged copy key, 427 is an inset composite key, and 428 is a copy prohibition release key, and these keys 422, 423, 424°4
25, 426, 427, and 428 are entry keys for setting each mode. Further, 420 is a coordinate detection plate (coordinate position detection plate) for specifying an arbitrary area on the document or setting the magnification, 421
is a point ben that specifies the coordinates on the coordinate detection plate 420.

The key information and coordinate input information from these keys 422 to 427 and the coordinate detection plate 420 are sent to the RAM (random) in the control unit 13 by the CPU (microcomputer) in the control unit 13 via the bus 505 in FIG. access memory).

Among these entry keys, the former six modes are not directly related to the present invention, so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11, focusing on the cancellation of copy inhibition by the copy permission control means.

First, the operation will be explained. As proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 63-267198 mentioned above (section ``Problems to be Solved by the Invention''), when an attempt is made to copy a document whose copying (hereinafter referred to as copying) is prohibited, the problem shown in Fig. 5 A message will be sent. In this case, the user can press the copy prohibition release key (Fig. 4) to
) will be changed to the message shown below. Then, the code, which is the data to be read and inputted by the data input means A, is input from the numeric keypad 404 (FIG. 4), and the reference data storage means B
The comparison means C (described later) compares the data with preset reference data, which is the reference data stored in , and if they are equal, the message changes to the message shown in FIG. 6(b). The user can copy by pressing the copy key. Also, Figure 6 (b
), the copy protection registration itself is canceled by pressing the release key.

In addition, the Moeki code is input from the numeric keypad 404 (No. 31211) and compared with the preset standard data, and if the data is not equal, the user is notified of this in the stock shown in Figure 6 (C). However, copy operations are prohibited. Also, if nothing is input after a certain period of time, the screen shown in Figure 6(d)
A message like the one shown is output.

Next, the operation of the control unit including the storage means B, the comparison means C1, the copy permission control means, the reference data registration means E, and the cancellation means F of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration of the control unit 13 shown in FIG.

In Figure 7 of the drawing, 22 is a cpυ (central processing unit), 23 is a ROM (read only memory) in which control procedures and constants, etc. are stored in advance, and 24 and 25 are C
26 is a RAM (random access memory) used as a work area of the PU 22, and a halogen exposure lamp 10.
Send control number 13 from the CPU 22 to the dimming lamp driver 21 that drives the! 10 (human output port), 29 is a serial interface (1/F) for exchanging data with the catfish digitizer 16, 27 is an interrupt controller for the interrupt river, and 28 is a timer circuit. 30 is a data input processing circuit that encodes data input as data No. 11; 31 is a registration RAM that stores reference data; and 33 is a data input processing circuit that encodes the data inputted as a code by the user in a copy-prohibited state. A RAM 32 temporarily stores the coded data encoded by the data input processing circuit 30, and 32 is the coded data of the RAM 33 and
This is a comparison circuit that is a data comparison means C that compares the coded reference data of 1 and determines the correlation between both data. The correlated control signal output from the comparator circuit 32 is sent to the CPU 22 through the signal line 34 to the multiple permission control means.
is input. These components 22 to 33, the video processing unit 12, and the operation panel 2o are connected to each other by a bus 50.
8.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be further explained with reference to FIG. 8, focusing on the copy permission control means. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control procedure for canceling the above-mentioned copy prohibition in the CPU 22, which is the copy permission control means in the control unit 13. In FIG. 8, a briscan is performed at 5101.

This Briscan detects the size and position of the original, and determines whether or not this original is a copy-prohibited document, for example, by the method of the above-mentioned "Image Forming Apparatus" (Japanese Patent Application No. 63-267198) (step 5102). ). If this text ah<copy-prohibited document, the process advances to step 5103, displays the display shown in FIG.
Step 510: Determine whether the cipher is correct.
5), if it is correct, proceed to step 5106;
Perform a copy operation. If you don't have the correct one, step 51
The process proceeds to step 07, where a social message shown in FIG. 6(C) is output, and copying is prohibited. Further, in step 5102, if there is no copy prohibition statement 1.), a normal copy operation is performed.

Next, the registration of reference data by the reference registration means E will be explained below.

This invention relates to the above-mentioned "image forming apparatus" (patent application filed in 1983).
-267198) during copy-prohibited document registration. Registration of a copy-prohibited document is described in detail in the title invention, so its explanation will be omitted here. When the copy prohibition registration is completed, the message shown in FIG. Figure (b)). This allows the registered copy prohibition data and cancellation encryption data to be stored. During copying, when the stored copy prohibition data matches, and when copying is temporarily stopped, copying can be performed only when the release code and input data match by the release means F.

Next, an image forming apparatus having a configuration partially modified from this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

In FIG. 10 of the drawing, the control unit 13 has a ROM 40 for storing reference data and an operation card reader 41, and the other configurations are almost the same as in FIG. 7.

As an application example in this case, a case of factory shipment will be explained. First, reference data is written into the non-erasable ROM 40 at the time of factory shipment. This standard data is, for example, a personal code tailored to the user's use, and a different code is written for each person.When this manuscript is determined to be prohibited from copying during normal copying scan, The message shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. At this time, the user inserts the card on which the encryption code is recorded into the operation card reader 40, and when the encryption code and the code recorded in the ROM 40 match, the message shown in FIG. 6(b) is displayed. The following operations are similar to navigation operations. Alternatively, instead of using a card as a code, a certain pattern may be input from a digitizer or the like.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, in order to cancel the copy prohibition, a code is input and when the code matches a preset code, copying is permitted. Copying becomes possible.

Therefore, copy management becomes easy, and by using the personal operation card, information on who made the copy and when it can be stored in the CPU, which has the effect of allowing more detailed management.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure shows a perspective view and a side sectional view of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the operation panel shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a detailed view of the digitizer, Fig. 5 is a view showing a message displayed when copying a copy-protected document, and Fig. 6(a) is a code input message, FIG. 6(b) is a copy cancellation message, and FIG. 6(e) is a copy message. Messages that cannot be copied. FIG. 6(d) is also a diagram showing messages that cannot be copied. 7th
2 is a block diagram showing the circuit of the controller shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for controlling the operation of this embodiment by the CPU 22 shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a copy prohibition registration display message. FIG. 9(a) is a diagram showing a registration code input message, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing a registration code input message. Figure 10 is the 7th
A configuration diagram illustrating a partial change of the controller shown in Fig. 11.
The figure is a plan view showing a message when a personal card is inserted. A ---------Data input means B ---------Reference data storage means C... Data comparison means D ---------Copy permission control means E ---------JA *Data registration means F...
・Cancellation means

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A data input means for reading and inputting data, a reference data storage means for storing reference data, and a data comparison for comparing the data input by the data input means and the reference data stored in the reference data storage means. inputting the data when copying prohibition control is performed;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a copy permission control means for comparing the data with the reference data by the data comparison means and controlling copy permission based on the comparison result. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising reference data registration means for registering reference data in the reference data storage means. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a canceling means for temporarily or completely canceling copy prohibition.