Image processing method and apparatus

Abstract: Provided are an image processing method and apparatus in which there is little deterioration in picture quality when specific information specifying a copying machine or the user thereof is added to image data. Pixel data in an 8 x 4 array at a predetermined position of the image data is modulated by subtracting a predetermined value α from 2 x 4 pixel data 2302 and 2 x 4 pixel data 2303 and adding the predetermined value α to 4 x 4 pixel data 2301 in such a manner that the number of pixels from which the predetermined value is subtracted and the number of pixels to which the predetermined value is added will become equal. The modulated data serves as a unit of added information. A plurality of units of the added information are arranged on the image data and the added information is represented by the mutual positional relationship of the plurality of information units.

Description: This invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus for modulating image data and adding specific information to the image data. The recent improvement in the capabilities and performance of color copying machines and color printers has been accompanied by an increase in the crime of counterfeiting bank notes and securities by making unlawful use of these devices. In order to prevent such crime, techniques have been proposed in which data relating to an image pattern corresponding to a specific original is registered beforehand in a color copying machine or color printer itself and unlawful copying if forcibly inhibited when this data is identified. For example, see the specification of EP-A-0342060. However, with this method of preventing counterfeiting, there is a limitation upon the number of image patterns capable of being registered, and therefore it is impossible to prevent the counterfeiting of all types of bank notes and securities. Further, in a color copying machine and color printer having an external interface, there are cases in which such a counterfeiting preventing circuit will not function. For example, if the image data sent from the external interface has a format in which the items of the three primary colors of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) arrive substantially simultaneously pixel by pixel, the aforementioned counterfeiting preventing circuit is capable of operating. However, if the image data has a data format made to conform to the individual characteristics of the printer, as in the manner of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K), the reproducible combinations of colors are plural in number. This necessitates a plurality of image patterns for the purpose of making decisions, the decisions for preventing counterfeiting become very complicated to make and the number of images capable of being judged diminish. Furthermore, in a case where the image data of each color component is sent field-sequentially color by color, the image data must be stored in memory in order for the image to be judged. This results in higher equipment cost and makes it very expensive to effect the judgments needed to prevent counterfeiting. Further, even if the foregoing problem relating to an image signal from an external interface is solved, this will not make it possible to avoid a picture closely resembling a registered bank note from being judged erroneously as being a bank note or a soiled bank note from being judged erroneously as not being a bank note. With this as a background, the applicant proposed in EP-A-0506332 (published after the claimed priority dates of the present application) a technique through which information capable of specifying a copying machine or the person making a copy is added to the reproduced image. More specifically, the image signal is modulated by a pattern of numerals or symbols, such as the manufacturing number of the copying machine, with regard to a color component (yellow, for example) least noticeable to the human eye, this color being selected from among the output color components (e.g., magenta, cyan, yellow, black) of the copying machine. However, even though yellow is the output color component most difficult for the eye to see, the effect upon the image when the image signal is modulated cannot be ignored in the technique described above. In particular, when a color copying machine is used in design-related applications, an impediment encountered is that patterns not present in the original are brought into view. In a case where an image in a host computer is printed out using the external interface of the color copying machine, it is possible to directly output computer graphics and, hence, uniform areas are likely at the image signal level. If the yellow component is modulated at such time, added patterns become readily conspicuous at portions that are a uniform light gray or light blue. Further, in a method in which a pattern is represented by units that are a collection of several numerals or characters and all added patterns are constructed by repeating this unit pattern at a fixed interval, a problem that arises is that the patterns become readily conspicuous because they are gathered closely together. In addition, since the human eye recognizes regular patterns such as the above-mentioned added patterns more easily than patterns in a random array, the patterns become even more noticeable when they are placed on a lattice. If the degree of modulation of the image signal is reduced in an effort to solve these problems, the added patterns may not be read, depending upon the specific originals. Accordingly, there is a need for a modulating method and measures for dealing with patterns that satisfy contradictory requirements, namely a requirement that copies of certain originals such as bank notes be made positively identifiable as copies through some method and a requirement that such identifications not be readily apparent to the eye in all output images. EP-A-0079153 discloses a printing press in which a predetermined pattern of low-amplitude density variations is superimposed on each separation image of a picture to be printed. After printing, light from the separations is detected and the variations are correlated with the predetermined pattern to derive an error signal, which is then used to correct the web position. An object of the present invention is to reduce the effects impressed upon the picture quality of a reproduced image when predetermined information is added to an input image. Another object of the present invention is to preserve the color tone of a reproduced color image when predetermined information is added to an input color image. According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus as set out in claim 1. The invention also provides an image processing method as set out in claim 12. Optional features are set out in claims 2 to 11 and 13 to 21. Features and advantages of embodiments will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of an image scanner according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a CN0 signal and print output according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 is a diagram for describing an example of an added pattern according to the first embodiment; Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of an add-on line according to the first embodiment; Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing an example of a method of expressing information by add-on lines according to the first embodiment; Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are block diagrams showing an example of the construction of a pattern adding circuit according to the first embodiment; Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of results of copying according to the first embodiment; Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the construction of an image scanner according to a second embodiment; Fig. 13 is an example of a main-scanning timing chart according to the second embodiment; Fig. 14 is a block showing an example of the construction of a thinning-out circuit and frequency divider circuit according to the second embodiment; Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of a decision circuit according to the second embodiment; Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of an integrator according to the second embodiment; Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the input and output of the integrator according to the second embodiment; Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing the construction of a comparator according to the second embodiment; Figs. 19, 20 and 21 are block diagrams showing examples of the construction of a pattern adding circuit according to the second embodiment; and Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting of a pattern-level selecting signal according to the second embodiment. In the embodiments that follow, a copying machine is illustrated as an example of application of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine. For example, it goes without saying that the invention is applicable to various devices such as a scanner for reading an image, a printer or a computer which processing image data. The term "specific original" mentioned below is assumed to cover not only originals such as bank notes and securities the copying of which is forbidden by law but also originals having a specific use, such as confidential documents. <First Embodiment> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of an image scanner 201 according to a first embodiment of the invention. In Fig. 1, numerals 1210-1 through 1210-3 denote CCD sensors (solid-state image sensing devices) having spectral sensitivity characteristics for red (R), green (G) and blue (B), respectively. These CCD sensors are incorporated in a three-line sensor 2210. The output of each CCD sensor is, say, an eight-bit signal resulting from an A/D conversion. Accordingly, each of the colors R, G, B is divided into 0 ~ 255 stages in conformity with the light intensity of each color. The CCD sensors 1210-1 through 1210-3 of the present embodiment are arranged so as to be spaced apart a fixed distance, and therefore a displacement in terms of time is corrected using delay elements 2401 and 2401. Numerals 2403 ~ 2405 denote log converters constituted by a look-up table ROM or RAM for converting the image data sent from the three-line sensor 2210 from a luminance signal into a density signal. Numeral 2406 denotes a well-known masking-UCR (undercolor removal) circuit. Though a detailed description is omitted, M, C, Y, K signals for output are generated at a prescribed bit length (e.g., eight bits) in field-sequential fashion, based upon the three signals inputted thereto, whenever there is a reading operation, Numeral 2407 denotes a well-known space filter circuit which corrects the space-frequency characteristic of the output signal from the circuit 2406. Numeral 2408 denotes a density converting circuit for correcting the density characteristic possessed by a printer 202. Like the log converters 2403 ~ 2405, this circuit is constituted by a ROM or RAM. Numeral 2411 denotes a CPU for supervising control of the apparatus, and numeral 2412 denotes an I/O port connected to the CPU 2411. A signal CNO separately inputted to the masking-UCR circuit 2406 and a pattern adding circuit 2410 is as illustrated in Fig. 2 and described above. [Pattern Adding Method] An example of a pattern adding method according to this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram for describing an example of an added pattern according to this embodiment. In Fig. 3, 4 x 4 pixels contained in an area 2301 are modulated in such a manner that the tone levels of this image signal become +α, groups of 2 x 4 pixels contained in respective areas 2302 and 2303 are modulated in such a manner that the tone levels of the image signals thereof become -α, and pixels outside the areas 2301, 2302, 2303 are not modulated. The 8 x 4 pixels contained in the areas 2301, 2302, 2303 serve as the unit dots of an added pattern. The reason for thus using 8 x 4 pixels as the unit of an added pattern is that 200 line processing is executed, as mentioned earlier. If one pixel were adopted as the unit of an added pattern, instances would arise in which the added pattern would be difficult to read. Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of add-on lines according to this embodiment. In Fig. 4, numeral 3401 denotes an add-on line, which has a width of four pixels. Numerals 3401a ~ 3401e denote unit dots shown in Fig. 3, each unit dot being composed of 8 x 4 pixels. The unit dots 3401a ~ 3401e are arrayed linearly at a substantially fixed period of d1 (e.g., 128 pixels) in the main-scanning direction. In Fig. 5, numerals 2501 ~ 2510 denote add-on lines, each having a width of, e.g., four pixels. These add-on lines are arrayed at a substantially fixed period of d2 in the subordinate-scanning direction. Though the details will be described below, one add-on line represents four-bit information, for example, and eight add-on lines 2502 ~ 2509 form one set, thus making it possible to represent added information of 32 bits. The add-on lines are formed so as to repeat in the subordinate-scanning direction. Add-on lines 2501 ~ 2509 shown in Fig. 5 represent the same information, by way of example. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate an example of a method of expressing information by add-on lines. In Fig. 6, numerals 2601 and 2602 denote add-on lines side by side in the subordinate-scanning direction. Further, numerals 2601a, 2601b and 2602a represent unit dots. In order to prevent the unit dots on mutually adjacent add-on lines from being too close together and, hence, appearing too conspicuously, the unit dots on the mutually adjacent add-on lines are set so as to be spaced apart by at least d3 (32 pixels, for example) in the main-scanning direction. The data represented by the unit dots is decided by the phase difference between the unit dot 2602a and the unit dot 2601a. Fig. 6 illustrates an example representing four-bit information. In Fig. 6, the unit dot 2602a represents data "2". If the unit dot 2602a is at the leftmost end, for example, it will represent data "0"; if it is at the rightmost end, it will represent data "F". Fig. 7A illustrates a first add-on line Line 0 and Fig. 7B a fourth add-on line Line 3 from among one set of add-on lines representing all added information. As illustrated in Fig. 7, dots 2702a ~ 2702d are added at a spacing d4 (e.g., 16 pixels) to the right of all of the original unit dots 2701a ~ 2701d on Line 0, and dots 2705a ~ 2705d are added at a spacing d5 (e.g., 32 pixels) to the right of all of the original unit dots 2704a ~ 2704d on Line 3. The added dots are marks for making clear what the number of each add-on line is. Since top and bottom in the subordinate-scanning direction cannot be determined even from the output image, the marks are added to two add-on lines. An added pattern is added solely by yellow toner, for example, so as not to be readily discriminated by the human eye. The reason for this is that the human eye has only a weak ability to discriminate patterns painted using yellow toner. Further, it is required that the dot spacing of the added patterns in the main-scanning direction and the repetition interval of all added information in the subordinate-scanning direction be decided in such a manner that all information will be reliably added to plain, uniform areas of the specific original on which the dots can be discriminated with certainty. One yardstick would be to add the information at a spacing of no more than half the width of a uniform area of the specific original on which the dots can be discriminated reliably. [Pattern Adding Circuit] An example of the pattern adding circuit according to this embodiment will now be described. Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are block diagrams showing an example of the construction of the pattern adding circuit 2410 according to this embodiment. In these Figures, a subordinate-scan counter 2819 repeatedly counts a main-scan synchronizing signal HSYNC and the main-scan counter 2814 repeatedly counts a pixel synchronizing signal CLK at a seven-bit width or period of 128. An AND gate 2820 connected to outputs Q2, Q3 of the subordinate-scan counter 2819 outputs an H-level signal when bits 2 and 3 of the subordinate-scan counter 2819 are at the H level. That is, the H output of AND gate 2820 attains the H level for a time period of four lines every 16 lines in the subordinate-scanning direction. This is adopted as an enable signal of an add-on line. The output of the AND gate 2820 and the three higher order bits (Q4 ~ Q6) of the subordinate-scan counter 2819 enter an AND gate 2822 and an AND gate 2821, whereby an enable signal LINE 0 of line 0 of the add-on lines and an enable signal LINE 3 of line 3 of the add-on lines are produced, respectively. Meanwhile, though the details will be described below, an initial value is loaded in the main-scan counter 2814 by HSYNC, and the four higher order bits (Q3 ~ Q6) of the main-scan counter 3814 are applied to gates 2815 ~ 2817. The output of AND gate 2815 attains the H level for a time period of eight pixels every 128 pixels. This output serves as a dot enable signal. Further, gates 2816, 2817, to which the inputs are the four higher order bits of the main-scan counter 2814 as well as the signals LINE 0, LINE 3, respectively, produce enable signals of the marks on Line 0 and Line 3, respectively. These dot and mark enable signals are OR'ed by an OR gate 2818. The output of the OR gate 2818 and the output of the AND gate 2820 are AND'ed by an AND gate 2824, the output of which serves as a dot and mark enable signal that attains the H level only on an add-on line. The output of the AND gate 2824 is synchronized by pixel synchronizing signal CLK using a flip-flop 2828, and an AND gate 2830 takes the AND between the output of this flip-flop and the output-color selecting CNO signals of two bits. The bit 0 of the signal CNO is inverted by an inverter 2829 before entering the AND gate 2830, and the bit 1 of the signal CNO is applied to the AND gate 2830 intact. Therefore, when signal CNO = "10" holds, namely when printing of a color image is performed in the color yellow, the enable signal for the dots and marks become effective. Furthermore, the output of the AND gate 2824 is connected also to a clear terminal CLR of a counter 2825. The latter counts the pixel synchronizing signal CLK only when the output of AND gate 2824 is H, namely only when a dot on an add-on line is enabled. Bits 1 and 2 at the output of the counter 2825 are inputted to an ex-NOR gate 2826, and the output of the ex-NOR gate 2826 attains the L level for a duration of 4CLK, which is intermediate the dot interval (8CLK) of the add-on line. The output of the ex-NOR gate 2826 is synchronized to the pixel synchronizing signal CLK by a flip-flop 2827 and is delivered as a signal MINUS. It should be noted that the flip-flop 2827 is for removing spikes from the signal MINUS and establishing phase agreement with the enable signal for the dots of the add-on lines. The signal MINUS is inputted to the selection terminal S of a selector 2838. The inputs to an AND gate 2832 are a modulation amount a of, say, eight bits, from a register 3831 and the output of the AND gate 2830. Since the output of the AND gate 2830 attains the H level at the timing of the dot of an add-on line, the AND gate 2832 outputs the modulation amount a at the timing of the dot of the add-on line. Accordingly, pixels other than those of the dot of the add-on line are not modulated since the modulation amount outputted by the AND gate 2832 becomes 0. Numeral 2833 denotes an adder and numeral 2835 a subtractor to the A terminal of each of which an image signal V of, say, eight bits, is inputted. The modulation amount a outputted by the AND gate 2832 is applied to the B terminal of the adder 2833 and subtractor 2835. The output of the adder 2833 is inputted to the OR gate 2834, and the output of the subtractor 2835 is inputted to the AND gate 2837. When the sum V+α calculated by the adder 2833 overflows and a carry signal CY is produced, the OR gate 2834 forcibly makes the output of the adder equal to 255, by way of example. When the difference V-α calculated by the subtractor 2835 underflows and a carry signal CY is produced, an AND gate 2837 forcibly makes the output of the subtractor equal to 0, for example, in response to the carry signal CY inverted by an inverter 2836. The sum and difference thus calculated are inputted to the selector 2838, which outputs one of these signals in response to the signal MINUS. The dot modulation shown in Fig. 3 is performed by the circuit arrangement described above. The value loaded in the main-scan counter 2814 is produced in the manner set forth below. First, a flip-flop 2813 and a counter 2809 are reset by VSYNC. Consequently, zero is set as the initial value of the main-scan counter 2814 in the case of the initial add-on line. A signal ADLIN inputted to the clock terminal of the counter 2809 and flip-flop 2813 is a signal that is the result of synchronizing the output of AND gate 2820, namely the add-on line enable signal, to the main-scan synchronizing signal HSYNC by means of a flip-flop 2823. A selector 2810 selects and outputs one of registers 2801 ~ 2808, in which values (e.g., four-bit values) of respective ones of the eight add-on lines have been set, in dependence upon, say, a three-bit signal inputted to a select terminal S of the selector. The select signal applied to the selector 2810 is produced by the counter 2809. Since the counter 2809 is cleared by the subordinate-scan signal VSYNC at the timing of the initial add-on line, the selector signal is 0 initially. Accordingly, the selector 2810 selects the register 2801. The value in counter 2809 is incremented when the signal ADLIN rises, whereby the selector 2810 selects the register 2802. Thereafter, and in similar fashion, the selector 2810 repeats selection from register 2803 to register 2808 successively in synchronism with the signal ADLIN. The output of the selector 2810 is added to the output of adder 2812 by an adder 2811, the output of which is inputted to the flip-flop 2813 so as to be latched by the trailing edge of the signal ADLIN before being inputted to the main-scan counter 2814. The output of the flip-flop 2813 is sent to the main-scan counter 2814 and also to the terminal B of the adder 2812. Here a constant value of 8, for example, inputted to the terminal A is added to the signal at terminal A, and the resulting sum is sent to the adder 2811. This is an offset value for assuring that the positions of dots on an add-on line will be sufficiently spaced away from the positions of dots on the immediately preceding line in the subordinate-scanning direction. [Results of Copying) Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of results of copying according to this embodiment. This diagram illustrates only an example of the array of unit dots on add-on lines. In Fig. 11, numeral 2901 denotes the image of a specific original contained in the results of copying. Unit dots on the add-on lines are indicated by the black squares. Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, as described above, the manufacturing number specific to a copying machine, or the manufacturing number in the form of a code or symbols, is represented by an added pattern. As a result, even if the embodiment is utilized for unlawful copying, the copying machine used in making the unlawful copy can be specified by examining the copy. Furthermore, when the pattern is added to the output image, complimentary image-signal modulation is combined with the pattern in small areas and overall density is preserved, thereby making it possible to eliminate a change in color shade and reduce deterioration in picture quality. According to the complimentary image-signal modulation of the kind shown in Fig. 3, the added patterns become easier to notice and reading of the added information is facilitated. <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the second embodiment, portions similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by like reference characters and need not be described in detail again. The internal construction of the apparatus according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 1 and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the construction of the image scanner 201 according to the second embodiment. The image scanner of this embodiment differs from the image scanner 201 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the scanner is additional provided with a decision circuit 2409 for judging specific originals. The decision circuit 2409 for judging specific originals judges the possibility that image data currently being read in contains the image data of a specific original, and outputs the result of judgment as a two-bit decision signal H. More specifically, the decision circuit 2409 outputs a signal indicative of H = "11" when it is most likely that at least one specific original from among a plurality thereof is currently being read in, and outputs a signal indicative of H = "00" when the foregoing is least likely to hold. Further, the color-output selection signal CNO enters the decision circuit 2409. In accordance with this signal, the decision circuit 2409 changes over the judgment criteria in conformity with each of the four reading operations, whereby a decision regarding different specific originals can be rendered in each reading operation. Furthermore, though the details will be described below, the pattern adding circuit 2410 changes the pattern adding processing in dependence upon the two-bit pattern-level selecting signal PS outputted by the CPU 2411. [Timing Chart] Fig. 13 is an example of a timing chart of main scanning according to this embodiment. In Fig. 13, VSYNC represents a subordinate-scan synchronizing signal, namely a signal that indicates the image output interval of a subordinate scan, and HSYNC represents a main-scan synchronizing signal for achieving synchronization with the start of main scanning. CLK is an image synchronizing signal which, in this embodiment, is the basic clock of a variety of image processing operations. A signal CLK4 is a basic clock in the decision circuit 2409 and is obtained as a result of frequency-dividing CLK by four. SEL represents a timing signal used by a thinning-out circuit 3301 shown in Fig. 14A. The signal CLK4 and signal SEL are produced by a frequency divider circuit 3310, the construction of which is illustrated in Fig. 14B. Specifically, the frequency divider circuit 3310 is constituted by an inverter 2451, a two-bit counter 2452, an inverter 2453 and an AND gate 2454. After being cleared (initialized) by the HSYNC signal, the two-bit counter 2452 counts the CLK signal and outputs the counted value in the form of two bits. The higher order bit D1 of the counter is outputted as the CLK4 signal, and the result of taking the AND between the higher order bit D1 signal and a signal obtained by inverting the lower order bit D0 of the counter is outputted as the SEL signal. The thinning-out circuit 3301, an example of the construction of which is shown in Fig. 14A, comprises flip-flops 2455 ~ 2457 and 2461 ~ 2463, which hold data in response to the CLK signal, selectors 2458 ~ 2460, and flip-flops 2464 ~ 2466 that hold data in response to CLK4. As shown by the example of Fig. 13, the R (or G, B) signal transferred by the CLK signal is thinned out at a ratio of 1/4, and an R' (or G', B') signal synchronized to CLK4 can be obtained. [Decision Means] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of the decision circuit 2409. In Fig. 15, numeral 3301 denotes the thinning-out 1 circuit the example of which is shown in Fig. 14A. This circuit outputs image data obtained by thinning out some of the data in the input image in order to lighten the processing load of the decision circuit 2409. Numeral 3310 denotes a look-up table LUT constituted by a ROM for matching colors with a plurality of types of specific originals. To this end, the distribution of the shades of color of eight types of specific originals is investigated in advance, and it is determined whether the color shade of an input image coincides with the color shades of the specific originals. Judgment information indicating whether or not coincidence is obtained is stored in the LUT 3310. The output-color selection signal CNO is inputted to the address terminals of the two higher order bits of the LUT 3310, and the five higher order bits of the thinned-out image signal of each of the colors R, G, B are inputted to the 15 lower order bits of the LUT. Signals indicative of whether or not the shades of color of relevant pixels agree with the shades of color in, say, eight types of specific originals are outputted simultaneously in correspondence with eight-bit data with regard to the value of the color-output selection CNO signal. In the four reading operations, decisions are rendered with regard to a total of 32 types of specific originals. Numerals 3303-1 through 3303-8 denote color-shade judging circuits, each of which is composed of identical hardware, namely an integrator 3304, registers 3305 ~ 3307 and a comparator module 3308. Each color-shade judging circuit outputs a two-bit signal that indicates the likelihood that an input image contains the image of a specific original. Numeral 3309 denotes a maximum-value circuit for outputting, in the form of a two-bit decision signal H, the maximum value of the decision outputs produced by the color-shade judging circuits 3303-1 through 3303-8. That is, the maximum-value circuit 3309 delivers the result of judgment as a decision signal H indicating which of the plurality of specific originals is most likely to be present in the image of the original that has been read. 1 [Integrator] Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of the integrator 3304. Numerals 3501, 3505 denote flip-flops which hold data at the timing of the leading edge of the CLK4 signal. Numeral 3502 denotes a multiplier to which two eight-bit signals (A, B) are inputted. The multiplier 3502 multiplies these signals together and outputs an eight-bit signal ( AxB / 255) as the result. Numeral 3503 denotes a multiplier to which a one-bit input signal (A) and an eight-bit input signal (B) are applied. The multiplier 3503 multiplies these signals together and outputs an eight-bit signal (AxB) as the result. Numeral 3504 denotes an adder to which two eight-bit signals (A, B) are inputted. The adder 3504 adds these signals together and outputs an eight-bit signal (A+B) as the result. Accordingly, in the integrator 3304 of this embodiment, the relationship between a two-valued input signal x 1 and an eight-bit output signal y i is expressed by the following equation: y i = (α/255)·y i-1 + β · x i-1 where α and β represent constants that have been preset. The various characteristics of the integrator 3304 are decided by the sizes of these values. Fig. 17 illustrates an example of input and output of the integrator 3304 in a case where α = 247, β = 8 holds, by way of example. More specifically, an output yi of the kind shown in Fig. 17A is produced in response to an input x i of the kind shown in Fig.17B. An input x i of "1" regardless of the fact that the values on other either side thereof are almost "0", as at points 2701, 2702, and an input x i "0" regardless of the fact that the values on either side thereof almost "1", as at point 2703, may be considered to be noise. The noise can be removed using the comparator module 3308 to binarize y i , which is obtained by integrating the input x i using the integrator 3304, based upon threshold values R1 ~ R3 set in the registers 3305 ~ 3307, examples of these threshold values being indicated at 2704 ~ 2706, respectively, in Fig. 17A. [Comparator ] Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the construction of the comparator module 3308. In Fig. 18, 3601 ~ 3603 denote comparators, 3604 an inverter, 3605 an AND gate, and 3606, 3607 OR gates. The threshold values R1 ~ R3, which satisfy the relation R1>R2>R3, are set in the registers 3305 ~ 3307. More specifically, the comparator module 3308 outputs "11", "10", "01" and "00" when the following hold: R1 < (input), R2 < (input) < R1, R3 < (input) ≤ R2, (input) ≤ R3, respectively. [Pattern Adding Circuit] Figs. 19, 20 and 21 are block diagrams showing and example of the construction of the pattern adding circuit 2410 according to this embodiment. The difference between the pattern adding circuit of the second embodiment shown in Figs. 19, 20 and 21 and the pattern adding circuit of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 is that there are four registers which store amounts of modulation in this embodiment but only one register, which stores the modulation amount α, in the first embodiment. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the arrangement is such that the modulation amounts α 1 ~ α 4 stored in the four registers are selected by a selector 3705. In Figs. 19, 20 and 21, numerals 3701 - 3704 denote the registers, in which the different modulation amounts α 1 ~ α 4 , respectively, are stored. Numeral 3705 denotes a 4-input/1-output selector which, in dependence upon the pattern-level selecting signal PS outputted by the CPU 2411, selects one of the modulation amounts α 1 ~ α 4 stored by the registers 3701 ~ 3704 and outputs the selected value to an AND gate 3832. The amounts of modulation are set to satisfy the relation α 1 <α 2 <α 3 <α 4 . The selector 3705 outputs α 1 in case of PS = "00", α 2 in case of PS = "01", α 3 in case of PS = "10", and α 4 in case of PS = "11". Accordingly, the output V' of the selector 3838 is modulated to V±α 1 in case of PS = "00", to V±α 2 in case of PS = "01", to V±α 3 in case of PS = "10" and to V±α 4 in case of PS = "11". In other words, the modulation amount a is varied in dependence upon the possibility that a specific original will be present in an input image. In an ordinary input image, a pattern is added to a degree almost unidentifiable by the human eye. The pattern is added to the output image more conspicuously the greater the possibility that the specific original is present in the output image. [Flowchart] Fig. 22 is a flowchart for describing an example of flow relating to setting of the pattern-level selecting signal PS executed by the CPU 2411. Immediately after a copying operation starts, the CPU 2411 initializes the pattern-level selecting signal PS to "00" at step S11. Next, the CPU 2411 compares the decision level H and the value of PS at step S12. The CPU 2411 sets the value of the decision signal H to the pattern-level selecting signal PS at step S13 if the result of comparison is such that PS<H holds, and returns the program to step S12 if PS≥H holds. Thus, the maximum value of the decision signal H from the start of copying until the present time is set to the pattern-level selecting signal PS. Thus, in accordance with the second embodiment as described above, effects similar to those of the first embodiment are obtained. In addition, since a pattern added to an output image that does not contain a specific original can be made ore difficult for the human eye to discriminate, a deterioration in the picture quality of an ordinary output image can be made very small. Accordingly, this embodiment is particularly effective when color reproducibility is important, such as when making color copies for design purposes. In a case where image data in a host computer is to be printed out by a color copying machine or the like via an external interface, a deterioration in the picture quality of colorless areas can be minimized when printing computer graphics, for example. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the added pattern represents a manufacturing number specific to the apparatus, or the manufacturing number in the form of a code or symbols. However, this does not impose a limitation upon the invention. The pattern may represent any information capable of specifying the apparatus, such as the date of manufacture, the lot number and the version number thereof. Furthermore, instead of representing information capable of specifying the apparatus, the added pattern may be information capable of specifying the person using the apparatus. For example, copying machines already known include those which require insertion of an ID card for specifying the user and those requiring entry of an ID number in order for the machine to be used. In copying machines of this kind, the recognized ID number or the ID number in the form of a code or symbols may be added as the specific pattern. It is also possible to include the date and time a copy was made, or the date and time in the form of a code or symbols. Furthermore, the pattern addition described above may be performed not only by an adder but by a multiplier as well. Moreover, the arrangement for performing pattern addition may be provided not only in an image scanner but also in a host computer, a printer interface or the printer itself. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a system (a copying system, for example) constituted by a plurality of devices or an apparatus (an image scanner or a printer, for example) comprising a single device. Furthermore, it goes without saying that embodiments of the invention can be attained by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In accordance with the embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide an image processing method and apparatus in which there is little deterioration in picture quality when specific information is added to image data. As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

Claims: An image processing apparatus comprising: generating means (2406) for generating a plurality of colour components of colour image data representing an input image; and processing means (2407; 2408; 2410) for processing the colour image data and outputting processed colour image data, said processing means including modulating means (2410) for modulating the colour image data so that the average colour tone of a colour image represented by the colour image data is substantially preserved, the modulating means (2410) being arranged to perform the modulation in such a manner that an increase in the level of the image data is substantially complemented by a local decrease in the level of the image data; characterised in that: said modulating means is arranged to perform the modulation on at least one, but not all, of the colour components of the colour image data, and to modulate the colour image data so as to add additional information relating to the origin of the colour image represented by the processed colour image data. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged to modulate only colour components of a colour which is difficult to discriminate with the naked eye. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of colour components comprise components of yellow, magenta, cyan and black, and wherein the apparatus is arranged to modulate only the yellow colour component. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the colour image data for each colour component and the processed colour image data is multilevel image data. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the additional information identifies the apparatus as the source of the output processed image data. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the additional information identifies the user of the apparatus. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the additional information includes the time and/or date at which the image was produced. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising discriminating means (2409) for determining whether the input image represents a predetermined specific original image and for controlling the modulation in dependence upon the result of the determination. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the modulation is controlled so that the amount of the modulation depends upon the determined degree of similarity between the input image and the specific original image. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the specific original image is a bank note. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising sensor means (2210) for sensing the input image and generating image data therefrom. An image processing method, comprising: generating a plurality of colour components of colour image data representing an input image; and processing the colour image data and outputting processed colour image data, said processing including modulating the colour image data so that the average colour tone of a colour image represented by the colour image data is substantially preserved, the modulation being performed in such a manner that an increase in the level of the image data is substantially complemented by a local decrease in the level of the image data; characterised in that: the modulation is performed on at least one, but not all, of the colour components of the colour image data, and the colour image data is modulated so as to add additional information relating to the origin of the colour image represented by the processed colour image data. A method according to claim 12, wherein only colour components of a colour which is difficult to discriminate with the naked eye are modulated. A method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of colour components comprise components of yellow, magenta, cyan and black and wherein only the yellow colour component is modulated. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the colour image data for each colour component and the processed colour image data is multilevel image data. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the additional information identifies an apparatus which outputs the processed image data as the source of the output processed image data. A method according to any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the additional information identifies the user of an apparatus which outputs the processed image data. A method according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the additional information includes the time and/or date at which the image was produced. A method according to any of claims 12 to 18, further comprising the step of determining whether the input image represents a predetermined specific original image and controlling the modulation in dependence upon the result of the determination. A method according to claim 19, wherein the modulation is controlled so that the amount of the modulation depends upon the determined degree of similarity between the input image and the specific original image. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the specific original image is a bank note.

Inventors: NEGISHI AKIRA, NEGISHI, AKIRA
Applicants: CANON KK, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Application year: 1993
Main classification: H04N1
IPC codes: H04N1