JPH02268077A - Cryptographic processing method for contents of original document and copying machine and facsimile equipment using the same cryptographic method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the cryptographic processing through the addition of a simple circuit by providing a coding circuit reading an original document, converting into a binary picture signal, storing, and sending the stored content with cryptographic processing and a decoding circuit at reception or the like. CONSTITUTION:An original document 1 is read by an image scanner section 2, converted into a picture signal and stored in a storage circuit 5 as a binary picture signal by a digital processing circuit 17 of a circuit board 15. The storage content is read, coded and encrypted by a cryptographic circuit 7 and sent by a telephone set circuit 9 and a handset 4. On the other hand, a 2nd original received and printed-out is stored similarly in the circuit 5 and read out and then decoded into the original information via a decoding circuit 8 or the like. Through the constitution of addition of the cryptographic circuit, decoding circuit and storage circuit or the like as above, excellent cryptographic processing is attained.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention encrypts manuscript information after inputting it as an image, and decrypts and prints it out when copying again, thereby keeping the contents of the copied manuscript confidential. The present invention relates to a cryptographic processing method that can maintain data retention, and a facsimile machine and a copying machine using this cryptographic processing method.

(Prior art) In facsimile machines and copying machines, originals to be sent or copied are scanned and read by an image scanner unit serving as an input unit, and the obtained image signals (characters are also converted as images) are digitally processed. is processed and incorporated into the memory circuit.

The output section of the copying machine is configured to print on paper using a computer printer such as a laser printer, a door (door) matrices printer, or a thermal transfer printer to obtain a copy document.

The above system is a digital system (all older systems were analog systems).

Further, the output section of the facsimile device is configured to make a call connection to a predetermined destination facsimile device using the calling function of the telephone circuit, and to transmit the document information to the destination facsimile device using a modem. Through this facsimile communication, the other party's facsimile device can obtain a copy of the original document.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) Now, anyone can read the contents of a copy of a manuscript obtained by such a facsimile machine or a copying machine. Therefore, when it is desired to send an important document only to a specific recipient, if the specific recipient does not directly receive the copy, there is a risk that the contents of the original will be known to others.

In addition, in order to prevent others from knowing the contents of the copied manuscript, the person who made the copy must directly hand it to the person to whom it should be handed over.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an encryption processing method that can maintain the confidentiality of the contents of a copied document by encrypting the contents of the document.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile machine that uses the above cryptographic processing method to maintain the confidentiality of the contents of a transmitted document.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine that uses the above cryptographic processing method to maintain the confidentiality of the contents of a copied document.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the method for encrypting the contents of a document according to the present invention includes a first document contents input step of reading the contents of the document and converting it into an image signal, and converting the image signal into two steps. a first digit processing step for converting into a digitized code; a first storage step for storing the image signal converted into the binarized code; and a first storage step for reading out the stored binary code and encrypting it with the encrypted code. a first printing step of converting the encrypted binary code into an image signal and printing it on paper; and a first printing process of converting the document content printed on the paper into an image signal. 2
a second digital processing step of converting the image signal obtained in the second document content input step into a binary code, and a binary code obtained in the second digital processing step. a second storage step for storing the encoded code; a decoding step for decoding the encrypted binary code read from the second storage step using the encryption code; and the decoded binary code. It consists of a second printing step of converting the symbol into an image signal and printing it on paper.

Furthermore, the copying machine according to the present invention includes an image scanner section on which an original document is placed, and an image scanner section that photoelectrically converts information on the placed original document, and an image scanner section that converts image information obtained by the image scanner section into two parts.
a digital processing unit for converting into a digitized code, a storage circuit for storing the binary code, an input unit for inputting the encrypted code, and a digital processing unit for converting all or part of one document to be read from the storage circuit. It consists of an encryption circuit that encrypts using the encryption code input from the input section, and a printer section that converts the encrypted binary code into an image signal and prints it on paper.

Further, the facsimile apparatus according to the present invention includes an image scanner section on which a document is placed, photoelectrically converts the information on the document placed thereon, and converts the image information obtained by the image scanner section into a binary code. a digital processing section for storing the binary code, a storage circuit for storing the binary code, an input section for inputting the encrypted code, and a digital processing section for manually inputting all or part of one document to be read from the storage circuit. an encryption circuit for encrypting with the encrypted code, a calling circuit for connecting a call to a designated facsimile machine, and a modem for transmitting and receiving the encrypted binary code to the facsimile machine to which the call has been connected. and the said other party,
It consists of a printer section that converts the binary signal received from the IJ into an image signal and prints it on paper.

<Example> The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings and the like.

FIG. 1 is a process diagram showing an embodiment of the cryptographic processing method according to the present invention.

In the manuscript content input step +al, the manuscript content is read out by an image scanner, and an image signal is obtained. The image signal A is converted into a binary signal B by a digital processing step (bl). In the next storage step (C1), the binary signal B is stored in a storage circuit having a capacity for at least one original document. The binary code C stored in the circuit is converted into an encoded signal using an encryption code in an encryption step (di), and further converted into an image signal E in the next printing step (e), which is printed on paper. The encryption code is made up of several digits of numbers or alphanumeric characters, and is selected so that it can perform simple addition without carrying up the information in memory by encrypting it.The description of the copy manuscript obtained in this way The contents cannot be read by a third party.The part where the addressee and recipient's name are written is not encrypted, so even if someone other than the intended recipient receives it, it can be handed over to the intended recipient. .

In order to know the contents of this copy document, the encrypted signal F is read again by the image scanner in the image processing step (f).

The read signal F is converted into a binary code G by a digital processing process (g+. The binary code G is converted to a binary code G by a storage process (h
The data is stored in the memory circuit at 1. The stored binary code is decoded into the original binary code I using the encryption code in the decoding step (1). After that, in the printing process tjl, the original image signal J
is converted to and printed on paper.

In this way, the contents of the original document can be obtained by copying again.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of an apparatus using the cryptographic processing method according to the present invention.

This embodiment includes the detailed description of claims 2 to 5.

This is because the facsimile apparatus shown in FIG. 2 can be used not only for facsimile communication but also as a copying machine.

The upper part of the facsimile machine housing 13 includes an image scanner section 2 on which a document 1 is placed.

The upper surface of the image scanner section 2 is a transparent plate, and a scanning element (not shown) is disposed below the transparent plate. The writing surface of the original is placed facing this transparent plate, and the placed original 1 is pressed down by the paper cover 18 so as not to be misaligned.

A keyboard section 3, which is an input section, is located at the front of the upper surface of the facsimile machine housing 13. A selection section 6 and a display section 14 are provided for setting various modes and the like. The keyboard section 3 is composed of a numeric keypad, double digit keys, etc., and can input telephone numbers and various code numbers. Selection section 6
In addition to selecting phone number input mode, copy mode, etc.
It also includes buttons for settings such as starting 1 canceling communication.

A telephone handset 4 is installed on the side surface of the facsimile device housing 13.

Inside the housing is a circuit board 15 with various IC packages mounted on it.
．． 16 are built-in.

The circuit board 15 includes a digital processing circuit 17 for converting image information obtained by the image scanner unit 2 into a binary signal.
．． A storage circuit for storing the binary code obtained by digital processing5. It is equipped with an encryption circuit 7 that encrypts the storage contents of the storage circuit 5 and a decryption circuit that decrypts the encrypted contents stored in the storage circuit 5.

The memory circuit 5 has a memory capacity sufficient to store information for at least a portion of the document. Furthermore, the encryption circuit 7 does not encrypt the above-mentioned writing area of the manuscript in order to clarify the recipient's name, date, communication number, etc. Approximately 1 inch above the paper
/lO.

Note that if the recipient is clear in advance, the entire document may be encrypted.

The decryption circuit 8 does not perform decryption processing on the area portions that are not encrypted.

The circuit board 16 is equipped with a circuit section for realizing a calling function 1 and a calling function 5 and a communication function. That is, a telephone circuit 9 including a transmitting circuit and the like, a modulation/demodulation circuit (modem) 10 for communicating information to be transmitted and received via a telephone line, and the like.

The lower part of the facsimile machine housing 13 is a printer section 1) for converting encrypted information, decrypted information, or information that is not subjected to equivalent encryption processing into an image signal and printing it on paper.
is installed.

The printer section 1) is a thermal transfer printer, a dot matrix printer, a laser printer, or the like.

Next, use this facsimile machine to perform encryption processing,
The operating procedure and the operations of each part will be explained when the original is sent and the copied original is copied again using the same device as the facsimile to obtain the original.

The original is loaded onto the upper part of the image scanner section 2, and preparations are made for transmission. When the telephone number of the other party's facsimile device is input using the keyboard 3, a transmitting circuit included in the telephone circuit 9 sends a multifrequency signal corresponding to the telephone number to the telephone line. If the other party's facsimile machine is not busy, a call connection is established and transmission can be started by returning a reception ready signal. Following the above phone number, enter a several-digit number (encryption code) that has been agreed upon with the recipient in advance. Upon receiving the reception ready signal, the facsimile machine reads the contents of the document and sends it to the digital processing circuit 1.
After the image information is binarized in step 7, the binarized signal is stored in the storage circuit 5.

Then, the encryption circuit 7 encrypts the contents of the storage circuit 5 with an encryption code, leaving only the address part, and sends it to the modulation/demodulation circuit 10. The modulation/demodulation circuit 10 modulates the carrier wave using a predetermined modulation method using an encrypted signal, and sends the modulated signal to the telephone line.

The receiving facsimile machine prints the encrypted original on paper, but a third party cannot read the contents.

The recipient information section is not encrypted, so those who obtain the copy can hand it over to the authorized recipient.

The authorized recipient can obtain a copy of the document identical to the original by placing the copy in the same device as the facsimile device, selecting the copy mode in the selection section 6, and inputting the encryption code.

The encryption code entered from the telephone keyboard is displayed on the display unit 14 for a short time for confirmation, but the display automatically disappears.

This makes it possible to easily and easily prevent secret leakage of facsimile machines, copying machines, and the like.

In general, image information has the advantage of being able to easily achieve its purpose even with simple encryption, unlike ordinary encryption, but when high-level encryption is required, public key encryption etc. techniques can be used.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, according to the cryptographic processing method of the present invention, a document is copied or transmitted in a facsimile machine or a copying machine, is made into a hard copy, and is processed until it is delivered to the authorized recipient. Manuscript contents can be kept confidential. Also,
The facsimile machine and copying machine according to the present invention can be configured by using the circuitry originally provided in these devices, and simply by adding new circuits such as an encryption circuit and a decryption circuit. It has the advantage of being efficient and easy to implement.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a process diagram showing an embodiment of the cryptographic processing method according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of an apparatus using the cryptographic processing method according to the present invention. 1... Original document 2... Image scanner unit 3... Telephone keyboard 4... Handset 5... Memory circuit 6... Selection unit 7... Encryption circuit 8... Decryption conversion circuit 9...telephone circuit (including a transmitting circuit) 10...modulation/demodulation circuit (modem) 1)...printer section 12...received manuscript 13...facsimile machine housing 14...display section 15 .16...Circuit board 17...Digital processing circuit 18...Paper cover Fig. 1

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A first document content input step for reading the document content and converting it into an image signal, a first digital processing step for converting the image signal into a binary signal, and an image signal converted to the binary signal. a first storage step of storing the stored binary signal, an encryption step of reading out the stored binary signal and encrypting it with an encryption code, and converting the encrypted binary signal into an image signal and printing it on paper. a first printing step, a second document content input step of converting the document content printed on the paper into a read image signal, and converting the image signal obtained in the second document content input step into a binary signal. a second digital processing step for converting, and 2 obtained in the second digital processing step;
a second storage step for storing a value signal; a decoding step for decoding the encrypted binary signal read from the second storage step using the encryption code; and the decoded binary signal. and a second printing step of converting the image signal into an image signal and printing it on paper. (2) an image scanner section on which an original is placed and photoelectrically converts the information on the placed original; a digital processing section that converts the image information obtained by the image scanner into a binary signal; a memory circuit that stores the value signal;
an input section for inputting an encryption code; an encryption circuit for encrypting all or part of one document read from the storage circuit with the encryption code input from the input section; A copying machine consists of a printer section that converts binary signals into image signals and prints them on paper. (3) an image scanner section on which an original is placed and photoelectrically converts the information on the placed original; a digital processing section that converts the image information obtained by the image scanner into a binary signal; a memory circuit that stores the value signal;
an input section for inputting an encryption code; a decoding circuit for decoding the encrypted binary signal read out from the storage circuit using the encryption code input from the input section; A copying machine consisting of a printer section that converts value signals into image signals and prints them on paper. (4) an image scanner section on which an original is placed and photoelectrically converts the information on the placed original; a digital processing section that converts the image information obtained by the image scanner into a binary signal; a memory circuit that stores the value signal;
an input section for inputting an encryption code; an encryption circuit for encrypting all or part of one document read from the storage circuit with the encryption code input from the input section; and a facsimile machine for a specified destination. a modem for transmitting and receiving the encrypted binary signal to and from the other party's facsimile, and converting the received binary signal from the other party's facsimile into an image signal and transmitting it to A facsimile machine consisting of a printer section and a printer section for printing. (5) an image scanner section on which a document is placed and photoelectrically converts information on the placed document; a digital processing section that converts image information obtained by the image scanner section into a binary signal; a memory circuit that stores the value signal;
an originating circuit for connecting a call to a designated destination facsimile; a modem for transmitting and receiving a binary signal read from the storage circuit to and from the connected destination facsimile; an input section for inputting an encryption code; and a copying device. a selection section for selecting a mode; and when the copy mode is selected;
a decoding circuit that decodes an encrypted binary signal read from the storage circuit using an encryption code input from the input section; and a decoding circuit that converts the decoded binary signal into an image signal and prints it on paper. A facsimile machine consisting of a printer section and a printer section.