Importance

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Abstract

A digital image reproducing apparatus, such as a copier, facsimile machine, or a scanner includes a code detector which analyzes a digital representation of an input document, either directly or in memory for visually apparent machine readable code embedded in the background of the document. A decoder operatively connected with the detector analyzes the machine readable code and determines a security code associated with the original document. A control unit compares the security code from the document with a user authorization or security code and, based on the comparison determines whether to allow or disallow the digitized document to be reproduced. If the document is allowed to be reproduced, an image reproducing system, under the control of the control unit, reproduces the document including any image on the document and the low density tinted background containing the machine readable code. As an added security feature, the control unit may also direct portions of the user identification data arid/or the security data associated with the document to be stored in a database for later review by security personnel. Additionally, a processor in communication with the control unit may be provided to modify the security code of the original document to include other data, such as user information, in the reproduced document. Alternately, the processor may also generate new security codes at the direction of a user for incorporation into documents which contain no original security code, or whose original security code should be changed.

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First Claim