Recognizing a print inhibit image pattern using image data converted for fast recognition

Abstract

Disclosed is an image processing device capable of recognizing a specific image such as an image which is prohibited from printing at high speed and, moreover, without being influenced by an image forming process. A drawing command analysis unit analyzes a drawing command received by a drawing command input unit and sends an analysis result to both an output image data generation unit and a recognition image data generation unit. The output image data generation unit generates output image data adapted to an image formation device in accordance with the drawing command. In parallel with the operation, the recognition image data generation unit generates recognition image data adapted to a recognition unit in accordance with the drawing command. The recognition unit performs a process of recognizing a specific image by using the recognition image data. The recognition image data may have a data format, resolution, a color space, and the number of bits per pixel which are different from those of the output image data. When the specific image is recognized by the recognition unit, the output image data generation unit stops outputting the output image data.