Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing system, and recording medium, for embedding digital watermark information in image data and controlling output of embedded digital watermark

摘要

An image processing apparatus capable of embedding digital watermark information in image data and capable of controlling output of the embedded digital watermark information is provided. The image processing apparatus is adapted to include: a unit for generating image data with hidden picture, embedding, in a least significant bit plane of original image data including a plurality of bit planes, at least one piece of hidden picture information and control command including specifying information for specifying a user who wants output of the original image data and user-by-user hidden picture information indicating hidden picture information to be printed on a user-by-user basis, and thereby generating image data with hidden picture; and an output control unit selecting the hidden picture information in accordance with the user based on the specifying information and the user-by-user hidden picture information, and combining and outputting a hidden picture based on the selected hidden picture information and the original image data.