System and control method for generating an image having a latent pattern with or without a background pattern

A control method of a computer, comprising:

• a determination step of determining, based on user information, to generate a first image containing a latent pattern and a background pattern, so that a visible pattern appears upon copying the first image, or to generate a second image containing the latent pattern but no background pattern;
• a generation step of generating the first image to be combined with a print target image, when it is determined in the determination step to generate the first image, and generating the second image to be combined with the print target image, when it is determined in the determination step to generate the second image;
• and
• an output step of outputting, to a print device, print data containing the first or second image generated in the generation step,
• wherein, in the generation step, the second image is generated by repeatedly pasting the latent pattern in a region with a predetermined size without overlap,
• wherein the computer holds first number information indicating the number of copies printed in the past by a user indicated by the user information using the first image, and
• wherein the determination step includes:
• a step of acquiring second number information indicating the number of copies using the first image, which is permitted for the user, and
• a step of determining to generate the first image when the number indicated by the first number information is equal to or less than the number indicated by the second number information, and determining to generate the second image when the number indicated by the first number information is more than the number indicated by the second number information.

A system comprising:

• a determination unit configured to determine, based on user information, to generate a first image containing a latent pattern and a background pattern, so that a visible pattern appears upon copying the first image, or to generate a second image containing the latent pattern but no background pattern;
• a generation unit configured to generate the first image to be combined with a print target image, when it is determined in the determination unit to generate the first image, and to generate the second image to be combined with the print target image, when it is determined in the determination unit to generate the second image;
• a combination unit configured to combine the first or second image generated in the generation unit with the print target image;
• and
• a print unit configured to print combination data obtained in the combination unit,
• wherein, in the generation unit, the second image is generated by repeatedly pasting the latent pattern in a region with a predetermined size without overlap,
• wherein the system holds first number information indicating the number of copies printed in the past by a user indicated by the user information using the first image, and
• wherein the determination unit includes:
• an acquisition unit configured to acquire second number information indicating the number of copies using the first image, which is permitted for the user, and
• a determination unit configured to determine to generate the first image when the number indicated by the first number information is equal to or less than the number indicated by the second number information, and to generate the second image when the number indicated by the first number information is more than the number indicated by the second number information.

A computer comprising:

• a determination unit configured to determine, based on user information, to generate a first image containing a latent pattern and a background pattern, so that a visible pattern appears upon copying the first image, or to generate a second image containing the latent pattern but no background pattern;
• a generation unit configured to generate the first image to be combined with a print target image, when it is determined in the determination unit to generate the first image, and to generate the second image to be combined with the print target image, when it is determined in the determination unit to generate the second image;
• and
• an output unit configured to output, to a print device, print data containing the first or second image generated in the generation unit,
• wherein, in the generation unit, the second image is generated by repeatedly pasting the latent pattern in a region with a predetermined size without overlap,
• wherein the computer holds first number information indicating the number of copies printed in the past by a user indicated by the user information using the first image, and
• wherein the determination unit includes:
• an acquisition unit configured to acquire second number information indicating the number of copies using the first image, which is permitted for the user, and
• a determination unit configured to determine to generate the first image when the number indicated by the first number information is equal to or less than the number indicated by the second number information, and to generate the second image when the number indicated by the first number information is more than the number indicated by the second number information.