An image obtaining device includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a terminal and a controller in communication with the communication interface. The controller configured to: generate encrypted image data using an encryption key and image data received by the controller, transmit the encrypted image data to the terminal via the communication interface; and transmit the encryption key to the terminal via the communication interface in a first situation, wherein the encryption key is not transmitted to the terminal in a second situation different from the first situation.

An image file creation method includes: an acquisition step of acquiring recording information including accessory information that is recordable in a first recording region of an image file or derived information that is derived from the accessory information; and a recording step of recording the recording information in a second recording region of the image file.

According to one embodiment, an image processing device includes storage means, encryption means, and output means. The storage means stores an encryption key in correlation with a built-in application during installation of the built-in application. The encryption means encrypts a debug log relating to the built-in application with the encryption key in correlation with the corresponding built-in application. The output means outputs the debug log encrypted by the encryption means.

In an example, a method includes, at least one processor, in response to each of a plurality of requests, determining a halftone screen. Determining the halftone screen comprises encoding a signature pattern in the halftone screen, and halftone screens for different requests may be encoded with a different signature pattern. The halftone screen may be arranged such that, when applied to image data to provide a printed output, the pattern is discernible therein to provide a signature for the printed output.

An image obtaining device includes a communication interface configured to communicate with a terminal and a controller in communication with the communication interface. The controller configured to: generate encrypted image data using an encryption key and image data received by the controller, transmit the encrypted image data to the terminal via the communication interface; and transmit the encryption key to the terminal via the communication interface in a first situation, wherein the encryption key is not transmitted to the terminal in a second situation different from the first situation.