An image processing device inputs shading correction data, which can
identify the image processing device itself, to a first hash function and
generates comparison data. The image processing device inputs the shading
correction data to a second hash function, and generates tracing
identification data. The image processing device generates a tracing
pattern from the tracing identification data, and adds the tracing
pattern to output image data. The image processing device verifies the
comparison data with standard data, which has been generated by inputting
the shading correction data in a first function and previously stored in
a storage device. When the comparison data matches the standard data, the
image processing device permits to print out the output image data to
which the tracing pattern has been added.