JP4330692B2 - Image reading apparatus, image processing system, operation control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides, for example, an image reading apparatus, an image processing system, an operation control method, and an image control apparatus that output image information read from a paper medium, a microfilm, or the like to a connected device such as a printer or a personal computer. The present invention relates to a storage medium in which the processing steps are stored in a computer-readable manner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, by connecting a scanner as an image reading device to a printer or personal computer (personal computer), image information such as originals obtained by the scanner can be displayed on a screen or printed by a printer. A lot has been done out.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional image reading apparatus as described above generally operates in accordance with an instruction from a personal computer. That is, the conventional image reading apparatus is passive, and various settings for reading and outputting image information (such as specifying various scan areas and various settings for printing out) can be performed only from the personal computer side. Could not do.
For this reason, for example, a user sets a document with an image reading device, and then obtains desired image information by operating on a personal computer, prints it out, and reads and outputs the next document. Then, it is necessary to set the next original again with the image reading apparatus. As described above, conventionally, it has been necessary to perform operations for reading and outputting image information of a manuscript or the like while going back and forth between the installation location of the image reading apparatus and the installation location of the personal computer. This cannot be said to be efficient from the viewpoint of labor and work efficiency.
[0004]
  Therefore, the present invention has been made to eliminate the above drawbacks., ManipulationImprove productivityPlanFor the purpose.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In that purpose,Main departureAkira is an image reading apparatus that reads image information from a predetermined medium,A communication device that communicates with the printer to determine whether it is connected to the printer.Steps and abovePrinterOperation andRead by the image readerOperating means for instructingDetermine whether the printer is connectedOr aboveCommunicationContact by stepA determination means for determining whether or not a printout by a printer having a connection relationship is possible, and a determination result of the determination means;Based on the above,To the printerA function as a means for giving an operation instruction toOf the image reading apparatusIt is characterized by comprising switching means for switching between functions as means for issuing a reading operation instruction.
[0006]
  The present invention also relates to an image reading apparatus for reading image information from a predetermined medium, the communication means communicating with the printer to determine whether or not the printer is connected, the operation of the printer, and the image reading An operation means for giving an instruction to the reading operation of the apparatus; a determination means for determining that the printer can print out when there is a response from the printer by communication of the communication means; and a printout by the determination means And a means for switching the function of the operation section of the operation means for printer setting, and prints out image information read from a predetermined medium in accordance with the print setting at the operation section. The above-mentioned printer is made to perform.
The present invention may also be an image processing system, an operation control method, and a storage medium.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
The present invention is applied to, for example, an image reading apparatus 100 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 100 includes a scanner unit 110 that acquires image information on a document by scanning the set document with an image sensor 111, and a drive unit 120 of the scanner unit 110. An image processing unit 130 that performs image processing such as gradation conversion and image synthesis on the image information obtained by the scanner unit 110, and an image memory that stores image information after image processing by the image processing unit 130 140, a communication unit 150 for communicating with the host computer (personal computer) 200 and the printer 300 connectable to the main body of the image reading apparatus 100, and an operation unit (operation panel) for performing various settings for reading image information. 160 and a CPU 170 that controls the operation of the entire image reading apparatus 100.
[0019]
The image reading apparatus 100 as described above can operate based on an instruction from the host computer 200 or an instruction from the operation unit 160.
In particular, the operation unit 160 can be automatically switched between a function as a printer operation unit and a function as a scanner operation unit in accordance with the connection state or power state of the printer 300. . Such a configuration of the operation unit 160 is the most characteristic configuration of the present embodiment.
[0020]
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 160 includes a size designation unit 161 for designating a paper size or a scan area size, and a button 162 for selecting and determining the size in the size designation unit 161. Is provided.
[0021]
The size designation unit 161 is configured so that “A3”, “A4”, “A4-R”, “B4”, and “B5” can be selected by a button 162. For example, when “A3” is selected and determined by the button 162, the LED (“◯” portion) is turned on.
Therefore, here, the function of the size specifying unit 161 is based on the connection state or power state of the printer 300, and the function of specifying the standard size of the scanner area in the image reading apparatus 100 and the paper size to be printed out by the printer 300. With the specified function, it will switch automatically.
[0022]
In order to realize the above-described configuration of the operation unit 160, the CPU 170 detects the printer status detection that detects the connection state or the power ON / OFF state of the printer 300 via the communication unit 150, for example, as shown in FIG. And a function switching control unit 172 that performs control for switching the function of the operation unit 161 based on the detection result of the printer status detection unit 171.
Then, the CPU 170 executes a processing program according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, for example, according to a preset operation mode. As a result, the image reading apparatus 100 operates as follows.
[0023]
The “display unit 180” indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 and the part indicated by “163” in FIG. 2 will be described later.
Further, the setting of the operation mode here may be configured, for example, such that it can be set from a setting switch (not shown) in the operation unit 160, or configured so that it can be set from the host computer 200. May be.
[0024]
(1) Printer status setting processing: see FIG.
[0025]
First, the CPU 170 performs initialization processing for communication with the printer 300 by the communication unit 150 (step S401).
Then, the CPU 170 determines whether or not there is a response from the printer 300 via the communication unit 150 (step S402).
If there is no response from the printer 300 as a result of the determination in step S402, the CPU 170 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (whether or not a timeout has occurred) by an internal timer (not shown) (step S403). After a predetermined time elapses, it is determined again whether there is a response from the printer 300 (step S402).
[0026]
As a result of the determination in step S402, when there is a response from the printer 300, the CPU 170 communicates with the printer 300 via the communication unit 150 (step S404).
The CPU 170 determines whether or not a communication error has occurred as a result of the communication in step S404 (step S405).
If a communication error occurs as a result of the determination in step S405, the CPU 170 returns to step S401, performs initialization processing for communication with the printer 300 again, and repeatedly executes the subsequent processing steps.
[0027]
As a result of the determination in step S405, if no communication error has occurred, the CPU 170 determines whether or not the printer 300 can print out (step S406).
If the result of determination in step S406 is that printing is possible, the CPU 170 sets the printer status flag Pf to “Ready” indicating that the printer 300 is ready (step S407). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the printer 300 is connected to the main body of the image reading apparatus 100 and is communicable with each other, the printer status flag Pf is set to “Ready”.
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S406 is that printing is not possible, the CPU 170 sets the printer status flag Pf to “Not ready” indicating that the printer 300 is not ready (step S408). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the host computer 200 is connected to the main body of the image reading apparatus 100 and is not connected to the printer 300, the printer status flag Pf is set to “Not ready”. The
The printer status flag Pf set in steps S408 and S409 is referred to by a printer status detection unit 171 described later.
[0028]
(2) When the operation mode is set to the automatic switching mode: see FIG.
[0029]
First, the printer status detection unit 171 determines whether the printer 300 is currently in a ready state (Pf = Ready) by referring to the printer status flag Pf in the above-described printer status setting process (see FIG. 4). (Step S411).
[0030]
If the result of determination in step S411 is that the printer 300 is in the ready state, the function switching control unit 172 controls the operation unit 160 to function as a printer operation unit (step S412). That is, the function switching control unit 172 receives various instructions given from the operation unit 160 as operation instructions for the printer 300, and issues an operation instruction to the printer 300 so as to perform an operation according to the instructions. Thus, for example, when “A3” is selected and determined by the size designation unit 161 of the operation unit 160 (see FIG. 2 above), the printer 300 performs printout at the paper size A3.
[0031]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S411 is that the printer 300 is not ready, the function switching control unit 172 controls the operation unit 160 to function as a scanner operation unit (step S413). In other words, the function switching control unit 172 receives various instructions given from the operation unit 160 as operation instructions for the image reading apparatus 100, and performs operations in accordance with the instructions to each unit in the image processing apparatus 100. Instruct the operation. Accordingly, for example, when “A3” is selected and determined by the size designation unit 161 of the operation unit 160 (see FIG. 2 above), the scanner unit 110 performs a scanning operation with the scanner area size A3, and the size is determined. The image information at is captured.
[0032]
(3) When the operation mode is set to the manual switching mode-1: See FIG.
[0033]
First, the printer status detection unit 171 determines whether or not the setting for instructing the operation unit 160 to function as a printer operation unit is made (step S421).
The setting for specifying the function of the operation unit 160 at this time may be configured to be set from a setting switch (not shown) in the operation unit 160, or may be set from the host computer 200. You may comprise so that it is.
[0034]
If the result of determination in step S421 is that the printer 300 is in the ready state, the function switching control unit 172 performs control so that the operation unit 160 functions as an operation unit for the printer, similarly to step S412 described above (step S422). ).
[0035]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S421 is that the printer 300 is not ready, the function switching control unit 172 performs control so that the operation unit 160 functions as a scanner operation unit, as in step S413 described above (step S413). S423).
[0036]
(4) When the operation mode is set to the manual switching mode-2: See FIG.
[0037]
First, the printer status detection unit 171 determines whether or not the setting for instructing the operation unit 160 to function as the operation unit for the printer is made in the same manner as in step S421 described above (step S431). .
[0038]
If the result of determination in step S431 is that the printer 300 is in the ready state, the function switching control unit 172 performs control so that the operation unit 160 functions as an operation unit for the printer, similarly to step S422 described above (step S432). ).
The printer status detection unit 171 checks whether the function of the operation unit 160 has been switched (step S433). Only when there is a switch as a result of this check, the process returns to step S431, and the subsequent processing steps are executed. If there is no switching, the process returns to step S432, and the control processing step (step S432) for the operation unit 160 to function as a printer operation unit is executed as it is.
[0039]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S431 is that the printer 300 is not in the ready state, the function switching control unit 172 performs control so that the operation unit 160 functions as a scanner operation unit as in step S423 described above (step S423). S434).
The printer status detection unit 171 checks whether the function of the operation unit 160 has been switched (step S435). Only when there is a switch as a result of this check, the process returns to step S431, and the subsequent processing steps are executed. If there is no switching, a control processing step (step S434) for the operation unit 160 to function as a scanner operation unit is executed as it is.
[0040]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 160 is provided in the main body of the image reading apparatus 100, and the function of the operation unit 160 can be automatically switched according to the connection state or power state of the printer 300. Therefore, various operations for reading image information and operations for printing out by the printer 300 can be performed by the operation unit 160 of the image reading apparatus 100 main body. That is, one operation unit 160 has a function as an operation unit of the apparatus 100 and a function as an operation unit of the printer 300, and these functions are connected to the connection state (or power ON) of the printer 300. The device configuration can be simplified, and various operations for reading and outputting image information are all performed at the place where the image reading device 100 is installed. be able to.
Further, when the printer 300 is in the ready state, even if the operation unit 160 is automatically switched so as to function as a printer operation unit by the automatic switching mode, the operation mode is manually set as necessary. By switching to the switching mode, the operation unit 160 can function as an operation unit for the scanner.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, operations for various processes can be performed only at the place where the image reading apparatus is installed without going back and forth between the image reading apparatus and the personal computer as in the prior art. For this reason, the user can efficiently perform image reading and output operations without spending unnecessary labor.
[0041]
In the first embodiment described above, for example, a display unit 180 that displays image information obtained by the scanner unit 110 may be further provided as shown by the dotted line in FIG. As a result, the image information read by the scanner unit 110 can be confirmed at the place where the image reading apparatus 100 is installed, and the selection of the scan area size is determined by the operation unit 160 while performing the confirmation. Can do.
Further, for example, a trimming key that can be designated as an arbitrary size as a scan area size may be provided as indicated by “163” in FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to designate a scan area with an arbitrary size instead of a standard size such as “A3” or “A4”, and print it out.
[0042]
(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the first embodiment described above is applied to, for example, a microfilm scanner 600 as shown in FIG. 9 that reads and outputs image information of a microfilm.
In the microfilm scanner 600 of FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to portions that function in the same manner as the image reading apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
First, as shown in FIG. 9, the microfilm scanner 600 includes a display unit 180 having a screen (reader screen) 181, an operation unit 160, and a roll film carrier 610. The host computer 200 and the printer 300 as shown in FIG.
[0044]
The internal configuration of the microfilm scanner 600 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 (the configuration in which the display unit 180 is further added). With this configuration, as described above, the operation mounted on the main body is performed. The function of the unit 160 can be automatically switched between a function as an operation unit for a printer and a function as an operation unit for a scanner in accordance with the connection state (or power state) of a printer that can be connected to the main body. It is made like that.
[0045]
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the operation unit 160 includes a size designation unit 161 and a button 162 described above, a scan region designation unit 165 for designating a method for designating a scan region, and a scan region in the scan region designation unit 165. And a button 166 for selecting and determining the designation method.
The scan area designating unit 165 can select a scan area designating method of “area”, “auto size”, and “with auto size frame” with a button 162. For example, when “area” is selected and determined by the button 166, the LED (“◯” portion) is turned on.
[0046]
An image on the film is projected on the screen 181 of the display unit 180 by the following configuration.
[0047]
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, first, a desired image frame portion of the roll microfilm F (hereinafter referred to as “target image frame portion”) is a projection position by the automatic image frame search function of the film carrier 610. Located in the projection glass part A. As the roll microfilm F here, films as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C can be used.
The target image frame portion positioned in the projection glass portion A is illuminated from the lower surface side by an illumination system including a light source lamp 14, a spherical mirror 14a, a condenser lens 15 and the like provided below the projection glass portion A. .
Illumination light transmitted through the target image frame portion has a predetermined magnification with respect to the back surface of the reader screen (light diffusing plate) 181 by the reader optical system including the projection lens 16, the prism lens 18, and the fixed mirrors 41 to 44. Is enlarged and projected.
Therefore, the image (micro image) of the target image frame portion can be viewed from the front side of the reader screen 181 as an enlarged image.
[0048]
On the other hand, an image sensor 48 is disposed on the scanner unit 110, and the scanner unit 110 is attached to the belt 82. The belt 82 moves in the ef direction according to the driving of the motor 81. When the target image frame portion is projected onto the reader screen 181 (reader mode) as described above, the scanner unit 110 is held by the belt 82 and the motor 81 at a position retracted from the optical path to the reader screen 181 described above. It is made to be done.
In the operation mode (scan mode) for scanning the micro image magnified and projected on the reader screen 181, the motor 81 is driven by the scan instruction from the operation unit 160 or the like, and the belt 82 connected to the motor 81 is e. Move in the -f direction. Accordingly, the scanner unit 110 is moved in the ef direction entering the optical path, and the image light is scanned.
[0049]
In the microfilm scanner 600 as described above, when the processes of FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8 are executed by the configuration shown in FIG. 3, first, when the printer is in the ready state, the operation unit 160 This functions as an operation unit for the printer. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the size designation unit 161 and the button 162 function as an operation unit for designating the paper size (paper feed size) to be printed out.
When the printer is not ready, the operation unit 160 functions as a scanner operation unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the size designation unit 161 and the button 162 together with the scan region designation unit 165 and the button 166 function as an operation unit for designating the scan region.
[0050]
As described above, in this embodiment, the configuration of the first embodiment described above is applied to the microfilm scanner 600 having the reader screen 181 to read and output image information. Various settings can be made at the place where the microfilm scanner 600 is installed. As a result, as in the first embodiment described above, various operations for scanning, outputting, and the like can be performed on the microfilm scanner 600 while confirming the micro image of each image frame portion on the reader screen 181. This can be done at the installation location. In particular, with microfilm, there are many operations such as reading each image frame while changing the film. At this time, it is not necessary to go back and forth between the personal computer and the film scanner each time the film is changed. Since various operations such as film exchange, image confirmation on the film, image reading, and output can all be performed at the place, further operability can be improved.
[0051]
In the second embodiment described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, a projection position designating unit 167 for designating a reference position for projecting an image frame portion onto the display unit 180 (reader screen 181). A button 168 for selecting and determining the projection reference position in the projection position designating unit 167, and a film designating unit for designating whether the target film is a negative film or a positive film as shown in FIG. 169 and a button 170 for selecting and determining the film type in the film designating unit 169 may be provided on the operation unit 160.
Specifically, the projection position designating unit 167 can select the projection reference positions of “center”, “left reference”, and “continuous shooting” with a button 168. In addition, the film designating unit 169 can select “Positive”, “Negative”, and “Auto” films by the button 170.
Thereby, for example, when the operation unit 160 functions as an operation unit for the scanner because the printer is not ready, as shown in FIG. 17, “negative film” is selected as the film, and “left” is selected as the projection reference position. When “standard” is selected and standard “A4” is selected as the scan area size, as shown in FIG. 18A, each image frame on the film is projected onto the reader screen 181 in A4 size with the left reference. . As shown in FIG. 19, when “positive film” is selected as the film, “center” is selected as the projection reference position, and the standard “A3” is selected as the scan area size, the above-described FIG. ), Each image frame of the film is projected onto the reader screen 181 in A3 size with respect to the center (center). Further, when “continuous shooting” is selected as the projection reference position, each image frame of the film is continuously shot and projected onto the reader screen 181 as shown in FIG. Furthermore, when “negative film” is selected as the film, the apparatus automatically determines the film type and performs projection according to the result.
[0052]
  Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the host and terminal of each of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium.
  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes each invention.
  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, a ROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like is used. it can. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the respective embodiments are realized, but also the OS or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the respective embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the above and the processing thereof is included.
  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory provided in the extension function board inserted in the computer or the function extension unit connected to the computer, the function extension is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the respective embodiments are realized by the processing.
  As described above, in the above-described embodiment, an operation unit is provided in the apparatus main body, and the function of the operation unit depends on the connection state of the connected device (printer or the like) or the state of the connected device (the power is turned on and the device is operable). The function as the operation unit of the connected device and the function as the operation unit of the present apparatus are automatically switched based on the status of whether or not the device is in the device. Thereby, the apparatus configuration can be simplified, and operations for various processes can be performed only at the place where the image reading apparatus is installed without going back and forth between the image reading apparatus and the personal computer as in the past. Therefore, the user can efficiently perform operations for image reading, print output, and the like without spending unnecessary labor.
If the image information is configured to be displayed on the screen, various instructions can be given from the operating means while confirming the image information.
Furthermore, for example, by projecting an image of each image frame portion of the microfilm onto a screen, and scanning the projected image to read the image information, the operation means is provided, In particular, with microfilm, there are many operations such as reading each image frame portion while changing the film. At this time, it is not necessary to go back and forth between the personal computer and the film scanner every time the film is changed. At the installation location, various operations such as film exchange, confirmation of an image on the film, image reading and output can be performed.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above,According to Ming, operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading apparatus to which the present invention is applied in a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an operation unit provided in the image reading apparatus main body.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the most characteristic configuration of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation (setting a printer status) of the image reading apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between the setting of the printer status and a connection state of the printer.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image reading apparatus (automatic switching of operation unit functions).
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image reading apparatus (manual switching 1 of the operation unit function).
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image reading apparatus (manual switching 2 of operation unit functions).
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a microfilm scanner to which the present invention is applied in a second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation unit provided in the microfilm scanner main body.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining operations in the reader mode and the scan mode in the microfilm scanner.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of a film used in the microfilm scanner.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where the operation unit functions as an operation unit for a printer.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a case where the operation unit functions as an operation unit for a scanner.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of another configuration of the operation unit.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining designation of a film type in the operation unit.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a state (example 1) of an image projected on a screen as a result of designation of the operation unit.
FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining designation of a projection reference position of an image on the screen in the operation unit.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a state (example 2) of an image projected on a screen as a result of designation of the operation unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Image reading apparatus
110 Scanner unit
111 Image scanner
120 Drive unit
130 Image processing unit
140 Image memory
150 Communication Department
160 Operation unit
170 CPU
171 Printer status detection unit
172 Function switching control unit
180 display unit
200 Host computer
300 printer

Claims (10)

An image reading apparatus for reading image information from a predetermined medium,
A communication means to communicate with the printer to determine whether a printer and a connection relationship,
Operation of the upper Symbol printer, and operation means for performing an instruction for reading preparative operation及beauty the image reading apparatus,
And discriminating means for the upper Symbol printer determines whether it is possible to print out by the printer in the connection whether to determine a relationship or connection relationship by upper Symbol a communication vehicle,
Based on the discrimination result of the discriminating means, functions as a means for performing the function of the operation means, and functions as a means for performing the operation instruction against the upper Symbol printer, a read operation instruction of the image reading apparatus Switching means for switching between and. Operation instruction against the above printer comprises a sheet size indication of the printout, the read operation instruction, the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a size indication of the image reading area. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying the image information on a screen. An image processing system in which a plurality of devices are communicably connected,
  4. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices has the function of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1. Communication means for communicating with the printer to determine whether it is connected to the printer;
  An operation control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: the operation of the printer; and an operation unit for giving an instruction to a reading operation for reading image information from a predetermined medium,
  A determination step of determining whether or not the printer is in a connection relationship, or whether or not a printout by a printer in a connection relationship is possible;
  A switching step for switching a function of the operation unit between a function for instructing an operation to the printer and a function for instructing a reading operation of the image reading device based on the determination result of the determining step;
  And a control step for performing operation control based on an operation state of the operation unit whose function is switched by the switching step. The operation instruction for the printer includes a printout paper size instruction,
  6. The operation control method according to claim 5, wherein the reading operation instruction includes an image reading area size instruction. Operation control method according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a display step of screen displayed by the display unit of the image information. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute the processing steps of the operation control method according to claim 5. An image reading apparatus for reading image information from a predetermined medium,
  Communication means for communicating with the printer to determine whether it is connected to the printer;
  Operation means for giving instructions to the operation of the printer and the reading operation of the image reading device;
  When there is a response from the printer by communication of the communication means, a determination means for determining that the printer can print out;
  Means for switching the function of the operation unit of the operation means for printer setting when it is determined by the determination means that the printout is possible,
  An image reading apparatus that causes the printer to print out image information read from a predetermined medium in accordance with print settings in the operation unit. Communication means for communicating with the printer to determine whether it is connected to the printer;
  An operation control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: an operation unit for giving an instruction to the operation of the printer and the reading operation of the image reading apparatus,
  When there is a response from the printer by communication of the communication means, a determination step for determining that the printer can print out;
  A step of switching the function of the operation unit of the operation means for printer setting when it is determined that the printout is possible in the determination step,
  An operation control method for causing the printer to print out image information read from a predetermined medium in accordance with print settings in the operation unit.

Images