JP2001028661A - Image reader, control method for image reader, and storage medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To build up an inexpensive mass original consecutive read environment that is capable of recovery processing without the need for a page memory with one page capacity by reading again an original in which an error takes place even on the occurrence of an original read error due to deficiency of an idle capacity of the memory. SOLUTION: An original read unit 2010 reads image information from originals sequentially fed by an original control unit 2001, stores the read image information to a code data storage memory and a CPU 2025 controls switching of a feeding method by the original control unit 2001 of an original having provision for a scrol reading into a feeding method having provision for reading by optical scanning based on an idle capacity of a code data storage memory monitored by the CPU 2025.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an original feeding section capable of stacking a plurality of originals and sequentially feeding the originals separately;
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus having a reading section for reading image information from a document fed by the document feeding section, a control method of the image reading apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional image reading apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus includes a document control unit 2001 and a document reading unit 20.
10 and a control unit 2020.

A document control unit 2001 can load a plurality of documents on a document feeder (not shown), and sequentially feeds the documents one by one from a bundle of documents 2002 placed on the document feeder. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a document that is being fed by the document control unit and that is being scanned, and moves in the direction of arrow B in the figure.

In the original reading unit 2010,
Reference numeral 2011 denotes an original reading glass (hereinafter referred to as an original platen glass (platen glass)), and reference numeral 2012 denotes a white plate which is used for correcting the optical reading sensor unit 2016 and which is also used as a platen for pressing the original on the original platen glass 2011 is there.

Reference numeral 2015 denotes a lamp unit which illuminates the lamp and illuminates the entire surface of the original on the original platen glass 2011 while operating in the horizontal direction of the drawing as indicated by an arrow A shown below. 2013 and 2014 are optical mirrors for guiding reflected light from the original to the optical reading sensor unit 2016.

[0007] The optical reading sensor unit 2016 comprises:
The reflected light from the document is photoelectrically converted and an electric signal is output.

Reference numeral 2017 denotes an operation panel which includes a display unit for displaying an operation status, a message, and the like, a setting key for performing various settings such as a magnification setting, a start key for instructing a start of a reading operation, and the like.

In the control unit 2020, 2021
Denotes an image processing unit, and an optical reading sensor unit 2016
Converts the photoelectrically converted electric signal into a digital image, and performs image processing set by various operation units. 2022
Is a page memory for temporarily storing an image signal from the image processing unit 2021. An encoding unit 2023 encodes and compresses the image data read from the page memory 2022,
For example, JBIG compression (Joint Bi-level)
Image Coding Experts Grou
p). Reference numeral 2024 denotes a code data storage memory that stores data encoded by the encoding unit 2023. In addition,
The encoding compression by the encoding unit 2023 is not limited to JBIG compression.

Reference numeral 2025 denotes a CPU, which is a one-chip CPU including a ROM and a RAM, and controls a series of operations of an image reading apparatus such as document feeding and document reading based on a program stored in the ROM or a storage medium (not shown). And
It controls the whole image reading device.

Reference numeral 2026 denotes a control unit which sets a timing of a series of operations of the image reading apparatus such as document feeding and document reading. Reference numeral 2027 denotes an interface unit which can be connected to various external devices such as a printer and a computer, and a network such as an Ethernet.

Hereinafter, an image reading operation in a conventional image reading apparatus will be described.

First, the operator operates the document control unit 20.
The document bundle 2002 is set on a document feeder (not shown) of the document No. 01 and the operation panel 2017 or the interface unit 20.
When an instruction to read a document is issued from an external device (not shown) through the CPU 27, the CPU 2025 controls
1 and the document reading unit 2020 are notified of the operation start.

The document reading unit 2010 causes the lamp unit 2015 to emit light, moves to the position of the white plate 2012, reads the white plate with the optical reading sensor 2016, corrects the sensor, and then moves to a predetermined position inside the platen glass. I do.

An original control unit 2001 sequentially moves an original on an original platen glass 2011, and controls the lamp unit 2.
015, the image on the original 2003 changes the light emitted from the lamp 2015 to the optical mirror 2.
01, 2014, and the optical sensor 201
Send to 6.

The optical sensor 2016 converts the input optical data into an electric signal, inputs the electric signal to an image processing unit 2021 via a path (not shown), and writes the image data to the page memory 2022 while performing predetermined image processing.

The controller 2026 detects that data has entered the page memory, and notifies the encoder 2023 of the data, so that the encoder reads out the image data from the page memory 2022 and stores the encoded data while encoding. Write to memory 2024.

At this time, the control unit 2026 controls the encoding unit 2
Reference numeral 023 is controlled so as not to overtake the data area written by the image processing unit 2021 when reading data from the page memory 2022.

Then, the original 2003 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A in the figure, passes over the ramp unit 2015, and the reading of one sheet is completed, and the encoded data of the read original is stored in the code data storage memory 2024. When all the lamps are stored in the white plate 2012,
Then, the optical sensor is corrected and the second document is read.

Hereinafter, when an error recovery processing operation in the conventional image reading apparatus, that is, when an arbitrary page is read, a result obtained by coding the page memory 2022 by the coding unit 2023 is based on an empty area of the code data storage memory 2024. The operation when the data becomes large and the encoded data cannot be stored in the code data storage memory 2024 will be described.

Until now, processing such as sending the read data to an external device (not shown) from the interface unit 2027 has been performed to secure the free space in the code data storage memory 2024, and the processing after the error page has been continued. For the page where the error has occurred, the original passes through the reading unit 2010 due to the structure of the flow reading, and moves to the original stock section (not shown).

Instead, the image data left in the page memory 2022 is encoded again by the encoding unit 2023 and sent to the encoded data storage memory 2024 to perform error processing without losing the information of the page where the error occurred. .

[0023]

However, in the above-described conventional image reading apparatus, when an error occurs such that an encoded image is too large to be stored in a memory, the error occurs.
Since the document may pass through the DF, it is necessary to have at least one page of memory (corresponding to the page memory 2022 shown in FIG. 5) capable of storing the read image as an image. There was a problem of becoming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the first to eighth inventions according to the present invention to reduce the number of documents which are sequentially fed by a document feeding unit. The reading unit reads the image information, stores the read image information in the storage memory, and supports the document feeding method by the document feeding unit based on the free space of the storage memory monitored by the monitoring unit. By switching from the feeding method of (1) to the feeding method compatible with optical scan reading, even if a document reading error occurs due to insufficient memory space, it is possible to reread the document with the error.
An image reading apparatus capable of constructing an inexpensive mass document continuous reading environment capable of performing recovery processing without requiring a page memory for one page, a method of controlling the image reading apparatus, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. To provide.

[0025]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of originals can be stacked, and the originals can be stacked in a plurality of different feeding methods (a feeding method corresponding to flowing reading, an optical scanning reading). Document feeding means (document control unit 2 shown in FIG.
001), reading means (document reading unit 2010 shown in FIG. 1) for reading image information from a document fed by the document feeding means, and accumulating means (accumulating the image information read by the reading means). Code data storage memory 2024 shown in FIG. 1 and monitoring means (CPU 2025 shown in FIG. 1) for monitoring the free space of the storage means.
Performs a monitoring process based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown)) and a method for feeding a document by the document feeding unit based on the free space of the storage unit monitored by the monitoring unit. Control means for performing switching control (the CPU 2025 shown in FIG. 1 performs switching processing based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown)).

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of different feeding methods are a first feeding method (a feeding method corresponding to a flow reading) in which the plurality of different feeding methods pass over the original reading table at a constant speed.
And a second feeding method (a feeding method corresponding to optical scan reading) for stopping the document on the document reading table.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the control unit, the monitoring unit detects that the free space of the storage unit is smaller than a predetermined size (from the original size to the maximum encoded data size). In this case, control is performed so that the original is fed by the second feeding method.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined size (maximum encoded data size) is calculated based on a document size.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the control means is arranged so that the storage means overflows with image information read by the reading means from a document fed by the second feeding method. Is detected, the original fed by the second feeding method and stopped on the original reading table is controlled to be read again.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an output unit (the interface unit 2027 shown in FIG. 1) for outputting the image information stored in the storage unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an original feeding section capable of stacking a plurality of originals and sequentially separating and feeding the originals by a plurality of different feeding methods; In a control method for an image reading apparatus having a reading unit for reading image information from a fed document and storing the image information in a storage memory, a monitoring step of monitoring the free space of the storage memory (step S103 in FIG. 3); A switching step (step S105 in FIG. 3) for switching the document feeding method by the document feeding unit based on the free space of the storage memory to be performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an original feeding unit capable of stacking a plurality of originals and sequentially separating and feeding the originals by a plurality of different feeding methods; A monitoring step of monitoring a free space of the storage memory in a storage medium storing a computer-readable program that controls an image reading apparatus having a reading unit that reads image information from a fed document and stores the image information in a storage memory A computer having (Step S103 in FIG. 3) and a switching step (Step S105 in FIG. 3) for switching a document feeding method by the document feeding unit based on the monitored free space of the storage memory. A readable program is stored in a storage medium.

[0033]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, the same elements as those in FIG. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 1022 denotes a buffer memory for temporarily storing an image signal from the image processing unit 2021.

Here, the buffer memory 1022 stores the image data for which real-time processing is required
3 and a code data storage memory 2024, which are prepared for connection to a device, and usually have a memory capacity of only about several lines. The read side follows the written data, and the read area is used for writing again. It is assumed that ring processing such as use is performed. Of course, it is not necessary that the encoding unit 2023 and subsequent units can guarantee real-time processing of the image signal.

The CPU 2025 operates in a state where a document is placed on the document feeder (a sensor 705 shown in FIG. 2 described later).
When the start of the reading operation is instructed in step (d), reading by the flow reading method is started, and the platen glass 201 is read.
When an instruction to start a reading operation is given in a state where a document is placed on the document 1 (detected by a sensor (not shown)), control is performed so that reading by the optical scan reading method is automatically started.

The moving reading method is to sequentially feed the originals from a bundle of originals placed on the original platen,
The optical scanning reading method is to scan the entire surface of the original placed on the original platen glass 2011 by moving the lamp unit 2015 and scanning the original from the original. It reads image information.

FIG. 2 shows the original control unit 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of 001, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 701 denotes a pickup roller which separates and feeds originals one by one from an original bundle 2002 placed on an original feeding table 706. Reference numeral 702 denotes a registration roller which conveys a document fed by the pickup roller 701 on a platen glass 2011 and a lamp unit 20.
15 (shown by 707 in the figure). 704
Denotes a paper discharge tray on which the documents 709 conveyed and conveyed are stacked. A sensor 705 detects the presence or absence of a document on the document feeding table 706 and the size of the document. Reference numeral 708 denotes a document reading position by optical scanning.

Feeding Method in Flow Reading Method (Flow Reading Mode) (First Feeding Method (First Feeding Mode))
Is to start the feeding operation by dropping the pickup roller 701 on the original surface, and to move (pass) the original at a constant speed with respect to the lamp unit 2015 and the original table glass 2011 by the registration roller 702, and read the original. The unit 2010 reads a document by exposing the document moving at a constant speed with respect to the lamp unit 2015 by the lamp unit 2015.

When the reading of the first document has been completed, the second document is fed and is kept on standby by the registration rollers 702. At that time, the sensor 705 detects whether or not there is a next original, and the next original presence / absence information is sent to the CPU 705.
Notify 2025. Thereafter, when there is a feed instruction, the feeding of the second document is started. Thereafter, document feeding and reading are sequentially performed.

In the feeding method (second feeding method (second feeding mode)) in the optical scanning reading method (optical scanning mode), the feeding operation is started by dropping the pickup roller 701 on the document surface. The document is stopped at a predetermined position (document reading position 708 in the drawing) on the platen glass 2011 by the registration roller 702. The document reading unit 2010 moves the lamp unit 2015 at a constant speed, and An original is read by exposing and scanning the original stopped on the base glass 2011. Even if the reading of the first document is completed, the first document remains on the platen glass 20 until the second document is fed.
11 remains stopped.

Hereinafter, an image reading operation in the image reading apparatus of the present invention will be described.

First, the operator operates the document control unit 20.
When a document bundle 2002 is set on a document feeder table 706 (not shown), and an instruction to read a document is issued from an external device (not shown) via the operation panel 2017 or the interface unit 2027, the CPU 2025 sets the document control unit 2
001 and the document reading unit 2020 are notified of the start of the operation.

The original reading unit 2010 makes the lamp unit 2015 emit light, moves to the position of the white plate 2012, reads the white plate with the optical reading sensor 2016, corrects the sensor, and then corrects the original platen glass 201.
1 moves to a predetermined position inside.

The original control unit 2001 sequentially moves the original on the original platen glass 2011,
015 (first feeding method). Manuscript 20
The image on 03 is reflected by the optical mirrors 2013 and 2014 on the light emitted from the lamp 2015 and sent to the optical sensor 2016 (flow reading method).

The optical sensor 2016 converts the input optical data into an electrical signal, inputs the electrical signal to the image processing unit 2021 via a path (not shown), and writes the image data into the buffer memory 1022 while performing predetermined image processing.

The control unit 2026 controls the buffer memory 102
By detecting that the data has entered in 2, and notifying the encoding unit 2023, the encoding unit 2023 reads out the image data from the buffer memory 1022, encodes the image data, and writes the encoded image data into the encoded data storage memory 2024.

Then, the original 2003 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B in the figure, passes over the ramp unit 2015 and the reading of one sheet is completed, and the encoded data of the read original is stored in the encoded data storage memory. When all of the lamp units 2015 are stored in the white plate 201,
2, the optical sensor is corrected, and the second document is read.

Hereinafter, the error recovery processing operation of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, that is, the result of encoding the buffer memory 1022 by the encoding unit 2023 at the time of reading an arbitrary page will be described as an empty area of the code data storage memory 2024. A description will be given of the return operation when the data becomes larger and the encoded data cannot be stored.

According to the present invention, by monitoring the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 by the CPU 2015, before starting to read an arbitrary page, the maximum encoded data size (JBIG
If the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 becomes smaller than this size, it is detected that an error may occur at the time of reading the next document. The operation is switched from the operation in the drift reading mode to the operation in the optical scan reading mode.

That is, when the CPU 2025 detects that the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 has become smaller than the maximum coded data size of the next page, the next document is placed at a predetermined position in the flow reading. If the document has been forwarded (the position indicated by reference numeral 707 in FIG. 2) and if the document is continuously fed, the flow reading is to be performed. However, the flow reading is not performed and a predetermined position on the platen 2011 (reference numeral 708 in FIG. 2) is used. At the indicated position) (second feeding method). Note that the maximum encoded data size is determined by reading the page from the document size of the page and encoding
3 is the maximum data size in the case of encoding, and the original size is detected by the sensor 705 shown in FIG.

Next, the original image is read by moving the lamp unit 2015, that is, reading is performed in the optical scan reading mode (optical scan reading method).

If an error occurs in the reading operation by the optical scan reading method, that is, the data read by the optical scan reading method is stored in the code data storage memory 20.
Even if it overflows from 24, the error document is
Since it is on the platen glass 2011 (document reading position indicated by 708 in FIG. 2), the reading operation by the optical scan reading method can be performed again to perform error recovery.

The error recovery operation will be specifically described with an example. For example, when the fifth page of the original is read, the fact that the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 has become smaller than one image size is determined by the CPU 2025.
Is detected, when reading the next sixth page, reading is performed by the optical scan reading method instead of the flow reading.

Then, the sixth page is read, and if there is no error, the reading of the seventh page is similarly started by the optical scan reading method.

If a memory over error occurs when reading the seventh page, the data read so far (data stored in the code data storage memory 2024)
For example, is sent from the interface unit 2027 to an external device (not shown), and the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 is secured in order to continue processing after the page where the error has occurred.

Here, the original of the seventh page where the error has occurred is still present on the original platen glass 2011. Therefore, by scanning the optical system again, the original can be read again. Error processing can be performed without losing information on the page where the error occurred.

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
An image reading processing operation in the image reading apparatus of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an image reading processing procedure in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, and is executed by the CPU 2025 shown in FIG. 1 based on a program stored in a ROM or a storage medium (not shown). Note that S101 to S107 indicate each step.

When a document reading operation is started, the presence or absence of a document is determined by detecting the presence or absence of a document on the document feeder 706 by the sensor 705 shown in FIG. 2 (S101). If it is determined that there is no document on the feeder 706, the process ends.

On the other hand, in step S101, the document feeder 7
If it is determined that there is a document on the sheet 06, the document reading unit 2010 causes the lamp unit 2015 to emit light, moves to the position of the white plate 2012, and reads the white plate 2012 with the optical reading sensor 2016, thereby correcting (adjusting) the sensor. ) Is performed (S102).

Next, the CPU 2015 monitors the free space of the code data storage memory 2024, and calculates the maximum coded data size (J
Then, it is determined whether the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 can store data of the calculated size (S).
103).

If it is determined in step S103 that the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 can store data of the calculated size, the document reading unit 2010 sets the lamp unit 2015 to a predetermined position inside the document glass. The document control unit 2001
Scans the original by sequentially moving the original on the original platen glass 2011 and passing over the ramp unit 2015 (first feeding method) (flow reading method), and converts the encoded data into code data. Storage memory 202
4 is written (S104), and the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 cannot store the data of the calculated size, the method is switched from the flow reading method to the optical scan reading method, and the document control is performed. The unit 2001 stops the document at a predetermined position on the platen 2011 (the position indicated by 2003 in FIG. 2) (second feeding method), and reads the document image by moving the lamp unit 2015 (optical). Scan reading method), the encoded data is stored in a code data storage memory 202.
4 is written (S105).

Next, it is determined whether or not a memory error has occurred (the code data storage memory 2024 has overflowed). If it is determined that no memory error has occurred, the process returns to step S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that a memory error has occurred, the data read so far (data stored in the code data storage memory 2024) is transferred from the interface unit 2027 to an external device (not shown). After securing a predetermined free space, the error-generated document remaining on the platen glass 2011 (stopped) is read again by the optical scan reading method, and the encoded data is written to the code data storage memory 2024 ( (S105), the process returns to step S101.

With the above processing, the free space of the code data storage memory is monitored, and when the free space is reduced, the document feeding method is switched from the first feeding method to the second feeding method. By switching from scanning reading to optical scanning reading, when an error occurs, it is possible to reread the page in which an error has occurred, and to provide an inexpensive image reading apparatus that does not require a page memory for one page.

As described above, the document control unit 20 capable of stacking a plurality of documents and sequentially feeding the documents to the reading unit.
01, a lamp unit 2015 for reading an original sent from the original control unit 2001, and a mirror 20
13,2014, a document reading unit 2010 having an optical reading unit such as an optical reading sensor 2016, and a coding unit 2023 for coding, compressing, and accumulating the image of the document read by the document reading unit 2010.
And a control unit 2020 having a code data storage memory 2024, the CPU 2025 monitors the free space of the code data storage memory 2024, and based on the monitoring result, (the free space of the code data storage memory 2024 is reduced. Case), document reading unit 20
By switching the method of feeding a document to the optical reading unit inside (first feeding method, second feeding method),
Switch from the scanning method to the optical scanning method,
Even when an error occurs, it is possible to reread the page where the error has occurred.

Note that the image information stored in the code data storage memory 2024 in the above embodiment can be output to an external device such as a printer, a computer, or a hard disk via the interface unit 2027. When the image reading apparatus of the present invention is used as a reading section of a copying apparatus, the image can be output to a printer section of the copying apparatus. At this time, the image information compressed and stored in the code data storage memory 2024 may be expanded (expanded) and output, or may be output as it is.

The printer described above may be of an electrophotographic type, an ink jet type, a sublimation type, or another type.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by the image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs which can be read by the image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, a creator, etc. are also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, for example, a program is stored in the storage medium. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data dependent on various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, if the programs and data to be installed are compressed,
A program for decompressing may also be stored.

The functions shown in FIG. 3 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is provided.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0084]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the reading means is capable of stacking a plurality of originals and reading the originals from the originals fed by the original feeding means capable of separating and feeding the originals onto the original reading table sequentially by a plurality of different feeding methods. The image information is read, the image information read by the reading means is stored in the storage means, and the control means feeds the document by the document feeding means based on the free space of the storage means monitored by the monitoring means. Since the switching of the method is controlled, even if a document reading error occurs due to insufficient memory space, it is possible to prevent the document in which the error has occurred from passing through the reading unit and to reread the error document.

According to the second invention, the plurality of different feeding methods include a first feeding method for passing the document at a constant speed on the document reading table and a second feeding method for stopping the document on the document reading table. 2 feed method, even if a document reading error occurs due to insufficient memory free space,
The reading unit can stop the document where the error occurred.
The error original can be read again.

According to the third invention, when the monitoring means detects that the free space of the storage means is smaller than a predetermined size, the control means deletes the original by the second feeding method. Since the document is controlled to be fed, even if a document reading error occurs due to lack of free space in the memory, it is possible to cause the reading unit to stop the document in which the error has occurred, and it is possible to read the error document again.

According to the fourth aspect, since the predetermined size is calculated based on the document size, the timing of switching the document feeding method can be accurately detected, and the predetermined size is determined by the shortage of free space in the memory. The occurrence of a document reading error can be suppressed.

According to the fifth aspect, the control means detects that the storage means overflows, based on image information read from the document fed by the second feeding method by the reading means. In this case, control is performed so as to read again the document that has been fed by the second feeding method and stopped on the document reading table. Therefore, even if a document reading error occurs due to insufficient memory space, The recovery process by rereading the error document is automatically executed, and the document can be reliably read without missing one sheet.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the output means for outputting the image information stored in the storage means is provided. Therefore, even if a document reading error occurs due to a shortage of free space in the memory, the free space in the memory is insufficient. Thus, even if an original reading error occurs, the recovery process by re-reading the erroneous original can be automatically executed, and the read original image can be output without missing one sheet.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the invention, a document feeding section capable of stacking a plurality of documents and sequentially separating and feeding the documents by a plurality of different feeding methods; A method for controlling an image reading apparatus having a reading section for reading image information from a document fed by a feeding section and storing the image information in a storage memory, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. Since the method of feeding the original by the original feeding unit is switched based on the monitored and available storage space of the storage memory, an error occurs in which the read original image cannot be stored due to insufficient memory free space. However, it is possible to prevent the error-originated document from passing through the reading unit, and to enable re-reading of the error-originated document.

Therefore, even when an original reading error occurs due to a lack of free space in the memory, it is possible to reread the original in which the error has occurred, and to perform inexpensive continuous reading of a large number of originals which can perform recovery processing without requiring page memory for one page. It has effects such as the ability to build an environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a document control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image reading processing procedure in the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by the image reading device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional image reading apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2001 Document control unit 2010 Document reading unit 2020 Control unit 2021 Image processing unit 2022 Buffer memory 2023 Encoding unit 2024 Code data storage memory 2025 CPU 2026 Control unit 2027 Interface unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] An original feeding means capable of stacking a plurality of originals and separating and feeding the originals onto an original reading table sequentially by a plurality of different feeding methods; Reading means for reading image information from a document to be read, storage means for storing the image information read by the reading means, monitoring means for monitoring the free space of the storage means, and storage means monitored by the monitoring means Control means for switching and controlling the method of feeding a document by the document feeding means based on the free space of the document. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of different feeding methods include: a first feeding method for passing the document at a constant speed over the document reading table; and a second feeding method for stopping the document on the document reading table. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The control unit controls the document to be fed by the second feeding method when the monitoring unit detects that the free space of the storage unit is smaller than a predetermined size. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined size is calculated based on a document size. 5. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the controller detects the overflow of the accumulating unit based on image information read from the document fed by the second feeding method. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein control is performed such that a document fed by the feeding method of (2) and stopped on the document reading table is read again. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit for outputting image information stored in said storage unit.
The image reading device according to any one of the above. 7. An original feeder capable of stacking a plurality of originals and sequentially separating and feeding the originals by a plurality of different feeding methods, and image information from the original fed by the original feeder. A monitoring unit for monitoring the free space of the storage memory, and the document feeder based on the monitored free space of the storage memory. A switching step of switching a method of feeding a document by a feeding unit. 8. An original feeder capable of stacking a plurality of originals and capable of sequentially separating and feeding the originals by a plurality of different feeding methods, and image information from the original fed by the original feeder. A storage unit that stores a computer-readable program that controls an image reading apparatus that has an image reading unit that reads an image stored in a storage memory; and a monitoring step of monitoring a free space of the storage memory; A switching step of switching a document feeding method by the document feeding unit based on a free space of a memory, wherein a computer readable program is stored.