JP2001077984A - Image reader, and control method thereof and recording medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make an image reader smaller by constituting a top sensor pair for detecting the end of an original of a top sensor and a sub sensor provided along with the top sensor. SOLUTION: A top sensor pair 7 consists of a top sensor 7a and a sub sensor 7b and is arranged side by side on a line orthogonally crossing an original carrying path. The sensor 7a is located at the center of the original transport path, and its detecting part detects the preliminarily defined part of the top end of a medium made to pass through on the original transport path. The sub sensor 7b is arranged at a position deviated from the center of the original transport path by a prescribed distance, and its detecting part detects the preliminarily defined part of the top end of the medium which is made to pass through the original transport path. When the medium passing through the place where the pair 7 is arranged is an original 1, the sensors 7a and 7b constituting the pair 7 detect the top end of the original 1 made to pass through with the same timing, because the end is located on the same straight line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus having a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper, and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. At
The present invention relates to a technique for identifying a separator stacked and mixed in the hopper and classifying a type of a succeeding document, and further stores a control program for realizing control of an image reading apparatus for identifying the separator. It relates to a readable recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Here, the definitions of the following terms according to the present invention and the technical background thereof will be described to clarify the concepts included therein.

[0003] The separator is a medium for displaying the switching of the document segment by mixing the document with the document to be read by the image reading apparatus. Thus, when the image reading device detects a separator mixed with the original when reading the original sequentially conveyed from the hopper, the subsequent original is an original that needs to be distinguished from the original before the separator. Define that there is.

In an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism to which the prior art is applied, different types of documents are stacked on a hopper at a time, and a separator is inserted at the switching position of the different types of documents. By detecting the above-described separators, the timing to start reading different types of originals is detected.

[0005] As a typical embodiment of a method for detecting the separator according to the prior art, as the separator, a sheet of the same size as the original to be loaded, which is provided with a notch at the center of the leading end, is used. In the image reading apparatus, a pair of separator sensors provided in a conveyance path through which a document separated and extracted from the hopper passes detects the notch at the tip of the separator.

Referring to FIG. 8, a description will be given of a mechanism for detecting a separator in an embodiment of an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism to which the conventional technique is applied.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a document conveying path of an image reading apparatus equipped with a separator sensor pair. Separation pad 53b and rotating pick roller 53a
From the original stack 51a placed on the hopper 52,
The leading end portion of the original 51 taken out reaches the separator sensor pair 56 to be operated, and then reaches the stopped first feed roller 54a.

The principle of the mechanism by which the separator sensor pair 56 identifies the separator 51s will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the aforementioned separator sensor pair 56
Are composed of a main sensor 56a and a sub-sensor 56b, and are juxtaposed on a line orthogonal to the document conveying path.

The former main sensor 56a is located at the center of the document transport path, and its detection portion detects the leading end of the medium passing through the document transport path.

The latter sub-sensor 56b is arranged at a position separated by a specified distance from the center of the original conveying path.
The detection portion detects the leading end of the medium passing through the document conveyance path.

Therefore, the aforementioned separator sensor pair 56
In the case where the medium passing through the installation location of the original 51 is the original 51, the leading end thereof is on the same straight line, and thus the main sensor 56a and the sub-sensor
6b detects the leading edge of the document 51 passing at the same timing.

When the medium passing through the place where the above-mentioned separator sensor pair 56 is installed is the separator 51s, the leading end thereof is not on the same straight line due to the presence of the notch 58.
The timing at which the main sensor 56a detects the leading end is delayed from the timing at which the sub-sensor 56b detects the leading end by a time corresponding to the notch amount of the notch 58.

However, since the transport speed when the separator 51s passes through the separator sensor pair 56 is an area where constant speed transport is not guaranteed, the amount of delay in the timing detected by the separator sensor pair 56 is indefinite. . Accordingly, the separator sensor pair 56 uses only the function of detecting the notch 58 provided in the separator 51s, and determines whether the medium passing through the separator sensor pair 56 is the document 51 or the separator 51s. Is determined.

Referring back to FIG. 8A, the description of the behavior of the original 51 along the original transport path will be continued. Document 5 whose leading end reaches first feed roller 54a in a stopped state
1 is the first feed roller 54a in the stopped state.
Stops the movement once.

Next, the rotation of the first feed roller 54a starts, and the rotation of the pick roller 53a stops. The document 51 conveyed by the first feed roller 54a moves at a constant speed, and the top sensor 57 detects the leading end of the document 51 and sets the timing at which the reading unit 55 starts image reading.

The document 51 having passed through the reading unit 55
Reaches the second feed roller 54b and continues to receive the driving force of the second feed roller 54b as it is. As a result, even if the rear end of the document 51 comes off the first feed roller 54a, the document 51 is conveyed at a constant speed over the reading section 55 by the driving force of the second feed roller 54b.

Since the distance between the first feed roller 54a and the second feed roller 54b is a factor that determines the minimum size of the read original to which the image reading apparatus can be applied, it is necessary to install the original as close as possible. There is. Therefore, the separator sensor pair 56 is connected to the first feed roller 54a and the second feed roller 54b.
It will be difficult to install between them.

Thus, the separator sensor pair 56
Is usually provided between the pick roller 53a and the first feed roller 54a, but the outer dimensions of the image reading apparatus must be large due to the space where the separator sensor pair 56 is provided. Absent.

With reference to FIG. 9, a control for detecting a separator in an embodiment of an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism to which the conventional technique is applied will be described.

Image original 68 or separator 68s
Are sequentially taken into the image reading device 60 in the order in which they are loaded in advance.

The main sensor 61a and the sub-sensor 61b built in the image reading device 60 detect the leading end of the image original 68 or the separator 68s, and transmit the detection signal to the detection circuit 62a. The detection circuit 62a determines that the passed medium is the image original 68 or the separator 68s based on the detection signals transferred from the main sensor 61a and the sub-sensor 61b, and reads the determination result to read the control unit 63 Transfer to

The top sensor 61c accurately detects the position of the leading edge of the image document 68 or the separator 68s that has started the constant speed conveyance after passing through the main sensor 61a and the sub sensor 61b, and sends the detection signal to a leading edge detecting circuit 62c. The leading edge detection circuit 62c transfers the image document 68 or the separator 68s which has started the constant speed transport.
Is notified to the reading control unit 63.

In the read controller 63, the image data generator 67 transfers the image data generated from the image original 68 to the driver program 72 incorporated in the host device 70.

The detection circuit 62a is connected to the separator 6
When 8 s is detected, the reading control unit 63 transfers a report to the effect that the separator 68 s has been detected to the driver program 72.

In the host device 70, the operation control unit 7
1 performs necessary processing on the image data transferred from the driver program 72 in accordance with the instruction of the application program, and, based on the report that the separator 68s has been detected, converts the image data of the image data in the image file 74 of the image data. Set the storage location.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a description will be given of a control procedure for processing an image document with a separator mixed therein, which is executed by an image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a control procedure. That is, the reading control unit B50 provided in the image reading device B05 has an image data generating unit B57 that generates image data from the read output value read by the reading unit B55.

The reading control unit B50 receives the transfer of the separator detection signal determined by the detection circuit B52 from the signals detected by the main sensor B51a and the sub-sensor B51b, and further detects the leading edge from the document leading edge detection signal detected by the top sensor B53. The information of the document leading edge position generated by the circuit B54 is received.

In the control program B58 for controlling the image reading device B05, a procedure for detecting the separator is stored as a part of the program.

The driver program B60 provided in the host device B06 receives the image data and the separator detection report transferred from the image reading device B05,
Also, it transmits the contents to be instructed to the image reading device B05.

The operation control unit B62 receives the image data and the separator detection report transferred from the driver program B60, and
The processing is performed in accordance with the instruction of 61, and the processing result is stored in a predetermined location of the image file B65.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing the control procedure. That is, FIG. 11 shows an outline of the control procedure, and FIGS.
7 shows a detailed procedure in a designated portion of the flowchart shown in FIG.

Based on the flowchart shown in FIG.
A procedure for controlling an image reading apparatus to which the related art is applied will be described. The reference numerals used in the description of each step are based on FIG.

In step S51, originals to be read are stacked on the hopper of the image reading apparatus. At that time, a separator is inserted at a sectioning position of the document to be recognized as a document of a different type.

In step S52, the host device B06 sets the reading specifications for the current image reading job. Details of the procedure for setting the reading specifications in step S52 are shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 12, the details of the read specification setting procedure executed by the host device B06 in step S52 will be described.

In step S71, prior to instructing the image reading device B05 to read an image, the arithmetic control unit B62 of the host device B06 reads the image reading device B0.
5 sets a reading mode to be applied when reading a document.

In step S72, an image file for storing the image data read by the above-described image reading is designated. An image file storing the image data specifies a separate image file according to the division by the separator as necessary.

If the specification of the image file by the separator is completed in step S73, the flow advances to step S74 to transfer the set reading specifications to the image reading apparatus B05 via the driver program B60.
The setting of the reading specification ends.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description of the control procedure in the image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied will be continued.

In step S53, the image reading device B05
Receives the transfer of the read specification data from the host device B06, and proceeds to step S54 to store the read specification data at a predetermined position.

In step S55, the image reading device B0
5 starts a reading operation.

In step S56, the document is conveyed. FIG. 13 shows the details of the procedure of document transport in step S56.

With reference to FIG. 13, the details of the procedure of document transport executed by the image reading device B05 in step S56 will be described.

In step S81, a reading mode applied to the image reading operation is set based on the reading specification set by the host device B06 before the document is conveyed.

In step S82, one document is separated from the document pile loaded on the hopper, taken out, and transported in the transport path. The extracted document is either an image document to be read or a separator.

In step S83, the main sensor B51 constituting a pair of separator sensors provided in the above-described transport path is used.
a and the sub sensor B51b detect the leading edge of the document.

In step S84, the main sensor B51a and the sub-sensor B constituting the above-mentioned separator sensor pair
If the shift is detected at the timing when the leading edge of the document is detected by the 51b, the process proceeds to step S85 to recognize that the separator has been detected.

If the main sensor B51a and the sub-sensor B51b constituting the pair of separator sensors do not detect any deviation at the timing when the leading edge of the document has been detected in step S84, the flow advances to step S86 to detect the image document. Recognize.

In step S87, the stopped first feed roller starts rotating to convey the original at a constant speed.

In step S88, the top sensor detects the passage of the leading edge of the document, and sets a timing at which the reading unit B55 starts reading an image.

Returning to FIG. 11, the description of the control procedure in the image reading apparatus to which the conventional technique is applied will be continued.

If it is determined in step S57 that the original is to be read, the flow proceeds to step S58, where the reading unit B55 performs image reading, and further proceeds to step S59, where the image data generation unit B57 reads the image by the reading unit B55. The image data generator B57 generates image data based on the image read output value.

The determination of reading the original in step S57 is made when the original is determined to be an image original in step S86 as described in the detailed procedure of step S56, or Step S
The case 85 is a case where even if the original is a separator, the original is designated as a reading target by the designation of the host device.

If it is determined in step S57 that the original is a separator and is not to be read, the flow advances to step S60.

In step S60, the image reading device B05 transfers data to the host device B06.

The data to be transferred from the image reading device B05 to the host device B06 in step S60 is the image data generated in step S59 if the original is an image original, and the data is read from the original in step S59. If the separator was determined not to be the target, the data is a report that the separator was recognized.In addition, if the document was determined to be a separator to be read, the separator was recognized. This data is data obtained by attaching image data obtained by reading the separator in addition to the report data indicating that the separator has been read.

The host device B06 that has received the data transfer from the image reading device B05 in step S60.
Is the image reading device B based on the designation of the application program B61 in the arithmetic control unit B62.
A predetermined process is performed according to the type of data transferred from the image file B <b> 05, and the data is stored in a predetermined position of the image file B <b> 65.

That is, the image reading device B05
If the data transferred from is image data obtained by reading an image document, the data is stored in a predetermined position in an image file B65 after the processing in the arithmetic control unit B62 is performed.

If the data transferred from the image reading device B05 is only a report that the separator has been recognized, the position for storing the continuously arriving image data in the image file B65 is determined in advance. Change according to the specified rules.

If the data transferred from the image reading device B05 that the separator has been recognized is accompanied by image data obtained by reading the separator, the image data is processed according to a predetermined procedure. At the same time, in the image file B65, the position for storing the image data that continuously arrives is changed according to a predetermined specification.

In step S61, the image reading device B0
If there is any remaining document pile in the hopper No. 5, and the image reading operation is not completed, the process returns to step S56 to continuously transport the document.

If there are no more originals to be loaded on the hopper of the image reading apparatus B05 in step S61, the flow advances to step S62 to end the reading operation.

[0064]

As described above, the conventional image reading apparatus equipped with the separator sensor pair and the control method thereof have the following problems.

In the image reading device, since the separator must be performed before reading the image, a pair of separator sensors is usually provided between the pick roller and the first feed roller.

As a result of this measure, the number of mounted sensors is increased by at least two, so that the cost is increased and the control circuit of the apparatus is complicated.

In addition, due to this measure, the space in which the pair of separator sensors is provided in the image reading apparatus causes an increase in the size of the apparatus, which hinders the miniaturization design.

Further, since the separator sensor pair is provided outside the constant speed conveyance region of the sheet, it is difficult to detect the separator with high accuracy. Therefore, the notch provided in the separator has to be enlarged.

[0069]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.

1) A sub-sensor is provided in parallel with the top sensor, and the pair of sensors serves also as a separator sensor.

2) The leading edge detection circuit for processing the signal of the leading edge of the original document detected by the top sensor is provided with a separator detecting function.

By these means, the image reading apparatus has an effect of detecting the separator at the timing of detecting the leading edge of the document.

[0073]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention takes the following forms.

1) In an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper, and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section, The apparatus includes a top sensor pair for detecting a leading edge of a document conveyed at a constant speed inside the apparatus, and the top sensor pair includes a top sensor and a sub-sensor arranged in parallel with the top sensor.

2) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the difference between the timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the timing at which the sub-sensor detects the leading edge of the document is calculated, and the time difference is calculated. Circuit.

By adopting these modes, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping the top sensor with means for distinguishing the conveyed original from the separator at the same timing when the top sensor detects the leading end of the original.

3) A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper; and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. The timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the timing at which the sub-sensor detects the leading edge of the document are detected among the pair of top sensors that detect the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. Is calculated, and the separator mixed with the document stack loaded on the image reading apparatus is identified.

4) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading device, the sensor detected at an earlier timing among the top sensor pair for detecting the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device may be used. It is defined as a sensor that detects the leading edge of the document.

By adopting these modes, the image reading apparatus has the effect of detecting the leading edge of the conveyed document under its control and identifying the separator from the document at the same timing.

5) In the control method of the image reading device, the leading edge of the document is detected at an earlier timing than the top sensor pair for detecting the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. The type of the separator mixed in the document stack loaded on the image reading apparatus is identified based on the detected type of the sensor and the difference value of the timing of detecting the leading edge of the document in the pair of top sensors.

By taking this form, the image reading apparatus has the effect of detecting the leading edge of the conveyed document in its control and identifying the type of separator from the document at the same timing.

6) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading apparatus, a combination of a predetermined separator and the type of the original to be read is registered, and the type of the original to be read by the image reading apparatus is classified.

7) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the reading mode of the document divided by the predetermined separator is changed.

8) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the position for storing the image data of the original document divided by the predetermined separator is specified.

By adopting this mode, the image reading apparatus detects the leading edge of the conveyed document under the control thereof, and further identifies the type of the separator from the document at the same timing to thereby determine the document to be read. , The reading mode is selected according to the target document, and the transfer destination of the image data according to the type of the document is specified.

9) Control for realizing control of an image reading apparatus having a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper, and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. In the recording medium storing the program, the timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the sub-sensor are the same as those of the top sensor pair that detects the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. A procedure for calculating a difference value from the timing of detecting the leading edge of the original document, and a procedure for identifying a separator mixed in the original bank loaded on the image reading apparatus based on the difference value of the calculated timing. The control program to be executed is stored.

By adopting this mode, the image reading apparatus has an effect of providing a procedure for identifying the separator mixed in the document bank at the same timing as the timing of reading the leading edge of the document to be conveyed.

[0088]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A representative embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mechanism for detecting a separator in an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism to which a representative embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a document conveying path of an image reading apparatus to which a representative embodiment of the present invention is applied.

As is clear from FIG. 1 (a), there is an image between the pick roller 3a for taking out the original from the hopper and the first feed roller 4a for conveying the original at a constant speed. There is no separator sensor pair as described in the example of the reading device. Therefore, a space for installing the above-mentioned separator sensor pair is not required, and the image reading apparatus to which the present invention is applied can be reduced in size of the apparatus corresponding to the space.

The separation pad 3b and the rotating pick roller 3a move the original stack 1a placed on the hopper 2
The leading end portion of the original 1 taken out reaches the first feed roller 4a in a stopped state.

The original 1 whose leading end has reached the first feed roller 4a in the stopped state is temporarily stopped by the first feed roller 4a in the stopped state, and the original 1 is stopped by the first feed roller 4a. The posture of the leading end of the document 1 is adjusted by copying.

Next, the rotation of the first feed roller 4a starts, and the rotation of the pick roller 3a stops. The document 1 conveyed by the first feed roller 4a moves at a constant speed while maintaining the adjusted posture, the top sensor pair 7 detects the leading end of the document 1, and the reading unit 5 reads the image. Set the timing to start.

The leading end of the document 1 that has passed through the reading section 5 reaches the second feed roller 4b and continues to receive the driving force of the second feed roller 4b. As a result, even if the rear end of the document 1 comes off the first feed roller 4a, the document 1 is conveyed over the reading unit 5 at a constant speed by the driving force of the second feed roller 4b.

The principle of the mechanism by which the top sensor pair 7 identifies the separator 1s will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the above-mentioned top sensor pair 7 includes a top sensor 7a and a sub-sensor 7b, and is juxtaposed on a line orthogonal to the above-mentioned document conveyance path.

The former top sensor 7a is located at the center of the document transport path, and its detection portion detects the center of the leading end of the medium passing through the document transport path.

The latter sub-sensor 7b is disposed at a position separated by a specified distance from the center of the original transport path, and its detection portion detects a predetermined portion at the leading end of the medium passing through the original transport path.

Therefore, when the medium passing through the place where the above-mentioned top sensor pair 7 is set is the original document 1, the leading end thereof is on the same straight line, so that the top sensor 7a and the sub-sensor 7b constituting the above-mentioned top sensor pair 7 The leading edge of the document 1 passing at the same timing is detected.

The characteristic shape of the tip of the separator 1s will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the separator 1s has a notch 8 at the center of the tip thereof, and when passing through the position of the top sensor 7a, the sub sensor 7b
This causes a delay in the leading edge detection timing according to the notch amount d of the notch 8, and detects the leading end of the separator 1s that passes with the timing delay.

When the tip of the separator 1s passes through the position of the top sensor pair 7, the transport speed of the separator 1s maintains the constant speed guaranteed by the first feed roller 4a. The notch amount d of the notch 8 can be accurately detected.

Therefore, by changing the notch amount d of the notch 8, a mechanical guarantee for specifying the type of the separator 1s can be obtained.

With reference to FIG. 2, control for detecting a separator in the image reading apparatus to which the representative embodiment of the present invention is applied will be described.

Image original 18 or separator 18s
Are sequentially taken into the image reading device 10 in accordance with the order in which they are loaded in advance.

The top sensor 11a and the sub-sensor 11b built in the image reading device 10 detect the leading end of the image document 18 or the separator 18s, and transmit the detection signal to the leading end detecting circuit 12. The tip detection circuit 12 uses a detection signal obtained at a timing earlier than the detection signal transferred from the top sensor 11a and the sub sensor 11b as a true tip detection signal, and based on the two signals. The medium that has passed this time is identified as the image document 18 or the separator 18s, the type of the separator 18s is further identified, and the identification result is transferred to the reading control unit 13 together with the leading edge position detection signal.

Therefore, by setting the position of the notch 8 to either the position corresponding to the top sensor 7a or the position corresponding to the sub-sensor 7b, the image reading apparatus 10 can identify the identifiable separator. Types can be expanded.

In the reading control section 13, the reading mode setting section 14 sets the image original 18 conveyed after the separator 18s on the basis of the type of the separator 18s.
Is set, and the image data generated by the image data generation unit 16 is transferred to the host device 20 together with the document type designation data designated by the document type designation unit 15.

The host device 20 stores the image data in the image file 24 based on the image type designation data.
At a predetermined position.

With reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, a description will be given of a control procedure of the image reading apparatus to which the representative embodiment of the present invention is applied for reading the originals sequentially pulled out from the original bank in which the separators are mixed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the components cited in the description of the control procedure, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control procedure. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing partial details of the flow shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a display example in which designated items are set prior to image reading performed by the image reading apparatus.

The block diagram shown in FIG. 3 will be described. The image reading device B01 has a top sensor pair composed of a top sensor B11a and a sub sensor B11b, and a tip detection circuit B based on a signal generated by the top sensor pair.
Reference numeral 12 distinguishes the leading edge of the document and the separator from the image document. Further, the tip detection circuit B12 identifies the type of the separator.

The reading control unit B10 reads the reading unit B based on the information transferred from the leading end detection circuit B12.
13 sets a reading mode for reading an image document in the reading mode setting section B15.

Based on the information transferred from the leading edge detection circuit B12, the document type designating section B16 sorts the image data generated by the image data generating section B17 in accordance with a predetermined section. Host device B02 together with image data and image data classification information
Transfer to

The control procedure of the reading control unit B10 is specified by the control program B18. The control program B18 is provided with necessary procedures via a computer-readable recording medium.

In the host device B02, the driver program B20 receives the image data and the classification information of the image data transferred from the image reading device B01, and transfers them to the arithmetic control unit B22.

The arithmetic control unit B22 stores the image information at a predetermined position in the image file B25 based on the division information of the image data according to the instruction of the application program B21.

In the host device B02, the type of image document corresponding to the type of separator is set in advance by the display unit B23 and the operation unit B24 before the image reading device B01 reads the image document.

Referring to FIG. 4, a description will be given of a procedure for controlling the image reading apparatus to read an image document. The reference numerals used in the description of each step are based on FIG.

In step S01, the image reading device B0
The image document is placed on the first hopper. In the above-mentioned image document, originals having different characteristics are mixed and divided into groups, respectively, and a separator of a predetermined type is inserted in a delimiter portion of the image original having a different character.

In step S02, the reading specification is set by the host device B02. Details of the procedure for setting the reading specifications in step S02 are shown in FIG.

The details of the procedure for setting the reading specifications in step S02 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S21, the type of the image document is designated, and the flow advances to step S22 to set a reading mode corresponding to the type of the image document. The flow advances to step S23 to store the image data obtained by reading the image document. Then, the process proceeds to step S24 to designate a separator to be inserted at the beginning of the image document.

An example in which the setting of the items from step S21 to step S24 is executed via the display unit B23 and the operation unit B24 based on the example of the display screen shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

That is, in the example of the display screen shown in FIG. 7A, the type of the original is designated as “EMC measurement equipment configuration”, the reading mode shown in FIG. Is specified.

In the storage destination shown in (c), the "measurement device file (B)" is designated, in the separator shown in (d), the "standard A" separator is designated, and the content of the separator is "not read". Set as

Returning to FIG. 5, the description of the procedure for setting the reading specifications will be continued.

If no other separator is inserted in step S25, the setting is completed, and the flow advances to step S26 to read the data of the reading specification set in the procedure from step S21 to step S24 to the image reading apparatus B0.
Transfer to 1.

If another separator is inserted in step S25, the flow returns to step S21 to continue setting the reading specifications.

Returning to FIG. 4, the description of the reading operation procedure will be continued.

In step S03, the image reading device B01
Receives the read specification data transferred from the host device B02, proceeds to step S04, and stores the read specification data at a predetermined position.

In step S05, a reading operation is started,
Proceeding to step S06, the image document is conveyed. The details of the procedure of document conveyance performed in step S06 are described in FIG.
by.

Referring to FIG. 6, the details of the procedure for transporting the original in step S06 will be described.

In step S31, an image document is taken out from the document stack loaded on the hopper and transported, and the process proceeds to step S3.
When the feed roller is turned on after proceeding to 2, the manuscript whose posture has been adjusted starts running at a constant speed.

In step S33, the top sensor B11a
And a top sensor pair constituted by the sub-sensor B11b detects the leading edge of the document.

In step S34, the top sensor B11a and the sub-sensor B11 forming the top sensor pair
If there is a deviation in the timing when b detects the leading edge of the document,
Proceeding to step S35, it is determined that the image document is a separator, and further proceeding to step S36, the deviation amount of the leading edge detection timing and the top sensor B1
The type of the separator is specified by checking which of the detection signals of the sub sensor 1a and the sub sensor B11b is delayed.

In step S37, the reading mode corresponding to the specified type of separator is designated by the reading mode setting section B15, and the document type designation section B16 is designated.
The user sets reading specifications such as preparing data for specifying the type of read image data of the subsequent image original.

Further, in step S38, the top end position of the separator is designated at a timing when the top sensor B11a and the sub sensor B11b constituting the top sensor pair detect the leading end of the document earlier.

If the timing at which the top sensor B11a and the sub-sensor B11b constituting the pair of top sensors detect the leading edge of the document does not deviate in step S34, the process proceeds to step S39, where the document whose leading edge is detected is an image. It is determined that the document is a document.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the description of the procedure of the reading operation will be continued.

If it is determined in step S07 that the original whose leading edge has been detected is an image original, or if the original is a separator that has been designated to be read, the reading is executed. The reading unit B13 performs reading.

In step S09, the image data generation unit B17
Generates image data based on the read output value read by the reading unit B13, and proceeds to step S10 to transfer the image data to the host device B02.

The driver program B20 of the host device B02 receives the transferred image data and transfers it to the arithmetic and control unit B22. The arithmetic control unit B22 specifies the image data storage destination based on the document type data indicated by the image reading device B01, and stores the image data in the image file B2.
5 at a predetermined position.

If it is determined in step S07 that the original whose leading edge has been detected is a separator for which reading is not to be performed, the flow advances to step S10 to transfer the data of the specified separator to the host device B02.

The driver program B20 of the host device B02 receives the transferred data of the separator and transfers the data to the arithmetic control unit B22. The arithmetic control unit B22 specifies the image data storage destination based on the data of the separator, and prepares for the arrival of the subsequent image data.

If there is no document pile in the hopper in step S11, it is determined that reading has been completed, and the flow advances to step S12 to finish the reading operation.

If there is a document pile in the hopper in step S11, it is determined that reading is to be continued, and the flow returns to step S06 to start document transport.

[0147]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

1) In an image reading apparatus having a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper, and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section, The apparatus includes a top sensor pair for detecting a leading edge of a document conveyed at a constant speed inside the apparatus, and the top sensor pair includes a top sensor and a sub-sensor arranged in parallel with the top sensor.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus has a function of detecting the separator by the pair of top sensors, and a space for providing a separator sensor conventionally provided between the pick roller and the first feed roller. Can be deleted, so that the image reading apparatus can be downsized.

2) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the difference between the timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the timing at which the sub-sensor detects the leading edge of the document is detected, and the time difference is calculated. Circuit.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus has an effect of equipping the means for distinguishing the conveyed document from the separator at the same timing when the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document.

3) A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper; and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. The timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the timing at which the sub-sensor detects the leading edge of the document are detected among the pair of top sensors that detect the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. Is calculated, and the separator mixed with the document stack loaded on the image reading apparatus is identified.

4) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading apparatus, the sensor detected at an earlier timing among the top sensor pair for detecting the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading apparatus may be used. It is defined as a sensor that detects the leading edge of the document.

By adopting these means, the image reading apparatus can integrate the separator detecting mechanism and the original leading edge detecting mechanism, and can further reduce the number of sensors and simplify the circuit configuration. The effect that the reliability can be improved by the low cost configuration and the reduction in the number of parts is obtained.

5) In the control method of the image reading device, the leading edge of the document is detected at an earlier timing than the top sensor pair for detecting the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. The type of the separator mixed in the document stack loaded on the image reading apparatus is identified based on the detected type of the sensor and the difference value of the timing of detecting the leading edge of the document in the pair of top sensors.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus detects the leading edge of the conveyed document in the control thereof and further identifies the type of the separator from the document at the same timing. By applying the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that each original is read separately while various originals are mixed.

6) In the above-described method of controlling the image reading apparatus, a combination of a predetermined separator and the type of the original to be read is registered, and the type of the original to be read by the image reading apparatus is classified.

7) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the reading mode of the document divided by the predetermined separator is changed.

8) In the control method of the image reading apparatus, the position where the image data of the document divided by the predetermined separator is stored is designated.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus detects the leading edge of the conveyed document under its control, and further identifies the type of the separator from the document at the same timing to thereby determine the document to be read. , The reading mode is selected according to the target document, and the transfer destination of the image data according to the type of the document is specified.

9) Control for realizing control of an image reading apparatus having a document feeding mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. In the recording medium storing the program, the timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the sub-sensor are the same as those of the top sensor pair that detects the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. A procedure for calculating a difference value from the timing of detecting the leading edge of the original document, and a procedure for identifying a separator mixed in the original bank loaded on the image reading apparatus based on the difference value of the calculated timing. The control program to be executed is stored.

By taking this means, the image reading apparatus has an effect of providing a procedure for identifying the separator mixed in the document bank at the same timing as the timing of reading the leading edge of the document to be conveyed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a document transport mechanism according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of document transport control according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a reading specification setting screen according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the principle of a document transport mechanism according to an embodiment to which the related art is applied.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the principle of document conveyance control according to an embodiment to which the related art is applied.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram according to an embodiment to which a conventional technique is applied.

And FIG. 11 is a flowchart according to an embodiment to which the related art is applied.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart according to an embodiment to which a conventional technique is applied.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to an embodiment to which a conventional technique is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: Document 1a: Document stack 1s: Separator 2: Hopper 3a: Pick roller 3b: Separation pad 4a: First feed roller 4b: Second feed roller 5: Reading unit 7: Top sensor pair 7a: Top sensor 7b: Sub sensor 8 : Notch

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus comprising: a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper; and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. The apparatus includes a pair of top sensors for detecting a leading edge of a document conveyed at a constant speed inside the apparatus, wherein the pair of top sensors includes a top sensor and a sub sensor juxtaposed to the top sensor. An image reading device. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a difference between a timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and a timing at which the sub-sensor detects the leading edge of the document is detected, and a time difference is calculated. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit. 3. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper; and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. The timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document from among the top sensor pair that detects the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device,
A method for controlling an image reading apparatus, comprising: calculating a difference value between a timing at which a sub-sensor detects the leading end of the document and a separator mixed with a document pile loaded on the image reading apparatus. . 4. A control method for an image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sensor detected at an earlier timing is selected from a pair of top sensors for detecting a front end of a document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading apparatus. The method according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is defined as a sensor that detects the leading edge of the document. 5. The method for controlling an image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge of the document is detected at an earlier timing than the top sensor pair detecting the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. By detecting the type of the detected sensor and the difference value of the timing of detecting the leading edge of the document in the pair of top sensors, the type of the separator mixed with the document stack loaded on the image reading device is identified. The control method of the image reading device according to claim 3. 6. A method according to claim 1, wherein a combination of a separator defined in advance and a type of the original to be read is registered, and the type of the original to be read by the image reading device is classified. The control method of the image reading device according to claim 3, wherein: 7. The control method for an image reading device according to claim 6, wherein the reading mode of the document divided by the predetermined separator is changed. 8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a position for storing image data of the document divided by the predetermined separator is designated. Control method. 9. A control for realizing control of an image reading apparatus having a document supply mechanism for sequentially transporting a document from a document pile loaded on a hopper and a feed roller for passing the document at a fixed speed in a fixed reading section. In the recording medium storing the program, the timing at which the top sensor detects the leading edge of the document and the sub-sensor are the same as those of the pair of top sensors that detect the leading edge of the document conveyed at a constant speed inside the image reading device. Calculating a difference value from the timing of detecting the leading edge of the original document, and identifying the separator mixed with the original bank loaded on the image reading apparatus based on the calculated difference value of the timing. A computer-readable recording medium storing a control program to be executed.