JP2001257847A - Image scanning apparatus and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image scanning apparatus which optimizes data per colors obtained by reading an image in array order and prevents unnecessary colors from appearing in the longitudinal direction crossing the arrays in order. SOLUTION: This is a facsimile machine which reads the image in the array order through a contact type image sensor(CIS) 21a constituted having many photodetectors divided into blocks while light receiving colors are switched by turns; when the image is read through the CIS21a, a CPU 10 obtains dot data by the colors from photodetecting elements through the switching of light receiving colors. The CPU 10 erases data of a specific number of dots obtained by photodetectors nearby seams between the blocks from the obtained dot data of respective colors.

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 suitable for a facsimile apparatus, an electronic bulletin board, and the like.
And a storage medium storing a program for controlling the image reading device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A so-called electronic bulletin board is a contact image scanner (hereinafter abbreviated as "CIS" for short) which reads images such as characters and figures written on a white writing sheet with a felt pen or the like. ) And a thermal printer for recording an image obtained by CIS on recording paper, and has a function of copying an image on a writing sheet onto recording paper.

Here, the CIS is a linear type in which a large number of light receiving elements are arranged in series along the width direction of a writing sheet. Some have seams between them. Note that this block is a portion formed for each light receiving chip, and one block corresponds to one light receiving chip.

Further, a recent electronic bulletin board is capable of copying in two recording colors of red and black using a special thermal paper or the like. In such an electronic bulletin board, the light sources of different colors are exclusively turned on / off, and the color of the light received by the CIS is alternately switched to obtain dot data in a line-sequential manner. For example, when reading an image from a writing sheet via the CIS, yellow and red LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light sources are alternately switched during reading of one line. When the yellow LED emits light, the red and black pixel portions are perceived as the same color portion by the light receiving element, and yellow dot data is obtained accordingly. Red dot data capturing only the pixel portion is obtained. The dot data obtained for each of these colors is converted into output data for recording including the recording color of red and black in the data content through arithmetic processing such as a microprocessor, and the recording process is performed based on the output data. .

[0005]

However, in a CIS having a joint between the above-described blocks, a sufficient amount of light for the light receiving element near the joint cannot be obtained due to the structure. was there. In such a case, when an image read from the entire writing sheet is recorded on recording paper, a black recording line is generated in the vertical direction according to the seam between blocks. Therefore, when reading a monochrome image via this type of CIS, it is advisable to delete the data obtained from near the seam between blocks before converting the dot data obtained in response to light reception into output data. It has been.

However, as described above, in the case of obtaining dot data for each color by switching the light receiving color, from the viewpoint of obtaining dot data for each color of light captured by the light receiving element, the above problem is solved. No measures were taken and no consideration was given. In such a case, for example, even if the dot data obtained during yellow light emission is valid, there is invalid data in the dot data obtained during red light emission that captures the vicinity of the seam between blocks as a black pixel portion. Then, the same problem as described above occurs.

On the other hand, considering the sensitivity of the light-receiving element, the vicinity of the boundary between the white and black pixel portions of the background is likely to be regarded as, for example, red depending on the light-receiving level, and when an image read from the entire writing sheet is recorded on recording paper. For example, there is a problem that a red recording line appears immediately after a black recording line along the width direction of the recording paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and it has been proposed to optimize data for each color obtained by reading an image in a column order, and to make a vertical or parallel horizontal direction orthogonal to the column. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device capable of preventing the appearance of an extra color even in the direction, and a storage medium storing a program for controlling the image reading device.

[0009]

To achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of light receiving elements which are divided into blocks to form a linear light receiving unit. An image reading device that reads images in column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors. When reading an image through the linear light-receiving means, the dot data for each color is received from the light-receiving element of each block according to the switching of the light-receiving color. And from the dot data of each color obtained by the dot data color obtaining means, the data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements near the seam between the blocks are erased. A joint data erasing means.

According to such an image reading apparatus, data of a predetermined number of dots corresponding to the vicinity of a joint between blocks which is easily recognized as a black pixel is deleted from the dot data obtained for each color of each column. Dot data that has undergone such processing can be treated as data containing valid color information, and the appearance of extra colors according to the seams between blocks even in the vertical direction perpendicular to the column from which the image is read Can be prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, the seam data erasing means includes a predetermined dot obtained from a vicinity of a seam between the blocks. If the number of data is isolated in the entire dot data, the data is deleted.

According to such an image reading apparatus, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
If the data obtained near the seam between blocks is isolated, in other words, if no continuous pixels are found in the vicinity, the data obtained from the vicinity is erased, so confusing data with a certain probability Can be erased.

Further, the image reading apparatus according to the invention of claim 3 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seam data erasing means is one side of a seam between the blocks. Or erases data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements on both sides thereof.

According to such an image reading device, in addition to the effects of the image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, the color difference between the blocks is easily caused due to the manner in which the light receiving element receives light. Can be erased as confusing data obtained from one or both sides based on the seam.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the seam data erasing means includes a predetermined data content. Then, the data itself is removed.

According to such an image reading device, in addition to the effects of the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, for example, the contents of the data are invalidated by deleting confusing data. After that, unnecessary data can be eliminated from the dot data by removing the data itself.

Further, an image reading apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the image reading apparatus is obtained through the processing of the seam data erasing means. An output data generating unit is further provided that performs predetermined arithmetic processing on the dot data to generate recording output data including a plurality of recording colors in the data content.

According to such an image reading apparatus, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a recording output based on dot data containing appropriate color information is provided. Data can be generated, and recording is performed for each recording row based on the output data, thereby preventing the appearance of an extra color in the vertical direction perpendicular to the recording row.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the output data generated by the output data generating means is used to output the inter-block data. There is a seam output data removing means for removing data of a predetermined number of dots corresponding to the vicinity of the seam.

According to such an image reading device, in addition to the effect of the image reading device according to claim 5,
The dot data that contains the appropriate color information in the reading stage is further converted into appropriate output data by removing unnecessary predetermined number of dots in the recording stage. By performing recording for each color, it is possible to prevent the appearance of extra colors in the vertical direction orthogonal to the recording row.

Further, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention reads an image in a column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors via a linear light receiving means constituted by a large number of light receiving elements, and reads the image. An image reading apparatus having a copying function of recording an image in a column order using a plurality of recording colors, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, the light receiving element switches the light receiving color for each color. Means for obtaining dot data by color for obtaining dot data;
By further performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the dot data obtained by the dot data color obtaining means,
Output data generating means for generating, for each recording row, output data for recording including a plurality of recording colors in the data content; and, from the output data of each recording row generated by the output data generating means, an arbitrary recording row and the next Output data adjusting means for erasing data indicating that another recording color appears after a specific recording color by comparing the output data adjusting means with a column.

According to such an image reading apparatus, of the output data generated for each color of each column, the data content of the next column indicating that it appears as a color different from the recording color of the current recording column is deleted. Therefore, output data that has undergone such processing can be used for recording as data including appropriate color information. For example, recording is performed in two colors of red and black along a horizontal direction (a direction along a row) for recording an image. In this case, it is possible to avoid a state where an extra red recording line appears immediately after the black recording line.

In the storage medium according to the present invention, images are read in column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors via a linear light-receiving means constituted by dividing a large number of light-receiving elements into blocks. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image reading device, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, dot data is obtained for each color from a light receiving element of each of the blocks according to switching of a light receiving color. For each of the dot data color-based acquisition programs and the dot data of each color obtained based on the dot data color-based acquisition program, data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements near the seam between the blocks is obtained. And storing a program including a seam data erasing program for erasing.

According to such a storage medium, by operating the CPU based on the stored program,
The operation of the image reading device according to claim 1 can be realized.

In the storage medium according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, an image is read in column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors through a linear light-receiving means constituted by a large number of light-receiving elements, and the read image is read. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image reading apparatus having a copying function of recording in a column order using a plurality of recording colors, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, the light receiving element A dot data color-specific acquisition program for obtaining dot data for each color according to the switching of light receiving colors,
By performing predetermined arithmetic processing on dot data obtained based on the above-described dot data color acquisition program, output data for recording including a plurality of recording colors in the data content is generated for each recording row. The output data generation program and the output data of each recording row generated based on the output data generation program described above, by comparing an arbitrary recording row with that of the next row, a different recording color is added after a specific recording color. A program including an output data adjustment program for erasing data indicating that a recording color appears is stored.

According to such a storage medium, by operating the CPU based on the stored program,
The operation of the image reading device according to claim 7 can be realized.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control section of a facsimile apparatus having a copying function as one embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. In this embodiment, unlike the conventional electronic bulletin board, the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus. However, both the facsimile apparatus and the electronic bulletin board generally realize a reading function and a recording function through similar means. Have been. Therefore, detailed illustration and description of the known operation mechanisms related to reading and recording will be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, since the copying function has a feature, a description will be given focusing on items related to the function.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit of the facsimile apparatus includes a CPU 10, an NCU 11, a RAM 12, and a modem 1.
3, ROM 14, EEPROM 15, gate array 1
6, codec 17, DMAC 18, reading unit 21, recording unit 22, operation unit 23, display unit 24, and external connection unit 2.
5 and the like. CPU 10, N
CU11, RAM12, modem 13, ROM14, EE
The PROM 15, gate array 16, codec 17, and DMAC 18 are interconnected by a bus line 26. An address bus, a data bus,
And a control signal line. The gate array 16 includes
The reading unit 21, the recording unit 22, the operation unit 23, the display unit 24, and the external connection unit 25 are connected. A public telephone line 27 is connected to the NCU 11.

The CPU 10 controls the operation of the entire facsimile machine. The NCU 11 is connected to the public telephone line 27 and performs network control. The RAM 12 is used as a line buffer memory for a work area of the CPU 10, a development area of a read image, and the like. The modem 13 modulates and demodulates facsimile data. ROM 14 is
It stores data such as programs executed by the CPU 10 and set values. The EEPROM 15 stores various flags, setting information, and the like. The gate array 16 has a CPU
It functions as an input / output contact between 10 and each part 21-25.
The codec 17 performs encoding and decoding of facsimile data. The DMAC 18 mainly writes and reads data to and from the RAM 12.

The reading unit 21 includes, for example, a contact-type image scanner (CIS) 21a and yellow and red LEDs 21b and 21c as light sources, and has a function of reading an image from an input sheet such as a document. Here, the CIS 21a is a linear one in which many light receiving elements are arranged along the width direction of the input sheet.
“a” shows a case where a light receiving element is divided into blocks and a joint is provided between the blocks. Specifically, the block
In a portion formed for each light receiving chip, one block corresponds to one light receiving chip. As a reading method, a light source switching method is adopted, and when reading one line of pixel columns on the input sheet, the yellow and red LEDs 21b and 21c are alternately switched. The recording unit 22 has a function of recording an image on recording paper by a thermal printer or the like. Here, the recording method of the thermal printer is as follows.
A method of recording in a color recording color is employed, and as the thermal paper, a thermal paper having a layer that develops a color for each of red and black in accordance with the energization time of a heating element of a thermal head is used. The operation unit 23 is for transmitting an operation signal to the CPU 10 corresponding to the operation button pressed by the user.
The display unit 24 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays the operation state of the apparatus. The external connection unit 25 is used when connecting an external device such as a personal computer to the facsimile machine.

The point of the present invention will be described. When an image is read from an input sheet based on a copying function, a CPU is used.
10 obtains dot data in a line-sequential manner based on a light receiving signal obtained from a light receiving element of the CIS 21a while alternately turning on / off the two LEDs 21b and 21c.
The two LEDs 21b and 21c are turned on, for example, once during reading of one line. When the yellow LED 21b emits light, for example, red and black pixel portions on the input sheet are captured by the light receiving element as the same color portion, and yellow dot data is obtained accordingly. On the other hand, red LED
When 21c emits light, only the black pixel portion is captured by the light receiving element, and red dot data is obtained accordingly. The CPU 10 performs a logical operation on the yellow dot data and the red dot data in one line to be read, and temporarily stores the dot data obtained as a result of the operation in the line buffer memory (RAM) 12 as output data for red recording. . Further, the CPU 10 temporarily stores the red dot data as it is as output data for black recording in the line buffer memory 12 and operates the thermal printer based on the output data for red and black recording, so that the red and black data are recorded on the recording paper. A colored image is formed with two recording colors.

Here, the CIS 21a has a joint between each block. However, in the light receiving element near this joint, a sufficient amount of light may not be obtained due to structural or optical reasons. For this reason, the CPU 10 erases the yellow dot data and the red dot data in such a way that if the data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements near the seam between the blocks is isolated, the yellow dot data and the red dot data become invalid. Thereafter, output data for red and black recording is generated. After erasing the data corresponding to the vicinity of the seam between the blocks, the CPU 10 removes the data as unnecessary data to be eliminated.
Further, the CPU 10 also removes the data of a predetermined number of dots corresponding to the vicinity of the seam between the blocks as unnecessary data to be eliminated, and then records the output data for red / black recording on the thermal printer based on the output data. Is done. According to this, it is possible to prevent the appearance of an extra color corresponding to the seam along the vertical direction orthogonal to the recording row without using the data obtained from the vicinity of the seam between the blocks via the CIS 21a. It is.

On the other hand, when recording is performed based on the output data, the CPU 10 compares the output data of the recording row to be recorded at the present time with the output data of the next row. Then, when the recording color data of the next column following the recording color data whose recording color is black in the output data of the current recording column is red different from the preceding column, the CPU 10 determines the corresponding red from the output data of the next column. Is removed, and printing is performed for each column based on the output data that has undergone such processing. The CPU 10 performs the same processing in a case where the recording color of the current recording column and the next column is reversed to the recording color of red and then black. According to this, when an image is recorded in two colors red and black for each recording row, immediately after a black recording line is formed along the horizontal direction of the recording row, black or white should be originally near the edge of the line. However, it is possible to avoid a situation where an extra red recording line appears.

That is, the CIS 21a realizes a linear light receiving means constituted by dividing a large number of light receiving elements into blocks. When reading an image via the linear light receiving means, the CPU 10 obtains the dot data by the dot data and the dot data by the dot data color obtaining means for obtaining dot data by color from the light receiving elements of each block according to the switching of the light receiving color. A seam data erasing means for erasing data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements in the vicinity of the seam between the blocks from the dot data of each color.

The CPU 10 further performs predetermined arithmetic processing on the dot data obtained by the dot data color obtaining means, so that the output data for recording including a plurality of recording colors in the data content is recorded in a recording sequence. Output data generating means for each recording row, and comparing the output data of each recording row generated by the output data generating means with an arbitrary recording row and a next row, to output another recording row after a specific recording color. Output data adjusting means for erasing data indicating that a recording color appears.

The ROM 14 stores a program for controlling an image reading apparatus which reads images in column order while alternately switching the light receiving colors, through linear light receiving means constituted by dividing a large number of light receiving elements into blocks. A dot data color obtaining program for obtaining dot data for each color from the light receiving element of each of the blocks when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, A seam data erasing program for erasing data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements near the seam between the blocks from the dot data of each color obtained based on the dot data color obtaining program. A storage medium for storing a program is realized.

The ROM 14 reads images in the column order while alternately switching the light receiving colors through the linear light receiving means constituted by a large number of light receiving elements, and reads the read images in a column using a plurality of recording colors. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image reading apparatus having a copying function of sequentially recording, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, a color is changed from the light receiving element according to switching of a received light color. Separately, a dot data color acquisition program for obtaining dot data, and a predetermined arithmetic process performed on the dot data obtained based on the dot data color acquisition program to obtain a plurality of recording colors. Output data generation program for generating output data for recording included in a print sequence for each recording row, and the output data generation program From the output data of each recording sequence generated based on the above, by comparing an arbitrary recording sequence with that of the next sequence, to erase data indicating that another recording color appears after a specific recording color And a storage medium for storing a program including the output data adjustment program.

Next, the operation of the facsimile apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure associated with a reading process of the facsimile apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure associated with a recording process of the facsimile apparatus.
FIG. 6 to FIG. 6 are explanatory diagrams conceptually showing the flow of data in the reading process and the recording process. Note that “0” shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 indicates that the corresponding color does not exist, while “1” indicates that the corresponding color exists. For convenience, a cell representing one dot is extremely simplified as corresponding to one of the light receiving element or the heating element, and “Dr” is the address of each light receiving element, and “Dw” is each heating element. Is used as a symbol for distinguishing the addresses.

As shown in FIG. 2, when executing the copying function, the reading process is first started, and the CPU 10 requests the reading unit 21 to convey the input sheet line by line (S1). .

When the input sheet is conveyed by one line, the CP
U10 first makes the yellow LED 21b emit light (S10).
2) At this time, yellow dot data corresponding to the emission color is obtained by capturing reflected light from the input sheet via the light receiving element of the CIS 21a (S3). This yellow LED2
When 1b emits light, a red pixel and a black pixel on the input sheet are regarded as pixels of the same color according to the yellow emission color. As well shown in FIG. 4, since between Dr8 and Dr9 and between Dr16 and Dr17 correspond to the seam between the blocks, two dots (hatched portion) on the left side of the seam are provided. In the light receiving element, there is a possibility that it is considered that there is some color even though there is no originally colored pixel.

Subsequently, the CPU 10 replaces the yellow LED 21b with the red LED for the same line of the input sheet.
21c is caused to emit light (S4), and at this time, by capturing reflected light from the input sheet via the light receiving element of the CIS 21a, red dot data corresponding to the emission color is obtained (S4).
5). When the red LED 21c emits light, the red pixel portion on the input sheet is in a state where it is difficult to catch the same color of emitted light, and only the black pixels are captured according to the emitted color. At this time, as well shown in FIG.
8 and Dr9 and between Dr16 and Dr17 correspond to the seam between the blocks. Therefore, the light receiving element of 2 dots (hatched portion) on the left side of the seam originally has no black pixel. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that the pixel is mistakenly regarded as a colored pixel.

The CPU 10 that has obtained dot data for each of the yellow and red colors as described above, from the dot data of each color, two dots (Dr7, 8) on the left side from the seam between blocks.
And Dr15, 16) are forcibly erased and set to "0" (S6). At this time, the CPU 10
It is determined whether or not the data content of, for example, Dr6 or Dr14 following the dot is "0". If the data content is "0" which cannot be captured as a colored pixel, it is regarded as isolated in the entire dot data and 2 The data contents corresponding to the dots are deleted. On the other hand, if it is determined that the data for two dots near the joint is not isolated, the CPU 10
Handles the dot data for each color obtained in S3 and S5 without erasing the data contents corresponding to the two dots.

Further, the CPU 10 removes the data itself of one dot (Dr8 and Dr16) on the left side of the joint between the blocks from the dot data that has undergone the processing of S6 (S7). As a result, the data content erroneously captured even though there is no originally colored pixel from the light receiving element near the seam between the blocks is optimized.

When the dot data of each color is obtained through the process of S7, the CPU 10 performs a logical operation on the data to obtain data indicating a red recording portion and a black recording portion as shown in FIG. Then, the output data for red and black recording for one line is generated by combining these data (S8). In other words, a portion captured as a colored pixel only with yellow dot data is a portion to be recorded in red. On the other hand, a portion captured as a colored pixel in both the yellow dot data and the red dot data is a portion to be recorded in black (see FIG. 5). Note that the output data for red and black recording generated by the CPU 10 is used in the next recording processing.

After the above-described processing for one line, the CPU 10 determines whether or not the reading processing for one input sheet is completed based on a signal from a sheet discharge sensor or the like (S9). When the sheet ejection sensor detects such a situation (S9: YES), the CPU 10 ends the reading process.

If the reading process for one input sheet is in the middle of the process (S9: NO), the CPU 10
Returns to S1 to read the next line.

The reading operation for one line in such a series of processing is performed almost instantaneously. For example, light emission of the LEDs 21b and 21c for one line to be read is performed in an extremely short time.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the recording process is started. This recording process can be started when at least one line of output data is obtained in S8, and under the control of the CPU 10. The reading process and the recording process proceed almost simultaneously.

At the time of the recording process, the CPU 10
The output data for red / black recording corresponding to the n-th column from the eighth is obtained (S21).

Then, the CPU 10 removes the data itself of one dot (Dw7 and Dw14) from the seam between the blocks from the data content included in the output data (S22). As a result, the data that has been optimized in accordance with the seam between the blocks in the preceding reading processing stage is further converted into appropriate output data in the recording processing stage.

Similarly, the CPU 10 obtains output data for red and black recording corresponding to the (n + 1) th column of the next column from S8 (S23), and obtains the data content included in the output data from the seam between the blocks. The data itself for one dot on the left side (Dw7 and Dw14) is removed (S
24). The output data of the next column may be sequentially taken into the RAM 12 by the direct memory access method via the DMAC 18 or the like without using the CPU 10.

When the preceding and succeeding output data of the n-th column and the (n + 1) -th column are obtained in this way, the CPU 10 compares the recording colors based on at least the output data of the (n + 1) -th column before performing a recording process described later. Processing is performed (S25). This recording color comparison processing is to compare the output data obtained in S22 and S24 to determine whether a pixel having a black recording color in the output data of the current recording column (n-th column) has a red color immediately after it. Is a process of erasing the pixel having the recording color of from the output data of the next column (the (n + 1) th column). Specifically, as is well shown in FIG. 6, the corresponding data (Dw7 to Dw1) in the output data of the next column, which becomes a red pixel continuously to a black pixel.
1) is highly likely to be erroneously read in the vicinity of the boundary between the black pixel and the background, and the content of the corresponding data (Dw7 to Dw11) in the (n + 1) th column is set to “0”.

The CPU 1 performs a series of processing as described above.
0 performs a recording process based on the output data of the n-th column (S26). At this time, the recording paper is conveyed line by line via a stepping motor or the like. When the recording paper temporarily stops, the recording paper is recorded in a red-black two-color recording method according to the data content of the output data. One line is formed on the recording paper.

After the above processing for one recording line,
The CPU 10 determines whether or not the recording process for one recording sheet is completed based on a signal from a sheet ejection sensor or the like (S2).
7), when the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by the paper ejection sensor (S27: YES), the CPU 10 ends the recording processing.

If the recording process for one sheet of recording paper is in the middle of the process (S27: NO), the CPU 10
The process returns to S21 to record the next line.

The recording operation for one line in such a series of processing is performed in parallel with the data processing. That is, even during the recording processing for one recording line, the next column after the comparison processing of the recording colors is completed. The output data of the eyes are sequentially stored in RAM
12 and is in a state of waiting for output.

That is, immediately after the pixel recorded black based on the output data of the n-th column in S26, even if there is a pixel recognized as red by the reading process, it is not recorded as it is. No colored pixel is formed based on the output data of the column. It should be noted that even when the black and red pixels are reversed, an optimum printing result can be obtained through the same processing.

Therefore, according to the facsimile apparatus having the above-described configuration and operation, the dot data obtained by reading each color of each line is converted into data of two dots corresponding to the vicinity of a joint between blocks which is easily recognized as a black pixel. Is erased as "0", so that the dot data that has undergone such processing can be treated as data containing valid color information, and the inter-block space can be determined along the vertical direction perpendicular to each line for reading an image. The appearance of an extra color corresponding to the seam of the car can be prevented.

Further, of the output data generated for each color of each line, for example, for a black pixel in the output data of the current recording row, the output data of the next row indicating that it appears as red different from that. Since the contents of the data inside are erased, the output data that has undergone such processing can be used for recording as data containing appropriate color information. For example, red-black 2 along the horizontal direction (line direction) in which an image is recorded. In the case of recording in color, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a red recording line appears immediately after a black recording line.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, the number of dots of data to be erased or removed from dot data is not limited to two, and the number of dots of data to be removed is not limited to one for output data. Depending on the light receiving condition of the light receiving element near the joint between the blocks in the above, the number of dots may be larger than that. further,
Not only one side of the seam but also a predetermined number of dots on both sides may be erased.

The operation of the facsimile apparatus when executing the copying function has been described. However, when the dot data obtained by the reading process is held as it is or transferred to a personal computer, when a received image is recorded, The same effect as described above can be obtained when recording an image in response to an output request from a computer.

As the linear light receiving means, a contact type image scanner or the like is preferably used. However, the linear light receiving means is not limited to the contact type, and a linear CCD (Charge Coupled Dev.
ice: charge-coupled device).

As the reading method, a method of switching light sources of different emission colors is used. However, a method of switching light emission colors by a color filter using one light source may be used.

The input sheet is not limited to a white base, and may be any sheet as long as an image can be captured for each color by the CIS 21a as a linear light receiving means.

The recording means may be, for example, an ink jet printer or a laser printer, in addition to a thermal printer.

Accordingly, the recording paper may be ordinary cut paper instead of the heat-sensitive paper.

The apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a facsimile apparatus. For example, the present invention can be applied to an electronic bulletin board described in the section of the prior art, a copying apparatus having only a copying function, and the like.

The operation to be performed by the control circuit may be an operation controlled by a personal computer or the like.

In addition, the matters other than the above-described features of the present invention can be appropriately changed in design as long as the operation and effect of the present invention are not impaired.

[0073]

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the dot data obtained for each color of each column can be used in the vicinity of a joint between blocks which is easily recognized as a black pixel. Since the data corresponding to the predetermined number of dots is deleted, the dot data that has undergone such processing can be treated as data containing valid color information, and even along the vertical direction perpendicular to the column from which the image is read. The appearance of an extra color corresponding to the seam between the blocks can be prevented.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, data obtained from the vicinity of a joint between blocks is isolated. In other words, in other words, if no continuous pixel is found in the vicinity, the data obtained from the vicinity is erased, so that confusing data can be erased with a certain probability.

According to the image reading apparatus of the third aspect, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus of the first or second aspect, the color can be captured based on how the light receiving element receives light. Data obtained from one side or both sides based on a seam between blocks, which is likely to cause a difference, can be erased as confusing data.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, for example, confusing data can be deleted. After invalidating the contents of the data, unnecessary data can be eliminated from the dot data by removing the data itself.

Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, dot data including appropriate color information can be obtained. Output data for recording can be generated on the basis of the output data, and by performing recording for each recording row based on this output data, the appearance of an extra color in the vertical direction perpendicular to the recording row can be prevented. be able to.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the image reading apparatus of the fifth aspect, the dot data containing appropriate color information at the reading stage is provided. Further, in the recording stage, unnecessary predetermined number of dots are removed to obtain proper output data. By performing recording for each recording column based on such output data, It is possible to prevent the appearance of extra colors in the vertical direction orthogonal to each other.

Further, according to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, it is shown that, of the output data generated for each color of each column, the output data appears as a color different from the recording color of the current recording column. Since the data content of the next column is erased, the output data that has undergone such processing can be used for recording as data containing appropriate color information, for example, along the horizontal direction (the direction along the column) for recording an image. When recording is performed in two colors of red and black, it is possible to avoid a state where an extra red recording line appears immediately after a black recording line.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect can be realized by operating the CPU based on the stored program. .

According to the storage medium of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the seventh aspect can be realized by operating the CPU based on the stored program. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control unit of a facsimile apparatus having a copying function as one embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure involved in a reading process of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure associated with a recording process of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a data flow in a reading process.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a data flow in a reading process.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a data flow in a recording process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 CPU 12 RAM 14 ROM 15 EEPROM 16 Gate array 21 Reading unit 22 Recording unit 21a Linear light receiving element 21b Yellow LED 21c Red LED

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus for reading an image in a column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors, through a linear light receiving means constituted by dividing a large number of light receiving elements into blocks. When an image is read through, a dot data color obtaining unit that obtains dot data by color from the light receiving element of each block according to switching of a light receiving color, and dot data of each color obtained by the dot data color obtaining unit And a seam data erasing means for erasing data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from light receiving elements near seams between the blocks. 2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seam data erasing means erases the data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the vicinity of the seam between the blocks when the data is isolated in the entire dot data. Image reading device. 3. The seam data erasing means according to claim 1, wherein the seam data erasing means erases data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from light receiving elements on one side or on both sides of the seam between the blocks. Image reading device. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said seam data erasing means erases the data itself after erasing predetermined data. 5. An output for generating recording output data including a plurality of recording colors in data contents by further performing predetermined arithmetic processing on dot data obtained through the processing of the seam data erasing means. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a data generation unit. 6. A seam output data removing means for removing data of a predetermined number of dots corresponding to the vicinity of a seam between blocks from output data generated by said output data generating means. Image reading device. 7. An image is read in a column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors via a linear light receiving means constituted by a large number of light receiving elements, and the read image is recorded in a column order by using a plurality of recording colors. An image reading apparatus having a copying function, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, dot data color obtaining means for obtaining dot data by color from the light receiving element in accordance with switching of a light receiving color, By further performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the dot data obtained by the dot data color obtaining means,
Output data generating means for generating, for each recording row, output data for recording including a plurality of recording colors in the data content; and, from the output data of each recording row generated by the output data generating means, an arbitrary recording row and the next An image reading apparatus, comprising: output data adjusting means for deleting data indicating that another recording color appears after a specific recording color by comparing the data with those in a column. 8. A program for controlling an image reading apparatus for reading images in a column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors through a linear light-receiving means constituted by dividing a large number of light-receiving elements into blocks. A storage medium, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, a dot data color-specific acquisition program for obtaining dot data for each color from the light receiving element of each block according to switching of a light receiving color; A program including a seam data erasing program for erasing data of a predetermined number of dots obtained from the light receiving elements near the seam between the blocks from the dot data of each color obtained based on the data color obtaining program. A storage medium characterized by storing: 9. An image is read in column order while alternately switching light-receiving colors via a linear light receiving means constituted by a large number of light receiving elements, and the read image is recorded in column order using a plurality of recording colors. A storage medium storing a program for controlling an image reading apparatus having a copying function, wherein when reading an image via the linear light receiving means, dot data is color-separated by the light receiving element from the light receiving element. A plurality of recording colors included in the data content by subjecting the dot data obtained based on the dot data color obtaining program to dot data color acquisition program for obtaining Output data generation program for generating output data for each recording row, and an output data generation program generated based on the output data generation program. Output data adjustment for erasing data indicating that another recording color appears after a specific recording color by comparing the output data of each recording row with the arbitrary recording row and the next row. A storage medium storing a program including the program.