JP2001285653A - Image processing apparatus and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a working efficiency with respect to reading of an original. SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus is provided with a discrimination section 21 that discriminates a type of original (color/gray scale/binary monochromatic original) on the basis of read data and with an image processing section 22 that converts the read data into read data in matching with the type of the original on the basis of the result of discrimination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a document reading section, a control method therefor, and a memory medium used for the control.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, with the development of information processing systems, various information processing devices have been developed. Among these devices, image processing apparatuses having an image reading unit such as a scanner, a facsimile, and a copying machine are widely used not only in offices but also in ordinary households.

The image reading unit of these image processing apparatuses includes a reduction optical system for reducing an original image and guiding the original image to a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD, and a photoelectric conversion element which is brought close to the original to convert the original image to the photoelectric conversion element. And a 1: 1 optical system that guides the image at the same magnification.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing apparatus having an image reading section. This image processing apparatus has an electric board (control board 201, main power supply 202), a reading unit 204, and the like.

A reading unit 204 includes a document tray 205 for stacking the documents 211, an upper document guide 206 and a lower document guide 207 for guiding a document conveying path, a document separating unit 208 for sequentially feeding a plurality of documents, a photoelectric conversion element. And a reading reference plate 210 disposed on the upper surface facing the contact sensor 209. The reading reference plate 210 provides a background color (background color) of the document.

[0006] The conveying path of the original 211 will be described. First, the original sandwiched between the original separating roller 212 and the preliminary conveying leaf spring 213 is conveyed one by one by a friction piece 214. The original 211 is fed by the feed roller 215 and the opposing roller 21.
6, the contact sensor 209 and the reading reference plate 21
0, and is discharged in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

[0007] The surface of the reading reference plate 210 which contacts the reading surface may be made white in accordance with the background color (background color) of the document, or may be made black different from the background color of the document. . In this conventional example, the reading reference plate 2
10 is white.

The contact sensor 209 is held by the main body frame 219, and the original is read by the contact weight of the reading reference plate 210 or a spring (not shown).
09 direction.

This image processing apparatus is generally called a sheet-through type, and reads a document image while moving the document.

As a color image processing apparatus, a light source of a plurality of colors (for example, three colors of RGB) and one photoelectric conversion element are provided.
In general, a reading unit having contact sensors arranged in a row reads a document image for each color by a contact sensor while sequentially turning on each light source.

[0011]

In the image processing apparatus as described above, it is necessary to always know whether the original is a color or monochrome gray scale (multi-valued) or binary and set an optimal reading mode and then set the original image. Need to read. However,
In the conventional image processing apparatus, since the original image is read while moving the original, once the reading operation is started with an incorrect setting, wait until the original is ejected, then set the original again, and reset the reading mode again. Had to do.
In particular, when a monochrome document is erroneously read with the color reading setting, for example, the read data amount becomes 384 times that of binary monochrome (in the case of 256 gradations and RGB = 1167,000 colors). Load is large, processing takes a long time and occupies a huge memory area.

In a case where a color photograph document and a monochrome general document document are mixed in a plurality of document bundles, to read all of the document bundles in one reading mode, all the documents are read in the color mode. Otherwise, all originals cannot be read faithfully, which requires a long time for processing and occupies a huge memory area.

Further, as an interface between the image reading device and the information processing device (computer), IEEE 12 is used.
When using the C.84 (Centro interface) or serial interface, the price of the device can be reduced, but these are not suitable for transferring large amounts of data.
When a large amount of data needs to be transferred, an expensive interface such as SCSI or IEEE 1394 has to be adopted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and has as its object, for example, to improve work efficiency in reading a document.

[0015]

An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a document reading section, wherein a document is read based on a read image read by the document reading section. It is characterized by comprising a determining means for determining the type, and an image processing means for processing the read image based on the determination result by the determining means.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the document reading section can obtain a read image suitable for the type of the document having the largest information amount among a plurality of predetermined document types. The reading process is performed as described above, and when the type of the document according to the determination result does not match the type of the document having the largest amount of information, the image processing unit changes the format of the read image to the document according to the determination result. It is preferable to convert the data into a format that conforms to the type.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the document reading section executes a reading process adapted to a color document, and the image processing means determines whether the type of the document according to the determination result is If the type is other than color originals,
It is preferable that the color read image is converted into a format suitable for the type of the document according to the determination result.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the image processing means has a function of converting the read image into a grayscale image or a binary monochrome image.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the type of the document according to the determination result matches the type of the document having the largest amount of information, It is preferable not to execute the process of converting the image format into another format.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the predetermined types of the plurality of originals include at least two types of color, gray scale, and binary monochrome.
It is preferable to include the type.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the determination unit determines the type of the document based on a part of the read image.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the determination means determines the type of the document based on the entirety of the read image.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the document reading section has a function of continuously reading a plurality of documents.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when continuously reading a plurality of originals, the determining means determines the type of each of the plurality of originals one by one. It is preferable that the image processing means processes the read image of each document based on the result of the determination of the type of each document by the determination means.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when continuously reading a plurality of documents, the determination means determines the type of only the first document among the plurality of documents. Preferably, the image processing unit performs processing only on the read image of the leading document based on the determination result by the determination unit.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the original reading section may execute the other original among the plurality of originals by a method according to the result of the determination made by the determining means for the first original. Is preferably read.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the document reading section has a function of conveying a document in a sheet-through manner.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the document reading section has a line sensor and reads a document in line units.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the original reading section has a light source of three colors of RGB and a photoelectric conversion element.

[0030] In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the judging means determines whether or not the original has been read based on the identity and / or signal level of the three RGB read signals supplied from the original reading unit. It is preferable to determine the type.

In the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the values of the three RGB image signals are different from each other, the determining means determines that the original is a color original, and determines whether the original is a color original. If the values of the three image signals substantially match each other and an intermediate level exists, it is determined that the document is a grayscale document, and the values of the three image signals of RGB substantially match each other and are binary. It is preferable to determine that the document is a binary monochrome document when only the level of the document exists.

[0032] The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises an image recording means for recording an image based on the read image.

The image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably further comprises a communication function for receiving and / or transmitting an image.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an image processing apparatus having a document reading section, wherein the determining step determines a type of the document based on a read image read by the document reading section; An image processing step of processing the read image based on a result of the determination in the determining step.

The memory medium according to the third aspect of the present invention comprises:
A memory medium storing a program for controlling an image processing apparatus having a document reading unit, the program comprising: a determination step of determining a type of a document based on a read image read by the document reading unit; An image processing step of processing the read image based on a determination result in the step.

[0036]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. .

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall structure of an image reading apparatus (an image processing apparatus having an image reading section) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

This image reading apparatus comprises a main body chassis 1,
A main control board 2 for controlling each part of the apparatus; a power supply unit 3 for supplying power to each part in the apparatus;
And a control board 5 for controlling the operation panel 4 and a document table 7 on which documents 6 are stacked.

The main control board 2 determines the type of the original (for example, color / gray scale / 2
The image processing unit 22 includes a determination unit 21 that determines the value (monochrome), an image processing unit 22 that executes image processing and control of each unit based on the determination result by the determination unit 21, and a memory 23 that stores various data such as read data.

The document bundle 6 is stacked using a document table 7 and a document auxiliary table 8, and is guided in the width direction by a width regulating plate 9. The bundle of originals 6 composed of a plurality of sheets is rotated by a separation roller 10 driven by a drive motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The sheet is transported to a position sandwiched between the sheet and the separation roller 10.

The plurality of original bundles 6 are separated one by one by the friction pieces 12, and the feed roller 13a driven by a drive motor (not shown) rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Auxiliary roller 1 facing roller 13a
It is conveyed by being pressed by 3b. The document transport guide 14 guides one document 6 from the separation roller 10 to the contact sensor 15.

Above the contact sensor 15 attached to the contact sensor attachment plate 15b, a reading reference plate 16 for providing a background color of the original and a white reference for reading is arranged. The reading reference plate 16 has a width that covers the entire reading width of the contact sensor 15. Further, a light source (for example, an LED) that illuminates the document 6 is disposed inside the contact sensor 15. Original 6 whose image is read by contact sensor 15
The paper discharge roller 17a driven by a drive motor (not shown) rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and is pressed by the auxiliary roller 17b facing the paper discharge roller 17a, as shown by the arrow a. It is discharged outside the image reading device.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the contact sensor 15 and the contact sensor mounting plate 15b. The configuration of the contact sensor 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

A document glass 15a1 is arranged on the upper surface side of the housing 15a of the contact sensor 15 so as to face the document, and a photoelectric conversion element 15a2 and a light source for illuminating the document are provided on the lowermost surface of the contact sensor 15. (LED) 15
The sensor board 15a4 on which a3 is mounted is attached.

In this image reading apparatus, RGB three-color LEDs are employed as the light source 15a3.
The color LEDs are arranged in parallel so that a sufficient amount of light can be obtained.

The light emitted from the light source 15a3 is transmitted to the light guide tube 15a.
The document is illuminated on the document passing through the upper surface of the document glass 15a1 through the plate 5, and the reflected light is incident on the photoelectric conversion element 15a4 through the selfoc lens 15a6 and received, whereby the document image is read.

Next, a description will be given of a document type determination process that provides one feature of the present invention, and a process based on the determination result. This determination process is executed by the determination unit 21 mounted on the main control board 2. Further, the reading control unit 22 mounted on the main control board 2 executes appropriate image processing based on the output (judgment result) of the judging unit 21.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show output signals (read data) for any one line of the contact sensor 15 when the leading end line to the last line of various originals (for example, A4 size originals) are read in the color mode. It is a figure showing an example. Here, the read data of the document is temporarily stored in the memory 23 of the main control board 2.

In FIGS. 3 to 5, (a) shows R (re
d) Contact sensor 14 when LED is turned on
The output of (photoelectric conversion element 15a2), (b) is G (gr
een) contact sensor 1 when the LED is turned on
4 (photoelectric conversion element 15a2), and (c) shows B (b
lue) contact sensor 1 when the LED is turned on
5 shows the output of the photoelectric conversion element 15a2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the respective RGB outputs are different from each other and have stepwise outputs in the range of 0 to 1 V (specification of the output of the contact sensor in this example).
Therefore, the line of the original is chromatic and multi-valued, that is, the line of the original is (multi-valued)
It can be seen that the image is a color image.

The determination unit (for example, a determination circuit, a determination program, etc.) 21 of the main control board 2 outputs the above-described output of the contact sensor 15 (for example, output for one line, output for two or more lines, or , Output of one original)
, The type of the document (for example, color / gray scale / binary monochrome) can be determined.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the original is determined to be a (multi-valued) color image based on the read data for one line. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the reading mode (color mode) matches the type of the document (color document). Therefore, the image processing unit 22 of the main control board 2
The read data stored in the memory 23 is transferred to an external device (for example, an information processing device, a facsimile device, etc.) without being converted to data corresponding to another reading mode (for example, gray scale), or Save inside.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the respective RGB outputs match each other and have stepwise outputs in the range of 0 to 1V. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the determination unit 21 of the main control board 2 determines that the document is a multi-valued monochrome image, that is, a gray scale image, based on one line of read data. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the reading mode (color mode) does not match the document type (grayscale document). Therefore, the image processing unit 2 of the main control board 2
2 converts the read data (color data) stored in the memory 23 into read data conforming to the type of the document, that is, grayscale data, and transfers it to an external device (for example, an information processing device, a facsimile device) or It is stored in the memory 23 or the like.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the RGB outputs match each other, and each output value is a value that can be regarded as one of the upper and lower limits of 0 to 1V. Therefore, the determination unit 21 of the main control board 2 determines that the original is a binary monochrome image based on the read data for one line. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the reading mode (color mode) does not match the document type (binary monochrome document). Therefore, the image processing unit 22 of the main control board 2 converts the read data (color data) stored in the memory 23 into read data suitable for the type of the document, that is, binary monochrome data, , An information processing device, a facsimile device) or stored in the memory 23 or the like.

As described above, after reading the original, the reading mode of the original is set by changing the read data so as to conform to the type of the original (for example, color / gray scale / binary monochrome). It is possible to release the user from such complicated work. In addition, this allows each original to be read appropriately even when successively reading original bundles of mixed types.

Further, after reading the original, the read data is changed so as to conform to the type of the original (for example, color / gray scale / binary monochrome). It can be converted to grayscale data or binary monochrome data suitable for the original, the scale of the read data can be reduced, and the memory can be used effectively,
Time for data processing and transfer can be reduced.

Further, the type of the original can be determined at a high speed by the determination unit 21 determining the type of the original based on the read data of a part of the original (for example, a predetermined line). On the other hand, on the contrary, the determination unit 21
Accordingly, the type of the original is determined based on the read data of the entire original instead of a part of the original, whereby the type of the original can be reliably determined.

[Second Embodiment] FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a multifunction apparatus having a facsimile function and a scanner function of providing (transmitting) read data to an external information processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer).
In this image processing apparatus, an ink jet recording unit is employed as an image recording unit, but a recording unit of another type may be employed.

This image processing apparatus, as shown in FIG.
It includes a paper feeding system A for supplying a recording sheet, a recording system B as a recording device, a reading system C for reading a document image, and an operation unit D. The image processing apparatus also includes a main body upper cover 101, a main body lower cover 102, a control board 102a for controlling the apparatus, and a power supply unit 102b for supplying power to each part of the apparatus.

First, a reading system C which provides one feature of the present invention will be described. The reading system C irradiates the original 103 with light, converts reflected light into an electric signal, and transmits the electric signal to another device (for example, a personal computer, a facsimile, or the like) according to an operation mode, or It is transmitted to its own recording system B.

The document bundle 103 is stacked by using the document table 104 and the document auxiliary tray 105, and the document width regulating plate 10
6 prevents skew in the width direction during transport. A document bundle 103 composed of a plurality of sheets is rotated by a separation roller 107 driven by a drive motor (not shown) in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and is pressed toward the separation roller 107 by the pre-conveyance plate 108 to form a friction piece 109 The sheet is transported to a position sandwiched between the sheet and the separation roller 107.

The plurality of original bundles 103 are separated one by one by the friction pieces 109, and the feed roller 110a driven by a drive motor (not shown) rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. The sheet is conveyed by being pressed by the auxiliary roller 110b facing the roller 110a. The document transport guide 111 guides one document 103 from the separation roller 107 to the contact sensor 112.

Above the contact sensor 112 attached to the contact sensor attachment plate 112b, a reading reference plate 113 for providing a background color of the document and a white reference for reading is arranged. Reading reference plate 113
Has a width that covers the entire reading width of the contact sensor 112. A light source (here, RGB 3) that illuminates the document 103 is provided inside the contact sensor 112.
Color LED). Contact sensor 11
2 is pressed by an auxiliary roller 114b opposed to the paper discharge roller 114a while the paper discharge roller 114a driven by a drive motor (not shown) rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. As a result, the sheet is discharged to the outside of the image processing apparatus as indicated by an arrow d in the figure. The discharged document is placed in a document discharge tray 115.
Loaded on top. The document discharge tray 115 is configured to be movable as shown by an arrow in FIG. 7, and can be stored in the apparatus except for a reading operation.

Here, the reading system C has the same function as the document type determination processing function in the first embodiment.

Next, the operation section D will be described. The operation unit D is used by a user to specify various operations such as a copy operation, a transmission operation, and a scanner operation. The operation cover 116 is provided with keys corresponding to various operations such as a dial key 116a and a display unit 116b. The operation unit D is disposed above the document transport mechanism of the reading system C, and is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow f as shown in FIG.

This image processing apparatus is equipped with a telephone line modular 102c1 for transmitting and receiving images.

Next, the paper feeding system A will be described. As the recording sheet 120, a medium that can transfer ink, such as plain paper or a plastic sheet, can be used. In this embodiment, for example, plain paper cut into B4 size or A4 size can be used as the recording sheet 120.

The recording sheet 120 is a recording paper tray 121.
And a recording paper auxiliary tray 122 that can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow. The loading amount is limited by a height regulating plate 101a provided on the back surface of the main body upper cover 101. The width direction of the recording sheet 120 is regulated by the recording paper side guide 123.

In FIG. 6, a pressure plate 124 disposed at the bottom of the recording sheet 120 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown), and is controlled by a drive system (not shown) and a pressure plate spring 124a. . In a state where the recording sheet 120 is pressed against the paper feeding roller 125 by the pressure plate spring 124a, the recording sheet 125 is pushed into the apparatus by rotating the paper feeding roller 125 in the arrow direction shown in the drawing.
The sheets are separated by the nails and conveyed to the recording section B one by one.

Next, the recording system B will be described. FIG.
The recording system B records an image on the recording sheet 120 supplied from the paper feeding system A in accordance with an image signal transmitted from another apparatus or an image signal transmitted from the reading system C.

The recording paper presser 126 is pressed toward the LF roller 127, and presses the pinch roller 126a against the LF roller 127 while also functioning as an upper guide for the recording sheet 120 fed from the paper supply system A. Then, the recording sheet 120 is transported between the recording cartridge 128 and the platen plate 129, and the recording operation is performed by the recording cartridge 128.

In this embodiment, the recording cartridge 128 is driven by a driving system (not shown) to
An image is recorded in a serial manner while moving in the width direction of 0. The recording sheet 120 on which the image has been recorded is conveyed in the direction of arrow e by a paper discharge roller 130a and a spur roller 130b opposed thereto so as not to stain the recording surface and is sent out of the apparatus. Are stacked on a discharge auxiliary tray 132 movable in the direction of the arrow.

As shown in FIG. 8, the document loading table 104
The main body upper cover 101 is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow g. The recording cartridge 128 can be removed in the direction of arrow h as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a control unit 102a for controlling each unit of the apparatus, a power supply unit 102b for supplying power to each unit of the apparatus, a modem board unit 102a1, a communication board unit 102c for connecting a telephone, and an operation unit. And a display unit 116b for displaying information and the like input from D.

The control unit 102a includes a CPU 102a2 for controlling each unit of the apparatus, a ROM 102a3 for storing programs and data, and a storage area for the CPU 102a2. RA used for custody registration
M102a4, input / output switching interface 102a
8, the line memory 102a5, and the encoding / decoding unit 1
02a6 and a buffer memory 102a7.

The line memory 102a5 is a line memory for temporarily storing one line of image data.
In the case of transmitting or copying a document image, the document reading system C
, The image data for one line sequentially supplied from is stored. When an image is received, the decoded image data for one line is stored. The image data stored in the line memory 102a5 is added with a recording system control code by the CPU 102a2, and is supplied to the CPU B1 of the recording system B via the input / output switching interface 102a8. The CPU B1 records an image on a recording sheet based on the image data.

The coding / decoding section 102a6 codes the image data to be transmitted by MH coding or the like, or decodes the received coded image data and converts it into image data. The buffer memory 102a7 stores the transmitted and received encoded image data.

This image processing apparatus is composed of a peripheral computer E
From the printer interface 102a9 via the printer interface 102a9, which can be processed by the control unit 102a and output to the recording system B, and the image data read by the reading system C
9 to the peripheral computer E.

[Third Embodiment] In this embodiment,
A modification of the first and second embodiments is provided. In the first and second embodiments, when reading a plurality of documents, the determination unit 21 determines the type of the plurality of documents for each one, and the image processing unit 22 determines the type based on the determination result. To process the read image of each document. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when reading a plurality of documents, the determination unit 21 determines the type of only the first document. Then, the image processing unit 22 converts only the leading document into data corresponding to an appropriate reading mode, if necessary, based on the determination result. As for the other originals of the plurality of originals, an appropriate reading mode is set according to the determination result of the leading original, and reading is performed in the reading mode.

[Other Embodiments] In the second embodiment, an ink jet recording system has been described as an image recording system. For example, an electrophotographic recording system using toner as a recording material (for example, a laser beam printer) ),
Other recording methods such as a thermal transfer recording method using an ink sheet and a thermal head can also be adopted.

In the first and second embodiments, a contact sensor has been described as an image sensor, but another image sensor such as an image sensor using a reduction optical system may be employed.

In the second embodiment, a claw separation method is used as a separation method for a recording sheet or the like. However, other separation methods such as friction separation and retard separation can be used.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or a recording medium) in which program codes of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments are recorded to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (a computer) of the system or the apparatus. It is needless to say that the present invention can also be achieved by a CPU or an MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Also,
When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code.
It goes without saying that a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are implemented by performing some or all of the actual processing, and the processing performs the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[Effects of the Embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the type of the original is determined based on the read data of the original, and the read data is processed (for example, another Conversion to a format), the user can be freed from the complicated work of setting the reading mode.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the type of the original is determined based on the read data of the original, and the read data is converted into data conforming to the type of the original based on the determination result. Thus, it is possible to release the user from the complicated work of setting the reading mode and reduce the scale of data to be stored.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, by providing a function of continuously reading a plurality of originals, read data of a plurality of originals in a bundle of originals including a plurality of types can be adapted to the respective types of the originals. It can be processed or stored in data format.

According to the above-described embodiment, the original is read in the reading mode (for example, the color mode) having the largest amount of information.
And converts the read data into read data (for example, grayscale mode, binary monochrome mode) that matches the type of the document, thereby eliminating the need to re-execute the document reading process, thereby improving work efficiency. Can be In addition, this makes it possible to appropriately reduce the scale of the read data, for example, it is possible to reduce a memory area required for storing the read data, a transfer time and a processing time of the read data, and the like.

According to the above embodiment, the original is read in the reading mode having the largest amount of information (for example, the color mode).
If the reading mode is a reading mode suitable for the original, the read data is processed, transferred or stored without being converted to a format suitable for other types of originals, so that the original can be read. There is no need to execute the reading process again, and the work can be made more efficient.

Further, by adopting a sheet-through system (original moving system) as a system for transporting the original, the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

When this image processing apparatus is applied to a facsimile apparatus, a scanner apparatus, a copying apparatus, or an apparatus having all or some of these functions, the use of other functions is facilitated by improving the efficiency of the reading process. be able to.

Further, the reading system includes three color light sources of RGB,
The cost can be reduced by using the photoelectric conversion element.

[0094]

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to improve the work efficiency relating to the reading of a document.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an entire structure of an image reading apparatus (an image processing apparatus having an image reading unit) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a contact sensor and a contact sensor mounting plate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output signal for one line of a contact sensor when reading from the leading edge to the last line of various originals in a color mode.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output signal for one line of a contact sensor when reading from the leading edge to the last line of various originals in a color mode.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output signal for one line of a contact sensor when reading from the leading edge to the last line of various originals in a color mode.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image processing apparatus having an image reading unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body chassis 2 Control board 3 Power supply unit 4 Operation panel 5 Operation panel control board 6 Document 7 Document table 8 Document auxiliary table 9 Width control plate 10 Separation roller 11 Preliminary conveyance plate 12 Friction piece 13a Feed roller 13a1 Roller shaft 13b Auxiliary roller 14 Document Conveying Guide 15 Contact Sensor 15a Case 15a1 Document Glass 15a2 Photoelectric Conversion Element 15a3 LED 15a4 Sensor Board 15a6 Light Guide Tube 15a7 Selfoc Lens 15b Contact Sensor Mounting Plate 16 Reading Reference Plate 17a Discharge Roller 17b Auxiliary Roller 21 Judgment Unit 22 Image processing unit 23 Memory A Paper feed system B Recording system C Reading system D Operation unit E Peripheral computer 101 Main unit upper cover 102 Main unit lower cover 102a Control unit 102a1 Modem board unit 102a2 CPU 102a3 R M 102a4 RAM 102a5 Line memory 102a6 Encoding / decoding 102a7 Buffer memory 102a8 Input / output switching interface 102a9 Printer interface 102b Power supply unit 102c Communication board unit 102c1 Modular 103 Document 104 Document table 105 Document auxiliary tray 106a Document width regulating plate 107 Separating roller 108 Preliminary transport plate 109 Friction piece 110a Feed roller 110b Auxiliary roller 111 Document transport guide 112 Contact sensor 113 Reading reference plate 114a Discharge roller 114b Auxiliary roller 115 Document discharge tray 116 Operation cover 116a Dial key 116b Display 117a Transport roller 117b Auxiliary Roller 118a Discharge roller 118b Discharge roller 120 Recording sheet 121 Recording paper Lay 122 recording paper auxiliary tray 123 recording paper side guide 124 pressure plate 125 paper feed roller 126 recording paper holder 127 LF roller 128 recording cartridge 129 platen plate 130a paper discharge roller 130b spur roller 131 paper discharge cover 132 paper discharge auxiliary tray

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/60 H04N 1/40 D 5C079 F term (Reference) 2H030 AD08 AD12 5B047 AA01 AB04 BA01 BB02 BC14 CB22 DC09 5B057 AA11 BA02 BA19 CA01 CA08 CA12 CA16 CB01 CB02 CB06 CB08 CB12 CB16 CC01 CE17 CH18 DB02 DB06 DB09 DC22 DC36 5C072 AA01 BA05 CA05 DA25 EA04 NA01 QA11 UA18 5C077 LL16 MM05 MP08 PP31 PP32 PQ20 SS015B027 JA01 HAC

Claims (21)

[Claims] An image processing apparatus having a document reading unit, wherein the determination unit determines a type of the document based on a read image read by the document reading unit; An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit that processes a read image. 2. The image reading unit according to claim 1, wherein the document reading unit performs a reading process so as to obtain a read image conforming to a document type having the largest amount of information among a plurality of predetermined document types. Converting the format of the read image into a format suitable for the type of the document according to the determination result when the type of the document according to the determination result does not match the type of the document having the largest amount of information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The document reading section executes a reading process adapted to a color document, and the image processing means, when a type of the document according to the determination result is a type other than a color document, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the read image is converted into a format suitable for a type of the document according to the determination result.
Alternatively, the image processing apparatus according to claim 2. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing unit has a function of converting the read image into a grayscale image or a binary monochrome image. 5. The image processing means according to claim 1, wherein, if the type of the document according to the determination result matches the type of the document having the largest amount of information, the image processing means performs a process of converting the format of the read image to another format. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image processing is not performed. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined plurality of document types include at least two types of color, gray scale, and binary monochrome. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a type of the document based on a part of the read image. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines a document type based on the entirety of the read image. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document reading unit has a function of continuously reading a plurality of documents. 10. When continuously reading a plurality of originals, the determining means determines the type of each of the plurality of originals one by one, and the image processing means determines the type of each original by the determining means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a read image of each document is processed based on a determination result of the type. 11. When continuously reading a plurality of documents, the determination means determines the type of only the first document among the plurality of documents, and the image processing means includes:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein processing is performed only on a read image of the leading document based on a determination result by the determination unit. 12. The document reading unit according to claim 11, wherein the document reading unit reads another document among the plurality of documents by a method according to a result of the determination performed on the first document by the determination unit. Image processing device. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document reading unit has a function of transporting the document in a sheet-through manner. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document reading unit has a line sensor and reads a document in line units. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document reading unit has a light source of three colors of RGB and a photoelectric conversion element. 16. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the type of the document based on the identity and / or signal level of the three read signals of RGB supplied from the document reading unit. The image processing device according to claim 15. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the values of the three RGB image signals are different from each other, the determining unit determines that the document is a color document, and the values of the three RGB image signals substantially match each other; If there is an intermediate level, it is determined that the original is a grayscale original. If the values of the three image signals of RGB substantially match each other and there are only binary levels, the original is binary. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein it is determined that the document is a monochrome document. 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image recording means for recording an image based on the read image.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 17. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a communication function of receiving and / or transmitting an image.
9. The image processing device according to any one of items 8. 20. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus having a document reading unit, comprising: a determination step of determining a type of a document based on a read image read by the document reading unit; An image processing step of processing the read image based on the read image. 21. A memory medium storing a program for controlling an image processing apparatus having a document reading unit, the program determining a type of a document based on a read image read by the document reading unit. And an image processing step of processing the read image based on a result of the determination in the determining step.