JP2002300358A - Image processor, its control method, and computer- readable storage medium with its control program stored thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the performance of an image processor conducting original read processing by reading image data of originals one page by one page while carrying the originals on the image read section one by one in an original skimming-through mode, storing the read image data to a non-use area of a buffer memory, compressing the image data, storing the compressed image data in a compressed image memory and releasing the stored area of the image data in the buffer memory to be the non-use area after that. SOLUTION: The capacity of the buffer memory is made to store image data of original comprising a plurality of pages and original read processing in a continuous original skimming-through mode is applied to the original where a DF(Draft Feed means) is continuously operated. In this case, when the capacity of non-use areas of the buffer memory reaches a predetermined threshold value or below, the DF is stopped to interrupt the original skimming-through mode (S104, S105). When the capacity of the non-use areas becomes greater than the threshold value, the DF is again operated (S109) and the processing is restarted.

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 function of reading a document one page at a time, storing the data in a buffer memory, compressing the data, and storing the compressed data in a compressed image memory. The present invention relates to a method and a computer-readable storage medium storing the control program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image processing apparatus such as a digital copying machine,
In general, image data of a document read one page at a time is not stored in the memory as it is, but is temporarily stored in a buffer memory and then compressed into code data of a predetermined encoding method and stored in a compressed image memory. Remember. And
Code data (compressed image data) is read from the compressed image memory in response to a request from the system, decoded into the original image data, output to the image forming unit, and forms an image on paper. When the image formation of one page is completed, the compressed image data on which the image is based is deleted from the compressed image memory.

The image data read from the original is stored in an unused area of the buffer memory. When the image data is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory, the compressed image data is stored in the buffer memory. The image data on which the compressed image data stored in the memory is based is deleted, and the area used for storing the image data is released as an unused area.

Incidentally, the capacity of the buffer memory is generally set to a capacity corresponding to one page of the maximum document size (for example, A3 size) readable by the image processing apparatus. The capacity of the compressed image memory is, of course, set to a capacity corresponding to the compressed image data of a plurality of pages of the document.

On the other hand, an automatic document feeder (document feeder, hereinafter referred to as DF) automatically feeds a document one by one onto a platen glass of a reader unit for reading image data of the document, and transports the document so as to discharge after reading. 2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus equipped with an abbreviated name) is known.

In an image processing apparatus equipped with this DF, in order to read image data of a document at a high speed, a scanner unit as an image reading unit is stopped at a predetermined reading position under a platen glass of a reader unit. In this state, an image processing apparatus is provided which has a document flow reading function of reading image data of a document one page at a time while transporting the documents one by one on a platen glass by a DF while passing the scanner unit. I have.

[0007]

However, in the image processing apparatus having the above-mentioned document flow reading function, the compressed image data is stored in the compressed image memory from the reading of the image data by the document flow reading of a plurality of documents. (Hereinafter referred to as "document reading processing"), the processing is always performed in units of one page (one sheet). In other words, the DF is stopped every time the original page reading of one page of the original document is completed by driving the DF, and the read image data is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory, so that the compressed image memory becomes full. If the full state does not occur, the DF is driven again to read the next one original by moving the original.

On the other hand, the DF is continuously operated without stopping each time when the scanning of one document is completed, and the image is sequentially read while the scanning of a plurality of documents is continuously performed. If the data is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory, the original reading process should be performed efficiently at high speed, but this has not been the case.

[0009] The reason is that, in the case of original scanning, the original 1
When reading one page, the original is ejected and cannot be read again. To cope with the memory full in the compressed image memory, the read one page image data is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory. This is because it is necessary to store the image data of the original of one page in the buffer memory until the storing is completed without the memory of the compressed image memory being full. If the next one page of the original is read before the storage in the compressed image memory is completed, the image data of the previous one page in the buffer memory is lost by overwriting the image data of the next one page.

For this reason, since the original reading processing by the original reading is performed in units of one page, the performance of the original conveying means and the image reading means for performing the original reading cannot be maximized. There is a problem that the original reading process cannot be efficiently performed at high speed by performing the flow reading at high speed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus having the above-mentioned document flow reading function, wherein, when performing the document reading process by the document flow reading, the document conveying means and the image reading means for performing the document flow reading. In order to maximize the performance of the document, it is possible to read the document at a high speed and to perform the document reading process efficiently at a high speed.

[0012]

According to the present invention, there is provided a document feeder, an image reading means, a buffer memory, and a compressed image memory. The image reading means reads the image data of the original one page at a time while the document is read so as to pass one page at a time while passing over the image reading portion of the image reading means. After storing in the area,
An image processing apparatus for performing a document reading process for compressing and storing the compressed image data in the compressed image memory, and thereafter releasing an area used for storing the image data on which the compressed image data is based in the buffer memory as an unused area In a computer-readable storage medium storing the control method and the control program, the capacity of the buffer memory is set to a capacity capable of storing image data of a plurality of pages of originals, and the plurality of originals are read by the original flow reading. When the original reading process is performed, the original conveying means is continuously operated without stopping each time when the original original reading of one original is completed, and the original original reading of a plurality of originals is continuously performed. While the image data read one page at a time is stored in the buffer memory, compressed, and the compressed image memo is read. And it shall be controlled to perform document reading process in a continuous flow reading mode and stores this in the.

[0013] Further, during the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode,
When the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold capacity, the control is performed so as to stop the document conveying means and interrupt the continuous flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode.

Further, in the case of performing the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode, the capacity of the threshold value is set to a different capacity according to the size of the original set on the original conveying means. Control.

Further, in the original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode, the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold capacity, and the original conveying means is stopped. After that, when the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes larger than the capacity of the threshold value, the document feeding means is operated again to control the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode to be restarted. .

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a mechanical configuration of an image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a reader unit 1 for reading image data of a document one page at a time, a controller unit 3 for processing the read image data and controlling the entire apparatus, and an image processing unit based on image data output from the controller unit 3. On the paper (printing). The reader unit 1 has a DF (automatic document feeder) 101 mounted thereon.
It is possible to perform the original reading process by the above-described original flow reading. First, the reader unit 1 will be described.

Originals set on the DF 101 mounted on the reader unit 1 are sequentially driven by the DF 101 to be one by one.
Each sheet is conveyed onto the document table glass 102. When a document is conveyed onto the glass 102, a lamp 103 of a scanner unit 104, which is a reading unit of image data, is turned on,
Illuminate the original. If you want to scan the original here,
In a state where the scanner unit 104 is stopped at a predetermined reading position, scanning of reading is performed while the document is conveyed so as to pass over the scanner unit 104 by driving the DF 101. For normal reading,
With the original stopped at a predetermined position on the original platen glass 102, the scanner unit 104 moves to perform scanning for reading. When the DF 101 is not used, the user sets the document directly on the platen glass 102.

The image due to the reflected light of the original is mirror 105,
An image is formed on a CCD image sensor 109 via 106 and 107 and a lens 108, and the image is photoelectrically converted. An electric signal (analog signal) corresponding to the photoelectrically converted image is amplified and binarized by a signal processing circuit (not shown) and sent to the controller unit 3 as a digital image data signal. The controller unit 3 performs various image processings set on the operation unit of the apparatus on the input image data, and converts the image data into a video signal when the image formation (print) is instructed from the operation unit. The image is output to the printer unit 2, whereby an image is formed (printed) on a sheet by the printer unit 2.

Next, the printer section 2 will be described. A video signal of image data input from the controller unit 3 to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by an exposure control unit 201 composed of a laser unit, and
Irradiate 2. The irradiation light forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 202, which is developed as a toner image by the developing device 203. By the so-called registration alignment, the photoconductor 2
The sheet P is conveyed from the sheet stacking unit 204 or 205 in synchronization with the leading end of the toner image on the sheet 02, and the transfer unit 206 transfers the toner image onto the sheet P. The transferred toner image is fixed on a sheet P by a fixing unit (fixing roller) 207, and then the sheet P is discharged by a discharge roller 208 to a sorter 220 mounted outside the apparatus, and
0 is discharged onto the tray 220a.

When an image is formed on both sides of the sheet P, the sheet P on which the toner image has been fixed on one side by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the discharge roller 208, and then conveyed in the reverse direction. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet stacking unit 210 for re-feeding via the direction switching member 209. When the next document is prepared, the image data of the document is read in the same manner as described above, but for the next sheet P, the sheet stacking section 210 for re-feeding.
And the paper is fed upside down, the same paper P
Can be formed on both sides of the document.

Next, the configuration of the controller 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller unit 3
It is connected to the reader unit 1 via the reader interface 301 and connected to the printer unit 2 via the printer interface 310. Note that the reader interface 301
The signal line connecting the reader and the reader unit 1 includes, in addition to a normal signal line, an enable hardware line for controlling an original moving reading operation in a continuous moving reading mode described later.

The controller unit 3 includes a reader memory 302, an encoder 303, and a compressed image memory 3 in addition to the reader interface 301 and the printer interface 310.
04, decoder 305, page memory 306, CPU (c
entral processing unit) 307, RAM (random acces)
s memory) 308 and a ROM (read only memory) 309.

The reader memory 302 stores image data (raw data before compression) read by the reader
This is a buffer memory for temporarily storing pages. The two pages are the maximum document size that can be read by the reader unit 1, for example, two pages of an A3 size document. In the case of a document of a smaller size, the reader memory 302 is further divided. , The number of pages becomes larger than two pages. For example, A
In the case of a four-size document, the size is four pages. Thus, for example, at least two documents can be continuously read in A3 size and at least four documents can be continuously read in A4 size.

The encoder 303 includes a reader memory 302
Is encoded by a predetermined encoding method and compressed.

The compressed image memory 304 includes the encoder 30
3 for storing compressed image data obtained by compression for a plurality of pages.

The decoder 305 includes a compressed image memory 304
The compressed image data stored in the page memory 306 is analyzed, decompressed to original image data before compression, and expanded on the page memory 306.

The ROM 309 stores a control program executed by the CPU 307, and corresponds to an embodiment of a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

The CPU 307 controls each section of the controller section 3 according to a control program stored in the ROM 309, and controls the entire apparatus.

The RAM 308 is used as a work area of the CPU 307.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a document transport control unit for controlling the operation of the DF 101, which communicates with the reader unit 1 to control the entire DF 101.

Next, the flow of image data in the configuration of FIG. 2 will be described. The image data of the document read by the reader unit 1 is input to the controller unit 3 via the reader interface 301 and is developed and stored in an unused area of the reader memory 302.
3 and stored in the compressed image memory 304. In a normal copy operation, the image data in the compressed image memory 304 is analyzed and decompressed by the decoder 305, expanded on the page memory 306, output to the printer unit 2 as a video signal from the printer interface 310, and output by the printer unit 2. An image is formed on the paper.

If image output and formation are normally performed, the compressed image memory 304 based on the output image
The inside compressed image data is deleted. Then, as a result of newly storing the compressed image data in the compressed image memory 304,
When it is determined that the image data cannot be accommodated, it is processed as the memory of the compressed image memory 304 being full.

When the image data stored in the reader memory 302 is normally compressed and stored in the compressed image memory 304, the image data stored in the compressed image memory 304 is stored in the reader memory 302 based on the compressed image data stored in the compressed image memory 304. The deleted image data is deleted, and the area used for storing the image data is released as an unused area. Thereafter, the image data stored in the reader memory 302 is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory 304.

Next, the configuration of an operation panel as an operation unit of the present apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. This operation panel is provided on the upper front side of the reader unit 1.

On the operation panel 20 shown in FIG.
Is a display unit for displaying the operation status of the apparatus and various messages. The surface of the display unit 21 is a touch panel, and functions as a selection key when touched, and a magnification setting and the like are performed here. Numeral 22 is a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, and here, the number of copies for one document is set. Reference numeral 23 denotes a start key, and when this key is pressed, a document reading operation is started.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a function key, which enables one-touch switching between a copy operation, a box function, and an extended function. Note that the box function is a function of storing image data of a read document in a hard disk device (not shown) provided in the main body of the apparatus.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a continuous flow reading mode key for the operator of the apparatus to turn on / off the continuous flow reading mode, that is, to set and release the mode.
Here, in the continuous moving reading mode, when performing the document reading process of a plurality of documents by the moving document reading as described later, the DF 101 does not stop every time the moving document reading of one document is completed. In this mode, image data read one page at a time is stored in the reader memory 302, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory 304 while the document data is read continuously one page at a time while the document is continuously read by moving the document continuously. .

Next, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the scanner unit 104 is moved to a home position (hereinafter abbreviated as HP) and a reading position (scan position, hereinafter abbreviated as SP) at the time of original document reading in the reader unit 1 according to FIGS. The configuration to be performed will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the upper surface side of the reader unit 1 without the DF 101, and FIG.
The positions of P and SP are shown.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a light-shielding plate for blocking an HP sensor 402 as an optical sensor.
It is for performing an HP search process to be described later depending on whether the output 02 is on or off, and is attached to one side of the scanner unit 104. The scanner unit 104 moves forward and backward by an optical motor (pulse motor) 403 and a transport belt 404. In FIG. 4, the right direction of the arrow is the forward direction.

The shading correction is performed before the original reading process by the original moving reading is performed.
Performs an HP search process of moving the scanner unit 104 to the HP indicating the position, reads an image of a white plate (not shown) arranged below the SP with the lamp of the scanner unit 104 turned on, and outputs an output signal of the CCD image sensor 109. Is performed by correcting. After the shading correction processing, the scanner unit 104 is moved to the SP shown in FIG.
The document is read (moved back) and the scanner unit 104 is stopped by the SP, and the document reading process in the document flow reading is performed.

In the HP search operation for moving the scanner unit 104 to the HP, first, the HP sensor 4 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the output of No. 02 is on. If it is on, the scanner unit 104 is moved in the forward direction until the output of the HP sensor 402 is turned off. And
Finally, the scanner unit 104 is moved in the backward direction,
The scanner unit 10 is moved to the HP by moving a predetermined distance after the output of the HP sensor 402 is turned on again.
4 can be brought.

When the output of the HP sensor 402 is off from the beginning, the scanner unit 104 is moved in the backward direction, and is moved a predetermined distance after the output of the HP sensor 402 is turned on. Can be brought to the scanner unit 104.

Next, the document transport operation of the DF 101 at the time of document scanning reading will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 6 shows that three originals D are DF101
This is the situation when set to. The first surface A, the second surface B, and the third surface C are set on the document feed tray 604 in this order from the top of the stack of the stacked documents D. Then, when performing this original reading,
As described above, the scanner unit 104 is stopped at the SP and is in the lamp lighting state.

In this state, the pickup roller 607 of the paper feed system is moved onto the bundle of the originals D, and as shown in FIG.
The originals D are pulled in one by one from the top of the bundle and fed to the registration roller 601 (pre-feed), and the registration rollers 6
In step 01, the leading edge registration for adjusting the document reading timing is performed. Then, by registering at a predetermined timing, the first document D is conveyed as shown in FIG. 8, passes over the scanner unit 104 located at the SP, and is scanned by the scanner unit 104. Surface A
Is read. That is, the original is read in a stream.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG.
Is discharged face down with the front face A down on the document discharge tray 605, and at the same time, the second document D is pre-fed. Thereafter, paper feeding, reading, and paper discharging are similarly performed for the second and subsequent sheets, and finally, as shown in FIG.
On the sheet 05, the discharge bundle of the document D is the third, second, and first sheets from the top. When reading both sides of the document D, the reversing flapper 603 is used to perform the document reversing operation.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a sensor 602 for detecting the size of a document set on the document feed tray 604 of the DF 101 is provided. The sensor 602 is specifically configured as, for example, a reflection-type optical sensor, and includes a document feed tray 604.
The document is placed at a predetermined distance behind the front end of the document setting position, for example, at a position of 220 mm, and if the length of all the set documents in the sub-scanning direction (document conveyance direction) is less than 220 mm, the document is covered. If the length of at least one of the set documents in the sub-scanning direction is 220 mm or more, the document is turned on by being covered with the documents.

As a result, all of the set originals have a small size (for example, A
4) The original (hereinafter referred to as a small original) or at least one of the set originals has a length of 2 in the sub-scanning direction.
It is possible to detect whether the document is a large document (for example, A3) having a size of 20 mm or more (hereinafter, referred to as a large document).

That is, the sensor 602 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a large original. However, it is extremely rare that a user mixes originals of different sizes, that is, a large original and a small original, and sets them on the DF 101. Therefore, the sensor 602 can substantially detect whether the set originals are all small originals or large originals.

The sensor 602 can determine only whether the length of the set document in the sub-scanning direction is, for example, 220 mm or more, and specifies the size of the document by actually measuring the length of the document in the sub-scanning direction. However, if the originals to be set are limited to two types, for example, A3 and A4, the size can be detected without fail. When it is necessary to measure the length of the document in the sub-scanning direction to specify the size of the document, a measurement sensor for performing the measurement is provided near the back of the registration roller 601 as shown by reference numeral 606 in FIG. In addition, by carrying the document idle after the registration of the leading edge of the document, the size of the document can be specified by actually measuring the length of the document in the sub-scanning direction.

In the above configuration, the operation panel 2 shown in FIG.
In the state in which the continuous flowing reading mode is set by the continuous flowing reading mode key 25 of 0 and a plurality of documents D are set on the document feeding tray 604 of the DF 101, the start key 2
When 3 is pressed, original reading processing of a plurality of originals is performed by moving original reading in the continuous moving reading mode. Details of the operation will be described below with reference to FIGS.
The following operation is performed by the ROM 309 of the controller unit 3.
Under the control of the CPU 307 according to the control program stored in the.

First, the flowchart of FIG. 11 shows a processing procedure of a main routine for performing a document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode.

In this main routine, first, in step S1 of FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not a document is set on the DF 101, and the process waits until the document is set. Whether or not a document is set is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided on the document feed tray 604 for detecting the presence or absence of a document.

If it is determined in step S1 that a document has been set on the DF 101, the process proceeds to step S2,
It waits until the start key 23 on the operation panel 20 is pressed.

If the start key 23 has been pressed in step S2, the flow advances to step S3 to cause the reader unit 1 to execute a document reading preparation process. This processing will be described later.

When the preparation for reading the original in step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S4, where the original feed tray 604 is set.
It is determined using the sensor 602 for detecting the presence / absence of the large document whether or not the document set on the DF 101 is a small document (for example, A4 size). Of the threshold value of the unused area of the reader memory 302, which is a criterion for judging the condition for stopping the original document reading in the small original 1
Set to the capacity corresponding to the image data of the page. If the set original is not only a small original (at least one or all of them are, for example, A3 large originals), the threshold capacity of the unused area of the reader memory 302 is set to one page of the large original. Set to the capacity corresponding to the image data of the minute.

As described above, the user mixes different size originals such as a small original and a large original into a DF.
Setting the document at 101 is extremely rare and exceptional. Therefore, the case where the set document is not only a small document is substantially a case where all the set documents are large documents. Means.

Next, in step S5, a document reading process is performed by moving the document in the continuous moving reading mode. The details will be described later, but when this is completed, this routine ends.

Next, the original reading preparation processing performed by the reader unit 1 in step S3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 showing the processing procedure.

In the original reading preparation processing, first, in step S11 in FIG. 12, the above-described HP (home position) search processing is performed. After the HP search is completed, in step S12, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104 is turned on to perform the above-described shading correction processing. After the completion of the shading correction processing, the ramp 103
Is kept lit, and in step S13, the scanner unit 104 is moved to the SP, that is, the reading position in the case of the original scanning. This ends the process and returns to the main routine of FIG.

Next, the details of the original reading process in the continuous flow reading mode performed in step S5 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13 and the sequence diagram of the same process of FIG. In FIG. 14, reading of five small originals is assumed.

In the original reading process in the continuous flow reading mode, first, in step S100 of FIG.
The paper feed signal is turned on for the document transport control unit 11 that controls the operation of the first operation.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller unit 3 notifies the reader unit 1 of a document reading request in the continuous flow reading mode. The paper feed signal in the continuous flow reading mode is turned on. As a result, the DF 101 is driven to feed the first sheet of the set document, and the SP
Is conveyed so as to pass over the scanner unit 104, and the image data of the first page of the original is read by the original scanning. When the reading is completed, the completion of reading the first page of the document is notified to the reader unit 1 from the document conveyance control unit 11, and the reader unit 1 notifies the controller unit 3 of the completion of reading the first page of the document. . In this case, since a document to be read next is set in the DF 101, it is also notified that there is a next document.

Next, in step S101, it is determined whether reading of the image data of one page of the document has been completed based on the presence or absence of the notification of the completion of the reading of the document. After the storage area of the original image data of one page stored and expanded in 302 is determined by the storage address of the last data, the compression processing of the one page of image data is started. Then, the compression processing is performed in parallel with the processing of step S103 and thereafter, and the compressed image data is stored in the compressed image memory 304.

The speed of the compression process differs depending on the type of image data, such as a character-only image or a photograph containing halftones. There is a case where the reading speed is faster than a reading speed of the image data and a case where the reading speed is slower. FIG.
Shows a case where the image compression processing of the first page is not completed at the time when the moving original reading of the third page is completed.

Next, in step S103, it is determined whether or not the reading of the image data of all the originals has been completed, based on the notification of the presence / absence of the next original. If not, the flow advances to step S104.

In step S104, the reader memory 30
2 is the capacity of an unused area not used for storing image data (abbreviated as “remaining memory capacity” in FIG. 13) less than or equal to the threshold capacity set in step S4 in FIG. It is determined whether or not the capacity of the unused area is larger than the threshold value.
The processing of 1 to S104 is repeated. Thus, continuous flow reading is performed. Steps S101 to S104
Of the image data for one page of the document in the reader memory 302 and the compressed image memory 304
Each time the storage in the memory is completed, the image data on which the compressed image data is based is deleted in the reader memory 302, and the area used for the storage is released as an unused area. If the speed of the compression processing of the image data for one page is lower than the reading speed, the capacity of the unused area of the reader memory 302 gradually decreases.

On the other hand, in step S104, the reader memory 3
If the capacity of the unused area 02 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the flow advances to step S105 to turn off the sheet feeding signal to the document transport control unit 11, and further waits for the completion of reading of the next document by the determination loop of step S106.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the completion of reading the third page of the document is notified from the document transport control unit 11 to the controller unit 3 via the reader unit 1,
Assuming that the capacity of the unused area of the reader memory 302 becomes equal to or smaller than the threshold value, the controller unit 3 turns off the enable signal of the enable hard line in the continuous flow reading mode described above for the reader unit 1, and accordingly, Reader unit 1
Turns off the paper feed signal to the document transport controller 11.
In this case, there is a manuscript of the next fourth page, and the DF
Since the document 101 is in the process of carrying the original and reading the original, the DF 101 stops after the reading of the original of the fourth page is completed. As a result, the original moving reading in the continuous moving reading mode is interrupted. The image data of the fourth page read here is stored in the reader memory 3.
02, but since the capacity of the threshold value corresponds to one page of the document, the reader memory 302 does not overflow.

When the reading of the next document is completed in step S106, the process proceeds to step S107, where the reader memory 30
It is determined whether or not the compression processing has been completed for all of the image data stored in step S1 (in parallel with this, step S1).
06, the read image data is compressed), and if not completed, the end is waited for.

When the compression processing is completed, step S1
In step 08, all the image data in the reader memory 302 is deleted, and the area used for storing the image data is released as an unused area. This allows the reader memory 30
Of course, the entire area of No. 2 becomes an unused area, and its capacity becomes larger than the above-mentioned threshold value.

Next, in step S109, the paper feed signal is turned on again to the document transport control unit 11. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the controller unit 3 notifies the reader unit 1 of a document reading request in the continuous flow reading mode,
In response, the reader unit 1 turns on the paper feed signal in the continuous flow reading mode to the document transport control unit 11. As a result, the DF 101 is driven again, and the moving original reading in the continuous moving reading mode is restarted.

After step S109, step S10
The process returns to step S1, and the process from step S101 is repeated.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, when the reading of the fifth page of the document is completed, there is no more document to be read next. Upon completion, the next manuscript is notified.

Then, in the determination in step S103 in the processing after step S101 repeated as described above, it is determined that reading of all the originals has been completed by the above-described notification of the absence of the next original. In this case, the process proceeds to step S110, in which the paper feed signal to the document transport control unit 11 is turned off,
When the compression of the remaining image data in the reader memory 302 and the storage in the compressed image memory 304 are completed, the process returns to the main routine of FIG. 11 and ends the routine.

Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the image data stored in the reader memory 302 is compressed and stored in the compressed image memory 304, so that the compressed image memory 304 becomes full. When this occurs, the paper feed signal is forcibly turned off to the document transport control unit 11. As a result, the DF 101 stops after the conveyance of the original that is currently being scanned (in conveyance) is completed, that is, when the flow reading is completed. That is, the continuous flow reading is interrupted, and the system waits until the memory full of the compressed image memory 304 is released.

After the image data stored in the compressed image memory 304 is decompressed and expanded in the page memory 306, the image data is output from the printer interface 310 to the printer unit 2, and when the printing by the printer unit 2 ends normally. Then, the compressed image data corresponding to the output image data is deleted from the compressed image memory 304, and the memory full is eliminated.

Then, from among the image data stored in the reader memory 302, the compression of the image data which had been subjected to the compression processing at the time when the above memory full occurred and the storage processing to the compressed image memory 304 are restarted. Then, the paper feed signal is turned on again to the document transport control section 11 to restart the original flow reading.

According to the present embodiment as described above, since the capacity of the reader memory 302 is a capacity corresponding to the image data of a plurality of pages of the original, the original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode is performed. If the speed of the image compression processing for one page is faster than the image reading speed of the one-page moving document reading depending on the type of the image data of the original, the process proceeds to S10 after step S100 in FIG.
By repeating steps 1 to S104, continuous scanning of all originals can be performed (however, when the memory of the compressed image memory 304 does not become full in the middle), the performance of the DF 101 and the reader unit 1 is maximized. In addition, it is possible to continuously perform high-speed original reading, and efficiently perform original reading processing at high speed.

Further, for example, when the capacity of the reader memory 302 is a capacity corresponding to image data of two pages of A3 original and four pages of A4 original, the speed of one-page image compression processing is one-page original reading. Even if the reading speed is slower than that of
The continuous reading of four pages of the original can be performed without interruption, and the original reading process can be performed quickly and efficiently.

It should be noted that the threshold of the capacity of the unused area of the reader memory 302 for determining whether or not to interrupt the continuous document reading in the continuous document reading mode in the determination of step S104 in FIG. In step S4, a different value (capacity corresponding to one page of image data of each size) is set depending on the size of the document, so that the capacity of the reader memory 302 is used to the maximum extent regardless of the size of the document. In this manner, it is possible to efficiently read the original in the continuous flowing reading mode, thereby efficiently performing the original reading process.

[0083]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, in an image processing apparatus for performing original reading processing by moving original reading, a buffer memory (in the embodiment, a reader memory) for storing image data read from the original. Memory) is set to a capacity that can store the image data of the originals of a plurality of pages, and when the originals are read in a plurality of originals by the original flow reading, the originals are read in the continuous original reading mode. By maximizing the performance of the document conveying means and the image reading means for reading, it is possible to carry out the moving document reading at a high speed and thereby efficiently perform the document reading process at a high speed. Further, at this time, regardless of the size of the original, an excellent effect that the original reading process can be performed efficiently by using the capacity of the buffer memory as efficiently as possible is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller unit of the device.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an operation panel of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the reader unit in a state where a DF (automatic document feeder) of the apparatus is removed.

FIG. 5 shows the HP (Home Position) and SP of the leader unit.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing (reading position) and the like.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a document setting state for explaining a document transport operation of the DF at the time of scanning a document;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a first sheet pre-feed for explaining the document conveying operation.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a first-sheet reading state for explaining the document conveying operation.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a first sheet discharging state and a second sheet feeding state for explaining the document conveying operation.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a reading completed state for explaining the document conveying operation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a main routine for performing a document reading process in a continuous flow reading mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a document reading preparation process;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure of a document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a sequence of a document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 2 Printer part 3 Controller part 11 Document conveyance control part 20 Operation panel 25 Continuous flow reading mode key 101 DF (Automatic document conveyance device) 104 Scanner unit 109 CCD image sensor 201 Exposure control part 202 Photoconductor 203 Developing device 206 Transfer Unit 207 fixing unit 302 reader memory (buffer memory) 304 compressed image memory 306 page memory 307 CPU 309 ROM 601 registration roller 602 sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a large original 604 original feed tray 605 original discharge tray 606 original sub-scanning direction Length measurement sensor D Document P Paper

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) H04N 1/04 H04N 1/12 Z F term (reference) 2H076 BA56 BA63 BA67 BB02 BB04 5B047 AA01 BA01 BB02 CA09 CB12 CB25 EA02 EA05 5C062 AA05 AB02 AB22 AB30 AB32 AB42 AB53 AC02 AC11 AC22 AC23 AC67 BA04 5C072 AA01 BA03 EA05 LA18 NA08 RA01 TA07 UA08 UA11 XA01 5C073 AA02 BC03 BD03 CE01

Claims (20)

[Claims] An image reading unit configured to transfer a document one by one over the image reading unit of the image reading unit; While the image reading means reads the image data of the original one page at a time, the original reading is performed, and the read image data is stored in an unused area of the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory. An image processing apparatus that performs a document reading process for releasing an area used for storing image data from which the compressed image data is based in the buffer memory as an unused area, wherein the capacity of the buffer memory is As the capacity for storing the image data of the original, the original In performing the reading process, the document conveying means is continuously operated without stopping each time when the document reading of one document is completed, so that the document reading of a plurality of documents is continuously performed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the original reading process in a continuous flow reading mode in which image data read one page at a time is stored in the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory. Processing equipment. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising input means for allowing an operator of the image processing apparatus to set and release the continuous flow reading mode. 3. When the capacity of an unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold while performing the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode, The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control the document conveying unit to stop and stop the moving document reading in the continuous moving reading mode. 4. A document size detecting means for detecting the size of a document set on the document conveying means, and detecting the document size by means of the document size detecting means when performing a document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising processing means for performing processing for setting the capacity of the threshold value to a different capacity according to the size of the original document. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document conveying means receives a stop instruction from the control means while performing the flow reading of one document in the continuous flow reading mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image processing apparatus stops after the reading of the original has been completed. 6. The original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode,
After the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than the capacity of a predetermined threshold and the document conveying means is stopped, the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes larger than the capacity of the threshold. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the document feeder to operate again to restart the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. 7. When the compressed image memory becomes full after starting the original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode, the control unit stops the original conveying unit and continuously stops the original conveying unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein control is performed so as to interrupt the original reading process in the flow reading mode. 8. The original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode,
After the document reading process is interrupted due to the memory full of the compressed image memory, when the memory full of the compressed image memory is resolved, the document conveying means is operated again to restart the document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control is performed. 9. An image processing apparatus comprising: a document conveying unit, an image reading unit, a buffer memory, and a compressed image memory, wherein the document conveying unit conveys documents one by one so as to pass over an image reading unit of the image reading unit. While the image reading unit reads the image data of the original one page at a time by the image reading means, the read image data is stored in an unused area of the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus that performs a document reading process of opening an area used for storing image data that is a source of the compressed image data in the buffer memory as an unused area, wherein the capacity of the buffer memory is: As the capacity to store the image data of the multi-page document, In performing the original reading process of the original, the original conveying means is continuously operated without stopping each time when the original original reading of one original is completed, so that the original original reading of a plurality of originals is continuously performed. Image processing characterized in that control is performed such that original reading processing is performed in a continuous flow reading mode in which image data read sequentially one page at a time while reading is stored in the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory. How to control the device. 10. When the capacity of an unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold while performing the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode, The method according to claim 9, wherein the control is performed such that the document feeder is stopped to stop the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. 11. A capacity of the threshold value is set to a different capacity according to a size of a document set in the document conveying means when performing a document reading process by a document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. The method according to claim 10, wherein the control is performed in such a manner. 12. In the original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode, the capacity of an unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold capacity, and the original conveying means is stopped. After that, when the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes larger than the capacity of the threshold value, control is performed such that the document feeding means is operated again to restart the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein 13. When the compressed image memory becomes full after the document reading process by the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode is started, the document conveying means is stopped and the document in the continuous flow reading mode is stopped. 13. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein control is performed to interrupt the reading process. 14. In the original reading process by the original moving reading in the continuous moving reading mode, after the original reading process is interrupted by the memory full of the compressed image memory, if the memory full of the compressed image memory is eliminated,
14. The control method of the image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the document conveying unit is operated again to control the document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode. 15. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a document conveying means, an image reading means, a buffer memory, and a compressed image memory, wherein the document conveying means conveys documents one by one so as to pass over an image reading portion of the image reading means. While the image reading unit reads the image data of the original one page at a time by the image reading means, the read image data is stored in an unused area of the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory. A computer-readable storage storing a control program of an image processing apparatus for performing a document reading process for opening an area used for storing image data on which the compressed image data is based in the buffer memory as an unused area; In the medium, the capacity of the buffer memory is equal to the In the case where a plurality of originals are read by the above-mentioned original reading, the original conveying means is continuously stopped without stopping each time when the original reading of one original is completed. In the continuous flow reading mode, the image data read one page at a time is stored in the buffer memory, compressed, and stored in the compressed image memory while the moving image reading of a plurality of documents is continuously performed. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling to perform a document reading process. 16. When the capacity of an unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value while performing the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode, 16. The storage medium according to claim 15, wherein a control program for stopping the document feeder and interrupting the continuous document reading in the continuous document reading mode is stored. 17. A capacity of the threshold value is set to a different capacity according to a size of a document set on the document feeder when performing a document reading process by a document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. 2. A control program for performing control as described above is stored.
7. The storage medium according to 6. 18. In the original reading process in the continuous original reading mode in the continuous original reading mode, the capacity of an unused area of the buffer memory becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold capacity, and the original transport means is stopped. Thereafter, when the capacity of the unused area of the buffer memory becomes larger than the capacity of the threshold value, control for controlling the document feeder to operate again to restart the document flow reading in the continuous flow reading mode. 18. The storage medium according to claim 16, wherein a program is stored. 19. When the compressed image memory becomes full after starting the original reading process by the original flowing reading in the continuous flowing reading mode, the original conveying means is stopped to set the original in the continuous flowing reading mode. The storage medium according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein a control program for controlling a reading process to be interrupted is stored. 20. In the original reading processing by the original moving reading in the continuous moving reading mode, after the original reading processing is interrupted by the memory full of the compressed image memory, if the memory full of the compressed image memory is eliminated,
20. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein a control program is stored for controlling the document feeder to operate again to restart the document reading process in the continuous flow reading mode.