JP2003229980A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor in which the burden on a user is reduced and operations are facilitated when processing a series of originals not to be read at once by dividing the originals. <P>SOLUTION: The original fed to an original hopper 25 is read with an image reader 19 and outputted image data are stored in an image storage device 20. When reading is completed, it is judged whether the number of read originals is equal to or larger than a specified number. When the number of the read originals is equal to or larger than the specified number, a MODEM 13 is turned into standby state. When an original is fed in the standby state, the original is read again. Original data outputted at such a time are stored into the image storage device 20 while being related with the image data stored directly before. When the instruction of standby state cancellation is inputted from the user or after the lapse of a specified period from the start of the standby state, the MODEM 13 is operated and the image data stored in the image storage device 20 are transmitted to a transmission destination together with the related image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is provided with an automatic document feeder for automatically transporting a plurality of documents placed one by one, and a predetermined amount of image data obtained by reading the transported documents. The present invention relates to an image processing device that performs processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image processing apparatus, such as a copying machine and a facsimile apparatus, which performs a predetermined process on image data obtained by scanning an original, automatically puts the originals placed together one by one. Many are equipped with an automatic document feeder for conveying. In such an automatic document feeder, the maximum number of documents that can be placed at once is limited depending on the size of the device. It is possible to increase the maximum number of documents that can be placed by increasing the size of the apparatus itself, but an increase in the maximum number increases the document height. Since the main method of separating a plurality of originals one by one is to sequentially separate the originals from the uppermost part, a mechanism for smoothly conveying the separated originals to a reading position is required.

When the number of originals exceeds the capacity of the original feeding device and all the originals cannot be read at one time, it is necessary to divide and supply a series of originals, but in many image processing apparatuses. Since the image data processing such as the facsimile transmission processing is started when all the supplied originals are read, a series of originals is divided into a plurality of sheets and processed. For example, in a facsimile apparatus, since the original is divided into a plurality of sheets and transmitted, the receiving side needs to restore the series of originals. This restoration work is particularly troublesome when other data is received during the reception.

Several measures have already been proposed for such problems. In the copying machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-44667, the number of fed originals is measured by the original counter when the originals are fed by the automatic original feeder. When the measured value reaches a predetermined value, the copied sheet processing apparatus is caused to perform a predetermined processing operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a mistake in binding the copied sheets and improve the operability.

In the facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-121108, the document transmission is started after the user inputs the total number of documents to be transmitted, and when the documents placed on the document table are completely transmitted, If the number of transmitted originals does not reach the total number of input sheets, the communication state is maintained and the standby state is maintained, and when an additional transmitted original is placed, the original is transmitted.
On the other hand, if the number of transmitted documents reaches the total number of input sheets, the communication is immediately terminated. This makes it easy to set the transmission originals and prevent the communication time from being unnecessarily extended when transmitting the originals while placing a large number of originals little by little on the original table.

In the facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-274978, when all the originals set in the automatic original feeding device among the originals arbitrarily divided by the operator are read, the read image information is read. After accumulating in the storage unit, the operator is asked whether or not to continue setting the document without starting the transmission of the image information.
When the operator receives the confirmation and sets the remaining originals in the automatic document feeder, the image information read from the additional originals is associated with the previously stored image information, and after all the originals have been read, All related image information can be collected and transmitted to a predetermined destination.

In the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-163042, in order to handle a manuscript set in the automatic manuscript conveying means a plurality of times as a series of manuscripts, the number of continuous use of the automatic manuscript conveying means is set. The image information of the document that is input and read by the input number of times of continuous use is stored as a series of image information, and an image is formed based on the stored image information.

[0008]

In an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile machine, cost reduction and miniaturization are progressing, and there is a method in which read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device and then the next processing is performed. It is the mainstream. As for the document reading device including the automatic document feeding device provided in each device, the parts are downsized, and the maximum number of documents that can be supplied at one time is decreasing.

In the case of the facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-121108, it is necessary for the user to count the total number of documents to be processed in advance, which imposes a heavy burden on the user. Further, in the case of the facsimile apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-274978, there is a problem that the user cannot always move to the next step unless the user instructs the remaining state of the document. In the case of the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-163042, the user needs to determine the number of divisions into which the number of originals is divided in advance, and start reading after the division, which imposes a heavy burden on the user. Will be done.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus which can reduce the burden on the user and can be easily operated when dividing and processing a series of plural originals which cannot be read at one time. It is to be.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a document storing means capable of storing a plurality of documents, a document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the document storing means, and a document stored in the document storing means. Document conveying means for conveying the documents one by one to a predetermined reading position, document counting means for counting the number of documents conveyed by the document conveying means, and document reading for reading the document at the reading position and outputting image data Means, storage means for storing the image data output from the document reading means, image processing means for performing a predetermined process on the image data stored in the storage means, the document conveying means and the document. The reading unit is operated to read the document, the output image data is stored in the storage unit, and the detection result of the document detection unit is changed from the presence of the document to the absence of the document. If the number of documents counted by the document counting unit is less than a predetermined number, the image processing unit is activated, and if the number of documents counted by the document counting unit is not less than the specified number, An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that puts the image processing unit in a standby state.

According to the present invention, the original feeding means and the original reading means operate to read the original, and the output image data is stored in the storage means. The number of conveyed originals is counted by the original counting means, and when the detection result of the original detecting means changes from the presence of the original to the absence of the original, if the number of the counted originals is less than a predetermined number, The image processing means operates to process the image data. If the number of sheets counted by the document counting means is equal to or larger than the specified number, the image data is not processed and stands by. As a result, when a series of originals that cannot be read at one time is divided into a plurality of sheets to be processed, the user can count the number of originals in advance or instruct the apparatus to divide the processing. Is unnecessary, and the burden on the user is reduced.

According to the present invention, when the detection result of the document detecting unit changes from no document to document present while the image processing unit is in a standby state, the control unit operates the document feeding unit and the document reading unit. Scan the original,
It is characterized in that the newly output image data is stored in association with the image data stored immediately before in the storage means.

According to the present invention, when the next original is supplied while the image processing means is in the standby state and the detection result of the original detection means changes from the absence of the original to the presence of the original, the original conveying means and the original reading means operate. The original is read. The next image data that is read from the document and newly output is stored in the storage unit in association with the image data stored immediately before. This makes it possible to collectively process a series of originals read by dividing them into a plurality of sheets.

Further, the present invention has an instruction means for instructing the user to release the standby state of the image processing means, and the control means is stored in the storage means based on an input from the instruction means. The image processing means is operated so as to perform a predetermined process on the image data.

According to the present invention, when the user gives an instruction to cancel the standby state of the image processing means, a predetermined process is performed on the image data stored in the storage means. This allows
Even when the number of originals exceeds the specified number, even if there are no divided originals, the image data can be processed by an easy operation.

Further, according to the present invention, if there is no predetermined input within a predetermined time after the image processing means is in a standby state, the control means performs predetermined operation on the image data stored in the storage means. The image processing means is operated so as to perform the processing of.

According to the present invention, if there is no predetermined input within a predetermined time period after the image processing means enters the standby state, the predetermined processing is performed on the image data stored in the storage means. Accordingly, when there is no next original in the standby state, the image data can be processed without the user's instruction.

The present invention is also characterized in that the user has time setting means for setting the specified time.

According to the present invention, since the user has the time setting means for setting the specified time, the user can change the specified time. The user can also set the optimum prescribed time based on the usage status of the device.

Further, the present invention is characterized by having a number setting means for the user to set the specified number.

According to the present invention, since the user has the number setting means for setting the specified number, the user can change the specified number. The user can also set the optimum specified number of sheets based on the usage status of the device.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention is an automatic document feeder (ADF: automatic document feeder) that automatically conveys a plurality of documents placed one by one.
The present invention can be applied to all image processing apparatuses that have an automatic document feeder and perform a predetermined process on image data obtained by reading a conveyed original document, but a facsimile apparatus will be described below as an image processing apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the facsimile apparatus 1, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the detailed configuration of the image reading device 19, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the document reading process.

First, the outline of the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The facsimile device 1 is a device that reads a document, a document such as a photograph, and transmits it as image data to a remote place by an electric means. Transmission is
Mainly dedicated line, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital)
Network) and other public data line networks and general telephone line networks. The facsimile device may also have a call function via a general telephone line. As shown in the figure, on the main body of the facsimile apparatus 1, a handset 15 for communication, a document hopper 25 for loading a plurality of documents and supplying them to a document reading section in the device, and a plurality of recording papers are placed. Paper hopper 2 for supplying the printing section in the device
6 is provided, and an operation panel unit 27 that integrates the functions of the man-machine interface is provided on the front part that is most easily operated by the user. The operation panel unit 27 is equipped with a display device 21 for displaying various information, a dial key 22 for the user to input a dial number, and an operation key 23. The operation panel unit 27 can be opened and closed, so that it is possible to handle a paper feed failure such as a jam (paper jam) when a document is fed, a double feed (double feed), and a cleaning of the reading unit. Has become.

The document hopper 25 is a document storing means for storing a document to be read for transmission or copying, and a plurality of documents can be placed and stored therein.
In the lower part of the original hopper 25, the originals supplied one by one from a plurality of originals are conveyed to the reading unit and read, and the read originals are ejected from the original / recording paper ejection port at the lower front of the apparatus. It The document hopper 25 is provided with a document guide 250 to prevent skew (skew) of the document when it is conveyed. The width of the document guide 250 is
It can be adjusted according to the size of the document to be supplied, and in the present embodiment, only the guide piece 250a moves in the width direction.
As a result, the document is biased with respect to the guide piece 250b. Of course, the originals may be centered with the center as a reference by moving the guide pieces on both sides. The original hopper 25 can be opened / closed similarly to the operation panel unit 27, and processing when a recording paper jams due to double feed, skew, etc. and maintenance of the printing unit, for example, ink replacement when an inkjet method is adopted And so on can be done easily.

The recording paper hopper 26 stores and stores a plurality of recording papers to be used when printing the received image data or the read image data.
In the lower part, the recording papers fed one by one from a plurality of recording papers are conveyed to the printing unit and printed, and the printed recording papers are ejected from the original / recording paper ejection port on the lower front of the apparatus. To be done. It is also possible to provide a stacker for stacking discharged originals and recording sheets simultaneously or separately.

The recording paper hopper 26 has a recording paper guide 2
60 is provided to prevent skew of the recording paper. The width of the recording paper guide 260 is also set to the original guide 25.
It can be adjusted in accordance with the size of the recording paper to be supplied as in the case of 0. In this embodiment, only the guide piece 260a moves in the width direction. As a result, the recording paper is guided by the guide piece 250b.
It is based on the standard. Of course, the recording paper may be centered with the center as a reference by moving the guide pieces on both sides.

When a plurality of originals are supplied to the original hopper 25, the number of originals that can be supplied at one time is limited by the size of the apparatus itself, the height of the original guide 250, and the like. Even if the plurality of originals are fed to the original hopper 25 in a plurality of times, it is possible to collectively process them by an easy operation. Below,
The operation of the facsimile apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the block diagram and the flowchart of the document reading process.

As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile machine 1
Is a network control device 12, a modem 13, a control device 14, a handset 15, a printing device 16, a storage device 17, a cordless slave device control circuit 18, an image reading device 19, an image storage device 20, a display device 21, a dial key 22. , Operation key 2
3 and antenna 24. The facsimile device 1 is connected to the telephone circuit network 11 via the network control device 12, and the network control device 12 monitors the status of the telephone circuit network 11 and, depending on the purpose, connects the line to the modem 13 side or the handset 15 side. And either of the cordless control circuit 18 side is switched and connected. The modem 13 modulates the digital signal of the image data read by the image reading device 19 into an analog signal that can be communicated by the telephone circuit network 11, and converts the analog signal received through the telephone circuit network 11 into a processable digital signal. It is one of image processing means for demodulation.

The handset 15 is equipped with a receiver and a transmitter for telephone calls, and is used when making a voice call using the facsimile device 1. The facsimile device 1 can be connected to one or a plurality of cordless cordless handsets (not shown), and the cordless cordless handset control circuit 18 controls communication with a cordless cordless handset (not shown). It includes a tuner for transmitting and receiving radio waves, searching for a communication path to establish a wireless connection with and establishing a connection. The antenna 24 emits radio waves when transmitting / receiving with the cordless cordless handset,
Receive.

The printing device 16 is one of image processing means for printing the received image data or the image data read by the image reading device 19, and a thermal system, an electrophotographic system, an inkjet system, etc. are often used. . The image reading device 19 is a device that reads a document to be transmitted or copied and outputs image data. The image reading device 19 is a reduction reading method using a combination of a lens and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, and a close contact using a rod lens array. The sensor method is mainly used. In particular, the image reading device 19 uses an automatic document feeding method in which one original is separated from a plurality of placed originals and conveyed to the image reading position.

Here, detailed configurations and operations of the printing device 16 and the image reading device 19 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing device 16 includes a recording paper hopper 26, a recording paper guide 260, a recording paper sensor 28, and a recording paper push-up spring 2.
9, recording paper separating unit 30, print head 31, paper feed roller 3
The image reading device 19 includes a document hopper 25, a document guide 250, a document sensor 34, a document pushing-up spring 35, a document separating section 36, a platen roller 37, a contact sensor 38, and a document ejection roller. It consists of rollers 39.

A plurality of originals to be read are stacked on the original hopper 25, and the positions on both sides are restricted by the original guides 250 to prevent skew. The presence or absence of a document on the document hopper 25, the document size, and the like are detected by a document sensor 34 which is a mechanical or optical sensor and is a document detection unit.

The originals on the original hopper 25 are composed of rollers and blocking rubbers, and are separated one by one by an original separating section 36 which is an original conveying means and are conveyed to a reading position. A contact sensor 38 is provided at the reading position, and the document is read when passing between the contact sensor 38 serving as an image reading unit and the platen roller 37. The read document is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the document discharge roller 39.

Since the contact sensor 38 is composed of a solid light source, a rod lens array and a photoelectric conversion unit and can read at the same magnification as the lateral width of the original, the optical path length is shorter than in the reduction reading system and the apparatus can be miniaturized. It has features such as. The analog reflectance data read by the contact sensor 38 is appropriately A / D (analog / digital) converted and output as digital image data.

In the document separating section 36, the maximum number of documents that can be separated is limited by the gap between the lower portion of the operation panel section 27 and the rollers, the shape of the rollers, the material, and the capability of the separating mechanism used such as the conveying force. Therefore, when the number of originals is larger than the maximum number, the originals are divided into a plurality of pieces and read. Similar to the number of sheets, the size and thickness of usable originals are also regulated.

The recording paper is supplied to the recording paper hopper 26 in advance and regulated on both sides by the recording paper guide 31. The presence or absence of recording paper and the recording paper size are detected by a plurality of mechanical or optical recording paper sensors 28.

The recording papers on the recording paper hopper 26 are separated one by one by a recording paper separating section 30 composed of a separating claw for pressing both ends of the recording paper and a half-moon roller, and conveyed by a paper feeding roller 32. In the case of the inkjet method, for example, ink is jetted from the print head 31 to print on the conveyed recording paper. The print head 31 is guided by a shaft and moves in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface and in parallel with the recording paper with a slight space therebetween, and performs printing on the entire surface of the recording paper. The printed recording paper is conveyed by the paper feed roller 32, and is ejected outside the apparatus by the recording paper ejection roller 33. Even when the recording paper is reduced and the entire thickness is reduced, the recording paper push-up spring 29 can always separate the recording paper by pressing the recording paper in the direction of the separation claw with a constant pressure.

The image storage device 20 is a storage means for storing the image data obtained by reading by the image reading device 19 and the received image data. By having this, many complicated functions, for example, the received image are received. It enables data transfer, broadcast function, proxy reception function when recording paper runs out, memory transmission function, etc.

The control device 14 cooperates with various programs stored in the storage device 17, input information from the dial keys 22 and the operation keys 23, status information indicating the status from each unit of the device, and a telephone circuit. The operation of the entire device is determined based on signal information from the network 11, and commands such as operation and stop are given to each electrically connected device, and further display device 21 displays image data, operation menu, and the like. Is a control means for issuing the instruction. Further, the control device 1
4 performs a data compression process for reducing the transmission time of the image data to be transmitted and a decompression process for returning the received compressed image data to the original pixel string information. When the image data is a monochrome image, it is mainly MH (Modified Huffman) system,
When compressed and expanded by MR (Modified Read) method and compatible with color image data, ITU
(International Telecommunication Union) -Compression and decompression are performed by the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) system and the like recommended by T. Further control device 1
4 is R, which is the three additive primary colors used when reading an image
A color image represented by the GB3 primary color, a color image represented by the CMY3 primary color which is the subtractive three primary color used during printing, and a color image represented by the L ^* a ^* b ^* color space coordinates used during facsimile transmission / reception are mutually It also has the function of converting. However, since the load of encoding and decoding these color image data is heavy, a dedicated separate device is often provided.

The document counting means is composed of the control device 14, the document sensor 34, and the document separating unit 36, and the document separating unit 36 is used until the detection result of the document sensor 34 changes from the presence of the document to the absence of the document. The control means 24 counts the number of times the originals are separated, thereby counting the number of originals supplied to the original hopper 25.

As described above, there is a limit to the number of originals that the image reading device 19 can read at a time. If the number of originals exceeds the limit, it is necessary to divide the originals into a plurality of pieces for reading. The control device 14 determines that when a predetermined number of documents or more are supplied to the document hopper 25, a series of documents are subsequently supplied. In this case, even if there is no original on the original hopper 25, image processing such as printing and facsimile transmission is not performed on the image data, and the unprocessed image data is held in the image storage device 20 and printed by the modem 13 and the printer. The device 16 or the like is put on standby. If the number of originals supplied to the original hopper 25 is less than the specified number, it is determined that there is no series of originals and the next original will not be supplied. In this case, when the originals on the original hopper 25 are exhausted, the modem 1 is used to perform image processing such as printing and facsimile transmission on the read image data.
3 and the printing device 16 are operated.

When a document is fed again onto the document hopper 25 in the standby state, the detection result of the document sensor 34 changes from no document to document present, and the control device 14 operates the image reading device 19. The original is read, and the output image data is stored in the image storage device 20 in association with the image data stored immediately before.

When the user inputs an instruction to cancel the standby state of the modem 13 and the printing device 16 and perform the image processing, the modem 13 and the printing device 16 are put into the operating state and stored in the image storage device 20. Image processing such as printing and facsimile transmission is performed on existing image data. At this time, if the associated image data exists in the image storage device 20, the processing is performed together.

If there is no predetermined input such as the detection result of the document sensor 34 by the supply of a new document or an instruction from the user within a predetermined time after the modem 13 and the printer 16 are in the standby state, Modem 1
The image data stored in the image storage device 20 is subjected to image processing such as printing and facsimile transmission. At this time, if the associated image data exists in the image storage device 20, the processing is performed together.

The dial keys 22 and the operation keys 23 are
An instruction unit, a time setting unit, and a sheet number setting unit for a user to input information and instructions to the facsimile device 1. For example, one of the operation keys 23 is set with an instruction key for instructing to perform image processing by inputting in the standby state. The dial key 22 and the operation key 23 are used to input the specified time from the stand-by state to the start of processing, and the specified number of sheets for determining whether to enter the stand-by state. This input may be selected by the user from the available choices,
You may enter the numerical value directly.

The display device 21 displays the position of the instruction key, and displays the choices, the numerical value input procedure, etc. when setting the specified time and the specified number of sheets. It also displays to the user the received and read image data, and status information such as paper jams and ink depletion. Further, when setting parameters relating to facsimile communication, setting guidance is displayed on the display device 21. The user sets parameters by inputting parameters with the dial keys 22 and the operation keys 23 according to the setting guidance.

The operation of each of the above parts is controlled according to the flow chart shown in FIG. For example, when performing facsimile transmission processing after reading a document, first, as a mode setting, the operation key 2 is used to specify a memory transmission mode in which image data is stored in the image storage device 20 and then transmitted.
3 and the telephone number of the transmission destination is input by the dial key 22. When the number of sheets of a series of originals is larger than the limited maximum number, the originals are separated into a plurality of sheets and then mounted on the original hopper 25.

When the document is supplied to the document hopper 25 in step s1, the document sensor 34 outputs the detection result indicating that the document exists. In step s2, the document on the document hopper 25 is read by the image reading device 19 according to a user's instruction, and the output image data is stored in the image storage device 20.

At step s3, it is judged from the detection result of the document sensor 34 whether or not the reading of the document is completed. The reading is ended when the detection result changes from the presence of the original to the absence of the original. If the reading is not completed, the process returns to step s2 to read the next document.
If the reading is completed, the process proceeds to step s4, and it is determined whether the number of read originals is equal to or larger than the specified number. If the number is less than the specified number, the process proceeds to step s10, it is determined that there is no additional document, and the process proceeds to step s11. If the number of sheets is equal to or more than the specified number, the process proceeds to step s5, it is determined that there is an additional document, and the modem 13 is placed in a standby state. In step s6, a message requesting the supply of the next original is displayed on the display device 21, or a voice is output to notify the user.

At step s7, it is judged from the detection result of the document sensor 34 whether or not the next document is supplied.
When the detection result changes from the absence of the original to the presence of the original, it is determined that the original has been supplied. When the document is supplied, the process returns to step s2 to read the document. The document data output at this time is stored in the image storage device 20 in association with the image data stored immediately before. When the user performs an operation other than the operation of supplying the document, it is determined that the document is not supplied, the process proceeds to step s8, and it is determined whether an instruction to cancel the standby state is input. If there is no next original and the user inputs an instruction to cancel the standby state, the process proceeds to step s11. If the instruction to cancel the standby state has not been input, the process proceeds to step s9, and it is determined whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the standby state was entered. If the stipulated time has not elapsed, the process returns to step s7 to determine whether the document is supplied. If the specified time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step s11. For example, if there is no next original after the standby state such that the number of sheets is equal to or larger than the specified number but the original is not divided, the transmission processing is automatically performed even if the user leaves the facsimile apparatus. In step s11, the modem 13 is operated to send the image data stored in the image storage device 20 to the destination together with the associated image data.

As described above, in the facsimile machine 1,
If the number of originals supplied at one time exceeds the specified number, it is determined that a series of originals exceeding the maximum number is divided into multiple sheets and the scanned image data is not processed immediately. Wait for documents to be fed. Further, since the next image data read in the standby state is stored in association with the already read image data, it is possible to collectively process the image data for a series of documents. As a result, the user does not need to perform operations such as counting the number of documents in advance or instructing the apparatus to divide and process the document in advance, and the burden on the user can be reduced. Further, even in the standby state, the image processing can be performed by the input of the instruction by the user or the lapse of the specified time, and thus the operation can be easily performed.

If the specified time is set too short, the standby state is released before the next original is supplied to the original hopper 25 and the image processing is started, although there is a series of divided originals. If it is done for a long time, the time until the processing starts is wasted. Therefore, the user may set the optimum prescribed time based on the usage status such as the time required to prepare the next original.

If the specified number of sheets is too small, the standby state often occurs and the operating efficiency of the apparatus deteriorates. If the number is too large, the standby state does not occur even though there are a series of divided documents. Image processing will be performed. Therefore, the user may set the optimum prescribed number of sheets based on the usage situation such as the average number of sheets when it is not necessary to divide. For example, it is set to be less than the maximum number and more than half of the maximum number.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a series of originals that cannot be read at a time is divided into a plurality of sheets and processed, the user counts the number of originals in advance and processes them. The operation of instructing the device to do so is unnecessary, and the burden on the user is reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to collectively process a series of manuscripts read by dividing into a plurality of sheets, and even though the manuscript of a prescribed number or more is supplied,
Even if there are no divided originals, image processing can be performed by the user's input of instructions or the elapse of a specified time, and thus the operation can be easily performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the user sets the optimum prescribed time and the prescribed number of sheets based on the usage status of the device, etc., whereby the burden can be further reduced and the operation can be facilitated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a facsimile apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the facsimile apparatus 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of a printing device 16 and an image reading device 19.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a document reading process.

[Explanation of symbols] 1 Facsimile machine 11 telephone network 12 Network control device 13 modem 14 Control device 15 handsets 16 Printer 17 Storage 18 Cordless cordless handset control circuit 19 Image reader 20 image storage 21 Display 22 dial keys 23 Operation keys 24 antenna 25 Original hopper 26 Recording Paper Hopper 27 Operation panel section 28 Recording paper sensor 29 Recording paper push-up spring 30 Recording paper separating section 31 print head 32 paper feed rollers 33 Recording paper ejection roller 34 Original sensor 35 Original push-up spring 36 Document Separation Section 37 Platen roller 38 Adhesion sensor 39 Document ejection roller 250 manuscript guide 260 chart paper guide 250a, 250b, 260a, 260b guide piece

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A document storing means capable of storing a plurality of documents, a document detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the document storing means, and one document stored in the document storing means at a predetermined reading position. A document transporting unit that transports the documents one by one, a document counting unit that counts the number of documents transported by the document transporting unit, a document reading unit that scans a document at the reading position and outputs image data, and a document reading unit. A storage unit that stores the output image data, an image processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the image data stored in the storage unit, and an original document transfer unit and an original document reading unit that operate to copy the original document. The read and output image data is stored in the storage unit, and when the detection result of the document detection unit changes from the presence of a document to the absence of a document, the document counting hand If the number of originals counted is less than a predetermined number, the image processing means is activated, and if the number of originals counted by the original counting means is equal to or more than the specified number, the image processing means is in a standby state. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. When the detection result of the document detection unit changes from no document to document present while the image processing unit is in a standby state, the control unit operates the document feeding unit and the document reading unit to operate the document. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data newly read is stored in association with the image data stored immediately before in the storage means. 3. An image data stored in said storage means based on an input from said instruction means, the instruction means for instructing a user to release the standby state of said image processing means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image processing means is operated to perform a predetermined process on the image processing device. 4. The control means performs predetermined processing on the image data stored in the storage means if there is no predetermined input within a predetermined time period after the image processing means has entered a standby state. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit is operated to perform the operation. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising time setting means for a user to set the specified time. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a number setting unit for a user to set the specified number.