JP2006203523A - Image reader and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically detect an incorporation area designation error during sub-scanning. <P>SOLUTION: An image reader comprises: means 301-303 for designating an image incorporation area; original scanners 10, 13 has an imaging means 207, an optical means for projecting the optical image of an imaging visual field to the imaging means, and a means for transferring by sub-scanning one of originals with the optical means so as to generate image data which expresses the optical image read by the imaging means 207, and a signal DF FGATE which expresses whether a sub-scanning position is an original area or not; a means 263 for extracting the image data generated by the original scanners in the incorporation designation area; and an out-of-area detecting means 263ad for detecting an area out of the original area (the area designation error) where the sub-scanning position is inside the incorporation designation area and the signal is out of the original area. An image reading command in incorporation area designation is generated in a personal computer PC1 and the image data of the incorporation area extracted by the extracting means 263 is transmitted to the PC 1. The area designation error is also transmitted to the PC 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads a document image and an image forming apparatus using the same. The present invention can be implemented in, for example, an original scanner, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and an image server system that includes at least one of them and a personal computer as necessary, and uses a read image on the personal computer via communication.

JP 2000-322338 A, JP 2002-281245 A, JP-A-7-152280, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-290678.

  A so-called network scanner that distributes an image read by an original scanner as a file to a network is generally popular, and the read image is often stored in a hard disk and downloaded to a terminal on the network. Patent Document 1 describes this type of scanner utilization system. Patent Document 2 describes an image reading apparatus that reads a document image and outputs it to a personal computer or a printer. Patent Document 3 describes that in an image forming apparatus having an editor that displays an original image read by an original scanner and cuts out a designated area, designation of an area outside the original size range on the editor is prohibited. ing. In Patent Document 4, when reading a document in the specified size reference reading mode using the sheet-through method, an image is read only for the specified size regardless of the actual size of the document, and the document is transported regardless of the specified size. A document reading device is described that ends when document discharge is actually detected.

  When scanning or copying a document image, there may be a case where an image capture range is designated and read from an operation board, an operation terminal, an editor, or a personal computer. At this time, the designated area may be outside the original size area for the original to be read. For example, when the document size cannot be grasped during document reading or when the document size is shorter than the standard size, the designated area may be outside the document size area. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, when an area is designated on the inside of the standard document size and the document scanner is instructed to read the document image, for example, FIGS. 15B and 15C. As shown, only image data representing the image of the designated area is obtained. FIG. 15C shows a case where the original scanner transmits to the original scanner from the personal computer (PC) when the original area is instructed as shown in FIG. The displayed image is displayed on the display of the PC.

  However, even if the capture designation area for the standard size is the same as in FIG. 15A, as shown in FIG. 16A, when the document length is shorter than the standard size, As shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, since there is no document to be read, indefinite data is taken in. If indefinite data is processed in the same way as original image reading data during image processing during or after reading the image, an ACS (automatic color determination: automatic determination of whether the original is a color original or a black and white original) operation or blank page detection ( The determination as to whether or not the document is blank is erroneously determined, and the image processing quality deteriorates.

  The first object of the present invention is to automatically detect that an image capture designated area is not full of a document area, and a second object is to automatically notify an out-of-document area capture error to prevent capture outside the document area. This is the third purpose.

(1) Designating means (301-303) for designating an image capture area;
An imaging means (207), an optical means for projecting an optical image in the imaging field of view onto the imaging means, and a means for sub-scanning and transferring one of the optical means and the original, represent the optical image read by the imaging means (207) A document scanner (10, 13) for generating image data and a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether or not the position of the sub-scan is a document region;
Reading data extracting means (263) for extracting the image data generated by the document scanner in the capture area specified by the specifying means; and
Out-of-region detection means (263ad) for detecting the outside of the document region where the signal (DF FGATE) is outside the document region while the sub-scanning position is within the capture region;
An image reading apparatus comprising:

  In addition, in order to make an understanding easy, the code | symbol of the corresponding element or the corresponding matter of the Example which is shown in drawing and mentioned later in parentheses was added as an example for reference. The same applies to the following.

  According to this, an area designation error in which the capture designation area is outside the document is automatically detected during the sub-scan of document reading. Based on this detection result, the user is notified of an error, or the reading data outside the original in the capture designated area is replaced with the background of the original, white or a predetermined color or pattern, or the data outside the original is deleted. The transmission of the read data can be canceled and the area designation error information can be transmitted, or an appropriate measure corresponding to the area designation error can be taken. When the area designation error information is generated, the user can decide whether to correctly designate the capture area or to correctly set the document. If the reading data outside the document is replaced with predetermined data or deleted, the ACS operation and the blank page detection operation do not cause an error. If transmission of the read image data is stopped at the time of an area designation error, memory disk space such as a PC is not wasted.

(2) Editing device (PC1) including image display means and designation means (301-303) for designating an image capture area;
An imaging means (207), an optical means for projecting an optical image in the imaging field of view onto the imaging means, and a means for sub-scanning and transferring one of the optical means and the original, represent the optical image read by the imaging means (207) A document scanner (10, 13) for generating image data and a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether or not the position of the sub-scan is a document region;
Reading data extracting means (263) for extracting the image data generated by the document scanner in the capture area specified by the specifying means;
An out-of-region detection means (263ad) for detecting the outside of the original region where the signal (DF FGATE) is outside the original region within the capture region;
Transfer means (270) for sending the image data extracted by the data extraction means (263) to the editing device;
An image reading apparatus comprising:

  (3) The transfer means (270) does not send the image data extracted by the data extraction means (263) to the editing device when the out-of-area detection means (263ad) detects the outside of the document area; The image reading apparatus according to (2) above.

  (4) The transfer means (270) sends area specifying error information to the editing device (PC1) when the out-of-area detection means (263ad) detects the outside of the document area; (2) or ( The image reading apparatus according to 3).

  (4a) The editing apparatus displays information indicating an area designation error on the image display means; the image reading apparatus according to (4) above.

  (5) When the out-of-area detection means (263ad) detects the outside of the original area, the read data extracting means (263) replaces the extracted image data outside the original area with predetermined data; The image reading apparatus according to (1) or (2) above.

  (5a) The read data extracting means (263) replaces image data outside the document area with image data of the background of the document area; the image reading apparatus according to (5) above.

  (5b) The read data extracting means (263) replaces image data outside the document area with image data of all white; the image reading apparatus according to (5) above.

  (5c) The read data extracting means (263) replaces image data outside the document area with background image data of the document area when the image reading mode is color or gray scale, and when the image reading mode is monochrome Is replaced with all white; the image reading apparatus according to (5) above.

  (6) When the out-of-area detection means (263ad) detects the outside of the original area, the read data extracting means (263) deletes the extracted image data outside the original area; Or the image reading apparatus as described in (2).

  (6a) The out-of-area detection means (263ad) starts counting the sub-scanning synchronization pulse (LSYNC) when the signal (DF FGATE) indicates the document area, and captures from the start to the end of the capture area. Means (290-294) for generating a capture area signal (IFGATE) representing the area, and the capture area signal represents the capture area, and the signal (DF FGATE) has a sub-scanning position outside the document area. The image reading apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), including means (295, 296) for generating an area designation error signal.

(6b) Designating means (301-303) for designating an image capture area;
A document scanner (10, 13) for sub-scanning the document to generate image data representing a document image and a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether the sub-scan is a document region;
Means (10, 13) for generating a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether or not the sub-scan is a document area;
Means (263) for extracting image data of the original reading of the original scanner in the capture area designated by the designation means;
Means (290-294) for generating a second signal (I FGATE) indicating whether the sub-scan is the capture area; and
Means (295, 296) for detecting an area designation error in which the capture area extends outside the document area based on the signal (DF FGATE) and the second signal (I FGATE);
An image reading apparatus comprising:

(6c) Editing device (PC1) including image display means and designation means (301-303) for designating an image capture area;
A document scanner (10, 13) for sub-scanning the document to generate image data representing a document image and a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether the sub-scan is a document region;
Means (10, 13) for generating a signal (DF FGATE) indicating whether or not the sub-scan is a document area;
Means (263) for extracting image data of the original reading of the original scanner in the capture area designated by the designation means;
Means (290-294) for generating a second signal (IFGATE) indicating whether or not the sub-scan is the capture area;
Means (295,296) for detecting an area designation error in which the capture area extends outside the document area based on the signal (DF FGATE) and the second signal (I FGATE); and
Transfer means (270) for sending the image data extracted by the data extraction means (263) to the editing device;
An image reading apparatus comprising:

(7) The image reading device according to any one of (1) to (6c) above;
A printer (14) for forming an image represented by the image data on paper; and
Image data processing means (262) for converting image data generated by the document scanner (10, 13) of the image reading device into image data suitable for image formation of the printer (14);
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a multi-function copying machine MF1 equipped with the image reading apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention. This full-color copying machine is roughly constituted by units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13, an operation board 20, a color scanner 10, a color printer 14 and a finisher 100. The operation board 20, the color scanner 10 with the ADF 13, and the finisher 100 are units that can be separated from the printer 14.

  The multi-function copying machine MF1 is connected to a local area network (LAN) connected to the personal computer PC1 and an exchange PBX connected to a telephone line PN (facsimile communication line). The printed paper of the color printer 14 is discharged to the finisher 100.

  FIG. 2 shows a document image reading mechanism of the scanner 10 and the ADF 13 attached thereto. The original placed on the contact glass 231 of the scanner 10 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 232, and the reflected light (image light) of the original is reflected by the first mirror 233 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction y. The illumination lamp 232 and the first mirror 233 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) that is driven at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction y. Second and third mirrors 234 and 235 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) that is driven in the same direction as the first carriage, and the image light reflected by the first mirror 233. Is reflected downward (z) by the second mirror 234, reflected by the third mirror 235 in the sub-scanning direction y, converged by the lens 236, irradiated to the CCD 207, and converted into an electrical signal. The first and second carriages are driven forward (original scanning) and backward (return) in the y direction using the traveling body motor 238 as a drive source.

  As described above, the scanner 10 is a flatbed (original stationary reading method) original scanner that scans an original on the contact glass 231 with the lamp 232 and the mirror 233 and projects an original image on the CCD 207. However, sheet-through reading is also possible. As described above, when the first carriage is stopped at the home position (standby position) HP, there is a glass 240 as a sheet-through reading window at the reading visual field position of the first mirror 233, and the glass 240 is automatically above the glass 240. A document feeder (ADF) 13 is mounted, and a transport drum (platen) 244 of the ADF 13 faces the glass 240.

  The documents stacked on the document tray 241 of the ADF 13 are fed between the conveyance drum 244 and the pressing roller 245 by the pickup roller 242 and the registration roller pair 243, and are in close contact with the conveyance drum 244 and pass over the reading glass 240. Then, the paper is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 248 serving as a pressure plate below the document tray 241 by the paper discharge rollers 246 and 247.

  When the image on the surface of the document passes through the reading glass 240 serving as a document reading window, the image is irradiated by the illumination lamp 232 that is moving immediately below the image, and the reflected light on the surface of the document is optical below the first mirror 233. The CCD 207 is irradiated through the system and subjected to photoelectric conversion. That is, it is converted into RGB color image signals.

  In the case of sheet-through reading, the paper sensor 223 detects a document fed out from the document tray 241, and generates a document passage detection signal at a level indicating the presence of paper while the document passes through the sensor 223. 10 is a signal obtained by adding a document passage detection signal to a delay (the number of occurrences of the line synchronization signal LYSINC) from the position of the sensor 223 to the reading field center of the glass 240, and a frame gate signal DF FGATE described later. (FIG. 7) is output to the scanner image processing 263 (FIG. 4). In the case of original document reading, a frame gate signal DF FGATE (FIG. 7) is generated based on a detection signal of an original document size sensor (not shown) disposed below the contact glass 231.

  Between the reading glass 240 and the scale 251 for positioning the starting edge of the document, there are a reference white plate 239 and a base point sensor 249 for detecting the first carriage. Although the reference white plate 239 reads a document having a uniform density due to variations in individual emission intensities of the illumination lamps 232, variations in the main scanning direction, sensitivity variations among the pixels of the CCD 207, and the like, It is prepared to correct the phenomenon in which read data varies (shading correction).

  The base body 248 of the ADF 13 is hinge-coupled (hinge-connected) to the base body of the scanner 10 on the back side (back side of FIG. 2), and has a handle 250m on the front side of the base body 248 (front side of FIG. 2). By raising the base 248, the ADF 13 can be raised (opened). On the back side of the base body 248 of the ADF 13, there is a switch for detecting opening / closing of the ADF 13. A pressure plate 250p facing the contact glass 231 of the ADF 13 is attached to the bottom surface of the ADF 13. When the ADF 13 is closed, the lower surface of the pressure plate 250p is in close contact with the upper surface of the contact glass 231 as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows the mechanism of the color printer 14. The color printer 14 of this embodiment is a laser printer. An assembly (image forming unit) of a photoconductor 56 and a developing device 55 and a charger, a cleaning device, and a transfer device (illustration unit) (not shown) that forms a one-color toner image is M (magenta), C (cyan), Y ( Yellow) and Bk (black) for each image formation, there are 4 sets in total, arranged in tandem along the conveying belt 57 in this order, and each color toner image formed by them is sequentially It is transferred onto a single sheet of transfer paper.

  The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 48, the second tray 49, and the third tray 50 are fed by the first paper feeding device 51, the second paper feeding device 52, and the third paper feeding device 53, respectively, and are conveyed vertically. The unit 54 is transported to a position where it abuts against the photoreceptor 56.

  The image data read by the scanner 10 is corrected by the image input / output processing 262 (FIG. 4), once written in the local memory 276 (FIG. 4), read, and using the read image data. By the laser exposure from the writing unit 30, the photosensitive member 56 is uniformly charged by a charger (not shown), thereby forming an electrostatic latent image. As the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing unit 55, a toner image appears on the photoreceptor 56. The toner image on the photoconductor 56 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 57 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 56. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 58 and discharged by the paper discharge unit 59 to the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus.

  The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit 59 of the main body in the normal paper discharge roller 103 direction and the staple processing unit direction. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103. Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, the switching plate 101 can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107. The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 every time one sheet is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of partial copying. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.

  On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth (in a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 3). The paper discharge tray section 104 that can be moved back and forth moves forward and back for each original or each copy section sorted by the image memory, and simply sorts the discharged copy paper. When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 48 to 50 is not guided to the paper discharge tray 104 side, and the branching claw 60 for switching the path is used. By turning it downward, it is once guided to the reversing unit 112 and then stocked in the duplex feeding unit 111.

  Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked on the double-sided paper feed unit 111 is again fed from the double-sided paper feed unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 56, and the branching claw for switching the path. 60 is returned to the illustrated horizontal position and guided to the paper discharge tray 104. In this way, when creating images on both sides of the transfer paper, the reversing unit 112 and the duplex feeding unit 111 are used.

  The photoconductor 56, the conveyance belt 57, the fixing unit 58, the paper discharge unit 59, and the development unit 55 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and each of the paper feeding devices 51 to 53 is also not shown. It is driven by being transmitted by each sheet feeding clutch. The vertical conveyance unit 54 is driven by transmitting the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the image processing system of the multifunction copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. The multi-function copier MF1 includes an engine 260 that reads a document image and performs color printing, a controller board 270, and an operation board 20. The engine 260 includes a CPU 261 that controls image reading and printing, the color scanner 10 described above, the printer 14 described above, and an image input / output processing 262 configured by an ASIC (Application Specific IC).

  The controller board 270 includes a CPU 272, a document storage control 273 configured by an ASIC, a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 271, a local memory (MEM-C) 276, and a system memory (MEM-P) 279. North Bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 278, South Bridge (hereinafter referred to as SB) 285, NIC 280 (Network Interface Card), USB device 281, IEEE 1394 device 282, Centronics device 283 and others. The operation board 20 is connected to the document accumulation control 273 of the controller board 270. A facsimile control unit (FCU) 287 is also connected to the document accumulation control 273 by a PCI bus.

  The CPU 272 can transmit / receive document information to / from the personal computer PC1 connected to the LAN via the NIC 280 or the personal computer PC via the Internet. In addition, communication with a personal computer, a printer, a digital camera, or the like can be performed using the USB 281, IEEE 1394 282, and Centronics 283.

  The SB 285, the NIC 280, the USB device 281, the IEEE 1394 device 282, the Centronics device 283, and the MLB 284 are connected to the NB 278 via a PCI bus. As described above, the MLB 284 is a board that is connected to the engine 260 via the PCI bus. Then, MLB 284 converts the document data input from the outside into image data (image data), and outputs the converted image data to engine 260.

  The local memory 276, HDD 271 and the like are connected to the document storage control 273 of the controller board 270, and the CPU 272 and the document storage control 273 are connected via the NB278 of the CPU chipset. The document accumulation control 273 and the NB 278 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

  The CPU 272 performs overall control of the multifunction function copying machine MF1. The NB 278 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 272, system memory 279, SB 285, and document storage control 273. The system memory 279 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like for the multifunction function copying machine MF1. The SB 285 is a bridge for connecting the NB 278 to the PCI bus and peripheral devices. The local memory 276 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HDD 271 is a memory for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, LUT (Look Up Table), and the like. The operation board 20 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from the user and performs display for the user.

  FIG. 5 shows a flow of image data exchanged between the scanner 10 and the printer 14 and the image input / output device 262. In the image input / output processing 262, shading correction, reading γ correction, MTF correction, and the like are performed on each of R, G, and B image data generated when the color scanner 10 reads a document image, and after correction as necessary. Scanner image processing 263 for converting the R, G, B image data into C, M, Y, K recording color data, and the R, G, B image data or the C, M, Y, K recording color data. There is a printer image processing 264 that converts C, M, Y, and K print data that matches the image expression characteristics of the C, M, Y, and K color writing units 210 to 213 of the printer 14. Image processing I / F (Interface circui) which outputs document read image data RGB or CMYK, and gives image data RGB or CMYK output from the document accumulation control 273 to the printer image processing 264 t) 265.

  In the case of a single copy for printing one sheet per original, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and the image processing I / F 265 outputs these image data to the printer image processing 264. The printer image processing 264 performs scaling, image processing, and printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, and outputs to each writing unit (each laser emitter of the laser writing unit 30).

  In the case of continuous copying in which a plurality of sheets are printed per original, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and these image data are transferred to the document storage control 273 by the image processing I / F 265. The data is output, temporarily stored in the local memory 276 or the HDD 271, read for each copy, and supplied from the document storage control 273 to the printer image processing 264 via the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing 264 performs scaling and image processing as necessary, performs printer γ conversion and gradation processing, and outputs the result to each writing unit.

  At the time of reading and registration of the document by the scanner 10 or transmission to the outside, RGB image data output from the scanner image processing 263 is registered in the HDD 271 via the image processing I / F 265 and the image accumulation control 273, or The data is temporarily stored in the local memory 276 or the HDD 271 and then transmitted to the outside.

  When printing the registered RGB image data by the printer 14 or the RGB image data received from the outside, the RGB image data is given to the printer image processing 264 via the image accumulation control 273 and the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing 264 converts the RGB image data into CMYK recording color data, and then performs scaling, image processing, printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, and outputs the result to each writing unit.

  FIG. 6 shows a functional configuration of the document area outside detection 263ad in the scanner image processing 263 by a combination of logic elements. When a user designates a reading area from the PC 1 and instructs to read a document by using a multifunction device application (program: so-called software) using the multifunction device MF1 of the personal computer PC1, the application reads a document reading command from the PC 1 to the CPU 272 by the application. Is transmitted, and the CPU 272 decodes the command to generate document reading condition information and notifies the CPU 261 to instruct document reading. The original reading command from the PC 1 includes designated area data for designating an image capture area, and the CPU 261 stores start data y st in the sub-scanning direction y in the designated area data in a register (latch) 288. The end data y end is stored in the register 289. Note that the user capture area designation in the PC 1 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The scanner image processing 263 cuts out image data in the designated area, adds image processing with designated characteristics, and outputs the processed image data to the document storage control 273 via the image processing I / F.

  FIG. 7 shows input / output of the document area outside detection 263ad shown in FIG. 6 and 7, when the document scanner 10 starts reading the document, the document scanner 10 performs sub-scanning of the document (sub-scanning movement of the first carriage in the document stationary reading mode: movement in the y direction / transfer of the document in the sheet-through reading mode). : Line synchronization pulse LSYNC (sub-scanning synchronization pulse) synchronized with y-direction movement) and frame gate signal DF FGATE (H: no original / L: original) indicating whether or not there is an original in the reading field in the sub-scanning direction y Yes) is output to the scanner image processing 263, and although not shown, read image data (RGB image data) and a pixel synchronization pulse (main scanning synchronization pulse) are output to the scanner image processing 263.

  The flip-flop 293 is set at the falling point of the frame gate signal DF FGATE from H to L (original start edge in the y direction), and its Q output rises from the low level L to the high level H. In response to this rising edge, the preset counters 290 and 291 load the start-end data y-st and end-end data y-end of the registers 288 and 289, respectively, and line sync pulses (sub-scan sync pulses) from the load value. The countdown of the number of arrivals of LYSINC is started. The counter 297 counts up the line synchronization pulse LSYNC while the frame gate signal DF FGATE is L (in the document).

  The preset counter 290 completes the count of the line synchronization pulse LSYNC for y st when the document reading scan in the y direction (sub-scanning direction) progresses y st from the beginning of the document, thereby generating a count over signal. 294 is set and its Q bar (Q with overline) signal falls from H to L. This Q bar signal is a designated area gate signal I FGATE indicating whether or not it is in the capture designated area, and L means in the designated area.

  The preset counter 291 completes the count of the line synchronization pulse LSYNC corresponding to yend when the document reading scan in the y direction progresses yend from the beginning of the document, thereby generating a count over signal, whereby the flip-flop 294 is reset. The Q bar signal, that is, the designated area gate signal I FGATE is inverted to H (outside the designated area).

  When the designated area (from y st to y end) is within the document area, the designated area gate signal I FGATE is set to L (within the document area) as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. During this period, the output is switched from L (inside the designated area) to H (outside the designated area), so that the output of the AND gate 295 does not rise to H but remains at L. When the frame gate signal DF FGATE is switched from L (inside the document area) to H (outside the document area), the count data g line (document length data in the sub-scanning direction y) of the counter 297 is set (held) in the latch 298. Is done. The counter 297 stops the counting operation when the frame gate signal DF FGATE becomes H (outside the document area).

  However, when y end is outside the document area, that is, when the end of the designated area in the y direction is outside the document end, the frame gate signal DF FGATE is switched to H (outside the document area). Since the designated area gate signal I FGATE is still L (within the designated area), the output of the AND gate 295 rises from L to H, and the flip-flop 296 is set at this rising point and is the Q output. The area designation error signal DF ERR INT is switched from L (no error) to H (area designation error).

  When the area designation error signal DF ERR INT becomes H (area designation error), the CPU 261 (FIG. 4) responds to the switching of the area designation error signal DF ERR INT from L to H to control the read image data. Write area specification error information to the data frame. This control data frame mainly stores data for storage control or transfer control, such as the file name, property, and treatment method of the read image data. The control data frame is connected to the read image data via the document storage control 273. The data is temporarily stored in the local memory 276 and then transmitted to the PC 1 via the NB 278 and the NIC 280. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the PC 1 displays alarm information indicating that there is noise outside the document in the designated area corresponding to the area designation error information together with the image represented by the received image data. indicate.

  If the capture designation area is within the document area, the read image data is transmitted to the PC 1 together with the control data frame without the area designation error information, and the PC 1 displays, for example, (b) in FIG. ), The image represented by the received image data is displayed.

  FIG. 8A shows an outline of the document reading control DRC of the CPU 261 shown in FIG. When the CPU 272 receives a document reading command from the PC 1 and transmits it to the CPU 261, the CPU 261 decodes the document reading command (steps 1 and 2), and the reading mode and image data processing conditions according to the document reading conditions included in the reading command. Are set in the scanner 10 and the scanner image processing 263, respectively (steps 3 and 4). In the following description, the word “step” is omitted in parentheses, and step no. Only write.

  When setting the image data processing conditions (4), the CPU 261 stores the designated area data y st (sub-scanning direction start position data) and y end (sub-scanning direction end position data) in the document reading command, respectively, in the register 288 and Write to 289 (FIG. 6). Then, the transfer mode of the read image data (external transmission mode in which data is stored in the local memory 276 and then sent to the PC 1 through the NB 278 and the NIC 280) is set in the document storage control 273, and a start signal is sent to the document scanner 10. Give (5).

  In response to this, the scanner 10 starts reading the document image, and outputs the line synchronization signal LSYNC, the frame gate signal DF FGATE, the read image data, and the pixel synchronization signal to the scanner image processing 263.

  When the designated area gate signal I FGATE of the document area outside detection 263ad (FIG. 6) of the scanner image processing 263 becomes L (reading is within the designated area), the CPU 261 outputs the area designation error signal DF ERR INT of the document area outside detection 263ad. "DF INTER INT = H interrupt" (7INT) is permitted in response to switching from L (no error) to H (region specification error) (7). When the designated area gate signal I FGATE changes from L (reading is in the designated area) to H (reading is outside the designated area), “DF ERR INT = H interrupt” (7INT) is prohibited (9), and the document Reading is terminated (10). That is, new acceptance of the image data to the scanner image processing 263 is stopped, and the image data of the designated area extracted by the scanner image processing 263 and the image processing of the image data received by the scanner image processing 263 until then are processed. Is completed, the image data is sent to the document storage control 273 (via the local memory 276) to notify the page end. The document storage control 273 sends the image data once stored in the local memory 276 and its control data frame to the PC 1 via the NB 278 and the NIC 280.

  If the area designation error signal DF ERR INT becomes H (area designation error) before the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes H (reading is outside the designated area), the CPU 261 displays “DF ERR INT” shown in FIG. = H interrupt "(7INT). That is, the area designation error information is written in the control data frame transmitted together with the image data (71). Then, the “DF ERR INT = H interrupt” is prohibited (72), the control returns to the control immediately before proceeding to the interrupt, and when the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes H (reading is outside the designated area), the document reading is finished. (10).

  FIG. 9A shows an image reading input screen of the PC 1 that gives a document image reading command to the CPU 272. This is because an image capture input screen displayed on the display of the PC 1 by starting a document image capture application (original image capture software) included in the MF 1 application (multifunction copying machine MF 1 utilization software) installed in the PC 1. It is. Here, when the user makes a required input and double-clicks the “Get” button, the PC 1 (document image capture application) generates a document read command designating a capture area and transmits it to the CPU 266 of the multi-function copying machine MF1. .

  In the input screen shown in FIG. 9A, there is a scaled area 301 for designating an area, and a rectangular dotted line block 302 representing the designated area is displayed in the area. A small square operation location mark 303 is displayed at each of the four corners of the dotted line block 302. By specifying this and moving it up, down, left and right, the shape of the dotted line block 302 changes while maintaining the rectangle. That is, the designated area can be adjusted. The x (horizontal direction) and y (vertical direction) coordinate values of the diagonal corner of the dotted line block 302 when a document image capture instruction (double click of the “capture” button) is given are read as region designation data. The y-coordinate value of the uppermost diagonal corner in the vertical direction of the dotted line block 302 is the start edge data yst of the designated area, and the y-coordinate value of the lowermost diagonal corner in the vertical direction is the end data yend of the designated area.

  The five buttons in the “captured image” column on the input screen shown in FIG. 9A specify image processing characteristics in the scanner image processing 263, and represent the image type of the document to be read. By one-clicking the display button, image data processing that optimally represents the document image is designated. The check “Use ADF” in the column of the reading mode means specification of sheet-through reading using ADF, and if there is no check, it is reading specification of the original placement method. In the case of “use ADF”, all the originals placed on the ADF original table are automatically and sequentially read. In the case of specifying scanning of the original placement method, if “Multiple capture” is not checked, the scanning operation will be completed by scanning a single original. However, if “Multiple capture” is checked, if a single original is scanned, there will be An instruction input screen for popping up the reading operation is displayed in a pop-up, and when the user instructs to end the reading operation, the reading operation is ended there. If the “take” button is clicked without instructing the end, one more original is read and an instruction input screen for popping up is displayed in a pop-up.

  When the document reading is finished, the PC 1 (document image capturing software) transfers thumbnails of the images (pages) of the images filed for each received image (page) in the folder transferred from the copying machine MF1 and generated on the fixed disk of the PC 1. Display on the display in a matrix array. When the user double-clicks one thumbnail, if it is not an area designation error, for example, the editing screen displaying the captured image shown in FIG. 15C is switched and displayed on the display. In the case of an area designation error, for example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the editing screen displaying the captured image and the area designation error warning text together with the “continue” button and the “end” button is switched to the display. . When the user clicks the "Continue" button displayed in the area specification error warning text box, PC1 deletes the area specification error warning text box and the information in it, and there is no area specification error after that. Similarly to the above, the user can perform the operation of “file (F)” or “edit (E)”. When the user clicks “Finish”, the screen returns to the input screen shown in FIG. In any case, the PC 1 notifies the controller board 270 of an error acknowledge (acknowledge signal for the area designation error notification), which is decoded by the CPU 261 via the controller board 270, and the CPU 261 receives the error clear signal DF ERR CLR (= H). Is output to the document area outside detection 263ad to reset the flip-flop 296.

  When reading a document image in response to a click on the “preview” button, when one document is read, the image is displayed in the area 301 with a scale for area designation, and the “take” button is clicked (a capture instruction). Wait). The user sets (adjusts) the capture area while viewing the display image and clicks the “capture” button.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in the case of an area designation error that extends outside the document area, the read image data of the designated area outside the document area is as shown in FIG. It can be replaced with arbitrary data. Arbitrary data can be a regular halftone or a regular pattern such as a uniform specific color or mosaic pattern. In the second embodiment, the arbitrary data is replaced with all white or the document background.

  The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the “document reading control” (DRC) of the CPU 261 of the second embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment (FIG. 8A). Although the same, the content of “DF ERR INT = H interrupt” (71NTa) executed when the CPU 261 of the second embodiment has an area designation error is different from that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows the contents of “DF ERR INT = H interrupt” (71NTa) executed by the CPU 261 of the second embodiment. When proceeding to the interrupt process, the CPU 261 of the second embodiment writes the area specifying error information in the control data frame transmitted together with the image data (81). If the captured image designation is “color” or “grayscale”, the scanner image processing 263 sets the switching of the image data to the background data detected immediately before the end of the document in the scanner image processing 263 (82). 83). If the captured image designation is “monochrome”, switching of the image data to all white data is set in the scanner image processing 263 (82, 84). Then, “DF ERR INT = H interrupt” is prohibited (85), and control returns to the control immediately before proceeding to the interrupt. When the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes H (reading is outside the designated area), the document reading is terminated. (10: (a) of FIG. 8).

  In the second embodiment, when an area designation error occurs and the captured image designation is “color” or “grayscale”, for example, as shown in FIG. It becomes the same uniform data as the background just before. When the captured image designation is “monochrome”, the scanner image processing 263 adds a background removal process to the document area to make the background of the document area completely white. Become white. Other functions of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Although the hardware configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the “document reading control” of the CPU 261 of the third embodiment is slightly different from the first embodiment (FIG. 8A). Different.

  FIG. 12 shows the contents of “original reading control” (DRCa) executed by the CPU 261 of the third embodiment. After the original image reading is started and the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes L (reading is in the designated area) (6), the area designation error signal DF ERR INT becomes H (area designation error). The area designation error information is written in the control data frame transmitted together with the data (7a, 71). Then, the document reading is finished (9). When the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes H (reading is outside the designated area) without causing an area designation error, the document reading is terminated (8a, 9).

  According to the “original reading control” (DRCa), in the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, when an area designation error that extends outside the original area occurs, 13B is deleted as shown in FIG. 13B. For example, as shown in FIG. 13C, only the image of the document area is displayed, and the reading of the outside area of the document is performed. An alarm message telling that the information has been deleted is displayed. Other functions of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Although the hardware configuration of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, the “document reading control” of the CPU 261 of the fourth embodiment is slightly different from the first embodiment (FIG. 8A). Different.

  FIG. 14A shows the contents of “original reading control” (DRCb) executed by the CPU 261 of the fourth embodiment. After the original image reading is started and the designated area gate signal I FGATE becomes L (reading is in the designated area) (6), the area designation error signal DF ERR INT becomes H (area designation error). The area designation error information is written in the control data frame transmitted together with the data (7a, 71a). Then, the document reading is finished (9). When the designated area gate signal I FGATE is H (reading is outside the designated area) without causing an area designation error, the document reading is terminated (8a, 9).

  When there is area designation error information in the control data frame, the original image capturing software of the PC 1 according to the fourth embodiment displays a no image display symbol (×) in the image display area, and the area designation is an error next to it. A warning message indicating that is displayed.

  According to the above “original reading control” (DRCb), in the case of the fourth embodiment, in the case of an area designation error that extends beyond the original area, the original area, for example, as shown in FIG. No image is displayed, and an alarm message indicating an area specification error is displayed. Other functions of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In the case of reading an original (flatbed) image, if the back surface of the pressure plate is white, even if the designated area is outside the size area of the original, the data outside the area is read in white. There is little possibility of erroneous determination even for the blank sheet detection operation. In sheet-through reading, the sub-scanning length of the document cannot be determined in advance because of the structure, and since there is no data outside the document size area, there is a possibility that the ACS operation and the blank page detection operation may be erroneously determined. Will be sent as is. Therefore, in such a case, the “document reading control” (DRC) of the CPU 261 described above may be performed only in the case of sheet-through reading.

1 is a front view showing an external appearance of a multi-function copying machine MF1 equipped with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a color document scanner 10 equipped with ADF 13 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing an outline of an image forming mechanism of the full color printer 14 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing field stem of the multifunction function copying machine MF1 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a flow of image data between the scanner 10 and printer 14 shown in FIG. 4 and an image input / output device 262. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a function of a document area outside detection 263ad of the scanner image processing 263 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by a combination of logic elements. FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a part of input / output signals of a document area outside detection 263ad shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of “original reading control” of a CPU 261 shown in FIG. 4. (A) is a plan view showing an image reading input screen displayed on the display of the personal computer PC1 shown in FIG. 1, and (b) is a reading displayed on the display of the personal computer PC1 when the designated area is out of the document area. It is a top view which shows an example of an image display screen. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the interruption process which CPU261 performs in 2nd Example of this invention. (A) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the designated area with respect to the document area, (b) is a plan view showing the entire image data capturing area extracted by the area designation in (a), and (c) is the first view. It is a top view which shows an example of the read image display screen displayed on the display of personal computer PC1 when it becomes area designation | designated of (a) in 2 Example. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of document image reading control executed by a CPU 261 in the third embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of designated areas with respect to a document area, (b) is a plan view showing a document image area extracted by area designation in (a), and (c) is a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a read image display screen displayed on the display of the personal computer PC1 when the area designation of (a) is made. (A) is a flowchart showing an outline of document image reading control executed by the CPU 261 in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a flowchart of the personal computer PC1 when an area designation error occurs in the fourth embodiment. It is a top view which shows the reading image display screen displayed on a display. (A) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of designated areas with respect to the document area, (b) is a plan view showing image areas extracted by area designation in (a), and (c) is an area in (a). It is a top view which shows an example of the read image display screen displayed on the display of a personal computer when it becomes designation | designated. (A) is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the designated area with respect to the document area, (b) is a plan view showing the entire image data capturing area extracted by the area designation in (a), and (c) is a conventional plan view. It is a top view which shows an example of the read image display screen displayed on the display of a personal computer when it becomes an area | region designation | designated of (a) in an example.

Explanation of symbols

30: Writing unit 48: First tray 49: Second tray 50: Third tray 51: First paper feeder 52: Second paper feeder 53: Third paper feeder 54: Vertical transport unit 56: Photoconductor 57: transport belt 58: fixing unit 59: paper discharge unit 60: branch claw 26: transport motor 55: developing device 100: finisher 101: switching plate 103: paper discharge roller 104: paper discharge tray 105: transport roller 106: stapler 107 : Conveying roller 108: Staple table 109: Jogger 110: Paper discharge tray 111: Double-sided paper feeding unit 112: Reversing unit 122: Hard disk device (HDD)
276: Local memory (MEM-C)
279: System memory (MEM-P)
287: Facsimile control unit (FCU)

Claims (7)

A designation means for designating an image capture area;
An image pickup means, an optical means for projecting an optical image of the imaging field of view onto the image pickup means, and a means for sub-scanning and transferring one of the optical means and the document, image data representing the light image read by the image pickup means and the sub-scan A document scanner for generating a signal indicating whether or not the position of the document is in the document area;
Reading data extracting means for extracting the image data generated by the document scanner in the capturing area specified by the specifying means; and
Out-of-area detection means for detecting the outside of the original area where the signal is outside the original area within the capture area;
An image reading apparatus comprising: An editing device including an image display means and a designation means for designating an image capture area;
An image pickup means, an optical means for projecting an optical image of an imaging field to the image pickup means, and a means for sub-scanning and transferring one of the optical means and the document, image data representing the light image read by the image pickup means and the sub-scan A document scanner for generating a signal indicating whether or not the position of the document is in the document area;
Reading data extracting means for extracting the image data generated by the document scanner in the capture area specified by the specifying means;
An out-of-area detection means for detecting the outside of the original area where the signal is outside the original area within the capture area;
Transfer means for sending the image data extracted by the data extraction means to the editing device;
An image reading apparatus comprising:   3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transfer unit does not send the image data extracted by the data extraction unit to the editing device when the out-of-area detection unit detects the outside of the document area.   4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transfer unit sends area designation error information to the editing device when the out-of-area detection unit detects the outside of the document area. 5.   3. The image according to claim 1, wherein when the out-of-area detection unit detects the outside of the original area, the read data extracting unit replaces the extracted image data outside the original area with predetermined data; Reading device.   3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the out-of-area detection unit detects the outside of the original area, the read data extracting unit deletes the extracted image data outside the original area; 3. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A printer that forms an image represented by the image data on paper; and
Image data processing means for converting image data generated by the document scanner of the image reading device into image data suitable for image formation of the printer;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images