JP2010124423A - Image reading apparatus, image reading system and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus for reducing the working amount of an operator by specifying, when overlapping feed of a document is detected using an overlapping feed detection unit, whether the document is to be detected as overlapping feed even in normal feed, and to provide a method of controlling the same. <P>SOLUTION: When overlapping feed is detected when feeding a document to be detected, the image reading apparatus determines whether read image data obtained by reading the document are similar to predetermined image data. Further, if the read image data are similar to the predetermined image data, the image reading apparatus cancels an overlapping feed error, but if not, the image reading apparatus interrupts processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus such as a check scanner capable of reading a document such as a check or an envelope, an image reading system, and a control method thereof.

  An image reading apparatus such as a scanner is provided with a transport mechanism that transports the document to a reading position in order to read an image printed on the document. The transport mechanism is provided with a multi-feed detection unit for preventing a multi-feed in a state where a plurality of originals are transported while being overlapped. This prevents the occurrence of a document that cannot be read in the double feed state and the loss of image information. As the double feed detection unit, one using an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor provided in the document conveyance path is known.

  In the method using the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmitter is attenuated when passing through the document, and the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave received by the receiver is compared with a predetermined threshold. Thus, it is determined whether or not the originals are normally conveyed one by one. On the other hand, in the method using the optical sensor, the amount of light attenuation when the light emitted from the light emitter passes through the document is detected using the light receiver and compared with a predetermined threshold value, so that the documents are normally one by one. It is determined whether or not it is being conveyed. As described above, when a double feed is detected using the double feed detection unit, the image reading apparatus displays a double feed error for notifying the operator that a double feed has occurred, as well as an error state and error cancellation. A waiting state is entered, the scanning process is interrupted, and a waiting state is entered.

Patent Document 1 proposes an image reading apparatus that efficiently resumes processing after an error is cleared by an operator when a double feed is detected by the double feed detection unit as described above. Specifically, when the double feed error generated by the operator is canceled, the image reading apparatus continuously executes the scan process with the same setting as the scan setting before the double feed error occurs, or performs the scan process. Confirm whether to exit.
JP-A-2005-354204

  However, the conventional image reading apparatus having the double feed detection function has the following problems. For example, in a check scanner that reads an image of a check or the like, a check reading process and an envelope reading process with a check inserted are frequently performed. Therefore, it is necessary to invalidate the double feed detection setting by changing the scan setting. Also, when processing with double feed detection enabled, when a double feed error occurs, the operator should cancel the double feed error each time and continue scan processing in the scan settings. It is necessary to select whether to end the scanning process. Therefore, in such a case, the operator's operation becomes troublesome, and the efficiency of the image reading process also decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem. When a double feed of a document is detected using a double feed detection unit, it is detected as a double feed even if the document is normally conveyed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus that reduces the amount of work for an operator and a control method thereof.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus including a conveying unit that conveys a document and a reading unit that reads an image of the conveyed document according to the present invention performs double feeding of the document conveyed by the conveying unit. If the double feed detection unit detects the double feed of the document by the double feed detection unit, is the read image data read from the document using the reading unit similar to the predetermined image data? Determining means for determining whether or not, and when the determining means determines that the read image data and the predetermined image data are similar, a canceling means for canceling the double feed error detected by the double feed detecting means It is characterized by providing.

  Also, an image reading apparatus including a conveying unit that conveys an original in the present invention and a reading unit for reading an image of the conveyed original, and information for instructing a reading condition for reading the original to the image reading apparatus. The image reading system connected to the processing apparatus includes a display control unit that displays a setting screen for the operator to set a reading condition for the operator, and setting information set via the setting screen. Transmitting means for transmitting the image to the image reading apparatus, wherein the image reading apparatus detects the double feed of the document conveyed by the conveyance means, and the double feed detection means detects the double feed of the document. A determination unit that determines whether the read image data read from the document using the reading unit is similar to predetermined image data included in the setting information; When the image data with a predetermined and read image data Te is determined to be similar, characterized by comprising a releasing means for releasing the multifeed error detected by the multifeed detector.

  In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image reading apparatus including a conveying unit that conveys an original and a reading unit that reads an image of the conveyed original. In the feed detection step and the double feed detection step, whether or not the read image data read from the document using the reading unit is similar to the predetermined image data when the double feed of the document is detected. A determination step for determining, and if it is determined in the determination step that the read image data and the predetermined image data are similar, a cancellation step for canceling the double feed error detected in the double feed detection step is executed. It is characterized by doing.

  Also, an image reading apparatus including a conveying unit that conveys an original in the present invention and a reading unit for reading an image of the conveyed original, and information for instructing a reading condition for reading the original to the image reading apparatus. The control method of the image reading system connected to the processing device is set via a display control step in which the information processing device displays a setting screen for setting reading conditions for the operator, and the setting screen. A transmission step of transmitting the set information to the image reading device, and the image reading device detects a double feed of the conveyed document, and a double feed detection step detects the double feed of the document. A determination step of determining whether or not the read image data read from the document using the reading unit is similar to predetermined image data included in the setting information When the determination step determines that the read image data and the predetermined image data are similar, a cancellation step for canceling the double feed error detected in the double feed detection step is executed. To do.

  According to the present invention, for example, when a double feed of a document is detected using a double feed detection unit, whether or not the document is detected as a double feed even if the document is normally conveyed is specified. By doing so, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus that reduces the amount of work for the operator and a control method therefor.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts, such as superordinate concepts, intermediate concepts and subordinate concepts of the present invention. Further, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the claims, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

<Configuration of image reading system>
First, the configuration of the image reading system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image reading system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  An image reading system 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image reading device 300 and a host computer 800 that is an information processing device. Details of the image reading apparatus 300 will be described later with reference to FIG. The host computer 800 is connected to the image reading apparatus 300 and controls the image reading apparatus 300 in an integrated manner. Therefore, the host computer 800 includes a scanner application for controlling the reading operation of the image reading apparatus 300 and a scanner device driver. The image reading system may be an apparatus having an image reading unit having the function of an image reading device and an image reading control unit having the function of a host computer in one housing.

  The image reading apparatus 300 and the host computer 800 are connected to each other via a USB cable, a LAN cable, or the like. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the image reading apparatus 300 and the host computer 800 are connected by wire, the present invention is also applicable to a case where they are connected by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or optical communication. it can.

<Configuration of image reading apparatus>
Next, the configuration of the image reading apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image reading apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. Here, the configuration related to the present invention will be mainly described. Therefore, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention may include other configurations. In this example, a scanner for reading an image of a document is described as an example of the image reading apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to a facsimile machine or a multifunction machine having an image reading function.

  The image reading apparatus 300 includes a paper feed pocket 200, a separation / feed unit 106, a magnetic head 107, an image sensor 108, paper discharge pockets 202 and 203, and a double feed detection unit 109. Reference numeral 201 denotes an original including a check, an envelope, paper, and the like.

  A plurality of originals 201 are placed in the paper feed pocket 200 in an upright state. The separation feeding unit 106 separates and feeds the plurality of placed originals 201 one by one. The magnetic head 107 reads the MICR character string printed on the document 201. The image sensor 108 reads an image of the document 201.

  In the paper discharge pockets 202 and 203, a plurality of originals 201 that have been subjected to processing such as MICR character string reading and image reading are placed. The double feed detection unit 109 is a double feed detection unit that detects double feed of the document 201. As shown in FIG. 2, the double feed detection unit 109 is arranged at a position downstream of the separation feeding unit 106 in the conveyance path of the document 201. Accordingly, the double feed detection unit 109 detects double feed of the original 201 conveyed from the separation feeding unit 106.

<Configuration of double feed detector>
Next, the configuration of the double feed detection unit 109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the double feed detection unit 109 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the double feed detection unit 109 includes a light emitting unit 109a and a light receiving unit 109b. The light emitting unit 109a emits light toward the light receiving unit 109b. The light receiving unit 109b receives light transmitted through the document 201 when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 109a is blocked by the document.

  Reference numeral 111 shown in FIG. 3 indicates a CPU that outputs a signal instructing the timing of irradiating light to the light emitting unit 109a and that captures a light reception output (data or signal indicating the amount of transmitted light) from the light receiving unit 109b. The light emitting unit 109a and the light receiving unit 109b are directly or indirectly connected to the CPU 111, and are disposed to face each other across the conveyance path. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the document 201 passes between the light emitting unit 109a and the light receiving unit 109b.

<Control Configuration of Image Reading Apparatus>
Next, the control configuration of the image reading apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the image reading apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment.

  The image reading apparatus 300 includes a control unit 117 for controlling each mechanism unit and various sensors shown in FIG. The control unit 117 includes a motor control unit 110, a CPU 111, a memory 112, an I / F unit 113, an MICR reading unit 114, an image reading unit 115, and a double feed detection sensor control unit 116.

  The MICR reading unit 114 controls the magnetic head 107 to read the MICR character string. The image reading unit 115 controls the image sensor 108 to read an image on the document 201. The double feed detection sensor control unit 116 controls the double feed detection unit 109 to detect double feed of the document 201. The motor control unit 110 controls driving of each motor such as a scanner motor.

  The CPU 111 controls the image reading apparatus 300 in an integrated manner. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 111 and each control block are connected by an internal bus. The memory 112 stores MICR data read by the MICR reading unit 114 and image data read by the image reading unit 115. The memory 112 stores a control program to be executed by the CPU 111. The I / F unit 113 controls exchanges with the host computer 800 connected via a USB cable, a LAN cable, or the like.

<Control flow>
Hereinafter, a series of operation procedures of the host computer 800 and the image reading apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a control procedure between the host computer 800 and the image reading apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. The processing of the image reading apparatus 300 described below is comprehensively controlled by the CPU 111. Further, processing performed by the host computer 800 is indicated by a step S100 series, and processing performed by the image reading apparatus 300 is indicated by a step S200 series.

  First, in step S <b> 101, the host computer 800 performs scan setting for setting reading conditions in the image reading apparatus 300 based on an operator's operation or the like. Here, the scan settings indicate settings such as reading modes such as color, black and white, and gray, and settings relating to resolution and double feed detection. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the double feed detection cancellation setting is performed in the scan setting. The double feed detection cancellation setting can be set when the double feed detection setting is enabled. If automatic detection of double feed detection is enabled in the double feed detection release setting, when double feed is detected by the double feed detection unit 109, based on the release condition set when performing the double feed detection release setting, etc. Errors due to double feed detection are automatically cleared.

  Here, the double feed detection cancellation setting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a setting screen 801 that enables the double feed detection cancellation setting according to the present embodiment. The setting screen 801 is a setting screen for setting a condition for canceling the double feed error detected in the image reading apparatus 300 and whether to automatically cancel the double feed error detected according to the condition. Displayed on the display. The control for displaying the setting screen 801 is an example of a display control unit.

  The setting screen 801 includes a check box for selecting whether to enable or disable automatic cancellation of double feed detection. In addition, in a state where the double feed detection setting is invalid, the check box is controlled to be hidden or grayed out. In this case, it is impossible to set whether or not to automatically cancel the double feed detection. The other parameters displayed on the screen may be changed even when the double feed detection setting is invalid.

  In order to enable automatic cancellation of double feed detection to be adapted to various documents, it is possible to input the range of the document width and the range of height. This indicates the range of the width and height of the document for canceling the detected double feed. The range can also be set using a read image read by the image reading apparatus 300 in the past. For example, when setting the width and height from the read image, the image selection button 72 is selected. When the image selection button 72 is selected, an image selection screen for selecting an image is displayed. For example, a document in which ± 5 mm is set to cancel double feed detection with respect to the width and height of the image selected on the image selection screen. Is displayed in the dialog box of the double feed detection cancellation setting screen as a range of the width and height of the image.

  Such a double feed detection cancellation setting is effective in a check scanner that reads an image such as a check. Specifically, in a check scanner, checks in envelopes are frequently processed in addition to checks. An envelope for putting a check is used, for example, when depositing at night. In this case, a check is taken out from the envelope by an operator (operator) at a later date, and the taken check and envelope are processed using a check scanner. Further, when reading a check or the like having a small thickness, it may be read in a transparent envelope. When performing such reading, since the envelope is determined to be double feed, it is necessary to invalidate the double feed detection setting of the scan setting each time. Also, if processing is performed with the double feed detection setting enabled, when a double feed error occurs, the operator either cancels the double feed error and executes scan processing each time, or scan processing is performed. It is necessary to make a selection as to whether or not to exit.

  Therefore, on the setting screen 801, a value based on the size of the envelope into which the check is inserted is input as a range of the width and height of the document that is a condition for automatically canceling the double feed detection. By doing in this way, when double feed is detected when processing the envelope of the size in the range, the detected double feed can be canceled automatically.

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the scan setting by the operator's operation or the like is completed, the host computer 800 transmits the set setting information to the image reading apparatus 300. While the host computer 800 is performing scan settings while receiving an operator's operation or the like, in step S201, the CPU 111 of the image reading apparatus 300 determines whether or not reception of setting information transmitted from the host computer 800 has started. . If it is determined that reception has started, the process proceeds to step S202. If it is determined that reception has not started, the determination in step S201 is periodically repeated.

  Next, in step S202, when the CPU 111 has received the setting information transmitted from the host computer 800, the CPU 111 shifts to a standby state for an execution start command.

  On the other hand, when the host computer 800 transmits the scan setting setting information to the image reading apparatus 300, the host computer 800 proceeds to step S <b> 102 and outputs an execution start command to the image reading apparatus 300 in accordance with an instruction from the operator. When the execution start command is output, the host computer 800 transitions to a reception waiting state for read data transmitted from the image reading apparatus 300.

  In step S203, the CPU 111 determines whether or not reception of an execution start command has started. If it is determined that reception of an execution start command has been started, the process proceeds to step S204. If it is determined that reception has not started, the determination in step S203 is periodically repeated.

  Next, in step S204, when the CPU 111 has received the execution start command transmitted from the host computer 800, the CPU 111 shifts to a reading state and starts image reading. Subsequently, in step S <b> 205, the CPU 111 controls the motor control unit 110 to drive the motor of the image reading apparatus 300, and separates the plurality of documents 201 placed in the paper feed pocket 200. Then, the sheet is fed while being separated one by one, and the conveyance with another roller is started.

  Next, in step S206, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the conveyed document 201 is in a state where it is detected as double feeding. If it is determined that the double feed is detected, information indicating that the double feed is detected is stored in the memory 112 or the like, and the process proceeds to step S207. If it is determined that the double feed is not detected, the process proceeds to step S211. move on.

  The detection of double feeding will be described. The document 201 that has been transported first passes through the double feed detection unit 109 in which the light emitting unit 109a and the light receiving unit 109b are arranged to face each other across the transport path. Here, the double feed detection sensor control unit 116 irradiates the original 201 with light by the light emitting unit 109 a and receives the output from the light receiving unit 109 b that has received the transmitted light from the original 201. Furthermore, the double feed detection sensor control unit 116 uses the fact that the transmitted light amount when passing through a plurality of documents during double feeding is smaller than the transmitted light amount when passing through one document. It is detected whether or not. Specifically, when a double feed detection level is provided between the amount of transmitted light when light passes through one original and the amount of light transmitted through two originals, and the amount of transmitted light is less than the double feed detection level. The double feed detection sensor control unit 116 identifies the double feed and notifies the CPU 111 of it. This specification may be performed by the CPU 111.

  In step S207, the CPU 111 determines whether the double feed detection cancellation setting is valid. In this determination, the setting information received from the host computer 800 and stored is referred to. If the double feed detection cancellation setting is valid, the process proceeds to step S210, and if it is invalid, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the CPU 111 stops the conveyance of the document 201 and notifies the host computer 800 of the double feed in order to display a double feed error. Then, it progresses to step S209, changes to the standby state which is an operator's error cancellation waiting state, and a process is interrupted. On the other hand, in step S210, the CPU 111 keeps the information of double feed detection without notifying the operator of the double feed error, and shifts the processing to step S211 in order to continue the processing.

  In step S <b> 211, the CPU 111 executes reading processing of the MICR character string printed on the original 201. The MICR character string printed on the original 201 is brought into contact with the magnetic head 107 installed in the conveyance path at a constant speed, so that a read signal of the MICR character string is output. The MICR read signal is converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by an AD converter and stored in the memory 112. Thereafter, the CPU 111 analyzes whether or not the MICR character read signal converted into the digital signal matches the dictionary data of each MICR character registered in advance in order to identify the MICR character being printed, The MICR data is transmitted as read data to the host computer 800.

  On the other hand, in step S <b> 103, the host computer waiting for reading data reception determines whether reception of MICR data from the image reading apparatus 300 has started. Here, when the reception is started, the process proceeds to step S104 and MICR data is taken in. When the reception is not started, the determination in step S103 is periodically repeated.

  The above is the flow until the host computer 800 receives the MICR data. Subsequently, the subsequent processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of canceling double feed detection using the image size according to the present embodiment. On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in the case of canceling double feed detection using an image pattern according to the present embodiment. Note that the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively executed following the flowchart of FIG. “A” and “B” shown in FIG. 5 follow “A” and “B” shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. First, the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described.

  When the MICR data is transmitted to the host computer 800 in step S211 in FIG. 5, the CPU 111 continues to convey the document 201 in step S212. Thereafter, the document 201 passes through the image sensor 108 installed in the conveyance path.

  Note that the CPU 111 controls the image sensor 108 to read an image while the document 201 is passing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the leading edge of the document 201 has passed a registration sensor (not shown). Further, the CPU 111 performs control to convert the read image reading signal from an analog signal to a digital signal by an AD converter, generate image data, save the image data in the memory 112, and transmit the image data to the host computer 800.

  On the other hand, in step S105, the host computer 800 waiting for image data reception determines whether or not reception of image data has started. Here, when the reception is started, the process proceeds to step S106 to capture the image data and the process is terminated. When the reception is not started, the determination in step S105 is periodically repeated.

  When the image data is transmitted, in step S213, the CPU 111 determines whether information indicating that double feed is detected is held. If it is held, the process proceeds to step S214. If it is not held, the process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S214, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the width and height of the image size of the read original are included in the range of the original width and height set as the double feed automatic cancellation condition set via the setting screen 801. Determine. As described above, when the multi-feed is detected, the CPU 111 compares the size of the document 201 with the predetermined size of the image data, so that the read image data read from the document 201 is determined in advance. It is determined whether or not the image data is similar. Here, if the document is within the range of the width and height of the document set as the double feed automatic cancellation condition, the process proceeds to step S217, and the CPU 111 notifies the host computer 800 of the double feed to display the double feed error. Without recognizing the double feed, the process proceeds to step S218. That is, the CPU 111 deletes information indicating that the double feed held in the memory 112 or the like has been detected.

  As a method of obtaining the width and height of the image size of the read original 201, for example, if the read background of the image is black, the image size of the original is determined by the difference in brightness between the original 201 and the background in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Can be calculated. Specifically, the CPU 111 identifies the boundary between the original and the reading background in the read image based on the difference in brightness, obtains the number of pixels of the height and width of the original read image, and uses the reading resolution set by the scanner setting. The image width and height of the read original can be obtained.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the image size read in step S214 is not within the range, the process proceeds to step S215, and the CPU 111 stops the conveyance of the document 201 and notifies the host computer 800 of the multifeed to display a double feed error. To do. Thereafter, in step S216, the CPU 111 shifts to a standby state that is an error cancellation wait state by an operator's operation, and interrupts the processing. When the image reading apparatus 300 includes a display device or the like, the image may be displayed on the display device, and the multifeed notification to the host computer 800 may not be performed.

  If the information indicating that double feeding has been detected is not held in step S213, or if the information indicating that double feeding has been detected is deleted in step S217, the CPU 111 in step S218 performs a series of processing on the document. The processing is continued, and the original 201 is discharged to the discharge pocket 202 or the discharge pocket 203. Subsequently, in step S219, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the document discharged in step S218 is the last document in the reading process. If it is the last document, the process is terminated, and if it is not the last document, the process returns to step S205. In other words, the image reading apparatus 300 repeats the processes of steps S205 to S219 until there are no more sheets of the original 201 placed in the paper feed pocket 200.

  If the multi-feed is notified to the host computer 800 in order to display a multi-feed error in steps S208 and S215, the CPU 111 removes the double-feed original 201 from the transport path, and the multi-feed error is released. The standby state is held until the operation is completed (steps S209 and S216). When the double feed error is canceled by the operator, the CPU 111 resumes the process from step S205 when the process is continuously performed with the same scan setting.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. As described above, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, an example in which automatic detection of double feed detection is performed based on the image pattern of the original 201 will be described.

  When the MICR data is transmitted to the host computer 800 in step S211 in FIG. 5, the CPU 111 continues to convey the document 201 in step S220. Thereafter, the document 201 passes through the image sensor 108 installed in the conveyance path.

  Note that the CPU 111 controls the image sensor 108 to read an image while the document 201 is passing after a predetermined time has elapsed since the leading edge of the document 201 has passed a registration sensor (not shown). Further, the CPU 111 performs control to convert the read image reading signal from an analog signal to a digital signal by an AD converter, generate image data, save the image data in the memory 112, and transmit the image data to the host computer 800. Here, unlike the flowchart of FIG. 6, when image data is transmitted to the host computer 800, information indicating whether or not information indicating that double feed is detected is also transmitted to the host computer 800. Shall.

  On the other hand, in step S107, the host computer 800 waiting for image data reception determines whether reception of image data has started. If reception has started, the process proceeds to step S108, and image data is captured. If reception has not started, the determination in step S107 is periodically repeated.

  Next, in step S109, the host computer 800 determines information indicating whether or not information indicating that the received double feed is detected is held. If it is determined that double feed is detected, the process proceeds to step S110, where the host computer 800 executes pattern extraction for extracting a pattern from the received image data, and the extracted pattern is read by the image reading apparatus 300. Send to. On the other hand, if double feed is not detected, the process ends without performing the pattern extraction process.

  When the image data is transmitted, in step S221, the CPU 111 determines whether information indicating that double feed is detected is retained. If it is held, the process transits to a pattern reception wait state and proceeds to step S222. If not held, the process proceeds to step S228.

  In step S222, the CPU 111 determines whether reception of a pattern from the host computer 800 is started. Here, if reception has not started, the determination in step S222 is repeated periodically. On the other hand, if reception has started, the process proceeds to step S223, the pattern is captured, and the process proceeds to step S224.

  In step S224, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the received pattern is similar to a registered image described later. Here, if they are not similar, the process proceeds to step S226, and the CPU 111 stops the conveyance of the document 201 and notifies the host computer 800 of the double feed in order to display a double feed error. Furthermore, in step S227, the CPU 111 shifts to a standby state, which is a state of waiting for error cancellation by an operator's operation, and interrupts the processing. When the image reading apparatus 300 includes a display device or the like, the image may be displayed on the display device, and the multifeed notification to the host computer 800 may not be performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S224 that a registered image to be described later is similar to the received pattern, the process proceeds to step S225, the CPU 111 cancels without displaying a double feed error, and the process proceeds to step S228. That is, the CPU 111 deletes the double feed detection information held in the memory 112 or the like.

  If the information indicating that the double feed is detected in step S221 is not held, or if the double feed detected in step S225 is canceled, in step S228, the CPU 111 continues a series of processes on the document, The document 201 is discharged to the discharge pocket 202 or the discharge pocket 203. Subsequently, in step S229, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the document discharged in step S228 is the last document in the reading process. If it is the last document, the process is terminated, and if it is not the last document, the process returns to step S205. In other words, the image reading apparatus 300 repeats the processes of steps S205 to S229 until there are no more sheets of the original 201 placed in the paper feed pocket 200.

  When a double feed error is displayed in steps S209 and S226, the CPU 111 removes the document 201 that has been double fed from the conveyance path, and holds the standby state until the double feed error is cleared. When the double feed error is canceled by the operator, the CPU 111 resumes the process from step S205 when the process is continuously performed with the same scan setting. The registered image may be written in advance in the ROM or the like of the memory 112. Also, as a preparatory work prior to image reading, the envelope is read and image data based on the read image is stored in the RAM or the like of the memory 112. May be. Of course, it may be stored in the storage means of the host computer 800. Alternatively, a registered image may be held in a driver or an image capture application installed in the host computer 800.

  As described above, when the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment detects double feeding at the stage where conveyance of a document for reading is started, read image data obtained by reading the document and predetermined image data are detected. Are determined to be similar. Further, the image reading apparatus cancels the double feed error when the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data (registered image), and interrupts the processing when the image data is not similar. . As a result, the image reading apparatus can automatically cancel the double feed error detected when the document is an envelope or the like, reduce the burden on the operator, and improve the efficiency of the image reading process. be able to.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, the image reading apparatus determines the similarity between the read image data and the predetermined image data by comparing the size calculated from the read image data with the size of the predetermined image data. Also good. Further, instead of receiving the pattern comparison result from the host computer, the image reading apparatus is provided with a pattern comparison function of the read image data, and based on the pattern comparison result, the read image data and a predetermined image are determined. Similarity to data may be determined. When a registered image is stored in the host computer, the host computer may perform pattern comparison and notify the image reading apparatus of the pattern comparison result. As described above, the image reading apparatus can execute the optimum similarity determination process based on the type of document to be read, and can cancel the detected double feed error for a specific document.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus uses an optical sensor as a document double feed detection unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and double feed detection may be performed using a double feed detection unit such as an ultrasonic sensor.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image reading system 100 according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the image reading apparatus 300 which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the double feed detection part 109 which concerns on this embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the image reading apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a control procedure between a host computer 800 and an image reading apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the double feed detection cancellation | release using the image size which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the double feed detection cancellation | release using the image pattern which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the setting screen 801 for setting the double feed detection cancellation | release setting which concerns on this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

106: Separation feeding unit 107: Magnetic head 108: Image sensor
109: Double feed detection unit 200: Paper feed pocket 201: Document 202, 203: Paper discharge pocket

Claims (10)

An image reading apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying an original and a reading means for reading an image of the conveyed original,
A double feed detecting means for detecting double feed of the document conveyed by the conveying means;
Determination of whether or not the read image data read from the original using the reading unit is similar to predetermined image data when the double feed of the original is detected by the multi-feed detection unit Means,
And a canceling unit that cancels the double feed error detected by the double feed detection unit when the determination unit determines that the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data. A characteristic image reading apparatus. When the determination unit determines that the read image data is not similar to the predetermined image data, the determination unit further notifies the operator of a double feed error and further includes an interruption unit that interrupts the process. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The determination means includes
A calculating means for calculating the size of the document from the read image data;
It is determined whether or not the read image data and the predetermined image data are similar by comparing the calculated document size and the predetermined image data size. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an acquisition unit configured to acquire a size of the predetermined image data from an information processing apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus. The determination means includes
Pattern comparison means for performing a pattern comparison between the read image and the predetermined image data;
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data based on a pattern comparison result by the pattern comparison unit.   6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising registration means for registering image data based on the read image data read in advance by the reading means as the predetermined image data.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a restarting unit that restarts the process interrupted by the interrupting unit when the operator cancels the double feed error. An image reading device including a conveying unit that conveys a document, a reading unit for reading an image of the conveyed document, and an information processing device that instructs the image reading device to read a document for reading the document. A connected image reading system,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Display control means for displaying a setting screen for setting the reading conditions for the operator;
Transmission means for transmitting setting information set via the setting screen to the image reading device,
The image reading device includes:
A double feed detecting means for detecting double feed of the document conveyed by the conveying means;
When the double feed detection unit detects a double feed of the document, is the read image data read from the document using the reading unit similar to the predetermined image data included in the setting information? Determining means for determining whether or not;
And a canceling unit that cancels the double feed error detected by the double feed detection unit when the determination unit determines that the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data. A featured image reading system. A control method for an image reading apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a document; and a reading unit that reads an image of the conveyed document.
A double feed detecting step for detecting double feed of the document conveyed by the conveying means;
Determination of whether or not read image data read from the original using the reading unit is similar to predetermined image data when double feed of the original is detected in the double feed detection step Steps,
When it is determined in the determination step that the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data, a cancellation step for canceling the double feed error detected in the double feed detection step is executed. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus. An image reading device including a conveying unit that conveys a document, a reading unit for reading an image of the conveyed document, and an information processing device that instructs the image reading device to read a document for reading the document. A method for controlling a connected image reading system, comprising:
The information processing apparatus includes:
A display control step of displaying a setting screen for setting the reading conditions for the operator;
Transmitting the setting information set via the setting screen to the image reading device;
The image reading device includes:
A double feed detection step for detecting double feed of the conveyed document;
If the double feed of the original is detected in the double feed detection step, is the read image data read from the original using the reading unit similar to the predetermined image data included in the setting information? A determination step for determining whether or not;
When it is determined in the determination step that the read image data is similar to the predetermined image data, a cancellation step for canceling the double feed error detected in the double feed detection step is executed. A control method for an image reading system.

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