JP2010278593A - Original reading device and original set information setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an original reading device and an original set information setting method, which prevent mis-scanning and mis-copying, etc. resulting from original setting mistake. <P>SOLUTION: The original reading device is provided with: an artificial original setting means (6) which includes a scanning function for at least image data acquisition or copying, is separately prepared from an original setting area (4), and sets artificial original (5) simulating a real original (3) which is set in the original setting area; an artificial original set information acquisition means (102) which obtains artificial original set information including a placing position of the artificial original which is set by the artificial original setting means, and information of up/down directions and/or front/rear faces; and control means (101, 103, 104) which perform setting of scanning functions, based on the artificial original set information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an original reading apparatus used for a scanner, a copying machine, and the like, and an original set information setting method thereof.

When an operator uses a scanner, multifunction device, etc., it may be difficult to understand how to set an original on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or a platen, and it may take time to check how to set it. is there. In particular,
・ Incorrect upper and lower sides of the document ・ Incorrect position of the document (ADF or document table corner alignment / center alignment error, etc.)
-The scanned image may not be output correctly due to incorrect vertical / horizontal placement of the original or incorrect front / back of the original.

  An operation procedure of a general multifunction machine will be described with reference to FIG. When using the scan, copy, etc. with the multifunction machine, the operator performs scan settings and copy settings from the personal computer and the operation panel, and confirms the settings (step S61). Next, the operator considers and understands the document setting method (step S62), sets the document (step S63), performs a start operation such as scanning / copying (step S64), and confirms the results of scanning, copying, and the like. (Step S65). If the result is NG, the process returns to step S62 and starts again.

  In general scanners, multifunction devices, etc., ADFs and document tables display information that indicates how to set the document, such as the top, bottom, position, and front and back. , Troublesome and annoying to set up after getting lost. In addition, even if you intend to set the display after understanding it, the setting method may be different, and after scanning or copying, you may notice the mistake and cause additional trouble or waste that scanning or copying will occur again. is there.

  Furthermore, in the case of a scanner, it takes time since it is necessary to check the scan setting on the operation panel of the scanner or a personal computer regarding the method of setting the original. In some cases, it is necessary to set the document upside down or to make a wrong position to scan again.

  Also, in the case of a multifunction machine, it is necessary to confirm copy settings from the operation panel regarding the original setting method as in the case of the scanner, which is troublesome. In addition, if the document is set incorrectly, the image will be cut and copied, the reverse side will be copied, the position of the staple (stapler) will be different from the expected position, or the position of the punch hole will be the expected position. And wasteful consumption of copy paper and copying paper.

  In order to eliminate such difficulty in use, there is a technique for automatically detecting the size and position of the document, but there are cases where the top and bottom of the document cannot be detected and the top and bottom are output upside down. In the case of scanning, a misplacement of the document on the top and bottom has a large effect, and depending on the output file format of the scan, the software may not be able to correct the top and bottom, so that the scan may be re-executed as described above. In addition, in the case of copying, there are cases where misplacement of the top and bottom of the document has no effect, but the effect of mistakes when using the stable (stapling) function and punch hole function is great, and staples and punch holes were expected When a location different from the position is used, or when staples or punch holes are made in a state where the upper and lower sides are copied upside down by double-sided copying, labor and paper consumption due to re-copying occur. In addition, when the document is black, automatic document detection may not operate normally.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a multi-function document setting direction indicating device that detects the vertical and horizontal directions of a document and informs an operator whether or not the document setting state is correct. Using the sensor installed on the paper tray, the orientation of the paper set in the paper tray can be displayed on the operation panel of the multifunction device.When the operator operates the tray selection button, the paper in the selected tray is displayed. The direction is displayed on the operation panel.

JP-A-57-148737

  However, in Patent Document 1, since only the vertical and horizontal directions of the document can be detected, errors such as the position where the document is placed (whether the corner is aligned or the center is aligned), the vertical direction, the front and back, etc. There is a problem that miscopying can occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a document reading apparatus and a document set information setting method that prevent misscanning, miscopying, and the like due to a document set error.

  An original reading apparatus according to the present invention is an original reading apparatus having at least a scan function for acquiring or copying image data, and is provided separately from an original setting area and simulates an actual original set in the original setting area. Pseudo manuscript setting means for setting a pseudo manuscript, and pseudo manuscript set information obtaining means for obtaining pseudo manuscript set information including information on the placement position, vertical direction and / or front and back of the pseudo manuscript set on the pseudo manuscript setting means And control means for setting the scan function based on the pseudo document set information.

  An original set information setting method according to the present invention is an original set information setting method in an original reading apparatus having a scanning function for at least image data acquisition or copying, and a pseudo original simulating an actual original set in an original setting area is provided. When set on a pseudo manuscript setting means provided separately from the manuscript setting area, pseudo manuscript set information including information on the placement position of the pseudo manuscript, vertical direction and / or front and back is obtained from the pseudo manuscript. The scan function is set based on the pseudo document set information.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the confirmation work when setting a document on the document table, and to obtain an effect of preventing misscanning, miscopying, and the like due to a document setting error.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a document reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a schematic diagram of a vertically used pseudo original, and (B) is a schematic diagram of a horizontally used pseudo original. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a case where the front side of the pseudo original is set up and aligned with the corner of the pseudo original set area, and (B) is a side view of the pseudo original set with the corner of the pseudo original set area facing up. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing a case where the pseudo original is set up with the surface of the pseudo original facing up and aligned with the center of the left corner of the pseudo original setting area. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting document set information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting document set information according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation procedure of a general multifunction peripheral.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by embodiment described below. The document reading apparatus according to the present embodiment can be used as an input device such as a scanner, a copying machine, or a multi-function peripheral including them. Here, an example of an input device for a multi-function peripheral will be described.

1. As shown in FIG. 1, the document reading apparatus according to the present embodiment has at least a scan function for acquiring or copying image data, and further includes a document setting method specifying device 2 described later. The document table 1 of the multifunction machine is provided with a document setting area 4 on which a document 3 is placed and a pseudo document setting area 6 on which a pseudo document 5 is placed. The pseudo document setting area 6 is preferably provided at a position where the user can easily refer to the document 3 when placing the document 3 on the document table 1, for example, on the document table 1 or on a plane facing the same direction as the document table 1. Can be provided. However, the pseudo document setting area 6 is not necessarily provided in the document table 1 and may be provided on the operation panel of the multifunction peripheral or the ADF. Further, the multi-function peripheral is provided with a scan / copy setting unit 101 for setting conditions for scanning / copying the document 3. As the scan / copy setting unit 101, a key operation unit usually provided in a multifunction peripheral or a personal computer connected to the multifunction peripheral can be used.

  The document setting method specifying device 2 uses a technique such as an IC chip, a sensor, or the like to obtain set information such as the size, placement position, back and front, and vertical direction of the pseudo document 5 placed in the pseudo document setting area 6. A document set information acquisition unit 102 and a set information collation unit 103 are provided.

  Examples of the pseudo original 5 include those having different original sizes, such as a pseudo original for an A4 original, a pseudo original for an A3 original, or a vertical / horizontal pseudo original. Various types of set information recording methods for the pseudo original 5 can be considered. For example, a sheet in which a wireless IC chip is embedded in a predetermined position can be used. Information indicating the size, vertical direction, and / or front and back sides of the document is recorded on the wireless IC chip. The pseudo manuscript set information acquisition unit 102 functions as, for example, a wireless reader. From the wireless IC chip of the pseudo manuscript 5 placed in the pseudo manuscript set area 6, the placement position, size, back and front, vertical direction, and the like of the pseudo manuscript 5 are set. Read set information.

  The pseudo original set information acquisition unit of the original setting method specifying device 2 is not limited to the configuration including the pseudo original 5 and the pseudo original set information acquisition unit 102. An equivalent function is realized by providing an area corresponding to the pseudo original set area 6 on the monitor of the multifunction peripheral and displaying an image showing the pseudo original 5 for each size so that the direction and the front and back can be freely changed. Is also possible.

  The set information collating unit 103 collates the set information set in advance by the operator with the scan / copy setting unit 101 and the set information acquired by the pseudo original set information acquiring unit 102, and sends the verification result to the control unit 104. Output.

  If the collation result indicates coincidence, the control unit 104 displays on the display unit 105 that the document 3 is placed on the document setting area 4 and scanning / copying is executed, as with the pseudo document 5. If the collation results do not match, the control unit 104 displays on the display unit 105 that the pseudo original 5 is to be set again, and executes collation of the set information again. In this way, the document setting method specifying device 2 allows the operator to intuitively and easily know how to correctly set the document 3 in the document setting area 4.

  The pseudo document set information acquisition unit 102, the set information collation unit 103, and the control unit 104 can also realize equivalent functions by executing a program on a program control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). is there.

  FIG. 2A shows a vertically used pseudo original 5, and FIG. 2B shows a horizontally used pseudo original 7. For example, the front and back sides of the pseudo document can be identified by writing characters “front” and “back”, for example. Further, the characters “front” and “back” indicate not only the front and back meanings of the pseudo original 5, but also the upper and lower meanings of the pseudo original 5. The upper direction of the “front” character is on the pseudo original, and the same applies to the “back” character. Note that the notation of “front” and “back” is not necessarily required, and any notation method may be used as long as the operator can easily identify such as using English. Information coincident with such notation, size information, and the like may be recorded as set information in the wireless IC chip.

  FIG. 3 shows a method for setting a vertically used document. FIG. 3A shows a method of setting the pseudo original 5 face up and aligning it with the corner of the pseudo original setting area 6. FIG. 3B shows a method of setting the pseudo original 5 with the back side up and aligning with the corner of the pseudo original setting area 6. FIG. 3C shows a method of setting the pseudo original 5 face up and aligning it with the center of the left corner of the pseudo original setting area 6. There is a similar setting method for horizontal use.

  In this way, the pseudo original 5 is set for portrait use, and the pseudo original 7 is set for landscape use. The operator selectively uses the pseudo original 5 and the pseudo original 7 depending on the original to be scanned or copied.

2. First Embodiment 2.1) Document Set Information Setting Operation Next, the operation procedure of the document set information setting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on a flowchart.

  In FIG. 4, when the operator scans or copies a document 3 with the multifunction peripheral, the operator inputs actual document set information for scanning or copying from the scan / copy setting unit 101 or displays the document set information on the display unit 105. (Step S41).

  Next, the operator sets the pseudo original 5 in the case of a vertically used original, and sets the pseudo original 7 in the case of a horizontal original in the pseudo original setting area 6, and starts an original setting method explicit operation (step S42).

  First, the pseudo manuscript set information acquisition unit 102 acquires the pseudo manuscript set information such as the placement position, the front and back, the vertical direction, and the like from the pseudo manuscript 5 or the pseudo manuscript 7 set in the pseudo manuscript setting area 6, and the set information matching unit 103 checks whether the pseudo original set information matches the actual original set information set in step S41 (step S43).

  If the pseudo original set information matches the actual original set information (step S43: OK), the control unit 104 displays the “set OK” sign on the display unit 105, the operation panel, or another place where the operator can visually recognize the set. (Step S44). The sign may be displayed by any sign as long as the operator can easily identify it. The sign may be a sign by sound instead of display, a sign by both display and sound, or a sign by other methods (vibration, etc.) instead of display or sound.

  If the pseudo document set information and the actual document set information do not match (step S43: NG), the control unit 104 displays a “set NG” sign on the display unit 105, the operation panel, or another place where the operator can visually recognize the set. (Step S47), and waiting for the operator to reset the pseudo original (Step S42). As described above, any sign may be displayed as long as the operator can easily identify the sign. At that time, if the reason for NG is also displayed at the same time, it will be more effective.

  Thus, when the sign “SET OK” appears (step S 44), the operator places the same setting position, front and back, up and down direction, etc. in the setting state of the pseudo original 5 or the pseudo original 7 in the original setting area 4 of the multifunction peripheral. The document 3 is set (step S45), and a scan or copy start operation is performed (step S46).

2.2) Effect In the flowchart of FIG. 6 showing the operation procedure of a general multifunction machine, the operator needs time at the stage of “considering and understanding the document setting method” → “setting the document”. At the same time, even after the document is set, it is in an uneasy state until the OK result can be confirmed by “confirming the result of scanning, copying, etc.” in the final stage. Further, in the case of NG in “confirming the result of scanning, copying, etc.”, there is a big problem that re-scanning or copying occurs.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 4, after “set the pseudo original 5 or 7 in the pseudo original setting area 6”, the apparatus “checks the setting state of the pseudo original 5 or 7, scan and copy settings” → “OK”. There is almost no operator's anxiety because the apparatus determines whether the original is set correctly before actually scanning or copying. Furthermore, the operation of “setting the pseudo original 5 or 7 in the pseudo original setting area 6” by the operator does not have a wide variety of setting methods, and the setting method can be estimated depending on the skill of the operator. This is an easy task.

  Further, in FIG. 6, the state of anxiety continues until the last “confirm the result of scanning, copying, etc.”, but at the stage of setting the pseudo original in FIG. Therefore, you can work with confidence. The operation is even easier after the device has finished the “sign OK” stage, and the operator can work with peace of mind until the end.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the operator can easily know how to set the original 3 in the original setting area 4. When the operator places the document 3 on the document table 1 for scanning or copying, the work of checking the settings of the document length, width, top and bottom, paper size, etc. from the operation panel or personal computer is reduced and simplified. Is done. In addition, it eliminates the need to “find, see, think, get lost, understand and set” the display that shows how to set the manuscript. Is possible.

  In addition, when setting a document with a general scanner or a multifunction device, it is often the case that you intend to set the document with an understanding of the setting method. By using the apparatus 2, it is possible to prevent misscanning, miscopying, and the like due to a document setting error. The operator can know a document setting error before performing a start operation such as scanning or copying, and can prevent mis-scanning or mis-copying.

  Further, the use of the document setting method clarification device 2 described in the present embodiment has an effect of improving the mental burden on the operator. In other words, ADF such as general MFPs and originals displayed on the platen, the top and bottom, the position, the front and back of the display of the setting method, such as "Look, see, think, get lost, understand and set It is to be able to wipe out the part of “getting lost”. “Lost” means that the operator is confused by the method of setting the manuscript and is worried about a miss scan or a miscopy. That is, when the operator sets the pseudo original 5 or 7 in the pseudo original setting area 6, the original setting method specifying device 2 indicates a sign of “OK” or “NG” before the actual scanning or copying. Therefore, the operator's anxiety and anxiety are eliminated, and the mental burden on the operator is improved.

3. Second Embodiment Next, an operation procedure of a document set information setting method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically perform scan and copy paper settings based on the set information of the pseudo original 5 or the pseudo original 7 set by the operator.

  In FIG. 5, when the operator sets the pseudo original 5 or the pseudo original 7 in the pseudo original setting area 6, the pseudo original setting information acquisition unit 102 is loaded from the pseudo original 5 or the pseudo original 7 set in the pseudo original setting area 6. Pseudo manuscript set information such as the placement position, front / back and up / down directions is acquired (step S51).

  The set information collating unit 103 collates the obtained pseudo document set information with the actual document set information set in the scan / copy setting unit 101, and outputs the collation result to the control unit 104. If the collation results do not match, the control unit 104 automatically performs necessary settings including paper settings such as a scan function and a copy function for the scan / copy setting unit 101 in accordance with the pseudo document set information (step S52). . However, the set information matching unit 103 may be deleted.

  Subsequently, the operator sets the document 3 in the document setting area 4 of the multifunction peripheral at the same placement position, front and back, vertical direction, etc., as the setting state of the pseudo document 5 or the pseudo document 7 (step S53). Then, additional settings (such as the number of copies) such as scanning and copying are performed (step S54), and start operations such as scanning and copying are performed (step S55). Thus, the multifunction device starts scanning, copying, and the like (step S56).

  As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the pseudo original is not replaced. Furthermore, since the apparatus automatically performs scan and copy settings, the operator's work is reduced.

  The scanner and the multifunction peripheral have been described as examples. However, the present invention can be used as long as it is a device such as a FAX that requires a document to be set on a document table or an ADF. Further, a further effect can be obtained by preparing a plurality of pseudo-originals of different sizes as the pseudo-original 5 or the pseudo-original 7 and using them as a pseudo-original for A4 original, a pseudo-original for A3 original, or the like. Further, the present invention can be used when the original to be set is not a paper but a photograph, a postcard, a book, or the like.

  The present invention can be applied to devices such as scanners, multi-function peripherals, and fax machines that require a document to be set on a document table, an ADF, or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Document stand 2 Document setting method clarification device 3 Document 4 Document set area 5 Pseudo document 6 Pseudo document set area 7 Pseudo document 101 Scan / copy setting unit 102 Pseudo document set information acquisition unit 103 Set information collation unit 104 Control unit 105 Display unit

Claims (9)

An original reading apparatus having a scanning function for at least image data acquisition or copying,
A pseudo manuscript setting means that is provided separately from the manuscript setting area and sets a pseudo manuscript simulating an actual manuscript set in the manuscript setting area;
Pseudo original set information acquisition means for acquiring pseudo original set information including information on the placement position, vertical direction and / or front and back of the pseudo original set on the pseudo original setting means;
Control means for setting the scan function based on the pseudo document set information;
A document image reading apparatus comprising:   A collation unit that collates whether the pseudo document set information matches the actual document set information set for scanning the actual document, and outputs a collation result to the control unit; 2. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the collation result does not match, the control means displays that fact on the display unit.   The pseudo original includes a wireless IC chip in which information for specifying the pseudo original set information is recorded, and the pseudo original set information acquisition unit reads the information from the wireless IC chip and acquires the pseudo original set information. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the document reading device is a document reading device.   The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pseudo document setting unit is provided on a plane that faces in the same direction as the document setting region. An original set information setting method in an original reading apparatus having at least a scan function for acquiring or copying image data,
When a pseudo original simulating an actual original set in the original setting area is set on a pseudo original setting means provided separately from the original setting area, the placement position of the pseudo original from the pseudo original, the vertical direction, and Get pseudo manuscript set information including front / back information,
Setting the scan function based on the pseudo document set information;
A method for setting document set information.   Check whether the pseudo document set information matches the actual document set information set for scanning the actual document. If the verification result does not match, the fact is displayed on the display unit. The document set information setting method according to claim 5. A program for realizing a document set information setting function on a program control processor in a document reading apparatus having at least a scan function for obtaining or copying image data,
When a pseudo original simulating an actual original set in the original setting area is set on a pseudo original setting means provided separately from the original setting area, the placement position of the pseudo original, the vertical direction, and And / or a function for acquiring pseudo manuscript set information including information on both sides,
A function of setting the scan function based on the pseudo original set information;
Is realized on the program control processor.   Check whether the pseudo document set information matches the actual document set information set for scanning the actual document. If the verification result does not match, the fact is displayed on the display unit. The program according to claim 7.   A multifunction machine comprising the document reading device according to claim 1.

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