JP2011044816A - Image reading system, computer program and information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the time required for switching drivers when a plurality of different types of image readers are used. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor is provided with: a first driver for controlling a first image reader; a second driver for controlling a second image reader; and an application program. The first driver is provided with an application interface for pretending the application program. The first driver transfers information for controlling the second image reader received from the application program to the second driver. The second driver controls the second image reader according to the transferred information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus for reading image information of a document and a program for executing an image reading method.

  In general, there are three types of image reading apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as scanners): a sheet feed scanner having a sheet feed function, a flat bed scanner, and a scanner in which the sheet feed function and the flat bed function are integrated (hereinafter referred to as a composite scanner). Exists. These are properly used according to the application. For example, a sheet feed scanner is suitable for scanning a large amount of documents. A flatbed scanner is suitable when you want to scan a book. The composite scanner has both uses.

  Since the composite scanner has a sheet feed function and a flatbed function integrated, it can be used for various purposes. However, the size of the composite scanner is generally large and is not portable. Therefore, a composite scanner may not be suitable for users who also want portability. Therefore, a user who desires portability purchases a flatbed scanner and a sheet feed scanner, and uses them separately according to the application. Also, since these scanners are relatively small, they can be cleared from the desk when not in use.

  Incidentally, a scanner is generally used by being connected to a personal computer (PC) via a connection interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The scanner is controlled by a program module called a scanner driver that mediates between an application and the scanner. An image read by the scanner is passed to an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) through a scanner driver, and the application displays or saves the image.

  When a flat bed scanner and a sheet feed scanner are purchased, a user must install a flat bed scanner driver (hereinafter referred to as a flat bed driver) and a sheet feed scanner driver (hereinafter referred to as a sheet feed driver) on the PC. Furthermore, the user must select a scanner driver corresponding to the scanner to be used while executing the application. When a scanner driver is selected, the application must unload the previously selected scanner driver from memory, load the newly selected scanner driver into memory, and initialize the scanner through the loaded scanner driver. is there. These processes are generally time-consuming processes. Therefore, the user may feel stress every time the scanner to be used is switched.

  In order to solve this problem, in Patent Document 1, a platen scanner (flatbed scanner) can be connected to a sheet feed scanner, and an image read by the flatbed scanner is subjected to image processing in the sheet feed scanner.

JP 2003-234864 A

  However, in the scanner system described in Patent Document 1, the sheet feed scanner and the flat bed scanner are connected by a dedicated platen interface, and the sheet feed scanner controls the flat bed scanner. In other words, the flatbed scanner does not function without a sheet feed scanner. In other words, the flatbed scanner completely depends on the sheet feed scanner (Patent Document 1, paragraph 0031). Also, it is assumed that the scanner driver is required only for the sheet feed scanner. This is because the flatbed scanner passes the read image information to the sheet feed scanner, and the sheet feed scanner converts the information into image data (Patent Document 1, paragraph 0035). As described above, in the system described in Patent Document 1, only a single scanner driver needs to be prepared. However, the sheet feed scanner needs to have a control function of a flatbed scanner, and the two are connected. A dedicated interface is also required. In addition, the flatbed scanner cannot be used by being connected to a PC alone.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve at least one of such problems and other problems. An object of the present invention is to shorten the switching time required for driver switching when using a plurality of different types of image reading apparatuses, for example. Other issues can be understood throughout the specification.

The image reading system of the present invention is, for example,
A plurality of different image reading devices,
An information processing device in which the plurality of image reading devices can be connected in parallel or in series;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A first driver for controlling the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
A second driver for controlling a second image reading device of a type different from the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
An application program for receiving image data from the first driver or the second driver,
The application program includes a first driver interface for communicating with the first driver or the second driver,
Each of the first driver and the second driver includes an application interface for communicating with the application program,
The first driver further includes a second driver interface for communicating with an application interface included in the second driver;
The information processing apparatus controls the first image reading apparatus via the first driver when reading an image by the first image reading apparatus, and reads the image by the second image reading apparatus. In some cases, the second image reading apparatus is controlled via the first driver and the second driver.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of different types of image reading apparatuses are used, the switching time required for driver switching can be shortened. Specifically, the first image reading apparatus is controlled by the first driver, and the second image reading apparatus can be controlled by the second driver via the first driver. No unloading or reloading is required. Therefore, the switching time required for driver switching can be shortened.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet feed scanner according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the flat bed scanner which concerns on embodiment. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electric circuit of a sheet feed scanner. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electric circuit of a flat bed scanner. The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electric circuit of PC which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the application and scanner driver on PC. The figure when a sheet feed scanner and a flatbed scanner are simultaneously connected to a PC. The figure which shows the structure of a some scanner driver in PC. The flowchart figure which showed the load process of the flatbed driver performed by the application. The user interface figure which a flatbed driver displays. The setting dialog figure for setting ON / OFF of a blank paper detection function. The flowchart figure which showed an example of the automatic reading method. The figure which showed an example of the common user interface for using three or more scanners connected to PC. The figure which showed an example of the dialog for scanner selection. The figure which showed the other example of the user interface. The figure for demonstrating the mounting position of an image process part.

  An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below will help to understand various concepts, such as the superordinate concept, intermediate concept and subordinate concept 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.

  Hereinafter, an image reading system including a plurality of image reading apparatuses of different types (for example, reading formats) and information processing apparatuses to which these image reading apparatuses can be connected in parallel or in series will be described.

  Note that the image reading system only needs to include at least two image reading apparatuses. That is, the number of the first reading format image reading device may be one and the number of the first reading format image reading device may be two.

  In addition, as for the connection form of the image reading apparatus to the information processing apparatus, each image reading apparatus may be connected to the information processing apparatus independently and in parallel (parallel), or all the image reading apparatuses are connected in series (sequential). It may be. Or the parallel connection form and the serial connection form may be mixed.

  This is because the present embodiment is characterized in that a driver of one image reading device among control programs for controlling the image reading device behaves as if it is an application program for a driver of another image reading device.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet feed scanner 1 according to the embodiment. The sheet feed scanner 1 is an example of a second image reading device of a different type from the first image reading device.

  The sheet feed scanner is sometimes called a sheet-through scanner. When scanning is started, the sheet feed scanner 1 uses the document detection sensor 9 to determine whether or not the document D exists.

  If the document D exists, the line image sensor 5 reads the white facing member 7 and the sheet feed scanner 1 generates correction data for shading correction. The generated correction data is stored in the memory for each pixel.

  The pickup roller 2 and the feeding roller 3 take in a bundle of documents D into the sheet feed scanner 1. The separation roller 4 separates the bundle into original documents one by one. The first roller pair 8a conveys the separated original D in the sub-scanning direction (original conveying direction), and the line image sensor 5 transfers the image formed on the upper surface of the original D in the main scanning direction (original conveying direction). Read in the direction perpendicular to the axis).

  The sheet feed scanner 1 performs shading correction on the read image using the correction data read from the memory. After the image is read, the document D is discharged outside the apparatus by the second roller pair 8b.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet feed scanner 1 is illustrated with the sheet conveyance path being substantially horizontal. However, of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sheet feeding unit and a sheet discharging unit are arranged up and down to feed the sheet. It may be a U-turn path type scanner that discharges to a sheet discharge section through a conveyance path curved in a U shape from the section.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the flatbed scanner 10 according to the embodiment. The flatbed scanner 10 is an example of a first image reading device.

  The operator opens the flat bed cover 14 and places the document D on the glass surface 11. When scanning is started, the flatbed scanner 10 reads the white facing member 15 with the line image sensor 12 and generates correction data for shading correction. The generated correction data is stored in the memory for each pixel.

  The line image sensor 12 reads an image formed on the lower surface of the document D along the main scanning direction while moving in the sub scanning direction by the moving unit 13. The flatbed scanner 10 reads correction data from the memory and executes shading correction on the image. After the scan is completed, the line image sensor 12 is returned to the original position by the moving unit 13.

  FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the sheet feed scanner 1.

  The A / D converter 21 converts the output signal of the line image sensor 5 into digital data (image data) after performing analog processing such as amplification and black level clamping.

  The image processing unit 22 performs control of the line image sensor 5, the A / D conversion unit 21, and the like, and performs various image processing (such as shading correction) on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 21.

  The image memory 23 stores image data. The interface unit 24 is an interface for communicating with an external host device (PC or other scanner device).

  The interface unit 24 is connected to an external host device such as a PC via a signal cable 25. Note that the interface unit 24 may be a wireless interface such as a wireless LAN, wireless USB, or Bluetooth. The interface unit 24 may be a wired interface such as a USB interface or a wired LAN interface. Here, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, it is assumed that the interface unit 24 is a USB interface having a USB hub function.

  The CPU 26 is a control unit that controls the sheet feed scanner 1. The image processing unit 22 and the CPU 26 are connected via a bus 27. The CPU 26 accesses the image memory 23 via the image processing unit 22.

  The drive unit 29 is a motor for driving the pickup roller 2, the feed roller 3, the separation roller 4, and the roller pairs 8a and 8b. The motor driver 28 is a control circuit that controls the drive unit 29 based on an instruction from the CPU 26.

  FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the flatbed scanner 10.

  The A / D converter 31 converts the output signal of the line image sensor 12 into digital data (image data) after performing analog processing such as amplification and black level clamping.

  The image processing unit 32 performs control of the line image sensor 12, the A / D conversion unit 31, and the like, and various image processing (such as shading correction) on the image data output from the A / D conversion unit 31.

  The image memory 33 stores image data. The interface unit 34 is an interface for communicating with an external host device (PC or other scanner device).

  The interface unit 34 is connected to an external host device such as a PC via a signal cable 35. Note that the interface unit 34 may be a wireless interface such as a wireless LAN, wireless USB, or Bluetooth.

  The interface unit 34 may be a wired interface such as a USB interface or a wired LAN interface. Here, for the sake of easy understanding, it is assumed that the interface unit 34 is a USB interface having a USB hub function.

  The CPU 36 is a control unit that controls the flatbed scanner 10. The image processing unit 32 and the CPU 36 are connected via a bus 37. The CPU 36 accesses the image memory 33 via the image processing unit 32.

  The drive unit 39 is a motor for driving the moving unit 13. The motor driver 38 is a control circuit that controls the drive unit 39 based on an instruction from the CPU 36.

  FIG. 3C is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the PC 40 according to the embodiment.

  The CPU 46 is a control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the computer based on the computer program. The CPU 46 controls the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 according to the application program and the scanner driver.

  The ROM 41 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores a control program such as firmware. The RAM 42 is a volatile storage unit that functions as a work area. A hard disk drive (HDD) 43 is a large-capacity storage unit.

  The display device 45 is a display unit for displaying various information to the user. The operation unit 47 is an input unit such as a pointing device or a keyboard.

  The communication interface 44 is a communication unit such as a network communication card. The CPU 46 communicates with the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 via the communication interface 44.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an application on the PC 40 and a scanner driver. Here, it is assumed that only one of the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 is independently connected to the PC 40.

  When the user purchases the scanner, the application 48 and the scanner driver 49 are installed in the HDD 43 of the PC. The application 48 is an image editing program, an album program, a text editing program, or the like.

  The application 48 is a program that can input and output information with the first driver or the second driver. Specifically, the application 48 is an application program that receives image data from the first driver or the second driver. It is an example.

  The installed application 48 controls the scanners 1 and 10 via the scanner driver 49 and executes image processing on the image data received from the scanner driver 49. Therefore, the application 48 and the CPU 46 function as image processing means for receiving image data from the first control means or the second control means and executing image processing.

  Communication is performed between the application 48 and the scanner driver 19 and between the scanner driver 49 and the scanners 1 and 10 using determined protocols. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the application 48 and the scanner driver 49 communicate with each other using a protocol determined by the Twain standard. The protocol determined by the Twain standard is a first driver interface for communicating with the first driver or the second driver, and is also an example of an application interface for communicating with an application program.

  The protocol determined by the Twain standard is a first interface for the image processing means to communicate with the first control means or the second control means, and the first control means communicates with the image processing means. A second interface for the first control means to communicate with the second control means, and a second interface for the second control means to communicate with the image processing means. It is an example of an interface. It is assumed that communication is performed between the scanner driver 49 and the scanners 1 and 10 using a protocol determined by the SCSI standard. As described above, the protocol determined by the SCSI standard is an interface for communicating with the image reading apparatus. Protocols determined by the SCSI standard, however, other protocols may be adopted in the present invention. Note that control commands and image data are transmitted and received between the scanner, driver, and application via these protocols.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram when the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 are simultaneously connected to the PC 40.

  In FIG. 5A, the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 are connected in parallel to the PC 40. In FIG. 5B, the interface unit 34 of the flatbed scanner 10 has a hub function, and is connected to the PC 40 → the flatbed scanner 10 → the sheet feed scanner 1 in a daisy chain (sequentially). In either connection state, the CPU 26 of the PC 40 recognizes that two scanners are connected. If it is considered that the interface unit 34 has a built-in USB hub, this embodiment will be easy to understand.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a plurality of scanner drivers in the PC 40. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 6A, the scanner driver and the scanner are provided on a one-to-one basis. For this reason, the sheet feed driver 49a and the flat bed driver 49b are completely independent, and the two do not cooperate. The user must install the sheet feed driver 49a and the flatbed driver 49b in the PC 40, and switch the scanner driver with the application 48 in accordance with the scanner to be used. When the scanner is switched, the application 48 executes unloading of the scanner driver before switching, loading of the scanner driver after switching, and initialization processing of the scanner. Therefore, this processing time is relatively long. Although details will be described later, according to the present embodiment, complicated processing such as loading of the scanner driver and initialization of the scanner described above becomes unnecessary due to the cooperation between the first driver and the second driver. Even in the connection as shown in FIG. 6A, the processing time in controlling the reading operation of the sheet feed scanner and the flat bed scanner can be shortened.

  Here, the sheet feed driver 49a and the CPU 46 function as second control means for controlling the second image reading apparatus. The flat bed driver 49b and the CPU 46 function as first control means for controlling the first image reading apparatus.

  FIG. 6B shows the configuration of the scanner driver of this embodiment. The flat bed driver 49b is an example of a first driver for controlling the first image reading apparatus.

  The sheet feed driver 49a is an example of a second driver for controlling the second image reading apparatus. When starting the application 48, the CPU 46 first loads the flat bed driver 49b into the RAM 42.

  Further, the CPU 46 loads the sheet feed driver 49a into the RAM 42 in accordance with the flat bed driver 49b. For the sheet feed driver 49 a, the flat bed driver 49 b plays the same role as the application 48. That is, the flatbed driver 49b includes an interface for communicating with the sheet feed driver 49a so as to behave as the application 48 for the sheet feed driver 49a.

  This interface is a protocol determined by the above-described Twain standard, and is an example of a second driver interface for the first driver to communicate with an application interface included in the second driver.

  Note that switching (selection) between the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 is executed on the setting screen of the flatbed driver 49 b activated from the application 48.

  The application program 48 receives image data read by the first image reading apparatus (flatbed scanner 10) via the first driver (flatbed driver 49b).

  The application program 48 is configured to receive data of an image read by the second image reading device (sheet feed scanner 1) via the first driver and the second driver (sheet feed driver 49a). ing.

  As described above, both the flat bed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a are always loaded into the RAM 42 while the application 48 is being executed.

  Therefore, the flatbed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a are loaded into the RAM 42 only once when the application 48 is started. During the execution of the application 48, the flatbed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a are unloaded or reloaded. Does not occur. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it can be said that the switching speed of the scanner is much faster than the conventional example.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the loading process of the flatbed driver 49a executed by the application 48. In step S <b> 701, when the CPU 46 of the PC 40 receives an activation instruction for the application 48 from the operation unit 47, the application 48 stored in the HDD 43 is loaded into the RAM 42. As a result, the application 48 is activated.

  In S <b> 702, the CPU 46 loads the flat bed driver 49 b into the RAM 42 according to the application 48. As described above, when the application program is activated when both the first image reading apparatus and the second image reading apparatus are connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program (CPU 46) is changed to the first driver. Are loaded into the memory of the information processing apparatus.

  In S703, the CPU 46 determines whether the sheet feed driver 49a is installed according to the flat bed driver 49b. As described above, the CPU 46 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the second driver is installed in the information processing apparatus.

  For example, the CPU 46 refers to a list of sheet feed drivers supported by the flat bed driver 49b, and searches the HDD 43 for a sheet feed driver listed in the list. Alternatively, the sheet feed driver is searched from a registry managed by the OS (operating system). If the sheet feed driver is found by the search, the sheet feed driver is already installed. In this case, the process proceeds to S704. If the sheet feed driver is not installed, the CPU 46 ends the sheet feed driver loading process.

  In step S <b> 704, the CPU 46 determines whether the sheet feed scanner 1 is connected to the PC 40. If the sheet feed scanner 1 is connected to the PC 40, the process proceeds to S705. If the sheet feed scanner 1 is not connected, the CPU 46 ends the sheet feed driver loading process. Therefore, the CPU 46 functions as a loading unit that does not execute loading of the second driver when the second driver is not installed in the information processing apparatus.

  In S705, the CPU 46 reads the sheet feed driver 49a from the HDD 43 according to the flat bed driver 49b and loads it into the RAM 42. As described above, the first driver loads the second driver into the memory of the information processing apparatus. That is, the CPU 46 functions as a loading unit that loads the second driver into the memory of the information processing device when the second driver is installed in the information processing device. Note that when the CPU 46 unloads the flatbed driver 49b in accordance with the application 48, the CPU 46 also unloads the sheet feed driver 49a.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed by the flatbed driver. The user interface 51 is a user interface that is called by the application 48 and displayed on the display device 45 when only the flatbed scanner 10 is connected to the PC 40.

  That is, the user interface 51 is a user interface of the flat bed driver 49b. In the user interface 51, a color mode, a reading size, and a resolution can be set.

  When the CPU 46 detects that the scan button 54 is depressed, it instructs the scanner driver to start scanning. When the depression of the Close button 55 is detected, the CPU 46 closes the user interface.

  The user interface 52 is a user interface that is called by the application 48 and displayed on the display device 45 when only the sheet feed scanner 1 is connected to the PC 40. That is, the user interface 52 is a user interface of the sheet feed driver 49a. A special function button 56 is added to the user interface 52.

  The sheet feed scanner 1 can scan a larger amount of documents per unit time than the flatbed scanner 10. For this reason, there are cases where the user mistakenly mixes a blank document in the document bundle. The sheet feed scanner 1 has a function (blank sheet detection function) for finding such a blank document and not imaging it. In the present embodiment, when the CPU 46 detects that the special function button 56 is pressed, a setting dialog 57 for setting ON / OFF of the blank sheet detection function is displayed on the display device 45.

  FIG. 9 shows a setting dialog 57 for setting ON / OFF of the blank sheet detection function. The initial value of this setting is OFF.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The user interface 53 is a user interface that is displayed when both the flatbed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 are connected to the PC 40.

  When the CPU 46 successfully loads the sheet feed driver 49a in S705, the CPU 46 displays the user interface 53 on the display device 45 in accordance with the flat bed driver 49b.

  When loading of the sheet feed driver 49a fails, the user interface 51 is displayed. Compared with the user interface 51, the user interface 53 has a setting item of a reading method (image reading apparatus used for reading) added.

  Therefore, the user can switch between the flatbed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 in the setting item of the reading method. As described above, the CPU 46 and the display device 45 function as a display unit that displays a user interface for inquiring of the operator whether to select the first image reading device or the second image reading device.

  The flatbed driver 49b (CPU 46) stores setting information such as the color mode, resolution, and size set by the user. Therefore, when the user directly selects the sheet feed driver 49a with the application 48, the contents of the color mode, resolution, and size set in the user interface 53 are not applied to the sheet feed driver 49a.

  That is, when the user directly uses the sheet feed driver 49a with the application 48, the setting information set in the user interface 53 is not restored. The setting information is stored in a predetermined location (eg, registry file) in the PC 40. The registry file itself is stored in the HDD 43.

  The blank sheet detection function described above is OFF because the initialization process is executed when the flatbed driver 49b loads the sheet feed driver 49a.

  As resolution selection items, only the resolutions supported by both the flatbed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a are displayed. The flat bed driver 49b (CPU 46) acquires the resolution supported by the sheet feed driver 49a from the sheet feed driver 49a, and extracts only the resolution supported by the flat bed driver 49b.

  In this way, resolutions that can be selected on the user interface 53 are determined. The same extraction process may be executed for the size and color mode. As a result, only the size and color mode that are commonly used by the sheet feed driver 49 a and the flat bed driver 49 b can be extracted and reflected in the user interface 53.

  Thus, the CPU 46 compares the function supported by the first image reading device with the function supported by the second image reading device, and the first image reading device and the second image reading device. It functions as a means for extracting functions common to both. Further, the CPU 46 and the display device 45 function as display means for displaying the extracted function setting items on the user interface.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic reading method. The user interface 53 shown in FIG. 8 has “automatic” as the selection method of the reading method. When it is detected that the user has selected the reading method (automatic) and the scan button 54 is depressed, the CPU 46 starts scanning.

  In step S <b> 1001, the CPU 46 determines whether a document is placed on the sheet feed scanner 1. For example, the CPU 46 inquires of the sheet feed driver 49a whether or not the document is placed on the sheet feed scanner 1 via the flat bed driver 49b.

  The sheet feed driver 49a (CPU 46) acquires detection information from the document detection sensor 9, and notifies the flatbed driver 49b of the presence or absence of a document. If the document is placed on the document table of the sheet feed scanner 1, the process proceeds to S1002.

  In S1002, the CPU 46 transmits a scan start command to the sheet feed driver 49a via the flat bed driver 49b. When the flatbed scanner 10 is selected in the user interface 53, the CPU 46 functions as a first transmission unit that transmits an image reading start command to the flatbed scanner 10 (first image reading apparatus). .

  Upon receiving the scan start command, the sheet feed driver 49a transfers the scan start command to the CPU 26 of the sheet feed scanner 1. As described above, when the sheet feed scanner 1 (second image reading device) is selected through the user interface 53, the CPU 46 transmits a scan start command (image reading start command) to the second image reading device. 2 function as a transmission means.

  When receiving the scan start command, the CPU 26 of the sheet feed scanner 1 starts the scan process. The CPU 26 controls the line image sensor 5 and the image processing unit 22 to generate image data, and transfers the image data to the sheet feed driver 49a. The sheet feed driver 49a transfers the image data to the flat bed driver 49b.

  As described above, the sheet feed driver 49a causes the CPU 46 to function as means for transferring the image data transferred from the second image reading apparatus to the first driver. Further, the flatbed driver 49 b transfers the image data to the application 48. Therefore, the flatbed driver 49b causes the CPU 46 to function as means for transferring the image data transferred from the second driver to the application program.

  On the other hand, if no document is placed on the sheet feed scanner 1, the process advances to step S1003. In S1003, the CPU 46 transmits a scan start command to the flatbed driver 49b.

  When the flatbed driver 49b receives the scan start command, the flatbed driver 49b transfers the scan start command to the CPU 36 of the flatbed scanner 10. When the CPU 36 of the flatbed scanner 10 receives a scan start command, the CPU 36 starts a scan process.

  The CPU 36 controls the line image sensor 12 and the image processing unit 32 to generate image data, and transfers the image data to the flat bed driver 49b. The flat bed driver 49 b transfers the image data to the application 48.

  When the blank sheet detection function is set to ON, the flat bed driver 49b or the sheet feed driver 49a blank sheet detection function examines the inside of the document image and determines whether the sheet is blank. If it is blank, the image data is discarded. For example, the CPU 46 or the image processing units 22 and 32 converts the image into a binary image. Next, the number of black pixels in the binary image converted image is counted, and when the number is 20% or less of the entire image, the document image is determined to be blank.

  Next, how the commands are exchanged from the PC 40 to the sheet feed scanner 1 via the flat bed scanner 10 will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, the flatbed scanner 10 includes a USB hub. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, even if the flatbed scanner 10 is interposed between the PC 40 and the sheet feed scanner 1, a command can be transmitted directly from the PC 40 to the sheet feed scanner 1. . That is, for the CPU 46 of the PC 40, there is no difference in the USB level between the connection form of FIG. 5A and the connection form of FIG. 5B. Thus, the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 are independent with respect to the scanner reading process.

  That is, for the sheet feed scanner 1, the flatbed scanner 10 is merely a relay point between the signal to the PC 40 and the signal from the PC 40. The CPU 36 and the image processing unit 32 of the flatbed scanner 10 are not involved in relaying signals of the sheet feed scanner 1. This is in contrast to the fact that the sheet feed driver 49a depends on the flatbed driver 49b.

  Next, command analysis processing executed by the flatbed driver 49b in cooperation with the CPU 46 will be described.

  When a command is sent from the application 48 to the sheet feed driver 49a while the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 are simultaneously connected to the PC 40, the command is sent via the flatbed driver 49b.

  Therefore, the flat bed driver 49b analyzes the command from the application 48 and controls the flat bed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 according to the analysis result.

  Whether to control the flatbed scanner 10 or the sheet feed scanner 1 depends on the setting of the user interface 53. When “Flatbed” is selected as the reading method in the user interface 53, the flatbed driver 49b receives a command from the application 48 and controls the flatbed scanner 10.

  When “feeder” is selected as the reading method, the flatbed driver 49b transfers the command from the application 48 to the sheet feed driver 49a as it is.

  The sheet feed driver 49 a receives a command from the application 48 via the flat bed driver 49 b and controls the sheet feed scanner 1.

  When “automatic” is selected as the reading method, one of the scanner devices is selected depending on whether or not a document is set on the sheet feed scanner 1. As a command transmission / reception method, a transmission / reception method corresponding to the selected scanner device is selected.

  Next, processing until a scanned image (image data) passes from the scanner to the application 48 via the scanner driver will be described. When “Flatbed” is selected as the reading method, the flatbed driver 49 b controls the flatbed scanner 10 to acquire an image, and passes the scanned image to the application 48. When “feeder” is selected as the reading method, the flatbed driver 49 b acquires an image from the sheet feed driver 49 a and passes it to the application 48 as it is.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flat bed scanner 10 are simultaneously connected to the PC 40, the user can use two scanners via the flat bed driver 49b. Therefore, once the user selects the flatbed driver 49b in the application 48, there is no need to reselect the driver to switch the scanner to be used.

  That is, the unloading of the flatbed driver 49b and the loading of the sheet feed driver 49a, which are conventionally required, can be omitted. This is because the flatbed driver 49b has already loaded the sheet feed driver 49a into the RAM 42 when the application 48 is activated. Therefore, the processing time associated with unloading and loading, which is necessary when the scanner driver is switched, becomes unnecessary. In the use environment in which the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flatbed scanner 10 are frequently switched, the effect of this embodiment is high.

  Further, since the flatbed driver 49b corresponds to a protocol (for example, Twain) for communicating with the sheet feed driver 49a as an application program, the flatbed driver 49b appears as an application to the sheet feed driver 49a.

  Therefore, even if a user who already owns the flat bed scanner 10 purchases a new sheet feed scanner 1, both the flat bed scanner 10 and the new sheet feed scanner 1 can be used via the flat bed driver 49b. it can.

  Further, it is not necessary for the manufacturer to upgrade the flatbed driver 49b so as to correspond to the new product sheet feed scanner 1. This is because the flatbed driver 49b already has a protocol for communicating with the sheet feed driver 49a.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet feed driver 49a is used via the flat bed driver 49b. However, the flat bed driver 49b may be used via the sheet feed driver 49a. In this case, in the above description, the flat bed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a may be replaced, and the flat bed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 may be replaced.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a common user interface 1101 for using three or more scanners connected to the PC 40. The number of scanners that can be connected to the PC 40 may be three or more.

  In this case, a combo box for selecting a scanner is added to the user interface 1101. In the combo box, selectable scanner names are listed. Note that the user interface 1101 shown in FIG. 11 is an example of a user interface when one flatbed scanner and four sheet feed scanners are connected.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a scanner selection dialog. Instead of the combo box described above, the scanner selection dialog 1201 shown in FIG. 12 may be employed. When the user selects a desired one from the scanner selection dialog 1201, a scanner driver corresponding to the selected scanner is loaded into the RAM 42. As described above, the scanner driver may be loaded into the RAM 42 only once.

  When “automatic” is selected as the reading method, the CPU 46 checks the document table of all the sheet feed scanners connected to the PC 40 through the scanner driver, and only the sheet feed scanner on which the document is placed. Alternatively, a scan start command may be transmitted.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of the user interface. In the above-described embodiment, the flatbed driver 49b displays only selection items for functions that are commonly supported by the flatbed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 on the user interface.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the user interface 1301 may display selection items that are not common to both. For example, it is assumed that the flatbed scanner 10 supports a resolution of 1200 dpi and the sheet feed scanner 1 does not support this.

  Further, it is assumed that the sheet feed scanner 1 supports a blank sheet detection function, and the flatbed scanner 10 also supports this. In this case, when “feeder” is selected as the reading method, the CPU 46 may invalidate the resolution 1200 dpi by switching the resolution 1200 dpi to gray-out display.

  In this way, the CPU 46 functions as a means for displaying the setting items for the functions that have not been extracted on the display device 45 so that they cannot be operated on the user interface. On the other hand, when the flat bed is selected, the CPU 46 switches from gray-out display to effective display for a resolution of 1200 dpi.

  Therefore, the CPU 46 changes the operable items in the user interface according to the determination unit that determines which image reading device selected through the user interface is selected and the function of the image reading device selected through the user interface. Functions as a change means.

  As described above, when the user presses the special function button 56, the CPU 46 displays the setting dialog 57 shown in FIG. The setting dialog 57 is displayed on the display device 45 by the flatbed driver 49b calling the setting dialog of the sheet feed driver 49a.

  Therefore, the CPU 46 displays the special function button 56 so that it can be selected when the user sets the reading method to the feeder. On the other hand, if not, the CPU 46 switches to the gray-out display so as to invalidate the special function button 56.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet feed scanner 1 is connected to the flat bed scanner 10 and the sheet feed driver 49a is controlled by the flat bed driver 49b. However, the flat bed scanner 10 may be connected to the sheet feed scanner 1 and the flat bed driver 49b may be controlled by the sheet feed driver 49a. The combination of the scanners is not limited to the flat bed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1. In other words, the invention according to the present embodiment can be applied when a plurality of different types of image reading apparatuses are connected to the PC 40.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the mounting position of the image processing unit. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14A, the flatbed scanner 10 and the sheet feed scanner 1 each include an image processing unit, and the image processing unit is not shared. However, as shown in FIG. 14B, each of the flat bed driver 49b and the sheet feed driver 49a may include an image processing unit.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first image reading apparatus can be controlled by the first driver, and the second image reading apparatus can be controlled by the second driver via the first driver. Therefore, the time for unloading and reloading the first driver can be omitted. Therefore, the switching time required for driver switching can be shortened.

  For example, when the application program 48 is started when a plurality of image reading apparatuses having different reading formats are connected to a PC (information processing apparatus), the application program 48 transfers the first driver to the memory of the information processing apparatus. Load it. Further, the first driver loads the second driver into the memory of the information processing apparatus. Therefore, even if the scanner to be used is switched in the user interface 53 or the like, driver unloading, loading, and initialization processing do not occur. That is, the switching time required for switching the scanner driver can be shortened compared to the conventional case.

  In addition, since the first driver is configured so that the application program receives the data of the image read by the second image reading device via the first driver and the second driver, the second image reading device The present invention can be applied to the second driver without change.

  That is, it is possible to save the trouble of updating and upgrading the second driver. If the second driver is installed, the second driver is loaded into the memory, and if the second driver is not installed, the first driver is configured not to load the second driver. ing. That is, the load process of the second driver is handled by the first driver, not the application program.

  Further, since the image reading apparatus is switched on the user interface provided by the first driver, driver unloading, loading, and initialization processing associated with the switching of the image reading apparatus is not necessary. When the second image reading apparatus is selected, the first driver behaves like an application program and passes a command to the second driver. Therefore, the second driver does not require any special update or modification for applying the present invention.

  In the user interface of the first driver, setting items for functions common to the first image reading apparatus and the second image reading apparatus are provided. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operator from making a setting that cannot be reflected in the reading process no matter which image reading apparatus is selected.

  Note that setting items that are not common may be deleted from the user interface or grayed out so that they cannot be operated. It is possible to indicate to the operator that the setting item displayed in gray out is an item that can be set in another image reading apparatus not selected by the operator.

  In addition, setting items that can be operated on the user interface may be changed according to the function of the image reading apparatus selected through the user interface. In this case, not only items common to a plurality of image reading apparatuses but also all setting items that can be set by the selected image reading apparatus can be displayed. Therefore, the operator can use all the functions of the selected image reading apparatus.

  Furthermore, by using a flatbed scanner driver that can communicate with a sheet-through scanner driver, for example, a reading instruction signal from an information processing apparatus (PC) can be transmitted to the sheet-through scanner. Conversely, the information processing apparatus can acquire an image read by the sheet through scanner from the driver of the sheet through scanner via the driver of the flat bed scanner. This makes it possible to connect the flatbed scanner between the information processing apparatus and the existing sheet-through scanner. That is, only by providing a plurality of connecting portions to the flat bed scanner, it is possible to connect the flat bed scanner to the information processing apparatus and connect an existing sheet-through scanner to the flat bed scanner.

  As a result, the user can easily use the flat bed scanner and the sheet-through scanner as a single scanner unit based on the operation of the information processing apparatus simply by introducing the flat bed scanner. Further, a user who owns a sheet-through scanner can additionally use a flat-bed scanner without improving (modifying) an existing sheet-through scanner.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made based on different types of image reading devices. However, the different types of image reading devices here are not limited to reading formats, and for example, reading in substantially the same reading format. It may be a device, including a device with a different original document size (A4 or smaller compatible model, A3 or smaller compatible model, etc.), a device with a different specification (performance), or a device with a different type, etc. It is not limited to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sheet feed scanner 2 ... Pickup roller 3 ... Conveyance roller 4 ... Separation roller 5 ... Line image sensor 7 ... Opposite surface 8a ... First roller pair 8b ... First roller pair 9 ... Document detection sensor 10 ... Flatbed scanner 10
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Glass 12 ... Line image sensor 13 ... Moving unit 14 ... Scanner cover 15 ... Opposite surface 21 ... A / D conversion part 22 ... Image processing part 23 ... Memory 24 ... Interface part 25 ... Signal cable 26 ... CPU
27 ... Bus 28 ... Motor driver 29 ... Drive unit 40 ... PC
48 ... Application 49 ... Scanner driver 51 ... User interface 52 ... User interface 53 ... User interface

Claims (15)

An image reading system,
A plurality of different image reading devices,
An information processing device in which the plurality of image reading devices can be connected in parallel or in series;
The information processing apparatus includes:
A first driver for controlling the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
A second driver for controlling a second image reading device of a type different from the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
An application program for receiving image data from the first driver or the second driver,
The application program includes a first driver interface for communicating with the first driver or the second driver,
Each of the first driver and the second driver includes an application interface for communicating with the application program,
The first driver further includes a second driver interface for communicating with an application interface included in the second driver;
The information processing apparatus controls the first image reading apparatus via the first driver when reading an image by the first image reading apparatus, and reads the image by the second image reading apparatus. In this case, the image reading system controls the second image reading device via the first driver and the second driver. The application program receives image data read by the first image reading device via the first driver, and receives image data read by the second image reading device as the first driver. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading system is configured to receive the data via the second driver.   When the application program is started when both the first image reading apparatus and the second image reading apparatus are connected to the information processing apparatus, the application program causes the first driver to The information processing device is configured to load into the memory of the information processing device, and the first driver is configured to load the second driver into the memory of the information processing device. The image reading system according to claim 1 or 2. The first driver causes the information processing apparatus to
Determination means for determining whether or not the second driver is installed in the information processing apparatus;
When the second driver is installed in the information processing apparatus, the second driver is loaded into the information processing apparatus, and when the second driver is not installed in the information processing apparatus, the second driver is loaded. The image reading system according to claim 3, wherein the image reading system is made to function as a loading unit that does not execute the loading of the second driver. The first driver causes the information processing apparatus to
Display means for displaying a user interface for inquiring of an operator whether to select the first image reading device or the second image reading device;
First transmission means for transmitting an image reading start command to the first image reading device when the first image reading device is selected through the user interface;
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the second image reading device is selected through the user interface, the second image reading device functions as a second transmission unit that transmits an image reading start command to the second image reading device. 5. The image reading system according to 4. The first driver causes the information processing apparatus to
The function supported by the first image reading device is compared with the function supported by the second image reading device, and is common to the first image reading device and the second image reading device. Function as a means to extract the function
The image reading system according to claim 5, wherein the display unit displays the extracted function setting items on the user interface.   The image reading system according to claim 6, wherein the display unit displays the setting items of the functions that are not extracted so that the setting items cannot be operated on the user interface. The first driver causes the information processing apparatus to
Determining means for determining which image reading device selected through the user interface is selected;
The image reading system according to claim 5, wherein the image reading system functions as a changing unit that changes an operable item in the user interface in accordance with a function of the image reading apparatus selected through the user interface. The second driver causes the information processing apparatus to function as means for transferring image data transferred from the second image reading apparatus to the first driver,
3. The image reading system according to claim 2, wherein the first driver causes the information processing apparatus to function as a unit that transfers image data transferred from the second driver to the application program. . An image reading system,
A plurality of different image reading devices,
An information processing device in which the plurality of image reading devices can be connected in parallel or in series;
The information processing apparatus includes:
First control means for controlling the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
A second control means for controlling a second image reading device of a type different from the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices;
Image processing means for receiving image data from the first control means or the second control means and executing image processing;
The image processing means includes a first interface for communicating with the first control means or the second control means,
The first control means includes a second interface for communicating with the image processing means, and a third interface for communicating with the second control means,
The second control means includes a fourth interface for communicating with the image processing means,
The first interface provided in the image processing means is connected to the second interface provided in the first control means, and the third interface provided in the first control means is provided in the fourth control means provided in the second control means. The image processing means receives the image data read by the first image reading device via the first control means and is read by the second image reading device. An image reading system, wherein image data is received via the first control means and the second control means. A computer program which is the first driver used in the image reading system according to claim 1,
The computer program stores the information processing apparatus.
The application interface for communicating with the application program;
The second driver interface for communicating with an application interface included in the second driver, and the image data read by the first image reading device are passed to the application program, and the second image reading device A computer program that functions as means for receiving read image data via the second driver and passing the data to the application. A first image reading device to which an information processing device is connected; and a second image reading device connected to the first image reading device and having a different type from the first image reading device;
The information processing apparatus is configured to execute the second program based on execution of a control program including a first driver that controls the first image reading apparatus and a second driver that controls the second image reading apparatus. An image reading system, wherein a reading instruction signal to an image reading apparatus is transmitted from the first driver via the second driver.   13. The image reading system according to claim 12, wherein the information processing apparatus acquires a read image read by the second image reading apparatus from the second driver via the first driver. .   14. The image reading system according to claim 12, wherein the control program includes an application program for inputting / outputting information to / from the first driver and the second driver. A plurality of image reading devices can be connected, and a first driver for controlling the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices, and the first image reading device among the plurality of image reading devices. A second driver for controlling a second image reading device different from the above, and an application program for inputting / outputting information between the first driver or the second driver,
An information processing apparatus that activates each of the first driver and the second driver when the application program is activated.

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