JP2011146759A - Detector capable of detecting code, control method of the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the following problem: a code cannot be detected in a predetermined code detection area when an original is largely deviated from a predetermined position during execution of pressure plate reading because a processing time increases when the code detection area is widened too much during execution of ADF reading, to decrease performance such as the speed of device reading and copying, in the device for detecting a code. <P>SOLUTION: A code detection area is made to be different during execution of ADF reading and pressure plate reading. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of handling codes, a control method thereof, and a program.

As shown in Patent Document 1, conventionally, a technique is known in which a code is printed on a paper surface, and copying is permitted or prohibited by reading the code.
Further, for the purpose of high-speed code detection, Patent Document 1 also discloses that a code is printed in a prescribed area of the paper surface.

JP 2009-55406 A

  Now, in the detection of such a code, even if it is specified that the code is arranged at a predetermined position (for example, four corners) of the document and only that position needs to be detected, Tends to deviate from the predetermined position. This is because in the case of plate reading, a person puts an original in an area from which the area is considerably larger than the original without considering the position so much. As a result, there is a high possibility that the position of the original is slightly deviated from the position originally desired as a copier manufacturer and the code cannot be read normally. Therefore, in the case of plate reading, it is necessary to perform a code detection operation in a slightly wide area. Note that “press plate reading” is a method of reading the entire original by moving the light source that constitutes the reading means while keeping the position of the original fixed, and gradually shifting (changing) the irradiation position of the original. It is.

  On the other hand, in ADF reading, since the document is conveyed by a machine, the document is not easily displaced, and the document position, that is, the code position is not easily displaced from a predetermined area (the code detection range at the four corners). ADF reading is a method of reading a document by fixing the irradiation position and moving the document. In this ADF reading, the document is set by the user so that the left end of the document is properly aligned with a predetermined position (the ADF does not convey the document if it is not set), and there is little left-right positional deviation. Also, regarding the top and bottom (to be precise, depth), most users set the document at the correct position using the sliders located above and below to set (place) the document at the correct position. There is little vertical displacement. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform the code detection operation in a region as wide as the platen reading. Therefore, it is desired to perform the code detection operation in a narrower area than the slightly wider area. Also, in the case of ADF reading, unlike the plate reading that requires resetting one document at a time, the document is read more and more, so faster copying is desired. It is desirable to detect the code.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an apparatus according to the present invention has the configuration described in the claims.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect of reducing the situation where the code cannot be detected when the code position is deviated from the code detection range in which the original is fixed in advance by the pressure plate reading in the code detecting device. As in ADF reading, there is an effect that the performance of reading and copying speed is not lowered when the original is not easily displaced from the code position fixed in advance.

The figure which shows the flowchart of Example 1. The figure which shows an example of the code detection area at the time of ADF reading The figure which shows an example of the code detection area at the time of pressure plate reading The figure which shows an example of the asymmetric code detection area at the time of pressure plate reading, and the code detection area at the time of ADF reading The figure which shows an example of the asymmetrical code detection area at the time of pressure plate reading The figure which shows an example of the code | cord | chord detection area | region at the time of ADF reading which moved the A4R original document up in the original document mixed mode The figure which shows an example of the code | cord | chord detection area at the time of ADF reading which brought the A4R original document down in the original document mixture mode The figure which shows an example of the code | cord | chord detection area at the time of ADF reading of a document mixed loading mode The figure which shows the flowchart of Example 5. The figure which shows the flowchart of manuscript mixed loading mode The figure which shows the flowchart of the learning mode of Example 6. Diagram showing the relationship between code detection coordinates and code detection area coordinates Diagram showing that the code is outside the code detection area

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  The plate reading is a method of reading the entire original by moving the light source that constitutes the reading means while keeping the position of the original fixed, and gradually shifting (changing) the irradiation position of the original. . On the other hand, ADF reading is a method of reading a document by fixing the irradiation position and moving the document (changing the position of the document).

Examples of apparatuses that perform code detection include image processing apparatuses such as copiers, MFPs, and scanners, computers, and the like. In this embodiment, an MFP will be described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited. In the embodiment, the MFP is called an image processing apparatus. The internal configuration of the image processing apparatus is a general configuration and is not shown.
The image processing apparatus has an image input / output function, and inputs a paper original and prints it out on paper. The input image information can be stored as digital data or transferred to other devices via a LAN or telephone network. In addition, print data from a computer and image information from another image processing apparatus can be received and printed out on paper. For inputting an image, a reading device using a light receiving element, a light source for irradiating a document, a document table, an ADF, a machine for driving them, and a document size detection sensor are provided. An image is output by a printer such as an electrophotographic system. The image processing apparatus incorporates a processor for controlling the entire system and an ASIC (specific application IC). The ASIC includes a circuit and an image processing circuit necessary for the system to operate. A RAM is provided in a storage unit used as a work memory for operating the image processing apparatus and an image memory for temporarily storing image data. The work memory and image memory are called memories. Also, it has a ROM used as a boot program for the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus also includes a hard disk drive (HDD) that stores system software, image data, and setting values. The system software is a program for realizing functions such as copying, scanning, printer, FAX, and code detection, and is developed and operated on the RAM. In the image processing apparatus, operation control is performed by a system software being executed by a processor. In the image processing apparatus, software processing by system software or hardware processing by an image processing circuit is used to encode, decode, rasterize, rotate, convert multi-value and binary, scale, code detection, and other appropriate data processing. Perform image processing. In addition, it has a UI (user interface) for transmitting user instructions to the image processing apparatus. The user operates the UI to instruct operations such as login, copying, scanning, printer, and FAX.

  When the user attempts to log in to the image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus acquires information specifying the login user by accessing the data server and stores it in storage means (HDD, memory, etc.) in the image processing apparatus And This storage completes login. Although not shown, the data server is a login management server that is electrically connected to the image processing apparatus. In addition, the information which specifies a user is called user information in a present Example etc. For example, the user ID and the user name are included in the user information. In addition, information that indirectly identifies the user is also information that identifies the user. For example, the copy time and the machine number of the image processing apparatus that performs copying are also information that indirectly specifies the user. This is because if the copy time and the machine number of the image processing apparatus are known, it may be known who made the copy instruction. The trace function embeds this user information in the code.

  Further, when the user gives a copy instruction with the image processing apparatus, the code embedded in the original is read, and if the user has a copy prohibiting attribute, the copying operation is not performed. The job lock function uses a prohibited attribute embedded in the code. The prohibited attribute is effective not only for copying but also for operations such as FAX and scanning.

The operation of the image processing apparatus will now be described while describing the actual operation of the user.
FIG. 1 shows a processing flow of a processor that controls an image processing apparatus when a document is placed in a reading apparatus of the image processing apparatus and a copy instruction is issued. The important steps are S102 to S106.

In step S100, an instruction to copy a document placed on the reading device of the image processing apparatus is issued from the login user to the image processing apparatus. Then, the process proceeds to step S101. (S100)
In step S101, the image processing apparatus reads one page of the document using the reading device, and stores the image data for the one page in the image memory. The image memory stores image data that matches the document width determined by the document size detection sensor or the document width specified by the user, or image data that matches the entire width of the reading sensor. In some cases, the one that fits the appropriate case is selected. The user instructs whether to read the pressure plate or ADF. Then, the process proceeds to step S102. (S101)
In step S102, the image processing apparatus determines whether reading is performed from the ADF of the reading apparatus or reading from the document table. Normally, when a sensor detects that a document has been inserted into the ADF in step S100, it is determined that reading from the ADF is performed, and the process proceeds to step S103. If it cannot be detected that a document has been inserted into the ADF, it is determined that the document is read from the document table, and the process proceeds to step S104. (S102)
In step S103, a code detection area corresponding to ADF reading is set. The code detection area will be described. FIG. 2 shows an example of a code detection area at the time of ADF reading. A code 205 is arranged at any one of four corners in the document 200. In order to facilitate the detection, the cord is stipulated and located at a position within 30 mm of the end. The detection area is preferably within 40 mm at the end of the four corners of the document with a margin. Here, at the time of ADF reading, the code detection areas are set to be within 40 mm from the end as prescribed, such as 201, 202, 203, 204 at all four corners. At the time of ADF reading, a code detection area is set for the document size determined by the document size detection sensor in the ADF. Then, the process proceeds to step S106. (S103)
In step S104, a code detection area corresponding to the pressure plate reading is set. FIG. 3 shows an example of the code detection area at the time of reading the pressure plate. A code 305 is arranged at any one of four corners in the document 300. In order to facilitate the detection, the cord is stipulated and located at a position within 30 mm of the end. The detection area is preferably within 40 mm at the end of the four corners of the document with a margin. Here, at the time of reading the pressure plate, the code detection areas are set to be within 20 mm from the end by widening +20 mm from the regulation, such as 301, 302, 303, and 304 at the four corners. Since the manuscript is manually set in the pressure plate reading, the code 305 is easily detached from the code detection area as a result of the deviation of the manuscript. Therefore, the code detection area is made wider than that at the time of ADF reading. By spreading it, it becomes easier to avoid the situation where the code cannot be detected. When the platen is read, a code detection area is set for the document size determined by the document size detection sensor in the document table or the document size designated by the user. Then, the process proceeds to step S106. In another embodiment, setting different from the code detection area shown in FIG. 2 is performed, which will be described later. (S104)
In step S106, the image processing apparatus performs image processing for detecting a code included in the image data for the code detection region set in step S103 or S104. The code detection algorithm is well known and will not be described here. Then, the detected result and the content of the code are stored in the memory. Here, since the code detection area is wider when reading the pressure plate than when reading the ADF, it is easy to avoid a situation where the code cannot be detected. The code processing image processing time increases by the expanded area. However, when the platen is read, the manuscripts are manually replaced one by one, so that the processing time does not increase. Here, when the ADF is read, since the document is conveyed by the machine, the position of the code detection area and the code is less likely to be shifted, and there is little problem. When the ADF is read, the code detection area (detection target area) is as prescribed, so that the image processing time for code detection does not increase, and the reading can be continued without causing a decrease in the reading speed of the ADF. Then, control goes to a step S107. (S106)
In step S107, the image processing apparatus displays image data (the image data is a result of reading by the reading unit. The word “reading result” includes not only the result of reading but also image processing for the result. (Including those that have been applied.)) A process for determining whether or not a code has been detected is performed. If a code is detected, the process proceeds to step S108. If the code cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S109. (S107)
In step S108, the image processing apparatus decodes the code detected in step S106. As a result, information included in the code necessary for the job block and the trace function can be obtained. Then, the obtained information is stored in the storage unit. Then, control goes to a step S109. (S108)
In step S109, the image processing apparatus performs processing based on the presence / absence of the detected code and its information. If the job block function for the image processing apparatus is enabled and a code indicating copy prohibition is detected, the apparatus stops the copying operation instructed by the user. When the image processing apparatus cannot detect a code indicating that copying is prohibited or detects a code indicating that copying is possible, it determines that copying is possible and continues the copying operation. In addition, if the trace function for the image processing apparatus is enabled and a code indicating user information such as who created and who copied the paper medium is detected, a code in which the currently logged-in user information is embedded is newly encoded. Generate by conversion. A process of embedding the newly generated code in a paper medium is performed at the time of copying. Whether to record one page at a time or to create, save and print the recording image data for all pages is processed according to the setting of the image processing apparatus or the one judged appropriate. Then, the process proceeds to step S110. (S109)
In step S111, at the time of ADF reading, the image processing apparatus determines whether there is a next page to be read next by a sensor in the ADF. When reading the pressure plate, the user is inquired whether there is a next page to be read next through the UI, and is determined based on the operation result. When there is a next page to be read, the process returns to step S101. When there is no next page to be read, the process proceeds to step S111. (S110)
In step S110, the image processing apparatus performs a series of operation end processing. Printing is performed when copying image data for recording, and copying is stopped when it is determined that copying is prohibited. Then, the image processing apparatus transitions to a standby state. (S111)
In the above example, it is assumed that the document is printed when the document is copied by the image processing apparatus. When image processing for code detection is performed by a computer, the device does not directly read and print, but the code detection processing is the same, so this embodiment is limited to copying machines, MFPs, and scanners. Needless to say, you can't.

  In the description of the present embodiment using FIG. 4, only the processing different from that in FIG. 1 (the processing in S104) will be described. In this embodiment, the processing flow is the same as the processing flow of the processor shown in FIG. 1, but the processing related to the setting of the code detection area is changed.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an asymmetric code detection area at the time of reading a pressure plate and a code detection area at the time of reading an ADF.

In step S104 of the second embodiment, the image processing apparatus sets a code detection area when reading the pressure plate. Assume that the user instructs the A4 original to read the pressure plate, or the original size detection sensor in the original table detects the A4 size. If the document is placed at the regular position 414, the code detection area can be detected even when reading the ADF, such as 410, 411, 412 and 413. However, it is assumed that the document is manually placed with a displacement of 20 mm downstream in the sub-scanning direction (directions 405 and 406 in this figure). Then, the code can be detected by expanding the code detection area by 20 mm. In this figure, it suffices to perform the detection region with the hatched portions 405, 406, 404, and 407 widened. If importance is attached to the detection of the code, similarly, considering the possibility of shifting to the sub-scanning side upstream, the main scanning direction upstream (the direction of the end 415 in this figure), the main scanning downstream, or the diagonal direction, The detection area is set asymmetrically with 401, 402, 403, and 404. In this example, the code detection area 401 is 60 × 60 mm, 402 is 80 × 60 mm, 403 is 80 × 60 mm, and 404 is 60 × 60 mm. Note that the portions of the original plate guide members 408 and 409 of the pressure plate are not to be expanded because they cannot be read by the reading sensor. The code detection area to be expanded at the time of reading the pressure plate can be calculated from an assumed original size, a specified area at the time of ADF reading, a setting value for how long the specified area is to be lengthened, and an original guide member. In this way, by making the areas of the plurality of code detection areas different from each other in the code detection area, the possibility of more code detection becomes higher.
Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the description of the present embodiment using FIG. 5, only the processing different from that in FIG. 1 (processing in S <b> 104) will be described. In this embodiment, the processing flow is the same as the processing flow of the processor shown in FIG. 1, but the processing related to the setting of the code detection area is changed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the asymmetric code detection area at the time of reading the pressure plate.
In step S104 of the third embodiment, the image processing apparatus sets a code detection area at the time of reading the pressure plate. Assume that the user instructs the A4R original to read the pressure plate, or the original size detection sensor in the original table detects the A4R size. If the original is placed at the regular position 511, the code detection area can be detected even when the ADF is read, such as 505, 506, 507, and 508. However, it is assumed that the document is manually placed with a displacement of 20 mm downstream in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the code can be detected by expanding the code detection area by 20 mm. In this figure, the detection areas 501, 502, 503, and 504 may be expanded. The code detection area is set asymmetrically as 501, 502, 503, and 504 with an emphasis on detecting the code. In this example, the code detection area 501 is 60 × 60 mm, 502 is 80 × 60 mm, 503 is 80 × 80 mm, and 504 is 60 × 80 mm. Note that the document guide members 509 and 510 of the pressure plate are not to be expanded because they cannot be read by the reading sensor. The code detection area to be expanded can be calculated from an assumed original size, a prescribed area at the time of ADF reading, a set value of how long the prescribed area is to be lengthened, and an original guide member. In this way, by making the areas of the plurality of code detection areas different from each other in the code detection area, the possibility of more code detection becomes higher.
Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the description of the present embodiment using FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 10, only the process (the process of S <b> 103) (the process of S <b> 106) different from FIG. 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the processing flow is the same as the processing flow of the processor shown in FIG. 1, but the processing related to the setting and detection of the code detection area is changed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a code detection area at the time of ADF reading in which the A4R original is moved upward in the original mixed mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a code detection area at the time of ADF reading in which the A4R original is moved downward in the original mixed mode. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a code detection area at the time of ADF reading in the original mixed mode. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the original mixed mode.

  In step S103 in the fourth embodiment, the processing is replaced with a finer branch starting from step S1001 shown in FIG.

First, when it is determined in step S102 that the ADF is read, the process proceeds to step S103. In the fourth embodiment, the process proceeds to step S1001, and processing characteristic of the fourth embodiment is started. Then, control goes to a step S1002. (S1001)
In step S1002, the image processing apparatus branches the process depending on whether the user has instructed the document mixed mode. If it is not the original mixed mode, the process proceeds to step S1003. If it is the original mixed mode, the process proceeds to step S1004. (S1002)
In step S1003, the image processing apparatus sets a detection region corresponding to the ADF reading shown in the conventional examples 1 to 3 as before. Then, control goes to a step S1007. (S1003)
In step S1004, the image processing apparatus determines whether the document size and the position with respect to the reading sensor have been detected. For example, when an A3 original and an A4R original are mixedly loaded on the ADF, the case where the A4R original is placed on the upper side as shown in FIG. 6 and the case where the A4R original is placed on the lower side as shown in FIG. If the image processing apparatus can make this distinction, the code detection area may be set to 601, 605, 606, and 607 in the case of FIG. In the case of FIG. 7, the code detection area may be set to 701, 702, 703, and 604. When the image processing apparatus can detect the document size and the position with respect to the reading sensor, in other words, it means that the upper side and the lower side are distinguished as the side on which the document is moved. When this detection is completed, the process proceeds to step S1006. If it cannot be detected because the number of document size detection sensors in the main scanning direction is small, the process proceeds to step S1005. (S1004)
In step S1005, the image processing apparatus sets a detection area according to a possible document size and position. As described above, since it is not possible to detect at which position in the main scanning direction the document is arranged, as shown in FIG. 8, 601, 605, 606, 607, 701, 702 for the image of the full width of the reading sensor. , 703, 604 are set at eight code detection areas. Here, since the length of the original has been detected, the above eight positions are set as detection areas. Then, control goes to a step S1007. (S1005)
In step S1006, the image processing apparatus sets a detection area according to the document size. Since the document size can be detected as described above, the code detection area is set to 601, 605, 606, and 607 as shown in FIG. If the A4R is shifted downward, the code detection area is set to 701, 702, 703, 604 as shown in FIG. If A3, the code detection area is set to 601, 602, 603, 604 as shown in FIG. Then, control goes to a step S1007. (S1006)
In step S1007, the process returns to the original flow of step S106 in FIG. (S1007)
The difference in step S106 is that only after passing through step S1005, it is determined whether the A4R document is moved upward or downward by performing backward calculation from the position where the code can be detected, and the subsequent processing is performed.
Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the description of the present embodiment using FIG. 9, only the processing added to FIG. 1 (the processing of S907 and S913 to S917) will be described. Added a process for resetting the code detection area when a code could not be detected.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the fifth embodiment.
Step S900 of the fifth embodiment corresponds to step S100 of the first embodiment and is the same. Similarly, step S901 corresponds to S101, S902 corresponds to S102, S903 corresponds to S103, S904 corresponds to S104, S906 corresponds to S106, S908 corresponds to S108, S909 corresponds to S109, S910 corresponds to S110, and S911 corresponds to S111.

Step S907 is slightly different from the branch, and will be described from S907.
In step S907, the image processing apparatus performs a process of determining whether a code is detected in the image data. If a code is detected, the process proceeds to step S908. If the code cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S913. (S907)
In step S913, the image processing apparatus enumerates document size candidates with high possibility based on the output of the document size detection sensor. For example, consider a case where the A4R or B5R size cannot be determined by ADF reading or a case where the user's instruction cannot be determined by automatic detection by the pressure plate reading. Then, the image processing apparatus sets the document size candidate as the first candidate as A4R, the second candidate as B5R, and the final candidate as the entire size of the reading sensor or the entire document size. When reading the pressure plate, the final candidate is the entire size of the reading sensor. At the time of ADF reading, the final candidate is set to the entire document size. Then, control goes to a step S914. (S913)
In step S914, the image processing apparatus sets a code detection area corresponding to the next most likely document size candidate. In this example, a code detection area is first set for the four corners of the first candidate A4R document. As described in the first embodiment, the code detection area differs depending on whether the ADF reading or the pressure plate reading is performed. If the first candidate cannot be detected, a code detection area is set for the corner of the four corners of the second candidate B5R document. If even the second candidate cannot be detected, a code detection area is set for the entire size of the reading sensor of the final candidate. This is because when the final candidate is selected, code detection is performed on the entire surface of the read image data, which increases the processing time, but ensures detection. Then, control goes to a step S915. (S914)
In step S915, the image processing apparatus performs image processing for detecting a code included in the image data with respect to the code detection area set in step S914. Then, the detected result and the content of the code are stored in the memory. Then, control goes to a step S916. (S915)
In step S916, the image processing apparatus performs processing for determining whether a code is detected in the image data. If a code is detected, the process proceeds to step S908. If the code cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S917. (S916)
In step S917, the image processing apparatus performs processing to determine whether code detection has been attempted up to the final document size candidate. In this example, when the first candidate cannot be detected, the second candidate exists, and the process proceeds to step S914. When the second candidate cannot be detected, there is a final candidate, and the process proceeds to step S914. If the final candidate cannot be detected, there is no next candidate and the process moves to step S917. (S917)
In the fifth embodiment, codes are detected in the order of the most likely document size based on the output of the document detection sensor. At the end of reading the pressure plate, detection is performed with the entire size of the reading sensor, and when reading with ADF, the detection is attempted with the entire size of the document. Therefore, the possibility that the code can be detected increases. Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the description of the present embodiment using FIG. 11, only the processing added to FIG. 1 (the processing of S1107 and S1112-S1116) will be described. Added processing related to the learning function of the code detection area.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the sixth embodiment.
Step S1100 of the sixth embodiment corresponds to step S100 of the first embodiment and is the same. Similarly, step S1101 corresponds to S101, S1102 corresponds to S102, S1103 corresponds to S103, S1104 corresponds to S104, S1106 corresponds to S106, S1108 corresponds to S108, S1109 corresponds to S109, and S1110 corresponds to S110. S1111 corresponds to S111 and is the same.

Step S1107 is slightly different from the branch, and will be described from S1107.
In step S1107, the image processing apparatus performs a process of determining whether a code is detected in the image data. If a code is detected, the process proceeds to step S1112. If the code cannot be detected, the process proceeds to step S1115. (S1107)
In step S1112, the image processing apparatus stores the coordinates at which the code is detected. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between code detection coordinates and code detection area coordinates. Here, the code coordinates (main scanning direction 1207, sub-scanning direction 1206) farthest from the end 1205 of the corner where the code 1202 is detected are stored. When the cord 1202 is close to the end portion 1205, it becomes as shown in FIG. 12A, and when the cord 1202 is far from the end portion 1205, it becomes as shown in FIG. Then, control goes to a step S1113. (S1112)
In step S1113, the image processing apparatus determines whether or not the currently set detection area coordinate−code detection coordinate> threshold. Here, the distance of the code detection area from the detected corner edge 1205 is set as the currently set detection area coordinates. Then, with reference to FIG. 12A, 1204 is the currently set detection area coordinates in the main scanning direction and 1203 is in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the currently set detection area coordinate 1204-code detection coordinate 1206 in the main scanning direction is calculated to determine whether it is larger than the threshold value. As the threshold value, a certain fixed value or a set value is used, for example, a value corresponding to a distance of 0.5 mm. Also, a currently set detection area coordinate 1203-code detection coordinate 1207 in the sub-scanning direction is calculated to determine whether it is larger than the threshold value. When it is determined that both are larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1114. If it is determined that this is not the case, the process proceeds to step S1108. When the process proceeds to step S1108, as shown in FIG. 12B, the currently set detection area has no margin with respect to the position where the code is hit, so it is determined that the code detection area cannot be narrowed. It is that it was done. (S1103)
In step S1114, the image processing apparatus reduces the currently set detection area. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12A, since the currently set detection area is too larger than the position where the code is struck, it is determined that it can be detected without any problem even if the code detection area is narrowed. is there. The currently set detection area is reduced by 1208 for the main scanning direction and 1209 for the sub-scanning direction. Then, the next code detection is performed at a distance of 1204-1208 in the main scanning direction and a distance of 1203-1209 in the sub-scanning direction in FIG. Here, the distances 1208 and 1209 to be reduced may be set to a certain value or a set value, for example, a distance of 0.5 mm, or the same as the threshold value described in step S1103. Then, the code detection area can be narrowed by learning to shorten the processing time required for image processing, and can be improved when the code detection process is a factor of reducing the performance of reading and copying of the apparatus. Then, control goes to a step S1108. (S1114)
In step S1115, the image processing apparatus determines whether the detection area has been enlarged to the final value. In other words, since the image processing apparatus could not detect the code, it is determined whether there is room for further enlargement of the code detection area. If no code can be detected even if the code detection area is increased to the final value, it means that the code originally does not exist or is outside the reading range of the reading sensor, and the process proceeds to step S1109 without further processing. If the code detection area is not yet the final value, it can be detected if the code detection area is enlarged, and the process proceeds to step S1116. (S1115)
In step S1116, the image processing apparatus enlarges the currently set detection area. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing that the code is outside the code detection area. As shown in FIG. 13, the currently set detection area 1201 is widened because the code 1202 may be outside and the code may not be detected. The values in the main scanning direction 1204 and the sub scanning direction 1203 of the currently set detection area 1201 are added. The distance to be increased here uses a certain fixed value or a set value, for example, a distance of 0.5 mm, or may be the same as the threshold value described in step S1103. Then, the detection area 1201 is expanded step by step. If detection is not possible even after several attempts at step S1106, the detection area is increased to the final value. The final value here is a certain value or a value for the entire image of the document or the entire image of the reading sensor. The final value may be set first without expanding the detection area step by step. This is because if the detection area is expanded, the image processing time becomes longer, but detection is performed reliably. Then, control goes to a step S1106. (S1116)
In the sixth embodiment, the code detection area is narrowed by the learning function to shorten the processing time, or widen to increase the possibility of code detection. Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the first to sixth embodiments, the processing of each step in each flowchart is described as being performed by one apparatus, but it goes without saying that the processing of each step may be performed by another apparatus. Yes.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (3)

Reading means for reading a document;
A detection device having detection means for detecting a code from a reading result of the reading means,
When the reading unit reads the document by fixing the position of the document and changing the irradiation position, compared to the case where the reading unit reads the document by changing the position of the document and fixing the irradiation position,
The detection unit detects the code with a wider area of the read result as a detection target area. A reading process for reading a document;
A detection step of detecting a code from a reading result in the reading step,
When the original is read by fixing the position of the original in the reading process and changing the irradiation position, compared to the case of reading the original by changing the position of the original and fixing the irradiation position in the reading process. ,
In the detecting step, the code is detected using a wider area of the reading result as a detection target area.   The program for making a computer perform the control method of the detection apparatus of Claim 2.

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