JP2011160263A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a user from forgetting and leaving a document after removing a flash memory when a document reading operation is ended when image data obtained by reading the document is output as a file to the detachable flash memory such as a USB memory. <P>SOLUTION: The image processor 20 includes a reading means to read a document mounted on a document table to generate image data, and a detection means to detect suggestion that the document has been removed from the document table. After the document is read by the reading means, leaving suggesting information for suggesting the leaving of the document is generated in a USB memory 10. When suggestion of removal of the document is detected by the detection means, the leaving suggesting information is deleted from an external recording medium, and an image file name is provided to the image data to be generated and stored in the USB memory 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function of reading a document and outputting image data as a file.

  Conventionally, in an image processing apparatus, in a function of printing out image data obtained by reading a document, in order to prevent the user from leaving the document set on the document table, the document has been removed after the document has been read. A technique for starting print output after confirmation is known.

  In Patent Document 1, when a user sets an original on the original conveying apparatus and reading of all originals is completed, the presence / absence of an original in the original conveying apparatus is determined, and if the presence of an original is detected, a warning is issued without printing. A technique is described in which printing is started when it is issued and no original is detected.

JP 2008-17193 A

  However, in the conventional image processing apparatus, when image data obtained by reading a document is output to a removable flash memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, the user has finished reading the document. At that time, there was a problem that the flash memory was removed and the manuscript was misplaced.

  The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a document table on which a document is placed, a reading unit that reads the document placed on the document table to generate image data, and the document read by the reading unit. Detecting means for detecting removal suggestion information which is an indication that the document has been removed from the document table; and after the document is read by the reading unit, the document placed on the document table is left behind. A misplacement suggestion information generating unit that generates misplacement suggestion information to suggest, a misplacement suggestion information erasing unit that erases the misplacement suggestion information if the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection unit, and an image file in the image data Image storage means for assigning a name and generating and storing it in an external storage medium.

  According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when an external storage medium is removed without removing a document set on a document table, a desired image file cannot be obtained on the external storage medium. Since the text file with the name “Originals are placed on the platen. Txt” remains, it is expected that the user can quickly collect misplaced originals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 2 showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the entire image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a reading unit in the image processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the USB memory of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the image processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition to the scan to USB memory in the operation screen of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the scan to USB memory in the operation screen of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of file names stored in the USB memory of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of file names stored in the USB memory according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  Modes for carrying out the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in light of the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are only for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

(Configuration of Example 1)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the entire image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 20 is, for example, an MFP (Multi Function Printer / Product / Peripheral) having a plurality of functions such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copying function, and a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as “Fax”) function. A reading unit 24 that reads the original document, a document table 30 disposed above the reading unit 24, an openable / closable document cover 31 that covers the document placed on the document table 30, and the document cover An automatic document feeder 32 that automatically installs documents one by one, an operation panel 40, and a USB port 29 for connecting a removable external storage medium (for example, “USB memory”) 10; And an image forming unit 33 that performs printing on a recording medium such as paper. The document cover 31 is opened and closed by the user. When the document cover 31 is open, the placed document can be removed from the document table 30, but when the document cover 31 is closed, the placed document cannot be removed from the document table 30.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a reading unit in the image processing apparatus of FIG.
The reading unit 24 in the image processing apparatus 20 is disposed immediately below the document table 30 below the document cover 31 provided with the automatic document feeder 32. The reading head 50 and the reading head 50 are arranged in the horizontal direction in FIG. And a drive mechanism (not shown) that reads the image of the document by moving it to the position.

  The read head 50 includes a light source 51, two mirrors 52 and 53 that reflect light emitted from the light source 51, a lens 54 that receives the light from the mirror 53 and forms an optical image, and the optical image. And a charge coupled device (hereinafter referred to as “CCD”) sensor 55.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of the image processing apparatus of FIG. 2 showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 20 controls a control unit 21 configured by a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) that performs overall control of the image processing apparatus 20 and the operation panel 40, and is specified by a user. An operation unit 22 that notifies the control unit 21 that an operation has been performed, a reading unit 24 that reads a document placed on the document table 30 and generates intermediate image data, and intermediate image data generated by the reading unit 24 A file generation unit 25 that generates an image file in a specified file format such as PDF (Portable Document Format), TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), and the like, and a USB port The communication unit 26 performs data communication with the USB memory 10 connected to the terminal 29. Further, the image processing apparatus 20 includes a document cover open / close detection unit 27 that notifies the control unit 21 that the user has performed an open / close operation of the document cover 31, and a volatile storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). A memory unit 28 configured to store various data such as the intermediate image data and the image file, an operation panel 40 that controls a user interface in the image processing apparatus 20, and an image forming unit that performs printing on a recording medium such as paper. 33.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the USB memory of FIG.
The USB memory 10 is lit while reading / writing data to / from the USB terminal 11 for electrical and mechanical connection when inserted into the USB port 29, and access that warns not to be inserted / removed by lighting. And a lamp 12.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation panel of the image processing apparatus of FIG.
The operation panel 40 includes a display device 41 for displaying various setting items and device states, a character input button 42 for inputting characters and numerical values, and a movement / movement for selecting various setting menus and moving to the next screen. A selection button 43, a start button 44 for starting copying, scanning, or faxing, and a stop button 45 for interrupting an operation being set or being executed are provided.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen transition to the scan to USB memory in the operation screen of FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 20 displays a function selection menu 60 on the display device 41 on the operation panel 40 in a state immediately after power-on and in a standby state, and each corresponding item is operated by a user's operation of the move / select button 43. Transition to the detailed menu screen.

  In the function selection menu 60, “Copy”, “Scan”, “Fax”, and “Menu” items are displayed below “Function selection” in the top row. The item being selected is represented by a black rectangle. When the up / down button of the move / select button 43 is pressed, the item immediately above the currently selected item is newly selected, and when the down button is pressed, the item is selected. The item immediately below the middle item is newly selected. When the selection button is pressed, the operation related to the selection is executed. When “Copy” is selected, a transition is made to “Copy To Menu”, when “Scan” is selected, a transition is made to “Scan To Menu 61”, and when “Fax” is selected, a transition is made to “FAX To Menu”. When selected, the function setting menu is displayed.

  When “Scan” is selected from the function selection menu 60 and the screen changes to the “Scan To menu”, the Scan To menu 61 is newly displayed, and “E” is displayed below “Scan To” on the top line. “Mail”, “USB memory”, “network PC”, and “PC” items are displayed. Here, “E-mail” is an abbreviation for electronic mail, and “PC” is an abbreviation for personal computer. The item being selected is represented by a black rectangle, and the function of the up / down button of the move / select button 43 is the same as that of the function selection menu 60. When “E-mail” is selected, the screen shifts to the “Scan To Email Menu”, when “USB Memory” is selected, the screen shifts to the “Scan To USB Memory Menu 62”, and when “Network PC” is selected, the screen goes to the “Scan To Network PC Menu”. When transition is made and “PC” is selected, transition is made to the “Scan ToPC menu”. The “USB memory” item is displayed only when the USB memory 10 is attached to the USB port 29.

  When “USB memory” is selected in the scan To menu 61 and transition is made to the “Scan ToUSB memory menu 62”, the scan ToUSB memory menu 62 is newly displayed, and “USB memory” is displayed in the top row. “File name: Image.pdf”, “Density: 0”, and “Original size” are displayed below, and further, “Please set the original and press the start button” is displayed below. Yes.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the scan to USB memory in the operation screen of FIG.

  In the Scan ToUSB memory menu 70, “Scan to USB memory” is displayed in the top line of the screen, “Scanning” indicating the current operation is displayed below it, and further “Unplug USB memory” "Is displayed.

  When the reading of the document is completed, the display transitions to the display of the scan ToUSB memory menu 71. In the scan ToUSB memory menu 71, as in the scan ToUSB memory menu 70, “scan to USB memory” is displayed at the top line of the screen, “scan complete” indicating the current operation is displayed below it, and further below it. Unlike the scan ToUSB memory menu 71, the guidance “Please remove the original on the platen” is displayed.

  When the document cover 31 is opened and closed and the document placed on the document table 30 is removed, the display transitions to the display of the scan ToUSB memory menu 72. Similar to the scan ToUSB memory menus 70 and 71, the scan ToUSB memory menu 72 displays “scan to USB memory” in the top line of the screen, and below the scan ToUSB memory menus 70 and 71, shows the current operation. “File save complete” is displayed, and further below that, a guidance “USB memory can be removed” is displayed.

  8A and 8B are diagrams showing examples of file names stored in the USB memory of FIG.

  FIG. 8A shows an example of a file stored in the USB memory 10 after the document is read until the document cover 31 is opened and closed. “A document is placed on the document table.txt” is a file that suggests that the document has been left behind.

  FIG. 8B shows an example of a file stored in the USB memory 10 after opening and closing the document cover 31 after reading the document. “Image.pdf” is a file in which an image of a document is recorded.

(Operation of Example 1)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  When the image data read by the reading unit 24 is stored in the USB memory 10, the USB memory 10 must be attached to the USB port 29, a document is set on the document table 30, and the document cover 31 must be closed.

  If “USB memory” is selected after “Scan” is selected from the function selection menu 60 by operating the operation panel 40, the operation unit 22 displays the user setting menu of the scan ToUSB memory menu 62 on the display device 41. Is displayed. Although settings relating to the image file such as the file name, density, and document size can be made here, these need not be set anew if the initial setting values are acceptable. Subsequently, when the start button 44 is pressed, the operation unit 22 notifies the control unit 21 that the scan ToUSB memory function has been executed, and the processing of FIG. 9 is started.

  In step S <b> 1, the control unit 21 displays “Please do not remove the USB memory” on the display device 41 via the operation unit 22. In step S <b> 2, the control unit 21 drives a drive unit (not shown) to move the reading head 50 along the document table 30 to the left end that is the document reading start position.

  In step S3, the control unit 21 turns on the light source 51 of the reading head 50, scans in the right direction, and starts reading an image. When the light source 51 is turned on, the generated light is applied to the document surface placed on the document table 30 and reflected by the document surface. The reflected light from the document surface is reflected by the mirrors 52 and 53 in the reading head 50 and then condensed by the lens 54. The light condensed by the lens 54 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD sensor 55. The CCD sensor 55 generates a voltage according to the received light quantity by photoelectric conversion, and is converted into a digital value by an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter included in the reading unit 24. That is, the image of the document read by the reading head 50 is converted into a digital value.

  In step S4, the control unit 21 moves the reading head 50 along the document table 30 toward the right side not yet read through a driving mechanism (not shown), reads an image of the document, and converts it into a digital value. Then, it is determined whether or not the reading is finished. The end of reading is determined by whether or not scanning corresponding to the document size set before reading has ended. That is, the document on the document table 30 is scanned corresponding to the document size, whereby the entire document is read and converted into a digital value.

  When the reading of the document is completed, the control unit 21 stops scanning and reading of the reading head 50 in step S5, and in step S6, the image file is stored on the RAM of the memory unit 28 via the file generation unit 25. Generate.

  In step S <b> 7, the control unit 21 generates and stores a text file with the file name “A document is placed on the document table.txt” in the USB memory 10 via the communication unit 26. The contents of the USB memory 10 at this time are shown in FIG. In step S 8, the control unit 21 displays “Please remove the document on the document table” on the display device 41 via the operation unit 22. In step S 9, the document cover open / close detection unit 27 opens and closes the document cover 31. It is determined whether or not a notification that the operation has been performed has been performed.

  When the document cover open / close detection unit 27 detects the opening / closing of the document cover 31, in step S 10, the control unit 21 stores the image file temporarily stored in the memory unit 28 in the USB memory 10 via the communication unit 26. .

  In step S11, the control unit 21 deletes the text file “A document is placed on the platen. Txt” stored in the USB memory 10 via the communication unit 26. In step S12, the control unit 21 transmits the text file via the operation unit 22. Then, “USB memory is removable” is displayed on the display device 41, and the processing of FIG. FIG. 8B shows the contents of the USB memory 10 after the process of FIG. 9 is finished.

(Effect of Example 1)
According to the image processing apparatus 20 of the first embodiment, when the USB memory 10 is removed without removing the document set on the document table 30, a desired image file cannot be obtained in the USB memory 10, instead. Since the text file with the file name “Originals are placed on the platen.txt” remains, it is expected that the user can quickly collect misplaced originals.

(Configuration of Example 2)
FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of an image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1 illustrating the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the image processing apparatus 20A according to the second embodiment further includes a device access unit 23 that periodically accesses the USB memory 10 according to an instruction from the control unit 21. The configuration is the same as that of FIG.

(Operation of Example 2)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 9 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  After starting the process, the processes of steps S1 to S7 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  In step S20, the control unit 21 instructs the device access unit 23 to start accessing the USB memory 10, and the device access unit 23 that has received the instruction periodically accesses the USB memory 10 until there is an access stop instruction. The access lamp 12 of the USB memory 10 is blinked.

  The processing in steps S8 and S9 is the same as that in the first embodiment. When the document cover open / close detection unit 27 detects opening / closing of the document cover 31, the control unit 21 instructs the device access unit 23 to stop accessing the USB memory 10 in step S 21. Receiving the instruction, the device access unit 23 stops the access to the USB memory 10 which has been periodically performed from step S20, and turns off the access lamp 12 of the USB memory 10. Thereafter, the processes in steps S10 to S12 are performed as in the first embodiment.

(Effect of Example 2)
According to the image processing apparatus 20A of the second embodiment, since the access lamp 12 attached to the USB memory 10 blinks from when the document reading operation is completed until the document is removed, the user can save the image file. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the document has not been completed, and thus it is possible to prevent the problem that the document is misplaced.

(Configuration of Example 3)
FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 1 showing Embodiment 1 are denoted by common reference numerals.

  The image processing apparatus 20B according to the third embodiment is different from the document cover opening / closing detection unit 27 having the configuration of the first embodiment except that it includes a document detection unit 27B that detects the presence / absence of a document placed on the document table 30. The configuration is the same as that of FIG.

(Operation of Example 3)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 9 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  After starting the process, the processes of steps S1 to S8 are performed as in the first embodiment. In step S9B, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the document detection unit 27B has notified that the document is no longer detected from the document table 30. Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the processes of steps S10 to S12 are performed.

(Effect of Example 3)
According to the image processing apparatus 20B of the third embodiment, since the presence / absence of a document set on the document table 30 is directly detected, the presence / absence of a misplaced document can be determined more accurately than the opening / closing of the document cover 31. Therefore, it is possible to expect an effect that the user quickly collects a misplaced document.

(Configuration of Example 4)
The configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing examples of file names stored in the USB memory 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 14A shows an example of a file stored in the USB memory 10 when the USB memory 10 is removed without opening and closing the document cover 31 after reading the document. “A document is placed on the document table_Image.pdf” is an image file of a document having a file name indicating that the document is left on the document table 30.

  FIG. 14B shows an example of a file stored in the USB memory 10 when the document cover 31 is opened and closed and the USB memory 10 is removed after the document is read. “Image.pdf” is a file in which an image of a document is recorded.

(Operation of Example 4)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Elements common to those in FIG. 9 showing the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals.

  After starting the process, the processes of steps S1 to S6 are performed as in the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 7 </ b> C, the control unit 21 generates and stores an image file with the file name “Original is placed on the document table_Image.pdf” in the USB memory 10 via the communication unit 26. The contents of the USB memory 10 at this time are shown in FIG.

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the processing in steps S8 to S9 is performed, but the processing in step S10 is not performed.

  In step S11C, the control unit 21 generates the file name of the image file “Image is placed on the document table_Image.pdf” generated and stored in the USB memory 10 via the communication unit 26, and the original file name. Rename to “Image.pdf”. The contents of the USB memory 10 at this time are shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the process in step S12 is performed.

(Effect of Example 4)
The image processing apparatus 20 according to the fourth embodiment has the following effects (A) and (B) in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

  (A) If the USB memory 10 is removed without removing the original set on the platen 30, the original file name “Image.pdf”, etc. in the USB memory 10 is “The original is placed on the platen. Since the image file with the file name “Original is placed on the platen_Image.pdf” remains, the user can recognize which document has been left behind.

  (B) Since the file size is large, an image file that takes a relatively long time to be stored in the USB memory 10 is stored in the USB memory 10 in advance after the scan is completed, and it takes a relatively long time after the document cover 31 is opened and closed. The image file on the USB memory 10 that is not subject to renaming is renamed. Therefore, the effect that the USB memory 10 can be removed from the USB port 29 as soon as the document cover 31 is opened and closed is obtained.

(Modification)
This invention is not limited to the said Examples 1-4, A various utilization form and deformation | transformation are possible. For example, the following forms (a) to (c) are available as usage forms and modifications.

  (A) In the first to third embodiments, a text file suggesting that the original is left behind is generated. In this text file, the individual identification number, model name, installation location of the image processing apparatus 20, the size of the scanned original, The number of sheets may be recorded. Thus, when the user misplaces the document in the image processing apparatus 20, the user can easily know which image processing apparatus 20 has left the original.

  (B) In the first to fourth embodiments, the MFP has been described as the image processing apparatus 20, but the present invention is not limited to the MFP, and a function of reading an original to generate an image file and storing it in a removable external storage device It is applicable to various image processing apparatuses having

  (C) In the first to fourth embodiments, the example of the USB memory 10 has been described as the external storage medium. However, other non-volatile memories such as a removable flash memory may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 USB memory 12 Access lamp 20, 20A, 20B Image processing apparatus 21 Control part 23 Device access part 24 Reading part 25 File generation part 26 Communication part 27 Original cover opening / closing detection part 27B Original detection part 28 Memory part 29 USB port 30 Original stand 31 Document cover 80, 80C Suggestion file 81 Image file

Claims (8)

An original table on which an original is placed;
Reading means for reading the document placed on the document table and generating image data;
Detecting means for detecting removal suggestion information which is an indication that the original read by the reading means has been removed from the original table;
Misplacement suggestion information generating means for generating misplacement suggestion information for suggesting misplacement of the original placed on the original table after the original is read by the reading means;
If the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection means, misplacement suggestion information erasure means for erasing the misplacement suggestion information,
Image storage means for generating and storing the image data in an external storage medium by giving an image file name to the image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: The platen is
An openable / closable document cover covering the placed document;
An open / close detection sensor for detecting opening / closing of the document cover,
The detection means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removal suggestion information is detected when the opening / closing detection sensor detects the opening / closing of the document cover. The platen is
A document sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the document placed;
The detection means includes
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removal suggestion information is detected when the document is no longer detected by the document sensor. The misplacement suggestion information generating means includes:
After the original is read by the reading means, a misplacement suggesting file that suggests misplacement of the original placed on the original table is generated and stored in the external storage medium;
The misplacement suggestion information erasing means is:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection unit, the misplacement suggestion file is deleted from the external storage medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
In the misplacement suggestion file,
An image processing apparatus, wherein individual identification information and installation location information of the image processing apparatus, and a reading size and the number of sheets of the original are recorded. The misplacement suggestion information generating means includes:
After the original is read by the reading means, dummy access to the external storage medium is started,
The misplacement suggestion information erasing means is:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection unit, dummy access to the external storage medium is stopped. The misplacement suggestion information generating means includes:
After reading the original by the reading unit, the image data is generated in the external storage medium with a misplacement suggesting file name that suggests misplacement of the original placed on the original table,
The misplacement suggestion information erasing means is:
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein if the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection unit, the misplacement suggestion file name of the image data is changed to the image file name. 5. Image processing apparatus. The image storage means includes
If the removal suggestion information is detected by the detection means,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image file name is assigned to the image data, and the image data is generated and stored in the external storage medium.

Images