JP2013021489A - Reading apparatus, reading apparatus control method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reading apparatus, a reading apparatus control method, and a recording medium which are capable of reducing a waiting time by starting the reading of a matter to be read, with proper timing corresponding to the free space of memory.SOLUTION: A reading apparatus 1 comprises: a front face CIS unit 41 and a rear face CIS unit 43 for optically reading a check 4; a buffer memory 53 for storing read image data; a conveyance control unit 50B which, during reading of the check 4, determines whether supplying the next check 4 is possible or not, on the basis of whether the free space of the buffer memory 53 is sufficient or not; and a memory control unit 50D which, if the free space of the buffer memory 53 is not sufficient, identifies timing when the sufficient free space is to be generated. When the free space of the buffer memory 53 is not sufficient, the conveyance control unit 50B waits until the timing identified by the memory control unit 50D and thereafter allows for the supply of the check 4.

Description

  The present invention relates to a reader, a method for controlling the reader, and a storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a reading device such as a scanner is known that stores read data in a memory (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a document that can store data obtained based on the maximum size of a document that can be used by the apparatus and the remaining memory capacity in order to avoid interruption of scanning due to insufficient memory capacity. Compare with the size, and scan is prohibited if the memory is not enough.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-41431

In the conventional reading apparatus, when the remaining memory is insufficient, the process waits until the processing of the reading object being processed is completed. It will cause a decline.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and a reading apparatus capable of reducing waiting time by starting reading a reading object at an appropriate timing corresponding to the free space of the memory, It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling a reader and a storage medium.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reading unit that optically reads a reading object and outputs read image data, conveys the reading object, and supplies the reading object to the reading unit. A supply unit; a memory that stores the read image data output by the reading unit; a data processing unit that reads and processes the read image data stored in the memory; and the reading unit reads the object to be read. Then, when the read image data is stored in the memory, the control means for determining whether or not the supply of the reading object to be read next can be started based on the free space of the memory, and the control means reads next When it is determined that the supply of the reading object is not started, the memory has an available capacity for storing the read image data of the reading object to be read next. Memory management means for predicting the generation timing, and the control means stores the read image data of the read object to be read next in the memory based on at least the timing predicted by the memory management means. Thus, the supply of the reading object to be read next is started.
According to the present invention, when the supply of the next reading object is to be started during the reading of the reading object, the free space of the memory in which the read image data of the next reading object is to be stored is, for example, If it is not sufficient to store the read image data of the entire read object, the next read object is not supplied, the timing when sufficient free space is generated is predicted, and the read image of the next read object is read Since supply of the reading object to be read next is started so that data can be stored in the memory, interruption due to insufficient memory capacity can be avoided and unnecessary waiting time can be reduced.
In this case, the area of the memory in which the read image data processed by the data processing means is stored can be added to the free capacity as a free area. Further, it is preferable that the control unit determines whether or not the free space of the memory is sufficient to store, for example, the read image data of the next reading target object when the predicted timing comes.

In the reading device, the reading unit may further include a storage unit that stores the amount of the read image data read by the reading unit, and the control unit stores past data stored in the storage unit. The free space of the memory during the reading of the reading object by the reading unit is predicted based on the amount of the read image data, and it is determined whether or not the next supply of the reading object can be started.
According to the present invention, it is possible to predict the free memory capacity based on the amount of read image data in the past, and to predict the timing when the capacity for storing the read image data of the next reading object is secured at an early stage. Since the supply of the next reading object can be started, the interruption due to the shortage of the memory capacity can be surely avoided.
In the case where a plurality of sizes can be specified as the size of the read target object in advance, such as when the read target object is a check when the past read image data amount is not stored, the control means displays the maximum size among them. It is also possible to store the amount of data when reading the data and use it for prediction.

In the reading device, the reading device can be connected to an external device, and the data processing unit transmits the read image data read from the memory to the external device. A storage unit that stores a transmission time or a transmission amount of the read data stored in the memory by the data processing unit to the external device; and the memory management unit stores the past image data stored in the storage unit. The timing is predicted based on the transmission time or the transmission amount.
According to the present invention, the area of the memory in which the read image data transmitted after the data processing means has transmitted to the external device can be added to the free capacity as a free area. Based on the past transmission time or transmission amount, the free space of the memory is predicted, and the timing when the capacity for storing the read image data of the next reading object is secured can be predicted at an early stage. The supply of the object can be started. In addition, when the past transmission time or transmission amount is not stored, when a plurality of sizes can be specified in advance, such as when the object to be read is a check, the control means specifies the maximum size reading object. The transmission time or transmission amount when the read image data of the object is transmitted may be stored and used for prediction.

In the reader, the memory management unit may monitor the free space of the memory and output to the control unit when a sufficient free space is generated in the memory. Features.
According to the present invention, it is possible to supply the next object to be read when a free space is generated in the memory. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid interruption due to a shortage of memory capacity without using a complicated configuration.

In the reading device, the reading device can be connected to an external device, and the data processing unit transmits the read image data read from the memory to the external device. The memory management unit predicts the timing based on a transmission speed at which the data processing unit transmits the read image data stored in the memory to the external device.
According to the present invention, it is possible to predict an appropriate timing at an early stage without constantly monitoring the free space of the memory by predicting the timing at which a sufficient free space is generated in the memory based on the transmission speed, so that the next reading can be performed. The object can be supplied.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the reading apparatus, the supply means sequentially sends out the reading objects from a stocker storing a plurality of the reading objects.
According to the present invention, in the configuration in which reading objects stored in the stocker are read one after another, the reading objects are supplied at an appropriate timing, thereby avoiding interruption due to lack of memory capacity and reducing waiting time. A plurality of reading objects can be read.

Further, in the reading apparatus according to the present invention, even when the control unit determines that the supply of the reading object to be read next is denied based on the free space of the memory, at least the supply unit If it can be predicted that the read image data of the read object to be read next can be stored in the memory before the next read object is conveyed to reach the reading means by The supply of the next reading object is started without waiting for the timing.
According to the present invention, the area of the memory in which the read image data processed by the data processing means is stored until the next reading object is conveyed by the supply means and reaches the reading means. Can be added to the free space as a free area. In addition, if the free space of the memory in which the read image data of the next reading object is to be stored, including the increase in the free space, the next reading object is not supplied without waiting for the timing. Can start.

In the reading apparatus according to the present invention, the reading unit includes a plurality of reading units that respectively read a front surface and a back surface of the sheet-like reading object, and the memory includes a surface of the reading object. And an area for storing the read image data on each of the back side and the control unit, in the memory, the control unit stores a first area for storing the read image data on the surface of the reading object and the read image on the back side. Based on the respective free capacity for both the second area for storing data, it is determined whether or not the supply of the reading object to be read next can be started, and the memory management means reads the reading object to be read next by the control means When it is determined that supply of an object is not accepted, the read image data of the front and back surfaces of the reading object to be read next are the first area and the second area of the memory, respectively. Characterized by predicting the timing at which the free space that can be stored in the frequency occurs.
According to the present invention, it is possible to read both front and back sides of a reading object, avoid interruption of reading operation due to insufficient memory space on both the front and back surfaces, reduce waiting time, and quickly read the reading object. Can be read.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reading apparatus control method for optically reading an object to be read and storing read image data in a memory, wherein the reading object is read and the reading object is read. When the image data is stored in the memory, it is determined whether or not the supply of the reading object to be read next is started based on the free space of the memory, and it is determined that the supply of the reading object to be read next is not started or not. In this case, the read image data of the reading object to be read next predicts a timing at which a free capacity that can be stored in the memory is generated, and at least the reading of the reading object to be read next is performed from the predicted timing. The supply of the reading object to be read next is started so that the image data is stored in the memory.
According to the present invention, when the supply of the next reading object is to be started during the reading of the reading object, the free space of the memory in which the read image data of the next reading object is to be stored is, for example, If it is not sufficient to store the read image data of the entire read object, the next read object is not supplied, the timing when sufficient free space is generated is predicted, and the read image of the next read object is read Since supply of the reading object to be read next is started so that data can be stored in the memory, interruption due to insufficient memory capacity can be avoided and unnecessary waiting time can be reduced.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a storage medium storing a program executed by a control unit that controls each unit of a reading device that optically reads an object to be read and stores read image data in a memory. Then, when the control unit reads the reading object and stores the read image data in the memory, whether or not to start supplying the reading object to be read next based on the free space of the memory is determined. Determining and predicting the timing when the read image data of the read object to be read next has a free space that can be stored in the memory when it is determined that the supply start of the read object to be read is rejected, The read target to be read next so that the read image data of the read target to be read next is stored in the memory at least from the predicted timing. And stores the program to start the supply of.
By executing the program recorded in the storage medium of the present invention, when the reading device tries to start supplying the next reading object while reading the reading object, the reading image of the next reading object is read. For example, if the free space of the memory in which data is to be stored is not sufficient to store the read image data of the entire next reading object, the next reading object is not supplied, and sufficient free space is generated. The supply of the reading object to be read next is started so as to predict the timing and the read image data of the reading object to be read next can be stored in the memory. Time can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the next reading object can be supplied at a timing when sufficient memory capacity is generated during the reading of the reading object. Time can be reduced.

1 is an external perspective view of a reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the main body of a reader. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a reading system. It is a figure which shows the structure of a buffer memory typically. It is a flowchart which shows reader operation. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a reader. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the reading apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the reading apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
The reading device 1 reads the magnetic ink characters recorded on the reading object, optically reads both sides of the reading object, and the reading object on a sheet-like check or form as a reading object medium. It is a device that records characters and so on. The reading device 1 has a function as a reader for reading magnetic information recorded on a card-type medium such as a credit card.

  In the present embodiment, a case where the check 4 is processed as a reading object will be described as an example. The check 4 is a form in which an amount, a payer, a serial number, a signature, and the like are printed or written on a sheet (paper) with a predetermined pattern or decoration. The amount, the maker, serial number, signature, etc. are on the front surface 4a, and the endorsement column is provided on the back surface 4b. In this endorsement column, a predetermined character or image relating to the endorsement is recorded by a recording head 33 described later. A magnetic ink character string 4A extending in the long side direction of the check 4 is formed on the surface 4a. The magnetic ink character string 4A includes a plurality of magnetic ink characters (MICR characters) printed with magnetic ink, and can be read magnetically or optically. Although the sizes of the short side direction and the long side direction of the check 4 are standardized, since there are various standards, there are actually various sizes. The reading device 1 defines a maximum size that can substantially include the size of a general check 4, and can process any check 4 within this maximum size.

The reading device 1 has an exterior made up of a lower case 2 that covers the lower portion of the main body and a cover 3 that covers the lower case 2, and the main body of the reading device 1 is accommodated inside the exterior. An insertion slot 6 into which the check 4 is inserted is opened on the front surface of the reader 1, and a stocker 7 that can store a plurality of checks 4 is provided behind the insertion slot 6. Further, the cover 3 is formed with a slit 8 which is a substantially U-shape when viewed from above and serves as a conveyance path for the check 4, and the slit 8 reaches a pocket 9 provided on the front side of the reading device 1.
As will be described later, the checks 4 stored in the stocker 7 are taken into the reading apparatus 1 one by one, processed while passing through the slits 8, and the processed checks 4 are discharged into the pockets 9. A plurality of checks 4 can be stored in the pocket 9.
The cover 3 is provided with a lever 11 for opening the cover 3 and a slit 12 through which cards such as a credit card are passed.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main body 13 accommodated in the exterior of the reading device 1. A substantially flat hopper 14 is rotatably attached to one side surface of the stocker 7. For example, a hopper driving unit 15 that rotates the hopper 14 by a driving force of an actuator is disposed. The hopper drive unit 15 presses the check 4 accommodated in the stocker 7 against the other side surface side by rotating the hopper 14 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. A pickup roller 17 driven by an ASF motor 62 (FIG. 3), which will be described later, is disposed on the other side surface of the stocker 7. When the hopper 14 is rotated toward the pickup roller 17 by the hopper driving unit 15, the stocker 7 One of the checks 4 is brought into contact with the pickup roller 17 and drawn into the conveyance path W.
In the back of the stocker 7, an ASF (Automatically Sheet Feeder) roller 19 composed of a pair of rollers is disposed. Two rollers of the ASF roller 19 are arranged on both sides of the conveyance path W, one of which is rotated by the power of a conveyance motor 63 (FIG. 3) described later, and the other roller is a driven roller. The check 4 in contact with the pickup roller 17 is sandwiched between the ASF rollers 19 and conveyed downstream.

An ASF paper detector 16 is provided on the side surface of the stocker 7 on the side where the hopper 14 is provided. The ASF paper detector 16 is composed of, for example, a transmissive optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the check 4 in the stocker 7.
Thus, the stocker 7, the hopper 14, the hopper drive unit 15, the ASF paper detector 16, the pickup roller 17 and the ASF roller 19 constitute an ASF unit that accommodates the plurality of checks 4 and feeds them one by one.

  On the downstream side of the ASF roller 19, a MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) head 23 that magnetically reads the magnetic ink character string 4A (FIG. 1) is disposed in contact with the surface 4a of the check 4. A MICR roller 25 is disposed opposite to the MICR head 23. The MICR roller 25 is urged toward the MICR head 23 side, rotates while pressing the check 4 against the MICR head 23, and conveys the check 4 at a constant speed suitable for reading the MICR characters. On the upstream side of the MICR head 23, an assist roller 21 composed of a pair of rollers for guiding the check 4 fed out by the ASF roller 19 to the MICR head 23 is disposed.

Further, a sheet length detector 27 is disposed between the assist roller 21 and the MICR head 23 on the transport path W. The paper length detector 27 is constituted by, for example, a reflection type optical sensor, and detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the check 4 passing on the conveyance path W. The detection value of the paper length detector 27 is acquired by the control unit 50 described later, and the length of the check 4 is obtained based on the change in the detection value.
On the conveyance path W, downstream of the MICR head 23, a conveyance roller 31 having a pair of rollers facing each other across the conveyance path W is provided, and the check 4 is conveyed to the recording head 33 by the conveyance roller 31. The recording head 33 is an ink jet recording head that is disposed at the rear portion of the main body 13 and receives ink supplied from the ink cartridge 35 accommodated in the front portion of the main body 13 and discharges the ink to the check 4. . In the present embodiment, the recording head 33 prints (records) characters or images called so-called endorsement on the back surface 4 b of the check 4.

  A CIS (Contact Image Sensor) unit that optically reads the check 4 is disposed downstream of the recording head 33. The main body 13 has a front surface CIS unit 41 that reads the front surface 4 a of the check 4 and a back surface CIS unit 43 that reads the back surface 4 b, and can read both surfaces of the check 4. The front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 are arranged to face each other across the transport path W, and transport rollers are disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 to stabilize the check 4 being read. Transport. The front CIS unit 41 and the back CIS unit 43 correspond to reading means.

  The pocket 9 described above is provided on the downstream side of the front surface CIS unit 41 and the rear surface CIS unit 43. The pocket 9 is divided into a main pocket 9a and a sub-pocket 9b, and can accommodate a plurality of checks 4 respectively. A switching plate 45 for switching the check 4 discharged from the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 to the main pocket 9a or the sub pocket 9b and guiding it is disposed. The switching plate 45 is a guide that guides the check 4 to the other side by closing either one of the route connected to the main pocket 9a and the route connected to the sub pocket 9b, and is driven by a switching plate driving unit 61 described later. A discharge roller 47 is provided in a path connecting the switching plate 45 to the main pocket 9a, and a discharge roller 49 is provided in a path connecting the switching plate 45 to the sub pocket 9b. The check 4 guided by the switching plate 45 Eject smoothly into pocket 9.

The reading device 1 discharges the check 4 that has been successfully read or analyzed by the MICR head 23 to the main pocket 9a, and the check 4 that has failed to read or analyze the magnetic ink character string 4A is in the sub pocket 9b. Discharge. Each of the main pocket 9a and the sub pocket 9b is provided with a discharge paper detector 64 (FIG. 3) described later. The discharged paper detector 64 is constituted by, for example, a transmission type optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of the check 4 in the main pocket 9a and the sub pocket 9b.
An MCR head 46 is provided on the side of the stocker 7. The MCR head 46 is a magnetic head that reads information magnetically recorded on cards that pass through the slit 12 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the reading system 10 configured by connecting the reading device 1 and the host computer 5.
The reading device 1 includes a control unit 50 including a CPU, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like that control the entire reading device 1, a head driving circuit 55, a motor driver 56, a reading control circuit 57, a sensor driving circuit 58, and an interface unit. 59. These units are connected so as to communicate with each other.

  The control unit 50 controls each unit of the reading device 1 by reading and executing a control program stored in the flash ROM by the CPU. The control unit 50 includes a RAM, and is a memory that temporarily holds a program executed by the CPU and data to be processed. The control unit 50 is connected to a buffer memory 53 (memory) that stores read image data read by the front CIS unit 41 and the back CIS unit 43.

  The head drive circuit 55 supplies a drive current to the recording head 33 according to the control of the control unit 50 and causes the check 4 to be printed. The motor driver 56 is connected to the hopper driving unit 15 and operates the hopper driving unit 15 according to the control of the control unit 50. The motor driver 56 is connected to the switching plate driving unit 61, the ASF motor 62, and the transport motor 63, and outputs a driving current and a driving pulse to each of these motors to operate each motor according to the control of the control unit 50. .

The reading control circuit 57 is connected to the MICR head 23, the front surface CIS unit 41, the back surface CIS unit 43, and the MCR head 46. Under the control of the control unit 50, the reading control circuit 57 causes the MCR head 46 to read magnetic information when the cards are passed through the slit 12 (FIG. 1), and digitizes the reading signal output from the MCR head 46. Output to the controller 50. Similarly, the reading control circuit 57 causes the MICR head 23 to read magnetic information under the control of the control unit 50, digitizes the reading signal output from the MICR head 23, and outputs the digitized signal to the control unit 50. In addition, the reading control circuit 57 outputs a driving current to the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 according to the control of the control unit 50, and causes the front surface 4a and the back surface 4b of the check 4 to be read. At this time, the signals output from each of the front surface CIS unit 41 and the rear surface CIS unit 43 are converted into digital data and output to the control unit 50.
The sensor driving circuit 58 is connected to the ASF paper detector 16, the paper length detector 27, and the discharged paper detector 64, supplies current to each of these detectors, acquires an output value at a predetermined period, and acquires the output value. The output value is converted into digital data and output to the control unit 50.
The interface unit 59 is connected to the host computer 5 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives various data including control data to and from the host computer 5 according to the control of the control unit 50.

  In the above configuration, the hopper drive unit 15, the switching plate drive unit 61, the ASF motor 62, and the transport motor 63 are driven by the hopper 14, the pickup roller 17, the ASF roller 19, the MICR roller 25, the transport roller 31, and the switching plate. Together with 45 and the discharge roller 47, it constitutes a conveying means. Among these, the hopper driving unit 15 and the ASF motor 62 together with the hopper 14, the pickup roller 17, and the ASF roller 19 constitute supply means.

The control unit 50 includes a size detection unit 50A, a conveyance control unit 50B, a scan control unit 50C, and a memory control unit 50D.
The size detection unit 50A acquires the output value of the paper length detector 27 via the sensor drive circuit 58, and the conveyance motor 63 from when the paper length detector 27 detects the leading edge of the check 4 until the trailing edge is detected. The size of the check 4 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the conveyance direction is detected on the basis of the conveyance amount by the above.
The conveyance control unit 50 </ b> B (control unit) controls the conveyance of the check 4 by controlling the hopper driving unit 15, the switching plate driving unit 61, the ASF motor 62, and the conveyance motor 63 via the motor driver 56. For example, the conveyance control unit 50B determines whether or not to start conveyance of the next check 4 stored in the stocker 7 (FIG. 1) while the reading device 1 is processing the check 4, and the next check When the check 4 can be processed, the hopper driving unit 15 and the ASF motor 62 are operated to pick up the next check 4 and convey it to the conveyance path W.
The scan control unit 50 </ b> C (data processing means) generates read image data based on data input from the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 via the read control circuit 57 and stores the read image data in the buffer memory 53. In addition, the scan control unit 50C sequentially transfers the read image data stored in the buffer memory 53 to the host computer 5 via the interface unit 59.
The memory control unit 50D (memory management unit) manages writing to and reading from the buffer memory 53, and calculates the free capacity of the buffer memory 53.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the buffer memory 53. FIG. 4A shows an initial state when the check 4 is continuously processed, and FIG. 4B shows a state where processing of the plurality of checks 4 has progressed.
The upper left in the figure corresponds to the top address, and data is written toward the lower right. In the present embodiment, the address width of the buffer memory 53 and the address width of the read image data written by the scan control unit 50C are the same, and data is written / read from the top to the bottom in the figure. To do. In the figure, a symbol 53A is a write pointer, and a symbol 53B is a read pointer.
Since the buffer memory 53 is configured as a ring buffer, the write pointer 53A and the read pointer 53B return to the head address position when writing / reading is completed up to the end address at the lower end in the figure.

  The buffer memory 53 is actually divided into an area (first area) for storing the read image data of the front surface CIS unit 41 and an area (second area) for storing the read image data of the back surface CIS unit 43. Each region has a configuration shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Accordingly, there are two memory areas having a common configuration in the buffer memory 53. Here, one area will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the entire buffer memory 53 is an empty area, the read image data of the first check 4 from the top, the read image data of the second check 4 ... Are written in order. The written read image data is sequentially read from the head address and transferred to the host computer 5 (FIG. 3). As shown by the oblique lines in the figure, the read-out area can be overwritten with the read image data, and is treated as a free area.

  The conveyance control unit 50B determines whether or not to supply the next check 4 from the stocker 7 based on the size (empty capacity) of the free area of the buffer memory 53 while the check 4 is being processed. This is to prevent the reading operation of the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 from being interrupted due to insufficient space in the buffer memory 53 and the buffer becoming full. As shown in FIG. 4B, when a plurality of checks 4 are continuously processed, the empty area of the buffer memory 53 becomes an area between the read pointer 53B and the write pointer 53A.

  In the example of FIG. 4B, the read image data of the Nth, N + 1th, and N + 2th checks 4 is stored, and the N + 3th check 4 is stored by the front CIS unit 41 and the backside CIS unit 43. Reading is in progress. Here, an empty area of size A is generated between the read pointer 53B and the write pointer 53A, but an area for storing the read image data of the (N + 3) th check 4 being processed is necessary. For this reason, the size of the empty area that can be used to store the read image data of the next N + 4th check 4 is the size B excluding the area in which the read image data of the N + 3th check 4 is stored. It is an area. Accordingly, the transport control unit 50B excludes the area necessary for storing the read image data of the check 4 being processed from the empty area between the read pointer 53B and the write pointer 53A, and can be used for the next check 4. Find the size of the region. Then, the conveyance control unit 50B determines whether or not to start supplying the next check 4 based on whether or not the size of the empty area is sufficient.

The transport control unit 50B obtains the size of the free area of the buffer memory 53 by excluding the area for storing the read image data of the check 4 being processed from the free area (the shaded area in FIG. 4B). . At this time, if the size detection unit 50A detects the size of the check 4 being processed, the capacity for storing the read image data of the check 4 being processed can be obtained based on the detected size. .
The transport control unit 50B obtains a capacity B that can be used to store the read image data of the next check 4 in the free area (free capacity A) of the buffer memory 53, and the capacity B is the capacity of the next check 4. It is determined whether or not the capacity C is greater than or equal to the capacity C required to store the read image data. When the capacity B is less than the capacity C, the process waits until the capacity C can be secured. In this case, the memory control unit 50D monitors the movement of the read pointer 53B, and executes interrupt control on the transport control unit 50B at a timing when the free capacity C can be secured. The conveyance control unit 50B starts supplying the next check 4 in response to an interrupt from the memory control unit 50D while performing conveyance control of the check 4 being read.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading apparatus 1.
The control unit 50 receives the command for instructing the processing start of the check 4 transmitted from the host computer 5 (step S11), and starts the processing of the check 4. The control unit 50 determines whether or not the checker 7 has the check 4 based on the detection value of the ASF paper detector 16 (step S12). If there is no check 4 (step S12; No), the check 4 Wait until it is set. When the check 4 is in the stocker 7 (step S12; Yes), the transport control unit 50B determines whether to start transporting the check 4 based on the free space in the buffer memory 53 (step S13).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading apparatus 1, and shows in detail the conveyance start determination process performed in step S13 of FIG.
In this process, the memory control unit 50D detects the actual free capacity of the buffer memory 53 (step S31). Subsequently, the transport control unit 50B obtains a capacity for storing the read image data of the check 4 being processed, and calculates an available free capacity excluding this capacity (step S32). Here, in step S34, the conveyance control unit 50B acquires the free capacity from the memory control unit 50D for each of the two areas for the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 provided in the buffer memory 53, and is necessary. Free space is calculated.
Since the size of this check 4 is unknown before the supply of the next check 4 is started, the conveyance control unit 50B assumes that the size of the next check 4 is the maximum size of the check 4 that can be used in the reading device 1. Then, the required free space is calculated. When the size of the next check 4 is specified by a command input to the reading device 1 from the host computer 5, the necessary free space may be calculated based on the specified size. The capacity of the read image data for each size of the check 4 is stored in, for example, a flash ROM (storage unit) (not shown) included in the control unit 50. Further, the control unit 50 stores the volume of the read image data of the check 4 read in the past, and the conveyance control unit 50B obtains the above-described capacity C based on the volume of the past read image data, and is necessary. It may be free space.

  Then, the conveyance control unit 50B determines whether or not the calculated free capacity is sufficient as compared with the capacity necessary for storing the read image data of the next check 4 (step S33). The conveyance control unit 50B makes a determination for each of the two areas for the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43, and when the free space is sufficient in both areas (step S33; Yes), the next check 4 Is determined to be possible to start, and the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG. In addition, when the free space is not sufficient in either one of the two areas for the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 (step S33; No), the transfer control unit 50B monitors the free space by the memory control unit 50D. To start.

  That is, the transport control unit 50B sets an alarm for the free space in the buffer memory 53 to the memory control unit 50D (step S34). The free space of the buffer memory 53 to be reserved for the next check 4 is set for the memory control unit 50D. The transport control unit 50B shifts to a standby state for an interrupt from the memory control unit 50D (step S35) and controls the transport of the check 4 being read. The memory control unit 50D generates an interrupt to the transport control unit 50B when the set free space is generated by the scan control unit 50C transferring the read image data of the buffer memory 53 (step S36) (step S36). S37). That is, the memory control unit 50D monitors the capacity of the buffer memory 53 excluding the area used for the check 4 being read, and the capacity reaches the set free capacity. Outputs an interrupt to. In response to this interruption, the conveyance control unit 50B proceeds to step S14 in FIG.

In step S14 of FIG. 5, the conveyance control unit 50B operates the hopper driving unit 15 and the ASF motor 62 to start supplying the check 4 in the stocker 7 (step S14). The check 4 is conveyed by the ASF roller 19 and the assist roller 21 and reaches the paper length detector 27. The control unit 50 waits until the leading end of the check 4 is detected by the paper length detector 27 (step S15). When the leading end of the check 4 is detected (step S15; Yes), the MICR character string by the MICR head 23 is detected. Is started (step S16).
The size detector 50A waits until the trailing edge of the check 4 is detected by the paper length detector 27 (step S17). When the trailing edge of the check 4 is detected (step S17; Yes), the size of the check 4 is detected. Is determined (step S18).

  The control unit 50 acquires the reading result by the MICR head 23, transfers it to the host computer 5 through the interface unit 59, and causes the host computer 5 to analyze the MICR character string (step S19). Further, the control unit 50 records the check 4 by the recording head 33 (step S20), starts scanning by the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 (step S21), and is stored in the buffer memory 53. The read image data is transferred to the host computer 5.

  Thereafter, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the MICR character string has been successfully read by the MICR head 23 (step S23). The control unit 50 analyzes the reading result of the MICR head 23, and the host computer 5 analyzes the determination result of step S23 based on whether or not the control data indicating that the MICR character string has been successfully recognized is input from the host computer 5. Do. If the MICR character string has been successfully read (step S23; Yes), the transport control unit 50B determines the discharge destination of the check 4 as the main pocket 9a (step S24). The conveyance control unit 50B operates the switching plate driving unit 61 to move the switching plate 45 to the main pocket 9a side (step S26). If the reading of the MICR character string has failed (step S23; No), the conveyance control unit 50B determines the discharge destination of the check 4 as the sub pocket 9b (step S25), and operates the switching plate driving unit 61. The switching plate 45 is moved to the sub pocket 9b side (step S26). Thereby, the check 4 is discharged in the main pocket 9a and the sub pocket 9b based on the reading result of the MICR character string.

  As described above, according to the reading device 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied and the reading system 10 including the reading device 1, the check 4 as a reading object is optically read to read an image. A front surface CIS unit 41 and a back surface CIS unit 43 for outputting data, a supply means including an ASF motor 62 and a pickup roller 17 for conveying the check 4 and supplying the check 4 to the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43; A buffer memory 53 that stores read image data output from the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43, a scan control unit 50C that sequentially reads and processes the read image data stored in the buffer memory 53, a front surface CIS unit 41, Read check 4 by back side CIS unit 43 When the image data is stored in the buffer memory 53, or before or after the storage of the read image data is started, the supply of the check 4 to be read next is started based on whether or not the free space of the buffer memory 53 is sufficient. When the conveyance control unit 50B determines that the supply is not started, such as when the free capacity of the conveyance control unit 50B for determining whether or not the buffer memory 53 is sufficient, the read image data of the check 4 to be read next can be stored. A memory control unit 50D that predicts the timing at which free capacity is generated in the buffer memory 53, and the conveyance control unit 50B reads at least the read image data of the check 4 to be read next based on the timing predicted by the memory control unit 50D. Can be stored in the buffer memory 53, for example, by the memory control unit 50D. Wait until constant timing, and supplies the check 4. As a result, when the supply of the next check 4 is to be started while the check 4 is being read, the free space in the buffer memory 53 in which the read image data of the next check 4 is to be stored is, for example, the entire next check 4. If it is not sufficient to store the next read image data, the check 4 to be read next is not supplied, the timing at which sufficient free space is generated is predicted, and the read image data of the next check 4 to be read can be stored in the memory. Thus, since the supply of the check 4 to be read next is started, it is possible to avoid interruption due to the lack of capacity of the buffer memory 53 and to reduce unnecessary waiting time.

  Further, the amount of read image data when the check 4 has been read in the past is stored, and the conveyance control unit 50B determines that the memory control unit 50D is currently reading based on the stored capacity of the past read image data. After storing the read image data of the check 4, the capacity that can store the read image data of the next check 4 is predicted, and based on the timing at which this empty capacity is generated in the buffer memory 53, the transport control unit 50 B determines the next check 4. In the case of determining whether or not to start the supply of data, the available capacity of the buffer memory 53 is predicted based on the past amount of read image data, and the timing at which the capacity for storing the read image data of the next check 4 is ensured at an early stage. Since the next check 4 can be supplied, it is possible to reliably avoid interruption due to the lack of the buffer memory 53 capacity. Further, when a plurality of sizes can be specified in advance as the size of the check 4 and the read image data for each size can be obtained, the capacity of the read image data when the check 4 having the maximum size is read is used for prediction. May be.

  Further, the memory control unit 50D monitors the free capacity of the buffer memory 53, and outputs to the transport control unit 50B when a sufficient free capacity is generated in the buffer memory 53, so that a complicated configuration is used. Therefore, the interruption due to the lack of the capacity of the buffer memory 53 can be surely avoided.

  The reading device 1 further includes a stocker 7 that stores a plurality of checks 4, a hopper drive unit 15 that sequentially feeds the checks 4 from the stocker 7, an ASF paper detector 16, a pickup roller 17, and an ASF motor 62. In the configuration in which the checks 4 stored in 7 are read one after another, the check 4 is supplied at an appropriate timing, so that interruption due to the lack of the capacity of the buffer memory 53 is avoided and the waiting time is reduced. Reading can be done.

  Further, even when the control unit 50 of the reading apparatus 1 determines that the supply of the next check 4 to be read is rejected based on the free space of the buffer memory 53, at least the next check 4 is supplied by the supply unit. If it can be predicted that the read image data of the check 4 to be read next can be stored in the buffer memory 53 between the time when the front CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 are reached, the above timing is waited. First, the supply of the next check 4 can be started. Accordingly, the area of the buffer memory 53 in which the read image data processed by the scan control unit 50C is stored until the next check 4 is conveyed and reaches the reading position becomes an empty area as an empty area. In addition, the supply of the next check 4 can be started if the free capacity of the memory in which the read image data of the next check 4 is to be stored, including the increase in the free capacity, is sufficient. Thereby, the waiting time can be further shortened.

  The reading device 1 includes a front surface CIS unit 41 and a back surface CIS unit 43 that respectively read the front surface and the back surface of the check 4. The reading device 1 reads the front surface and the back surface of the sheet-like check 4. A region for storing the read image data for the front and back surfaces of the check 4 is provided separately. In the buffer memory 53, the conveyance control unit 50B stores the read image data for the front surface of the check 4 and the read image for the back surface. Based on the respective free capacities with respect to the data storage areas, it is determined whether or not the supply of the check 4 to be read next can be started, and the memory control unit 50D rejects the supply start of the check 4 to be read next by the transport control unit 50B. If it is determined, the buffer memory 53 has enough free space for storing the read image data on the front and back sides of the next check 4. Since predicting the timing of raw, for both the surface and the back surface also avoid interruption of the reading operation by insufficient free space of the buffer memory 53, to reduce the waiting time, it can be quickly reading the check 4.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reading system 10 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the reading system 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
The operation of FIG. 7 is executed instead of the operation shown in FIG. That is, the reading device 1 executes the operation shown in FIG. 5 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and in this operation, performs the operation of FIG. 7 as the conveyance start determination process. In FIG. 7, the same processing steps as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same step numbers.

The memory control unit 50D detects the actual free capacity of the buffer memory 53 (step S31), and the transport control unit 50B has two areas for the front surface CIS unit 41 and the rear surface CIS unit 43 provided in the buffer memory 53. For each of these, an available free space is calculated (step S32).
The conveyance control unit 50B determines whether or not the calculated free space is sufficient as compared with the space necessary for storing the read image data of the next check 4 (step S33), and when the free space is sufficient. (Step S33; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S14 in FIG.

On the other hand, when the conveyance control unit 50B determines that the free space is not sufficient in either one of the two areas for the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 (step S33; No), the memory control unit 50D. Estimates the transfer speed of the read image data by the scan controller 50C (step S44). In step S44, the memory control unit 50D estimates the processing speed of the read image data based on the past processing speed of the scan control unit 50C, that is, the moving speed of the reading pointer 53B. The transfer speed of the read image data to the host computer 5 is determined mainly by the specifications of the interface unit 59 of the reading device 1 and the interface (not shown) of the host computer 5 and rarely varies greatly. For this reason, the transfer rate can be estimated relatively accurately based on the past transfer rate. Here, the past transfer speed, the time required for the transfer, and the transferred data amount are stored in a flash ROM (not shown) provided in the control unit 50, and the stored transfer speed, the time required for the transfer, Alternatively, the memory control unit 50D may perform a prediction based on the transferred data amount.
Based on the estimated transfer rate, the memory control unit 50D predicts the time until sufficient free space is generated to store the read image data of the next check 4, or the timing at which sufficient free space is generated. (Step S45), the predicted time or timing is output to the transport control unit 50B.

The conveyance control unit 50B waits until the time or timing input from the memory control unit 50D is reached (step S46) and controls conveyance of the check 4 being read. Then, when the time predicted by the memory control unit 50D has elapsed and the timing at which sufficient free space has occurred is reached (step S47), the transfer control unit 50B proceeds to step S14 in FIG. Start supplying check 4.
When this timing is reached, just in case, the memory control unit 50D detects the actual free space in the buffer memory 53 and calculates the available free space, and the calculated free space is the read image of the next check 4. It may be determined whether the capacity is sufficient as compared with the capacity required for storing data.

  As described above, in the reading apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, when the free space of the buffer memory 53 is not sufficient, the memory control unit 50D reads the read image data stored in the buffer memory 53 by the scan control unit 50C. The timing at which sufficient free space is generated in the buffer memory 53 is predicted based on the transfer speed of the data, and when the predicted timing is reached, the conveyance control unit 50B starts supplying the next check 4. Thus, the next check 4 can be supplied at an appropriate timing without constantly monitoring the free capacity of the buffer memory 53.

The reading device 1 can be connected to an external host computer 5 (external device), and the scan control unit 50C transfers read image data read from the buffer memory 53 to the host computer 5, and The transfer control unit 50C stores the transfer time or transfer amount of the stored read image data to the host computer 5, and the memory control unit 50D stores the past transfer time, transfer speed, and transfer amount based on the stored transfer time. Predict the timing. For this reason, the area of the buffer memory 53 in which the read image data after transfer to the host computer 5 is stored can be added to the free capacity as a free area, and the timing can be accurately predicted. In addition, it is possible to accurately predict the free capacity of the buffer memory 53 based on the past transfer time, transfer speed, and transfer amount, and to predict at an early stage when the capacity for storing the read image data of the next check 4 is secured, The supply of the next reading object can be started.
Note that the transfer time or transfer amount when the read image data of the maximum size check 4 is transmitted is stored without storing the past transfer time, transfer speed, and transfer amount, and the transfer time or transfer amount is predicted. It may be used at that time.

  Each of the above embodiments shows a specific example to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the reading system 10, the reading object processed by the reading device 1 is not limited to the check 4, and the size of the reading object usable in the reading device 1 can be arbitrarily changed. In each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the read image data of the front surface CIS unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 is stored in each of the two areas provided in the buffer memory 53 is described as an example. Two independent buffer memories corresponding to the unit 41 and the back surface CIS unit 43 may be provided. In this case, the conveyance control unit 50B may determine the free capacity of each buffer memory. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the reading device 1 transfers the read image data or the read data of the MICR character string to the host computer 5 has been described as an example. However, the host computer 5 and the reading device 1 are the same device. It is good also as a structure built in.

Further, each functional unit shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration, and it is not necessary to configure each functional unit with independent hardware. It is of course possible to realize the functions of these functional units in a single piece of hardware, or to implement a single functional unit with a plurality of hardware.
The recording means provided in the reading device 1 is not limited to the configuration using an ink jet recording head, and a thermal line printer, a dot impact printer, a laser printer, a thermal sublimation printer, or the like can also be used. In addition, the program executed by the CPU of the control unit 50 that performs the above-described operation is not limited to the configuration stored in the nonvolatile memory included in the control unit 50, and may be a configuration stored in a portable recording medium. Alternatively, it may be stored in a downloadable manner in another device connected via a communication line, and the reading device 1 may download and execute the program from these devices, and other configurations may be arbitrarily selected. It can be changed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Reading apparatus, 4 ... Check (reading object), 5 ... Host computer (external device), 7 ... Stocker, 9 ... Pocket, 9a ... Main pocket, 9b ... Sub pocket, 10 ... Reading system, 13 ... Main body, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Hopper (supply means), 15 ... Hopper drive part (supply means), 16 ... ASF paper detector, 17 ... Pickup roller (supply means), 19 ... ASF roller, 23 ... MICR head, 27 ... Paper length detector , 31 ... conveying roller, 33 ... recording head, 41 ... front CIS unit (reading means), 43 ... back CIS unit (reading means), 45 ... switching plate, 50 ... control unit, 50A ... size detecting unit, 50B ... conveying Control unit (control unit), 50C ... Scan control unit (data processing unit), 50D ... Memory control unit (memory management unit), 53 ... Buffer Memory (Memory), 61 ... switching plate driving unit, 62 ... ASF motor (supply means), 63 ... transport motor, W ... conveying path.

Claims (8)

Reading means for optically reading a reading object and outputting read image data;
Supply means for transporting the reading object and supplying the reading object to the reading means;
A memory for storing the read image data output by the reading unit;
Data processing means for reading and processing the read image data stored in the memory;
Control means for reading the object to be read by the reading means and determining whether or not the supply of the object to be read next can be started based on the free space of the memory when the read image data is stored in the memory When,
When the control unit determines that the supply of the reading object to be read next is not permitted, the timing at which a free space capable of storing the read image data of the reading object to be read next is generated in the memory is predicted. And a memory management means for
The control means supplies the read object to be read next so that the read image data of the read object to be read next is stored in the memory based on at least the timing predicted by the memory management means. To get started,
A reader characterized by. A storage unit that stores the amount of the read image data obtained by reading the reading object by the reading unit;
The control means predicts a free space of the memory during the reading of the reading object by the reading means based on the past amount of the read image data stored in the storage unit, and the next reading object The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to start supplying is determined. The reader is connectable to an external device;
The data processing means transmits the read image data read from the memory to the external device,
A storage unit for storing a transmission time or a transmission amount of the data processing unit that transmits the read image data stored in the memory to the external device;
The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the memory management unit predicts the timing based on the past transmission time or the transmission amount stored in the storage unit. The reader is connectable to an external device;
The data processing means transmits the read image data read from the memory to the external device,
The memory management unit predicts the timing based on a transmission speed at which the data processing unit transmits the read image data stored in the memory to the external device. Reader. The control means includes
Even if it is determined not to start supplying the reading object to be read next based on the free space of the memory,
It can be predicted that the read image data of the read object to be read next can be stored in the memory at least until the next read object is conveyed by the supply means and reaches the reading means. 2. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the case, the supply of the next reading object is started without waiting for the timing. The reading unit has a plurality of reading units for reading the front and back surfaces of the sheet-like reading object,
The memory is provided with separate areas for storing the read image data on the front surface and the back surface of the reading object,
In the memory, the control means is based on respective free capacities for both the first area for storing the read image data on the front surface of the reading object and the second area for storing the read image data on the back surface. Next, it is determined whether or not supply of the reading object to be read can be started,
The memory management means determines that the read image data of the front and back surfaces of the read object to be read next is the memory image of the memory when the control means determines that the supply of the read object to be read next is not permitted. The reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a timing at which a free space that can be stored in the first area and the second area is generated is predicted. A method for controlling a reading apparatus for optically reading a reading object and storing read image data in a memory,
When reading the object to be read and storing the read image data in the memory, it is determined whether or not to start supplying the object to be read next based on the free space of the memory,
When it is determined that the supply of the reading object to be read next is not accepted, the timing at which the read image data of the reading object to be read next has a free space that can be stored in the memory is generated,
Starting supply of the read object to be read next so that the read image data of the read object to be read next is stored in the memory at least from the predicted timing;
A method for controlling a reading apparatus. A storage medium storing a program executed by a control unit that controls each unit of a reading apparatus that optically reads an object to be read and stores read image data in a memory,
The control unit is
When reading the object to be read and storing the read image data in the memory, it is determined whether or not to start supplying the object to be read next based on the free space of the memory,
When it is determined that the supply of the reading object to be read next is not accepted, the timing at which the read image data of the reading object to be read next has a free space that can be stored in the memory is generated,
A storage medium for storing a program for starting supply of the read object to be read next so that the read image data of the read object to be read next is stored in the memory at least from the predicted timing.

Images