JP2013085132A - Image reader and image forming apparatus equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To correct and adjust white reference values while balance of the white reference values of respective colors is considered, to prevent a tinge of a specified pixel from becoming different from that of the other pixel and to improve quality of image data.SOLUTION: An image reader includes: a light source; an image sensor including line sensors for a plurality of colors; a white reference member; a reference value holding section for acquiring white reference values of respective pixels of respective colors on the basis of pixel values of the respective pixels of the respective colors, which are obtained by reading the white reference member; a shading correction section for performing shading correction by using the white reference value; a reference data storage section for storing reference ratio data that is data for determining a reference ratio of the white reference values between the respective colors of the pixels in the same position; and a white reference setting section for setting one of a plurality of colors to be a reference color on the pixels in the same position, and performing ratio adjustment for adjusting the white reference value of the pixel except for the reference color so that it is matched with a reference ratio determined by the reference ratio data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads a document and performs shading correction. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus provided with the image reading apparatus.

  The image reading device emits light from a light source and guides light reflected by the reading target to an image sensor. Then, the image reading device obtains image data based on the output of the image sensor. And the same density due to the unevenness of the light quantity in the main scanning direction of the light source, the difference in transmittance at the position of the lens in the main scanning direction, the characteristic difference of the photoelectric conversion elements included in the image sensor, etc. Even when read, variations appear in the pixel values of each pixel in the image data. In order to correct such distortion depending on the position of the pixel (photoelectric conversion element), shading correction is performed. In the shading correction, a white reference value indicating pure white is taught in advance for each pixel, and the pixel value of each pixel before correction obtained by reading is used as a correction coefficient.

  An example of an apparatus that performs such shading correction is described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a correction value calculation unit that obtains a correction value corresponding to a normal value range set by a normal value range setting unit and an abnormal reference value determination unit are determined to be abnormal values. A shading reference value correcting means for correcting a shading reference value (density data of each pixel output from the reading means when the density reference plate is read) to a correction value obtained by the correction value calculating means, The computing means changes the correction value based on the average value computed by the second block average value computing means when the step judging means judges that the target pixel is a pixel of the stepped portion. Is described. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately correct the shading reference value while reflecting local conditions around the pixel of interest (see Patent Document 1: Claim 2, paragraph [0019], etc.).

Japanese Patent No. 3589847

  In general, acquisition (setting) of a white reference value for shading correction is performed by reading a white reference plate. Also, the pixel value obtained when the white reference plate is read varies somewhat depending on the environment such as temperature and the state of the light source that irradiates the reading target with light. Therefore, every time a reading job is executed (for example, before reading of a document), a white reference value is acquired.

  In recent years, it is common for image reading apparatuses to support color reading. An image reading apparatus that supports color reading includes line sensors for a plurality of colors (for example, Red, Green, and Blue). By using this multi-color line sensor, red image data, green image data, and blue image data are obtained, thereby supporting color reading.

  Further, shading correction is also performed on the image data of each color obtained by the line sensor of each color. For this purpose, a white reference value is acquired and set for each pixel of each color line sensor.

  For example, in the case of three colors of R, G, and B, white (luminance information) is created by combining the three colors in the image data for three colors. Then, due to noise or the like, a pixel appears in which the balance (ratio) of the white reference value of each color differs from other pixels. When the balance of the white reference value of each color is different from that of other pixels only in a specific pixel (when the balance of the white reference value (color balance) is far from the other pixels), for example, white is red in the specific pixel. Shading correction such as being shaken in the direction (reddish white) and shaken in the blue direction (bluish white) is performed. In other words, only specific pixels are processed with different colors. As a result, the image quality of the image data as a read result is deteriorated, for example, streaks appear.

  Therefore, in the color reading, there is a problem that the white reference value must be determined in consideration of the balance of the white reference value of each color. In the case of black and white (monochrome) reading, it is not necessary to determine the white reference value in consideration of the balance of the white reference values of the respective colors.

  Also, as described in Patent Document 1, when an abnormal white reference value is acquired due to noise or the like, it has been conventionally performed to correct the white reference value. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, an abnormal white reference value is corrected using various average values. For example, the average value of the white reference value of each pixel or the average value of the white reference plate acquired from the past to the present is used for correction.

  At present, when correcting an abnormal white reference value, even when reading a color, the abnormal white reference value is corrected for each color. In other words, the abnormal white reference value correction that has been performed in black and white (monochrome) is simply applied to each color to correct the abnormal white reference value. Therefore, when correcting an abnormal white reference value, there is a problem that the white reference value is not corrected in consideration of the balance of the white reference values of the respective colors. Since correction is not performed considering the white reference value of each color and the color is not adjusted, even if abnormal white reference value correction is performed, the color of the corrected pixel differs from that of other pixels, resulting in streaks and blocks. May be recognized as

  Note that Patent Document 1 does not describe color reading or balance of white reference values of each color. For this reason, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the balance of the white reference value is not considered in color reading, even if an abnormal white reference value is corrected, the color of the corrected pixel is different from that of other pixels. It cannot cope with the problem that the image quality may be shifted and the image quality may be deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art. Regarding shading correction, the white reference value is corrected and adjusted in consideration of the balance of the white reference value of each color, and the color of a specific pixel is adjusted. It is an object to prevent the color of other pixels from shifting and to improve the image quality of image data.

  An image reading apparatus according to claim 1 includes: a light source that irradiates a reading target; a line sensor that includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for a plurality of colors; an image sensor that reads the reading target irradiated by the light source; and a white reference member A reference value holding unit that acquires a white reference value of each pixel of each color based on a pixel value of each pixel of each color obtained by reading the white reference member, and using the white reference value, the image A shading correction unit that performs shading correction on image data of each color obtained by reading the sensor, and reference ratio data that is data for determining a reference ratio of the white reference value between each color of pixels at the same position are stored. The reference data storage unit and the pixel at the same position have one color out of a plurality of colors as a reference color, and are matched with the reference ratio determined by the reference ratio data. A white reference setting unit that performs ratio adjustment for adjusting the white reference value of a pixel other than the reference color, was to contain.

  According to this configuration, the white reference setting unit sets one of a plurality of colors as a reference color for the pixels at the same position, and matches the reference ratio determined by the reference ratio data with respect to the pixels other than the reference color. Adjust the ratio to adjust the white reference value. Thereby, the ratio of the magnitude | size of the white reference value of each color is adjusted so that it may correspond with a reference | standard. Therefore, even if a white reference value that is not appropriate for a certain pixel is acquired due to noise or the like, the color balance of each color does not collapse, and the color of a specific pixel differs greatly from the color of other pixels. Degradation of image quality (such as streaking in image data) can be prevented.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the reference data storage unit stores a basic value of the white reference value of each pixel, and the white reference setting unit stores the white reference member. Among the white reference values of each pixel obtained by reading, the white reference value different from the basic value exceeding a predetermined allowable range is detected, and the white reference value of the detected pixel is used as the basic reference value. The ratio adjustment is performed so that the pixel is corrected so as to approach the value and the white reference value is corrected to match the reference ratio.

  According to this configuration, the white reference setting unit detects a white reference value that is different from the basic value and exceeds a predetermined allowable range among the white reference values of each pixel obtained by reading the white reference member. The white reference value of the detected pixel is corrected so as to approach the basic value, and the ratio adjustment is performed so that the pixel for which the white reference value is corrected matches the reference ratio. Thereby, the white reference value of the pixel that has become an abnormal white reference value due to noise or the like is corrected to an appropriate value (basic value), and the ratio adjustment of the white reference value of each color is also performed. Therefore, even if an abnormal white reference value is corrected, the color balance of each color is not lost and it is possible to prevent the color of the pixel whose white reference value has been corrected from being different from that of other pixels.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the white reference setting unit corrects the white reference value of the detected pixel to an average value of the current white reference value and the basic value. It was decided to.

  The white reference setting unit corrects the detected white reference value of the pixel to an average value of the current white reference value and the basic value. Thereby, the white reference value that may be abnormal can be corrected in a direction that is recognized as appropriate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the white reference setting unit includes the white reference of a color other than the reference color so as to match the reference ratio for all pixels included in the line. The ratio was adjusted for the value.

  According to this configuration, the white reference setting unit adjusts the ratio of all the pixels included in the line with respect to the white reference value of a color other than the reference color so as to match the reference ratio. Thereby, the ratio of each white reference value is adjusted for each pixel, and the color of all the pixels can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pixels with different colors and improve the image quality of the image data.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the reference data storage unit reads each fixed color obtained by reading the predetermined reference ratio data and the white reference member. One or both of the average values of the pixel values of each pixel are stored as the reference ratio data.

  According to this configuration, the reference data storage unit is either one of a predetermined fixed reference ratio data and an average value of pixel values of each pixel of the image data of each color obtained by reading the white reference member. , Or both are stored as reference ratio data. As a result, the reference ratio can be obtained using fixed reference ratio data determined in advance at the time of shipment or manufacture, or reference ratio data based on results obtained by actual use.

  An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect includes the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

  With this configuration, image formation or the like can be performed using image data in which deterioration in image quality (such as streaking) is prevented. Therefore, a high-quality image forming apparatus can be provided.

  According to the present invention, with respect to shading correction, it is possible to correct and adjust the white reference value in consideration of the balance of the white reference values of the respective colors. Then, by adjusting the balance (ratio) of the white reference values of each color, it is possible to prevent the color of some pixels from deviating from the color of other pixels and improve the image quality of the image data.

1 is a schematic front sectional view of a multifunction machine. 2 is a partially enlarged model cross-sectional view of an image forming unit. FIG. It is a model front sectional view showing an example of an image reading device. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction peripheral. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of an image reading apparatus. It is a graph which shows an example of distribution of a normal white reference value. It is a graph which shows an example of distribution of a white reference value when disturbance of a white reference value arises by noise etc. It is a graph which shows an example of the distribution of the white reference value after correction | amendment of the white reference value with the conventional abnormality. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the ratio adjustment process of the white reference value which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of reference | standard ratio data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the ratio adjustment process of the white reference value which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this description, a multifunction peripheral 101 (corresponding to an image forming apparatus) including the image reading apparatus 100 will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in each embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Outline of configuration of MFP 101)
First, an outline of the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic front sectional view of the multifunction machine 101. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming unit 4.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus 100 including a document conveying unit 1 (details will be described later) and an image reading unit 2 (details will be described later) for reading an image of a document is arranged on the upper part of the multifunction peripheral 101. Further, an operation panel 1 a having a start key 18 for instructing the start of the operation of the image reading apparatus 100 and the multifunction machine 101 and a liquid crystal display unit 19 is provided in front of the multifunction machine 101 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). (Illustrated). The liquid crystal display unit 19 displays not only the status of the multifunction machine 101 but also a menu for selecting a function, a key for setting a setting value, and the like. In order to recognize the selected menu or key, the liquid crystal display unit 19 is a touch panel type.

  Inside the multifunction machine 101, a paper feed unit 3a, a conveyance path 3b, an image forming unit 4 (details will be described later), an intermediate transfer unit 5a, a fixing unit 5b, and the like are arranged.

  The paper feeding unit 3a stores paper such as paper (each size such as A4 and B4) as a recording medium, and supplies the paper at the time of image formation. The conveyance path 3 b conveys the supplied paper to the discharge tray 31. Therefore, a plurality of transport roller pairs 32 and the like are provided in the transport path 3b.

  Here, the image forming unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The image forming unit 4 forms an image (toner image) for printing on a recording medium based on the image data. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 4 scans with light based on the four image forming units 40Bk (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) and image data. The exposure apparatus 41 is configured to expose each photosensitive drum 42 to form an electrostatic latent image. Each image forming unit 40 has a different toner color, but the basic configuration is the same. Therefore, in the following description, the symbols Bk, Y, C, and M are omitted unless specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each image forming unit 40 is supported so as to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown) or the like. Is provided. A charging device 43, a developing device 44, and a cleaning device 45 are disposed around the photosensitive drum 42.

  The charging device 43 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 42 to a predetermined potential. The exposure device 41 scans and exposes the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 42 in accordance with image data. The developing device 44 carries toner and causes the toner to fly to the photosensitive drum 42. The developing device 44 supplies charged toner to the electrostatic latent image and develops it (visualizes it). The cleaning device 45 cleans the surface of the photosensitive drum 42. With these configurations, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 42, and the toner image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer portion 5a.

  The intermediate transfer unit 5a is provided above the image forming unit 4 and receives the primary transfer of the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 42 of the image forming unit 4 based on the image data, and the toner is applied to the sheet. This is the portion where the secondary transfer of the image is performed. The intermediate transfer belt 51 is stretched around a driving roller 52, a driven roller 53, four primary transfer rollers 54Bk to 54M, and the like so that the lower outer peripheral surface and each photosensitive drum 42 are in contact with each other. Drive means (not shown) such as a motor and gear is connected to the drive roller 52 and rotates. The intermediate transfer belt 51 rotates in the clockwise direction (arrow direction) in FIG. Here, the primary transfer rollers 54Bk to 54M are rotatably arranged one by one so as to face the respective photosensitive drums 42, and a voltage having a predetermined magnitude is applied to the primary transfer rollers 54Bk to 54M. By applying the voltage, the toner images of the respective colors are primarily transferred from the photosensitive drums 42 to the intermediate transfer belt 51. During the primary transfer, the toner images of the respective colors are superimposed without deviation.

  A secondary transfer roller 55 that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 51, faces the driving roller 52, and is rotatably supported is provided in the intermediate transfer portion 5a. When the sheet and the toner image enter the nip between the driving roller 52 and the intermediate transfer belt 51, a predetermined voltage is applied to the secondary transfer roller 55, and the toner image is secondarily transferred to the sheet. The belt cleaning device 56 removes residual toner or the like from the intermediate transfer belt 51 and cleans it. The fixing unit 5b fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The sheet is pressurized and heated when passing through the fixing unit 5b, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 31 and image formation is completed.

(Outline of the image reading apparatus 100)
Next, the image reading apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic front sectional view showing an example of the image reading apparatus 100.

  The image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a document conveying unit 1 and an image reading unit 2.

  First, the document transport unit 1 includes a document tray 11 on which a document to be read is placed, a plurality of document transport roller pairs 12 for transporting documents, a document transport path 13, a document discharge roller pair 14, and a document discharge tray 15. . Documents on the document tray 11 are sent one by one to the document transport path 13. The fed document is automatically and continuously conveyed so as to be in contact with the feed reading contact glass 21 a on the upper surface of the image reading unit 2. Then, the document discharge roller pair 14 discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 15. The document transport unit 1 can be lifted upward by a fulcrum (not shown) provided on the back side of the paper surface. For example, a document such as a book is placed on the placement reading contact glass 21 b on the upper surface of the image reading unit 2. You can also

  Next, the image reading unit 2 is unitized as a scanner. The image reading unit 2 irradiates the original with light, reads the original based on the reflected light, and generates image data. Therefore, the image reading unit 2 includes a first moving frame 221, a second moving frame 222, a lens 23, an image sensor 24, and the like.

  The first moving frame 221 includes a lamp 25 (corresponding to a light source, for example, an LED or a fluorescent tube) and a first mirror 261 that extend in the main scanning direction and irradiate the reading target with light. The second moving frame 222 includes a second mirror 262 and a third mirror 263. The first mirror 261 to the third mirror 263 guide the light reflected by the reading target to the lens 23. The lens 23 forms an image of the reflected light of the document and guides it to the image sensor 24.

  The image sensor 24 of the present embodiment is, for example, a CCD type. The image sensor 24 includes a plurality of line sensors 8 each having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (corresponding to pixels) arranged in a row. Then, each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B) of the image sensor 24 strikes the original from the lamp 25 to read the original, and the reflected light imaged by the lens 23 enters the photoelectric sensor according to the amount of reflected light. Conversion is performed (details will be described later).

  The first moving frame 221 and the second moving frame 222 are connected to the take-up drum 26 by wires 26a (a plurality of wires 26a are connected to each moving frame for the purpose of moving in the left-right direction, but for convenience. FIG. 3 shows only one wire 26a). The winding drum 26 is rotated by a winding motor 27 (see FIG. 5) that rotates forward and backward. Each moving frame can be freely moved in the horizontal direction (the left-right direction of the multifunction machine 101).

  When the original is read using the original conveying unit 1, each moving frame is fixed below the feed reading contact glass 21a. On the other hand, when reading a document on the placement reading contact glass 21b, reading is performed by moving each moving frame in the horizontal direction by the rotational driving of the winding drum 26.

  A guide member 28 is provided between the feed reading contact glass 21a and the placement reading contact glass 21b to guide the conveyance of the document. A white reference plate 29 (corresponding to a white reference member) for obtaining a white reference when performing shading correction is provided on the lower surface of the guide member 28. The white reference plate 29 is a plate extending in the main scanning direction of the image reading apparatus 100 (a direction perpendicular to the document conveyance direction, a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 3). Reading the white reference plate 29 determines a white reference value for shading correction. Before reading the document, each moving frame is moved below the white reference plate 29 by rotating the winding drum 26, and the white reference value is obtained by reading the white reference plate 29.

(Hardware configuration of MFP 101)
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 101.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction peripheral 101 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 6 inside. The control unit 6 controls the entire multifunction peripheral 101. For example, the control unit 6 includes a CPU 61, a storage unit 62, and the like. The control unit 6 is connected to the image processing unit 63.

  The CPU 61 is a central processing unit, and controls and calculates each unit of the multifunction machine 101 based on a control program stored in the storage unit 62 and developed. The storage unit 62 is configured by a storage device such as a ROM, RAM, HDD, or flash ROM. The storage unit 62 stores a control program, control data, setting data, image data scanned by the image reading unit 2, and the like of the multifunction machine 101.

  Then, the control unit 6 includes the image reading apparatus 100 (the document conveying unit 1 and the image reading unit 2), and the print engine unit (the paper feeding unit 3a, the conveyance path 3b, the image forming unit 4, the fixing unit) in the multifunction machine 101. 5b, etc.), which is connected to the operation panel 1a, etc., and controls the operation of each unit so that image formation is appropriately performed based on the control program and data in the storage unit 62. The control unit 6 has functions such as a main control unit that performs overall control and image processing, and an engine control unit that controls the print engine unit (for example, controls ON / OFF of a motor that rotates various rotating bodies). A plurality of types of portions for dividing the control unit 6 and performing control may be provided.

  Furthermore, the control unit 6 is connected to a communication unit 64 including various connectors, sockets, a communication control chip, and the like. The communication unit 64 communicatively connects the computer 200 (for example, a personal computer or a server) or the other party's FAX apparatus 300 and the multifunction machine 101 via a network, a cable, a public line, or the like. For example, image data obtained by reading with the image reading apparatus 100 can be transmitted to an external computer 200 or a FAX apparatus 300 (Internet FAX may be used) (scanner function, FAX function). In addition, image data from the external computer 200 or the FAX apparatus 300 can be stored in the storage unit 62 or printed (printer function, FAX function).

(Generation and processing of image data in the image reading apparatus 100)
Next, generation of image data in the image reading apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus 100. In FIG. 5, the flow of image data is indicated by white arrows.

  First, the document conveying unit 1 will be described. A document conveyance control unit 10 is provided in the document conveyance unit 1 which is a part of the image reading apparatus 100. The document conveyance control unit 10 includes a CPU and a memory that stores data and programs for controlling the document conveyance unit 1 and controls the operation of the document conveyance unit 1.

  The document conveyance control unit 10 is communicably connected to the control unit 6 of the MFP 101 main body. When reading a document using the document transport unit 1, such as when the start key 18 of the operation panel 1a is pressed while a document is placed on the document tray 11, the control unit 6 of the MFP 101 main body Instructs the document conveyance control unit 10 to convey the document. In response to the instruction, for example, the document conveyance control unit 10 drives a document conveyance motor 16 that rotates various rotating bodies that convey the document.

  Next, the image reading unit 2 will be described. The image reading unit 2 that is a part of the image reading apparatus 100 is provided with a reading control unit 7 (corresponding to a white reference setting unit). The reading control unit 7 also includes a CPU, various control circuits, and the like. The reading control unit 7 is connected to a storage unit 71 (corresponding to a reference data storage unit) that stores data and programs for controlling the reading control unit 7. The reading control unit 7 is communicably connected to the control unit 6 of the MFP 101 main body. When reading a document, for example, when the start key 18 of the operation panel 1a is pressed, the control unit 6 of the multifunction peripheral 101 main body instructs the reading control unit 7 to read the document.

  When reading the document on the placement reading contact glass 21b or the surface of the document conveyed to the document conveying unit 1, the reading control unit 7 operates each moving frame. Specifically, the lamp 25 of each moving frame is turned on and the image sensor 24 is driven. Further, the reading control unit 7 controls a winding motor 27 that rotates the winding drum 26 to move each moving frame.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of line sensors 8 are provided in the image sensor 24 (in FIG. 5, a red line sensor 8R, a green line sensor 8G, and a blue line sensor 8B are illustrated). . Then, each photoelectric conversion element of each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B) photoelectrically converts the reflected light, accumulates the charge according to the level of the reflected light (the amount of received light), and discharges the charge at a constant timing. In other words, each photoelectric conversion element outputs a current (voltage) corresponding to the intensity of the reflected light. Each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B) of the image sensor 24 outputs an analog output value (for example, voltage value) of each photoelectric conversion element (each pixel) toward the A / D conversion unit 72. In some cases, an amplification unit that amplifies the output current (voltage) of each photoelectric conversion element and a circuit (for example, a gain ratio adjustment circuit) for correcting the analog output of the image sensor 24 are provided inside and outside the image sensor 24. Also good.

  The A / D conversion unit 72 performs quantization according to the magnitude of the analog output value from each photoelectric conversion element. In other words, the A / D converter 72 generates a pixel value indicating the density for each pixel (each photoelectric conversion element), and converts the analog output value of each photoelectric conversion element into digital data. Specifically, the A / D converter 72 of this embodiment quantizes one pixel of image data with 10 bits (1024 gradations) per color (R = 10 bits, G = 10 bits, B = 10 bits total 30 bits per pixel at the same position). For example, the analog output value of each photoelectric conversion element is digital so that it is between the maximum value (pure white, for example, 1023 for 1024 gradations) and the minimum value (pure black, for example, 0). It becomes. The darker side may be “1023” and the thinner side may be “0”.

  Then, the image data of each color converted by the A / D conversion unit 72 is given to the shading correction unit 9. For example, the shading correction unit 9 includes a reference value holding unit 91 and a shading correction circuit 92. The shading correction circuit 92 performs shading correction on each pixel of the image data obtained by reading using the white reference value and the black reference value of each pixel of each color stored in the reference value holding unit 91. The shading correction unit 9 corrects distortion depending on the position of the pixel, such as variation in sensitivity of each photoelectric conversion element and unevenness of irradiation light on the document due to the position in the main scanning direction.

  Here, the black reference value and the white reference value will be described. First, acquisition of the white reference value and the black reference value will be described. The reference value holding unit 91 acquires a black reference value and a white reference value before reading a document, after turning on the main power, or when returning from the power saving mode. In other words, the reference value holding unit 91 is a memory that stores the white reference value and the black reference value of each color and each pixel. In this description (FIG. 5), the reference value holding unit 91 is provided in the shading correction unit 9, but may be provided outside the shading correction unit 9, and the storage unit 71 is used as the reference value holding unit 91. It may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the reading control unit 7 uses the digital value obtained by A / D conversion of the output value of each photoelectric conversion element with the lamp 25 turned off as a black reference value in the reference value holding unit 91. Hold. In other words, the reference value holding unit 91 converts the output value (for example, voltage value) from each photoelectric conversion element when the lamp 25 is extinguished by the A / D conversion unit 72 into the result of each photoelectric conversion element. Black reference value. For example, a black reference plate may be provided below the guide member 28 and adjacent to the white reference plate 29, and the black reference plate may be read to obtain the black reference value.

  Further, the reading control unit 7 turns on the lamp 25 and reads the pure white reference plate 29, and the digital value obtained by A / D conversion of the output value of each photoelectric conversion element is used as a white reference value as a reference. The value is held in the value holding unit 91. In other words, the reference value holding unit 91 performs photoelectric conversion on the result of A / D conversion performed by the A / D conversion unit 72 on the output value (for example, voltage value) from each photoelectric conversion element when the white reference plate 29 is read. The white reference value of the element is used.

For example, the shading correction unit 9 performs shading correction of each pixel of the image data of each color based on the following formula. The shading correction method (type) is not limited to the following, and other methods may be used.
(Expression) Pixel value of the target pixel after correction = (IB) × {maximum density value / (WB)}
Where I is the pixel value of the target pixel before correction,
B is the black reference value of the pixel of interest,
W means the white reference value of the target pixel.
In the shading correction, W and B may be interchanged.

  Then, the image data subjected to the shading correction by the shading correction unit 9 is input to the image processing unit 73. The image processing unit 73 of the present embodiment is a circuit configured by combining, for example, calculation related to image data, a work RAM as a work area, an ASIC as a dedicated circuit, and the like. Note that an image processing program can be stored in the storage unit 71 and processed by the reading control unit 7 to realize the image processing unit 73 in software.

  The image processing unit 73 can perform various image processing such as γ correction and image data compression processing, for example. Then, the image data of each color after the image processing unit 73 performs image processing is sent to the image processing unit 63 on the main body side. The image processing unit 63 can perform various types of image processing such as image processing according to job setting contents such as enlargement / reduction processing and rotation processing, and conversion of a file format for external transmission and printing. Since image processing that can be performed by the image processing unit 73 and the image processing unit 63 is diverse, in this description, the image processing unit 73 and the image processing unit 63 are assumed to be able to perform known image processing, and can be executed. The detailed explanation of is omitted. In this embodiment, an example in which two image processing units are provided will be described. However, an image processing unit may be provided only on either the image reading unit 2 or the main body side.

  The image data after the image processing unit 63 performs image processing is sent to, for example, the exposure device 41 of the image forming unit 4 and used for scanning / exposure of each photosensitive drum 42. Thus, printing can be performed based on the original (copy function). Further, for example, the image data after the image processing unit 63 performs image processing can be sent to the storage unit 62 and stored in the storage unit 62 or can be transmitted to the outside via the communication unit 64 (scanner). function).

(Overview of white reference correction)
Next, an outline of white reference value correction in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the distribution of normal white reference values. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of the distribution of the white reference value when the white reference value is disturbed by noise or the like. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the distribution of the white reference value after correction of the conventional white reference value having an abnormality.

  In the image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the reading control unit 7 also acquires a black reference value before reading a document. Also, the reading control unit 7 moves each moving frame before reading the document, and causes the image sensor 24 to read the white reference plate 29. In the reading control unit 7, the reference value holding unit 91 acquires and holds the white reference value and the black reference value for each pixel included in each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B).

  Since the output of each photoelectric conversion element when the white reference plate 29 is read varies depending on the environment such as temperature, the white reference value is acquired before reading the document (before performing the document reading job). . In general, the black reference value has less fluctuation due to the environment than the white reference value.

  6 to 8 are graphs showing examples of white reference value distributions when white reference values are acquired. 6 to 8, the horizontal axis indicates the position (array) of each pixel in the main scanning direction. For example, the left side of the horizontal axis indicates the head position of the pixel (photoelectric conversion element) of each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B), and the right side indicates the end of the pixel of each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B). Note that the image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment supports reading at 600 dpi, for example. In order to correspond to the reading length of the short side of the A3 paper (long side of the A4 paper) as the length of reading in the main scanning direction, for example, each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B) has the main scanning direction. About 8000 pixels.

  The vertical axis in the graphs of FIGS. 6 to 8 represents the brightness of the white reference value of each pixel obtained by reading the white reference plate 29. 6 to 7, the upper part of the vertical axis indicates a bright (thin, white) value, and the lower part indicates a dark (dark, black) value.

  Also, in the graphs of FIGS. 6 to 8, a line denoted by R indicates a distribution of white reference values of the line sensor 8R for Red. The line labeled B indicates the distribution of white reference values of the blue line sensor 8B. A line labeled G indicates a distribution of white reference values of the line sensor 8G for Green.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the distribution of white reference values for each color when a normal white reference value is obtained. Note that the white reference value tends to be lower at the pixel at the end position than at the pixel at the center position of the line sensor 8 due to factors such as the transmittance of the lens 23 that makes the reflected light incident on the image sensor 24. is there.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the distribution of white reference values for each color when the obtained white reference values are disturbed by noise or the like. The example shown in FIG. 6 shows an example in which the white reference value is disturbed at a position surrounded by a broken-line square of the blue line sensor 8B.

  When such a white reference value disturbance occurs (when an abnormal white reference value is obtained), the white reference value is conventionally corrected. When reading with such an abnormal white reference value, shading correction is performed so that the pixel value of the portion where the white reference value is abnormal becomes brighter or darker than the pixel value of the portion where there is no abnormality. The As a result, for example, a band-like streak may appear at a portion (position) where an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, the white reference value of the pixel in the abnormal part is corrected.

  As a method for correcting the white reference value, for example, an average value of a plurality of times of the white reference value is separately stored for each pixel of each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B). Then, when a disturbed white reference value that is different from the average value by exceeding a predetermined threshold is obtained, correction is performed so that the abnormal white reference value approaches the average value (for example, replacement with the average value). ).

  However, with color image data, the color of each pixel is finally obtained by superimposing the three colors R, G, and B. For example, the image processing unit 63 (or the image processing unit 73) replaces the R, G, and B image data with C, M, Y, and Bk data using a predetermined conversion formula. Used for printing. When image data obtained by reading is transmitted or stored in the storage unit 62, for example, R, G, B image data is compressed by the JPEG method or the like.

  In this way, the color of each pixel is determined, converted, and used by superimposing (synthesizing) the R, G, and B image data. A difference in the color balance (the ratio of the size of the white reference value) to pixels at other positions may leave traces of correction of the white reference value in the image data. In other words, the color of the pixel whose white reference value is corrected is different from the other pixels. For example, a white color represented by R, G, and B image data is shaken in red or blue in a pixel in which the white reference value is corrected compared to other pixels. In this case, pixels in which the white reference value is corrected may be recognized in the original image data obtained by reading or the printed matter.

  This occurs by correcting the white reference value without considering the balance of the white reference values of R, G, and B. In other words, if the ratio of the white reference values of the three colors is adjusted in consideration of the balance of R, G, and B, it can be said that appropriate shading correction can be performed even if the white reference values are somewhat disturbed.

(White reference value ratio adjustment processing)
Next, an example of the ratio adjustment process of the white reference value ratio in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of white reference value ratio adjustment processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the reference ratio data.

  First, the start in FIG. 9 is a time point when an instruction to read a document is instructed by input to the operation panel 1a for copying or scanning (for example, the start key 18 is pressed). At this time, the control unit 6 recognizes the instruction input. Then, the control unit 6 gives an instruction to perform reading to the reading control unit 7.

  As the document starts to be read, the reading control unit 7 causes the reference value holding unit 91 to acquire the black reference value (step # 11). Next, the reading control unit 7 turns on the lamp 25 and causes the image sensor 24 to read the white reference plate 29 by moving each moving frame below the white reference plate 29 (step # 12). Then, the reading control unit 7 causes the reference value holding unit 91 to acquire the white reference value of each pixel of each color (step # 13).

  Then, the reading control unit 7 reads the reference ratio data from the storage unit 71 (step # 14). Then, the reading control unit 7 performs a ratio adjustment process for white reference values other than the reference color of each pixel held in the reference value holding unit 91 (step # 15). In the present embodiment, white reference value ratio adjustment processing is performed on all pixels (all photoelectric conversion elements) in the main scanning direction.

  Here, the ratio adjustment processing in the image reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of reference ratio data of a pixel at a certain position in the main scanning direction. FIG. 10 shows reference ratio data of one pixel at a certain position among pixels arranged in the main scanning direction for convenience. For example, when the number of pixels of each line sensor 8 (8R to 8B) arranged in the main scanning direction is 8000, the storage unit 71 stores all or a part of the data shown in FIG.

  First, in the image reading apparatus 100 of this embodiment, a reference color is determined in advance among the three colors R, G, and B. Of the three colors, any color may be used as the reference color, but in the description of the present embodiment, an example in which Blue is used as the reference color will be described. In addition, it is not always necessary to use the same color as the reference color for all the pixels, and the reference color may be changed for each pixel position (for example, the storage unit 71 stores the color to be the reference color).

  For example, the storage unit 71 in the image reading apparatus 100 stores reference ratio data used for ratio adjustment. Then, the reading control unit 7 uses the reference ratio data stored in the storage unit 71 to perform a process of adjusting the ratio of the white reference value of a color other than the reference color.

  The reference ratio data stored in the storage unit is for adjusting the white reference value of the pixel of the color other than the reference color based on the appropriate ratio of the white reference value of the color other than the reference color and the reference color for the pixel at each position. It is data of. The reading control unit 7 obtains an appropriate ratio of the white reference values of the respective colors of the pixels at the same position based on the reference ratio data, and adjusts the ratio of the white reference values of colors other than the reference color based on the obtained ratio.

  Specifically, the storage unit 71 can store the reference ratio data in various modes. The reference ratio data 1 in FIG. 10 indicates, for example, fixed reference ratio data set at the time of factory shipment, inspection, or installation of the multifunction machine 101. As fixed reference ratio data, the storage unit 71 stores a white reference value serving as a reference for each color and a difference between white reference values for each color. If the reading control unit 7 stores the white reference value serving as the reference for each color, the reading control unit 7 divides the white reference value serving as the reference for the color other than the reference color by the white reference value serving as the reference for the reference color, thereby obtaining Can be requested. Fixed reference ratio data can be determined as appropriate. For example, the image reading apparatus 100 is caused to read the white reference plate 29 a plurality of times (for example, several hundred times), and the average value of digital values of each color of each pixel is stored in the storage unit 71 as fixed reference ratio data.

  Further, as shown in the right column of the reference ratio data 1 column in FIG. 10, the storage unit 71 is obtained based on the white reference value that is the reference for each color instead of the white reference value that is the reference for each color. You may memorize | store the reference ratio calculated | required previously with respect to the reference value of a reference color. In this case, when the ratio of white reference values of colors other than the reference color is adjusted, the reading control unit 7 only needs to read the value of the reference ratio, and does not need to perform an operation for calculating (dividing) the reference ratio.

  Here, an example of the ratio adjustment of the white reference value of a color other than the reference color will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation of the white reference value ratio adjustment, a column indicating a ratio adjustment example is provided for convenience. However, it is not necessary to include the contents of the column indicating the ratio adjustment example in the data actually stored in the storage unit 71.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the reference value of the white reference value of a pixel at a certain position of the reference color (Blue) is “850” as a digital value. In addition, it is assumed that the reference value of the white reference value of a pixel at a position other than the reference color (Red, Green) is “900” and “800”, respectively. In terms of these white reference values, “Red / Blue = 1.059” and “Green / Blue = 0.944”. These ratios become reference ratios in the white reference value ratio adjustment processing.

  Then, when the white reference value is acquired by reading the white reference plate 29, the red white reference value is “930”, the blue white reference value is “920”, and the “green” white reference value is “880”. And The value of the white reference value obtained by actual reading is different from the reference ratio. In such a case, there is a difference from the ideal balance of white reference values for each color.

  Therefore, the reading control unit 7 adjusts the ratio of the red white reference value and the green white reference value based on the blue white reference value “920”. For example, the ratio adjustment is performed using “974” obtained by multiplying “920” by the reference ratio “1.059” as the red white reference value. In addition, the ratio is adjusted by setting “866” obtained by multiplying “920” by the reference ratio “0.941” as a white reference value of Green. As a result, the difference in white reference value before adjusting the ratio between the colors changes from “10” to “54”, from “40” to “54”, and the balance of the white reference value between the colors is taken. For convenience of explanation, columns (“Δ1” and “Δ2”) indicating the difference between the white reference values of the respective colors and the ratio of the reference color to the white reference value are provided. However, the data actually stored in the storage unit 71 need not include a column indicating the difference between the white reference values of each color and the ratio of the reference color to the white reference value.

  Further, the reference ratio data is not fixed like the reference ratio data 1, but may be varied according to the actually acquired white reference value as indicated by “reference ratio data 2” in FIG. For example, the reference ratio data 2 is an average value of white reference values obtained by actually reading the white reference plate 29 of a pixel at a certain position. Each time the reading control unit 7 reads the white reference plate 29, it obtains a reference white reference value and a reference ratio for each pixel of each color, and stores them in the storage unit 71. As a result, reference ratio data in consideration of environmental factors actually installed can be obtained.

  In the reference ratio data 2, the white reference value used for obtaining the average value may be a white reference value obtained with use of each image reading apparatus 100 over a plurality of days. Further, when reading a document, the reading of the white reference plate 29 may be repeated several tens to several hundreds of times, and an average value of the white reference values of the respective colors obtained by repeating several tens of times to several hundreds of times may be used. What white reference value is used to determine the average value of each pixel of each color can be arbitrarily determined.

  In this embodiment, in order to obtain a reference ratio (ideal ratio), which one of the reference ratio data 1 and the reference ratio data 2 is used can be determined as appropriate. Any one of the reference ratio data 1 and the reference ratio data 2 may be stored.

  The white reference value whose ratio has been adjusted is held in the reference value holding unit 91. Then, the reading control unit 7 causes the original to be read, and causes the shading correction unit 9 to perform shading correction on the image data of each line obtained by reading based on the white reference value whose ratio is adjusted (step #). 16). Then, upon completion of the document reading job, this flow ends (END).

  As described above, the image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a light source (lamp 25) that irradiates a reading target and a line sensor 8 (line sensors 8R to 3) including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for a plurality of colors. Each pixel of each color based on the pixel value of each pixel of each color obtained by reading the image sensor 24, the white reference member (white reference plate 29), and the white reference member read by the light source A reference value holding unit 91 that acquires the white reference value of the image, a shading correction unit 9 that performs shading correction on the image data of each color obtained by reading the image sensor 24 using the white reference value, and the same position A reference data storage unit (storage unit 71) that stores reference ratio data that is data for determining a reference ratio of a white reference value between each color of pixels, and a pixel at the same position. A white reference setting unit (reading control unit 7) that adjusts the ratio of white reference values of pixels other than the reference color so that one of the plurality of colors is set as a reference color and matches the reference ratio determined by the reference ratio data. ) And.

  Thereby, the ratio of the magnitude | size of the white reference value of each color is adjusted so that it may correspond with a reference | standard. Therefore, even if a white reference value that is not appropriate for a certain pixel is acquired due to noise or the like, the color balance of each color does not collapse, and the color of a specific pixel differs greatly from the color of other pixels. Degradation of image quality (such as streaking in image data) can be prevented.

  Further, the white reference setting unit (reading control unit 7) adjusts the ratio of the white reference values of colors other than the reference color so as to match the reference ratio for all pixels included in the line. Thereby, the ratio of each white reference value is adjusted for each pixel, and the color of all the pixels can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pixels with different colors and improve the image quality of the image data.

  The reference data storage unit (storage unit 71) is a predetermined fixed reference ratio data and an average value of pixel values of each pixel of each color obtained by reading the white reference member (white reference plate 29). Either or both of these are stored as reference ratio data. As a result, the reference ratio can be obtained using fixed reference ratio data determined in advance at the time of shipment or manufacture, or reference ratio data based on results obtained by actual use.

  Further, the image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction machine 101) includes the image reading apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. As a result, image formation or the like can be performed using image data in which deterioration in image quality (such as streaking) is prevented. Therefore, a high-quality image forming apparatus (for example, the multifunction peripheral 101) can be provided.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of white reference value ratio adjustment processing according to the second embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the ratio of white reference values of colors other than the reference color is adjusted in order to adjust the color balance for all pixels in the main scanning direction. In the present embodiment, when the obtained white reference value exceeds the allowable range with respect to the basic value, white reference values of different colors exceeding the allowable range (hereinafter referred to as “abnormal white reference values”). to correct. The difference from the first embodiment is that the ratio of white reference values of colors other than the reference color is adjusted only for pixels that have been corrected because they differ beyond the allowable range.

  In other respects, the image reading apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment may be the same as the image reading apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, unless otherwise described, the description and illustration are omitted for parts common to the first embodiment, assuming that the contents described in the first embodiment can be used.

  As long as there is no noise or disturbance, the white reference values of the three colors R, G, and B of the same pixel often do not fluctuate greatly. Therefore, in the present embodiment, white reference value correction and ratio adjustment are performed only for pixels in which the balance of each color is likely to be lost due to noise or the like (pixels in which the abnormal white reference value is corrected). Thereby, the color balance in each pixel can be achieved with fewer processes and calculations than in the first embodiment.

  First, the start in FIG. 11 is a time point when an instruction to read a document is instructed by input to the operation panel 1a for copying or scanning (for example, the start key 18 is pressed). Then, the control unit 6 gives an instruction to perform reading to the reading control unit 7.

  As the document starts to be read, the reading control unit 7 causes the reference value holding unit 91 to acquire the black reference value (similar to step # 21 and step # 11 in FIG. 9). Next, the reading control unit 7 causes the image sensor 24 to read the white reference plate 29 (step # 22, similar to step # 12 in FIG. 9). Further, the reading control unit 7 causes the reference value holding unit 91 to acquire the white reference value of each pixel of each color (similar to step # 23 and step # 13 in FIG. 9).

  Then, the reading control unit 7 reads the reference ratio data from the storage unit 71 (step # 24, similar to step # 14 in FIG. 9). Next, the reading control unit 7 specifies a white reference value (abnormal white reference value) that is different from the basic value and exceeds the allowable range among the white reference values of each color and each pixel held in the reference value holding unit 91 ( (Step # 25). Further, the reading control unit 7 corrects the abnormal white reference value (step # 26). Further, the reading control unit 7 performs a ratio adjustment process on the pixel (the pixel including the abnormal white reference value) whose white reference value has been corrected (step # 27).

  Here, step # 24 to step # 27 will be described.

  First, the reference ratio data of the present embodiment includes a basic value that is a basic value of the white reference value for each pixel of each color. For example, the storage unit 71 is included in the reference ratio data 1 and the reference ratio data 2 shown in FIG. 10, and can handle a white reference value as a reference for each color and each pixel as a basic value. Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the ratio of the white reference value other than the reference color to the white reference value of the reference color is stored for each pixel, the white reference value ratio adjustment process can be performed. It was. However, in this embodiment, the reference ratio data includes the white reference value (basic value) that serves as a reference for each color and each pixel. If the white reference value (basic value) serving as a reference for each color is stored in the storage unit 71, the reading control unit 7 uses the white reference value used as a reference for colors other than the reference color as the reference for the reference color. By dividing by the white reference value, the reference ratio can be obtained.

  Then, the reading control unit 7 uses the reference ratio data to detect a white reference value (abnormal white reference value) that is different from the basic value and exceeds the allowable range among the white reference values of each color and each pixel (Step #). 25). Thereby, a white reference value in which an abnormality is recognized due to noise or the like is detected.

  In addition, in terms of pixel values, the allowable range is a range of ± 10 to ± tens with respect to the basic value. It can be arbitrarily determined how large or small the basic value is to exceed the allowable range.

  Then, the reading control unit 7 corrects the abnormal white reference value (step # 26). For example, the reading control unit 7 replaces the white reference value in a direction that brings the abnormal white reference value closer to the basic value. For example, the reading control unit 7 corrects the abnormal white reference value by replacing it with the average value of the abnormal white reference value and the basic value. Further, the reading control unit 7 may correct the abnormal white reference value by replacing it with the basic value itself. If there is no abnormal white reference value, it is not necessary to perform white reference value correction or white reference value ratio adjustment processing other than the reference color.

  Further, the reading control unit 7 performs a ratio adjustment process on the pixel (the pixel including the abnormal white reference value) whose white reference value has been corrected (step # 27). The content of the ratio adjustment process for adjusting the ratio of each white reference value is the same as in the first embodiment. In this ratio adjustment process, the color obtained by correcting the white reference value (the color that was the abnormal white reference value) can be used as the reference color. For example, the reading control unit 7 uses the corrected color as the reference color because it includes the abnormal white reference value, and adjusts the white reference value of a color other than the reference color based on the reference ratio. Accordingly, it is possible to adjust the white reference values of other colors based on the color with the abnormal white reference value corrected, and balance the white reference values of the respective colors.

  Then, the ratio-adjusted white reference value is held in the reference value holding unit 91. Next, the reading control unit 7 reads the original, and causes the shading correction unit 9 to perform shading correction on the image data of each line obtained by the reading based on the white reference value whose ratio is adjusted (step). # 28). Then, upon completion of the original reading job in this embodiment, this flow ends (END).

  In this way, in the image reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the reference data storage unit (storage unit 71) stores the basic value of the white reference value of each pixel, and the white reference setting unit (reading control unit 7) Among the white reference values of each pixel obtained by reading the white reference member (white reference plate 29), a white reference value different from the basic value exceeding a predetermined allowable range is detected, and the detected pixel The white reference value is corrected so as to approach the basic value, and the ratio adjustment is performed so that the pixel for which the white reference value is corrected matches the reference ratio.

  Thereby, in addition to the effects obtained by the image reading apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, according to the image reading apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the white of the pixel that has become an abnormal white reference value due to noise or the like. The reference value is corrected to an appropriate value (basic value), and the ratio of the white reference value of each color is also adjusted. Therefore, even if an abnormal white reference value is corrected, the color balance of each color is not lost and it is possible to prevent the color of the pixel whose white reference value has been corrected from being different from that of other pixels.

  The white reference setting unit (reading control unit 7) corrects the detected white reference value of the pixel to the average value of the current white reference value and the basic value. Thereby, the white reference value that may be abnormal can be corrected in a direction that is recognized as appropriate.

  Other embodiments will be described. In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the reading control unit 7 is used as the white reference setting unit has been described. However, for example, a circuit that adjusts and corrects the white reference value of each color and each pixel may be provided in the shading correction unit 9 so that portions other than the reading control unit 7 adjust and correct the white reference value. .

  The storage unit 71 in the image reading apparatus 100 is taken as an example of a storage unit (reference data storage unit) that stores reference ratio data and basic values, but other storage units (such as the storage unit 62 on the main body side). Memory) may be used as the reference data storage unit. For example, when the storage unit 62 on the main body side is used as a reference data storage unit, the reading control unit 7 receives reference ratio data and basic values via the control unit 6.

  The present invention is applicable to an image reading apparatus that performs shading correction and an image forming apparatus that includes the image reading apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image reading apparatus 100 Image reading apparatus 1 Original conveyance part 2 Image reading part 25 Lamp (light source) 24 Image sensor 29 White reference board (white reference member) 7 Reading control part (white reference setting part)
71 Storage unit (reference data storage unit) 8 Line sensor 8R Line sensor (Red) 8G Line sensor (Green)
8B Line sensor (Blue) 9 Shading correction part 91 Reference value holding part

Claims (6)

A light source that illuminates the reading object;
An image sensor that includes a plurality of line sensors including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, and that reads a reading target irradiated by the light source;
A white reference member;
A reference value holding unit that acquires a white reference value of each pixel of each color based on a pixel value of each pixel of each color obtained by reading the white reference member;
Using the white reference value, a shading correction unit that performs shading correction on image data of each color obtained by reading the image sensor;
A reference data storage unit that stores reference ratio data that is data for determining a reference ratio of the white reference value between colors of pixels at the same position;
For a pixel at the same position, one of a plurality of colors is set as a reference color, and a white reference for adjusting the white reference value of pixels other than the reference color so as to coincide with a reference ratio determined by the reference ratio data An image reading apparatus comprising: a setting unit. The reference data storage unit stores a basic value of the white reference value of each pixel,
The white reference setting unit detects the white reference value that is different from the basic value and exceeds a predetermined allowable range among the white reference values of each pixel obtained by reading the white reference member, The white reference value of a detected pixel is corrected so as to approach the basic value, and the ratio adjustment is performed so that the pixel for which the white reference value is corrected matches the reference ratio. The image reading apparatus according to 1.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the white reference setting unit corrects the white reference value of the detected pixel to an average value of the current white reference value and the basic value.   The white reference setting unit adjusts the ratio with respect to the white reference value of a color other than the reference color so as to match the reference ratio for all pixels included in a line. The image reading apparatus described in 1.   The reference data storage unit uses either one or both of a predetermined fixed reference ratio data and an average value of pixel values of each pixel of each color obtained by reading the white reference member as the reference. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is stored as ratio data.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to claim 1.

Images