JP2016072833A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader that is able to satisfactorily restrict, after the supply of the following document, temporary stop of conveyance of the document, compared to a conventional image reader.SOLUTION: According to the content of a data process using image data, a distance between sheets of paper is set. The distance between sheets of paper corresponds to a time difference between the timing at which the image of a preceding sheet is read by a first reading part and a second reading part and the timing at which the image of a following sheet is read by the first reading part and the second reading part. For example, the more complex the content of a data process is, the longer time required for the data process is set. According to the set distance between the sheets of paper, the operation of the separation roller is controlled when the following sheet is supplied to a conveyance path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image reading apparatus including an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) mechanism has been provided.

  In this type of image reading apparatus, when a plurality of originals are set on a tray, the originals are sequentially supplied to the conveyance path one by one at regular time intervals, and the image of the original is read by an image sensor. It is done. When the document is continuously supplied to the conveyance path, if image data of the preceding document remains in the memory at a predetermined timing, the conveyance of the subsequent document is temporarily stopped.

  In order to temporarily stop the conveyance of the document, the motor that drives the conveyance mechanism is decelerated and stopped, and when the conveyance of the document is resumed, the motor must be accelerated to a constant speed. For this reason, when the conveyance of the original is temporarily stopped, the processing capability of the image reading apparatus, that is, the number of originals that the image reading apparatus can read per unit time decreases.

  Therefore, paying attention to the fact that the larger the data amount of image data, the longer it takes to transfer the image data from the memory, and according to the data amount of the image data of the preceding document, the preceding document and the following document It has been proposed to vary the distance (between sheets) (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-31890 A

  However, it has been found that the situation in which new image data cannot be stored in the memory because the image data remains in the memory is not limited to the case where the amount of image data of the preceding document is large, and may occur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of better suppressing the temporary stop of conveyance of a document after the subsequent document is supplied.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a supply unit that separates sheet-like originals one by one and supplies the original to the conveyance path, and conveys the original supplied to the conveyance path. An image reading unit that reads an image of a document conveyed by the conveyance unit, generates image data of the image, an image data output unit that outputs image data, a storage unit, and a control unit. The control unit performs a data capture process for storing the image data generated by the image reading unit in the storage unit, and a predetermined process using the image data stored in the storage unit after the data capture process, Data processing for storing the processed image data in the storage unit, output processing for outputting the image data stored in the storage unit to the image data output unit after the data processing, and the image of the preceding document are read by the image reading unit Read In the inter-paper distance setting process and the inter-paper distance setting process, the inter-paper distance corresponding to the time difference between the imming and the timing at which the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit is set according to the content of the data processing. A supply operation control process for controlling the operation of the supply unit when a subsequent document is supplied to the conveyance path is executed according to the set inter-paper distance.

  According to this configuration, it corresponds to the time difference between the timing at which the image of the preceding document is read by the image reading unit and the timing at which the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit according to the content of the processing using the image data. The distance between papers to be set is set. For example, the distance between the sheets is set to be larger as the content of the process is more complicated and the time required for the process is longer. Then, the operation of the supply unit when the subsequent document is supplied to the conveyance path is controlled according to the set inter-paper distance. Therefore, the processing using the image data of the preceding document can be terminated and the image data stored in the storage unit can be output until the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the conveyance of the original document from being temporarily stopped after the subsequent document supply.

  The processing in the data processing may include data compression processing for compressing image data, and the control unit may set the inter-paper distance in the inter-paper distance setting process according to the type of data compression processing.

  According to this configuration, when the process using the image data includes a data compression process for compressing the image data, the distance between the preceding document and the succeeding document is set according to the type of the data compression process. Is done. For example, when a data compression process that requires a relatively long time is executed, the inter-paper distance is set larger than when a data compression process that is completed in a relatively short time is executed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the compression of the image data of the preceding document is finished before the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit.

  The processing in the data processing includes an inclination correction process for correcting the inclination of the image of the original with respect to the conveyance direction when the original is conveyed in a state inclined with respect to the conveyance direction by the conveyance unit. In the distance setting process, when the inclination correction process is performed, the inter-paper distance may be set larger than when the inclination correction process is not performed.

  According to this configuration, when the tilt correction process is performed, the distance between the preceding document and the subsequent document is set larger than when the tilt correction process is not performed. Thus, there is a high possibility that the tilt correction process using the image data of the preceding document is completed before the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit.

  The processing in the data processing includes a size detection process for detecting the size of the document, and the control unit determines that the paper distance is greater when the size detection process is performed in the paper distance setting process than when the size detection process is not performed. May be set larger.

  According to this configuration, when the size detection process is performed, the distance between the preceding document and the subsequent document is set larger than when the size detection process is not performed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the size detection process using the image data of the preceding document is completed before the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit.

  The processing in the data processing may include a leading edge detection process for detecting the inclination of the leading edge of the document conveyed by the conveyance unit.

  When the inclination correction process or the size detection process is performed, a leading edge detection process for detecting the inclination of the leading edge of the document is performed.

  In the leading edge detection processing, for example, reading of an image by the image reading unit is started before the leading edge of the document reaches the image reading position by the image reading unit (tip overscan), and the entire width of the leading edge of the document is included. The leading edge of the document is detected by analyzing the image data in the area (leading edge analysis area). When the detection of the leading edge of the document is successful, the inclination of the leading edge of the document with respect to the main scanning direction (the same as the inclination of the document with respect to the document conveyance direction) is detected.

  In the inter-paper distance setting process, the control unit may set the inter-paper distance according to the magnitude of the inclination detected in the leading edge detection process.

  According to this configuration, the distance between the preceding document and the succeeding document is set according to the inclination of the leading edge of the document.

  In the inclination correction process and the size detection process, an image is read by the image reading unit even after the rear end of the document has passed the image reading position by the image reading unit (rear end overscan). The length of the trailing edge overscan is set larger as the inclination of the leading edge of the document is larger so that the entire width of the trailing edge of the document is included in the reading area by the trailing edge overscan. Then, by analyzing image data in an area (rear end analysis area) including the entire width of the rear end edge of the document, the rear end of the document is detected, and the inclination of the rear end of the document with respect to the main scanning direction is obtained. Thereafter, from the detected inclination of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document, a correction amount of the document inclination is set in the inclination correction process, and the length in the document conveyance direction is obtained in the size detection process.

  As the inclination of the leading edge of the document is larger, the length of the trailing edge overscan is set larger, so that it takes longer time to analyze the image data in the trailing edge analysis area. By setting the distance between the preceding document and the succeeding document according to the inclination of the leading edge of the document, the image data of the preceding document is read until the image of the succeeding document is read by the image reading unit. There is a high possibility that the used tilt correction processing and / or size detection processing will be completed.

  In the inter-paper distance setting process, the control unit may set the inter-paper distance smaller when the detection of the leading edge of the document by the leading edge detection process fails than when the detection is successful.

  According to this configuration, when the detection of the leading edge of the document by the leading edge detection process fails, the analysis of the image data in the trailing edge analysis area is not performed, so that the preceding document is followed after the detection is successful. The distance between the paper and the original is set small. Thereby, reading of the image of the subsequent document can be started at an early stage, and the processing capability of the image reading apparatus can be improved.

  The processing in the data processing includes blank sheet removal processing for removing image data of the blank image from the storage unit when the document image is a blank image. The control unit performs blank sheet removal processing in the inter-paper distance setting processing. If it is performed, the inter-paper distance may be set larger than when the blank paper removal process is not performed.

  According to this configuration, when the blank sheet removal process is performed, the distance between the preceding document and the subsequent document is set larger than when the blank sheet removal process is not performed. Thus, there is a high possibility that the blank sheet removal process using the image data of the preceding document is completed before the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit.

  The processing in the data processing includes color type detection processing for detecting the color type of the image of the document. When the color type detection processing is performed in the inter-paper distance setting processing, the color type detection processing is not performed. The inter-paper distance may be set larger than the case.

  According to this configuration, when the color type detection process is performed, the distance between the preceding document and the subsequent document is set larger than when the color type detection process is not performed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the color type detection process using the image data of the preceding document is completed before the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit.

  In the supply operation control process, the control unit may change the timing for starting the operation of the supply unit according to the inter-paper distance set in the inter-paper distance setting process.

  According to this configuration, the timing for starting the operation of the supply unit is changed according to the set inter-paper distance. In other words, by changing the time from the start of the supply of the preceding document to the start of the supply of the subsequent document, the distance between the preceding document and the subsequent document is changed.

  In the supply operation control process, the control unit may change the document supply speed by the supply unit in accordance with the inter-paper distance set in the inter-paper distance setting process.

  According to this configuration, the document supply speed by the supply unit is changed according to the set inter-paper distance. In other words, the distance between the sheets of the preceding document and the succeeding document is changed by changing the document supply speed by the supply unit.

  The control unit may execute a setting reception process that receives a setting of a process content in the data process.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to set the content of processing using the image data stored in the storage unit. Then, the distance between the preceding document and the succeeding document is changed according to the set processing content.

  The control unit may execute the inter-paper distance setting process after the data processing is started.

  The inter-paper distance between the preceding document and the succeeding document may be set after the start of processing using the image data of the preceding image.

  The control unit may execute the inter-paper distance setting process before starting the data processing.

  The inter-paper distance between the preceding document and the following document may be set before the start of processing using the image data of the preceding image.

  According to the present invention, in the image reading apparatus, it is possible to more effectively suppress the conveyance of the original document from being temporarily stopped after the subsequent original document is supplied.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the flow of a reading process. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the flow of a reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a paper distance setting. It is a table | surface which shows the selection content of each setting mode, the selection content of each setting function, and the relationship between paper distance. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a reading parallel process. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a sheet conveyed in a skew state as viewed from above. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the flow of the reading process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the flow of the reading process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart (the 3) which shows the flow of the reading process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Overall configuration>

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 and a tray 3. The housing 2 includes an upper frame 4 and a lower frame 5.

  In the following description, the side in which the tray 3 is located with respect to the housing 2 is defined as the rear side, and the upper frame 4 side with respect to the lower frame 5 is defined as the upper side.

  The upper frame 4 overlaps the lower frame 5 from above.

  The tray 3 is fixed to the upper frame 4 at the rear upper part of the housing 2 and extends from the rear end of the upper frame 4 to the rear upper side. On the tray 3, sheets A made of A4 size and letter size thin paper or thick paper can be placed.

  The upper frame 4 is arranged with an interval in the vertical direction with respect to the lower frame 5. An insertion port 6 formed between the rear end edge of the upper frame 4 and the rear end edge of the lower frame 5 is open to the rear upper side. Further, the discharge port 7 formed between the front end edge of the upper frame 4 and the front end edge of the lower frame 5 is open to the front side. Between the upper frame 4 and the lower frame 5 is a conveyance path 8 through which the sheet S is conveyed. The conveyance path 8 is formed by connecting the insertion port 6 and the discharge port 7. The sheet S is introduced into the conveyance path 8 from the insertion port 6 and is conveyed toward the discharge port 7 through the conveyance path 8.

  The image reading apparatus 1 includes a separation roller 9 as an example of a supply unit, a reverse roller 10, a pair of conveying rollers 11, a first reading unit 12 as an example of an image reading unit, and a second reading as an example of an image reading unit. A section 13 and a pair of paper discharge rollers 14 are provided.

  The separation roller 9, the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 are provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. The separation roller 9 and the reverse roller 10 are disposed on the front side of the insertion port 6. One conveyance roller 11 is disposed on the front side of the separation roller 9. The other transport roller 11 is disposed above one transport roller 11. The pair of paper discharge rollers 14 is disposed on the rear side of the discharge port 7.

  The first reading unit 12 is disposed on the front side of the one transport roller 11 with the reading surface facing upward. The first reading unit 12 extends in the left-right direction, and the left-right direction is the main scanning direction.

  The second reading unit 13 is arranged on the front side of the other transport roller 11 with the reading surface facing downward. The second reading unit 13 extends in the left-right direction, and the left-right direction is the main scanning direction.

  The image reading apparatus 1 includes a front sensor 15 and a rear sensor 16.

  The front sensor 15 is disposed in the vicinity of the insertion port 6 on the front lower side of the front lower end portion of the tray 3. The front sensor 15 detects the presence or absence of a sheet S as an example of a document placed on the tray 3 at the position of the front sensor 15.

  The rear sensor 16 is disposed on the rear side of the conveyance roller 11 in the middle of the conveyance path 8. The rear sensor 16 detects the presence or absence of the seat S at the position of the rear sensor 16. Thereby, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet S conveyed in the conveying path 8 are detected.

<Scanning sheet image>

  When reading the image of the sheet S, the tray 3 is placed in the open position as shown in FIG. Then, the sheet S is placed on the tray 3.

  The sheet S placed on the tray 3 is inserted into the insertion slot 6 until the leading end thereof contacts the separation roller 9 and the reverse roller 10. At this time, the separation roller 9, the reverse roller 10, the lower conveyance roller 11, and the lower discharge roller 14 are rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side. Further, the upper transport roller 11 and the upper paper discharge roller 14 are rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side, following the rotation of the lower transport roller 11 and the lower paper discharge roller 14, respectively.

  When the sheet S comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the separation roller 9, a conveying force is applied from the separation roller 9 to the lowermost sheet S among the sheets S placed on the tray 3, and the lowermost sheet S. Is pulled between the separation roller 9 and the reverse roller 10. The reverse roller 10 applies a force in the direction opposite to the conveying direction to the sheet S with a weaker torque than the separation roller 9. As a result, the lowermost sheet S that has been pulled in and the other sheet S thereon are separated, and one sheet S passes between the separation roller 9 and the reverse roller 10.

  When the sheet S comes into contact with the peripheral surfaces of the pair of transport rollers 11, a transport force is applied from the transport rollers 11 to the sheet S. With this conveyance force, the sheet S is conveyed to the front side and passes between the pair of conveyance rollers 11.

  Thereafter, the sheet S passes between the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. At this time, light is irradiated from the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 to the sheet S on the reading surface of the first reading unit 12 and the reading surface of the second reading unit 13, respectively. Then, the reflected light from the sheet S is received by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13, whereby the images on both sides of the sheet S are read.

  When the sheet S comes into contact with the peripheral surfaces of the pair of paper discharge rollers 14, a conveying force is applied to the sheet S from the paper discharge rollers 14. With this conveying force, the sheet S is conveyed to the front side and discharged through the discharge port 18.

<Electrical configuration>

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image reading apparatus 1 includes a network interface (I / F) 30, a USB interface (I / F) 40, and a control unit 50.

  A network interface 30 as an example of an image data output unit includes a circuit for performing communication via an LAN with an external device such as a PC (personal computer) connected to a LAN (Local Area Network). I have.

  A USB interface 40 as an example of an image data output unit is an interface (USB port) for connecting a removable medium such as a USB memory.

  The control unit 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a RAM 53. The CPU 51 controls the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 by executing programs for various processes, and controls data communication via the network interface 30. In addition, the CPU 51 controls writing of data to a removable medium connected to the USB interface 40. Further, the CPU 51 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the front sensor 15 when the front sensor 15 detects the sheet S. The CPU 51 receives a detection signal (ON signal) from the rear sensor 16 when the rear sensor 16 detects the sheet S. The CPU 51 can detect the passage of the front end and the rear end of the sheet S at the position of the rear sensor 16 based on the on / off change of the signal input from the rear sensor 16.

  The ROM 52 stores programs executed by the CPU 51 and various data.

  A RAM 53 as an example of a storage unit is used as a work area when the CPU 51 executes a program.

  The first reading unit 12 includes a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) 21A and an AFE (Analog Front End) 22A. The second reading unit 13 includes a CIS 21B and an AFE 22B. In the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13, the image of the original is read by the CIS 21A and 21B, an analog image signal is output from the CIS 21A and 21B, and the analog image signal is converted into digital image data by the AFE 22A and 22B. Is done.

  In addition, the image reading apparatus includes a first motor 61 and a second motor 62.

  The driving force of the first motor 61 is transmitted to the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 14 to rotate the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 14.

  The driving force of the second motor 62 is transmitted to the separation roller 9 and rotates the separation roller 9.

<Reading process>

  While the power of the image reading apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 repeatedly executes the reading process shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B every time a reading instruction is received.

  In the reading process, the CPU 51 executes mode setting for storing the reading mode in the RAM 53 (S1). The reading mode is input by a user from an operation unit (not shown) or automatically designated.

  The reading mode includes a setting mode and a setting function. As the setting mode, for example, an output destination, a read color type, and a compression method can be set. In addition, as the setting function, inclination correction, size detection, blank page removal, and color type detection can be set.

  In setting the output destination, “SCAN TO USB” for selecting a removable medium connected to the USB interface 40 and “PC-SCAN” for selecting a device connected to the network interface 30 as the output destination of the read image data. Is set.

  In the setting of the read color type, one of color (Color), black and white (BW), gray scale (Gray), and automatic (Auto) is set as the color type in reading the image of the sheet S.

  In the compression method setting, as the image data compression method, “PackBits”, “Jpeg”, or “MH” is input by the user, or corresponding to another setting mode or setting function, One of “PackBits”, “Jpeg”, and “MH” is automatically set. For example, when “SCAN TO USB” is set as the output destination setting and black and white is set as the reading color type, “MH” is automatically set as the compression method.

  The tilt correction function is a function for correcting the tilt of the image of the sheet S with respect to the transport direction when the sheet S is transported in a state tilted with respect to the transport direction. When the tilt correction function is set, tilt correction processing by the CPU 51 is executed. In the inclination correction process, the edge data of the sheet S is extracted from the image data. Then, an inclination angle with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S is obtained from the edge data, and the image data is rotationally corrected according to the inclination angle.

  The size detection function is a function for detecting the size of the sheet S. When the size detection function is set, the size detection process by the CPU 51 is executed. In the size detection process, the edge data of the sheet S is extracted from the image data. For example, the edge data of the leading edge of the sheet S is extracted, and the size of the sheet S is detected as the standard size from the main scanning width of the leading edge acquired from the edge data. Further, edge data of each side of the main scanning direction and the sub operation direction (conveying direction) of the sheet S is extracted, and the length of the sheet S in the main scanning direction and the sub operation direction obtained from the edge data is calculated. The size of S may be detected.

  The blank sheet removing function is a function for removing image data of the blank sheet image from the RAM 53 when the image of the sheet S is a blank sheet image. When the blank paper removal function is set, the blank paper removal process by the CPU 51 is executed. In the blank sheet removal process, it is determined whether the sheet is blank based on either the luminance component in the sheet S or RGB in the image data.

  In the color type detection function, when automatic (Auto) is selected and specified as the read color type in the setting mode, the color type of the read image of the sheet S is color (Color), black and white (BW), or gray scale (Gray). It is a function to detect which one is. When the color type detection function is set, the color type detection process by the CPU 51 is executed. In the color type detection process, for example, image data is divided into a luminance component and a color difference component, and the color type of the image is determined based on the luminance component and the color difference component. Alternatively, RGB values may be acquired from the image data, and the color type of the image may be determined based on the RGB values.

  Then, the CPU 51 sets a front end reading start position and a rear end reading end position (S2). The CPU 51 can detect the front end position and the rear end position of the sheet S based on on / off of the signal input from the rear sensor 16. However, the detection position is the arrangement position of the rear sensor 16, that is, one point in the left-right direction (for example, the center in the left-right direction) in the transport path 8.

  When the sheet S is conveyed while being skewed, as shown in FIG. 7, the front end position of the sheet S is such that one end in the left-right direction is located on the front side in the conveyance direction from the detection position, and the rear end position of the sheet S is One end in the left-right direction is located on the rear side in the transport direction from the detection position. Therefore, in order to read the entire skewed sheet S, the leading end overscan length is read in front of the detection position at the leading edge of the sheet S, and the trailing edge over is detected behind the detection position at the trailing edge of the sheet S. It is necessary to read extra scan length. Therefore, when the tilt correction function or the size detection function is set to ON, the position on the front side of the leading edge overscan length from the leading edge of the sheet S is set as the leading edge reading start position, and the trailing edge of the trailing edge overscan length from the trailing edge of the sheet S. Is stored in the RAM 53 as the rear end reading end position, whereby the front end reading start position and the rear end reading end position are set.

  Next, the CPU 51 drives the first motor 61 (S3). Thereby, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is started.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 initializes a data processing start flag that is a trigger for starting the data processing to be off (S4). Data processing will be described later in the description of FIG.

  Then, the CPU 51 drives the second motor 62 (S5). Thereby, the rotation of the separation roller 9 is started, and the feeding of the sheet S is started.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the ON signal is input until the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 to the CPU 51 (S5: NO) (S6).

  When the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 (S6: YES), that is, when the leading end of the sheet S reaches the position of the rear sensor 16, the CPU 51 stops the second motor 62 (S7). Accordingly, the rotation of the separation roller 9 is stopped, and the sheet S is stopped. At this time, since the first motor 61 is not stopped, the transport of the fed sheet S is continued by the transport roller 11. While the sheet S is conveyed while being sandwiched between the separation roller 9 and the reverse roller 10, the separation roller 9 is moved by the sheet S and rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the right side.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data processing end flag is on (S8). The data processing is data processing of image data read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 from the sheet S conveyed immediately before the currently conveyed sheet S. Data processing is executed by parallel reading processing that is executed in parallel with the reading processing. The data processing end flag is turned on by reading parallel processing when the data processing ends. When the currently conveyed sheet S is the first sheet, since the reading parallel processing has not yet been executed, the data processing end flag is set to OFF as an initial value. Details of the parallel reading process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When the data processing end flag is on (S8: YES), the CPU 51 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 until the first predetermined time has elapsed (S9: NO). Is determined (S). The first predetermined time is a time from when the leading edge of the sheet S passes the position of the rear sensor 16 until reaching the reading start position of the first reading unit 12.

  On the other hand, when the data processing end flag is off (S8: NO), since the data processing is not ended, the CPU 51 stops the first motor 61 (S10). Accordingly, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is stopped, and the transport of the sheet S is stopped.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 repeatedly determines whether or not the data processing end flag has been turned on (S11). Until the data processing end flag is turned on, the CPU 51 does not proceed to the subsequent processing.

  When the data processing end flag is turned on (S11: YES), the CPU 51 drives the first motor 61 (S12). Accordingly, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the conveyance roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is resumed, and the conveyance of the sheet S is resumed.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 until the first predetermined time has elapsed (S9: NO) (S9).

  When the first predetermined time has elapsed (S9: YES), since the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the reading start position of the first reading unit 12, the CPU 51 transfers the sheet to the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. Data fetching by reading an image from S is started (S13).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data acquisition of the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S14) until the data acquisition of the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S14: NO). The predetermined number of scanning lines is, for example, the number of scanning lines that is one third of the total number of scanning lines of the sheet S.

  When the data acquisition of the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S14: YES), the CPU 51 turns on the data processing start flag that triggers the start of the data processing (S15).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an ON signal is input from the front sensor 15, that is, whether or not the next sheet S is placed on the tray 3 (S16).

  When the ON signal is not input from the front sensor 15 (S16: NO), since the next sheet S is not placed on the tray 3, the CPU 51 outputs an ON signal from the rear sensor 16 by the final sheet S. Until the second predetermined time has elapsed (S17: NO), it is determined whether or not the second predetermined time has elapsed (S17). The second predetermined time is a time sufficient for the final sheet S to be discharged.

  Then, the CPU 51 stops the first motor 61 (S18) and ends the reading process. As a result, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is stopped.

  When the ON signal is input from the front sensor 15 (S16: YES), since the next sheet S is placed on the tray 3, the CPU 51 executes the inter-sheet distance setting (S19). Details of the inter-paper distance setting will be described later.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the sheet feeding timing has been reached (S20) until the sheet feeding timing corresponding to the sheet spacing set by the sheet spacing setting is reached (S20: NO).

  When the paper feed timing corresponding to the inter-paper distance has been reached (S20: YES), the CPU 51 returns to the process of step S4 described above, turns off the data processing start flag, drives the second motor 62, and performs step By executing the processes after S6, the feeding of the next sheet S is started.

<Paper distance setting>

  The flow of setting the inter-sheet distance executed in step S19 in FIG. 3B is shown in FIG.

  In the inter-paper distance setting, the CPU 51 first checks the setting mode stored in the RAM 53 (S191). Specifically, the CPU 51 sets either “SCAN TO USB” or “PC-SCAN” as the output destination, and any of “Color”, “BW”, “Gray”, or “Auto” as the read color type. And the setting of “PackBits”, “Jpeg”, or “MH” as the compression method is stored in the RAM 53.

  Next, the CPU 51 confirms the setting function (S192). Specifically, the CPU 51 checks on / off settings stored in the RAM 53 for the functions of tilt correction, size detection, blank sheet removal, and color type detection.

  Next, the CPU 51 confirms the tip analysis result in the tip detection process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 (S193). Specifically, the CPU 51 confirms the information on the success or failure of the tip analysis stored in the RAM 53 and the amount of inclination when the tip analysis is successful. If the tip detection processing has not been completed yet and the tip analysis result has not yet been output, the tip analysis result is confirmed after waiting until the tip analysis result is output.

  For the tip detection process, for example, reading of an image by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 is started from the tip reading start position stored in the RAM 53 (tip overscan). Then, an image of a region (tip analysis region) including the entire width of the leading edge of the sheet S is read. In the tip detection process, image data of the tip analysis region is used. Edge data of the leading edge of the sheet S is extracted from the image data in the leading edge analysis area, and the leading edge of the sheet S is detected based on the edge data. When the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S is successful, the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S with respect to the main scanning direction (the same as the inclination of the document with respect to the conveyance direction of the sheet S) is detected.

  Next, the CPU 51 sets the paper distance according to the setting mode, the setting function, and the tip analysis result (S194), and returns the paper distance setting.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the output destination is “PC-SCAN”, the inter-paper distance is set larger than when the output destination setting is “SCAN TO USB”.

  For example, the inter-paper distance is set to the largest when the read color type is “Color”, then set to the largest when “Gray”, and set to the smallest when “BW”.

  For example, the distance between sheets is set to the largest when the compression method is “MH”, then set to the largest when “Jpeg”, and is set to the smallest when “PackBits”.

  For example, the inter-paper distance is set larger when the tilt correction function is on than when the tilt correction function is off.

  The inter-paper distance is set larger when the size detection function is on than when the size detection function is off.

  The inter-paper distance is set larger when the blank paper removal function is on than when the blank paper removal function is off.

  The inter-paper distance is set larger when the color type detection function is on than when the color type detection function is off.

  For example, when the leading edge analysis is successful by the leading edge detection process, the inter-paper distance is set to be larger than when the leading edge analysis fails, and is set to be larger as the inclination amount is larger. For example, when the leading edge of the sheet S is not detected by the leading edge detection process, it is determined that the leading edge analysis has failed. If the leading edge of the sheet S detected by the leading edge detection process is not linear, it is determined that the leading edge analysis has failed.

<Reading parallel processing>

  In parallel with the reading process, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 repeatedly executes the reading parallel process shown in FIG.

  In the reading parallel processing, it is determined whether or not the data processing start flag is on (S21).

  When the data processing start flag is off (S21: NO), the CPU 51 ends the reading parallel processing.

  When the data processing start flag is on (S21: YES), the CPU 51 starts data processing for the image data of the sheet S in which the predetermined number of lines has been fetched (S22).

  In the data processing, processing designated for execution among compression processing, tilt correction processing, size detection processing, blank sheet removal processing, and color type detection processing is performed according to the reading mode stored in the RAM 53.

  When the inclination correction process or the size detection process is performed, the leading edge detection process for detecting the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S is also performed in S22.

  Then, the CPU 51 turns off the data processing end flag (S23).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data processing is completed (S24) until the data processing is completed (S24: NO).

  When the data processing ends (S24: YES), the CPU 51 turns on the data processing end flag (S25).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data acquisition is completed until the data acquisition of the total number of lines by reading the image data of the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 is completed (S26: NO). (S26).

  When the data acquisition for all the lines is completed (S26: YES), the CPU 51 causes the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 to finish reading the image data (S27).

  Then, the CPU 51 outputs the image data according to the mode setting (S28), and ends the reading parallel processing. Specifically, when “SCAN TO USB” is stored in the RAM 53 as the output destination, the CPU 51 outputs image data to a removable medium connected to the USB interface 40. When “PC-SCAN” is stored in the RAM 53 as an output destination, the CPU 51 outputs image data to a device connected to the network interface 30.

  It is not necessary to output image data for every page. An image data area for storing image data for one page read from the sheet S may be provided in the RAM 53, and the data in the image data area may be moved to another area of the RAM 53 for each page. Then, it is preferable to output the image data of all pages after the reading of the last page and the data processing are completed.

<Effect>

  As described above, the timing at which the image of the preceding sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 and the image of the subsequent sheet S are the first according to the content of the data processing using the image data. An inter-paper distance corresponding to the time difference from the timing read by the reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 is set. For example, the content of data processing is more complicated, and the longer the time required for data processing, the larger the inter-sheet distance is set. Then, the operation of the separation roller 9 when the succeeding sheet S is supplied to the conveyance path 8 is controlled according to the set inter-paper distance. Therefore, the data processing using the image data of the preceding sheet S is terminated until the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13, and the image data stored in the RAM 53 Can be output to removable media or devices connected to the network. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress the conveyance of the sheet S from being temporarily stopped after the subsequent sheet S is supplied.

  The data processing includes data compression processing for compressing image data, and the CPU 51 sets the inter-paper distance according to the type of data compression processing, for example, PackBits, Jpeg, or MH.

  As a result, when the data processing using the image data includes data compression processing for compressing the image data, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is set according to the type of the data compression processing. Is done. For example, when a data compression process that requires a relatively long time is executed, the inter-paper distance is set larger than when a data compression process that is completed in a relatively short time is executed. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the compression of the image data of the preceding sheet S is completed before the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13.

  The data processing includes an inclination correction process for correcting the inclination of the image of the sheet S with respect to the conveyance direction when the sheet S is conveyed with the conveyance roller 11 being inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. When the process is performed, the inter-paper distance is set larger than when the tilt correction process is not performed.

  Thereby, when the inclination correction process is performed, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is set larger than when the inclination correction process is not performed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the inclination correction process using the image data of the preceding sheet S is completed before the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13.

  The data processing includes size detection processing for detecting the size of the sheet S, and the CPU 51 sets the inter-paper distance larger when the size detection processing is performed than when the size detection processing is not performed.

  Thereby, when the size detection process is performed, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the subsequent sheet S is set larger than when the size detection process is not performed. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the size detection process using the image data of the preceding sheet S is completed before the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13.

  The data processing includes a leading edge detection process for detecting the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S conveyed by the conveying roller 11.

  When the tilt correction process or the size detection process is performed, the leading edge detection process for detecting the tilt of the leading edge of the sheet S is performed.

  In the leading edge detection process, for example, the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 read an image from before the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the image reading position by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. The leading edge of the sheet S is detected by analysis of image data in an area (leading edge analysis area) that is started (leading edge overscan) and includes the entire width of the leading edge of the sheet S. When the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S is successful, the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S with respect to the main scanning direction (the same as the inclination of the document with respect to the document conveyance direction) is detected.

  The CPU 51 sets an inter-paper distance according to the inclination detected by the leading edge detection process.

  Thus, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is set according to the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S.

  In the inclination correction process and the size detection process, the image is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13 even after the trailing edge of the sheet S has passed the image reading position by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. Is performed (rear end overscan). The length of the trailing edge overscan is set to be larger as the leading edge of the sheet S is larger so that the entire width of the trailing edge of the sheet S is included in the reading area by the trailing edge overscan. The rear end of the sheet S is detected by analyzing image data in an area (rear end analysis area) including the entire width of the rear end edge of the sheet S, and the inclination of the rear end of the sheet S with respect to the main scanning direction is obtained. . Thereafter, from the detected inclination of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet S, the correction amount of the inclination of the sheet S is set in the inclination correction process, and the length in the document transport direction is obtained in the size detection process.

  The larger the inclination of the leading edge of the sheet S, the longer the trailing edge overscan length is set, so that it takes longer time to analyze the image data in the trailing edge analysis region. The inter-sheet distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is set according to the inclination of the leading end of the sheet S, so that the image of the succeeding sheet S is displayed by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. There is a high possibility that the inclination correction process and / or the size detection process using the image data of the preceding sheet S will be completed before being read.

  When the detection of the leading edge of the sheet S by the leading edge detection process fails, the CPU 51 sets the inter-paper distance smaller than when the detection is successful.

  Accordingly, when the leading edge detection process fails to detect the leading edge of the sheet S, the analysis of the image data in the trailing edge analysis area is not performed. The distance between sheets with S is set small. Thereby, the reading of the image of the subsequent sheet S can be started at an early stage, and the processing capability of the image reading apparatus 1 can be improved.

  The data processing includes a blank sheet removal process for removing the image data of the blank sheet image from the RAM 53 when the image on the sheet S is a blank sheet image, and the CPU 51 performs the blank sheet removal process when the blank sheet removal process is performed. Set the distance between papers larger than when there is no paper.

  Thereby, when the blank paper removal process is performed, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the subsequent sheet S is set larger than when the blank sheet removal process is not performed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the blank sheet removal process using the image data of the preceding document is completed before the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13.

  The data processing includes color type detection processing for detecting the color type of the image on the sheet S, and the CPU 51 sets the inter-paper distance larger when the color type detection processing is performed than when the color type detection processing is not performed. To do.

  As a result, when the color type detection process is performed, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the subsequent sheet S is set larger than when the color type detection process is not performed. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the color type detection process using the image data of the preceding sheet S is completed before the image of the subsequent sheet S is read by the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13.

  The CPU 51 changes the timing for starting the operation of the separation roller 9 according to the set inter-paper distance.

  As a result, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is changed by changing the time from the start of supplying the preceding sheet S to the start of supplying the succeeding sheet S.

  CPU51 performs the setting reception process which receives the setting of the content of data processing.

  Thereby, the contents of the data processing using the image data stored in the RAM 53 can be set. Then, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is changed according to the set data processing content.

  The CPU 51 executes an inter-paper distance setting process after starting the data processing.

  As described above, the inter-paper distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S may be set after the start of processing using the image data of the preceding image.

Second Embodiment

  Instead of the reading process shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the reading process shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C may be executed. In the reading process shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the inter-paper distance setting process is executed before the data process is started.

  While the image reading apparatus 1 is powered on, the CPU 51 of the control unit 50 repeatedly executes the reading processing shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C.

  In the reading process, the CPU 51 sets the reading mode input by the user using an operation unit (not shown) in the RAM 53 (S31).

  Then, the CPU 51 sets a front end reading start position and a rear end reading end position (S32).

  Next, the CPU 51 drives the first motor 61 (S33). Thereby, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is started.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 initializes a data processing start flag that is a trigger for starting data processing to OFF (S34). The data processing is the same processing as the data processing described above with reference to FIG.

  Further, the CPU 51 executes the inter-paper distance setting (S35). The inter-paper distance setting is the same processing as the above-described inter-paper distance setting shown in FIG.

  Then, the CPU 51 drives the second motor 62 (S36). Thereby, the rotation of the separation roller 9 is started, and the feeding of the sheet S is started.

  Thereafter, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an ON signal is input (S37) until an ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 (S37: NO).

  When the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 (S37: YES), that is, when the leading end of the sheet S reaches the position of the rear sensor 16, the CPU 51 stops the second motor 62 (S38). As a result, the rotation of the separation roller 9 is stopped, and the sheet S is fed.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data processing end flag is on (S39). The data processing end flag is turned on by reading parallel processing. The parallel reading process is the same process as the parallel reading process shown in FIG.

  When the data processing end flag is on (S39: YES), the CPU 51 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed until the first predetermined time has elapsed since the ON signal was input from the rear sensor 16 (S40: NO). (S40). The first predetermined time is a time from when the leading edge of the sheet S passes the position of the rear sensor 16 until reaching the reading start position of the first reading unit 12.

  On the other hand, when the data processing end flag is off (S39: NO), since the data processing is not ended, the CPU 51 stops the first motor 61 (S41). Accordingly, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is stopped, and the transport of the sheet S is stopped.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data processing end flag is turned on (S42) until the data processing end flag is turned on (S42: NO).

  When the data processing end flag is turned on (S42: YES), the CPU 51 drives the first motor 61 (S43). Accordingly, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the conveyance roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is resumed, and the conveyance of the sheet S is resumed.

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the first predetermined time has elapsed from when the ON signal is input from the rear sensor 16 until the first predetermined time has elapsed (S40: NO) (S39).

  When the first predetermined time has elapsed (S40: YES), since the leading edge of the sheet S has reached the reading start position of the first reading unit 12, the CPU 51 transfers the sheet to the first reading unit 12 and the second reading unit 13. Data fetching by reading an image from S is started (S44).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the data acquisition of the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S45) until the data acquisition of the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S45: NO).

  When the data acquisition for the predetermined number of scanning lines is completed (S45: YES), the CPU 51 turns on the data processing start flag that triggers the start of the data processing (S46).

  Then, the CPU 51 determines whether or not an ON signal is input from the front sensor 15, that is, whether or not the next sheet S is placed on the tray 3 (S47).

  When the ON signal is not input from the front sensor 15 (S47: NO), since the next sheet S is not placed on the tray 3, the CPU 51 outputs an ON signal from the rear sensor 16 by the final sheet S. Until the second predetermined time has elapsed (S48: NO), it is determined whether or not the second predetermined time has elapsed (S48). The second predetermined time is a time sufficient for the final sheet S to be discharged.

  Then, the CPU 51 stops the first motor 61 (S49) and ends the reading process. As a result, the rotation of the reverse roller 10, the transport roller 11, and the paper discharge roller 14 is stopped.

  When the ON signal is input from the front sensor 15 (S47: YES), since the next sheet S is placed on the tray 3, the CPU 51 corresponds to the inter-paper distance set by the inter-paper distance setting. Until the paper feed timing is reached (S50: NO), it is determined whether or not the paper feed timing has been reached (S50).

  When the paper feed timing corresponding to the inter-paper distance is reached (S50: YES), the CPU 51 returns to the above-described processing of step S34, initializes the data processing start flag to OFF, sets the inter-paper distance, By executing the processing after step S36, feeding of the next sheet S is started.

  As described above, the CPU 51 executes the inter-paper distance setting process before starting the data processing.

  As described above, the distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S may be set before the start of the process using the image data of the preceding image.

<Modification>

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, data acquisition is performed for the number of scanning lines that is one third of the total number of scanning lines of the sheet S as the predetermined number of scanning lines for which data acquisition is performed in order to set the distance between sheets. It was. However, the predetermined number of scanning lines only needs to be the number of scanning lines that can acquire image data necessary for setting the inter-paper distance, and may be the total number of scanning lines of the sheet S, for example. Further, a different number of operation lines may be selected depending on the set reading mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, the network interface 30 and the USB interface 40 are employed as an example of the image data output unit. However, in an image reading apparatus including an image forming unit, an image forming unit may be employed as an example of an image data output unit. In this case, when an image related to the image data stored in the RAM 53 is printed by the image forming unit, the image data is erased from the RAM 53 and the RAM 53 is released. The image data output unit may be an arbitrary device that extracts image data from the RAM 53. This device may be a device inside the image reading apparatus 1 or an external device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the timing at which the operation of the separation roller 9 is started is changed according to the set inter-paper distance, so that the supply of the preceding sheet S is started from the start of supply of the preceding sheet S. The distance between the sheets of the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S was changed by changing the time. However, the supply speed of the sheet S by the separation roller 9 may be changed according to the set inter-paper distance.

  As a result, by changing the supply speed of the sheet S by the separation roller 9, the inter-paper distance between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S is changed.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading apparatus 8 Conveyance path 9 Separation roller 11 Conveyance roller 12 1st reading part 13 2nd reading part 30 Network interface 40 USB interface 50 Control part 51 CPU
53 Storage Unit S Sheet

Claims (14)

A supply unit that separates sheet-like documents one by one and supplies them to the conveyance path;
A transport unit for transporting a document supplied to the transport path;
An image reading unit that reads an image of a document conveyed by the conveyance unit and generates image data of the image;
An image data output unit for outputting image data;
A storage unit;
A control unit,
The controller is
A data capture process for storing image data generated by the image reading unit in the storage unit;
Data processing for executing predetermined processing using the image data stored in the storage unit after the data capture processing;
Output processing for transmitting the image data after the data processing from the storage unit to the image data output unit;
A distance between sheets corresponding to a time difference between a timing at which the image of the preceding document is read by the image reading unit and a timing at which the image of the subsequent document is read by the image reading unit is set according to the content of the processing in the data processing. The paper distance setting process
An image processing unit configured to perform a supply operation control process for controlling an operation of the supply unit when the subsequent document is supplied to the conveyance path in accordance with the inter-paper distance set in the inter-paper distance setting process. Reader. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
The processing in the data processing includes data compression processing for compressing image data,
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, the inter-paper distance is set in accordance with the type of the data compression process. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The processing in the data processing includes an inclination correction process for correcting an inclination of an image of the document with respect to the conveyance direction when the document is conveyed with the conveyance unit inclined with respect to the conveyance direction,
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, the image reading apparatus sets the inter-paper distance larger when the tilt correction process is performed than when the tilt correction process is not performed. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The processing in the data processing includes size detection processing for detecting the size of a document,
The controller is
In the paper distance setting process, the image reading apparatus sets the paper distance larger when the size detection process is performed than when the size detection process is not performed. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The image reading apparatus, wherein the processing in the data processing includes a leading edge detection process for detecting a tilt of a leading edge of a document conveyed by the conveyance unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, the image reading apparatus sets the inter-paper distance according to the inclination detected in the leading edge detection process. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, when the detection of the leading edge of the document by the leading edge detection process fails, the image reading apparatus sets the inter-paper distance smaller than when the detection is successful. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The processing in the data processing includes blank sheet removal processing for removing image data of the blank sheet image from the storage unit when the document image is a blank sheet image,
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, the image reading apparatus sets the inter-paper distance larger when the blank paper removal process is performed than when the blank paper removal process is not performed. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The processing in the data processing includes color type detection processing for detecting the color type of the image of the document,
The controller is
In the inter-paper distance setting process, the image reading apparatus sets the inter-paper distance larger when the color type detection process is performed than when the color type detection process is not performed. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The controller is
In the supply operation control process, an image reading apparatus that changes a timing at which the operation of the supply unit is started in accordance with the inter-paper distance set in the inter-paper distance setting process. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The controller is
In the supply operation control process, an image reading apparatus that changes a document supply speed by the supply unit according to the inter-paper distance set in the inter-paper distance setting process. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The controller is
An image reading apparatus that executes a setting reception process for receiving a setting of contents of the process in the data process. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The controller is
An image reading apparatus that executes the inter-paper distance setting process after the start of the data processing. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The controller is
An image reading apparatus that executes the inter-paper distance setting process before the start of the data processing.

Images