JP2017046035A - Image reader and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader that more reliably shortens time taken from when a user gives an instruction to when a process for outputting an image read from a document finishes.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an image reader and an image forming apparatus with the image reader. The image reader according to the present invention comprises: opening/closing detection means that detects an opened or closed state of a document pressing part; reading means that is able to produce original image data by reading an original image of a document placed on a document platen at predetermined timing after the opening/closing detection part detects a closed state of the document pressing part from an opened state thereof; a set storage part storing image-processing setting, which corresponds to each function; means for producing and storing image data corresponding to each function by processing original image data in accordance with the image-processing setting of each function; and function execution control means that performs control processing in which, when an instruction to execute a function is accepted from a user, the function is executed using the stored image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus, and can be applied to, for example, a multi-function printer (MFP) that processes and outputs an image read from a document.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multi-function peripheral equipped with a scanner (image reading device) for reading an original, after an instruction from the user (for example, pressing a start button), the original placed on the original table of the scanner is read. And a process of outputting the read image (for example, printing out with a printer).

  However, in the conventional multi-function peripheral, when reading a document with a scanner after a start instruction from a user, there is a problem that the time from reading an image to the end of output becomes long.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, document reading is started in advance under preset conditions at a timing when a document is placed on a document placement table of a scanner and a document pressing portion (lid) is closed, and image data is read. It has been proposed to get

JP 2002-354176 A

  However, in the case of a conventional multifunction device, if the conditions for reading a document in advance and the conditions for reading a document instructed by the user are different, it is necessary to read the document again, which does not contribute to shortening the processing. was there.

  In view of the above problems, an image reading apparatus (for example, a scanner) and an image reading apparatus that can more reliably shorten the time from the start instruction of the user to the end of the output processing of the image read from the document. An image forming apparatus (for example, a multifunction peripheral) including the apparatus is desired.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus, (1) a document placing table on which a document is placed, and (2) a document pressing unit that presses the document against the document placing table, and that can be opened and closed. And (3) an open / close detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the original pressing portion, and (4) an image of the original placed on the original placing table, wherein the open / close detecting means reads the original. Reading means capable of generating original image data by reading an original image of the original placed on the original placing table after the timing when it is detected that the pressing portion is changed from the open state to the closed state (5) a setting storage unit that stores image processing settings corresponding to each function of the image reading device; and (6) image processing settings for each function stored in the setting storage unit. Corresponding to each function Image processing means for generating image data, (7) an image storage unit for storing image data generated by the image processing means, and (8) receiving input by a user, from the user, An input unit capable of receiving an instruction to execute a function; and (9) when an instruction to execute any function is received from the user by the input unit, the image data stored in the image storage unit is used. It has the function execution control means which performs the control process which performs a function, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an image reading device unit that reads an image of a document and an image forming device unit that forms an image on a medium. The image reading device according to the first aspect of the present invention is used as the image reading device unit. Is applied.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus and the image reading apparatus that more reliably reduce the time from the user's instruction to the end of the output processing of the image read from the document.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of an image reading apparatus unit according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the structural example of the default setting information which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. It is the block diagram shown about the functional structure of the multifunctional device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing shown about the example of each counter value of the image processing condition counter part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an operation example of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an operation example of the multifunction peripheral according to the third embodiment.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention are applied to a multifunction machine will be described.

(A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1000 can be broadly divided into an image forming apparatus unit 100 that performs printing (image formation) on a medium P (for example, printing paper) and an image reading apparatus unit that generates an image obtained by reading an original M. 200.

  The image forming apparatus unit 100 includes a medium cassette 101, an image forming unit 102, an image fixing unit 103, a discharge unit 104, a paper feed roller 105, transport rollers 106 and 107, and paper discharge rollers 108 and 109.

  The medium cassette 101 stores a plurality of mediums P in a stacked manner.

  The image forming unit 102 develops a toner image corresponding to image data (image signal) and transfers it to the medium P. The printing method (image forming method) supported by the image forming unit 102 is not limited. In the example of this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming unit 102 supports color printing using a plurality of color toners and monochrome printing using a single color toner. Further, it is assumed that the image forming unit 102 is capable of printing (developing a toner image) with a plurality of patterns of resolution. In the example of this embodiment, it is assumed that the image forming unit 102 is capable of printing (developing a toner image) at a resolution of 300 dpi or 600 dpi for color and monochrome, respectively. Note that printing conditions (for example, the number of colors of toner to be printed, resolution, and the like) supported by the image forming unit 102 are not limited.

  The image fixing unit 103 performs a fixing process for fixing the toner image by applying heat and pressure to the medium P on which the toner image has been transferred by the image forming unit 102.

  The paper feed roller 105 is a roller that feeds out the medium P stored in the medium cassette 101.

  The transport rollers 106 and 107 are rollers that transport the medium P fed by the paper feed roller 105 to the image forming unit 102.

  The paper discharge rollers 108 and 109 are rollers for transporting the medium P after the fixing process by the image fixing unit 103 to the downstream side and discharging it to the outside of the apparatus.

  The discharge unit 104 stacks the medium P discharged by the discharge rollers 108 and 109.

  The MFP 1000 also includes a network connection unit 12, a FAX line connection unit 13, and a USB connection unit 14.

  The network connection unit 12 is an interface for connecting to a network N1 such as a LAN. As the network connection unit 12, a network interface such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface can be applied. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the MFP 1000 can connect to the network N1 via the network connection unit 12 and transmit data to the PC 300, the server 400, and the like on the network N1. The network configuration of the network N1 and the configuration of devices connected to the network N1 are not limited.

  The FAX line connection unit 13 is an interface (telephone line connection unit) for connecting to the telephone line N2 (public telephone network). In this embodiment, the MFP 1000 is connected to the telephone line N2 via the FAX line connection unit 13 to perform FAX transmission / reception and the like.

  The USB connection unit 14 is an interface (memory connection unit) for connecting to a portable data recording medium. The multi-function peripheral 1000 is connected to the USB memory 14a via the USB connection unit 14, and reads / writes data from / to the USB memory 14a.

  Next, the configuration of the image reading apparatus unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The image reading device unit 200 includes a document placing table 1, a document pressing unit 2, open / close sensors 3 and 4, an image reading unit 5, and an operation panel 16.

  The specific method by which the image reading unit 200 reads the original M is not limited. In the example of this embodiment, the image reading device unit 200 will be described as a so-called flatbed (FB) scanner.

  The document placing table 1 is a table on which the document M is placed.

  The document pressing unit 2 is a member that presses the document M placed on the document table 1 from above. The document pressing unit 2 can be opened and closed. In FIG. 3, the document pressing portion 2 is in an open state.

  The open / close sensors 3 and 4 function as open / close detection means for detecting the open / close state of the document pressing unit 2. Although the specific detection method of the open / close sensors 3 and 4 is not limited, for example, a mechanical method (for example, a detection method by operation of a lever (not shown)) or an optical method (for example, a detection method by output of a light receiving sensor). ) And the like can be applied.

  The image reading unit 5 is a unit (so-called image sensor head) that reads the document M placed on the document table 1 while moving in the sub-scanning direction.

  The document detection sensors 10 and 11 are sensors (document detection means) that detect the document M placed on the document placement table 1 (for example, detect the presence or absence of the document M and the size of the document M). Each of the document detection sensors 10 and 11 detects the presence or absence of the document M on the document table 1 using, for example, an optical sensor. The image reading unit 200 recognizes the presence / absence of the document M on the document table 1 and the size of the document M placed on the document table 1 according to the detection results of the two document detection sensors 10 and 11. It is assumed that the configuration is possible.

  The operation panel 16 is a device (input means) for receiving a user operation, and includes a hard button unit 17 and an operation display unit 18.

  The hard button unit 17 has a plurality of hard buttons that accept a user's press. As shown in FIG. 3, the hard button portion 17 is provided with a start button 17a for accepting at least the start of various processes.

  The operation display unit 18 is a device that can output information to the user and accept information input from the user. The operation display unit 18 displays, for example, an operation screen (GUI screen) that can accept an operation from the user. As the operation display part 18, a liquid crystal touch panel display etc. are applicable, for example.

  Next, a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 1000 functionally includes an image storage unit 6 and a control unit 7 in addition to the above-described configuration.

  The control unit 7 controls the entire apparatus of the multifunction machine 1000 and performs various information processing. The control unit 7 may be realized by installing various programs in an implementation configuration (computer) of a program having a CPU and a RAM, for example. In addition, the control unit 7 may realize part or all of the processing using hardware (for example, a dedicated chip or an electric circuit).

  The control unit 7 controls the image forming apparatus unit 100 and the image reading apparatus unit 200 to execute a control process of a function (hereinafter also referred to as “processing mode”) according to a user instruction. That is, the control unit 7 also functions as a function execution control unit that controls processing in each processing mode (function). In the multi-function apparatus 1000, a reading unit that reads the document M placed on the document table 1 is configured by the configuration including the control unit 7 and the image reading unit 5. In the following, the processing mode using image data obtained by reading the document M will be mainly described among the processing modes supported by the MFP 1000. In the MFP 1000 of this embodiment, “Scan to PC” (processing for transmitting image data read from the original M to the PC on the network N1), “Scan” is set as a processing mode using the image data read from the original M. to Server "(processing for sending image data read from original M to server 400 on network N1), Fax (processing for sending image data read from original M by FAX)," Scan to USB "(read original M) And “Copy” (a process for causing the image forming apparatus unit 100 to print an image based on the image data read from the original M). . Note that the number and combination of processing modes supported by the multifunction machine 1000 are not limited.

  The image storage unit 6 is a storage unit for mainly storing image data. For example, the image storage unit 6 stores the image data acquired by the control unit 7.

  Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 7 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 7 functionally includes an image processing unit 8, a document size detection control unit 9, a connection detection unit 15, and a setting storage unit 19.

  The document size detection control unit 9 uses the detection results of the document detection sensors 10 and 11 to perform processing for detecting the size of the document M set on the image reading device unit 200 (mounted on the document mounting table 1). Is.

  The connection detection unit 15 detects a connection state for each interface (the network connection unit 12, the FAX line connection unit 13, and the USB connection unit 14) included in the multi-function peripheral 1000. The connection detection unit 15 controls the network connection unit 12 to detect whether the network N1 is connected (whether there is a link to the LAN). The connection detection unit 15 controls the FAX line connection unit 13 to detect whether or not the telephone line N2 is connected. The connection detection unit 15 controls the USB connection unit 14 to detect whether the USB memory 14a is connected.

  The image processing unit 8 has a function of image processing means for processing image data. For example, the image processing unit 8 processes the image data read by the image reading device unit 200 and converts the image data into image data having a reading condition corresponding to a user operation. The image data processed by the image processing unit 8 is stored in the image storage unit 6.

  The setting storage unit 19 is a storage unit for storing each setting value used for the processing of the control unit 7. The setting storage unit 19 stores default setting information 191 described later.

  When the control unit 7 detects that the document M is set on the document table 1 and the document pressing unit 2 is changed from the open state to the closed state (detected by the open / close sensors 3 and 4), any one of the processing modes by the user is performed. Prior to the start instruction (for example, pressing of the start button 17a or pressing of a predetermined soft key on the operation display unit 18) of the (processing mode involving reading of the document M), the image reading unit 200 is controlled to control the document. M reading (hereinafter, reading of the original M at the timing is also referred to as “preceding reading”) is executed. Note that the start timing of the preceding reading may be a timing at which it is detected that the document pressing unit 2 is changed from the open state to the closed state, or after the detection that the document pressing unit 2 is changed from the open state to the closed state. It is good also as the timing.

  Then, the control unit 7 supplies the image data read in advance by the image reading device unit 200 to the image processing unit 8 for processing, and stores it in the image storage unit 6. Then, the control unit 7 responds to the user's operation by using the image data generated by the pre-reading and stored in the image storage unit 6 after the user performs the process start operation in any of the processing modes. The processing in the selected processing mode is executed. In other words, after the processing start operation is performed by the user, the control unit 7 stores the document M set in the image reading device unit 200 in the image storage unit 6 by the preceding reading without performing the reading of the document M. The processing using the obtained image data is performed.

  The control unit 7 controls the image reading device unit 200 to perform reading with the maximum resolution and the maximum number of colors (maximum gradation) corresponding to the image reading device unit 200 during the preceding reading. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the image reading apparatus unit 200 has a maximum resolution of 600 dpi and a maximum number of colors of 16777216 colors (color mode of 256 gradations for each color of RGB). Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 7 controls the image reading device unit 200 at the time of preceding reading, and controls reading of the document M with a resolution of 600 dpi and 16777216 colors (color mode). Hereinafter, it is assumed that the image read by the control unit 7 by the preceding reading is also referred to as “original image”. Hereinafter, the image data of the original image is also referred to as “original image data”.

  Then, the image processing unit 8 performs image processing according to the default setting information 191 for the image data acquired by the preceding reading.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the default setting information 191.

  In the default setting information 191, image processing settings (hereinafter referred to as “image processing settings”) are registered for each processing mode using the image data read from the document M.

  The image processing settings include setting values of “color setting” indicating either color or monochrome and “resolution” (either 300 dpi or 600 dpi).

  For example, in FIG. 4, since the image processing setting of Scan to PC is “color 300 dpi”, the color setting is set to color and the resolution is set to 300 dpi. Further, for example, in FIG. 4, since the FAX image processing setting is “monochrome 300 dpi”, the color setting is set to monochrome and the resolution is set to 300 dpi.

  The image processing unit 8 performs processing for converting the image data acquired by the preceding reading into image data corresponding to the image processing setting in each processing mode, and stores the image data in the image storage unit 6.

  Note that the image processing unit 8 may generate only one common image data for a plurality of processing modes having the same image processing settings. For example, in the default setting information 191 shown in FIG. 4, the image processing settings for Scan to PC, Scan to Server, Fax, and Scan to USB are all “color 300 dpi”. Only one image data (color 300 dpi image data) may be generated for each processing mode.

  In addition, the image processing unit 8 selects a part of the processing mode to be processed according to the detection result of each interface (network connection unit 12, FAX line connection unit 13 and USB connection unit 14) by the connection detection unit 15. Shall be omitted. For example, if the connection state of the network connection unit 12 is off (not connected to the network N1), the image processing unit 8 uses a processing mode (Scan to PC and Scan to Server) that uses the network connection unit 12. The image data conversion process corresponding to the above may be omitted. This is because when the connection state of the network connection unit 12 is off, it is impossible to execute the processing mode using the network connection unit 12. Further, the image processing unit 8 displays an image corresponding to a processing mode (FAX) in which the FAX line connection unit 13 is used when the connection state of the FAX line connection unit 13 is OFF (not connected to the telephone line N2). The data conversion process is omitted. Furthermore, when the connection state of the USB connection unit 14 is off (a state in which the USB memory 14a is not connected), the image processing unit 8 corresponds to a processing mode (Scan to USB) using the USB connection unit 14. The data conversion process is omitted.

  Note that the content of the default setting information 191 may be set in advance, or the setting may be changed according to a user operation (for example, an operation on the operation panel 16). Further, since various image data processes can be applied to the process (resolution conversion and color conversion) by which the image processing unit 8 converts the image data, detailed description thereof is omitted.

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the operation of the MFP 1000 of the first embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Will be explained.

  The flow chart of FIG. 5 is the contents mainly showing the operation centering on the control unit 7.

  First, when it is detected by the two open / close sensors 3 and 4 that the document pressing unit 2 is closed from the open state (ON state) (S101, S102), the control unit 7 performs the next process (the process of step S103). ). In the image reading device 200, the opening / closing sensor 3 detects that the document pressing unit 2 has started to close, and the opening / closing sensor 4 detects that the document pressing unit 2 is completely closed.

  When the document pressing unit 2 is completely closed (when the two open / close sensors 3 and 4 are turned on), the control unit 7 sets the size of the document M placed on the document table 1 to the document size detection control unit 9. This detection process is executed (S103). For example, the document size detection control unit 9 detects the size of the document M in the main scanning direction based on the reading result by the image reading unit 5, and the sub scanning direction of the document M according to the detection results of the document detection sensors 10 and 11. You may make it detect the size of. The document size detection control unit 9 may detect the size of the document M in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction by scanning the document M with the image reading unit 5, for example. In this way, the specific means for detecting the size of the document M under the control of the document size detection control unit 9 is not limited. At this time, the document size detection control unit 9 selects one of the standard sizes (for example, standard document sizes such as A5, A4, and A3) or the non-standard size for the document M placed on the document table 1. (Document size that does not match any of the standard sizes) is detected. Then, the control unit 7 confirms whether the document size detection control unit 9 detects the standard size (any standard size) or the non-standard size, and if it is the standard size, the control unit 7 operates from step S104 described later. If it is an atypical size, the operation starts from step S105 described later.

  When the detection result by the document size detection control unit 9 is a standard size in step S103 described above, the control unit 7 controls the image reading device unit 200 to start the preceding reading of the document M with the standard size ( S104). At this time, in the image reading unit 200, the image reading means 5 irradiates light such as an LED (not shown) to the original M, and reads the original M while reading the reflected light to generate image data. At this time, the control unit 7 controls the image reading apparatus unit 200 to execute the preceding reading with the maximum resolution (600 dpi) and the maximum number of colors (16777216 color mode).

  On the other hand, when the detection result by the document size detection control unit 9 is an atypical size in the above-described step S103, the control unit 7 reads the document M in full size (the maximum area that can be read by the image reading device unit 200). Pre-reading is started (S105). At this time, the control unit 7 controls the image reading device unit 200 to execute reading at the maximum resolution (600 dpi) and the maximum number of colors (16777216 colors).

  Next, the control unit 7 causes the image storage unit 6 to store the image data (original image data) generated by the preceding reading in step S104 or step S105 described above (S106).

  Next, the connection detection unit 15 of the control unit 7 checks the connection states related to the interfaces of the network connection unit 12, the FAX line connection unit 13, and the USB connection unit 14 (S107).

  Next, the image processing unit 8 of the control unit 7 performs processing for converting the read image data into the image processing setting format for each processing mode in accordance with the default setting information 191 (S108). At this time, the image processing unit 8 omits some of the processing modes to be subjected to image processing according to the detection result of each interface by the connection detection unit 15. Specifically, the image processing unit 8 performs processing for generating image data in a processing mode corresponding to the interface of “Copy” and connected (connected state is ON).

  Next, the image processing unit 8 of the control unit 7 stores the generated image data in the image storage unit 6 (S109).

  Thereafter, a processing condition (reading condition for the original M) in any processing mode is set and input by a user operation (for example, an operation on the operation panel 16), and the start button 17a of the hard button unit 17 is pressed ( S110, S111), the control unit 7 proceeds to the next process (process of step S112 described later).

  Next, the control unit 7 checks whether or not the size of each image data stored in the image storage unit 6 corresponds to a fixed size (any fixed size) (S112). The control unit 7 operates from step S114 described later when the size of the stored image data is a fixed size, and the control unit 7 operates from step S113 described later when the size of the stored image data is an atypical size. .

  When the size of the image data stored in the image storage unit 6 is an atypical size, the image processing unit 8 of the control unit 7 uses the image data stored in the image storage unit 6 as a reading condition set by the user. A process for changing to a size corresponding to the above (image cutting process) is performed (S113), and the process proceeds to step S114 described later.

  In step S114, the control unit 7 takes the reading conditions set by the user and the contents of the image processing settings of the default setting information 191 (the contents of the image processing settings corresponding to the processing mode instructed by the user). Compare and check for differences. If there is no difference between the set reading condition and the image processing setting content of the processing mode, the control unit 7 proceeds to the process of step S116 described later, and if there is a difference, the process of step S115 described later. Migrate to

  When there is a difference between the set reading conditions and the contents of the image processing setting of the processing mode, the image processing unit 8 of the control unit 7 reads the image data (maximum resolution and maximum number of colors) read by the image reading device unit 200. (Image data) is converted in accordance with the reading conditions set by the user, stored in the image storage unit 6 (S115), and the process proceeds to step S116 described later.

  In step S116, the control unit 7 acquires the image data that matches the reading conditions of the user from the image storage unit 6, and executes the processing in the processing mode instructed by the user using the image data (for example, the The image data is transmitted using an interface corresponding to each processing mode, or an image based on the image data is printed on the medium P), and the process ends.

  For the image data stored in the image storage unit 6 (original image data and image data based on the original image), the control unit 7 removes the document M after the process of step S115 is completed. May be deleted at the timing when the document pressing unit 2 is opened (timing when the open / close sensors 3 and 4 detect the open state from the closed state).

(A-3) Effects of First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  In the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment, when the document pressing unit 2 is closed, the preceding reading of the document M is started with the maximum resolution and the maximum number of colors, and based on the image processing settings set in advance in the default setting information 191. Image processing is performed and stored in the image storage unit 6. That is, in the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment, while the user is inputting (inputting an instruction including a processing mode to be executed and a reading condition) using an input unit such as the operation panel 16, Image processing corresponding to each is executed. As a result, in the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment, after receiving an instruction to start processing in one of the processing modes (functions) from the user (for example, pressing the start button 17a), an output corresponding to the processing mode is received. The time required to complete (for example, transmission of image data or image formation) can be shortened.

  In particular, the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment generates image data for each processing mode supported by the MFP 1000 in accordance with the contents of the default setting information 191. Therefore, the time from the start instruction from the user to the completion of output is It can be shortened more reliably.

  Further, in the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment, some of the processing modes to be subjected to image processing are omitted according to the detection result of each interface by the connection detection unit 15. As a result, in the MFP 1000 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the processing amount of the image processing associated with the preceding reading and perform higher-speed processing.

(B) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention are applied to a multifunction machine will be described.

(B-1) Configuration of Second Embodiment The hardware configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment can be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 described above, as in the first embodiment. Since it can, detailed explanation is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction machine 1000 according to the second embodiment. In the following, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an image processing condition counter unit 20 is added.

  In the MFP 1000 of the first embodiment, the default setting information 191 is set to a static value, but in the MFP 1000 of the second embodiment, the image processing settings used in each processing mode. The content of the default setting information 191 is dynamically updated in accordance with the frequency of.

  In the second embodiment, the image processing condition counter unit 20 counts the number of executions (counted by a counter) for each image processing setting used in each processing mode. In the second embodiment, the image processing condition counter unit 20 sets (reflects) the image processing setting with the largest counter value (the image processing setting with the highest use frequency) for each processing mode in the default setting information 191. Perform the process.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the image processing condition counter unit 20 counts the number of executions for each image processing setting used in each processing mode, and default setting information 191 based on each counter value. It functions as an updating means for updating.

  FIG. 7 is a counter value of each image processing setting for each processing mode managed by the image processing condition counter unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the image processing condition counter unit 20, all patterns for each processing mode of “Scan to PC”, “Scan to Server”, “Fax”, “Scan to USB”, and “Copy” are displayed. Counter values corresponding to the image processing settings are held.

  As described above, the image processing setting for each processing mode includes a “color setting” item for setting either color or monochrome, and a “resolution” item for setting either 300 dpi or 600 dpi. ing. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the image processing condition counter unit 20 has four patterns of image processing settings (“color 300 dpi”, “color 600 dpi”, “monochrome 300 dpi”, and “monochrome 600 dpi) for each processing mode. )) Counter value is set. For example, in FIG. 7, in the “Scan to PC” processing mode, the counter value of the image processing setting “color 300 dpi” is “a”, the counter value of the image processing setting “color 600 dpi” is “b”, and the image processing setting “ The counter value of “monochrome 300 dpi” is “c”, and the counter value of the image processing setting “monochrome 600 dpi” is “d”. At this time, when the largest counter value among a, b, c, and d is a (the counter value of “color 300 dpi”), the image processing condition counter unit 20 includes the default setting information 191. The image processing setting of “Scan to PC” is updated to “color 300 dpi”.

(B-2) Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the operation of the MFP 1000 of the second embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Will be explained.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the same step numbers (symbols) are assigned to the same processes (steps) as in FIG.

  The flowchart in FIG. 8 differs from the first embodiment in that steps S201 to S203 are inserted. In FIG. 8, steps S201 to S203 are inserted after the user gives an instruction to start processing in any of the processing modes (after the start button 17a is pressed in step S110).

  When the user presses the start button 17a, the image processing condition counter unit 20 of the control unit 7 selects a counter corresponding to the reading condition instructed to be executed this time out of the counter values in the processing mode instructed to be executed this time. A process of incrementing the value (adding 1) is performed (S201). For example, if the processing mode instructed by the user this time is “Scan to PC” and the reading condition is “color 300 dpi”, the image processing condition counter unit 20 increments the counter value a shown in FIG. Will do.

  Next, the image processing condition counter unit 20 determines whether or not the default setting information 191 needs to be updated by the current addition (S202). For example, the image processing condition counter unit 20 sets a new counter value in the default setting information 191 when there is a change in the image processing setting in which the counter value is the maximum value in the processing mode instructed by the user this time. It is determined that the image processing setting that has reached the maximum value needs to be set (update required). When it is determined that the default setting information 191 needs to be updated, the control unit 7 proceeds to the process of step S203 described later. When it is determined that the default setting information 191 is not required to be updated, the control unit 7 Transition to processing.

  When it is determined in step S202 that the default setting information 191 needs to be updated, the control unit 7 (image processing condition counter unit 20) updates the default setting information 191 according to the determination result (S203). The process proceeds to step S112. Specifically, the image processing condition counter unit 20 performs a process of changing the image processing setting of the processing mode executed this time with the default setting information 191 to an image processing setting in which the counter value becomes the maximum value.

  For example, if the default setting information 191 indicates that the image processing setting corresponding to the “Scan to PC” processing mode is “color 600 dpi” (the image processing setting corresponding to the counter value b), the counter value a It is assumed that (counter value corresponding to “color 300 dpi”) is added and exceeds the counter value b. In this case, the image processing condition counter unit 20 updates (changes) the image processing setting corresponding to the “Scan to PC” processing mode in the default setting information 191 to “color 300 dpi” corresponding to the counter value a. become.

(B-3) Effects of Second Embodiment According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.

  In the MFP 1000 of the second embodiment, the number of executions (usage frequency) is counted for each image processing setting used in each processing mode, and the image processing setting with the highest number of execution times (usage frequency) (the highest counter value) is used. A process for setting the large image processing setting) in the default setting information 191 is performed. Accordingly, in the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to increase the probability that the reading condition specified by the user matches the image processing setting set in the default setting information 191. As a result, in the MFP 1000 according to the second embodiment, the time from the start instruction from the user to the completion of the output can be reliably shortened compared to the first embodiment.

(C) Third Embodiment Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, an example in which the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus of the present invention are applied to a multifunction machine will be described.

(C-1) Configuration and Operation of Third Embodiment The hardware configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 described above, as in the first embodiment. Detailed explanation will be omitted.

  Further, the functional configuration of the MFP 1000 according to the third embodiment can be described with reference to FIG.

  In the following, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, after the document pressing unit 2 is closed, before the instruction for starting the processing in any of the processing modes (for example, step S111 in FIG. 5 described above) is generated, the preceding reading is performed. It has been described that the processing accompanying the above (for example, the processing of steps S103 to S110 in FIG. 5 described above) is completed.

  On the other hand, in the third embodiment, after the document pressing unit 2 is closed, before the processing associated with the preceding reading (for example, the processing in steps S103 to S110 in FIG. 5 described above) is completed, the user When an instruction to start processing in any of the processing modes (for example, pressing the start button 17a) is given, the control unit 7 temporarily interrupts the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 5 described above, and the processing of the flowchart of FIG. Is interrupted. In this case, the operations in steps S109 and S110 are performed by the user before the processing associated with the preceding reading (for example, the processing in steps S103 to S110 in FIG. 5 described above) ends.

  At this time, the control unit 7 confirms whether or not the image data corresponding to the processing mode instructed by the user is already stored in the image storage unit 6 (S301).

  When the image data corresponding to the processing mode is already stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 restarts the process from step S112 in the flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the image data corresponding to the processing mode is not already stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 stores the original image data stored in the image storage unit 6 (the image with the maximum resolution and the maximum number of colors). Based on the data, a process of generating image data of the reading condition instructed by the user is performed (S302), and the process is restarted from step S116 of the flowchart of FIG. At this time, if the original image data is not stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 reads the document M that controls the image reading device unit 200 (reading under a reading condition instructed by the user). Processing) may be performed.

  Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the interrupt processing of the third embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, the interrupt processing of the third embodiment is similarly applied to the second embodiment. Also good.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when the interrupt processing of the third embodiment is applied to the second embodiment.

  After the document pressing unit 2 is closed, before the processing associated with the preceding reading (for example, the processing in steps S103 to S110 in FIG. 8 described above) is completed, the user instructs to start processing in any processing mode ( For example, when the start button 17a is pressed), the control unit 7 temporarily interrupts the process of the flowchart of FIG. 8 and interrupts and executes the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  At this time, the control unit 7 confirms whether or not the image data corresponding to the processing mode instructed to be executed by the user is already stored in the image storage unit 6 (S401).

  When the image data corresponding to the processing mode is already stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 resumes the process from the above-described step S201 of the above-described flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the image data corresponding to the processing mode is not already stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 stores the original image data stored in the image storage unit 6 (the image with the maximum resolution and the maximum number of colors). Based on the data, a process of generating image data of the reading condition instructed by the user is performed (S402). At this time, if the original image data is not stored in the image storage unit 6, the control unit 7 reads the document M that controls the image reading device unit 200 (reading under a reading condition instructed by the user). Processing) may be performed.

  Next, the image processing condition counter unit 20 of the control unit 7 adds 1 to the counter value of the image processing setting corresponding to the executed reading condition, and updates the default setting information 191 as necessary (S403 to S405). ) And the process is restarted from step S116 in the flowchart of FIG. Note that the processing in steps S403 to S405 is the same as the processing in steps S201 to S203 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

(C-2) Effects of Third Embodiment According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the following effects can be achieved.

  In the third embodiment, after the document pressing unit 2 is closed and before the processing start instruction in any of the processing modes is generated by the user, even if the processing associated with the preceding reading is not completed, The processing in the processing mode instructed by the user can be executed using the image data processed up to that point.

  In particular, when the amount of processing for converting image data read by preceding reading into image data corresponding to the image processing setting of the default setting information 191 is large, processing in any processing mode by the user during the conversion processing An instruction to start may occur. However, as with the MFP 1000 of the third embodiment, by executing interrupt processing (for example, the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 described above), image data that has been processed at that time as much as possible. It is possible to execute processing based on the user's instruction in the shortest time.

(D) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include modified embodiments as exemplified below.

  (D-1) In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction machine has been described. Etc.) may be applied to the image reading apparatus of the present invention.

  In the MFPs of the above-described embodiments, “Scan to PC”, “Scan to Server”, “Fax”, “Scan to USB”, and “Copy” are processing modes (functions) that accompany reading of the document M. However, in the MFP of the present invention, a part of the functions may be omitted, or another function may be added.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Original mounting stand, 2 ... Original press part, 3 ... Opening / closing sensor, 4 ... Opening / closing sensor, 5 ... Image reading means, 6 ... Image storage part, 7 ... Control part, 8 ... Image processing part, 9 ... Original size detection Control unit, 10 ... document detection sensor, 11 ... document detection sensor, 12 ... network connection unit, 13 ... FAX line connection unit, 14 ... USB connection unit, 14a ... USB memory, 15 ... connection detection unit, 16 ... operation panel, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 ... Hard button part, 17a ... Start button, 18 ... Operation display part, 19 ... Setting memory | storage part, 20 ... Image processing condition counter part, 100 ... Image forming apparatus part, 101 ... Medium cassette, 102 ... Image forming part, 103 ... Image fixing unit, 104 ... Discharge unit, 105 ... Paper feed roller, 106 ... Conveyance roller, 107 ... Conveyance roller, 108 ... Discharge roller, 109 ... Discharge roller, 191 ... Default setting information, 00 ... image reader section, 400 ... server, 1000 ... MFP, M ... document, N1 ... network, N2 ... telephone line, P ... medium.

Claims (9)

In the image reading device,
A document placement table on which a document is placed;
A document pressing unit that presses the document against the document placing table, and that can be opened and closed;
Open / close detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the document pressing portion;
An image of the document placed on the document placing table is read, and the document is detected at a timing when the opening / closing detection unit detects that the document pressing portion is changed from an open state to a closed state, or after the timing. Reading means capable of reading an original image of the document placed on a placement table and generating original image data;
A setting storage unit that stores image processing settings corresponding to the functions of the image reading device;
Image processing means for processing the original image data in accordance with image processing settings of each function stored in the setting storage unit, and generating image data corresponding to each function;
An image storage unit for storing image data generated by the image processing unit;
An input means for receiving an input by a user and capable of receiving an instruction to execute any of the functions from the user;
A function execution control unit that performs a control process for executing the function using the image data stored in the image storage unit when an instruction to execute any of the functions is received from the user by the input unit. A characteristic image reading apparatus.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the reading unit reads the document, the reading unit performs reading with a setting of a maximum resolution and a maximum number of colors. Provide one or more interfaces to connect to the outside,
Connection detecting means for detecting a connection state of each of the interfaces;
The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit does not generate image data based on the original image data for a function that uses an interface whose connection cannot be confirmed by the connection detection unit. Reader. The input means receives an instruction for image reading conditions when receiving an instruction to execute a function from the user;
When the image processing setting corresponding to the function for which the execution instruction has been received from the user does not match the image reading condition instructed by the user, the image processing means is instructed by the user for the original image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus performs processing for conversion into image data corresponding to an image reading condition. A counting unit that counts the usage frequency for each image reading condition of each function; and an updating unit that updates an image processing setting of each function stored in the setting storage unit based on a counting result of the counting unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4.   The update means updates the image processing setting of each function stored in the setting storage unit to the same content as the image reading condition having the highest use frequency in the counting result of the counting means. The image reading apparatus described in 1.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the interface includes at least one of a network connection unit, a telephone line connection unit, and a memory connection unit.   8. The image data stored in the image storage unit is erased when the open / close detection unit detects an open state of the document pressing unit. Image reading apparatus.   9. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image reading apparatus unit that reads an original; and an image forming apparatus unit that forms an image on a medium. An image forming apparatus.

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