JP2017118181A - Reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique which can be expected to output an image of a user-preferred density, in a reading apparatus which reads an image of a document including a face picture.SOLUTION: In response to reception of a read instruction at an operation panel, an MFP causes an image reading part to read a document. When a document is read in a state where a mode of reading a document including a face picture such as an ID copy mode is set, the MFP creates plural images 62, 63, and 64 of different densities on the basis of one read result. Further, the MFP prints the created images 62, 63, and 64 on one sheet 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a reading device that reads an image. More specifically, the technique relates to output when an image including a photograph is read by a reading device.

  Conventionally, a reading apparatus having a special mode for reading an image of an original including a face photograph such as an ID card or a business card has been put into practical use. For example, as a technique related to a reading apparatus having the special mode, there is known a technique for performing face recognition processing and correcting an image in a face photograph area when reading in the special mode.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique that discloses a technique for outputting an image including a face photograph. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for adjusting photographic image data, in which a face photo area is estimated from the image of the photographic image data, and the brightness of the image of the photographic image data is determined from luminance information of the face photo area. A configuration for adjusting the height is disclosed.

JP 2004-240829 A

  However, the conventional technique described above has the following problems. That is, the density is automatically adjusted to one pattern. Therefore, it is not always possible to output an image having a density preferred by the user who has instructed reading. There is room for improvement due to variations in user-preferred concentrations.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a reading apparatus that reads an image of a manuscript including a face photograph and that can be expected to output an image having a density preferred by a user.

  In order to solve this problem, a reading apparatus includes a reading unit that reads a document, a receiving unit that receives a reading instruction for reading by the reading unit, and an output unit that outputs an image of the document read by the reading unit. And a control means, wherein the control means causes the reading means to read a document in response to receiving the reading instruction by the receiving means, and a document including a photograph. A plurality of creation processes for creating a plurality of images having different densities based on one of the reading results in the reading process when a document is read in the reading process in a state in which a reading mode is set; When the original is read in the reading process in a state where the mode is not set, one image is obtained based on one of the reading results in the reading process. A single creation process of forming, the plurality of images created by said plurality creation processing is characterized by executing and an output process for outputting to said output means.

  The reading device disclosed in this specification receives a reading instruction and causes the reading unit to read a document. When reading is performed in a mode in which a document including a photograph is read, a plurality of images having different densities are created based on one reading result. Further, the reading device causes the output means to output a plurality of created images. The output of the output means includes, for example, printing on a sheet and display on a screen. Note that the reading device creates one image based on one reading result when reading in a mode other than the mode for reading a document including a photograph.

  That is, in the reading device disclosed in this specification, the user creates and outputs a plurality of images having different densities with respect to a document image read in a mode that reads a document including a photograph, and the user can output the plurality of images. You can select the image with the desired density from the list. Therefore, the possibility that an image having a density preferred by the user who instructed the reading is output is increased.

  A control method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program for realizing the functions of the reader are also novel and useful.

  According to the present invention, a technique for reading an image of a manuscript including a face photograph, which can expect output of an image having a density preferred by a user, is realized.

1 is a schematic perspective view of an MFP according to an embodiment. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the MFP. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of photograph copy mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of ID copy mode. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a copy process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of ID copy processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print data creation processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a photocopy process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a screen display. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of print data selection processing.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the reading device according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi function peripheral (MFP) having a reading function.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, and an operation panel 40. The image forming unit 10 is an example of an output unit. The image reading unit 20 is an example of a reading unit. The operation panel 40 is an example of a reception unit and an output unit.

  The image forming unit 10 is configured to print an image on a sheet. The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. MFP 100 according to the first embodiment may be a device capable of forming a color image or a device dedicated to monochrome images. Further, MFP 100 may be a device capable of double-sided printing or a device only for single-sided printing.

  The MFP 100 includes a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a manual feed tray 13. The paper feed tray 11 accommodates printing sheets. The paper discharge tray 12 accommodates printed sheets. The manual feed tray 13 accepts insertion of a printing sheet by manual feed. The MFP 100 prints a sheet stored in the paper feed tray 11 or a sheet inserted from the manual feed tray 13 using the image forming unit 10, and discharges the printed sheet to the paper discharge tray 12.

  The image reading unit 20 has a configuration for reading an image of a document. The reading method may be a CCD method or a CIS method. The MFP 100 according to the first embodiment may be a device capable of color reading or a device only capable of monochrome reading. Further, MFP 100 may be a device that can perform double-sided reading or a device that only performs single-sided reading.

  The image reading unit 20 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 22 having a function of conveying a document to be read. As shown in FIG. 1, the ADF 22 is provided on the upper portion of the casing of the MFP 100 and includes a document tray 24 and a document discharge tray 25. The image reading unit 20 conveys one of the documents placed on the document tray 24 to the ADF 22, reads an image of the document during conveyance, and discharges the read document to the document discharge tray 25.

  The ADF 22 of the image reading unit 20 is rotatable around one side on the left back side in FIG. A reading glass is provided below the ADF 22, and the MFP 100 can also read a document placed on the reading glass. For example, when the MFP 100 receives a reading instruction without a sheet on the document tray 24 of the ADF 22, the MFP 100 reads the document on the reading glass.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 40 includes a liquid crystal display 41 and a button group 42. The MFP 100 causes the liquid crystal display 41 of the operation panel 40 to display various types of information such as operation statuses and messages to the user. The MFP 100 may cause the liquid crystal display 41 to display an image obtained by the image reading unit 20 or an image of the received image data. Further, the liquid crystal display 41 of the MFP 100 may be a touch panel that can perform an input operation. In that case, the MFP 100 displays various buttons on the liquid crystal display 41 and receives various instructions based on the pressed position.

  The button group 42 includes a power button, an execution button, a cancel button, a numeric keypad, and the like. When the MFP 100 receives an operation on the button group 42, the MFP 100 receives various instruction inputs by receiving a signal transmitted by the button.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 100 includes a controller 30 including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and an NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 34. The MFP 100 includes an image forming unit 10, an image reading unit 20, a network IF (interface) 37, a USB IF 38, and an operation panel 40, and these are electrically connected to the controller 30.

  The ROM 32 stores various control programs for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 is used as a work area from which various control programs are read, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The NVRAM 34 is used as an area for storing data such as image data, various settings, user information, and the like.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 according to the control program read from the ROM 32 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34. The CPU 31 is an example of a control unit. The controller 30 may be a control means. Further, the controller 30 in FIG. 2 is a collective term for the hardware used for controlling the MFP 100 such as the CPU 31, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the MFP 100.

  The network IF 37 is hardware for communicating with an external device connected to the network. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The USBIF 38 is hardware for connecting a flash memory such as a USB memory and communicating with the connected flash memory.

  Next, a description will be given of control for copying a document including a photograph in MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. The MFP 100 includes, for example, a photo copy mode and an ID copy mode as modes for executing copying of a document including a photo. In the photo copy mode, the MFP 100 reads a document including a photo at a higher resolution than in other modes and prints it on a sheet. On the other hand, in the ID copy mode, the MFP 100 reads both sides of the document and prints an image based on the image data on both sides on one sheet. The ID copy mode is a mode for copying an ID card or the like including a face photo on one side, and reads a side estimated to include a face photo with a higher resolution than in the other mode. In the photo copy mode and the ID copy mode, for example, reading is performed with a resolution higher than a set resolution such as the maximum resolution.

  MFP 100 according to the first embodiment creates a plurality of images with different densities based on one image data when it is estimated that the read image data is image data of a document including a photograph. The difference in density may be based on brightness (average brightness level) or may be based on contrast (lightness difference width). For example, the MFP 100 creates an image in which the density has been increased or decreased by about 10 to 20% with respect to the original density, as an image having a different density. By creating a plurality of images having different densities, the user can select an image having a desired density.

  In the photo copy mode, the MFP 100 creates three types of images 52, 53, and 54 based on image data 51 obtained by reading a document, for example, as shown in FIG. The image 52 is printed based on the image data 51 without changing the density. The image 53 is printed with increased brightness based on the image data 51. The image 54 is printed with reduced brightness based on the image data 51. In this example, three types of images 52, 53, 54 are printed on one sheet 50. If the sheet is small, it may be printed on a separate sheet.

  In the ID copy mode, for example, the MFP 100 sequentially reads both sides of the document and prints both-side images on one sheet 50 as shown in FIG. The first image data 61 is image data acquired by the first reading. When the ID copy mode is selected, the MFP 100 displays, on the liquid crystal display 41, a message recommending that the face with a face photo on the ID card or the like be read first. That is, the first image data 61 acquired by the first reading is estimated to be image data of the first surface including the face photograph image.

  Therefore, the MFP 100 creates a plurality of images 62, 63, and 64 based on the first image data 61 and prints them on a single sheet 50 as shown in FIG. The image 62 is printed based on the first image data 61 without changing the density. The image 63 is printed with increased brightness based on the first image data 61. The image 64 is printed with reduced brightness based on the first image data 61.

  The second image data 65 is image data acquired by the second reading. In the second reading, it is presumed that a surface not including the photograph on the opposite side of the first surface is set. That is, the second image data 65 acquired by the second reading is estimated to be the image data of the second surface that does not include the face photograph image. The MFP 100 creates only one image 66 based on the second image data 65. For an image that does not include a face photo, the need for selection according to user preferences is small. Therefore, there is little need to print images with different densities.

  Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the MFP 100 arranges each of the plurality of images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data 61 adjacent to one image 66 based on the second image data 65. , Printing on one sheet 50. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, an image 62 is disposed above one image 66, an image 63 is disposed to the left of the image 66, and an image 64 is disposed adjacent to the image 66 below the image 66. .

  Next, a copy processing procedure for realizing an operation of executing copying in MFP 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. The copy process is executed by the CPU 31 when a copy execution instruction is received via the operation panel 40 or the like.

  In the copy process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the ID copy mode is selected (S101). If it is determined that the ID copy mode is not selected (S101: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the photo copy mode is selected (S102).

  If it is determined that the photo copy mode is not selected (S102: NO), the CPU 31 causes the image reading unit 20 to read the set original with the set resolution (S105). The CPU 31 creates one print data based on one image data acquired by reading (S106). Further, the CPU 31 prints an image on a designated sheet using the created print data (S107). S105 is an example of a reading process, and S106 is an example of a single creation process.

  Further, the CPU 31 determines whether or not there is a next document (S109). If it is determined that there is a next original (S109: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S105 and executes reading and printing of the next original. If it is determined that there is no next original (S109: NO), the CPU 31 ends the copy process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the ID copy mode is selected (S101: YES), the CPU 31 executes an ID copy process (S111). The ID copy process is a process for realizing the operation of the ID copy mode described above.

  Next, the procedure of ID copy processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the ID copy process, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a message for explaining the ID copy procedure (S201). Specifically, the message includes a word prompting the user to set the face with the face photo of the ID card and press the execution button. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the execution button has been pressed (S202).

  When determining that the execution button has not been pressed (S202: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined timeout period has elapsed (S203). If it is determined that the predetermined timeout time has not elapsed (S203: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S202 and accepts pressing of the execution button or waits until timeout occurs. In addition, when pressing of another button is received before the pressing of the execution button is received, the ID copy mode is canceled and processing of the other button that has received the pressing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the execution button has been pressed before the timeout is reached (S202: YES), the CPU 31 causes the image reading unit 20 to execute reading at the highest resolution (S205). S205 is an example of a reading process, and is an example of a first reading. If MFP 100 is a device capable of color reading, color reading is executed in S205. Then, the CPU 31 stores the first image data 61 (see FIG. 4) acquired by reading in S205 in the RAM 33 (S206).

  Next, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a message for explaining the continuation of the ID copy procedure (S208). Specifically, the message includes a word prompting the user to set the back side of the ID card and press the execution button. Note that the message of S208 may be displayed at the same time in S201. Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the execution button has been pressed (S209).

  When it is determined that the execution button has not been pressed (S209: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined timeout period has elapsed (S210). The timeout time may be the same time or different in S203 and S210. If it is determined that the predetermined time-out period has not elapsed (S210: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S209 and accepts pressing of the execution button or waits until time-out occurs.

  If it is determined that the execution button has been pressed before the time-out is reached (S209: YES), the CPU 31 executes reading at a resolution lower than the highest resolution that is set in the image reading unit 20 (S212). Since there is no photo on the back, there is little need to scan at the highest resolution. S212 is an example of a reading process, and is an example of a second reading.

  Then, the CPU 31 stores the second image data 65 (see FIG. 4) acquired by reading in S212 in the RAM 33 (S213). Further, the CPU 31 executes a print data creation process (S215). The print data creation process is a process for creating print data based on the read image data.

  Next, the procedure of print data creation processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the print data creation process, the CPU 31 first reads the first image data 61 stored in S206 of the ID copy process (S301).

  The CPU 31 lowers the gradation of the read first image data 61 and creates low gradation image data (S302). Furthermore, the CPU 31 executes face recognition processing for performing face recognition based on the created low gradation image data (S303). The face recognition process is a process for estimating a face image area included in image data. S303 is an example of face recognition processing. Note that the face recognition algorithm is a known technique, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The MFP 100 may execute the face recognition process with hardware or software. That is, the MFP 100 may include a dedicated board (hardware) for face recognition processing and perform face recognition processing by hardware. The MFP 100 may store a face recognition processing program (software) in the ROM 32 or the NVRAM 34 and perform the face recognition processing by software.

  In the face recognition process, the permission level recognized as a face may be lower than, for example, the user's visual recognition level. In other words, even an image that is difficult for the user to recognize as a face image may be determined as a face image in the face recognition process. In MFP 100, the face recognition process is executed using image data with reduced gradation, so the accuracy of the face recognition process is reduced. As a result, the result of the face recognition process is likely to match the permission level for face recognition by the user.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the face recognition by the face recognition process of S303 is successful (S305). Successful face recognition means that a face image area has been specified. That is, when face recognition is successful, the target image data includes an image area that can be determined as a face image, and it can be estimated that the face image is relatively clear. On the other hand, if the face recognition is not successful, it means that the face image could not be discriminated. Even if a face photograph is included, for example, an image that is dark and the face photograph part is unclear. There is a high possibility that it has become.

  When it is determined that the face recognition is successful (S305: YES), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 read in S301 into image data for printing (S307). For example, when monochrome printing is designated and color reading is executed, the CPU 31 converts color image data into monochrome image data. Further, the CPU 31 reads out the second image data 65 stored in S213 of the ID copy process (S308).

  Then, the CPU 31 creates print data including an image in which the image based on the first image data 61 and the image based on the second image data 65 are adjacent (S309), and returns to the ID copy process. The image based on the first image data 61 is the image data image after the conversion in S307, and the image based on the second image data 65 is the image data image read in S308. That is, when the face recognition is successful, the CPU 31 prints an image based on the first image data 61 and an image based on the second image data 65 one by one on one sheet. If face recognition is successful, there is a high possibility that the print result will not be satisfactory by the user. Therefore, when face recognition is successful, it is less wasteful not to create a plurality of images.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the face recognition has not been successful (S305: NO), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 read in S301 into image data for printing (S311). S311 is the same processing as S307.

  Then, the CPU 31 creates image data having a density different from that of the original first image data 61 based on the image data converted in S311 (S312). In S312, the CPU 31 creates one or more image data. Thereby, a plurality of image data are created together with the first image data 61. S312 is an example of a multiple creation process. In S <b> 312, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 31 lowers the overall brightness of the image 63 from the image 63 of the first image data 61 and the image data of the image 63 whose brightness is higher than that of the first image data 61. Two types of image data including the image data of the image 64 are created.

  Further, the CPU 31 reads out the second image data 65 stored in S213 of the ID copy process (S313). Then, the CPU 31 creates print data including an image in which each of the plurality of images based on the first image data 61 is adjacent to one image based on the second image data 65 (S315), and returns to the ID copy process. . The plurality of images based on the first image data 61 are the image data image converted in S311 and one or more image data images created in S312. One image based on the second image data 65 is an image of the image data read in S313.

  That is, when face recognition fails, the CPU 31 creates a plurality of images based on the first image data 61, and for example, each of the plurality of images is based on the second image data 65 as shown in FIG. Print on a single sheet adjacent to the image. If face recognition fails, there is a possibility that the print result will be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, when face recognition fails, a user can select a favorite image by creating a plurality of images.

  In the ID copy process, the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to perform printing based on the created print data after the print data creation process of S215 (S217). S217 is an example of output processing. In the print data creation process, the CPU 31 creates print data in which an image based on the first image data and an image based on the second image data are included in one sheet. When printing is performed based on the print data created in S309 of the print data creation process, the front and back images of the ID card are printed one by one on one sheet. Further, when printing is executed based on the print data created in S315 of the print data creation process, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of images with a photograph are arranged around the back image. The sheet 50 printed at is output.

  In the example of FIG. 4, each of the images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data is disposed adjacent to the image 66 based on the second image data. Therefore, as shown by broken lines L 1, L 2, and L 3 in FIG. 4, the user can cut a favorite image of any one of the images 62, 63, and 64 as one sheet connected to the image 66. As an output image layout, a plurality of images 62, 63, 64 having different densities based on the first image data are adjacent to an image 66 based on the second image data, and printed on a single sheet 50. There is little wasted sheet, and the printed material is easy to use.

  After S217 or when it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S203: YES or S210: YES), the CPU 31 ends the ID copy process and returns to the copy process of FIG. Then, the CPU 31 ends the copy process. If the execution button is pressed again without changing the mode after completion of the ID copy process, the ID copy process may be executed again.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S102 of the copy process that the photo copy mode is selected (S102: YES), the CPU 31 executes the photo copy process (S112). The photo copy process is a process for realizing the operation of the photo copy mode described above.

  Next, the procedure of the photo copy process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The photo copy process is a process in which only the process on the first side is left out of the ID copy process, and the process on the second side is deleted. The same procedures as those in the ID copy process are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the photo copy process, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not the execution button has been pressed (S202). When determining that the execution button has not been pressed (S202: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined timeout period has elapsed (S203). When it is determined that the predetermined timeout time has not elapsed (S203: NO), the CPU 31 waits for the execution button to be pressed or to time out.

  If it is determined that the execution button has been pressed (S202: YES), the CPU 31 executes reading at the highest resolution (S205). Then, the CPU 31 stores the acquired image data in the RAM 33 (S206). Further, the CPU 31 executes a print data creation process (S215).

  The print data creation process is the same as the process shown in FIG. If the print data creation process is executed during the photo copy process, the steps of reading the second image data (S308 and S313) are skipped. That is, the CPU 31 executes face recognition processing on the image data of the read photo, and creates one image data when the face recognition processing is successful and a plurality of image data when the face recognition processing fails. Further, when a plurality of image data are created, the CPU 31 creates printing data for printing them on one sheet.

  Returning to the photo copy process of FIG. 8, after the print data creation process of S215, the CPU 31 causes the image forming unit 10 to perform printing based on the created print data (S217). After S217 or when it is determined that a time-out has occurred (S203: YES), the CPU 31 ends the photo copy process, returns to the copy process of FIG. 5, and ends the copy process.

  As described above in detail, according to MFP 100 of the first embodiment, when an original is read in a mode in which a mode for copying an image including a photo is set, one image obtained by reading is obtained. Based on the data, multiple images with different densities are created. Further, the plurality of created images are printed on one sheet. By creating and outputting a plurality of images having different densities with respect to the read image of the original, the user can select an image having a desired density from among the plurality of images. Therefore, the possibility that an image having a density preferred by the user who instructed the reading is output is increased.

  Next, a second embodiment in which the reading apparatus according to the present invention is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second form is different in processing after creating a plurality of image data in the same apparatus as MFP 100 of the first form. The same configurations and procedures as those of the MFP 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Instead of printing the plurality of created image data on one sheet, the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment displays it on the liquid crystal display 41 and accepts the user's selection as shown in FIG. Then, MFP 100 prints the selected image. In the ID copy mode, the MFP 100 prints the selected image and the back image on one sheet. In the photo copy mode, the MFP 100 prints only the selected image on one sheet. Even in this way, the user can obtain a printed matter of an image having a desired density.

  The MFP 100 of the second form executes a print data selection process instead of the print data creation process (FIG. 7) executed in the copy process of the first form. The procedure of print data selection processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The print data selection process is obtained by adding several steps to the print data creation process of FIG. 7, and the same steps as the print data creation process are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the print data selection process of the second form, the CPU 31 first reads the first image data 61 (S301). Then, the CPU 31 reduces the gradation of the read first image data 61 (S302), and executes face recognition processing (S303). Further, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the face recognition is successful (S305).

  If it is determined that the face recognition is successful in the face recognition process (S305: YES), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 into image data for printing (S307). Further, the second image data 65 is read (S308), print data including an image in which the image based on the first image data 61 and the image based on the second image data 65 are adjacent is created (S309), and an ID copy is made. Return to processing or photocopying.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that face recognition has not been successful in the face recognition process (S305: NO), the CPU 31 converts the first image data 61 into image data for printing (S311). Then, the CPU 31 creates image data having a density different from that of the original first image data 61 based on the converted image data (S312).

  Then, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display an image based on the original first image data 61 and an image based on the image data created in S312 (S501). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 31 causes the liquid crystal display 41 to display a plurality of image data and a screen that accepts a selection input for selecting one of them. In the second embodiment, S501 is an example of output processing, and the liquid crystal display 41 is an example of output means.

  Then, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a selection input by the user has been received (S502). When determining that the selection input by the user has not been accepted (S502: NO), the CPU 31 determines whether or not a predetermined timeout time has elapsed (S503). If it is determined that the predetermined timeout period has not elapsed (S503: NO), the CPU 31 returns to S502 and accepts a selection input or waits until a timeout occurs.

  If it is determined that a selection input has been received before the time-out (S502: YES), the CPU 31 determines the selected image data as printing data based on the first image data 61 (S505). S505 is an example of a selection process. On the other hand, if it is determined that a time-out has occurred without accepting the selection input (S503: YES), the CPU 31 determines the original image data whose density has not been changed to data for printing based on the first image data 61. (S506).

  Furthermore, the CPU 31 reads the second image data 65 (S313). Then, the CPU 31 includes a print that includes an image in which the print data image based on the first image data 61 determined in S505 or S506 is adjacent to the image based on the second image data 65 read in S313. Data is created (S315), and the process returns to the ID copy process or the photo copy process.

  In the second embodiment, it is not always necessary to print. In other words, instead of S217 in the ID copy process or the photo copy process, the image data may be transmitted to the external device. For example, image data including the first image data determined in S505 or S506 and the second image data read in S313 may be created and transmitted to the transmission destination device designated by the user.

  As described above in detail, even when the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment reads a document in a state where a mode for copying an image including a photo is set, one piece of image data acquired by the reading is obtained. Based on the above, a plurality of images having different densities are created. Further, the plurality of created images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 41, and selection by the user is accepted. By creating and displaying a plurality of images having different densities for the read image of the original, the user can select an image having a desired density from among the plurality of images. Therefore, the second embodiment of MFP 100 also increases the possibility of outputting an image having a density preferred by the user who instructed reading. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the user selects the image to be printed by the preview display, so that unnecessary images are not printed and the colorant is not wasted.

  Each embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the reading apparatus is not limited to the MFP 100, and any apparatus having an image reading function such as a copying machine, a scanner, and a FAX apparatus can be applied.

  In addition, for example, a plurality of image data may be created based on a reading result of a document including a photograph, and the number to be created is not limited to three. It may be 2 or 4 or more. Furthermore, the density to be changed is not limited to either brightness or contrast, but may be both. In the case of color copying, the color tone may be further changed.

  Further, the arrangement of each image when printing a plurality of images on one sheet is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. For example, it may be arranged vertically or horizontally. Further, for example, in ID copy, a plurality of images based on the second image data 65 may be printed. For example, a plurality of images 62, 63, 64 based on the first image data 61 may be arranged vertically, and an image based on the second image data 65 may be arranged adjacent to each other. In that case, image data having different densities may be created for the image based on the second image data 65. Further, instead of printing each image on one sheet, a plurality of images may be printed on different sheets.

  Further, when creating a plurality of images, the density may be partially changed without being limited to the method of changing the overall density. For example, the density of the portion excluding the character area may be changed. For example, based on the first image data 61 shown in FIG. 4, the density of only the left half surface in the figure may be changed. In this way, it is not difficult to read the character as compared with the case where the density of the character region is also changed. However, if the density of the entire image is changed, the control is simple and a natural image without a density difference boundary can be created as compared with the case where the density is partially changed.

  For example, when face recognition is successful, the density of only the area recognized as a face may be changed when creating a plurality of images. In this way, compared to the case where the overall density is changed, there are many places where the original document image is output as it is, and more original natural images (images without density change) can be left.

  In each embodiment, when face recognition is successful, a plurality of images are not created. However, regardless of the result of face recognition, a plurality of images are always created in the ID copy mode. Good. In that case, the face recognition process does not have to be executed. Specifically, S302 to S309 of the print data creation process or the print data selection process may be deleted, and the process may proceed to S311 after S301. However, if face recognition is successful, there is a high possibility that the print result will not be satisfactory to the user. Therefore, it is less wasteful to execute a face recognition process and create a plurality of images only when face recognition fails.

  Further, in each embodiment, the fact that the face recognition has failed in S305 of the print data creation process or the print data selection process is set as a condition for creating a plurality of images. Not limited to failure. For example, a plurality of images may be created on condition that the overall density of the read image is larger than a predetermined threshold. When the density (average density) of the image is large, the entire image becomes dark and there is a possibility that the printing result will be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, it is less wasteful to create a plurality of images when the image density is high.

  In addition, for example, when face recognition is successful, the average density of the area recognized as a face may be acquired, and the acquired average density being larger than a predetermined threshold may be a condition for creating a plurality of images. . When the density of the face area is large, the face area becomes a dark image, and there is a possibility that the print result will be dissatisfied by the user. Therefore, it is less wasteful to create a plurality of images when the density of the face area is large.

  Further, the condition for creating a plurality of images may include any one condition for each apparatus, or each apparatus may include a plurality of conditions. When a plurality of conditions are provided, a condition to be used in each apparatus may be selected in advance, or one or more conditions among them may be satisfied.

  Further, for example, the reading order of double-sided reading in the ID copy mode may be reversed. In other words, the back surface that does not include a photo may be read first. For example, the execution order of S201 to S206 and S208 to S213 of the ID copy process may be switched. Note that the reading order may be specified by the user instead of being determined in advance, or may be determined based on the result of face recognition. In the user designation, the reading may be performed after the designation of the reading order is accepted, or the designation of the side including the photograph may be accepted after reading one side or both sides. In face recognition, face recognition is performed on the read image, and a face that is determined to include a face photograph may be determined to be a face that includes a photograph.

  Further, although the gradation of the image data is reduced before the face recognition process, it is not necessary to reduce it. Further, for example, the degree of gradation reduction may be determined according to the characteristics of the face recognition process to be used.

  Further, the reading resolution when reading a document including a photograph is not limited to the highest resolution. Any predetermined resolution suitable for reading a photograph may be used. Further, even a device capable of color reading may not perform color reading when monochrome printing is designated. If the set resolution is the highest resolution, the back side should be read at the highest resolution.

  Further, the output method of the plurality of created images is not limited to printing by the image forming unit 10 (first form) and display by the liquid crystal display 41 (second form), but may be transmission to an external device. For example, the MFP 100 may transmit a plurality of created images to a PC or the like, accept a selection instruction from the PC or the like, and print the selected image.

  The processing disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processing disclosed in each embodiment can be realized in various modes such as a recording medium or a method recording a program for executing the processing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image formation part 20 Image reading part 31 CPU
40 Operation panel 41 Liquid crystal display 100 MFP

Claims (13)

Reading means for reading a document;
Receiving means for receiving a reading instruction for reading by the reading means;
Output means for outputting an image of a document read by the reading means;
Control means;
With
The control means includes
A reading process for causing the reading unit to read a document in response to receiving the reading instruction by the receiving unit;
When a document is read in the reading process in a state where a document reading mode including a photograph is set, a plurality of images having different densities are obtained based on one of the reading results in the reading process. Multiple creation processing to create,
A single creation process for creating one image based on one of the reading results in the reading process when a document is read in the reading process in a state where the mode is not set;
An output process for causing the output means to output the plurality of images created in the plurality of creation processes;
The reading apparatus characterized by performing. The reading device according to claim 1,
The output means has a printing function for printing an image on a sheet;
The control means includes
In the output process, the output unit causes the plurality of images to be printed on one sheet.
A reading device. The reading device according to claim 1,
The output means has a display function of displaying an image on a screen;
The control means includes
In the output process, the output unit displays the plurality of images on the screen,
A selection process for selecting an image to be printed from among the plurality of images displayed by the output means;
The reading apparatus characterized by performing. The reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means includes
In the plurality of creation processes, the plurality of images having different densities of the entire read image are created.
A reading device. The reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means includes
In the plural creation processing, the plural images having different densities other than the character region among the read images are created.
A reading device. The reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control means includes
A face recognition process for performing face recognition based on a reading result in the reading process when a document is read in the reading process in a state where the mode is set;
In the plurality of creation processes, when face recognition is successful in the face recognition process, the plurality of images having different densities of areas recognized as faces in the face recognition process are created.
A reading device. The reading device according to claim 6,
The control means includes
In the face recognition process, face recognition is performed based on an image obtained by lowering the gradation from the image of the reading result in the reading process.
A reading device. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The control means includes
When the mode is set, at least one of the reading processes performs reading at a higher resolution than when the mode is not set.
A reading device. The reading device according to claim 8,
The control means includes
The reading process is executed twice, and one of the reading processes performs a first reading of a document at a higher resolution than the other of the reading processes, and the other of the reading processes has a lower resolution than one of the reading processes. Perform a second scan to scan the document with
In the plurality of creation processes, the plurality of images are created based on the reading result in the first reading, and one image is created based on the reading result in the second reading.
A reading device. The reading device according to claim 9,
The control means includes
In the output process, each of the plurality of images based on the reading result in the first reading is arranged adjacent to the one image based on the reading result in the second reading.
A reading device. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The control means includes
In the multiple creation process, when the density of the read result is higher than a threshold value, the multiple images are created.
A reading device. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The control means includes
A face recognition process for performing face recognition based on a reading result in the reading process when a document is read in the reading process in a state where the mode is set;
In the multiple creation process, when face recognition fails in the face recognition process, the multiple images are created.
A reading device. The reader according to claim 12,
The control means includes
In the face recognition process, face recognition is performed based on an image obtained by lowering the gradation from the image of the reading result in the reading process.
A reading device.