JP2017208627A - Image processing apparatus and image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique for further improving user's convenience about post-processing after double feeding of documents.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes document conveying means for conveying a document along a conveyance path, image reading means provided in the conveyance path, and reading front and back images of the document, double feeding detection means provided in the conveyance path, and detecting double feeding of the document, image processing means for combining the front and back images of the document read by the image reading means, and operation means for specifying next operation after double feed detection by the double feeding detection means. The image processing means combines the front and back images of a document, detected as double feeding by the double feeding detection means, based on the operation of the operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that perform image processing by reading front and back images of a document.

  Conventionally, high-speed processing is desired in copying machines, printers, scanners, and the like, and there is an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document while separating the documents one by one and transporting them along a transport path. Such an image reading apparatus is provided with a double feed detection sensor for detecting a double feed of a document, and when double feed is performed, a message for returning a double feed document to the feeding unit is displayed. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-63101 A

  However, there is a demand for further improving the convenience of the user regarding post-processing after double feeding of documents, for example, when it is desired to continue transporting a document that has been double fed again, for example, when it is desired to continue the document as it is. .

  The present invention provides a technique for further improving the convenience of the user for post-processing in which document double feed occurs.

  The present invention provides a conveying unit that conveys a document along a conveying path, an image reading unit that is provided in the conveying path and reads a front and back image of the document, and a multi-layer that is provided in the conveying path and detects double feeding of the document. A feed detection means, an image processing means for combining the front and back images of the document obtained by reading by the image reading means, and an operation means for designating a next operation after the double feed detection by the double feed detection means, The image processing means is an image processing apparatus that combines front and back images of a document detected as double feeding by the double feeding detection means based on an operation of the operation means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image processing apparatus and an image processing system that further improve user convenience by increasing the number of options for combining front and back images of a document as post-processing in which double feeding of documents occurs.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the image reading apparatus in FIG. 1. 1 is a diagram showing a connection between an image reading apparatus of the present invention and a PC. The flowchart figure regarding the image reading process of PC concerning this invention. The flowchart figure regarding the normal process of PC concerning this invention. The flowchart figure regarding the abnormality process of PC concerning the present invention. The figure of the screen which PC concerning this invention displays. 1 is a flowchart of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. The figure of an example of the original document half-folded. The figure of an example of the original document half-folded. The figure of an example of the present conveyed by the double feed state. The figure of the screen which PC concerning this invention displays. The flowchart figure regarding the abnormality process of PC concerning the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading apparatus A which is an example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
<Device configuration>
The image reading apparatus A is an apparatus that transports one or a plurality of transport media S stacked on the mounting table 1 one by one through the path RT in the apparatus, reads the image, and discharges the image onto the discharge tray 2. The reading medium S to be read is, for example, a sheet of OA paper, a check, a check, a card or the like, and may be a thick sheet or a thin sheet. Examples of the cards include an insurance card, a driver's license, and a credit card. The transport medium S also includes a booklet such as a passport. When targeting a booklet, a holder 100 described later can be used. By storing the booklet in a spread state in the holder 100 and placing it on the mounting table 1, the booklet is transported together with the holder 100 and the image can be read. Further, the transport medium S includes a large-sized half-folded state (half-folded original) in which OA paper or the like is folded in half.

  A first transport unit 10 is provided as a feeding mechanism that feeds the transport medium S along the route RT. In the case of this embodiment, the first transport unit 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 disposed to face the feed roller 11, and sequentially transports the transport medium S on the mounting table 1 one by one in the transport direction D1. Transport. A driving force is transmitted to the feed roller 11 from the driving unit 3 such as a motor through the transmission unit 5 and is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the drawing (the forward direction in which the transport medium S is transported along the path RT). The transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and interrupts the driving force from the driving unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

  For example, in this embodiment, the transmission unit 5 that connects the drive unit 3 and the feed roller 11 is in a state in which the driving force is transmitted in a normal state, and interrupts the driving force when the transport medium S is reversely fed. When the transmission of the driving force is interrupted by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 is in a freely rotatable state. In addition, such a transmission part 5 does not need to be provided when driving the feed roller 11 only in one direction.

  The separation roller 12 disposed to face the feed roller 11 is a roller for separating the transport medium S one by one, and is in pressure contact with the feed roller 11 with a constant pressure. In order to secure this pressure contact state, the separation roller 12 is provided so as to be swingable and is urged to the feed roller 11. The separation roller 12 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow (the direction opposite to the forward direction of the feed roller 11) when the driving force is transmitted from the driving unit 3 via the torque limiter 12a.

  Since the driving force transmission is restricted by the torque limiter 12a, the separation roller 12 rotates in a direction (indicated by a broken arrow) along with the feed roller 11 when contacting the feed roller 11. As a result, when a plurality of transport media S are transported to the pressure contact portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, two or more transport media S are blocked so that they are not transported downstream except one. .

  In the present embodiment, the separation roller 12 and the feed roller 11 constitute a separation mechanism. However, such a separation mechanism is not necessarily provided, and the conveyance medium S is sequentially fed to the path RT one by one. Any feeding mechanism may be used. In the case where a separation mechanism is provided, instead of the configuration of the separation roller 121, a separation pad that applies a frictional force to the transport medium S is brought into pressure contact with the feed roller 11 so as to have the same separation work. May be.

  The second transport unit 20 as a transport mechanism on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first transport unit 10 includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 driven by the drive roller 21 and has been transported from the first transport unit 10. The transported medium S is transported downstream. Driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 21 from the driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 21 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 22 is brought into pressure contact with the driving roller 21 at a constant pressure, and rotates with the driving roller 21. The driven roller 22 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 21 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  The third transport unit 30 located on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the second transport unit 30 includes a driving roller 31 and a driven roller 32 that judos the drive roller 31 and is transported from the second transport unit 20. The transport medium S is transported to the discharge tray 2. That is, the third transport unit 30 functions as a discharge mechanism. Driving force is transmitted to the driving roller 31 from the driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the driving roller 31 is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 32 is brought into pressure contact with the driving roller 31 at a constant pressure, and is driven by the driving roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 31 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

  Here, in the image reading apparatus A of the present embodiment, since the image reading unit 70 disposed between the second transport unit 20 and the third transport unit 30 reads an image, the second transport unit 20 and the second transport unit 20 The three transport unit 30 transports the transport medium S at a constant speed. By always setting the transport speed to be equal to or higher than the transport speed of the first transport unit 10, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the subsequent transport medium S catches up with the preceding transport medium S. For example, in this embodiment, speed control is performed so that the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport section 20 and the third transport section 30 is faster than the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport section 10. did.

  Even when the transport speed of the transport medium S by the second transport section 20 and the third transport section 30 and the transport speed of the transport medium S by the first transport section 10 are the same, the drive section 3 is controlled. It is also possible to form a minimum interval between the preceding transport medium S and the subsequent transport medium S by intermittently shifting the feeding start timing of the subsequent transport medium S.

  When the double feed detection sensor 40 disposed between the first transport unit 10 and the second transport unit 20 is in contact with transport media S such as paper due to static electricity or the like, and passes through the first transport unit 10 ( In other words, this is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor for detecting the behavior and state of the sheet) for detecting this in the case of a double feed state in which the sheets are conveyed in an overlapping manner. Various sensors can be used as the double feed detection sensor 40, but in the case of the present embodiment, it is an ultrasonic sensor, and includes an ultrasonic transmission unit 41 and a reception unit 42, and is a conveyance medium such as paper. Double feed is detected based on the principle that the attenuation amount of the ultrasonic wave passing through the transport medium S is different between the case where S is transported one by one and the case where S is transported one by one. The double feed detection sensor 40 starts transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves immediately after the start of feeding and before the arrival of the document, and continuously performs detection while the document is being conveyed. If a document detection sensor is provided upstream of the double feed detection sensor 40 in the conveyance direction, the double feed detection sensor 40 may be turned ON / OFF according to the detection result of the document detection sensor.

  The medium detection sensor 50 arranged on the downstream side in the conveyance direction with respect to the double feed detection sensor 40 is located on the upstream side of the second conveyance unit 20 and on the upstream side arranged on the downstream side of the first conveyance unit 10. This is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor for detecting the behavior and state of a sheet). The position of the transport medium S transported by the first transport unit 10, specifically, the position of the transport medium S at the detection position of the medium detection sensor 50. Detect whether the end has reached or passed. As the medium detection sensor 50, various sensors can be used. In the case of this embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52, and receives light when the transport medium S reaches or passes therethrough. The transport medium S is detected based on the principle that the intensity (the amount of received light) changes.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the leading edge of the transport medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50, the above medium is used so that the transport medium S reaches a position where the double feed detection sensor 40 can detect double feed. The detection sensor 50 is provided on the downstream side in the vicinity of the double feed detection sensor 40. The medium detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above. For example, a sensor (image sensor or the like) that can detect the end of the transport medium S may be used, or a lever-type sensor that protrudes into the path RT. It may be a sensor.

The medium detection sensor 60 different from the medium detection sensor 50 is an example of a downstream detection sensor disposed upstream of the image reading unit 70 and downstream of the second transport unit 20. The position of the transport medium S transported by the unit 20 is detected. Various media detection sensors 60 can be used. In the case of the present embodiment, the medium detection sensor 60 is an optical sensor similar to the medium detection sensor 50, and includes a light emitting unit 61 and a light receiving unit 62. The transport medium S is detected based on the principle that the received light intensity (received light amount) changes due to arrival or passage. In the present embodiment, the medium detection sensors 50 and 60 are respectively provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the transport direction of the second transport unit 20.
However, only one of them may be used. The medium detection sensors 50 and 60 are examples of document detection means for detecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document, as will be described in detail later.

  The image reading unit 70 on the downstream side of the medium detection sensor 60 is, for example, optically scanned, converted into an electric signal and read as image data, and internally includes a light source such as an LED, an image sensor, and a lens array. Etc. In the present embodiment, one image reading unit 70 is disposed on each side of the path RT, and reads the front and back surfaces of the transport medium S. However, only one side of the route RT may be arranged to read only one side of the transport medium S. Further, in the present embodiment, the image reading unit 70 is configured to be opposed to both sides of the route RT. However, for example, the image reading unit 70 may be arranged with an interval in the direction of the route RT.

  The control unit 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit 8 of the image reading apparatus A.

  The control unit 8 includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, an operation unit 83, a communication unit 84, and an interface unit 85. The CPU 81 controls the entire image reading apparatus A by executing a program stored in the storage unit 82. The storage unit 82 includes, for example, a RAM, a ROM and the like. The operation unit 83 includes, for example, a switch, a touch panel, and the like, and accepts an operation from the operator. Such an operation unit 83 is provided on the front surface of the main body of the image reading apparatus A, and functions as an operation unit for receiving a reading setting from an operator or designating a next operation after double feed detection, for example.

  The communication unit 84 is an interface that performs information communication with an external device. When a PC (personal computer) is assumed as the external device, examples of the communication unit 84 include a USB interface and a SCSI interface. In addition to such a wired communication interface, the communication unit 84 may be a wireless communication interface, and may include both wired communication and wireless communication interfaces.

  The interface unit 85 is an I / O interface that inputs and outputs data with the actuator 86 and the sensor 87. The actuator 86 includes the drive unit 3, the drive unit 4, the transmission unit 5, and the like. The sensor 87 includes a double feed detection sensor 40, medium detection sensors 50 and 60, an image reading unit 70, and the like.

  A basic operation of the image reading apparatus A will be described. For example, when receiving an image reading start instruction from an external personal computer to which the image reading apparatus A is connected, the control unit 8 starts driving the first to third transport units 10 to 30. The transport medium S loaded on the mounting table 1 is transported one by one from the transport medium S positioned at the bottom.

  During the conveyance, the conveyance medium S is determined by the double-feed detection sensor 40 to determine whether or not there is a double-feed, and if it is determined that there is no double-feed, the conveyance is continued. If it is determined that there is a double feed, the transport is stopped or the capture of the subsequent transport medium S by the first transport unit 10 is stopped, and the transport medium S in the double feed state is discharged as it is. It may be.

  The control unit 8 starts reading an image of the transport medium S transported by the second transport unit 20 by the image reading units 70 and 70 at a timing based on the detection result of the medium detection sensor 60, and reads the read image. Temporarily memorize and send to external PC. The transport medium S from which the image has been read is discharged to the discharge tray 2 by the third transport unit 30, and the image reading process for the transport medium S is completed.

  As described above, the image reading apparatus A that performs the image reading process of the transport medium S is generally connected to the PC 100 via the communication cable 101 as shown in FIG. In the following description, the image reading process will be described focusing on communication with the PC 100. In FIG. 3, the front panel of the image reading apparatus A is provided with an operation panel a on which buttons (operation units) for accepting user operations and a display unit are arranged.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of image reading processing performed by the PC 100 to which the image reading apparatus A is connected.

  In step S1000, the PC 100 that has started the image reading process issues a reading instruction to the image reading apparatus A connected to the PC 100 in step S1001. In this case, the PC 100 and the image reading apparatus A are connected by wired connection in FIG. 3, but may be connected wirelessly, and in any case, the image reading system is configured in a state where communication is possible. To do. Note that an image reading system or an image processing apparatus is also configured in a form in which the PC 100 and the image reading apparatus A are integrated.

  The reading instruction for the image reading apparatus A includes, for example, the number of reading sheets, the reading size, the color mode / gray mode, the reading surface, and the like.

  After that, in S1002, the PC 100 monitors whether the reading state is notified from the image reading apparatus A.

  Note that the reading state notified from the image reading apparatus A includes information on the conveyance state of the document read by the image reading apparatus A, information on the actually processed reading surface, and the like.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of image reading processing executed by the image reading apparatus A connected to the PC 100.

  In step S8000, the image reading apparatus A that has received a reading instruction from the PC 100 starts image reading processing in step S8000, and in step S8001, feeds the original from the original bundle placed on the mounting table 1 to the conveyance path. Execute the process.

  In step S8002, the image reading apparatus A detects whether or not the fed document is double-feed using the ultrasonic double-feed detection sensor 40 provided in the conveyance path.

  If the fed document is a double feed, the image reading apparatus A executes double-sided image reading in step S8002 regardless of the original reading surface in the reading instruction received in step S8000. To do.

  On the other hand, when the fed document is not double-feeded, that is, when the document can be normally fed one by one from the bundle of documents placed on the placing table, the image reading apparatus A In step S8004, the image of the original is read according to the setting of the reading instruction received in step S8000.

  In step S8005, the image reading apparatus A performing the image reading process notifies the PC 100 of the reading state. That is, it notifies whether or not the document on which image reading processing is being performed is in a double feed state.

  In step S1002 of FIG. 4, the PC 100 that has monitored the notification of the reading state starts image data reception processing to acquire image data in step S1003 according to the reading state notified from the image reading apparatus A. To do.

  In step S8005 of FIG. 8, the image reading apparatus A that has notified the reading state of the document conveyed to the conveyance path continues to transfer the image data of the document corresponding to the reading state notified in step S8006.

  That is, in step S8002, if the conveyed document is in a double feed state, double-sided image reading is executed in step S8003, and therefore image reading apparatus A transfers double-sided image data. On the other hand, if the conveyed document is not in the double feed state, in step S8004, since the image reading process is executed according to the reading surface based on the reading instruction setting, the image reading apparatus A sets the reading instruction setting. The image data is transferred based on this.

  In step S8006, the image reading apparatus A to which the image data has been transferred changes the subsequent processing in step S8007 according to the document double feed state. That is, if the conveyed document is not in the double feed state, the image reading apparatus A discharges the document to the paper discharge tray 2 in step S8008 and ends the image reading process.

  On the other hand, if the conveyed document is in the double feed state, the image reading apparatus A waits for an instruction from the PC in step S8009.

  In step S1003 of FIG. 4, the PC 100 that has received the image data transferred from the image reading apparatus A and acquired the image data performs the next process to be executed in step S1004 based on the reading state already acquired in step S1002. To decide.

  That is, if the original of the received image data is normally conveyed one by one from the acquired reading state, the PC 100 executes the normal process in step S1005. On the other hand, if the document of the received image data is conveyed in a double-fed state from the acquired reading state, the PC 100 executes an abnormality process in step S1006.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal process of step S1005 in the flow of the image reading process executed by the PC 100 of FIG.

  In step S1004 in FIG. 4, the conveyed document is in a normal state, and the PC 100 that has decided to execute the normal process in step S1005 starts the normal process in step S2000. In step S2001, the PC 100 that has started the execution of the normal process executes a process for storing the image data acquired in step S1003 in FIG. Thereafter, in S2002, the PC 100 ends the normal process.

  In step S1007, the PC 100 that has finished the normal process in step S1005 in FIG. 4 ends the image reading process.

  Next, the abnormality process in step S1006 executed by the PC 100 that has detected that the original of the received image data has been conveyed in a double-fed state from the reading state acquired in step S1002 in FIG. 4 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the conveyance abnormality process in step S1006 in FIG.

  In step S1004 of FIG. 4, the conveyed document is in an abnormal conveyance state, and the PC 100 that has decided to execute the abnormal conveyance process in step S1006 starts the abnormal process in step S3000.

  In step S3001, the PC 100 that has started executing the abnormal conveyance process notifies the operator that the document conveyed by the image reading apparatus A is double-fed through the display (display unit) of the PC 100, and also reads the read image data. In order to inquire the operator about the action for the above, a screen for receiving an instruction from the operator is displayed on the display unit on the PC 100, and it is monitored that the instruction by the operator is confirmed in step S3002.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit on the PC 100. In the message screen shown in FIG. 7, in addition to a message indicating that double feeding has been performed, post-processing for an image of a double-fed document can be designated. The designated item may be changed as appropriate according to the convenience of the user. For example, at least one of “Save”, “Combine”, “Discard”, “Reread”, “Cancel”, etc. Although the items can be displayed, in this embodiment, as described later, as an item related to “combining”, for example, the item “save and continue large format half-fold” is displayed. As a result, if the double-fed original is a half-fold original, the user may want to continue. At that time, by selecting the operation button of “Save and continue large-sized half-fold”, Reading can be continued without interruption. That is, the display means (display unit) for displaying the message screen as shown in FIG. 7 is an example of an operation means for designating the next operation after the double feed detection by the double feed detection means. It is an example of a means for displaying an operation screen as to whether or not front and back images are to be combined.

The message screen shown in FIG. 7 is an example of a message screen indicating that a double feed has occurred. In addition to the occurrence of a double feed error, the next operation relating to image processing of a double-fed document can be designated. More specifically, “save and continue” (an item related to “save”), which is one of the buttons displayed on the screen, indicates that the image reading apparatus A detects a double feed error, but image data is processed as normal processing. Is an instruction selected when the image is stored and the image reading process of the next original is continued. When this selection is made, for example, when a tag or a photo is pasted on a part of the document, the image can be saved and continued as it is.
“Large half-fold save and continue” means that the original is transported in a half-folded state, so the front and back are combined and saved as a single image, and the image reading process for the next original is continued. Selected when When this selection is made, if the user recognizes that the double-fed original is half-folded, it can be continued as it is, and since it is a half-folded original, it can be saved as one image.

  Furthermore, “discard and reread” (items related to “discard” or “reread”) causes the document to be read in the double feed state, so that the acquired image data is discharged again to the paper discharge tray. This is an instruction to be selected when the image reading process is performed again by placing the original on the placement table again. As a result, the image read for the double-fed document can be discarded and image reading can be continued without interruption.

  Finally, “scan stop” (an item related to “cancel”) is an instruction selected to stop the image reading process itself due to the double feed error detected by the image reading apparatus A. If this selection is made, the image reading of the document in which the double feed error has occurred can be canceled and all the image reading can be performed again.

  The PC 100 that received the instruction from the operator in step S3002 detects whether or not the instruction from the operator is “save and continue” in step S3003.

  If the instruction from the operator is “save and continue”, the PC 100 performs a storage process similar to that performed in step S2001 of FIG. 5 on the read image in step S3004.

  In step S1001 in FIG. 4, when the reading surface instructed to the image reading apparatus A is only one surface, the PC 100 has acquired image data of an unnecessary surface.

  In this case, the PC 100 may discard image data of unnecessary surfaces.

  In step S3004, the PC 100 that executed the acquired image saving process notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data has been processed normally in step S3008.

  If it is determined in step S3003 that the instruction from the operator is other than “save and continue”, the PC 100 determines in step S3005 whether or not the instruction from the operator is “save and continue large format half-fold”. To detect.

  In step S3005, if the instruction from the operator is “save and continue large format half-fold”, the PC 100 combines the front and back image data acquired in step S3006 and stores it as a single image data.

  In addition, about the connection method of the image data of front and back, it combines using a known technique.

  In step S3006, the PC 100 that has executed the acquired image storage process notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data has been processed normally in step S3008.

  In step S3005, if the instruction from the operator is to discard the read image data such as “discard and reread” or “scan stop”, the PC 100 determines that the acquired image is to be stored in step S3007. Perform destruction.

  In step S3008, the PC 100 that has discarded the image data acquired in step S3007 notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data is invalid and has been discarded, and stops reading the next original image. To do.

  In step S3008, the PC 100 that has notified the image reading apparatus A of the treatment for the image data ends the abnormal process in step S3009, and ends the image reading process in step S1007 in FIG.

  On the other hand, the image reading apparatus A that has waited for an instruction from the PC 100 in step S8009 in FIG. 8 performs the next processing based on the treatment information of the image data notified to the image reading apparatus A by the PC 100 in step S3008 in FIG. In step S8010, it is determined whether to continue image reading of the document.

  When the processing of the image data notified by the PC 100 is normally processed, the image reading apparatus A is assumed to continue the image reading process of the next original, and ends the image reading process in step S8008.

On the other hand, when the image data notified by the PC 100 is discarded, the image reading apparatus A shifts to a double feed error state, and ends this image reading process in step S8008.
In the above description, the setting of the reading surface is dynamically changed to double-sided according to the double-feed state of the document acquired by the double-feed detection sensor. However, it may be controlled to always read double-sided images.

<Embodiment 2>
Since the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, it is omitted. The processing flow of the image reading apparatus A that performs communication with the PC 100 and executes the image reading processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the detected thickness information from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the conveyed document is included in the reading state acquired in step S1002 in FIG. The feature is that the abnormality processing in step S1006 is different.

  9 and 10 are a perspective view of the half-folded document S1 conveyed by the image reading device A and thickness information detected by the image reading device A conveying the document S1.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the binding margin portion where the document S1 is folded is parallel to the transport direction, the image reading apparatus A is for two sheets in the section L from the leading end portion P to the trailing end portion Q of the document. The thickness T2 is detected. The leading edge P or trailing edge Q of the document can be detected by the medium detection sensor 50 or 60 in FIG. From the relationship between the result detected by the medium detection sensor 50 or 60 and the conveyance speed in the first conveyance unit 10, the second conveyance unit 20, and the third conveyance unit 30 that convey the document, section L (length of document) Ask for. Then, in the section L corresponding to the length of the original, the double feed detection sensor 40 detects double feed, and determines whether or not it is in a double feed state. In FIG. 9, since the document is a half-folded document, the entire section L corresponding to the length of the document is a double-fed portion.

  On the other hand, when the document S1 is conveyed from the folded binding margin portion as shown in FIG. 10, the image reading apparatus A detects the document leading edge P and simultaneously detects the thickness T2 of two sheets. This detection is the same as in the case of FIG. 9 described above.

  When the document S1 is not folded at the center, the image reading apparatus A reduces the thickness T1 for one sheet from the detection of the shorter rear end portion Q1 to the detection of the longer rear end portion Q2. To detect.

  On the contrary, when the document S1 is conveyed so that the folded margin portion is the rear end, the image reading apparatus A detects the thickness T1 for one sheet and then detects the thickness T2 for two sheets. It will be.

  In any case, when a half-folded document is conveyed, the thickness of two sheets is detected at either the leading edge or the trailing edge of the document. In this case, if it is determined that there is a part that has been double-fed on one of the leading or trailing edges of the original and it is determined that there is a part that has not been double-fed on the other, the half-folded original is not provided with a threshold. Can be determined. The length of the double feed portion is large in the ratio shown in the length of the document, and may be determined as a half-folded document. The determination criterion can be easily implemented by setting a threshold value in advance. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 (and FIG. 11 described later) of this embodiment, the double feed state is expressed as “thickness”. If the portion in the double feed state can be detected, thickness detection (determination) using double feed detection may not be performed. Alternatively, the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document are detected by the document detection sensor (the medium detection sensor 50 or 60 described above), and the CPU 84 calculates the passage time of the document passing through the document detection sensor. The CPU 84 obtains the length of the document obtained based on the acquired document passage time and the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit, and also determines the document in the double feed state based on the document passage time and the detection result of the double feed detection unit. It is determined whether the document is a half-folded document by obtaining the lengths of the documents and comparing them. For example, if the length of the document in the double feed state is shorter than the length of the document passing through the document detection sensor, it is determined that the document has been double-fed, and if the two match, it is determined that the document is a half-folded document. Also good.

  Further, FIG. 11 shows that when the image reading apparatus A feeds the first document S2, the second document S3 is brought in, and the document S2 and the document when transported in a double-feed state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship of S3 and a diagram showing thickness information detected by the image reading apparatus A carrying the document S2 and the document S3.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the document is conveyed in a double feed state, the image reading apparatus A first acquires the thickness information of the first document S1, and then the document S2 and the document S3 overlap each other. A portion is detected, and subsequently, thickness information of only the document S2 is acquired. In this case, it is determined that double feeding has been performed. It may be determined that double feeding has been performed based on a comparison between the length of the document passing through the document detection sensor described above and the length of the document in the double feed state.

  Further, after that, thickness information of only the second original S3 is acquired.

  In the present embodiment, the detected thickness information of the document uses changes according to the state of the conveyed document.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the abnormality process in step S1006 in FIG.

  In step S1004 in FIG. 4, the PC 100 that has detected the conveyed document as an abnormal state and has decided to execute the abnormality process in step S1006, the document whose image has been read from the image reading apparatus A in step S4001 is in a multifeed state. It is notified whether or not.

  The PC 100 notified from the image reading apparatus A that the original is being conveyed in the double feed state in step S4001 detects the double feed area based on the original thickness information acquired from the image reading apparatus A in step S4002.

  In step S4002, the PC 100 that has detected that the double feed area is equal to or larger than the predetermined area has an option that allows the user to select the large-size reading mode on the screen that is displayed in order to inquire the operator of the treatment for the read image data in step S4003. to add.

  Thereafter, in step S4004, the operator is notified that the document conveyed by the image reading apparatus A is a double feed, and the operator is inquired of the operator about the action for the read image data. A screen for receiving an instruction from the operator is displayed, and it is monitored that the instruction by the operator is confirmed in step S4005.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the PC 100. A button is added to the screen so that the operator can select the large-size reading mode.

  On the other hand, if the image reading apparatus A is notified that the document conveyed in step S4001 is not in the double feed state, the PC 100 has not normally conveyed the document conveyed by the image reading apparatus A in step S4004. In addition, a screen for receiving an instruction from the operator is displayed on the display unit on the PC 100 in order to inquire the operator about the processing for the read image data. This screen may be a pop-up window such as a sub window or a main window for setting image reading.

  FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the PC 100. Since it is notified that the conveyed document is not in the double feed state, the PC 100 determines that the document is folded in half and is not conveyed, so that “large-size reading” is not selected by the operator.

  Further, in step S4002, the PC 100 that is notified that the document conveyed from the image reading apparatus A is in the double feed state and detects that the double feed region is equal to or smaller than the predetermined region from the acquired thickness information of the document, It is determined that the conveyed document is half-folded and not conveyed.

  As a result, the PC 100 transports the image reading apparatus A in step S4004 without adding an option that allows the user to select the large format reading mode on the screen that is displayed to inquire the operator of the processing for the read image data. A screen for receiving instructions from the operator is displayed on the display unit on the PC 100 in order to notify the operator that the document has not been conveyed normally and to inquire the operator about the action for the read image data. FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the PC 100.

  In step S4004, the PC 100 displaying a screen for receiving an instruction from the operator on the display unit monitors whether the instruction by the operator is confirmed in step S4005.

  The PC 100 that received the instruction from the operator in step S4005 detects whether or not the instruction from the operator is “save and continue” in step S4006.

  If the instruction from the operator is “save and continue”, the PC 100 performs a storage process similar to that performed in step S2001 of FIG. 5 on the read image in step S4007.

  In step S4007, the PC 100 that has executed the acquired image storage process notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data has been processed normally in step S4011.

  If the instruction from the operator is other than “save and continue” in step S4006, the PC 100 detects in step S4008 that the instruction from the operator is “save and continue large format half-fold”. .

  In step S4008, if the instruction from the operator is “save and continue large format half-fold”, the PC 100 combines the front and back image data acquired in step S4009 and stores it as a single piece of image data.

  In addition, about the connection method of the image data of front and back, it combines using a known technique.

  In step S4009, the PC 100 that has executed the acquired image storage process notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data has been processed normally in step S4011.

  In step S4008, if the instruction from the operator is to discard the read image data such as “discard and reread” or “scan stop”, the PC 100 determines that the acquired image is to be stored in step S4010. Perform destruction.

  In step S4010, the PC 100 that has discarded the acquired image data notifies the image reading apparatus A that the acquired image data is invalid and has been discarded in step S4011, and reads the image of the next original. Stop.

  In step S4011, the PC 100 that has notified the image reading apparatus A of the treatment for the image data ends the abnormality process in step S4012.

<Appendix>
As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to Embodiment 1 and 2 mentioned above.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the screen for performing the next operation after double feed detection is displayed on the display unit of the PC. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, image reading is performed. The display unit (for example, the operation panel a in FIG. 3) of the apparatus may be designated by the user with the same display or operation button.

  Further, the present invention includes the following aspects.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveyance unit that conveys a document along a conveyance path, an image reading unit that is provided in the conveyance path, and that reads a front and back image of the document, and is provided in the conveyance path. A double feed detection means for detecting the image, an image processing means for combining the front and back images of the document obtained by reading by the image reading means, an operation means for designating a next operation after the double feed detection by the double feed detection means, And the image processing unit may combine the front and back images of the document detected as the double feed by the double feed detection unit based on the operation of the operation unit.
According to this aspect of the present invention, since the function of combining the front and back images of the document based on the double feed detection result is provided, it is possible to combine the front and back images of the document as post-processing after the double feed detection. The user convenience can be further improved.

In the present invention, the conveying unit that conveys the original along the conveying path, the image reading unit that is provided in the conveying path and reads the front and back images of the original, and is provided in the conveying path to detect double feeding of the originals. An image processing unit that combines the front and back images of the document obtained by reading by the image reading unit, and an operation unit that designates a next operation after the double feed detection by the multifeed detection unit. ,
The operation means has a display means for displaying an operation screen for determining whether or not to combine the front and back images of the document, and the image processing means combines the front and back images of the document based on the operation on the operation screen. This may be a feature.
According to this aspect of the present invention, based on an operation on the operation screen displayed on the display unit, the user can flexibly change the instruction for combining the front and back images of the document according to the state of the double feed state. Become.

In the present invention, the display unit may change display contents of the message screen based on a detection result of the double feed detection unit.
According to this aspect of the present invention, the display content of the message screen can be changed to facilitate post-processing after double feed detection based on the result of double feed detection.

In the present invention, the image forming apparatus further includes separation feeding means for separating and feeding the originals one by one with respect to the conveyance path, and the display means is configured such that the multifeed detection means causes the double feeding of the originals. When detected, a message screen indicating that double feeding of the document has occurred is displayed. In the message screen, “save”, “combine”, “discard”, or “reread” can be performed as processing for the read front and back images. Among these, it is possible to specify at least an item related to “combination”.
According to this aspect of the present invention, at least an item relating to “combination” can be designated as post-processing for the read front and back images, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

In the present invention, when it is determined that the entire document has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit performs “save”, “ Display a message screen that can specify each item related to `` Combine '', `` Discard '', or `` Reread '',
When it is determined that a part of the document has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit performs “save”, “discard”, or “re-use” as processing for the read front and back images. A message screen in which each item related to “reading” can be specified may be displayed.
According to this aspect of the present invention, the multi-feed in which a part of the originals overlap each other and the multi-feed in which the whole originals overlap each other are distinguished, and the selection item on the message screen is matched to each multi-feed state. The convenience of the user can be further improved by changing.

In the present invention, when it is determined that a part of the document has been double-feeded based on the detection result of the double-feed detection means, the display means displays a message screen indicating that double-feed has been performed, and When it is determined that the entire document has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit displays a message screen as to whether or not to combine the read front and back images. Also good.
According to this aspect of the present invention, the convenience of the user can be further improved by changing the message content in accordance with the double feed state.

Further, the present invention further includes an acquisition unit that detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document with a document detection sensor and acquires the passage time of the document that passes through the document detection sensor. A document in a double feed state obtained based on the length of the document obtained based on the passage time and the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit, the passage time of the document obtained by the obtaining unit, and the detection result of the double feed detection unit. The image processing means may combine the front and back images of the document when the length of the document substantially matches.
According to this aspect of the present invention, if the length of the document in the document transport direction is equal to the length of the multifeed portion, for example, the document is regarded as a half-folded document, By combining the front and back images, user convenience can be further improved.

Further, the present invention further includes an acquisition unit that detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document with a document detection sensor and acquires the passage time of the document that passes through the document detection sensor. A document in a double feed state obtained based on the length of the document obtained based on the passage time and the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit, the passage time of the document obtained by the obtaining unit, and the detection result of the double feed detection unit. If the length of the document does not substantially match, it may be characterized that it is determined that the document double feed has occurred.
According to this aspect of the present invention, when the length of the document in the document transport direction does not match the length of the multifeed portion, for example, when a portion of the document is partially double fed, As a result, it is possible to quickly perform post-processing after detecting the double feed.

The image processing system of the present invention is an image processing system comprising: an image reading device that reads an image of a document; and an information processing device that is connected to the image reading device and controls the image reading device. The image reading device includes a conveying unit that conveys a document along a conveying path, an image reading unit that is provided in the conveying path and reads a front and back image of the document, and is provided in the conveying path, and detects double feeding of the document. And a multi-feed detecting means for specifying a next operation after multi-feed detection by the multi-feed detecting means, and the information processing device is configured to detect the multi-feed detecting means based on an operation of the operating means. And image processing means for combining the front and back images of the document detected by the image reading means and detected by the image reading means.
According to this aspect of the present invention, processing for combining front and back images of a document on the information processing apparatus side can be performed based on a user operation on the image reading apparatus side.

The image processing system of the present invention is an image processing system comprising: an image reading device that reads an image of a document; and an information processing device that is connected to the image reading device and controls the image reading device. The image reading device includes a conveying unit that conveys a document along a conveying path, an image reading unit that is provided in the conveying path and reads a front and back image of the document, and is provided in the conveying path, and detects double feeding of the document. And the information processing device includes: an operation unit that designates a next operation after the double feed is detected by the multifeed detection unit; and the multifeed detection unit based on an operation of the operation unit. And image processing means for combining the front and back images of the document detected by the image reading means and detected by the image reading means.
According to this aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus can perform the process of combining the front and back images of the document received from the image reading apparatus based on the operation on the information processing apparatus side.

In the system of the present invention, the operation means includes display means for displaying an operation screen as to whether or not to combine the front and back images of the document, and the image processing means includes the front and back of the document on the operation screen. The front and back images of the document may be combined based on an operation for combining the images.
According to this aspect of the present invention, since the front and back images of the document are combined with each other by an operation on the operation screen, the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Here, as an image reading apparatus applicable to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of documents placed on the placement table be separated one by one and fed to the conveyance path, and continuously In this case, for example, an operator (user) can read information from a PC or the like externally connected to the image reading apparatus before reading the image of the original. Using a scanner driver or an image capture application in the apparatus, settings such as resolution at the time of reading a document image, image size, file name of the read image file, and file format are set. In such an image reading apparatus, in order to realize high-speed processing, it is preferable to separate the originals one by one and feed them to the conveyance path so as not to double-feed from the original bundle placed on the placing table. On the other hand, in order to detect a so-called double feed state in which a plurality of originals are transported in a stacked state without being separated one by one from the original bundle, a double feed detection unit (for example, an ultrasonic detection type double feed detection). Means) is necessary.

  In an image reading apparatus having such a double feed detection unit, when a double feed occurs in a document to be transported, a document feed operation (feed of a subsequent document) and processing of image data are performed as processing when a document feed error occurs. The sending operation to the information processing apparatus may be stopped. Although the double fed document may be stopped in the transport path, it may be discharged as it is.

  On the other hand, the scanner driver, which is a processing program on the information processing apparatus side to which the image reading apparatus is connected, notifies the fact that the above-described double feed has occurred and has performed double feed from the image reading apparatus or periodically monitors the occurrence of double feed. When it is detected that double feeding has occurred, the image data storage process is canceled as image data reception failure. At this time, the document driver error is notified from the scanner driver to the image capture application program, and a screen (dialog box) indicating that the error has occurred is displayed on the monitor on the information processing apparatus side.

  In this case, the operator always checks the read image of the document in which double feeding has occurred from among the image files stored in the information processing apparatus through an image capture application program or the like, and restarts the document reading operation. Is very complicated.

  For example, in an image reading apparatus that separates a document from a bundle of documents one by one and feeds them to the transport path, the transportable size of the transportable document is specified, but the maximum size of the specified document is A document exceeding the maximum size can be read by half-folding the document in order to feed a document exceeding the size. For example, in an image reading apparatus capable of double-sided reading up to A4 size, an A3 size original is folded in half, double-sided reading is performed in a folded state, and a pair of read front and back images are connected to each other. A3 size original image is obtained. In other words, when a document exceeding the maximum size is folded in half and conveyed, and both sides of the document are scanned, the entire one side of the document can be acquired as two front and back images. In this case, since the originals are overlapped, double feed detection is performed, but the user may want to continue reading in half-fold and combine the front and back images. This reading method is called “large format reading”, but in order to realize “large format reading”, the image reading apparatus does not separate the originals one by one from the original bundle, It is convenient to perform feeding that is distinguished by a so-called “non-separation mode” function of reading an image of a document conveyed in a double-feed state. Not only such half-folded originals, but also various kinds of originals for reading images, such as forms that are bundled in multiple sheets or folded in half Therefore, as a user, it is inconvenient for a double feed error each time. The present invention improves the convenience of the user as described above, and has a function of combining front and back images of a document that has been double-fed as post-processing after double-feed detection. As a result, since the user can specify that at least the front and back images of the document are to be combined after detecting the double feed, reading processing can be prevented from being interrupted and image reading can be continued.

Claims (11)

Conveying means for conveying the original along the conveying path;
An image reading means provided in the conveyance path for reading the front and back images of the document;
A double feed detecting means provided in the transport path for detecting double feed of documents;
Image processing means for combining front and back images of a document obtained by reading by the image reading means;
Operation means for designating the next operation after double feed detection by the double feed detection means,
The image processing apparatus combines the front and back images of a document detected as double feeding by the double feeding detection means based on an operation of the operation means. Conveying means for conveying the original along the conveying path;
An image reading means provided in the conveyance path for reading the front and back images of the document;
A double feed detecting means provided in the transport path for detecting double feed of documents;
Image processing means for combining front and back images of a document obtained by reading by the image reading means;
Operation means for designating the next operation after double feed detection by the double feed detection means,
The operation means has a display means for displaying an operation screen as to whether or not to combine the front and back images of the document.
The image processing apparatus, wherein the image processing unit combines front and back images of a document based on an operation on the operation screen.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit changes display content of the message screen based on a detection result of the double feed detection unit. Separation feeding means for separating and feeding documents one by one with respect to the conveyance path;
The display means displays a message screen indicating that the double feed of the document has occurred when the double feed detection means detects the double feed of the document,
In the message screen, as processing for the read front and back images, it is possible to specify at least items relating to “combination” among “save”, “combine”, “discard”, or “reread”. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. When it is determined that the entire original has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit performs processing for the read front and back images as “save”, “combine”, “discard”, Or display a message screen that can specify each item related to "Reread",
When it is determined that a part of the document has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit performs “save”, “discard”, or “re-use” as processing for the read front and back images. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a message screen on which each item relating to “reading” can be specified is displayed. When it is determined that a part of the document has been double-feeded based on the detection result of the double-feed detection means, the display means displays a message screen indicating that the double-feed has occurred,
When it is determined that the entire document has been double-fed based on the detection result of the double-feed detection unit, the display unit displays a message screen as to whether or not to combine the read front and back images. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3. An acquisition means for detecting a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document by a document detection sensor and acquiring a passage time of the document passing through the document detection sensor;
Based on the length of the original obtained based on the passage time of the original obtained by the acquisition means and the conveyance speed of the conveyance means, the passage time of the original obtained by the acquisition means, and the detection result of the double feed detection means. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit combines the front and back images of the document when the length of the document in the double-feed state obtained in this manner substantially matches. Image processing apparatus. An acquisition means for detecting a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document by a document detection sensor and acquiring a passage time of the document passing through the document detection sensor;
Based on the length of the original obtained based on the passage time of the original obtained by the acquisition means and the conveyance speed of the conveyance means, the passage time of the original obtained by the acquisition means, and the detection result of the double feed detection means. The image according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein if the length of the document in the double-feed state obtained in this way does not substantially match, it is determined that a double-feed of the document has occurred. Processing equipment. An image processing system comprising: an image reading device that reads an image of a document; and an information processing device that is connected to the image reading device and controls the image reading device,
The image reading device includes:
Conveying means for conveying the original along the conveying path;
An image reading means provided in the conveyance path for reading the front and back images of the document;
A double feed detecting means provided in the transport path for detecting double feed of documents;
Operation means for designating the next operation after double feed detection by the double feed detection means,
The information processing apparatus includes:
An image processing system comprising: an image processing unit configured to combine front and back images of a document detected by the multi-feed detection unit and detected by the multi-feed detection unit based on an operation of the operation unit. An image processing system comprising: an image reading device that reads an image of a document; and an information processing device that is connected to the image reading device and controls the image reading device,
The image reading device includes:
Conveying means for conveying the original along the conveying path;
An image reading means provided in the conveyance path for reading the front and back images of the document;
A double feed detecting means provided in the transport path for detecting double feed of the document,
The information processing apparatus includes:
Operation means for designating the next operation after double feed detection by the double feed detection means;
An image processing system comprising: an image processing unit configured to combine front and back images of a document detected by the multi-feed detection unit and detected by the multi-feed detection unit based on an operation of the operation unit. The operation means has a display means for displaying an operation screen as to whether or not to combine the front and back images of the document.
11. The image processing system according to claim 9, wherein the image processing unit combines the front and back images of the document based on an operation for combining the front and back images of the document on the operation screen.

Images