JP2021197693A - Image reading device, image forming apparatus, and image reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible, in continuous reading of a document, to read pieces of information that are read with light sources with different wavelength regions without losing the information.SOLUTION: A light source unit causes a first light source for reading visible information on a document and a second light source for reading invisible information on the document to emit light. An image sensor receives rays of light emitted from the first light source and the second light source and reflected on the document and forms image data, and outputs the data. A control unit switches between the image data obtained through the reading with the first light source and the image data obtained through the reading with the second light source in accordance with the number of continuously read documents, and outputs one of the pieces of image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading device, an image forming device, and an image reading method.

Today, an image reader capable of reading visible wavelength region information with white light and reading infrared wavelength region information with infrared light is known.

For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 05-334489) discloses an optical character recognition device that extracts only black characters by removing a background color, a tint block, and the like on a form.

However, in the conventional image reading device including the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to switch between white light and infrared light at the time of continuous reading of the original, so that the image or characters to be read should be read. There was a problem that an output image was formed in a state where the image disappeared without being read.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is an image reader and image forming capable of reading information read by light sources in different wavelength ranges without loss during continuous reading of a document. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and an image reading method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an image reading device provided with an automatic document transport mechanism that enables continuous reading of documents by sequentially transporting a plurality of documents to a reading unit. Therefore, a light source unit provided with a first light source for reading the visible information of the document and a second light source for reading the invisible information of the document, and the first light source and the second light source irradiate the document. The image sensor that receives the reflected light generated by the light source, forms and outputs the image data, the image data read by the first light source, and the image data read by the second light source. It also has a control unit that switches and outputs according to the number of continuously scanned documents.

According to the present invention, when a document is continuously read, the information to be read by light sources in different wavelength ranges can be read without being lost.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an operation of reading information using visible light and infrared light. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining information that disappears when reading with infrared light. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the reading principle of infrared light. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an image reading device provided in the image forming device of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the image reader. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image sensor of an image reader. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a certificate. FIG. 10 shows a scanned image obtained when the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the certificate is read with visible light, and a scanned image obtained when the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the certificate is read with infrared light. It is a figure which shows an example. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the embedded image. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a cover page and a certificate are attached to an e-mail and transmitted or facsimile transmitted. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a document reading operation in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit for explaining an input operation of the number of pages for starting infrared reading in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of lighting control of the light source. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of operations of steps S12 to S14 of the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the document reading operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the document reading operation of the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an image reading device provided in the image forming device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of a document reading operation of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of lighting control of the light source of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of operations of steps S12 to S14 of the flowchart of FIG. 22. FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the intermittent shading correction operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the intermittent shading correction operation of the image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

(Overview)
The image forming apparatus of the embodiment is, for example, a digital copying machine, a digital multifunction device, a facsimile machine, or the like. The image forming apparatus of this embodiment uses information reading control using visible light (an example of a first light source) and infrared light (an example of a second light source) during continuous reading of a document. The reading control of the existing information is switched based on the user's setting information. This makes it possible to read the information to be read without loss during continuous reading.

(Reading information using light in different wavelength ranges)
First, the operation of reading information using visible light and infrared light will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1A is an example of a certificate manuscript. When this certificate manuscript is monochrome-copied using white light, a read image in which information is crushed in places due to the background and the tint block can be obtained as shown in FIG. 1 (b). On the other hand, when the certificate document is read using infrared light, which is an example of an invisible light source, a read image in which only the black information is extracted can be obtained as shown in FIG. 1 (c).

As described above, in the image forming apparatus equipped with both white light and infrared light sources, in addition to normal reading using white light, only the black portion is extracted without reading the background color and the tint block of the original. A scanned image can be obtained. Further, if the image forming apparatus is equipped with an automatic document transporting apparatus (ADF: Auto Document Feeder), it is possible to continuously obtain a scanned image in which only a black portion is extracted without scanning the background color and the tint block of the original. ..

(Disappearance of information due to reading infrared light)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how information is lost when a document is read using infrared light. When the original is scanned using infrared light, it is possible to obtain a scanned image in which only the black portion is extracted, as described above. However, this means that the parts other than the black part, such as the background color and the tint block of the original, are not read.

For example, FIG. 2A is a manuscript in which a red line is drawn on the character “¥ 10,000” and a correction mark is stamped with red meat. In this case, when reading with infrared light, the portion other than black is not read, so that the read image has the red line and the correction mark disappeared. Further, FIG. 2B shows a black character and a frame line formed by mixing cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks instead of black toner or ink. When printed with infrared light, the scanned image has black characters and borders disappeared. Further, FIG. 2C shows a manuscript in which the characters "¥ 10,000" are written in black characters using non-carbon ink or toner. In this case, since the characters "¥ 10,000" are written with ink or toner that does not contain a carbon component, the scanned image in which the characters "¥ 10,000" disappear when read with infrared light. It becomes.

(Infrared light reading principle)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a reading principle of infrared light. The graph shown in FIG. 3 is a graph showing the difference in wavelength and reflectance characteristics between the blank original and the K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) toners. In FIG. 3, a wavelength region of less than 780 nm is a visible wavelength region, and a wavelength region of 780 nm or more is an infrared wavelength region.

The black image printed with K toner has the same characteristics in the visible wavelength region and the infrared wavelength region, and the reflectance remains low (= absorbs light). Therefore, black characters, images, and the like on the document can be reproduced in both cases of reading with white light and reading with infrared light.

However, characters or images printed by mixing three color toners of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) can be read in the visible wavelength region, but 3 in the infrared wavelength region. Since the reflectance of both colors is high (= light is transmitted), it is treated as reflected light of a blank original. Therefore, when reading is performed using infrared light, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is a problem that the scanned image is deleted.

[First Embodiment]
(Functional configuration of image forming device)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As an example, the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment has the functions (image forming unit) of the facsimile communication unit (FAX unit) 201, the scanner unit 202, and the printing unit 203 as shown in FIG. An example). The FAX unit 201 performs facsimile communication with the communication destination via the network NW. The scanner unit 202 reads the original. The printing unit 203 prints and outputs a document or the like scanned by the scanner unit 202. By operating the operation unit 200, the user specifies a desired number of prints, a print start designation, and the like.

(Mechanical configuration of image forming device)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 103, an image forming apparatus main body 104, an image reading apparatus 101, and an automatic document conveying apparatus (ADF) 102.

In the image forming apparatus main body 104, a tandem type image forming unit 105, a resist roller 108 for supplying recording paper from the feeding unit 103 to the image forming unit 105 via a conveying path 107, an optical writing device 109, and fixing and conveying. A section 110 and a double-sided tray 111 are provided.

In the image forming unit 105, four photoconductor drums 112 are arranged side by side corresponding to the four color toners of YMCK. An image-forming element including a charger, a developer 106, a transfer device, a cleaner, and a static eliminator is arranged around each photoconductor drum 112. Further, between the transfer device and the photoconductor drum 112, an intermediate transfer belt 113 stretched between the drive roller and the driven roller while being sandwiched between the nips of both is provided.

The tandem image forming apparatus 100 configured in this way writes light to the photoconductor drum 112 corresponding to each color of YMCK, develops each toner of each color with the developing device 106, and puts it on the intermediate transfer belt 113, for example. Primary transfer is performed in the order of Y, M, C, K. Then, a full-color image in which four colors are superimposed by the primary transfer is secondarily transferred to the recording paper and then fixed, so that the full-color image is formed on the recording paper and discharged.

(Structure of image reader)
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an image reading device provided in the image forming device 100 of the first embodiment. The image reading unit shown in FIG. 6 reads the image or characters of the document by receiving the reflected light obtained by irradiating the document with the light from the light source 2 by the image sensor 9.

The image reader has a first carriage 6 provided with a contact glass 1 on which the document is placed, a light source 2 for exposing the document, and a first reflection mirror 3. Further, the image reading device has a second carriage 7 provided with a second reflection mirror 4 and a third reflection mirror 5. Further, the image reading device has a lens unit 8 that forms an image on the image sensor 9 and a sensor board 10 on which the image sensor 9 is installed. Further, the image reading device has a reference member 11 used for correcting various variations by a reading optical system and the like, and a slit glass 13 which is a glass at a sheet-through reading position.

An automatic document feeding mechanism (ADE: Auto Document Feeder) 102 is provided above the image reading device. The ADF 102 is connected to the main body of the image reading device via a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable with respect to the contact glass 1. Further, the ADF 102 has a document tray 14 on which a plurality of documents can be placed. Further, it has a separate feeding / transporting mechanism provided with a document feeding / transporting roller 15 that separates a plurality of documents placed on the document tray 14 one by one and automatically feeds / transports them toward the slit glass 13.

Such an image reading device scans the image surface of the original and reads the image of the original in the flatbed reading mode (hereinafter, referred to as “press plate reading”), the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 However, the stepping motor controls the movement in the arrow A direction (sub-scanning direction) to scan the document. At this time, in order to keep the optical path length from the contact glass 1 to the image sensor 9 constant, the second carriage 7 is moved and controlled at a speed ½ of that of the first carriage 6.

At the same time, the image surface, which is the lower surface of the document placed on the contact glass 1, is illuminated (exposed) by the light source 2 of the first carriage 6. As a result, the reflected light image from the image plane of the document is the first reflection mirror 3 of the first carriage 6, the second reflection mirror 4 of the second carriage 7, the third reflection mirror 5, and the third reflection mirror 5. , The image is formed on the image sensor 9 via the lens unit 8. The image sensor 9 forms image data corresponding to the reflected light image of the determined original.

On the other hand, in the sheet-through reading mode (hereinafter referred to as "manuscript transport reading") in which the image of the original is automatically fed and conveyed using the ADF 102, the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 are the slit glass 13. Move down. After that, the document feed / transport roller 15 placed on the document tray 14 automatically feeds and transports the document in the arrow B direction (secondary scanning direction), and the document is scanned at the position of the slit glass 13.

At this time, the lower surface (image surface) of the document automatically fed and conveyed is irradiated with the light from the light source 2 of the first carriage 6. As a result, the reflected light image from the image surface of the document is the first reflection mirror 3 of the first carriage 6, the second reflection mirror 4 of the second carriage 7, the third reflection mirror 5, and the lens. An image is formed on the image sensor 9 via the unit 8. The image sensor 9 forms image data corresponding to the reflected light image of the determined original.

When scanning both sides of a document by such document transport scanning, after scanning the front surface, the document is inverted by the inversion mechanism of the ADF 102, and the back surface is scanned at the position of the slit glass 13. Even if this is not the case, one sensor may be added to the ADF 102 and installed to read both sides of the document in one document transfer.

Further, the image reading device controls the image reading device based on the image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data formed by the image sensor 9 and transmits the image data to the subsequent circuit, and the user's setting information. There is also a control unit that performs the above. The image processing unit and the control unit may be provided inside the image reading device or may be provided outside the image reading device. Further, the first carriage 6, the second carriage 7, the lens 8 and the sensor board 10 may be integrally operated.

(Circuit configuration of image forming device)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image reader 101. As shown in FIG. 7, the image reading device 101 has a reading unit 250, an image processing unit 251 and a control unit 252.

The image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment can read the visible wavelength region information and the invisible wavelength region information. Further, even when the document is continuously read using the ADF 102, the visible wavelength region information and the invisible wavelength region information can be switched and read. Therefore, the reading unit 250 of the image reading device 101 shown in FIG. 5 has a first light source 261 that emits white light and a second light source 262 that emits infrared light. The first light source 261 and the second light source 262 are examples of the light source unit.

As an example, "white light" is used as a light source for reading visible wavelength region information, and "infrared light" is used as a light source for reading invisible wavelength region information. However, a light source having any wavelength may be used as long as it is a light source capable of reading the visible wavelength region and a light source capable of reading the invisible wavelength region.

Further, the reading unit 250 has an image sensor 263 that receives the reflected light generated by the light sources 261 and 262 irradiating the document and converts it into an electric signal (image data). In the following description, the reading of the visible wavelength region information may be described as "normal reading", and the reading of the invisible wavelength region information may be described as "infrared reading".

The image processing unit 251 performs predetermined image processing on the image data from the image sensor 250 and outputs the image data.

The control unit 252 includes a counter unit 264, a memory 265 (an example of a storage unit), and a light source control unit 266. The light source control unit 266 controls light emission of each of the light sources 261 and 262. The counter unit 264 is supplied with information on the number of sheets, which is a signal generated once in one scan, such as a gate signal generated for each original sheet, for example, during continuous reading using the ADF 12 from the reading unit 250. The counter unit 264 counts the number of sheets information corresponding to the read document. The control unit 252 switches and controls the image data output from the image processing unit 251 based on the count value of the counter unit 264.

The control unit 252 counts the number of sheets information supplied from the reading unit 250 by the counter unit 264, but any method may be used as long as the number of scanned documents can be detected. Further, although it has been described that the control unit 252 has the counter unit 264, the counter unit 264 may be provided anywhere, such as outside the control unit 252.

The memory 265 of the control unit 252 stores user reading setting information and various adjustment values (light amount information, gain information, main scanning reference level information, etc.) of the image reading device 101. Each of these pieces of information is supplied to the image sensor 263 or the image processing unit 251 when the document is read, for example.

(Configuration of image sensor)
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image sensor 263. The example of FIG. 8 is an example in which line sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B for red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are provided. In the case of the example of FIG. 8, the light source control unit 266 selects and controls one of the first light source 261 that emits white light and the second light source 262 that emits infrared light (exclusive). Light emission control).

When the first light source 261 is controlled to emit light, the RGB line sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B receive the reflected light of the white light reflected by the document and output the image data of each color of RGB (normal reading). ). Further, each RGB line sensor 263R, 263G, 263B receives the reflected light of the infrared light (NIR) reflected by the document when the second light source 262 is controlled to emit light, and is read by the infrared light. Each image data is output (infrared reading).

The image processing unit 251 performs predetermined image processing on the image data by normal reading or the image data by infrared reading. The control unit 252 selects image data by normal reading or image data by infrared reading by switching and controlling the image processing unit 251 according to the light source whose lighting is controlled based on the count value of the counter unit 264. Output control.

(Advantages of infrared reading)
Here, the advantages of infrared reading will be described. By performing infrared scanning, the background and tint block of the original can be erased from the scanned image, and the authenticity of certificates and the like can be determined. For example, some certificates have embedded images to prevent counterfeiting. FIG. 9 is a specific example of such a certificate. As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the front surface is a certificate description portion, but the back surface has a floral pattern as shown in FIG. 9 (b). The image of is printed, and the embedded image is printed under the image of this floral pattern.

FIG. 10 shows a scanned image (FIG. 10A) obtained when the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the original certificate is read with visible light, and the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the certificate is infrared. It is a figure which shows an example of the scanned image (FIG. 10 (b)) obtained when it is read by light. When the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the original certificate is read with visible light, a read image of the image of the floral pattern is obtained as shown in FIG. 10 (a). Further, when the image of the floral pattern on the back surface of the original certificate is read by infrared light, a read image of the characters "certificate" can be obtained as shown in FIG. 10 (b).

On the other hand, in the case of the copied certificate, when it is read by infrared light, the read image of the character "certificate" as shown in FIG. 10 (b) cannot be obtained. Therefore, the authenticity of the certificate can be determined by reading with infrared light and determining the presence or absence of the character "certificate".

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the embedded image such as the above-mentioned “proof” character. As shown in FIG. 11, the embedded image (in this example, the character "proof") is first printed with black K toner, and then the image (in this example) is printed with CMY's three color toners. , Floral image) is printed. As a result, the embedded image of the characters "proof" is normally invisible due to the image of the floral pattern printed with the three colors of toner.

However, infrared light passes through an image of a floral pattern printed with three colors of toner. Therefore, by irradiating with infrared light, it is possible to obtain an embedded image of the characters of "proof" printed with K toner.

In this way, there are many opportunities for "infrared scanning" to be performed for applications such as removing the background and pattern of a document and reading an embedded image. For example, an institution or company that handles various certificates needs to determine the authenticity of the certificate brought by the customer. Conventionally, the presence or absence of an embedded image has been determined using an infrared camera device or a dedicated device.

However, if the authenticity of a certificate is determined using an infrared camera device or a dedicated device, it takes time and effort to determine the authenticity of a large number of certificates, which is not efficient. Therefore, by performing infrared reading while automatically transporting a large number of certificates using the ADF102, it is possible to easily and quickly determine the authenticity of a large number of certificates.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a cover page and a certificate are attached to an e-mail and transmitted or facsimile transmitted. In this case, the front and back sides of the cover page are "normally read". In addition, the front and back surfaces of the certificate are "infrared read". As a result, the information on the front and back surfaces of the cover page and the front and back surfaces of the certificate can be read and transmitted without loss. When sending a large number of cover pages and certificates, the cover pages and certificates are set in the ADF102 and read continuously. At this time, the cover page is usually read, and the certificate is read infrared. This makes it possible to send a large number of cover pages and certificates easily and in a short time.

(Continuous reading operation of the first embodiment)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of a continuous reading operation of a document using the ADF 102 in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the control unit 252 shown in FIG. 7 sets the count value of the counter unit 264 to the initial value “1” (p_count = 1) (step S1). The count value of "1" means that the first page of the manuscript is read.

Next, in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the user inputs in advance the number of pages for starting infrared reading via the operation unit 200. .. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the start of infrared reading is specified (set) from the third page. The user inputs a desired number of infrared reading pages and operates the OK button. As a result, start page information indicating the number of pages for starting infrared reading is stored in the memory 265. The start page information is erased from the memory 265 when the release button is operated.

Next, when the automatic transfer of the original is started by the ADF 102, the reading unit 250 notifies the control unit 252 of the reading page number information indicating the number of pages of the original to be read. In step S2, the control unit 252 compares the number of pages to be read, which is indicated by the number of pages to be read information (p_count), with the number of pages to start infrared reading, which is indicated by the start page information (p_set). (P_count ≧ p_set).

When the read page number information (p_count) is equal to or greater than the start page information (p_set) (step S2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S3. When the read page number information (p_count) is less than the start page information (p_set) (step S2: No), the process proceeds to step S4.

The fact that the number of pages to be read (p_count) is equal to or greater than the start page information (p_set) means that the reading of the number of pages specified by the user for infrared reading is started. Therefore, in step S3, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the first light source (white light) 261 for normal reading and the lighting control of the second light source (infrared light) 262 for infrared reading. ..

On the other hand, the fact that the read page number information (p_count) is less than the start page information (p_set) means that the page to be read from now on is not a page for which infrared reading is specified by the user. .. Therefore, in step S4, the light source control unit 266 controls the lighting of the first light source (white light) 261 for normal reading and the extinguishing control of the second light source (infrared light) 262 for infrared reading. ..

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of lighting control of each of the light sources 261 and 262. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, when it is determined that the read page number information (p_count) is equal to or greater than the start page information (p_set) (step S2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S41 and step S42. The light source control unit 266 sets the amount of infrared light in step S41, and sets the gain of infrared light in step S42. Then, in step S3, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the first light source (white light) 261 and turns off the second light source (infrared light) 262 for infrared reading with the set light amount and gain. The lighting is controlled and the process proceeds to step S5.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the read page number information (p_count) is less than the start page information (p_set) (step S2: No), the process proceeds to step S43 and step S44. The light source control unit 266 sets the amount of white light (first light source 261) in step S43, and sets the gain of white light (first light source 261) in step S44. Then, in step S4, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the second light source (infrared light) 262 and turns on the first light source (white light) 261 for normal reading with the set light amount and gain. It is controlled and the process proceeds to step S5.

Next, in step S5, the control unit 252 detects and outputs the presence or absence of a document set on the ADF 102 and the presence or absence of a document on the document mounting table (on the contact glass for reading the flatbed), and the flatbed. It is determined whether to perform "press plate scanning" for scanning the original on the contact glass for scanning or "document transport scanning" for automatically transporting and continuously scanning a plurality of originals with the ADF 102.

When performing "pressure plate reading", the control unit 252 controls the movement of the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 in the arrow A direction (sub-scanning direction) shown in FIG. 6 (step S6: outward path). During this period, the reading unit 250 reads the reference white plate 11 to acquire the white main scanning distribution data (step S7), and then the original document on the contact glass for reading the flatbed, which is irradiated with white color or infrared light. Is read (step S8). The white main scanning distribution data, which is the main scanning data of the white reference plate 11, is data used for white shading correction for correcting variations in the light source, and is stored in the memory 265.

When the reading of the original is completed, the image processing unit 251 normalizes the distribution using the white main scanning distribution data, corrects the image unevenness, and outputs the image (white shading correction processing). The image processing unit 251 performs such white shading correction processing for each pixel at any time. Further, when the scanning of the original is completed, the image processing unit 251 uses the first black main scanning distribution data for normal scanning using white light (see step S67 in FIG. 16 to be described later) to emit light. Black shading correction processing is performed to remove noise by subtracting the black main scanning distribution data in the dark without irradiation from the reading data.

When the reading of the document is completed, the control unit 252 controls the movement of the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 in the direction opposite to the arrow A direction shown in FIG. 6 (step S9: return path). , Stop control is performed at the initial position (step S10). When the reading of the document is completed, the light source control unit 266 controls both the light sources 261 and 262 to be turned off (step S11), and ends the document reading operation shown in the flowchart of FIG.

On the other hand, when performing "document transport reading", the control unit 252 controls the movement of the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 under the reference white plate 11 (step S12). As a result, the reading unit 250 reads the reference white plate 11 and acquires the white main scanning distribution data (step S13).

Next, the control unit 252 controls the movement of the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 to the document transport reading position for ADF under the slit glass 13 shown in FIG. 6 (step S14).

The flowchart of FIG. 16 shows a detailed flow of such operations of steps S12 to S14. That is, in step S12, when the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 are moved under the reference white plate 11 by the control unit 252, the light source control unit 266 sends the first light source (white light) 261. Lighting control is performed (step S61). By reading the reference white plate 11, the reading unit 250 acquires the white main scanning distribution data for white shading correction of the line sensors 263R, 263G, 263B for each color of RGB and the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light. , Stored in memory 265.

Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the amount of white light (step S62), and stores and controls the white light amount information indicating the adjusted light amount in the memory 265 (step S63). Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the gain of the first light source 261 (step S64), and stores and controls the gain information indicating the adjusted gain in the memory 265 (step S65).

The light amount adjustment is an adjustment in which the intensity of the light source light amount is adjusted according to the reading level read by irradiating the reference white plate 11 with light to obtain a desired reading level. The gain adjustment is an adjustment that widens the dynamic range by setting each image sensor 263R, 263G, and 263B as a predetermined reading level according to the reading level read by irradiating the reference white plate 11 with light.

When the amount of light and the gain are adjusted in this way, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the first light source (white light) 261 (step S66). The reading unit 250 acquires the black main scanning distribution data when the white light is turned off, so that the first black main scanning distribution data for black shading correction of the RGB image sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B during normal reading is obtained. Is stored and controlled in the memory 265 (step S67). The black main scan distribution data is data used for black shading correction for suppressing random noise that occurs in the signal transmission of the pixel.

Next, the light source control unit 266 controls lighting of the second light source (infrared light) 262 (step S68). Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the amount of infrared light (step S69), and stores and controls the infrared light amount information indicating the adjusted light amount in the memory 265 (step S70). Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the gain of the second light source 262 (step S71), and stores and controls the gain information indicating the adjusted gain in the memory 265 (step S72).

When the amount and gain of the infrared light are adjusted in this way, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the second light source (infrared light) 262 (step S73). The reading unit 250 acquires the black main scanning distribution data when the infrared light is turned off to form a second black main scanning distribution data for black shading correction of the image read by the infrared light, and forms a memory. Memory control is performed at 265 (step S74).

When the acquisition of the black main scan distribution data is completed, the control unit 252 reads the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 for ADF under the slit glass 13 shown in FIG. The movement is controlled to the position (step S14).

Next, the control unit 252 controls the ADF 102 so as to automatically convey the set document (step S15). The reading unit 250 reads the automatically conveyed document through the slit glass 13 (step S16).

When the image processing unit 251 completes scanning the original, the image processing unit 251 normalizes the distribution of the scanned image data of the original using the white main scanning distribution data, and performs white shading correction processing for correcting image unevenness. .. Further, the image processing unit 251 performs black shading correction processing for removing noise by subtracting the second black main scanning distribution data for infrared reading from the reading data.

Next, the control unit 252 determines the presence / absence of the original to be read next by determining the presence / absence of the original set in the ADF 102 (step S17). When it is determined that the document to be scanned does not exist (step S17: No), the process proceeds to step S11, and the light source control unit 266 controls both the light sources 261 and 262 to be turned off, and the flowchart of FIG. 13 shows. The reading operation of the indicated document ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the document to be read next exists (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18, and the reading unit 250 increments the reading page number information (p_count) by "1". (Step S18), the process returns to step S2.

In step S2, as described above, the control unit 252 determines whether or not the number of pages indicated by the read page number information (p_count) is equal to or greater than the start page information (p_set) for starting infrared reading. do. In the example of FIG. 14, the infrared reading of the third and subsequent pages is specified by the user. Therefore, the control unit 252 determines whether or not the count value of the counter unit 264 is "3 (page)". When the count value of the counter unit 264 is less than "3 (page)", normal reading using white light (first light source 261) is performed (step S4).

When the count value of the counter unit 264 is "3 (page)" or more, the light source control unit 266 controls the lighting of the infrared light (second light source 262) (step S3) and reads infrared light. I do. Further, in the example of FIG. 14, since the designated form of the infrared reading page is "from the third page", the fourth page, the fifth page, and the like after the third page are infrared reading of the original. The reading is done. As a result, the original specified by the user can be read infraredly, so that even when the original transport scanning (continuous scanning) is performed, the necessary information can be read without being lost.

In this example, when the count value of the counter unit 264 is less than "3 (page)", normal reading is performed using white light (first light source 261), and the count value is "3 (page)". ) ”Or more, it was decided to perform infrared reading using infrared light (second light source 262). However, when the count value of the counter unit 264 is less than "3 (page)", normal reading is performed using infrared light (second light source 262), and the count value is "3 (page)" or more. In the case of, infrared reading may be performed using white light (first light source 261).

(Effect of the first embodiment)
As is clear from the above description, in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, when the originals are continuously scanned, the pages before the page specified by the user are normally scanned by white light. Infrared reading is performed on the page designated by the user and the pages after the page designated by the user.

As a result, the original specified by the user can be read infraredly, so that even when the original transport scanning (continuous scanning) is performed, the necessary information can be read without being lost.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the page for performing infrared reading is a page that is the boundary between normal reading and infrared reading, such as "from the third page". I decided to specify it. On the other hand, the second embodiment is an example of designating a page for performing infrared reading. It should be noted that only this point is different between the first embodiment described above and the second embodiment described below. Therefore, in the following, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the operation unit 200 in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment. In the case of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the page for infrared reading is designated as the page itself for infrared reading, for example, "only pages 3 and 4".

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the document reading operation of the second embodiment. In the case of this second embodiment, in step S2, the control unit 252 determines whether or not the number of pages indicated by the read page number information (p_count) becomes the start page information (p_set) for starting infrared reading. Is determined (p_count = p_set_n).

The control unit 252 and the light source control unit 266 control the lighting of infrared light to perform infrared reading when the page designated by the user is read during continuous reading of the original. As a result, only the originals designated by the user can be read infraredly, and even when the originals are conveyed and read (continuously read), the necessary information can be read without being lost.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment will be described. This third embodiment is an example in which odd-numbered pages or even-numbered pages can be designated as pages for infrared reading. It should be noted that only this point is different between each of the above-described embodiments and the third embodiment described below. Therefore, in the following, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the operation unit 200 in the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment. In the case of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, “even pages” or “odd pages” are designated as pages for infrared reading.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the document reading operation of the third embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 20 is an example in which an “even page” is designated as a page for performing infrared reading. In step S2 of the flowchart of FIG. 20, the control unit 252 performs continuous reading, and whether or not the number of pages indicated by the read page number information (p_count) becomes an "even page" for infrared reading. Is determined (p_count = even number).

When the number of pages for continuous reading of the original is an even number, the control unit 252 and the light source control unit 266 control the lighting of infrared light to perform infrared reading. In the case of this example, odd-numbered pages are normally read. As a result, only the even-numbered pages of the original specified by the user can be read infraredly, and even when the original transport reading (continuous reading) is performed, the necessary information can be read without being lost.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the first embodiment described above, it is determined that the RGB line sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B receive both visible light and infrared light. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment is an example in which a line sensor dedicated to infrared light is provided together with each RGB line sensor 263R, 263G, and 263B. It should be noted that only this point is different between each of the above-described embodiments and the fourth embodiment described below. Therefore, in the following, only the difference between the two will be explained, and the duplicate explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of an image reading device 101 provided in the image forming device of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 21, the image reading device 101 includes RGB line sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B as image sensors 263, as well as an infrared reading-only line sensor 263NIR. Normal reading and infrared reading may be performed with a time lag or may be performed at the same time.

When performing normal reading and infrared reading with a time difference, the image processing unit 251 selects image data of each RGB line sensor 263R, 263G, 263B at the time of normal reading, performs image processing, and outputs the image. Further, the image processing unit 251 selects the image data of the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light at the time of infrared reading, performs image processing, and outputs the image. When normal reading and infrared reading are performed at the same time, the image processing unit 251 receives the image data of each RGB line sensor 263R, 263G, 263B and the image data of the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light. Each image is processed and output.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of a document reading operation of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. The processing different from the flowchart of FIG. 13 is only the processing of step S20. That is, in the case of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the reading of the original is started, the light source control unit 266 determines the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (red) in step S20. External light) 262 is controlled to be lit at the same time.

The reflected light of the white light applied to the document is received by the RGB line sensors 263R, 263G, and 263B. Further, the reflected light of the infrared light applied to the document is received by the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light. The image processing unit 251 performs predetermined image processing on the image data of each RGB line sensor 263R, 263G, 263B and the image data of the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light, and outputs the image data. The operation other than this is the same operation as the document reading operation of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of lighting control of the light source of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, in the case of the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment, when the reading of the document is started, the light source control unit 266 sets the light amount of the first light source (white light) 261 and the light amount of the first light source (white light) 261. Along with setting the gain, the light amount and gain of the second light source (infrared light) 262 are set (step S51, step S52). Then, in step S20, the light source control unit 266 simultaneously lights and controls the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262. This enables simultaneous reading with white light and infrared light.

Further, FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a detailed flow of operations of steps S12 to S14 of the flowchart of FIG. 22. In the flowchart of FIG. 24, when the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 are moved under the reference white plate 11 by the control unit 252 in step S12, the light source control unit 266 causes the first light source ( White light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262 are simultaneously turned on and controlled (step S71). Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the light amount of the white light and the infrared light (step S72), and stores and controls the white light amount information and the infrared light amount information indicating the adjusted light amount in the memory 265 (step S73). Further, the light source control unit 266 adjusts the gains of the first light source 261 and the second light source 262 (step S74), and stores and controls the gain information indicating the adjusted gain in the memory 265 (step S75).

When the amount of light and the gain are adjusted in this way, the light source control unit 266 controls the extinguishing of the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262 (step S76), and the control unit 252. Acquires the first and second black main scan distribution data (step S77).

Upon acquiring the first and second black main scan distribution data, the control unit 252 transfers the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 to the original transfer for ADF under the slit glass 13 shown in FIG. The movement is controlled to the reading position (step S14).

As described above, the image forming apparatus of the fourth embodiment receives visible light by each RGB image sensor 263R, 263G, 263B, and receives infrared light by a dedicated image sensor 263NIR. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously read the original with visible light and infrared light, the time required for reading the original can be shortened, and the same effect as that of each of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment will be described. In the case of the image forming apparatus of each of the above-described embodiments, the first carriage 6 and the second carriage 7 are used for each page of continuous reading in order to acquire the white main scan distribution data for white shading correction. It was moved to the white reference plate 11, the white main scanning distribution data was acquired, and shading correction was performed each time.

On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment is an example in which intermittent shading correction is performed every predetermined number of sheets (or every predetermined time). It should be noted that only this point is different between each of the above-described embodiments and the fifth embodiment described below. For this reason, only the differences will be explained below, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reading operation of the image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a flow of a reading operation in an image forming apparatus that exclusively controls lighting of white light and infrared light, which was described with reference to FIG.

In the case of the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the user sets in advance whether the shading correction is continuously performed or intermittently performed via the operation unit 200. This setting information is stored in the memory 265. The control unit 252 recognizes whether the shading correction is continuously performed or intermittently performed based on the setting information stored in the memory 265, and performs the following control.

Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the user sets the number interval or the time interval for executing the intermittent shading correction via the operation unit 200. This interval information is stored in the memory 265. The control unit 252 executes and controls intermittent shading correction based on the interval information stored in the memory 265.

Specifically, it is assumed that it is specified that shading correction is performed every other sheet, for example, during document transport scanning (continuous scanning). In step S21, the page for which image formation is to be performed is "first page (p_count = 1)", and the count value of the page after switching from normal reading to infrared reading or from infrared reading to normal reading is "1". It indicates that it is the page (p_count_sw = 1) ”.

In this case, in step S2, as described above, it is determined whether or not the page for which image formation is to be performed is the page for infrared reading specified by the user (p_count ≧ p_set). Until the image of the page to be infrared-read is formed, the first light source (white light) 261 is turned on and the second light source (infrared light) 262 is turned off in step S4.

On the other hand, when the image of the page for infrared reading is formed, the control unit 252 switches the light source between the white light and the infrared light, and then the page for which the image is formed is one page. It is determined whether or not it is an eye (step S22).

When the page for which image formation is to be performed is the first page, the control unit 252 sets the count value of the page after switching from normal reading to infrared reading or from infrared reading to normal reading to "1 page (p_count_sw =". 1) ”is set to control the lighting of the second light source (infrared light) 262 and to control the extinguishing of the first light source (white light) 261 (step S3).

On the other hand, when the page for which image formation is to be performed is the first and subsequent pages, the control unit 252 controls the lighting of the second light source (infrared light) 262 and the first page in step S3. The light source (white light) 261 is turned off.

Next, in step S5, when it is determined that the document is to be read (continuously read) from now on and the process proceeds to step S24, the control unit 252 refers to the setting information stored in the memory 265 to correct the shading. Whether to perform continuously or intermittently is determined. When it is specified by the setting information that the shading correction is continuously performed (step S24: Yes), the control unit 252 is mainly white as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 15 in steps S12 to S15. The scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data are acquired, and white and black shading correction processing is performed on the scanned image data of the original.

On the other hand, when it is specified to perform shading correction intermittently (step S24: No), the control unit 252 determines that the document to be read from now on is one page among the plurality of documents to be continuously scanned. It is determined whether or not it is an eye manuscript (p_count_sw = 1?).

The fact that the document to be scanned is the document on the first page (step S25: Yes) means that the document to be scanned is the first document after switching the light source. Therefore, in steps S12 to S15, the control unit 252 acquires the white main scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and the like, and with respect to the image data of the scanned document. Then, white and black shading correction processing is performed.

On the other hand, when the document to be read is a document on the first and subsequent pages (step S25: No), the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control unit 252 recognizes the interval for shading correction based on the interval information stored in the memory 265. For example, when the user specifies that shading correction is performed every two pages, the interval information stored in the memory 265 is "sh_count = 2". Therefore, whether or not the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read by the control unit 252 is a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information or "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information. (Step S26).

That is, this example is an example in which shading correction is executed every time two pages of the original are read (sh_count = 2). Therefore, the control unit 252 controls when the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read after the light source is switched becomes "p_count_sw = 2" and "p_count_sw = 4" or "p_count_sw =". It is determined whether or not it is a "multiple of p_count_sw" such as "6" (step S26).

After switching the light source, the fact that the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read is not a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information (step S26: No) means that shading correction is executed. It means that it is not the timing to do it. In this case, the image data of the original document read in steps S15 and S16 is output without being subjected to shading correction processing. In step S27, the control unit 252 increments the page for image formation (p_count = 1) ”and the number of pages of the document to be read (p_count_sw) after switching the light source by“ 1 ”, respectively. , Return the process to step S2.

On the other hand, after switching the light source, the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read from now on is a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information (step S26: Yes). It means that it is time to execute shading correction. In this case, the control unit 252 acquires the white main scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data in steps S12 to S15. Then, the control unit 252 applies white and black shading correction processing to the image data of the scanned document.

As a result, during continuous scanning of documents, shading correction processing can be intermittently executed at intervals (for each number of sheets scanned) specified by the user. Therefore, the time required to complete the scanning of a plurality of documents can be shortened by the amount of intermittent shading correction processing, and the productivity of images can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment described above is an example in which the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262 are exclusively turned on and controlled to perform intermittent shading correction. .. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus of the sixth embodiment simultaneously controls the lighting of the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262 to perform intermittent shading correction. This is an example of It should be noted that only this point is different between each of the above-described embodiments and the sixth embodiment described below. For this reason, only the differences will be explained below, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

In the case of this example, first, the control unit 252 controls the lighting of the first light source (white light) 261 and the second light source (infrared light) 262 at the same time. When performing document transport scanning (continuous scanning), the control unit 252 proceeds to step S24 and continuously performs shading correction or intermittently based on the setting information stored in the memory 265. Determine if you want to do it. When it is specified by the setting information that the shading correction is continuously performed (step S24: Yes), the control unit 252 is mainly white as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 15 in steps S12 to S15. The scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data are acquired, and white and black shading correction processing is performed on the scanned image data of the original.

On the other hand, when it is specified to perform shading correction intermittently (step S24: No), the control unit 252 determines that the document to be read from now on is one page among the plurality of documents to be continuously scanned. It is determined whether or not it is an eye manuscript (p_count_sw = 1?).

When the original to be read is the original on the first page, the control unit 252 may use the white main scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data in steps S12 to S15 as described with reference to FIGS. 16 and the like. Is obtained, and white and black shading correction processing is performed on the image data of the scanned document.

On the other hand, when the manuscript to be read is the manuscript of the first page or later (step S25: No), the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control unit 252 recognizes the interval for shading correction based on the interval information stored in the memory 265. For example, when the user specifies that shading correction is performed every two pages, the interval information stored in the memory 265 is "sh_count = 2". Therefore, whether or not the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read by the control unit 252 is a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information or "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information. (Step S26).

That is, this example is an example in which shading correction is executed every time two pages of the original are read (sh_count = 2). Therefore, when the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read after the switching of the light source is "p_count_sw = 2", the control unit 252 sets "p_count_sw = 4" or "p_count_sw =". It is determined whether or not it is a "multiple of p_count_sw" such as "6" (step S26).

The fact that the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read is not a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information (step S26: No) means that it is not the timing to execute the shading correction. do. In this case, the image data of the original document read in steps S15 and S16 is output without being subjected to shading correction processing. In step S27, the control unit 252 increments the page for image formation (p_count = 1) and the number of pages of the document to be read (p_count_sw) by "1", and returns the process to step S2. ..

On the other hand, after switching the light source, the number of pages (p_count_sw) of the document to be read from now on is a multiple of "sh_count = 2" indicated by the interval information (step S26: Yes). It means that it is time to execute shading correction. In this case, the control unit 252 acquires the white main scan distribution data and the black main scan distribution data in steps S12 to S15. Then, the control unit 252 applies white and black shading correction processing to the image data of the scanned document.

As a result, the shading correction process can be intermittently executed at intervals (for each number of sheets to be read) specified by the user when the light sources are turned on simultaneously and the documents are continuously read. Therefore, the time required to complete the scanning of a plurality of documents can be shortened by the amount of intermittent shading correction processing, and the productivity of images can be improved.

Finally, the embodiments described above are presented as an example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

For example, in the description of the above-described embodiment, visible light and infrared light are provided as light sources, and a line sensor 263R, 263G, 263B for visible light and a line sensor 263NIR for infrared light are provided. However, ultraviolet light may be used instead of infrared light, and a line sensor for ultraviolet light capable of receiving ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 1 nm to 400 nm may be provided instead of the line sensor 263NIR for infrared light. Further, two visible lights having different wavelength ranges, such as red light (R) and blue light (B), may be used.

Such embodiments and variations of the embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Contact glass 2 Light source 6 First carriage 7 Second carriage 9 Image sensor 11 Reference member 13 Slit glass 101 Image reader 102 Automatic document transfer device (ADF)
103 Feeding unit 104 Image forming device main body 105 Image forming unit 109 Optical writing device 110 Fixing transfer unit 111 Double-sided tray 112 Photoreceptor drum 113 Intermediate transfer belt 200 Operation unit 201 Facsimile communication unit (FAX unit)
202 Scanner unit 203 Printing unit 250 Reading unit 251 Image processing unit 252 Control unit 261 First light source (white light)
262 Second light source (infrared light)
264 Counter unit 265 Memory 266 Light source control unit

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 05-334489

Claims (12)

An image reader equipped with an automatic document transport mechanism that enables continuous scanning of documents by transporting a plurality of documents to the scanning unit in order.
A light source unit provided with a first light source for reading the visible information of the document and a second light source for reading the invisible information of the document.
An image sensor that receives reflected light generated by irradiating a document with the first light source and the second light source to form image data and output the image data.
It is characterized by having a control unit that switches and outputs the image data read by the first light source and the image data read by the second light source according to the number of continuously scanned documents. Image reader. The control unit
A counter unit for counting the number of pages of a document read by the automatic document transfer mechanism is provided.
The image data read by the first light source and the image data read by the second light source are switched and output according to the number of continuously scanned documents counted by the counter unit. The image reading device according to claim 1. Further, a storage unit for storing start page information indicating the number of pages for starting reading of the document using the second light source is provided.
The control unit reads the document using the first light source until the count value of the counter unit reaches the count value corresponding to the number of pages indicated by the start page information. When the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled and the count value of the counter unit becomes the count value corresponding to the number of pages indicated by the start page information, the document is read using the second light source. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled so as to perform the above-mentioned method. Further, a storage unit for storing start page information indicating the number of pages for starting reading of the document using the second light source is provided.
The control unit reads the document using the second light source until the count value of the counter unit reaches the count value corresponding to the number of pages indicated by the start page information. When the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled and the count value of the counter unit becomes the count value corresponding to the number of pages indicated by the start page information, the document is read using the first light source. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled so as to perform the above-mentioned method. The storage unit stores page information indicating the number of one or more pages for reading a document using the second light source.
The control unit controls the light source unit and the image sensor so that when the number of pages indicated by the page information is counted by the counter unit, the document is read using the second light source. When the number of pages counted by the counter unit is a number of pages other than the number of pages indicated by the page information, the light source unit and the light source unit and the light source unit and the original light source are used to read the original. The image reading device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the image sensor is controlled. The storage unit stores selection information indicating even-numbered pages or odd-numbered pages as pages for reading a document using the second light source.
The control unit reads the document using the second light source when the even pages are counted by the counter unit when the pages indicated by the selection information are even pages. The light source unit and the image sensor are controlled, and when an even-numbered page is counted by the counter unit, the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled so as to read a document using the first light source. When the page indicated by the selection information is an even-numbered page, the light source unit and the image so as to read the document using the second light source when the even-numbered page is counted by the counter unit. A claim characterized in that the light source unit and the image sensor are controlled so as to control a sensor and read a document using the first light source when an even number of pages is counted by the counter unit. Item 3. The image reading device according to claim 4. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an image processing unit that performs shading correction processing on image data from the image sensor. The image reading device according to claim 7, wherein the image processing unit intermittently executes the shading correction processing at predetermined intervals. Of claims 1 to 8, the control unit switches the image data to be output by switching and controlling the first light source and the second light source of the light source unit. The image reader according to any one of the following items. The control unit controls the light source unit so that the first light source and the second light source are turned on at the same time.
The image sensor is an image sensor for the first light source, receives reflected light from the first light source, outputs image data, and is an image sensor for the second light source, the second light source. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reflected light of the above is received and output. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit for forming a predetermined image based on image data from the image reading apparatus. It is an image reading method of an image reading device equipped with an automatic document transporting mechanism that enables continuous scanning of documents by transporting a plurality of documents to a scanning unit in order.
A light source step in which the light source unit emits a first light source for reading the visible information of the document and a second light source for reading the invisible information of the document.
An image forming step in which the image sensor receives reflected light generated by irradiating the original with the first light source and the second light source to form image data and output the image data.
The control unit switches between the image data read by the first light source and the image data read by the second light source according to the number of continuously scanned documents, and outputs the control step. An image reading method characterized by having.

Images