JP2024046054A - Image processing device and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technology that enables highly scalable image data to be stored in memory while preventing memory from running out of remaining memory. [Solution] When a CPU 101 can determine, based on information stored in an NVRAM 104, a first read setting value, which is a read setting value that does not maximize the data size of an image read based on the set read setting value, among multiple read setting values that can be set for a read setting item for reading by the reading sensors 35, 36, the CPU 101 sets the first read setting value for the read setting item. [Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

The present application relates to a technique for storing image data related to an image read from a document in a memory.

Patent Document 1 describes an image processing device that reads images from multiple documents while feeding them in sequence with an automatic document feeder, generates image data, and displays a preview. With this image processing device, once the minimum number of pages of documents required for the preview have been read, a preview of the images of the read documents is displayed, and reading of the documents continues even after the preview display, and settings changes for reading can be accepted on the preview display screen. The documents are read using higher-level settings so that the accepted setting changes can also be applied to image data generated by reading the documents before the acceptance, and when settings are changed, the image data read and generated using the higher-level settings is processed using the changed settings.

JP 2020-162082 A

However, in the image processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, image data generated by reading with higher settings is stored in the memory, so the size of the image data is large, and there is a risk that the remaining memory capacity may be insufficient.

An object of the present application is to provide a technique that makes it possible to store highly expandable image data in a memory while suppressing the occurrence of insufficient remaining memory capacity.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing device of the present application is an image processing device including a reading sensor that reads an image from a document, a printing mechanism that prints the image on a sheet, a memory, and a controller, and the memory stores at least one of information related to printing by the printing mechanism and information related to reading by the reading sensor. The controller executes a setting process for setting the first reading setting value to the reading setting item when a first reading setting value, which is a reading setting value that does not maximize the data size of an image read based on the set reading setting value, among multiple reading setting values that can be set for a reading setting item for reading by the reading sensor, can be determined based on the information stored in the memory, while setting the second reading setting value to the reading setting item when the first reading setting value cannot be determined based on the information stored in the memory, which is a reading setting value that causes the data size of an image read based on the set reading setting value to be larger than the first reading setting value, a reading process for controlling the reading sensor based on the reading setting value set by the setting process to read an image from the document and obtain image data, and a storage process for storing the image data obtained by the reading process in the memory.

As a result, the setting process sets a first read setting value that does not maximize the image size or a second read setting value that maximizes the image size from the information stored in the memory. Then, by executing the read process based on the first read setting value and the second read setting value, it becomes possible to store image data in the memory that is highly scalable (does not need to be re-read even if settings are changed after reading) while suppressing memory shortage. Therefore, more image data can be stored in the memory, and more scans can be performed.

The image processing device of the present application further includes a storage unit for storing sheets, the information stored in the memory is information related to the size of the sheets stored in the storage unit, and the controller, in the setting process, determines and sets the size of the document to be read by the reading sensor based on the information related to the sheet size.

This allows the size of the document to be read to be set based on information about the size of the sheet to be printed during the setting process, making it possible to prevent memory shortages.

The controller further executes a detection process to detect the size of the document read from the document in the reading process, and a change process to change the set reading setting value to a reading setting value indicating the detected size of the document if the size of the document indicated by the reading setting value set by the setting process is larger than the size of the document detected by the detection process. The reading process controls the reading sensor based on the reading setting value changed by the change process to read an image from the document and obtain image data.

As a result, the next document is read with the document size changed by the change process, making it possible to further suppress memory shortage.

Further, the information stored in the memory is a print mode regarding the number of colors of the printing mechanism, and in the setting process, the controller determines and sets the number of colors of the image read by the reading sensor based on the print mode. It is characterized by

Thereby, the number of colors of the image read by the reading sensor is set based on the print mode regarding the number of colors of the printing mechanism, so it is possible to suppress memory shortage.

The information stored in the memory is one of the print mode and sheet type related to the amount of colorant used in printing by the printing mechanism, and the controller, in the setting process, determines and sets the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor based on the print mode or sheet type.

Thereby, the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor is determined and set based on the print mode related to the amount of colorant used in printing and the type of sheet, so it is possible to suppress memory shortage.

The information stored in the memory is a setting value related to the number of sides of the document included in the history of reading by the reading sensor, and in the setting process, the controller determines and sets the number of sides of the document to be read by the reading sensor based on the setting value related to the number of sides of the document.

As a result, in the setting process, the number of pages of the document to be read by the reading sensor is determined and set based on the setting value regarding the number of pages of the document included in the history of reading by the reading sensor, so memory shortage can be suppressed. becomes possible.

The information stored in the memory is a setting value related to enlargement/reduction included in the history of printing by the printing mechanism, and in the setting process, the controller determines and sets the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor based on the setting value related to enlargement/reduction.

As a result, in the setting process, the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor is determined and set based on the setting values related to enlargement and reduction included in the printing history of the printing mechanism, making it possible to prevent memory shortages. becomes.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing program of the present application includes at least a reading sensor that reads an image from a document, a printing mechanism that prints the image on a sheet, information regarding printing by the printing mechanism, and information regarding reading by the reading sensor. An image processing device equipped with a memory that stores one of the pieces of information reads data based on the set reading setting value among the plurality of reading setting values that can be set for the reading setting item regarding reading by the reading sensor. If the first reading setting value, which is the reading setting value that does not maximize the data size of the image to be read, can be determined based on the information stored in the memory, the first reading setting value is set as the reading setting item. , if the first reading setting value cannot be determined based on the information stored in the memory, the data size of the image read based on the set reading setting value is larger than the first reading setting value. A setting process in which a second reading setting value, which is a setting value, is set as a reading setting item, and a reading sensor is controlled based on the reading setting value set by the setting process, and the image is read from the document to obtain image data. The present invention is characterized in that a reading process and a storage process of storing image data acquired by the reading process in a memory are executed.

As a result, the setting process sets a first read setting value that does not maximize the image size or a second read setting value that maximizes the image size from the information stored in the memory. Then, by executing the read process based on the first read setting value and the second read setting value, it becomes possible to store image data in the memory that is highly scalable (does not need to be read again even if settings are changed after reading) while suppressing memory shortages. Therefore, more image data can be stored in the memory, and more scans can be performed.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present application. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a printer unit of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal configuration of a scanner unit of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunctional device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main reading processing in the multifunction device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of reading setting processing included in the reading main processing of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a reading setting process in a preview display that is executed in response to execution of the preview display during the main reading process in FIG. 5 . 4 is a diagram showing an example of a preview display displayed on a display unit of a touch panel of the multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1 .

The following describes the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a multi-function peripheral (MFP) 1 according to an embodiment of the present application. The multifunction device 1 is an example of an image processing device, and has a print function, a copy function, a scan function, a fax function, and the like. Note that the multifunction device is not limited to a multifunction device that has all of these functions, but may be a multifunction device that does not have a fax function, for example. Hereinafter, as shown by arrows in FIG. 1, the vertical direction, front-back direction, and left-right direction of the multifunction device 1 will be defined.

The multifunction device 1 includes a printing section 2 and an image reading section 3. The printing section 2 has a printing function of forming an image on the sheet P. The image reading section 3 has a scanning function that is a function of reading an image of the document M and generating image data of the read image that is the read image.

In this embodiment, the printing method of the printing unit 2 is an electrophotographic method. Note that the printing method of the printing section 2 is not limited to the electrophotographic method, but may be an inkjet method. Further, in this embodiment, the printing unit 2 is capable of printing color images and monochrome images. In this embodiment, the image reading unit 3 is capable of reading color images and monochrome images.

The multifunction device 1 includes an operation panel 110 on the front side. The operation panel 110 is provided with a touch panel 112, as shown in FIG. The touch panel 112 is configured by overlaying a reception section 112B, such as a pressure-sensitive or capacitive transparent film switch, on a display section 112A, such as a liquid crystal display (see FIG. 4). The display section 112A of the touch panel 112 displays images of various information, operation keys, and the like. Note that a liquid crystal display without the reception section 112B may be used as the display section. Further, the operation panel 110 is also provided with physical keys 115. The physical keys 115 are also used as a reception unit that receives input operations from the user.

Next, the configuration of the printing unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing unit 2 includes a housing 20. A feed tray 21 is provided at the bottom of the housing 20 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The feed tray 21 is configured to be able to support a plurality of sheets P. A discharge tray 22 is provided at the top of the housing 20. The discharge tray 22 supports the sheets P on which an image is formed. The feed tray 21 can store, as the sheets P, plain paper, bond paper, OHP film, recycled paper, etc., of any size from A5 size to A3 size. The size of the sheets P stored in the feed tray 21 is set, for example, according to a setting operation by the user and stored in the NVRAM 104. Specifically, when the feed tray 21 is pulled out from the housing 20 and the sheets P are stored therein, and then the multifunction device 1 is attached to the housing 20, the multifunction device 1 inquires of the user about the size of the sheets P stored in the feed tray 21. In response to this, when the user specifies the size of the sheets P, the specified size is set as the size of the sheets P. Additionally, the number of feed trays 21 can be changed as needed.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printing unit 2 of the multifunction device 1. As shown in Figure 2, inside the printing unit 2, there are provided a feed roller 23, a transport path R1, registration rollers 24, a printing mechanism 4, a fixing unit 5, transport rollers 25 and 26, a discharge roller 27, a re-transport path R2, and reversing rollers 28 and 29.

The feeding roller 23 is provided on the feeding tray 21 and feeds the sheets P accommodated in the feeding tray 21 one by one to the conveyance path R1. The conveyance path R1 is a path from the feed tray 21 to the discharge tray 22 via the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K and the fixing device 5, and through the discharge port 2A.

The feed roller 23, the registration roller 24, the transport rollers 25 and 26, the discharge roller 27, and the reversing rollers 28 and 29 are a group of rollers that transport the sheet P in the transport path R1 or the re-transport path R2. The registration roller 24 aligns the leading edge of the sheet P and then transports the sheet P toward the photosensitive drum 6Y.

The printing mechanism 4 includes a transfer unit 40, four photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K, four developing devices 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, and an exposure device 8. The four photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K correspond to the colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and are arranged in the front-rear direction at intervals from each other in order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet P. The photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are driven to rotate by a driving force from a driving motor (not shown). The arrangement order of the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

The surfaces of the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K are uniformly charged by a charger (not shown). Four developing units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are arranged above each photosensitive drum 6Y, 6M, and 6C, respectively. Each developer 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K stores toner corresponding to each color. Developing rollers 71Y, 71M, 71C, and 71K are arranged at the rear lower end of each of the developing devices 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, respectively.

An exposure unit 8 is disposed above the four developing units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. The exposure unit 8 exposes the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K by irradiating them with laser light L based on image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data formed on the sheet P is formed on the surface of each of the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K.

The four developing rollers 71Y, 71M, 71C, and 71K supply toner to each photosensitive drum 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K. As a result, the electrostatic latent images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K become developer images.

A transfer unit 40 is arranged below the four photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K along the front-rear direction. The transfer unit 40 includes an endless belt 41 and four transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K. As the belt 41 rotates, the upper surface of the belt 41 moves from the front to the rear while contacting the four photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K.

The four transfer rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction. Each transfer roller 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K is located below each corresponding photosensitive drum 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K, and the belt 41 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drums 6Y, 6M, 6C, 6K.

The fixing device 5 is located behind the transfer unit 40 and has a heating roller 51 including a heater 53, and a pressure roller 52. The heater 53 is, for example, a halogen heater. The heater 53 heats the sheet P via the heating roller 51. The fixing device 5 fixes the developer image to the sheet P by the heating roller 51 and the pressure roller 52.

The transport rollers 25 are disposed downstream of the fixing unit 5 on the transport path R1 and transport the sheet P toward the transport rollers 26. The transport rollers 26 transport the sheet P toward the discharge rollers 27. The discharge rollers 27 discharge the sheet P to the discharge tray 22.

In the re-conveying path R2, the sheet P with an image formed on one side is conveyed to the passage port 2B side via the flap 9, and then the conveying direction is reversed by reversing rollers 28 and 29, and the sheet P is conveyed downward. , is a path for feeding from the lower side of the feeding tray 21 to the transport path R1.

The flap 9 is provided above and behind the transport roller 25 and can be rotated between a discharge position shown by solid lines in which the transport path R1 is opened and the re-transport path R2 is closed, and a re-transport position shown by virtual lines in which the transport path R1 is closed and the re-transport path R2 is opened.

Next, the internal configuration of the image reading unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image reading unit 3 of the multifunction device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image reading unit 3 has a housing 30, a document transport unit 31, and a document cover 32.

The document conveying unit 31 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and is for conveying the document M placed on the document tray 31A toward the first reading sensor 35 and the second reading sensor 36, and has a document cover. 32. The original M is placed on the original tray 31A with the front side of the original M facing upward.

The document cover 32 is rotatably provided with respect to the housing 30 and opens and closes the upper surface of the housing 30. Note that in this embodiment, the image reading unit 3 is capable of reading color images and monochrome images. Further, in this embodiment, the image reading unit 3 is capable of reading a document M from A5 size to A3 size. A sensor (not shown) is provided on the document tray 31A, and the length of the document M in the width direction is detected by this sensor. On the other hand, a sensor (not shown) is provided in the conveyance path R3 of the document M, which will be described later, and this sensor detects the length of the document M in the conveyance direction while the document M is being conveyed. It detects whether it is A3 size or not. More specifically, the user is instructed to set the A4 size document M horizontally on the document tray 31A (in the direction in which the length in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction is longer than the length in the conveyance direction). Therefore, by detecting the length of the document M in the conveyance direction using a sensor, it is possible to detect whether the document M is A4 size or A3 size.

A first contact glass 33 and a second contact glass 34 are arranged side by side in the width direction on the top surface of the housing 30. A first reading sensor 35 is disposed inside the document cover 32. A second reading sensor 36 is disposed inside the housing 30 below the first contact glass 33 and the second contact glass 34 and is movable in the left-right direction, i.e., the sub-scanning direction.

The first reading sensor 35 and the second reading sensor 36 are, for example, CIS (Contact Image Sensor). The document M whose image has been read by the first reading sensor 35 and the second reading sensor 36 is conveyed along the conveyance path R3 by the document conveyance section 31, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 31B. The transport path R3 extends from the document tray 31A to the left end side of the document cover 32, and curves downward from the left end side to the discharge tray 31B.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the ADF method is used to read images on one side or both sides of the document M. Specifically, when reading one side of the document M, the image on the front side of the document M transported by the document transport unit 31 is read by the second reading sensor 36. On the other hand, when reading images on both sides of the document M, the first reading sensor 35 and the second reading sensor 36 are used as reading sensors.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the multifunction device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the multifunction device 1 further includes an ASIC 100, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an NVRAM 104, and a communication interface (I/F) 120.

The ASIC 100 is equipped with a CPU 101. The CPU 101 is an example of a control unit, and performs general control over each part of the multifunction device 1. The ASIC 100 includes a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an NVRAM 104, roller groups 23 to 29, a printing mechanism 4, a document transport section 31, a first reading sensor 35, a second reading sensor 36, an image processing circuit 61, a touch panel 112, and a communication I/F 120. are electrically connected. Note that the ASIC 100 may be used as a control unit.

The ROM 102 stores various control programs and various settings for controlling the multifunction device 1. The RAM 103 is used as a working area from which the various control programs are read, and as a storage area for temporarily storing image data, raster data, and the like. Various information is pre-stored in the NVRAM 104.

The CPU 101 controls the roller group 23 to 29, the printing mechanism 4, the document transport unit 31, the display unit 112A, etc. based on the control program and various settings read from the ROM 102, and various information read from the NVRAM 104.

The CPU 101 drives the feeding roller 23, the registration roller 24, the conveyance rollers 25, 26, the ejection roller 27, and the reversing rollers 28, 29 via a motor (not shown). CPU 101 controls the display on display section 112A of touch panel 112. Further, when the touch panel 112 is operated by the user, the CPU 101 executes various processes depending on the operation content of the touch panel 112.

The communication I/F 120 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and enables connection with an external device in which a driver for the multifunction device 1 is installed. The multifunction device 1 can receive a print processing start command via the communication I/F 120.

Hereinafter, the control processing executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 configured as described above will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5 shows the procedure of the main reading process executed by the ASIC 100, particularly the CPU 101. This main reading process is performed when, for example, a scan button (not shown) displayed on the display section 112A of the touch panel 112 is pressed while the document M is placed on the document transport section 31, and the document M is sent via the reception section 112B. The process is started when the CPU 101 receives a press of the scan button. Hereinafter, in the description of each process, a step will be denoted as "S".

5, first, the CPU 101 executes the read setting process (S10). The read setting process is a process for setting read setting values for various read setting items for reading the image of the document M by the reading sensor. However, the read setting process is a process for setting read setting values that are equal to or higher than the read setting values that are actually set for various read setting items of the multifunction device 1. Note that the "higher read setting value" means a read setting value that increases the data size of the image data generated by reading the image of the document M by the reading sensor. The reason for executing such a read setting process is that when the read setting value is changed during or after the reading of the image of the document M by the reading sensor, the image of the document M is read with the read setting value before the change, and the image data stored in the memory (in this embodiment, the above-mentioned RAM 103) is image-processed based on the read setting value after the change, thereby obtaining the same image data as when the image of the document M is read with the read setting value after the change. The image processing device described in the above Patent Document 1 also performs a process similar to this read setting process, but the image processing device described in the above Patent Document 1 sets a higher read setting value for each of the read setting items among the read setting values that can be set for each of the various read setting items, whereas the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment does not set a higher read setting value for a read setting value that is unlikely to be set depending on the environment of the multifunction device 1, even if it is a read setting value that can be set for each of the various read setting items. As a result, the data size of the image data read from the original M by the multifunction device 1 is smaller than the data size of the image data read from the original M by the image processing device described in the above Patent Document 1. Therefore, it is possible to store highly scalable image data in the RAM 103 while suppressing the occurrence of a shortage of the remaining amount of the RAM 103 that stores the image data. Note that the read sensors indicate the first read sensor 35 and the second read sensor 36, but when reading an image on one side of the original M, only the second read sensor 36 is indicated, and when reading an image on both sides of the original M, the first read sensor 35 and the second read sensor 36 are indicated. The following terms are used in the same sense.

FIG. 6 shows the detailed procedure of the reading setting process in S10. In Figure 6, first, C
The PU 101 sets the document size from the sheet size (S40). The sheet size is the size of the sheet P contained in the feed tray 21, and is the size of the sheet P on which an image read from the document M is printed. The size of the sheet P is stored in the NVRAM 104 as described above. The document size is one of the setting items included in various reading setting items, and is not the size of the document M actually placed on the document transport section 31. That is, the document size may be the same size as the document M or may be a different size. For example, if the sheet size is A5, the document size is set to A5. As described above, the feed tray 21 can store sheets P from A5 size to A3 size, so any size from A5 size to A3 size is set as the document size. be able to. However, if an A5 sheet P is stored in the feed tray 21, the document M actually placed on the document transport section 31 is also assumed to be A5 size, and the document size is set to A5 size. As a result, when the A5 size is set as the original size, the data size of the image read from the original M is larger than the A5 size, for example, the data size of the image read from the original M when the original size is set to A4 size. is smaller than the data size of In the present embodiment, the A5 size set as the original size is an example of the "first reading setting value", and the A3 size set as the original size is an example of the "second reading setting value".

Next, the CPU 101 sets the number of colors to be read from the print mode (S42). The print mode here is a mode that specifies whether the image read from the original M is to be printed in monochrome or in color on the sheet P. The print mode is specified according to the user's input operation and stored in the NVRAM 104, so the CPU 101 can know the print mode currently specified in the multifunction device 1 by reading the print mode stored in the NVRAM 104. When monochrome printing is specified as the print mode, the number of colors read from the original M by the reading sensor does not need to be set to the number of colors for color, for example, 16.77 million colors, so it is set to the number of colors to be read for black and white or gray. On the other hand, when color printing is specified as the print mode, the number of colors to be read for color is set. Also, even if color printing is specified, only monochrome printing may be possible due to a shortage of toner of the color used for color printing. In this case, the number of colors to be read from the original M by the reading sensor is set to the number of colors to be read for black and white or gray. In this way, when the number of read colors is set to the number of read colors for black and white or gray, the data size of the image read from the original M is smaller than the data size of the image read from the original M when the number of read colors is set to the number of read colors for color. In this embodiment, the number of read colors for black and white or gray set as the number of read colors is an example of a "first read setting value," and the number of read colors for color set as the number of read colors is an example of a "second read setting value."

Next, the CPU 101 sets the number of sides to be read from the print history (S44). The print history here is the history of the number of double-sided printings with double-sided reading set and the number of single-sided printings with single-sided reading set. This history is assumed to be stored in the NVRAM 104. Based on this history, the CPU 101 sets the number of sides to be read to single-sided if, for example, the number of single-sided readings is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. On the other hand, if the number of single-sided readings is less than a predetermined number, the CPU 101 sets the number of sides to be read to double-sided. There are also various patterns, such as double-sided printing with double-sided reading set, single-sided printing with double-sided reading set, double-sided printing with single-sided reading set, single-sided printing with single-sided reading set, and even single-sided printing or double-sided printing with only odd-numbered pages of the document M. These print histories may be stored in the NVRAM 104, and the number of sides to be read may be set from these print histories. In this way, when the number of reading sides is set to one side, the data size of the image read from the original M is smaller than the data size of the image read from the original M when the number of reading sides is set to both sides. In this embodiment, one side set as the number of reading sides is an example of a "first reading setting value," and both sides set as the number of reading sides is an example of a "second reading setting value."

Next, the CPU 101 sets the reading resolution from the print mode, sheet type, and enlargement/reduction settings (S46). The print mode here indicates a toner saving mode, and either ON setting or OFF setting can be specified. The sheet type indicates the type of sheet P, and examples thereof include plain paper, glossy paper, OHP film, and recycled paper. The enlargement/reduction settings indicate settings for whether to enlarge and print the image read from the document M on the sheet P or to reduce it and print it. The print mode, sheet type, and enlargement/reduction settings are specified according to the user's input operation and are stored in the NVRAM 104. For example, if one of three types of reading resolutions, 600 dpi, 300 dpi, and 150 dpi, can be set as the reading resolution of the reading sensor, and toner saving mode ON is specified as the print mode, the CPU 101 , set the reading resolution of the reading sensor to 300 dpi. Further, when glossy paper is set as the type of sheet P, for example, since printing on glossy paper has a high recording resolution, the resolution of the reading sensor is set to 600 dpi. Further, when the enlargement setting is specified, the CPU 101 sets the reading resolution of the reading sensor to, for example, 600 dpi, and when the reduction setting is specified, the CPU 101 sets the reading resolution to, for example, 150 dpi. Good too. Note that as the items to be referenced to set the reading resolution, you may use all three types of items: print mode, sheet type, and enlargement/reduction settings, or you may use one item arbitrarily selected from the three types of items. One type or two types of items may be used. When arbitrarily selecting from among the three types of items, which one to select may be determined in advance by the user, or may be determined in accordance with a predetermined priority order. In this embodiment, 300 dpi or 150 dpi set as the reading resolution is an example of the "first reading setting value", and 600 dpi set as the reading resolution is an example of the "second reading setting value".

Next, the CPU 101 sets the reading setting values of the other reading setting items for the reading sensor to the highest value of the selectable values (S48), and then ends the reading setting process. Here, the highest value means the reading setting value that maximizes the data size of the image read from the document M among the reading setting values in the reading setting item.

Returning to FIG. 5, the CPU 101 transmits a command to the document transport unit 31 to transport one document M (S12). In response, the document conveying section 31 conveys one document M from the placed documents M to the reading sensor.

Next, the CPU 101 sends a command to read the document image to the reading sensor (S14). In response to this, the reading sensor reads the image on the conveyed document M, converts it into image data, and then temporarily stores the image data in the RAM 103.

Then, the CPU 101 determines whether reading of the number of sheets required for preview display has been completed (S16). Here, the "number of pages required for preview display" means the minimum number of documents required for preview display. Image data after reading the original image may be supplied to the printing mechanism 4 and output onto the sheet P. In this case, it is possible to select settings such as 2-in-1 printing or 4-in-1 printing, in which multiple sheets of the document are reduced in size and printed on one sheet. For example, when the user selects 2-in-1 printing settings and presses the scan button, the CPU 101 reads each image from the two originals M, reduces the image data of each image, and creates a preview for 2-in-1 printing. Generate image data. Then, the CPU 101 outputs the generated preview image data for 2-in-1 printing to the display unit 112A of the touch panel 112. As a result, a preview screen for 2-in-1 printing is displayed on the display unit 112A. Therefore, in this case, the above-mentioned "number of images required for preview display" is two.

If it is determined in S16 that reading of the required number of sheets has not been completed (S16: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to S12 and continues reading the original, while
If it is determined that the required number of sheets have been read (S16: YES), the CPU 101 advances the process to S18.

In S18, the CPU 101 transmits an instruction to the image processing circuit 61 to generate image data for preview display based on the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103. In response, the image processing circuit 61 generates image data for preview display, and outputs the generated image data for preview display to the display unit 112A. As a result, a preview is displayed in the preview display area 150a in the preview display screen 150 as shown in FIG. In addition to the preview display, the preview display screen 150 displays the current setting state of the multifunction device 1 in a current setting display area 150b, and a setting change button 150c for instructing to change the current setting state, and a setting change button 150c for instructing to change the current setting state. An OK button 150d for instructing to continue is also displayed. Here, the current setting state is not the reading setting value set in the various reading setting items in the reading setting process in S10 (see FIG. 5), but the reading setting specified in advance by the user before executing the reading main process. value or default value.

When the preview display screen 150 is displayed on the display unit 112A, the CPU 101 starts the reading setting process in the preview display of FIG. 7 in parallel with the main reading process. Therefore, the CPU 101 continues to execute the main reading process even while executing the reading setting process in the preview display.

In FIG. 7, the CPU 101 first determines whether the setting change button 150c has been pressed (S50). In this judgment, if the setting change button 150c is pressed (S50: YES), the CPU 101 advances the process to S52, whereas if the setting change button 150c is not pressed (S50: NO), the CPU 101 proceeds to the process. Proceed to S58. Note that the reading setting process in this preview display is started when either the setting change button 150c or the OK button 150d is pressed, so if the judgment in S50 is "NO", the OK button is activated. This is the case when 150d is pressed.

In S52, the CPU 101 displays a setting change screen (not shown) on the display unit 112A of the touch panel 112. When the user instructs to change the reading setting value from the setting change screen, the CPU 101 changes the reading setting value in response to the user's instruction (S54). Next, the CPU 101 transmits to the image processing circuit 61 a command to image process the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 with the changed reading setting value (S56). In response to this, the image processing circuit 61 processes the image data with the changed reading setting value, and prints the image data after image processing on a sheet P or exports the image data to an external PC (not shown) or storage (not shown) connected to the network via the communication I/F 120. The CPU 101 also deletes unnecessary data including image data for preview display, for example. When the process of S56 ends, the CPU 101 returns the process to the main reading process.

On the other hand, in S58, the CPU 101 transmits to the image processing circuit 61 a command to perform image processing on the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 in the current setting state. Here, the current setting state does not mean the reading setting values set for the various reading setting items in the reading setting process (see FIG. 5) in S10, but the current setting state of the multifunction device 1 displayed in the current setting display area 150b (see FIG. 8). The image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 is generated based on reading setting values higher than the current setting state, so it is necessary to perform image processing in the current setting state. Note that the image data after image processing is printed on a sheet P or exported to an external PC or storage connected to the network via the communication I/F 120. The CPU 101 also deletes the unnecessary data. When the process of S58 is completed, the CPU 101 returns the process to the main reading process.

When the CPU 101 returns the processing to the main reading process, the main reading process continues to be executed even while the reading setting process in the preview display is being executed as described above, so it does not matter which process after S20 of the main reading process. Whether or not to return varies depending on the execution status of the reading main process.

If an unscanned document M remains in the document transport unit 31 (S20: YES) and the detected storage size is equal to or smaller than the set data size (S26: NO), that is, if the reading operation of the document M by the reading sensor has not stopped (the process has not proceeded to S28), and the process returns to the main reading process from the reading setting process in the preview display, the CPU 101 continues the reading operation of the document M by the reading sensor (S22). However, if the reading setting value is changed in the reading setting process in the preview display (S54), the CPU 101 performs the reading operation of the document M based on the changed reading setting value. Also, if the reading setting value is not changed in the reading setting process in the preview display (S58), the CPU 101 performs the reading operation of the document M based on the current setting state.

Next, the CPU 101 detects the storage size of the image data (S24). The storage size detected here is the cumulative size of image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103. When the process advances to S24, the state has returned from the reading setting process in the preview display, so the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 is changed to an image based on the changed reading setting value or the current setting state. This is image data after being processed. Then, the CPU 101 determines whether the detected storage size is larger than the set data size (S26). Here, the "set data size" refers to the data size set for temporarily storing image data in the RAM 103. In other words, it is necessary to temporarily store various data in addition to image data in the RAM 103, and the entire storage area of the RAM 103 cannot be used as an area to temporarily store image data. It is necessary to set an upper limit for the temporary storage area.

In the judgment in S26 above, if the detected storage size is less than or equal to the set data size (S26: NO), the CPU 101 advances the process to S20. On the other hand, if the detected storage size is larger than the set data size (S26: YES), the CPU 101 stops the reading operation of the document M by the reading sensor (S28), and then returns the process to S26. Then, in S26, the CPU 101 waits until an area for storing image data becomes available in the RAM 103. When the process returns from the reading setting process in the preview display to the main reading process, the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 is printed on the sheet P or transferred to an external PC connected to the network via the communication I/F 120. Since the image data is exported to storage, etc., the area on the RAM 103 for storing image data becomes free accordingly.

In S20, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is any unscanned document M remaining. If there is any unscanned document M remaining (S20: YES), the CPU 101 proceeds to S22 and continues the process from S22 onward. On the other hand, if there is no unscanned document M remaining (S20: NO), the CPU 101 ends the reading operation of the document M by the reading sensor (S30) and then ends the main reading process.
On the other hand, when an unscanned document M remains in the document transport section 31 (S20: YES) and the detected storage size is larger than the set data size (S26: YES), that is, when the reading operation of the document M by the reading sensor is stopped (the process proceeds to S28), and the process returns from the reading setting process in the preview display to the main reading process, the CPU 101 waits in S26 until an area in the RAM 103 that temporarily stores image data becomes available. When the process returns from the reading setting process in the preview display to the main reading process, the image data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 is printed on a sheet P or exported to an external PC or storage connected to the network via the communication I/F 120, and accordingly the area in the RAM 103 that stores image data becomes available.

Then, in S26, when the area in RAM 103 that temporarily stores image data becomes available (S26: NO), CPU 101 continues the reading operation of original document M by the reading sensor (S22). At this time, CPU 101 performs the reading operation of original document M based on the read setting value after the change in the read setting process in the preview display or the current setting state. Note that the process from S24 onwards following S22 has been described above and will not be repeated here.

Furthermore, after the main reading process is completed, the reading setting process in the preview display may be completed. In this case, the reading setting process in the preview display executes image processing of the image data temporarily stored in RAM 103 based on the changed reading setting values or the current setting state, and the image data after image processing is printed on a sheet P or exported to an external PC or storage connected to the network via communication I/F 120, and the process is completed.

As described above, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment is a multifunction device 1 equipped with reading sensors 35, 36 that read an image from an original M, a printing mechanism 4 that prints the image on a sheet P, a RAM 103, an NVRAM 104, and a CPU 101, and the NVRAM 104 stores at least one of information related to printing by the printing mechanism 4 and information related to reading by the reading sensors 35, 36.

Then, when the CPU 101 can determine, based on the information stored in the NVRAM 104, a first read setting value, which is a read setting value that does not maximize the data size of the image read based on the set read setting value, among multiple read setting values that can be set for the read setting item for reading by the read sensors 35 and 36, the CPU 101 sets the first read setting value for the read setting item. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 cannot determine the first read setting value based on the information stored in the NVRAM 104, the CPU 101 executes a setting process (S10) for setting, based on the read setting value set by the setting process, a second read setting value, which is a read setting value that causes the data size of the image read based on the set read setting value to be larger than the first read setting value, a reading process (S14, S22) for controlling the read sensors 35 and 36 based on the read setting value set by the setting process to read an image from the document M and acquire image data, and a storage process (S14, S22) for storing the image data acquired by the reading process in the RAM 103.

In this way, in the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment, the setting process sets a first reading setting value that does not maximize the image size or a second reading setting value that maximizes the image size from the information stored in NVRAM 104. Then, by executing the reading process based on the first reading setting value and the second reading setting value, it is possible to store highly scalable image data in RAM 103 (no need to re-read even if settings are changed after reading) while suppressing memory shortages. Therefore, more image data can be stored in RAM 103, and more scans can be performed.

In this embodiment, the CPU 101 is an example of a "controller." The multifunction device 1 is an example of an "image processing device." The RAM 103 and the NVRAM 104 are examples of a "memory."

The multifunction device 1 further includes a feed tray 21 for accommodating sheets P, and the information stored in the NVRAM 104 is information regarding the size of the sheets P accommodated in the feed tray 21.
In the setting process, the PU 101 determines and sets the size of the document to be read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 based on information regarding the size of the sheet P (S40). Incidentally, the feed tray 21 is an example of a "container".

Thereby, in the setting process, the size of the document M to be read is set based on the information regarding the size of the sheet P to be printed, so that memory shortage can be suppressed.

The CPU 101 also performs a detection process to detect the size of the original read from the original M in the reading process, and also performs a detection process to determine that the size of the original indicated by the reading setting value set in the setting process is larger than the size of the original detected by the detection process. If the size is larger, a change process is performed to change the set read setting value to a read setting value that indicates the size of the detected document, and in the read process, the reading process is performed based on the read setting value changed by the change process. The sensors 35 and 36 are controlled to read an image from the document M to obtain image data.

This allows the next document to be scanned at the document size changed by the change process, further reducing memory shortages.

Further, the information stored in the NVRAM 104 is the print mode regarding the number of colors of the printing mechanism 4, and in the setting process, the CPU 101 determines the number of colors of the image read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 based on the print mode. Set.

This allows the number of colors in the image read by the reading sensors 35, 36 to be set based on the printing mode related to the number of colors of the printing mechanism 4, specifically the color printing mode/monochrome printing mode, making it possible to prevent memory shortages.

Further, the information stored in the NVRAM 104 is one of the print mode and the type of sheet P regarding the amount of colorant used in printing by the printing mechanism 4, and the CPU 101 in the setting process Based on the type of sheet P, the resolution of the image read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 is determined and set.

This allows the resolution of the image read by the reading sensors 35, 36 to be determined and set based on the print mode related to the amount of colorant used in printing and the type of sheet P (in the case of glossy paper, the recording resolution is high, so the reading resolution is set high), making it possible to prevent memory shortages.

The information stored in NVRAM 104 is a setting value for the number of sides of the document included in the reading history by reading sensors 35 and 36, and in the setting process, CPU 101 determines and sets the number of sides of the document to be read by reading sensors 35 and 36 based on the setting value for the number of sides of the document.

As a result, in the setting process, the number of pages of the original M to be read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 is determined and set based on the setting value regarding the number of sides of the original M included in the history of reading by the reading sensors 35 and 36. Therefore, it is possible to suppress memory shortage.

The information stored in the NVRAM 104 is the setting values related to enlargement and reduction included in the history of printing by the print mechanism 4, and in the setting process, the CPU 101 determines and sets the resolution of the image read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 based on the setting values related to enlargement and reduction.

As a result, in the setting process, the resolution of the image read by the reading sensors 35 and 36 is determined and set based on the setting values regarding enlargement/reduction included in the printing history by the printing mechanism 4, thereby suppressing memory shortage. It becomes possible to do so.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

(1) In the above embodiment, a multifunction device 1 is given as an example of an image processing device, but the image processing device is not limited to a multifunction device 1 and may be a standalone copy machine.

(2) In the above embodiment, the RAM 103 is used as a memory that temporarily stores image data read from the document M, and as a memory that stores information regarding printing by the printing mechanism 4 and information regarding reading by the reading sensors 35 and 36. Although the NVRAM 104 is used, the NVRAM 104 may temporarily store image data read from the document M in addition to the above information.

(3) In the above embodiment, in the reading setting process shown in FIG. 6, reading setting values are set for all of the reading setting items such as original size, number of colors to be read, number of reading surfaces, and reading resolution. First, reading setting values may be set for one to three types of reading setting items arbitrarily selected from these four types of reading setting items. Further, the number of types of reading setting items is not limited to four types, but may be three or less, or five or more.

(4) In the above embodiment, one CPU 101 is used as an example of the controller, but the controller is not limited to this, and a controller including a plurality of CPUs or a CPU including a plurality of cores may be used. good.

(5) In the above embodiment, in S40 of the read setting process in FIG. 6, the size of the original document is determined and set based on information regarding the size of the sheet P. However, this is not limited to the above, and the CPU 101 may perform edge detection processing to detect the ends of the original document M for the image data generated by the reading in S14 in FIG. 5, and detect the original document size based on the length of the detected ends of the original document M. Then, if the original document size set in S40 is larger than the original document size detected based on the image data, the read setting value set in S40 may be changed to a read setting value indicating the original document size detected based on the image data. In subsequent read operations, the read operation is performed based on the changed read setting value.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Multifunction device, 3...Image reading unit, 4...Printing mechanism, 21...Feeding tray, 31...Document transport unit, 31A...Document tray, 35...First reading sensor, 36...Second reading sensor, 61...Image Processing circuit, 101...CPU, 103...RAM, 104...NVRAM, 112...touch panel, 112A...display unit, 112B...reception unit, 120...communication I/F, 150...preview display screen, 150a...preview display area, 150b... Current setting display area, 150c...setting change button, 150d...OK button, M...original, P...sheet.

Claims (8)

A reading sensor that reads an image from a document;
a printing mechanism for printing an image onto the sheet;
Memory,
A controller and an image processing device comprising:
The memory stores at least one of information related to printing by the printing mechanism and information related to reading by the reading sensor,
The controller:
a setting process for setting a first read setting value, which is a read setting value that does not maximize the data size of an image read based on the set read setting value, to the read setting item when the first read setting value can be determined based on the information stored in the memory, and setting a second read setting value, which is a read setting value that causes the data size of an image read based on the set read setting value to be larger than the first read setting value, to the read setting item when the first read setting value cannot be determined based on the information stored in the memory;
a reading process for controlling the reading sensor based on the reading setting values set by the setting process, and reading an image from an original to obtain image data;
a storage process for storing the image data acquired by the reading process in the memory;
Execute
Image processing device. Further comprising a storage section for storing the sheet,
the information stored in the memory is information regarding the size of the sheets accommodated in the accommodation unit,
In the setting process, the controller determines and sets the size of the document to be read by the reading sensor based on information about the size of the sheet.
The image processing device according to claim 1 . The controller:
a detection process for detecting a size of the document read from the document in the reading process;
a change process for changing the set read setting value to a read setting value indicating the detected size of the document when the size of the document indicated by the read setting value set by the setting process is larger than the size of the document detected by the detection process;
Further execute
In the reading process, the reading sensor is controlled based on the reading setting values changed by the changing process, and an image is read from the document to obtain image data.
The image processing device according to claim 2 . The information stored in the memory is a print mode related to the number of colors of the printing mechanism;
In the setting process, the controller determines and sets the number of colors of the image to be read by the reading sensor based on the print mode.
The image processing device according to claim 1 . The information stored in the memory is any one of a print mode regarding the amount of colorant used in printing by the printing mechanism and the type of the sheet;
In the setting process, the controller determines and sets the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor based on the print mode or the type of sheet.
The image processing device according to claim 1. The information stored in the memory is a setting value related to the number of sides of the document included in the history of reading by the reading sensor,
In the setting process, the controller determines and sets the number of sides of the document to be read by the reading sensor based on a setting value related to the number of sides of the document.
The image processing device according to claim 1 . The information stored in the memory is a setting value regarding enlargement/reduction included in the printing history by the printing mechanism,
In the setting process, the controller determines and sets the resolution of the image read by the reading sensor based on the setting value regarding the enlargement/reduction.
The image processing device according to claim 1. An image processing apparatus including a reading sensor for reading an image from a document, a printing mechanism for printing the image on a sheet, and a memory for storing at least one of information related to printing by the printing mechanism and information related to reading by the reading sensor,
a setting process for setting a first read setting value, which is a read setting value that does not maximize the data size of an image read based on the set read setting value, to the read setting item when the first read setting value can be determined based on the information stored in the memory, and setting a second read setting value, which is a read setting value that causes the data size of an image read based on the set read setting value to be larger than the first read setting value, to the read setting item when the first read setting value cannot be determined based on the information stored in the memory;
a reading process for controlling the reading sensor based on the reading setting values set by the setting process, and reading an image from an original to obtain image data;
a storage process for storing the image data acquired by the reading process in the memory;
An image processing program that executes the above.

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