JP3581524B2 - Document reading device, image copying device, facsimile device, multifunction device, and method of controlling document reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a document reading device, an image copying device, a facsimile device, a multifunction device, and a control method for a document reading device, and more particularly, to a device including a fixed platen-type planar scanning device and a sheet document conveying device, and a control method thereof. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The conventional technique of reading both sides of a document mainly uses a method of inverting a sheet document and reading one side at a time. As a method of shortening the reading time by simultaneously reading both sides of the document, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-236208, light sources are provided on both sides of the document, and the read information is guided to one photoelectric conversion element by a mirror. A method of alternately reading the data for each line has been proposed.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-338988 proposes a device for reading an original by switching the optical path of the original reading surface by using a single photoelectric conversion element. While switching the position of the mirror on the optical path, the back side is scanned.
[0004]
Also, as an apparatus for processing an image of a document in which character information and halftone information are mixed, there have been proposed a large number of apparatuses having a configuration in which the inclination of a reading γ table is increased and an apparatus having an image processing means for enhancing edges. Have been.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-236208, since the optical path passes over the front and back of the document, it is necessary to provide the optical path for reading the document outside the range of the document arrangement. For this reason, the device size must be increased as a whole, and there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the device size.
[0006]
Further, in the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-338988, since the original is switched back and the front and back sides are scanned, both sides of the original cannot be read at the same time, and the reading speed decreases. There was a problem.
[0007]
In the “character / picture mixed mode”, it is necessary to increase the inclination of the γ table in order to emphasize the black of the character portion. There was a problem that tonality was sacrificed. In other words, the outline of the character information is clearer than when the image is read in the simple halftone reading mode, but the gradation of the halftone image information is sacrificed, and there is a problem that rich image expression cannot be achieved. Was.
[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a first object of the present invention to enable simultaneous reading of both a sheet document and a book document.
It is a second object of the present invention to reduce the size of a document reading device capable of reading both sides of a document simultaneously.
It is a third object of the present invention to be able to read both sides of a document at the same time and to read a book document.
It is a fourth object of the present invention to improve the reading speed of a document reading apparatus capable of reading both sides of a document.
It is a fifth object of the present invention to output an image with a rich gradation expression of a halftone image.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An original reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a first image reading apparatus for sequentially reading a plurality of page originals, a second image reading apparatus for reading one original, and pages from the plurality of page originals read by the first image reading apparatus. A page selection unit to be selected, and, among a plurality of pieces of read image information in a plurality of page documents read by the first image reading apparatus, the read image information of the page selected by the page selection unit and the second image reading Image information synthesizing means for synthesizing read image information of one document read by the apparatus.
[0010]
According to another feature of the original reading apparatus of the present invention, the first image reading apparatus reads the plurality of originals by a fixed first reading unit while sequentially moving the originals one by one. And
[0011]
Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the second image reading apparatus reads a stationary document by a second reading unit that moves.
[0012]
Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the page selecting means includes an all-page combining selecting means for selecting all pages at once.
[0013]
Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the first image reading apparatus and the second image reading apparatus each have at least one of resolution, density, gradation, and magnification. Is provided with setting means capable of setting the image reading device.
[0014]
Another characteristic of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that, among the reading operations of the multi-page document by the first image reading device, a reading operation of a page selected by the page selecting means, The reading operation of the single document by the second image reading device is performed simultaneously, and the read image information read by each reading operation is combined by the image information combining means.
[0015]
Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the document reading apparatus further includes a read image information storage unit that stores read image information read by the second image reading device, and the image information combining unit includes: When there are a plurality of pages selected by the page selection unit, the read image information stored in the read image information storage unit is combined with the read image information of the selected page.
[0016]
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image copying apparatus including the original reading device described above and a recording unit that records the combined image information combined by the image information combining unit.
[0017]
A facsimile apparatus of the present invention is characterized by including the original reading device described above and communication means for transmitting the combined image information combined by the image information combining means to a line.
[0018]
According to another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the image information synthesizing unit synthesizes the read image information during the image reading operation in the mode of transmitting to the line while performing the reading operation. In a memory transmission mode in which read read image information is stored in a memory and then transmitted to the line, the read image information is synthesized immediately before transmission.
[0019]
Further, other features of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention include a first image reading device that reads a plurality of pages of originals while moving the originals, and a second reading device that moves stationary originals. A second image reading device that is read by the unit, and image information that combines first read image information that is read by the first image reading device and second read image information that is read by the second image reading device A synthesizing unit; and a communication unit for transmitting the synthesized image information synthesized by the image information synthesizing unit to a line, wherein the image information synthesizing unit performs an image reading operation in a mode of transmitting to the line while performing a reading operation. A memory transmission mode in which the first read image information and the second read image information are combined while the read read image information is stored in a memory and then transmitted to the line It is characterized by combining the second read image information and the immediately prior transmission the first read image information.
[0020]
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multifunction peripheral including the above-described image copying apparatus and the above-described facsimile apparatus.
[0021]
A method for controlling a document reading apparatus according to the present invention is a method for controlling a document reading apparatus that simultaneously performs a reading operation of a plurality of pages of a document and a reading operation of a single document. A page selecting step of selecting a page to be combined with the read image information, a plural page reading step of sequentially reading the plural page documents, a single document reading step of reading the one document, and the page selecting step. The image processing apparatus further comprises an image information synthesizing step of synthesizing first read image information obtained by reading a page in the plural page reading step and second read image information read in the one-sheet original reading step.
[0022]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the method further includes a combining mode designating step of designating a combining mode in the image information combining step, wherein the combining mode designating step designates a combining mode. By doing so, if no page selection operation is performed in the page selection step, all pages of the multi-page document are selected.
[0023]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that at least one of resolution, density, gradation, and magnification in the plural page reading step and the one-sheet document reading step is set to each of the respective values. The method further includes a reading mode selection step of selecting a step.
[0024]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the one-sheet document reading step is performed simultaneously with the reading operation of the page selected in the page selection step in the plural-page reading step. It is characterized by:
[0025]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the method further includes a single document storing step of storing the second read image information read in the single document reading step. The image information synthesizing step is characterized by synthesizing the first read image information and the second read image information stored in the one-sheet document storing step.
[0026]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the method further comprises a recording step of recording the combined image information combined in the image information combining step in a recording unit.
[0027]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the method further includes a transmitting step of transmitting, via a line, the combined image information combined in the image information combining step.
[0028]
Another feature of the control method of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is a method of controlling a document reading apparatus that simultaneously performs an operation of reading a plurality of pages of a document and an operation of reading a single sheet of the document. A plurality of page reading steps for sequentially reading page documents, a one-page document reading step for reading the one-page document, first read image information read in the plurality-page reading step, and a second page read in the one-page document reading step. An image information synthesizing step of synthesizing the read image information with the read image information, and a transmitting step of transmitting, via a line, the synthesized image information synthesized by the image information synthesizing step, wherein the image information synthesizing step includes a reading operation In the mode of transmitting to the line while performing the operation, the first read image information and the second read image information are combined during the image reading operation, and the image is read. Preparative image information is characterized in that in the memory transmission mode for transmitting the accumulated in memory to the line to synthesize the first read image information and the second read image information just before transmitting.
[0031]
Since the present invention has the technical means, it is possible to simultaneously read both a sheet document (one sheet document) and a book document (multiple page documents), so that the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced and the static document can be read. Since the image of (one original) can be selected and combined with each page of the moving original (multi-page original), the user can arbitrarily specify which page to combine with, The degree of freedom of synthesis can be improved.
[0032]
According to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to set different reading modes (resolution, density, gradation, and magnification) for the first document reading device and the second document reading device. Since a plurality of documents having at least one of density, gradation, and magnification different from each other can be synthesized, it is possible to read at an optimum resolution, density, gradation, and magnification suitable for the state of the document.
[0033]
According to another feature of the present invention, an image read by the first document reading device is stored in the image information storage means, and the stored document information and the document read by the second document reading device are stored. Since it can be combined with information, cost can be reduced by saving storage capacity.
[0034]
Further, according to another feature of the present invention, in the image information synthesizing unit, in the mode of transmitting data to the line while performing the reading operation (direct transmission mode), the first read image information and the second read image data are read during the image reading operation. In the memory transmission mode in which the read image information is combined with the image information and the read image information is stored in the memory and then transmitted to the line, the first read image information and the second read image information are combined immediately before transmission. Accordingly, when a plurality of originals are combined, it is possible to prevent the same image information to be combined from being redundantly stored in the memory, thereby saving image memory.
[0035]
According to another feature of the present invention, these functions can be realized in an image copying apparatus and a facsimile apparatus.
[0036]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus provided with the original reading apparatus of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the original reading apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an original platen glass 50h on an upper surface of a reading unit (book scanner unit) 50 of a reduction optical system that performs sub scanning by moving a light source and a mirror. Provided.
[0037]
A document pressure plate unit 60 is provided above the document table glass 50h so as to be openable and closable with the back side of the apparatus as a rotation reference, and a slider 61 for guiding a sheet document is provided. Further, a sheet document transport unit 70 having a document separation mechanism is further provided above the document pressure plate unit 60.
[0038]
The sheet document transport unit 70 includes a preliminary transport unit 81, a separation unit 82, a document transport unit 71, a document transport path 70a, a document back reading point A1 provided on the lower surface of the transport path, and an upper surface of the transport path. It is configured by a document surface reading point A3 provided, a contact type image sensor 90 on the upper side of the conveyance path, a document discharge unit 72 provided on the most downstream side, and the like. Further, a DES (document edge detection sensor) 74 is provided upstream of the document transport unit 71 so as to detect an edge portion of the sheet document S.
[0039]
The original back side reading point A1 is formed of the same component as the original platen glass 50h, so that the light source 50g and the reflecting plate 50a can move below the same and irradiate the back side of the sheet original S passing therethrough. Has become. A mylar member having a reading white reference and a document urging action is provided below the front surface reading point A3 of the sheet document S, and urges the sheet document S passing therethrough against the contact image sensor 90. . In FIG. 1, 50a is a first mirror, 50b is a second mirror, and 50c is a third mirror.
[0040]
The apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a so-called “book scanner unit” in which a book document is placed on a document table glass 50h and the optical system is moved to perform sub-scanning to read the document surface. A document transport device having a sheet separating mechanism is provided, and a so-called “sheet scanner unit” for reading a document by performing sub-scanning while transporting the sheet document S (flow reading) is provided. Therefore, the scanning mechanism can be simplified and the reading time can be reduced as compared with a case where a document is conveyed to a predetermined position and then stopped and scanned as in a conventional copier. Can be.
[0041]
The book scanner unit 50 is provided with a CCD sensor 50e for photoelectrically converting a document image obtained by scanning a document stationaryly placed on the document table glass 50h by reflection of a mirror. The original placed on the platen glass 50h is irradiated by the light source 50g and the reflector 50f that move together with the first mirror 50a so as to have a predetermined brightness. Then, the original image is reflected by the other second mirror 50b and third mirror 50c, is incident on the lens group 50d, and is incident on the CCD sensor 50e via the lens group 50d. Then, it is photoelectrically converted by the CCD sensor 50e and sent to the image processing unit (CPU 301 in FIG. 4) as an electric signal.
[0042]
When reading a still original, the first mirror 50a moves the range from the first reading point B1 to the second reading point B2 to read the original. Further, when reading the sheet document S stacked on the document pressure plate unit 60 while transporting the document, the first mirror 50a moves to the position of the document back reading point Al and stops, and the document of the sheet transport unit 70 is stopped. A document passing through the transport path 70a is read.
[0043]
The height at which the sheet document S passes is determined by the position of the backup roller 95. In the apparatus of the present embodiment, a lens group 50d having a large f-number and a CCD sensor 50e are used as the lens groups constituting the back surface reading means. Therefore, it is possible to increase the depth of focus at the document back side reading point A1. Therefore, the document backup roller 95 can be attached to the document pressure plate 60, and constitutes a reading mechanism whose depth is sufficiently guaranteed even when the document pressure plate 60 is opened and closed for document replacement, jam clearance, and the like. can do.
[0044]
The separating unit 80 separates the sheet documents S one by one from the stack of the stacked sheet documents S and transports the sheet documents S to the downstream document surface reading point A3, and is urged in the document direction by a spring. The sheet S is conveyed in the direction of the pressing arm 81a and the separation roller 82b which contacts and separates the lower surface of the sheet document S. The separation roller 82b pulls out the lowermost sheet document S from the bundle of sheet documents S pressed by the separation piece 82a made of a rubber material and conveys the sheet document S downstream.
[0045]
The sheet document S separated into one sheet is gripped by the transport roller 71a at a constant speed and sent in the direction of the reading points A3 and Al set downstream. A contact type image sensor 90 containing a light source and a lens is disposed downward on the sheet document conveying path 70a, and the upper surface of the sheet document S to be conveyed is read by the contact type image sensor 90.
[0046]
That is, the back surface of the sheet document S is read by the CCD sensor 50e at the document reading point A1, and the front surface is read by the contact image sensor 90 at the reading point A3. Then, the sheet document S that has been read is discharged onto the discharge tray 73 by the discharge rollers 72a.
[0047]
The recording paper discharge unit 101 is arranged on the left side of the recording unit 102. Further, the recording paper discharge section 101 also serves as a cover for accommodating the toner-integrated cartridge 103. When the cartridge cover 102a is opened, the pressure-bonding force between the fixing device 102b and the fixing roller 102c is released. The pressing force between the transfer roller 102d and the photosensitive drum 102e is also released, so that the jam of the recording paper and the removal of the cartridge can be performed. The cartridge 103 can be pulled out diagonally to the left in consideration of operability. Reference numeral 102f is a sensor for detecting the leading edge of the recording paper.
[0048]
Next, reference numeral 104 denotes a laser optical unit for generating an image. Reference numeral 105 denotes a cassette recording paper feeding unit; and 106, a multi-tray paper feeding unit. By opening the multi-tray 106a in the left direction in FIG. Can be inserted. Reference numeral 107 denotes a recording paper cassette which can be connected to an arbitrary number of stages from one to four.
[0049]
FIG. 4 shows a control system block diagram of the entire apparatus. An external interface 309 is provided around the CPU 301, and a large-capacity fixed magnetic disk 310, an RS232C, and a serial interface can be connected. As a result, the present apparatus can be connected as a peripheral device of a computer, and can also be used as an image scanner, a local printer, or a network printer.
[0050]
The internal interface 300 includes an operation unit 302, a display unit 303, a reading unit 304, a recording unit 305, and a communication control unit 306.
The reading unit 304 includes a fixed reading unit 304a and a moving fixed reading unit 304b. The fixed reading unit 304a includes a sheet scanner control unit 323 and a book scanner control unit 324.
[0051]
Reference numeral 340 denotes an image synthesizing unit corresponding to an image synthesizing unit. The image synthesizing unit 340 selects an image read by the book scanner unit 50 and an image read by the contact image sensor 90 constituting a sheet document reading unit. Combine. To achieve this, the apparatus of the present embodiment includes a selection unit (not shown) for selecting image information of the moving document and image information of the still document for each page. In FIG. 4, 311 denotes an MPU, 312 denotes a ROM, and 313 denotes a RAM.
[0052]
Next, the operation of the present apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 110 denotes an operation unit, 110a denotes a display, 110b denotes a start key, 110c denotes a one-touch key, 110d denotes a mode set key, and 111 denotes a display.
[0053]
First, in step S1, the mode of copy and facsimile is switched each time the copy / fax switching key 110a on the operation unit 110 is pressed. When the copy key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12.
[0054]
In step S12, a menu of contents for copying is displayed on display 111.
Next, in step S13, the user inputs a parameter of the number of copies. When this key input is omitted, only one image is processed. The mode for synthesizing the images may be selected here.
[0055]
Next, the process proceeds to step S14, and it is determined whether the start key 110b or the mode set key 110d has been pressed. When these keys 110b and 110d are pressed, the process proceeds to step S15, and it is determined whether the operation mode is the combination mode.
[0056]
If the result of determination in step S15 is that the original composition mode has not been specified, the process proceeds to step S23 because the sheet copy mode has been specified, and the resolution, gradation, and magnification are input (if omitted, the default is executed). Next, the start key 110b is pressed.
[0057]
Next, the process proceeds to step S24, in which it is determined whether or not the DS sensor (Document Edge Sensor) 62, which is a document presence / absence detecting means, has detected "document presence". If the result of this determination is that the DS sensor 62 has detected "document presence", the flow advances to step S25 to set the sheet document S in the sub-scanning mode. Also, as a result of the determination in step S24, when "document absence" is detected, the book copy mode is set, so the process proceeds to step S29, and shifts to "book document sub-scanning mode".
[0058]
《Book copy mode》
In step S29, the mirror group of the reduction optical system of the book scanner unit 50 constituting the first document reading means and the light source 50g scan the area within B2 from the reading point B1 and send image information to the recording means for output. I do.
[0059]
Next, in step S30, the image information is printed. When a plurality of copies of the same document are made, the image information is stored in the image memory, and the image information is output to the printing unit every time the printing operation is performed. . Further, when the capacity of the image memory is insufficient, the image information is not stored in the image memory, but is output to the recording unit at any time, and the recording paper and the reading optical system are returned each time to perform reading.
[0060]
《Sheet copy mode》
When the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25, a sheet motor (not shown) operates the drive system in the document pressure plate unit 60, and the separation unit 82 feeds out one sheet document S from below and conveys it downstream. I do.
[0061]
Then, in the next step S26, the image on the front side of the document is read by the contact image sensor 90, and the content is copied in step S27 and discharged to the discharge tray 73.
[0062]
It should be noted that since a plurality of copies in the sheet copy mode cannot be passed again through the contact type image sensor 90, the sheet document S is all stored in the image memory and output to the recording unit.
[0063]
Next, in step S28, it is determined whether or not the DS sensor 62 has detected "document present". If it has detected "document present", the flow returns to step S25 to repeat the above-described operation. If “document present” is not detected, the operation is terminated.
[0064]
《Synthetic copy mode》
If the result of the determination in step S15 is that the document combining mode has been designated, the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16, and the operation in the "combined copy mode" is performed. In this mode, first, in step S16, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, magnification) is set for each of the sheet and the book.
[0065]
Next, the process proceeds to step S17, where a sheet of the sheet document S to be combined with the document on the platen glass 50h is selected. Nothing is specified when combining all the original images.
[0066]
Next, after the sheet is fed in step S18, the process proceeds to step S19, in which the sheet and the book are simultaneously read. Next, the process sequentially proceeds to step S20 and step S21 to perform image superposition and copying. That is, when a combined page is designated, a book document is read at the same time when the page is read as a sheet, and the image combining section 340 combines the black and white information of both images by a logical product.
[0067]
When the combining of a plurality of pages is instructed, the book original is stored in the image memory, and is synthesized by logical product every time the sheet original S is read. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a halftone image is superimposed and copied only on the third page of a four-page sheet document S in which character information is described, image information to be superimposed is described. One document is placed on the platen glass 50h with the image surface facing down, and four sheet documents S on which character information is written are stacked on the document loading table 75 with the image surface facing down.
[0068]
From the operation unit 110, an instruction to combine the image of the third page only and an instruction to read the sheet original S in the binary mode are input, and an instruction to read the book original in the 64-gradation halftone is input, and the start button 110b is pressed. Press.
[0069]
The first and second sheet documents S are copied in the same manner as a normal one-sheet copy, and when the reading of the third sheet document S starts, the reading of the book document starts. Then, the image information output from both reading units is combined by a logical product, and the image data is output to the recording unit as in the case of one copy.
[0070]
For example, when it is desired to combine the same image on all pages, such as a company name logo, the image information of the book document is stored in the image memory. Will be done.
[0071]
Next, in step S22, it is checked whether or not the sheet document S is still loaded on the document loading table 75. When the sheet document S is loaded, the conveyance of the next sheet document S is started and the copy operation is repeated.
[0072]
On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S1 is that the copy key has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S2 to determine whether a ten-key or one-touch key has been pressed. When the button is pressed, the operation mode is set to the fax transmission mode in step S3.
[0073]
Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the mode is the combining mode. As a result of this determination, in the case of the combination mode, the operation of the FAX combination mode in steps S5 to S11 is performed.
[0074]
<< FAX synthesis mode >>
Steps S5 to S11 show the operation of the image combining mode using the FAX original. That is, in step S5, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, magnification) is set for each of the sheet and the book.
[0075]
Next, in step S6, a combined page is specified, in step S7, sheet feeding is performed, in step S8, book / sheet reading is performed simultaneously, in step S9, images are superimposed, and in step S10, memory storage or transmission is performed. It is checked whether or not the document is still loaded on the document loading table 75. If the document is loaded, the process returns to step S6 to repeat the above-described operation.
[0076]
FAX transmission includes a "direct transmission mode" in which a document is read and transmitted over a line, and a "memory transmission mode" in which image information of all documents is stored in an image memory before transmission.
[0077]
In the direct transmission mode, the two images are combined before encoding, and in the memory transmission, the information of the sheet document S and the information of the book document are separately stored in the image memory, and the two images are decoded once and superimposed once before transmission. Further encode and transmit. Thus, when a plurality of originals are combined, redundant storage of the same image information to be combined in the memory can be prevented, and image memory can be saved.
[0078]
《Sheet FAX mode》
This is realized by switching the output destination from the recording unit to the communication unit in the above-described sheet copy mode.
In the sheet FAX mode, first, in step S31, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, magnification) is set for each sheet / book.
[0079]
Next, in step S32, it is determined whether or not the sheet document S is stacked on the document stacking table 75. When the sheet document S is stacked, the process proceeds to step S33 to feed the sheet. Next, sheet reading is performed in step S34, and storage or transmission is performed in memory in step S35. Next, in step S36, it is determined whether or not the sheet document S is stacked on the document stacking table 75. If the sheet document S is stacked, the process returns to step S33 and the above-described operation is repeated.
[0080]
<< Book FAX Mode >>
If the result of the determination in step S32 is that the sheet document S is not stacked on the document stacking table 75, the flow advances to step S37 to operate in the book FAX mode.
The book FAX mode is realized by switching the output destination in the book copy mode from the recording unit to the communication unit.
[0081]
That is, first, a book is read in step S37, and memory storage is performed in step S38. Next, it is determined in step S39 whether the original is replaced or the reading is completed. If the original is replaced, the process returns to step S37. If the reading is completed, the transmitting process is performed in step S40.
[0082]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, in an apparatus having a recording paper reversing unit, it is also possible to realize double-sided copying of the front and back sides by reversing the recording paper on which the back side information of the document is recorded and conveying the recording paper again to the recording unit. It is.
[0083]
The recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 105 is sent to the transfer unit 102e to record the image information on the back side of the document and is transferred. After the transfer, the toner image is fixed in the fixing unit 102c and is discharged by the recording paper discharge roller 101a.
[0084]
After the trailing edge of the recording sheet has passed through the flapper 201, the flapper 201 is moved, and only the ejection roller 101a is rotated in reverse while the trailing edge of the recording sheet is held by the ejection roller 101a to the recording sheet reversing conveyance path 203. Lead.
[0085]
The recording paper conveyed after the switchback is conveyed again from the multi-feeder 106 to the image transfer unit, where the image information stored in the memory is transferred, and is fixed and discharged in the fixing unit 102c. At this time, since the recording paper is discharged with the image information of the back surface of the document recorded earlier facing downward, it can be discharged and stacked in page order even for a plurality of double-sided copies.
[0086]
(Third embodiment)
This apparatus can read both sides of a document regardless of facsimile transmission or document copying. This operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0087]
The first page of the document is placed on the document pressure plate unit 60, and the operation unit 110 is operated to depress a key of a both-side reading operation (two-sided copy / two-sided FAX).
When the key is pressed, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not a document exists on the document pressure plate unit 60.
[0088]
If the result of this determination is that there is no document on the document table (DS = OFF), the process ends. On the other hand, after confirming that the document exists, it is next determined in step S102 whether the duplex copy mode is selected.
[0089]
As a result of this determination, if the mode is the copy mode, the process proceeds to the double-sided copy mode in step S103. If not, the process proceeds to the double-sided transmission mode in step S119.
[0090]
In step S103, the number of copies is input from the operation unit 110, and then it is determined in step S104 whether the start key has been pressed.
Next, in step S105, it is determined which mode is selected, that is, whether both sides of the document are divided and output or combined and output.
[0091]
《Duplex manuscript → divide and copy into two pages》
In the double-sided split copy executed in each of steps S106 to S111, first, in step S106, an original is read in accordance with the resolution, gradation, and magnification specified by the operation unit 110. This reading starts from the bottom sheet after the start key is pressed. When the document reaches the reading point A3 of the contact image sensor 90, the image information on the surface of the document is accumulated in the memory by the contact image sensor 90.
[0092]
On the other hand, when the document reaches the reading point A1 of the CCD sensor 50e, the back surface of the document is read by the CCD sensor 50e, and when a plurality of copies are designated, the image information of the back surface of the document is stored in the memory in the same manner as the front surface reading. I do. In the case of copying one sheet at a time, the image information read by the CCD sensor 50e is not stored in the memory, but is output as it is to the recording means and recorded.
[0093]
After the reading of the first page is completed, the image information on the front side of the document in the memory is printed on recording paper by the recording means and output. As a result, the image information on the back side of the document can be output before the front side, so that the page order can be discharged. The second and subsequent pages are read and output in the same manner as the first page.
[0094]
《Duplex manuscript → Simultaneous copy on one side》
In the case of combined double-sided copying, first, in step S112, different resolutions, densities, gradations, and magnifications are specified for the front and back sides of the document.
[0095]
Next, after the start key is pressed, the sheet document S is read by the contact image sensor 90 and the CCD sensor 50e in steps S113 to S114.
[0096]
Next, the image information read by the two reading means is combined by logical product for each main scan in step S116, and output and printed out by the recording means in step S117.
Next, in step S118, it is determined whether or not the document is still left on the document pressing plate unit 60. If the document is left, one sheet of the document is fed again and copied.
[0097]
《Duplex manuscript → divided into two and send》
If the result of the determination in step S102 is that the mode has proceeded to the duplex transmission mode, first in step S119, the fax transmission mode is set.
[0098]
Next, book reading and optical system movement are performed in step S120, and then sheet feeding is performed in step S121. Next, the process proceeds to step S122, in which book and sheet simultaneous reading are performed. Next, in step S123, memory storage is performed for each side, and when that is completed, it is determined in step S124 whether or not the original remains on the original pressing plate unit 60.
[0099]
As a result of the determination in step S124, if there is any remaining document, the process returns to step S121 and the above-described operation is repeated. If no original remains, the flow advances to step S125 to transmit the original. Then, after returning the book optical system to the initial position in step S126, the transmission mode ends after the transmission is completed. As described above, the images read by the two reading units are respectively stored in the memories and transmitted by facsimile.
[0100]
(Another embodiment of the present invention)
The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) or an apparatus including one device.
[0101]
Further, in order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is provided to an apparatus connected to the various devices or a computer in a system. The present invention also includes a case where the code and the code are executed and the various devices are operated according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or the apparatus.
[0102]
In this case, the program code of the software implements the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and a unit for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, the program code is stored. The storage medium constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM and the like can be used.
[0103]
When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. It goes without saying that such a program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the above.
[0104]
Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, a CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by performing part or all of the actual processing.
[0105]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since both a sheet document (one sheet document) and a book document (multiple page documents) can be read simultaneously, the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced, and Since the image of the still original (single original) can be selected and combined with each page of the moving original (multi-page original), the user can arbitrarily specify which page to combine. Thus, the degree of freedom in image synthesis can be improved.
[0106]
According to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to set different reading modes (resolution, density, gradation, and magnification) for the first document reading device and the second document reading device.・ Because it is possible to combine a plurality of originals with different at least one of density, gradation, and magnification, it is possible to read at the optimal resolution, density, gradation, and magnification suitable for the state of the original, and to process halftone images. Images with rich tonal expressions can be output.
[0107]
According to another feature of the present invention, an image read by the first document reading device can be stored in the image information storage means and combined with the document read by the second document reading device. The image of the still document read by the first document reading device is stored in the image information storage device, and when the moving document is read by the second document reading device, the image is combined with the data in the image information storage device and output. This makes it possible to save storage capacity and reduce costs.
[0108]
Further, according to another feature of the present invention, in the image information synthesizing unit, in the mode of transmitting data to the line while performing the reading operation (direct transmission mode), the first read image information and the second read image data are read during the image reading operation. In the memory transmission mode in which the read image information is combined with the image information and the read image information is stored in the memory and then transmitted to the line, the first read image information and the second read image information are combined immediately before transmission. Accordingly, when a plurality of originals are combined, it is possible to prevent the same image information to be combined from being redundantly stored in the memory, thereby saving image memory.
[0109]
Further, according to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image copying apparatus and a facsimile apparatus in which the size of the entire apparatus is reduced and which can be read at an optimum gradation, resolution, and magnification suitable for a document. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a document pressure plate unit of the apparatus according to the embodiment is opened.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control system block of the apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating image synthesis according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the device of the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device of the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
16 Original Size Index
50 Book Scanner
50a first mirror
50b second mirror
50c Third mirror
50d lens
50e CCD sensor
50f reflector
50g light source
50h Platen glass
60 Original platen
61 Slider
62 DS (Document presence detection sensor)
70 Sheet transport unit
70a Document transport path
71a Document transport roller
72a Document ejection roller
73 Output tray
74 DES (document edge detection sensor)
80 Separation unit
81a Pressure contact arm
82a separation piece
82b separation roller
90 Contact image sensor
90a white background
101 Recording paper discharge unit
102 Recorder
102a Cartridge cover
102b Fixing unit
102c fixing roller
102d transfer roller
102e photosensitive drum
102f Recording paper edge detection sensor
103 toner cartridge
104 laser optical unit
105 Cassette recording paper feeding unit
106 Multi tray feeder
106a Multi tray
107 Recording paper cassette
110 Operation unit
110a display
110b Start key
110c One-touch key
201 Flapper
203 Reverse transport path
301 CPU
302 Operation unit control unit
303 Display control unit
304a Fixed reading control unit
304b Moving reading control unit
305 Recording unit control unit
306 Communication control unit
309 External interface
340 Image synthesis unit

Claims (20)

A first image reading device for sequentially reading a plurality of page documents,
A second image reading device for reading one document,
Page selection means for selecting a page from a multi-page document read by the first image reading device;
Among the plurality of read image information in the plurality of page documents read by the first image reading device, the read image information of the page selected by the page selecting means is replaced by the one document read by the second image reading device. And an image information synthesizing means for synthesizing the read image information in the document reading apparatus. 2. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image reading apparatus reads the plurality of page documents by a fixed first reading unit while sequentially moving the pages one by one. 3. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second image reading apparatus reads a stationary single document by a second reading unit that moves. 4. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the page selection unit includes an all-page synthesis selection unit that selects all pages at a time. 5. The first image reading device and the second image reading device each include a setting unit that can set at least one of resolution, density, gradation, and magnification for each image reading device. The document reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The reading operation of the page selected by the page selecting means and the reading operation of the single document by the second image reading device among the reading operations of the plural page documents by the first image reading device are performed simultaneously. 6. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the read image information read by each reading operation is synthesized by the image information synthesizing unit. A read image information storage unit configured to store read image information read by the second image reading device;
The image information combining unit combines the read image information stored in the read image information storage unit with the read image information of the selected page when there are a plurality of pages selected by the page selection unit. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document reading apparatus performs the reading. An original reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Recording means for recording the combined image information combined by the image information combining means. An original reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A facsimile apparatus having communication means for transmitting the combined image information combined by the image information combining means to a line. In the mode for transmitting to the line while performing the reading operation, the image information combining unit combines the read image information during the image reading operation, and stores the read read image information in the memory and then transmits the read image information to the line. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the read image information is synthesized immediately before transmission in the memory transmission mode. A first image reading device that reads a plurality of page documents by a fixed first reading unit while moving the document,
A second image reading device that reads a stationary document with a second reading unit that moves,
Image information combining means for combining first read image information read by the first image reading device and second read image information read by the second image reading device;
Communication means for transmitting the combined image information combined by the image information combining means to a line,
The image information synthesizing unit synthesizes the first read image information and the second read image information during an image reading operation in a mode of transmitting to the line while performing the reading operation. In a memory transmission mode in which information is stored in a memory and then transmitted to the line, the facsimile apparatus combines the first read image information and the second read image information immediately before transmission. An image copying apparatus according to claim 8,
A multifunction device comprising the facsimile device according to claim 9. A method of controlling a document reading apparatus that simultaneously performs a reading operation of a multi-page document and a reading operation of a single document,
A page selecting step of selecting a page to be combined with the read image information of the one-sheet document from the plurality of page documents;
A multi-page reading step of sequentially reading the multi-page document;
A single document reading step of reading the single document;
An image information synthesizing step of synthesizing first read image information obtained by reading the page selected in the page selecting step in the plural page reading step and second read image information read in the one-sheet original reading step; A method for controlling a document reading apparatus, comprising: The image information synthesizing step further includes a synthesis mode specifying step of specifying a synthesis mode,
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein by specifying a combination mode in the combination mode designation step, all pages of the multi-page document are selected when a page selection operation is not performed in the page selection step. The method for controlling the document reading device described in the above. 4. The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising: a reading mode selecting step of selecting at least one of resolution, density, gradation, and magnification in each of the plurality of page reading step and the one-sheet original reading step. 15. The method for controlling a document reading device according to 13 or 14. 16. The document reading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the one-sheet document reading step is performed simultaneously with a reading operation of a page selected in the page selection step in the plural-page reading step. How to control the device. Further comprising a one-sheet document storing step of storing the second read image information read in the one-sheet document reading step;
17. The image information synthesizing step of synthesizing the first read image information and the second read image information stored in the one-sheet document storing step. 13. The method for controlling a document reading apparatus according to any one of the above items. 18. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising a recording step of recording, in a recording unit, the combined image information combined in the image information combining step. 19. The method according to claim 13, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting, via a line, the combined image information combined in the image information combining step. A method of controlling a document reading apparatus that simultaneously performs a reading operation of a multi-page document and a reading operation of a single document,
A multi-page reading step of sequentially reading the multi-page document;
A single document reading step of reading the single document;
An image information combining step of combining first read image information read in the multiple page reading step and second read image information read in the one-sheet original reading step;
A transmitting step of transmitting the combined image information combined by the image information combining step via a line,
In the image information synthesizing step, in the mode of transmitting to the line while performing the reading operation, the first read image information and the second read image information are synthesized during the image reading operation. In a memory transmission mode in which information is stored in a memory and then transmitted to the line, the first read image information and the second read image information are combined immediately before transmission.

Images