JP4345021B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus that reads information from a storage medium attached to a document and reads an image of the document based on the read information.

  By attaching a storage medium on which various information is electronically written to the document, it is possible to appropriately perform various processes on the document based on the information read from the storage medium. In recent years, it has been proposed to use an IC chip of an RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) tag from which information is read out by wireless communication as such a storage medium.

  For example, a scanner disclosed in Patent Document 1 reads information from an RFID tag before reading an image of a document. When reading copy prohibition information indicating that a document is prohibited to copy, when transmitting image data obtained by reading the image of the document, some or all of the image data is lost. The document is prevented from being copied by changing the image data and transmitting it.

Further, the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 reflects the attribute information when the original image data of the image formed on the document and the attribute information thereof are read from the RFID tag attached to the document. An image is formed on the recording paper based on the original image data. The attribute information includes information indicating that copying is prohibited, information indicating resolution, and the like. The copy-prohibited document is copied, or the image of the copy of the document is deteriorated due to inappropriate resolution. To prevent that.
JP 2001-24845 A JP 2005-197834 A

  However, according to the scanner disclosed in Patent Document 1, pre-scanning is performed to read information from the RFID tag attached to the document before reading the image of the document, so the image of the document without the RFID tag attached. There was a problem that reading took time. Further, when the copy prohibition information is read from the RFID tag attached to the document, there is a problem that it is necessary to read all the images of the document and to change the image data obtained by the reading.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, the original image data is written on the IC chip of the RFID tag attached to the document. For this reason, there is a problem that an RFID tag having a large-capacity IC chip is required and the cost is increased.

  Further, when the document is a detailed design drawing, it may be necessary to read the image in a reading mode suitable for the document, such as the document having to be read at a high resolution. In such a case, there is a problem in that reading is useless unless an image is read in a reading mode suitable for a document, and the image needs to be read again by setting a suitable reading mode.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document provided with a storage medium on which information is electronically written, processing suitable for the document is reliably and efficiently performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to claim 1 is configured to scan a document placed on the document placing plate by scanning a scanning carriage that moves along the document placing plate. Reading means, and reading means provided on the scanning carriage for reading information electronically written from a storage medium attached to the original, wherein the reading means reads the image of the original Before, the scanning carriage moves along the document placing plate, and the reading means performs pre-reading to read information from a storage medium attached to the document placed on the document placing plate, when reading the read mode information from a storage medium that is attached to the document, in the read mode shown said read mode information, said reading means is an image reading apparatus for reading an image of the document, the pre read not In the case where pre-reading unnecessary setting means is set by the pre-reading unnecessary setting means, and when the reading means reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, The reading unit rereads an image of the document in a reading mode indicated by the reading mode information . According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, when the reading unit rereads the image of the original, the notification unit notifies the fact. It is said.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading device according to the first or second aspect , further comprising: a reading mode setting unit that sets a reading mode of the reading unit, wherein the reading unit is attached to the document. When reading mode information is read from a medium, the reading unit reads the image of the document by giving priority to the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information over the reading mode set by the reading mode setting unit. Yes.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to the first or second aspect , further comprising: a reading mode setting unit that sets a reading mode of the reading unit, wherein the reading unit is attached to the document. When the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information read from the medium is inconsistent with the reading mode set by the reading mode setting means, the notifying means notifies that fact and prompts the user to select a priority reading mode. The reading unit reads the image of the document in preference to the selected reading mode.

The image reading device according to claim 5 is the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein a plurality of the reading means are provided on the scanning carriage at intervals in the main scanning direction. It is a feature.

According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, when the reading unit reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, the reading unit displays the image of the document in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information. read. Therefore, the image of the document can be automatically read in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information written in advance on the storage medium attached to the document, and the document is surely read in the reading mode appropriate for the document. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the necessity of setting the reading mode correctly and reading the original image again. Further, the reading means is provided on the scanning carriage that moves along the document placing plate. Therefore, in order to read information from the storage medium attached to the document placed on the document placement plate, a separate and independent configuration for moving the reading means along the document placement plate is not required. It becomes possible to reduce. Further, for example, when reading information from a storage medium attached to a document placed on a document tray, reading mode information may be mixedly read from a plurality of documents placed on the document tray. There is a problem that individual documents may not be read in an appropriate reading mode. However, according to the present image reading apparatus, since the reading mode information is read from the original placed on the original placing plate, the original can be reliably read in an appropriate reading mode. According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, the scanning carriage moves along the document placing plate before the reading device reads the image of the document, and the reading device is placed on the document placing plate. Since pre-reading (tag pre-scan) for reading information from the storage medium attached to the original can be performed, all the originals are read in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information written in advance on the storage medium attached to the original. The image can be automatically read, and it is possible to reliably prevent the necessity of re-reading the image of the document. According to another aspect of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, pre-reading unnecessary setting means for setting the need for pre-reading without performing pre-reading is provided. Therefore, when there is no need to read information from the storage medium attached to the document, such as when no storage medium is attached to the document, unnecessary pre-reading can be omitted by setting no pre-reading. Images can be read quickly. Further, when the pre-reading unnecessary setting is set by the pre-reading unnecessary setting unit, when the reading unit reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, the reading unit enters the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information. Scan the original image again. Therefore, even when the user determines that it is not necessary to read out information from the storage medium attached to the original document and sets pre-reading unnecessary, the reading mode information is read from the storage medium attached to the original document during image reading. When read, the original image is automatically read again in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information. Therefore, it is possible to reliably read an image of the document in a reading mode appropriate for the document.

According to the image reading apparatus of the second aspect, when the image of the original is read again, the fact is notified. Therefore, it is possible to make the user recognize that the image of the document provided with the storage medium on which the information to be read is written is read, and to alert the user.

According to the image reading apparatus of the third aspect, when the reading unit reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information is set by the reading mode setting unit. The image of the document is read with priority over the reading mode. Therefore, even when a reading mode not suitable for a document is set by the reading mode setting unit, the document can be automatically read in a reading mode appropriate for the document. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent reading an image of a document in an erroneously set reading mode . According to the image reading apparatus of the fourth aspect, the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information read from the storage medium attached to the document by the reading unit and the reading mode set by the reading mode setting unit are provided. If there is a contradiction, this will be notified. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user to recognize that there is a possibility that a reading mode that is not suitable for a document is set, and it is possible to prevent reading an image of a document in a reading mode that is set incorrectly. In addition, the user is notified that the selection of the priority reading mode is urged, and the image of the original is read with priority on the selected reading mode. Therefore, it is possible to ask the user to confirm the set reading mode, and it is possible to leave the selection of the reading mode to the user, thereby preventing reading of the original image in the reading mode desired by the user. It becomes possible.

According to the image reading apparatus of the fifth aspect , the scanning carriage is provided with a plurality of reading means spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Therefore, information can be read from the storage medium attached at any position in the width direction of the document placed on the document placement plate by the reading means having a short readable distance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reading unit from reading information erroneously from a storage medium attached to a document other than the document placed on the document placing plate, such as a document placed on the document tray or the discharge tray. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, an MFP (Multiple Functional Peripheral) 100 equipped with an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the MFP 100 includes a control unit (MPU: Microprocessing Unit) 1, an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 2, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) reading unit 3, and image processing. Part 4, codec (CODER: Coder and Decoder) 5, image memory 6, recording part 7, RF (Radio Frequency) reader 8, operation part 9, notification part 10, ROM (Read Only Memory) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) ) 12, a modem 13, and an NCU (Network Control Unit) 14, and each of the units 1 to 14 is communicably connected by a bus 15.

  The MFP 100 configured in this manner has a reading function in which the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document in a set reading mode, and the recording image is read on a recording sheet with a copy setting in which the image of the document read by the CCD reading unit 3 is set. A copying function for recording, and a facsimile transmission function for transmitting image data of a document read by the CCD reading unit 3 to an external apparatus via a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 16 with a set transmission setting. Control unit 1 controls the operation of each unit of MFP 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2 showing the upper part of the MFP 100, the ADF 2 transports the originals placed (set) on the original tray 21 one by one along the conveyance path 22, and then is positioned below the original tray 21. The paper is ejected to the paper tray 23 and is provided on a document presser cover 102 that is pivotally supported to be freely opened and closed by a document placing table 101 that functions as an FBS (Flat Bed Scanner). The ADF 2 includes a paper feed roller 24 that supplies the document on the document tray 21 to the conveyance path 22, a conveyance roller 25 that conveys the document supplied to the conveyance path 22, and a document that is conveyed along the conveyance path 22. A paper discharge roller 26 and the like for discharging the paper are provided.

  The CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document and acquires image data, and is built in the document placing table 101. The CCD reading unit 3 performs image reading suitable for the set reading mode. The CCD reading unit 3 includes a light source 31 that irradiates light on a document, a plurality of reflection mirrors 32 for guiding reflected light from the document in a predetermined direction, a condensing lens 33 that converges reflected light from the document, and converged light. This is a reduction optical system reading unit configured to include a CCD line sensor 34 and the like that converts and outputs an electrical signal, and is not shown with respect to the platen glass 101 a disposed on the top surface of the document table 101. A light source 31 and a part of the reflection mirror 32 are disposed on a scanning carriage 35 that reciprocates horizontally by a driving mechanism. The CCD reading unit 3 configured as described above scans an original placed on the platen glass 101a while the scanning carriage 35 moves horizontally with respect to the platen glass 101a when reading an image of the original as FBS. The reflected light from the original is guided to the CCD line sensor 34 to form an image. When the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document conveyed by the ADF 2, the scanning carriage 35 guides reflected light from the document passing through the reading position P to the CCD line sensor 34 below the platen glass 101b. Form an image.

  The image processing unit 4 performs image processing on image data of a document obtained by reading by the CCD reading unit 3. Specifically, image processing such as shading correction, γ correction, enlargement / reduction processing (pixel data interpolation processing or thinning-out processing) is performed on image data output by the CCD reading unit 3 reading an image of a document. Do as needed. The image processing unit 4 sequentially performs image processing conforming to the set reading mode on the document image data sequentially output from the CCD reading unit 3.

  The codec 5 encodes (decodes) image data. Here, the image data of the document that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 4 is encoded, and the encoded image data is decoded. The codec 5 performs encoding / decoding suitable for transmission settings such as the set transmission mode.

  The image memory 6 stores image data encoded by the codec 5, image data directly output from the image processing unit 4, image data such as image data received by facsimile, and the like. The recording unit 7 records the image of the image data read from the image memory 6 on a recording sheet. As a recording method in the recording unit 7, various recording methods such as an electrophotographic method and an ink jet recording method can be used. The recording unit 7 records, on the recording paper, an image that conforms to a copy setting such as a set copy mode for the image data read from the image memory 6.

  The RF reader 8 reads information from an RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) tag by wireless communication, and is disposed on the scanning carriage 35. Although not shown, the RFID tag includes an ultra-small IC (integrated circuit) chip and a coiled antenna for wireless communication. The IC chip includes a storage unit (storage medium), a power supply rectification unit, A transmission unit, a reception unit, and the like are provided. When the RFID tag receives the radio wave oscillated by the RF reader 8, an electromotive force is generated in the RFID tag due to a resonance action, and the RFID tag transmits information previously written in the storage unit by the generated electromotive force. The RF reader 8 reads information from the storage unit by receiving the information transmitted from the RFID tag in this way. Such an RFID tag is attached to the document by embedding (sticking), attaching, or the like. When the RFID tag is attached to the document, information on the document is written in advance. When the RF reader 8 reads information from the storage unit of the RFID tag attached to the document, information about the document can be obtained.

  When the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document as FBS, the RF reader 8 uses a scanning carriage 35 that moves horizontally with respect to the platen glass 101a from an RFID tag of the document placed on the platen glass 101a. read out. Further, when the CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document conveyed by the ADF 2, information is read from the RFID tag of the document passing through the reading position P by a scanning carriage 35 stationary below the platen glass 101b.

  The RF reader 8 can read information only from an RFID tag attached to a document placed on the platen glass 101a or a document passing through the reading position P, and the communication range thereof is the document tray 21 or the paper discharge. It is necessary to use one having a short communication distance so as not to reach the tray 23. Then, even if the RFID tag is attached at any position in the width direction of the document, it is necessary to read information about the document by the RF reader 8. Therefore, a plurality of RF readers 8 are arranged on the scanning carriage 35 at a predetermined interval in the document width direction (main scanning direction).

  Here, the information related to the document written in the storage unit of the RFID tag is information necessary for reading an image of the document or information necessary for processing image data obtained by reading the image. By attaching an RFID tag in which such information is written in the storage unit to the document, it is possible to appropriately read the image of the document and reliably perform various desired processes using the read image data. Become. The information related to the document written in the storage unit of the RFID tag includes reading prohibition information and copy prohibition information regarding document handling, reading mode information as reading setting information regarding image reading of the document, and processing related to processing after image reading of the document. It includes copy processing information and transmission processing information as setting information.

  The reading prohibition information is information indicating that reading of an image of a document is prohibited. The copy prohibition information is information indicating that it is prohibited to copy an image of a document onto another recording sheet.

  The reading mode information is information indicating a reading mode to be set when reading an image of a document. The CCD reading unit 3 reads an image of a document in the set reading mode, and the image processing unit 4 processes the image data output from the CCD reading unit 3 in the set reading mode. The reading mode includes a normal resolution reading mode for reading a document image at a normal resolution, a high resolution reading mode for reading a document image at a high resolution, a photo document reading mode for reading a document on which a photograph is recorded, A character document reading mode for reading a character document in which characters are mainly recorded, a gray scale reading mode for reading a document on a gray scale for PC transmission, and a vehicle for performing ground color correction image processing that erases ground patterns and ground colors The verification reading mode or the like. Here, for example, when reading in the high-resolution reading mode or the gray scale reading mode, the reading interval by the CCD reading unit 3 is different from the normal reading mode, for example, in a reading operation suitable for these reading modes. In order to perform reading, it is necessary to set these reading modes in advance before the CCD reading unit 3 starts reading a document. When reading in the photographic document reading mode or the vehicle verification reading mode, the image processing unit 4 processes image data different from the normal reading mode, and the image processing unit 4 sequentially outputs from the CCD reading unit 3. In order to perform processing on image data, it is necessary to set these reading modes in advance before the CCD reading unit 3 starts reading a document. That is, the reading mode information is information required in advance before the CCD reading unit 3 starts reading the original.

  The copy processing information is information indicating that an image of a document should be copied, and information indicating copy settings necessary for copying. The information indicating the copy setting is information indicating a copy mode, the number of copies, a copy recording paper size, enlargement / reduction, density adjustment, and the like to be set when copying an image of a document. The recording unit 7 copies the image of the document based on the copy setting indicated by the copy processing information. Specifically, the image data is output from the image processing unit 4 and temporarily stored in the image memory 6, and the recording unit 7 records and outputs an image on a recording sheet with a predetermined copy setting based on the image data.

  The transmission processing information is information indicating that image data obtained by reading an image of a document is to be transmitted, and information indicating transmission settings necessary for transmission. The information indicating the transmission setting is information indicating a transmission mode, a transmission destination, a transmission report creation, an encoding method, and the like for setting a transmission resolution to be set when transmitting image data. The image data encoded by the codec 5 with the transmission setting indicated by the transmission processing information is transmitted by facsimile via the PSTN 16. Specifically, image data is output from the image processing unit 4 and temporarily stored in the image memory 6, and the image data is encoded by the codec 5 and stored in the image memory 6 again. Alternatively, the image data output from the image processing unit 4 is encoded by the codec 5 and stored in the image memory 6. The encoded image data is transmitted from the image memory 6 via the PSTN 16 to an external device that is a predetermined transmission destination.

  When copying or transmitting an image of a document, image data obtained by reading the entire image of the document and stored in the image memory 6 can be used. Therefore, copying is performed before the CCD reading unit 3 starts reading the document. It is not always necessary to set the settings and transmission settings in advance. In other words, the processing setting information is information that is not required before the CCD reading unit 3 starts reading a document.

  The operation unit 9 includes a start key for instructing start of document reading, copying, transmission, and the like, a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, a transmission destination number, and the like, a cursor key and a button key for inputting various settings, and the like. Various operation keys linked to the notification unit 10 are provided. The notification unit 10 performs various notification screens and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 10a that displays the operation state of the MFP 100 with characters and graphics, and performs a notification operation by sounding voice data or a buzzer sound. A speaker 10b and the like are provided. The LCD 10a is of a touch panel type, and various operations can be performed by the user touching the screen of the LCD 10a with a finger or the like instead of the operation unit 9.

  The ROM 11 stores various programs for controlling the operation of each unit of the MFP 100 by the control unit 1. The RAM 12 stores various data such as reading mode information, processing setting information, and operation information used for processing operations of the MFP 100 in a readable and writable state. Further, the initial reading mode and initial processing information as initial settings, and information related to the original read by the RF reader 8 are stored in the RAM 12.

  The modem 13 is a ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector) recommendation V.3. Modulate and demodulate transmitted / received data according to the 34 standard or the like. The NCU 14 is a line network control device that controls a telephone line to make / receive a call, and is connected to the PSTN 16.

  In the MFP 100 configured as described above, when tag prescan (pre-read) is set when reading an image of a document as an FBS, first, the scanning carriage 35 moves along the platen glass 101a, and the RF reader 8 Thus, information is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag of the document. Then, the scanning carriage 35 moves again along the platen glass 101a, and the image of the original is read by the CCD line sensor 34. The tag pre-scan is set on the assumption that an image of a document with an RFID tag is read. When the tag pre-scan is set, information related to the original is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag prior to image reading of the original, and various processes related to the original are performed based on the information. When reading mode information is read, it is necessary to read an image of a document in the reading mode. Therefore, prior to reading an image of a document, the scanning carriage 35 provided with the RF reader 8 is always moved. Then, information is read out from the RFID tag attached to the document placed on the platen glass 101a. The tag prescan is set by the user inputting from the operation unit 9, and setting information for setting the tag prescan is stored in the RAM 12. It is determined whether or not tag pre-scan is set based on whether or not the setting information for setting tag pre-scan is stored in the RAM 12. Thus, the operation unit 9 and the RAM 12 function as a pre-processing unnecessary setting unit.

  On the other hand, when an image of a document is read using the ADF 2, the document placed on the document tray 21 is first sent to the conveyance path 22 by the paper feed roller 24 of the ADF 2. The document sent to the conveyance path 22 is conveyed by the conveyance roller 25, and is reversed so as to make a U-turn from the upper side to the lower side along the conveyance path 22, and reaches the reading position P directly above the platen glass 101b. When passing through P, the image is read by the CCD reading unit 3, and information is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag of the original by the RF reader 8. Thereafter, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by the discharge roller 26. Therefore, when ADF2 is used, it is structurally impossible to automatically perform tag prescan, and the tag prescan setting is ignored.

  By the way, there are various kinds of originals such as an original on which a detailed design drawing is recorded as an image. Therefore, in order to perform reading suitable for the image of the original to be read, the reading mode is set before starting the reading of the original. The reading modes that can be set in the MFP 100 include the normal image reading mode and the high resolution reading mode as described above. Information indicating the reading mode initially set at the shipping stage or the like is stored in the RAM 12, and unless otherwise specified, the information stored in the RAM 12 is copied and stored in the RAM 12 as information indicating the reading mode. Further, when the user desires to read an image of a document in a reading mode different from the initially set reading mode, the user inputs a desired reading mode from the operation unit 9 and gives priority to the information indicated by the reading mode. As a result, the information indicating the initially set reading mode stored in the RAM 12 is updated. Normally, the image of the original is read in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode (hereinafter referred to as “existing reading mode”) information stored in the RAM 12 in this way. Thus, the operation unit 9 and the RAM 12 function as a reading mode setting unit.

  On the other hand, when the RF reader 8 reads the reading mode information from the storage unit of the RFID tag attached to the document, it is stored in the RAM 12 so as to read the image of the document with priority given to the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information. New reading mode information (hereinafter referred to as “update reading mode”) information obtained by updating the existing reading mode information is stored in the RAM 12. For example, when high resolution reading mode information is included in information read from the storage unit of the RFID tag, priority should be given to low resolution reading mode information as reading mode information relating to the reading resolution already stored in the RAM 12. The high-resolution reading mode information is substituted and stored in the RAM 12 as reading mode information.

  Further, there are various processes such as copying and transmission in the process for the image data obtained by reading the image of the document, and it is usually set by the user inputting from the operation unit 9. The process setting input by the user through the operation unit 9 is stored in the RAM 12 as process setting information. Normally, the image data is processed with the processing setting indicated by the processing setting (hereinafter referred to as “existing processing setting”) information stored in the RAM 12 in this manner. Thus, the operation unit 9 and the RAM 12 function as a process setting unit.

  On the other hand, when the RF reader 8 reads the processing setting information from the storage unit of the RFID tag attached to the document, it is stored in the RAM 12 so as to process the image data with priority given to the processing setting indicated by the processing setting information. New process setting (hereinafter referred to as “update process setting”) information obtained by updating the existing process setting information is stored in the RAM 12. For example, when the information read from the storage unit of the RFID tag includes transmission processing information for facsimile transmission to a predetermined destination X, the information already stored in the RAM 12 includes the transmission processing information. Even if there is not, the transmission processing information is added to the processing setting information stored in the RAM 12 and stored in order to prioritize the transmission processing information.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on platen glass 101a is read as FBS will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, the document is set on the FBS by placing the document on the platen glass 101a (S1). If it is determined based on whether or not the start key of the operation unit 9 has been pressed, etc., a document reading start command has been issued (S2), it is determined whether or not tag pre-scan is set (S3). When it is determined that the tag precan is set (S3: YES), the RF carriage 8 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 is moved from the original placed on the platen glass 101a while moving the scanning carriage 35. The RFID tag is detected (S4). When the RFID tag is not detected (S4: NO), the image of the document placed on the platen glass 101a is read in the existing reading mode (S5). Then, the image data obtained by reading the image of the document with the existing process setting is processed (S6), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the tag pre-scan is not set (S3: NO), reading of the image of the document is immediately started in the existing reading mode (S7). Specifically, the image of the document placed on the platen glass 101a is read in the existing reading mode by the CCD reading unit 3 while moving the scanning carriage 35. At this time, the RF reader 8 disposed in the scanning carriage 35 is operated to detect the RFID tag from the document placed on the platen glass 101a (S8). When the RFID tag is not detected (S8: NO), the image data obtained by reading the image of the document with the existing process setting is processed (S9), and the process ends. When the RFID tag is detected (S8: YES), the image reading is stopped, and the image data obtained by reading the image of the original before the reading is stopped is discarded or erased (S10).

  When the RFID tag is detected from the document placed on the platen glass 101a (S4: YES or S8: YES, S10), the information written in the storage unit of the RFID tag is read by the RF reader 8 (S11). It is determined whether the read prohibition information is included in the read information (S12). If it is determined that the read prohibition information is included (S12: YES), the image reading is not performed, the fact that the original is prohibited to be read is notified (S13), and the process ends. Specifically, a message for notifying the LCD 10a that a document whose reading is prohibited is placed on the platen glass 101a, such as “a document prohibited to be read is set on the document table”. Is displayed. Further, a voice message similar to the above message may be sounded from the speaker 10b. When the read information includes the copy prohibition information, the same processing as when the read prohibition information is included is performed to notify that the document is copy prohibited.

  If it is determined that the read prohibition information is not included in the read information (S12: NO), it is then determined whether the read information includes read mode information (S14). When it is determined that the reading mode information is not included (S14: NO), the image of the document placed on the platen glass 101a is read in the existing reading mode (S15). On the other hand, when it is determined that the reading mode information is included (S14: YES), the reading mode information is placed on the platen glass 101a in the update reading mode in which the reading mode indicated by the read reading mode information is prioritized over the existing reading mode. The original image is read (S16).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the processing setting information is included in the read information (S17). When it is determined that the process setting information is not included (S17: NO), the image data is processed with the existing process setting (S18), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process setting information is included (S17: YSE), the image data is processed with the update process setting that prioritizes the process setting indicated by the read process setting information over the existing process setting (S19). ),finish.

  Although it has been described that when it is determined that the reading prohibition information is included (S12: YES or S27: YES), the document prohibits reading (S13 or S28), and the process ends. A notification process may be performed to prompt the user to select whether or not to read the document after notifying that the information written in the storage unit indicates that the document is prohibited from being read. At this time, for example, the input of a password or the like may be requested, and the document may be read only when an authorized person operates. Similarly, when it is determined that the reading mode information is included (S14: YES or S29: YES), or when it is determined that the processing setting information is included (S17: YES or S34: YES), A notification process that prompts the user to select whether or not to prioritize the reading mode and processing setting indicated by these pieces of information may be performed.

  In addition, when tag pre-scan is not set (S3: NO), when an RFID tag is detected (S8: YES), reading of an image is stopped, and an image obtained by reading an image of a document before reading is stopped The case of discarding or erasing data (S10) has been described. However, even when an RFID tag is detected, image reading is not interrupted, the image data obtained by reading all the images of the document is stored, and the reading mode indicated by the read reading mode information is the existing reading mode. When the mode matches, the subsequent processing is performed on the stored image data. When the mode does not match, the stored image data may be discarded or erased and the image of the document may be read in the update reading mode.

  Hereinafter, processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on document tray 21 is read using ADF 2 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The processing operation of MFP 100 described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, when a document is placed on the document tray 21, the document is set on the ADF 2 (S21). If it is determined based on whether or not the start key of the operation unit 9 has been pressed, etc., an instruction to start reading the document is issued (S22), the reading of the image of the document is immediately started in the existing reading mode (S23). Specifically, the document is conveyed by the ADF 2, and the image of the conveyed document is read at the reading position P in the existing reading mode. At this time, the RF reader 8 is operated to detect the RFID tag from the document conveyed at the reading position P (S24). If the RFID tag is not detected (S24: NO), the image data obtained by reading the image of the document is processed with the existing process setting (S25), and the process is terminated.

  When the RFID tag is detected from the document conveyed at the reading position P (S24: YES), the information written in the storage unit of the RFID tag is read by the RF reader 8 (S26). It is determined whether the read information includes read prohibition information (S27). If it is determined that the reading prohibition information is included (S27: YES), the fact that the original is prohibited to read is notified (S28), and the process is terminated. Specifically, a message for notifying that reading of the image of the document is prohibited is displayed on the LCD 10a, such as “This document is prohibited to be read”. Further, a voice message similar to the above message may be sounded from the speaker 10b. When the read information includes the copy prohibition information, the same processing as when the read prohibition information is included is performed to notify that the document is copy prohibited.

  If it is determined that the read prohibition information is not included in the read information (S27: NO), it is then determined whether the read information includes read mode information (S29). When it is determined that the reading mode information is not included (S29: NO), the image of the document conveyed at the reading position P is continuously read in the existing reading mode (S30).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reading mode information is included (S29: YSE), the image reading is immediately stopped, and the image data obtained by reading the image of the document is discarded or erased (S31). Then, a notification that the user is urged to place the document on the document tray 21 again is issued (S32). Specifically, since it is necessary to read the image of the document again, such as “Please re-read the document, please set the document on the tray”, etc., to notify the LCD 10a that the document will be placed on the document tray 21. Message is displayed. Further, a voice message similar to the above message may be sounded from the speaker 10b. The document placed on the document tray 21 is transported by the ADF 2, and the image of the transported document is read at the update reading mode in which the reading mode indicated by the read reading mode information is prioritized over the existing reading mode. Read with P (S33).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the process setting information is included in the read information (S34). If it is determined that the process setting information is not included (S34: NO), the image data is processed with the existing process setting (S35). Specifically, when it is determined that the reading mode information is not included (S29: NO), the image data obtained by reading the image in the existing reading mode is processed in the existing processing setting, and the reading mode information is If it is determined that it is included (S29: YES), the image data obtained by reading the image in the update reading mode is processed with the existing processing setting. And after performing these processes, it complete | finishes. On the other hand, when it is determined that the process setting information is included (S34: YSE), the image data is processed with the update process setting in which the process setting indicated by the read process setting information is prioritized over the existing process setting (S36). ). Specifically, when it is determined that the reading mode information is not included (S29: NO), the image data obtained by reading the image in the existing reading mode is processed in the update process setting, and the reading mode information is If it is determined that it is included (S29: YES), the image data obtained by reading the image in the update reading mode is processed in the update process setting. And after performing these processes, it complete | finishes.

  If it is determined that the reading mode information is included (S29: YSE), a notification that the user is urged to place the original again on the original tray 21 is issued (S32), and the original placed on the original tray 21 is notified. In the above description, the document is conveyed by the ADF 2 and is read again at the reading position P (S33). You may read by.

  If it is determined that the read information includes the reading mode information (S29: YSE), the image reading is immediately stopped, and the image data obtained by reading the image of the document is discarded or erased (S31). Explained the case. However, even if the read information includes the reading mode information, the image data obtained by reading all the images of the document is stored without stopping the reading of the image, and the read reading mode information is stored. When the reading mode indicated by is coincident with the existing reading mode, subsequent processing is performed on the stored image data, and when the reading mode does not match, the stored image data may be discarded or deleted.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100, the RF reader 8 is disposed only on the scanning carriage 35, and is attached to the document regardless of whether the image of the document is read by either FBS or ADF2. Based on the information read from the RFID tag, it is possible to reliably perform processing related to the document. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange the RF reader 8 in another part, it is possible to reduce the apparatus cost.

  Further, according to the MFP 100, when the RF reader 8 reads the reading prohibition information from the RFID tag attached to the document, even when the tag pre-scan is not set, the image reading of the document is stopped, The image data read before the cancellation is discarded or deleted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous reading of an image of a document that is prohibited from being read, and it is not possible to obtain image data obtained by reading an image of a document.

  Further, according to the MFP 100, when the RF reader 8 reads the reading mode information from the RFID tag attached to the document, even when the tag pre-scan is not set, the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information is set. The original image is read again in the priority update reading mode. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent reading of an image of a document in an erroneous reading mode, and it is possible to read an image of a document in an appropriate reading mode. In the case of FBS, the image of the document is automatically read again in the update reading mode, so that the image of the document can be reliably read in the appropriate reading mode, and the user sets the reading mode correctly and the document It is possible to save the trouble of reading the image again. In addition, when ADF2 is used, the image of the document cannot be automatically read again. However, the user can recognize that it is necessary to read the document again, so that the document can be read in an appropriate reading mode. It is possible to read the image again. Specifically, the user is prompted to place the document on the document tray 21 and is attached to the document to be placed on the document tray 21 when an image of the document placed on the document tray 21 is read. Since the original image is read in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information read from the RFID tag, the original image can be read again in an appropriate reading mode. Alternatively, an RFID tag attached to a document to be placed on the platen glass 101a when the user is prompted to place the document on the platen glass 101a and an image of the document placed on the platen glass 101a is read. Since the image of the document is read in the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information read from, the image of the document can be read again in an appropriate reading mode.

  Further, according to the MFP 100, when the RF reader 8 reads the processing setting information from the RFID tag attached to the document, even when the tag pre-scan is not set, the processing setting indicated by the processing setting information is set. The read image data is processed according to the priority update processing setting. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the image data from being processed with an incorrect processing setting, and to perform the image data processing with an appropriate processing setting. In addition, in the case of FBS, the image data processing is automatically performed by the update processing setting, so that the image data processing can be surely performed by an appropriate processing setting, and the user sets the processing setting correctly. It is possible to save the trouble of reprocessing the image data.

  Furthermore, according to MFP 100, tag prescan can be set when reading an image of a document as FBS. By setting the tag pre-scan, information is read from the RFID tag attached to the document prior to reading the image of the document. Therefore, it is necessary to read the image of the document in the wrong reading mode and read it again. Can be prevented. On the other hand, by not setting the tag pre-scan, it is possible to immediately read the image of the original without the tag pre-scan, so that the time required for reading the image of the original can be shortened. Even when the tag pre-scan is not set, when the RFID reader is detected by operating the RF reader 8 disposed on the scanning carriage 35 that moves according to the image reading of the document, the storage unit of the RFID tag Information is automatically read out and processing related to the document is automatically performed based on the read information, so that it is possible to reliably prevent forgetting to detect the RFID tag and reading the image of the document in the wrong reading mode. can do.

  Hereinafter, MFP 100A equipped with an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This MFP 100A is an ADF dedicated machine. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7, when compared with the MFP 100, the ADF 2A, the CCD reading unit 3A, and the RF reader 8A are different from the ADF 2, the CCD reading unit 3 and the RF reader 8. It is a substitute.

  As shown in FIG. 8 showing the upper part of the MFP 100A, the ADF 2A is for discharging the originals placed on the original tray 21 one by one along the conveying path 22 and then discharging them to the output tray 23. It is provided on a document presser cover 102 that is fixedly mounted on the document table 101.

  The CCD reading unit 3A reads an image of a document and acquires image data, and a scanning carriage 35 is fixedly mounted on the document mounting table 101. The CCD reading unit 3A reads the reflected light of the image of the document that is conveyed by the ADF 2A and passes the reading position P.

  The RF reader 8A reads information from the RFID tag of the document conveyed along the conveyance path 22 by the ADF 2A by wireless communication, and is disposed in the ADF 2A. The RF reader 8A is arranged at a position where information can be read from the RFID tag of the document conveyed along the conveyance path 22 before the CCD reading unit 3A starts reading the image of the document passing the reading position P. It is installed. For example, by placing the document on the document tray 21 with the RFID tag attached side as the document supply port side (left side in FIG. 8), or by attaching RFID tags with the same information written to a plurality of documents, The RF reader 8A can read information from the RFID tag before the reading unit 3A starts reading the image of the document.

  Note that the RF reader 8A can read information only from the RFID tag attached to the document conveyed along the conveyance path 22, and the communication range does not reach the document tray 21 or the discharge tray 23. As described above, it is necessary to use one having a short communication distance. Even if the RFID tag is attached at any position in the width direction of the document, it is necessary to read information about the document by the RF reader 8A. Therefore, a plurality of RF readers 8A are arranged at a predetermined interval in the document width direction (main scanning direction).

  In the MFP 100A configured as described above, when an image of a document is read, the document placed on the document tray 21 is first sent to the transport path 22 by the paper feed roller 24 of the ADF 2A. The document sent to the conveyance path 22 is conveyed along the conveyance path 22 by the conveyance roller 25, information is read from the storage unit of the RFID tag by the RF reader 8A, further conveyed to the reading position P, and read. When passing the position P, an image is read by the CCD reading unit 3A. Thereafter, the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by the discharge roller 26.

  In the following, processing operations performed in MFP 100A when reading an image of a document placed on document tray 21 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The processing operation of MFP 100A described based on the following flowchart is performed according to a command issued by control unit 1 based on a program stored in ROM 11.

  First, when a document is placed on the document tray 21, the document is set on the ADF 2A (S41). If it is determined based on whether or not the start key of the operation unit 9 has been pressed or the like (S42), the original is conveyed by the ADF 2A, the RF reader 8A is operated, and the conveyance path 22 is moved. An RFID tag is detected from the conveyed document (S43). When the RFID tag is not detected (S43: NO), the image of the document conveyed in the existing reading mode is read at the reading position P (S44). Then, the image data obtained by reading the image of the document with the existing process settings is processed (S45), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the RFID tag is detected (S43: YES), the information written in the storage unit of the RFID tag is read by the RF reader 8A (S46), and it is determined whether or not the read prohibition information is included in the read information. (S47). If it is determined that the reading prohibition information is included (S47: YES), the image reading is not performed, the fact that the original is prohibited to be read is notified (S48), and the process ends. Specifically, a message for notifying that reading of the image of the document is prohibited is displayed on the LCD 10a, such as “This document is prohibited to be read”. Further, a voice message similar to the above message may be sounded from the speaker 10b. When the read information includes the copy prohibition information, the same processing as when the read prohibition information is included is performed to notify that the document is copy prohibited.

  If it is determined that the read prohibition information is not included in the read information (S48: NO), it is then determined whether the read information includes read mode information (S49). When it is determined that the reading mode information is not included (S49: NO), the image of the conveyed document is read at the reading position P in the existing reading mode (S50). On the other hand, if it is determined that the reading mode information is included (S49: YES), the image of the document to be conveyed is displayed in the update reading mode in which the reading mode indicated by the read reading mode information is prioritized over the existing reading mode. Reading is performed at the reading position P (S51).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the processing setting information is included in the read information (S52). If it is determined that the process setting information is not included (S52: NO), the image data is processed with the existing process setting (S53), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process setting information is included (S52: YSE), the image data is processed with the update process setting that prioritizes the process setting indicated by the read process setting information over the existing process setting (S54). ),finish.

  As described above, according to this MFP 100A, since the RF reader 8A reads information from the RFID tag attached to the document before starting image reading of the document, the processing related to the document is surely performed based on the information. Can be done.

  Further, according to this MFP 100A, when the RF reader 8A reads the read prohibition information from the RFID tag attached to the document, the image of the document is not read. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent erroneous reading of an image of a document that is prohibited from being read, and it is not possible to obtain image data obtained by reading an image of a document.

  Further, according to the MFP 100A, when the RF reader 8A reads the reading mode information from the RFID tag attached to the document, the image of the document is displayed in the update reading mode in which the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information is prioritized. Read again. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent reading of an image of a document in an erroneous reading mode, and it is possible to read an image of a document in an appropriate reading mode.

  Further, according to the MFP 100A, when the RF reader 8A reads the processing setting information from the RFID tag attached to the document, the image data read by the update processing setting that prioritizes the processing setting indicated by the processing setting information. Process. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the image data from being processed with an incorrect processing setting, and to perform the image data processing with an appropriate processing setting.

  The configurations of MFP 100 and MFP 100A shown in this embodiment are only one aspect of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although an example in which an image of a document can be read by either FBS or ADF2 as MFP 100 has been shown, an image of a document may be read only by FBS or only by ADF2. If the original image can be read in color, the color reading mode can be set as the reading mode, or if the images on both sides of the original can be read with the ADF 2 and ADF 2A, the double-sided reading is set as the reading mode. You can also set the mode.

  In addition, as an example of the MFP 100A, an example in which information can be surely read from the RFID tag of the document conveyed by the RF reader 8A before the CCD reading unit 3A starts reading the image of the document is shown. There may be a possibility that the RF reader 8A may read information from the RFID tag of the document after the unit 3A starts reading the image of the document. In this case, similarly to MFP 100, it is preferable to prompt the user to place the document on document tray 21 in order to re-read the image of the document in an appropriate reading mode.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the image reading apparatus is implemented as MFP 100 and MFP 100A has been described. However, the image reading apparatus is not limited to MFP 100 and MFP 100A, and may be a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner, or a complex machine thereof. Applicable.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MFP 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing an upper portion of MFP 100. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when reading an image of a document placed on platen glass 101a as FBS. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100 when reading an image of a document placed on platen glass 101a as FBS. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on document tray 21 is read using ADF 2. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing operations performed in MFP 100 when an image of a document placed on document tray 21 is read using ADF 2. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an MFP 100A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing an upper portion of MFP 100A. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100A when reading an image of a document placed on document tray 21. 10 is a flowchart showing processing operations performed in MFP 100A when reading an image of a document placed on document tray 21.

Explanation of symbols

1 Controller 2, 2A ADF (automatic document feeder)
3, 3A CCD reading unit (reading means)
4 Image processing unit (reading means)
7 Recording unit (image data processing means)
8, 8A RF reader (reading means)
9 Operation part (reading mode setting means, pre-reading unnecessary setting means, process setting means)
10 Notification part (notification means)
12 RAM (reading mode setting means, pre-reading unnecessary setting means, process setting means)
13 Modem (Image data processing means)
14 NCU (image data processing means)
21 Document tray 22 Transport path 35 Scanning carriage 100, 100A MFP (image reading apparatus)
101a Platen glass (original plate)
101b Platen glass P Reading position

Claims (5)

Scanning means for scanning a scanning carriage moving along the document placement plate with respect to the document placed on the document placement plate, and reading an image of the document;
Reading means provided on the scanning carriage and reading information electronically written from a storage medium attached to the document;
Before the reading means reads the image of the original, the scanning carriage moves along the original placing plate, and the reading means starts from a storage medium attached to the original placed on the original placing plate. An image reading apparatus in which the reading unit reads an image of the document in a reading mode indicated by the reading mode information when the reading mode information is read from a storage medium attached to the document by performing pre-reading for reading information Because
Pre-reading unnecessary setting means for setting the pre-reading unnecessary,
In the case where pre-reading unnecessary is set by the pre-reading unnecessary setting means, when the reading means reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, the reading means indicates the reading mode information. An image reading apparatus that rereads an image of a document in a reading mode.   2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the reading unit rereads the image of the original, the notification unit notifies the fact. Comprising reading mode setting means for setting a reading mode of the reading means;
When the reading unit reads the reading mode information from the storage medium attached to the document, the reading unit gives priority to the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information over the reading mode set by the reading mode setting unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image of the original is read. Comprising reading mode setting means for setting a reading mode of the reading means;
When the reading mode indicated by the reading mode information read from the storage medium attached to the original by the reading unit and the reading mode set by the reading mode setting unit are inconsistent, that fact and selection of the priority reading mode are selected. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the user that the image is urged, and the reading unit reads the image of the document with priority on the selected reading mode.   5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the reading units are provided on the scanning carriage at intervals in the main scanning direction. 6.

Images