JP4568195B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus capable of high-resolution reading.

  In general, a document is read by an image reading apparatus such as a copier or a scanner using a CCD array in which a large number of CCDs are arranged in the main scanning direction. The resolution in the main scanning direction of the image data generated by reading by the image reading device increases as the number of CCDs constituting the CCD array increases.

The number of CCDs that can be arranged in the main scanning direction is limited by the size of the CCD itself, the aperture ratio of the CCD, and the like. As a technique for generating high-resolution image data in such a limitation, there is a technique for reading a document using two CCD arrays as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-261629. The technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-261629 is a technique in which two CCD arrays are shifted from each other in the main scanning direction by a half of the CCD array interval. By disposing the two CCD arrays in the main scanning direction, the number of CCDs that can be arranged in the main scanning direction can be doubled as compared with the case where only one CCD array is used.
JP 2000-261629 A

  However, when two CCD arrays are used, there is a problem that the cost of the image reading apparatus increases as compared with the case where only one CCD array is used.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image reading apparatus capable of generating high-resolution image data without increasing the cost of the image reading apparatus.

  There are models that use separate CCD arrays for color reading and monochrome reading as image reading apparatuses capable of reading originals in both color and monochrome, such as color copiers and color scanners. The color CCD array used for color reading is composed of three CCD arrays in which the light receiving portion is covered with filters of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). On the other hand, a monochrome CCD array used for monochrome reading is composed of a single CCD array whose light receiving portion is not covered with a color filter. The present invention realizes generation of high-resolution image data without increasing the number of CCDs by using an image reading apparatus having two types of CCD arrays, color and monochrome.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array are arranged at positions where the color CCD and the monochrome CCD constituting each are arranged at different positions in the main scanning direction. The image reading apparatus according to the present invention can generate both high-resolution image data using a color CCD array and a monochrome CCD array regardless of whether the original is read in color or monochrome. Use to read the original.

  Since the position of the color CCD and monochrome CCD are different in the main scanning direction, using both color and monochrome CCD arrays doubles the number of pixel data that can be acquired compared to using only a color CCD array or monochrome CCD array. It becomes.

  When both the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array are used, the color pixel data expressed by the color component and the luminance component and the monochrome pixel data expressed only by the luminance component are generated, so that monochrome image data is generated. In this case, color pixel data is converted into monochrome pixel data, and when color pixel data is generated, monochrome pixel data is converted into color pixel data.

  Conversion from color pixel data to monochrome pixel data can be performed by extracting a luminance component from the color pixel data and generating monochrome pixel data using the luminance component. The conversion from monochrome pixel data to color pixel data is performed by adding the color component of the color pixel data generated by the color CCD arranged at a position adjacent to the monochrome CCD in the main scanning direction to the monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD. Can be done.

  The monochrome pixel data thus converted and the monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD array, or the color pixel data thus generated and the color pixel data generated by the color CCD array are used as one main. By generating the image data of the scanning line, the number of pixel data that can be acquired is doubled as compared with the case where only the color CCD array or the monochrome CCD array is used.

  Further, the reading of a document is generally performed by scanning a plurality of main scanning lines positioned at predetermined intervals in the sub-scanning direction. In an image reading apparatus including a color CCD array and a monochrome CCD array, the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array are provided at different positions in the sub-scanning direction. If the distance between the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array in the sub-scanning direction is different from an integral multiple of the interval between the main scan lines, the position between the main scan line and the main scan line in the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array (intermediate line) ) Can be scanned.

  When pixel data is generated using a color CCD array and a monochrome CCD array, color pixel data and monochrome pixel data are generated as described above. In this case as well, when generating monochrome image data, the color pixel data is converted to monochrome. When converting to pixel data and generating color image data, monochrome pixel data is converted to color image data.

  When the image data of the main scanning line and the intermediate line is generated by the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array, the main scanning position and the sub scanning position of the color CCD and the monochrome CCD are different, and the image reading apparatus of the present invention as described above. Since the color CCD and the monochrome CCD are arranged at different positions in the main scanning direction, the positions corresponding to the pixel data of the generated image data are staggered. The pixel data at the intermediate position where the pixel data is not generated may be generated based on the pixel data around the intermediate position. For example, in the case of interpolating monochrome pixel data, this generation is performed based on the luminance component of the pixel data generated by the CCD arranged at a position adjacent to the position where the image data is generated. This can be done based on the color component of the pixel data generated by the CCD arranged at a position adjacent to the position where the image is to be performed.

  According to the present invention, high-resolution image data of color or monochrome is generated using both a color CCD array used for color reading and a monochrome CCD array used for monochrome reading. Since it is not necessary to provide an extra CCD array in order to generate image data, high-resolution image data can be generated without increasing the cost of the image reading apparatus.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a reading mechanism of an image reading apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The image reading apparatus 100 includes a document table 110, a light source 101 that is long in the main scanning direction (perpendicular to the paper surface) that irradiates the document table 110 from below, and mirrors 102, 103, and 104 that guide light from the document table 110. And a condensing lens 105 that condenses the light guided by the mirrors 102, 103, and 104, and an imaging unit 106 that captures the light collected by the condensing lens 105.

  The image reading apparatus 100 scans n main scanning lines (t1, t2,..., Tn) positioned at every t intervals in the sub-scanning direction of the document table 110 in reading the document placed on the document table 110. To do. When reading a document, the image reading apparatus 100 moves the light source 101 in the sub-scanning direction (arrow direction in FIG. 1) while emitting light, and captures images every time it takes for the light source 101 to move t in the sub-scanning direction. Pixel data generated by the unit 106 is acquired.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 106 includes a substrate 201 and four CCD arrays 202 to 205 that generate pixel data from received light. The CCD arrays 202 to 205 are arranged on the surface of the substrate 201 facing the condenser lens 105 with an integer multiple of the interval t in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) (twice (2t) in this embodiment). ing.

  Each of the CCD arrays 202 to 205 includes m CCDs 0, 1, 2,..., M-1 that generate pixel data from received light. CCDs 0, 1, 2,... M-1 constituting each of the CCD arrays 202 to 205 are arranged at equal intervals in the main scanning direction. The CCDs 0, 1, 2,..., M-1 constituting the CCD array 202 are covered with an R color filter at the light receiving portion that receives the light from the condenser lens 105, and the CCDs 0, 1,. 2... M−1, the light receiving part is covered with a G color filter, and the CCDs 0, 1, 2,... M-1 constituting the CCD array 204 are covered with a B color filter. One color CCD array for generating color pixel data is realized by the three CCD arrays 202 to 204. On the other hand, the CCD array 205 functions as a monochrome CCD array that generates monochrome pixel data that is expressed only by the luminance component without the light receiving portion being covered with a color filter.

  The CCD array 205 includes other CCD arrays 202 such that each CCD constituting the CCD array 205 is shifted in the main scanning direction by half the CCD array interval s with respect to the CCD constituting the other CCD arrays 202, 203, 204. , 203 and 204 are arranged at positions shifted in the main scanning direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 100 includes line buffer groups 420, 430, 440, and 450 for holding pixel data generated from the CCD arrays 202 to 205.

  As shown in an enlarged view in the upper part of FIG. 1, the position where the light incident on the CCD arrays 202 to 204 reflects on the document table 110 with respect to the light incident on the CCD array 205 is 2t backward in the sub scanning direction ( It is shifted to the rear of the light source movement direction. Accordingly, the main scanning lines scanned by the CCD arrays 203, 204, and 205 are the main scanning lines behind the 2, 4, 6 lines with respect to the main scanning lines scanned by the CCD array 202. A delay circuit (not shown) is connected to each CCD array 202-205 and each line buffer group 420, 430, 440, 450 so that pixel data of the same main scanning line is simultaneously input to each line buffer group 420, 430, 440, 450. Between.

  The image reading apparatus 100 can read a document placed on the document table 110 in two reading modes: a normal reading mode at a normal resolution and a high resolution reading mode at a high resolution. In any reading mode, the image reading apparatus 100 can perform monochrome reading and color reading.

  The image reading apparatus 100 includes a receiving unit 401 (see FIG. 4) that receives an instruction to read a document from a user. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving unit 401 includes an operation panel 301 and a hard key group 310.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the hard key group 310 includes a mode selection key 311 for selecting a normal reading mode or a high resolution reading mode, a color / monochrome selection key 312 for selecting color reading or monochrome reading, and execution of reading. It consists of a start key 313. The accepting unit 401 changes the reading mode selection result every time the mode selection key 311 is pressed, and changes the color and monochrome selection result every time the color / monochrome selection key 312 is pressed. The accepting unit 401 displays the reading mode selection result and the color or monochrome color selection result on the operation panel 301.

  When reading the document, the user places the document on the document table 110 and operates the mode selection key 311 and the color / monochrome selection key 312 to display the desired reading mode and color on the operation panel 301. A start key 313 is pressed.

  When the start key 313 is pressed, the accepting unit 401 considers that the reading mode and color displayed on the display panel 301 are selected by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the start key 313 is pressed in a state where the normal reading mode and monochrome are displayed on the scanning panel 301, the accepting unit 401 considers that the normal reading mode and monochrome are selected. Assuming that the normal reading mode and monochrome are selected, the accepting unit 401 notifies the imaging unit 402, the reading unit 601, and the calculation unit 603 of FIG. 5 that the normal reading mode and monochrome are selected.

  When the reception unit 401 notifies that the normal reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the imaging unit 402 uses the light source 101, the mirrors 102, 103, 104, and the like to move the document table 110 to n main units as described above. Scan the scan line. The imaging unit 402 acquires m monochrome pixel data generated by the CCDs 0 to m−1 constituting the CCD array 205 by scanning each main scanning line. The imaging unit 402 inputs m monochrome pixel data acquired by the 2n-1th (n: natural number) scanning to the line buffer 451 constituting the line buffer group 450, and performs the 2nth (n: natural number) scanning. The acquired m pieces of monochrome pixel data are input to the line buffer 452 constituting the line buffer 450.

  The line buffers 451 and 452 are provided with m pixel areas to which addresses 0 to m−1 are assigned, and the imaging unit 402 includes CCDs 0 to m in pixel areas corresponding to addresses 0 to m−1. The monochrome pixel data generated at -1 is input.

  The monochrome pixel data input to the line buffers 451 and 452 is read by the reading unit 601 shown in FIG. When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the normal reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the reading unit 601 enters one line buffer of the line buffer group 450 into the monochrome pixel data input state, and the other is input last time. Monochrome pixel data is read from the line buffer in which no monochrome pixel data is input by the imaging unit 402 so that the monochrome pixel data is output (S701 in FIG. 6). The reading of the monochrome pixel data is performed in order from the monochrome pixel data stored in the pixel area having a small address. The reading unit 601 outputs monochrome pixel data to the signal generator 602 in the order of reading.

  When the monochrome pixel data is input, the signal generator 602 outputs an address generation signal to the calculation unit 603 and outputs the input monochrome pixel data to the writing unit 604 (FIG. 6, S702).

  When the reading unit and monochrome are notified from the receiving unit 401, the calculation unit 603 sets the value of the main scanning address counter 605 to m−1 and the value of the sub scanning address counter 606 to n−1. When the address generation signal is input from the signal generator 602, the arithmetic means 603 increments the value of the main scanning address counter 605 (FIG. 6, S703).

  The main scanning address counter 605 is a counter that can hold a value in the range of 0 to 2m-1. When the normal reading mode and monochrome are notified, the calculation unit 603 returns the value to 0 instead of being set to the value m by incrementing when the value of the main scanning address counter 605 is m−1 (FIG. 6, FIG. 6). S704, YES). Therefore, when the user selects the normal reading mode and monochrome, the value of the main scanning address counter 605 returns to the original value every time monochrome pixel data is input to the signal generator 602 m times.

  When the value is incremented, the main scanning address counter 605 outputs the incremented value to the writing means 604 as the main scanning address, except when the value becomes 0 by the increment, and the address generation signal is output to the sub scanning address counter. The data is output to 606 (FIG. 6, S705). On the other hand, when the value becomes 0 by increment, the main scanning address counter 605 outputs 0 to the writing unit 604 as a main scanning address, and outputs an address generation signal and a count up signal to the sub scanning address counter 606 ( FIG. 6, S706).

  When only the address generation signal is input, the sub-scan address counter 606 outputs its value as a sub-scan address to the writing means 604 (FIG. 6, S707). On the other hand, when the address generation signal and the count-up signal are output from the main scanning address counter 605, the sub scanning address counter 606 increments its own value and outputs the incremented value to the writing means 604 as a sub scanning address. (FIG. 6, S708 → S709).

  The writing means 604 stores the monochrome pixel data input from the signal generator 602 in the area of the memory 404 specified by the main scanning address and the sub scanning address input from the main scanning address counter 605 and the sub scanning address counter 606. Store.

  As described above, each time monochrome pixel data is input to the signal generator 602 m times, the sub-scanning address is incremented. Therefore, in the area corresponding to each sub-scanning address in the memory 404, m monochrome pixel data are stored. Is stored. Therefore, one main scanning line of image data formed in the memory 404 is composed of the same number (m) of monochrome pixel data as the number of CCDs constituting the CCD array 205.

  When the reading unit 601 performs the monochrome pixel data from the line buffer group 450 m × n times, the reading unit 601 ends the reading of the monochrome pixel data. Since the reading unit 601 reads monochrome pixel data m × n times, the memory 404 forms m pieces of monochrome image data in the main scanning direction and n pieces in the sub scanning direction.

  If the accepting unit 401 considers that the normal reading mode and color have been selected by the user's operation of the hard key group 310, the image capturing unit 402, the reading unit 601, the computing unit 603, and the combining unit 405 will receive the normal reading mode and color. Notify that has been selected.

  When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the normal reading mode and the color have been selected, the image pickup unit 402 uses the light source 101, the mirrors 102, 103, 104, and the like to move the document table 110 in the sub-scanning direction as described above. Scan n times at intervals of t. When notified that the normal reading mode and color have been selected, the imaging unit 402 acquires m pixel data from each of the CCD arrays 202 to 204 by each scan. The imaging unit 402 inputs pixel data acquired from the CCD array 202 by the (2n-1) th (n: natural number) scan to the line buffer 421 constituting the line buffer group 420, and performs the 2nth (n: natural number) scan. The acquired pixel data is input to the line buffer 422 constituting the line buffer 420. Similarly, the imaging unit 402 inputs pixel data acquired from the CCD arrays 203 and 204 by the (2n-1) -th (n: natural number) scanning to the line buffers 431 and 441 constituting the line buffer groups 430 and 440, and inputs 2n Pixel data acquired by the second (n: natural number) scan is input to the line buffers 432 and 442 constituting the line buffers 430 and 440.

  Each line buffer 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, 442 has the same number as the CCDs 0, 1, 2,..., M-1 constituting each CCD array 202, 203, 204, like the line buffers 451, 452. Are provided, and each pixel area is assigned an address of 0 to m-1. The imaging means 402 inputs the pixel data generated by the CCDs 0 to m−1 to the pixel area corresponding to the addresses 0 to m−1.

  When the normal reading mode and the color are selected, the pixel data input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, 442 is acquired by the synthesizing unit 405. When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the normal reading mode and the color have been selected, the synthesizing unit 405 enters the pixel data input state in each of the line buffer groups 420, 430, and 440, and the other The pixel data is read from the line buffer in which no pixel data is input by the imaging unit 402 so that the previously input pixel data is output. The pixel data is read from the pixel data stored in the pixel area having a small address.

  The synthesizing unit 405 generates color pixel data expressed in RGB by synthesizing the three pixel data read from the pixel area of the same address in one line buffer of each of the line buffer groups 420, 430, and 440. When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the normal reading mode and the color have been selected, the reading unit 601 reads the color pixel data generated by the combining unit 405 in the order of generation.

  The color pixel data read by the reading unit 601 is stored in the memory 404 by the writing unit 604 in the same manner as the monochrome pixel data. The calculation of the address of the memory 404 in which each color pixel data is stored is performed in the same manner as the calculation of the monochrome pixel data address described above. Therefore, when the normal reading mode and color are selected, one main scanning line of image data formed in the memory 404 is the same number (m) of color pixels as the number of CCDs constituting the CCD arrays 202, 203, 204. It consists of data.

  As in the case where the normal reading mode and monochrome are selected, the reading unit 601 ends the reading of the color pixel data when the reading of the color pixel data from the combining unit 405 is performed m × n times. Since the color pixel data is read m × n times by the reading unit 601, m color image data in the main scanning direction and n color image data are formed in the memory 404.

  When the accepting unit 401 considers that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected by the user's operation of the hard key group 310, the image capturing unit 402, the reading unit 601, the computing unit 603, and the combining unit 405 receive the high-resolution reading mode. And monochrome are selected.

  When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the imaging unit 402 uses the light source 101, the mirrors 102, 103, 104, and the like to place the document table 110 at intervals of t as described above. Scan n times. When notified that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome are selected, the imaging unit 402 acquires m pixel data from each of the CCD arrays 202 to 205 by each scan (FIG. 7, S801). The imaging unit 402 inputs pixel data acquired by the 2n-1 th (n: natural number) scanning from the CCD arrays 202, 203, 204, 205 to the line buffers 421, 431, 441, 451, and the 2n th (n: Pixel data acquired by scanning (natural number) is input to the line buffers 422, 432, 442, and 452.

When the reception unit 401 notifies that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the combining unit 405 outputs the pixel data input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, and 442 as described above. Color pixel data is generated by acquiring the color pixel data (FIG. 7, S802). When the reception unit 401 notifies that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the synthesis unit 405 outputs the generated color pixel data to the color conversion unit 406 in the order of generation.

  When the color pixel data is input, the color conversion unit 406 represents the input color pixel data in a color system of YCbCr and generates monochrome pixel data representing Y (luminance component) (FIG. 7, S803). ).

  When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high resolution reading mode and monochrome are selected, the reading unit 601 alternately reads monochrome pixel data from the color conversion unit 406 and the line buffer group 450 pixel by pixel. The readout of the monochrome pixel data from the line buffer group 450 is performed on the line buffer to which the monochrome pixel data is not input by the imaging unit 402 out of the line buffer 451 and the line buffer 452.

  Monochrome pixel data is read out from the color conversion means 406 for the odd number of times and from the line buffer for the even number of times (FIG. 7, S804 → S805, S804 → S806). Reading from the color conversion unit 406 is performed in order from monochrome image data that has been generated earlier, and reading from the line buffer is performed in order from pixel data that has been input to a pixel area having a smaller address.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the CCD arrays 202 to 204 are arranged on the left side of the CCD array 205 by a half of the arrangement interval s. Accordingly, the odd-numbered reading is performed from the color conversion unit 406 and the even-numbered reading is performed from the line buffer group 450, whereby monochrome pixel data generated by the CCD arranged on the left side is sequentially read to the reading unit 601. It will be.

  When the readout unit 601 reads out the monochrome pixel data, the readout unit 601 outputs the monochrome pixel data to the signal generator 602.

  When the monochrome pixel data is input, the signal generator 602 outputs an address generation signal to the calculation unit 603, and outputs the input monochrome pixel data to the writing unit 604 (FIG. 7, S807).

  When the high resolution reading mode and color are notified from the accepting unit 401, the calculation unit 603 sets the value of the main scanning address counter 605 to 2m−1 and the value of the sub scanning address counter 606 to n−1. When an address generation signal is input from the signal generator 602, the arithmetic means 603 increments the value of the main scanning address counter 605 (FIG. 7, S808). When notified of the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome, the computing unit 603 increments the value to 0 only when the value of the main scanning address counter is 2m−1 (FIG. 7, S809, YES).

  Therefore, when the user selects the high resolution reading mode and color, the value of the main scanning address counter 605 returns to the original value when the pixel data is input to the signal generator 602 2 m times.

  When the value is incremented, the main scanning address counter 605 outputs the incremented value as the main scanning address to the writing means 604, and outputs the address generation signal to the sub scanning address, except when the value becomes 0 by the increment. The data is output to the counter 606 (FIG. 7, S810). On the other hand, when the value becomes 0 by increment, the main scanning address counter 605 outputs 0 as the main scanning address to the writing means 604 and outputs an address generation signal and a count-up signal to the sub-scanning address counter 606 ( FIG. 7, S811).

  When only the address generation signal is input, the sub-scanning address counter 606 outputs its own value as a sub-scanning address to the writing unit 604 (FIG. 7, S812). On the other hand, when the address generation signal and the count-up signal are output from the main scanning address counter 605, the sub scanning address counter 606 increments its own value and outputs the incremented value to the writing means 604 as a sub scanning address. (FIG. 7, S813 → S814).

  The writing means 604 stores the monochrome pixel data input from the signal generator 602 in the area of the memory 404 specified by the main scanning address and the sub scanning address input from the main scanning address counter 605 and the sub scanning address counter 606. Store.

  As described above, when the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome are notified, the sub-scanning address is incremented every time monochrome pixel data is input to the signal generator 602 2 m times. 2m monochrome pixel data is stored in the area corresponding to. In addition, monochrome pixel data is input to the signal generator 602 sequentially from the monochrome pixel data generated by the CCD arranged on the left side as described above, and each time pixel data is input to the signal generator 602, main scanning is performed. As the address is incremented, the arrangement order from the left side of each CCD coincides with the main scanning address of the area of the memory 404 in which image data generated from each CCD is stored.

  Therefore, by using a color CCD array and a monochrome CCD array in which CCDs are arranged at different positions in the main scanning direction, image data stored in the memory 404 is compared with the case where reading is performed in the normal reading mode. The resolution in the main scanning direction can be doubled.

  When the reading unit 601 performs the monochrome pixel data from the line buffer group 450 2m × n times, the reading unit 601 ends the reading of the monochrome pixel data. Since the reading unit 601 reads monochrome pixel data 2m × n times, the memory 404 forms monochrome image data having 2m main scanning directions and n sub-scanning directions.

  When the accepting unit 401 considers that the high resolution reading mode and the color have been selected by the user's operation of the hard key group 310, the image capturing unit 402, the reading unit 601, the computing unit 603, and the combining unit 405 are instructed to perform the high resolution reading mode. And that the color has been selected.

  When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and the color have been selected, the image pickup unit 402 uses the light source 101, mirrors 102, 103, 104, and the like to place the document table 110 at intervals t as described above. To scan. When notified that the high-resolution reading mode and color are selected, the imaging unit 402 acquires m pixel data from the CCD arrays 202 to 205 by this scanning.

  The imaging unit 402 inputs pixel data acquired by the 2n-1 th (n: natural number) scanning from the CCD arrays 202, 203, 204, 205 to the line buffers 421, 431, 441, 451, and the 2n th (n: Pixel data acquired by scanning (natural number) is input to the line buffers 422, 432, 442, and 452.

When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high resolution reading mode and color have been selected, the combining unit 405 receives the pixel data input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, 442 as described above. Acquire and generate color pixel data.

  The color pixel data generated by the combining unit 405 and the monochrome pixel data input to the line buffers 451 and 452 are read by the reading unit 601. When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and color have been selected, the reading unit 601 alternately reads pixel data from the combining unit 405 and the line buffer group 450 pixel by pixel. The readout of the monochrome pixel data from the line buffer group 450 is performed on the line buffer to which the monochrome pixel data is not input by the imaging unit 402 out of the line buffer 451 and the line buffer 452.

  The pixel data is read out from the synthesizing unit 405 for the odd number and from the line buffer for the even number. Reading from the synthesizing unit 405 is performed in order from the color pixel data which has been generated earlier, and reading from the line buffer is performed in order from the pixel data input to the pixel area having a smaller address.

  By reading out the pixel data in this order, the pixel data generated by the CCD arranged on the left side is read in order as in the case of reading out the pixel data from the color conversion unit 406 and the line buffer. It will be.

  The color pixel data and monochrome pixel data read by the reading unit 601 are stored in the memory 404 by the writing unit 604. The calculation of the address of the memory 404 in which color pixel data and monochrome pixel data are stored is performed in the same manner as when the high resolution reading mode and monochrome are selected. Accordingly, one main scanning line of image data formed in the memory 404 is composed of 2m pixel data.

  When the high resolution reading mode and color are notified, since the color pixel data is read by odd number reading and the monochrome pixel data is read by even number reading, the main scanning address of the color pixel data is an even number (0, 2). 4,... 2m-2), and the main scanning address of the monochrome pixel data is an odd number (1, 3, 5,... 2m-1). Therefore, in the memory 404, as shown in FIG. 8, the color pixel data a and the monochrome pixel data b are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction.

  When the reading unit 601 performs the pixel data from the line buffer group 450 and the combining unit 405 2m × n times, the reading unit 601 ends the reading of the pixel data. When the writing unit 604 stores 2m × n pixel data in the memory 404, the writing unit 604 instructs the color component generation unit 407 to generate a color component. When there is an instruction to generate a color component, the color component generation unit 407 generates a color component to be added to each monochrome pixel data stored in the memory 404.

When there is an instruction to generate a color component, the color component generation unit 407 first determines an address of an area in which monochrome image data for generating the color component is stored. Here, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the determined address is {(m _i n _j ) (m: main scanning address, n: sub scanning address)}. When the address is determined, the color component generation unit 407 outputs the address of the determined area to the address holding unit 408. Next, the color component generation unit 407 has the same address of the determined area as the sub-scanning address, and the main scanning address is one larger address (m _{i + 1} n _j ) and one smaller address (m _i−1 n _j ). The color pixel data is acquired from the memory 404 from the area. When the color pixel data is acquired, the color component generation unit 407 represents the two color pixel data in the YCbCr color system and extracts the CbCr values (color components) of the two color pixel data. The color component generation unit 407 averages the color components extracted from the two color pixel data, and generates a color component to be added to the monochrome pixel data. The color component generation unit 407 outputs the generated color component to the color component addition unit 409.

  When the color component is input, the color component adding unit 409 acquires monochrome pixel data from the area indicated by the address stored in the address holding unit 408. When the monochrome pixel data is acquired, the color component adding unit 409 adds the input color component to the acquired monochrome pixel data to generate color pixel data. When the color pixel data is generated, the color component adding unit 409 acquires the address from the address holding unit 408 and stores the generated color pixel data in the area of the memory 404 indicated by the acquired address.

  In this way, by converting the monochrome pixel data stored in the memory 404 into color pixel data, the image data stored in the memory 404 in the main scanning direction is compared with the case where reading is performed in the normal reading mode. The resolution can be doubled.

In the above example, the color components combined with the monochrome pixel data are generated by averaging the color components of the color pixel data of the adjacent pixels. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a color component to be combined with monochrome pixel data may be generated by performing weighted averaging of the color components of the color pixel data of adjacent pixels and peripheral pixels. Further, by combining color pixel data and monochrome pixel data for two adjacent pixels, it is also possible to generate color pixel data for those pixels. For example, when generating image data in JPEG format, the color component of the color pixel data may be shared by two pixels without adding the color component to the monochrome image data and storing it. In this case, the data of the color component of one pixel is thinned, and the amount of data is reduced accordingly.
(Embodiment 2)
In the present embodiment, the intervals between the CCD arrays 202 to 205 are different from those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the interval between the CCD arrays 202 to 204 is 2t as in the first embodiment, and the interval between the CCD array 204 and the CCD 205 is 2.5t, unlike the first embodiment. It has become.

  The image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment performs the normal reading mode performed using one of the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The high-resolution reading mode performed using both the color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array is performed by a method different from that of the first embodiment because the interval between the CCD array and the monochrome CCD array is different.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the image reading apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Assuming that the user has selected the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome, the accepting unit 401 informs the imaging unit 402, the reading unit 601, the computing unit 603, and the combining unit 405 that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected. Notice.

  When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the imaging unit 402 scans the document table 110 n times at intervals of t as in the first embodiment, and the line buffer 421, Pixel data is input to 422, 431, 432, 441, 442, 451, 452. Since the interval between the CCD arrays 202 to 204 is 2t and the interval between the CCD array 204 and the CCD 205 is 2.5t, the CCD arrays 203, 204, and 205 scan with respect to the sub-scanning position scanned by the CCD array 202. The sub-scanning positions are behind 2, 4, and 6.5 main scanning lines. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the CCDs 202 to 204 scan the main scanning lines (t1, t2,... Tn), and the CCD array 205 scans an intermediate line located in the middle of the main scanning lines.

  A delay circuit (not shown) is provided between each of the CCD arrays 202 to 204 and each of the line buffer groups 420, 430, and 440 so that pixel data of the same main scanning line is input to each of the line buffer groups 420, 430, and 440 at the same time. Is provided. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, pixel data of an intermediate line that is 0.5 main scanning lines behind the main scanning line to which pixel data is input to the line buffers 420, 430, and 440 is input to the line buffer group 450. As described above, a delay circuit is provided between the CCD array 202 and the line buffer group 450.

  The pixel data input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, and 442 is acquired by the combining unit 405 as in the first embodiment, and the combining unit 405 generates color pixels based on the acquired pixel data. Generate data. The color pixel data generated by the combining unit 405 is output to the color conversion unit 406 in the order of generation, and the color conversion unit 406 generates monochrome pixel data based on the input color pixel data.

  When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the high resolution reading mode and monochrome have been selected, the reading unit 601 reads pixel data from the color conversion unit 406 and the line buffer group 450.

  The reading unit 601 inputs the read monochrome pixel data to the writing unit 604. The writing unit 604 reads pixel data input to an area of the memory 404 whose main scanning address corresponds to the position of the scanning position in the main scanning direction and whose sub scanning address corresponds to the position of the scanning position in the sub scanning direction. Store. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the monochrome pixel data b read out from the line buffer group 450 has the monochrome read out from the color conversion means 406 in the area of the memory 404 where the sub-scanning address and the main scanning address are even. The pixel data b ′ is stored in an area of the memory 404 where the sub-scanning address and the main scanning address are odd numbers.

  When the writing unit 404 stores 2m × n monochrome pixel data in the memory 404, the writing unit 404 instructs the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 to generate intermediate pixel data. When there is an instruction to generate the intermediate pixel data, the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 stores the intermediate pixel data stored in each area of the memory 404 in which the monochrome pixel data b and b ′ are not stored, as shown in FIG. Generate. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 11, here, an area where the sub-scanning address is even and the main scanning address is odd, and an area where the sub-scanning address is odd and the main scanning address is even are areas where no monochrome pixel data is stored. It has become.

The intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 first determines an address of an area for generating intermediate pixel data. Here, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the determined address is {(m _i , n _j ) (m: main scanning address, n: sub scanning address)}. When the address is determined, the intermediate pixel data generation means 410 has addresses (m _{i +} 1, n _j ), (m _i− 1, n _j ), (m _i , n _{j + 1} ), (m _i , n _{j -1} ), monochrome pixel data is acquired from the memory 404.

For example, when n _{j of} the determined address is an even number, the monochrome pixel data acquired from (m _{i +} 1, n _j ) and (m _i− 1, n _j ) constitutes the CCD array 205 2. Color pixel data obtained from (m _i , n _{j + 1} ) and (m _i , n _j-1 ) is monochrome pixel data generated by two adjacent monochrome CCDs. This is monochrome pixel data generated from the pixel data generated by the 3 CCDs constituting the CCD arrays 202 to 204 arranged at the intermediate position of the monochrome CCD. When n _{j of} the determined address is an odd number, the monochrome pixel data acquired from (m _{i +} 1, n _j ) and (m _i− 1, n _j ) Monochrome pixel data generated from (m1, n _{j + 1} ), (m _i , n _j-1 ), which is monochrome pixel data generated based on pixel data generated by two adjacent CCDs constituting The data is color pixel data generated by the CCD of the CCD array 205 arranged at an intermediate position between two adjacent CCDs in each of the CCD arrays 202 to 204.

  The intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 calculates an average value of the acquired four monochrome pixel data.

When the average value is calculated, the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 stores the calculated average value as intermediate pixel data in the area of the address (m _i , n _j ). When the address n _j where the intermediate pixel data is stored is an even number, the stored intermediate pixel data is the second intermediate pixel data. When the address n _j is an odd number, the stored intermediate pixel data is the first intermediate pixel data. Intermediate pixel data.

  By generating intermediate pixel data in this way, the number of pixels in each main scan line and intermediate line can be doubled.

  Further, by setting the interval between the CCD arrays 202 to 204 constituting the color CCD array and the CCD array 205 to be different from an integer multiple of the interval t of the main scanning line, 2n places in the sub-scanning direction are scanned by n scans. In addition, since the scanning of the document table 110 can be performed at an interval smaller than t, the resolution in the sub-scanning direction of the image data formed in the memory 404 can be doubled.

  Assuming that the user has selected the high-resolution reading mode and color, the accepting unit 401 informs the imaging unit 402, the reading unit 601, the computing unit 603, and the combining unit 405 that the high-resolution reading mode and color have been selected. Notice.

  When the reception unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and color have been selected, the image pickup unit 402 moves the document table 110 n times at intervals of t as in the case where the high-resolution reading mode and monochrome are selected. The pixel data is input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, 442, 451 and 452. The pixel data input to the line buffers 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, and 442 is acquired by the combining unit 405 as in the first embodiment, and the combining unit 405 generates color pixels based on the acquired pixel data. Generate data.

  When the receiving unit 401 is notified that the high-resolution reading mode and the color have been selected, the reading unit 601 reads pixel data from the combining unit 405 and the line buffer group 450.

  The reading unit 601 inputs the read monochrome pixel data and color pixel data to the writing unit 604.

  The writing means 604 has color pixel data input to an area of the memory 404 whose main scanning address corresponds to the position of the scanning position in the main scanning direction and whose sub scanning address corresponds to the position of the scanning position in the sub scanning direction. And monochrome pixel data are stored. Therefore, the monochrome pixel data b read out from the line buffer group 450 is the color pixel read out from the synthesizing unit 405 in the area of the memory 404 where the sub-scanning address and the main scanning address are even, as shown in FIG. Data a is stored in an area of the memory 404 having an odd sub-scan address and main scan address.

  As a result of such storage, pixel data is stored in a staggered pattern in the memory 404 as shown in FIG. The monochrome pixel data b generated by the CCD 205 array is stored in an area where the sub-scanning address of the memory 404 is an even number, and the color pixel data a generated by the combining means 405 is an odd-numbered sub-scanning address of the memory 404. Stored in the area.

  When the writing unit 604 stores 2m × n pixel data in the memory 404, the writing unit 604 instructs the color component generation unit 407 to generate a color component. When there is an instruction to generate a color component, the color component generation unit 407 generates a color component to be added to each monochrome pixel data stored in the memory 404.

When there is an instruction to generate a color component, the color component generation unit 407 first determines an address of a region in which the monochromatic image data for generating the color component is stored. Here, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the determined address is {(m _i n _j ) (m: main scanning address, n: sub scanning address)}. When the address is determined, the color component generation unit 407 outputs the address of the determined area to the address holding unit 408. Next, the color component generation unit 407 includes (m _{i + 1} n _j−1 ), (m _i−1 n _j − ₁ ) (m _{i + 1} n _{j + 1} ), (m _i−1 n _{j +).} Color pixel data is acquired from the memory 404 from the area ₁ ). When the color pixel data is acquired, the color component generation unit 407 represents the four color pixel data in the YCbCr color system and extracts CbCr (color component) of the four color pixel data. The color component generation unit 407 averages the color components extracted from the four color pixel data, and generates a color component to be added to the monochrome pixel data. The color component generation unit 407 outputs the generated color component to the color component addition unit 409.

  When the color component is input, the color component adding unit 409 acquires monochrome pixel data from the area indicated by the address stored in the address holding unit 408. When the monochrome pixel data is acquired, the color component adding unit 409 adds the input color component to the acquired monochrome pixel data to generate color pixel data. When the color pixel data is generated, the color component adding unit 409 acquires the address from the address holding unit 408 and stores the generated color pixel data in the area of the memory 404 indicated by the acquired address.

  Since the number of monochrome pixel data stored in the memory is m × n, the number of color component additions performed by the color component addition unit 409 is m × n. When the color component addition unit 409 adds m × n color components, the color component addition unit 409 instructs the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 to generate intermediate pixel data.

  When there is an instruction to generate intermediate pixel data from the color component adding unit 409, the intermediate pixel data generating unit 410, as shown in FIG. 12, stores the intermediate pixels stored in each area of the memory 404 in which no color pixel data is stored. Generate data. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 12, here, an area where the sub-scan address is even and the main scan address is odd, and an area where the sub-scan address is odd and the main scan address is even are areas where no color pixel data is stored. It has become.

The intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 first determines an address of an area for generating intermediate pixel data. Here, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the determined address is {(m _i , n _j ) (m: main scanning address, n: sub scanning address)}. When the address is determined, the intermediate pixel data generation means 410 has addresses (m _{i +} 1, n _j ), (m _i− 1, n _j ), (m _i , n _{j + 1} ), (m _i , n _j Color pixel data is acquired from the memory 404 from the area _-1 ).

For example, when n _{j of} the determined address is an even number, the monochrome pixel data acquired from (m _{i +} 1, n _j ) and (m _i− 1, n _j ) constitutes the CCD array 205 2. Monochromatic pixel data generated by two adjacent CCDs, and the color pixel data obtained from (m1, n _{j + 1} ), (m _i , n _j-1 ) It becomes monochrome pixel data generated based on the pixel data generated by the three CCDs of the CCD arrays 202 to 204 arranged at the intermediate positions. When n _{j of} the determined address is an odd number, the monochrome pixel data acquired from (m _{i +} 1, n _j ) and (m _i− 1, n _j ) Monochrome pixel data generated on the basis of pixel data generated by two adjacent three CCDs, which are obtained from (m _i , n _{j + 1} ) and (m _i , n _j-1 ). The monochrome pixel data is color pixel data generated by the CCD of the CCD array 205 arranged at an intermediate position between two adjacent CCDs of the CCD arrays 202 to 204.

  The intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 calculates an average value of the color components and luminance components of the acquired four color pixel data.

When the average value is calculated, the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 stores the calculated average value as intermediate pixel data in the area of the address (m _i , n _j ). When the address n _j where the intermediate pixel data is stored is an even number, the stored intermediate pixel data is the second intermediate pixel data. When the address n _j is an odd number, the stored intermediate pixel data is the first intermediate pixel data. Intermediate pixel data.

  By generating intermediate pixel data in this way, the number of pixels in each main scan line and intermediate line can be doubled.

  Further, by setting the interval between the CCD arrays 202 to 204 constituting the color CCD array and the CCD array 205 to be different from an integral multiple of the interval t of the main scanning line, 2n locations in the sub-scanning direction can be obtained in n scans. Since scanning is possible, the resolution in the sub-scanning direction of the image data formed in the memory can be doubled.

  In the above example, the intermediate pixel data is generated by calculating the average value of the color component and the luminance component of the acquired color pixel data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, intermediate pixel data may be generated by performing weighted averaging of color pixel data of adjacent pixels and peripheral pixels. Further, the intermediate pixel data generation unit 410 may generate only the value for the luminance component as the intermediate pixel data. In this case, the color component of the color pixel data can be shared by a plurality of pixels without being stored in each pixel. For example, 4 pixels of 2 × 2 pixels can share the color component of one of them. In this case, the data of the color components of 3 pixels are thinned, and the data amount is reduced accordingly.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a reading mechanism of the image reading apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 3 is an external view of a surface on which the CCD array of the imaging unit according to the first embodiment is arranged. The schematic diagram of an operation part. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. The functional block diagram of an image data generation means. The flowchart which shows the procedure in which image data is formed. The flowchart which shows the procedure in which image data is formed. The conceptual diagram of the image data formed in memory. FIG. 6 is an external view of a surface on which a CCD array of the imaging unit according to the second embodiment is arranged. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the image data formed in memory. The conceptual diagram of the image data formed in memory.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image reader 401 Accepting means 402 Imaging means 403 Image data generation means 404 Memory 405 Composition means 406 Color conversion means 407 Color component generation means 408 Color component addition means 410 Intermediate pixel data generation means

Claims (8)

Color CCD array in which a plurality of color CCDs for generating color pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, a monochrome CCD array in which a plurality of monochrome CCDs for generating monochrome pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, and any one of the CCD arrays In the image reading apparatus for generating image data of one main scanning line with the pixel data generated in this way,
The color CCD and the monochrome CCD are arranged so that the main scanning positions are different,
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to generate high-resolution monochrome image data;
Color conversion means for converting the color pixel data generated by the color CCD array into monochrome pixel data when an instruction to generate high-resolution monochrome image data is received;
An image reading apparatus comprising image data generating means for generating monochrome image data of one main scanning line from monochrome pixel data generated by conversion and monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD array. Color CCD array in which a plurality of color CCDs for generating color pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, a monochrome CCD array in which a plurality of monochrome CCDs for generating monochrome pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, and any one of the CCD arrays In the image reading apparatus for generating image data of one main scanning line with the pixel data generated in this way,
The color CCD and the monochrome CCD are arranged so that the main scanning positions are different,
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to generate high-resolution color image data;
When an instruction to generate high-resolution color image data is accepted, the monochrome pixel data generated by each monochrome CCD and the color pixel data generated by the color CCD arranged at a position adjacent to each monochrome CCD in the main scanning direction And an image data generating means for generating color image data for one main scanning line. A color for generating a color component to be added to each monochrome pixel data based on the color component of the color pixel data generated by the color CCD arranged in a position adjacent to the monochrome CCD in which the monochrome pixel data is generated in the main scanning direction Component generation means;
Color component adding means for adding the generated color component to each monochrome pixel data and converting each monochrome pixel data into color pixel data;
The image data generating means generates color image data of one main scanning line from the color pixel data generated by the conversion of the color component adding means and the color pixel data generated by the color CCD array. The image reading apparatus described in 1. A color CCD array in which a plurality of color CCDs for generating color pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, a monochrome CCD array in which a plurality of monochrome CCDs for generating monochrome pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, and any one of the CCD arrays are used. In an image reading apparatus that scans main scanning lines positioned at intervals in the sub-scanning direction and generates image data of the main scanning lines,
The color CCD and the monochrome CCD are arranged so as to be positioned at an intermediate position between each other,
The color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array are arranged with an interval different from an integral multiple of the interval in the sub-scanning direction,
Receiving means for receiving an instruction to generate high-resolution monochrome image data;
When an instruction for generating high-resolution monochrome image data is received, an imaging unit that performs scanning at the intervals using the color CCD and the monochrome CCD;
Color conversion means for converting the color pixel data generated by the color CCD array by the scanning into monochrome pixel data;
One of the monochrome image data of the intermediate line located between the main scanning line and the main scanning line is converted into monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD array by the scanning. An image reading apparatus comprising image data generating means for generating monochrome image data of the other of the main scanning line and the intermediate line. The imaging means performs the scanning a plurality of times,
The image data generating means generates image data of a plurality of main scanning lines and intermediate lines,
First intermediate pixel data corresponding to a color intermediate position between the color CCDs of each main scanning line or each intermediate line in which monochrome image data is generated by the monochrome pixel data generated by the conversion of the color conversion means, The luminance component of the color pixel data of the same line generated by the color CCD arranged at the position adjacent to the color intermediate position, and the adjacent intermediate line generated by the monochrome CCD arranged at the color intermediate position or Generated based on monochrome pixel data of main scan line,
A second intermediate position corresponding to a monochrome intermediate position between the monochrome CCDs of each intermediate line or each main scanning line in which monochrome image data is generated by monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD array by scanning of the imaging means. Monochrome pixel data of the same line generated by the monochrome CCD arranged at a position adjacent to the monochrome intermediate position and the adjacent main scan generated by the color CCD arranged at the monochrome intermediate position. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising intermediate pixel data generating means that generates based on a luminance component of color pixel data of a line or an intermediate line. A color CCD array in which a plurality of color CCDs for generating color pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, a monochrome CCD array in which a plurality of monochrome CCDs for generating monochrome pixel data are arranged in the main scanning direction, and any one of the CCD arrays are used. An image reading apparatus that scans a document in the main scanning direction with an interval in the sub-scanning direction.
The color CCD and the monochrome CCD are arranged so as to be positioned at an intermediate position between each other,
The color CCD array and the monochrome CCD array are arranged with an interval different from an integral multiple of the interval in the sub-scanning direction,
When an instruction to generate high-resolution color image data is received, an imaging unit that performs scanning at the intervals using the color CCD and the monochrome CCD;
One of the main scan line and the intermediate line image data is generated by the color pixel data generated by the color CCD array by the scan, and the main scan line and the image data are generated by the monochrome pixel data generated by the monochrome CCD array. An image reading apparatus comprising image data generating means for generating the other of the intermediate line image data. A color component that is added to each monochrome pixel data constituting the main scanning line or the intermediate line generated by the monochrome pixel data is arranged at a position adjacent to the monochrome CCD that generated the monochrome pixel data in the main scanning direction. A color component generating means for generating based on color pixel data of adjacent intermediate lines or main scanning lines generated by a CCD;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising color component addition means for adding the generated color component to each monochrome pixel data and converting each monochrome pixel data into color pixel data. The imaging means performs the scanning a plurality of times,
The image data generating means generates image data of a plurality of main scanning lines and intermediate lines,
A first intermediate corresponding to a color intermediate position between the color CCDs of each main scanning line or each intermediate line in which image data is generated with color pixel data generated by the color CCD array by scanning of the imaging means. The pixel data is the same color pixel data generated by the color CCD arranged at the position adjacent to the color intermediate position, and the adjacent intermediate line generated by the monochrome CCD arranged at the color intermediate position. Or based on the color pixel data of the main scan line,
Second intermediate pixel data corresponding to a monochrome intermediate position between the monochrome CCDs of each intermediate line or each main scanning line in which image data is generated with the color pixel data generated by the conversion of the color component adding means is converted into the monochrome image. Monochrome pixel data of the same line generated by the monochrome CCD arranged at the position adjacent to the intermediate position, and the color of the adjacent main scanning line or intermediate line generated by the color CCD arranged at the monochrome intermediate position. 8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising intermediate pixel data generating means for generating based on a luminance component of the pixel data.

Images