JP4780182B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that optically reads an original, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus that reads an original including a portion drawn with a paint that becomes colorless when heated.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, from the viewpoint of effective use / reuse of paper resources, there is a writing instrument using ink that becomes colorless when heated to a high temperature of 60 ° C. or higher. In addition, there is an ink jet printer that includes a recording unit that uses ink that becomes colorless when heated, and a heating unit that is disposed in front of the recording unit and that decolorizes ink (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-302954 A

  When the personal information entered on the questionnaire form is read and digitized by a scanner and stored and managed in a database, etc., the electronic form is properly disposed of to prevent leakage of personal information, etc. Is required. In such a case, if the writing is performed using the above-described writing tool that uses the ink that becomes colorless by heating, it is possible to prevent the leakage of personal information by erasing the written portion by heating the paper after reading and digitizing. . Furthermore, if only the entered part is erased, it can be reused as an unfilled questionnaire.

  However, in a workflow in which a sheet is read and digitized by a scanner and then the sheet is heated and erased by another apparatus, there is no guarantee that the erasing operation is reliably performed after digitization. Further, if the leaving period from the reading and digitization until the erasing operation is performed becomes longer, the possibility of information leakage increases accordingly. The same problem arises not only in the questionnaire paper, but also in the case where a document including a portion drawn with ink or the like that becomes colorless when heated is read and then colorless.

  Therefore, a device that automatically and continuously executes the reading and digitizing operation and the erasing operation as a series of operations is desired, but the erasing operation is continuously performed until the reading or digitization is not performed normally. When is automatically executed, information is erased from the paper medium, and there is a concern that correct information can no longer be acquired.

  The present invention is intended to solve the above-described problem, and reads and digitizes a document including a portion drawn with a paint that becomes colorless when heated, and confirms that reading digitization is correctly performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device that automatically deletes a portion drawn with the paint.

  The gist of the present invention for achieving the object lies in the inventions of the following items.

[1] A reading unit that optically reads a document including a portion drawn with a paint that becomes colorless when heated, and acquires image information;
A storage unit for storing image information obtained by reading the document with the reading unit;
A display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image information stored in the storage unit;
A receiving unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to approve the image displayed on the display unit;
Upon receiving an approval instruction for the image through the reception unit, the heater that heats the document to a temperature at which the paint becomes colorless;
I have a,
Further, the original document heated by the heater is optically read and the image is displayed on the display unit. When the re-erasing instruction is received from the reception unit, the original document is reheated by the heater. Do
Image reading device comprising a call.

  In the above invention, the original is read and the image is stored and stored, the stored image is displayed, and an approval for the image is received from the user. If it is done, the paint which will become colorless will be colorless. In other words, when the user confirms that the digitized image has been correctly read and stored, the heating and erasure are automatically performed.

[2] The accepting unit is capable of accepting an instruction to reread a document,
The image reading apparatus according to [1], wherein when the rereading instruction is received by the receiving unit, the original is read again by the reading unit.

  In the above invention, when the original is not read correctly, when the reread instruction is received from the user who viewed the image, the original is reread.

[3] An automatic document transport device that transports a document set on a document table to a predetermined discharge position via a reading position where the reading unit reads the document and a heating position where the heater heats the document. The image reading apparatus according to [1] or [2], wherein

  In the above invention, the reading operation and the heat erasing process are performed on the document conveyed by the automatic document conveying device.

[4] After the document conveyed by the automatic document conveying device is read by the reading unit, the document is temporarily stopped before the heater, and in this state, the display by the display unit and the reception by the reception unit are performed, When the instruction is received by the reception unit, the temporary stop is canceled, and when the received instruction is an approval instruction, a heating erasing process is performed to heat the document passing through the heating position to a temperature at which the paint is colorless. The image reading apparatus according to [3], which is controlled by a control unit so as to be performed by the heater.

  In the above invention, the document is transported by the automatic document transport device. When the document is read in the middle of the transport path, the transport is temporarily stopped, the scanned image is displayed, and when the approval is received from the user, the transport is resumed and the heating is performed. An erasing process is performed and the sheet is discharged.

[5] The accepting unit is capable of accepting an instruction to reread the original,
When the re-reading instruction is received through the receiving unit, the control unit cancels the temporary stop and transports the document to the reading position again by the automatic document transport device and causes the reading unit to load the document. The image reading device according to [4], wherein the image reading device is read again.

In the above invention, when a document is not read correctly and a reread instruction is received from the user who viewed the image, the document is again conveyed to the reading position by the automatic document feeder and rereading is performed.
[6] The automatic document feeder includes a conveyance path that conveys the document set on the document table to the discharge location via the heating position and the reading position in this order, and the downstream side of the reading position. A switchback mechanism for separating the original from the conveyance path and joining the original to the conveyance path upstream of the heating position.
The image reading apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein:
[7] The approved document is read by the reading unit while the document is heated by the heater while being conveyed on the conveyance path, and an image of the read document is displayed on the display unit. Receiving instructions for re-erasing, if re-erasing instructions are received, the switchback mechanism returns the original to the upstream side of the heater to perform re-erasing, and if a re-erasing unnecessary instruction is received, Control is performed so that the document is discharged to the discharge location by the conveyance path without returning the document by the switchback mechanism.
[6] The image reading apparatus according to [6].

  According to the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, a document including a portion drawn with a paint that becomes colorless when heated is read and digitized, and an approval that the reading digitization is correctly performed is received from a user. If approved, the original is heated and the part drawn with the paint that becomes colorless by heating is automatically erased, preventing information leakage due to leaving it between scanning and digitization until the erasing operation is performed Thus, it is possible to ensure reliable computerization while reducing the burden on the user related to the erasing operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 including a function as an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 optically reads a document to acquire image data, stores the image data or transmits the image data to an external terminal, reads the document, and based on the image data obtained by the reading A copy function that prints a copy of a document on recording paper and outputs it, and a printer function that prints and outputs an image obtained by rasterizing print data received from an external terminal onto recording paper. It is configured as a machine.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 reads and digitizes a document including a portion drawn with a paint that is colorless when heated (hereinafter referred to as a colorless paint), stores the document, displays the image, and displays the image. A function that automatically performs a heat erasure process that removes the colorless paint by heating the original after reading the document (confirming whether it has been correctly read and digitized) from the document. It has.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes an automatic document feeder 20, a reading unit 12, a communication unit 13, an image storage unit 14, and an operation display unit 15. The printer unit 16 is connected. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile memory, and the like, which are not shown, as main parts. Various programs are stored in the ROM, and the functions of the image forming apparatus 10 are realized by the CPU executing processes according to these programs. The RAM is used as a work memory that temporarily stores various data when the CPU executes a program. The nonvolatile memory stores user information and various setting information that should be saved even when the power is turned off.

  The automatic document feeder 20 performs a function of separating and feeding out the originals set on the original table one by one and conveying them to a predetermined paper discharge location via the original reading position and heating position. Details of the automatic document feeder 20 will be described later.

  The reading unit 12 performs a function of optically reading a document conveyed by the automatic document conveying device 20 at the reading position and acquiring image data. The reading unit 12 includes a contact-type line image sensor that irradiates the original with light and receives the reflected light to read the original for one line in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction). The document is read as a two-dimensional image by repeating the reading operation in units of lines in the main scanning direction while moving the document in the conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) by the automatic document conveyance device 20. . The reading unit 12 converts an analog image signal output from the line image sensor into digital image data and outputs the digital image data.

  The communication unit 13 connects to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet and performs a function of communicating with various devices on the network. For example, it is used when image data obtained by reading by the reading unit 12 is transmitted to an external terminal or when print data is received from an external terminal.

  The image storage unit 14 is a non-volatile mass storage device used for storing image data obtained by reading by the reading unit 12. Here, the image storage unit 14 includes a hard disk device and its controller.

  The operation display unit 15 has a function of displaying various operation screens, setting screens, selection screens, guidance screens, and the like and a function of receiving various operations from the user. Here, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD ...) that assumes the display function, a touch panel that is formed on the surface of the liquid crystal display and detects the pressed coordinate position, a numeric keypad, a start button, and various operation switches. The

  The printer unit 16 has a function of printing an image corresponding to input image data on a recording sheet and outputting it. The printer unit 16 includes a recording paper conveyance device, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser unit, a developing device, a transfer separation device, a cleaning device, and a fixing device. It is configured as a so-called laser printer that performs formation. Other image forming type printers may be used.

  FIG. 2 shows the automatic document feeder 20 and the reading unit 12. The automatic document feeder 20 includes a document table 21 on which a plurality of documents M can be placed, a delivery roller 22 that feeds the document M placed on the document table 21 one by one from the top, and a delivery A normal conveyance path 24 (conveyance path indicated by a broken line (small) in the figure) for conveying the document M sent out by the roller 22 to the discharge tray 23 via the reading position F and the heating position H; And a heater 25 for heating the original passing through the conveyance path 24 to a temperature at which the colorless paint becomes colorless at the heating position H.

  The normal conveyance path 24 includes a guide wall (not shown) provided along the normal conveyance path 24, a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers 24 a that are arranged at appropriate positions and sandwich the original from the front and back surfaces, and a reading position F. A contact roller 24b that presses the document from the back so as to be in close contact with the sheet, and a transport motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the transport roller 24a and the contact roller 24b. The normal conveyance path 24 forms a horizontal U-shaped path from the document table 21 to the paper discharge tray 23 below, and the reading position F is slightly downstream from the bent portion of the U-shape. A slit 24c is provided in the guide wall of the normal conveyance path 24 in the portion. The reading unit 12 reads a document through the slit 24c.

  The heating position H is set upstream of the reading position F in the normal transport path 24. The heater 25 that heats the document at the heating position H is an electric heater that generates heat when energized. The heater 25 is held by a displacement unit 26, and the displacement unit 26 is fixed to a base (not shown) of the automatic document feeder 20. The displacing unit 26 is a paper surface contact position (a position indicated by a solid line in the drawing) where the heating surface of the heater 25 comes into contact with the original whose heating surface passes through the heating position H of the normal conveyance path 24 (here, pressed so as to be in close contact). Then, the heater 25 is displaced to a non-contact position on the paper surface where the heating surface is separated from the document (a position indicated by a one-dot broken line in the drawing). For example, the displacement unit 26 includes a spring that urges the heater 25 to the non-contact position on the paper surface and a solenoid that displaces the heater 25 to the paper surface contact position when energized against the spring.

  The automatic document feeder 20 also reverses the front and back of the document that has passed through the reading position F and sends it again to the normal conveying path 24 at the merging position G upstream of the reading position F (in the drawing). A route indicated by a broken line (large)). The merging position G is on the upstream side of the heating position H.

  The switchback path 28 includes a guide wall that forms a document path and a switching claw 29 for switching the document path. The switching claw 29 is normally biased by a spring so that the tip is in a slightly upward normal position (a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2). When energized against the spring, the tip is reversed slightly downward by a solenoid. A position (a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2) is set.

  When the document is fed through the switchback path 28 with its front and back reversed and sent to the merge position G, the following control is performed by the control unit 11. The switching claw 29 is displaced to the reversal position and the rotation direction of the switchback control roller SB is reversed at the timing immediately before the end of the document passes the switchback control roller SB that is the conveyance roller 24a closest to the paper discharge tray 23. . As a result, the document conveyed in the reverse direction by the reversed switchback control roller SB is guided by the switching claw 29 displaced to the reversal position and proceeds on the switchback path 28, from the merge position G to the normal conveyance path 24. Enter again. At this time, the front and back of the document are reversed. Thereafter, when the end of the document traveling on the switchback path 28 has passed through the switching claw 29, control is performed to return the direction of the switching claw 29 and the rotation direction of the switchback control roller SB to normal.

  The document table 21 is provided with a document sensor that detects the presence / absence of a document and the size of the placed document. In addition, sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a document are provided at various locations on the normal transport path 24 and the switchback path 28. Based on the sensor output, the control unit 11 recognizes the timing at which the document has passed the sensor position and detects paper. That is, it detects. For example, the sensor is provided in the vicinity of the upstream of the switchback control roller SB, and the control that reverses the switchback control roller SB with reference to the timing when the sensor detects the end of the document, or the switchback control roller SB Control for returning to the rotation in the direction of, and control for switching the direction of the switching claw 29 are performed.

  In the present embodiment, a pair of transport rollers 24 a is arranged in the normal transport path 24 slightly downstream of the merging position G, and the front end of the document is positioned downstream and upstream of the heating position H. The temporary stop sensor 27 which is a sensor for detecting this is attached. The position of the document whose leading edge is detected by the pause sensor 27 is set to a document pause position P.

  Next, a document reading / erasing operation by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  FIG. 3 shows a flow of a document reading / erasing operation performed by the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 includes, as a document reading mode, a document reading operation and a reading / erasing mode in which the paint is erased by heating when heated, and a normal reading mode in which the document is read without performing the heating / erasing process. It has. When the user selects a reading / erasing mode on a predetermined job setting screen displayed on the operation display unit 15, sets a document on the document table 21, and operates the start button, the control unit 11 displays the document shown in FIG. A read / erase operation is executed. In the job setting screen, settings relating to reading, for example, setting operations relating to reading resolution and reading density are accepted.

  The control part 11 moves the heater 25 to a paper surface non-contact position (step S101). Next, the front surface of one document set on the document table 21 is read (step S102), and the image data obtained by the reading is stored (stored) in the image storage unit 14 (step S103). . Specifically, under the control of the control unit 11, the uppermost one of one or a plurality of documents placed on the document table 21 is fed out by the feed roller 22, and this document is discharged through the normal transport path 24. When the document is conveyed toward the tray 23 and the document passes the reading position F, the reading unit 12 repeatedly performs the reading operation in units of lines to acquire image data of a two-dimensional image. Do that to save. FIG. 4A shows the document transport path K1 in the above operation.

  When the end of the document conveyed toward the paper discharge tray 23 passes the switching claw 29 and reaches just before the switchback control roller SB, the switching claw 29 is displaced to the reverse position and the switchback control roller SB rotates. Reverse direction. As a result, the original is fed from the merging position G to the normal conveyance path 24 through the switchback path 28 in a state where the front and back are reversed. When the pause sensor 27 detects the leading edge of the document, the control unit 11 temporarily stops the conveyance of the document. As a result, the document is temporarily stopped at the position where the leading edge reaches the temporary stop position P (step S104). FIG. 4B shows a document transport path K2 from the switchback path 28 to the temporary stop position P until the temporary stop.

  Next, the control unit 11 displays an image corresponding to the image data of the document stored in the image storage unit 14 on the operation display unit 15 while the document is temporarily stopped at the pause position P. An instruction relating to the approval of the image (confirmation of whether or not it has been correctly read and digitized) is received from the user (step S105). That is, before the colorless paint is erased by the heat erasure process, the user receives confirmation from the user whether the original is correctly read and digitized.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the image confirmation screen 40 displayed on the operation display unit 15 by the control unit 11 in step S105. On the image confirmation screen 40, a read image display area 41, a Cancel button 42, a reread button 43, and an OK button 44 are displayed. In the read image display area 41, an image (read image M2) corresponding to the image data of the document stored in the image storage unit 14 is displayed. The user looks at the read image M2 displayed in the read image display area 41, and determines whether or not the document is correctly read and digitized. For example, if the density of letters or circles added on a questionnaire form is low, the letters or marks may disappear on the scanned image, and the user can check for such reading abnormalities. Check.

  The OK button 44 is an operation button for inputting an instruction for approving the read image M2 (confirming that the original is correctly read and digitized). The Cancel button 42 is an operation button for not accepting the read image M2 (confirming that the original has been read correctly and not digitized) and inputting an instruction to stop the reading operation. The reread button 43 is an operation button for inputting an instruction not to approve the read image M2 and to read the original again.

  When the control unit 11 receives an operation of the OK button 44 from the user on the image confirmation screen 40 (step S106; Yes), the displacement unit 26 displaces the heating surface of the heater 25 to the paper surface contact position (step S107). Thereafter, the temporary stop is canceled and the document is conveyed toward the paper discharge tray 23 (step S108). Further, a heating erasure process by the heater 25 is performed on the original passing through the heating position H during the conveyance (step S109). That is, when the original passes while contacting the heating surface of the heater 25, the heater 25 is controlled to heat the original so that the colorless paint on the original is colorless. The document that has been subjected to the heat erasure process is discharged to the discharge tray 23. FIG. 6 shows a conveyance path K3 when the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23 by performing the heat erasing process.

  The temperature at which the heater 25 is heated includes the temperature at which the colorless paint to be erased becomes colorless, and the document conveyance speed through the normal conveyance path 24 (the time during which the local area on the document contacts the heating surface of the heater 25). And is set based on. Specifically, the temperature is set to a temperature at which the colorless paint on the conveyed document is surely colorless while passing through the heating surface of the heater 25.

  When the discharge of the document to the discharge tray 23 is completed (or just before the completion), the control unit 11 has the next document on the document table 21 based on the detection result of the document sensor provided on the document table 21. If there is a next original (step S112; Yes), the process returns to step S101 to continue the process. If there is no next original (step S112; N), the process is terminated.

  When receiving an operation of the Cancel button 42 from the user on the image confirmation screen 40 (step S106; No, S110; Yes), the control unit 11 terminates the original reading / erasing operation as an error by the user (step S111). ). Here, at the end of the error, control is performed so that the temporary stop is canceled while the heater 25 is held in the non-contact position on the paper surface, and the document is discharged to the discharge tray 23 without performing the heat erasing process.

  When the control unit 11 receives an operation of the re-read button 43 from the user on the image confirmation screen 40 (step S106; No, S110; No), for example, whether or not to change the setting of the reading condition is determined. A pop-up screen is displayed on the operation display unit 15 to inquire the user (step S113). And when not receiving the instruction | indication of mode change (step S113; No), it transfers to step S115. When an instruction to change the mode is received (step S113; Yes), a setting value change operation regarding the reading conditions of the document such as reading resolution and reading density is received from the user through a predetermined screen, and the corresponding reading conditions are changed ( Step S114) and the process proceeds to Step S115. For example, if the density of the part added with the colorless paint on the questionnaire sheet is low, and the read image M2 is fading or disappearing, the read density can be changed to be dark so that it is suitable for re-reading. A density image can be obtained.

  In step S115, the control unit 11 cancels the temporary stop and restarts the conveyance of the original, and conveys the original through the reading position F as indicated by the conveyance path K4 in FIG. At this time, since the front and back of the document are reversed, reading by the reading unit 12 is not performed. 7B, the path is reversed at the position of the switchback control roller SB, and the reading position F is passed through the merging position G from the switchback path 28. At this time, since the original has returned to the front surface, the original is read by the reading unit 12 during the passage (rereading).

  After passing through the reading position F, as shown in the conveyance path K6 in FIG. 7C, the path is reversed again at the position of the switchback control roller SB, and passes through the merging position G from the switchback path 28 to the leading edge of the document. When it reaches the temporary stop position P, the conveyance is stopped and temporarily stopped (step S115). Further, the image data obtained by re-reading is stored in the image storage unit 14 (step S116). Thereafter, the process returns to step S105, the re-read image is displayed on the operation display unit 15, and the user is inquired about approval / cancel / re-read for the image.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 displays the image obtained by reading the document on the operation display unit 15 and inquires the user whether or not to approve the image. Therefore, it does not automatically perform the heat erasing process without obtaining the user's approval and confirmation without failing to read and digitize the document. Is done.

  In addition, since the reading operation of the document, the display of the read image and acceptance of the user's approval, and the heat erasing process of the colorless paint are executed as a series of operations, the portion drawn with the colorless paint is read from the document. It can be quickly deleted after digitization and approval. As a result, there is no longer a possibility that information leakage is caused after the reading is converted to electronic data until it is erased by heating, and high security is ensured.

  In addition, since the reading operation of the document, the display of the read image and acceptance of the user approval, and the heat erasure processing of the colorless paint are performed in a series of operations, the reading digitization by the scanner and the heat erasure processing are performed separately. Compared with the case of using the apparatus, the user's work load and operation load are reduced, and convenience is improved, and information leakage due to forgetting to delete is also prevented. In addition, since the automatic document feeder 20 feeds the documents one by one from the document table 21 and sequentially processes them, even when processing a large number of documents, the burden on the user is small and the processing time can be shortened. .

  Further, for example, if a document in which various information is described with a writing tool using a colorless paint on a previously prepared format paper is read by the image forming apparatus 10 in the reading and erasing mode, the document image is digitized and stored and at the same time colorless. It is possible to erase the contents of the additional writing by the chemical paint and return the original to a reusable format paper (unfilled), and promote the reuse of the paper.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to that shown in the embodiment, and there are changes and additions within the scope of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention.

  For example, in the embodiment, the case where the document is read in a so-called flow-reading format in which the document is moved with respect to the fixed reading position F is illustrated. However, the document placed stationary on the platen glass is read by the reading unit. You may comprise so that a reading position may be moved and it may read in two dimensions. In this case, the automatic document feeder is configured to convey the document from the document table onto the plan glass, and after reading, convey the document from the platen glass to the paper discharge tray. The heater may be provided in the middle of the path for conveying the document from the platen glass to the paper discharge tray. In such a configuration, when the reread button 43 is operated, the document on the platen glass may be read again with the placement position.

  In addition, a surface heating type heater is provided on the document surface side of the platen cover that covers the glass surface of the platen glass and the platen glass on which the document is placed from the document side, and the entire area of the document is heated at the same time. Also good. In this case, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention can be operated without an automatic document feeder. That is, the original set on the plan glass is read, the read image is displayed on the operation display unit 15 and the approval for the image is accepted. It may be configured such that when the erasing is completed, a message to that effect is displayed and the user removes the document.

  Further, in the embodiment, the heater 25 is displaced between the paper surface contact position and the paper surface non-contact position by the displacement unit 26. However, if the heater 25 is heated or cooled in a short time, the heater 25 may be fixed at a non-contact position on the paper surface. In addition, when the heating erasing process is unnecessary, the heater 25 is configured to be retracted to the non-contact position on the paper surface, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the heating surface due to the contact between the heating surface and the paper surface.

  Further, the arrangement position of the heater 25 in the automatic document feeder 20 is not limited to the one exemplified in the embodiment. For example, it may be arranged downstream of the reading position F. In addition, the following operations can be efficiently performed by disposing upstream of the reading position F as in the embodiment. The original after the heat erasing process is read, and when the end of the original reaches the switchback control roller SB, the conveyance of the original is temporarily stopped. Then, an image is displayed on the operation display unit 15 to inquire the user whether or not the heating erasure has been properly performed. When an erasure OK instruction is received from the user, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 23 as it is. When an instruction for re-erasing is received due to an erasing failure, the heating erasing process is performed again through the heating position H via the switchback control roller SB. At this time, the operation of reading the document after the heat erasure is performed again. Thereby, reliable erasure can be ensured.

  In the embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 including the printer unit is illustrated. However, the present invention includes the automatic document feeder 20, and reads the document by the reading unit 12, displays the read image, and accepts the approval. What is necessary is just to have the function as an image reading apparatus which can perform the heating erasure | elimination process by the heater 25 as a series of operation | movement, and a printer function etc. are not essential.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an automatic document feeder included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a document reading / erasing operation performed by the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conveyance path from reading a front side of a document until it is temporarily stopped at a temporary stop position. It is a front view which shows an example of the image confirmation screen displayed on the operation display part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conveyance path when a discharged image is discharged after receiving a read image approval. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a conveyance path from receiving a reread instruction to rereading a document and temporarily stopping the document at a temporary stop position.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus 11 ... Control part 12 ... Reading part 13 ... Communication part 14 ... Image memory | storage part 15 ... Operation display part 16 ... Printer part 20 ... Automatic document feeder 21 ... Original stand 22 ... Sending roller 23 ... Paper discharge tray 24 ... Normal transport path 24a ... Transport roller 24b ... Contact roller 24c ... Slit 25 ... Heater 26 ... Displacement unit 27 ... Temporary stop sensor 28 ... Switchback path 29 ... Switching claw 40 ... Image confirmation screen 41 ... Read image display area 42 ... Cancel button 43 ... Reread button 44 ... OK button F ... Reading position G ... Merge position H ... Heating position K1 to K6 ... Original transport path M ... Original M2 ... Read image P ... Pause stop position SB ... Switchback control roller

Claims (7)

A reading unit that optically reads a document including a portion drawn with a paint that becomes colorless when heated, and obtains image information;
A storage unit for storing image information obtained by reading the document with the reading unit;
A display unit for displaying an image corresponding to the image information stored in the storage unit;
A receiving unit that receives an instruction as to whether or not to approve the image displayed on the display unit;
Upon receiving an approval instruction for the image through the reception unit, the heater that heats the document to a temperature at which the paint becomes colorless;
I have a,
Further, the original document heated by the heater is optically read and the image is displayed on the display unit. When the re-erasing instruction is received from the reception unit, the original document is reheated by the heater. Do
Image reading device comprising a call. The accepting unit is capable of accepting an instruction to reread a document,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the reread instruction is received by the receiving unit, the document is read again by the reading unit. An automatic document transport device that transports a document set on a document table to a predetermined discharge location via a reading position where the reading unit reads the document and a heating position where the heater heats the document. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. After the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder is read by the reading unit, the document is temporarily stopped before the heater, and in this state, the display by the display unit and the reception by the reception unit are performed. When the instruction is received, the temporary stop is canceled, and if the received instruction is an approval instruction, a heating erasing process is performed to heat the document passing through the heating position to a temperature at which the paint is colorless. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image reading apparatus is controlled by a control unit so as to perform the operation. The accepting unit is capable of accepting an instruction to reread the document;
When the re-reading instruction is received through the receiving unit, the control unit cancels the temporary stop and transports the document to the reading position again by the automatic document transport device and causes the reading unit to load the document. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image reading apparatus is re-read.   The automatic document feeder includes a conveyance path that conveys a document set on the document table to the discharge position through the heating position and the reading position, and from the conveyance path downstream of the reading position. A switchback mechanism that separates the document and joins the document to the conveyance path upstream of the heating position.
  The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is an image reading apparatus.   The document obtained by the approval is read by the reading unit while the document is heated by the heater while the document is conveyed on the conveyance path, and the image of the read document is displayed on the display unit. When the instruction is received and the instruction for re-erasing is received, the switchback mechanism returns the original to the upstream side of the heater to perform the erasing again. Control is performed so that the document is discharged to the discharge location by the conveyance path without returning the document by a mechanism.
  The image reading apparatus according to claim 6.

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