JP4978931B2 - Image reading apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus capable of reading both sides of a document, and an image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile, the front and back surfaces of a document are automatically read by an image reading device provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF). In this document reading, a method is widely employed in which an image sensor reads an image on the front side of a document, then reverses the front and back sides of the document, and the image sensor reads the image on the back side of the document again.

  Further, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, by providing image sensors on both the front and back sides of the document in the document transport path from the document tray, the document can be transported once (one pass) without reversing the document. An image forming apparatus that employs a method of reading both sides of a document almost simultaneously is known. In an image forming apparatus that employs the method of reading both sides of a document almost simultaneously, one side of the document is read by a reduction optical system image sensor disposed on the apparatus body side, and the other side of the document is read by Due to the installation space, cost, etc., the contact optical system image sensor disposed on the automatic document feeder side is often used.

If the optical configuration of the image sensor that reads the front and back surfaces of the document is different as in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a difference in the image quality of the read image due to differences in the light source and lens array used for each. Arise. Even if the optical configuration of the image sensor is the same, there may be a difference in image quality due to installation conditions, device specifications, and the like. The difference in image quality of the read image appears as a difference in image quality of images formed on the front and back surfaces of the recording paper. Therefore, in such an image forming apparatus, in order to make the image quality of the front and back surfaces of the recording paper the same, one original is reversed and conveyed twice to the same image sensor (reduction optical system image sensor). Double-sided reverse reading mode in which the front and back sides of the document are read by the image sensor, and double-sided scanning mode in which the front and back sides of the document are read almost simultaneously using two image sensors of the reduction optical system and the contact optical system in order to shorten the image reading time. Two modes, a simultaneous reading mode, are provided so that the user can select a desired mode.
JP 2007-82033 A

  However, the difference in the image quality of each read image when the image sensors that read the front and back surfaces of the document are different cannot be confirmed by the user unless the image is actually formed on the recording paper. Therefore, when the user scans both sides of the document in a desired mode after confirming the difference in image quality between the read images, the recording paper that has already undergone image formation and the toner used for image formation are wasted. It was. When the original image is monochrome, (1) the difference in image quality between the read images read by the two image sensors of the reduction optical system and the contact optical system, or (2) the optical configuration of the image sensor is the same. Since the difference in image quality of each read image read by each image sensor due to installation conditions, device specifications, and the like in some cases is small, it is not necessary for the user to compare the image quality difference between the respective read images.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. The difference in image quality of each read image when the same side of the original is read in the double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is determined early after the original is read. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible for the user to confirm only when the comparison of the image quality difference is really necessary, and not to waste recording paper and toner.

An image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit that displays operation guidance for a user,
A document feeder for feeding documents,
A first reading unit that reads one side of the document conveyed by the document feeding unit;
A second reading unit for reading the other side of the document conveyed by the document feeding unit;
A reversing unit for reversing and transporting the original so that the other side is read by the first reading unit after the first reading unit finishes reading one side of the original;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether the image of the document read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit is a monochrome image or a color image;
A two-sided reverse reading mode in which one side of the original is read by the first reading unit and the other side of the original is read by the first reading unit after the original is reversed by the reversing unit; In one mode of the double-sided simultaneous reading mode in which the first reading unit reads one side of the original and the second reading unit reads the other side of the original in one-time document conveyance by A control unit for performing a document reading operation;
A preview instruction receiving unit that receives a preview instruction from a user to preview each read image read from the original by the first reading unit and the second reading unit on the display unit;
When the preview instruction is received by the preview instruction receiving unit, the control unit causes at least the second reading unit to read the other side of the document and displays the read image read by the operation in the preview display. The image is read in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode at the time, and then the original is inverted by the reversing unit, the other side of the original is read by the first reading unit, and the read image read by the operation is When the image is read in the double-sided reverse reading mode at the time of preview display, and the determination unit determines that either the read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode or the read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode is a color image The control unit causes the display unit to display a preview of the read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode and the read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode .

According to the present invention, when the preview instruction is received from the user by the preview instruction receiving unit, the control unit is configured to select one of the read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode and the read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode by the determination unit . If but it is determined that a color image, since preview is displayed on the display unit the read image read by the image and dual-side scanning mode in duplex copy reading mode, the two modes for image is a monochrome image user on a document When it is not necessary to compare the difference in image quality of each read image, the preview image is not displayed, and the image on the original is a color image, and the user needs to compare the image quality difference of each read image in both modes. The preview is displayed only in some cases. Then, the user visually recognizes each read image displayed in the preview so that the difference in image quality between the read images when the same side of the original is read in the double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode Confirmation can be made early after reading a document without wasteful consumption.

In the above configuration, when the preview instruction is received by the preview instruction receiving unit, the control unit causes the second reading unit to read the other side of the document and causes the first reading unit to read the document. An operation in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode for reading one side of the document is performed, and each read image read from one side and the other side of the document by the operation is set as a read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode at the time of the preview display. And the read image read by the first reading unit from the other side of the document after the reversing unit has inverted the document, and the first reading unit in one of the originals in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode. It is preferable that a read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode at the time of preview display is combined with the read image read from the surface.

According to this configuration, when any one of the read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode and the read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode is determined to be a color image by the determination unit, both sides of the original document read in each mode are detected. Since the user can check the image on the display unit, not only the image quality difference of each read image when reading the same side of the document in each mode but also the user when reading each side of the document in the same mode The difference between the read image on one side of the document and the read image on the other side can also be confirmed. In addition, since an image read in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is used as the read image on one side of the original in the double-sided reverse reading mode at the time of preview display, the original reading operation for preview display is simplified and required for the preview display. You can save time.

Further, in the above configuration, a reading start instruction receiving unit that receives a document reading start instruction from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
The control unit is selected when the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives a mode selection instruction for selecting any of the modes, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives the document reading start instruction. The document reading operation in the mode is performed by each of the required parts of the document feeding unit, the first reading unit, the second reading unit, and the reversing unit. In the document reading operation by the required units, the document at the preview display time For the document surface that has already been read in the reading operation, the reading operation is not performed on each required part, and the read image corresponding to the selected mode is selected from the data of each read image used in the preview display. It is preferable that the data is used as data of a read image on the original surface by the original reading operation of each required part.

According to this configuration , when the document reading operation is performed according to the instruction from the user, the control unit does not perform the reading operation of the document surface that has already been read in the document reading operation at the time of preview display on each of the required units. Since the data of each read image at the time of preview display is used, the duplicate document reading operation at the time of document reading operation such as image formation or document image data storage can be omitted, and the document reading operation can be completed in a short time. .

In the above configuration, a document reading start instruction receiving unit that receives a document reading start instruction from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
The control unit causes the document feeding unit and the second reading unit to read one side of the document in order to obtain a scanned image in the double-sided simultaneous scanning mode in the document scanning operation during the preview display. The other side of the document being conveyed for reading by the second reading unit is read by the first reading unit,
Further, the control unit receives a double-sided simultaneous reading mode when the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to select the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start reading the original. The document reading operation in the mode is performed by the document feeding unit, the first reading unit, and the second reading unit. In the document reading operation, the reading has already been completed in the document reading operation at the time of the preview display. With respect to both sides of the document, the reading operation is not performed on the respective parts, and the read image data of the both sides of the original read at the time of the preview display is used as the read image data of the original surface by the original reading operation of each part. It is preferable that

According to this configuration , during the reading operation of one side of the document by the second reading unit in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode in the document reading operation at the time of preview display, the other side of the document that is also read by the first reading unit. When the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is later selected by the user in response to a document reading start instruction from the user, the control unit uses the read image of the first side together with the read image of one side of the original read by the first reading unit. Even when only the read image of one side of the original is displayed at the time of preview display, the duplicate original reading operation during the original reading operation such as image formation or original image data storage is omitted, The document reading operation can be completed in a short time.

In the above configuration, a document reading start instruction receiving unit that receives a document reading start instruction from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
When the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to select the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start reading the document, the control unit performs the double-sided simultaneous reading mode. The document feeding unit, the first reading unit, and the second reading unit perform the document reading operation of the document, and in the document reading operation, the document that has already been read by the document reading operation at the time of the preview display is displayed. For both sides, the scanning operation is not performed on each part, and the scanned image data of both sides of the document in the document reading operation in the duplex reversal reading mode read during the preview display is read in the document reading operation by each unit. It is preferable to use it as data.

According to this configuration , even when the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is selected by the user's document reading start instruction after the document reading operation during the preview display, the document that has already been subjected to the document reading operation during the preview display is selected. Since the control unit uses the read image obtained in the double-sided reverse reading mode at the time of preview display, the original reading operation is omitted during the original reading operation such as image formation or original image data storage. Reduced optical system image sensor that can complete the operation in a short time, and has better color reproducibility than the contact optical system image sensor for both-side images of the original on which the original reading operation has already been performed during the preview display. Image formation and data storage can be performed using the original image obtained in step (1).

In the above configuration, the first reading unit reads one surface of the document with a reduction optical system image sensor,
The second reading unit is preferably by contact optical system image sensor is intended to read the one face of the document.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the image reading apparatuses having the above-described configuration .
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on read image data read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit;
An image forming instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation from a user;
When the image forming instruction is received by the image forming instruction receiving unit after the preview display, the control unit converts the data of each read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode used during the preview display. Based on this, the image forming unit is caused to form an image on the recording paper.

  Since the display unit is composed of, for example, an LCD or CRT, the color of the image displayed as a preview on the display unit is different from the color of the image formed on the recording paper. By visually recognizing the color when the image to be displayed is actually formed on the recording paper, it is possible to compare the differences in image color for each mode or front and back.

  According to the present invention, the difference in the image quality of each read image when the same side of the original is read in the double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is compared with the case where it is necessary to truly compare the image quality difference immediately after reading the original. The user can confirm only when the recording paper and toner are not wasted.

  Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an example in which the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention are integrated into a multifunction machine having functions such as a color copy, a scanner, a facsimile, and a printer will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction machine 1 which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The multifunction device 1 includes an image reading device 2 and a device main body 3. The image reading apparatus 2 includes a document feeding unit 21, a scanner unit 22, a CIS 231, an operation unit 5, and a reversing mechanism and control unit 61 described later. The document feeder 21 includes an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), and includes a document tray 211, a pickup roller 212, a transport drum 213, a paper discharge roller 214, and a paper discharge tray 215. A document to be read is placed on the document tray 211. Documents placed on the document tray 211 are taken one by one by the pickup roller 212 and conveyed to the conveyance drum 213. The document that has passed through the transport drum 213 is discharged to a discharge tray 215 by a discharge roller 214.

  The scanner unit (first reading unit) 22 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data. The scanner unit 22 includes a platen glass 221, a light source 222, a first mirror 223, a second mirror 224, a third mirror 225, a first carriage 226, a second carriage 227, an imaging lens 228, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 229, A second mirror 224, a third mirror 225, a first carriage 226, a second carriage 227, and an imaging lens 228 are provided. In the scanner unit 22, a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube is used as the light source 222, and the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, the third mirror 225, the first carriage 226, the second carriage 227, and the imaging. A lens 228 guides light from the document to the CCD 229. Since the scanner unit 22 uses a white fluorescent lamp such as a cold cathode fluorescent tube as the light source 222, it is superior in color reproducibility to the CIS 231 described later in which a three-color LED or the like is used as the light source.

  A document is manually placed on the platen glass 221 by a user's manual operation when reading the document without using the document feeder 21. In the platen glass 221, the light source 222 and the first mirror 223 are supported by the first carriage 226, and the second mirror 224 and the third mirror 225 are supported by the second carriage 227.

  As the document reading method of the image reading apparatus 2, the scanner unit 22 reads a document placed on the platen glass 221, and the document is loaded by the document feeding unit 21 (ADF), and the document is being transferred. There is an ADF reading mode for reading a document. In the flat bed reading mode, the light source 222 irradiates a document placed on the platen glass 221, and reflected light for one line in the main scanning direction is reflected in the order of the first mirror 223, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225. Then, the light enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229. The CCD 229 is a one-dimensional image sensor, and simultaneously processes a document image for one line. The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction (sub-scanning direction, arrow Y direction). The first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 move in the orthogonal direction, and the next line is read.

  In the ADF reading mode, the document feeder 21 takes in the documents placed on the document tray 211 one by one by the pickup roller 212. At this time, the first carriage 226 and the second carriage 227 are disposed below the reading window 230. When the document is transported by the document feeder 21, when the document passes over the reading window 230 provided in the transport path from the transport drum 213 to the paper discharge tray 215, the light source 222 irradiates the document and corresponds to one main scanning line. The reflected light is reflected in the order of the first mirror 233, the second mirror 224, and the third mirror 225, and enters the imaging lens 228. The light incident on the imaging lens 228 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 229. Subsequently, the document is conveyed by the document feeder 21 and the next line is read.

  Further, the document feeder 21 has a reversing mechanism (reversing unit) including a switching guide 216, a reversing roller 217, and a reversing conveyance path 218. This reversing mechanism reverses the original whose surface (one side of the original) has been read by the scanner unit 22 by the first ADF reading, and transports it again to the reading window 230 (scanner unit 22), so that the scanner can be read again. The back side (the other side of the document) is read by the unit 22. This reversing mechanism operates only when reading both sides and does not operate when reading one side. After reading the back side during single-sided reading and double-sided reading, the switching guide 216 is switched to the upper side, and the document that has passed through the transport drum 213 is discharged to the discharge tray 215 by the discharge roller 214. After the surface reading at the time of double-sided reading, the switching guide 216 is switched to the lower side, and the document that has passed through the transport drum 213 is transported to the reverse transport path 218 by the reverse roller 217. Thereafter, the switching guide 216 is switched to the upper side, the reverse roller 217 rotates in the reverse direction, and the original is fed again to the transport drum 213. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of a document are read using a reversing mechanism is referred to as a double-sided reversal reading mode or a high image quality mode.

  Further, in the ADF reading mode, the image reading apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment causes the scanner unit 22 (CCD 229) to read the surface of the document while the document is being transported, as described above, and at the same time, the CIS (first display). (2 reading unit) 231 can read the back side of the document. In this case, the surface of the document conveyed from the document tray 211 by the document feeder 21 is read by the CCD 229 when passing through the reading window 230, and the back surface is read when passing through the location where the CIS 231 is arranged. In CIS231, RGB three-color LEDs or the like are used as light sources. By using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 in this way, it is possible to read both the front and back sides of a document by a single document transport operation (one pass) from the document tray 211 to the paper discharge tray 215 by the document feeder 21. Hereinafter, a mode in which both sides of the document are read using the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 in this way is referred to as a double-sided simultaneous reading mode or a high-speed mode.

  Here, the high image quality mode (double-sided reverse reading mode) and the high-speed mode (double-sided simultaneous reading mode) will be described. In the high image quality mode, both sides of the original are read by the same image sensor (CCD 229). Therefore, even if duplex printing is performed based on the acquired image data, there is no difference in the image quality of the printed images on both sides. However, in the high-speed mode, reading is performed by different image sensors such as the CCD 229 on the front side and the CIS 231 on the back side. Therefore, particularly in the case of a color original, if duplex printing is performed based on the image data acquired by each image sensor, There is a difference in the image quality of the printed images. This is because the CCD 229 is configured as an image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements are formed on a single chip in addition to the above-described difference in spectral distribution of the light source used when reading the original by the CCD 229 and the CIS 231. In CIS231, since a plurality of solid-state image sensors are connected to form an image sensor, sensitivity variation occurs between the solid-state image sensors, which is considered to cause a difference in image quality.

  Therefore, in the multi-function device 1 of the present embodiment, in order to solve the above-described difference in image quality, when performing double-sided reading of an original using the ADF reading mode, the user can use the high-quality mode (double-sided reverse reading mode) or high-speed. One of the modes (double-sided simultaneous reading mode) can be selected. In other words, high-quality mode (double-sided reverse reading mode) is used to match the image quality of double-sided printed images, and high-speed mode (priority is given to shortening the reading time even if there is a difference in image quality of double-sided printed images) The user can select a mode according to the situation, for example, “double-sided simultaneous reading mode”.

  Further, the multifunction machine 1 includes an apparatus main body 3 and a stack tray 6 disposed on the left side of the apparatus main body 3. The apparatus main body 3 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 461, a paper feed roller 462 that feeds recording paper from the paper feed cassette 461 one by one and transports it to the recording unit 40, and a recording paper transported from the paper feed cassette 461. And a recording unit 40 for forming an image. Also, a manual feed tray 471 is provided, and from this manual feed tray 471, paper of a size that is not stored in any paper feed cassette, paper that has already been subjected to image formation on one side (back paper), or OHP sheet Such an arbitrary recording medium can be placed, and is fed into the apparatus main body 3 one by one by a paper feed roller 472.

  The recording unit (image forming unit) 40 is acquired by the neutralization device 421 that neutralizes residual charges from the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, the charging device 422 that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 43 after neutralization, and the scanner unit 22. A laser beam is output based on the obtained image data to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 43, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 43; Formed on the photosensitive drum 43 and developing devices 44K, 44Y, 44M, and 44C that form toner images of each color of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) on the photosensitive drum 43. A transfer drum 49 on which the toner images of the respective colors are transferred and overlaid, a transfer device 41 for transferring the toner image on the transfer drum 49 to the paper, and heating the paper on which the toner image is transferred. And a fixing device 45 for fixing the toner image onto the sheet. Note that toner is supplied to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black from a toner supply container (toner cartridge) (not shown). In addition, conveyance rollers 463 and 464 that convey the recording paper that has passed through the recording unit 40 to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48 are provided.

  When forming images on both sides of the recording paper, the recording unit 40 forms an image on one side of the recording paper, and then the recording paper is nipped by the conveyance roller 463 on the discharge tray 48 side. In this state, the conveyance roller 463 is reversed to switch back the recording paper, and the recording paper is sent to the paper conveyance path L and conveyed again to the upstream area of the recording unit 40, and an image is formed on the other surface by the recording unit 40. Thereafter, the recording paper is discharged to the stack tray 6 or the discharge tray 48.

  Further, in front of the apparatus main body 3, an operation unit 5 having a display unit through which a user can visually recognize an operation screen and various messages, and operation buttons for inputting various operation commands is provided. FIG. 2 is an example of a front view of the operation unit 5. The operation unit 5 includes a display unit (display unit) 51, a touch panel (mode selection instruction receiving unit, preview instruction receiving unit) 52, a numeric key group 53, various operation buttons 54 to 57, a function selection button 58, and the like. The display unit 51 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or the like, and displays an operation guidance screen for the user such as paper size selection, magnification selection, density selection, and the like. The display unit 51 is formed integrally with the touch panel 52. The touch panel 52 detects a touch position and outputs a detection signal to a control unit described later when a touch operation is performed by the user.

  The numeric key group 53 is for inputting, for example, the number of copies when operating the copy function of the multifunction machine 1 and the telephone number of the transmission destination when operating the facsimile function. The power saving button 54 is a button for setting the multifunction machine 1 in a power saving (low power) mode. The start button 55 is a button for starting a copy operation or a scanner operation, and the stop / clear button 56 is a button for stopping the copy operation or the scanner operation or canceling an input operation. The reset button 57 is a button for setting the display of the display unit 51 and various settings to an initial state or a standard operation state. The function selection button 58 is a button for setting a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The multifunction device 1 includes a control unit 61, a document feeding unit 21, a scanner unit 22, a CIS 231, an operation unit 5, an image processing unit 64, a recording unit 40, and a communication unit 66.

  The control unit 61 controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine 1 and is configured by a CPU or the like. The document feeding unit 21, the scanner unit 22, the CIS 231, the operation unit 5, the image processing unit 64, the recording unit 40, and the communication unit 66 operate under the control of the control unit 61. The control unit 61 executes processing based on an operation control program stored in an unillustrated ROM or HDD in accordance with various instruction signals input to the operation unit 5 from the user, The multifunction device 1 is comprehensively controlled by outputting an instruction signal, transferring data, and the like. In addition, the control unit 61 performs operation control necessary for preview display to be described later.

  The control unit 61 includes a mode setting unit 611. The mode setting unit 611 is configured to perform predetermined operations by required units of the document feeding unit 21, the scanner unit 22, the CIS 231 and the reversing mechanism in each of the above-described double-sided reverse reading mode and double-sided simultaneous reading mode. Operation control is stored. The mode setting unit 611 is configured to input the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode to each of the required units in accordance with a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode input by the user operating the operation unit 5. Which operation is to be performed is set. The control unit 61 operates the required units in the mode set by the mode setting unit 611.

  Further, the control unit 61 includes an auto color selection unit (discrimination unit) 612. An auto color selection (hereinafter, ACS) unit 612 is configured to determine whether an image read by the scanner unit 22 (hereinafter, referred to as a CCD 229 for clarity of the difference from the CIS 231) and the CIS 231 is a monochrome (monochrome) image or a color image. Is determined. The ACS determination by the ACS unit 612 is performed as follows, for example. First, the ACS unit 612 determines whether the image data read by the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel for each pixel of the image data. This determination method determines whether each pixel of the image data is color or black-and-white based on the R, G, and B values of the image data and the color difference (color difference) around the determination target pixel. Since it is a well-known method, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Here, the ACS unit 612 counts up the number of color pixels in the document when it is determined as color by the determination. The ACS unit 612 determines that the read image of the document is a color image when the counted number of color pixels reaches a preset threshold value. If the ACS unit 612 determines that all the remaining pixels to be identified as color pixels or monochrome pixels are counted as color pixels and does not reach the threshold value, the image of the read original is read at this point. Is a monochrome image. The ACS determination process is merely an example, and the ACS determination by the ACS unit 612 is not limited to the above process.

  The document feeder 21 automatically captures a document placed on the document tray 211 when the document is copied or scanned in the ADF reading mode so that the document can be read by the CCD 229 or the CIS 231. Transport.

  The display unit 51 is for displaying various screens, and displays the display screen based on a display signal input from the control unit 61.

  The image processing unit 64 performs various image processing relating to image data. For example, the image processing unit 64 processes image data acquired by the CCD 229 or the CIS 231 or image data transferred via the communication unit 66 from a personal computer connected via a network, a facsimile machine connected via a public line, or the like. Then, correction processing such as level correction and gamma correction, image data compression or expansion processing, and image processing processing such as enlargement or reduction processing are performed.

  The recording unit 40 forms on the recording paper an image based on image data obtained by the CCD 229 or the CIS 231 or image data transferred from the personal computer or facsimile apparatus via the communication unit 66.

  The communication unit 66 uses a network interface to transmit / receive various data to / from an external device such as a computer or a facsimile machine connected via a network.

  Next, a first embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1. 5 to 9 show screen examples of the display unit 51.

  For example, when a document bundle arranged in a face-up state by the user is placed on the document tray 211 and the copy function of the multifunction device 1 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 5 by the user, the control unit 61 displays A standard screen for the copy function as shown in FIG. When the function list key 101 is pressed by the user on the standard screen, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 51 to display a function list screen as shown in FIG. Further, when the user depresses the duplex / split key 102, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 51 to display a duplex / split screen as shown in FIG. Note that the keys displayed on the screens and the keys displayed on the screens shown below receive an instruction input from the user by a touch panel function.

  In the duplex / split screen shown in FIG. 7, a key 103 that receives an instruction to read one side of a plurality of documents and prints on one side, a key 104 that receives an instruction to read one side of the document and prints on both sides, and 104 A key 105 for receiving an instruction for reading and printing on one side, a key 106 for receiving an instruction for reading on both sides of an original and printing on both sides, a key 107 for receiving an instruction for reading an open original and printing on one side, and a key 107 for reading an open original Then, the control unit 61 displays setting keys such as a key 108 that receives an input of an instruction for duplex printing. In this double-sided / divided screen, for example, when the key 106 is selected by the operation of the operation unit 5 by the user (YES in S1), the control unit 61 displays the display unit on the double-sided / divided screen as shown in FIG. In the vicinity of the center of the display area 51, a mode setting key of the high image quality mode key 109 and the high speed mode key 110, and a preview comparison key 111 are displayed. When the user presses the high image quality mode key 109, the document double-sided reading instruction in the high image quality mode is received by the touch panel function. Similarly, the high-speed mode key 110 accepts a document double-sided reading instruction in the high-speed mode based on pressing by the user. The preview comparison key 111 accepts a preview instruction from the user for previewing each read image obtained by reading the document in the high-quality mode and the high-speed mode on the display unit 51 based on the pressing by the user. The mode setting keys of the high image quality mode key 109 and the high speed mode key 110 are an example of a mode selection instruction receiving unit in the claims. The preview comparison key 111 is an example of a preview instruction receiving unit in claims.

  When the user presses the high image quality mode key 109 (“high image quality mode” in S2), the mode setting unit 611 sets the document reading operation to the high image quality mode (double-sided reverse reading mode), and further starts by the user. When the button 55 is pressed, the control unit 61 outputs a signal for instructing the document feeding unit 21 to capture a document, and the document feeding unit 21 captures a document placed on the document tray 211 ( S3), the document is conveyed toward the reading window 230 in which the CCD 229 is disposed below. At this time, the document feeding unit 21 feeds the document from the topmost document in the document bundle (the same applies to the following embodiments).

  The CCD 229 reads the surface of the document conveyed to the reading window 230 (S4). After reading the document surface, the reversing mechanism reverses the document and transports it again to the reading window 230 (CCD 29) (S5). Subsequently, the CCD 229 reads the back side of the original that has been re-conveyed to the reading window 230 (S6), and the original feeding unit 21 discharges the original after reading the front and back sides to the paper output tray 215 (S7). The control unit 61 repeats the processes of S3 to S7 for all the documents placed on the document tray 211.

  Next, the control unit 61 causes the image processing unit 64 to perform necessary image processing on the image data on the front and back surfaces of each document acquired by the CCD 229, and based on the image data after the image processing, The recording unit 40 is caused to perform image formation of corresponding image data on the front and back surfaces (S8). The image forming process of S8 does not necessarily have to be performed after the processes of S3 to S7 are completed for all the documents placed on the document tray 211. Even during the processing of S3 to S7 on the original, the image forming process (S8) on the recording paper for the image data capable of image formation may be started.

  When the user presses the high-speed mode key 110 in S2 ("High-speed mode" in S2), the mode setting unit 611 sets the document reading operation to the high-speed mode (double-sided simultaneous reading mode), and further starts by the user. When the button 55 is pressed, the control unit 61 outputs a signal for instructing the document feeding unit 21 to capture a document, and the document feeding unit 21 captures a document placed on the document tray 211 ( S9), the document is conveyed toward the reading position by the CCD 229 and the CIS 231. During the single document transport operation by the document feeder 21, the CCD 229 reads the front surface of the document transported to the reading window 230, and the CIS 231 reads the back surface of the document (S10). The document feeder 21 discharges the document after reading the front and back surfaces to the discharge tray 215 (S7). The control unit 61 repeats the processes of S9, S10, and S7 for all the documents placed on the document tray 211, and the image forming process (S8) based on the image data on the front and back surfaces of each document. This is performed in the same manner as in the high image quality mode.

  On the other hand, when the preview comparison key 111 is pressed by the user in S <b> 2 (“Preview comparison” in S <b> 2), the control unit 61 arranges the read images at the time of document reading in the high image quality mode and the high speed mode side by side on the display unit 51. A series of processes necessary for preview display are performed in each required part. That is, the control unit 61 outputs a signal for instructing the document feeding unit 21 to fetch the document, the document feeding unit 21 loads the document placed on the document tray 211 (S11), and the CCD 229 and the CIS 231. The document is transported toward the reading position. During the single document transport operation by the document feeder 21, the CCD 229 reads the front surface of the document transported to the reading window 230, and the CIS 231 reads the back surface of the document (S12). That is, the same operation as that in the high speed mode is performed.

  After reading the document surface, the reversing mechanism reverses the document, and the document feeder 21 re-conveys the document to the reading window 230 (CCD 29) (S13). The CCD 229 reads the back side of the document conveyed to the reading window 230 (S14). After the reading of the back side of the document by the CCD 229, the document feeding unit 21 discharges the document after the reading of the front and back surfaces to the discharge tray 215 (S15). The control unit 61 performs the processes of S11 to S15 on the first document placed on the document tray 211.

  The data of each read image read in S12 and S14 is stored in a memory (not shown) built in the control unit 61 or connected to the control unit, and is used for a preview display or a test print described later.

  Subsequently, the control unit 61 generates a reduced image for the preview image using the document image read in S12 and S14, and displays the reduced image on the display unit 51 (S16). That is, the control unit 61 determines a predetermined size optimum for display on the display unit 51 from the image on the front side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S12 and the image on the back side of the document read by the CIS 231 in S12. These reduced images are generated for each image, and as shown in FIG. 9, these are displayed on the display unit 51 as image examples of the front and back sides of the document when the document is read in the high speed mode. Further, the control unit 61 has a predetermined size optimum for display on the display unit 51 from the image on the front side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S12 and the image on the back side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S14. Reduced images are generated for each image, and as shown in FIG. 9, these are displayed on the display unit 51 as image examples of the front and back sides of the document when the document is read in the high image quality mode. At this time, the control unit 61 arranges the high-speed mode key 110 on the double-sided / split screen of the display unit 51 above the image example in the high-speed mode, and sets the high-quality mode key 109 above the image example in the high-quality mode. Deploy. Further, the control unit 61 arranges and displays a preview comparison key 111 and a test print key 112 on the side of these image examples.

  At this point, the user compares the image example of each mode displayed on the display unit 51 and confirms the difference in image quality between the modes, and then presses the high-quality mode key 109 or the high-speed mode key 110. Document reading in a desired reading mode can be started.

  When the test print key 112 is pressed by the user, the user inputs an image formation instruction (test print instruction) on the front and back surfaces of the recording paper based on the read images in the high image quality mode and the high speed mode displayed on the display unit 51. It is a key accepted from. Here, when the test print key 112 is pressed by the user and a test print instruction is received by the test print key 112 (an example of an image formation instruction receiving unit in claims) (YES in S17), the control unit 61 Then, the recording unit 40 is caused to form an image on the front and back surfaces of the recording sheet based on each read image in the high image quality mode and the high speed mode displayed on the display unit 51 (S18). The color of the image displayed on the display unit 51 such as an LCD is different from the color of the image formed on the recording paper, but according to this test print, the user actually formed on the recording paper. By visually recognizing the color of the image, it is possible to compare the difference in image color for each mode or front and back.

  After the test print or when the test print key 112 is not pressed, the process returns to S2. In either case, the control unit 61 causes the display unit 51 to display the screen shown in FIG.

  Even at this time, the control unit 61 also displays the preview comparison key 111 on the double-sided / divided screen of the display unit 51 (FIG. 9). For example, the user reads the first sheet read for preview display. By pressing the preview comparison key 111 after returning the original of the eye from the paper discharge tray 215 to the position of the first original on the original tray 211, the preview image of the same original can be displayed on the display unit 51 again. If the user presses the preview comparison key 111 without returning the first document read for preview display from the paper discharge tray 215 to the first document position on the document tray 211, the second document is displayed. A preview image of the first document can be displayed on the display unit 51.

  If a key other than the key for reading both sides of the document (keys 103, 104, 107, and 108) is pressed by the user in S1 (NO in S1), one side (front side) of the document is fed to the document feeding unit 21 and the scanner unit 22. The reading operation is performed. That is, the control unit 61 outputs a signal for instructing the document feeding unit 21 to fetch the document, and causes the document feeding unit 21 to fetch the document placed on the document tray 211 (S19). Then, the CCD 229 reads the surface of the document under the reading window 230 (S20). The document feeder 21 discharges the document after the front surface reading to the discharge tray 215 (S7). The control unit 61 repeats the processes of S19, S20, and S7 for all the documents placed on the document tray 211, and performs an image forming process based on the image data on the surface of each document (S8).

  In the above description, during the preview display process (S11 to S18), after performing the same process as in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, only the reading operation of the back side of the document by the CCD 229 is performed (S14). Alternatively, after performing the same processing as in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, the same operation as in the double-sided reverse reading mode may be performed so that the CCD 229 reads each side of the front and back sides of the document.

  Next, a second embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1. FIG. 11 shows a screen example of the display unit 51. Note that the same processes as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, when a document reading operation is performed by the document feeder 21, the reversing mechanism, the CCD 229, and the CIS 231 for preview display (S11 to S15), the image A1 of the document surface read by the CCD 229 in S12. Similarly, the original in the high image quality mode consisting of the image on the front and back sides of the document in the high speed mode composed of the image on the back side A2 of the document read by the CIS 231 in S12 and the image B2 on the back side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S14. For the back image, the ACS unit 612 determines whether the image is a color image or a monochrome image (S50).

  When the ACS unit 612 determines that at least one of the three images A1 and B2 is a color image in the color / monochrome determination by the ACS unit 612 (YES in S50), the control unit 61 Processing for displaying the images A1 and B2 on the display unit 51 is performed (S16). Further, when the ACS unit 612 determines that the four images A1 and B2 are all monochrome images (NO in S50), the control unit 61 shows an example in FIG. As described above, a message indicating that the preview display is not performed is displayed on the screen of the display unit (S51). In this case, the process returns to S2 with S16 to S18 skipped. Even when S16 to S18 are skipped, the data of each read image read in S12 and S14 is stored in a memory (not shown) built in the control unit 61 or connected to the control unit. .

  As a result, when all the images on the document read in the document reading operation are monochrome images and the difference in image quality between the read images in the high image quality mode and the high speed mode is small, the preview display is not performed. Therefore, the preview display is performed only when the image on the document is a color image and the user needs to compare the image quality difference between the read images in both modes. Therefore, the user does not have to see a useless preview display when it is not necessary to compare the difference in image quality of each read image in both modes.

  Note that, in the color / monochrome determination by the ACS unit 612 in S50, the control unit 61 displays a preview on the display unit 51 only when the four images A1 and B2 are all color images, instead of the processing described above. It is good also as what makes it perform.

  Also, the color / monochrome determination is performed by the ACS unit 612 for only any combination of the images A1 and A2 and the images A1 and B2, and the control unit 61 determines that any of the images subjected to the determination is a monochrome image. If it is determined that it is, the preview display may not be performed.

  Next, a third embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1. FIG. 13 shows a screen example of the display unit 51. The description of the same processing as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is omitted.

  Also in the third embodiment, when the preview comparison key 111 is pressed by the user in S2 (“Preview comparison” in S2), the control unit 61 performs a series necessary for preview display as in the first embodiment. In order to cause each of the required processes to be performed, a signal instructing the document feeding unit 21 to take in the document (first sheet) is output and placed on the document tray 211 on the document feeding unit 21. The original is taken in (S11), and the original is conveyed toward the reading position by the CCD 229 and the CIS 231. However, in the third embodiment, the CIS 231 reads the back side of the original in the first original conveyance (S22). That is, the control unit 61 does not have to cause the CCD 229 to read the document surface. After reading the back side of the document, the reversing mechanism flips the document upside down, and the document feeding unit 21 transports the document again to the reading window 230 (CCD 29) (S23). The CCD 229 reads the same back side of the document conveyed to the reading window 230 (S24). After reading the back side of the document by the CCD 229, the document feeder 21 discharges the document to the discharge tray 215 (S25).

  The data of each read image read in S22 and S24 is stored in an unillustrated memory built in the control unit 61 or connected to the control unit, and is used for a preview display or a test print described later.

  Subsequently, the control unit 61 generates a reduced image from the image on the back side of the document read by the CIS 231 in S22, and the display unit 51 is an example of the document image when the document is read in the high speed mode as shown in FIG. (S26). Further, the control unit 61 generates a reduced image from the image on the back side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S24, and the display unit 51 is an example of the document image when the document is read in the high image quality mode as shown in FIG. (S27). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S17. In the test print in the second embodiment, the control unit 61 causes the recording unit 40 to form an image on a recording sheet only for each read image read in the preview display.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the control unit 61 does not perform the reading operation on the document surface that is read by the CCD 229 and does not cause a difference in the image quality in both the high image quality mode and the high speed mode, thereby improving the image quality. Only the back side of the document where the difference occurs is read and a preview image is displayed on the display unit 51. For this reason, the reading operation on the surface of the original is not required, and image processing (reduced image generation and display control, etc.) is not required for the read image on the surface of the original image. Further, the user can directly compare only the document surface in which the image quality difference occurs with the display unit 51 to determine whether the document reading operation is performed in the high image quality mode or the high speed mode.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1. Note that the description of the same processing as in the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 10, and 12 is omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment, when a document reading operation is performed by the document feeder 21, the reversing mechanism, the CCD 229, and the CIS 231 for preview display (S11, S22 to S25), the back side of the document read by the CIS 231 in S22 is displayed. Whether the ACS unit 612 is a color image or a monochrome image for the document image C in the high-speed mode composed of images and the document image D in the high-quality mode composed of images on the back side of the document read by the CCD 229 in S24 Is discriminated (S50).

  Then, the control unit 61 determines that at least one of the two images C and D is a color image in the color / monochrome determination by the ACS unit 612 (YES in S50). As shown in FIG. 13, processing for displaying the images C and D on the display unit 51 is performed (S26, S27). If it is determined in the color / monochrome determination by the ACS unit 612 that the two images C and D are all monochrome images (NO in S50), the control unit 61 uses the example shown in FIG. As shown, a message indicating that the preview display is not performed is displayed on the screen of the display unit (S51). In this case, the process skips S26, S27, S17, and S18 and returns to S2.

  Even when S26, S27, S17, and S18 are skipped, the data of each read image read in S22 and S24 is stored in an unillustrated memory built in the control unit 61 or connected to the control unit. It is remembered.

  Thus, when both the images on the document to be compared are both monochrome images, the preview display is not performed. Therefore, when the user does not need to compare the image quality difference between the two images, There is no need to see a useless preview display.

  However, in the document reading operation for preview display, the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 read the same document surface. Therefore, when the document reading by the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 is normally performed, the optical configuration of the CCD 229 and the CIS 231 is the same. Unless the performance is significantly different, in S50, one of the read images on the same document surface is not a color image and the other is not a monochrome image. Therefore, in the color / monochrome determination by the ACS unit 612 in S50, the control unit 61 displays a preview on the display unit 51 only when the two images C and D are all color images, instead of the processing described above. It is good also as what makes it perform.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a fifth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction device 1. In the fifth embodiment, the processing after the end of the document reading operation for preview display in the first and second embodiments is modified. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 shows only processing after the document reading operation for preview display is completed in the first and second embodiments and the processing returns to S2, and the first and second embodiments are also illustrated. A description of the same processing as in the embodiment will be omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, after the document reading operation for the preview display, the processes until the preview display (S16), the test print (S20), or the message display without preview display (S51) are completed are the first and the second processes. Although it is the same as that in the second embodiment, after the processing returns to S2, the following processing is performed.

  When the user depresses the high image quality mode key 109 on the double-sided / split screen of the display unit 51 (“high image quality mode” in S2), and receives an instruction for a document reading operation in the high image quality mode from the user, the control unit 61 Causes the document feeder 21 and the CCD 229 to perform the document reading operation in the high image quality mode (S32). Since the document reading operation process for preview display has been completed at the time of S32, the first document has already been read on both sides of the document and is on the paper discharge tray 215. Therefore, in S <b> 32, the document feeding by the document feeding unit 21 is started from the second sheet placed on the document tray 211.

  The control unit 61 causes the CCD 229 to read the surface of the second document conveyed by the document tray 211 in the reading window 230 (S33). After reading the document surface, the reversing mechanism reverses the document, and the document feeder 21 re-transports the document to the reading window 230 (CCD 29) (S34). Subsequently, the CCD 229 reads the back side of the document in the reading window 230 (S35), and the document feeding unit 21 discharges the document after reading the front and back surfaces to the discharge tray 215 (S36). The controller 61 repeats the processes of S32 to S36 for all the documents placed on the document tray 211.

  The control unit 61 reads the image data of the front and back surfaces of the first original document read by the CCD 229 during the preview display process (S11 to S15) and the second and subsequent sheets by the CCD 229 read in S32 to S36. The read image data on the front and back surfaces of the document is used as print target data for image formation (S37), and the print target data is formed on the recording paper by the recording unit 40 (S38).

  On the other hand, when the high-speed mode key 110 is pressed by the user on the double-sided / split screen of the display unit 51 (“high-speed mode” in S2) and an instruction for a document reading operation in the high-speed mode is received from the user, the control unit 61 Then, the document reading operation in the high-speed mode is performed by the document feeder 21, the CCD 229, and the CIS 231 (S39, S40). In S <b> 39, similarly to the reading operation in the high image quality mode, the document feeding by the document feeding unit 21 is started from the second sheet placed on the document tray 211. That is, the control unit 61 causes the CCD 229 to read the front surface of the document and the CIS 231 to read the back surface of the document from the second document in a single document transport operation. The document feeder 21 discharges the document after reading the front and back surfaces to the discharge tray 215 (S36). The control unit 61 repeats the processes of S39, S40, and S36 for all the documents placed on the document tray 211.

  Then, during the preview display process (S11 to S15), the control unit 61 reads the image data of the front surface of the first original document read by the CCD 229 and the read image of the back surface of the first original document read by the CIS 231. The data and the read image data on the front and back surfaces of the second and subsequent documents read in S39, S40, and S36 are combined to form print target data for image formation (S37). An image is formed on the recording paper by the recording unit 40 (S38).

  Even when the preview display process or the like is skipped as in the second embodiment, the control unit 61 is stored in a memory built in the control unit 61 or connected to the control unit. The series of processes is performed using the data of each read image.

  As a result, in the document reading at the time of image formation, the reading operation for the document that has been read by the processing at the time of preview display can be omitted, so that the duplicate document reading operation can be omitted and the document reading operation can be performed in a short time. I can finish it.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1. The sixth embodiment is a modification of the processing after the end of the document reading operation for preview display in the first and second embodiments. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 shows only the processing after the document reading operation for preview display is finished in the first and second embodiments and the processing returns to S2, and also shown in FIG. The description of the same processing as in the fifth embodiment is omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, after the document reading operation for the preview, after preview display (S16), test print (S20), or message display without preview display (S51), the process returns to S2. The process is performed as follows.

  Processing in the case where an instruction for a document reading operation in the high image quality mode is received from the user is the same as in the fifth embodiment (“high image quality mode” in S2, S32 to S38).

  On the other hand, the processing when the instruction for the document reading operation in the high speed mode is received from the user (“high speed mode” in S2) is the same as in the fifth embodiment (S39 to S41), however, the control unit 61 Are the images to be printed on both sides of the original read by the CCD 229 in the high-quality mode and the read images on both sides of the second and subsequent originals as read images of the first original. (S43). Then, the control unit 61 causes the recording unit 40 to form an image on the print target data (S38).

  According to the sixth embodiment, since the image on the back side of the first original document is formed using the image data read by the CCD 229, compared to the case of original reading and image formation in the normal high-speed mode. In addition, it is possible to form an image of the back side of the first original document with good color reproducibility.

  As modifications of the sixth embodiment and the fifth embodiment described above, there are the following. For example, when the test print is performed in S18 in the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, the control unit 61 performs the preview display in S37 in the fifth and sixth embodiments. Without using the read image, only the second and subsequent document read images are used as print target data, and this print target data is formed on the recording unit 40 (S38). That is, the control unit 61 causes the recording unit 40 to form only the second and subsequent document read images on the recording paper. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the waste of performing duplicate image formation on recording paper for a document that has already undergone image formation at the time of preview display.

  Next, a seventh embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a seventh embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction machine 1. The seventh embodiment is a modification of the processing after the end of the document reading operation for preview display in the third and fourth embodiments. The flowchart shown in FIG. 17 shows only processing after the document reading operation for preview display is finished in the third and fourth embodiments and the processing returns to S2, and the fifth and sixth embodiments are also shown. A description of the same processing as in the embodiment will be omitted.

  In the seventh embodiment, after the document reading operation for the preview display, the processing until the preview display (S16), the test print (S20), or the message display without preview display (S51) is completed is the third and the third processes. Although it is the same as the case in 4th Embodiment, after a process returns to S2, the following processes are performed.

  When an instruction for a document reading operation in the high image quality mode is received from the user (“high image quality mode” in S2), the control unit 61 performs a document reading operation in the high image quality mode on the document feeding unit 21 and the CCD 229. However, at this point, since only the image reading of the back side of the first document has been completed in the preview display process, the control unit 61 starts document feeding from the first sheet to the document feeding unit 21. (S51). That is, the user places the first document discharged to the discharge tray 215 during the preview display process at the first sheet position of the document placed on the document tray 211 and the other document and the front and back surfaces. It is premised on that the state is restored as a combined state.

  When the first document is conveyed to the position of the reading window 230 by the document feeder 21, the control unit 61 causes the CCD 229 to read the surface of the document (S52). After reading the document surface, the reversing mechanism discharges the document (S53). The reading operation of the second and subsequent documents is performed in the same manner as in the fifth and sixth embodiments (S32 to S36).

  The control unit 61 reads the image data (S24) of the back side of the first original read by the CCD 229 during the preview display process (S11, S22 to S27) and the first by the CCD 229 read in S51 to S53. The read image data on the front side of the first original and the read image data on the front and back sides of the second and subsequent originals read by the CCD 229 read in S32 to S36 are used as print target data for image formation (S54). The target data is formed on the recording paper by the recording unit 40 (S38).

  On the other hand, when an instruction for a document reading operation in the high-speed mode is received from the user in S2 (“High-speed mode” in S2), at this time, as in the case of selecting the high-quality mode, the first display is performed in the preview display process. Since only the image reading of the back side of the first document has been completed, the control unit 61 causes the document feeding unit 21 to start feeding the document from the first sheet (S55). Then, the control unit 61 causes the CCD 229 to read the document surface, and causes the CIS 231 to read the document back side (S56), and the document feeding unit 21 discharges the document after reading the front and back surfaces to the sheet discharge tray 215. (S57). The control unit 61 sets the print target data from the front and back read images of the first document read in S55 and S56 to the front and back images of the final document (S58). Image formation is performed (S38). That is, in the high-speed mode, the images on the front and back sides of the document are read by a single document transport operation, and no reading time is required for reading the back side of the document as in the high image quality mode. Similar to the reading operation, the front and back surfaces of the first document are read, and the read image data on the front and back surfaces is used to generate print target data. However, at the time of the first document reading operation, only reading of the document surface by the CCD 229 may be performed, and reading of the document back surface by the CIS 231 may not be performed.

  According to the seventh embodiment, in the document reading operation in the high image quality mode at the time of image formation, it is possible to omit the reading operation for the back side of the document that has been read in the process at the time of preview display. The document reading operation can be completed in a short time.

  In each of the above embodiments, since it is not the gist of the present invention, it is not particularly described. However, the reversing mechanism is configured so that the originals after reading are aligned and discharged to the discharge tray 215 in a face-down state. The document is fed after the document feeder 21 replaces the document surface.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first reading unit in the claims is described as the scanner unit 222 (CCD 229) and the second reading unit is described as the CIS 231. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first and second reading units are described. Can be configured by either the scanner unit 222 (CCD 229) or the CIS 231.

  Further, in the above, the configuration of the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention and the embodiments of the processing are shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 17, but these are merely examples, and the image reading apparatus and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention This is not intended to limit the image forming apparatus to the configuration and control described above.

1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a multifunction peripheral that is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. It is an example of the front view of an operation part. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a third embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. The example of the screen of a display part is shown. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a fifth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sixth embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a seventh embodiment of preview display processing and document reading processing by the multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Multifunction device 2 Image reading apparatus 3 Apparatus main body 5 Operation part 21 Document feeding part 22 Scanner part 40 Recording part 51 Display part 52 Touch panel 61 Control part 109 High-quality mode key 110 High-speed mode key 111 Preview comparison key 112 Test print key 211 Document tray 229 CCD
231 CIS
611 Mode setting unit 612 ACS unit

Claims (7)

A display unit for displaying operation guidance for the user;
A document feeder for feeding documents,
A first reading unit that reads one side of the document conveyed by the document feeding unit;
A second reading unit for reading the other side of the document conveyed by the document feeding unit;
A reversing unit for reversing and transporting the original so that the other side is read by the first reading unit after the first reading unit finishes reading one side of the original;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether the image of the document read by the first reading unit or the second reading unit is a monochrome image or a color image;
A two-sided reverse reading mode in which one side of the original is read by the first reading unit and the other side of the original is read by the first reading unit after the original is reversed by the reversing unit; In one mode of the double-sided simultaneous reading mode in which the first reading unit reads one side of the original and the second reading unit reads the other side of the original in one-time document conveyance by A control unit for performing a document reading operation;
A preview instruction receiving unit that receives a preview instruction from a user to preview each read image read from the original by the first reading unit and the second reading unit on the display unit;
When the preview instruction is received by the preview instruction receiving unit, the control unit causes at least the second reading unit to read the other side of the document and displays the read image read by the operation in the preview display. The image is read in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode at the time, and then the original is inverted by the reversing unit, the other side of the original is read by the first reading unit, and the read image read by the operation is When the image is read in the double-sided reverse reading mode at the time of preview display, and the determination unit determines that either the read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode or the read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode is a color image , the control unit image reading apparatus for preview image reading in the read image and the duplex copy reading mode in the dual-side scanning mode on the display unit When the preview instruction is received by the preview instruction receiving unit, the control unit causes the second reading unit to read the other side of the document and causes the first reading unit to read one side of the document. The operation of the double-sided simultaneous reading mode is performed, and each read image read from one side and the other side of the document by the operation is set as a read image in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode at the time of the preview display, and the reversing unit A read image read by the first reading unit from the other side of the document after inverting the document and a reading read by the first reading unit from one side of the document in the double-sided simultaneous reading mode The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image is combined with an image to obtain a read image in a double-sided reverse reading mode when the preview is displayed . A reading start instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to start reading a document from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
The control unit is selected when the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives a mode selection instruction for selecting any of the modes, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives the document reading start instruction. The document reading operation in the mode is performed by each of the required parts of the document feeding unit, the first reading unit, the second reading unit, and the reversing unit. In the document reading operation by the required units, the document at the preview display time For the document surface that has already been read in the reading operation, the reading operation is not performed on each required part, and the read image corresponding to the selected mode is selected from the data of each read image used in the preview display. data, the image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 is used as the data of the read image of the original surface by the document reading operation of the required units. A document reading start instruction receiving unit for receiving a document reading start instruction from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
The control unit causes the document feeding unit and the second reading unit to read one side of the document in order to obtain a scanned image in the double-sided simultaneous scanning mode in the document scanning operation during the preview display. The other side of the document being conveyed for reading by the second reading unit is read by the first reading unit,
Further, the control unit receives a double-sided simultaneous reading mode when the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to select the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start reading the original. The document reading operation in the mode is performed by the document feeding unit, the first reading unit, and the second reading unit. In the document reading operation, the reading has already been completed in the document reading operation at the time of the preview display. For both sides of the document, the reading operation is not performed on each part, and the read image data on the both sides of the document read during the preview display is used as the read image data on the document surface by the document reading operation of each part. Item 2. The image reading apparatus according to Item 1 . A document reading start instruction receiving unit for receiving a document reading start instruction from a user;
A mode selection instruction receiving unit that receives a mode selection instruction for selecting either the double-sided reverse reading mode or the double-sided simultaneous reading mode from a user;
When the mode selection instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to select the double-sided simultaneous reading mode, and the reading start instruction receiving unit receives an instruction to start reading the document, the control unit performs the double-sided simultaneous reading mode. The document feeding unit, the first reading unit, and the second reading unit perform the document reading operation of the document, and in the document reading operation, the document that has already been read by the document reading operation at the time of the preview display is displayed. For both sides, the scanning operation is not performed on each part, and the scanned image data of both sides of the document in the document reading operation in the duplex reversal reading mode read during the preview display is read in the document reading operation by each unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image reading apparatus is used as the data. The first reading unit reads one side of the document by a reduction optical system image sensor,
The second reading unit, the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 by adhesion optics image sensor reads one surface of the document. An image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet based on read image data read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit;
An image forming instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to cause the image forming unit to perform an image forming operation from a user;
When the image forming instruction is received by the image forming instruction receiving unit after the preview display, the control unit converts the data of each read image in the double-sided reverse reading mode and the double-sided simultaneous reading mode used during the preview display. An image forming apparatus that causes the image forming unit to form an image on a recording sheet based on the image forming unit.