JP5029569B2 - Image reading apparatus, image reading method, and image reading program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and the like that can perform a main scanning operation in an appropriate reading range.

  Conventionally, various techniques relating to document reading have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for detecting information such as the size of a document placed on a document table and converting the image of the document into data based on the information.

JP 2005-217509 A

  In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 (for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2), since the document is irradiated with light from below, the document table (flat bed) needs to be made of a transparent material. Therefore, the reading range of the document cannot be directly indicated on the document table as shown in FIG. 1, but is indicated by a predetermined mark provided on the frame of the document table as shown in FIG.

  Although the user can grasp the reading range by visually recognizing the mark, a part of the document may be out of the reading range (for example, A5 size) as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the image reading operation (main scan operation) is performed in the state shown in FIG. 3 (a state where A5 is designated as the reading range), a part of the original cannot be read, so that the user desires Image data cannot be acquired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and relates to an image reading apparatus and the like that can appropriately set a main scan area.

The invention according to claim 1, which is an aspect of the present invention, is an image reading apparatus, in which a document placed on one surface of a light transmissive flat bed is scanned from the opposite surface of the flat bed. A carriage that irradiates light in the main scanning direction to the document and is movable in the sub-scanning direction of the document, an image reading unit that converts reflected light in the main scanning direction of the document into an image signal, and the image Image storage means for storing signals, image processing means for processing image signals of the image storage means, control means for controlling the pre-scan operation and the main scan operation, and area acquisition means for acquiring the reading range of the document Have. The image processing means determines whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image. Based on the determination of whether or not there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range, and if the special document exists, the image processing means performs the main scanning operation. It is determined whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored therein, and the control unit is configured to store the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents. the terminate this scanning operation, the image processing means, wherein after the scanning operation is completed, to identify the original position of the document included in the scanned image, based on the specified document position, the main scan image Characterized in that cutting the plurality of predetermined image from.

According to the image reading apparatus, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the pre-scan image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
Further, the image processing means specifies the document position of the document included in the main scan image after the main scan operation is finished, and cuts out a plurality of predetermined images from the main scan image based on the specified document position. .
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Further, a plurality of predetermined images can be cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position.

The invention according to claim 2, which is an aspect of the present invention, is an image reading apparatus, wherein an original placed on one surface of a light-transmissive flat bed is placed on the surface from the opposite surface of the flat bed. A carriage that irradiates light in the main scanning direction to the document and is movable in the sub-scanning direction of the document, an image reading unit that converts reflected light in the main scanning direction of the document into an image signal, and the image Image storage means for storing signals, image processing means for processing image signals of the image storage means, control means for controlling the pre-scan operation and the main scan operation, and area acquisition means for acquiring the reading range of the document Have. The image processing means determines whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image. Based on the determination of whether or not there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range, and if the special document exists, the image processing means performs the main scanning operation. It is determined whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored therein, and the control unit is configured to store the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents. The main scanning operation is ended, and the image processing unit specifies the original position of the original included in the main scanning image after the main scanning operation ends, but is not read by the pre-scanning operation and The document read by the scanning operation, characterized in that it does not identify the document position of the document.

According to the image reading apparatus, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the pre-scan image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
Further, the image processing means specifies the document position of the document included in the main scan image after the main scan operation is finished, but the document that is not read by the pre-scan operation and is read by the main scan operation. The original position of the original is not specified.
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent acquisition of image data of a document that is not intended to be read.

The invention according to claim 3 which is an aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the image processing unit generates an output image from the main scan image based on the specified document position. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the image reading apparatus, an output image can be generated from the main scan image based on the specified document position.

The invention according to claim 4 which is one aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the image processing means extracts a predetermined image from the main scan image based on the specified document position. It is characterized by cutting out.

  According to the image reading apparatus, it is possible to cut out a predetermined image from the main scan image based on the specified document position.

The invention according to claim 5 , which is an aspect of the present invention, is an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed, and acquires a reading range of the document, Based on the determination of whether or not the vertex of the area of at least one of the plurality of documents detected from the pre-scan image exists at the boundary of the pre-scan image, a part of the document is in the reading range. It is determined whether or not there is a special document that is installed outside the original document. If the special document exists, whether or not the main scan image including the entire area of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation. determine whether, when the scan image of all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, the end the main scan operation, said after the scanning operation is completed, the original of the document included in the scanned image Identify location, the based on the specified document position, and wherein the cutting out a plurality of predetermined image from the scan image.
According to the image reading method, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the pre-scanned image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
Further, after the main scan operation is completed, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified, and a plurality of predetermined images are cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position.
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Further, a plurality of predetermined images can be cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position.

The invention according to claim 6, which is an aspect of the present invention, is an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed, and obtains a reading range of the document, Based on the determination of whether or not the vertex of the area of at least one of the plurality of documents detected from the pre-scan image exists at the boundary of the pre-scan image, a part of the document is in the reading range. It is determined whether or not there is a special document that is installed outside the original document. If the special document exists, whether or not the main scan image including the entire area of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation. The main scan operation is terminated when the main scan image of all areas of the plurality of originals is stored, and the original document included in the main scan image is terminated after the main scan operation is completed. Identifying the location, but the not read by prescanning operation, and said the document read by the scanning operation, characterized in that it does not identify the document position of the document.
According to the image reading method, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the pre-scanned image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
In addition, after the main scan operation is completed, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified, but the document position of the document is not read by the pre-scan operation and the document is read by the main scan operation. Is not specified.
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent acquisition of image data of a document that is not intended to be read.

The invention according to claim 7 which is one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed, wherein A step of acquiring a reading range; whether or not a vertex of an area of at least one document among a plurality of documents detected from a prescan image of the acquired reading range exists at a boundary of the prescan image A step of determining whether or not there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range based on the determination; if the special document is present, Determining whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the original is stored, and when main scan images of all areas of the plurality of originals are stored, Serial steps to terminate the scan operation, the after the scanning operation is completed, to identify the original position of the document included in the scanned image, the based on the specified document position, a plurality of predetermined image from the scan image The step of cutting out is performed.
According to the image reading program, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the prescan image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
In addition, after the main scan operation is completed, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified, and a plurality of predetermined images are cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position.
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Further, a plurality of predetermined images can be cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position.

The invention according to claim 8, which is an aspect of the present invention, is a program for causing a computer to execute an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light-transmissive flat bed. A step of acquiring a reading range; whether or not a vertex of an area of at least one document among a plurality of documents detected from a prescan image of the acquired reading range exists at a boundary of the prescan image A step of determining whether or not there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range based on the determination; if the special document is present, Determining whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the original is stored, and when main scan images of all areas of the plurality of originals are stored, A step of ending the book scan operation; after the book scan operation is finished, the document position of the document contained in the book scan image is specified, but the document is not read by the pre-scan operation and is read by the book scan operation Is characterized in that a step of not specifying the document position of the document is executed.
According to the image reading program, when it is determined that there is a special document in which a part of the document is placed out of the reading range as a result of image processing based on the prescan image in the acquired reading range, During the main scan operation, it is determined whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, and when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored, The main scanning operation is terminated.
As a result, it is possible to acquire image data of all areas of the plurality of originals even for an original placed outside the read range in which a part of the original is acquired. In addition, since the main scan operation is terminated when the main scan images of all the areas of the plurality of documents are stored (acquired), the time required for the main scan operation can be shortened.
In addition, after the main scan operation is completed, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified, but the document position of the document is not read by the pre-scan operation and the document is read by the main scan operation. Is not specified.
As a result, since the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified after the main scan operation is completed, various image processing can be performed using the specified image position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent acquisition of image data of a document that is not intended to be read .

  According to the present invention, the main scanning operation can be performed in an appropriate reading range.

Hereinafter, an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a mode in which the image reading apparatus is realized as a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a cordless telephone function will be described.
Needless to say, the image reading apparatus of this embodiment can be applied to a copying apparatus, a scanner apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and the like.

First, a schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the image reading apparatus 100.
As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 100 is formed of a main body case (housing) 101 made of synthetic resin. A paper feed cassette (tray) 102 is detachably formed on the front surface of the image reading apparatus 100. A paper discharge unit 103 is disposed above the paper feed cassette 102.

  A slot portion 104 is disposed on the front surface of the image reading apparatus 100. Various storage media such as a memory card are loaded in the slot unit 104, and image data stored in the storage media can be printed.

On the upper side of the image reading apparatus 100, an operation panel unit 105 including various operation buttons and a liquid crystal display unit is provided.
An installation table (flat bed) 106 is provided on the upper side of the image reading apparatus 100. A document is placed on the setting table 106. The installation base 106 is made of a light transmissive material (for example, glass).
A cover unit 107 is provided on the upper side of the image reading apparatus 100. The cover unit 107 is configured to be openable and closable, and is closed when the document is read.

Inside the image reading apparatus 100, a carriage 108 having a light source for irradiating light on a document, and an imaging mechanism having an image sensor for imaging reflected light of the document are provided.
The light emitted from the carriage 108 passes through the installation table 106 and is applied to the document, and the reflected light passes through the installation table 106 and is read by an image sensor (for example, a CCD).
Note that the imaging mechanism may be provided inside the carriage 108 or outside the carriage 108.
Further, in the present embodiment, a CIS (Combined Image Sensor) CIS carriage may be used in which an image reading sensor of one line in the main scanning direction and a motor that moves the sensor in the sub-scanning direction are combined.

  The carriage 108 is controlled in position in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in FIG. 4) by a driving belt (not shown) driven by a driving motor (not shown). Hereinafter, the drive motor and the drive belt are collectively referred to as a drive mechanism.

  In this embodiment, the document is set on the setting table 106 and the document is irradiated from below the setting table 106. However, the document is set under the setting table 106 and the document is set on the setting table 106. It is good also as a structure to irradiate.

A printing mechanism is provided inside the image reading apparatus 100. The printing mechanism includes a document to be printed set in the paper feed cassette 102 such as a document read by the imaging mechanism, image data of a storage medium, or image data received from a computer (PC) via a communication I / F. Print predetermined data.
A paper feeding mechanism is provided inside the image reading apparatus 100. The paper feed mechanism can transport the printed recording medium in the main scanning direction (Y direction in FIG. 4) viewed from the imaging mechanism.

  Note that the configurations and operations of the imaging mechanism, the printing mechanism, and the paper feeding mechanism are well known, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

A control device is provided inside the image reading apparatus 100.
Hereinafter, the control device of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control device. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device includes a CPU 121, a ROM 122, a RAM 123, an input / output I / F 124, and a communication I / F 125. Each element is connected to each other by a signal line, and various data are transmitted and received.

The CPU 121 controls the entire image reading apparatus 100. Further, a program for realizing the present invention (a document reading processing program described later) is executed.
The ROM 122 stores the program and various tables. A flash memory may be used as the ROM 122.
Various data are read / written in the RAM 123 when the CPU 121 executes the program. Further, the RAM 123 stores an image signal (a prescan image and a main scan image described later) captured by the image capturing mechanism.

  Various devices (operation panel unit 105, carriage 108, driving mechanism, imaging mechanism, printing mechanism, paper feeding mechanism, etc.) are connected to the input / output I / F 124, and between the connected devices, Various data are transmitted and received.

  Note that the internal configuration shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the configuration having this internal configuration.

  Next, the document reading process will be described. In the document reading process, one or a plurality of documents are placed on the setting table 106, the cover 107 is closed, a pre-scan area is designated, and a predetermined button (such as a start button) on the operation panel 105 is pressed. As a result, execution is started. Instead of operating the operation panel unit 105, execution of the document reading process may be started based on an instruction signal from a connected computer or the like. In the following description, it is assumed that A5 size is designated as the pre-scan area.

  FIG. 6 shows a state in which the original 210 and the original 220 are set on the setting table 106, and the original 210 and the original 220 are within the A5 size range (shown by a dotted line) which is a pre-scan area. It shows how it is.

  FIG. 7 shows a state in which the original 230 to the original 260 are installed on the installation table 106. The original 230 is within a pre-scan area (shown by a dotted line), and a part of the original 240 and the original 250 is shown. It is shown that the document 260 is not within the prescan area and the document 260 is not within the prescan area.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the document reading process.
In S11, a pre-scan operation instruction is output. The carriage 108 moves by a length of A5 size in the sub-scanning direction while irradiating the original on the setting table 106 with light. The reflected light from the document is photoelectrically converted and stored in the RAM 123.
That is, by outputting the prescan operation instruction, the image signal of the prescan area is stored in the RAM 123 as a prescan image.

  In S12, a document area is extracted from the pre-scan image acquired in S11, and a vertex of the extracted area is detected. Various known techniques can be used as a document area extraction method and a vertex detection method.

  In S13, it is determined whether or not all the documents read in S11 are within the pre-scan area. If it is determined that all the vertices detected in S12 do not exist at the boundary of the pre-scan image (the image acquired in S11), it is determined that all the read originals are within the pre-scan area.

FIG. 9 shows a pre-scan image 301, and regions 310 and 320 included in the image, vertex 311 to vertex 314, and vertex 321 to vertex 324. Here, the area 310 corresponds to the original 210 in FIG. 6, and the area 320 corresponds to the original 220 in FIG. Further, the area of the installation table 106 is indicated by a dotted line.
As shown in FIG. 9, since none of the vertices 311 to 314 and the vertices 321 to 324 are located at the boundary of the pre-scan image, the determination in S13 is “YES”.

If it is determined that all the originals are within the pre-scan area (S13: YES), the process proceeds to S14.
In S14, the main scan range is determined. The main scanning direction length of the main scanning range is the maximum reading width in the main scanning direction of the carriage 108 (maximum width that can be irradiated with light). Further, the reading start position in the sub-scanning direction (the start point of the main scanning range, hereinafter simply referred to as “reading start position”) is the position of the vertex (vertex 311 and vertex 314 in FIG. 9) closest to the origin position of the installation base 106. It becomes. The reading end position in the sub-scanning direction (the end point of the main scanning range, hereinafter simply referred to as “reading end position”) is the position of the vertex (vertex 322 and vertex 323 in FIG. 9) farthest from the origin position of the installation base 106. .
FIG. 10 shows the reading start position and the reading end position.

In S15, a carriage movement instruction is output. The carriage 108 moves to the initial position of the main scanning operation. This initial position is a position moved in the reverse direction by one line from the above-described reading start position.
In S16, a main scan operation instruction is output.

In S17, a carriage movement instruction is output. The carriage 108 moves in the positive direction by one line.
Here, when the process proceeds from S16 to S17, the carriage 108 moves to the above-described reading start position by the process of S17.
In S18, image data for one line in the main scanning direction is acquired and stored in the RAM 123.

In S19, it is determined whether or not the carriage 108 has reached the reading end position. If it is determined that the carriage 108 has not reached the reading end position (S19: NO), the process returns to S17.
As a result, the processes of S17 and S18 are repeated until the carriage 108 reaches the reading end position, so that image data for one line in the main scanning direction is sequentially acquired and stored in the RAM 123.

  If it is determined in S19 that the carriage 108 has reached the reading end position (S19: YES), since the main scan image is stored in the RAM 123, the process proceeds to S21.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S13 that there is a document that does not fit in the pre-scan area (S13: NO), the process proceeds to S20 (sub process).

  FIG. 11 shows a pre-scan image 302, and regions 330 to 350, vertices 331 to 334, vertices 341 to 344, and vertices 351 to 354 included in the image. Here, the area 330 corresponds to the original 230 in FIG. 7, the area 340 corresponds to a part of the original 240 in FIG. 7, and the area 350 corresponds to a part of the original 250 in FIG. Further, the pre-scan image does not include an area corresponding to the document 260. In addition, the area of the setting table 106 and the area where each original is not read are indicated by dotted lines.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the vertex 342 and the vertex 343 of the region 340 and the vertex 353 and the vertex 354 of the region 350 are present at the boundary of the pre-scan image (the end portion of the pre-scan image). “NO”.

Next, sub processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of sub processing.
In S31, the reading start position is determined. The reading start position (the start point of the main scan range) is the position of the vertex (vertex 331 and vertex 334 in FIG. 11) that is closest to the origin position of the installation table 106. Further, the reading end position (end point of the main scanning range) is not determined.
FIG. 13 shows the reading start position.

In S32, a carriage movement instruction is output. The carriage 108 moves to the initial position of the main scanning operation. This initial position is a position moved in the reverse direction by one line from the above-described reading start position.
In S33, a main scan start instruction is output.

In S34, a carriage movement instruction is output. Carriage 108 is for one line
Move in the positive direction.
Here, when the process proceeds from S33 to S34, the carriage 108 moves to the above-described reading start position by the process of S34.
In S35, image data for one line in the main scanning direction is acquired and stored in the RAM 123.

  In S36, it is determined whether or not the carriage 108 has reached the reading end position. This determination is “YES” when all the areas of the original (originals 230 to 250 in FIG. 7) read by the pre-scan operation in S11 are read.

  Here, a method for determining the reading end position will be described. Note that the determination method shown below is merely an example, and other methods may be used.

(Method 1)
For example, the difference value between the luminance values of “the image for one line acquired in S35 (hereinafter referred to as“ (N + 1) th line image ”)” and “the Nth line image” is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, the Nth line can be set as the reading end position. Note that the (N + 1) -th line image is excluded from the main scan image.

(Method 2)
Further, every time an image for one line is read, a vertex position in the sub-scanning direction (hereinafter simply referred to as “vertex position”) of an area included in the main scan image up to the line is detected, and “(N + 1) When the “vertex position of the region included in the main scan image up to the line” and the “vertex position of the region included in the main scan image up to the Nth line” are the same, the Nth line is set as the reading end position. be able to. Note that the (N + 1) -th line image is excluded from the main scan image.

The method 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the main scan image and the vertex position of the area.
FIG. 14A shows that the vertex position of the region included in the main scan image 601 up to the X-th line is “X”.
FIG. 14B shows that the vertex position of the area included in the main scan image 602 up to the (X + 1) -th line is “X + 1”.
As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, since the vertex position has changed from “X” to “X + 1”, the X-th line is not the reading end position.

FIG. 14C shows that the vertex position of the area included in the main scan image 603 up to the Y-th line is “Y”.
FIG. 14D shows that the vertex position of the area included in the main scan image 604 up to the (Y + 1) -th line is “Y + 1”.
As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, since the vertex position is the same “Y”, the Y-th line is the reading end position.

The method for detecting the vertex position from the main scan image up to the predetermined line is, for example, as follows.
(1) Create edge (contour) image data composed of straight lines from the main scan image data. (2) Detect the coordinate position of the point where the straight lines intersect as the vertex position.

Returning to FIG.
If it is determined that the carriage 108 has not reached the reading end position (S36: NO), the process returns to S34.
As a result, the processes of S34 and S35 are repeated until the carriage 108 reaches the reading end position, so that image data of one line portion in the main scanning direction is sequentially acquired and stored in the RAM 123.

If it is determined in S36 that the carriage 108 has reached the reading end position (S36: YES), since the main scan image is stored in the RAM 123, the process proceeds to S37.
FIG. 15 shows the reading end position in the sub-scanning direction where the main scanning operation ends.

In S37, a new vertex of the document area included in the pre-scan image is determined based on the main scan image.
FIG. 16 shows the main scan image 402, and regions 430 to 460, vertices 331 to 334, vertices 341, 442, 443, and 344, and vertices 351, 352, 453, and 454 included in the image. In addition, the same code | symbol is used for the vertex of the same position as the vertex of the prescan image 302 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, a vertex 442, a vertex 443, a vertex 453, and a vertex 454 are newly determined. Further, since the area 460 is an area that was not included in the pre-scan image 302, no vertex is detected.
After the vertex is determined in S37, the process proceeds to S21 (FIG. 8).

In S21, based on the detected vertex, an output image is generated from the main prescan image, and the generated output image is output to a predetermined output destination.
For example, for the main scan image 402 (see FIG. 16), an image obtained by removing the region 460 from the main scan image 402 can be used as the output image.
An image obtained by cutting out the region 430, the region 440, and the region 450 from the main scan image 402 may be used as the output image.

The output destination of the output image can be appropriately set such as a predetermined area of the RAM 123, a predetermined display screen, a storage medium loaded in the slot unit 104, and the like.
When stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 123, the stored output image can be a target of other processing (for example, character recognition processing).

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, a pre-scan operation is performed for a predetermined range on the installation table 106 to acquire a pre-scan image, and based on the acquired pre-scan image, a part of the document is in the read range. It is determined whether or not there is a special manuscript that is installed outside the target document. If the special manuscript exists, whether or not the main scan image including the entire area of the special manuscript is stored during the main scan operation. When the main scan image of all the areas of the special document is stored, the main scan operation is terminated.
As a result, even when a part of the document is out of the reading range (pre-scan area), the main scanning operation is performed within an appropriate range so as to read the entire area of the document. Image data to be acquired can be acquired.
Further, the main scanning operation is completed when all the originals in which a part of the area has not been read are read, so that the time required for the main scanning operation can be shortened.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further, the flowchart described above is merely an example, and if a result equivalent to the process of the flowchart can be obtained, the document reading process is realized by another flowchart.
May be.

  The present invention can also be realized as a method related to the above-described image reading apparatus, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, a storage medium storing the program, and the like.

2 is a diagram illustrating a document table of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a document table of the image reading apparatus. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a document is placed on a document table of the image reading apparatus. 1 is an external perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a control device of an image reading device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a document is placed on a placement table in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a document is placed on a placement table in an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of document reading processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the pre-scan image in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the subscanning direction reading start position and subscanning direction reading end position in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the pre-scan image in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the sub process in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the subscanning direction reading start position in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the main scan image and the vertex position of an area | region in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the sub scanning direction reading end position in one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the content of the main scan image in one Embodiment of this invention.

100 Image Reading Device 106 Installation Table 108 Carriage 121 CPU
122 ROM
123 RAM
210-260 Documents 301, 302 Pre-scan image 402 Main scan image

Claims (8)

A document placed on one surface of a light transmissive flat bed is irradiated with light in the main scanning direction from the opposite surface of the flat bed, and in the sub scanning direction of the document. A movable carriage;
Image reading means for converting reflected light in the main scanning direction of the document into an image signal;
Image storage means for storing the image signal;
Image processing means for processing an image signal of the image storage means;
Control means for controlling the pre-scan operation and the main scan operation;
In an image reading apparatus having an area acquisition means for acquiring a reading range of the document,
The image processing means determines whether or not a vertex of an area of at least one document among a plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at a boundary of the prescan image. On the basis of whether or not there is a special manuscript that is partly placed outside the scanning range,
If the special document exists,
The image processing means determines whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
The control means terminates the main scan operation when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored ,
The image processing means specifies a document position of a document included in the main scan image after the main scan operation is finished , and cuts out a plurality of predetermined images from the main scan image based on the specified document position .
An image reading apparatus. A document placed on one surface of a light transmissive flat bed is irradiated with light in the main scanning direction from the opposite surface of the flat bed, and in the sub scanning direction of the document. A movable carriage;
Image reading means for converting reflected light in the main scanning direction of the document into an image signal;
Image storage means for storing the image signal;
Image processing means for processing an image signal of the image storage means;
Control means for controlling the pre-scan operation and the main scan operation;
In an image reading apparatus having an area acquisition means for acquiring a reading range of the document,
The image processing means determines whether or not a vertex of an area of at least one document among a plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at a boundary of the prescan image. On the basis of whether or not there is a special manuscript that is partly placed outside the scanning range,
If the special document exists,
The image processing means determines whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
The control means terminates the main scan operation when the main scan images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored,
The image processing means specifies a document position of a document included in a main scan image after the main scan operation is completed, but the document that is not read by the pre-scan operation and is read by the main scan operation Do not specify the original position of the original,
Images reader you wherein a. The image processing unit generates an output image from the main scan image based on the specified document position;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2 . The image processing means cuts out a predetermined image from the main scan image based on the specified document position;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2 . An image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed,
Obtain the reading range of the document,
Based on the determination as to whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image, Determine whether there is a special manuscript that is partly placed outside the scanning range,
If the special document exists,
Determining whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
When the main scan image of all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, the main scan operation is terminated ,
After completion of the main scan operation, a document position of a document included in the main scan image is specified, and a plurality of predetermined images are cut out from the main scan image based on the specified document position .
An image reading method. An image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed,
Obtain the reading range of the document,
Based on the determination as to whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image, Determine whether there is a special manuscript that is partly placed outside the scanning range,
If the special document exists,
Determining whether or not a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
When the main scan image of all areas of the plurality of documents is stored, the main scan operation is terminated,
After the main scan operation, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified. However, for the document that is not read by the pre-scan operation and is read by the main scan operation, the document position of the document is specified. do not do,
An image reading method. A program for causing a computer to execute an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed,
In the computer,
Obtaining a reading range of the document;
Based on the determination as to whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image, Determining whether there is a special manuscript that is partly set out of the reading range;
If the special document exists,
Determining whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
A step of ending the main scanning operation when main scanning images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored;
A step of specifying a document position of a document included in a main scan image after the main scan operation is finished, and cutting out a plurality of predetermined images from the main scan image based on the specified document position ;
An image reading program for executing. A program for causing a computer to execute an image reading method for reading a document placed on a light transmissive flat bed,
In the computer,
Obtaining a reading range of the document;
Based on the determination as to whether or not the apex of the area of at least one document among the plurality of documents detected from the prescan image in the acquired reading range exists at the boundary of the prescan image, Determining whether there is a special manuscript that is partly set out of the reading range;
If the special document exists,
Determining whether a main scan image including all areas of the plurality of documents is stored during the main scan operation;
A step of ending the main scanning operation when main scanning images of all areas of the plurality of documents are stored;
After the main scan operation, the document position of the document included in the main scan image is specified. However, for the document that is not read by the pre-scan operation and is read by the main scan operation, the document position of the document is specified. Don't step,
An image reading program for executing.

Images