JP5251644B2 - Image reading apparatus and image reading method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and an image reading method for reading image data.

  2. Description of the Related Art A technique in which an image reading apparatus equipped with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) discriminates the type of a document, reads an image under optimum conditions according to the result, and generates an image is widely known. . For example, it is determined whether the original is color or monochrome, and if the original is determined to be color, the original is read under color conditions to generate a color image. If the original is determined to be monochrome, the original is determined according to monochrome conditions. There is a function for generating a monochrome image (hereinafter referred to as ACS).

In order to implement ACS, the following several methods are conceivable.
(1) First, reading (pre-scan) for determining the type of document is performed, and the document is read again in an appropriate mode according to the result.
(2) The image data obtained by reading the document is temporarily stored in the memory without applying image processing, the document type is determined based on the image data, and the image data is appropriately determined according to the result. Apply appropriate image processing.

Each of the above methods has the following problems.
(1) Since pre-scanning is always performed, reading takes time.
(2) When image data before image processing is stored in a memory as it is, a large amount of memory is required.

  For this reason, a technique is known in which a document is first read under certain conditions, and switching between re-reading a document and generating an image as it is without re-reading the document is performed according to the result of document type determination. Yes.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-318, for the purpose of (1) “combining ACS read and normal read images” and (2) “reducing the reading time” in ADF reading, the original is first in monochrome mode. There has been proposed a technique for re-reading a document in a color mode when the document type is determined to be color by reading and ACS.

  In order to shorten the time required for re-reading a document, a configuration of “reversing a document by two reversing units” has been proposed.

  However, the conventional image reading apparatus including Patent Document 1 has a problem that it takes time to change the reading condition when the reading condition is different between the first reading of the document and the second reading of the document. It was.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when a document is first read in monochrome mode and the document type is determined to be color by ACS, the document is read again in color mode. For this reason, the switching from the color mode to the monochrome mode and the switching from the monochrome mode to the color mode each occur once for one document.

  When switching between the monochrome mode and the color mode, a waiting time occurs for processing such as calibration, AFE (Analogue Front End) setting change, discharging or charging of an analog circuit capacitor, and adjustment of lamp light amount. As a result, there is a problem that the productivity of reading decreases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and an image reading method capable of reducing a waiting time associated with a change in reading conditions.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention sequentially images a plurality of original images conveyed to a reading position by either the first operation mode or the second operation mode that are different from each other. Reading means capable of reading and outputting image data; determination means for determining whether the read document corresponds to the first operation mode or the second operation mode based on the image data; and n When a first (n is a natural number) document is read by the reading unit in the first operation mode and the determination unit determines that the nth document does not correspond to the first operation mode, The n + 1) th original is read by the reading means in the first operation mode, and after the (n + 1) th original is read, the nth original is read by the reading means by the second operation. Characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to read in over de, a.

  The present invention further includes a reading unit capable of sequentially reading the images of a plurality of documents conveyed to the reading position and outputting the image data in accordance with either the first operation mode or the second operation mode having different operations. An image reading method executed by the image reading apparatus, wherein the determination unit determines whether the read original corresponds to the first operation mode or the second operation mode based on the image data. The determination step and the control means read the nth original (n is a natural number) in the first operation mode by the reading means, and the nth original corresponds to the first operation mode by the determination step. If it is determined that the (n + 1) th document is read in the first operation mode by the reading unit and the (n + 1) th document is read, By the reading means eye original, characterized by and a control step of controlling to read in the second operation mode.

  According to the present invention, even when it is necessary to change the reading condition of a certain original, the reading condition is changed and read again after the next original is read with the reading condition before the change. As a result, the waiting time associated with the change of the reading condition can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an ADF document image reading mechanism. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flapper existing in the branch of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flapper existing in the branch of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flapper present in the branch of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flapper present in the branch of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the flapper present in the branch of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing system of the multifunction machine MF1 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating functions related to ACS reading in the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a CCD used in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation when the CCD described in FIG. 10 is driven in the color mode. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the CCD described in FIG. 10 is driven in the monochrome mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of image data when the CCD is driven in the color mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the flow of image data when the CCD is driven in the monochrome mode. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the ACS reading operation in the prior art. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a document in ACS reading according to the prior art. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the prior art. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the prior art. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the prior art. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the ACS reading operation in the present embodiment. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a document in ACS reading according to this embodiment. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the present embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a time chart in ACS reading in the present embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image reading apparatus and an image reading method according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment treats an original in units of two sheets, and determines that the first original needs to be read again from the reading result of the first original out of two originals. In this case, the second original is read under the same conditions as the first, the reading conditions are changed, and the first original is read under conditions different from the first. As a result, the number of times of changing the reading conditions is reduced, the waiting time per original is reduced, and as a result, the reading productivity can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the image reading apparatus is realized as a multi-function full-color digital copying machine (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function machine) will be described as an example. Applicable devices are not limited to multifunction devices. For example, it is applicable to any device that has a function of reading an image by switching between reading the document again and generating an image as it is without re-reading the document according to the determination result of the document type. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-function device MF1 includes, as main components, units of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 230, an operation board 90, a scanner 210 that functions as a reading unit, and a printer 100. . The operation board 90 and the scanner 210 with the ADF 230 are units that can be separated from the printer 100. The scanner 210 has a control board having a power device driver, sensor inputs, and a controller, and communicates directly or indirectly with a CPU 261 (see FIG. 3) that functions as a control means for controlling a process such as image reading. The document image is read under control.

  A controller board 270 (see FIG. 3) to which the printer 100 is connected is connected to a local area network (LAN) to which a personal computer PC is connected, and a telephone line PN is connected to a facsimile control unit (FCU) 287 (FIG. 3). An exchange PBX connected to (facsimile communication line) is connected. The printed sheets of the printer 100 are discharged to a discharge stack (discharge tray) (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document image reading mechanism of the scanner 210 and the ADF 230 attached to the scanner 210.

  The document placed on the contact glass 221 of the scanner 210 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 222, and the reflected light (image light) of the document is reflected by the first mirror 223 in parallel with the sub-scanning direction y. The illumination lamp 222 and the first mirror 223 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) that is driven at a constant speed in the sub-scanning direction y. A second carriage 224 and a third mirror 225 are mounted on a second carriage (not shown) that is driven in the same direction as the first carriage at a half speed thereof, and the first mirror 223 reflects it. The image light is reflected downward (z) by the second mirror 224, reflected by the third mirror 225 in the sub-scanning direction y, converged by the lens 226, irradiated to the CCD 207, and converted into an electrical signal.

  The first carriage and the second carriage are driven forward (original scanning) and backward (return) in the sub-scanning direction using a traveling body motor (not shown) as a drive source. As described above, the scanner 210 is a flatbed type original scanner that scans the original on the contact glass 221 with the illumination lamp 222 and the first mirror 223 and projects the original image on the CCD 207. A reading glass 240 serving as a sheet-through reading window exists at the reading field position of the first mirror 223 when the first carriage is stopped at the home position (standby position) HP, and the ADF 230 is above the reading glass 240. Is installed.

  Documents stacked on the document tray 241 of the ADF 230 are sent between a conveyance drum (not shown) and a pressing roller (not shown) via a conveyance path 443 by a pickup roller 242 and a pair of registration rollers 243. The conveyance rollers 244 and 245 are conveyed along the conveyance path 445, are in close contact with the conveyance drum, pass over the reading glass 240, and are discharged to the lower side of the document tray 241 via the conveyance path 446 by the discharge rollers 246 and 247. The sheet is discharged onto an existing discharge tray 249 also serving as a pressure plate.

  When the image on the surface of the document passes through the reading glass 240 that is a document reading window, the image is irradiated by the illumination lamp 222 that is moving immediately below the image, and the reflected light on the surface of the document is optically below the first mirror 223. The CCD 207 is irradiated through the system and subjected to photoelectric conversion. That is, it is converted into RGB color image signals. The surface of the transport drum is a white back plate facing the reading glass 240 and is white so as to be a white reference surface.

  A reference white plate 229 and a base point sensor 219 for detecting the first carriage exist between the reading glass 240 and the scale 218 for positioning the starting edge of the document. Although the reference white plate 229 reads a document having a uniform density due to variations in individual light emission intensities of the illumination lamp 222, variations in the main scanning direction, sensitivity variations for each pixel of the CCD 207, and the like, It is prepared to correct the phenomenon in which read data varies (shading correction).

  A base body (not shown) of the ADF 230 is hinged (hinge-connected) to the base body of the scanner 210 on the back side (the back side of the drawing), and a handle on the front side of the base of the ADF 230 (the front side of the drawing). The ADF 230 can be raised (opened) by pulling up the substrate of the ADF 230 while holding it (not shown). A switch for detecting opening / closing of the ADF 230 exists on the back side of the base of the ADF 230. A pressure plate (not shown) of the ADF 230 facing the contact glass 221 is attached to the bottom surface of the ADF 230, and when the ADF 230 is closed, the lower surface of the pressure plate is in close contact with the upper surface of the contact glass 221.

  3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the flapper 436 present in the branch 236 of FIG. 2 in the present embodiment. Note that, regardless of the position of the flapper 436, the document can be conveyed between the two directions in the direction of the branch 237 (upward in FIG. 3) and the direction of the reverse path 447 (downward right in FIG. 3).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first position 436a of the flapper 436. As shown in FIG. At this position 436a, the document conveyed from the conveyance path 446 direction (lower left direction in the figure) is conveyed in the branch 237 direction (upward direction in the figure).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the second position 436b of the flapper 436. As shown in FIG. At this position 436b, the document conveyed from the conveyance path 446 direction (lower left direction in the figure) is conveyed in the reverse path 447 direction (lower right direction in the figure).

  5-7 is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the flapper 437 which exists in the branch 237 in this Embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first position 437a of the flapper 437. As shown in FIG. At this position 437a, the document conveyed from the branch 236 direction (downward in the figure) is conveyed in the reverse path 448 (rightward in the figure). The document conveyed from the direction of the reverse path 448 (right direction in the figure) is conveyed in the branch 236 direction (downward direction in the figure).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the second position 437b of the flapper 437. As shown in FIG. At this position 437b, the document conveyed from the branch 236 direction (downward in the figure) is conveyed in the re-conveyance path 449 direction (leftward in the figure).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a third position 437 c of the flapper 437. At this position 437c, the document conveyed from the direction of the reverse path 448 (right direction in the figure) is conveyed in the direction of the re-conveyance path 449 (left direction in the figure).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing system of the multifunction machine MF1 of FIG. The multi-function device MF1 includes an engine 260 that performs document image reading and color printing, a controller board 270, and an operation board 90. The engine 260 includes a CPU 261 that controls image reading and printing processes, the above-described scanner 210, the above-described printer 100, and an image input / output processing unit 262 that includes an ASIC (Application Specific IC).

  A CPU, a ROM, and a RAM exist on the sensor board unit SBU of the scanner 210, and the CPU 210 controls the entire scanner 210 by writing a program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program. Further, it is connected to a CPU 261 for process control via a communication line, and performs an operation instructed by transmission / reception of commands and data. A CPU in the scanner 210 controls detection and ON / OFF of a document detection sensor, an HP sensor, a pressure plate opening / closing sensor, a cooling fan, and the like. Within the scanner 210, a motor driver (described later) is driven by a PWM output from the CPU to generate an excitation pulse sequence and drive a pulse motor for scanning the original.

  The document image is illuminated by the light output of a halogen lamp (illumination lamp 222) that is energized by a lamp regulator, and the reflected light of the document, that is, the optical signal, includes a plurality of mirrors (first mirror 223, second mirror 224, third mirror). 225) and the lens 226, an image is formed on the CCD 207 including four line sensors for RGB and K reading. The 4-line CCD 207 receives each drive clock from the CPU on the sensor board unit SBU and outputs an analog image signal of each RGB or K pixel to the AFE 212 that performs analog signal processing and A / D conversion.

  The controller board 270 includes a CPU 272, a document storage control unit 273 configured by an ASIC, a hard disk device (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 271, a local memory (MEM-C) 276, and a system memory (MEM-P) 279. A North Bridge (hereinafter referred to as NB) 278, a South Bridge (hereinafter referred to as SB) 285, a NIC 280 (Network Interface Card), a USB device 281, an IEEE 1394 device 282, a Centronics device 283, etc. . The operation board 90 is connected to the document accumulation control unit 273 of the controller board 270. The FCU 287 is also connected to the document storage control unit 273 by a PCI bus.

  The CPU 272 can transmit and receive document information with a personal computer PC connected to the LAN via the NIC 280 or another personal computer PC via the Internet. In addition, it is possible to communicate with a personal computer, a printer, a digital camera, and the like using the USB device 281, the IEEE 1394 device 282, and the Centronics device 283.

  The SB 285, the NIC 280, the USB device 281, the IEEE 1394 device 282, the Centronics device 283, and the MLB 284 are connected to the NB 278 via a PCI bus. As described above, the MLB 284 is a board that is connected to the engine 260 via the PCI bus. Then, MLB 284 converts the document data input from the outside into image data (image data), and outputs the converted image data to engine 260.

  A MEM-C 276, HDD 271 and the like are connected to the document storage control unit 273 of the controller board 270, and the CPU 272 and the document storage control unit 273 are connected via the NB 278 of the CPU chipset. The document accumulation control unit 273 and the NB 278 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port).

  The CPU 272 performs overall control of the multifunction machine MF1. The NB 278 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 272, the system memory 279, the SB 285, and the document accumulation control unit 273. The system memory 279 is a memory used as a drawing memory or the like of the multifunction machine MF1. The SB 285 is a bridge for connecting the NB 278 to the PCI bus and peripheral devices. The SB 285 is connected to the ROM 286. The MEM-C 276 is a memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HDD 271 is a memory for storing image data, document data, programs, font data, forms, LUT (Look Up Table), and the like. The operation board 90 is an operation unit that receives an input operation from the user and performs display for the user.

  The document accumulation control unit 273 includes a rotator 274 that rotates image data and an editor 275 that edits image data.

  FIG. 8 also shows the flow of image data exchanged between the scanner 210 and printer 100 and the image input / output processing unit 262. The image input / output processing unit 262 performs shading correction, reading γ correction, MTF correction, and the like on each of RGB image data generated when the reading unit 211 of the scanner 210 reads a document image, and after correction is performed as necessary. Is provided with a scanner image processing unit 263 for converting the RGB image data into CMYK recording color data. The image input / output processing unit 262 includes a printer image processing unit 264 that converts RGB image data or CMYK recording color data into CMYK print data that matches the image expression characteristics of the CMYK color writing units 310 to 313 of the printer 100. Is provided. Further, the image input / output processing unit 262 outputs the document read image data RGB or CMYK to the document accumulation control unit 273, and the image data RGB or CMYK output from the document accumulation control unit 273 is supplied to the printer image processing unit 264. A processing interface (I / F) 265 is provided.

  In the case of one copy for printing one sheet per document, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing unit 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and the image processing I / F 265 outputs these image data to the printer image processing. Output to the unit 264, and the printer image processing unit 264 performs scaling, image processing, and printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, so that each of the writing units 310 to 313 (each laser emitter of the laser writing unit) ).

  In the case of continuous copying in which a plurality of sheets are printed per original, the CMYK recording color data is output from the scanner image processing unit 263 to the image processing I / F 265, and the image processing I / F 265 converts these image data into a document storage control unit. Is output to H.273, temporarily stored in the MEM-C 276 or the HDD 271, and is read for each copy and supplied from the document storage control unit 273 to the printer image processing unit 264 via the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing unit 264 performs scaling, image processing, and printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, and outputs the result to the writing units 310 to 313.

  When reading and registering a document by the scanner 210 or transmitting to the outside, RGB image data output from the scanner image processing unit 263 is registered in the HDD 271 via the image processing I / F 265 and the document accumulation control unit 273. Alternatively, the data is temporarily stored in the MEM-C 276 or the HDD 271 and then transmitted to the outside.

  When printing the registered RGB image data by the printer 100 or the RGB image data received from the outside, the RGB image data is given to the printer image processing unit 264 via the document storage control unit 273 and the image processing I / F 265. The printer image processing unit 264 converts the RGB image data into CMYK recording color data, and then performs scaling, image processing, and printer γ conversion and gradation processing as necessary, thereby writing each of the writing units 310 to 313. Output to.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating functions related to ACS reading in the present embodiment. Since the basic functions are described in the description of FIG. 8, a redundant description is omitted here.

(Generation of motor drive pulses and detection of document and carriage positions)
The CPU 261 outputs a PWM pulse to the motor driver 402. The motor driver 402 is driven by this PWM output, generates an excitation pulse sequence, and drives the ADF motor 401 and the traveling body motor. As a result, the document or the first carriage (and the second carriage) moves.

  The CPU 261 also detects the position of the original moved by the ADF motor 401 or the position of the first carriage (and the second carriage) moved by the traveling body motor by measuring the number of generated PWM pulses.

(Document type detection)
The color information of the document read by the CCD 207 is converted into digital data by the AFE 212. A document determination unit 411 functioning as a determination unit, which is incorporated in the scanner image processing unit 263, determines whether the read document is a color document or a monochrome document. As an example of a document type determination method, the number of pixels of color data in the input image data is counted, and the document is determined to be color when the count number is greater than or equal to a certain value. There is a method of determining a document as monochrome.

If the document is determined to be in color, the scanner image processing unit 263 performs color image processing and then stores the image data in the MEM-C 276.
If it is determined that the document is monochrome, the document is read again in monochrome as described later. The monochrome information of the document read by the CCD 207 is converted into digital data by the AFE 212. Then, after image processing for a monochrome image is performed by the scanner image processing unit 263, the image data is stored in the MEM-C 276.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the CCD 207 used in the present embodiment.

  The CCD 207 includes a line sensor 301 that reads red information, a line sensor 302 that reads green information, a line sensor 303 that reads blue information, and a line sensor 305 that reads black and white information as line sensors that read image data of a document. That is, one line sensor for red, green, blue and black and white is provided. The CCD 207 has output terminals 331, 332, and 333 for outputting line sensor signals to the outside, and switches 322 and 323 for selecting output signals.

  The line sensor 305 corresponds to two output terminals 332 and 333, which can output an odd pixel signal of the line sensor 305 from one and an even pixel signal of the line sensor 305 from the other. It has become. For this reason, the line sensor 305 has twice the reading speed of one line as compared with the other line sensors.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation when the CCD 207 described in FIG. 10 is driven in a color mode (= when a document is read in color).

  When reading an original in color, the switches 322a and 323a are set on the line sensors 302 and 303 side. As a result, the signals of the line sensors 301, 302, and 303 are output from the output terminals 331, 332, and 333, respectively. That is, red, green, and blue color signals are output from the CCD 207.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an operation when the CCD 207 described in FIG. 10 is driven in the monochrome mode (= when the original is read in monochrome).

  When the original is read in monochrome, the switches 322b and 323b are set on the line sensor 305 side. As a result, the signal of the line sensor 305 is output from the output terminals 332 and 333. That is, a monochrome signal is output from the CCD 207.

  As described above, the line sensor 305 has twice the reading speed of one line as compared with the other line sensors. That is, when the CCD 207 is driven in the monochrome mode, the document reading speed can be doubled as compared with the color mode. Even in the monochrome mode, the signal of the line sensor 301 can be output from the output terminal 331, but it is not normally used.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of image data when the CCD 207 is driven in the color mode. In this case, the CCD 207 outputs analog image signals of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors. Each color signal converted into digital data by the AFE 212 is subjected to image processing for a color image by the scanner image processing unit 263 and then stored in the MEM-C 276 as RGB image data or CMYK recording data.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the flow of image data when the CCD 207 is driven in the monochrome mode. In this case, the CCD 207 outputs monochrome analog image signals of K1 (black and white odd pixels) and K2 (black and white even pixels). The monochrome signal converted into digital data by the AFE 212 is subjected to monochrome image processing by the scanner image processing unit 263 and then stored in the MEM-C 276 as K image data or K recording data.

  Here, processing when it is assumed that the ACS reading operation is executed according to the conventional technique will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the ACS reading operation in the prior art.

  First, the user sets a document on the document tray 241 of the ADF 230 (step S1101). Next, the user selects an application (copy, scanner, FAX, etc.), makes other settings (image density, reading resolution, image quality mode, variable magnification, etc.), and finally gives an instruction to start reading an original (step S1102). The reading mode is set to ACS by the user.

  Next, the MFP MF1 is set in a color readable state (step S1105). Further, n indicating the number of read originals is set to 1 (step S1106).

  Next, the original is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the nth original is read in the color mode (step S1110). Detailed operation will be described later.

  Next, from the RGB image data obtained in step S1110, the document determination unit 411 determines whether the nth document is a color document or a monochrome document (step S1121). Then, the document determination unit 411 determines whether or not the nth document is a monochrome document (step S1122).

  If it is determined that the document is a monochrome document (step S1122: Yes), the inside of the multifunction device MF1 is set in a state where monochrome reading is possible (step S1142). Next, the original is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the nth original is read in the monochrome mode (step S1150). Detailed operation will be described later.

  Next, the MFP MF1 is set in a color readable state (step S1185).

  When it is determined in step S1122 that the document is not a monochrome document (step S1122: No), or after step S1185, 1 is added to n indicating the number of documents read (step S1187). Then, it is determined whether or not the document is the last page (step S1191). If the document is not the last page (step S1191: No), the operation from step S1110 is repeated. If the document is the last page (step S1191: Yes), the reading operation is completed.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a document in ACS reading according to the prior art. The relationship between the number indicating the state of the document in the figure (example: M1101) and the step number in FIG. 15 (example: S1101) will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 16, a symbol (black dot) is attached to the leading end side of the document.

M1101: The user sets a document on a document tray 241 on the ADF 230. The original reading surface is set to face up.
M1111: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the position sandwiched between the registration roller pair 243 via the conveyance path 443.
M1112: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reading position 238 via the conveyance path 445.
M1113: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 448 via the transport path 446 and the branches 236 and 237. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 in the branches 236 and 237 exist at positions 436a and 437a, respectively. In addition, the trailing edge of the nth document reaches the reading position 238. The nth original is read in the color mode between M1112 and M1113.
M1114: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 448. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M1113. At this time, the reading surface of the document is directed downward. If it is determined that the nth original is a color original, the process proceeds to M1185 instead of the next M1141.
M1141: The rear end of the nth original reaches the reverse path 447 via the branches 237 and 236. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M1113. Note that up to M1151, the nth document is conveyed in the reverse direction to normal.
M1151: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 447. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M1113. At this time, the reading surface of the document is directed upward.
M1152: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reading position 238 via the branches 236 and 237, the re-transport path 449, and the transport path 445. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 exist at positions 436a and 437b, respectively.
M1153: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the discharge tray 249 via the conveyance path 446, the branches 236 and 237, and the reverse path 448. Flappers 436 and 437 are present at positions 436a and 437a, respectively. In addition, the trailing edge of the nth document reaches the reading position 238. The nth document is read in the monochrome mode between M1152 and M1153.
M1185: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the paper discharge tray 249. That is, the nth document is stacked on the paper discharge tray 249. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M1153. At this time, the reading surface of the document is directed downward.

  17 to 19 are diagrams showing time charts in ACS reading in the conventional technology. Each number in the step row in each figure corresponds to the step number in FIG. Each number in the status line of the document operation corresponds to the status number in FIG. CSn, CS (n + 1), and CS (n + 2) in the document type determination line are periods for determining whether the nth, (n + 1) th, and (n + 2) th document is a color document or a monochrome document, respectively. .

  C → K in the mode change line is a period during which the inside of the multi-function peripheral MF1 is switched from the color readable state to the monochrome readable state. K → C is a period during which the inside of the multifunction peripheral MF1 is switched from a monochrome readable state to a color readable state.

  Symbols in the n-th, (n + 1) -th, and (n + 2) -th rows of the original operation indicate the following operations on the n-th, (n + 1) -th, and (n + 2) -th originals, respectively.

a: The front end of the original is conveyed from the original tray 241 to a position between the registration roller pair 243.
b: The front end of the document is conveyed from the position sandwiched between the registration roller pair 243 to the reading position 238.
C: The front end of the document is conveyed from the reading position 238 to the reverse path 448. Further, the rear end of the document is conveyed to the reading position 238. During this time, the original passes over the reading position 238, but the original is read in the color mode.
d: The document trailing edge is conveyed from the reading position 238 to the reversal path 448.
e: The entire original is conveyed from the reverse path 448 to the reverse path 447.
f: The front end of the document is conveyed from the reverse path 447 to the reading position 238.
K: The front end of the document is conveyed from the reading position 238 to the reverse path 447. Further, the rear end of the document is conveyed to the reading position 238. During this time, the document passes over the reading position 238, but the document is read in the monochrome mode.
g: The document trailing edge is conveyed from the reverse path 447 to the reading position 238.

  FIG. 17 is a time chart when the nth and (n + 1) th originals are color originals in ACS reading according to the conventional technique. FIG. 18 is a time chart when the nth document is a color document and the (n + 1) th document is a monochrome document in ACS reading in the prior art. FIG. 19 shows a time chart when the nth and (n + 1) th originals are monochrome originals in ACS reading in the prior art.

  Next, the ACS reading operation in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the ACS reading operation in the present embodiment.

  First, the user sets a document on the document tray 241 of the ADF 230 (step S101). Next, the user selects an application (copy, scanner, FAX, etc.), makes other settings (image density, reading resolution, image quality mode, variable magnification, etc.), and finally issues a document reading start instruction (step S102). The reading mode is set to ACS by the user.

  Next, the MFP MF1 is set in a color readable state (step S105). Further, n indicating the number of originals read is set to 1 (step S106).

  Next, the original is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the nth original is read in the color mode. Detailed operation will be described later.

  Next, from the RGB image data obtained in step S110, the document determination unit 411 determines whether the nth document is a color document or a monochrome document (step S121). Then, document determination unit 411 determines whether or not the nth document is a monochrome document (step S122).

  If it is determined that the document is a monochrome document (step S122: Yes), it is determined whether the document is other than the last page (step S123). If the document is other than the last page (not the last page) (step S123: Yes), the document is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the (n + 1) th document is read in the color mode (step S130). Detailed operation will be described later.

  Next, from the RGB image data obtained in step S130, the document determination unit 411 determines whether the (n + 1) th document is a color document or a monochrome document (step S141). Next, the inside of the multifunction machine MF1 is set in a state where monochrome reading is possible (step S142). Then, the document is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the nth document is read in the monochrome mode (step S150). Detailed operation will be described later.

  Next, the document determination unit 411 determines whether or not the (n + 1) th document is a monochrome document (step S162). If it is determined that the document is a monochrome document (step S162: Yes), the document is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the (n + 1) th document is read in the monochrome mode (step S170). Detailed operation will be described later.

  If it is determined that the (n + 1) th original is not a monochrome original (step S162: No), or after step S170, the inside of the multi-function peripheral MF1 is set to a color readable state (step S185). Next, 2 is added to n indicating the number of originals read (step S187).

  If it is determined in step S123 that the document is the last page (step S123: No), the inside of the multifunction machine MF1 is set in a monochrome readable state (step S143) as in step S142. Then, the original is conveyed by the ADF 230, and the nth original is read in the monochrome mode (step S155).

  After step S155 or when it is determined in step S122 that the nth original is not a monochrome original (step S122: No), 1 is added to n indicating the original read number (step S188). As described above, this step occurs when the nth document is color or the last page.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the document is the last page (step S191). If the document is not the last page (step S191: No), the operations from step S110 are repeated. If the original is the last page (step S191: Yes), the reading operation is completed.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a document in ACS reading according to this embodiment.
The relationship between the number indicating the document state (example: M101) and the step number in FIG. 20 (example: S101) will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 21, a symbol (black dot) is attached to the leading end side of the document.

M101: A document is set on the document tray 241 on the ADF 230 by the user. The original reading surface is set to face up.
M111: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the position sandwiched between the registration roller pair 243 via the conveyance path 443.
M112: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reading position 238 via the conveyance path 445.
M113: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 448 via the transport path 446 and the branches 236 and 237. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 in the branches 236 and 237 exist at positions 436a and 437a, respectively. In addition, the trailing edge of the nth document reaches the reading position 238. The nth document is read in the color mode between M112 and M113. Further, the leading edge of the (n + 1) th original reaches the position sandwiched between the registration roller pair 243 via the conveyance path 443.
M114: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 448. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113. At this time, the original reading surface is held downward. Thus, the inversion path 448 functions as a holding unit that can temporarily hold the document. If it is determined that the nth document is a color document, the process proceeds to M188 instead of the next M131.
M131: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 447 via the branches 237 and 236 by the conveying roller 248. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113. Note that up to M132, the nth document is conveyed in the opposite direction to the normal direction. Further, the (n + 1) th original is conveyed in the conveyance path 445 toward the reading position 238.
M132: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reverse path 447. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113. At this time, the original reading surface is held facing upward. Thus, the inversion path 447 functions as a holding unit that can temporarily hold the document. Further, the leading edge of the (n + 1) th document reaches the reading position 238 via the conveyance path 445.
M133: The leading end of the (n + 1) th original reaches the reverse path 448 via the transport path 446 and the branches 236 and 237. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113. Further, the trailing edge of the (n + 1) th document reaches the reading position 238. Between M132 and M133, the (n + 1) th original is read in the color mode.
M141 (, M151): The trailing edge of the (n + 1) th document reaches the reverse path 448. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113.
M152: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the reading position 238 via the branches 236 and 237, the re-transport path 449, and the transport path 445. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 exist at positions 436b and 437b, respectively.
M153: The leading edge of the nth original reaches the discharge tray 249 via the conveyance path 446, the branch 236, and the reverse path 447. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M152. In addition, the trailing edge of the nth document reaches the reading position 238. The nth document is read in the monochrome mode between M152 and M153.
M171: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the paper discharge tray 249. That is, the nth document is stacked on the paper discharge tray 249. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M152. At this time, the reading surface of the document is directed downward. If it is determined that the (n + 1) th original is a color original, the process proceeds to M185 instead of the next M172.
M172: The trailing edge of the (n + 1) th document reaches the reverse path 447 via the branches 237 and 236. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 exist at positions 436b and 437a, respectively. Until M173, the (n + 1) th original is conveyed in the reverse direction to the normal direction.
M173: The leading end of the (n + 1) th original reaches the reverse path 447. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M172.
M174: The leading edge of the (n + 1) th original reaches the reading position 238 via the branches 236 and 237, the re-conveying path 449, and the conveying path 445. At this time, the flappers 436 and 437 exist at positions 436b and 437b, respectively.
M175: The leading edge of the (n + 1) th original reaches the discharge tray 249 via the conveyance path 446, the branch 236, and the reverse path 447. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M174. Further, the trailing edge of the (n + 1) th document reaches the reading position 238. Between M174 and M175, the (n + 1) th original is read in the monochrome mode.
M185: The trailing edge of the (n + 1) th original reaches the paper discharge tray 249. That is, the (n + 1) th original is stacked on the paper discharge tray 249. The flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M174.
M187: The trailing edge of the nth original reaches the paper discharge tray 249. That is, the nth document is stacked on the paper discharge tray 249. Flappers 436 and 437 exist at the same position as M113. At this time, the reading surface of the document is directed downward.

  22 to 24 are diagrams showing time charts in ACS reading in the present embodiment. The meanings of symbols in each figure are the same as those in FIGS. FIG. 22 is a time chart in the case where the nth and (n + 1) th originals are color originals in ACS reading in the present embodiment. FIG. 23 shows a time chart in the case where the nth original is a color original and the (n + 1) th original is a monochrome original in ACS reading. FIG. 24 shows a time chart when the n-th and (n + 1) -th originals are monochrome originals in ACS reading in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 which are time charts of the conventional method and FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 which are time charts of the present embodiment, when a color original is read by the method of the present embodiment. The number of reading conditions changes (mode change count) is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the waiting time associated with the change of the reading condition and improve the reading productivity.

  The program executed by the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  A program executed by the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The information may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium that can be read by the user.

  Furthermore, the program executed by the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. The program executed by the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The program executed by the image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the ROM and executes the program. Each unit is loaded on the main storage device, and the above-described units are generated on the main storage device.

90 Operation board 100 Printer 207 CCD
210 Scanner 218 Scale 219 Base sensor 221 Contact glass 222 Illumination lamp 223 First mirror 224 Second mirror 225 Third mirror 226 Lens 229 Reference white plate 230 ADF
236, 237 Branch 238 Reading position 240 Reading glass 241 Document tray 242 Pickup roller 243 Registration roller pair 244, 245, 248 Conveying roller 246, 247 Discharge roller 249 Discharge tray 260 Engine 262 Image input / output processing unit 263 Scanner image processing unit H.264 Printer Image Processing Unit 270 Controller Board 271 HDD
272 CPU
273 Document Accumulation Control Unit 274 Rotator 275 Editor 276 MEM-C
278 North Bridge 279 System Memory 280 NIC
281 USB device 282 IEEE 1394 device 283 Centronics device 284 MLB
285 South Bridge 286 ROM
287 Facsimile control unit 301, 302, 303, 305 Line sensor 310-313 Writing unit 322, 323 Switch 331, 332, 333 Output terminal 401 ADF motor 402 Motor driver 411 Document determination unit 436, 437 Flapper 443, 445, 446 Conveyance path 447, 448 Reverse path 449 Re-transport path

Japanese Patent No. 3735324

Claims (7)

Reading means capable of sequentially reading images of a plurality of documents conveyed to a reading position and outputting image data by either one of a first operation mode and a second operation mode having different operations;
Determination means for determining, based on the image data, whether the read original corresponds to the first operation mode or the second operation mode;
When an nth (n is a natural number) document is read by the reading unit in the first operation mode, and the determination unit determines that the nth document does not correspond to the first operation mode, The (n + 1) th original is read by the reading means in the first operation mode, and after the (n + 1) th original is read, the nth original is read by the reading means in the second operation mode. Control means to control,
An image reading apparatus comprising: A holding unit capable of temporarily holding the document read by the reading unit;
When it is determined that the nth document does not correspond to the first operation mode, the control unit conveys the nth document to the holding unit, and the (n + 1) th document is transferred to the holding unit. After reading in the first operation mode by the reading means and reading the (n + 1) th original, the nth original is conveyed from the holding means to the reading position, and the reading means in the second operation mode. Reading and discharging the nth original after reading in the second operation mode;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The control means discharges the n-th document when it is determined that the n-th document corresponds to the first operation mode;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2. The control means reads the (n + 1) th original, and if the determination means determines that the (n + 1) th original does not correspond to the first operation mode, the control means Controlling the (n + 1) th original to be read by the reading means in the second operation mode;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. First holding means capable of temporarily holding a document read by the reading means;
Second holding means capable of temporarily holding a document read by the reading means;
When it is determined that the nth document does not correspond to the first operation mode, the control unit conveys the nth document to the first holding unit, and (n + 1) th document Is determined not to correspond to the first operation mode, the nth original is conveyed from the first holding means to the second holding means, and the (n + 1) th original is transferred to the first holding mode. Transporting to the holding means, transporting the nth document from the second holding means to the reading position, and reading by the reading means in the second operation mode;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. The first operation mode is a color operation mode for reading a document as a color image,
The second operation mode is a monochrome operation mode for reading a document as a monochrome image,
The determination means determines whether the read original is a color original that can be read in the color operation mode based on the image data;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1. Executed by an image reading apparatus having a reading unit capable of sequentially reading images of a plurality of documents conveyed to a reading position and outputting image data by either the first operation mode or the second operation mode having different operations. An image reading method, comprising:
A determination step for determining, based on the image data, whether the read document corresponds to the first operation mode or the second operation mode;
The control unit reads the nth document (n is a natural number) in the first operation mode by the reading unit, and the determination step determines that the nth document does not correspond to the first operation mode. The (n + 1) th original is read by the reading means in the first operation mode, and after the (n + 1) th original is read, the nth original is read by the reading means by the second operation. Control steps to control reading in mode;
An image reading method comprising:

Images