JP6680038B2 - Image reading apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image processing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Laminate processing is known in which a film having high light transmittance is attached to the front and back surfaces of a printed matter such as paper. The printed matter to be laminated is, for example, an identification card, a membership card, an advertisement, a price list, or the like. Laminating can prevent discoloration and abrasion of the sandwiched printed matter. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for conveying a laminated medium.

JP, 2011-032021, A

  The film of the laminated original (laminated original) is easily attached with dust or scratched. Therefore, when an image reading device such as a scanner cuts out a region corresponding to the document body from the read image data of the laminated document, it judges a scratch on the film around the document body as the document body and cuts out an incorrect region. Sometimes. Further, the shape and size of this cutout region changes depending on the position and size of a scratch or the like on the film. For example, when OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing is performed on a laminated original, if the cutout area is erroneously determined, the OCR processing is not performed on the desired range in which the characters should be recognized.

  An object of the present invention is to accurately cut out a document body and its peripheral portion from read image data of a laminated document.

  One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is an image reading apparatus, which includes a reading unit that scans a document to generate read image data, an image acquisition unit that acquires the read image data, and the read image. A first area detection unit that detects a first area corresponding to the original in the data is compared with a vertical and horizontal size of the first area and a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size, and the original is a laminated original. A document type determination unit that determines whether or not the read image data is subjected to edge detection processing to generate edge image data when the document is determined to be a laminated document, and the edge image data is generated based on the edge image data. A second area detection unit that detects a second area corresponding to the main body of the original in the read image data and a peripheral portion thereof, and the read image when the original is determined to be a laminated original. And a cutout portion from over data cut out image data of the second region. As a result, the image reading apparatus can accurately determine the type of document (normal document or laminated document). Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading device can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof.

  The above-mentioned image reading device has an automatic paper feeding device for feeding the original document to the reading unit and detecting a start end and an end of the original document, and the first area detection unit is provided for the detected original document. The vertical size may be determined based on the start end and the end, and the horizontal size may be determined based on the read image data. As a result, the image reading apparatus can specify the vertical and horizontal sizes of the document in a shorter time than in the case where the vertical and horizontal sizes are specified by image processing.

  The image reading apparatus may be capable of selecting either the normal mode or the laminated original mode. When the normal mode is selected, the first area detection unit detects the first area in the read image data, and the cutout unit extracts the first area from the read image data. Cut out image data. When the laminated original mode is selected, the first area detection unit detects the first area in the read image data, and the original type determination unit determines whether the original is a laminated original. If it is determined that the original is a laminated original, the second area detection unit detects the second area in the read image data, and the original is determined to be a laminated original. In this case, the cutout unit cuts out the image data of the second area from the read image data, and when it is determined that the document is not a laminated document, the cutout unit outputs the first image from the read image data. The image data of the area is cut out. As a result, the image reading apparatus can appropriately cut out the image data regardless of whether the user sets a normal document or a laminated document.

  In the above-described image reading device, the first area detection unit generates image data in which the read image data is subjected to threshold value determination processing, and performs angle detection processing and rectangle detection processing on the image data. As a result, the second area detection unit detects the second area by performing the angle detection processing and the rectangle detection processing on the edge image data. Good. As a result, the image reading apparatus can cut out the image data by the image processing that has a smaller processing amount than the edge detection processing for the normal document and can perform the highly accurate image processing for the area detection for the laminated document.

  Another aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is an image reading apparatus, including a reading unit that scans a document to generate read image data, an image acquisition unit that acquires the read image data, and the reading unit. A first area detection unit that detects a first area corresponding to the original in the image data, and edge detection processing is performed on the read image data to generate edge image data, and based on the edge image data, A second area detection unit for detecting a second area corresponding to the main body of the original document and its peripheral portion in the read image data, and a vertical and horizontal size of the first area and a vertical and horizontal size of the second area. And a document type determination unit that determines whether the document is a laminated document, and if the document is determined to be a laminated document, the image data of the second area from the read image data. And a cut-out portion to be cut out. Accordingly, the image reading apparatus can accurately determine the type of the original (normal original or laminated original) based on the image characteristics of the read image data without using the reference vertical and horizontal sizes. Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading device can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is an image processing method for an image reading apparatus, which includes a step of scanning a document to generate read image data, and a step of acquiring the read image data. Whether the original is a laminated original by comparing the step of detecting a first area corresponding to the original in the read image data with the vertical and horizontal sizes of the first area and a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size. And a step of determining that the original is a laminated original, edge detection processing is performed on the read image data to generate edge image data, and based on the edge image data, A step of detecting a second area corresponding to the main body of the original document and its peripheral portion; and the read image when the original document is determined to be a laminated original document. From over data and a step of cutting out the image data of the second region. As a result, the image reading apparatus can accurately determine the type of document (normal document or laminated document). Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading device can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is an image processing method for an image reading apparatus, which includes a step of scanning a document to generate read image data, and a step of acquiring the read image data. Detecting a first area corresponding to the original in the read image data; performing edge detection processing on the read image data to generate edge image data; and based on the edge image data, the read image The step of detecting the second area corresponding to the main body of the original in the data and its peripheral portion is compared with the vertical and horizontal sizes of the first area and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the second area, and the original is detected. A step of determining whether or not the original is a laminated original, and when the original is determined to be a laminated original, the image data of the second area is extracted from the read image data. Ri issues and a step. Accordingly, the image reading apparatus can accurately determine the type of the original (normal original or laminated original) based on the image characteristics of the read image data without using the reference vertical and horizontal sizes. Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading device can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof.

It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an image reading device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image reading processing. It is a figure explaining cutting out of a lamination original. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

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

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The image reading device 1 is, for example, a scanner or an MFP (Multifunction Printer), and has a scan function and the like.

  The image reading device 1 includes a control unit 2, a reading unit 3, a display unit 4, an input unit 5, and a communication unit 6. The control unit 2 includes an image acquisition unit 21, an image processing unit 22, and an image output unit 23.

  The control unit 2 controls the operation of the image reading device 1 in an integrated manner. The control unit 2 includes, for example, an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the control unit 2. It can be realized by a computer including an interface circuit that connects other units, a bus that connects these units, and the like. The control unit 2 may include various processing circuits such as an image processing circuit. The control unit 2 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or the like.

  At least a part of the functions of the control unit 2 (the image acquisition unit 21, the image processing unit 22, the image output unit 23) is performed by, for example, the CPU reading a predetermined program stored in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program. Can be realized. The predetermined program can be read from a portable storage medium and installed in the image reading device 1, or can be downloaded from a server on the network and installed in the image reading device 1. At least a part of the function of the control unit 2 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an image processing circuit. At least a part of the function of the control unit 2 may be realized by both the CPU and the processing circuit, for example.

  The reading unit 3 reads an original according to an instruction from the control unit 2, generates image data, and outputs the image data to the control unit 2. The reading unit 3 is, for example, a scan engine using an image sensor, and includes mechanical parts, a sensor, a motor, a drive circuit, a control circuit, and the like. The reading unit 3 of the present embodiment can output, for example, a color image or a gray scale image. The reading unit 3 can also output image data having a predetermined resolution such as 200 dpi, 300 dpi, or 600 dpi, or a resolution selected by the user.

  The image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an ADF 31 (Auto Document Feeder) in addition to a document table (not shown). The ADF 31 conveys the document to be read in a predetermined conveyance direction so as to pass through the reading area of the reading unit 3 (for example, the upper side of the image sensor) according to an instruction from the control unit 2 or the reading unit 3. The ADF 31 is composed of mechanical parts, sensors, motors, drive circuits, control circuits, and the like. Further, the ADF 31 includes, for example, a sensor (not shown, for example, an optical sensor) that detects the start and end of the document, and an encoder that detects the rotation angle of a motor for conveying the document. The control unit 2 can specify the vertical size of the document based on the outputs of these sensors and the encoder, for example. The carrying direction corresponds to the sub-scanning direction and the longitudinal direction of the document, and the direction orthogonal to the carrying direction corresponds to the main scanning direction and the lateral direction of the document.

  The display unit 4 displays the processing result of the control unit 2 as characters, graphs, tables, animations, and other images. The display unit 4 is an output device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an OLED (Organic Electroluminescence Display).

  The input unit 5 accepts a user's operation input and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 2. The input unit 5 is, for example, an input device such as a key, a touch sensor, or a touch panel.

  The communication unit 6 transmits / receives information to / from an external device. The communication unit 6 is, for example, a communication module conforming to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The image reading device 1 may be provided with a communication unit compliant with a wired LAN instead of or in addition to the communication unit 6.

  In the following, the case where the image reading apparatus 1 reads an ordinary document (for example, a standard document such as A4 and B5) or a laminated document (laminated document) using the ADF 31 will be mainly described. The laminating process (also referred to as pouch process) is a process of attaching a film having high light transmittance to the front and back surfaces of a document (printed matter) such as paper. The manuscript to be laminated is, for example, an identification card, a membership card, an advertisement, a price list, or the like.

  The image acquisition unit 21 acquires the read image data from the reading unit 3. When a normal original is read, the read image data includes an area corresponding to the normal original and an area corresponding to the background (for example, a platen holding the original). When a laminated original is read, the read image data includes an area corresponding to the laminated original (a main body of the original and a film around the original) and an area corresponding to a background (for example, a platen holding the original).

  The image processing unit 22 executes a process of cutting out image data of an area corresponding to a document (area corresponding to a normal document or a laminated document) from the read image data. The image processing section 22 includes a first area detection section 221, a second area detection section 222, a document type determination section 223, and a cutout section 224.

  The first area detection unit 221 identifies the vertical size of the document based on the sensor output and the encoder output output from the ADF 31. Further, the first area detection unit 221 identifies the horizontal size of the area corresponding to the document from the read image data output from the image acquisition unit 21. Further, the first area detection unit 221 identifies the inclination of the original area with respect to the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction. Further, the first area detection unit 221 specifies the rectangular area (corresponding to the “first area” of the present invention) corresponding to the original using the vertical and horizontal sizes and the inclination of the specified original area. The rectangle includes a square.

  The second area detection unit 222 executes processing when the document type determination unit 223 described later determines that the read document is a laminated document. The second area detection unit 222 performs edge detection processing on the read image data output from the image acquisition unit 21 to generate edge image data. Further, the second area detection unit 222 specifies the vertical size and the horizontal size of the area corresponding to the laminated original based on the edge image data. Further, the second area detection unit 222 identifies the inclination of the laminated document area with respect to the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction. Further, the second area detection unit 222 identifies the rectangular area (corresponding to the “second area” of the present invention) corresponding to the laminated original by using the specified vertical and horizontal sizes and inclination of the laminated original area.

  The document type determination unit 223 compares the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original detected by the first area detection unit 221 with a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size. The image reading apparatus 1 of the present embodiment targets a laminated document smaller than the smallest standard size that can be read by the reading unit 3. The reference vertical / horizontal size is, for example, smaller than the smallest standard document size that the reading unit 3 can read, and larger than the largest laminated document size that the reading unit 3 can read. When the vertical and horizontal sizes of the detected original are smaller than the reference vertical and horizontal sizes, the original type determination unit 223 determines that the read original is a laminated original. When the detected vertical and horizontal size of the original is equal to or larger than the reference vertical and horizontal size, the original type determination unit 223 determines that the read original is a normal original.

  When it is determined that the read document is a normal document, the cutout unit 224 cuts out a rectangular area corresponding to the document detected by the first area detection unit 221 from the read image data. When it is determined that the read document is a laminated document, the cutout unit 224 cuts out a rectangular area corresponding to the laminated document detected by the second area detection unit 221 from the read image data.

  The image output unit 23 outputs the image data of the normal document or the laminated document cut out by the cutout unit 224 to, for example, a storage unit such as a RAM or a ROM or an external device or the like capable of communicating via the communication unit 6. When the image reading device 1 has a printing unit, the image output unit 23 may output the image data to the printing unit to print it.

  An operation example of the image reading apparatus 1 described above will be described below.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the image reading process. When the control unit 2 receives a reading start instruction from the user via the input unit 5 or the communication unit 6, for example, the control unit 2 starts the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. The control unit 2 causes the ADF 31 to convey a document (normal document or laminated document) and causes the reading unit 3 to read the document.

  First, the image acquisition unit 21 acquires read image data from the reading unit 3 (step S1). The image acquisition unit 21 also acquires the sensor output and the encoder output output from the ADF 31.

  Then, the first area detection unit 221 executes threshold value determination on the read image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 21 (step S2). For example, the first area detection unit 221 determines whether or not the gradation value of each pixel of the read image data exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and an area larger than a predetermined area composed of pixels exceeding the predetermined threshold value. Is specified as a pixel area forming the document. Of course, the method of threshold determination is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms can be used.

  Further, in step S2, the first area detection unit 221 specifies the horizontal size of the original based on the specified original area. For example, the first area detection unit 221 may specify the maximum width in the main scanning direction on the original area as the horizontal size. Further, the first area detection unit 221 specifies the vertical size of the document based on the sensor output (the original end and the end of the document) and the encoder output (rotation angle) acquired by the image acquisition unit 21. The first area detection unit 221 may find the vertical size of the document from the rotation angle from the start end to the end of the document and the document movement distance per unit rotation angle, for example.

  Then, the first area detection unit 221 executes angle detection (step S3). For example, the first area detection unit 221 may specify a side forming an angle of the original from the original area specified in step S2, and specify an inclination angle of this side with respect to the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction. In this way, the inclination of the original area is detected. Of course, the angle detection method is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms can be used.

  Then, the first area detection unit 221 executes rectangle detection (step S4). For example, the first area detection unit 221 specifies the rectangular area corresponding to the original based on the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original area specified in step S2 and the inclination of the original area specified in step S3. In this way, the document area as a rectangular area is detected. Of course, the method of rectangle detection is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms can be used.

  Then, the document type determination unit 223 executes the document size determination (step S5). For example, the document type determination unit 223 compares the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original detected in step S2 with a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size.

  When the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original are smaller than the reference vertical and horizontal sizes (step S5: laminated original), the second area detection unit 222 executes edge detection on the read image data output from the image acquisition unit 21 (step S5). S6). For example, the second area detection unit 222, for each pixel of the read image data, a filter for the main scanning direction (for example, vertical and horizontal N × N pixels) and a filter for the sub scanning direction (for example, vertical and horizontal N × N pixels). Is used to obtain the edge amount in the main scanning direction and the edge amount in the sub scanning direction of each pixel. Further, the second area detection unit 222 compares the edge amount in the main scanning direction with the edge amount in the sub scanning direction for each pixel, and when the edge amount in the main scanning direction is larger than the sub scanning direction, The edge amount in the main scanning direction is output, and when the edge amount in the main scanning direction is less than or equal to the edge amount in the sub scanning direction, the edge amount in the sub scanning direction is output. In this way, edge image data including the edge amount of each pixel is generated. Of course, the method of edge detection is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms such as Sobel filter can be used.

  In addition, in step S6, the second area detection unit 222 performs binarization processing on the edge image data to generate binary edge image data. In this binary edge image data, the edge pixels appear white. By such edge detection, in addition to the edge of the original body of the laminated original, the edge of the film around it can also be detected as edge pixels.

  Further, in step S6, the second area detection unit 222 identifies the area corresponding to the laminated document from the binary edge image data. The second area detection unit 222 may specify, for example, the widest edge area of the rectangular closed edge areas in the area inside the outer edge of the edge image data as the outer edge of the laminated document. Further, the second area detection unit 222 specifies the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original based on the area corresponding to the specified laminated original. The second area detection unit 222 may specify, for example, the maximum width in the main scanning direction of the laminated document area as the horizontal size and the maximum width in the sub scanning direction as the vertical size.

  Then, the second area detection unit 222 executes angle detection (step S7). For example, the second area detection unit 222 specifies a side that forms an angle of the laminated document from the laminated document area in the edge image data specified in step S6, and specifies the tilt angle of this side with respect to the main scanning direction or the sub scanning direction. do it. In this way, the inclination of the laminated original area is detected. Of course, the angle detection method is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms can be used.

  Then, the second area detection unit 222 executes rectangle detection (step S8). For example, the second area detection unit 222 specifies the rectangular area corresponding to the laminated original based on the vertical and horizontal sizes of the laminated original area specified in step S6 and the inclination of the laminated original area specified in step S7. In this way, the laminated document area as the rectangular area is detected. Of course, the method of rectangle detection is not limited to the above method, and other existing algorithms can be used.

  If the vertical and horizontal sizes of the original are equal to or larger than the reference vertical and horizontal sizes (step S5: normal original), or after step S8, the cutout unit 224 performs tilt correction and cutout (steps S9 to S10).

  When the read original is a normal original, the cutout unit 224 rotates the read image data so that, for example, the two sides forming the corners of the rectangular area detected in step S4 coincide with the main scanning direction and the sub scanning direction. Let In addition, the cutout unit 224 cuts out the image data of the rectangular area from the rotated read image data. The image output unit 23 outputs the image data of the normal document cut out by the cutout unit 224.

  When the read original is a laminated original, the cutout unit 224 rotates the read image data so that the two sides forming the corners of the rectangular area detected in step S8 coincide with the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Let In addition, the cutout unit 224 cuts out the image data of the rectangular area from the rotated read image data. The image output unit 23 outputs the image data of the laminated original cut out by the cutout unit 224.

  As described above, the image reading apparatus 1 can determine from the read image data whether the original is a normal original or a laminated original, and can cut out an area corresponding to the normal original or the laminated original.

  The image reading apparatus 1 may have a “normal mode” for reading a normal document and a “laminated document mode” for reading both a normal document and a laminated document as operation modes. The image reading apparatus 1 may operate in the operation mode selected by the user, for example. The image reading apparatus 1 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 when the “laminated original mode” is selected. On the other hand, when the "normal mode" is selected, the image reading apparatus 1 may omit steps S5 to S8 and execute steps S1 to S4, S9, and S10.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining cutting out of a laminated document.

  FIG. 3A shows read image data 100 when a laminated original is read. The read image data 100 includes an area 120 corresponding to the original body of the laminated original, an area 130 corresponding to the film around the original body, and an area 140 corresponding to the background. Since the region 130 has high light transmittance, it is read in almost the same color as the background. Therefore, the threshold value determination process in step S2 in FIG. 2 cannot detect the area including the areas 120 and 130 as the original area, but detects the area 120 as the original area.

  FIG. 3B shows binary edge image data 100E of the read image data 100. The edge image data 100E includes an edge area 120E of the area 120 and an edge area 130E of the area 130. At the outer edge of the region 130, for example, a film shadow or the like is generated, and a change in luminance with the background appears sharply. Therefore, the edge detection process of step S6 of FIG. 2 can detect the outer edge of the area 130 as an edge. In addition, the rectangular area detection process of step S8 in FIG. 2 can specify a rectangular area including the edge area 130E.

  FIG. 3C shows the image data 150 corresponding to the laminated original cut out from the read image data 100. The image data 150 includes an area 120 corresponding to the original body of the laminated original and an area 130 corresponding to the film around the original body. The cutout process of step S10 of FIG. 2 can cut out the image data 150 from the read image data 100 based on the rectangular area (edge area 130E) specified by using the edge detection result.

  The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. For example, in the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, whether the read original is a normal original or a laminated original is detected by the first area (the original body of the normal original or the laminated original) corresponding to the detected original. The size is determined by comparing the size with the standard vertical and horizontal sizes. Further, when the read original is a laminated original, the image reading apparatus 1 sets the area corresponding to the original main body and its peripheral portion to the second area (the original main body of the laminated original and its peripheral portion) by the edge detection processing. To detect as. As a result, the image reading apparatus 1 can accurately determine the type of document (normal document or laminated document). Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading apparatus 1 can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof. By cutting out not only the original body of the laminated original but also the area including the peripheral portion, it is possible to prevent the wrong area from being cut out.

  Further, for example, the image reading device 1 specifies the vertical size of the document using the sensor output of the ADF 31, and specifies the horizontal size of the document by image processing. As a result, the image reading apparatus 1 can specify the vertical and horizontal sizes of the document in a shorter time than in the case where the vertical and horizontal sizes are specified by image processing.

  Further, for example, the image reading apparatus 1 has a “normal mode” and a “laminated original mode”, and when the “laminated original mode” is selected, the type of the original read (normal original or laminated original). Perform processing according to. The image reading apparatus 1 can appropriately cut out image data regardless of whether a user sets a normal document or a laminated document.

  Further, for example, the image reading device 1 detects the first area by the threshold value determination processing and detects the second area by the edge detection processing. As a result, the image reading apparatus 1 can cut out image data of a normal document by image processing that requires less processing than the edge detection processing. Further, the image reading apparatus 1 can execute highly accurate image processing for area detection on a laminated document.

[Second Embodiment]
The image reading apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment cuts out a document from the read image data according to a processing procedure different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The processes of steps S11 to S14 are the same as steps S1 to S4 of FIG. The rectangular area detected in step S14 is called a "first area".

  The processes of steps S15 to S17 are the same as steps S6 to S8 of FIG. The rectangular area detected in step S17 is called a "second area".

  Then, the document type determination unit 223 determines whether the size of the second area is larger than the size of the first area (step S18). When the laminated original is read, the size of the second area is larger than the size of the first area. On the other hand, when a normal document is read, the size of the second area is equal to or smaller than the size of the first area.

  When the size of the second area is larger than the size of the first area (step S18: YES), the cutout unit 224 performs processing for a laminated document (step S19). For example, the cutout unit 224 executes predetermined image processing so that the image quality of the image data of the laminated document is improved. The process executed in step S19 is not particularly limited as long as it is a process suitable for a laminated document.

  If the size of the second area is equal to or smaller than the size of the first area (step S18: NO), the normal document setting is performed (step S20). For example, the cutout unit 224 executes predetermined image processing so that the image quality of the image data of the normal document is improved. The process executed in step S20 is not particularly limited as long as it is a process suitable for a normal document.

  After step S19 or step S20, the cutout unit 224 performs tilt correction and cutout (steps S21 to S22). The processing of steps S21 to S22 is the same as the processing of steps S9 to S10 in FIG.

  The image reading apparatus 1 may have the above-mentioned “normal mode” and “laminating original mode” as operation modes. The image reading apparatus 1 executes the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 when the “laminated original mode” is selected. On the other hand, when the "normal mode" is selected, the image reading apparatus 1 may omit steps S15 to S19 and execute steps S11 to S14 and S20 to S22.

  The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. For example, in the image reading apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, whether the read original is a normal original or a laminated original is detected by the first area (the original body of the normal original or the laminated original) corresponding to the detected original. Is compared with the size of the second area (the original body of the laminated original and its peripheral portion) corresponding to the laminated original detected by the edge detection processing. As a result, the image reading apparatus 1 can accurately determine the type of original (normal original or laminated original) based on the image characteristics of the read image data without using the reference vertical and horizontal sizes. Further, when the read document is a laminated document, the image reading apparatus 1 can accurately cut out the document body included in the laminated document and the peripheral portion thereof. By cutting out not only the original body of the laminated original but also the area including the peripheral portion, it is possible to prevent the wrong area from being cut out.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the following modifications may be added to the above embodiments. Moreover, two or more may be combined suitably with embodiment and each modification.

  For example, the image reading device 1 may read a normal document or a laminated document placed on a document table. In this case, the first area detection unit 221 may specify the vertical size of the document based on, for example, the result of executing the threshold value determination process on the read image data.

  The configurations of the image reading device 1 described in the above-described embodiment are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration. The present invention is not limited by the classification method and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the image reading device 1 can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Also, one component can be classified so as to perform more processing. The processing of each component may be executed by one piece of hardware or a plurality of pieces of hardware. Further, the sharing of the processing or the function of each component is not limited to that described above as long as the object and effect of the present invention can be achieved.

  The processing unit described in the above embodiment is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the image reading apparatus 1. The invention of the present application is not limited by the division method or name of the processing unit. The processing of the image reading apparatus 1 can be divided into a larger number of processing units according to the processing content. It is also possible to divide one processing unit so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the above processing order is not limited to the illustrated example.

  The present invention can be provided not only as an image reading device but also in other forms such as an image processing method, an image processing program, a recording medium storing the image processing program, and an image reading system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image reading device, 2 ... Control part, 3 ... Reading part, 4 ... Display part, 5 ... Input part, 6 ... Communication part, 21 ... Image acquisition part, 22 ... Image processing part, 23 ... Image output part, 100. ... read image data, 100E ... edge image data, 120 ... area, 120E ... edge area, 130 ... area, 130E ... edge area, 140 ... area, 150 ... image data, 221 ... first area detector 222, ... 2 area detection unit 223 ... manuscript type determination unit 224 ... cutout unit

Claims (6)

A scanning unit that scans a document and generates scanned image data,
An image acquisition unit that acquires the read image data,
A first area detection unit that detects a first area corresponding to the document in the read image data;
A document type determination unit that determines whether the document is a laminated document by comparing the vertical and horizontal sizes of the first area with a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size;
A second area detection unit that detects an edge of the read image data and detects a second area in the read image data corresponding to the laminated original when the original is determined to be a laminated original ;
Wherein when the document is judged the laminate original, an image reading apparatus and a cutout portion that cuts out image data of the second area from the read image data,
You can select either normal mode or laminated original mode,
When the normal mode is selected,
The first area detection unit detects the first area in the read image data,
The cutout unit cuts out the image data of the first region from the read image data,
When the laminated original mode is selected,
The first area detection unit detects the first area in the read image data,
The document type determination unit determines whether the document is the laminated document,
When the original is determined to be the laminated original, the second area detection unit detects the second area in the read image data,
When the document is determined to be the laminated document, the cutout unit cuts out the image data of the second area from the read image data,
An image reading device that cuts out the image data of the first area from the read image data when the original is determined not to be the laminated original. A scanning unit that scans a document and generates scanned image data,
An image acquisition unit that acquires the read image data,
A first area detection unit that detects a first area corresponding to the document in the read image data;
A second area detection unit that detects an edge of the read image data and detects a second area corresponding to the laminated document in the read image data;
Said first and vertical and horizontal sizes of the region by comparing the vertical and horizontal size of the second area to determine a document type determining unit whether said document is said laminated document,
Wherein when the document is judged the laminate original image reading device having a cutout portion that cuts out image data of the second area from the read image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
An automatic paper feeding device that detects the start and end of the original while sending the original to the reading unit,
The image reading device, wherein the first area detection unit determines the vertical size based on the detected start and end of the document and the horizontal size based on the read image data. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first area detection unit generates image data obtained by performing threshold value determination processing on the read image data, and performs angle detection processing and rectangle detection processing on the image data to obtain the first area. Detect the area,
The second area detection unit performs image detection for detecting the second area by performing angle detection processing and rectangle detection processing on edge image data obtained by performing edge detection processing on the read image data. apparatus. An image processing method for an image reading device, comprising:
A step of scanning a document to generate read image data,
Acquiring the read image data,
Selecting either normal mode or laminated original mode,
When the normal mode is selected,
Detecting a first area corresponding to the original in the read image data, and cutting out image data of the first area from the read image data;
When the laminated original mode is selected,
Detecting the first region in the read image data,
Comparing the vertical and horizontal sizes of the first area with a predetermined reference vertical and horizontal size to determine whether the original is a laminated original;
Detecting the edge of the read image data and detecting a second area in the read image data corresponding to the laminated document when the document is determined to be the laminated document.
Cutting out the image data of the second area from the read image data when the original is determined to be the laminated original;
Cutting out the image data of the first area from the read image data when it is determined that the original is not the laminated original.
An image processing method including. An image processing method for an image reading device, comprising:
A step of scanning a document to generate read image data,
Acquiring the read image data,
Detecting a first area corresponding to the original in the read image data;
Detecting an edge of the read image data and detecting a second area corresponding to the laminated document in the read image data;
By comparing the vertical and horizontal sizes of the first region height and width and the second region, the determining whether the document is said laminated document,
A step of cutting out the image data of the second area from the read image data when the original is determined to be a laminated original.

Images