JPH10134223A - Special document decision device, image reader, and special document deciding method and computer-readable storage medium stored with program implementing the same method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect metal fiber mixed with a document with invariably high precision. SOLUTION: This special document decision device is equipped with a microwave sensor 161 which outputs a 1st detection signal by irradiating a pressure plate with a microwave to make a scan before a document is mounted on contact glass and detecting the reflected wave of the irradiation microwave and also outputs a 2nd detection signal by scanning the document by irradiation with the microwave after the document is mounted on the contact glass and covered with the pressure plate and detecting the reflected wave of the irradiation microwave, a signal processing part 162 which decides whether or not metal fibers is mixed with the document by comparing the level of the 2nd detection signal with the 1st detection signal as a reference signal, and a control unit 180 which decides whether or not the document is a special document according to the decision result of the signal processing part 162.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a special manuscript (a form, such as a bill or a security, in which a manuscript is inserted) by detecting a metal fiber inserted into the manuscript using a microwave. The present invention relates to a special-document determining device, an image reading device, a special-document determining method, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the method. Special manuscript discriminator, image reading device, special manuscript discriminating method and special manuscript capable of always discriminating special manuscripts, such as banknotes and securities, into which metal fibers are inserted even if the fiber detection conditions change. The present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image processing techniques and image forming techniques have been improved, so that it is possible to form an image so precisely that a copy bill copied by a color copying machine and an actual bill cannot be easily distinguished. . For this reason, a device has been developed that determines special manuscripts that are prohibited from being copied, such as bills and securities, and prohibits illegal copying of special manuscripts. Image forming apparatuses such as copying machines have also been proposed.

As the above-mentioned special manuscript, there is a manuscript in which metal fibers are inserted to indicate that the manuscript is a special manuscript. In order to distinguish such a special document from a normal document, it is sufficient to detect a metal fiber inserted into the special document. Therefore, as an image forming apparatus that has the function of determining a special document containing metal fibers, it irradiates the document with microwaves, detects the transmitted or reflected waves of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal. And a signal determination unit that receives a detection signal output from the microwave sensor and uses the detection signal to determine whether a metal fiber is caught in the document. Provisions have been made.

In the above-described image forming apparatus, the microwave sensor is generally provided in an image reading unit having a CCD or the like for imaging, and reciprocates with the image reading unit on a document placed on a document table. Irradiation of microwaves for detecting metal fibers and detection of reflected waves. Then, the signal determination unit inputs the detection signal of the reflected wave output from the microwave sensor, compares the level of the input detection signal with a preset threshold, and the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold. In such a case, it is determined that metal fibers are embedded in the original, while if the level of the detection signal does not exceed the threshold, it is determined that metal fibers are not inserted in the original. As a result, if it is determined that the metal fibers are embedded in the original, it is determined that the original is a special original such as a banknote or a security document in which the metal fibers are embedded.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, however, for example, when the metal plate is included in the pressure plate, when the mounting state of the pressure plate is changed, or when the use environment of the device is changed, etc. Since the level of the detection signal output from the microwave sensor may change, there has been a problem that the detection accuracy of the metal fiber inserted into the document changes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to always detect a metal fiber inserted into a document with high accuracy.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a special original discriminating apparatus, comprising: placing a document to be determined on a platen and covering the document with a pressure plate; Irradiates and scans, detects reflected microwaves of the radiated microwaves, determines whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document, and determines that metal fibers are inserted. In this case, in the special original discriminating apparatus for judging that the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers, the special original discriminating apparatus is provided before the original is placed on the platen. A predetermined area within the platen is irradiated with a microwave to scan, a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected, a first detection signal is output, and the original is placed on the platen and Irradiate the original with microwaves and scan Detecting means for detecting a reflected wave of the radiated microwave and outputting a second detection signal; and detecting the level of the reference signal and the second detection signal using the first detection signal as a reference signal. A first determining unit that determines whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document by comparing the document level with the document level; and determining whether the document is the special document based on a determination result of the first determining unit. A second determination unit for determining whether the document is a document.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a special original discriminating apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the detecting means irradiates a predetermined area in the special original discriminating apparatus with microwaves for scanning. In detecting the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected by irradiating the pressure plate with the microwave and scanning.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the special original discriminating apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the detecting means irradiates a predetermined area in the special original discriminating apparatus with a microwave to perform scanning. Detecting a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave by irradiating the metal plate provided near the original platen with the microwave for scanning when detecting the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave; It is.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the special original discriminating apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the special original discriminating apparatus further includes the first original output from the detecting means.
And an arithmetic means for performing arithmetic processing on the detection signal.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the special original discriminating apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the calculating means performs the first detection signal when performing the arithmetic processing on the first detection signal. The first detection signal is subjected to arithmetic processing by performing averaging processing on the signal to obtain an average signal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the special original judging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the arithmetic means performs arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, the first detecting means detects the first detecting signal. By subjecting the signal to sampling processing to obtain a maximum value signal, arithmetic processing is performed on the first detection signal.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the special original judging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the arithmetic means performs arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, the first detecting means detects the first detecting signal. The first detection signal is subjected to arithmetic processing by performing sampling processing on the signal to obtain a minimum value signal.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the metal plate provided in the vicinity of the platen is a white reference plate.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the special original judging device according to the third aspect, a glass plate is further provided near the metal plate, and the detecting means is provided via the glass plate. The metal plate is irradiated with microwaves for scanning, and the reflected wave is detected through the glass plate.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus, comprising: reading means for optically reading an image of an original; and whether or not the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers. An image reading apparatus having a special original discriminating means for judging, wherein the special original discriminating means comprises:
9 which includes the special original discriminating apparatus described in any one of No. 9.

Further, the special original judging method according to claim 11 is
The document to be determined is irradiated with microwaves and scanned, and reflected waves of the irradiated microwaves are detected to determine whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. In the special original discriminating method for judging that the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers when it is determined that the original is inserted, it is determined whether the original is the special original. A first step of detecting a metal member present in a determination environment for determining whether the document is present and storing positional information of the metal member; A second step of detecting a reflected wave of the original and outputting a detection signal of the reflected wave, and storing the first step in determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document. Using the obtained position information of the metal member, A third step of determining whether the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and the detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal member in the third step. When it is determined that the document is not a detection signal, a fourth determination is made by comparing the level of the detection signal with the level of a predetermined reference signal to determine whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document. A fifth step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are embedded in the original; and a third step of determining that the original is the special original. In the case where it is determined that the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member and in the case where it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are not inserted into the document, The scanning of the original and the detection signal are performed by the metal member. A sixth step of repeatedly executing a determination as to whether or not the signal is a detection signal of a reflected reflected wave and a determination as to whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the original; and When it is determined that the metal fiber is inserted into the document, the scanning of the document is terminated in a seventh step of determining that the document is the special document, and in the sixth step, An eighth step of determining that the original is not the special original when it is not determined that the original contains metal fibers;
Is included.

Further, the special manuscript judging method according to claim 12 is
12. The special original discriminating method according to claim 11, wherein
In the step of detecting, when detecting a metal member present in the determination environment, the microwave is irradiated and scanned into the determination environment in a state where the document is not present, and a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected. Then, the metal member present in the determination environment is detected by using the detected reflected wave.

[0019] Also, the special manuscript judging method of claim 13 is
The original to be determined is scanned by irradiating the original with infrared light, and the reflected wave of the emitted infrared light is detected to determine whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the original. If it is determined that the original is a special original, it is determined whether the original is the special original in a special original determination method of determining that the original is a special original such as a bill or a securities including metal fibers. A first step of detecting a metal member present in a determination environment for determination and storing positional information of the metal member, and irradiating the original with infrared rays to scan the original;
A second step of detecting a reflected wave of the scanned infrared ray and outputting a detection signal of the reflected wave; and determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document by the first step.
Using the position information of the metal member stored in the step of
A third step of determining whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member; and, in the third step, the detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal member. When it is determined that the document is not a detection signal, a fourth determination is made by comparing the level of the detection signal with the level of a predetermined reference signal to determine whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document. And a fifth step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are inserted into the original,
When it is determined in the third step that the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and when it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are not embedded in the document. Scanning the original, determining whether the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and determining whether metal fibers are embedded in the original. And a seventh step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the sixth step that metal fibers are embedded in the original. And a sixth step for determining that the original is not the special original when the scanning of the original is completed in the sixth step and it is not determined that the metal fibers are inserted into the original. And a process.

Further, the special original judging method according to claim 14 is
14. The special original discriminating method according to claim 13, wherein the first
In the step of detecting, when detecting a metal member present in the determination environment, irradiates the infrared radiation into the determination environment in the absence of the document and scans, detects a reflected wave of the emitted infrared light, The metal member existing in the determination environment is detected by using the detected reflected wave.

Further, the special original judging method according to claim 15 is
14. The special original discriminating method according to claim 11, wherein the first step detects a metal member existing in the judgment environment by using position information of the metal member input in advance. A metal member existing in the determination environment is detected.

[0022] The method of determining a special original according to claim 16 is as follows.
16. The special document determining method according to claim 12, wherein the fourth step and the sixth step are performed when determining whether metal fibers are embedded in the document. Then, by comparing the level of the reflected wave used in detecting the metal member with the level of the detection signal, it is determined whether or not a metal fiber is caught in the document.

A computer-readable storage medium according to a seventeenth aspect stores a program for executing the method according to any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a special original discriminating apparatus, an image reading apparatus, a special original discriminating method according to the present invention, and a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the method will be described. 1], [Embodiment 2], [Embodiment 3], [Embodiment 4], [Embodiment 5], [Embodiment 6], [Embodiment 7],
[Embodiment 8], [Embodiment 9], [Embodiment 1]
0] will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus to which a special original discriminating apparatus of the first embodiment is applied. The image reading apparatus shown in FIG.
Scanner unit 1 for reading GB color image data
10 (corresponding to the reading means according to claim 10) and color image data from the scanner unit 110, and γ
An image processing unit 120 that performs correction processing, RGB / YMCK conversion processing, gradation processing, and the like;
D) a writing processing unit 130 for performing image writing processing by emitting light from the 131, a printer unit 140 for recording a color image on recording paper using the writing light of the LD 131,
An operation unit 150 for inputting various modes and displaying messages, and irradiating a document with microwaves,
An original discriminating unit 160 for judging whether or not the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers, using reflected waves of the irradiated microwave. And a control unit 180 (corresponding to the second determining means according to claim 1) for controlling each of the above-mentioned sections. The special document discriminating device is a document discriminating unit 1
60 and a control unit 180.

In FIG. 1, the scanner unit 110
The image processing unit 12 performs a reading sensor 111 such as a CCD sensor for reading color image data, and performs signal processing such as converting color image data as an analog signal output from the reading sensor 111 into a digital signal.
And a read signal processing unit 112 for outputting the read signal to 0.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer unit 140 includes an image forming section (not shown) such as a photosensitive drum, a charger, and a developing device, and an output including a motor, a clutch, and a solenoid for driving these. A load unit 141;
Various sensors 142 for detecting the surface potential of the photosensitive drum, toner concentration, etc., and an I / O for controlling the input and output of predetermined signals
And a port 143.

As shown in FIG. 1, the original discrimination unit 160 irradiates a microwave to the original, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave. 161 and the microwave sensor 16
1. A signal for inputting the detection signal output from 1 and performing predetermined signal processing on the input detection signal to determine whether or not the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers. And a processing unit 162.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the signal processing unit 162. The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 16
1 scans the platen (see FIG. 3) by irradiating the platen with microwaves in the absence of the original, detects the reflected wave, and outputs a detection signal (corresponding to the first detection signal according to claim 1). A reference signal storage unit 402 for inputting and storing as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into a document.
And a detection signal (corresponding to the second detection signal according to claim 1) output by the microwave sensor 161 irradiating the original with a microwave to scan the original, detecting a reflected wave thereof, and the reference signal storage unit 402. And a determination processing circuit 403 for comparing the level of the detection signal with the level of the reference signal to determine whether or not the metal fiber is inserted into the document. A selector 4 that switches between inputting the detection signal output from the sensor 161 to the reference signal storage unit 402 or the determination processing circuit 403
01.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a specific configuration of a document reading system of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. FIG.
Is a contact glass 201 on which a document is placed, a pressure plate 202 for pressing the document onto the contact glass 201, and an exposure illumination unit (halogen lamp).
203, first mirror 204 and microwave sensor 16
1, a first scanner 205 integrally formed by 1, a second scanner 208 integrally formed by the second mirror 206 and the third mirror 207, an image reading unit 213 integrally formed by the filter 209, the lens 210 and the CCD 212, C
Various circuits for inputting image signals output from the CD 212 and performing predetermined signal processing, that is, the read signal processing unit 11
2, a scanner substrate 214 on which the image processing unit 120, the signal processing unit 162, and the like are mounted are housed in a housing.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 215 denotes a shading plate (white reference plate), 216 and 217 denote cooling fans, 218 denotes a dew condensation prevention heater, 219 denotes a document size detector, and 220 denotes a bar code plate.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus having the above configuration will be described. In the image reading apparatus having the special document determining function according to the first embodiment, the special document determining process is performed when reading color image data from a document. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a special original document determination process performed by the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the pressure plate 202 with a microwave immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and detects the level of the reflected wave. Is output to the signal processing unit 162 (S401). The timing at which the process of step S401 is executed is not limited to, for example, immediately after the power is turned on, and may be executed before the instruction to read the image data of the document is issued.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the input detection signal is stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 (S402). The detection signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is used later as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document. Therefore, hereinafter, the detection signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 will be referred to as a reference signal.

When a document is placed on the contact glass 201 and an instruction to read image data from the document is issued (S403), a process for detecting metal fibers inserted into the document is executed (S404). ). Step S40
In 4, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates the original with microwaves, scans the original, detects reflected waves of the emitted microwaves, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected waves to the signal processing unit 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the determination processing circuit 403, and the input detection signal is input to the determination processing circuit 403, and the reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is read and input to the determination processing circuit 403. The determination processing circuit 403 compares the level of the detection signal with the level of the reference signal (S40).
5).

Here, the detection signal and the reference signal compared in step S405 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 shows a conventional pressure plate 2 having no metal member.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a reference signal obtained by irradiating microwaves on a reference numeral 02 and a detection signal when a metal fiber is embedded in a document. As shown in FIG. 5, the level of the detection signal when the metal fiber is inserted into the document is higher than the level of the reference signal. Therefore, the reference signal obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with the microwave can be used as a criterion for determining whether or not the metal fiber is inserted into the document.

FIG. 6 shows a pressure plate 20 having a metal member.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a reference signal obtained by irradiating a microwave to a reference number 2 and a detection signal when a metal fiber is inserted into a document. Compared with FIG. 5, the difference between the level of the reference signal and the level of the detection signal when the metal fiber is embedded in the document is small, but the metal fiber is embedded in the document with respect to the level of the reference signal. The level of the detection signal is high. Therefore, even when a metal member is used for the pressing plate 202, the reference signal obtained by irradiating the pressing plate 202 with microwaves is used as a criterion for determining whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document. Can be used.

Next, in step S405, it is determined based on the result of comparison between the level of the detection signal and the level of the reference signal whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the original (S405).
406). Specifically, when the determination processing circuit 403 compares the level of the detection signal with the level of the reference signal and finds that the level of the detection signal exceeds the level of the reference signal, metal fibers are inserted into the document. If the level of the detection signal does not exceed the level of the reference signal, it is determined that the metal fiber is not inserted into the document. The result of the determination is sent from the determination processing circuit 403 to the control unit 1.
80 is reported.

The control unit 180 controls the judgment processing circuit 40
When a determination result is input from No. 3 and it is determined that the metal fiber is embedded, it is determined that the original is a special original such as a banknote or a securities including the metal fiber. on the other hand,
If the signal processing unit 162 determines that the metal fiber is not inserted, it is determined that the original is not a special original such as a banknote or a security document into which the metal fiber is inserted, but a general original.

If it is determined that the document is a special document, the control unit 180 executes a process for the special document. For example, by stopping reading of image data from a document, or by reading image data from a document, performing special image processing different from usual to form an image different from the image of the document, Prevent illegal copying of special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original is not a special original, the control unit 180 starts processing for reading image data from the original. That is, the first scanner 205 is reciprocated, and the exposure illumination unit 20
3. Illuminate the original. The light reflected by the document is reflected by the first mirror 204 and enters the second scanner 208. The reflected light that has entered the second scanner 208 is reflected by the second mirror 206 and the third mirror 207 and enters the image reading unit 213. The reflected light that has entered the image reading unit 213 passes through the filter 209 and the lens 210, and then enters the CCD 212. In the CCD 212, the reflected light is converted into image data as an electric signal,
The signal is input to the read signal processing unit 112.

The image data is subjected to predetermined processing in the read signal processing unit 112 and the image processing unit 120, and is output from the write processing unit 130 as laser light. The printer unit 140 includes the write processing unit 1
A color image is formed by using the laser light output from 30, and the formed color image is transferred onto recording paper.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the first embodiment, the platen 202 is irradiated with microwaves and scanned in a state where there is no original, and it is determined whether or not metal fibers are caught in the original. Since a reference signal for determination is obtained, for example, when the pressure plate is made of a metal member, when the mounting state of the pressure plate changes, or when the use environment of the device changes, the microwave sensor outputs the signal. Even if the level of the detection signal changes, a reference signal suitable for the current environment of the device can be obtained, and the original can always be written with special high accuracy with a special original such as banknotes or securities containing metal fibers. It can be determined whether or not there is.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit 162 of an image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the second embodiment is applied. Embodiment 2
The overall configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus is applied is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of Embodiment 1 is applied.

The signal processing unit 162 of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the second embodiment is applied detects a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with microwaves and scanning. And an arithmetic circuit 404 (corresponding to an arithmetic means according to claim 4) for performing an averaging process on the data to obtain an average signal.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the second embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determination process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determination apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied. In the special document determination procedure shown in FIG. 8, steps S401 to S406 are the same as those in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, and therefore, only different portions will be described below.

In step S401, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the pressure plate 202 with a microwave immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on, and detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave. A detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave is output to signal processing section 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 generates a reference signal by performing an averaging process on the input detection signal to obtain an average signal (S801). Then, the arithmetic circuit 404 stores the generated reference signal in the reference signal storage unit 402
The reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S402). The reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is used in step S405 as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied, the detection signal obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with microwaves and scanning in the state where no original is present is used. Compare the level of the reference signal with the level of the detection signal in order to determine the average signal by performing averaging and use it as a reference signal for determining whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document. The processing can be performed easily, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

Third Embodiment An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the third embodiment is applied detects a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with microwaves for scanning. ) Is provided in the signal processing unit 162 with an arithmetic circuit 404 (corresponding to arithmetic means according to claim 4) for performing a sampling process to obtain a maximum value signal. In addition,
The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the second embodiment is applied is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatuses of the first and second embodiments are applied. Description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the third embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determination process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determination apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied. Note that, in the special original determination procedure shown in FIG. 9, steps S401 to S406 are the same as those in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, and thus only different parts will be described below.

In step S401, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the pressure plate 202 with a microwave immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on, and detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave. A detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave is output to signal processing section 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 generates a reference signal by performing a sampling process on the input detection signal to obtain a maximum value signal (S901). And
The arithmetic circuit 404 outputs the generated reference signal to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S402). Reference signal storage unit 402
Is stored in step S405.
It is used as a reference signal when determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into a document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the third embodiment is applied, the detection signal obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with the microwaves and scanning in a state where there is no original is provided. A sampling process is performed to determine a maximum value signal, which is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. Can be easily performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the fourth embodiment is applied detects a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating the pressing plate 202 with microwaves and scanning the same. ) Is provided in the signal processing unit 162 with an arithmetic circuit 404 (corresponding to arithmetic means according to claim 4) for performing sampling processing to obtain a minimum value signal. In addition,
The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the second embodiment is applied is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatuses of the first and second embodiments are applied. Description is omitted.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the fourth embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied. In the special document determination procedure shown in FIG. 10, steps S401 to S406 are the same as those in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment, and thus only different parts will be described below.

In step S401, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the pressure plate 202 with microwaves immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on, and detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwaves. A detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave is output to the signal processing unit 162 (S401).

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 generates a reference signal by performing a sampling process on the input detection signal to obtain a maximum value signal (S1001). Then, the arithmetic circuit 404 outputs the generated reference signal to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S402). Reference signal storage unit 4
The reference signal stored in 02 is used as a reference signal when it is determined in step S405 whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is applied, the detection signal obtained by irradiating the pressure plate 202 with the microwaves and scanning in a state where there is no original is provided. Sampling processing is performed to determine the minimum signal, and this is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not metal fibers are caught in the original document. Can be easily performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

[Fifth Embodiment] In an image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the fifth embodiment is applied, a microwave sensor 161 irradiates a white reference plate 215 provided near a contact glass 201 with a microwave. And scanning, the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected, and a detection signal is output. This detection signal is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document. Is used. The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is applied is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied. I do.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the fifth embodiment is applied will be described. In the image reading apparatus having the special document determination function of the fifth embodiment,
The special document determination process is performed when image data is read from a document. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is applied.

The microwave sensor 161 starts the white reference plate 21 immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on.
5 (S1101). Subsequently, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the white reference plate 215 with a microwave, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave to the signal processing unit 162. (S1102). The timing at which the steps S1101 and S1102 are executed is not limited to immediately after power-on, etc., but may be executed before the instruction to read image data of a document is issued.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the input detection signal is stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 (S1103).
The detection signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is used later as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document. Therefore, below
The detection signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 will be referred to as a reference signal.

When a document is placed on the contact glass 201 and an instruction to read image data from the document is issued (S1104), a process for detecting a metal fiber inserted into the document is executed (S1105). ). Step S
In 1105, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates the original with microwaves and scans the originals, detects reflected waves of the emitted microwaves, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected waves to the signal processing unit 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the determination processing circuit 403, and the input detection signal is input to the determination processing circuit 403, and the reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is read and input to the determination processing circuit 403. The determination processing circuit 403 compares the level of the detection signal with the level of the reference signal (S110).
6). Note that the relationship between the reference signal and the detection signal is the same as that shown in FIG.

If the level of the detection signal exceeds the level of the reference signal as a result of the comparison between the level of the detection signal and the level of the reference signal by the determination processing circuit 403, it is determined that the original contains metal fibers. If it is determined that the level of the detection signal does not exceed the level of the reference signal, it is determined that metal fibers are not embedded in the document (S1107). Then, this determination result is reported from the determination processing circuit 403 to the control unit 180.

The control unit 180 controls the judgment processing circuit 40
When a determination result is input from No. 3 and it is determined that the metal fiber is embedded, it is determined that the original is a special original such as a banknote or a securities including the metal fiber. on the other hand,
If the signal processing unit 162 determines that the metal fiber is not inserted, it is determined that the original is not a special original such as a banknote or a security document into which the metal fiber is inserted, but a general original.

If it is determined that the document is a special document, the control unit 180 executes a process for the special document. For example, by stopping reading of image data from a document, or by reading image data from a document, performing special image processing different from usual to form an image different from the image of the document, Prevent illegal copying of special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the original is not a special original, the control unit 180 starts processing for reading image data from the original. Note that the image data reading operation is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the fifth embodiment, the white reference plate 215 is scanned by irradiating the microwave with the microwaves, and it is determined whether or not the metal fibers are inserted into the original. Therefore, a white reference plate generally used in an image reading apparatus can be used, and a reference signal can be easily obtained.

In the fifth embodiment, a white reference plate is used to obtain a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into a document. May be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, a contact glass 201 is located between the document and the microwave sensor 161. Therefore, by inserting a glass plate between the white reference plate 215 (metal plate) and the microwave sensor 161, the original is irradiated with the microwave and scanned, and the same as when a detection signal is obtained from the reflected wave. Under the conditions, it is possible to obtain a reference signal for determining whether or not the metal fiber is inserted into the document.

[Sixth Embodiment] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is applied is a white reference plate 215.
An arithmetic circuit 404 (corresponding to the arithmetic means according to claim 4) for averaging a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating the object with a microwave and performing scanning to obtain an average signal. The signal processing unit 162 is provided. The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the sixth embodiment is applied is almost the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatuses of the first, second and third embodiments are applied. The description is omitted here because it is the same.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a special original document determination processing procedure of an image reading apparatus to which the special original document determination device according to the sixth embodiment is applied. In the special document determination procedure shown in FIG. 12, steps S1101 to S1107 are the same as those in FIG. 11 described in the fifth embodiment, and thus only different parts will be described below.

In step S1102, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the white reference plate 215 with a microwave, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave. Output to the processing unit 162.

The signal processing unit 162 is provided for the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 performs an averaging process on the input detection signal to obtain an average signal, thereby generating a reference signal (S1201). Then, the arithmetic circuit 404 stores the generated reference signal in the reference signal storage unit 40.
2 and the reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S1103). In step S1106, the reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402
It is used as a reference signal when determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into a document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the sixth embodiment is applied, the white reference plate 21
5 is subjected to an averaging process on a detection signal obtained by irradiating a microwave and scanning to obtain an average signal, which is used as a criterion for judging whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the original. Since the signal is used as a signal, comparison processing between the level of the reference signal and the level of the detection signal can be easily performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

[Seventh Embodiment] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the seventh embodiment is applied is a white reference plate 215.
An arithmetic circuit 404 (corresponding to arithmetic means according to claim 4) which performs a sampling process on a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating and scanning a microwave to obtain a maximum signal. The processing unit 162 is provided. The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the seventh embodiment is applied is almost the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatuses of the first, second and third embodiments are applied. The description is omitted here because it is the same.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the seventh embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determination processing procedure of an image reading apparatus to which the special document determination apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is applied. Note that in the special document determination procedure shown in FIG. 13, steps S1101 to S1107 are the same as those in FIG. 11 described in the fifth embodiment, and therefore only different parts will be described below.

In step S1102, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the white reference plate 215 with a microwave, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave. Output to the processing unit 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 generates a reference signal by performing a sampling process on the input detection signal to obtain a maximum value signal (S1301). Then, the arithmetic circuit 404 outputs the generated reference signal to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S1103). The reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is used as a reference signal when determining in step S1106 whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the seventh embodiment is applied, the white reference plate 21
5 is subjected to a sampling process on a detection signal obtained by irradiating and scanning a microwave to obtain a maximum value signal, which is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber is caught in a document. Therefore, the comparison processing between the level of the reference signal and the level of the detection signal can be easily performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

[Eighth Embodiment] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the eighth embodiment is applied is a white reference plate 215.
An arithmetic circuit 404 for generating a reference signal by performing a sampling process on a detection signal (first detection signal) obtained by irradiating and scanning a microwave with a microwave to obtain a minimum value signal. (Corresponding to arithmetic means) in the signal processing unit 162. The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the eighth embodiment is applied is almost the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatuses of the first, second and third embodiments are applied. The description is omitted here because it is the same.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the eighth embodiment is applied will be described. FIG.
33 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determination processing procedure of the image reading apparatus to which the special document determination apparatus according to the eighth embodiment is applied. In the special document determination procedure shown in FIG. 14, steps S1101 to S1107 are the same as those in FIG. 11 described in the fifth embodiment, and therefore, only different portions will be described below.

In step S1102, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the white reference plate 215 with a microwave, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave. Output to the processing unit 162.

The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the detection signal is input to the arithmetic circuit 404. The arithmetic circuit 404 generates a reference signal by performing a sampling process on the input detection signal to obtain a minimum value signal (S1401). Then, the arithmetic circuit 404 outputs the generated reference signal to the reference signal storage unit 402, and the reference signal storage unit 402 inputs and stores the reference signal (S1103). The reference signal stored in the reference signal storage unit 402 is used as a reference signal when determining in step S1106 whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the eighth embodiment is applied, the white reference plate 21
5 is subjected to a sampling process on a detection signal obtained by scanning by irradiating a microwave to obtain a minimum value signal, which is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document. Therefore, the comparison processing between the level of the reference signal and the level of the detection signal can be easily performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced. Therefore, the memory amount of the reference signal storage unit 402 can be reduced.

[Ninth Embodiment] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied detects a metal member present in an original scanning area (judgment environment) and detects the position information of the metal member. It memorizes, scans the original by irradiating it with microwaves, detects the reflected microwaves, outputs a reflected wave detection signal, and determines whether metal fibers are caught in the original. In this case, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal member using the stored position information of the metal member, and the detection signal is reflected by the reflected wave reflected by the metal member. If it is determined that the signal is not a detection signal, the level of the detection signal is compared with the level of a predetermined reference signal to determine whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. When it is determined that metal fibers are embedded , When the original is determined to be a special original and the detection signal is determined to be a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by a metal member, and when it is determined that metal fibers are not embedded in the original. , Scanning of the original, determination of whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and determination of whether or not metal fibers are caught in the original, are repeatedly executed. If it is determined that metal fibers are embedded in the original, the original is determined to be a special original, scanning of the original is completed, and it is not determined that metal fibers are embedded in the original In addition, it is determined that the original is not a special original. In addition,
The configuration of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the ninth embodiment is applied will be described with reference to a metal part judging process.
The description will be made in the order of the special document determination process.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a metal part determining process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied. Immediately after the power is turned on or at a predetermined timing after the power is turned on, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the original scanning area with a microwave, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and responds to the level of the reflected wave. The detected signal is output to the signal processing unit 162 (S1501: corresponds to the first step of the eleventh aspect).

[0093] The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
16, the selector 401 is switched to the storage unit 406, the input detection signal is input to the metal part extraction processing unit 405, and the detection signal is input to the document scanning area as shown in FIG. 16. Existing metal parts (eg AD
The position of F) is detected (S1502: corresponds to the first step of claim 11). The position information of the metal part detected by the metal part extraction processing unit 405 is stored in the storage unit 406 (S1503: corresponds to the first step according to claim 11).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection signal output from the microwave sensor 161 by executing the metal part determination processing. As shown in FIG. 17, the detection signal output from the microwave sensor 161 has three peaks. These three peaks show A in the document scanning area.
This indicates that a metal part such as DF exists. In the ninth embodiment, in the special original discriminating process, it is determined whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the original using the detection signal of the reflected wave reflected in the area where the peak appears. I do.

As described in the first to eighth embodiments, the detection signal obtained by the above-described metal portion determination processing is used as a reference signal for determining whether or not a metal fiber exists in a document. Can be used. In this case, the detection signal can be subjected to arithmetic processing such as averaging processing.

Special Document Determination Process In the image reading apparatus having the nine special document determination functions of the embodiment, the special document determination process is performed when image data is read from a document. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied.

When a document is placed on the contact glass 201 and an instruction to read image data from the document is issued (S1801), a process for detecting metal fibers inserted into the document is executed (S1802). : This corresponds to the second step of claim 11). In step S1802, the microwave sensor 161 irradiates and scans the original with microwaves, detects a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the level of the reflected wave to the signal processing unit 16
Output to 2.

[0098] The signal processing unit 162 includes the microwave sensor 1
The selector 401 receives the detection signal output from the
Is switched to the determination processing circuit 403, and the input detection signal is input to the determination processing circuit 403, and the storage unit 406
Is read out and input to the determination processing circuit 403. The determination processing circuit 403 determines whether or not the detection signal is obtained from the reflected wave reflected by the metal part using the position information of the metal part (S180).
3: Corresponds to the third step described in claim 11).

If it is determined in step S1803 that the detection signal is obtained from the reflected wave reflected by the metal part, the process returns to step S1802, and scanning of the original by the microwave sensor 161 is continued to perform detection. A signal is output (corresponding to the sixth step of claim 11).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1803 that the detection signal is not obtained from the reflected wave reflected by the metal part, the level of the detection signal and the storage unit 40
6 and the level of the reference signal stored in the judgment processing circuit 40
3 (S1804: corresponds to the fourth step according to claim 11).

In step S1804, if the level of the detection signal exceeds the level of the reference signal, it is determined that metal fibers are embedded in the document, while the level of the detection signal does not exceed the level of the reference signal. In this case, it is determined that the metal fiber is not inserted in the document (S1805:
This corresponds to the fourth step according to claim 11).

If it is determined in step S1805 that the original contains metal fibers, the result is reported from the determination processing circuit 403 to the control unit 180.
The control unit 180 determines that the manuscript is a special manuscript, such as a bill or a securities, into which metal fibers have been inserted (corresponding to the fifth step and the seventh step in claim 11).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1805 that no metal fiber has been inserted into the document, the process returns to step S1802, where scanning of the document by the microwave sensor 161 is continued to output a detection signal ( Claim 11
Corresponding to the sixth step described in the above).

The above steps S1802 to S180
As a result of executing the processing of No. 5 over the entire area of the manuscript,
If it is not determined that the metal fibers are embedded in the document, the special document determination process ends (S1806:
This corresponds to the eighth step according to claim 11). In this case, it is determined that the original is not a special original but a general original.

If it is determined that the document is a special document, the control unit 180 executes a process for the special document. For example, by stopping reading of image data from a document, or by reading image data from a document, performing special image processing different from usual to form an image different from the image of the document, Prevent illegal copying of special manuscripts such as banknotes and securities.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the document is not a special document, the control unit 180 starts processing for reading image data from the document. Note that the image data reading operation is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus of the ninth embodiment, the metal part existing in the original scanning area is recognized in advance, so that the metal part exists in the original scanning area due to the configuration of the apparatus. However, since the detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal part is not used for determining whether or not the metal fiber is caught in the document, erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal part of the apparatus can be prevented. .

In the ninth embodiment, the microwave sensor 16 is used in the metal part determination processing and the special original determination processing.
Although 1 is used, this can be replaced with an IR (infrared) sensor 163 as shown in FIG.

[Embodiment 10] An image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the tenth embodiment is applied, when detecting the position of a metal member existing in an original scanning area in the ninth embodiment, receives an input beforehand. The position of the metal member existing in the area of the document reading unit is detected by using the obtained position information of the metal member.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a metal part determination processing procedure in an image reading apparatus to which the special original determination apparatus according to the tenth embodiment is applied. After the power is turned on, the user inputs coordinates (position information) of a metal part (for example, ADF) existing in the document scanning area from the operation unit 150 (S2001).

The input coordinates of the metal part are stored in the signal processing unit 1.
62 is stored in the storage unit 406 (S2002).

The special original discriminating process by the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the tenth embodiment is applied is as follows.
Since the processing is the same as that of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the ninth embodiment is applied, the description is omitted here.

As described above, according to the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus of the tenth embodiment is applied, the position of the metal member existing in the original scanning area is determined by using the previously input position information of the metal member. In order to detect the presence of a metal part, it is possible to make the apparatus easily recognize the position of the metal part when it is known in advance that the metal part exists in the document scanning area, and to prevent erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal part of the apparatus. be able to.

The special original discriminating method described in the first to twelfth embodiments is programmed, and is programmed into a floppy disk, hard disk, CD-ROM,
It can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a VD.

[0115]

As described above, according to the special original discriminating apparatus according to the present invention (claim 1), before the original is placed on the original platen, the micro area is set in a predetermined area in the special original discriminating apparatus. Scanning by irradiating the wave, detecting the reflected wave of the radiated microwave, outputting the first detection signal, placing the document on the platen, covering the plate with the platen, and irradiating the document with the microwave Scanning, and detecting the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave,
Detecting means for outputting a detection signal for the first detection signal and comparing the level of the reference signal with the level of the second detection signal using the first detection signal as a reference signal to determine whether metal fibers are included in the document. First determining means for determining whether or not
A second determining means for determining whether or not the original is a special original based on the determination result of the determining means.
For example, when the pressure plate is made of a metal member, when the mounting state of the pressure plate changes, and when the use environment of the device changes, the level of the detection signal output from the microwave sensor changes even if the level of the detection signal changes. A reference signal suitable for the current environment can be obtained, and it can always be determined with high accuracy at a constant level whether or not the original is a special original such as a bill or a securities containing metal fibers.

According to the special original judging device according to the present invention (claim 2), in the special original judging device according to claim 1, the detecting means applies microwaves to a predetermined area in the special original judging device. When irradiating and scanning, and detecting the reflected wave of the radiated microwave, the reflected wave of the radiated microwave is detected by irradiating and scanning the pressure plate with a microwave. Even if it is configured, if the mounting state of the pressure plate changes, and if the use environment of the device changes, the level of the detection signal output from the microwave sensor changes, it is suitable for the current environment of the device. A reference signal can be obtained, and it can be always determined with high accuracy that a document is a special document such as a bill or a security document into which metal fibers are inserted.

According to the special original judging device according to the present invention (claim 3), in the special original judging device according to claim 1, the detecting means applies microwaves to a predetermined area in the special original judging device. When irradiating and scanning, and detecting the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave, the reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected by irradiating and scanning the metal plate provided near the platen with the microwave. Therefore, a reference signal serving as a reference for determining whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into a document can be obtained with a simple configuration.

According to the special original discriminating apparatus according to the present invention (claim 4), the special original discriminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprises a second Since the calculation means for performing the calculation processing on the first detection signal is provided, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the metal fiber is caught in the document and to reduce the data amount of the reference signal. .

Further, according to the special original discriminating apparatus according to the present invention (claim 5), in the special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 4, when the arithmetic means performs arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, By performing an averaging process on the first detection signal to obtain an average value signal, and performing an arithmetic process on the first detection signal, it is easy to determine whether or not a metal fiber is inserted in the document. This can be performed, and the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced.

According to the special original judging device according to the present invention (claim 6), in the special original judging device according to claim 4, the arithmetic means performs arithmetic processing on the first detection signal. By performing sampling processing on the first detection signal to obtain a maximum value signal, and performing arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, it is easy to determine whether or not a metal fiber is inserted into the document. And the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced.

Further, according to the special original discriminating apparatus according to the present invention, in the special original discriminating apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the arithmetic means performs arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, By performing sampling processing on the first detection signal to obtain a minimum value signal, and performing arithmetic processing on the first detection signal, it is easy to determine whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. And the data amount of the reference signal can be reduced.

According to the special original judging device according to the present invention (claim 8), in the special original judging device according to claim 3, the metal plate provided near the document table is a white reference plate. Therefore, when the special original discrimination device is applied to the image reading device, a white reference plate generally used in the image reading device can be used, and a reference signal can be easily obtained.

According to the special original judging device according to the present invention (claim 9), in the special original judging device according to claim 3, a glass plate is further provided in the vicinity of the metal plate, and the detecting means includes a glass plate. Scanning by irradiating a microwave to a metal plate through a plate and detecting reflected waves through a glass plate, it is the same as scanning and irradiating a document with microwaves and detecting the reflected waves. Under the conditions, it is possible to obtain a reference signal that is used as a reference for determining whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document.

According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention (claim 10), the special original discriminating means comprises the special original discriminating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
It is always possible to determine with a high degree of accuracy whether or not the original is a special original such as a banknote or securities containing metal fibers, thereby preventing illegal copying of banknotes or securities.

Further, according to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 11), a metal member present in a judging environment for judging whether or not the original is a special original is detected,
A first step of storing position information of the metal member, a second step of irradiating the original with microwaves to scan, detecting a reflected wave of the scanned microwave, and outputting a reflected wave detection signal; When determining whether or not a metal fiber is caught in a document, a detection signal is detected by using the position information of the metal member stored in the first step and a reflected wave reflected by the metal member is detected. A third step of determining whether or not the signal is a signal; and, if it is determined in the third step that the detection signal is not a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, the level of the detection signal and a predetermined level are determined. A fourth step of comparing the level of the reference signal with the level of the metal fiber to determine whether or not the metal fiber is embedded in the original; and determining whether the metal fiber is embedded in the original in the fourth step. A fifth step of determining that the document is a special document when the determination is made; In the case where it is determined in the step 3 that the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and in the case where it is determined in the fourth step that the metal fiber is not embedded in the document, A sixth step of repeatedly executing the scanning, the determination as to whether or not the detection signal is the detection signal of the reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and the determination as to whether or not the metal fiber is inserted into the document. , When it is determined in the sixth step that the metal fiber is caught in the document,
When the scanning of the original is completed in the seventh step and the sixth step in which the original is determined to be a special original, and it is not determined that the metal fibers are embedded in the original, the original is replaced with the special original. And an eighth step of judging that it is not the case, it is possible to prevent erroneous judgment due to the influence of the metal member of the device.

According to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 12), in the special original judging method according to claim 11, the first step detects a metal member present in the judgment environment. At this time, scanning is performed by irradiating microwaves into the judgment environment in the absence of the original, detecting reflected waves of the irradiated microwaves, and using the detected reflected waves to detect metal members existing in the judgment environment. Since the detection is performed, the metal member existing in the document operation area can be automatically detected, and erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal member can be prevented.

Further, according to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 13), a metal member present in a judging environment for judging whether or not the original is a special original is detected.
A first step of storing positional information of the metal member, a second step of irradiating the original with infrared rays to scan, detecting a reflected wave of the scanned infrared rays, and outputting a reflected wave detection signal, When judging whether or not a metal fiber is penetrated into the metal member, the detection signal is used as a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, using the position information of the metal member stored in the first step. A third step of determining whether or not the detection signal is present, and if it is determined in the third step that the detection signal is not a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, the level of the detection signal and a predetermined reference signal A fourth step of judging whether or not metal fibers have been inserted into the original by comparing
If it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are embedded in the original, the fifth determination is that the original is a special original.
And when the detection signal is determined to be a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member in the third step and the fourth step,
If it is determined in the step (3) that the metal fiber is not embedded in the original, scanning of the original, determination of whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, A sixth step of repeatedly determining whether or not a metal fiber has been inserted; and, if it is determined in the sixth step that the metal fiber has been inserted into the original, the original is replaced with a special original. When the scanning of the original is completed in the seventh step and the sixth step, and it is not determined that the metal fibers are embedded in the original, it is determined that the original is not a special original. Since the method includes the eighth step, erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal member of the apparatus can be prevented.

According to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 14), in the special original judging method according to claim 13, the first step detects a metal member present in the judgment environment. In this case, scanning is performed by irradiating infrared rays into the determination environment in the absence of a document, detecting reflected waves of the irradiated infrared rays, and using the detected reflected waves to detect metal members existing in the determination environment. Therefore, it is possible to automatically detect the metal member existing in the document operation area,
Erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal member can be prevented.

Further, according to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 15), in the special original judging method according to claim 12 or 15, the first step includes the step of removing a metal member existing in the judgment environment. In the case of detecting the metal member existing in the determination environment by using the position information of the metal member input in advance at the time of detection, it is known in advance that the metal portion exists in the area of the document reading unit. In addition, the position of the metal portion can be easily recognized by the device, and erroneous determination due to the influence of the metal portion of the device can be prevented.

According to the special original judging method according to the present invention (claim 16), in the special original judging method according to claim 11 or 13, the fourth step and the sixth step include a step of setting the metal in the original. When determining whether or not the fiber is embedded, the level of the reflected wave used in detecting the metal member in the first step is compared with the level of the detection signal, so that the metal fiber is included in the document. For example, when the pressure plate is made of a metal member, when the mounting state of the pressure plate changes, or when the use environment of the device changes, the output from the microwave sensor is Even if the level of the detection signal changes, a reference signal suitable for the current environment of the device can be obtained, and the manuscript is always a highly accurate manuscript, such as a bill or a security document containing metal fibers. Whether or not It can be determined.

Furthermore, according to the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention (claim 17),
Since the program for executing the method described in any one of Nos. 16 to 16 is stored, the program itself of the above-described special original document judging method can be appropriately protected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus to which a special original discriminating apparatus according to a first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit provided in an image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is applied.

3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a document reading system of an image reading apparatus to which the special document determination device illustrated in FIG. 1 is applied.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by the image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the first embodiment is applied;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a reference signal obtained by irradiating a normal pressure plate having no metal member with microwaves and a detection signal when metal fibers are embedded in a document.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a reference signal obtained by irradiating a pressure plate having a metal member with microwaves and a detection signal when a metal fiber is inserted into a document.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a signal processing unit of an image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the second embodiment is applied;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the third embodiment is applied;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is applied;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determination process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determination apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is applied;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the sixth embodiment is applied;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the seventh embodiment is applied;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the eighth embodiment is applied;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a metal part determination processing procedure of the image reading apparatus to which the special original determination apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a signal processing unit provided in an image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied.

17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a detection signal output from the microwave sensor by executing the metal part determination process illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a special document determining process performed by an image reading apparatus to which the special document determining apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a modification of the image reading apparatus to which the special original discriminating apparatus according to the ninth embodiment is applied.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a metal part determination processing procedure of the image reading apparatus to which the special original determination apparatus according to the tenth embodiment is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 110 scanner unit 111 read sensor 112 read signal processing unit 120 image processing unit 130 write processing unit 140 printer unit 150 operation unit 160 document discrimination unit 161 microwave sensor 162 signal processing unit 163 IR (infrared) sensor 180 control unit 201 contact glass 202 Pressure plate 215 Shading plate (white reference plate) 401 Selector 402 Reference signal storage unit 403 Judgment processing circuit 404 Operation circuit 405 Metal part extraction processing unit 406 Storage unit

Claims (17)

[Claims] An original to be determined is placed on an original platen and covered with a pressure plate. The original is irradiated with microwaves to scan, and a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected. Judge whether metal fibers are inserted in the manuscript,
In a special original discriminating apparatus for judging that the original is a special original such as a banknote or a securities, into which the metallic fiber has been inserted, when it is determined that the metallic fiber is embedded, Before placing on the special document determination device, a predetermined area in the special original discriminating apparatus is irradiated with a microwave and scanned, a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected, and a first detection signal is output. After placing the original on the platen and covering the original with the pressure plate, the original is irradiated with microwaves and scanned, and a reflected wave of the emitted microwave is detected,
Detecting means for outputting the first detection signal, and comparing the level of the reference signal with the level of the second detection signal using the first detection signal as a reference signal. First determining means for determining whether or not the document is inserted, and second determining means for determining whether or not the document is the special document based on a determination result of the first determining means; A special document determination device comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means irradiates a predetermined area in the special original discriminating apparatus with a microwave for scanning, and detects a reflected wave of the radiated microwave to apply a microwave to the pressure plate. 2. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflected microwave of the irradiated microwave is detected by irradiating and scanning. 3. A detection device according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means irradiates a predetermined area in said special original discriminating apparatus with a microwave for scanning and detects a reflected wave of the radiated microwave. 2. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reflected microwave of the irradiated microwave is detected by irradiating the provided metal plate with a microwave. 4. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that performs an operation process on the first detection signal output from the detection unit. apparatus. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculating means performs an averaging process on the first detection signal to obtain an average signal when performing the arithmetic processing on the first detection signal. 5. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the signal is subjected to arithmetic processing. 6. The first detection signal by performing a sampling process on the first detection signal to obtain a maximum value signal when the calculation means performs a calculation process on the first detection signal. 5. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein arithmetic processing is performed on the document. 7. The first detection signal by performing a sampling process on the first detection signal to obtain a minimum value signal when performing an arithmetic process on the first detection signal. 5. The special original discriminating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein arithmetic processing is performed on the document. 8. The special document judging device according to claim 3, wherein the metal plate provided near the document table is a white reference plate. 9. Further, a glass plate is provided in the vicinity of the metal plate, and the detecting means irradiates the metal plate with microwaves through the glass plate and scans the glass plate. 4. The special document judging device according to claim 3, wherein a reflected wave is detected. 10. Reading means for optically reading an image of a document, and special document determining means for determining whether or not the document is a special document such as bills or securities into which metal fibers are inserted. An image reading apparatus, comprising: the special document determining device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; 11. A document to be determined is irradiated with a microwave and scanned, a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave is detected, and it is determined whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. In a special manuscript judging method for judging that the manuscript is a special manuscript, such as a bill or a securities, into which the metal fiber has been inserted, when it is judged that the manuscript is embedded in the special manuscript, A first step of detecting a metal member present in a determination environment for determining whether or not the document is a document and storing positional information of the metal member; and irradiating the document with microwaves to scan the document; A second step of detecting a reflected wave of the scanned microwave and outputting a detection signal of the reflected wave; and a step of determining whether or not a metal fiber is caught in the document. The position of the metal member stored in step 1 A third step of using information to determine whether the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and the detection signal being reflected by the metal member in the third step. When it is determined that the detected signal is not the detected signal of the reflected wave, the level of the detection signal is compared with the level of a predetermined reference signal to determine whether or not the metal fiber is inserted into the document. A fourth step of determining, and a fifth step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the fourth step that the metal fibers are inserted into the original, When it is determined in the third step that the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and when it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are not embedded in the document. Scanning of the original, the detection signal A sixth step of repeatedly executing a determination as to whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member and a determination as to whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document; If it is determined in the step that the metal fibers are embedded in the original, the seventh original is determined to be the special original.
The scanning of the original is completed in the step of
An eighth step of determining that the original is not the special original if it is not determined that the original contains metal fibers. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when detecting the metal member present in the determination environment, the first step scans the microwave by irradiating the microwave into the determination environment without the original.
12. The metal member present in the determination environment is detected by detecting a reflected wave of the irradiated microwave and using the detected reflected wave.
Special manuscript judgment method described. 13. A document to be determined is irradiated with infrared light and scanned, and a reflected wave of the irradiated infrared light is detected to determine whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document. If it is determined that the fiber is embedded,
In the special original discriminating method for judging that the original is a special original such as banknotes or securities including metal fibers,
A first step of detecting a metal member present in a determination environment for determining whether the document is the special document and storing positional information of the metal member; and irradiating the document with infrared light. A second step of detecting a reflected wave of the scanned infrared ray and outputting a detection signal of the reflected wave;
When it is determined whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document, the detection signal is reflected by the metal member using the position information of the metal member stored in the first step. A third step of determining whether or not the signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave; and, if it is determined in the third step that the detection signal is not a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, A fourth step of comparing the level of the detection signal with the level of a predetermined reference signal to determine whether or not metal fibers are inserted into the document;
A fifth step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the step that the metal fibers are embedded in the original, and a third step in which the detection signal is determined by the third step. When it is determined that the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member, and when it is determined in the fourth step that metal fibers are not embedded in the document, scanning of the document is performed. A sixth step of repeatedly executing a determination as to whether or not the detection signal is a detection signal of a reflected wave reflected by the metal member and a determination as to whether or not metal fibers are embedded in the document; A seventh step of determining that the original is the special original when it is determined in the sixth step that metal fibers are embedded in the original; and a step of determining that the original is the special original in the sixth step. Scanning is completed and metal fibers are inserted into the original. If it is not determined that,
An eighth step of determining that the document is not the special document. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the first step, when detecting a metal member present in the determination environment, the determination environment is irradiated with the infrared ray and scanned in the absence of the document. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: detecting a reflected wave of infrared light; and detecting the metal member existing in the determination environment by using the detected reflected wave. 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first step detects a metal member existing in the determination environment by using position information of the metal member input in advance to detect a metal member existing in the determination environment. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein a member is detected. 16. The method according to claim 16, wherein the fourth step and the sixth step are:
When judging whether or not metal fibers are caught in the document, the level of the reflected wave used in detecting the metal member in the first step is compared with the level of the detection signal. Determining whether or not the original contains metal fibers.
2. The method for determining a special document according to 2 or 15. 17. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 11. Description: