JPH1127507A - Original reader, image-copying machine using it, facsimile equipment and compound equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a reader to read both a sheet original and a book original simultaneously by reading a still original with sub-operation by shifting at least a part of the read means, reading the original in a moving state with a sub operation and composting both read images into one. SOLUTION: A book scanner section 50 is provided with a CCD sensor 50e, that photoelectric-converts an original image resulting from scanning an original placed standstill on an original platen glass 50h by means of the reflection of a mirror. The original placed standstill on the original platen glass 50h is irradiated so as to have a prescribed lightness by a light source 50g and a reflecting plate 50f moving with a 1st mirror 50a. An original image is reflected in a 2nd mirror 50b and a 3rd mirror 50c and made incident into a lens group 50d and photoelectric-converted by the CCD sensor 50e via the lens group 50d and fed to an image-processing section as an electric signal. The 1st mirror 50a moves in a range from a 1st read point to a 2nd read point for reading a still original.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an original reading apparatus, and an image copying apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, and a multifunction apparatus using the same. It concerns the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional technique for reading both sides of a document mainly employs a method of inverting a sheet document and reading one side at a time. By the way, as a method of shortening the reading time by simultaneously reading both sides of the document, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-236208, light sources are provided on both sides of the document, and the read information is guided to one photoelectric conversion element by a mirror. A method of alternately reading the data for each line has been proposed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 6-338988 proposes a device for reading an original by switching the optical path of the original reading surface by using one photoelectric conversion element. While switching back, the position of the mirror on the optical path is switched to scan the back side.

Further, as an apparatus for processing an image of a document in which character information and halftone information are mixed, an apparatus having a configuration in which the inclination of a reading γ table is increased, an apparatus having an image processing means for enhancing edges, and the like. Many have been proposed.

[0005]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8 (1999) -1995, since the optical path passes over the front and back of the document, the optical path for reading the document must be provided outside the range of the document arrangement. For this reason, the device size must be increased as a whole,
There was a problem that it was difficult to reduce the size of the device.

In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-338988, since the original is switched back and the front and back sides are scanned, both sides of the original cannot be read at the same time. Was slow.

In the "character / picture mixed mode", it is necessary to increase the inclination of the γ table in order to emphasize the black of the character portion.
If the inclination of the γ table is increased, there is a problem that the gradation is sacrificed. In other words, the outline of the character information is clearer than when the image is read in a simple halftone reading mode, but the gradation of the halftone image information is sacrificed, and there is a problem that a rich image cannot be expressed. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is a first object of the present invention to enable simultaneous reading of both a sheet document and a book document. It is a second object of the present invention to reduce the size of a document reading apparatus capable of simultaneously reading both sides of a document. It is a third object of the present invention to be able to read both sides of a document simultaneously and to read a book document. A fourth object is to improve the reading speed of a document reading apparatus capable of reading both sides of a document. It is a fifth object of the present invention to output an image with a rich gradation expression of a halftone image.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an original reading apparatus for reading a stationary original placed on a fixed image table while moving at least a part of the original reading means and performing sub-scanning. A first document reading device, a second document reading device for reading the moving document while moving the document by the document feeding unit and performing sub-scanning, and an image of a still document read by the first document reading device. And image combining means for combining the image of the moving document read by the second document reading device into one.

Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the document reading means of the first document reading apparatus reads one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding section. The second document reading device reads one surface of a document moved by the document feeding unit and reads the other surface of the first document. The output is read by a device, and the output of the first document reading device and the output of the second document reading device are combined by the image combining means.

Another feature of the original reading apparatus of the present invention is that the image synthesizing means has a resolution,
It is characterized in that a plurality of original images different in at least one of density, gradation and magnification can be synthesized.

Another feature of the original reading apparatus according to the present invention is that the image synthesizing unit includes the first image synthesizing unit.
The image of the still original read by the original reading device and stored in the image information storage means is combined with the image of the moving original read by the second original reading device.

Another feature of the document reading apparatus of the present invention is that the document reading apparatus further comprises a selection unit for selecting image information of the moving document and image information of the still document for each page. .

In the image copying apparatus according to the present invention, a first original reading unit for reading a stationary original placed on a fixed image placing table while performing sub-scanning by moving at least a part of the original reading unit. A second document reading device that reads the moving document while performing sub-scanning while moving the document by a document feeding unit; an image of a still document read by the first document reading device; Image combining means for combining the image of the moving document read by the two document reading devices into one.

According to another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention, the document reading means of the first document reading device reads one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding section. The second document reading device reads one surface of a document moved by the document feeding unit and reads the other surface of the first document. The output is read by a device, and the output of the first document reading device and the output of the second document reading device are combined by the image combining means.

Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that the image synthesizing means can synthesize a plurality of original images different in at least one of resolution, density, gradation and magnification. Features.

According to another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention, the image synthesizing unit is configured to read an image of a static original read by the first original reading unit and stored in the image information storage unit. And combining the image of the moving document read by the second document reading device.

Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that the image copying apparatus further comprises a selecting means for selecting image information of the moving original and image information of the stationary original for each page. .

Another feature of the image copying apparatus of the present invention is that the image copying apparatus further comprises a recording unit for recording the combined image information combined by the image combining unit.

A facsimile apparatus according to the present invention is a first document reading apparatus for reading a still document placed on a fixed image table while moving at least a part of document reading means and performing sub-scanning. A second document reading device that reads the moving document while performing sub-scanning while moving the document by a document feeding unit; an image of a still document read by the first document reading device;
Image combining means for combining the image of the moving document read by the document reading device into one, and communication means for transferring and outputting the combined image information combined by the image combining means to an external device. It is characterized by doing.

According to another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the document reading means of the first document reading device can read one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding section. A first surface of the document moved by the document feeder is read by the second document reading device, and the other surface is read by the first document reading device. And the output of the first document reading device and the output of the second document reading device are combined by the image combining means.

According to another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the image synthesizing means synthesizes the read image during image reading in a mode of transmitting to a line while performing a reading operation. In a memory transmission mode in which the read image is stored in a memory and then transmitted to a line, the image is synthesized immediately before transmission.

Another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is that the image synthesizing means has a resolution,
It is characterized in that a plurality of original images different in at least one of density, gradation and magnification can be synthesized.

In another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention, the image synthesizing means includes
The image of the still original read by the original reading device and stored in the image information storage means is combined with the image of the moving original read by the second original reading device.

Another feature of the facsimile apparatus of the present invention is that the facsimile apparatus further comprises a selecting means for selecting image information of the moving original and image information of the stationary original for each page.

Also, the document reading apparatus of the present invention has a first reading means for reading an image without moving the document, a second reading means for reading an image while moving the document, An image synthesizing means for synthesizing an image read by the first reading means and an image read by the second reading means is provided.

Another feature of the original reading apparatus of the present invention is that the image synthesizing means includes a resolution, a density,
It is characterized in that a plurality of original images different in at least one of the gradation and the magnification can be synthesized.

Another feature of the original reading apparatus of the present invention is that the image synthesizing unit reads the image read by the first reading unit and stored in the image information storage unit, Is combined with the image read by the reading means.

Another feature of the original reading apparatus according to the present invention is that the original reading apparatus further comprises a selecting means for selecting an image to be synthesized by the synthesizing means.

Further, a multifunction apparatus according to the present invention includes the image copying apparatus and the facsimile apparatus.

Since the present invention comprises the above technical means, a first original reading apparatus for performing sub-scanning by moving an optical system while fixing an original, and a second original reading apparatus for performing sub-scanning by moving an original Since each output of the apparatus can be combined into one by the image combining means to generate a document image, a sheet document and a book document can be combined to generate one document.

According to another feature of the present invention, it is possible to set different reading modes (resolution, density, gradation, and magnification) for the first document reading device and the second document reading device. Therefore, it is possible to combine a plurality of originals having different resolutions, densities, gradations, and magnifications, so that the original can be read at an optimum resolution, density, gradation, and magnification suitable for the state of the originals. .

According to another feature of the present invention, an image read by the first document reading device is stored in the image information storage means, and the stored document information is stored in the second document reading device. Since it can be combined with the read document information, the cost can be reduced by saving the storage capacity.

According to another feature of the present invention, an image of a still document can be selectively combined with each page of a moving document, and the user can arbitrarily determine which page to combine. Can be specified.

According to another feature of the present invention, these functions can be realized in an image copying apparatus and a facsimile apparatus.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a copying apparatus provided with a document reading apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the original reading apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an original platen glass 50h on an upper surface of a reading unit (book scanner unit) 50 of a reduction optical system that performs sub scanning by moving a light source and a mirror. Provided.

A document pressure plate portion 60 is provided above the document table glass 50h so as to be openable and closable with the back side of the apparatus as a rotation reference, and a slider 61 for guiding a sheet document is provided. Further, a sheet document conveying section 70 having a document separating mechanism is further provided above the document pressing plate section 60.

The sheet original transport section 70 includes a preliminary transport section 81, a separation section 82, an original transport section 71, an original transport path 70a, a document back reading point A1 provided on the lower surface of the transport path, a transport path, Surface reading point A3 provided on the upper surface of
It is configured by a close contact type image sensor 90 on the upper side of the transport path, a document discharge section 72 provided at the most downstream side, and the like. Also,
A DES (document edge detection sensor) 74 is provided on the upstream side of the document transport unit 71 so that an edge portion of the sheet document S is detected.

The reading point A1 of the back side of the original is
The light source 50g and the reflection plate 50a can be moved to the lower part of the same, and the back surface of the sheet document S passing therethrough can be irradiated. A mylar member having a reading white reference and a document urging function is provided below the front surface reading point A3 of the sheet document S, and urges the passing sheet document S against the contact image sensor 90. . In FIG. 1, 5
0a is a first mirror, 50b is a second mirror, 50c is a third mirror.

The apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a platen glass 50h
A so-called `` book scanner '', which performs sub-scanning by moving the optical system while placing a book original thereon and reading the surface of the original, and a document feeder having a sheet separating mechanism above the platen glass, A so-called “sheet scanner unit” for reading the original by performing sub-scanning while transporting the sheet original S (flow reading) is provided. Therefore, the scanning mechanism can be simplified and the reading time can be reduced as compared with a case where a document is conveyed to a predetermined position and then stopped and scanned as in a conventional copier. Can be.

The book scanner unit 50 is provided with a CCD sensor 50e for photoelectrically converting a document image obtained by scanning a document stationary placed on a document table glass 50h by reflection of a mirror. The original placed on the platen glass 50h is
The light source 50g and the reflection plate 50f that move together with the first mirror 50a emit light so as to have a predetermined brightness. Then, the original image is reflected by the other second mirror 50b and third mirror 50c and is incident on the lens group 50d.
The light is incident on the CCD sensor 50e through the lens group 50d. The image signal is photoelectrically converted by the CCD sensor 50e and converted into an electric signal by the image processing unit (CPU 3 in FIG. 4).
01).

When reading a still original, the first mirror 50a moves the range from the first reading point B1 to the second reading point B2 to read the original. When reading the sheet document S stacked on the upper portion of the document pressure plate unit 60 while transporting the document, the first mirror 50a moves to the position of the document back reading point Al and stops, and the document of the sheet transport unit 70 is stopped. Transport path 70a
Scan the original that passes through.

The height at which the sheet document S passes depends on the position of the backup roller 95. In the apparatus of this embodiment, the lens group 50d having a large f-number and the CCD sensor 50e are used as the lens group constituting the back surface reading means.
Is used, and it is possible to increase the depth of focus at the document back side reading point A1. Therefore, the document backup roller 95 can be attached to the document pressure plate unit 60, and constitutes a reading mechanism whose depth is sufficiently guaranteed even when the document pressure plate unit 60 is opened and closed for document replacement and jam clearance. can do.

The separating section 80 separates the sheet originals S one by one from the stack of the stacked sheet originals S one by one and conveys the originals to a downstream original surface reading point A3. The sheet S is conveyed in the direction of the urging contact arm 81a and the separation roller 82b which contacts and separates the lower surface of the sheet document S. The separation roller 82b pulls out the lowermost sheet document S from the bundle of sheet documents S pressed by the separation piece 82a made of a rubber material and conveys the sheet document S downstream.

The sheet document S separated into one sheet is gripped at a constant speed by the transport roller 71a and sent to the reading points A3 and Al set downstream. A contact type image sensor 90 containing a light source and a lens is disposed downward on the sheet document conveying path 70a, and the upper surface of the sheet document S to be conveyed is read by the contact type image sensor 90.

That is, the back surface of the sheet document S is read by the CCD sensor 50e at the document reading point A1, and the front surface is read by the contact type image sensor 9 at the reading point A3.
Read by 0. Then, the sheet document S for which reading has been completed is discharged by the discharge tray 7 by the discharge roller 72a.
3 is discharged.

The recording paper discharge unit 101 is arranged on the left side of the recording unit 102. Further, the recording paper discharge unit 101
Is also a cover containing the toner-integrated cartridge 103. When the cartridge cover 102a is opened, the pressing force between the fixing device 102b and the fixing roller 102c is released, and the transfer force between the transfer roller 102d and the photosensitive drum 102e is reduced. The pressing force is also released, so that the jam of the recording paper and the removal of the cartridge can be performed. The cartridge 103 can be pulled out diagonally to the left in consideration of operability. Reference numeral 102f is a sensor for detecting the leading edge of the recording paper.

Next, reference numeral 104 denotes a laser optical unit for generating an image. Reference numeral 105 denotes a cassette recording paper feeding unit, and reference numeral 106 denotes a multi-tray paper feeding unit. By opening the multi-tray 106a in the left direction in FIG. Can be inserted. 107, a recording paper cassette;
An arbitrary number of stages can be connected from stage to four stages.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the entire apparatus. An external interface 309 is provided around the CPU 301, and the large-capacity fixed magnetic disk 310 and the R
S232C, a serial interface can be connected. This allows the apparatus to be connected as a peripheral device of a computer, and can also be used as an image scanner, a local printer, or a network printer.

The internal interface 300 includes an operation unit 302, a display unit 303, a reading unit 304, and a recording unit 30.
5. There is a communication control unit 306. The reading unit 304 includes a fixed reading unit 304a and a moving fixed reading unit 304b. The fixed reading unit 304a includes a sheet scanner control unit 323 and a book scanner control unit 324.

Reference numeral 340 denotes an image synthesizing unit corresponding to image synthesizing means. This image synthesizing unit 340 converts an image read by the book scanner unit 50 and an image read by the contact image sensor 90 constituting a sheet original reading unit. Select and combine. To do so, the device of the present embodiment is:
A selection unit (not shown) for selecting image information of the moving original and image information of the stationary original for each page is provided. In FIG. 4, 311 is an MPU, 312 is R
OM and 313 are RAMs.

Next, the operation of the present apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 110 denotes an operation unit, 110a denotes a display, 110b denotes a start key, 110c denotes a one-touch key, 110d denotes a mode set key, and 111 denotes a display.

First, in step S1, the operation unit 11
Each time the copy / FAX switching key 110a on 0 is pressed, the mode of copy and facsimile is switched, and when the copy key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, a menu of contents for copying is displayed on display 111. Next, in step S13, the user inputs parameters for the number of copies. When this key input is omitted, only one image is processed. The mode for synthesizing the images may be selected here.

Next, the process proceeds to step S14, where it is determined whether or not the start key 110b or the mode set key 110d has been pressed. And these keys 110
If b and 110d have been pressed, the flow advances to step S15 to determine whether the operation mode is the combination mode.

If the result of determination in step S15 is that the original combining mode has not been specified, the process proceeds to step S23 because the sheet copy mode has been specified, and the resolution, gradation, and magnification are input (if omitted, execution is performed with default values). Next, the user presses the start key 110b.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S24, wherein a DS sensor (Document Edge) serving as document presence detecting means is used.
Sensor 62 detects whether or not “document is present”. If the result of this determination is that the DS sensor 62 has detected "document present", the flow advances to step S25 to set the sheet document S in the sub-scanning mode. Step S24
As a result of the determination, when "document absence" is detected, the process proceeds to step S29 because the book copy mode is set, and the process proceeds to "book document sub-scanning mode".

<< Book Copy Mode >> In step S29, the mirror group of the reduction optical system of the book scanner unit 50 constituting the first original reading means and the light source 50g scan the area within the range from the reading point B1 to B2 to obtain an image. The information is sent to the recording means and output.

Next, in step S30, the image information is printed. When a plurality of copies of the same document are made, the image information is stored in the image memory, and the image information is output to the printing unit every time the printing operation is performed. I have to. When the capacity of the image memory is insufficient, the image information is not stored in the image memory, but is output to the recording unit at any time, and the recording paper and the reading optical system are returned each time to perform reading.

<< Sheet Copy Mode >> Step S
When the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25, a sheet motor (not shown) operates a driving system in the document pressure plate unit 60, and the separation unit 82 feeds out one sheet document S from below and conveys it downstream.

Then, in the next step S26, an image on the front side of the original is read by the contact image sensor 90, and
The contents are copied in step S27 and discharged to the discharge tray 73.

Since a plurality of copies in the sheet copy mode cannot be passed through the contact type image sensor 90 again, all sheets are stored in the image memory and output to the recording unit.

Next, in step S28, it is determined whether or not the DS sensor 62 has detected "document present".
If "document present" is detected, the process returns to step S25 and the above-described operation is repeated. If “document present” is not detected, the operation is terminated.

<< Synthetic Copy Mode >> If the result of the determination in step S15 is that the original synthesizing mode has been designated,
The process advances from step S15 to step S16 to perform the operation of the "synthetic copy mode". In this mode, first, in step S16, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, magnification) is set for each sheet / book.

Then, the flow advances to step S17 to select which sheet document S is to be combined with the document on the platen glass 50h. Nothing is specified when combining all original images.

Next, after the sheet has been fed in step S18, the flow advances to step S19 to simultaneously read the sheet and the book. Next, the process sequentially proceeds to step S20 and step S21 to perform image superposition and copying. That is, when a combined page is specified, a book document is read at the same time when the page is read as a sheet, and the image combining section 340 combines the black and white information of both images by logical product.

When an instruction to combine a plurality of pages is given, the book original is stored in the image memory, and is synthesized by logical product every time the sheet original S is read. For example,
As shown in FIG. 9, when a halftone image is to be copied and superimposed only on the third page of a four-page sheet document S on which character information is described, one sheet describing the image information to be superimposed is described. Is placed on the platen glass 50h with the image side facing down, and
The sheet originals S are stacked on the original mounting table 75 with the image side facing down.

An instruction to combine the image of only the third page and an instruction to read the sheet original S in the binary mode are input from the operation unit 110, and an instruction to read the book original in the 64 gradation halftone is input. Button 110b
Press.

The first sheet original S and the second sheet original S are ordinary 1
When reading of the third sheet document S is started in the same manner as the sheet copy and reading of the third sheet document S is started, reading of the book document is started.
Then, the image information output from both reading units is combined by a logical product, and the image data is output to the recording unit in the same manner as one copy.

For example, when it is desired to synthesize the same image on all pages, such as a company logo, the image information of the book document is stored in the image memory, and is read out from the image memory at the same time when the sheet document S is read and logically read. It is synthesized by the product.

Next, in step S22, it is checked whether or not the sheet document S is still stacked on the document stacking table 75. When the sheet document S is stacked, the conveyance of the next sheet document S is started and the copying operation is repeated.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S 1 is that the copy key has not been pressed, the flow advances to step S 2 to determine whether a numeric key or a one-touch key has been pressed. If it is pressed, the operation mode is set to the fax transmission mode in step S3.

Next, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the mode is the combining mode. As a result of this determination, in the case of the combination mode, the operation of the FAX combination mode in steps S5 to S11 is performed.

<FAX Combining Mode> Steps S5 to S11 show the operation of the image combining mode using the FAX original. That is, in step S5, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, magnification) is set for each sheet / book.

Next, at step S6, a combined page is designated, at step S7, a sheet is fed, at step S8, a book and a sheet are read simultaneously, at step S9, images are superimposed, at step S10, memory storage or transmission is performed, and at step S11, sheets are stored. It is determined whether or not the document S is still loaded on the document loading table 75. If the document S is loaded, the process returns to step S6 to repeat the above-described operation.

FAX transmission includes a "direct transmission mode" in which an original is read and transmitted on a line, and a "memory transmission mode" in which image information of all the originals is stored in an image memory and then transmitted.

In the direct transmission mode, the two images are combined before encoding. In the memory transmission, the information of the sheet document S and the information of the book document are separately stored in the image memory, and the two images are decoded once before transmission. Superimposition,
Further encode and transmit. Accordingly, when a plurality of originals are combined, redundant storage of the same image information to be combined is prevented from being stored in the memory, and image memory can be saved.

<< Sheet FAX Mode >> In the above-described sheet copy mode, this is realized by switching the output destination from the recording means to the communication means. In the sheet FAX mode, first, in step S31, a reading mode (gradation, resolution, and magnification) is set for each of a sheet and a book.

Next, in step S32, it is checked whether or not the sheet original S is stacked on the original stacking table 75. If the original S is stacked, the flow advances to step S33 to feed the sheet. Next, sheet reading is performed in step S34, and storage or transmission is performed in memory in step S35. Next, in step S36, it is determined whether or not the sheet document S is stacked on the document loading table 75.
Returning to 33, the operation described above is repeated.

<< Book FAX Mode >> Step S3
If the result of the determination in 2 is that the sheet document S is not stacked on the document loading table 75, the flow advances to step S37 to operate in the book FAX mode. This book FAX mode is
This is realized by switching the output destination in the book copy mode from the recording unit to the communication unit.

That is, first, a book is read in step S37, and memory storage is performed in step S38. next,
In step S39, it is determined whether the original has been replaced or the reading has been completed. If the original has been replaced, the process returns to step S37.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, in a device having a recording paper reversing unit, it is also possible to realize double-sided copying of the front and rear sides by reversing the recording paper on which the back side information of the document is recorded and conveying the recording paper again to the recording unit. It is.

The recording paper fed from the paper supply unit 105 is sent to the transfer unit 102e to record image information on the back side of the document, and is transferred. After the transfer, the toner image is fixed in the fixing unit 102c and is discharged by the recording paper discharge roller 101a.

After the trailing edge of the recording sheet has passed through the flapper 201, the flapper 201 is moved, and the trailing edge of the recording sheet is held by the ejection roller 101a.
Is reversed and guided to the recording paper reversal conveyance path 203.

The recording paper conveyed after the switchback is conveyed again from the multi-feeder 106 to the image transfer section, where the image information stored in the memory is transferred, and is fixed and discharged by the fixing section 102c. . At this time, since the recording paper is discharged with the image information of the back surface of the document recorded earlier facing downward, the recording paper can be discharged and stacked in page order even for a plurality of double-sided copies.

(Third Embodiment) This apparatus can read both sides of a document regardless of facsimile transmission or document copying. This operation is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

The first page of the document is placed on the document pressure plate unit 60, and the operation unit 110 is operated to depress a key for a both-side reading operation (two-sided copy / two-sided FAX). When the key is pressed, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not a document exists on the document pressure plate unit 60.

If the result of this determination is that there is no document on the document table (DS = OFF), the process ends. On the other hand, after confirming that the document exists, it is next determined in step S102 whether the duplex copy mode is selected.

As a result of the determination, if the mode is the copy mode, the process proceeds to the double-sided copy mode in step S103. If the mode is not the copy mode, the process proceeds to the double-sided transmission mode in step S119.

In step S103, the number of copies is input from the operation unit 110, and then it is determined in step S104 whether the start key has been pressed. Next, in step S105, it is determined which mode is selected, that is, whether both sides of the document are divided and output or combined and output.

<< Double-sided document → divided into two copies >> In the duplex split copy executed in each of the steps S106 to S111, first, in step S106
, The resolution, gradation,
Scan the original according to the magnification. This reading starts from the bottom sheet after the start key is pressed. When the document reaches the reading point A3 of the contact image sensor 90, the image information on the surface of the document is accumulated in the memory by the contact image sensor 90.

On the other hand, when the original reaches the reading point A1 of the CCD sensor 50e, the back side of the original is read by the CCD sensor 50e. When a plurality of copies are designated, the image of the back side of the original is stored in the memory in the same manner as the front side reading. Store information. In the case of copying one sheet at a time, the image information read by the CCD sensor 50e is synchronously output to the recording means and recorded without being stored in the memory.

After the reading of the first page is completed, the image information on the front side of the document in the memory is printed on recording paper by the recording means and output. As a result, the image information on the back side of the document can be output before the front side, so that the page order can be discharged. The second and subsequent pages are read and output in the same manner as the first page.

<< Duplex Document → Synthesizing and Copying on One Side >> In the case of composite duplex copying, first, in step S112, different resolutions, densities, gradations, and magnifications are specified for the front and back sides of the original.

Next, after pressing the start key, step S1 is executed.
In steps 13 to S114, the sheet document S is read by the contact image sensor 90 and the CCD sensor 50e.

Next, the image information read by the two reading means is combined by logical product for each main scan in step S116, and output and printed out by the recording means in step S117. Next, in step S118, it is determined whether or not the document is still left on the document pressing plate unit 60. If the document is still left, one sheet of the document is fed again and copied.

<< Double-sided document → divided into two pages and transmitted >> As a result of the determination in step S102, if the process proceeds to the double-sided transmission mode, first, in step S119, the fax transmission mode is set.

Next, book reading and optical system movement are performed in step S120, and then sheet feeding is performed in step S121. Next, the process proceeds to step S122, in which book and sheet simultaneous reading are performed. Next, in step S123, memory storage is performed for each side, and when the storage is completed, it is determined in step S124 whether or not the original remains on the original pressing plate unit 60.

If the result of the determination in step S124 is that a document remains, the flow returns to step S121 to repeat the above-described operation. If no original remains, the flow advances to step S125 to transmit the original. Then, after returning the book optical system to the initial position in step S126, the transmission mode ends after the transmission is completed. As described above, the images read by the two reading units are respectively stored in the memories and transmitted by facsimile.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) and is applied to an apparatus composed of one device You may.

Further, in order to operate various devices so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, an apparatus or a computer in a system connected to the various devices is required to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes a software program code supplied and implemented by operating the various devices according to a program stored in a computer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program code of the software implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to a computer are provided.
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

The functions of the above-described embodiments are realized when the computer executes the supplied program code, and the program code is executed by an OS (Operating System) or other operating system running on the computer. Needless to say, the program code is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with application software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the first embodiment performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A first document reading device that reads a stationary document placed on a fixed image table while moving the document reading end while performing sub-scanning; and performs sub-scanning by moving the document by a document feeding unit. A second original reading device for reading the moving original, an image of the still original read by the first original reading device, and one image of the moving original read by the second original reading device. And an image synthesizing means for synthesizing the original document so that both the static original and the moving original can be read and synthesized into one, so that the optical path for reading the original can be provided within the range of the original arrangement, and the sheet original and the book can be provided. It is possible to reduce the size of the entire apparatus capable of simultaneously reading both originals.

According to another feature of the present invention, different reading modes (resolution, density, gradation, and magnification) can be set for the first document reading device and the second document reading device. Therefore, it is possible to combine a plurality of originals having different resolutions, densities, gradations, and magnifications. It is possible to output an image in which the gradation expression of the image is rich.

According to another feature of the present invention, an image read by the first document reading device can be stored in the image information storage means, and can be combined with the document read by the second document reading device. Therefore, the image of the still document read by the first document reading device is stored in the image information storage device, and when the moving document is read by the second document reading device, the image is combined with the data in the image information storage device and output. It is possible to save storage capacity and reduce costs.

According to another feature of the present invention, an image of a still document can be selectively combined with each page of a moving document, and the user can arbitrarily determine which page to combine. Since it is possible to specify, the degree of freedom of image composition can be improved.

According to another feature of the present invention, there is provided an image copying apparatus and a facsimile apparatus in which the size of the entire apparatus is reduced and which can be read at optimum gradation, resolution and magnification suitable for the original. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which a document pressure plate portion of the apparatus according to the embodiment is opened.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control system block of the apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating image synthesis according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the device of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 16 Document Size Index 50 Book Scanner Unit 50a First Mirror 50b Second Mirror 50c Third Mirror 50d Lens 50e CCD Sensor 50f Reflector 50g Light Source 50h Document Platen Glass 60 Document Pressure Plate 61 Slider 62 DS (Document Presence Detection Sensor) ) 70 sheet transport section 70a document transport path 71a document transport roller 72a document discharge roller 73 discharge tray 74 DES (document edge detection sensor) 80 separation section 81a press-contact arm 82a separation piece 82b separation roller 90 contact image sensor 90a white background 101 Recording paper discharge unit 102 Recording unit 102a Cartridge cover 102b Fixing unit 102c Fixing roller 102d Transfer roller 102e Photosensitive drum 102f Recording paper leading end detection sensor 103 Toner cartridge 104 Laser light Unit 105 Cassette recording paper feeding unit 106 Multi tray feeding unit 106a Multi tray 107 Recording paper cassette 110 Operation unit 110a Display 110b Start key 110c One touch key 201 Flapper 203 Reverse transport path 301 CPU 302 Operation unit control unit 303 Display unit control unit 304a Fixed reading control unit 304b Moving reading control unit 305 Recording unit control unit 306 Communication control unit 309 External interface 340 Image synthesis unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/21

Claims (25)

[Claims] A first document reading device for reading a static document placed on a fixed image table while performing at least a part of document reading means while performing sub-scanning, and a document feeding unit. A second original reading device that reads the moving original while performing the sub-scanning while moving the original, an image of a still original read by the first original reading device, and a second original reading device that is read by the second original reading device. And an image combining means for combining the image of the moving document into one. 2. The document reading means of the first document reading device is configured to be able to stop at a predetermined position at which one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding section can be read. One side of the document moved by the document feeder is read by the second document reading device, and the other surface is read by the first document reading device;
2. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output of the first document reading apparatus and an output of the second document reading apparatus are combined by the image combining unit. 3. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image synthesizing unit is capable of synthesizing a plurality of document images different in at least one of resolution, density, gradation, and magnification. 4. An image synthesizing unit, comprising: an image of a still original read by the first original reading device and stored in an image information storage unit; and a moving original read by the second original reading device. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the document reading device combines the image with an image. 5. The document reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects image information of the moving document and image information of the still document for each page. apparatus. 6. A first document reading device for reading a stationary document placed on a fixed image placing table while performing sub-scanning by moving at least a part of document reading means, and a document feeding unit. A second original reading device that reads the moving original while performing the sub-scanning while moving the original, an image of a still original read by the first original reading device, and a second original reading device that is read by the second original reading device. An image synthesizing means for synthesizing the image of the moving original into one. 7. The document reading device of the first document reading device is configured to be able to stop at a predetermined position where one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding unit can be read. One side of the document moved by the document feeder is read by the second document reading device, and the other surface is read by the first document reading device;
7. The image copying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an output of the first document reading device and an output of the second document reading device are combined by the image combining unit. 8. An image copying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said image synthesizing means is capable of synthesizing a plurality of document images having at least one of different resolution, density, gradation and magnification. 9. An image synthesizing unit, comprising: an image of a still original read by the first original reading device and stored in an image information storage unit; and a moving original read by the second original reading device. The image copying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image copying apparatus combines the image with the image. 10. The image copying apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a selection unit that selects image information of the moving document and image information of the still document for each page. apparatus. 11. The image copying apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a recording unit that records the combined image information combined by the image combining unit. 12. A first document reading device for reading a stationary document placed on a fixed image table while performing at least a part of document reading means while performing sub-scanning, and a document feeding unit. A second original reading device that reads the moving original while performing the sub-scanning while moving the original, an image of a still original read by the first original reading device, and a second original reading device that is read by the second original reading device. Facsimile comprising: an image synthesizing unit for synthesizing an image of a moving original into one; and a communication unit for transferring and outputting the synthesized image information synthesized by the image synthesizing unit to an external device. apparatus. 13. The document reading device of the first document reading device is configured to be able to stop at a predetermined position where one side of a moving document moved by the document feeding unit can be read, One side of the document moved by the document feeder is read by the second document reading device, and the other surface is read by the first document reading device;
13. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an output of the first document reading device and an output of the second document reading device are combined by the image combining unit. 14. The image synthesizing unit, in a mode of transmitting to a line while performing a reading operation, synthesizes the read image during image reading, and stores the read image in a memory before transmitting to the line. 14. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an image is synthesized immediately before transmission in the memory transmission mode. 15. The image synthesizing means includes a resolution, a density,
15. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a plurality of document images different in at least one of gradation and magnification can be combined. 16. An image synthesizing unit, comprising: an image of a stationary original read by the first original reading device and stored in an image information storage unit; and a moving original read by the second original reading device. The facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the facsimile apparatus combines the image with an image. 17. The facsimile apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a selection unit that selects image information of the moving document and image information of the still document for each page. 18. A multifunction apparatus comprising: the image copying apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11; and the facsimile apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17. 19. A first reading means for reading an image without moving a document, a second reading means for reading an image while moving the document, and an image read by the first reading means. And an image synthesizing means for synthesizing an image read by the second reading means. 20. The image synthesizing means, comprising: resolution, density,
20. The document reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of document images different in at least one of gradation and magnification can be combined. 21. The image synthesizing unit synthesizes an image read by the first reading unit and stored in the image information storage unit with an image read by the second reading unit. 21. The document reading apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: 22. The document reading apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a selection unit that selects an image to be combined by the combination unit. 23. A copying apparatus comprising the document reading device according to claim 19. Description: 24. A facsimile apparatus comprising the document reading device according to claim 19. 25. A multifunction device having a copying function and a facsimile function, comprising the document reading device according to any one of claims 19 to 22.