JP3689655B2 - Image reading processing system, image reading apparatus, information processing apparatus, control method thereof, driver program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

【０１１２】
また、原稿台４０４にセットされた原稿を優先する場合、次の表２に従った処理を行う。
【０１１３】
【表２】

【０１１４】
（その他の実施形態）
なお、上記第１実施形態に係る画像読取装置は記録部を有しているが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、２通りの方法で画像読取を行うこのできる装置であれば、スキャナ等であってもよい。
【０１１５】
また、本発明の目的は、前述した実施形態の機能を実現するソフトウェアのプログラムコードを記録した記憶媒体（または記録媒体）を、システムあるいは装置に供給し、そのシステムあるいは装置のコンピュータ（またはＣＰＵやＭＰＵ）が記憶媒体に格納されたプログラムコードを読み出し実行することによっても、達成されることは言うまでもない。この場合、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコード自体が前述した実施形態の機能を実現することになり、そのプログラムコードを記憶した記憶媒体は本発明を構成することになる。また、コンピュータが読み出したプログラムコードを実行することにより、前述した実施形態の機能が実現されるだけでなく、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、コンピュータ上で稼働しているオペレーティングシステム（ＯＳ）などが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【０１１６】
さらに、記憶媒体から読み出されたプログラムコードが、コンピュータに挿入された機能拡張カードやコンピュータに接続された機能拡張ユニットに備わるメモリに書込まれた後、そのプログラムコードの指示に基づき、その機能拡張カードや機能拡張ユニットに備わるＣＰＵなどが実際の処理の一部または全部を行い、その処理によって前述した実施形態の機能が実現される場合も含まれることは言うまでもない。
【０１１７】
本発明を上記記憶媒体に適用する場合、その記憶媒体には、先に説明した（図５および/または図６に示す）フローチャートに対応するプログラムコードが格納されることになる。
【０１１８】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、使い勝手の良い画像読取処理システム、画像読取装置、情報処理装置、その制御方法およびドライバプログラム並びに記憶媒体を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムの構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムにおける画像読取装置の読取機構を説明するための概略図である。
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムにおける情報のやりとりを示す図である。
【図４】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムにおける情報のやりとりを示す図である。
【図５】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムの情報処理装置での処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】本発明の第１実施形態に係る画像読取処理システムの画像読取装置での処理を示すフローチャートである。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading processing system including an information processing device and an image reading device, an image reading device, an information processing device, a control method thereof, a driver program, and a storage medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of image reading processing system, a system including an information processing apparatus such as a computer and an image reading apparatus such as a scanner is generally known.
[0003]
In addition, an image reading apparatus having two document placement units, for example, an apparatus including a document conveying device (ADF) that automatically conveys and reads a document and a document table including flat glass is known. It has been.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when an image reading apparatus that owns two places for setting a document is controlled from the information processing apparatus as in the prior art, the operator selects which document is to be read each time it is read. It was.
[0005]
Such selection every time tends to be complicated for the user, and is not easy to use.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an easy-to-use image reading processing system, an image reading apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a driver program, and a storage medium. It is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a system according to the present invention provides:
An image reading processing system including an image reading device and an information processing device connected to the image reading device,
The image reading device includes:
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
Have
The information processing apparatus includes:
Second receiving means for receiving information detected by the document state detecting means;
Second transmission means for transmitting the image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placement means or the second document placement means based on the received detection information;
It is characterized by having.
[0008]
The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
An image for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means when the received detection information is that the document is placed on the first document placing means. Image reading instructing image reading of the document placed on the second document placing means when a reading command is transmitted and the content is that no document is placed on the first document placing means It is a means for transmitting a command.
[0009]
The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means and the document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
When the received detection information is that the original is placed only on the first original placing means, the image reading of the original placed on the first original placing means is instructed. An image reading command is transmitted, and when the content indicates that the original is placed only on the second original placing means, the image reading of the original placed on the second original placing means is instructed. It is a means for transmitting an image reading command.
[0010]
The second transmission means includes
When the received detection information is the content that a document is placed on both the first document placing means and the second document placing means, An image reading command for instructing image reading of an original placed on the first original placing means or the second original placing means is transmitted.
[0011]
The first document placing means is a placing means for automatically transporting a placed document and reading an image,
The second document placing unit is a placing unit for performing image reading in a state where the placed document is fixed.
[0012]
The image reading apparatus further includes first reading start instruction means for instructing reading start.
When there is a reading start instruction to the first reading start instruction means, the first transmission means sends a request for a reading start command to the information processing apparatus and detection information from the document state detection means. It is characterized by transmitting.
[0013]
The information processing apparatus further includes second reading start instruction means for instructing reading start,
The second transmission unit transmits the image reading command in response to a reading start instruction to the second reading start instruction unit.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus according to the present invention provides:
An information processing apparatus connectable to an image reading apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
Can be connected to an image reading apparatus having
Second receiving means for receiving information detected by the document state detecting means;
Second transmission means for transmitting the image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placement means or the second document placement means based on the received detection information;
It is characterized by having.
[0015]
The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means and / or the document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
An image for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means when the received detection information is that the document is placed on the first document placing means. Image reading instructing image reading of the document placed on the second document placing means when a reading command is transmitted and the content is that no document is placed on the first document placing means It is a means for transmitting a command.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, the method according to the present invention comprises:
A first document placing unit for placing a document, a second document placing unit for placing a document, and a document state for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit An image reading device having detection means;
An information processing apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus;
A method for controlling an image reading processing system including:
A first transmission step of transmitting detection information in the document state detection means from the image reading apparatus to the information processing apparatus;
A first receiving step in which the information processing device receives the detection information transmitted from the image reading device;
Based on the received detection information, an image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means is sent from the information processing apparatus to the image reading apparatus. A second transmission step of transmitting;
A second receiving step in which the image reading device receives an image reading command from the information processing device;
In the image reading apparatus, in accordance with the received image reading command, an image reading step of reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placement means or the second document placement means;
It is characterized by having.
[0017]
In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention provides:
A driver program for controlling an image reading apparatus executed in an information processing apparatus connectable to the image reading apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
When connected to an image reader with
In the information processing apparatus,
A second receiving step of receiving detection information in the document state detecting means;
A second transmission step of transmitting the image reading command for instructing the image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means based on the received detection information;
Is executed.
[0018]
In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to the present invention stores the driver program.
[0019]
In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An image reading apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus and controlled by the information processing apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
An image reading command as a result of the information processing apparatus judging based on the detection information as to whether image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means should be performed First receiving means for receiving
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
It is characterized by having.
Here, the document state detection means is a means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the relative arrangement of components, the display screen, and the like described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified.
[0021]
(First embodiment)
The image reading processing system as the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
<Overview>
The image reading processing system according to the present embodiment is capable of reading an image on a document by two methods, and monitoring whether or not a document is prepared in the image reading device. And an information processing apparatus that transmits an image reading command to the apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment can execute a method of reading an image while conveying a document (conveyance reading) and a method of reading an image with the document fixed (fixed reading). When an image reading command that does not designate a method is input, it is detected whether or not a document is prepared for conveyance reading. If a document is prepared for conveyance reading, the conveyance reading is performed, and the others In this case, fixed reading is performed.
[0022]
<Reading mechanism>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the document reading mechanism of the image reading apparatus 100 in this system.
[0023]
In FIG. 2, 400 is a document, 406 is a document transport device (ADF) for reading the image while transporting the document, and 404 is a document table for reading the image while placing the document. . The document table 404 includes flat glass.
[0024]
Reference numeral 401 denotes a document detection sensor attached to the ADF 406. It is possible to detect whether or not a document exists on the tray of the ADF 406, and it is ON when there is a document and OFF when there is no document. It is possible to detect a jam of an automatically conveyed document and to detect the presence or absence of a next document.
[0025]
Reference numeral 402 denotes a document edge detection sensor attached to the ADF 406. When the document starts to be conveyed by the ADF 406 and the leading edge of the document touches the sensor, the sensor is turned from OFF to ON. Become. When the document edge detection sensor 402 is ON, it is determined that there is a document in the ADF.
[0026]
Reference numeral 403 denotes a document transport roller for automatically transporting a document set on the tray of the ADF 406, and is driven by a document transport motor (not shown).
[0027]
Reference numeral 405 denotes an original reading sensor that optically reads an original and converts it into an electrical signal.
[0028]
When reading an image of a document set on the ADF 406, the document reading sensor 405 moves to the ADF reading position shown in the figure, and reads an image on the document conveyed by the document conveyance roller 403. On the other hand, when reading an image on a document placed on the document table 404, the document reading sensor 405 is moved to the document table 404 side to read the document fixed on the document table 404. As described above, the reading efficiency of the original conveyed by the ADF 406 and the reading of the original placed on the original table 404 are performed by the common original reading sensor 405, so that the production efficiency of the apparatus can be improved. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and separate reading sensors may be provided on the ADF 406 and the document table 404.
[0029]
The image reading apparatus is not provided with a sensor for detecting whether or not a document is placed on the document table 404. Thereby, cost reduction can be aimed at and the productivity of this apparatus improves. However, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to this, and a document detection sensor for detecting a document on the document table 404 may be further provided.
[0030]
<Overall system configuration>
Next, the overall configuration of the image reading processing system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the image reading processing system according to the present embodiment.
[0031]
As shown in the figure, this system includes an image reading apparatus 100 such as a scanner and an information processing apparatus 300 such as a general-purpose computer, which are connected by an information transfer interface 200.
[0032]
[Configuration of Image Reading Apparatus]
As illustrated, the image reading apparatus 100 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, an operation unit 104, a display unit 105, a reading unit 106, and a document detection sensor. 401, a recording unit 108, and an external interface unit 109, which are connected by a system bus 110.
[0033]
Here, the operation of each unit will be described. First, the MPU 101 controls the operation of the entire image reading apparatus 100.
[0034]
The RAM 102 is a memory for holding system data, read image data, recorded image data, work area, setting data, and the like of the image reading apparatus 100. The read image data area is a read line buffer for high-speed reading and an image data area for temporarily storing a read image. The recording image data area is an image data area for temporarily storing a recording line buffer for resolution conversion and an image to be recorded. The work area is a data area necessary for various operations and processes. The setting data area is a non-volatile area for storing a selection mode for selecting a reading unit, a reading mode such as reading resolution, a recording mode such as recording resolution, and the like.
[0035]
A ROM 103 is a non-volatile memory that stores an operation program of the image reading apparatus 100, font data, table data, and the like.
[0036]
The operation unit 104 includes a numeric keypad, a one-touch key, a mode key, a set key, and the like, and acquires setting data from the operator.
[0037]
The display unit 105 includes an LCD that displays the operation and registration setting status, an LED that indicates error information, and the like.
[0038]
The reading unit 106 includes the document reading sensor 405 of FIG. 2, and is a document detection sensor 401 for reading a document and transferring the read data to a read image data area of the RAM 102.
[0039]
The recording unit 108 is a recording unit for printing the read data from the recording image data area of the RAM 102 on recording paper. It is also possible to print system data and setting data stored in the RAM 102 on recording paper.
[0040]
The external interface unit 109 transmits and receives information such as read image data, read instruction data, and setting data between the information processing apparatuses 300.
[0041]
The document detection sensor 401 is connected to the MPU 101 via the system bus 110, but may be directly connected to the MPU 101 via a signal line.
[0042]
[Configuration of information processing device]
As illustrated, the information processing apparatus 300 includes an MPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, a storage unit 304, an external interface unit 305, an operation unit 306, and a display unit 307, which are connected via a system bus 308.
[0043]
Here, the operation of each unit will be described. First, the MPU 301 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 300.
[0044]
A RAM 302 is a volatile memory that reads an operating system and a user program, and is used as a work area.
[0045]
The ROM 303 is a non-volatile memory used when the information processing apparatus 300 is turned on, and stores a boot program and the like.
[0046]
A storage unit 304 is a non-volatile memory for holding system data, read image data, recorded image data, setting data, and the like of the information processing apparatus 300. The setting data area is a memory area for storing a reading mode such as a reading resolution of the image reading apparatus 100 and a recording mode such as a recording resolution.
[0047]
The external interface unit 305 transmits and receives information such as read image data, read instruction data, and setting data to and from the image reading apparatus 100.
[0048]
The operation unit 306 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like that give commands to the information processing apparatus 300. With this operation unit 306, it is possible to activate a reading operation and to select a reading unit.
[0049]
The display unit 307 is used for displaying read image data, displaying a list of setting data, and displaying a setting data editing screen.
[0050]
<Image reading operation>
3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating information exchange between the information processing apparatus 300 and the image reading apparatus 100. FIG.
[0051]
[First example]
Here, as a first example, a case where an operator sets a document on the ADF 406 and performs a reading start operation on the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described.
[0052]
In step S301, when the operator sets a desired document on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100, the document detection sensor 401 identifies it and notifies the MPU 101 of the image reading apparatus 100.
[0053]
In step S <b> 302, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 that the document is set on the ADF 406 via the external interface 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface 305.
[0054]
Next, in step S <b> 303, the information processing apparatus 300 that has been notified that the document has been set displays a display to that effect on the display unit 307.
[0055]
Further, in step S304, the operator performs an operation of instructing the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 to start reading. Specifically, the reading start button is pressed.
[0056]
Next, in step S305, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 that the reading start button has been pressed, and further notifies the presence / absence of a document at that time. Here, since the document is still set on the ADF 406, a notification of document presence is given.
[0057]
In step S <b> 306, the information processing apparatus 300 instructs the image reading apparatus 100 to read the document on the ADF 406 based on the notification that the document exists on the ADF 406. At that time, reading parameters such as a reading mode, a reading resolution, a reading range and the like are simultaneously transferred together with the reading command.
[0058]
In step S307, the image reading apparatus 100 confirms reading parameters such as a state of a read original conveyed and read by the ADF 406, a reading mode, a reading resolution, a reading range, and the like. Returns OK indicating that
[0059]
In step S308, the image reading apparatus 100 reads the document set on the ADF 406 in the designated mode, resolution, and range.
[0060]
In step S309, the information processing apparatus 300 requests the image reading apparatus 100 to transfer the read image data read by the reading operation commanded in step S306.
[0061]
In step S <b> 310, the image reading apparatus 100 transfers the image data read by the first document detection sensor 401106 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305.
[0062]
In step S <b> 311, the information processing apparatus 300 displays the image data transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 on the display unit 307.
[0063]
As described above, since the information processing apparatus itself determines that the ADF 406 has detected a document and reads the document by the ADF 406, the operator reads the document on the document table 404 or the document on the ADF 406. There is no need to instruct.
[0064]
In FIG. 3, after the reading start button is pressed, the reading of the image reading apparatus 100 is started after waiting for the reading instruction from the information processing apparatus 300, but the reading instruction from the information processing apparatus 300 is started. Reading may be started without waiting. In that case, if an image transfer request is sent from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 and OK is returned from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image reading apparatus 100, the read image is transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus. You may make it forward to 300. By doing in this way, since reading is started early, there is an effect that the waiting time of the operator is reduced. In this case, however, it is necessary to provide a means for determining whether to read the document on the document table 404 or the ADF 406 in the image reading apparatus.
[0065]
When a document is set on the ADF 406 and the information is notified to the information processing apparatus 300 (step S302), an instruction to start reading is given to the operation unit 306 of the information processing apparatus 300. Again, the information processing apparatus 300 determines that reading from the ADF should be performed, and transmits a reading instruction using ADF to the image reading apparatus 100 as in step S306. Further, the process continues from step S307 onward.
[0066]
By doing so, there is an advantage that not only the operator of the image reading apparatus but also the operator of the information processing apparatus need not instruct whether to read the original on the platen 404 or the ADF 406.
[0067]
[Second example]
Next, as a second example, a case where the operator performs a reading start operation on the operation unit 104 of the information processing apparatus 300 without setting a document on the ADF 406 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0068]
First, in step S <b> 401, the operator removes the original set on the tray of the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. As a result, the document detection sensor 401 notifies the MPU 101 of the reading apparatus 100 that there is no document.
[0069]
In step S <b> 402, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 that the document of the ADF 406 has been removed or that there is no document in the ADF 406 via the external interface 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface 305. Notify at.
[0070]
In step S <b> 403, the information processing apparatus 300 that is notified that the document of the ADF 406 has been removed or that there is no document in the ADF 406 displays a message to that effect on the display unit 307.
[0071]
In step S <b> 404, the operator operates a reading start instruction using the operation unit 306 of the information processing apparatus 300.
[0072]
In step S <b> 405, the information processing apparatus 300 instructs the image reading apparatus 100 to read the read original on the image reading apparatus 100 original table 404. At that time, reading parameters such as a reading mode, a reading resolution, a reading range and the like are simultaneously transferred together with the reading command. As described above, when the document detection sensor 401 is instructed to read a document with no document, the document on the document table 404 is determined to be read and the document on the document table 404 is read. It is not necessary for the operator to instruct whether to read the document on the document table 404 or the ADF 406. On the other hand, regardless of the state of the reading document table of the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100 or the state of the document table 404, the operator may instruct the document detection sensor 401 registered in advance to start reading.
[0073]
In step S <b> 406, the image reading apparatus 100 confirms reading parameters such as a reading mode, a reading resolution, and a reading range, and if there is no problem, returns an OK indicating that the command has been accepted to the information processing apparatus 300.
[0074]
In step S407, the image reading apparatus 100 reads the document set on the document table 404 in the designated mode, resolution, and range.
[0075]
In step S408, the information processing apparatus 300 requests the image reading apparatus 100 to transfer read image data read by the reading operation commanded in step S405.
[0076]
In step S409, the image reading apparatus 100 transfers the image data read by the second document detection sensor 401107 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305.
[0077]
In step S <b> 410, the information processing apparatus 300 displays the image data transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 on the display unit 307.
[0078]
<Operation in information processing device>
Next, the operation in the information processing apparatus will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for describing processing performed in the information processing apparatus 300.
[0079]
The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by a program stored in the ROM 303 of the information processing apparatus. That is, the MPU 301 reads the stored program and executes the following processing.
[0080]
First, in step S501, it is determined whether a reading start button provided on the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 has been pressed by the operator. When the reading start button of the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 is pressed, the information is transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305. Be notified. If the reading start button is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S502, and if it is pressed, the process proceeds to step S506.
[0081]
In step S502, it is determined whether a reading start button provided on the operation unit 306 of the information processing apparatus 300 has been pressed by the operator. If the reading start button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S503, and if it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S506.
[0082]
In step S503, it is determined whether a document is set on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. Whether or not a document is set is determined by a document presence / absence notification sent from the image reading apparatus 100. That is. If a document presence notification is received, the process proceeds to step S504. If a document absence notification is received, the process proceeds to step S505.
[0083]
In step S504, the display unit 307 of the information processing apparatus 300 displays to the operator that a document is set on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. Then, the process returns to step S501.
[0084]
In step S <b> 505, the display unit 307 of the information processing apparatus 300 displays to the operator that a document is not set on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. Then, the process returns to step S501.
[0085]
On the other hand, if the reading start button is pressed in step S501 or if the reading start button is pressed in step S502, it is determined in step S506 whether a document is set on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100.
[0086]
When a notification of pressing the reading start button of the image reading apparatus is transmitted in step S501, since the presence / absence of the document in the ADF 406 is also notified at the same time, the determination in step S506 is performed based on the notification.
[0087]
If the reading start button of the information processing apparatus 300 is pressed in step S502, the determination is made based on the document presence / absence notification received immediately before.
[0088]
If it is determined in step S506 that the document is set, the process proceeds to step S507, and if it is determined that the document is not set, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S507, a reading start command for instructing reading of the document set in the ADF 406 is transmitted to the image reading apparatus 100, and the process proceeds to step S508. In step S510, a reading command for instructing reading of the document set on the document table 404 is transmitted to the image reading apparatus 100, and the process proceeds to step S508.
[0089]
In step S <b> 508, read image data read by the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100 or the document table 404 is received from the image reading apparatus 100 in accordance with the reading command. The read image data is transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305.
[0090]
In step S509, the received read image data is displayed on the display unit 307 of the information processing apparatus 300. Then, the process returns to step S501.
[0091]
Further, using this system, it is also possible for an operator to perform image reading by specifying either ADF or document table.
[0092]
If the operator designates reading of a document from the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100, in step S510, a process of displaying a no-document warning is performed instead of transmitting a reading start command on the document table.
[0093]
If the operator designates reading of a document from the document table 404 of the image reading apparatus 100, the detection information of the document detection sensor 401 of the ADF 406 is ignored and the process is forcibly shifted to step S510.
[0094]
<Operation in Image Reading Device>
Next, the operation in the image reading apparatus will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed in the image reading apparatus 100.
[0095]
The processing shown in this flowchart is realized by a program stored in the ROM 103 of the image reading apparatus. That is, the MPU 101 reads the stored program and executes the following processing.
[0096]
First, in step S601, it is determined whether a reading start button provided on the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 has been pressed by the operator. If the reading start button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S612, and if not, the process proceeds to step S603.
[0097]
In step S 612, the document detection sensor 401 is used to detect whether or not a document is set on the ADF 406.
[0098]
In step S <b> 602, the information processing apparatus 300 is notified that the reading start button of the operation unit 104 of the image reading apparatus 100 has been pressed and whether or not there is a document. These pieces of information are notified from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305.
[0099]
In step S603, it is determined whether a read start command is received from the information processing apparatus 300. The reading start command is notified from the information processing apparatus 300 to the image reading apparatus 100 via the external interface unit 305, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 109. The reading start instruction includes reading mode, reading resolution, and reading range information in addition to designation of reading the document placed on the ADF 406 or reading the document placed on the document table. If a reading start command has been received, the process proceeds to step S611. If a reading start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S604.
[0100]
In step S <b> 604, the document detection sensor 401 determines whether a document is set on the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. If a document is set, the process proceeds to step S605, and if not set, the process proceeds to step S606.
[0101]
In step S605, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 of the document presence state of the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. The document presence state is notified from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305. Then, the process returns to step S601.
[0102]
In step S <b> 606, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the information processing apparatus 300 that there is no document in the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. The state of no document is notified from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305. Then, the process returns to step S601.
[0103]
On the other hand, if a reading start command is received from the information processing apparatus 300 in step S603, it is determined in step S611 whether the reading start command is an instruction to read a document on the ADF 406. If it is instructed to read the document on the ADF 406, the process proceeds to step S607.
[0104]
In step S <b> 607, it is determined whether a document is set by the document detection sensor 401 of the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100. If the document is set, the process proceeds to step S608, and if not, the process proceeds to step S613. In step S <b> 608, the image reading apparatus 100 starts an actual reading operation for the document set on the ADF 406. On the other hand, in step S613, the information processing apparatus 300 is notified of a warning of no document.
[0105]
If it is determined in step S611 that the reading start command does not instruct to read the document on the ADF 406, the process proceeds to step S609, and the image reading apparatus 100 is placed on the document table 404. The actual reading operation is started with respect to the original document.
[0106]
When the reading operation ends in step S608 or step S609, the process advances to step S610, and the read image data read from the ADF 406 or the document table 404 is transferred to the information processing apparatus 300. The read image data is transferred from the image reading apparatus 100 to the information processing apparatus 300 via the external interface unit 109, the information transfer interface 200, and the external interface unit 305. Then, the process returns to step S601.
[0107]
According to the above embodiment, the operator can detect the presence of a document and determine the reading method automatically without specifying a troublesome reading method, so that user convenience can be improved. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a sensor for detecting a document on the document table, the productivity of the apparatus itself can be improved.
[0108]
(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a sensor for detecting a document on the document table is not provided. However, in this embodiment, a case where document detection sensors are provided on both the ADF side and the document table side will be described. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be described using the same reference numerals.
[0109]
In the information processing apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, both the document detection sensor of the ADF 406 of the image reading apparatus 100 and the document detection sensor of the document table 404 are referred to as the processing of step S506 in FIG. Further, the operator can register in advance which of the ADF 406 and the document table 404 is to be prioritized for reading the document.
[0110]
For example, when giving priority to a document set in the ADF 406, processing according to the following Table 1 is performed.
[0111]
[Table 1]

[0112]
Further, when giving priority to the document set on the document table 404, processing according to the following Table 2 is performed.
[0113]
[Table 2]

[0114]
(Other embodiments)
Although the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment has a recording unit, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus capable of reading an image by two methods may be used. It may be a scanner or the like.
[0115]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0116]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0117]
When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts described above (shown in FIGS. 5 and / or 6).
[0118]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image reading processing system, an image reading apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a driver program, and a storage medium.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a reading mechanism of the image reading apparatus in the image reading processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing exchange of information in the image reading processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing exchange of information in the image reading processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the information processing apparatus of the image reading processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in the image reading apparatus of the image reading processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (14)

An image reading processing system including an image reading device and an information processing device connected to the image reading device,
The image reading device includes:
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
Have
The information processing apparatus includes:
Second receiving means for receiving information detected by the document state detecting means;
Second transmission means for transmitting the image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placement means or the second document placement means based on the received detection information;
An image reading processing system comprising: The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
An image for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means when the received detection information is that the document is placed on the first document placing means. Image reading that transmits a reading command and instructs the image reading of the document placed on the second document placing means when the content is that no document is placed on the first document placing means The image reading processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading processing system is a means for transmitting a command. The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means and the document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
When the received detection information is that the original is placed only on the first original placing means, the image reading of the original placed on the first original placing means is instructed. An image reading command is transmitted, and when the content indicates that the original is placed only on the second original placing means, the image reading of the original placed on the second original placing means is instructed. The image reading processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading processing system is a means for transmitting an image reading command. The second transmission means includes
When the received detection information is the content that a document is placed on both the first document placing means and the second document placing means, 4. The image reading processing system according to claim 3, wherein an image reading command for instructing image reading of an original placed on the first original placing means or the second original placing means is transmitted. The first document placing means is a placing means for automatically transporting a placed document and reading an image,
The image reading processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second document placing unit is a placing unit configured to perform image reading in a state where the placed document is fixed. The image reading apparatus further includes first reading start instruction means for instructing reading start.
When there is a reading start instruction to the first reading start instruction means, the first transmission means sends a request for a reading start command to the information processing apparatus and detection information from the document state detection means. The image reading processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading processing system transmits the image. The information processing apparatus further includes second reading start instruction means for instructing reading start,
2. The image reading processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second transmission unit transmits the image reading command in response to an instruction to start reading with respect to the second reading start instruction unit. An information processing apparatus connectable to an image reading apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
Can be connected to an image reading apparatus having
Second receiving means for receiving information detected by the document state detecting means;
Second transmission means for transmitting the image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placement means or the second document placement means based on the received detection information;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The document state detection means is means for detecting the presence or absence of a document in the first document placement means and / or the document placement means,
The second transmission means includes
An image for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means when the received detection information is that the document is placed on the first document placing means. Image reading that transmits a reading command and instructs the image reading of the document placed on the second document placing means when the content is that no document is placed on the first document placing means 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the information processing apparatus is means for transmitting a command. A first document placing unit for placing a document, a second document placing unit for placing a document, and a document state for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit An image reading device having detection means;
An information processing apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus;
A method for controlling an image reading processing system including:
A first transmission step of transmitting detection information in the document state detection means from the image reading apparatus to the information processing apparatus;
A first receiving step in which the information processing device receives the detection information transmitted from the image reading device;
Based on the received detection information, an image reading command for instructing image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means is sent from the information processing apparatus to the image reading apparatus. A second transmission step of transmitting;
A second receiving step in which the image reading device receives an image reading command from the information processing device;
In the image reading apparatus, in accordance with the received image reading command, an image reading step of reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placement means or the second document placement means;
A control method characterized by comprising: A driver program for controlling an image reading apparatus executed in an information processing apparatus connectable to the image reading apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
First receiving means for receiving an image reading command from the information processing apparatus;
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
When connected to an image reader with
In the information processing apparatus,
A second receiving step of receiving detection information in the document state detecting means;
A second transmission step of transmitting the image reading command for instructing the image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means based on the received detection information;
A driver program characterized by causing A storage medium storing the driver program according to claim 11. An image reading apparatus connected to an information processing apparatus and controlled by the information processing apparatus,
First document placing means for placing a document;
Second document placing means for placing a document;
A document state detecting unit for detecting a state of a document in the first document placing unit and / or the document placing unit;
First transmission means for transmitting information detected by the document state detection means to the information processing apparatus;
An image reading command as a result of the information processing apparatus judging based on the detection information as to whether image reading of the document placed on the first document placing means or the second document placing means should be performed First receiving means for receiving
Image reading means for reading an image on the document placed on either the first document placing means or the second document placing means in accordance with the received image reading command;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the document state detecting unit is a unit that detects presence or absence of a document in the first document placing unit.

Images