JP4865646B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having means for reading a reflective original such as a paper original and a transparent original such as a film.

  Some image processing apparatuses having a flatbed type document reading means such as an MFP or a scanner include a means for reading a reflective original such as a paper original and a means for reading a transparent original such as a film. To do. Note that the MFP is a Multi Function Printer.

  In such an image processing apparatus, normally, the user needs to designate whether the target read original is a reflective original or a transparent original and issue an instruction to execute the read process.

  However, in some apparatuses, it is automatically determined whether the document set on the document table is a reflective document or a transparent document, and based on the determination result, the reading mode is switched and executed (hereinafter, referred to as “scanning document”). Some have a function called “automatic document discrimination”. As a result, the user's operation can be saved.

  Devices that realize this automatic document discrimination function are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 has a first light source that irradiates one surface of a document, and a second light source that irradiates the other surface of the document on the opposite side of the photoelectric conversion element across the document. The photoelectric conversion element is a document reading device, and the photoelectric conversion element detects the amount of light from the second light source that transmits the document. Then, based on the white level value, the type of document is determined.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 2, light is applied to a stacked document from a light source provided at a lower portion of the document table. The object to be read is reflected depending on whether the photoelectric conversion unit for reflective original provided for reading the reflective original receives light or the photoelectric conversion part for transparent original provided for reading the transparent original. It is determined whether the document is a transparent document or a transparent document. The reading process is executed in a reading mode according to this determination.

The invention described in Patent Document 3 determines which original the user is trying to read by determining whether or not the transparent original reading guide used in the transparent original reading process is placed on the original table. to decide. Then, the reading process is executed in the reading mode according to this determination.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-5868 Japanese Patent No. 3187184 JP 2004-64332 A

  However, in the above conventional example, a reading error due to erroneous recognition may occur. In addition, it takes time for the automatic determination process, and it takes a longer time than usual to complete all of the reading processes. As a result, it is often possible for the user to perform the work more efficiently if he / she selects it.

  In the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the irradiation light from each light source is applied to the document, and a determination is made as to what happens to the response from the document. For this reason, when a transparent original is read, it must be moved to a position where light can be directly applied to the transparent original, and determination processing must be performed. When the transparent original is moved to a place where the irradiated light is directly applied, a mechanical operation is performed for an operation only for the discrimination process, so that it takes a lot of time and there is no way to shorten it.

  In addition, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since the determination is made using the amount of light irradiated with the document sandwiched, the white level value that can be acquired varies depending on the content and state of the document and the state of the light emitted from the light source. There is a problem that it is easy to misrecognize.

  In the invention described in Patent Document 3, the type of the document placed on the document table is determined by identifying the shape of the film guide. Since the pattern when the film guide is read is recognized, it can be recognized without depending on the surrounding environment, and can be determined more stably than the methods described in the above two patent documents. However, the invention described in Patent Document 3 has a problem that it is necessary to execute a special process of acquiring image data of an area necessary for pattern recognition.

  Further, when a reflective document on which characters, figures, and patterns similar to the film guide are described is placed on the document table, it is impossible to recognize the document as a reflective document. For this reason, the recognition rate is increased by providing a more characteristic shape and providing a recognition mark. This has a problem that the cost of the apparatus is increased.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of automatically discriminating between a reflective original and a transparent original with high efficiency and high accuracy.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that selectively reads a reflective original and a transparent original, the transparent original table on which the reflective original or the transparent original is placed, and the transparent original table through the transparent original table. Reading means for reading an image of a reflective original or the transparent original, scanning means for scanning the reading means along the transparent original table, an original cover for opening and closing the image processing apparatus and covering the transparent original table, A pressing plate that is detachable from the document cover and presses the reflective document against the transparent document table, and is provided on the document cover. When the reflective document is read by illuminating the transparent document, it is covered with the pressing plate. When there is a transmission light source and a document reading instruction, the scanning unit moves the reading unit at a determination position outside the transmission range of the transmission document and within the irradiation range of the transmission light source when reading the transmission document. Determining means for determining whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original in accordance with a change in output of the reading means corresponding to the change in the light quantity; The determination position is a position corresponding to a window area formed on the transparent original guide plate, and the window area is a shading correction data acquisition position for reading the transparent original. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that the image processing apparatus can discriminate between a reflective original and a transparent original with high efficiency and high accuracy.

  The best mode for carrying out the invention is the following embodiment.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The image processing apparatus 100 communicates with an external computer (PC) 200 connected in a local environment such as a network or USB, has an interface for exchanging data, and is configured by an MFP or the like. The image processing apparatus 100 is an apparatus that selectively reads a reflective original and a transparent original.

  Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 100 includes a control unit (CPU) 1, a ROM 2, a RAM 3, a buffer memory 4, an operation unit 5, a reading processing unit 6, a recording processing unit 8, a recording unit 9, and a display. Unit 10, coding / decoding processing unit 11, network control unit 12, and reading unit 20.

  A control unit (CPU) 1 is a control unit that controls the entire image processing apparatus 100 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 2.

  The ROM 2 stores a control program of the control unit 1, an operating system (OS) program, and the like. The control unit 1 controls the operation of the image processing apparatus 100 according to a control program stored in the ROM 2. The control set values and parameters of the first embodiment are also stored in the ROM 2.

  The RAM 3 stores arithmetic processing, setting values registered by the user, management data of the image processing apparatus 100, and the like. The RAM 3 also stores output values, parameters, and the like to be held in each process of the first embodiment. The buffer memory 4 stores image data and data packets received through the network. The operation unit 5 includes various input keys, and the user performs various input operations.

  The reading processing unit 6 optically reads a document from the reading unit 20 and performs various image processing such as binarization processing and halftone processing on the image signal converted into electrical image data, thereby obtaining high-definition image data. Is output. The reading processing unit 6 is controlled by a scan control task program of a control program stored in the ROM 2.

  The reading unit 20 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD or CIS, a light source such as an LED (hereinafter referred to as “light source for reflection document”), a mirror, a lens, or the like (hereinafter referred to as “CCD 22”). Have). Further, it has a configuration capable of reading a transparent original such as a negative photographic film or a positive photographic film, and holds a special unit including a dedicated light source (hereinafter referred to as “transparent original light source”) 27. In this unit, a transparent document light source 27 is installed at a place where a sufficient amount of light can be supplied to a film guide unit for fixing a plurality of films at a specific position, or to all films fixed at a specific position by the film guide unit. Has been. Irradiation light from the light source 27 for transmissive originals passes through the film 30 to be read and is irradiated to the CCD 22. These light sources can be freely turned on and off by the control unit 1.

  The recording processing unit 8 performs resolution conversion processing and smoothing processing on the recorded image data so that the recording unit 9 records the image data. The recording processing unit 8 is controlled by a printer control task program that is a control program stored in the ROM 2. The recording unit 9 includes a laser beam printer, an ink jet printer, or the like.

  The display unit 10 includes an LED, an LCD, and the like, and performs display for setting each function held by the image processing apparatus 100, display for various settings, display of the operation status of the image processing apparatus 100, and the like. When some inconvenience occurs in the processing, the display unit 10 is used to notify the user of the state of the image processing apparatus 100.

  The encoding / decoding processing unit 11 performs an encoding / decoding process for compressing / decompressing the image data created by the reading processing unit 6 and the reading unit 20 using JPEG or the like.

  The network control unit 12 performs communication control with the external computer 200 via a network defined by IEEE 802.3 or the like. The network control unit 12 performs protocol control in accordance with a standard such as TCP / IP, receives a data packet with the address acquired by the image processing apparatus 100 as a destination, and transmits the data packet from the image processing apparatus 100 to the external computer 200. The data packet is transmitted. When the data packet is received from the external computer 200, the control unit 1 is notified.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the reading unit 20 in more detail.

  The reading unit 20 has a flat bed type configuration, and holds means for reading a reflective original such as a paper original and a transparent original such as a film 30.

  The reading unit 20 includes a platen glass 21, a CCD 22, a reflection original light source 23, a film guide 24, an original table 25, a pressure plate 26, a transmission original light source 27, and a pressure plate sheet 29.

  The platen glass 21 is placed with a reading target. The CCD 22 converts the optically input signal into electrical data (hereinafter referred to as “input data”) and captures it into the image processing apparatus 100.

  An LED light source, a fluorescent lamp, or the like is often used as the light source 23 for the reflection document. Depending on the type of the light source, the output is often not stable depending on the surrounding environment such as the temperature.

  The film guide 24 is used to fix the transparent original (film 30) at a certain place on the platen glass 21. The shape differs depending on the type of the film 30 such as a sleeve film, a mount film, a brownie film, etc., and it is necessary for the user to use it properly depending on the type. The document table 25 includes a platen glass 21 and a motor for moving the CCD 22. In addition, a white sheet is installed in a portion that is not on the platen glass 21 where external light does not enter in order to acquire shading data for the reflective original. When the CCD 22 moves to the position where the white sheet is installed, the irradiation light from the light source 27 for the transmissive original does not enter the CCD 22. In addition, black shading data is acquired at this position both when reading a reflective original and when reading a transparent original.

  The pressure plate 26 is a document cover that can hold down and open and close a document placed on the document table 25. In order to prevent the influence of external light during reading, the external light is blocked and accurate processing is performed regardless of the type of document, and accurate image data is obtained. 26 needs to be closed.

  The transmission original light source 27 is attached to the pressure plate 26. The transmissive original light source 27 is installed at a position where the transparent original (film 30) fixed to the film guide 24 passes through the pressure plate 26 and the CCD 22 is irradiated with light vertically. Has been. Similarly to the reflective original light source 23, an LED light source, a fluorescent lamp, or the like is often used for the transparent original light source 27. Depending on the type of the transparent original light source 27, the output may vary depending on the surrounding environment such as the temperature. Often not stable.

  The shading data acquisition window 28 is provided in the film guide 24 for acquiring white shading data when a transparent original is read. No shielding object other than the platen glass 21 is placed on the shading data acquisition window 28, and the CCD 22 is directly irradiated with light from the transmission original light source 27 to become input data.

  The pressure plate sheet 29 is an example of a pressing plate that can be attached to and detached from the pressure plate 26, is mounted when a reflected document is read, and presses the reflected document against the transparent document table. Removed when reading a transparent original.

  The platen glass 21 is an example of a transparent document table on which a reflective document or a transparent document is placed.

  The CCD 22 is an example of a reading unit that reads an image of the reflective original or the transparent original through a transparent original table.

  Scanning means (not shown) for scanning the reading means along the transparent document table is provided.

  The transmissive original light source 27 is an example of a transmissive light source that is provided on the original cover and is covered with the pressing plate when the transparent original is illuminated and the reflective original is read.

  When the document reading instruction is given, the scanning unit scans the reading unit at a determination position within the irradiation range of the transmission light source outside the transmission range of the transmission document when reading the transmission document. Then, the light quantity of the transmissive light source is changed, and an example of a judgment means for judging whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original according to a change in the output of the reading means corresponding to the change in the light quantity. .

  The determination position is the shading correction data acquisition position for the transparent original reading. Further, a transparent original guide plate is provided, and the determination position is a position corresponding to a window region formed on the transparent original guide plate.

  Furthermore, the lighting threshold value and the extinguishing threshold value are stored. Further, at the determination position, the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned on is greater than the lighting threshold value, and the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned off is greater than the threshold value when turned off. If the value is smaller, the transparent original reading is started.

  In addition, when the transparent original reading is started, shading correction data at the determination position is acquired.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing the film guide 24 and a schematic view around the shading data acquisition window 28. In the following description of document determination, the value called the maximum value of the CCD output indicates the maximum value when the rectangular area indicated by the reading range in FIG. 3 is read by the CCD. If it is not covered with a pressure plate sheet or the like, in the region of the shading data acquisition window 28, the light emitted from the light source 27 for the transmissive original enters the CCD as it is. It does not enter the part covered with the film guide. At this time, the maximum value of the output value of the CCD corresponds to the maximum value of the read signal in the area of the shading data acquisition window 28. The maximum value is taken in consideration of the variation for each pixel. Further, although the entire reading range of FIG. 3 is scanned and read by the CCD 22, it can also be determined using the maximum value of the signal read only near the center of the shading data acquisition window 28.

  In the conventional automatic document detection, the image data of the reading range is acquired by using the light source for the reflection document possessed by the CCD. Then, the image data is analyzed. If the image data matches the specific pattern, it is determined that the film guide is set on the platen glass, and the transparent original is read. The discrimination white mark 31 is used to discriminate the type of film guide.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of automatic document discrimination processing in the first embodiment.

  In the following, LED light sources having excellent output responsiveness are used for the light source 23 for the reflective original and the light source 27 for the transparent original.

  The image processing apparatus 100 executes document reading processing in accordance with an instruction from a user using the external computer (PC) 200 or the operation unit 5. At this time, if there is no clear designation as to whether to execute the reflection document reading process or the transparent document reading process, the image processing apparatus 100 automatically executes an automatic document determination process. Then, the document reading process based on the determination result is started.

  The control unit 1 of the image processing apparatus 100 instructs the reading processing unit 6 to turn off the light source 23 for reflective originals and to turn off the light source 27 for transparent originals (S1). After the light is extinguished, the CCD 22 moves to the white sheet installation position, which is the reflection document white shading data acquisition position installed on the document table 25, and acquires black shading data (S2).

  This black shading data can use the same data regardless of whether a reflective original or a transparent original is read. After obtaining the black shading data, the transparent original light source 27 is turned on (S3), and the CCD 22 is moved to the reading range of the film guide 24 which is the transparent original shading data acquisition position (S4). Subsequently, while reading the reading range of FIG. 3, the output of the CCD is checked to obtain the maximum value (S5). After the movement of the reading range is completed (S6), the control unit 1 calculates the maximum value of input data in the reading range and sets it as the maximum value A.

  Then, it is compared whether or not the maximum value A is larger than a threshold value A (see FIG. 5) stored in the ROM 2 (S7). If the maximum value A is larger than the threshold value A, it is recognized that the irradiation light from the light source 27 for transmissive originals is being input to the CCD 22. In other words, in order to read a transparent original, the user places the film guide 24 and the film 30 on the platen glass 21 or the pressure plate 26 is opened, and strong external light passes through the platen glass 21 and the CCD 22. It is determined that the light is being irradiated.

  In this case, the process proceeds to a process for turning off the light source 27 for the transparent document (S8). If it is determined in S7 that it is small, it is recognized that there is an object that obstructs the irradiation light from the light source 27 for the transparent original. That is, it is determined that the pressure plate sheet 29 or the reflection original exists or the pressure plate 26 is opened. In this case, the process proceeds to the turn-off process (S15) of the light source 27 for the transparent original for the reflection original reading process.

  Further, after the determination of S7 is completed, the light source 27 for the transparent original 27 is turned off (S8), the reading range of FIG. 3 is read, and the input data from the shading data acquisition window 28 to the CCD 22 is acquired again. To do. The control unit 1 calculates the maximum value of this input data and sets it as the maximum value B. It is compared whether the maximum value B is smaller than the threshold value B stored in the ROM 2 (S9). If it is smaller, it is recognized that the input has changed following the change in the state of the light source 27 for the transparent original.

  That is, it is determined that the pressure plate 26 from which the pressure plate sheet 29 has been removed is closed, and that a normal transparent original reading process can be executed. After this determination, the process proceeds to the lighting process (S10) of the light source 27 for the transparent document. If it is determined in S9 that it is large, it is recognized that the input has not changed following the change in the state of the light source 27 for the transparent original. That is, it is determined that the pressure plate 26 is opened and a strong external light is contained. And a process is interrupted and the warning with respect to a user is displayed on the display part 10 (S14).

  After the determination of S9, when the lighting process of the light source 27 for the transparent document is executed in S10, the maximum value of the output of the CCD is obtained at the position of the shading data acquisition window 28, and is set as the maximum value C. It is confirmed that the maximum value C is larger than the threshold value A and that the output sufficient for the reading process of the transparent original is emitted from the light source 27 for the transparent original (S11). After confirming that the input data in the CCD 22 is at the same level as before the extinguishing process in S8, white shading data for the transparent original is obtained (S12), and the transparent original reading process is executed (S13).

  On the other hand, when the process for turning off the light source 27 for transparent original is executed in S15 after the determination in S7, the light source 23 for reflective original light source 23 is turned on at the same time (S15), and the reading range in FIG. Input data to the CCD 22 is acquired. The control unit 1 calculates the maximum value of the input data and sets it as the maximum value D. It is compared whether or not the maximum value D is larger than the threshold value A stored in the ROM 2 (S16).

  If it is larger, it can be considered that the pressure plate sheet 29 is mounted. Therefore, it is determined that the reflective original is placed on the platen glass 21, and moves to the position for acquiring the white shading data for the reflective original, that is, the white sheet placement position installed on the document table 25 (S17). After this movement, the process for acquiring the reflection original white shading data is executed (S18), and the reflection original reading process is executed (S19).

If it is determined in S16 that it is small, it is determined that the input does not change, that is, the pressure plate 26 is open, following the change in the state of the light source 23 for the reflection document. Then, the process is interrupted and a display for warning the user is displayed on the display unit 10 (S14).

  In the second embodiment, a light source such as a fluorescent lamp that is not as responsive as an LED light source is used as the light source 23 for the reflective original and the light source 27 for the transparent original.

  In the first embodiment, the maximum value of the output of the CCD 22 is compared with the threshold value A and the threshold value B in the determination of branching in S9, S11, and S16. In the second embodiment, the change amount of the maximum value is compared with the change amount threshold value. The change amount threshold is also stored in the ROM 2 in the same manner as the thresholds a and b.

  Parts different from the flowchart of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment are shown in 1), 2), and 3) below.

  1) In S9, the maximum value A is compared with the maximum value B, and if the maximum value B is significantly lower than the change amount threshold value C with respect to the maximum value A, the process proceeds to S10, and the difference is changed to the change amount threshold value H. If it is smaller, the process proceeds to S14.

  2) The maximum value B and the maximum value C are compared in S11, and after waiting for the maximum value B to become larger than the change amount threshold C, the process proceeds to S12.

  3) In S16, the maximum value A and the maximum value D are compared, and if the maximum value D is greater than or equal to the change amount threshold value C relative to the maximum value A, the process proceeds to S17, and if the difference is less than the change amount threshold value C, the process proceeds to S14. move on.

  Other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an output example that the control unit 1 can acquire from the CCD 22 when it can be determined that the transparent document reading process can be executed (S7, S8, S9, S10, S11, S12, and S13). .

  In S7, the maximum value A is acquired. If the maximum value exceeds the threshold value A, the transmission original light source 27 is turned off in S8. At this time, if the setting is normal, the irradiation light to the CCD 22 fluctuates even if a light source with a slow response is used for the light source 27 for the transmissive document.

  The normal setting at this time indicates a state where the pressure plate 26 from which the pressure plate sheet 29 is removed is closed and the film guide 24 is installed on the document table. Even if the maximum value B of S9 is acquired before the output of the light source 27 for transmissive originals becomes 0, the difference between the maximum value A and the maximum value B (variation value AB shown in FIG. 5) is obtained. . By comparing with the change amount threshold C, it is possible to identify whether or not the CCD 22 receives the output light from the light source 27 for transmissive originals.

  After that, when the actual reading process is executed, an appropriate output image cannot be obtained unless there is sufficient output from the CCD 22, so that the output level before the turn-off process in S8 is reached is reached. It is necessary not to start the reading process.

  In the second embodiment, it is determined in S16 whether there is a difference exceeding the change amount threshold C, but it may be determined whether the threshold A is exceeded. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the above is acquired.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the output check (S5) in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the reading range of FIG. 3 is read, when the CCD 22 before moving to the shading data acquisition window 28 of the film guide 24 is moved, the film guide 24 having the shape shown in FIG. 3 is identified. be able to. In this case, the determination is made based on whether or not the irradiation light from the light source 27 for the transparent original is blocked by the film guide 24 while the CCD 22 is moving.

  The maximum value for each line of input to the moving CCD 22 is calculated, and this maximum value is compared with the threshold value a stored in the ROM 2 (S51). If the maximum value is smaller than the threshold value A, the film guide 24 may be placed on the platen glass 21, and the movement is continued (S6).

  If the maximum value is larger than the threshold value a, it can be determined that the film guide 24 is not installed on the platen glass 21, so the CCD 22 stops moving, the transmissive original light source 27 is turned off, and the reflective original light source 23. The lighting process (S15) can be shifted to.

  As described above, in an image processing apparatus having a means for reading a reflective original and a transparent original, the reflective original light source is turned off, the transparent original light source 27 is turned on, and the shading data for the transparent original is acquired at a position. The CCD 22 is moved. Then, the CCD 22 acquires input data from the light source 27 for the transparent document. If this data is at a certain level or higher, it is determined that the reflection original is not ready to be read, and the reflection original reading process is not executed until the reading process is completed. Next, the output state of the light source for the reflection original is changed, and it is confirmed that the input data of the CCD 22 follows in accordance with this.

  If the input data of the CCD 22 follows, it is determined that the input from the light source 27 for the transparent original is instructed to be read by the user in an appropriate state, and the transparent original reading process is executed. If the input data of the CCD 22 does not follow, it is determined that preparation for reading the transparent original is not made.

  According to the pattern matching method, even if a reflective original that is erroneously determined to be a transparent original is set on the original table, it can be accurately determined whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original. Further, since it is automatically determined at the shading data acquisition position whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original, it is possible to make an accurate determination without depending on the state of the original and the description content.

  Furthermore, since the state of the apparatus is confirmed by the change in the output of the light source 27 for the transparent document, erroneous recognition due to external light can be prevented. In addition, even if the output is not stable due to the light source 27 for the transparent document with a slow response, it is possible to accurately determine whether the document is a transparent document or a reflective document.

  Then, when the transparent original reading process is executed after the determination, the process can be speeded up by shifting to the shading data acquisition process and the reading process without moving the CCD 22 excessively.

  As described above, in an image processing apparatus having a means for reading a reflective original and a transparent original, when automatically determining whether the original is a reflective original or a transparent original, the light source for the reflective original is first turned off. . Next, the light source 27 for the transparent document is turned on and moved to the shading data acquisition location for the transparent document. The reading unit analyzes the input data obtained from the irradiation light to the light source 27 for the transmissive document at the place, and obtains the maximum value of the input data. If the maximum value is larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that the document to be read is not a reflective document. Next, the light source 27 for the transparent original is turned off, the input data is acquired again, and the maximum value of the input data is calculated. If the maximum value is smaller than a predetermined value, it is determined that preparation for reading the transparent original by the user is normally performed, and the transparent original reading process is executed.

  With the above configuration, if a reflective document is set on the document table, the light from the transmissive document light source 27 is blocked by the reflected document. Therefore, the input value acquired by the image processing apparatus is It becomes smaller than a specific value, and the reflective original can be identified. On the other hand, if a transparent original is set on the original platen, an input from the transparent original light source 27 can be obtained at the shading data acquisition position without any obstruction. As a result, the input value acquired by the image processing apparatus is larger than the specific value, so that the original can be identified as a transparent original.

  Further, after identifying the original, the transparent original photoelectric is turned off and then turned on again, and the change in the input value at that time is monitored to recognize that the input value follows the change in the light source 27 for the transparent original. By doing so, it can be determined whether or not the transparent original can be read normally.

  Therefore, an extra reading process is unnecessary for the determination process as in the conventional example, and a wasteful process such as moving the CCD to the transparent original is eliminated. Then, when recognizing that the transparent original is set on the original platen and executing the transparent original reading process, the reading unit does not perform extra processing such as returning to the standby position, and obtains shading data. Therefore, the reading process can be speeded up.

  Furthermore, even when a reflective original similar to a pattern matching comparison target for recognizing a transparent original is set on the original table, the original can be accurately identified. If the shading data acquisition position for a transparent document is used, it can be recognized without any unspecified number of shielding objects such as a document at the time of determination. As a result, it is possible to automatically determine the original without depending on the type of the original, the contents of the original, the surrounding environment of the apparatus, and the fluctuation of the input value depending on the sensor level.

Further, if the image processing apparatus has means that can freely control the voltage supplied to the light source 27 for the transparent document, it is not necessary to turn off all the light sources 27 for the transparent document in the above processing. By switching the voltage and identifying whether or not the change in the input value to the image processing apparatus due to the change in the amount of light follows the change, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing apparatus 100 that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows the reading part 20 in detail. It is a figure which shows the film guide 24, and is a figure which shows the outline around the window 28 for the shading data acquisition. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of automatic document discrimination processing according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an output example that the control unit 1 can obtain from the CCD 22 when it can be determined that the transparent document reading process can be executed in the determination process of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the output check (S5) in the flowchart of FIG. 4 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

101: Image processing apparatus (MFP),
1 ... control unit (CPU),
2 ... ROM,
3 ... RAM,
6: Reading processing unit,
20: Reading unit,
200 ... External computer (PC),
21 ... Platen glass,
22 ... CCD,
23: Light source for reflection original,
24 ... Film guide,
25. Document table,
26 ... pressure plate,
27: Light source for transparent original,
28 ... Shading data acquisition window,
29. Pressure plate sheet,
30 ... Film.

Claims (5)

In an image processing apparatus that selectively reads a reflective original and a transparent original,
A transparent document table on which the reflective document or the transparent document is placed;
Reading means for reading the image of the reflective original or the transparent original through the transparent original table;
Scanning means for scanning the reading means along the transparent document table;
A document cover that opens and closes the image processing apparatus and covers the transparent document table;
A pressing plate that is detachable from the document cover and presses the reflective document against the transparent document table;
A transmissive light source provided on the document cover and covered with the pressing plate when illuminating the transmissive document and reading the reflective document;
When there is a document reading instruction, the scanning unit moves the reading unit to a determination position within the irradiation range of the transmission light source outside the arrangement range of the transmission document at the time of reading the transmission document, and the light amount of the transmission light source Determining means for determining whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original in accordance with a change in the output of the reading means corresponding to the change in the amount of light;
A transparent document guide plate;
The determination position is a position corresponding to a window area formed on the transparent original guide plate, and the window area is a shading correction data acquisition position for reading the transparent original. An image processing apparatus. In claim 1,
Store the lighting threshold and the lighting threshold,
At the determination position, the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned on is larger than the lighting threshold value, and the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned off is smaller than the extinguishing threshold value. In such a case, the image processing apparatus starts scanning the transparent document. In claim 1,
Memorize change threshold,
When the difference between the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned on and the output of the reading unit when the transmissive light source is turned off is larger than the change amount threshold at the determination position, An image processing apparatus that is started. In claim 1,
An image processing apparatus for acquiring shading correction data at the determination position when reading of the transparent original is started. A transparent document table on which a reflective document or a transparent document is placed; a reading unit that reads the image of the reflective document or the transparent document through the transparent document table; and the reading unit along the transparent document table. Scanning means for scanning, a document cover that opens and closes the image processing apparatus and covers the transparent document table, a pressing plate that can be attached to and detached from the document cover and presses the reflective document against the transparent document table, and the document cover In the control method of the image processing apparatus having the transmissive light source covered with the pressing plate when illuminating the transparent original and reading the reflective original,
A scanning step in which the scanning unit moves the reading unit to a determination position within the irradiation range of the transmissive light source outside the arrangement range of the transmissive document when reading the transmissive document when there is a document reading instruction;
When there is a document reading instruction, a light amount changing step for changing the light amount of the transmissive light source,
A determination step of determining whether the original is a transparent original or a reflective original according to a change in the output of the reading unit corresponding to the change in the light amount, and storing the original in a storage device;
The determination position is a position corresponding to a window area formed on the transparent original guide plate, and the window area is a shading correction data acquisition position for reading the transparent original. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus.

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