JP5572677B2 - Image reading apparatus, image reading apparatus control method, and image reading apparatus control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that performs a continuous reading operation for sequentially reading images of documents stacked on a stacking unit, a control method for the image reading apparatus, and a control program for the image reading apparatus.

  In an image reading apparatus that separates a plurality of documents placed on a document table one by one and feeds them to a conveyance path and continuously reads an image of the document, an operator can Using a scanner driver or an image capture application in an information processing apparatus such as a host computer externally connected to the reading apparatus, the resolution, image size, ON / OFF of the double feed detection function of the original, and the scanned image are read. Set the file name and file format.

  In such an image reading apparatus, when the document double feed detection function is set to ON and an image of the document is read, the read image data is sent to the information processing apparatus while the document is being conveyed. When double feeding occurs, the document feeding operation and the image data sending operation to the information processing apparatus are stopped as processing when a document feeding error occurs.

  On the other hand, the scanner driver, which is a processing program on the information processing apparatus side, stops the image data storage process as image data reception failure. At this time, the document driver error is notified from the scanner driver to the image capture application program, and a screen (dialog box) indicating that the error has occurred is displayed on the monitor on the information processing apparatus side (see FIG. 10).

  In this case, the operator confirms the read image of the document in which double feeding has occurred from the image files stored in the information processing apparatus by the image capture application program or the like, and then performs the document reading operation again. Yes.

  Further, in order to solve this problem, when the double feed of the document occurs, the scanning is stopped immediately, and it is detected whether or not the image reading is continued after the operator detects that the document is removed by the operator. An apparatus that displays a message for confirming whether or not to continue scanning on an operation unit of an image reading apparatus has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2005-354204

  However, in the conventional image reading apparatus, a document bundle in which various paper types are mixed, such as an envelope or a document with a sticky note, which is set to enable double feed detection of an original and is easily misdetected as a double feed, is used. When reading in the stacking order, reading of the original is interrupted every time a type of original in which a double feed error is erroneously detected is read. For this reason, it is necessary to restart the image reading of the document after resetting the ON / OFF of the double feed detection function, the file name assigned to the read image file, and the file format.

  Whether or not to continue scanning on the operation unit of the image reading apparatus so that the operator can select whether or not to continue image reading of the document when erroneously detecting that these documents are double feeds. Even when a message to be confirmed is displayed and image reading of a document is continued, the document staying in the apparatus must be removed and placed on the document table again.

  Therefore, the present invention eliminates the need for troublesome resetting and rereading of the document image when reading a document that is susceptible to false detection such as an envelope, and can improve the efficiency of the reading operation. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus, an image reading apparatus control method, and an image reading apparatus control program.

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes a feeding unit that feeds a document stacked on a stacking unit to a conveyance path, and a reading unit that reads an image of a document conveyed on the conveyance path. A double feed detecting means for detecting a double feed state of the document on the conveyance path, an operating means for designating a next process after the double feed is detected by the double feed detecting means, and the double feed detecting means. Upon detecting the double feed of the document by, while determines that the double feed with and double feed detection information to stop the reading of the succeeding document original, by the reading means, the state in which reading of an image for a double feed state of the document has been completed after holding the, specified in Rukoto is operated by the operating means, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to execute the next process after being the double-feed detection.

  According to the present invention, when the double feed of the original is detected, the image reading process of the original is completed and the error recovery process corresponding to the process after the double feed detection operated by the operation unit is performed. In the case of an envelope or the like, it is not necessary to perform troublesome resetting and rereading processing of an image of a document when a double feed is erroneously detected, and the efficiency of reading work can be improved.

1 is an external perspective view of an image reading apparatus which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the control system of an image reading apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation panel of an image reading apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the scanning process in an image reading apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a scan end process in step S610 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining post-multifeed processing in step S622 of FIG. It is a figure which shows the selection screen of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the selection screen of an operation panel. It is a figure which shows the screen of the double feed detection error displayed by a scanner driver. It is a figure which shows the continuation dialog box screen displayed by a scanner driver.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an image reading apparatus as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the image reading apparatus shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a document table (stacking unit) 402 on which a plurality of documents 401 are placed, and a sheet discharge table on which the discharged document 401 is placed. 403, an operation panel 404, and a document restricting plate 405 that restricts the placement position of the document 401.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading apparatus 200 rotates in accordance with the feeding roller 503 that feeds the document 401 to the conveyance path and the feeding roller 503, and reverses when a plurality of documents are fed. A separation roller 502 that separates the documents one by one and a paper feed sensor 504 that detects the presence or absence of the document 401 on the conveyance path.

  The image reading apparatus 200 also includes a double feed detection sensor 505 that detects the double feed state of the original 401 based on the thickness of the original 401 on the conveyance path, a registration sensor 506 that detects whether the original 401 has passed, and the surface of the original 401. A front reading sensor 507 for reading the first image and a back reading sensor 508 for reading the image on the back side of the original 401.

  The image reading apparatus 200 further includes a discharge driven roller 512 that rotates following the discharge roller 510, a main motor 509 that drives the feeding roller 503, the discharge roller 510, and the like, and a document 401 to be discharged. A paper discharge sensor 511 for detection.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control system of the image reading apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading apparatus 200 performs image processing with an image processing unit 203 that performs predetermined image processing such as color tone correction on image data read by the front surface image reading sensor 507 and the back reading sensor 508. And an image memory 204 for storing the image data.

  In addition, the image reading apparatus 200 includes a drive control unit 205 that controls a drive motor for a document transport roller, a document detection sensor control unit 206 that controls a paper feed sensor 504, a registration sensor 506, and a paper discharge sensor 511, It has a double feed detection sensor control unit 211 that controls the feed detection sensor 505 and a CPU 208 that controls the entire apparatus.

  Further, the image reading apparatus 200 includes a flash memory 207 that holds various control programs executed by the CPU 208, a timer 209 that generates a control timing signal such as the drive control unit 205, a SCSI control unit 210 that transmits image data, The LCD control unit 212 controls the display of the LCD disposed on the operation panel 404, and the switch control unit 213 controls a button switch for selecting an operation from options displayed on the LCD screen.

  A host computer 214 is connected to the image reading apparatus 200 via a SCSI control unit 210. A scanner driver and an image capture application for controlling the image reading apparatus 200 are installed in the host computer 214. In addition, a mouse / keyboard 221 and a display 220 are connected to the host computer 214.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation panel 404 of the image reading apparatus 200.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 404 displays options for selecting the state of the image reading apparatus 200, setting ON / OFF of the double feed detection function, and reading processing after double feed error detection described later. An LCD 1803, a start button 1804 for starting image reading of the original 401, a stop button 1805 for stopping image reading, a mode setting button 1806 for setting a mode, and a mode setting are changed. And selection buttons 1801 and 1802 for selecting a processing operation after detection of a double feed error from options.

  Note that it is possible to set ON / OFF of the double feed detection function by operating the mode setting button 1806.

  In the image reading apparatus 200, it is possible to instruct reading of a document and start of image reading from the host computer 214 via the SCSI control unit 210 before starting reading. It is also possible to perform setting to enable image reading start / stop by operating the mode setting button 1806 of the operation panel 404.

  Next, image reading processing of the original 401 in the image reading apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, the processing of FIGS. 5 to 7 shows an example of processing when the operation panel 404 is set to be able to start / stop image reading, and the program stored in the flash memory 207 is It is read and executed by the CPU 208. A part or all of these processes may be realized by hardware.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the scanning process in the image reading apparatus 200.

  In FIG. 5, first, when the image reading apparatus 200 is notified from the host computer 214 via the SCSI control unit 210, the image reading apparatus 200 determines whether or not the start button 1804 has been pressed (step S600). As a result of the determination, when the start button 1804 is pressed (YES in step S600), it is confirmed that the original 401 exists by the paper feed sensor 504 (YES in step S602), and then the main motor 509 is driven. The feeding of the document 401 is started (step S603).

  A document 401 placed on the document table 402 is separated one by one by a feed roller 503 and a separation roller 502 and fed to a conveyance path.

  On the other hand, when the start button 1804 is not pressed (NO in step S600) and the stop button 1805 is pressed (YES in step S601), the process proceeds to step S610, and the scan end process in FIG. 6 is executed.

  Next, the leading edge of the document 401 fed to the transport path passes through the registration sensor 506 (YES in step S604), and after a predetermined time, the front reading sensor 507 and the back reading sensor 508 are controlled to read the image of the document 401. Is started (step S605).

  On the other hand, when the leading edge of the original 401 does not pass the registration sensor 506 (NO in step S604), it is determined whether or not the double feed of the original 401 is detected by the double feed detection sensor 505 (step S611). When the feed is detected (YES in step S611), the double feed detection information is held (step S613), and the process returns to step S604. Also, when no double feed is detected (NO in step S611), the process returns to step S604.

  After the image reading in step S605 is started, the trailing edge of the document 401 passes through the registration sensor 506 (YES in step S606), and after a certain time, the front reading sensor 507 and the back reading sensor 508 are controlled to control the document 401. Reading is terminated (step S607).

  On the other hand, when the trailing edge of the document 401 does not pass the registration sensor 506 (NO in step S606), whether or not the double feed detection sensor 505 detects the double feed of the document 401 while continuing the predetermined image reading process. Is determined (step S615), and when double feed is detected (YES in step S615), the double feed detection information is held (step S617), and the process returns to step S606. Also, when no double feed is detected (NO in step S615), the process returns to step S606. The present embodiment is characterized in that the document image reading process is completed even when double feeding is detected. Thereby, when the double feed is erroneously detected by the envelope or the like, it is not necessary to read the envelope or the like again. Further, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of changing settings such as stopping the double feed detection function required when rereading an envelope or the like.

  If the read image of the original 401 does not hold the double feed information (YES in step S618), it is sent as image data to the host computer (external device) 214 via the SCSI control unit 210 (step S619). ). When the double feed detection information is held (NO in step S618), the image data is not sent while being held in the image memory 204.

  Next, when the original 401 passes the paper discharge sensor 511 (YES in step S608), if the double feed detection information is not held (YES in step S620), the original 401 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 403. The main motor 509 is stopped (step S609), and the process returns to step S602 to repeat the process.

  When all of the plurality of documents 401 placed on the document table 402 have been read and the document 401 is no longer detected by the paper feed sensor 504 (NO in step S602), the process proceeds to step S610 to execute scan end processing. To do.

  On the other hand, when the double feed detection information is held in step S620 (NO in step S620), the main motor 509 is stopped when the document 401 is transported to a position where it can be pulled out from the document discharge port, and the document 401 is discharged. It is assumed that the paper sheet 403 has not yet been discharged (step S621).

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S622, and the post-multifeed processing of FIG. 7 is executed. As described above, the present embodiment is characterized in that when the double feed detection information is held, the conveyance of the document is stopped in a state where the paper discharge is not completed. Thus, the operator can easily determine whether or not the document determined to be double-fed is an envelope or the like.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the scan end process in step S610 of FIG.

  In FIG. 6, after the main motor 509 is stopped as a scan end process (step S802), the host computer 214 is notified that there is no next original (step S804), and this process ends. Receiving that there is no next document, the host computer 214 displays a continuation dialog box shown in FIG. 11 on the display 220 by the scanner driver to prompt the operator to determine whether or not to continue image reading.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the post-multifeed processing in step S622 of FIG.

  In FIG. 7, when double feed of the document 401 is detected by the double feed detection sensor 505 during document transport or image reading, a message to the effect that double feed shown in FIG. Whether to restart image reading from the original 401 that has been detected for double feed (rereading), whether to restart image reading from the original 401 that has been detected for double feed (new reading), or whether to stop image reading A message as an option for (Cancel) is displayed and the operator is made to select (Step S103).

  Here, the resumption of image reading is performed from the original 401 that has been detected for double feeding (re-reading) when the original 401 that has been detected for double feeding has actually been double-fed. The resumption of image reading is performed from the original 401 next to the original 401 that has been detected for double feeding (new reading) because the original 401 that has been detected for double feeding is in the form of an envelope, a sticky note, or a photo sticker. And the scanned image is normal. In this case, the double feed detection information is canceled. Since the operator can visually confirm the document stopped in the middle of discharging, the operator can easily select the next processing.

  In order to make the above selection, the CPU 208 determines whether or not the start button 1804 has been pressed (step S104), and determines whether or not the stop button 1805 has been pressed (step S105). It is determined whether the buttons 1801 and 1802 have been pressed (step S106).

  If selection buttons 1801 and 1802 have been pressed (YES in step S106), the display on LCD 1803 is switched and selected each time selection buttons 1801 and 1802 are pressed, as shown in FIGS. Is changed (step S102).

  Here, it is assumed that the operator has selected to restart the image reading from the original 401 that has been detected by double feeding (rereading) by pressing the selection buttons 1801 and 1802 before pressing the start button 1804. The document 401 is pulled out from the document discharge port by the operator, and the document 401 is set again on the document table 402.

  When the start button 1804 is pressed (YES in step S104), it is determined that the original is reread (YES in step S107), and the image data held in the image memory 204 is discarded (step S110). Returning to step S602 in FIG. 5, image reading is resumed based on the setting information set before image reading.

  On the other hand, by pressing the selection buttons 1801 and 1802 before pressing the start button 1804, the operator selects that the resumption of image reading is performed from the next document (following document) 401 of the document 401 that has been detected by double feeding (new reading). If the start button 1804 is pressed (YES in step S104), it is determined not to read the original again (NO in step S107) but to read the next original (YES in step S108). Then, the image data held in the image memory 204 is read and transmitted to the host computer 214 via the SCSI control unit 210 (step S109), and the process returns to step S602 in FIG. Image reading is resumed based on the set information.

  In addition, when canceling (cancellation) of image reading is selected by pressing the selection buttons 1801 and 1802 before pressing the start button 1804, when the start button 1804 is pressed (YES in step S104), It is determined that the document is not read again (NO in step S107) and is not read from the next original (NO in step S108), the image data is discarded (step S111), and image reading end processing is executed. If the start button 1804 is not pressed (NO in step S104) and the stop button 1805 is pressed (YES in step S105), the image data is discarded (step S111), and image reading end processing is executed.

  As described above, even when the document 401 is double-fed, the document 401 is stopped at a position where it can be easily taken out from the image reading apparatus 200. Therefore, it is not necessary to open and close the cover and remove the document 401 from the conveyance path. Become.

  If the document 401 is actually double-fed by visual confirmation, it is only necessary to place the document on the document table 402 again and press the start button 1804.

  Further, when the document 401 is erroneously detected as double feeding when the original 401 is attached with an envelope, sticky note, or a photo, the operator selects processing after double feeding on the LCD 1803 of the operation panel 404, Since the erroneous detection of double feeding is cancelled, it is only necessary to press the start button 1804 as it is, and the subsequent document reading can be continued.

  Furthermore, when a double feed of a document is detected, the image of the document can be read without the operator performing resetting or re-operation on the host computer.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even if a double feed of a document is erroneously detected, the corresponding recovery process is performed, so that the operator can reset or detect the double feed on the host computer. Reading operation efficiency can be improved without re-operation or reading an image of a document.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to what was illustrated to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the double-feed detection post-processing, that is, error display and selection of processing is performed by the image reading apparatus 200 main body, but may be performed by a scanner driver on the host computer 214 side.

  In the above-described embodiment, processing is selected after double feeding has occurred in the image reading apparatus 200 main body. However, prior to image reading, processing at the time of double feeding is performed by the scanner driver on the host computer 214 side. Alternatively, it is possible to select a process for multi-feeding in advance by operating a mode setting button 1806 of the main body of the image reading apparatus 200 before image reading. In this way, the operator need only perform an action such as loading a document that has been stopped in the middle of discharge due to double feed detection, and if there is no problem with a previously selected operation, there is no need to make another selection. .

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the double feed detection is performed by the double feed detection sensor control unit 211 based on the thickness of the document, but the document length detection by the document detection sensor control unit 206, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like may be performed. It may be.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, SCSI is used as an image transfer interface with the host computer 214, but USB, FireWire (trademark), or the like may be used.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium that records a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing is also included in the present invention. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

200 Image Reading Device 203 Image Processing Unit 204 Image Memory 205 Drive Control Unit 206 Document Detection Sensor Control Unit 207 Flash Memory 208 CPU (Control Unit)
209 Timer 210 SCSI control unit 211 Double feed detection sensor control unit 212 LCD control unit 213 Switch control unit 214 Host computer 220 Display 221 Mouse / keyboard 401 Document 402 Document table (stack unit)
403 Discharge stand 404 Operation panel 405 Document restriction plate 502 Separating roller 503 Feeding roller (feeding means)
504 Paper feed sensor 505 Double feed detection sensor (double feed detection means)
506 Registration sensor 507 Table reading sensor (reading means)
508 Back reading sensor (reading means)
509 Main motor 510 Paper discharge roller 511 Paper discharge sensor 512 Paper discharge driven rollers 1801 and 1802 Selection buttons (selection means)
1803 LCD (selection means, display means)
1804 Start button 1805 Stop button 1806 Mode setting button

Claims (11)

A feeding means for feeding the document loaded on the loading section to the conveyance path;
Reading means for reading an image of a document conveyed on the conveyance path;
A double feed detecting means for detecting a double feed state of the document in the transport path;
An operation means for performing a designation operation for a next process after the double feed is detected by the double feed detection means;
Upon detecting the double feed of the document by the double feed detecting means, while determines that the double feed with and double feed detection information to stop the reading of the succeeding document original, by the reading means, reading of an image for a double feed state of the document after There holding all completed state, and characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to execute the next process after it has been specified, the multifeed detection in Rukoto is operated by the operation means An image reading apparatus.   The operation means includes a process for resuming a continuous reading operation including re-reading of an image for a document that has been detected for double feeding, a process for resuming a continuous reading operation from reading an image for a document subsequent to a document for which multi-feed has been detected, and The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the processes for canceling the continuous reading operation are operable.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a selection unit for selecting a processing operation after double feed detection from options.   The selection means includes a process for resuming a continuous reading operation including re-reading of an image for a document in which double feeding is detected, a process for resuming a continuous reading operation from reading an image on a document next to a document in which double feeding is detected, and The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the option includes at least two of the processes for canceling the continuous reading operation, and one of the options is selected.   When a process for resuming a continuous reading operation including re-reading of an image on a document whose double feeding is detected by the operation unit is operated, the control unit reads the document whose double feeding is detected during image reading. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image data read by the step is discarded after the reading of the image data is completed.   When operating the process of resuming the continuous reading operation from the reading of an image on the next original of the original on which the multi-feed is detected by the operation means, the control means is configured to control the original of the original on which the multi-feed is detected during image reading. 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image data read by the reading unit is transmitted to an external device after the reading of the image data is completed.   When the process for stopping the reading of the image of the document is operated by the operation unit, the control unit converts the image data read by the reading unit of the document in which double feeding is detected during image reading into the image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image reading apparatus is discarded after the reading of the image is completed.   The said operation means has a display means which displays the operation screen of the process after double feed detection, if the double feed is detected by the said double feed detection means. Image reading device.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the multi-feed detection unit detects the double feed of the document, the control unit controls the transport of the document to a position where the document can be pulled out from the outside, and then stops the transport. The image reading apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8. A feeding unit configured to feed a document stacked on the stacking unit to a conveyance path; a reading unit configured to read an image of the document conveyed on the conveyance path; and a multi-feed detecting a multi-feed state of the document on the conveyance path. And when detecting an image reading apparatus including the detection unit,
Upon detecting the double feed of the document by the double feed detecting means, while determines that the double feed with and double feed detection information to stop the reading of the succeeding document original, by the reading means, reading of an image for a double feed state of the document Holding the state where all the
After holding the double feed detection information, specified in Rukoto is operated by the operation means for designating operation of the next process after double feed detection by the double feed detecting means, and executing the next process, An image reading apparatus control method comprising: A feeding unit configured to feed a document stacked on the stacking unit to a conveyance path; a reading unit configured to read an image of the document conveyed on the conveyance path; and a multi-feed detecting a multi-feed state of the document on the conveyance path. And when detecting an image reading apparatus including the detection unit,
Upon detecting the double feed of the document by the double feed detecting means, while determines that the double feed with and double feed detection information to stop the reading of the succeeding document original, by the reading means, reading of an image for a double feed state of the document Holding the state where all the
After holding the double feed detection information, specified in Rukoto is operated by the operation means for designating operation of the next process after double feed detection by the double feed detecting means, and executing the next process, A program for controlling an image reading apparatus.

Images