JP7175220B2 - Image reading device, control method and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, a control method, and a control program, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus, a control method, and a control program for capturing an image of a set of documents that are sequentially conveyed.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image reading devices such as scanners have been used to digitize manuscripts such as forms at counters of banks and the like. In general, the documents handled at the window include a plurality of types of documents including documents of different sizes. At such a counter, there is a case where a set of a plurality of types of originals for each customer is collectively read by an image reading device, and the original images obtained by imaging each original are managed as an image set that is one piece of electronic data. However, there is a case where the documents are arranged in the wrong order by the person in charge of the window service and read by the image reading device, and the respective document images are arranged in the wrong order in the image set.

A document feeder capable of setting a document mixed mode is disclosed (Patent Document 1). This document conveying device stores size information for each document placed on a document supply tray, detects the length of the document to be conveyed, and stores the detected length information and the stored size of each document. Error information is output when the document length information based on the information does not match.

JP-A-2005-123918

2. Description of the Related Art In an image reading apparatus that generates an image set including document images obtained by imaging each document included in a plurality of document sets, it is desired to arrange the document images included in the image set in an appropriate order.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading apparatus, a control method, and a control program capable of arranging document images included in an image set in an appropriate order.

An image reading apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores, for a set of a plurality of documents, the transport order and size of each document in association with each other; An imaging unit that sequentially generates captured document images, a detection unit that sequentially detects the size of each document included in a set of a plurality of documents that are sequentially conveyed, and a combination of the size of each document detected by the detection unit is a generating unit for generating an image set including each original image generated by the imaging unit when the combination of sizes of the originals included in the set of originals stored in the storage unit is matched; and an output unit for outputting the image set. and the generation unit, when the size of each document sequentially detected by the detection unit does not match the size stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document, the sizes are sequentially generated by the imaging unit An image set is generated by rearranging each document image in the order of transport stored in the storage unit in association with the size of the document corresponding to each document image.

A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an image reading apparatus having a storage unit, an imaging unit, and an output unit, wherein the feeding order and size of each document are determined for setting a plurality of documents. Document images are stored in a storage unit in association with each other, and the imaging unit is caused to sequentially generate document images of the documents included in the set of documents that are sequentially conveyed. The sizes are sequentially detected, and if the detected combination of sizes of each document matches the combination of sizes of each document included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit, each document image generated by the imaging unit is captured. and outputting the image set from an output unit, wherein the size of each document sequentially detected in the generation does not match the size stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document In this case, the image sets are generated by rearranging the document images sequentially generated by the imaging unit in the order of transport stored in the storage unit in association with the size of the document corresponding to each document image.

A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program to be executed by an image reading apparatus having a storage unit, an imaging unit, and an output unit. The sizes are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit, and the imaging unit is caused to sequentially generate document images obtained by imaging each document included in a set of sequentially conveyed documents. The document sizes are sequentially detected, and if the detected combination of sizes of each document matches the combination of sizes of each document included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit, each document generated by the imaging unit is detected. An image set including images is generated, the image reading device is caused to output the image set from the output unit, and the size of each document sequentially detected in the generation is stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document. If the size does not match the stored size, each document image sequentially generated by the imaging unit is associated with the document size corresponding to each document image, and rearranged in the order of transport stored in the storage unit to generate an image set. do.

According to the present invention, the image reading apparatus, control method, and control program can arrange document images included in an image set in an appropriate order.

1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image processing system 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a conveying path inside the image reading apparatus 100; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus 100; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of a set table. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a CPU 150; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of document reading processing; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of continuation decision processing; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a warning screen 800; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of image set generation processing; It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the example of each combination. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image set 1100; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second warning screen 1200; FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen 1210; FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of continuation decision processing; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of image set generation processing; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of registration processing; 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 260; FIG.

An image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments, but extends to the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

The image processing system 1 includes an image reading device 100 and an information processing device 200 . The image reading device 100 is an image scanner or the like. The image reading device 100 may be an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or the like. The information processing device 200 is a personal computer, a multifunctional mobile terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. The image reading device 100 and the information processing device 200 are connected to each other.

The image reading apparatus 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharge table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

The upper housing 102 is arranged to cover the upper surface of the image reading apparatus 100 and engages with the lower housing 101 . The mounting table 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the document to be transported can be mounted thereon. The discharge table 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so as to be able to hold the discharged document.

The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input device, receives an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the input operation by the user. The display device 106 is an example of an output unit, has a display including liquid crystal, organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc. and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the image reading apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

A transport path inside the image reading apparatus 100 includes a document detection sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a brake roller 113, a size detection sensor 114, a first transport roller 115, a second transport roller 116, a first imaging device 117a, and a second imaging device. It has a device 117b, a third conveying roller 118, a fourth conveying roller 119, and the like.

The number of each of the feeding roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first conveying roller 115, the second conveying roller 116, the third conveying roller 118, and the fourth conveying roller 119 is not limited to one, and may be plural. In this case, the plurality of rollers are arranged side by side at intervals in the direction orthogonal to the document transport direction A1.

The upper surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 107a of the document transport path, and the lower surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 107b of the document transport path. In FIG. 2, an arrow A1 indicates the document transport direction. Hereinafter, "upstream" means upstream in the document transport direction A1, and "downstream" means downstream in the document transport direction A1.

The document detection sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a document is placed on the placing table 103 . The document detection sensor 111 generates and outputs a document detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not the document is placed on the table 103 .

The size detection sensor 114 is provided downstream of the feeding roller 112 and the brake roller 113 and upstream of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b. In particular, the size detection sensor 114 is provided upstream of the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 . Note that the size detection sensor 114 may be provided downstream of the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 .

The size detection sensor 114 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the document transport path, and a reflecting member such as a mirror provided at a position facing the light emitter and light receiver across the transport path. including. The light emitter emits light toward the transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver receives the light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the reflecting member, and generates and outputs a size detection signal, which is an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light. When a document is present at the position of the size detection sensor 114, the light emitted by the light emitter is blocked by the document. signal value changes. The light emitter and the light receiver may be provided at positions facing each other across the transport path, and the reflecting member may be omitted.

The first imaging device 117a has a reduction optical system type line sensor that includes CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies the electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The first imaging device 117a sequentially generates and outputs document images obtained by imaging the back surfaces of the respective documents included in a set of documents that are sequentially conveyed.

Similarly, the second imaging device 117b has a reduction optical system type imaging sensor having CCD imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. Also, the second imaging device 117b has a lens that forms an image on the imaging device, and an A/D converter that amplifies an electrical signal output from the imaging device and performs analog/digital (A/D) conversion. The second imaging device 117b sequentially generates and outputs document images obtained by imaging the surface of each document included in a set of documents that are sequentially conveyed.

Hereinafter, the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b may be collectively referred to as the imaging device 117. FIG. The imaging device 117 is an example of an imaging unit. Note that the image reading apparatus 100 may be configured such that only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b is arranged to read only one side of the document. Also, instead of the CCD, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of the same-magnification optical system type equipped with an imaging device of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) can be used.

The document placed on the table 103 is transported in the document transport direction A1 between the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b by rotating the feeding roller 112 in the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. . The brake roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 when the document is conveyed. Due to the action of the feed roller 112 and the brake roller 113, when a plurality of documents are placed on the platen 103, only the document that is in contact with the feed roller 112 among the documents placed on the platen 103 is are separated. As a result, the transport of documents other than the separated documents is restricted (prevention of double feeding).

The document is fed between the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 while being guided by the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b. The document is fed between the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b by rotating the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 in the directions of arrows A4 and A5, respectively. The document read by the imaging device 117 is ejected onto the ejection table 104 by rotating the third transport roller 118 and the fourth transport roller 119 in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

In addition to the configuration described above, the image reading apparatus 100 further includes a drive device 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150, a processing circuit 160, and the like.

The driving device 131 includes one or more motors, and drives the feeding roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first conveying roller 115, the second conveying roller 116, the third conveying roller 118 and the fourth conveying roller 118 according to a control signal from the CPU 150. The document is conveyed by rotating the conveying roller 119 .

The interface device 132 is an example of an output unit, has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to the information processing device 200 to transmit and receive an input image and various information. Also, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

The storage device 140 includes memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, or portable storage devices such as flexible disks and optical disks. Further, the storage device 140 stores computer programs, databases, tables, etc. used for various processes of the image reading device 100 . The computer program may be installed in the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording document using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording document is, for example, a CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory), a DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk read only memory), or the like. Further, the storage device 140 stores data such as the document image, the size of the document to be conveyed, the set table, and the like. Details of the set table will be described later.

The CPU 150 operates based on programs stored in advance in the storage device 140 . A DSP (digital signal processor), LSI (large scale integration), or the like may be used instead of the CPU 150 . Also, instead of the CPU 150, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programming Gate Array), or the like may be used.

The CPU 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the document detection sensor 111, the size detection sensor 114, the imaging device 117, the driving device 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, the processing circuit 160, etc., and controls these units. do. The CPU 150 performs driving control of the driving device 131 and imaging control of the imaging device 117, etc., acquires document images, generates an image set including each acquired document image, and transmits the images to the information processing device 200 via the interface device 132. Send to

The processing circuit 160 executes predetermined image processing on the image captured by the imaging device 117 and stores the processed image in the storage device 140 . A DSP, LSI, ASIC, FPGA, or the like may be used instead of the processing circuit 160 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a set table.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the set table, identification information (set ID) of each set, and the feeding order and size of each document included in each set are associated with each set of documents each including a plurality of documents. remembered. Each set is a set of documents to be placed together on the table 103 and conveyed together, and is set in advance by the user. As the transport order, a natural number from 1 to the number of documents included in each set is assigned to each set in ascending order. The size is the size of the document to be conveyed in each conveying order in each set, and each size such as A3 to A10 size, B4 to B10 size, card size, business card size, etc. is set as the size. As the size, the size of the document to be transported in the document transport direction A1 may be set. Also, only one set may be set in the set table.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the CPU 150. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage device 140 contains a control program 141, a generation program 142, a detection program 143, a stop program 144, an output control program 145, a notification program 146, a second notification program 147, an update program 148, and a registration program. 149 etc. are stored. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The CPU 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates according to each read program. Thereby, the CPU 150 functions as a control unit 151 , a generation unit 152 , a detection unit 153 , a cancellation unit 154 , an output control unit 155 , a notification unit 156 , a second notification unit 157 , an update unit 158 and a registration unit 159 .

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the document reading process operation of the image reading apparatus 100 .

An example of the document reading process operation of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation flow described below is executed mainly by the CPU 150 in cooperation with each element of the image reading apparatus 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140 . The flow of operations shown in FIG. 6 is performed periodically.

Also, before the operation flow shown in FIG. 6 is executed, the user selects one of the document sets stored in the set table using the information processing apparatus 200 . Control unit 151 receives information indicating the selected set from information processing device 200 via interface device 132 . Hereinafter, a set selected from document sets stored in the set table may be referred to as a set set.

Further, the image reading apparatus 100 has two operation modes, a non-order mode and a fixed order mode. Before the operation flow shown in FIG. Any operating mode is selected. When operating in the fixed-order mode, the image reading apparatus 100 monitors that documents of all sizes defined in the setting set are conveyed in the order of the defined conveyance order. On the other hand, when the image reading apparatus 100 operates in the out-of-order mode, the image reading apparatus 100 monitors that documents of all sizes specified in the set set are transported, and the documents are transported in the order of transport specified in the set set. allow it not to be done.

First, the control unit 151 waits until a user's instruction to read a document is received (step S101). When a user inputs a document reading instruction using information processing apparatus 200 , control unit 151 receives a signal indicating the document reading instruction from information processing apparatus 200 via interface device 132 . accept instructions.

Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a document is placed on the table 103 based on the document detection signal received from the document detection sensor 111 (step S102).

If no document is placed on the table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S101 and waits until a new reading instruction is received.

On the other hand, when the document is placed on the placing table 103, the control unit 151 drives the driving device 131 so that the feed roller 112, the brake roller 113, the first to fourth transport rollers 115, 116, 118 and 119 is rotated to convey the document (step S103).

Next, the generation unit 152 causes the imaging device 117 to image the transported document to obtain a document image (step S104). Generation unit 152 stores the acquired document image in storage device 140 in association with the transport order.

Next, the detection unit 153 detects the size of the transported document (step S105). Generation unit 152 stores the detected document size in storage device 140 in association with the transport order.

For example, the detection unit 153 periodically receives a size detection signal from the size detection sensor 114 and detects the size of the document being conveyed based on the received size detection signal. The detection unit 153 determines that the leading edge of the document has passed the position of the size detection sensor 114 when the signal value of the size detection signal changes from being equal to or greater than the threshold to being less than the threshold. Similarly, the detection unit 153 determines that the trailing edge of the document has passed the position of the size detection sensor 114 when the signal value of the size detection signal changes from less than the threshold to greater than or equal to the threshold. Detector 153 determines the size of the document in document transport direction A1 by multiplying the time from when the leading edge of the document passes the position of size detection sensor 114 to when the trailing edge of the document passes by the transport speed of the document. To detect.

Note that the detection unit 153 may detect the size of the document based on the document image. In this case, the detection unit 153 detects edge pixels from the document image using a known image processing technique, and detects an area surrounded by the detected edge pixels as the document area. The detection unit 153 detects the size corresponding to the number of pixels of the detected document area as the size of the document.

Next, CPU 150 executes continuation decision processing (step S106). In the continuation decision process, CPU 150 decides whether to continue or stop document transport. Details of the continuation determination process will be described later.

Next, the canceling unit 154 determines whether it is determined in the continuation determination process whether to continue the transport of the document or to stop the transport of the document (step S107).

If it is determined to stop conveying the document, the stopping unit 154 stops the driving device 131 to stop conveying the document (step S108), and ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if it is determined to continue conveying the document, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the document remains on the table 103 based on the document detection signal received from the document detection sensor 111 (step S109). . When the document remains on the table 103, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S109. As a result, in step S104, the imaging device 117 sequentially generates document images by capturing the respective documents included in the set of documents placed on the table 103 and sequentially conveyed. Also, in step S105, the detection unit 153 sequentially detects the size of each document contained in a set of documents placed on the table 103 and sequentially conveyed.

On the other hand, if no document remains on the table 103, the controller 151 stops the driving device 131 (step S110).

Next, the CPU 150 executes image set generation processing (step S111). In the image set generation process, the CPU 150 generates an image set including each document image generated by the imaging device 117 . Details of the image set generation process will be described later.

Next, the output control unit 155 outputs the generated image set by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the interface device 132 (step S112), and ends the series of steps. When receiving an image set from the image reading apparatus 100, the information processing apparatus 200 displays the received image set. Note that the output control unit 155 may output the generated image set by displaying it on the display device 106 .

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the continuation determination process when the operation mode is the out-of-order mode.

The flow of operations shown in FIG. 7 is executed in step S106 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when the operation mode is the out-of-order mode.

First, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a continuation instruction from the user has already been accepted (step S201). The continuation instruction notifies the user as a warning that the combination of the sizes of the documents conveyed together does not match the combination of the sizes of the documents included in the setting set in the processing described later, and This is entered when the user wishes to continue transporting the document.

If the user's continuation instruction has already been accepted, the control unit 151 determines to continue conveying the document (step S202), and ends the series of steps.

On the other hand, if the continuation instruction from the user is not accepted, the control unit 151 determines whether the size of the conveyed document detected by the detection unit 153 matches any of the sizes of the documents included in the setting set. (step S203).

If the size of the transported document matches any of the sizes of the documents included in the setting set, the control unit 151 determines the number of times the document of that size has been transported so far to It is determined whether or not the size is equal to or less than the number of originals (step S204).

If the number of transported documents of that size is less than or equal to the number of documents of that size included in the set set, the control unit 151 determines to continue transporting the documents (step S205), and terminates the series of steps. do.

On the other hand, if the size of the transported document does not match any of the sizes of the documents included in the set set, the notification unit 156 detects that the combination of sizes of the documents detected by the detection unit 153 matches the size of the set set. It is determined that the size combination of each document contained in the document does not match. Also, if the number of conveyed documents of that size is greater than the number of documents of that size included in the set set, the notification unit 156 notifies the user that the combination of the sizes of the detected documents is the size of each document included in the set set. It is determined that the combination of sizes does not match. In this case, the notification unit 156 notifies the user as a warning that the combination of sizes of the documents conveyed collectively does not match the combination of sizes of the documents included in the setting set (step S206). . The notification unit 156 transmits warning information indicating the content of the warning to the information processing device 200 via the interface device 132, and the information processing device 200 displays a warning screen indicating the content of the warning indicated in the received warning information. do.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a warning screen 800 displayed on the information processing apparatus 200. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, a warning screen 800 displays characters 801 indicating the content of the warning, a continuation button 802, and a stop button 803. FIG. A continuation button 802 is a button for instructing continuation of document transport. A stop button 803 is a button for instructing to stop conveying the document.

When the user presses the continuation button 802 , the information processing apparatus 200 transmits to the image reading apparatus 100 a continuation instruction signal indicating an instruction to continue conveying the document. The image reading apparatus 100 receives a continuation instruction signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting an instruction to continue conveying the document. On the other hand, when the user presses the stop button 803 , the information processing apparatus 200 transmits to the image reading apparatus 100 a stop instruction signal indicating a stop instruction to convey the document. The image reading apparatus 100 receives a stop instruction signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting an instruction to stop conveying the document.

By being notified of the warning, the user can recognize that the combination of the documents placed on the table 103 is different from the preset combination. As a result, the user can determine whether to temporarily stop the transport of the documents and re-transport the correct combination of documents, or to continue the transport of the documents, and take appropriate action. Therefore, the image reading apparatus 100 can improve user convenience.

Next, the control unit 151 determines whether a continuation instruction or a stop instruction from the user has been received (step S207).

When the continuation instruction is accepted, the control unit 151 determines to continue the transport of the document (step S208), and ends the series of steps. In this case, when it is determined in step S109 in FIG. 6 that the document remains on the table 103, the document remaining on the table 103 is conveyed. That is, when receiving a continuation instruction from the user after the notification unit 156 has notified the warning, the control unit 151 sequentially conveys new documents.

On the other hand, when a stop instruction is received, the stop unit 154 determines to stop transporting the document (step S209), and ends the series of steps. In this case, in step S108 of FIG. 6, the stopping unit 154 stops the transport of the document. That is, if the combination of sizes of the documents detected by the detection unit 153 does not match the combination of sizes of the documents included in the setting set, the stopping unit 154 stops transporting the documents.

As a result, the user can avoid wasting time by continuously transporting subsequent documents when the combination of the documents placed on the table 103 is different from the combination set in advance. In particular, the image reading apparatus 100 determines whether or not the size of each document matches the size of each document included in the set set each time a document is conveyed. You can immediately recognize that you are wrong. Therefore, the image reading apparatus 100 can improve user convenience.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the image set generation process when the operation mode is the out-of-order mode.

The operation flow shown in FIG. 9 is executed in step S111 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when the operation mode is the out-of-order mode.

First, the generation unit 152 determines whether or not the combination of sizes of the documents conveyed collectively detected by the detection unit 153 matches the combination of sizes of the documents included in the set set ( step S301). That is, the generation unit 152 determines whether or not each combination matches, regardless of whether or not the order of transportation of the documents of each size matches the order of each size defined in the setting set.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of each combination.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, as in the set S1 shown in FIG. 4, document sizes are specified in the order of A4, A4, card, A4, and B5 in the set set. When documents are conveyed in the order of A4, A4, card, A4, and B5 as in conveying set A, each combination is determined to match. In this case, the order of transportation of the originals of each size also matches the order of each size defined in the setting set. Also, when the originals are conveyed in the order of A4, card, A4, B5, and A4 as in Conveyance Set B, the order of conveyance of the originals of each size does not match the order of the sizes defined in the setting set. , each combination is determined to match.

On the other hand, when documents are fed in order of A4, A4, card, A4, and A5, as in feed set C, the size of the last fed document (A5) does not match the size included in the set set. , each combination is determined not to match. Also, when the documents are transported in the order of A4, A4, card, A4, A4, and B5, as in the transport set D, the transport number (4) of the A4 size documents is the A4 size included in the setting set. is greater than the number of originals (3), each combination is determined not to match. Also, as in the transport set E, when documents are transported in the order of A4, A4, card, and A4, the size of each transported document is insufficient for the combination of sizes included in the set set. Therefore, it is determined that each combination does not match.

If the combinations match, the generation unit 152 determines whether or not the size of each document sequentially detected by the detection unit 153 matches the size stored in association with the feeding order of each document in the set set. (Step S302). That is, the generation unit 152 determines whether or not the order in which the documents of each size are conveyed matches the order of the sizes defined in the setting set.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, for transport set A, the transport order of the documents of each size is determined to match the order of the sizes defined in the setting set, and for transport set B, the transport order of the documents of each size is , is determined to be inconsistent with the order of each size defined in the configuration set.

If the size of each document sequentially detected does not match the size stored in association with the feeding order of each document in the setting set, the generation unit 152 rearranges each document image sequentially generated by the imaging device 117 ( step S303). The generation unit 152 rearranges the document images sequentially generated by the imaging device 117 in order of the transport order stored in association with the size of the document corresponding to each document image in the setting set. That is, the generation unit 152 rearranges the document images so that the order of the document images of each size matches the order of the sizes defined in the setting set. Note that when the conveyed originals include a plurality of originals of the same size, the generation unit 152 does not change the order of the original images of the originals with respect to the conveyance order of the originals of the same size. Arrange the original images as follows.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, each document image generated for transport set B is rearranged. In this case, the respective document images are the document image of the A4 document that was conveyed first, the document image of the A4 document that was conveyed third, the document image of the card that was conveyed second, and the document image of the card that was conveyed fifth. The document image of the first A4 document is rearranged in the order of the document image of the B5 document which was conveyed fourth.

Next, the generating unit 152 generates an image set including each document image generated by the imaging device 117 (step S304), and ends the series of steps. The generating unit 152 generates electronic data, such as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file, by arranging the document images in a predetermined order and putting them together as an image set. When the order of transportation of the documents of each size matches the order of the sizes defined in the set set, the document images are arranged in the order in which they were generated in the image set. On the other hand, if the transport order of the size documents does not match the size order defined in the set set, the document images are arranged in the order sorted in step S303 in the image set.

In this manner, the generation unit 152 generates an image set when the combination of document sizes detected by the detection unit 153 matches the combination of document sizes included in the set set. The generated image set is displayed on the information processing apparatus 200 in step S112 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image set 1100 displayed on the information processing apparatus 200. As shown in FIG.

An image set 1100 shown in FIG. 11 is an image set generated for the document of the transport set B shown in FIG. In the image set 1100, document images 1101 to 1105 are arranged in order. A document image 1101 is a document image of an A4 document that is conveyed first. A document image 1102 is the document image of the A4 document conveyed third. A document image 1103 is the document image of the card that is conveyed second. A document image 1104 is the document image of the A4 document that was conveyed fifth. A document image 1105 is the document image of the B5 document that was conveyed fourth.

In this manner, the image reading apparatus 100 generates an image set in which the document images are arranged in the order set in advance even if the user conveys the documents in the wrong order. As a result, the user can confirm or use the document images in an appropriate order when performing work using the generated image set, and the image reading apparatus 100 improves user convenience. It is possible to

Note that the image reading apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 200 may receive a user's rearrangement instruction for each displayed document image. When receiving a rearrangement instruction from the user, the image reading apparatus 100 or the information processing apparatus 200 rearranges the document images according to the received instruction and updates the image set.

On the other hand, if the combinations do not match in step S301, the second notification unit 157 determines whether the sizes of the transported documents are insufficient for the combination of sizes of the documents included in the setting set. (step S305).

In the example shown in FIG. 10, it is determined that the size of each transported document for transport set E is insufficient for the combination of sizes included in the set set.

If the size of each transported document is not insufficient for the combination of sizes of each document included in the set set, second notification unit 157 shifts the process to step S308.

On the other hand, if the size of each transported document is insufficient for the combination of sizes of each document included in the set set, the second notification unit 157 issues a second warning to that effect and the missing size. is notified to the user (step S306). Second notification unit 157 transmits second warning information indicating the content of the second warning to information processing apparatus 200 via interface device 132, and information processing apparatus 200 receives the second warning information indicated in the received second warning information. 2 Display the second warning screen showing the contents of the warning.

FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second warning screen 1200 displayed on the information processing apparatus 200. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12A, the second warning screen 1200 displays characters 1201 indicating the content of the second warning, an additional reading button 1202 and an end button 1203 . The character 1201 indicates that the size of each transported document is insufficient with respect to the combination of sizes of the documents included in the setting set, and the missing size. An additional reading button 1202 is a button for instructing conveyance and reading of additional documents. The user can place a document of the size indicated by the characters 1201 on the table 103 and press the additional reading button 1202 to convey the newly placed document on the table 103 . An end button 1203 is a button for instructing the end of document transport.

When the user presses the additional reading button 1202 , the information processing apparatus 200 transmits to the image reading apparatus 100 an additional reading instruction signal indicating an additional reading instruction for the document. The image reading apparatus 100 receives an additional reading instruction signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting an additional reading instruction for the document. On the other hand, when the end button 1203 is pressed by the user, the information processing apparatus 200 transmits to the image reading apparatus 100 an end instruction signal indicating an end instruction to convey the document. The image reading apparatus 100 receives a finish instruction signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting an instruction to finish conveying the document.

Next, the control unit 151 determines whether a user's additional reading instruction or an end instruction has been received (step S307).

When receiving the additional reading instruction, the control unit 151 ends the image set generation processing, and shifts the processing to step S103 in FIG. In this case, the control unit 151 drives the driving device 131 again to convey the newly placed document, and the generation unit 152 acquires the document image of the document. After that, in step S304 of FIG. 9, the generation unit 152 generates an image set. In this way, if the size of each transported document is insufficient for the combination of the sizes of each document included in the set set, the generation unit 152, when a document of the notified size is transported, Generate an image set. The generating unit 152 generates an image set by adding the document image of the newly transported document to the document image of the transported document.

The image reading apparatus 100 can generate an appropriate image set without re-conveying a document that has already been conveyed, and can shorten the processing time of image set generation processing. In addition, the user does not have to reset the transported document on the table 103, and the image reading apparatus 100 can improve convenience for the user.

On the other hand, when receiving the end instruction signal, the update unit 158 inquires of the user whether or not to update the setting set (step S308). The update unit 158 transmits inquiry information for inquiring of the user whether to update the setting set to the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132. When the information processing apparatus 200 receives the inquiry information, Display the inquiry screen.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram showing an example of an inquiry screen 1210 displayed on the information processing apparatus 200. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12B, an inquiry screen 1210 includes characters 1211 indicating that a document having a size different from the combination of sizes included in the setting set has been conveyed, an update button 1212, and a rejection button 1213. Is displayed. An update button 1212 is a button for instructing update of the setting set. A refusal button 1213 is a button for refusing to update the setting set.

When the update button 1212 is pressed by the user, the information processing apparatus 200 transmits an update instruction signal indicating an instruction to update the setting set to the image reading apparatus 100 . The image reading apparatus 100 receives an update instruction signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting an instruction to update the setting set. On the other hand, when the user presses the refusal button 1213 , the information processing apparatus 200 transmits an update refusal signal indicating refusal to update the setting set to the image reading apparatus 100 . The image reading apparatus 100 receives the update refusal signal from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, thereby accepting the refusal to update the setting set.

Next, the update unit 158 determines whether an update instruction from the user has been received or whether an update refusal has been received (step S309). When the update refusal is accepted, the update unit 158 shifts the process to step S111.

On the other hand, when an update instruction is received, the update unit 158 updates the setting set with the set of documents that are sequentially conveyed (step S310). In the set table, the update unit 158 updates the transport order and size included in the set set to the transport order and document size detected in step S105 of FIG. 6 and stored in the storage device 140 . Note that the update unit 158 may add a new set including the transport order and document size detected in step S105 of FIG. 6 and stored in the storage device 140 while leaving the setting set in the set table. .

As described above, when the size combination of the transported documents does not match the size combination of the documents included in the setting set, and the user's cancellation instruction is received after the warning is notified (see FIG. 7). (step S209), the transport of the document is stopped. On the other hand, if the combination of sizes of the transported documents does not match the combination of sizes of the documents included in the setting set, and the user's instruction to continue is accepted after the warning is notified (step S208 in FIG. 7). ), new documents are sequentially conveyed, and image set generation processing is executed. That is, when the control unit 151 accepts a continuation instruction from the user after the notification unit 156 notifies the warning and causes new originals to be sequentially conveyed, the update unit 158 sets the set set of the sequentially conveyed originals. to update. As a result, the user can easily modify the registered set or add a new set, and the image reading apparatus 100 can improve convenience for the user. .

Next, the generation unit 152 generates an image set (step S311) in the same manner as in step S304, and ends the series of steps. In this case, in the image set, each document image is arranged in the order in which it was generated.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the continuation determination process when the operation mode is the fixed order mode.

The flow of operations shown in FIG. 13 is executed in step S106 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when the operation mode is the fixed-order mode. The processing of steps S401-S402 and S404-S408 in FIG. 13 is the same as the processing of steps S201-S202 and S205-S209 in FIG. 7, respectively. only explained.

If the user's continuation instruction is not received in step S401, the control unit 151 determines whether or not the size of the transported document matches the size associated with the transport order of the document in the setting set. (step S403). If the sizes match, the control unit 151 determines to continue feeding the document (step S404). If the sizes do not match, the notification unit 156 notifies the user of a warning (step S405). .

As described above, when the operation mode is the fixed-order mode, the image reading apparatus 100 notifies the user of a warning when the order of transport of each document does not match the order of transport specified in the set set. stop feeding the document according to the instructions given by the operator.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of image set generation processing when the operation mode is the fixed order mode.

The operation flow shown in FIG. 14 is executed in step S111 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 when the operation mode is the fixed-order mode. Since the processing of steps S502 and S503 to S506 in FIG. 14 is the same as the processing in steps S304 and S308 to S311 of FIG. 9, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and only the processing of step S501 will be described below.

First, the generating unit 152 determines whether or not each size of each document conveyed collectively matches each size associated with the conveying order of each conveyed document in the set set (step S501). ). That is, the generation unit 152 determines whether the size of the transported document matches the size included in the setting set for each transport order.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, when the originals are conveyed in the order of A4, A4, card, A4, and B5, as in conveyance set A, the conveyance order of the originals of each size is determined by each size specified in the setting set. , and each size for each transport order is determined to match. On the other hand, when documents are transported in the order of A4, card, A4, B5, and A4 as in transport set B, the transport order of each size document does not match the order of each size specified in the setting set. , and each size for each transport order is determined to be inconsistent. Also, as in transport sets C, D, and E, when each combination does not match in the first place, it is determined that each size for each transport order does not match.

If all the sizes for each transport order match, the generating unit 152 generates an image set (step S502), and if any size does not match, the updating unit 158 determines whether to update the setting set. An inquiry is made to the user (step S503).

As described above, when the operation mode is the fixed-order mode, the image reading apparatus 100 generates an image set when the transport order of each document matches the transport order defined in the set set. On the other hand, if the transport order of each document does not match the transport order specified in the setting set, the image reading apparatus 100 inquires of the user whether or not to update the setting set, and updates the setting set according to the user's instruction. to update.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of registration processing of the image reading apparatus 100 .

An example of the operation of the registration process of the image reading apparatus 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation flow described below is executed mainly by the CPU 150 in cooperation with each element of the image reading apparatus 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140 . The flow of operations shown in FIG. 15 is periodically executed.

First, the registration unit 159 waits until it receives an instruction to register a set of documents from the user (step S601). Control unit 151 receives a document set registration instruction input by a user using information processing apparatus 200 and receives a signal indicating the document set registration instruction from information processing apparatus 200 via interface device 132 . By doing so, the registration instruction is accepted.

When receiving the registration instruction from the user, the registration unit 159 sequentially conveys the originals placed on the table 103 and detects the size of each sequentially conveyed original (steps S602 to S606). The registration unit 159 conveys each document and detects the size of each document in the same manner as in the processes of steps S102 to S103, S105, and S109 to S110 in FIG.

Next, the registration unit 159 associates and registers the transport order and size of each document in the set table (step S607), and ends the series of steps. Registration unit 159 assigns a new set ID to the set of transported documents, and registers the size of each document detected in step S604 in the set table in association with the order of transport of each document. As a result, the user can easily register a new set simply by conveying a set of originals of the size desired to be registered, and the image reading apparatus 100 can improve convenience for the user. Become.

Note that the image reading device 100 may receive each instruction from the user using the operation device 105 instead of using the information processing device 200 . Further, the image reading device 100 may display each warning screen or inquiry screen on the display device 106 instead of the information processing device 200 .

Further, the processes of steps S106 to S108 may be omitted in the document reading process of FIG. 6, and the document may be continued to be transported regardless of the size of the medium to be transported. Further, in the continuation determination process of FIG. 7, the processes of steps S201 to S202 and S206 to S208 may be omitted, and if the combinations do not match, it may be determined to stop conveying the document. Also, in the image set generation processing of FIG. 9, the processing of steps S305 to S307 is omitted, and if the size of each transported document is insufficient for the combination of sizes included in the set set, a new document is generated. transport may not be performed. Further, the processing of steps S308 to S310 may be omitted in the image set generation processing of FIG. 9, and updating of the setting set may not be executed. Alternatively, the registration process in FIG. 15 may be omitted, and the set of documents may be registered by the user using the information processing apparatus 200 or the operation apparatus 105 . Further, the continuation determination process in FIG. 13 and the image set generation process in FIG. 14 may be omitted, and the image reading apparatus 100 may operate only in the out-of-order mode.

As described in detail above, the image reading apparatus 100 sets the document transport order and size pattern. When the size of the document to be sequentially conveyed does not match the size corresponding to the order of conveyance of each document, the image reading apparatus 100 rearranges the sequentially generated document images in order of the order of conveyance corresponding to the size of each document. Generate an image set. This enables the image reading apparatus 100 to arrange the document images included in the image set in an appropriate order.

Also, if the user places the documents on the placing table 103 in the wrong order, or if the feeding order of the feeding rollers 112 is changed, the user can It is no longer necessary to rearrange the original images. Alternatively, in those cases, the user no longer needs to rearrange and transport the originals. Therefore, the image reading apparatus 100 can improve user convenience.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 260 in an image reading device according to another embodiment. The processing circuit 260 is used in place of the processing circuit 160 of the image reading apparatus 100 and performs document reading processing and registration processing instead of the CPU 150 . The processing circuit 260 has a control circuit 261, a generation circuit 262, a detection circuit 263, a cancellation circuit 264, an output control circuit 265, a notification circuit 266, a second notification circuit 267, an update circuit 268, a registration circuit 269, and the like. Each of these units may be composed of an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

The control circuit 261 is an example of a control section and has the same function as the control section 151 . Control circuit 261 receives a signal indicating a user's instruction from information processing apparatus 200 and a document detection signal from document detection sensor 111 via interface device 132, and drives drive device 131 in accordance with each of the received signals. to feed the document.

The generator circuit 262 is an example of a generator and has the same function as the generator 152 . The generation circuit 262 receives the document image from the imaging device 117 and stores it in the storage device 140 . The generating circuit 262 also reads the setting set, the document size detection result, and the document image from the storage device 140 , generates an image set based on the read information, and stores the image set in the storage device 140 .

The detection circuit 263 is an example of a detection section and has the same function as the detection section 153 . Detection circuit 263 receives a size detection signal from size detection sensor 114 , detects the size of the document based on the received size detection signal, and stores the detection result in storage device 140 .

Cancellation circuit 264 is an example of a cancellation section and has the same function as cancellation section 154 . The stop circuit 264 receives a signal indicating a user's instruction from the information processing apparatus 200 via the interface device 132, and stops the driving device 131 based on the received signal to stop document transport.

The output control circuit 265 is an example of an output control section and has the same function as the output control section 155 . The output control circuit 265 reads the image set from the storage device 140 and transmits it to the information processing device 200 via the interface device 132 .

The notification circuit 266 is an example of a notification section and has the same function as the notification section 156 . The notification circuit 266 reads the setting set and the document size detection result from the storage device 140, determines whether the document is correct based on the read information, and outputs warning information according to the determination result via the interface device 132. It transmits to the information processing apparatus 200 .

The second notification circuit 267 is an example of a second notification section and has the same function as the second notification section 157 . The second notification circuit 267 reads the setting set and the document size detection result from the storage device 140, determines whether the document is correct based on the read information, and sends the second warning information according to the determination result to the interface device. 132 to the information processing apparatus 200 .

The update circuit 268 is an example of an update section and has the same function as the update section 158 . The updating circuit 268 reads out the setting set and the detection result of the document size from the storage device 140 and receives a signal indicating a user's instruction from the information processing device 200 via the interface device 132 . The update circuit 268 updates the setting set stored in the storage device 140 based on each piece of information obtained.

Registration circuit 269 is an example of a registration section and has the same function as registration section 159 . Registration circuit 269 receives a signal indicating a user's instruction from information processing apparatus 200 via interface device 132 and a document detection signal from document detection sensor 111, and drives drive device 131 in accordance with each of the received signals. to feed the document. Further, registration circuit 269 receives a size detection signal from size detection sensor 114, detects the size of the document based on the received size detection signal, and registers a new set in storage device 140 according to the detection result.

As described in detail above, the image reading apparatus can arrange the document images included in the image set in an appropriate order even when the processing circuit 260 is used.

100 image reading device 132 interface device 140 storage device 117 imaging device 151 control unit 152 generation unit 153 detection unit 154 cancellation unit 155 output control unit 156 notification unit 157 second notification unit 158 update unit 159 registration unit

Claims (8)

a storage unit that associates and stores the transport order and size of each document with respect to a set of a plurality of documents;
an imaging unit that sequentially generates a document image by capturing each document contained in a set of a plurality of documents that are sequentially conveyed;
a detection unit that sequentially detects the size of each document contained in a set of documents that are sequentially conveyed;
When the combination of document sizes detected by the detection section matches the combination of document sizes included in the set of documents stored in the storage section, each document image generated by the imaging section is captured. a generator that generates an image set containing
an output unit for outputting the image set;
If the size of each document sequentially detected by the detection unit does not match the size stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document, the generation unit detects each document sequentially generated by the imaging unit. generating the image set by rearranging the images in the order of transport stored in the storage unit in association with the document size corresponding to each document image;
An image reading device characterized by: The apparatus further includes a stopping unit for stopping feeding of documents when the combination of sizes of the documents detected by the detection unit does not match the combination of sizes of the documents included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1. a notification unit for notifying a user of a warning when the combination of document sizes detected by the detection unit does not match the combination of document sizes included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit; 3. The image reading device according to claim 1, comprising: a control unit for sequentially conveying new documents when a user's instruction to continue is received after the notification unit notifies the warning;
4. An update unit for updating the set of documents stored in the storage unit with the set of documents that are sequentially transported when the control unit sequentially conveys a new document. The image reading device described in . 2. The apparatus further comprises a registering unit for sequentially conveying documents when a user's registration instruction is accepted, and for registering in the storage unit the conveying order and size of each document in association with a set of sequentially conveyed documents. 5. The image reading device according to any one of -4. If the size of each document detected by the detection unit is insufficient for the combination of sizes of each document included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit, the user is informed of the missing size. It further has a second notification unit that notifies,
6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said generation unit generates said image set when a document of said notified size is conveyed. A control method for an image reading device having a storage unit, an imaging unit, and an output unit,
For a set of a plurality of documents, the transport order and size of each document are associated and stored in the storage unit;
causing the imaging unit to sequentially generate document images obtained by imaging each document included in a set of a plurality of documents that are sequentially conveyed;
Sequentially detect the size of each document contained in a set of documents that are conveyed in sequence,
An image containing each document image generated by the imaging unit when the combination of the sizes of the documents sequentially detected matches the combination of the sizes of the documents included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit. generate a set,
outputting the image set from the output unit;
In the generation, if the size of each document sequentially detected does not match the size stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document, each document image sequentially generated by the imaging unit is generating the image set by rearranging in the order of transport order stored in the storage unit in association with the document size corresponding to the document image;
A control method characterized by: A control program to be executed by an image reading device having a storage unit, an imaging unit, and an output unit,
For a set of a plurality of documents, the transport order and size of each document are associated and stored in the storage unit;
causing the imaging unit to sequentially generate document images obtained by imaging each document included in a set of a plurality of documents that are sequentially conveyed;
Sequentially detect the size of each document contained in a set of documents that are conveyed in sequence,
An image containing each document image generated by the imaging unit when the combination of the sizes of the documents sequentially detected matches the combination of the sizes of the documents included in the set of documents stored in the storage unit. generate a set,
causing the image reading device to output the image set from the output unit;
In the generation, if the size of each document sequentially detected does not match the size stored in the storage unit in association with the feeding order of each document, each document image sequentially generated by the imaging unit is generating the image set by rearranging in the order of transport order stored in the storage unit in association with the document size corresponding to the document image;
A control program characterized by:

Images