Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device capable of reading using multiple reading methods, and to offer a new technology for continuous reading. [Solution] MFP1 is capable of performing ADF reading and FB reading, and can also accept continuous scanning settings according to operations via User IF13. When MFP1 performs ADF reading, if "Continue On" is set as continuous scanning, it waits for a continue instruction via User IF13, and if a continue instruction is received, it reads the next document. When MFP1 performs ADF reading, if "Continue On" is not set as continuous scanning, it does not wait for a continue instruction, but combines the read data and outputs it. When MFP1 performs FB reading, regardless of the continuous scanning setting, it waits for a continue instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to an image reading apparatus capable of reading by a plurality of reading methods. More specifically, it relates to a technique for continuously reading by an image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an image reading apparatus capable of a flatbed (FB) reading method in which a document is set on a flatbed (FB) which is a manual document table, and an optical unit for optically reading an image is moved along the document table for reading, and an ADF reading method in which the optical unit is fixed and the document is conveyed by an automatic document feeder (ADF) for reading, and a technique for switching the reading method and performing continuous reading is known.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, when an instruction to start reading is given, either the ADF reading method or the FB reading method is selected and the document is read. Every time one reading is completed, a user designation as to whether to continue reading is accepted, and when continuation is designated, either the ADF reading method or the FB reading method is selected and the document is read, and the image data generated as a result is handled as a continuation of the image data generated by the previous reading.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an image reading apparatus capable of reading by two reading methods, namely the ADF reading method and the FB reading method, a new technique for continuous reading is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image reading device developed to solve this problem comprises a document table, a document transport device for automatically transporting documents, a user interface, and a reading device, wherein the image reading device is capable of performing a first type of reading in which the reading device reads an image of a document transported by the document transport device and generates reading data based on the reading result, and a second type of reading in which the reading device moves along the document table, the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document table, and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is further capable of enabling or disabling continuous reading according to operations via the user interface, and when the first type of reading is performed, if continuous reading is enabled as the continuous setting, the device enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface, and the continuation instruction is received If the device receives the "continue" instruction while in the "waiting for receipt" state, it will have the reading device read the image of the next document. If the device does not receive the "continue" instruction while in the "waiting for receipt" state, it will combine the reading data obtained from the previous readings and output it. If the "continue" setting is disabled, the device will not enter the "waiting for receipt of the "continue" instruction state, and it will combine the reading data obtained from the previous readings and output it. When the second reading method is performed, regardless of whether the "continue" setting is enabled or disabled, the device will enter the "waiting for receipt of the "continue" instruction state" via the user interface. If the device receives the "continue" instruction while in the "waiting for receipt of the "continue" instruction state," it will have the reading device read the image of the next document. If the device does not receive the "continue" instruction while in the "waiting for receipt of the "continue" instruction state," it will combine the reading data obtained from the previous readings and output it.

[0007] The image reading device disclosed herein allows for the setting to enable or disable continuous reading. When performing a first type of reading, in which a document is transported by a document transport device, if continuous reading is enabled, the device waits for a continue instruction, allowing the user to choose whether or not to continue. On the other hand, if continuous reading is disabled, the image reading device does not wait for a continue instruction and outputs the scanned data. Therefore, continuous reading in the first type of reading is highly convenient for the user.

[0008] An image reading device developed to solve this problem comprises a document table, a document transport device for automatically transporting documents, a user interface, a reading device, a document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, a cover that is openable and closable relative to the document table, and a cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document table, wherein the image reading device is capable of performing a first type of reading in which the reading device reads an image of a document transported by the document transport device and generates reading data based on the reading result, and a second type of reading in which the reading device moves along the document table and the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document table and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is further capable of performing continuous reading, in which continuous reading, after performing the first type of reading or the second type of reading, it enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface, If the reading device receives a continuation instruction while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it reads the image of the next document. If the reading device does not receive a continuation instruction while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it combines and outputs the reading data obtained from the previous readings. The image reading device may also be configured to attempt to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, and to determine whether a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If a document has not been detected in the document transport device, and the opening and closing of the cover has not been detected while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it enters a state of waiting to select whether to use the first reading method or the second reading method, and performs reading using the selected method for the next document. If the opening and closing of the cover has been detected while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it does not enter the state of waiting to select, and performs reading using the second method for the next document.

[0009] An image reading device developed to solve this problem comprises a document table, a document transport device for automatically transporting documents, a user interface, a reading device, a document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, a cover that is openable and closable relative to the document table, and a cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document table, wherein the image reading device is capable of performing a first type of reading in which the reading device reads an image of a document transported by the document transport device and generates reading data based on the reading result, and a second type of reading in which the reading device moves along the document table and the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document table and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is further capable of performing continuous reading, in which continuous reading, after performing the first type of reading or the second type of reading, it enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface, If the reading device receives a continuation instruction while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it will read the image of the next document. If the reading device does not receive a continuation instruction while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it will combine the reading data obtained from the previous readings and output it. The image reading device may also be configured to attempt to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, and when the reading device receives a continuation instruction, it will determine whether a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If a document has been detected in the document transport device, and the opening and closing of the cover was detected while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first reading method or the second reading method, and will perform the selected reading method for the next document. If the opening and closing of the cover was not detected while in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, it will not enter the waiting state, and will perform the first reading method for the next document.

[0010] The image reading device disclosed herein performs either a first type of reading, in which the document is transported by a document transport device, or a second type of reading, in which the document is placed on the document glass, and then waits for a continuation instruction. When a continuation instruction is received, the image reading device decides whether to continue with the first type of reading or the second type of reading, based on the detection results of the document sensor and the cover sensor. This eliminates the need for the user to perform an operation to select the reading method, thus providing high user convenience.

[0011] An image reading device developed to solve this problem comprises a document table, a document transport device for automatically transporting documents, a user interface, and a reading device, wherein the image reading device is capable of performing a first type of reading in which the reading device reads an image of a document transported by the document transport device and generates reading data based on the reading result, and a second type of reading in which the reading device is moved along the document table and the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document table and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is further capable of performing continuous reading, in which, after performing the first type of reading or the second type of reading, it enters a state of waiting for a continuation instruction to be received via the user interface, and if a continuation instruction is received in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, the reading device reads the image of the next document, and if a continuation instruction is not received in the state of waiting for a continuation instruction, the data obtained from the reading up to that point The image reader combines and outputs the read data, and the image reader can further set the reading surface to either double-sided or single-sided reading in accordance with the operation via the user interface, and in the first reading method, if double-sided reading is set as the reading surface setting, double-sided reading is performed in which the reading device reads both the image of the first side of the document and the image of the second side, which is the back side of the first side, and if single-sided reading is set as the reading surface setting, single-sided reading is performed in which the reading device reads only the image of the first side of the document and does not read the image of the second side, and the image reader can further perform double-sided reading in the subsequent first reading method in response to receiving a continuation instruction while waiting for the continuation instruction to be received after performing the first reading method, if double-sided reading was performed in the preceding first reading method, the image reader can perform double-sided reading in the subsequent first reading method without receiving the reading surface setting via the user interface.If the preceding reading using the first method has already performed the single-sided reading, the system may be configured to perform the single-sided reading again in subsequent readings using the first method without accepting the reading surface setting via the user interface.

[0012] The image reading device disclosed herein performs either a first type of reading, in which the document is transported by a document transport device, or a second type of reading, in which the document is placed on a document glass, and then waits for a continuation instruction. When a continuation instruction is received after performing the first type of reading and the first type of reading is performed again, the image reading device will perform either double-sided or single-sided reading, just as it did for the previous reading. This eliminates the need for the user to select a reading method, thus providing high user convenience.

[0013] The control method, computer program, and storage medium readable by the computer that stores the above-mentioned image reading device are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The technology disclosed herein provides an image reading device capable of reading using multiple reading methods, and a new technology for continuous reading is realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the MFP in this configuration. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the cover's configuration. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process procedure. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the scan settings screen. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a continuation registration screen. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process procedure. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the reading process. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the continuous reading process. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the reading method selection screen.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which an image reading apparatus is embodied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, a multifunction peripheral (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") having an image reading function is disclosed.

[0017] The MFP1 of this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a controller 10 including a CPU 11 and a memory 12. Further, the MFP1 includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a printing engine 15, and an image reading configuration 16, and these are electrically connected to the controller 10. The MFP1 is an example of an image reading apparatus. Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the MFP1, and does not necessarily represent a single hardware actually existing in the MFP1.

[0018] The CPU 11 of the MFP1 executes various processes according to the program read from the memory 12 and based on the user's operation. In the memory 12 of the MFP1, various programs and various data including an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, a reading program 22, continuous setting information 23, and reading surface information 24 are stored. The memory 12 is also used as a work area when various processes are executed. The buffer included in the CPU 11 is also an example of the memory 12. Details of the programs and data will be described later.

[0019] Note that an example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, RAM, HDD, etc. built into the MFP1, but may also be a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 11. For example, an external memory such as a USB memory or HDD connected to the MFP1, or a memory or HDD provided in a device connected to the MFP1 via the communication IF 14 is also an example of the memory 12.

[0020] A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include, in addition to the above examples, recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Also, non-transitory media are tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal that conveys a program downloaded from a server on the Internet, etc. is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0021] The user IF 13 includes, for example, a touch panel. The touch panel includes hardware for displaying a screen for notifying the user of information and hardware for receiving operations by the user. The user IF 13 may include a combination of a display and hardware buttons, etc.

[0022] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication IF 14 includes functions corresponding to communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), and USB. The MFP1 may be provided with a plurality of communication IF 14s corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

[0023] The printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image onto a printing medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of the printing engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The MFP1 in this embodiment may be equipped with a printing engine 15 capable of performing color printing using multi-color colorants, or it may be equipped with a printing engine 15 that performs only monochrome printing using a single colorant.

[0024] The image reading configuration 16 includes a main reading device 31, a cover sensor 32, a document tray 33, and a cover 40. The cover 40 includes a document transport device (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 41 for automatically transporting documents, a secondary reading device 42, and a document sensor 43. The main reading device 31 and the secondary reading device 42 are both examples of reading devices, and are examples of multiple devices. The main reading device 31 and the secondary reading device 42 may be devices capable of performing color reading, which reads documents as color images, or they may be devices capable of performing monochrome reading only.

[0025] The document tray 33 includes a transparent, plate-shaped contact glass that is fixed integrally with the housing of the MFP1, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The document tray 33 is also called a flatbed (hereinafter referred to as "FB"). The cover 40 is, for example, the part above the area indicated by the thick line in Figure 2, and is positioned above the document tray 33. The cover 40 is designed to open and close relative to the document tray 33 by rotating around an axis (not shown) located at the back of the paper in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the cover 40 in the closed state. The document tray 33 is exposed when the cover 40 is open, and is not exposed when the cover 40 is closed, as it is covered by the cover 40.

[0026] Both the main reading device 31 and the sub-reading device 42 have reading elements arranged in the main scanning direction, which is the depth direction in Figure 2, and are configured to read images from a document. The MFP1 can use the main reading device 31 or the sub-reading device 42 to read images from a document, generate reading data based on the reading results, and output based on the generated reading data.

[0027] The main reading device 31 is positioned below the document glass 33 in Figure 2 and is movable along the document glass 33 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the left-right direction in Figure 2. By utilizing the main reading device 31, the MFP1 can perform image reading using two types of reading methods: ADF reading and FB reading. ADF reading is an example of the first reading method, and FB reading is an example of the second reading method.

[0028] ADF scanning is a scanning method in which the main scanning device 31 is stopped at a predetermined position, and the documents placed on the document tray of the ADF 41 are transported one by one by the ADF 41, with document transport and document image reading being performed in parallel. FB scanning is a scanning method in which the main scanning device 31 is moved along the document glass 33 in the sub-scanning direction, and the image of the document placed on the document glass 33 is read. The main scanning device 31 reads the image of the lower surface of the document on the document glass 33 in Figure 2.

[0029] The secondary scanning device 42 is positioned opposite the document transport path of the ADF 41 and does not move. The secondary scanning device 42 reads the image of the back side of the document transported by the ADF 41, that is, a side different from the side read by the main scanning device 31. The MFP1 can perform double-sided scanning, which reads images of both sides of the document, by transporting the document with the ADF 41 and simultaneously performing both the reading of the first side by the main scanning device 31 and the reading of the second side by the secondary scanning device 42. In this case, the main scanning device 31 is an example of a scanning device for the first side, and the secondary scanning device 42 is an example of a scanning device for the second side.

[0030] The cover sensor 32 is, for example, a light reflection sensor provided on the underside of the cover 40, and outputs different signals depending on whether the cover 40 is open or closed. Based on the signals output from the cover sensor 32, the MFP1 can detect whether the cover is open or closed. The document sensor 43 is, for example, a light reflection sensor provided on the document tray of the ADF 41, and outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the ADF 41 or not. Based on the signals output from the document sensor 43, the MFP1 can determine whether or not a document has been detected in the ADF 41.

[0031] Next, the procedure for reading an image of a document using MFP1 will be described. Note that the following processes basically represent CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent CPU processing. CPU processing also includes hardware control using the OS API. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted when describing the operation of each program. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "Program B controls hardware C" may also mean "Program B controls hardware C using the OS API." In addition, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language. For example, it may be written as "performed by the CPU." In addition, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language such as "performed by Program A."

[0032] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "notification," "information," "notice," "reply," "response," and "answer" are used not only to mean the transmission of information to a person, but also to mean communication and exchange of information between devices or between components within a device. Note that the components within a device include software.

[0033] Furthermore, "acquisition" is used in a sense that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the process of the CPU receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit sequence that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats will be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate that information indicating a request or instruction is being output to the other party. Information indicating a request or instruction may also be simply referred to as "request" or "instruction."

[0034] Furthermore, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." Similarly, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0035] Furthermore, in this specification, setting items may be simply referred to as "settings." Similarly, setting values ​​may also be simply referred to as "settings." Setting values ​​may also be referred to as "parameters." Additionally, storing setting values ​​in memory or elsewhere may be simply referred to as "settings." Furthermore, the operation for setting or the input for setting may also be simply referred to as "settings."

[0036] The reading process by the first configuration of the MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. This reading process is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP1 when it receives a command to select a scan. The MFP1 can receive a command to select a scan, for example, by the user interacting with the scan icon on the home screen.

[0037] When scanning is selected, CPU 11 displays the scan settings screen to user IF 13 (S101). CPU 11 displays a scan settings screen 50 to user IF 13 that can accept instructions for various scan settings and instructions to start the scan, for example, as shown in Figure 4(A). The scan settings screen 50 includes, for example, a button 131 for accepting the setting of double-sided scanning, a button 132 for accepting the setting of continuous scanning, and a button 133 for accepting the instruction to start execution.

[0038] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not it has received an instruction to start the scan by operating button 133 (S102). If it determines that it has not received an instruction to start the scan (S102: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation on buttons other than button 133, such as buttons 131 or 132.

[0039] For example, if the CPU 11 receives a command to set continuous scanning by operating button 132, it will display a screen 51 that allows the user to select either "Continue On" or "Continue Off," as shown in Figure 4(B), and accept the user's selection. "Continue On" enables continuous reading, and "Continue Off" disables continuous reading. Figures 4(A) and (B) show the state where "Continue Off" is set.

[0040] If the CPU determines that it has received an instruction to set "Continue On" based on the operation on screen 51 (S105: YES), the CPU 11 stores information indicating "Continue On" in the continuation setting information 23 (see Figure 1) in memory 12 (S106). Furthermore, the CPU 11 displays "On" on button 132 of the scan setting screen 50 to indicate "Continue On".

[0041] Furthermore, for example, if the CPU 11 receives an instruction to set up double-sided scanning by operating button 131, it displays a screen similar to Figure 4(B) that allows the user to select either double-sided on or double-sided off, and accepts the user's selection. Double-sided on means that double-sided scanning will be performed, and double-sided off means that single-sided scanning will be performed. If the CPU 11 determines that the user has selected double-sided on (S107: YES), it stores information indicating double-sided on in the reading surface information 24 (see Figure 1) of memory 12 (S108). In addition, the CPU 11 displays "On" on button 131 on the scan setting screen 50 to indicate that double-sided scanning is enabled.

[0042] If the CPU determines that it has not received instructions for setting up continuous scanning or setting up double-sided scanning (S105: NO, S107: NO), it proceeds to S102 to determine whether or not it has received an operation on button 133. The CPU 11 can accept various setting instructions via buttons 131, 132, etc., any number of times until it receives an operation on button 133, and stores the selected information in memory 12 each time it receives a user operation.

[0043] If the CPU determines that it has received an instruction to start scanning by operating button 133 (S102:YES), the CPU 11 determines, for example, whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S111). If it determines that there is a document in the ADF 41 (S111:YES), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading based on the reading surface information 24 (S112).

[0044] Specifically, the CPU 11 stops the main reading device 31 at a predetermined position, transports a single document to the ADF 41, and reads the image of one side of the document. If the reading surface information 24 contains information indicating that both sides are enabled, the CPU 11 also performs reading with the secondary reading device 42 and reads the image of the other side of the document. Based on the reading results from the main reading device 31 and the secondary reading device 42, the CPU 11 generates reading data and temporarily stores it in the memory 12. If the reading surface information 24 does not contain information indicating that both sides are enabled, the CPU 11 does not perform image reading with the secondary reading device 42.

[0045] After transporting the image of one document, the CPU 11 determines whether there are any more documents in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S113). Note that the ADF 41 can hold multiple documents at once, and if there is one or more documents, the document sensor 43 outputs a signal indicating the presence of documents. If the CPU 11 determines that there are documents in the ADF 41 (S113: YES), the CPU 11 transports the next document and reads its image in the same manner (S112).

[0046] If the CPU determines that there are no more documents placed on the ADF41 (S113: NO), it determines whether or not information indicating "continue on" is stored in the continuation setting information 23 (S115). If it determines that "continue on" is stored (S115: YES), the CPU displays the continuation acceptance screen on the user IF13 (S116). For example, as shown in Figure 5, the CPU displays the continuation acceptance screen 60, which includes a continue button 61 and an end button 62, on the user IF13 to accept user input.

[0047] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not it has received a continue instruction based on the operation of the continue button 61 (S117). If it determines that it has received a continue instruction (S117: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S113, and if there is a document in the ADF 41 (S113: YES), it transports the document and performs ADF scanning (S112). If there is no document in the ADF 41 when the operation of the continue button 61 is received, the CPU 11 may either display the continue acceptance screen 60 again or terminate the scan.

[0048] Even when a continuation instruction is received and ADF scanning is performed again, the CPU 11 repeats the image scanning until there are no more documents placed in the ADF 41 (S113: NO). Even when a continuation instruction is received and ADF scanning is performed continuously, the CPU 11 performs either double-sided scanning or single-sided scanning based on the scanning surface information 24. In other words, even in continuous ADF scanning, the CPU 11 performs scanning with the same settings as the first ADF scanning without accepting any new user settings.

[0049] Thus, when MFP1 performs ADF readings consecutively from one ADF reading, if the preceding ADF reading performed double-sided reading, it will perform double-sided reading again in the subsequent ADF reading without requiring the user to set the reading side again. Conversely, if the preceding ADF reading performed single-sided reading, MFP1 will perform single-sided reading again in the subsequent ADF reading without requiring the user to set the reading side again. This reduces the user's operational effort when continuing ADF readings.

[0050] Then, once all documents placed in the ADF41 have been scanned (S113:YES), the CPU11 checks again whether the "Continue On" setting is stored (S115). If the "Continue On" setting is stored (S115:YES), it displays the "Continue Acceptance Screen 60" again. After the MFP1 has continued scanning in response to the accepted "Continue" instruction, it can accept "Continue" instructions again, just like the initial scan, thus enabling convenient continuous scanning.

[0051] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that there is no document in the ADF 41 when it receives the instruction to start scanning (S111: NO), the CPU 11 performs FB reading (S121). That is, the CPU 11 moves the main reading device 31 along the document glass 33 and reads the image of the document placed on the document glass 33.

[0052] Once the FB scan has read the image of one document, the CPU 11 displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 shown in Figure 5 on the user IF 13 (S122) and accepts the user's instructions (S123). If the CPU 11 determines that it has received a continuation instruction by pressing the continuation button 61 (S123: YES), the CPU 11 performs the FB scan again (S121).

[0053] If the CPU determines that the "Continue On" setting is not stored (S115: NO), or if it determines that the operation to the "End" button 62 has been accepted on the continuation acceptance screen 60 displayed in S116 or S122 (S117: NO, or S123: NO), the CPU 11 outputs the read data obtained up to that point (S131). If multiple reads have been performed, the CPU 11, for example, combines the multiple read data to create an output file and outputs the created file. If, for example, output to a USB memory is specified as a scan setting, the CPU 11 writes the created file to the USB memory connected to the MFP1. Then, the CPU 11 terminates the read process.

[0054] As explained in detail above, the first form of MFP1 can accept a setting for continuous scanning, which determines whether to enable or disable continuous reading. When MFP1 performs an ADF read, if the continuous scanning setting is set to "Continue On," it will wait for a command to continue. Therefore, the user can choose whether or not to continue. On the other hand, when MFP1 performs an ADF read, if the continuous scanning setting is not set to "Continue On," MFP1 will not wait for a command to continue and will output a file based on the read data. Also, when MFP1 performs an FB read, it will wait for a command to continue regardless of the continuous scanning setting. Therefore, the user can choose whether or not to continue. As a result, MFP1 offers high convenience for continuous scanning in both ADF and FB reads.

[0055] Next, a second embodiment of the image reading device will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The MFP1 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the MFP1 of the first embodiment, and is capable of performing reading processes that differ in some respects from the reading process of the first embodiment. Processes that are the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their explanation is omitted.

[0056] The reading process using the second configuration of MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6. This reading process is executed by the CPU 11 of MFP1 when it receives a command to select a scan.

[0057] In the second configuration as well, the CPU 11 can accept instructions for setting up continuous scanning or double-sided scanning, and stores information indicating the received instructions in the memory 12. When it receives an instruction to start scanning (S102: YES), the CPU 11 determines, for example, whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S111).

[0058] If the CPU determines that there is a document in the ADF41 (S111:YES), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading based on the reading surface information 24 until there is no more document in the ADF41 (S112~S113). If the CPU determines that there is no more document in the ADF41 and that the "Continue On" setting is stored (S115:YES), the CPU 11 displays the "Continue Acceptance Screen 60" (see Figure 5) and accepts user instructions (S116~S117).

[0059] If the ADF41 determines that there is no document (S111: NO), the CPU11 performs FB reading (S121). After reading the image of one document, the CPU11 displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 and accepts user instructions, regardless of whether the continuation ON setting is stored in memory (S122~S123).

[0060] If the CPU 11 determines that it has received a continuation instruction by pressing the continuation button 61 on the continuation acceptance screen 60 displayed in S116 or S122 (S117: YES, or S123: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S111 and determines whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S111). Then, if there is a document in the ADF 41, the CPU 11 performs ADF reading, and if there is no document in the ADF 41, it performs FB reading.

[0061] In other words, the second form of the MFP1 allows the scanning method to be changed when performing continuous scanning. For example, after scanning an image of one document using FB scanning, the user can place a document on the ADF41 and press the continue button 61 to continue with ADF scanning. The second form of the MFP1 may also display a message prompting the user to place a document on the document glass 33 or ADF41 before starting FB scanning if there is no document in the ADF41 after receiving a continue instruction.

[0062] Furthermore, in the second configuration, the MFP1 performs either double-sided or single-sided reading based on the reading surface information 24, even when performing ADF reading as a continuous scan. For example, if double-sided reading is stored in the reading surface information 24, the CPU 11 will perform double-sided reading without accepting any new user settings, even when performing ADF reading immediately following FB reading. This reduces the user's operational effort when performing ADF reading as a continuous scan.

[0063] If the CPU determines that the "Continue On" setting is not stored (S115: NO), or if it determines that the operation to the "End" button 62 has been accepted on the continuation acceptance screen 60 displayed in S116 or S122 (S117: NO, or S123: NO), the CPU 11 outputs the read data obtained up to this point (S131). Then, the CPU 11 terminates the read process.

[0064] As explained in detail above, the second form of the MFP1, like the first form of the MFP1, can accept a setting to enable or disable continuous scanning as a scan setting. Furthermore, when the second form of the MFP1 receives a continuous scanning instruction, it can switch the scanning method depending on whether the document is placed in the ADF41 or not. As a result, the second form of the MFP1, like the first form of the MFP1, offers high convenience for continuous scanning, whether using ADF scanning or FB scanning.

[0065] Next, a third embodiment of the image reading device will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The MFP1 of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the MFP1 of the first embodiment, and is capable of performing reading processes that differ in some respects from the reading process of the first embodiment. Processes that are the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their explanation is omitted.

[0066] The reading process using the third configuration of MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. This reading process is executed by the CPU 11 of MFP1 when it receives a command to select a scan.

[0067] In the third configuration as well, the CPU 11 can accept instructions for setting up continuous scanning or double-sided scanning, and stores information indicating the received instructions in the memory 12. When it receives an instruction to start scanning (S102: YES), the CPU 11 determines, for example, whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S111).

[0068] If the CPU determines that there is a document in the ADF41 (S111:YES), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading based on the reading surface information 24 until there is no more document in the ADF41 (S112~S113). If the CPU determines that there is no more document in the ADF41 and that the "Continue On" setting is stored (S115:YES), the CPU 11 displays the "Continue Acceptance Screen 60" (see Figure 5) and accepts user instructions (S116~S117).

[0069] If the CPU determines that there is no document in the ADF41 (S111: NO), the CPU11 performs FB reading (S121). After reading the image of one document, the CPU11 displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 and accepts user instructions, regardless of whether the continuation ON setting is stored (S122-S123). In the third embodiment, after performing ADF reading or FB reading, the CPU11 attempts to detect the opening and closing of the cover 40 based on the signal output from the cover sensor 32 until it displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 and accepts user operation.

[0070] If the CPU determines that it has received a continuation instruction by pressing the continuation button 61 on the continuation acceptance screen 60 displayed in S116 or S122 (S117: YES, or S123: YES), the CPU 11 executes the continuation reading process (S201).

[0071] The procedure for continuous scanning will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. In continuous scanning, the CPU 11 first determines whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S301). If it is determined that there is a document in the ADF 41 (S301: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the cover 40 was opened or closed after the previous scan while waiting for user operation (S302). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the signal output from the cover sensor 32 has changed between the time the document is removed from the ADF 41 (NO in S113 in Figure 7) and the time the continuation instruction is received (YES in S117), or between the time the FB scan (S121) is completed and the time the continuation instruction is received (YES in S123).

[0072] If the CPU determines that the cover 40 is not open or closed (S302: NO), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading based on the reading surface information 24 (S311). The CPU 11 repeats ADF reading until there are no more documents in the ADF 41 (S311-S312).

[0073] Furthermore, if the CPU determines that there is a document in the ADF 41 (S301: YES), and also determines that the cover 40 has been opened or closed (S302: YES), the CPU 11 displays a reading method selection screen on the user IF 13 (S321) and accepts user input (S322). The CPU 11 displays a reading method selection screen 70, which includes, for example, a continue button 71 for accepting instructions to continue FB reading, a continue button 72 for accepting instructions to continue ADF reading, and an end button 73 for accepting instructions to end reading, as shown in Figure 9.

[0074] Then, if the CPU determines that it has received an operation to press the continue button 71, which indicates an instruction to continue FB reading (S322: FB), the CPU 11 performs FB reading (S325). Also, if the CPU determines that it has received an operation to press the continue button 72, which indicates an instruction to continue ADF reading (S322: ADF), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading until there are no more documents in the ADF 41 (S311-S312).

[0075] In the third configuration, the MFP1 can accept a change in the scanning method during continuous scanning. If the cover 40 is not opened or closed while waiting for a continuation instruction, and a document is detected in the ADF 41, it is highly likely that the user has placed the document in the ADF 41 but not on the document tray 33. In other words, it is highly likely that the user wants to use ADF scanning. The MFP1 automatically starts ADF scanning if there is a document in the ADF 41 and it does not detect that the cover 40 has been opened or closed, thus saving the user the trouble of operating the system.

[0076] Furthermore, even if there is a document in the ADF 41, if the opening and closing of the cover 40 is detected, the user may have placed the document in the ADF 41 and also placed the document on the document tray 33. In other words, it is difficult for the CPU 11 to determine whether the user wants ADF scanning or FB scanning. Therefore, the MFP1 waits for the user to select a scanning method and accepts the user's selection. Consequently, scanning becomes possible using the scanning method desired by the user. Note that even if there is a document in the ADF 41 and the opening and closing of the cover 40 is detected, if the previous scan was FB scanning, it is highly likely that the scanned document was collected and the next document was placed in the ADF 41, so the MFP1 may determine that ADF scanning is desired as the next scan to be performed.

[0077] On the other hand, even if the CPU determines that there is no document in the ADF41 (S301: NO), it determines whether the cover 40 has been opened or closed (S305). If it determines that the cover 40 has been opened or closed (S305: YES), the CPU 11 performs FB reading (S325). If there is no document in the ADF41 and the cover 40 has been opened or closed, and a continue instruction is received, it is highly likely that the user has not placed a document in the ADF41 but has placed a document on the document glass 33. In other words, it is highly likely that the next document has been placed on the document glass 33. In this case, the CPU 11 performs FB reading, thus saving the user the trouble of operating the system.

[0078] Furthermore, if the CPU determines that there is no document in the ADF41 (S301:NO) and that the cover 40 has not been opened or closed (S305:NO), the CPU 11 displays a message prompting the user to place a document on the user interface 13. The CPU 11 then displays, for example, the scanning method selection screen 70 shown in Figure 9 on the user interface 13 (S321) to accept the user's selection.

[0079] If there is no document in the ADF41 and the cover 40 is not opened or closed, and a continue instruction is received, it is possible that the user has not placed a document in the ADF41 or on the document tray 33. In other words, it is possible that no document is set. Alternatively, depending on how the document is placed in the ADF41, it is possible that the document sensor 43 has not detected the document even though a document is placed there. The MFP1 prompts the user to set a document, so it is expected that the user will reposition the document, and scanning will be possible using the scanning method desired by the user.

[0080] Even after performing a second scan in the continuous reading process, the CPU 11 accepts the user's choice of whether or not to continue scanning. In other words, after performing an ADF read (S311-S312) or an FB read (S325), the CPU 11 accepts the user's input (S331) by displaying, for example, the continuation acceptance screen 60 shown in Figure 5 on the user IF 13 (S331).

[0081] If a continuation instruction is received (S332: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S301 to determine whether to perform an ADF read or an FB read for the next scan. The CPU 11 may also display the reading method selection screen 70 shown in Figure 9 in S331. In that case, the CPU 11 can decide whether to perform an ADF read or an FB read based on the user's input, similar to S332.

[0082] Furthermore, if the system accepts an operation to press the end button 62 on the continuation acceptance screen 60 displayed in S331 (S322: NO), or if it accepts an operation to press the end button 73 on the reading method selection screen 70 shown in Figure 9 (S332: End), the CPU 11 terminates the continuation reading process and returns to the reading process shown in Figure 7.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, after the completion of the continuous reading process (S201), CPU 11 outputs the read data obtained up to this point (S131). Then, CPU 11 terminates the reading process.

[0084] As explained in detail above, the third form of MFP1, like the first and second forms of MFP1, can accept a setting to enable or disable continuous scanning as a scan setting. Furthermore, the third form of MFP1 can detect whether the cover 40 has been opened or closed after scanning an image of a single document, and can automatically switch the scanning method based on the detection result. As a result, the third form of MFP1, like the first and second forms of MFP1, offers high convenience for continuous scanning, whether using ADF scanning or FB scanning.

[0085] The above embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technologies disclosed herein can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from their essence. For example, the image reading device can be any device that has the function of reading an image, and is not limited to MFP1, but may also be a scanner, copier, or fax machine.

[0086] Furthermore, although the above configurations of the MFP1 are assumed to use a common main reading device 31 to read the image of the original document whether performing single-sided reading with ADF or full-frame reading, different devices may be used. For example, the MFP1 may use a secondary reading device 42 for single-sided reading with ADF and the main reading device 31 for full-frame reading. In this case, the secondary reading device 42 is an example of a first reading device, and the main reading device 31 is an example of a second reading device.

[0087] Furthermore, although the above descriptions of each configuration mention an MFP1 capable of performing double-sided scanning, the continuous scanning setting can also be applied to devices that are not capable of performing double-sided scanning. In that case, the secondary reading device 42 and the reading surface information 24 may be omitted.

[0088] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, MFP1 displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 after performing an FB read, regardless of the continuation scan setting, to accept user instructions, but this is not limited to this. For example, MFP1 may decide whether or not to perform a continuation scan based on the continuation scan setting even after performing an FB read. Also, for example, if MFP1 receives an instruction to start a scan, and continuation is not set to "continue on", it may display a message confirming that it will not continue.

[0089] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, the MFP1 is described as waiting for user input after displaying the continuation acceptance screen 60 (see Figure 5) to the user IF13, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the MFP1 may decide not to perform a continuous scan if a predetermined time has elapsed without accepting any input from either the continuation button 61 or the end button 62.

[0090] Furthermore, in any flowchart or sequence diagram disclosed in each form, the execution order of any multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0091] Furthermore, the processing disclosed in each embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processing disclosed in the embodiments can be implemented in various ways, such as by recording a program for executing the processing on a recording medium or by a method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1 MFP 13 User Interface 31 Main reading device 32 Cover Sensor 33 Manuscript stand 40 Cover 41 ADF 42 Sub-reading devices 43 Document sensor

Claims

1. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, It is possible to enable or disable continuous reading through the user interface described above. When reading using the first method described above, If continuous reading is enabled as the continuation setting, the system will enter a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. If the continuous reading setting is disabled, the system will not enter a state of waiting for the continuous instruction, but will instead combine the reading data obtained up to that point and output it. When reading using the second method described above, Whether the continuous reading setting is enabled or disabled, the system enters a state of waiting to receive the continuous instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the system will combine the data obtained from previous readings and output it. An image reading device configured as follows.

2. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is Even if the reading is performed using the first method in response to receiving the aforementioned continuation instruction, If continuous reading is enabled as the continuation setting, the system will enter a state of waiting to receive the continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. If the continuous reading setting is disabled, the system will not enter a state of waiting for the continuous instruction, but will instead combine the reading data obtained up to that point and output it. Even if the second reading method is performed in response to receiving the aforementioned continuation instruction, Whether the continuous reading setting is enabled or disabled, the system enters a state of waiting to receive the continuous instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the system will combine the data obtained from previous readings and output it. An image reading device configured as follows.

3. An image reading device according to claim 1, A document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, A cover is provided that can be opened and closed relative to the document tray, A cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document glass, Equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is While waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, the system attempts to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor. When the system is waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, it is determined whether or not a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If no document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the second method of scanning will be performed for the next document. An image reading device configured as follows.

4. An image reading device according to claim 3, The aforementioned image reading device is If a document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the system will proceed to read the next document using the first method. An image reading device configured as follows.

5. An image reading device according to claim 1, A document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, A cover is provided that can be opened and closed relative to the document tray, A cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document glass, Equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is While waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, the system attempts to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor. When the system is waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, it is determined whether or not a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If a document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the system will proceed to read the next document using the first method. An image reading device configured as follows.

6. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is By operating through the user interface, it is possible to set the reading surface to either double-sided or single-sided reading for the first reading method. In the first reading method described above, If the reading surface setting is set to double-sided reading, then double-sided reading is performed, causing the reading device to read both the image on the first side of the document and the image on the second side, which is the reverse side of the first side. If single-sided scanning is set as the scanning surface setting, the scanning device will scan the image of the first side of the document, and single-sided scanning will be performed without scanning the image of the second side. The image reading device further, After reading using the first method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction to be received and the system then reads the next document using the first method, If the double-sided reading is performed in the preceding first reading method, the double-sided reading will also be performed in the subsequent first reading method without accepting the reading surface setting via the user interface. If the single-sided reading is performed in the preceding first reading method, the single-sided reading will also be performed in the subsequent first reading method without accepting the reading surface setting via the user interface. An image reading device configured as follows.

7. An image reading device according to claim 6, The aforementioned image reading device is When the reading surface setting is set to double-sided reading, and after reading using the second method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction and a continuation instruction is received, and the next document is to be read using the first method, the reading surface setting is not received via the user interface, and the double-sided reading is performed in the subsequent reading using the first method. When the reading surface setting is set to single-sided reading, and after reading using the second method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction and a continuation instruction is received, the system will read the next document using the first method, and the reading surface setting will not be received via the user interface, and the subsequent reading using the first method will perform single-sided reading. An image reading device configured as follows.

8. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and A document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, A cover is provided that can be opened and closed relative to the document tray, A cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document glass, An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, Continuous reading is possible, In the aforementioned continuous reading, After performing the reading using the first method or the reading using the second method, the system enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. The image reading device further, While waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, the system attempts to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor. When the system is waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, it is determined whether or not a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If no document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the second method of scanning will be performed for the next document. An image reading device configured as follows.

9. An image reading device according to claim 8, The aforementioned image reading device is If a document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the system will proceed to read the next document using the first method. An image reading device configured as follows.

10. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and A document sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the document transport device or not, A cover is provided that can be opened and closed relative to the document tray, A cover sensor that outputs different signals depending on whether the cover is open or closed relative to the document glass, An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, Continuous reading is possible, In the aforementioned continuous reading, After performing the reading using the first method or the reading using the second method, the system enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. The image reading device further, While waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, the system attempts to detect the opening and closing of the cover based on the signal output from the cover sensor. When the system is waiting for the aforementioned continuation instruction to be received, it is determined whether or not a document has been detected in the document transport device based on the signal output from the document sensor. If a document is detected in the document transport device, If the opening or closing of the cover is detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction to be received, the system will enter a state of waiting to select whether to use the first method of reading or the second method of reading, and the selected method of reading will be performed for the next document. If the opening or closing of the cover is not detected while the system is waiting for the continuation instruction, the system will not enter the selection waiting state, and the system will proceed to read the next document using the first method. An image reading device configured as follows.

11. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, Continuous reading is possible, In the aforementioned continuous reading, After performing the reading using the first method or the reading using the second method, the system enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. The image reading device further, By operating through the user interface, it is possible to set the reading surface to either double-sided or single-sided reading for the first reading method. In the first reading method described above, If the reading surface setting is set to double-sided reading, then double-sided reading is performed, causing the reading device to read both the image on the first side of the document and the image on the second side, which is the reverse side of the first side. If single-sided scanning is set as the scanning surface setting, the scanning device will scan the image of the first side of the document, and single-sided scanning will be performed without scanning the image of the second side. The image reading device further, After reading using the first method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction to be received and the system then reads the next document using the first method, If the double-sided reading is performed in the preceding first reading method, the double-sided reading will also be performed in the subsequent first reading method without accepting the reading surface setting via the user interface. If the single-sided reading is performed in the preceding first reading method, the single-sided reading will also be performed in the subsequent first reading method without accepting the reading surface setting via the user interface. An image reading device configured as follows.

12. An image reading device according to claim 11, The aforementioned image reading device is When the reading surface setting is set to double-sided reading, and after reading using the second method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction and a continuation instruction is received, and the next document is to be read using the first method, the reading surface setting is not received via the user interface, and the double-sided reading is performed in the subsequent reading using the first method. When the reading surface setting is set to single-sided reading, and after reading using the second method, if the system is waiting for a continuation instruction and a continuation instruction is received, the system will read the next document using the first method, and the reading surface setting will not be received via the user interface, and the subsequent reading using the first method will perform single-sided reading. An image reading device configured as follows.

13. An image reading device according to claim 11, The reading device is composed of a plurality of devices, and the plurality of devices include a reading device for the first side and a reading device for the second side. In the aforementioned double-sided reading, the image of the first surface is read by the reading device for the first surface, and the image of the second surface is read by the reading device for the second surface. In the aforementioned single-sided reading, the image of the first side is read by the reading device for the first side, and the image of the second side is not read. An image reading device configured as follows.

14. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The first reading method and the second reading method are configured to use a common reading device to read the original document. In the first reading method, the reading device is placed in a predetermined position, and the reading device is made to read the image of the document transported by the document transport device. In the second reading method described above, the reading device is moved along the document tray, and the reading device is made to read the image of the document placed on the document tray. An image reading device configured as follows.

15. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The reading device is composed of a plurality of devices, and the plurality of devices include a first reading device and a second reading device. In the first reading method, the image of the document transported by the document transport device is read by the first reading device. In the second reading method, the second reading device is moved along the document tray, and the image of the document placed on the document tray is read by the second reading device. An image reading device configured as follows.

Images