Image reading apparatus

Abstract

The image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a document stage, a document cover, a reading unit, and a control unit. The document stage has a mounting surface for placing documents. The document cover opens and closes over the mounting surface of the document stage. The reading unit reads the documents placed on the mounting surface of the document stage from the side opposite to the mounting surface. When the control unit selects a mode in which multiple documents are read continuously for each document in an open state (i.e., when the document cover is open relative to the document stage), the mode ends in a removal waiting state (when the documents have been read and removed from the document stage) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device having a reading section for reading original documents. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an immediate execution mode in which, in an image reading device, after a predetermined standby time has elapsed following detection by a sensor that an original document is placed at a predetermined position on the document stage, the reading unit begins reading the original document. This immediate execution mode is canceled when the user removes the original document or opens the document cover.

[0003] However, when you want to read multiple pages of a book or similar book sequentially, it's inconvenient if the process is canceled every time you change a page. In this respect, there's room for improvement in terms of user convenience when reading multiple pages of a book sequentially.

[0004] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0084179. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An image reading apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a document stage having a mounting surface for placing a document; a document cover that opens and closes the mounting surface of the document stage; a reading unit that reads a document placed on the mounting surface of the document stage from the side opposite to the mounting surface; and a control unit that, when selecting a mode in which multiple documents are continuously read one by one in an open state (i.e., when the document cover is open relative to the document stage), terminates the mode in a removal waiting state (when the document being read is removed from the document stage) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

[0006] An image reading apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a document stage having a mounting surface for placing a document; a document cover that opens and closes the mounting surface of the document stage; a reading unit that reads a document placed on the mounting surface of the document stage from the side opposite to the mounting surface; and a control unit that, when selecting a mode in which multiple documents are continuously read one by one in an open state (i.e., when the document cover is open relative to the document stage), terminates the mode based on a user-instructed termination state in any one of the following: a document cover opening waiting state (waiting for the document cover to open), a mounting waiting state (waiting for a document to be placed on the document stage), a removal waiting state (waiting for the document to be removed from the document stage after reading is completed), and a cancellation instruction waiting state (waiting for an instruction to cancel the reading of the document by the user). Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic front sectional view of the image reading device in the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an image reading device showing the original document cover in the open state.

[0009] Figure 3 A schematic front view, partially cut out, of an image reading device holding a book as an original manuscript.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view illustrating the structure of the reading module.

[0011] Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of an image reading device.

[0012] Figure 6 A state transition diagram to represent the transition of the image reading device in book scanning mode.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the selection screen for the original manuscript waiting mode.

[0014] Figure 8 A diagram showing the first settings screen for setting the standby time.

[0015] Figure 9 A diagram showing the second settings screen for setting the standby time.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a book scanning processing routine.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the guide screen that prompts the user to open the original document cover.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a guide screen that shows how to place the original document.

[0019] Figure 13 A schematic top view showing the image reading device before the original document is placed.

[0020] Figure 14 A schematic top view showing an image reading device with the original document mounted.

[0021] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the original document detection process performed with the original document cover open, and also shows a schematic diagram of an image reading device with a book mounted on it, as well as a graph of the reading data from the reading unit.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a notification screen that informs users of the meaning of a scan.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a guide screen that shows how to remove the original manuscript.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of a guide screen that shows how to place the original document.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a book scanning processing routine.

[0026] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating a book scanning processing routine.

[0027] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of a notification screen that informs users of the meaning of a scan.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a notification screen that indicates the cancellation is in progress.

[0029] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of a notification screen that indicates the end of the scan.

[0030] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the book scanning processing routine in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 25 A state transition diagram to show the change of state of an image reading device in book scanning mode.

[0032] Figure 26 This is a diagram illustrating the confirmation screen after cancellation.

[0033] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the book scanning processing routine in the third embodiment.

[0034] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of a guide screen that shows how to place the original document.

[0035] Figure 29 This is a flowchart illustrating the book scanning processing routine in the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 30 This is a diagram illustrating the selection screen displayed during the operation waiting state after cancellation.

[0037] Figure 31 This is a flowchart illustrating the book scanning processing routine in the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 32This is a diagram illustrating the selection screen that is displayed after the timeout.

[0039] Figure 33 This is a diagram illustrating the selection screen displayed when switching from manual scan mode. Detailed Implementation

[0040] First Implementation Method

[0041] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the image reading device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Structure of an image reading device Figure 1 Image reading device 11 indicating the posture of being in use. Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z axes shown are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis is parallel to the direction of gravity. The Y-axis is from... Figure 1 The X-axis is parallel to the width direction when viewed from the front of the image reading device 11. The X-axis is parallel to the depth direction of the image reading device 11. The directions parallel to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The X direction includes both +X and -X directions. The Y direction includes both +Y and -Y directions. The Z direction includes both +Z and -Z directions. Furthermore, the Y direction is also referred to as the width direction Y, the X direction as the depth direction X, and the Z direction as the vertical direction Z.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 11 includes a document stage 12 and a document cover 15. The document stage 12 has a mounting surface 12A for placing the document M1. The document M1 is placed on the document stage 12 by being placed on the mounting surface 12A.

[0044] The document stage 12 has a housing 13 and a transparent plate 14. The transparent plate 14 is mounted on the upper part of the housing 13. The transparent plate 14 forms the top plate of the housing 13. The document stage 12 is light-transmitting. That is, the document stage 12 is light-transmitting at a portion of the transparent plate 14. The upper surface of the transparent plate 14 forms a mounting surface 12A. The document stage 12 is light-transmitting at the mounting surface 12A. The upper surface of the portion of the transparent plate 14 exposed in the upper surface of the document stage 12 is designated as the mounting surface 12A. The mounting surface 12A has a size capable of mounting a document M1 of the largest size that the image reading device 11 can read.

[0045] The document cover 15 opens and closes relative to the mounting surface 12A of the document stage 12. The document cover 15 may also be configured to rotate relative to the document stage 12. The document cover 15 is connected to the document stage 12 via a hinge mechanism 47 (see reference 12). Figure 2 To install, use [the appropriate method]. Figure 1In the shown front view, the rotation axis of the original cover 15 extends in the width direction Y from the inner side in the depth direction X. The original cover 15 can be opened and closed within a specified angle range with the inner rotation axis as the center.

[0046] The original document cover 15 is opened relative to the original document stage 12, thereby exposing the mounting surface 12A, which is the upper surface of the transparent plate 14. This allows the user to place the original document M1 onto the mounting surface 12A. The original document cover 15 is closed relative to the original document stage 12, thereby pressing the original document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A from above. Figure 1 In the closed state shown, the original document M1, placed on the mounting surface 12A, is pressed against the mounting surface 12A by the closed document cover 15. In normal mode, the original document M1 is read by the image reading device 11 in this pressed state. Furthermore, the image reading device 11 of this embodiment has an example of a mode in which the reading of the original document M1 is performed in the open state with the document cover 15 open, namely a book scanning mode. This book scanning mode will be described later.

[0047] The image reading device 11 includes a reading unit 17 and a light-emitting unit 18. The reading unit 17 is configured to read the original document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A. The reading unit 17 reads the original document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A of the document stage 12 from the side opposite to the mounting surface 12A. The reading unit 17 is located inside the housing 13 of the document stage 12. The reading unit 17 is located on the side opposite to the mounting surface 12A through a transparent plate 14. The reading unit 17 is configured to perform scanning within the housing 13.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the image reading device 11 may also include a carriage 19 that supports the reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18. The carriage 19 supporting the reading unit 17 is configured to be movable in the width direction Y. The reading unit 17 is configured to move in the width direction Y along the mounting surface 12A on the transparent plate 14, together with the carriage 19. The reading unit 17 reads the original document M1 through the transparent plate 14 by scanning it relative to the original document M1 mounted on the mounting surface 12A. The reading unit 17 is capable of moving across a range wider than the mounting surface 12A in the width direction Y.

[0049] The reading unit 17 is, for example, constructed from a line sensor that is elongated in one direction. Figure 1In the example shown, the reading unit 17 is configured such that its length direction is parallel to the depth direction X. The length direction of the reading unit 17 is referred to as the main scanning direction, and the direction of movement of the reading unit 17 is referred to as the sub-scanning direction. Since the main scanning direction is parallel to the depth direction X, it is also called the "main scanning direction X". Since the sub-scanning direction is parallel to the width direction Y, it is also called the "sub-scanning direction Y". The main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y intersect each other (e.g., are orthogonal). The reading unit 17 can move in the first direction +Y and the second direction -Y of the sub-scanning direction Y by moving the carriage 19.

[0050] The light-emitting unit 18 can be switched between being on and off. The light-emitting unit 18 is located within the housing 13 of the document stage 12. The light-emitting unit 18 is positioned on the side of the document stage 12 opposite to the mounting surface 12A. The light-emitting unit 18 emits light from the opposite side of the document stage 12 towards the outside of the mounting surface 12A. When the reading unit 17 reads the document M1, the light-emitting unit 18 illuminates the document M1 by being turned on. In the illuminated state, the light-emitting unit 18 illuminates the document M1 from the side of the document stage 12 opposite to the mounting surface 12A. The light-emitting unit 18 illuminates the reading target area of ​​the document M1, which is the object of reading by the reading unit 17, on the reading surface of the document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A.

[0051] The light-emitting unit 18 is configured to perform scanning within the housing 13. The light-emitting unit 18 illuminates the original document M1, which is placed on the mounting surface 12A of the document stage 12, through a transparent plate 14. The light-emitting unit 18, supported on the upper part of a carriage 19, moves along the mounting surface 12A of the document stage 12 together with the reading unit 17. The light-emitting unit 18 moves in the sub-scanning direction Y via the carriage 19. The reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18 are supported on the carriage 19 in a positional relationship that allows the light-emitting unit 18 to illuminate the reading target area of ​​the reading unit 17. By illuminating itself, the light-emitting unit 18 illuminates the reading target area of ​​the reading unit 17, which extends along the main scanning direction X.

[0052] The reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18 constitute the reading module 20 (see also...). Figure 4 The readout module 20 is supported on the upper part of the carriage 19. The readout unit 17 is, for example, configured as a contact image sensor (CIS). In this embodiment, the readout module 20 is a CIS-type (close-contact optical) contact image sensor module (CISM). Furthermore, the detailed structure of the readout module 20 will be described later.

[0053] The image reading device 11 may also include a reading window 21. The reading window 21 may also be located outside the mounting surface 12A when viewed from above (see also...). Figure 2 ).exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the reading window 21 is located outside the sub-scanning direction Y relative to the mounting surface 12A. The reading window 21 can also be positioned opposite the reading unit 17. The reading window 21 is positioned adjacent to the transparent plate 14 in the sub-scanning direction Y at the upper part of the document stage 12. The reading window 21 and the transparent plate 14 are respectively mounted at a position that is horizontal and approximately at the same height as the upper part of the housing 13.

[0054] The reading unit 17 is configured such that, by moving the slide 19, it can also move to the position opposite the reading window 21. Figure 1 The position is indicated by a double-dotted line. The carriage 19 can move in the sub-scanning direction Y across a range including the position where the reading unit 17 faces the reading window 21 and the area where the reading unit 17 faces the mounting surface 12A. Thus, the reading unit 17 can read the original document M1 in transit and the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A at the position opposite the reading window 21.

[0055] The reading window 21 has a small transparent plate 22 that is sufficiently small compared to the size of the transparent plate 14. The transparent plates 14 and 22 are, for example, made of glass. The transparent plate 14 is constructed of a large piece of glass larger than the transparent plate 22, which is made of small glass and constitutes the reading window 21. Furthermore, the transparent plate 14 and the reading window 21 are approximately the same in position and length along the main scanning direction X.

[0056] The image reading device 11 may also include an opening / closing sensor 23. The opening / closing sensor 23 detects the opening and closing of the original document cover 15. The opening / closing sensor 23 is configured to detect both the open and closed states of the original document cover 15 relative to the original document stage 12. The opening / closing sensor 23 can detect both the open and closed states of the original document cover 15 relative to the original document stage 12. While the opening / closing sensor 23 may be mounted, for example, on the housing 13 of the original document stage 12, it may also be mounted on the original document cover 15. The opening / closing sensor 23 can be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor. For example, when the original document cover 15 is closed, the opening / closing sensor 23 may be positioned on the inner side of the original document cover 15 near the rotation axis in the depth direction X of the image reading device 11, or it may be positioned on the rotating end side of the original document cover 15.

[0057] The opening / closing sensor 23 can also detect the open state when the angle formed by the original cover 15 relative to the mounting surface 12A is greater than a predetermined angle, and the closed state when the angle is less than a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is a predetermined value within the range from 0 degrees when the original cover 15 is fully closed relative to the original table 12 to the maximum opening angle. Although the predetermined angle can be set to an appropriate value, as an example, it can also be a predetermined value within the range of 1 degree or more and 30 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle can, for example, be a predetermined value within the range of 2 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less.

[0058] The image reading device 11 includes a display unit 41 for displaying information. The display unit 41 is configured to display a screen. The display unit 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 41 is, for example, mounted on a document tray 12. By displaying information on the screen, the display unit 41 notifies the user of information related to the image reading device 11.

[0059] The image reading device 11 includes an input unit 42. The input unit 42 is operated by a user. The input unit 42 is subject to input from the user. That is, the input unit 42 sends the input information received by the user to the control unit 50. The input information includes various instructions or selections, settings, etc., provided to the image reading device 11.

[0060] The input unit 42 is, for example, configured as a touch panel of the display unit 41. That is, the image reading device 11 also includes an input unit 42 that displays information and is subject to input by the user. The input unit 42, configured as a touch panel, may also be configured as at least one operation button or the like, displayed as an image (GUI) on the screen of the display unit 41. The user provides input information to the image reading device 11 by touching the input unit 42, which is provided on the screen configured as a touch panel of the display unit 41. In addition, the input unit 42 is not limited to a touch panel, and may also be configured as a mechanical switch such as a button, lever, or switch. Furthermore, the input unit 42 may include both the touch panel of the display unit 41 and a mechanical switch.

[0061] The image reading device 11 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is configured to control the image reading device 11. The control unit 50 controls the reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18. The control unit 50 controls the movement of the carriage 19 along the mounting surface 12A. The control unit 50 controls the display unit 41. The control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display various information. The control unit 50 inputs input information from the input unit 42 based on operations performed by the user on the input unit 42 (pressing the screen). The control unit 50 controls the image reading device 11 based on the input information from the input unit 42.

[0062] The image reading device 11 has the image reading function of the above-described flatbed (FB) type and the image reading function of the automatic document feeder (ADF) type as described below. Hereinafter, reference will be made to... Figure 1 This section explains the structure of the image reading function using the ADF method.

[0063] ADF structure of image reading device Figure 1 The image reading device 11 shown includes an automatic paper feeding device 24. The automatic paper feeding device 24 is configured to automatically feed paper to the original document M1. The automatic paper feeding device 24 is installed in the original document cover 15. The automatic paper feeding device 24 feeds the original document M1 into the original document cover 15. A transport path 25 is formed in the original document cover 15. The transport path 25 is the path through which the original document M1 is transported. The transport path 25 extends within the original document cover 15. During the transport of the original document M1 along the transport path 25, it is read by the image reading device 11.

[0064] The automatic paper feeding device 24 has a supply tray 26. The supply tray 26 is mounted on the original cover 15. The supply tray 26 extends from the original cover 15. The supply tray 26 is configured to accommodate the original M1. By placing the original M1 on the supply tray 26, the original M1 is thus positioned on the supply tray 26.

[0065] The automatic paper feeding device 24 has a conveying section 30. The conveying section 30 is installed in the original document cover 15. The conveying section 30 is configured to convey the original document M1. The conveying section 30 conveys the original document M1, which is placed on the supply tray 26, along the conveying path 25. The conveying section 30 has one or more (in Figure 1 (Multiple rollers are shown in the example.) The conveying unit 30 has, for example, a pick-up roller 31 and one or more conveying rollers 32. The pick-up roller 31 conveys the originals M1 placed on the supply tray 26 one by one. In one example, the pick-up roller 31 contacts the topmost original M1 among the multiple originals M1 stacked on the supply tray 26 and conveys them sequentially from the topmost original M1. The multiple conveying rollers 32 are located along the conveying path 25. The multiple conveying rollers 32 convey the originals M1 along the conveying path 25.

[0066] The automatic paper feeding device 24 has a discharge tray 33. The discharge tray 33 is configured to receive the original document M1 discharged from the original document cover 15. The discharge tray 33 is mounted on the original document cover 15. The discharge tray 33 receives the original document M1 after it has been read.

[0067] The automatic paper feeding device 24 has a detection unit 34 that detects the presence or absence of a document M1 placed on the feed tray 26. The detection unit 34 can be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor. When the open / close sensor 23 detects that the document cover 15 is closed and the detection unit 34 detects that the document M1 is placed on the feed tray 26, the control unit 50 will prioritize reading in the ADF mode.

[0068] The automatic paper feeding device 24 may also include an overlap transport detection unit 35 for detecting overlapping transport of the original documents M1. The overlap transport detection unit 35 detects whether multiple original documents M1 are transported from the supply tray 26 in an overlapping and held state. The overlap transport detection unit 35 may also include an ultrasonic sensor. For example, the overlap transport detection unit 35 detects overlapping transport when the attenuation rate of the ultrasonic waves passing through the original documents M1 exceeds a threshold.

[0069] The image reading device 11 includes a reading unit 37 and a light-emitting unit 38. The reading unit 37 and the light-emitting unit 38 are supported by a support unit 39. The reading unit 37 and the light-emitting unit 38 constitute a reading module 40. The support unit 39 supports the reading module 40 in a posture capable of reading the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25. The structure of the reading module 40 is basically the same as that of the reading module 20 within the original document stage 12. The transport unit 30, the second reading unit 37, and the light-emitting unit 38, constituting an ADF-type image reading mechanism, are controlled by a control unit 50.

[0070] The reading unit 37 is positioned within the original document cover 15 along the transport path 25. The reading unit 37 reads the original document M1 that is transported from the supply tray 26. In other words, the reading unit 37 reads the original document M1 that is transported along the transport path 25.

[0071] The light-emitting unit 38 can be switched between being on and off. The light-emitting unit 38 is positioned along the transport path 25. When on, the light-emitting unit 38 illuminates the area of ​​the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25 that includes the portion to be read by the reading unit 37.

[0072] The reading unit 17 and the reading unit 37 are configured to read both the front and back sides of the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25. The reading unit 17, located within the document tray 12, has image reading functions for both FB (First Reading Unit) and ADF (Automatic Paper Rendering) modes. Furthermore, in this specification, the reading unit 17 within the document tray 12 is referred to as the "first reading unit 17," and the reading unit 37 within the automatic paper feed device 24 is also referred to as the "second reading unit 37."

[0073] The first reading unit 17 reads the first side of the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25 through the reading window 21. At this time, the first reading unit 17 does not scan the original document M1. The first reading unit 17 reads the first side of the original document M1 through the reading window 21 when it is in the window position opposite to the reading window 21. The first side of the original document M1 is, for example, a surface.

[0074] The second reading unit 37 reads the second side of the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25. The second side of the original document M1 is the side opposite to the first side. For example, the second side of the original document M1 is the back side.

[0075] When reading only one side of the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25, the first reading unit 17 performs the reading. When reading both sides of the original document M1 being transported along the transport path 25, the first reading unit 17 and the second reading unit 37 perform the reading. That is, the first reading unit 17 reads the first side (e.g., the surface) of the original document M1 through the reading window 21, and the second reading unit 37 reads the second side (e.g., the back side) of the original document M1.

[0076] Figure 2 The image reading device 11 is in the open state with the original document cover 15 open. The original document cover 15 is mounted on the original document stage 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate via a hinge mechanism 47. When the user reads the original document M1 in flatbed mode (FB mode), the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A with the original document cover 15 open. The display unit 41 is, for example, located at the front side of the original document stage 12. The user can check the displayed content on the display unit 41 or operate the input unit 42 while performing operations such as placing the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A or positioning the placed original document M1.

[0077] like Figure 2As shown, a background plate 15A and a transport channel 15B are provided on the back of the original document cover 15. The background plate 15A is positioned corresponding to the mounting surface 12A and has a shape and size that are approximately the same as the mounting surface 12A. When the original document cover 15 is closed, the mounting surface 12A is covered by the background plate 15A. Furthermore, the transport channel 15B is positioned corresponding to the reading window 21. When the original document cover 15 is closed, the reading module 20 can read the first side (surface) of the original document M1 that has passed through the transport section 30 and the transport channel 15B via the reading window 21. In addition, the user can select either a single side or a double side as the reading side of the original document on the setting screen (illustration omitted) where the reading conditions are set. When double-sided reading is specified, the reading module 20 reads the first side (surface) of the original M1 passing through the transport channel 15B via the reading window 21, and the reading module 40 reads the second side (back side) of the original M1 opposite to the first side.

[0078] Detailed structure of the flat panel method Next, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 The detailed structure of the flat panel in the image reading device 11 will now be explained. Furthermore, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 The structure of the ADF system, including the automatic paper feeder 24, is omitted in the text. The original document M1 is, for example, a book or pamphlet, or other original document with thickness. Figure 3 This indicates that the book B1, whose page is open for reading, is placed on the mounting surface 12A. In other words, it indicates that the user has placed (placed) the book B1 on the manuscript tray 12 in order to read the page of the book B1.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the shape of the document stage 12, viewed from above, is, for example, rectangular. The lower surface (back side) of the document cover 15 is rectangular, with approximately the same dimensions as the upper surface of the document stage 12. The upper surface of the document stage 12 and the lower surface of the document cover 15 are approximately equal in shape and size. Figure 1 When the original document cover 15 is closed, the original document stage 12 and the original document cover 15 overlap in the vertical direction Z. That is, when the original document cover 15 is closed, the original document cover 15 covers the entire upper surface of the original document stage 12, including the mounting surface 12A and the reading window 21.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, when the original manuscript M1, such as book B1, is placed on the mounting surface 12A of the manuscript tray 12, the manuscript cover 15 is set to an open state at a predetermined angle. The original manuscript M1 is positioned on the mounting surface 12A of the transparent plate 14, for example, near the two sides close to the inside and the left.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the image reading device 11 includes a scanning mechanism 44 within the housing 13 of the original document stage 12, which enables the carriage 19 to scan in the sub-scanning direction Y, and a carriage motor 43 that serves as the drive source for the carriage 19. The carriage 19 moves in the sub-scanning direction Y via the scanning mechanism 44 through the driving force of the carriage motor 43.

[0082] The scanning mechanism 44 includes a guide member 45 and a power transmission mechanism 46. The guide member 45 guides the carriage 19 to move in the sub-scanning direction Y. The power transmission mechanism 46 transmits the driving force of the carriage motor 43 to the carriage 19 as the power for the carriage 19 to move in the sub-scanning direction Y. When the carriage motor 43 is driven in a forward direction, the carriage 19 moves in the first direction +Y. When the carriage motor 43 is driven in a reverse direction, the carriage 19 moves in the second direction -Y, which is opposite to the first direction +Y. As the carriage 19 moves, the reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18 constituting the reading module 20 move in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0083] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, the position of the carriage 19, shown by a solid line, is the standby position P0. Standby position P0 is the position where the light-blocking portion between the reading unit 17 and the reading window 21 and the transparent plate 14 is opposite. When the reading module 20 is not reading, the carriage 19 is in standby position P0.

[0084] When the reading module 20 reads in ADF mode, the carriage 19 moves to a first reading position Y1 located at one end in the sub-scanning direction Y. The first reading position Y1 is the position where the reading part 17 and the reading window part 21 are opposite each other in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0085] When reading in flatbed (FB) mode, the reading unit 17 moves to a position within the original document reading area SA in the sub-scanning direction Y. The original document reading area SA is the area corresponding to the mounting surface 12A. The original document reading area SA is the region extending from the end of the mounting surface 12A on the reading start side in the sub-scanning direction Y, i.e., the start end Y0, to the end end YE. The start end Y0 is, for example, the reading start position of the reading unit 17. The reading unit 17... Figure 3 The document reads from the original document M1, such as book B1, placed on the mounting surface 12A, by scanning the original document reading area SA in the sub-scanning direction Y. During the scanning process, the reading unit 17 starts reading, for example, from the reading start position Y0. The reading unit 17 reads the original document M1 by receiving reflected light from the reading surface of the original document M1, which is irradiated by the light-emitting unit 18.

[0086] About book scanning mode In the image reading device 11, sometimes a thick original document M1, consisting of a booklet such as book B1, is read. For example, when a user opens the book B1 (see reference...) and wants to read it... Figure 3 With the book B1 in the reading state, the open page is pressed against the mounting surface 12A as the reading surface. Because the book B1 is thick, closing the original cover 15 is difficult. Furthermore, if the original cover 15 is to be pressed towards the closed side to press the open page of the book B1 against the transparent plate 14, a force in an inclined direction must be applied from the original cover 15 towards the book B1. As a result, the mounting position of the book B1 relative to the mounting surface 12A is easily shifted. Therefore, with the original cover 15 open, and the user has positioned the book B1 by hand and pressed the reading surface of the book B1 against the mounting surface 12A, the pages of the book B1 are read. If the user presses the book B1, which is positioned at a predetermined position on the mounting surface 12A (refer to...), the reading process is difficult. Figure 14 If the user forcibly confirms the content displayed on the display unit 41 or operates the input unit 42 (pressing the screen), they will be unable to concentrate on positioning the book B1. Therefore, if these actions are forcibly performed, the user must look towards the display unit 41 or use the other hand to operate the input unit 42, which can easily become an obstacle to positioning the book B1. For example, if the user forcibly starts the scan, the position of the book B1 is easily shifted during this operation because the user needs to look towards the input unit 42 and operate it with the other hand.

[0087] Therefore, the image reading device 11 of this embodiment has a book scanning mode that automatically starts scanning when a document M1, such as a book B1, is detected to be placed on the mounting surface 12A. In the book scanning mode, if an initial reading operation (task start operation) is performed, then if the placement of the document M1 is detected in the document detection process that detects the placement (placement) of the document M1 on the mounting surface 12A, reading of the document M1 will automatically begin.

[0088] In this embodiment, the original document M1 assumed to be the book being read in the book scanning mode is a booklet such as Book B1. In this specification, "booklet" includes a relatively thick, non-periodic publication with at least a specified number of pages of text, i.e., Book B1. Furthermore, "booklet" includes a thinner booklet or small booklet with less than a specified number of pages of text, or a printed material folded from a single sheet of paper, such as an advertising leaflet. Also, the book scanning mode is an example of a mode in which the original document M1 is read with the original document cover 15 open, and the original document M1 being read is not limited to a booklet.

[0089] Structure of Reading Module 20 Next, refer to Figure 4The structure of the reading module 20 will now be described. The two reading modules 20 and 40 have the same basic structure. Therefore, the structure of the reading module 20 will be described below.

[0090] The readout module 20 is, for example, a contact image sensor (CIS). The readout module 20 has a readout section 17 and a light-emitting section 18. The readout section 17 and the light-emitting section 18 constituting the contact image sensor are integrated. The readout module 20 has an elongated support section 27 extending in the main scanning direction X. The readout section 17 and the light-emitting section 18 are supported by the support section 27 with their length direction aligned with the main scanning direction X.

[0091] Figure 4 The reading unit 17 shown includes, for example, a line sensor 17L and an imaging lens (not shown). The line sensor 17L includes a plurality of image sensors 28. The plurality of image sensors 28 constituting the line sensor 17L are arranged in a row along the main scanning direction X. The image sensor 28 is a photoelectric conversion element. The image sensor 28 corresponds to one reading pixel (one pixel) constituting the line sensor 17L. The image sensor 28 outputs a brightness signal corresponding to the amount of light received from the incident light. The number m of the plurality of image sensors 28 is, for example, a predetermined number in the range of 500 to 10000. In addition, the imaging lens is composed of a lens array such as a rod lens array (equal magnification imaging system lens).

[0092] The light-emitting part 18 includes a light source 18A and a light guide member 29. One light source 18A is disposed at one end of the support part 27 along its long side, or two light sources 18A are disposed at both ends. Figure 4 In the example shown, two light sources 18A are arranged at both ends of the support portion 27 along its length. The light guide member 29 is supported by the support portion 27 at positions on either side or one side of the reading portion 17 in the sub-scanning direction Y, extending in the main scanning direction X. Figure 4 In the example shown, a pair of light guide members 29 are arranged on both sides of the reading section 17 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The light guide member 29 is, for example, a light guide. The light guide member 29 illuminates the reading target area of ​​the reading section 17 while guiding light from the illuminated light source 18A to the main scanning direction X. The light-emitting section 18 is illuminated by the light source 18A, thereby emitting the same light from the light guide member 29 to the main scanning direction X. The light source 18A can be a white light source emitting white light, or it can have a structure with three light sources capable of emitting monochromatic light of red, green, and blue respectively. The light source 18A can be, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). Electrical structure of the image reading device 11 Next, refer to Figure 5The electrical structure of the image reading device 11 in this embodiment will now be described. Additionally, in Figure 5 The structure of part of the ADF-type image reading mechanism in the image reading device 11 is omitted.

[0093] like Figure 5 As shown, the image reading device 11 includes a control unit 50, a carriage motor 43, a reading unit 17, a light-emitting unit 18, an input unit 42, a display unit 41, and an opening / closing sensor 23.

[0094] The control unit 50 may also be composed of one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 50 may also be composed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as ASICs, that execute at least a portion of the various processes. The control unit 50 may also be composed of a circuit that includes a processor and a combination of hardware circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memories 52 such as RAM and ROM. The memories 52 store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes all readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0095] The control unit 50 is electrically connected to a carriage motor 43, a reading unit 17, a light-emitting unit 18, an input unit 42, a display unit 41, and an opening / closing sensor 23. The control unit 50 controls the carriage motor 43, the reading unit 17, and the light-emitting unit 18 to perform the reading of the original document M1 and various processing related to the reading of the original document M1.

[0096] The control unit 50 includes an image reading control unit 51 and a memory 52. ​​The memory 52 stores a control program PR. The image reading control unit 51 is composed of software (such as software configured by executing the control program PR via a computer within the control unit 50) and hardware such as an ASIC. The image reading control unit 51 includes a carriage drive control unit 61, a reading control unit 62, a light emission control unit 63, an input receiving unit 64, a display control unit 65, and an on / off determination unit 66.

[0097] The carriage drive control unit 61 controls the carriage motor 43. The carriage drive control unit 61 drives the carriage motor 43 in both forward and reverse directions, thereby moving the carriage 19 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The control unit 50, through the movement of the carriage 19, causes the reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18 to scan in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0098] The readout control unit 62 controls the readout unit 17. The readout control unit 62 controls the readout processing of the readout unit 17. The readout unit 17 outputs a readout signal composed of analog signals by reading the original document M1. The readout signal includes a serial signal that uses the light received by each of the multiple image sensors 28 constituting the readout unit 17 as a signal value. The readout control unit 62 generates readout data by converting the readout signal input from the readout unit 17 from an analog signal to a digital signal. The readout data includes serial data representing the light received by each of the multiple image sensors 28 at different main scanning positions using grayscale values ​​of a specified grayscale (e.g., 256 grayscale). The readout data includes multiple serial data corresponding to the readout signals read by the readout unit 17 moving in the sub-scanning direction Y at each sub-scanning position. The readout data is, for example, data specifying the readout resolution for the readout conditions. The control unit 50 generates scan data as the readout result of the original document M1 by performing prescribed processing on the readout data from the readout control unit 62. The specified processing may also include at least one of the following image processing operations: rotation of the original image, background removal, shadow removal, tilt correction, and blank page removal. Furthermore, the specified processing may also include document processing to generate scanned data by documenting the image data after image processing.

[0099] The control unit 50 performs document inspection processing to inspect the original document M1 placed by the user on the mounting surface 12A. Specifically, when the original document is in the document loading waiting state, the reading control unit 62 causes the reading unit 17 to perform document inspection reading at a predetermined position on the mounting surface 12A.

[0100] The light emission control unit 63 controls the switching between illuminating and extinguishing the light emission unit 18. In a standby state where reading is not performed, the control unit 50 extinguishes the light emission unit 18. During the reading of the original document M1, the control unit 50 illuminates the light emission unit 18. The control unit 50 performs original document detection processing to detect when the user places the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A. During original document detection processing, the light emission control unit 63 illuminates the light emission unit 18 while detecting the original document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A. The illumination of the light emission unit 18 during original document detection processing can also be a blinking motion.

[0101] The input receiving unit 64 receives input information entered by the user through operation of the input unit 42. In this embodiment, the input unit 42 is, for example, a touch panel of the display unit 41. The input receiving unit 64 receives input information entered by the user through touch operation of options or buttons such as selection items on the screen displayed on the display unit 41 via the input unit 42 (touch panel). As input information, the input receiving unit 64 receives, for example, mode selection information, task start indication information, mode end indication information, and various setting information.

[0102] The display control unit 65 controls the display unit 41. By controlling the display unit 41, the display control unit 65 displays menu screens or various setting screens on the display unit 41. The screens include guidance information and notification information. The display control unit 65, through the screens displayed on the display unit 41, causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information that guides the user in operations to be performed in book scanning mode, or notification information that should be reported to the user. When the user is in a mode for reading a thick original document M1 such as book B1 (book scanning mode), the display control unit 65 displays this guidance information on the display unit 41. For example, the display control unit 65 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figures 7-9 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figures 16-18 The various screens D1 to D8 are shown. Further details about each screen D1 to D8 will be described later.

[0103] The opening / closing determination unit 66 receives the detection signal from the opening / closing sensor 23. Based on the detection signal received from the opening / closing sensor 23, the opening / closing determination unit 66 determines whether the document cover 15 is in an open or closed state. Here, the opening / closing sensor 23 outputs a detection signal when the document cover 15 is in a closed state and outputs a non-detection signal when the document cover 15 is in an open state. The opening / closing sensor 23 outputs a non-detection signal indicating an open state when the angle of the document cover 15 exceeds a predetermined angle greater than 0 degrees. The opening / closing sensor 23 outputs a detection signal indicating a closed state when the angle of the document cover 15 is less than a predetermined angle.

[0104] Image reading control device (host device) The image reading device 11 can be connected to a host device 200, such as a personal computer (PC), in a communicable state. An image reading system 10 is constituted by the image reading device 11 and the image reading control device 300. The image reading device 11 has a communication interface 67 that enables communication with the host device 200. The host device 200 has a communication interface 201 that enables communication with the communication interface 67 of the image reading device 11. The image reading device 11 can communicate with the host device 200 via the communication interfaces 67 and 201 in a wired or wireless manner. Furthermore, the host device 200 is not limited to a PC; for example, it can be a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet PC, portable terminal (PDA, Personal Digital Assistant), or other portable terminal.

[0105] The host device 200 includes a display unit 210 and an input unit 220. The display unit 210 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The input unit 220 is configured with a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse. The host device 200 includes a CPU and a memory. The memory stores a scan driver. The scan driver is installed into the host device 200 from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, or downloaded into the host device 200 via the Internet from a server provided by an image reading device manufacturer. The image reading control device 300 is configured with software built into the host device 200, which executes the scan driver via the CPU of the host device 200. The image reading control device 300 includes a scan driver.

[0106] The user can provide instructions to the image reading control device 300 by operating the input unit 220. For example, the user can set reading conditions by pressing various buttons on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 210 using the input unit 220. Furthermore, the user can provide a reading instruction (scan instruction) to the image reading control device 300 by pressing the task start button on the setting screen. Upon receiving a reading instruction, the image reading control device 300 generates a reading task based on the reading conditions. The image reading control device 300 then sends the generated reading task to the image reading device 11.

[0107] The image reading control device 300 (scan driver) enables the display unit 210 of the host device 200 to display the same guidance or notification information as that displayed on the display unit 41 of the image reading device 11. That is, the image reading control device 300 has the same GUI as the GUI on the image reading device 11. By operating the input unit 220 of the host device 200, the user can provide various instructions related to the book scanning mode to the image reading control device 300, such as selecting the book scanning mode, operating the task start button, ending the book scanning mode, and canceling the operation. These book scanning mode-related operation functions can also be constituted by the GUI generated by the scan driver. The user can also operate the input unit 220 of the host device 200 to provide various instructions to the control unit 50 of the image reading device 11, starting with the reading task start instruction.

[0108] About book scanning mode As an example of a mode in which the original document M1 is read when the original document cover 15 is open relative to the original document table 12 (i.e., in the open state), the control unit 50 has a book scanning mode. Additionally, as an example of a mode in which the original document M1 is read when the original document cover 15 is closed relative to the original document table 12 (i.e., in the closed state), the control unit 50 has a standard scanning mode. The standard scanning mode is, for example, the default mode selected when scanning documents printed on single-page paper. When the original document is a booklet such as Book B1, and the user wants to read Book B1 with the original document cover 15 open, the user selects the book scanning mode.

[0109] Figure 7 The selection screen D1 is for the document waiting mode. The document waiting mode is a mode in which the image reading device 11 automatically begins reading the document M1 when it detects that a document M1 has been placed on it. The image reading device 11 of this embodiment includes an ADF-type document waiting mode and an FB-type document waiting mode. The FB-type document waiting mode is a mode in which the image reading device 11 automatically begins reading the document M1 when it detects that a user has placed (placed) a document M1, such as a book B1, on the mounting surface 12A. The FB-type document waiting mode is equivalent to a book scanning mode as an example of a mode.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, the document waiting mode selection screen D1 has a mode selection button 70 for selecting the book scanning mode. In addition to the FB (First-Fast) document waiting mode, an ADF (Ahead-of-Flight) document waiting mode is also available.

[0111] The image reading device 11 includes a task start button 71 that indicates the start of reading the original document M1. In this embodiment, the task start button 71 is configured as a graphical user interface (GUI). Specifically, the selection screen D1, which includes the task start button 71, is configured as a GUI.

[0112] In book scanning mode, selection screen D1 includes an "automatic mode" for starting the reading task of the original document M1 in an "automatic" manner, and a "manual mode" for starting it manually. In automatic mode, even when reading multiple original documents, only the start of the initial reading task needs to be indicated. Selection screen D1 includes a task start button 71 operated by the user when only the start of the initial reading task is indicated. In addition, selection screen D1 includes a manual mode selection button 72, which is a "manual mode" for starting the reading task of the original document M1 (book B1) in a "manual" manner for each page. The control unit 50 of this embodiment has the feature that, in book scanning mode where the original document cover 15 is open and the original document M1 is being read, the reading task of each page of the original document M1 is automatically started based on the detection of the original document M1 being placed on the mounting surface 12A. For example, by pressing the mode selection button 70 (which selects the book scanning mode) and then pressing the task start button 71 on the selection screen D1, the user can automatically begin reading each original document M1, such as book B1. Furthermore, the selection screen D1 includes a close button 73, which indicates that the screen on the display unit 41 should be closed. In this specification, "pressing" to indicate button operation includes a touch operation of selecting a button or the like on the screen of the display unit 41, which is composed of a touch panel.

[0113] Regarding the change in book scanning mode Next, we will refer to Figure 6The state transitions in book scanning mode will be explained below. Before book scanning mode is selected, the image reading device 11 is in standby state 0. Upon entering book scanning mode, it sequentially transitions to: cover open waiting state A; original placement waiting state B (an example of a placement waiting state); scanning state C; and original removal waiting state D (an example of a removal waiting state). In book scanning mode, after the user opens the original cover 15, when the book B1 or similar book is placed face down on the placement surface 12A, the image reading device 11 automatically detects the placement of book B1 and automatically begins reading book B1. Then, whenever a page is changed and book B1 is placed on the placement surface 12A, the image reading device 11, having detected the placement of book B1, automatically begins reading book B1. Thus, the user can automatically read book B1 without pressing a start button or similar device simply by placing the changed page of book B1 on the placement surface 12A. In book scanning mode, during the reading of multiple pages of book B1, the user performs the following operations: opening the original cover, placing the original document (mounting the original document), and removing the original document. The opening original cover operation involves opening the original cover 15 to the open state. The placing original document operation involves placing (mounting) book B1 on the mounting surface 12A. The removing original document operation involves removing book B1 from the mounting surface 12A after the last page has been read (scanned). After the removing original document operation, if there are pages to be read, book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A after the next page is read.

[0114] When the control unit 50 selects the book scanning mode as an example of a mode in which multiple originals M1 are read continuously by each original M1 in the open state relative to the original table 12 with the original cover 15 open, the control unit 50 transitions to any one of the following three waiting states A, B, and D.

[0115] • The original cover 15 is in the open state waiting state A.

[0116] • Loading wait state B, waiting for the original manuscript M1 to be loaded onto the original manuscript platform 12.

[0117] • The original document M1 is removed from the original document station 12 after the reading is completed, and the removal waiting state D is entered.

[0118] Figure 6The "Cover Open Waiting State A" indicates that the image reading device 11 is waiting for the user to perform an original cover opening operation. The "Original Placement Waiting State B" indicates that the device is waiting for the user to perform an original placement operation. The "Scanning State C" indicates that the image reading device 11 is in the process of scanning. The "Original Removal Waiting State D" indicates that the device is waiting for the user to perform an original removal operation.

[0119] When the device enters book scanning mode, it transitions from "Standby State 0" to "Cover Open Waiting State A". The user performs the original cover opening operation. When the opening / closing sensor 23 detects that the original cover 15 is open, it transitions from "Cover Open Waiting State A" to "Original Placement Waiting State B". In "Original Placement Waiting State B", the image reading device 11 performs original detection processing to detect whether the original M1 is placed (mounted) on the mounting surface 12A. Details of this original detection processing will be described later. When the original M1 is detected by the original detection processing, it transitions from original placement state B to scanning state C. Furthermore, although in Figure 6 Although not shown in the diagram, when the cancel button 83 is pressed in scanning state C, the control unit 50 will cancel the ongoing scan. When the cancellation process ends, the control unit 50 changes from "scanning state C" to "original document removal waiting state D".

[0120] "Scanning State C" refers to the state spanning from the time point when the original document M1 is detected being placed on the mounting surface 12A until the time point when the scan ends. In this embodiment, a standby time T1 is set before the original document reading process (scanning process) that begins reading the original document M1 from the original document detection time point. "Scanning State C" also includes the standby state after the standby time T1 has elapsed before the original document reading process begins. That is, "Scanning State C" includes the standby state before the scan begins from the original document detection time point to the scan start time point, and the scan execution state after the standby time T1 has elapsed. When the scan of the original document M1, that is, the original document reading process, ends, it changes from "Scanning State C" to "Original Document Removal Waiting State D".

[0121] "Original Removal Waiting State D" is a state waiting for the user to perform an original removal operation to remove the original M1 from the mounting surface 12A. After the original reading process (scanning process) is completed, the control unit 50 remains in standby mode until the original M1 is removed from the mounting surface 12A by the original removal operation performed by the user. After the original reading process is completed, the control unit 50 performs an original detection process to detect the removal of the original M1. This original detection process is basically the same as the original detection process performed in the original placement waiting state B. Regardless of the original detection process, the reading unit 17 is used to detect the presence or absence of the original M1 on the mounting surface 12A. When the removal of the original M1 from the mounting surface 12A is detected by the original detection process, the state changes from original removal waiting state D to original placement waiting state B. However, in the original removal waiting state D, if the conditions described later are met, the control unit 50 ends the book scanning mode. The conditions that define the termination of this mode will be described later.

[0122] Thus, when the original document M1 is removed from the mounting surface 12A after scanning, the system returns from the original document removal waiting state D to the original document placement waiting state B. This allows the reading of the second page of book B1 to begin. While in the original document placement waiting state B, the control unit 50 performs original document detection processing and remains in standby mode until the user places the next page of book B1 onto the mounting surface 12A. In this way, by repeatedly placing and removing pages of book B1 by the user, the image reading device 11 cycles through the original document placement waiting state B → scanning state C → original document removal waiting state D → original document placement waiting state B, thereby automatically reading multiple pages of book B1. In other words, after the user indicates the book scanning mode (automatic), they can read multiple pages of book B1 without special instructions simply by repeatedly placing book B1 onto the mounting surface 12A while changing the pages.

[0123] Image reading device 11 is equipped with a cancel button 83 (described later) that provides the control unit 50 with an instruction to cancel reading (scanning) of the original document M1. Figure 16 Cancel button 83 is provided, for example, on notification screen D6, which is constituted by a GUI displayed on display unit 41 during scanning state C. When the reading (scanning) of original document M1 is canceled by the user, control unit 50 transitions to removal waiting state D. That is, control unit 50 transitions from scanning state C to original document removal waiting state D both when reading of original document M1 ends and when reading of original document M1 is canceled.

[0124] Starting conditions for reading tasks in book scanning mode Next, the start conditions for the reading task in book scanning mode will be explained. The control unit 50 receives the start instruction for the reading task via the task start button 71. Further, the control unit 50 determines whether an open state has been detected by the open / close sensor 23. The control unit 50 determines whether a document M1 is detected on the mounting surface 12A. In order to detect that a document M1 is on the mounting surface 12A, the control unit 50 performs document detection processing. Document detection processing is a process in which the reading unit 17 performs document detection reading processing at a predetermined position on the mounting surface 12A. The control unit 50 detects that a document is on the document stage 12 based on the reading result of the reading unit 17. After a standby time T1 has elapsed since the control unit 50 detected that a document M1 is on the document stage 12 based on the reading result read by the reading unit 17, the control unit 50 performs document reading processing to read the document M1.

[0125] That is, in book scanning mode, the control unit 50 performs original document reading processing to read the original document M1 (book B1) based on the condition that a standby time T1 has elapsed since the time point when the following three conditions (a1) to (c1) are met.

[0126] (a1) The user indicates the start of the reading task.

[0127] (b1) The original cover 15 is in the open state.

[0128] (c1) A manuscript M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A of the manuscript stage 12 (manuscript placement).

[0129] Furthermore, the order of (a1) to (c1) above is not important. In other words, as long as these three conditions are met, the order is not limited.

[0130] The above (a1) refers to the acceptance of a task start instruction based on the pressing of the task start button 71 by the user in standby state 0. In other words, by accepting the task start instruction, the state in which the image reading device 11 is in the cover-open waiting state A is taken as one of the conditions for starting the task.

[0131] The above (b1) refers to the cover-open state, where the opening / closing sensor 23 detects that the cover-opening operation performed by the user has been carried out while the cover is in the cover-opening waiting state A. In other words, by detecting the cover-open state, the image reading device 11 is placed in the original document placement waiting state B as one of the conditions for starting the task.

[0132] The above (c1) refers to the situation where, in the original document placement waiting state B, the original document M1 placed on the placement surface 12A based on the original document placement operation performed by the user is detected. In other words, by detecting the original document M1 placed on the placement surface 12A, the situation where the image reading device 11 is in the scanning state C is used as one of the conditions for starting the task.

[0133] In this way, the task start condition is a transition from three states: (a1) from standby state 0 to cover-open waiting state A, (b1) from cover-open waiting state A to original placement waiting state B, and (c1) from original placement waiting state B to scanning state C.

[0134] Here, the task start instruction includes the selection of book scanning mode by pressing the mode selection button 70, and the task start instruction implemented by pressing the task start button 71 in automatic mode or the task start button (illustration omitted) in manual mode.

[0135] In book scanning mode, after a standby time T1 has elapsed since all three conditions (a1) to (c1) above were met, the original document reading process of the original document M1 begins.

[0136] In scanning mode, the triggering of the reading start differs slightly between automatic and manual modes. That is, when reading book B1 page by page, although the triggering of the first reading (first page) of book B1 is the same, the triggering of the reading start for subsequent pages of the original manuscript M1 (second page) is different.

[0137] In the automatic mode of book scanning mode, the task start indication based on pressing the task start button 71 can only occur once at the start of book scanning mode. In this sense, the task start button 71 can also be considered the automatic mode start button for book scanning mode. The control unit 50 executes document reading processing, causing the reading unit 17 to read the document M1, based on the detection that a document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. In the mounting wait state of book scanning mode, the control unit 50 executes document reading processing when it detects that the document M1 has been placed on the mounting surface 12A. After receiving the task start indication (automatic mode start indication), document reading processing is executed whenever the aforementioned conditions (b1) and (c1) are met and a standby time T1 has elapsed. That is, after receiving the task start instruction, the control unit 50, with the original cover 15 open (condition (b1)), starts reading each page of the original M1 after a standby time T1 has elapsed since the detection of the original M1 being placed on the mounting surface 12A (condition (c1) is met).

[0138] In contrast, in the manual mode of the book scanning mode, for each page of book B1, after a standby time T1 has elapsed since all three conditions (a1) to (c1) were met, the original document M1 is read page by page. The manual mode is a mode where the task start instruction is triggered by pressing the task start button 71 for each page of book B1. In manual mode, the original document reading process does not begin until the user presses the task start button 71. The manual mode allows the user to ensure the time required for loading and positioning book B1 at their own pace. Additionally, in the normal mode, the original document M1 is read page by page when the task start button (illustration omitted) is pressed while the original cover 15 is closed. Regarding the end conditions of the book scanning mode... Next, refer to Figure 6 The specified conditions for ending the book scanning mode will be explained. The control unit 50 accepts the selection of a book scanning mode as an example of a mode in which multiple originals M1 are continuously read, one for each original, while the original cover 15 is open relative to the original table 12. When this book scanning mode is selected, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode as an example of a mode in a removal waiting state, based on the fulfillment of the specified conditions, after the originals M1 that have finished reading are removed from the original table 12.

[0139] The specified conditions are conditions other than errors in the image reading device 11. The specified conditions other than errors include the following conditions (a) to (c).

[0140] (a) The instruction to end the mode is received ( Figure 10 , Figure 19 Step S18). (b) The timeout condition is met after a specified time T2 ( Figure 19 Step S31). (c) The original cover 15 is closed ( Figure 19 Step S32).

[0141] That is, the specified conditions include the user instructing the end of the mode as a specified condition (a). The control unit 50 terminates the mode in the original document removal waiting state D based on the user instructing it to end. Furthermore, the specified condition includes the elapsed time T2 in the removal waiting state as a specified condition (b). Further, the specified condition includes the opening / closing sensor 23 detecting the closed state of the original document cover 15 in the removal waiting state as a specified condition (c).

[0142] The control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode if any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met. That is, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode based on the earliest one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) being met. Additionally, a power system error is one of the mode termination conditions other than the specified conditions. For example, if the control unit 50 detects a power outage or disconnection of the image reading device 11 while it is in book scanning mode, the book scanning mode will terminate due to a power system error. Figure 19 Step S33).

[0143] The control unit 50 can also terminate the book scanning mode in waiting states A and B other than the original removal waiting state D, based on the fulfillment of any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c). In this embodiment, even in the cover opening waiting state A and the original placement waiting state B, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode based on the fulfillment of any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c).

[0144] That is, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the cover-open waiting state A, if any one of the specified conditions (a) or (b) is met, the control unit 50 transitions from the cover-open waiting state A to the standby state 0 upon the end of the book scanning mode. Furthermore, in the original document placement waiting state B, if any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met, the control unit 50 transitions from the original document placement waiting state B to the standby state 0 upon the end of the book scanning mode.

[0145] In the specified condition (b) related to the timeout, a specified time T2 is set as the timeout period. The specified time T2 is set to a specified time (in seconds) within the range of 5 to 60 seconds. Alternatively, the specified time T2 can be a value exceeding 0 seconds but less than 5 seconds, or a value exceeding 60 seconds. The specified time T2 ensures the necessary time for the user to perform the operation (user operation) during the current waiting state, and can also be below a time when it can be clearly considered that the user has finished reading. The specified time T2 can be set to a specified time (in seconds) within the range of 10 to 30 seconds. Furthermore, the specified time T2 for timeout can be set to the same time or different times for each waiting state A, B, and D.

[0146] The timeout limit T2 for each waiting state A, B, and D can be set to different times depending on the time required for the user's operation. For example, the timeout T2 corresponding to the original placement waiting state B needs to ensure the user can change to the next page, etc. Therefore, the timeout T2 corresponding to the original placement waiting state B can also be set to be longer than the timeout T2 corresponding to the cover opening waiting state A and the original removal waiting state D.

[0147] If any of the specified conditions (a) to (c) are not met in waiting states A, B, or D, the control unit 50 continues the book scanning mode. After detecting that the original M1 has been removed before the specified time T2 has elapsed in the original removal waiting state D, the control unit 50 continues the book scanning mode based on the detection that the original M1 has been placed on the document tray 12. In other words, the control unit 50 continues the book scanning mode based on the detection that the original M1 has been removed before the specified time T2 has elapsed in the original removal waiting state D. In this case, while continuing the book scanning mode, the control unit transitions from the original removal waiting state D to the original placement waiting state B. Then, before the specified time T2 has elapsed in the original placement waiting state B, the control unit 50 continues the book scanning mode based on the detection that the original M1 has been placed on the document tray 12. In this case, while continuing the book scanning mode, the control unit transitions from the original placement waiting state B to the scanning state C. However, if the specified conditions (a) and (c) other than timeout are met, the control unit 50 will end the book scanning mode even before the specified time T2 has elapsed.

[0148] Generation of scan data Next, the file processing of the scanned data generated after the book scanning mode ends will be described. When the book scanning mode ends, the control unit 50 reads the image data stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the memory 52 and performs predetermined image processing. When the control unit 50 ends the mode based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, it performs file processing to summarize the multi-page image data after image processing into a file of a predetermined file format. This predetermined file format is, for example, PDF format. When the control unit 50 ends the mode based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, it converts the read image data into PDF.

[0149] One of the specified conditions is that the control unit 50 receives a mode end instruction based on the user pressing the end button 81. The control unit 50 ends the mode and converts the read image data into PDF based on the pressed end button 81. The user can specify the file format for converting the image data in the setting screen (not shown) displayed on the display unit 41 or display unit 210. The user can also select the desired file format in the setting screen of the image reading device 11.

[0150] When the control unit 50 receives a display request for the setting screen from the input unit 42, it displays the setting screen on the display unit 41. The setting screen is configured to allow selection of a file format from multiple file formats. The setting screen includes options for multiple file formats. These multiple file formats may include PDF, TIFF, JPEG, BMP, etc. Among the multiple file formats provided as options is a specified file format capable of summarizing multi-page image data obtained through multiple scans into a single file.

[0151] When a specified file format is selected, the control unit 50 performs a file generation process that combines multiple pages of image data into a single file. In PDF format, there are two types: single-page and multi-page. Here, single-page refers to a format where the file is generated page by page when multiple original documents are read. Multi-page refers to a format where multiple pages are combined into a single file.

[0152] A single-page PDF (single) is a format where a separate PDF file is generated for each page read. A multi-page PDF (multiple) is a format where multiple pages are combined into a single PDF file. This PDF conversion generates a single PDF file that combines multiple pages into one document. In this way, the PDF (multiple) format is a defined file format. Here, a page read is equivalent to the amount of one image captured in a single reading. For example, if the original document M1 is book B1, two folded pages represent one page of the image being read. Alternatively, the PDF (multiple) format can be set by default.

[0153] The specified file format can also be selected from other file formats besides PDF. As an option for TIFF format, both TIFF (single) and TIFF (multiple) formats can be prepared. In this case, the specified file format can also be TIFF (multiple) format. Furthermore, from the options provided on the settings screen, only one of PDF (multiple) or TIFF (multiple) formats needs to be included.

[0154] Regarding the content displayed in book scanning mode Next, the display content displayed on the display unit 41 by the control unit 50 in book scanning mode will be explained. In book scanning mode, the control unit 50 displays various guidance information that guides the user to perform operations, as well as notification information that informs the user of required information on the display unit 41.

[0155] The book scanning mode includes: a display step where the display unit 41 displays guidance information or notification information; a user operation step where the user performs the operation guided by the guidance information; and a processing step where the reading module 20 performs the prescribed processing.

[0156] During the display step, the control unit 50... Figure 6 Under the three waiting states A, B, and D shown, the display unit 41 displays guidance information. This guidance information directs the user to perform the necessary operations (user operations) corresponding to the waiting states A, B, and D. The guidance information includes three pieces of guidance information corresponding to the waiting states A, B, and D. Specifically, the guidance information includes a first piece of guidance information corresponding to the cover opening waiting state A, a second piece of guidance information corresponding to the original document placement waiting state B, and a third piece of guidance information corresponding to the original document removal waiting state D.

[0157] The first guidance information is the guidance information displayed when the cover is in the open-wait state A and prompts the user to open the cover (for example, refer to...). Figure 11 The second type of guidance information is displayed during the original document placement waiting state B and prompts the user to perform the original document placement operation (for example, refer to...). Figure 12 The third type of guidance information is displayed during the original document removal waiting state D and prompts the user to perform the original document removal operation (for example, refer to...). Figure 17 ).

[0158] During the display step, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display notification information required to inform the user. This notification information includes status notification information informing the user of the state of the image reading device 11. The status notification information includes notifications indicating that an original document has been detected, that the device is in scanning state C, and that the scanning has ended. Furthermore, the notification information relating to numerical values ​​to be reported to the user includes notifications of the waiting time (in seconds) until the start of scanning and notifications of which page of the original document M1 has been read. Additionally, when a button provided on the screen displayed on the display unit 41 is pressed, the control unit 50 displays guidance information indicating what kind of processing will be performed. Such buttons include an end button 81 and a cancel button 83.

[0159] During the display step, the control unit 50 makes... Figure 7 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figures 16-18 , Figures 21-23 Various screens, D1, D4 to D11, are displayed as guidance or notification information. Further details regarding the screen content will be described later.

[0160] The processing steps include a document detection processing step that detects the presence of book B1 on the mounting position of mounting surface 12A, and a document reading processing step that reads book B1 when its presence is detected. The processing steps also include a determination processing step that checks whether predetermined conditions for ending the book scanning mode are met, and an end processing step that ends the book scanning mode when the end conditions are met. Further, the processing steps include a file generation process that summarizes image data from more than one page of book B1 into a single file. This file generation process, for example, is a PDF generation process that summarizes image data from multiple pages of the original document M1 into a single PDF file. Additionally, in Figure 10 The book scanning processing routine shown in the flowchart includes the steps described above.

[0161] Regarding the setting of standby time T1 Figure 8 , Figure 9 Setting screens D2 and D3 are provided for setting the standby time from original document placement to the start of scanning. The control unit 50 has a function that allows the user to set a specified time as the standby time. In this embodiment, there is a first setting screen D2 that allows setting the specified time numerically, and a second setting screen D3 that allows setting the specified time by selecting one of multiple options. The control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display the setting screens D2 and D3 that allow the user to set the specified time. There can be one setting screen or multiple types of setting screens. In this embodiment, multiple types (e.g., two types) of setting screens are provided. That is, in this embodiment, the first setting screen D2 and the second setting screen D3 are provided as setting screens. The first setting screen D2 is a screen that allows setting the specified time numerically. The second setting screen D3 is a screen that allows setting the specified time by selecting one of multiple options that divide the specified time into stages according to the length of time.

[0162] like Figure 8As shown, the first setting screen D2 includes an input field 74 for inputting seconds, a plus button 75 for increasing the seconds in the input field 74, and a minus button 76 for decreasing the seconds in the input field 74. Here, the increment or decrement achieved by a single operation of each button 75 or 76 is not limited to 1 second; it can also be every 0.5 seconds or every 2 seconds. Furthermore, by continuously pressing each button 75 or 76, the seconds can be increased or decreased sequentially over the duration of the continuous press. The first setting screen D2 includes an OK button 77 selected when the value in the input field 74 is set to the standby time T1. The user sets the standby time T1 by pressing the OK button 77 after setting the value in the input field 74 to the desired set time. Although the settable seconds are a specified range of 1 to 10 seconds, an appropriate range can also be set. For example, the lower limit of the number of seconds is not limited to 1 second; it can be a shorter number of seconds (e.g., 0 seconds) or a longer number of seconds (e.g., 2 seconds). Similarly, the upper limit of the number of seconds is not limited to 10 seconds; it can be a shorter number of seconds (e.g., 5 seconds) or a longer number of seconds (e.g., 15 seconds).

[0163] like Figure 9 As shown, the second setting screen D3 allows users to set a specified time by selecting one of several options divided into time segments. The second setting screen D3 includes three options: a first option 78 allowing selection of "fast," a second option 79 allowing selection of "normal," and a third option 80 allowing selection of "slow." Alternatively, the multiple options can be either "fast" and "slow," or more than four options that allow setting a specified time from four or more time segments.

[0164] The image reading device 11 of this embodiment includes, for example, a Figure 8 and Figure 9 The image reading device 11 may also include a selection operation unit (not shown) that allows the user to choose the desired option from the two setting screens D2 and D3. The selection operation unit may also be configured as a GUI that can be displayed on the display unit 41 by the control unit 50, similar to the setting screens D2 and D3. In the image reading device 11 of this embodiment, a predetermined time can be preset via the setting screens D2 and D3. Furthermore, the standby time T1 may be separately set in both automatic and manual modes of book scanning.

[0165] The memory 52 stores information including... Figure 10The control program PR, including the book scanning processing routine shown in the flowchart, is a reading control processing routine specifically for the book scanning mode. The book scanning processing routine includes a display control program that causes the control unit 50 to display guidance information on the display unit 41 in the book scanning mode. In addition to the book scanning mode, the control program PR also includes the programs involved in the reading control routine (not shown) in the normal mode.

[0166] Figure 11 A guide screen D4 is displayed on the display unit 41 when the book scanning mode is selected and automatic mode is enabled. The guide screen D4 includes a message MS1 indicating that the book scanning mode has been selected, and a message MS2 prompting the user to open the original document cover 15. Furthermore, the guide screen D4 has an end button 81 indicating that the book scanning mode will end when pressed. The guide screen D4 includes a message MS3 indicating that the book scanning mode will end when the end button 81 is pressed. The user who sees message MS1 can open the original document cover 15 in the image reading device 11. Figure 1 The original cover 15 is shown in the closed state, thus setting it as... Figure 2 The document cover 15 is shown in the open state. The control unit 50 detects when the document cover 15 changes from the closed state to the open state based on the detection signal of the open / close sensor 23.

[0167] Figure 12 A guide screen D5 is displayed on the display unit 41 when the user opens the original document cover 15 in book scanning mode. The guide screen D5 includes a message MS4 prompting the user to align the reading surface of the original document M1 with the left inner corner of the original document table 12 to configure (load) the original document M1. The message MS4 includes, for example, information such as "Please align the reading surface of the original document with the left inner corner of the original document table to configure the original document". Figure 13 The area of ​​the original manuscript M1 (book B1) indicated by the double-dotted line is the placement position of the reading surface where the original manuscript M1 should be placed. Figure 13 When viewed from above, the mounting surface 12A is located on the left inner side of the mounting surface 12A (in... Figure 13 The position of the reading surface of the original document M1 is configured by aligning the center (top left) with the corner to determine the placement position of the original document M1.

[0168] When the detection signal of the opening / closing sensor 23 is detected Figure 2 as well as Figure 13 When the original document cover 15 is in the open state, the control unit 50 moves the reading module 20 to the open state. Figure 13 The designated position is indicated by a solid line, and the light-emitting part 18 is illuminated. Specifically, in... Figure 13In the secondary scanning direction Y, the position within the area between the original document reading area SA and the reading window 21 is the standby position P0 of the reading module 20. In book scanning mode, when the original document cover 15 switches from the closed state to the open state, the control unit 50 causes the reading module 20 to switch from... Figure 13 The standby position P0, indicated by the double-dotted line, moves to... Figure 13 The original document detection position P1 is shown in solid line. Then, with the reading module 20 positioned at the original document detection position P1, the control unit 50 illuminates the light-emitting unit 18. Furthermore, the timing for illuminating the light-emitting unit 18 can be either when the reading module 20 is in the standby position P0 before movement begins, after the reading module 20 has finished moving towards the target original document detection position P1, or during the movement of the reading module 20 from the standby position P0 to the original document detection position P1. The light-emitting unit 18 only needs to begin illuminating at least before the start of a predetermined period (e.g., a predetermined value within the range of 1 to 10 seconds) after the reading module 20 has finished moving towards the original document detection position P1.

[0169] Users can cover from above Figure 13 The original document M1 is mounted by means of the reading module 20, which is lit at the original document detection position P1, as shown by the solid line. That is, the user mounts the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A in such a state that the reading module 20 (especially the reading part 17) is opposite the reading surface (e.g., the reading target page) of the original document M1 (book B1) in the vertical direction Z.

[0170] Display control of image reading device 11 In each waiting state A, B, and D, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information that guides the user to perform the operation corresponding to each waiting state A, B, and D. For example, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display the guidance information as a user interface (GUI). Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 17 as well as Figure 18The guide screens D4, D5, D7, and D8 are shown. In addition to guide information, guide screens D4, D5, D7, and D8 also have an end button 81. For the user, it is not limited to the original removal waiting state D; even in the cover opening waiting state A and the original placement waiting state B, the user can provide an instruction to end the book scanning mode based on pressing the end button 81. That is, the user can provide an instruction to end the mode as one of the predetermined conditions in each waiting state A, B, and D to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 can receive mode end instructions based on the user pressing the end button 81 through the input unit 42 by displaying guide screens D4, D5, D7, and D on the display unit 41 in each waiting state A, B, and D.

[0171] Original manuscript detection and processing Next, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 The original document detection process will now be explained. When the control unit 50 reads the original document M1 while the original document cover 15 is open relative to the original document stage 12 (i.e., in the open state), the original document detection position P1 (refer to...) on the mounting surface 12A of the original document stage 12 is... Figure 3 , Figure 13 The light-emitting unit 18 is illuminated at the original document detection position P1 on the mounting surface 12A of the original document stage 12 when the control unit 50 receives a task start instruction in book scanning mode and the original document cover 15 is open. Specifically, when the control unit 50 receives a task start instruction in book scanning mode, it first moves the reading module 20 to the original document detection position P1. Then, while the reading module 20 is in the original document detection position P1, the control unit 50 illuminates the light-emitting unit 18.

[0172] like Figure 13 As shown, the original document detection position P1 can also be a position within a range YA from the end of the second direction -Y side (reading start position side) in the mounting surface 12A, i.e., the starting end Y0, to the first direction +Y, which is a predetermined distance. That is, the original document detection position P1 can also be a position in the mounting surface 12A near the standby position P0 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0173] For the range YA of the original document detection position P1, if it is expressed as the distance from the starting end Y0 to the first direction +Y, it can be, for example, a range of 3mm or more and 50mm or less. If it is less than 3mm, even though the book B1 is placed, the gap between the starting end Y0 and the book B1 may be read, which may increase the frequency of missed detections of the book B1. If it exceeds 50mm, the movement time of the carriage 19 from the standby position P0 to the original document detection position P1 is longer, which may easily cause a delay in original document detection. In addition, if it exceeds 50mm, the time required for the reading unit 17 to move from the original document detection position P1 to the reading start position Y0 after original document detection is longer, which may easily induce a delay in the timing of reading the original document M1.

[0174] Furthermore, since a position exceeding 50mm is likely to correspond to a relatively high-floating position in the center of the double-page spread of book B1, book B1 is more likely to be detected at this high-floating position. In this case, the detection of the original document M1 may be missed due to the deviation of the detection target portion from the depth of field of the reading unit 17. In particular, when the reading module 20 is a CISM, the shallow depth of field makes it prone to missing the original document. In addition, the range YA is not limited to a range of 3mm or more and 50mm or less from the starting end Y0 in the first direction +Y. It can also be set to a value with a lower limit greater than 0mm and less than 3mm, or a value with an upper limit greater than 50mm. For example, the range YA can also be a range of 1mm or more and 10mm or less from the starting end Y0 in the first direction +Y. Alternatively, the range YA can also be a range of 5mm or more and 30mm or less from the starting end Y0 in the first direction +Y.

[0175] With the original document cover 15 open, the light-emitting part 18 at the original document detection position P1 can be illuminated either continuously or by flashing. In this embodiment, the light-emitting part 18 is illuminated by flashing, for example. The control unit 50 causes the light-emitting part 18 to flash. By flashing the reading module 20 at the original document detection position P1, the placement position of the book B1 on the mounting surface 12A is guided for the user. Furthermore, the flashing of the reading module 20 at the original document detection position P1 also serves to inform the user that the image reading device 11 is in book scanning mode.

[0176] The control unit 50 can also cause the display unit 41 to display guidance information indicating that the lit position of the reading module 20 is the correct placement position for the original document M1. The control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information indicating that the book B1 should be placed on the lit or flashing reading module 20, i.e., the original document detection position P1. This guidance information may be, for example, a guidance image constructed using a GUI. The user, having seen the guidance information displayed on the display unit 41, places the book B1 on the lit position of the light-emitting part 18 in the mounting surface 12A, i.e., the original document detection position P1. The book B1 is then placed on the mounting surface 12A in a state that covers the original document detection position P1.

[0177] The control unit 50 uses the reading unit 17, which is located at the original document detection position P1, to detect whether the book B1 is present on the mounting surface 12A. In this embodiment, where the light-emitting unit 18 flashes, the control unit 50 detects whether the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A based on the reading result when the light-emitting unit 17 performs reading during the flashing of the light-emitting unit 18.

[0178] Detailed information on original manuscript detection and processing Next, refer to Figure 15 This section will provide a detailed explanation of the original manuscript detection and processing. Figure 15 A schematic side sectional view of the document tray 12 on which the book B1 is placed and a graph showing the reading results of the reading unit 17 are displayed. When the document cover 15 is open and the light-emitting unit 18 is illuminated, the control unit 50 performs document detection processing to enable the reading unit 17 to read the document. The document detection processing is a reading process used to detect when the document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. In other words, in this embodiment, the reading unit 17 is used to detect when the document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A.

[0179] The control unit 50, starting from the point before the original document cover 15 is open and the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, activates the reading unit 17 to perform reading while the light-emitting unit 18 is illuminated. Based on the result of the opening / closing sensor 23 detecting the open state of the original document cover 15, the control unit 50 begins original document detection processing, which is the reading process for original document detection. The control unit 50 performs original document detection processing with the reading unit 17 positioned at the original document detection position P1 within the original document reading area SA of the mounting surface 12A.

[0180] Figure 15The graph shown represents the reading results of the reading unit 17 (line sensor 17L). The horizontal axis of the graph represents the main scan position, indicating the position of each of the multiple image sensors 28, and the vertical axis represents the read data value. Here, the main scan position corresponds to the pixel position representing the position of the multiple (m) image sensors 28 constituting the reading unit 17 in the main scan direction X. The read data value represents the brightness value corresponding to the signal value when the brightness signal input from the multiple image sensors 28 is converted into a digital signal of a specified gray level (e.g., 256 gray levels).

[0181] Figure 15 The reading result SD1 shown in the graph indicates that the original cover 15 is open and the original M1 is placed in front of the placement surface 12A. Figure 15 The solid line in the curve table shows the reading result SD2, which represents the reading result when the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. The reading results SD1 and SD2 represent the brightness value corresponding to the amount of light received by the image sensor 28 at each main scanning position, for example, using reading data represented in 256 grayscale. The reading results SD1 and SD2 respectively represent the reading data of each reading by the line sensor 17L. The control unit 50 detects whether the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A based on the reading results SD1 and SD2 from the reading unit 17. That is, if the control unit 50 detects a reading data value (brightness value) exceeding the threshold A1 in the reading results SD1 and SD2, it determines that the original document M1 has been detected.

[0182] like Figure 15 As shown, in the stage before the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A with the original document cover 15 in the open state, the reading result SD1, shown by the double-dotted line in the graph, can be obtained. Since the reading unit 17 does not receive reflected light from the original document M1, there is no reading data value exceeding the threshold A1. In this case, the control unit 50 does not detect that the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. On the other hand, when the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, the reading unit 17 receives reflected light from the original document M1. Therefore, it is possible to obtain reading data exceeding the threshold A1. Figure 15 The reading result SD2 is shown in solid line. The falling edge position X1 of the reading result SD2 corresponds to the boundary between the bright area MA formed by the reflected light from book B1 and the dark area LA that does not receive reflected light from book B1. That is, the falling edge position X1 corresponds to the position of the +X side end face ME of book B1 placed on the mounting surface 12A. Since there is reading data exceeding the threshold A1 in the reading result SD2, the control unit 50 detects that the original document M1 is placed. In this way, the control unit 50 performs document detection processing to determine whether the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A based on the reading results SD1 and SD2.

[0183] In the original document inspection process, the reading process described above, which involves reading the original document with the cover 15 open and the light-emitting part 18 lit, is designated as reading process As. In addition to reading process As, the original document inspection process may also include reading process Bs, which involves reading the original document with the cover 15 open and the light-emitting part 18 off. In this case, the control unit 50 may also detect if the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A based on the difference between the reading results of reading process As and reading results of reading process Bs, and based on the presence of a difference exceeding a threshold.

[0184] In addition to the book scanning mode, the original document detection process may also include a reading process Cs performed when the original cover 15 is closed. For example, the original document detection process may include a reading process As, a reading process Bs, and a reading process Cs performed when the original cover 15 is closed and the light-emitting part 18 is lit. When a black original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, the presence or absence of the black original document M1 cannot be detected because the difference between the reading result of the reading process As and the reading result of the reading process Bs does not exceed a threshold. The control unit 50 may also detect the presence or absence of the black original document M1 based on the difference data and the reading result of the reading process Cs. That is, if the difference data is less than the threshold and the reading result of the reading process Cs is less than the threshold, the control unit 50 determines that the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. On the other hand, if the difference data is less than the threshold and the reading result of the reading process Cs is above the threshold, the control unit 50 determines that the original document M1 is not placed on the mounting surface 12A. Through this determination, it is also possible to detect the situation where the black original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A.

[0185] Regarding the original document reading and processing via Facebook Next, the original document reading process of the reading module 20 reading the original document M1 in FB mode will be described. The content of the original document reading process is the same in both the normal mode and the automatic / manual mode of the book scanning mode. The control unit 50 starts the original document reading process based on the establishment of the reading start trigger. The control unit 50 controls the carriage motor 43, causing the carriage 19 to move along the mounting surface 12A in the sub-scanning direction Y within the original document reading area SA. The control unit 50 (e.g., the light emission control unit 63) illuminates the light emission unit 18 during original document reading. With the light emission unit 18 illuminated during the movement of the carriage 19, the control unit 50 (e.g., the reading control unit 62) causes the reading unit 17 to read the original document M1 through the transparent plate 14. The reading unit 17 reads the original document M1 by receiving the reflected light from the original document M1, which is reflected by the light emitted by the light emission unit 18. The control unit 50 obtains the read data read by the read unit 17 through the original document read processing from the read control unit 62. The control unit 50 generates image data by performing necessary image processing on the read data of each page. The control unit 50 performs a fileization process to file the image data into a file of a specified file format. The control unit 50 generates scan data of a specified file format by fileization of the image data.

[0186] The role of the first embodiment Next, refer to Figure 10 The function of the image reading device 11 will now be explained. The following describes the functions performed by the control unit 50. Figure 10 The book scanning processing routine shown is explained below. Additionally, in... Figure 10 , Figure 19 as well as Figure 20 In the flowchart shown, the letters "(A), (B), (D)" representing the corresponding waiting states are displayed in each step corresponding to waiting states A, B, and D. That is, under waiting states A, B, and D, guidance information prompting the user to perform an operation (user operation) corresponding to waiting states A, B, and D is displayed. In the steps that display this guidance information, the letters representing the waiting states A, B, and D corresponding to each guidance message are shown in parentheses ().

[0187] The user, through the input unit 42, selects reading conditions, modes, and initiates original document reading (task start instruction). The control unit 50 executes... Figure 10 The illustrated book scanning processing routine. In this routine, when the control unit 50 receives a task start instruction in book scanning mode, it automatically begins reading (scanning) the original document M1 whenever it detects that an original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A of the original document stage 12. The image reading device 11 is in normal mode upon startup. When the user enables book scanning mode, Figure 7 In the selection screen D1 shown, the book scanning mode is selected by using the mode selection button 70, and the task start button 71 is used to indicate the start of the task.

[0188] First, in step S11, the control unit 50 determines whether the book scanning mode has been selected and the task start button 71 has been pressed. If the control unit 50 receives a selection of the book scanning mode based on the pressing of the mode selection button 70 on the selection screen D1, and a task start instruction in automatic mode based on the pressing of the task start button 71, it proceeds to step S12. Otherwise, the control unit 50 remains in standby mode until the book scanning mode is selected and the task start button 71 is pressed.

[0189] In step S12, the control unit 50 switches to book scanning mode. More specifically, the control unit 50 switches to the automatic mode of book scanning mode. At this time, the control unit 50 switches from standby mode to original document placement waiting mode (original document placement waiting mode), which is a user operation waiting for the user to place the original document M1 (book B1) on the placement surface 12A.

[0190] In step S13, the control unit 50 displays guidance information prompting the opening of the original document cover 15. At this time, the control unit 50 is in cover opening waiting state A. While in cover opening waiting state A, the control unit 50, for example, causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 11 The guide screen D4 is shown. This guide screen D4 includes, as guidance information, a message MS1 indicating that the book scanning mode has been selected, and a message MS2 prompting the opening of the original document cover. In this manner, while the original document is in a waiting state, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display the guide screen D4 containing the message MS2 prompting the opening of the original document cover. Following the guidance of message MS2, the user moves the original document cover 15 from... Figure 1 The shown closed state becomes Figure 2 The open state is shown.

[0191] In step S14, the control unit 50 determines whether the document cover 15 is in an open state. The control unit 50 determines whether the document cover 15 is in an open state based on the determination result of the opening / closing determination unit 66 based on the detection signal from the opening / closing sensor 23. If the document cover 15 is in an open state, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S15; if the document cover 15 is not in an open state, the control unit 50 returns to step S13. In this case, the control unit 50 displays guidance information in step S13 prompting the opening of the document cover 15 until it is determined in step S14 that the document cover 15 is in an open state.

[0192] In step S15, the control unit 50 moves the carriage 19 to the original document detection position P1. The control unit 50 moves the carriage 19 from the standby position P0 to the original document detection position P1, which is an example of a predetermined position, by driving the carriage motor 43 to rotate forward. The original document detection position P1 is the position where the reading unit 17 detects whether the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A. In this embodiment, the original document detection position P1 is the position where the original document M1 is mounted with its corner aligned with the left inner corner of the mounting surface 12A (see reference). Figure 13 Therefore, a document detection position P1 is set near the left end (the end on the -Y direction side) of the mounting surface 12A (document reading area SA). Here, the document detection position P1 (prescribed position) is a position within a specified distance YA from the starting end Y0 of the mounting surface 12A to the +Y direction side.

[0193] In step S16, the control unit 50 begins the original document detection. The control unit 50 illuminates the light-emitting unit 18 and initiates reading by the reading unit 17. Based on the reading result from the reading unit 17, the control unit 50 begins original document detection processing to check whether the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A. The illumination of the light-emitting unit 18 at this time can, for example, be a blinking motion. In this case, the control unit 50 causes the light-emitting unit 18 to blink at a predetermined period via the light-emitting control unit 63. Figure 13 As shown, at the original document detection position P1, the light-emitting part 18 of the reading module 20 flashes. Based on the flashing position of the light-emitting part 18 of the reading module 20, the user is guided to the correct original document placement position for the original document M1. The flashing of the reading module 20 serves as a guidance function for the user to locate the original document detection position P1. Furthermore, the flashing of the reading module 20 also serves to inform the user that the image reading device 11 is in book scanning mode or in an original document placement waiting state.

[0194] In the next step S17, the control unit 50 displays guidance information prompting the loading of the original onto the mounting surface. At this time, the control unit 50 is in the original loading waiting state B. While in the original loading waiting state B, the control unit 50, for example, causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 12 The guide screen D5 is shown. Guide screen D5 includes notification information indicating the original document placement location and a message MS4 prompting the placement of the original document M1 at that location. Following the guidance of message MS4, the user... Figure 13 , Figure 14As shown, the original document M1 (book B1) is placed on the original document detection position P1 in a manner that covers the flashing position in the mounting surface 12A from above. That is, the user places the book B1 on the original document placement position near the left inner side of the mounting surface 12A. Thus, the book B1 is placed at a position in the mounting surface 12A that the reading unit 17 at the original document detection position P1 can read. Additionally, the guide screen D5 includes an end button 81 and a setting button 82. The guide screen D5 includes a message MS3 indicating that the book scanning mode ends when the end button is pressed. The user presses the end button 81 to end the book scanning mode. When the setting button 82 is selected, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 8 The first setting screen D2 shown is... Figure 9 The second setting screen D3 is shown. For example, in either setting screen D2 or D3, the user can change the elapsed time, i.e., the standby time T1, from the time when book B1 was loaded until the start of reading, as needed.

[0195] In the next step S18, the control unit 50 determines whether the end button 81 has been pressed. If the end button 81 has not been pressed, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S19; if the end button 81 has been pressed, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24. Since no page B1 has been read yet, it is highly unlikely that the user will press the end button 81. Therefore, step S19 is usually performed.

[0196] In the next step S19, the control unit 50 determines whether an original document has been detected. The control unit 50 determines whether an original document has been detected through the original document detection process. The control unit 50 causes the light-emitting unit 18 to flash during the original document detection process. The control unit 50 performs the original document detection process when the light-emitting unit 18 is lit and turned off. Here, refer to... Figure 15 The original document detection process will be explained below. During the stage before book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, even if the light-emitting part 18 of the reading module 20 is lit, the reading part 17 will not receive reflected light from book B1. Therefore, in Figure 15 In the reading result SD1, shown by double-dotted lines, no reading data exceeding the threshold A1 is found at any main scan position. Subsequently, when book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 18 of the reading module 20 is reflected on the reading surface of the page to be read from book B1, thereby the reading unit 17 receives the reflected light from book B1. As a result, in Figure 15The read data value at the main scan position in the area where book B1 is placed, shown in solid line in the read result SD2, exceeds the threshold A1. Based on the presence of read data exceeding the threshold A1, the control unit 50 detects that the original document M1 (book B1) is placed on the mounting surface 12A. If the original document is detected, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the original document is not detected, the control unit 50 returns to step S17 and repeats steps S17 to S19 until the original document is detected in step S19. In step S20, the control unit 50 displays the scanned image. For example, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 16 The notification screen D6 is shown. In notification screen D6, message MS5, indicating that scanning is in progress, is included as notification information. However, Figure 16 The notification screen D6 shown is the screen in the state before scanning begins. Therefore, notification screen D6 includes a message MS6 indicating that the original document has been detected, a message MS7 indicating that reading has begun, and a message MS8 indicating the remaining time (in seconds) in the standby time T1 until reading begins. In addition, notification screen D6 includes a cancel button 83. Notification screen D6 can also, at the start of reading (scanning), have messages MS6-MS8 disappear and switch to display content indicating the scanning status (see reference). Figure 21 When the cancel button 83 is pressed on the notification screen D6, the control unit 50 cancels the reading (scanning) of book B1.

[0197] exist Figure 10 In step S21 shown, the control unit 50 performs original document reading processing (scanning). The control unit 50 causes the reading module 20 to move from the original document detection position P1 (refer to...) Figure 14 The system moves to the reading start position Y0 on the second direction -Y side. Next, the control unit 50 executes the original document reading process by moving the reading module 20 from the reading start position Y0 to the first direction +Y. For example, the reading module 20 performs a movement in the first direction +Y from the reading start position Y0 to the reading end position PE, and a movement in the second direction -Y from the reading end position PE to the original document detection position P1. Here, the reading end position PE can be the end point YE of the original document reading area SA, or the end position YM on the first direction +Y side of the book B1, or a position with a predetermined margin distance added to that end position YM. In this case, the control unit 50 detects the presence or absence of the book B1 based on the reading signal from the reading module 20 during the reading process. The control unit 50 can also obtain the end position YM of the book B1 as the position from the state where the book B1 is detected to the position where the book B1 is not detected.

[0198] In step S22, the control unit 50 displays guidance information prompting the removal of the original document. At this time, the control unit 50 is in the original document removal waiting state D. While in the original document removal waiting state D, the control unit 50, for example, causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 17 The guide screen D7 is shown. Guide screen D7 includes a message MS10 as guidance information, indicating that the original document should be removed. Furthermore, guide screen D7 may also include a message MS9 indicating that the scan (reading of the original document) has ended. The user, seeing guide screen D7, removes book B1 from the mounting surface 12A based on the guidance of message MS10. Since the user knows the scan is finished and can remove book B1 from the mounting surface 12A based on the guidance information provided by messages MS9 and MS10, convenience is improved. For example, it can suppress the useless waiting time of pressing book B1 even after the scan has ended. This is related to the reduction of the time required to read multiple pages of book B1.

[0199] exist Figure 10 In the next step S23, the control unit 50 determines whether the removal of the original document has been detected. The control unit 50 performs the same document detection process as in steps S16 and S19 to determine whether the document detection result changes from a detection state (book B1 detected) to a non-detection state (book B1 not detected). The document detection position at this time can also be a position different from the document detection position P1 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The document detection position for detecting the removal of the original document can be a position midway along the path from the reading module 20 (which has moved to the reading end position PE where the reading of the original document M1 has ended) back to the document detection position P1, or it can start the document detection process while the reading module 20 is moving from this midway position. In this document detection process, the control unit 50 illuminates the light-emitting unit 18 and causes the reading unit 17 to begin reading for document detection. Based on the reading result of the reading unit 17, the control unit 50 determines whether the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A has disappeared. At this time, the illumination of the light-emitting unit 18 can be, for example, flashing. In this case, the control unit 50 can also cause the light-emitting unit 18 to flash at a predetermined cycle via the light-emitting control unit 63. Alternatively, the illumination of the light-emitting unit 18 can be continuous. In this case, the control unit 50 can also detect the removal of the book B1 while the light-emitting unit 18 is continuously illuminated. During the period when the removal of the original document M1 (book B1) is not detected, the control unit 50 returns to step S22 and continues to display guidance information prompting the removal of the original document. On the other hand, when the removal of the original document is detected, the control unit 50 returns to step S16. At this time, the control unit 50 transitions from the original document removal waiting state D to the original document placement waiting state B.

[0200] In addition, when the removal of the original is detected, if the carriage 19 is in the middle of moving to the original detection position P1, the control unit 50 can also standby until the carriage 19 moves to the original detection position P1 before starting the processing of step S16.

[0201] In step S16, the control unit 50 begins original document detection. That is, the control unit 50, which has transitioned to the original document placement waiting state B, begins original document detection processing to check whether the original M1, whose reading surface has been changed to the next page, is placed on the placement surface 12A. Specifically, the control unit 50 illuminates the light-emitting unit 18 and causes the reading unit 17 to begin reading. The control unit 50 based on... Figure 15 The reading results SD1 and SD2 from the reading unit 17 are used to determine whether the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A. At this time, the light-emitting unit 18 flashes, for example, at a predetermined period. When the book B1, which the user has changed to the next page of, is mounted on the mounting surface 12A, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, the image reading device 11 guides the user to the original document placement position by flashing the reading module 20 at the original document detection position P1.

[0202] Then, in step S17, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information prompting the loading of the original onto the mounting surface 12A. For example, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 18 The guide screen D8 is shown. The control unit 50 can also count the number of pages read from the original document using a counter (not shown), so that when reading pages from the second page onwards, the display unit 41 displays the guide screen D8. The guide screen D8 includes a message MS11 indicating that the next original document should be placed on the mounting surface 12A, and an end button 81. Furthermore, the guide screen D8 may also include a message MS3 indicating that the end button 81 should be pressed to end the book scanning mode.

[0203] Thus, based on the guidance and notification information displayed on the display unit 41, the user places the book B1 on the mounting surface 12A while changing the pages of the book B1, thereby causing the image reading device 11 to read the desired pages of the book B1. The control unit 50 repeatedly executes the processing of steps S16 to 23 until the end button 81 is pressed in step S18. When the user finishes reading all the desired pages of the book B1, Figure 17 The guide screen shown is D7 or Figure 18 In the guide screen D8 shown, press the end button 81. When in step S18 (also refer to...) Figure 19 When the end button is detected being pressed in the control unit 50, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24.

[0204] In step S24, the control unit 50 performs a document processing step and generates a PDF file as an example of scanned data. For example, the control unit 50 performs a document processing step that summarizes multiple pages of image data obtained by reading multiple pages of book B1 into a single file. The control unit 50 generates scanned data, for example, by documenting the multiple pages of image data from book B1 into a file with a specified file format. The specified file format is, for example, PDF format. The control unit 50 generates a PDF file summarizing the multiple pages of image data into a single file as scanned data.

[0205] Mode end processing Next, refer to Figure 19 This section explains the mode termination process, which ends the book scanning mode when the specified conditions are met. Figure 19 This indicates a part of the book scanning processing routine related to the end-of-mode processing. Although in Figure 19 The diagram shows the processing related to the mode end process in the original placement waiting state B, but the control unit 50 also performs the same mode end process in the cover opening waiting state A and the original removal waiting state D. Additionally, in Figure 19 The steps related to the mode end processing in the cover opening waiting state A and the original removal waiting state D are shown in parentheses ().

[0206] Figure 19 Each of steps S18, S31, and S32 in the process is equivalent to a process for determining whether the specified conditions are met. First, in step S17 (S13, S22), the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information prompting the user to perform an operation corresponding to the current waiting state B (A, D). At this time, the guidance screen D5 (D4, D7) displayed on the display unit 41 has an end button 81 indicating the end of the mode.

[0207] The user, having finished reading all the necessary pages of book B1, presses the end button 81. When the end button 81 is pressed in step S18, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode. Having terminated the book scanning mode, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24, whereby it performs a file generation process that combines the read multi-page image data into a single file in a specified format. The control unit 50 performs PDF conversion processing as part of the file generation process, thereby generating, for example, a PDF file in a specified file format.

[0208] Furthermore, after transitioning to waiting states A, B, and D, the control unit 50 determines in step S31 that the timeout condition of a predetermined time T2, which is one of the predetermined conditions, has been met, and then ends the book scanning mode. The control unit 50, having ended the book scanning mode, proceeds to step S24 and performs PDF conversion processing as an example of document processing, thereby generating a PDF file.

[0209] Further, after transitioning to waiting states A, B, and D, the control unit 50, in step S32, determines whether the original document cover 15 is closed as one of the predetermined conditions. When the control unit 50 determines that the original document cover 15 is closed, it ends the book scanning mode. Having ended the book scanning mode, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S24 and performs PDF conversion processing as an example of document processing, thereby generating a PDF file. Additionally, the control unit 50 outputs the PDF file generated in step S24 from the image reading device 11 to a designated storage destination (sending destination). The PDF file is stored, for example, in the memory of the host device 200, which is the designated storage destination.

[0210] Furthermore, the control unit 50 performs error detection processing, including power system errors, when the image reading device 11 is powered on. Even in waiting states A, B, and D, the control unit 50 detects the presence or absence of power system errors in step S33. Power system errors include power disconnection or power unplugging. For example, if the user mistakenly disconnects or unplugs the power, the control unit 50 detects a power system error. When a power system error is detected, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode. If the book scanning mode is terminated due to an error other than specified conditions, the control unit 50 does not perform document processing. That is, the control unit 50 discards the read image data from the memory 52.

[0211] On the other hand, if neither of the specified conditions is met and no power system error occurs, in step S19 (S14, S23), when a user operation corresponding to the current waiting state A, B, or D is detected, the control unit 50 transitions from the waiting state A, B, or D to the next state. The control unit 50, upon transitioning to the next state, performs the processing that should be implemented in the state of the transition destination (step S20 (S15, S16)).

[0212] Thus, while in waiting states A, B, and D, the control unit 50 performs various processes, including determining whether the specified conditions are met (steps S18, S31, S32), determining a power system error (step S33), and detecting user operation (S19 (S14, S23)). Then, if the specified conditions are determined to be met, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode and performs a file generation process to create a file that summarizes the read image data into a specified file format. As a file generation process, the control unit 50 performs a PDF generation process to create a PDF file in the specified file format (step S24).

[0213] The control unit 50 outputs the PDF file generated through document processing from the image reading device 11 to an external location designated as the save destination. For example, the control unit 50 sends the PDF file to the host device 200, which is designated as the save destination. Upon receiving the PDF file, the image reading control device 300 saves the PDF file in a designated folder in the memory of the host device 200.

[0214] Processing related to cancellation Next, refer to Figure 20 This section explains the procedures related to cancellation. Figure 20 This indicates a part of the book scanning processing routine related to cancellation. Additionally, in Figure 20 In the process, the original manuscript is read and processed. Figure 10 Step S21) refers to the process from the start of the original document reading process (step S211) indicating the start of the process, to the end of the original document reading process (step S213) indicating the end of the process. During the scanning period from the start to the end of the original document reading process, the user can indicate cancellation by pressing the cancel button 83. Figure 16 The notification screen D6 shown, and the screen that switches to when original document reading and processing begins after a standby time T1. Figure 21 The notification screen D9 shown includes a message MS12 indicating which page is being read (scanned) and a cancel button 83. Since notification screens D6 and D9 are displayed on the display unit 41 after detecting that the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A during scanning, the user can press the cancel button 83.

[0215] When the cancel button 83 is pressed by the user (a positive determination is made in step S212), the process proceeds to step S41, where the control unit 50 executes a cancellation process that cancels the reading (scanning) of the original document M1. During the cancellation process, the control unit 50... Figure 22The notification screen D10 is displayed. Notification screen D10 includes the message MS13 indicating cancellation. When the cancellation process ends, the control unit 50 switches the display content of the display unit 41 to notification screen D11. Notification screen D11 includes the message MS14 indicating cancellation has ended.

[0216] When the cancellation process ends, the control unit 50 transitions from the scanning state C to the original document removal waiting state D. Then, upon transitioning to the original document removal waiting state D, in step S22, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information prompting the removal of the original document M1. In other words, the control unit 50 prompts the user to perform the original document removal operation by displaying guidance information on the display unit 41. As guidance information prompting the removal of the original document M1, the control unit 50 connects to the message MS10... Figure 17 The same guide screen as shown is displayed in guide screen D7. However, when the cancellation process ends, the content of message MS9 in guide screen D7 will replace the notification message indicating that the scan has ended and instead set it to indicate that the scan has been cancelled.

[0217] In this way, even if the original document reading process (scanning process) is cancelled, the process transitions to the original document removal waiting state D. Therefore, users can reread pages cancelled due to positional errors or other reasons at the appropriate location. Furthermore, if a user cancels due to a page error, they can skip the erroneous page and continue reading the correct page.

[0218] Effects of the first implementation method According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0219] (1-1) The image reading device 11 includes a document table 12, a document cover 15, a reading unit 17, and a control unit 50. The document table 12 has a mounting surface 12A for placing a document M1. The document cover 15 opens and closes the mounting surface 12A of the document table 12. The reading unit 17 reads the document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A of the document table 12 from the side opposite to the mounting surface 12A. When the control unit 50 selects a mode in which multiple documents M1 are continuously read in the open state (i.e., when the document cover 15 is open relative to the document table 12), the mode ends in a removal waiting state (when the document M1 is removed from the document table 12 after reading) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions. According to this structure, since multiple documents M1 can be continuously read until the predetermined conditions are met, user convenience can be improved.

[0220] (1-2) The specified condition is that a specified time T2 has elapsed after the waiting state has been removed. According to this structure, the mode can be terminated even if the user does not perform any special operation.

[0221] (1-3) After detecting that the original document M1 has been removed before the specified time T2 has elapsed in the removal waiting state, the control unit 50 continues to implement the mode based on the detection that the original document M1 has been placed on the document table 12. According to this structure, if the original document M1 is removed before the specified time T2 has elapsed in the removal waiting state, and then the original document M1 is placed on the document table, it is possible to continue reading the original document M1.

[0222] (1-4) It also includes an opening / closing sensor 23, which detects the opening and closing of the original document cover 15. The specified condition is that the opening / closing sensor 23 detects that the original document cover 15 is closed when the waiting state is removed. According to this structure, if the original document cover 15 is closed after reading multiple original documents M1, the mode can be ended.

[0223] (1-5) The specified condition is that the user indicates the end of the mode. According to this structure, if the user indicates the end of the mode after reading multiple originals M1, the mode can be ended. The user can avoid being left idle while the mode is still in progress. For example, the mode can be ended before the specified time T2 has elapsed, or before the original cover 15 is closed. By ending the mode early, subsequent processing such as PDF conversion can be started earlier.

[0224] (1-6) When the reading of the original document M1 is cancelled by the user, the control unit 50 transitions to a removal waiting state. According to this structure, since the transition to the removal waiting state occurs when the reading of the original document M1 is cancelled, it is possible to continue resuming the reading of the cancelled original document M1. For example, if the reading is cancelled due to reasons such as positional offset of the original document M1 or page reading errors, it is possible to resume the reading of the cancelled original document M1.

[0225] (1-7) When the control unit 50 terminates the mode based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, it converts the read image data into PDF. According to this structure, since the read image data is converted into PDF when the mode terminates based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the read image data can be converted into PDF even without a special instruction different from the termination of the mode. For example, if multiple pages of the original document M1 have been read, they can be summarized into one and converted into PDF.

[0226] (1-8) The image reading device 11 includes a document table 12, a document cover 15, a reading unit 17, a light-emitting unit 18, and a control unit 50. The document table 12 has a mounting surface 12A for placing a document M1. The document cover 15 opens and closes the mounting surface 12A of the document table 12. The reading unit 17 reads the document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A of the document table 12 from the side opposite to the mounting surface 12A. When the control unit 50 selects a mode in which multiple documents M1 are read continuously for each document M1 in the open state (i.e., the document cover 15 is open relative to the document table 12), the mode ends based on the user's instruction to end the mode in any one of the following three waiting states A, B, and D.

[0227] • The original cover 15 is in the open state waiting state A.

[0228] • Loading wait state B, waiting for the original manuscript M1 to be loaded onto the original manuscript platform 12.

[0229] • The original document M1 is removed from the original document station 12 after the reading is completed, and the removal waiting state D is entered.

[0230] According to this structure, since multiple originals M1 can be read continuously until the specified conditions are met, user convenience can be improved.

[0231] (1-9) The image reading device 11 also includes an input unit 42, which displays information and is subject to input by the user. The control unit 50 displays the end button 81, indicating the end of the reading mode, in the following states: original cover open waiting state A, original placement waiting state B (an example of a placement waiting state), original removal waiting state C (an example of a removal waiting state), and cancellation indication waiting state E. Based on the press of the end button 81, the control unit 50 ends the mode and converts the read image data into PDF. According to this structure, multiple originals M1 can be read continuously until the end button 81 is pressed, provided that no other predetermined conditions other than the condition of pressing the end button 81 (one of the predetermined conditions) are met in any of the waiting states A, B, or D. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0232] Second Implementation Method Next, refer to Figures 24-26 The second embodiment will now be described. The post-cancellation processing when the scan is cancelled differs from that of the first embodiment. The processing, except for the structure of the image reading device 11 and the post-cancellation processing, is essentially the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description will focus on the processing that differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0233] The image reading device 11 will change part of the program used to modify the book scanning mode. Figure 24 The control program PR, illustrated in the flowchart, is stored in memory 52. ​​The control unit 50 executes the book scanning processing routine of the second embodiment by executing the control program PR.

[0234] Figure 25 This indicates the state transition of the book scanning mode in the second embodiment. When the scanning is canceled from the scanning state C, it transitions to the "cancellation instruction waiting state E". In the "cancellation instruction waiting state E", if any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met, the book scanning mode ends and returns to the "standby state 0". In the first embodiment, when cancellation is performed during scanning, it transitions to the original removal waiting state D after the cancellation process. For example, if the user presses the cancel button 83 when the placement position of book B1 has shifted or when reading begins while the reading surface of book B1 has floated off the mounting surface 12A, the control unit 50 transitions to the original removal waiting state D upon receiving the cancellation instruction based on the press of the cancel button 83. Therefore, even if it is desired to re-scan the same page of the currently placed book B1, it is necessary to remove book B1 from the mounting surface 12A once.

[0235] When the scanning state C is cancelled, the image reading device 11 of the second embodiment is transferred to the "cancellation indication waiting state E".

[0236] When the book scanning mode is selected, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode, which is an example of the mode, based on the condition that the specified conditions are met, in any of the following four waiting states A, B, D, and E.

[0237] • The original cover 15 is in the open state waiting state A.

[0238] • Loading wait state B, waiting for the original manuscript M1 to be loaded onto the original manuscript platform 12.

[0239] • After reading is complete, the original document M1 is removed from the original document platform 12 and is in the document removal waiting state D.

[0240] • Waiting for the original document to be read and processed after the user cancels the instruction to wait for cancellation is in state E.

[0241] In the same three waiting states A, B, and D as in the first embodiment, when any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met, the control unit 50 ends the book scanning mode and returns to "standby state 0". For example, in the same three waiting states A, B, and D as in the first embodiment, when any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met, the control unit 50 ends the mode. In the second embodiment, even in the canceled indication waiting state E, when any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met, the control unit 50 also ends the mode.

[0242] One of the specified conditions (a) is a mode end indication. In any of the four waiting states A, B, D, and E, the mode ends based on the user indicating an end. In the same three waiting states A, B, and D as in the first embodiment, the control unit 50 ends the mode based on the user indicating an end. In the second embodiment, even in the cancellation indication waiting state E, the control unit 50 ends the mode based on the user indicating an end.

[0243] Although in the first embodiment, the process transitions to the original document removal waiting state D after cancellation, in this second embodiment, the process transitions to the cancellation indication waiting state E after cancellation. The control unit 50 displays guide screens D4, D5, D7, D8, and D12 with the end button 81 in the four waiting states A, B, D, and E. The control unit 50 displays the end button 81, indicating the end of the processing mode, in the original document cover opening waiting state A, the loading waiting state B (original document placement waiting state B), the original document removal waiting state D, and the cancellation indication waiting state E. The control unit 50 displays guide screen D4 on the display unit 41 in addition to the three waiting states A, B, and D in the first embodiment. Figure 11 D5 Figure 12 D7 Figure 17 ), D8 ( Figure 18 In addition to indicating the waiting state E after cancellation, the display unit 41 also displays the guide screen D12 (see reference). Figure 26 ).

[0244] Figure 26 A guide screen D12 is displayed on the display unit 41 indicating a wait state E after the scan processing has been cancelled. The guide screen D12 includes a message MS15, as an example of guidance information prompting the user to place the original document, and a message MS16, as an example of notification information containing information related to the number of pages read. Furthermore, the guide screen D12 has the same end button 81 as in the first embodiment. The end button 81 is a button pressed by the user when an instruction is given to end the book scanning mode.

[0245] Start processing again When the book scanning mode is canceled by the user, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display a guide screen D12 (see reference) as an example of a restart image indicating the resumption of book scanning mode. Figure 26 The control unit 50 restarts the book scanning mode based on the user's instruction to restart the book scanning mode via the input unit 42.

[0246] Figure 26 The guide screen D12 shown as an example of a restart image includes a restart button 84. The restart button 84 is a button composed of an image (GUI) indicating the restart of the book scanning mode. The restart button 84 is a button pressed by the user to restart the reading of a page that has been canceled while the book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A and held in place.

[0247] The guide screen D12 includes an end button 81 and a start button 84. In the guide screen D12, which is displayed when the user is in the waiting state E after cancellation, the user can select one of the end indication based on pressing the end button 81 and the start indication based on pressing the start button 84.

[0248] In the first embodiment, when the user-cancelled book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A and held, the system is in the original document removal waiting state D. If the page of the cancelled book B1 is read again, the system needs to remove the book B1 from the mounting surface 12A to transition from the original document removal waiting state D to the original document placement waiting state B.

[0249] In contrast, in the second embodiment, when the control unit 50 receives a request to restart, it restarts the book scanning mode and transitions from the cancellation instruction waiting state E to the original document placement waiting state B. Therefore, by pressing the restart button 84 in the guide screen D12, the user can restart reading the same pages of book B1 without removing it from the mounting surface 12A, while maintaining the current placement state. Alternatively, the user can also transition from the cancellation instruction waiting state E to the original document placement waiting state B at the point of removal of the cancelled book B1 from the mounting surface 12A. In this case, if the same pages of the removed book B1 are remounted on the mounting surface 12A, reading of the cancelled pages can be restarted without any special operation.

[0250] The function of the second embodiment Next, refer to Figure 24The operation of the image reading device 11 according to the second embodiment will now be explained. The control unit 50, as an example of a mode in which multiple originals M1 are continuously read for each original M1 when the original cover 15 is open relative to the original stage 12 (i.e., in the open state), handles the selection of the book scanning mode. Specifically, in... Figure 7 In the selection screen D1 shown, the selection mode selection button 70 is pressed and the task start button 71 is pressed. The control unit 50 switches from normal mode to book scanning mode.

[0251] like Figure 24 As shown, the processing after cancellation (step S41) differs from the first embodiment. While in the first embodiment, after cancellation, the process transitions to "document removal waiting state D," in this second embodiment, after cancellation (step S41), the process transitions to "cancellation-after-instruction waiting state E" (step S42), where the process awaits instruction from the user. Here, "cancellation-after-instruction waiting state E" refers to a state where the process awaits instruction from the user after cancellation. In cancellation-after-instruction waiting state E, as a user operation, the control unit 50 displays guidance information prompting the user to perform an instruction. The user can select an instruction from multiple options. After cancellation, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance information prompting the user to perform one of the selected options to perform the instruction (step S42). The multiple instruction options include an end instruction to end the mode and a restart instruction to resume reading the cancelled document. The control unit 50 accepts the instruction selected by the user after cancellation.

[0252] Therefore, in Figure 24 In step S43, as shown, when the control unit 50 receives an end instruction based on the pressing of the end button 81, it ends the book scanning mode and proceeds to step S24 to generate a PDF file. At this time, the control unit 50 transitions to standby state 0 upon the end of the mode (see...). Figure 25 ).

[0253] On the other hand, in step S44, when a restart instruction based on the pressing of the restart button 84 is received, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S16. At this time, the control unit 50 that received the restart instruction transitions to the original document placement waiting state B (see...). Figure 25 In the original document placement waiting state B, the user does not need to remove book B1 from the mounting surface 12A. When the original document detection process begins (step S16), the control unit 50 detects the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A that was canceled from reading (step S19). Then, the control unit 50 restarts the reading of the canceled original document M1 (S211, S213).

[0254] Processing when the specified conditions are met Next, refer to Figure 19 This explains the processing when the specified conditions are met. Besides... Figure 19 In addition to the three waiting states A, B, and D in the first embodiment shown, the second embodiment adds a cancellation indication waiting state E. When in waiting states A, B, D, and E in book scanning mode, the control unit 50 determines whether any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is satisfied. Figure 19 (Steps S18, S31, and S32). If any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is satisfied, the control unit 50 performs a documentization process that summarizes more than one page of image data read from the memory 52 up to this point into a single file to generate a PDF file (step S24). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) has been satisfied under the following conditions: receiving a mode end instruction based on the pressing of the end button 81 by the user (step S31), satisfying a timeout (step S31), or detecting that the original cover 15 has been closed (step S32). If any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is satisfied, the control unit 50 ends the book scanning mode and performs PDFization processing as a documentization process. Thus, the control unit 50 generates a PDF file, for example (step S24).

[0255] In the second embodiment, in addition to the three waiting states A, B, and D in the first embodiment, a cancellation indication waiting state E is added. Even if any one of the conditions (a) to (c) specified in the cancellation indication waiting state E is met, the control unit 50 terminates the book scanning mode and performs document processing (e.g., PDF conversion). The control unit 50 saves the PDF file generated by the document processing to a designated folder in the memory of the host device 200 by sending it from the image reading device 11 to a host device 200 designated as the save destination.

[0256] Effects of the second implementation method According to this embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those in the first embodiment (1-1) to (1-9), the following effects can also be obtained.

[0257] (2-1) The image reading device 11 includes a document table 12, a document cover 15, a reading unit 17, a light-emitting unit 18, and a control unit 50. When the control unit 50 selects a mode in which multiple documents M1 are continuously read for each document M1 in the open state (document cover 15 open relative to document table 12), it terminates the mode based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions in any of the four states: document cover open waiting state A, loading waiting state B, removal waiting state D, and cancellation indication waiting state E. According to this structure, since multiple documents M1 can be continuously read until the predetermined conditions are met, user convenience is improved. (2-2) The control unit 50 terminates the mode based on the user's instruction to end in any of the four states: document cover open waiting state A, loading waiting state B, removal waiting state D, and cancellation indication waiting state E. In the second embodiment, a state is added where the user cancels the reading of the waiting document M1, i.e., cancellation indication waiting state E. Even in the pending state after cancellation, the mode ends based on the user's instruction to end. According to this structure, the mode can end as one of the specified conditions, namely, upon the user's instruction to end. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0258] (2-3) Because a cancellation-after-instruction-wait state D is added, the user can provide the desired instruction to the image reading device 11 from multiple instruction options after cancellation. That is, in the first embodiment, since the original removal waiting state D is transitioned to after cancellation, the book scanning mode continues. In contrast, according to the second embodiment, in the cancellation-after-instruction-wait state E transitioned to after cancellation, the options for the instruction made by the user after cancellation are displayed on the display unit 41. The instruction options include an instruction to end the book scanning mode and an instruction to restart the book scanning mode. The user can choose whether to end the book scanning mode or continue (restart) the book scanning mode after indicating cancellation.

[0259] (2-4) When the mode is canceled by the user, the control unit 50 displays a guide screen D12 on the display unit 41 as an example of a restart acceptance image indicating the resumption of the book scanning mode. The control unit 50 restarts the book scanning mode based on the user's instruction to restart the book scanning mode via the input unit 42. According to this structure, if the user indicates the mode to resume via the input unit 42 in the example of the restart acceptance image displayed on the display unit 41, namely the guide screen D12, when the book scanning mode is canceled, the book scanning mode can be restarted.

[0260] (2-5) The guide screen D12 includes a restart button 84 that indicates the resumption of reading the page that was canceled after the cancellation process. That is, the guide screen D12, as an example of a restart acceptance image, includes a restart button 84 that indicates the resumption of reading. Therefore, even without a special mechanical switch or without assigning a special function to the mechanical switch, the restart button 84 can be pressed according to the guidance information of the guide screen D12.

[0261] (2-6) When a restart instruction is received in the cancellation waiting state E, the control unit 50 transitions to the document placement waiting state B. For example, in the guide screen D12, if a restart instruction is given via the restart button 84, the control unit 50 does not transition to the document removal waiting state D but instead transitions to the document placement waiting state B (document placement waiting state). Therefore, the user can restart reading the same page that was canceled while the book B1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A and held. When restarting reading the canceled page, the time and effort of removing and reloading the book B1 are not required. Therefore, compared to the first embodiment, the convenience for the user when reading books such as the book B1 is improved.

[0262] (2-7) The image reading device 11 also includes an input unit 42, which displays information and is subject to input by the user. The control unit 50 displays the end button 81, indicating the end of the reading mode, in the following states: original cover open waiting state A, original placement waiting state B (an example of a placement waiting state), original removal waiting state D (an example of a removal waiting state), and cancellation indication waiting state E. Based on the press of the end button 81, the control unit 50 ends the mode and converts the read image data into PDF. According to this structure, as long as no other predetermined condition other than the condition of pressing the end button 81 (which is one of the predetermined conditions) is met in any of the waiting states A, B, D, or E, multiple originals M1 can be read continuously until the end button 81 is pressed. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

[0263] Third Implementation Method Next, refer to Figure 27 , Figure 28 The third embodiment will now be described. The third embodiment is a variation of the first and second embodiments. The image reading device 11 will... Figure 27 The control program PR, illustrated in the flowchart, is stored in memory 52. ​​Additionally, in... Figure 27In step S17, the letters representing waiting states A, B, D, and E are shown in parentheses (). However, in the modified example of the first embodiment, they are waiting states A, B, and D, while in the modified example of the second embodiment, they are waiting states A, B, D, and E. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the modified example of the second embodiment will be described as an example.

[0264] When the control unit 50 is in waiting states A, B, D, or E, if any one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) is met (a positive determination in any one of steps S18, S31, or S32), the book scanning mode ends, and document processing is performed (step S24). The control unit 50 generates scanned data (e.g., a PDF file) by performing document processing and sends the generated scanned data from the image reading device 11 to a designated storage destination such as the host device 200. However, even if the user does not wish for document processing, scanned data in a specified file format (e.g., a PDF file) will be stored on the host device 200 such as a PC.

[0265] Figure 28 This is an example of a guide screen D13 displayed in the waiting states A, B, D, and E in the third embodiment. Figure 28 The guide screen D13 shown illustrates the guidance information for the original document in waiting state B when message MS4 is displayed. For guide screens D13 in other waiting states A, D, and E, although the content of message MS4 corresponds to the guidance information for each waiting state, it is essentially the same as... Figure 28 The content shown is largely the same. The guide screen D13 has an end button 81 and a cancel button 85. Furthermore, the guide screen D13 includes a message MS17 indicating that pressing cancel will end the book scanning mode without saving the scan data. The cancel button 85 is a button that allows the user to end the book scanning mode without generating scan data in a specified file format (e.g., a PDF file) based on document processing. When the user is in waiting states A, B, D, or E and wants to end the book scanning mode without saving the scan data, they press the cancel button 85 displayed on the guide screen D13 on the display unit 41.

[0266] like Figure 27As shown, in steps S17 (S13, S22, S42), the control unit 50 displays guidance information while in waiting states A, B, D, and E. At this time, as guidance information, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance screen D13. The control unit 50 performs a determination on whether predetermined conditions (a) to (c) (steps S18, S31, S32) have been met, and a determination on the presence or absence of a power system error (step S33). Further, in step S34, the control unit 50 determines whether the cancel button 85 has been pressed. When it is determined that the cancel button 85 has been pressed, the book scanning mode ends without proceeding to step S24, which involves generating scanned data (e.g., a PDF file) based on document processing.

[0267] Effects of the third implementation method According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment (1-1) to (1-9) and the second embodiment (2-1) to (2-7) can be obtained, and the following effects can also be obtained.

[0268] (3-1) When the image reading device 11 is in waiting states A, B, D, or E, the display unit 41 displays a guide screen D13 with a cancel button 85. By pressing the cancel button 85, the user can end the book scanning mode without sending the scanned data to the generated and specified storage destination.

[0269] Fourth Implementation Method Next, refer to Figure 29 , Figure 30 The fourth embodiment will now be described. The fourth embodiment is a variation of the third embodiment. The image reading device 11 will... Figure 29 The control program PR, illustrated in the flowchart, is stored in memory 52. ​​In the third embodiment, when in waiting states A, B, D, and E in book scanning mode, if the cancel button 85 is pressed, the scan data will not be saved to the generated and specified save destination. However, sometimes, even after pressing the cancel button, it may still be desirable to save the scan data. In the fourth embodiment, when the cancel button 85 is pressed, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display, as guidance information. Figure 30 The selection screen D14 is shown. This selection screen D14 includes a message MS18 confirming whether to save the scan data. The selection screen D14 has a "Yes" button 86 for saving the scan data and a "No" button 87 for not saving the scan data.

[0270] like Figure 29As shown, in step S17 (S13, S22, S42), the control unit 50 displays guidance information while in waiting states A, B, D, and E. At this time, as guidance information, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display guidance screen D13 (see reference). Figure 28 In step S34, when the control unit 50 determines that the cancel button 85 has been pressed in waiting states A, B, D, or E, it proceeds to step S35 and causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 30 The selection screen D14 is shown. Therefore, the user can choose whether to save the scanned data. The user who wants to save the scanned data presses the "Yes" button 86. The user who does not want to save the scanned data presses the "No" button 87. The "Yes" button 86 becomes a generation instruction (PDF generation instruction) for the scanned data (e.g., a PDF file) from the image reading device 11. In step S36, the control unit 50 determines whether there is a PDF generation instruction. When a signal indicating that the "Yes" button 86 has been pressed is input, the control unit 50 accepts this signal as a PDF generation instruction and proceeds to step S37. In step S37, the control unit 50 generates a PDF file as scanned data that summarizes more than one page of image data read so far into a single file. On the other hand, when the user inputs a signal indicating that the "No" button 87 has been pressed, the control unit 50 determines that there is no PDF generation instruction. In this case, the control unit 50 ends the book scanning mode without generating scanned data (e.g., a PDF file).

[0271] Effects of the fourth implementation method According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment (1-1) to (1-9) and the second embodiment (2-1) to (2-7) can be obtained, and the following effects can also be obtained.

[0272] (4-1) When the image reading device 11 is in a waiting state A, B, D, or E, and the cancel button 85 is pressed, a selection screen D14 is displayed. The selection screen D14 has buttons 86 and 87 that allow the user to choose whether to save the scanned data. Therefore, the user can choose whether to save the scanned data after canceling the reading of the original document M1 based on the book scanning mode. For example, it can avoid the situation where the scanned data is not saved to the specified save destination despite the cancel button being pressed, contrary to the user's intention.

[0273] Fifth Implementation Method Next, refer to Figures 31-33The fifth embodiment will now be described. The fifth embodiment is a variation of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, when the user is in waiting states A, B, D, or E in the book scanning mode, and a timeout occurs because no user operation corresponding to the waiting states A, B, D, or E can be detected, the system switches from the automatic mode of the book scanning mode to the manual mode.

[0274] Image reading device 11 will Figure 31 The control program PR, illustrated in the flowchart, is stored in memory 52. ​​For example, when in the original document placement waiting state B, if a timeout occurs while the state of not being able to detect an original document on the mounting surface 12A is met, the system switches from book scanning mode (automatic) to manual mode. Specifically, the control unit 50 detects that an original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A based on the result of the reading unit 17 performing reading while the original document cover 15 is open (in...). Figure 10 or Figure 24 , Figure 31 In step S19, a positive determination is made, and the original document reading process is executed, which causes the reading unit 17 to read the original document M1. Figure 10 Step S21 or Figure 24 (Steps S211 and S213 in the process). On the other hand, if the control unit 50 cannot detect that the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A, it switches to a manual mode to perform reading manually by the user. Here, "cannot detect" is equivalent to the timeout condition being satisfied because the state of "cannot detect that the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A" is maintained.

[0275] In detail, such as Figure 31 As shown, in step S17, the control unit 50 displays guidance information when in the original document placement waiting state B. In this original document placement waiting state B, if there is no mode end indication (a negative determination in step S18), no original document cover 15 being closed (a negative determination in step S32), no power system error (a negative determination in step S33), and no cancellation indication (a negative determination in step S34), then proceed to step S19. Further, in step S19, if the control unit 50 cannot detect user operation in the original document placement waiting state B, that is, if it cannot detect that the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A, it returns to step S17. Thereafter, the control unit 50 repeats the processing of steps S17, S18, S31 to S34, and S19. Then, if a timeout is satisfied in step S31, it proceeds to step S51.

[0276] In step S51, the control unit 50 displays a selection screen. Specifically, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 32The selection screen D15 is shown. Selection screen D15 includes a message MS19 indicating that the original document could not be detected. Furthermore, selection screen D15 has an end button 81, a manual button 88, and an auto-return button 89. The end button 81 is a mode end indicator that terminates the book scanning mode. The manual button 88 is for selecting manual mode. The auto-return button 89 is for returning to the book scanning mode (auto). Selection screen D15 includes a message MS20 prompting the selection of any of these buttons.

[0277] When a mode end instruction is received based on the pressing of the end button 81, the control unit 50 ends the book scanning mode and performs document processing. Furthermore, when a manual mode transfer instruction is received based on the pressing of the manual button 88, the control unit 50 switches from book scanning mode (automatic) to manual mode. Further, when an automatic return instruction is received based on the pressing of the automatic return button 89, the control unit 50 returns to book scanning mode (automatic). In other words, the book scanning mode continues based on the user's selection.

[0278] exist Figure 31 In step S52, the control unit 50 determines which button has been selected. If the mode end indication based on pressing the end button 81 is selected, the process proceeds to step S24 and performs document processing to generate a PDF file. Furthermore, if automatic mode based on pressing the auto-return button 89 is selected, the process returns to step S17 and continues with book scanning mode processing. Further, if manual mode based on pressing the manual button 88 is selected, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0279] In step S53, the control unit 50 switches to manual scanning mode. Manual scanning mode is a manual book scanning mode. It involves manually executing the task start instruction each time the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. After switching to manual scanning mode, the control unit 50 performs manual book scanning processing based on the procedures involved in manual scanning mode. First, when switching to manual scanning mode, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 41 to display... Figure 33 The selection screen D16 is shown. Selection screen D16 includes a message MS21 indicating that the manual scan mode is active. Selection screen D16 has a start button 91, an end button 92, and a cancel button 93. Further, selection screen D16 includes a message MS22 explaining the selection of the start button 91 and a message MS23 explaining the selection of the end button 92.

[0280] The Start Reading button 91 is pressed when an instruction to begin reading is given after the next original M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A. The End button 92 is pressed when an instruction to end manual scanning mode is given if there is no next original. The Cancel button 93 is pressed when an instruction to cancel reading (scanning) is given.

[0281] Each time the user places the next original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A, the user presses the read start button 91 to read the original document M1. Each time a task start instruction based on the press of the read start button 91 is received, the control unit 50 performs one original document reading process. In manual scanning mode, a standby time T1 can be set or not set. When a standby time T1 is set, the control unit 50 begins the original document reading process after the standby time T1 has elapsed from the time the task start instruction based on the press of the read start button 91 is received. Furthermore, the standby time T1 can be set to different values ​​in book scanning mode and manual scanning mode respectively. In addition, the standby time T1 in manual scanning mode can also be a preset fixed value.

[0282] In this way, in the fifth embodiment, the user transitions to manual scanning mode after a timeout in the original document placement waiting state B (an example of a placement waiting state). For the transition to manual scanning mode, the transition occurs even after timeouts in the original document cover opening waiting state A, the original document removal waiting state D (an example of a removal waiting state), and the cancellation indication waiting state E. At this time, since a selection screen D15 is displayed after the timeout, the user can choose whether to transition to manual scanning mode, end book scanning mode, or return to book scanning mode.

[0283] Effects of the fifth implementation method According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment (1-1) to (1-9) and the second embodiment (2-1) to (2-7) can be obtained, and the following effects can also be obtained.

[0284] (5-1) When the control unit 50 detects that the original document M1 is mounted on the mounting surface 12A based on the result of the reading unit 17 performing reading when the original document cover 15 is open, it executes original document reading processing to have the reading unit 17 read the original document M1. If the original document M1 is not detected to be mounted on the mounting surface 12A, it switches to manual mode to perform reading manually by the user. According to this structure, since the original document reading processing is performed when it is detected that the user has mounted the original document M1 on the mounting surface 12A, the user does not need to instruct the original document M1 to be read every time it is mounted. For example, since the user can concentrate on the positioning of the original document M1 mounted on the mounting surface 12A, it is easier to suppress positional shift of the read image. Furthermore, if the original document M1 is not detected to be mounted on the mounting surface 12A, it switches to manual mode. Even after the book scanning mode has ended, the user can still read the original document M1 in manual mode.

[0285] Change Example Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can also be modified as shown in the following variations. Further, variations obtained by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the variations shown below can also be considered further variations.

[0286] • In each of the embodiments described, the condition for ending the book scanning mode, which is an example of the mode, may be only one or two of the three conditions (a) to (c). For example, the condition may be only condition (a), only condition (b), or only condition (c). Furthermore, the condition may be both conditions (a) and (b), both conditions (b) and (c), or both conditions (a) and (c).

[0287] • The waiting state for applying the specified conditions in the first to fifth embodiments and the modified examples can also be any one of waiting states A, B, D, and E. For example, at least one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) can be applied only to the original removal waiting state D. At least one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) can also be applied only to the original placement waiting state B. Furthermore, at least one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) can be applied in both the original placement waiting state B and the original removal waiting state D. For example, it can also be a structure in which the mode ends based on the satisfaction of the specified conditions in at least one of the original placement waiting state B and the original removal waiting state D. For example, in the original removal waiting state D, the specified conditions can be applied to the original placement waiting state B without applying them. In the original removal waiting state D where the original M1 is placed on the placement surface 12A, since the possibility of reading the original M1 continuing is relatively high, it can also be set to a structure in which the specified conditions as mode termination conditions are not applied. Even if configured in this way, the book scanning mode can be terminated when the specified conditions are met in the original placement waiting state B after the original M1 has been removed from the mounting surface 12A.

[0288] • In the first to fifth embodiments and the above-described modified examples, the prescribed conditions applied to waiting states A, B, D, and E may be the same, and the prescribed conditions applied to waiting states A, B, D, and E may be different.

[0289] • Alternatively, a structure capable of adjusting the specified time T2 can be adopted. For example, it can be configured such that the display unit 41 displays the time T2. Figure 8 The first setting screen D2 shown is... Figure 9 The second setting screen D3 shown is the same as the setting screen, allowing the user to adjust the predetermined time T2 based on the operation of the input unit 42. • In the second to fifth embodiments, the display unit 210 of the host device 200 may also display a guide screen or selection screen that is substantially the same as the guide screen or selection screen displayed on the display unit 41. In this case, the image reading control device 300, which receives an instruction based on a signal indicating that a button in the guide screen or selection screen displayed on the display unit 210 has been pressed, sends the received instruction to the control unit 50 of the image reading device 11 via communication.

[0290] • In the second embodiment, the guide screen D12, which serves as an example of a restart image, may also be structured without a restart button 84. For example, the book scanning mode can be restarted by operating the input section, which is composed of a mechanical switch, according to the guidance information on the guide screen D12. That is, the control unit 50 can also restart the book scanning mode when the restart instruction is received from the input section composed of a mechanical switch.

[0291] • A sensor for detecting when the original document M1 is placed on the mounting surface 12A can also be provided separately from the reading unit 17. For example, when viewed from above on the document stage 12 of the image reading device 11, at least one sensor for detecting the original document can be provided in the document reading area SA of the mounting surface 12A at a position different from the document detection position P1 of the reading unit 17. The sensor can be, for example, a reflective photoelectric sensor. Even if the original document M1 is placed at a position different from the document detection position P1 where the reading unit 17 performs document detection processing, the placement of the original document M1 can be detected by an optical sensor. Therefore, omissions in document detection can be suppressed.

[0292] • The detection of the original document M1 (book B1) placed on the mounting surface 12A can also be performed using a different sensor than the reading unit 17. For example, the presence of the original document can be detected using a photoelectric sensor (optical sensor).

[0293] The task start button 71 is not limited to a structure formed by the GUI displayed on the display units 41 and 210; it can also be a mechanical switch. For example, the image reading device 11 can also be equipped with a task start button that starts a task as a mechanical switch. Furthermore, the mechanical switch is not limited to being dedicated solely to the task start button. For example, it can also be a structure in which a specific mechanical switch functions as a task start button after a book scanning mode is selected. In this case, it is not limited to the image reading device 11; a specific key switch constituting the input unit 220 of the host device 200 can also function as a task start button after a book scanning mode is selected. In addition, for buttons other than the task start button 71 in the various embodiments, such as the end button or cancel button, at least one of them can be configured using a mechanical switch.

[0294] • In each of the embodiments described, only one of the automatic mode and manual mode (manual scanning mode) constituting the book scanning mode may be provided. For example, only the automatic mode or only the manual mode may be provided. That is, the mode of reading multiple originals one by one with the original cover 15 open may be either the automatic mode (automatic book scanning mode) or the manual mode (manual mode). In these structures, at least one of the specified conditions (a) to (c) may be applied as the mode termination condition in the waiting state. In addition, in the manual mode, the waiting states A and D in the first embodiment or the waiting states A, D, and E in the second embodiment may be provided. Furthermore, in the manual mode, which is a structure that counts the timeout period T2 according to the task start instruction and starts the original detection processing according to the task start instruction, the waiting states A, B, and D in the first embodiment or the waiting states A, B, D, and E in the second embodiment may be provided.

[0295] • In the fifth embodiment, it can also be configured as follows, that is, by canceling button 85 (see reference) Figure 28 When the user presses the button (in step S34, this is affirmatively determined), the display unit 41 displays a selection screen D15 with a manual button 88 that allows the user to select a transition to manual scanning mode. Furthermore, in at least one of the waiting states A, B, D, and E, the control unit 50 may also cause the display unit 41 to display the manual button 88 that was pressed when the user indicated a transition to manual scanning mode in the GUI. For example, at least one of the guide screens D4, D5, D7, D8, D12, and D13 may also have a manual button 88. According to this structure, in any of the waiting states A, B, D, and E, the user can select a transition from book scanning mode to manual scanning mode.

[0296] • The task start button 71 can also be removed. For example, the book scanning mode can be set to automatic mode only, and the task start instruction in automatic mode of book scanning mode can be implemented based on the pressing of the mode selection button 70.

[0297] • Pre-reading processing (pre-scanning) of the original document M1 can also be performed before the original document reading process (scanning). In this case, the control unit 50 can also perform the pre-reading processing (pre-scanning) when the original document M1 is detected to be placed on the mounting surface 12A by the original document detection process. In addition, the purpose of the pre-reading processing can be either to detect the size of the original document or to confirm the image of the original document beforehand (for previewing). The image of the original document read by the pre-reading processing can also be previewed on the display unit 210 of the host device 200. In this case, only the first page of the book scanning mode can be previewed, or all pages can be previewed. The control unit 50 can also be structured such that the original document reading process is performed when the user presses the OK button after confirming the preview screen based on the pre-reading processing. It can also be structured such that settings such as image density change or resolution change can be made in the preview screen displayed on the display unit 210 of the host device 200.

[0298] • The image reading device 11 may also be a structure that does not have an original document detection function to detect the original document M1. The control unit 50 may also be a structure in which the reading unit 17 performs original document reading processing based on the condition that a standby time T1 has elapsed since the original document cover 15 is in the open state and the user's task start instruction is received every time a reading is performed.

[0299] • The reading unit 17 is not limited to the CIS method, but can also be of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) method (reduced optical method).

[0300] The opening and closing motion of the original cover 15 relative to the original table 12 is not limited to a structure with only rotational motion. The opening and closing motion of the original cover 15 may also include, for example, rotational motion and linear motion. For example, the opening and closing motion of the original cover 15 may also include an upward motion that rises while maintaining a predetermined posture of the original cover 15, or a horizontal sliding motion that moves horizontally in the X direction.

[0301] • The original document M1 read when the original document cover 15 is open is not limited to a booklet such as book B1, but can also be an original document printed on paper such as single-page paper. In this case, the original document M1 on single-page paper can be larger than the size of the mounting surface 12A or smaller. The original document M1 on single-page paper can be mounted with a portion protruding from the mounting surface 12A or not. Furthermore, the original document M1 can also be a three-dimensional object other than book B1. In addition, it can be various original documents that are preferably read when the original document cover 15 is open, or original documents that the user wants to read when the original document cover 15 is open.

[0302] • In addition to the structure that enables the display units 41 and 210 to display guidance information or notification information, the image reading device 11 may also be equipped with a speaker that broadcasts guidance information or notification information by sound.

[0303] • The control unit 50 may be partly or entirely constructed in hardware, for example, using electronic circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or it may be constructed solely in software.

[0304] • The image reading device 11 may also be a structure without an automatic paper feeder 24. That is, the image reading device 11 may also be a flatbed image reading device without ADF-type image reading function.

[0305] • The image reading device 11 can be any structure having a document stage 12 with a mounting surface 12A capable of holding the original document M1, and a reading unit 17 and a light-emitting unit 18 that can move relative to each other in the sub-scanning direction Y. For example, the image reading device 11 can also be a structure in which the original document M1 placed on the mounting surface 12A of the document stage 12 is read by moving relative to the opening on the upper surface of the housing 13, which houses the reading unit 17 and the light-emitting unit 18, in the sub-scanning direction Y while the document stage 12 is fixed in a predetermined position.

[0306] • The image reading device 11 can be a standalone scanner or part of a multifunction printer. When part of a multifunction printer, the image reading device 11 can also be mounted on top of the printing unit. Such a multifunction printer can be a small multifunction printer for individual or home consumers, or a large multifunction printer for business or office use.

[0307] The term "at least one" as used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. As an example, if the number of options is two, "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "both options". As another example, if the number of options is three or more, "at least one" means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options".

[0308] Technical ideas The following will describe the technical ideas and effects learned from the described embodiments and variations.

[0309] [1] An image reading device comprising: a document stage having a mounting surface for placing a document; a document cover for opening and closing the mounting surface of the document stage; and a reading unit for reading a document placed on the mounting surface of the document stage at a location opposite to the mounting surface. The control unit, when selected in a mode where multiple originals are continuously read one by one in the open state (with the original cover open relative to the original table), terminates the mode based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions during a removal waiting state where the read-completed original is removed from the original table. This structure improves user convenience by enabling continuous reading of multiple originals until the predetermined conditions are met.

[0310] [2] In the image reading device described in [1] above, the specified condition can also be that a specified time has elapsed in the removal waiting state. According to this structure, the mode can be terminated even if the user does not perform any special operation.

[0311] [3] In the image reading device described in [1] or [2] above, the control unit may continue to implement the mode based on the detection that the original has been removed before the specified time has elapsed in the removal waiting state. According to this structure, if the original is removed before the specified time has elapsed in the removal waiting state, and then the original is placed on the original table, the reading of the original can continue.

[0312] [4] In any of the image reading devices described in [1] to [3] above, the following method may also be adopted: an opening / closing sensor is further provided, which detects the opening and closing of the original cover, wherein the specified condition is that the opening / closing sensor detects that the original cover is closed in the removal waiting state. According to this structure, if the original cover is closed after reading multiple originals, the mode can be terminated.

[0313] [5] In any of the image reading devices described in [1] to [4] above, the specified condition may be that the user indicates the end of the mode. According to this structure, if a user who has finished reading multiple originals indicates the end of the mode, the mode can be ended. This avoids situations where the user is left in the mode they are using.

[0314] [6] In any of the image reading devices described in [1] to [5] above, the control unit may perform a document reading process to have the reading unit read the document if it detects that a document is placed on the mounting surface based on the result that the reading unit has performed reading when the document cover is open, and if it cannot detect that a document is placed on the mounting surface, it may switch to a manual mode to perform reading manually by the user. According to this structure, since the document reading process is performed when it is detected that the user has placed the document on the mounting surface, the user does not need to instruct the reading of the document each time the document is placed. For example, since the user can concentrate on the positioning of the document placed on the mounting surface, it is easier to suppress positional shift of the read image. Furthermore, if it cannot detect that the user has placed the document on the mounting surface, it switches to manual mode. Even after the mode ends, the user can still read the document in manual mode.

[0315] [7] In any of the image reading devices described in [1] to [6] above, the control unit may also transition to the removal waiting state when the reading of the original is cancelled by the user. According to this structure, since the transition to the removal waiting state occurs when the user cancels the reading of the original, it is possible to continue resuming the reading of the cancelled original.

[0316] [8] In any of the above-described image reading apparatuses [1] to [7], the control unit may further include: a display unit for displaying information; and an input unit that, upon input by a user, displays a restart acceptance image on the display unit indicating that the restart of the mode has been accepted when the mode is cancelled by the user, and restarts the mode based on the user's instruction to restart the mode via the input unit. According to this structure, if the user observes the restart acceptance image displayed on the display unit and instructs to restart the mode via the input unit when the mode is cancelled, the mode can be restarted. [9] In any of the above-described image reading apparatuses [1] to [8], the control unit may also convert the read image data into PDF when the mode is terminated based on the fulfillment of the specified conditions. According to this structure, since the read image data is PDFed when the mode ends based on the fulfillment of specified conditions, the read image data can be PDFed even without special instructions different from those for ending the mode. For example, if multiple pages of the original document have been read, they can be summarized into one and PDFed.

[0317]

[10] An image reading device includes: a document table having a mounting surface for placing documents; a document cover for opening and closing the mounting surface of the document table; a reading unit for reading documents placed on the mounting surface of the document table at a location opposite to the mounting surface; and a control unit that, when selecting a mode in which multiple documents are continuously read one by one in an open state (i.e., when the document cover is open relative to the document table), terminates the mode based on a user-instructed termination in any one of the following: a document cover opening waiting state (waiting for the document cover to open), a mounting waiting state (waiting for documents to be placed on the document table), a removal waiting state (waiting for documents to be removed from the document table after reading is completed), and a cancellation instruction waiting state (waiting for an instruction to cancel the reading of documents by the user). According to this structure, since multiple documents can be read continuously until predetermined conditions are met, user convenience is improved.

[0318]

[11] In the image reading device described in

[10] above, it may also be provided with an input unit that displays information and is subject to input by the user. The control unit displays an end button indicating the end of the mode when the original cover is open, when the loading is in a waiting state, when the removal is in a waiting state, and when the cancellation is indicated in a waiting state. The mode is ended and the read image data is converted to PDF when the end button is pressed. According to this structure, since multiple originals can be read continuously until the specified conditions are met, user convenience can be improved.

[0319] Symbol Explanation 10…Image reading system, 11…Image reading device, 12…Original document table, 12A…Placement surface, 13…Housing, 14…Transparent plate, 15…Original document cover, 15A…Background plate, 15B…Conveyor path, 17…First reading unit (reading unit), 17L…Line sensor, 18…Light-emitting unit, 18A…Light source, 19…Carriage, 20…Reading module, 21…Reading window, 22…Transparent plate, 23…Opening / closing sensor, 24…Automatic paper feeding device, 25…Conveyor path, 26…Supply tray, 27…Support unit, 28…Image sensor, 29…Light guide component, 30…Conveyor unit, 31…Pick-up roller, 32…Conveyor roller, 33…Discharge tray, 34…Detection unit, 35…Overlapping conveyor detection unit, 37… Second reading section, 38…light-emitting section, 39…support section, 40…reading module, 41…display section, 42…input section, 43…carriage motor, 44…scanning mechanism, 45…guide component, 46…power transmission mechanism, 47…hinge mechanism, 50…control section, 51…image reading control unit, 52…memory, 61…carriage drive control section, 62…reading control section, 63…light-emitting control section, 64…input receiving section, 65…display control section, 66…opening / closing determination section, 67…communication interface, 70…mode selection button, 71…task start button, 72…manual mode selection button, 73…close button, 74…input bar, 75…plus button, 76…minus button, 77…OK button, 78…the… Option 1, 79… Option 2, 80… Option 3, 81… End button, 82… Set button, 83… Cancel button, 84… Start again button, 85… Cancel button, 86… Yes button, 87… No button, 88… Manual button, 89… Auto return button, 91… Read start button, 92… End button, 93… Cancel button, 200… Main unit, 201… Communication interface, 210… Display unit, 220… Input unit, 300… Image reading control device, 0… Standby state, A… Cover open waiting state, B… Original document placement state, C… Scanning state, D… Original document removal waiting state, E… Cancel indication waiting state, SA… Original document reading area, P0… Standby position, P1 …Original document detection position, PE…Reading end position, Y0…Reading start position (starting end), Y1…First reading position, YA…Range, YE…Ending end, YM…End position, T1…Standby time, T2…Specified time, PR…Control program, SD1…Reading result, SD2…Reading result, A1…Threshold, As…Reading processing, Bs…Reading processing, Cs…Reading processing, D1…Selection screen, D2…First setting screen, D3…Second setting screen, D4, D5…Guide screen, D6…Notification screen, D7, D8…Guide screen, D9~D11…Notification screen, D12, D13…Guide screen, D14~D16…Selection screen, B1…Book, M1…Original document, ME…End face,MS1~MS23…messages, X…main scan direction, Y…sub-scan direction (width direction), +Y…first direction, -Y…second direction, Z…vertical direction.

Claims

1. An image reading device, comprising: A manuscript stand, which has a mounting surface for placing manuscripts; The original document cover opens and closes over the mounting surface of the original document stage; The reading unit reads the original document placed on the mounting surface of the document stage from the side opposite to the mounting surface. Control Department When the control unit selects a mode in which multiple originals are read continuously in the open state (i.e., when the original cover is open relative to the original table), the mode ends in a removal waiting state (when the originals that have finished reading are removed from the original table) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions.

2. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The specified condition is that a specified time has elapsed in the removal waiting state.

3. The image reading device as described in claim 2, wherein, After detecting that the original has been removed before the specified time has elapsed in the removal waiting state, the control unit continues to implement the mode based on the detection that the original has been placed on the original table.

4. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening and closing of the original document cover. The specified condition is that the opening / closing sensor detects the original document cover as closed during the removal waiting state.

5. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The specified conditions indicate the end of the mode as instructed by the user.

6. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, If the control unit detects that an original document is mounted on the mounting surface when the original document cover is open and the reading unit has performed reading, it performs original document reading processing to make the reading unit read the original document. If no original document is detected on the mounting surface, it switches to manual mode to perform reading manually by the user.

7. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, If the reading of the original is cancelled by the user, the control unit will switch to the removal waiting state.

8. The image reading apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein It also has: The display unit displays information; The input section is subject to input from the user. When the mode is canceled by the user, the control unit causes the display unit to display a restart image indicating that the mode has been restarted, and restarts the mode based on the user's instruction to restart the mode via the input unit.

9. The image reading device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the control unit terminates the mode based on the fulfillment of the specified conditions, it converts the read image data into PDF.

10. An image reading device, comprising: A manuscript stand, which has a mounting surface for placing manuscripts; The original document cover opens and closes over the mounting surface of the original document stage; The reading unit reads the original document placed on the mounting surface of the document stage from the side opposite to the mounting surface. Control Department When the control unit selects a mode in which multiple originals are read continuously in the open state (i.e., the original cover is open relative to the original table), the mode ends based on the user's instruction to end the reading process, in any one of the following states: original cover open waiting state (waiting for the original cover to open), loading waiting state (waiting for the original to be loaded onto the original table), removal waiting state (waiting for the original to be removed from the original table after reading is completed), and cancellation instruction waiting state (waiting for the user to cancel the reading instruction).

11. The image reading device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, It also includes an input section that displays information and is responsive to user input. The control unit displays an end button for accepting the end of the mode when the original cover is open and waiting, the loading and waiting, the removal and waiting, and the cancellation and indication waiting. The mode ends and the read image data is converted to PDF when the end button is pressed.

Images