Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device that outputs an output image desirable for a user without reducing usability.SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: a reading unit 202 that outputs a read image obtained by reading a document; an image processing unit 261 that can perform image processing on the read image; an operation unit 304 that receives input made by a user; and a CPU 251 that, when the user inputs an instruction to output at least one of a first read image that is the read image on which the image processing is performed by the operation unit 304 and a second read image that is the read image on which the image processing is performed, outputs at least one of the first read image and second read image based on the instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads an image from a document. [Background technology]

[0002] Image forming devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction machines include an image reading device such as a scanner that optically reads an image formed on an original (hereinafter referred to as an "original image") to generate image data. The image reading device can read images from an original placed on a platen glass as well as from an original transported by an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as an "ADF: Auto Document Feeder"). When an ADF is used, the image reading device can continuously read multiple original images from multiple sheets of an original transported continuously by the ADF.

[0003] An image reading device performs various types of image processing on an image read from a document (hereinafter referred to as a "read image"). For example, if dust is present at the reading position of the image reading device, abnormal pixels that cause streaky images (hereinafter referred to as "streak pixels") will occur in the read image read using the ADF. Patent Document 1 describes a technology for detecting such abnormal pixels (hereinafter referred to as "streak detection"). The detected abnormal pixels are corrected by image processing such as interpolating with surrounding pixels. The correction of streak pixels will be referred to as "streak correction" below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-147783 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When streak pixels overlap a line (e.g., a ruled line or part of a character) contained in the original image, the overlapping portion is corrected for streak. As a result, the image output after correction (hereinafter referred to as the "output image") loses the content of the original. In such a case, by not performing streak correction, it is possible to obtain an output image in which the streak pixels remain but the content is not lost.

[0006] The image reading device cannot determine whether the user prefers an output image with streak correction or an output image without streak correction. When outputting only one of the output images, if the output image is different from the desired image, the user must change the setting for whether or not streak correction is required, and then read the document again with the image reading device. When outputting both output images, if the user desires only one of the output images, it takes time to output the unnecessary output image, and the user must go to the trouble of deleting the unnecessary output image. Either case leads to a decrease in usability.

[0007] Furthermore, the image reading device can output a plurality of output images with different resolutions, for example. In this case, as in the case of streak correction, the image reading device cannot determine the resolution that is preferable for the user.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above problems, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device that outputs an output image that is preferable to the user without reducing usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The image reading device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a reading means for outputting a read image read from a document, an image processing means for performing image processing on the read image, a receiving means for receiving input from a user, and a control means for outputting at least one of the first read image and the second read image based on the instruction input by the user via the receiving means, when the user inputs an instruction to output at least one of a first read image which has not been subjected to the image processing on the read image and a second read image which has been subjected to the image processing on the read image. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to output an output image that is preferable to the user without reducing usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image reading device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of image data of a read image. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a streak correction function. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of a selection screen. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an image reading process. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an image reading process. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a selection screen. [Figure 11] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of mode setting screens. [Figure 12] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of reception screens. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing an image reading process. [Figure 14]4 is a flowchart showing an image reading process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) 1 is a configuration diagram of an image reading device of this embodiment. The image reading device 1000 has an image reading unit (hereinafter referred to as "reader") 200 that reads an original image from an original, and an ADF 100. The ADF 100 is an original transport device that transports an original to a position where the original image is read by the reader 200. The image reading device 1000 generates image data representing the original image read from the original. By using the ADF 100, the image reading device 1000 can continuously read original images from multiple sheets of original that are continuously transported.

[0014] The ADF 100 includes a paper feed tray 30 on which a document stack S consisting of one or more documents is loaded. On the downstream side of the paper feed tray 30 in the document transport direction, a paper feed roller 1, a separation pad 21 that prevents the document stack S from protruding from the paper feed tray 30 and advancing downstream before transport begins, and a separation roller 2 are provided. On the downstream side of the separation roller 2, a pull-out roller 3, transport rollers 4 and 5, an upstream reading roller 51, a downstream reading roller 52, a transport roller 7, and a discharge roller 12 are provided along the transport path in this order from the upstream side in the document transport direction. The area between the upstream reading roller 51 and the downstream reading roller 52 corresponds to the reading position of the document image by the reader 200. At the reading position, a glass-facing member 6 is provided on the ADF 100 side, and a flow-reading glass 201 is provided on the reader 200 side.

[0015] The paper feed tray 30 is provided with a document presence / absence detection sensor 14 at its base end, which is capable of detecting the presence or absence of documents on the paper feed tray 30. When feeding documents, the paper feed roller 1 drops onto the document surface of the document stack S loaded on the paper feed tray 30 and rotates. This feeds the document on the top surface of the document stack S. The documents fed by the paper feed roller 1 are separated into single sheets by the action of the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21. Separation of the documents is achieved by a known separation technique.

[0016] The document separated by the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21 is conveyed in order along the conveying path by the pull-out roller 3, conveying roller 4, and conveying roller 5. The upstream reading roller 51 conveys the document conveyed from the conveying roller 5 through a gap between the glass facing member 6 and the flow reading glass 201 to the downstream reading roller 52. The document image is read while the document is conveyed between the glass facing member 6 and the flow reading glass 201. The document conveyed to the downstream reading roller 52 is conveyed in this order by the conveying roller 7 and the paper discharge roller 12, and discharged to the paper discharge tray 13. When there are multiple documents on the paper feed tray 30, the ADF 100 repeatedly feeds the documents in succession until the document image of the final document is read and discharged to the paper discharge tray 13.

[0017] On the transport path, document detection sensors 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the document. The document detection sensors 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 each detect a document transported on the transport path. The timing of feeding, separating, transporting, reading, and discharging the document is controlled based on the timing at which the document detection sensors 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 detect the document. For example, the timing at which the reader 200 starts reading the document image is controlled based on the timing at which the document detection sensor 18 detects the leading edge of the document in the transport direction and the distance from the document detection sensor 18 to the reading position. The document detection sensors 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are arranged in the center of the transport path in the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction (width direction) so that documents of various sizes can be detected.

[0018] The reader 200 includes a reading unit 202 in a housing, and includes the above-mentioned flow reading glass 201, a shading white board 210, and a document table glass 209 on the ADF 100 side of the housing. The reading unit 202 includes light sources 203a and 203b, a plurality of mirrors 204a, 204b, and 204c, and a reading sensor 208. The light sources 203a and 203b may be light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0019] The light sources 203a and 203b irradiate light through the flow reading glass 201 to the original passing between the glass facing member 6 and the flow reading glass 201. The irradiated light is reflected by the original. The light reflected by the original is reflected by mirrors 204a, 204b, and 204c and read by the reading sensor 208. The reading sensor 208 is configured with multiple light receiving elements arranged in a straight line. The arrangement direction of the multiple light receiving elements is perpendicular to the transport direction of the original. The arrangement direction of the multiple light receiving elements is the main scanning direction. The transport direction of the original is the sub-scanning direction. The reading sensor 208 reads the original image line by line in the main scanning direction.

[0020] The shading white board 210 is a white member that serves as a reference when performing shading correction of the reader 200. The shading white board 210 is read by the reading unit 202 before reading an original image. Based on the result of reading the shading white board 210 by the reading unit 202, reference data of the white level by shading is created.

[0021] An original is placed on the platen glass 209 with the surface on which an image is formed facing the housing side (platen glass 209 side) of the reader 200. The reading unit 202 irradiates light from light sources 203a and 203b onto the original placed on the platen glass 209 and receives the reflected light with a reading sensor 208, thereby reading the original image of the original placed on the platen glass 209 line by line.

[0022] When reading an original image of an original being transported by the ADF 100, the reading unit 202 performs the reading operation without moving from directly below the flow reading glass 201. When reading an original image from an original placed on the original platen glass 209, the reading unit 202 performs the reading operation while moving in the direction of arrow A. The direction of arrow A is the same as the original transport direction and is the sub-scanning direction. The reading process of reading an original image from an original being transported using the ADF 100 is called "flow reading", and the reading process of reading an original image from an original placed on the original platen glass 209 is called "fixed reading".

[0023] (Control System) 2 is a configuration diagram of a control system that controls the operation of the image reading device 1000 configured as described above. This control system has a controller 300. The reader 200 and the controller are communicatively connected by a communication line 501 and an image communication line 502. The controller 300 may be provided in the image reading device 1000, but when the image reading device 1000 is connected to an image forming device, for example, the controller 300 may be provided in a housing of the image forming device. When the image reading device 1000 is connected to an external device such as a personal computer via a network, the controller 300 may be provided in the external device.

[0024] The reader 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 251, a read only memory (ROM) 252, and a random access memory (RAM) 253. The CPU 251 controls the operation of the image reading device 1000 (the reader 200 and the ADF 100) by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 252. The RAM 253 provides a working area for the CPU 251 to execute processing. The CPU 251 is communicatively connected to the controller 300 via a communication line 501, and controls the operation of the image reading device 1000 in response to instructions from the controller 300.

[0025] To the CPU 251, the light source 203, the reading sensor 208, the optical motor 226, the image memory 260, the image processing unit 261, and the image transfer unit 255 are connected via a bus in order to realize an image reading function. The optical motor 226 is a drive source for moving the reading unit 202 (the light source 203 and the reading sensor 208) in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 1. The image memory 260 is a storage device that temporarily stores image data representing a read image output from the reading sensor 208. The image processing unit 261 can perform image processing on the read data (read image) stored in the image memory 260 as necessary. The image processing unit 261 stores the image data after image processing in the image memory 260. The image transfer unit 255 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 260 to the controller 300 via the image communication line 502.

[0026] To the CPU 251, a transport system motor 111 that drives various rollers provided along the transport path to realize the document transport function is connected via a bus. To the CPU 251, a transport system sensor 110 (document detection sensors 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) provided along the transport path is connected via a bus. To the CPU 251, a document presence / absence detection sensor 14 that detects the presence or absence of a document on the paper feed tray 30 is connected via a bus.

[0027] The CPU 251 controls the driving of the transport system motor 111 based on the detection result of the document by the transport system sensor 110, thereby controlling the transport of the document. The transport system motor 111 is controlled by a driving pulse output from the CPU 251. The transport system motor 111 is a driving source for various rollers provided along the transport path. The transport system motor 111 is one or more motors, and each motor drives and rotates one or more rollers. The CPU 251 can measure the number of driving pulses output, and can thereby manage the transport distance of the document. The transport system motor 111, the transport system sensor 110, and the document presence / absence detection sensor 14 are provided in the ADF 100.

[0028] A backup unit 256 is connected via a bus to the CPU 251. The backup unit 256 is a storage device for saving a part of the working data used to control the reader 200 and the ADF 100, setting values ​​set for each device, and the like.

[0029] The image processing unit 261 has a streak detection unit 262 and a streak correction unit 263 for correcting streaks in the read image read by the reading sensor 208, and a resolution conversion unit 264 for enlarging / reducing the image. The resolution conversion unit 264 enlarges / reduces the read image by converting the resolution of the read image. The streak detection function of the streak detection unit 262, the streak correction function of the streak correction unit 263, and the resolution conversion by the resolution conversion unit 264 will be described in detail later.

[0030] The controller 300 is connected to the reader 200, and transmits instructions to each of the reader 200 and the ADF 100 to control their operations. The controller 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 controls the operations of the image reading device 1000 and each unit in the controller 300 by executing a computer program stored in the ROM 302. The RAM 303 provides a working area for the CPU 301 to execute processing. An operation unit 304, an image transfer unit 308, an image processing unit 305, an image memory 306, and an external interface (I / F) 307 are connected to the CPU 301 via a bus.

[0031] The image transfer unit 308 receives image data from the image transfer unit 255 of the reader 200 via the image communication line 502, and stores the received image data in the image memory 306. The image processing unit 305 performs image processing on the image data stored in the image memory 306 as necessary. In the case of the scanner function, the image transfer unit 308 transmits the image data stored in the image memory 306, which will be the output image after image processing, to an external device such as a computer via the external I / F 307. In the case of the copy function, the image transfer unit 308 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 306, which will be the output image, to an image forming device (not shown).

[0032] The operation unit 304 is a user interface having an input interface and an output interface. The input interface is various key buttons, a touch panel, etc. The output interface is a display, a speaker, etc. The CPU 301 accepts operation instructions for the image forming apparatus 2000 from the input interface of the operation unit 304. The CPU 301 also displays messages to the user, scanned images, a setting screen for issuing operation instructions to the image forming apparatus 2000, etc., through the output interface of the operation unit 304, for example, a display.

[0033] The CPU 301 transmits and receives control commands and control data related to image reading control to the CPU 251 of the reader 200 via the communication line 501. For example, the CPU 301 receives an instruction to start image reading from the operation unit 304 and transmits an image reading start request to the CPU 251. Also, for example, the CPU 301 receives an abnormality occurrence notification from the CPU 251 and displays a message according to the type of abnormality on the display of the operation unit 304.

[0034] The operation control of the image reading device 1000 by the above-described control system will now be described. During operation of the image reading device 1000, the CPU 251 of the reader 200 monitors the detection result of the document presence / absence detection sensor 14. Whenever there is a change in the detection result, the CPU 251 notifies the CPU 301 of the controller 300 of the detection result of the document presence / absence detection sensor 14 via the communication line 501. The CPU 301 can determine whether or not a document stack S is loaded on the paper feed tray 30 based on the notified detection result of the document presence / absence detection sensor 14.

[0035] When the CPU 301 receives an instruction to start image reading from the operation unit 304, the CPU 301 transmits an image reading start request to the CPU 251 via the communication line 501. The reader 200 responds to the image reading start request from the CPU 301 and starts reading the document image. The image reading start request is either a "fixed reading start request" or a "skimming reading start request". The "fixed reading start request" requests the start of fixed reading. The "skimming reading start request" requests the start of skimming. If the document stack S is not loaded on the paper feed tray 30 at the time when the document reading start instruction is received from the operation unit 304, the CPU 301 transmits the "fixed reading start request" to the CPU 251. If the document stack S is loaded on the paper feed tray 30 at the time when the document reading start instruction is received from the operation unit 304, the CPU 301 transmits the "skimming reading start request" to the CPU 251. The reader 200 starts either fixed reading or skimming depending on whether the image reading start request from the CPU 301 is a "fixed reading start request" or a "skimming reading start request."

[0036] As described above, the controller 300 communicates with the reader 200 to control jobs. A job in this embodiment includes a series of processes, from reading an original placed on the platen glass 209 or the paper feed tray 30 of the ADF 100, performing image processing as necessary, and outputting the obtained output image to a destination specified by a user via the external I / F 307. Note that the output image is not limited to being output via the external I / F 307. For example, a storage device may be provided in the controller 300, and image data representing the output image may be stored in this storage device.

[0037] The CPU 301 of the controller 300 receives an operation instruction from the operation unit 304. The operation instruction from the operation unit 304 includes an instruction to start a job, that is, an instruction to start image reading. The CPU 301 that receives the operation instruction transmits an image reading start request to the CPU 251 of the reader 200 via the communication line 501. The CPU 251 receives the image reading start request and starts the image reading process.

[0038] Image data obtained by reading the document image is stored in image memory 306 by image transfer unit 255 and image transfer unit 308, and then transmitted to an image transmission destination via external I / F 307. When all image data has been transmitted, CPU 301 ends the scan job.

[0039] As described above, operation unit 304 is a user interface. Operation unit 304 in this embodiment is equipped with a touch panel. CPU 301 of controller 300 reads image data of a preview image, which will be described later, from image memory 306 and displays it on the display of operation unit 304. When a preview image is selected by operation unit 304, CPU 301 treats the preview image as an image selected by the user. For example, in the case of operation unit 304 equipped with a touch panel, when the user touches the display range of the preview image with his / her finger, CPU 301 detects the selection of the preview image by the user.

[0040] CPU 301 displays various screens stored in advance in ROM 302 on the display of operation unit 304. These screens are in a format including button images for switching various functions of image reading device 1000. When a button image is operated by operation unit 304, CPU 301 switches the function corresponding to the button image. When operation unit 304 is equipped with a touch panel, for example, the button image is operated by the user touching the display area of ​​the button image with his / her finger.

[0041] (streak detection, streak correction) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the flow of image data of a read image read from a document. Image processing of the read image including streak detection and streak correction will be described with reference to FIG. 3. If dust is present between the document to be read and the reading unit 202 during image reading, the dust is read as part of the document image. For example, dust adheres to the flow reading glass 201 and is read as part of the document image. As a result, streak pixels are generated in the read image. "Streak pixels" are multiple pixels that have a large difference in luminance value from surrounding pixels and are approximately equal in luminance value, and are abnormal pixels that form a streak-like image in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction.

[0042] The streak detection section 262 of the image processing section 261 detects, for each line, pixels whose luminance value differs by a predetermined value or more from the surrounding pixels in the main scanning direction as streak pixel candidates from the image data of the read image stored in the image memory 260. When there are a predetermined number of consecutive streak pixel candidates in the sub-scanning direction at the same position in the main scanning direction, the streak detection section 262 determines that the streak pixel candidates are streak pixels. The threshold value of the luminance value difference used to determine streak pixel candidates and the threshold value of the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction used to determine streak pixels are set in advance by the CPU 251.

[0043] 4 is an explanatory diagram of the streak correction function by the streak correction unit 263. The streak correction unit 263 performs streak correction on the streak pixels detected by the streak detection unit 262 by linear interpolation using the luminance values ​​of the surrounding pixels.

[0044] When the periphery of the streak pixel on the scanned image shown in Figure 4(a) is enlarged, it looks like what is shown in Figure 4(b). For the sake of explanation, the position of each pixel in the sub-scanning direction and main scanning direction will be expressed as (m,n) (m and n are integers). The top left of the image is taken as (1,1). In the example of Figure 4(b), the streak pixel is two pixels wide, spanning column n in the main scanning direction and the adjacent column (n+1) to the right.

[0045] In this case, pixel (m,n), which is a streak pixel, is linearly interpolated using the luminance values ​​of pixels (m,(n-1)) and (m,(n+2)). Pixel (m,(n+1)) is linearly interpolated in a similar manner. Pixel ((m+1),n), which is a streak pixel, is linearly interpolated using the luminance values ​​of pixels ((m+1),(n-1)) and ((m+1),(n+2)). Pixel ((m+1),(n+1)) is linearly interpolated in a similar manner. By correcting the streak pixels in this way, a corrected image as shown in Figure 4(c) is obtained.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, image data of the image read by the reading sensor 208 is stored in the image memory 260. The image processing unit 261 performs various image processing on the image data of the read image stored in the image memory 260 based on information set by the CPU 251. For example, the image processing unit 261 detects streak pixels of the read image by the streak detection unit 262, and corrects the detected streak pixels by the streak correction unit 263. The image processing unit 261 also performs noise removal on the image data of the read image by using a noise removal filter. The image processing unit 261 generates an image (hereinafter referred to as a "result image") that is finally output from the reader 200 from the read image by such image processing. The image data of the result image generated by the various image processing by the image processing unit 261 is stored again in the image memory 260.

[0047] The resolution conversion unit 264 of the image processing unit 261 reduces the image by thinning and averaging the pixels in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction for the image data of the resultant image, and generates a thumbnail image. With this function, a thumbnail image for preview (hereinafter referred to as a "preview image") is generated from the resultant image.

[0048] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of image processing by the reader 200. The reader 200 reads an original image and obtains a read image. The read image is turned into a result image through image processing (streak correction, noise removal, etc.) by the image processing unit 261. The image processing unit 261 generates a result image with streak correction and a result image without streak correction for the read image. For this reason, the result image includes a result image with streak correction (with streak correction) and a result image without streak correction (without streak correction). The result image (with streak correction) and the result image (without streak correction) have been subjected to the same image processing other than streak correction. The image processing unit 261 generates a preview image for each of the result image (with streak correction) and the result image (without streak correction).

[0049] In this way, the reader 200 generates two types of result images and a preview image of each result image from one read image by the image processing unit 261. The order of various image processes by the image processing unit 261 and storage in the image memory 260 is not limited to the above. For example, after storing image data of a read image read by the reading sensor 208 in the image memory 260, the image processing unit 261 may perform various image processes immediately before transferring the image data to the controller 300. Alternatively, the image processing unit 261 may perform various image processes in two steps, storing an image that has undergone a part of the image processing in the image memory 260, and performing the remaining image processing immediately before transferring the image data to the controller 300.

[0050] (Image transfer) 3, the image transfer unit 255 of the reader 200 transfers the image data stored in the image memory 260 to the image transfer unit 308 of the controller 300 via the image communication line 502. The image transfer unit 308 of the controller 300 stores the image data acquired from the reader 200 in the image memory 306. The transferred image data is the image data of the resultant image and the image data of the preview image.

[0051] An image processing unit 305 of the controller 300 performs image processing as necessary on the image data of the resultant image stored in an image memory 306. The image data after the image processing is transmitted to the outside via an external I / F 307 as image data of a final output image. In addition, the image data of the preview image stored in the image memory 306 is displayed as a preview image on the display of the operation unit 304 by the CPU 301.

[0052] (Reader and controller sequence) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a communication sequence between the reader 200 and the controller 300 performed in one job in skimming.

[0053] When an image reading start instruction is input by the user, the controller 300 transmits an image reading start request (skimming start request) from the CPU 301 to the CPU 251 of the reader 200 via the communication line 501 (time A1).

[0054] When the CPU 251 receives the image reading start request, it conveys one sheet of the document using the ADF 100 and reads the document image. After reading the document image, the CPU 251 transmits an image reading response to the CPU 301 of the controller 300 (time A2). The image reading response includes information indicating whether or not multiple images can be output from the results of reading one sheet of the document (read images), and the number of output images when multiple image output is possible.

[0055] The multiple images are generated by image processing (e.g., streak correction) on the scanned image. Whether or not multiple images are generated depends on whether or not image processing is performed. In the following explanation, outputting multiple images is called "multiple image output" and outputting one image is called "single image output." For example, if streak pixels are present in the scanned image, two types of images can be output: an image with streak correction and an image without streak correction. In this case, CPU251 sends an image reading response (multiple image output; 2) to CPU301.

[0056] When CPU 301 receives an image reading response (multiple image output; 2) from CPU 251 of reader 200, CPU 301 transmits an image output request (preview image 1) to request CPU 251 for the first preview image (time A3).

[0057] CPU 251 acquires an image output request from CPU 301 of controller 300, and transmits the specified image, in this case the first preview image, to controller 300 via image communication line 502 (time A4). After completing image transmission, CPU 251 transmits an image output response (preview image 1) to CPU 301 via communication line 501 to notify that image output has been completed (time A5).

[0058] As shown at times A6, A7, and A8, communication is performed for the second preview image in the same manner as for the first preview image. The output order of the preview images is determined in advance, and in the case of Figure 6, the image with streak correction is output first, followed by the image without streak correction.

[0059] After CPU 301 of controller 300 has received all the preview images, in this case two preview images, it displays the preview images on the display of operation unit 304 and waits for the user to select an output image. The user operates operation unit 304 to select an image to be output. Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the display of operation unit 304 when the user selects an output image.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7(a), the CPU 301 displays two types of preview images on the display of the operation unit 304. After checking the preview images, the user selects the image that the user wishes to output using the operation unit 304. The user can desire to output at least one of an image that has been corrected for streaks and an image that has not been corrected for streaks. For example, if the user desires only an image that has been corrected for streaks, the user selects an image with "streaks correction ON" as shown in FIG. 7(b) and presses the "OK" button. Also, for example, if the user desires both an image that has been corrected for streaks and an image that has not been corrected for streaks, the user selects two images with "streaks correction ON" and "streaks correction OFF" as shown in FIG. 7(c) and presses the "OK" button.

[0061] CPU 301 of controller 300 receives the result of the selection of the output image by the user, and transmits an output request of the result image to reader 200 according to the contents of the selection (time A9). In the example of Fig. 6, the result image corresponding to the first preview image is requested.

[0062] CPU 251 of reader 200 receives a request to output a result image from CPU 301, and transmits image data of the requested image to controller 300 via image communication line 502 (time A10). Here, image data of a result image (image on which streak correction has been performed) corresponding to the first preview image is transmitted. Similarly to the preview image, CPU 251 transmits an image output response (result image 1) (time A11).

[0063] CPU301 receives an image output response from CPU251, and transmits to CPU251 an image reception completion notification indicating that image data of the resultant image selected by the user has been collected (time A12). CPU251 receives the image reception completion notification from CPU301, and completes processing of one document. To notify CPU301 of the presence or absence of the next document, CPU251 transmits a next document presence or absence notification to CPU301 (time A13). In the case of FIG. 6, the notification indicates the presence or absence of the next document (document present). Therefore, the reading process of the next document is started subsequently.

[0064] (Scanning process) 8 is a flowchart showing an image reading process for reading an original image in one job by skimming. This process is performed by the controller 300.

[0065] The CPU 301 of the controller 300 receives an image reading start instruction from a user (S101). The CPU 301 that receives the image reading start instruction transmits an image reading start request to the CPU 251 of the reader 200. The CPU 301 waits until it receives an image reading response transmitted from the CPU 251 (S102: N). When the image reading response is received (S102: Y), the CPU 301 checks whether or not a single image is to be output based on the contents of the image reading response (S103).

[0066] If a single image is to be output (S103: Y), CPU 301 transmits an image output request for the result image to CPU 251 of reader 200 (S104). CPU 301 waits until input of image data of the result image from CPU 251 is complete (S105: N). Completion of input of image data of the result image is determined based on whether or not an image output response has been received from CPU 251. When input of image data of the result image is complete (S105: Y), CPU 301 performs output processing of the acquired output image (S106). CPU 301 performs image processing as necessary using the above method, and transmits image data representing the final output image via external I / F 307.

[0067] Since this is a single image output, this completes the output process for all images. To this end, CPU 301 transmits an image reception completion notification to CPU 251 (S107). This completes the reading process for one document. CPU 301 waits until it receives a next document presence / absence notification from CPU 251 (S108:N). When it receives a next document presence / absence notification (S108:Y), CPU 301 determines whether or not there is a next document based on the contents of the next document presence / absence notification (S109). If there is a next document (S108:Y), CPU 301 returns to the process of S102 and performs the process from S102 onwards for the next document. If there is no next document (S108:N), CPU 301 ends the image reading process.

[0068] If it is not a single image output (S103:N), that is, if it is a multiple image output, CPU301 allows the user to select the image to be output. To do so, CPU301 first transmits an image output request of a preview image to CPU251 (S110). In this embodiment, multiple image output refers to two types of images: an image with streak correction and an image without streak correction.

[0069] CPU301 waits until input of image data of the preview image from CPU251 is complete (S111:N). Completion of input of image data of the preview image is determined based on whether an image output response has been received from CPU251. When input of image data of the preview image is complete (S111:Y), CPU301 determines whether input of image data of all preview images is complete (S112). When there is image data of an unreceived preview image (S112:N), CPU301 transmits an image output request for the next preview image (S110). When input of image data of all preview images is complete (S112:Y), CPU301 displays the preview image on the display of operation unit 304 (S113).

[0070] CPU 301 starts accepting output image selection by the user in the above-mentioned manner (S114). That is, CPU 301 displays the selection screen of FIG. 7(a) on the display of operation unit 304, and accepts the user's selection as in FIG. 7(b) or FIG. 7(c). CPU 301 waits for input of output image selection (S115:N). When output image selection is input (S115:Y), CPU 301 judges whether an image to be corrected for streak has been selected based on the contents of the output image selection (S116). The contents of the output image selection include whether both an image with streak correction and an image without streak correction, an image with streak correction and an image without streak correction have been selected.

[0071] If an image on which streak correction has been performed is selected (S116: Y), CPU 301 transmits an image output request for the resultant image on which streak correction has been performed to CPU 251 (S117). After that, CPU 301 obtains image data of the resultant image by the same process as S105 and S106, and performs output processing of the output image (S118, S119).

[0072] After the output process, or if the image that has been corrected for streaks has not been selected (S116: N), the CPU 301 determines whether or not an image that will not be corrected for streaks has been selected based on the output image selection (S120). If an image that will not be corrected for streaks has not been selected (S120: N), the CPU 301 performs the processes from S107 onward so as not to output an image that will not be corrected for streaks.

[0073] If an image that does not undergo streak correction is selected (S120: N), CPU 301 transmits an image output request for the resultant image that does not undergo streak correction to CPU 251 (S121). CPU 301 obtains the resultant image and performs output processing for the output image by the same processes as S105 and S106 (S122, S123), and then performs processing from S107 onwards. With the above, the image reading process of controller 300 when reading an original image in one job by skimming is completed.

[0074] 9 is a flowchart showing an image reading process for reading an original image in one job by skimming. This process is performed by the reader 200. The process in FIG. 8 and the process in FIG. 9 are performed in parallel.

[0075] When the CPU 251 of the reader 200 receives the image reading start request transmitted from the CPU 301 of the controller 300 in the process of S101, it starts conveying the document as described above and reads the document image (S201, S202). The CPU 251 stores the read image in the image memory 260 (S203). The CPU 251 performs streak detection on the read image stored in the image memory 260 (S204). The CPU 251 generates a result image without streak correction by the image processing unit 261 and stores it in the image memory 260 (S205). The CPU 251 determines whether or not streak pixels are detected based on the result of the streak detection (S206).

[0076] If no streak pixels are detected (S206: N), CPU 251 notifies CPU 301 of controller 300 that a single image is to be output (S207). That is, CPU 251 notifies CPU 301 of an image reading response (single image output). After notifying the image reading response, CPU 251 waits until it receives an image output request from CPU 301 (S208: N). When it receives an image output request (S208: Y), CPU 251 outputs the result image that has not been subjected to streak correction and that has been stored in image memory 260 to controller 300, and further notifies CPU 301 of the image output response (S209).

[0077] Since a single image is output here, this completes the output process for all resultant images. CPU 251 waits until it receives an image reception completion notification from CPU 301 (S210: N). When it receives the image reception completion notification (S210: Y), CPU 251 determines whether the next document is loaded on paper feed tray 30 based on the detection result of document presence / absence detection sensor 14, since the reading process for one document has been completed (S211).

[0078] If there is a next document (S211: Y), the CPU 251 notifies the CPU 301 that there is a next document (S240). That is, the CPU 251 transmits a notification of the presence or absence of a next document (document present) to the CPU 301. After that, the CPU 251 performs the process from S201 onwards for the next document.

[0079] If there is no next document (S211: N), CPU 251 notifies CPU 301 that there is no next document (S212). That is, CPU 251 transmits a notification of the presence or absence of a next document (no document) to CPU 301. After that, since the reading process of all documents on paper feed tray 30 has been completed, CPU 251 stops document transport after the transport of the final document has been completed (S213) and ends the image reading process.

[0080] If streak pixels are detected (S206: Y), CPU 251 causes image processing unit 261 to generate a resultant image that has been subjected to streak correction and store the resultant image in image memory 260 (S220). CPU 251 generates preview images of the resultant image that has not been subjected to streak correction generated in the process of S205 and the resultant image that has been subjected to streak correction generated in the process of S220 (S221).

[0081] The CPU 251 that has generated the preview image notifies the CPU 301 that there are two types of images in the multiple image output (S222). That is, the CPU 251 transmits an image reading response (multiple image output; 2) to the CPU 301. The CPU 251 waits for an image output request of the preview image from the CPU 301 (S223: N). When the image output request of the preview image is acquired (S223: Y), the CPU 251 outputs the image data of one preview image in a preset order, and further notifies the image output response to the CPU 301 (S224). The CPU 251 checks whether or not all the preview images have been output (S225). If they have not been output (S225: N), the CPU 251 returns to the process of S223 and outputs the remaining preview images.

[0082] When all preview images have been output (S225: Y), CPU 251 waits (S226: N) until it receives an image output request for the resultant image from CPU 301. When it receives an image output request for the resultant image (S226: Y), CPU 251 checks the contents of the image output request for the resultant image and determines whether the requested image is an image that has been corrected for streaks or an image that has not been corrected for streaks (S227).

[0083] If an image that has undergone streak correction is requested (S227:Y), CPU251 outputs the resultant image that has undergone streak correction generated in the process of S220 as described above, and also notifies CPU301 of an image output response (S228).If an image that has not undergone streak correction is requested (S227:N), CPU251 outputs the resultant image that has not undergone streak correction generated in the process of S205 as described above, and also notifies CPU301 of an image output response (S230).

[0084] In this case, since multiple images are output, the number of result images to be output varies depending on the contents of the output image selection by the user. For this purpose, the CPU 251 checks whether an image reception completion notice has been received from the CPU 301 (S229). If not (S229: N), the CPU 251 checks whether an image output request for the result images has been received from the CPU 301 (S231). If it has been received (S231: Y), the CPU 251 performs the process from S227 onwards. If it has not been received (S231: N), the CPU 251 returns to the process of S229 and repeats the process until it receives either an image reception completion notice or an image output request. If it has been received (S229: Y), the CPU 251 performs the process from S211 onwards since the reading process of one document in the case of multiple image output has been completed up to this point, and thereafter performs the same process as in the case of single image output. With the above, the image reading process of the reader 200 in the case of reading a document image in one job by skimming ends.

[0085] The image reading device 1000 of this embodiment can select either or both of a result image with streak correction and a result image without streak correction by selecting an output image, and in this case, the job may be canceled without output. The image reading device 1000 may be configured to display a screen that prompts the user to clean the reader 200 after canceling a job. In such a configuration, for example, if the image (content) on the document has been damaged by streak correction, a user who does not want either a result image with streak correction or a result image without streak correction can cancel the job and clean the reader 200.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a view showing an example of an output image selection screen displayed on the display of the operation unit 304. As shown in Fig. 10(a), a "Cancel" button is provided on the output image selection screen displaying a preview image. When the user presses the "Cancel" button, the screen shown in Fig. 10(b) is displayed. This screen prompts the user to clean areas where dirt that causes streaky pixels is expected to adhere.

[0087] In this embodiment, the output image selection is accepted from the user every time a sheet of the document is read, but it may be possible to accept only one output image selection per job. For example, if dust is attached to the flow reading glass 201, stripe pixels will always occur in the same position unless the dust is removed. In such a case, the output image selection is accepted using a preview image generated from the scanned image of the first document, and the contents are applied to the next document and thereafter, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to select an output image for each document.

[0088] In this embodiment, the output image selection is always accepted from the user, but an output mode may be set in which the output image selection is not accepted and only either an image that has been streak-corrected or an image that has not been streak-corrected is always output. By making it possible to switch between this mode and a mode in which the output image selection is accepted from the user, it is possible to reduce the effort required for a user who always requests an image that has been streak-corrected (or an image that has not been streak-corrected) to select an output image.

[0089] Fig. 11 is a view showing an example of a mode setting screen displayed on the display of the operation unit 304. Fig. 11(a) shows an example of a top page screen of the device setting registration screen. A "scan specification setting" button is selected from the top page screen to display a setting screen related to document reading. Selection of the "scan specification setting" button displays a scan specification setting screen shown in Fig. 11(b). Selection of the "streak correction" button from the scan specification setting screen displays a streak correction setting screen shown in Fig. 11(c) for setting each specification related to streak correction.

[0090] In the streak correction setting screen, it is set whether or not to enable output image selection. When the user wants to enable output image selection, the user sets the output image selection mode to "enabled" as shown in FIG. 11(c). When the user wants to disable output image selection, that is, when always setting the streak correction function to be enabled or disabled, the user sets the output image selection mode to "disabled" and then sets whether or not to enable the streak correction function. For example, when the output image selection is set to "disabled" and the streak correction function is set to "enabled," output image selection is not accepted and only images that have been streak corrected are always output.

[0091] The image reading device 1000 of this embodiment is configured to perform image processing on one read image read by flow reading and output multiple resultant images, but is not limited to this. For example, in the case of fixed reading, the image reading device 1000 can obtain two read images by reading an original while moving the reading unit 202 in the direction of the arrow A and reading while moving the reading unit 202 in the opposite direction to the arrow A. The image reading device 1000 obtains two read images by reading an original twice by moving the reading unit 202 back and forth in the direction of the arrow A in one job, and can output multiple images by performing image processing on each read image.

[0092] Second embodiment The configurations of the image reading device 1000 and the control system of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted. The image reading device 1000 is configured so that the reading resolution can be set. The optimal reading resolution for a user varies depending on the purpose of the read image, and it is difficult for the image reading device 1000 to determine it.

[0093] For example, when a resultant image obtained from the image reading device 1000 is imported into OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software on a computer, it is preferable that the resultant image has a high resolution, since this affects the accuracy of the OCR. On the other hand, image data of a high-resolution image has a large data size, and therefore uses a large amount of storage capacity of a recording device when saved. Therefore, when saving image data of a large number of resultant images, an image with a low resolution is preferable. Also, there are cases where both high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data are required. For this reason, in the second embodiment, it is possible to select output of high-resolution image data and low-resolution image data of resultant images.

[0094] The CPU 301 of the controller 300 acquires instructions from the user via the operation unit 304. Such instructions include an instruction to start image reading as described above. The image reading start instruction of the second embodiment includes information specifying the reading resolution. In the second embodiment, the reading resolution is set to two types, 600 [dpi] and 300 [dpi], in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

[0095] The resolution in the main scanning direction can be set to two types of resolution, 600 [dpi] and 300 [dpi], by switching the processing contents when image processing is performed by the resolution conversion unit 264. The resolution in the sub-scanning direction can be set to two different resolutions, 600 [dpi] and 300 [dpi], by switching the image reading speed. That is, in the case of fixed reading, the moving speed (scanning speed) of the reading unit 202 in the direction of the arrow A is selected from two different speeds. At the fast scanning speed, an image with 300 [dpi] is obtained, and at the slow scanning speed, an image with 600 [dpi] is obtained. In the case of skimming reading, the conveying speed of the document is selected from two different speeds. At the fast conveying speed, an image with 300 [dpi] is obtained, and at the slow conveying speed, an image with 600 [dpi] is obtained.

[0096] The resolution conversion unit 264 included in the image processing unit 261 of the reader 200 converts the resolution of the read image in the process of generating the result image, in addition to generating the preview image. Conversion from high resolution to low resolution (here, 600 [dpi] → 300 [dpi]) is performed, for example, by thinning and averaging pixels in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, as in the generation of the preview image. At this time, it is also possible to convert the resolution in only one of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, while maintaining the resolution in the other direction. Conversion from low resolution to high resolution (here, 300 [dpi] → 600 [dpi]) can be achieved, for example, by using linear interpolation, etc.

[0097] The preview image displayed on the display of the operation unit 304 can be enlarged by operating the operation unit 304. By providing such a function, the user can check the preview image in more detail.

[0098] Fig. 12 is an example of a screen for accepting output screen selection. When an output screen selection is accepted, as shown in Fig. 12(a), two types of preview images are displayed on the display of the operation unit 304. A high-resolution (600 dpi in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction) preview image (hereinafter referred to as "high-resolution image") is displayed on the left side. A low-resolution (300 dpi in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction) preview image (hereinafter referred to as "low-resolution image") is displayed on the right side.

[0099] When the user performs a magnifying operation on any of the preview images on the screen of FIG. 12(a), the preview image is enlarged. When a touch panel is used, the magnifying operation is, for example, a so-called pinch-out operation in which two fingers are pressed apart. FIG. 12(b) illustrates an example of an enlarged image when a high-resolution image is enlarged. FIG. 12(c) illustrates an example of an enlarged image when a low-resolution image is enlarged. By enlarging the images, the difference in the images due to the difference in resolution, which was difficult to confirm on the screen of FIG. 12(a), becomes clear. The enlarged image allows the user to appropriately select an image that he or she wishes to output. The user can desire to output at least one of a high-resolution image and a low-resolution image.

[0100] 13 is a flowchart showing an image reading process for reading an original image in one job by skimming. This process is performed by the controller 300.

[0101] The CPU 301 of the controller 300 acquires an image reading start instruction and waits until it receives an image reading response transmitted from the CPU 251 of the reader 200 (S301, S302: N), similar to the processes of S101 and S102 in FIG. 8. When the image reading response is received (S302: Y), the CPU 301 performs the same processes as the processes of S110 to S115 in FIG. 8, and waits for input of an output image selection (S303 to S308). The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that there is no single image output, and multiple images are always output. Also, in the second embodiment, two types of output images, high resolution images and low resolution images, can be output by multiple image output.

[0102] When an output image selection is input (S308: Y), the CPU 301 judges whether or not a high-resolution image is selected based on the contents of the output image selection (S309). The contents of the output image selection include whether both a high-resolution image and a low-resolution image, or a high-resolution image or a low-resolution image is selected.

[0103] If a high-resolution image is selected (S309: Y), CPU 301 transmits an image output request for the high-resolution result image to CPU 251 (S310). After that, CPU 301 acquires image data of the high-resolution result image and performs output processing of the result image by the same processes as S105 and S106 in FIG. 8 (S311, S312).

[0104] If a low-resolution image is selected (S309: N, S313: Y), CPU 301 transmits an image output request for the low-resolution result image to CPU 251 (S314). After that, CPU 301 obtains image data for the low-resolution result image and performs output processing for the result image by the same processes as those of S105 and S106 in FIG. 8 (S315 and S316).

[0105] Thereafter, the CPU 301 completes the image reading process by carrying out the same processes as those in S107 to S109 in FIG. 8 (S317 to S319).

[0106] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an image reading process for reading an original image in one job by skimming. This process is performed by the reader 200. The process in Fig. 13 and the process in Fig. 14 are performed in parallel.

[0107] The CPU 251 of the reader 200 stores the read image in the image memory 260 by the same processes as S201 to S203 in Fig. 9 (S401 to S403). However, in the second embodiment, the document transport speed is a transport speed for a resolution of 600 [dpi] in the sub-scanning direction, and the document image is read at high resolution.

[0108] The CPU 251 generates a high-resolution image from the read image stored in the image memory 260, and stores the image in the image memory 260 (S404). The high-resolution image is an image with a resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction that is obtained by not performing resolution conversion by the resolution conversion unit 264 during the process of generating a resultant image by the image processing unit 261.

[0109] The CPU 251 generates a low-resolution image from the scanned image stored in the image memory 260 in the process of S403, and stores the image in the image memory 260 (S405). Here, the low-resolution image is an image with a resolution of 300 [dpi] in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction obtained by performing resolution conversion by the resolution conversion unit 264 in the process of generating a resultant image by the image processing unit 261.

[0110] CPU 251 generates respective preview images from the high resolution image and the low resolution image stored in image memory 260 by the above-mentioned method (S406). After generating the preview image, CPU 251 waits until it receives an image output request for the resultant image from CPU 301 by processing similar to the processing of S222 to S226 in Fig. 9 (S407 to S411). When it receives an image output request for the resultant image from CPU 301 of controller 300 (S411: Y), CPU 251 checks the contents of the image output request for the resultant image and determines whether the requested image is a high resolution image or a low resolution image (S412).

[0111] If a high resolution image is requested (S412:Y), CPU 251 outputs the high resolution image stored in image memory 260 by the above method, and further notifies CPU 301 of controller 300 of the image output response (S413). If a low resolution image is requested (S412:N), CPU 251 outputs the low resolution image stored in image memory 260 by the above method, and further notifies CPU 301 of controller 300 of the image output response (S420).

[0112] Thereafter, the CPU 251 performs the same processes as S229 and S231 in Fig. 9 (S414, S421). The processes from S415 onwards are the same as the processes from S211 onwards in Fig. 9 (S415 to S417, S430).

[0113] As described above, the image reading device 1000 of the first and second embodiments can output an image that has undergone image processing and an image that has not undergone image processing. In the first embodiment, streak correction is performed as the image processing, and in the second embodiment, resolution conversion is performed as the image processing, but the image processing may be other processing. In addition, it may be a combination of two or more image processing. The image reading device 1000 outputs at least one of an image that has undergone image processing and an image that has not undergone image processing based on an instruction from a user. Even if the image reading device 1000 cannot determine which image or both images are the image that the user desires, it outputs an image that is preferable to the user according to the user's input. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user's trouble of re-reading the document or deleting unnecessary output images. In this way, the deterioration of usability is suppressed.

Claims

1. a reading means for reading an original and generating a read image; an image processing means for performing image processing on the read image; A receiving means for receiving an instruction for an output image; A display means; a control means; When the document is read by the reading means, the display means displays a first read image that has not been subjected to the image processing and a second read image that has been subjected to the image processing, The control unit outputs at least one of the first scanned image and the second scanned image instructed by the accepting unit as an output image. Image reading device.

2. The image processing means is characterized in that it generates and stores the first read image and the second read image in a single reading operation by the reading means.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. the image processing means generates thumbnail images of the first read image and the second read image, The display means displays each of the thumbnail images simultaneously on one screen.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

4. The accepting means accepts an enlargement operation on the thumbnail image, The display means displays the enlarged thumbnail image.

4. The image reading device according to claim 3.

5. The display means displays the type of processing performed by the image processing means for each of the thumbnail images.

4. The image reading device according to claim 3.

6. The display means displays a resolution for each of the thumbnail images.

6. The image reading device according to claim 5.

7. The control means does not output an image that is not instructed by the reception means.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

8. The receiving means receives an instruction for an output image for a scanned image of a first document of one job, the control means outputs at least one of the first read image and the second read image instructed by the receiving means as an output image for the read image of the first document; the control means applies the content instructed by the receiving means for the read image of the first document to the read images of the next document and thereafter, and outputs at least one of the first read image and the second read image as an output image.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

9. The image processing means detects whether or not there is a streak image in the read image, and when there is a streak image in the read image, generates the first read image in which the processing for erasing the streak image has not been performed on the read image, and the second read image in which the processing for erasing the streak image has been performed on the read image.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

10. The control means is characterized in that, when there is no streak image in the read image, the read image is output as an output image.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

Images