Medium transporting device, image processing system, medium transporting method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium transporting device, an image processing system, a medium transporting method, and a control program, capable of improving user convenience.SOLUTION: A medium transporting device includes: a setting section that sets setting information regarding imaging processing or image processing specified by a user; a transport section that transports a plurality of media sequentially; an imaging section that images media transported sequentially by the transport section to generate an input image; a determination section that determines whether the setting information is applicable to a medium included in the input image, on the basis of the input image; a control section that temporarily stops the subsequent transport of media if it is determined that the setting information is not applicable to a medium included in the input image; and a notification section that notifies a user of information regarding determination results, if it is determined that the setting information is not applicable to a medium included in the input image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveying device, an image processing system, a medium conveying method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, media conveying devices such as scanners that sequentially convey a plurality of media and capture images to generate images are used to capture images of various types of media in various applications. The image quality required of a media conveying device varies depending on the application or the type of medium to be read. In general, a media conveying device is provided so that various setting information related to the imaging process or image processing of a medium, such as resolution or color, can be set in order to generate an appropriate image according to the application or the type of medium. However, if incorrect setting information is set, a user needs to remove a medium whose image has been generated according to the incorrect setting information from among the plurality of media whose conveyance and imaging have been completed, and re-convey and re-image the medium.

[0003] An image reading device has been disclosed that inputs and registers a reading mode for a document on a page-by-page basis before starting to read the document, and reads the document in the reading mode for the corresponding page (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3359079 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for medium conveying devices that provide improved convenience for users.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium conveying device, an image processing system, a medium conveying method, and a control program that can improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media transporting device according to one aspect of the present invention has a setting unit that sets setting information related to an imaging process or image processing specified by a user, a transporting unit that transports multiple media in sequence, an imaging unit that images the media transported in sequence by the transporting unit to generate an input image, a determination unit that determines whether the setting information is suitable for the media included in the input image based on the input image, a control unit that temporarily stops transporting subsequent media if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the media included in the input image, and a notification unit that notifies the user of information regarding the determination result if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the media included in the input image.

[0008] An image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing system having a media conveying device and an information processing device, wherein either the media conveying device or the information processing device has a setting unit that sets setting information related to an imaging process or image processing specified by a user, the media conveying device has a conveying unit that sequentially conveys multiple media and an imaging unit that images the media sequentially conveyed by the conveying unit to generate an input image, either the media conveying device or the information processing device has a determination unit that determines whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image based on the input image, the media conveying device has a control unit that temporarily stops conveying subsequent media if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image, and either the media conveying device or the information processing device has a notification unit that notifies the user of information related to the determination result if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image.

[0009] A media transport method according to one aspect of the present invention sets setting information regarding an imaging process or image processing specified by a user, transports multiple media sequentially by a transport unit, images the media transported sequentially by the transport unit by an imaging unit to generate an input image, and determines based on the input image whether the setting information is suitable for the media included in the input image.If it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the media included in the input image, transport of subsequent media is temporarily halted, and if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the media included in the input image, the user is notified of information regarding the determination result.

[0010] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer control program that causes the computer to set setting information related to an imaging process or image processing specified by a user, and determine whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image based on an input image generated by imaging the media transported sequentially, and if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image, temporarily stop transporting subsequent media, and if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image, notify the user of information related to the determination result. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the medium conveying device, the image processing system, the medium conveying method, and the control program can improve user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the data structure of a result table. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining setting information. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first storage device 130 and a first processing circuit 140. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device 200. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of first notification data 1100. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of second notification data 1200. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another first processing circuit 340. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device 410 and a second processing circuit 420. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another second processing circuit 520. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, a medium conveying device, an image processing system, a medium conveying method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] 1, the image processing system 1 includes one or more medium conveying devices 100 and one or more information processing devices 200. The medium conveying devices 100 and the information processing devices 200 are communicatively connected to each other via a network N. The network N may be the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0016] The medium conveying device 100 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) type scanner device that captures an image of a medium, for example, a document, while conveying the medium. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, or the like. The medium includes various types of media, such as receipts, business cards, invoices, and delivery notes. The medium conveying device 100 may also be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like.

[0017] The information processing device 200 is a personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc. The information processing device 200 may be a server provided in a cloud network.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, an ejection table 104, a first input device 105, a first display device 106, and the like.

[0020] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is jammed or when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is cleaned.

[0021] The placement stage 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed thereon. The discharge stage 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that it can hold the medium discharged from the discharge port.

[0022] The first input device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the user's input operation. The first display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0023] 2, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction and the width direction. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0025] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, a second medium sensor 116, an imaging device 117, a third transport roller 118, and a fourth transport roller 119. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and each roller may have a plurality of rollers. In this case, each roller is arranged at intervals in the width direction A2. The feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the third transport roller 118, and the fourth transport roller 119 are an example of a transport unit, and transport a plurality of media sequentially.

[0026] The medium conveying device 100 has a so-called straight path. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 107a of the medium conveying path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 107b of the medium conveying path.

[0027] The first medium sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the first medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.

[0028] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and feeds the media placed on the placement table 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed opposite the feed roller 112. The feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function as a separation unit that separates the media.

[0029] The first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 and facing each other, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 117.

[0030] The second medium sensor 116 is disposed downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 117, and detects a medium transported to that position. The second medium sensor 116 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium transport path (for example, the lower housing 101), and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path (for example, the upper housing 102). The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and irradiates light toward the medium transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present at a position facing the second medium sensor 116, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and therefore the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 116, based on the intensity of the received light.

[0031] A reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 116 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0032] The imaging device 117 is an example of an imaging section. The imaging device 117 is disposed downstream of the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 and upstream of the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119. The imaging device 117 includes a first imaging device 117a and a second imaging device 117b. The first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b are disposed near the medium conveying path and facing each other across the conveying path.

[0033] The first imaging device 117a has a light source and a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging elements. The first imaging device 117a captures the surface of the medium transported sequentially by the transport unit to generate and output an input image.

[0034] Similarly, the second imaging device 117b has a light source and a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 117b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 117b captures the back side of the media conveyed in sequence by the conveying unit to generate and output an input image.

[0035] The medium conveying device 100 may be arranged with only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0036] The first imaging device 117a also has a backing provided at a position facing the line sensor of the second imaging device 117b across the medium transport path. The second imaging device 117b has a backing provided at a position facing the line sensor of the first imaging device 117a across the medium transport path. Each backing has a facing surface facing each line sensor. The facing surface of each backing has, for example, a white color, and each backing functions as a white reference member for correcting an image such as shading based on an image signal captured by the facing surface. Each backing is provided so as to be movable between a facing position where each facing surface faces each line sensor and a non-facing position where each facing surface is out of the facing position. The backing is included in a background area where no medium is present in an image generated with the backing placed at the facing position, and the pixels in that area have a white color. On the other hand, the background area in an image generated with the backing placed at the non-facing position includes the bottom surface (wall) of each imaging device, and the pixels in that area have a black color.

[0037] The third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 are disposed facing each other downstream of the imaging device 117 and discharge the medium conveyed by the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0038] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b in the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of the arrow A4 in Fig. 3. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of the arrow A5 in Fig. 3 or stops when transporting the medium. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that is in contact with the feed roller 112. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0039] The medium is fed between the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b as the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of the arrows A6 and A7 in Fig. 3, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 117 is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 as the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 rotate in the directions of the arrows A8 and A9 in Fig. 3, respectively.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0041] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 121, a first communication device 122, a first storage device 130, a first processing circuit 140, and the like.

[0042] The motor 121 includes one or more motors. The motor 121 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118, and the fourth conveyor roller 119 in response to a control signal from the first processing circuit 140 to convey the medium. Note that one of the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller. Also, one of the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller.

[0043] The first communication device 122 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a communication protocol such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The first communication device 122 can communicate with the information processing device 200, and according to an instruction from the first processing circuit 140, communicates with the information processing device 200 to transmit and receive various images and information. The first communication device 122 may have a wired communication interface circuit according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), and may be connected to the information processing device 200 via a network. The first communication device 122 may also have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and may be connected to the information processing device 200 via a wired cable such as a USB cable.

[0044] The first storage device 130 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The first storage device 130 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used in various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the first storage device 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like. The computer programs may be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the first storage device 130. The first storage device 130 also stores a result table as data. The result table will be described in detail later.

[0045] The first processing circuit 140 operates based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 130. The first processing circuit 140 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the first processing circuit 140, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used.

[0046] The first processing circuit 140 is connected to the first input device 105, the first display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 116, the imaging device 117, the motor 121, the first communication device 122, the first storage device 130, and the like, and controls each of these components. The first processing circuit 140 sets setting information related to imaging processing or image processing designated by a user via the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122. The first processing circuit 140 performs drive control of the motor 121, imaging control of the imaging device 117, and the like according to the set setting information, and acquires an input image. In addition, the first processing circuit 140 determines whether the setting information is compatible with the medium included in the input image, and if it is determined that the setting information is not compatible, temporarily stops the subsequent transport of the medium.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the data structure of the result table.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the result table stores, for each medium transported by the medium transport device 100, a medium number, an input image, a processed image, and a judgment result, etc., in association with each other. The medium number is a number for identifying the medium being transported, and indicates the order in which each medium was transported among a group of media that are placed together on the mounting table 103 and transported sequentially. The input image is an image of the medium captured in accordance with the setting information. The processed image is an image generated by performing image processing on the input image in accordance with the setting information. The judgment result is a result of judging whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image, and indicates suitability or insuitability. The items corresponding to each medium in the result table are initialized at the start of the medium reading process, and are added or updated each time a medium is transported.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the setting information.

[0050] 6, the setting information is information related to imaging processing or image processing, and is information for defining the operation of the medium conveying device 100 when imaging a medium or the content of image processing to be executed on the captured image, etc. Items defined by the setting information include resolution, medium size, color, background color, etc.

[0051] The resolution, medium size, color, background color, etc. are settings related to the imaging process. The resolution, medium size, color, etc. are settings related to the image processing.

[0052] The resolution is a setting of the resolution of the image to be generated, and the resolution setting value is set to 150 dpi (Dots Per Inch), 200 dpi, 300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi, etc. The medium conveying device 100 can generate an image having the set resolution by setting the medium conveying speed in the imaging process, the imaging timing (time interval) of the imaging device 117, the position of the imaging element in the line sensor to be used for imaging, etc. The medium conveying device 100 can also generate an image having the set resolution by executing thinning or interpolation of the image generated in the imaging process in the image processing.

[0053] The medium size is a setting of the size of the medium included in the generated image, and business card size, letter size, A4 size, A3 size, etc. are set as the setting value of the medium size. The medium conveying device 100 can generate an image including a medium of the set medium size by setting the imaging end timing of the imaging device 117 in the imaging process, the position of the imaging element located in the line sensor to capture the image, etc. Also, the medium conveying device 100 can generate an image including a medium of the set medium size by cropping the image generated in the imaging process in the image processing.

[0054] The color is a setting for the color of the image to be generated, and binary, grayscale, color, etc. are set as color setting values. The medium conveying device 100 can change the color of the image to be generated by setting the color of light to be irradiated by the light source of the imaging device 117 in the imaging process, the gradation range to be converted by the A / D converter, etc. In addition, the medium conveying device 100 can change the color of the image to be generated by performing grayscale conversion or binarization, etc., of the color image generated in the imaging process in the image processing.

[0055] The background color is a setting of the color of the parts other than the medium in the generated image, and the setting value of the background color is set to white, black, etc. The medium conveying device 100 can change the background color in the generated image by switching the backing position (facing position / non-facing position) of the imaging device 117 in the imaging process.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first storage device 130 and the first processing circuit 140. As shown in FIG.

[0057] 7, the first storage device 130 stores a control program 131, a setting program 132, a determination program 133, a specification program 134, an acquisition program 135, a notification program 136, and a reception program 137. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The first processing circuit 140 reads each program stored in the first storage device 130 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 141, a setting unit 142, a determination unit 143, a specification unit 144, an acquisition unit 145, a notification unit 146, and a reception unit 147.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0059] The information processing device 200 includes a second input device 201, a second display device 202, a second communication device 203, a second storage device 210, and a second processing circuit 220.

[0060] The second input device 201 has an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, and outputs to the second processing circuit 220 a signal according to an operation by the user.

[0061] The second display device 202 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays various types of information on the display according to instructions from the second processing circuit 220.

[0062] The second communication device 203 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as wireless LAN. The second communication device 203 is capable of communicating with the medium conveying device 100, and communicates with the medium conveying device 100 to transmit and receive various images and information according to instructions from the second processing circuit 220. The second communication device 203 may have a wired communication interface circuit according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, and may be connected to the medium conveying device 100 via a network. The first communication device 122 may have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and may be connected to the medium conveying device 100 via a wired cable such as a USB cable.

[0063] The second storage device 210 includes a memory device such as a RAM or a ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The second storage device 210 stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 200. The computer programs may be installed in the second storage device 210 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM using a known setup program or the like. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the second storage device 210.

[0064] The second processing circuit 220 operates based on a program previously stored in the second storage device 210. The second processing circuit 220 is, for example, a CPU. Note that the second processing circuit 220 may be, for example, a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like.

[0065] The second processing circuit 220 is connected to the second input device 201, the second display device 202, the second communication device 203, the second storage device 210, etc., and controls each of these components. The second processing circuit 220 controls data transmission and reception with the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203, controls input of the second input device 201, controls display of the second display device 202, etc.

[0066] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process.

[0067] 9 and 10, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the first processing circuit 140 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 130.

[0068] First, the control unit 141 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 and receives an operation signal instructing to read a medium from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 (step S101). The operation signal includes setting information related to imaging processing or image processing specified by the user using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 together with the instruction to read.

[0069] Next, the setting unit 142 acquires setting information included in the operation signal, and sets the setting information in the imaging device 117, the motor 121, and the like so that an input image is generated according to the settings indicated in the acquired setting information (step S102). Note that the setting information may not be specified together with the read instruction, but may be set in advance before the read instruction is input and stored in the first storage device 130. In that case, the setting unit 142 acquires the setting information by reading it from the first storage device 130. The control unit 141 also sets (initializes) the medium number of the medium to be transported to 1.

[0070] Next, control unit 141 waits until a medium is placed on mounting table 103 (step S103). Control unit 141 acquires a first medium signal from first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal.

[0071] Next, the control unit 141 drives the motor 121 to rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118 and / or the fourth conveyor roller 119 (step S104). In this way, the control unit 141 feeds and conveys the medium placed on the placement table 103. The control unit 141 controls the motor 121 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102, in particular so that the motor 121 rotates at a speed at which an image with a resolution specified by the setting information can be generated.

[0072] Next, the control unit 141 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117, generates a processed image based on the acquired input image, and outputs the processed image by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122 (step S105).

[0073] The control unit 141 determines, for example, whether the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 based on the second medium signal received from the second medium sensor 116. The control unit 141 periodically acquires the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116, and determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium is not present to a value indicating that the medium is present. The control unit 141 causes the imaging device 117 to start imaging when the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The control unit 141 controls the imaging device 117 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102.

[0074] Thereafter, the control unit 141 causes the imaging device 117 to end imaging when the medium has been transported by an amount equal to the medium size indicated in the setting information acquired in step S102 plus a margin. The control unit 141 may also cause the imaging device 117 to end imaging when the trailing end of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 117. For example, the control unit 141 determines whether the trailing end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 based on the second medium signal received from the second medium sensor 116. The control unit 141 periodically acquires the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116, and determines that the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium is present to a value indicating that the medium is not present. The control unit 141 determines that the trailing end of the medium has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 117 when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing end of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The first predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 116 to the imaging position.

[0075] The control unit 141 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 every time the imaging device 117 generates a predetermined number of lines of input images, and synthesizes the input images when the imaging device 117 ends imaging. The control unit 141 may acquire all lines of input images at once when the imaging device 117 ends imaging. The control unit 141 performs image processing on the input image to generate a processed image according to the setting information acquired in step S102. If it is not necessary to perform image processing, the control unit 141 sets the input image itself as the processed image. The processed image is an example of an image based on the input image. The control unit 141 stores the medium number of the transported medium, the acquired input image, and the generated processed image in a result table in association with each other.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 141 transmits the processed image together with the medium number to the information processing device 200. The second processing circuit 220 of the information processing device 200 receives the processed image and the medium number from the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203, and stores the received processed image and the medium number in the second storage device 210 in association with each other.

[0077] Next, the determination unit 143 determines whether or not the setting information set by the user matches the medium (feature of the input image) included in the input image, based on the input image (step S106).

[0078] For example, the determination unit 143 detects characters from the input image using a known OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technique. If the ratio of the number of characters whose pixel count is less than the pixel count threshold to the number of all detected characters is equal to or greater than the character count ratio threshold, the determination unit 143 determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image. The pixel count threshold and the character count ratio threshold are set in advance.

[0079] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image based on the character size (points) of each detected character on the medium. In this case, the resolution condition for imaging each character size is set in advance in the first storage device 130 for each character size. For example, the resolution condition is set to 400 dpi or more when the character size is less than 8 points. The resolution condition is set to 300 dpi or more when the character size is 8 points or more and 10 points or less. The resolution condition is set to 200 dpi or more when the character size is more than 10 points. The determination unit 143 specifies the character size from the number of pixels of each detected character and the resolution included in the setting information, and determines whether the resolution indicated in the setting information satisfies the resolution condition of the specified character size. The determination unit 143 determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image when the ratio of the number of characters whose resolution indicated in the setting information does not satisfy the resolution condition of the character size to the number of all detected characters is equal to or more than the character number ratio threshold.

[0080] Furthermore, the determination unit 143 determines whether the input image includes image data other than text or ruled lines. If the degree of variation in the gradation values ​​of each pixel in the input image is equal to or greater than the variation threshold, the determination unit 143 determines that the input image includes image data other than text or ruled lines. The gradation values ​​are brightness values, color values, etc. The degree of variation is variance, standard deviation, etc. On the other hand, if the degree of variation in the gradation values ​​of each pixel in the input image is less than the variation threshold, the determination unit 143 determines that the input image does not include image data other than text or ruled lines.

[0081] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the input image contains image data other than text or ruled lines by a classifier that has been trained in advance to output information indicating whether the image contains image data other than text or ruled lines when an image is input. This classifier is trained in advance using a plurality of images including various types of media, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in advance in the first storage device 130. The determination unit 143 inputs the input image to the classifier and determines whether the input image contains image data other than text or ruled lines based on the information output from the classifier.

[0082] When the determination unit 143 determines that the input image contains image data other than text or lines and the resolution indicated in the setting information is equal to or lower than a predetermined first resolution threshold (e.g., 200 dpi, etc.), it determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium contained in the input image. On the other hand, when the determination unit 143 determines that the input image does not contain image data other than text or lines and the resolution indicated in the setting information is equal to or higher than a predetermined second resolution threshold (e.g., 600 dpi, etc.), it determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium contained in the input image.

[0083] Furthermore, when the determination unit 143 determines that the input image contains image data other than text or lines and the color indicated in the setting information is binary, it determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium contained in the input image. On the other hand, when the determination unit 143 determines that the input image does not contain image data other than text or lines and the color indicated in the setting information is color, it determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium contained in the input image.

[0084] Furthermore, the determination unit 143 detects edge pixels from the input image using a known image processing technique, and detects the largest area surrounded by the edge pixels as the medium area. The determination unit 143 calculates the size of the medium included in the input image from the number of pixels included in the detected medium area and the resolution at which the input image was generated. If the calculated size does not match the medium size indicated in the setting information, the determination unit 143 determines that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image. Furthermore, if the medium area detected in the input image overlaps with the bottom edge of the input image, the determination unit 143 determines that the input image generated according to the setting information does not include the entire medium, and that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image.

[0085] In addition, the determination unit 143 extracts pixels having gradation values ​​in a range that is considered to be show-through in an input image in which one side of the medium is captured as candidate pixels. The determination unit 143 extracts pixels having luminance values ​​equal to or lower than a predetermined luminance threshold (pixels close to black) as low-luminance pixels in an input image in which the other side of the medium is captured. The determination unit 143 determines that show-through of the medium has occurred when the ratio of the number of low-luminance pixels extracted at positions corresponding to the candidate pixels to the number of extracted candidate pixels is equal to or higher than a predetermined low-luminance pixel ratio threshold. When the determination unit 143 determines that show-through of the medium has occurred and the background color indicated in the setting information is white, it determines that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image.

[0086] The determination unit 143 stores the determination result in a result table in association with the medium number of the transported medium, i.e., in association with the input image and the processed image based on the input image. If the determination unit 143 does not determine that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image, it determines that the setting information does match the medium included in the input image, and proceeds to step S116.

[0087] On the other hand, if the determination unit 143 determines that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image, the control unit 141 stops the motor 121, and stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118, and / or the fourth conveyor roller 119. As a result, the control unit 141 temporarily stops the conveyance of the medium thereafter (step S107).

[0088] The control unit 141 temporarily stops subsequent transport of the medium after the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the discharge outlet and before the trailing edge of the medium has passed the positions of the third transport roller 118 and the fourth transport roller 119. The control unit 141 determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the discharge outlet when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the leading edge of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The second predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 116 to the position of the discharge outlet. The control unit 141 also determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the positions of the third transport roller 118 and the fourth transport roller 119 when a third predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The third predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 116 to the positions of the third transport roller 118 and the fourth transport roller 119.

[0089] As a result, the medium is sandwiched between the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 in a state where a part of the medium is discharged from the discharge port. Therefore, the user can easily remove the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information from the discharge port without opening the upper housing 102. In addition, the user can reliably recognize the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information and keep it separate from other media. As a result, the user can easily re-convey and re-image only the medium that does not match the setting information, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve the user's convenience. Note that the control unit 141 may temporarily stop the conveyance of the medium after the rear end of the medium has passed the positions of the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119, that is, when the entire medium is discharged from the discharge port. In that case, the user recognizes the uppermost medium among the media placed on the discharge platform 104 as the medium that does not match the setting information.

[0090] Next, the identifying unit 144 identifies setting information suitable for the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible (step S108). The identifying unit 144 identifies setting information suitable for the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible in step S106 based on the determination result by the determining unit 143.

[0091] For example, if it is determined that the item of resolution is not suitable, the specifying unit 144 specifies setting information suitable for the medium for the item of resolution. If it is determined that the input image contains image data other than text or ruled lines, the specifying unit 144 specifies a resolution greater than a first resolution threshold (e.g., 200 dpi, etc.) as setting information suitable for the medium. In that case, the specifying unit 144 may specify the maximum resolution supported by the medium conveying device 100 as setting information suitable for the medium. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input image does not contain image data other than text or ruled lines, the specifying unit 144 specifies a resolution less than a second resolution threshold (e.g., 600 dpi, etc.) as setting information suitable for the medium. In that case, the specifying unit 144 may specify the minimum resolution supported by the medium conveying device 100 as setting information suitable for the medium.

[0092] Furthermore, if it is determined that the color item is not suitable, the specification unit 144 specifies setting information suitable for the medium for the color item. If it is determined that the input image contains image data other than text or lines, the specification unit 144 specifies color or grayscale as setting information suitable for the medium. On the other hand, if it is determined that the input image does not contain image data other than text or lines, the specification unit 144 specifies grayscale or binary as setting information suitable for the medium.

[0093] If the item of the medium size is determined to be incompatible, the identification unit 144 identifies setting information that is compatible with the medium for the item of the medium size. The identification unit 144 identifies the size of the medium calculated in step S106 as the setting information that is compatible with the medium.

[0094] Furthermore, if it is determined that the item of background color is not suitable, the specifying unit 144 specifies setting information suitable for the medium for the item of background color. If it is determined that show-through of the medium occurs, the specifying unit 144 specifies black as setting information suitable for the medium.

[0095] Next, the identifying unit 144 determines whether the setting information identified as the setting information suitable for the medium is supported by the medium conveying device 100 (step S109). If the identified setting information is supported by the medium conveying device 100, the identifying unit 144 moves the process to step S112 without performing any particular process.

[0096] On the other hand, if the specified setting information is not supported by the medium conveying device 100, the acquisition unit 145 acquires capability information indicating the capability of the other medium conveying devices or other software regarding the imaging process or image processing (step S110). The other medium conveying devices are medium conveying devices other than the medium conveying device 100 that are included in the image processing system 1, and the other software is software other than the software installed in the medium conveying device 100 that is included in the image processing system 1. The software is driver software or the like that causes the medium conveying device 100 to execute each process. The capability information indicates a function that the medium conveying device or software can handle (operation when imaging a medium or content of image processing to be executed on the imaged image) for each item specified in the setting information. The capability information of each medium conveying device or each software that the image processing system 1 has is stored in advance in the second storage device 210 of the information processing device 200 or the storage device of an external server device. The acquisition unit 145 acquires the capability information of each medium conveying device or each software by receiving it from the information processing device 200 or the external server device via the first communication device 122.

[0097] Next, the identifying unit 144 identifies, from among other medium conveying devices or other software, a medium conveying device or software having a capability compatible with the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information (step S111). The identifying unit 144 identifies a medium conveying device or software having capability information compatible with the setting information identified in step S108 as a medium conveying device or software having a capability compatible with the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information.

[0098] Next, the notification unit 146 generates first notification data for notifying the user that the setting information is not compatible with the transported medium. The notification unit 146 displays the generated first notification data on the first display device 106, or outputs it by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and notifies the user (step S112). When the information processing device 200 receives the first notification data from the medium transport device 100 via the second communication device 203, it displays the received first notification data on the second display device 202. The first notification data is an example of information on the determination result by the determination unit 143.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first notification data 1100. As shown in FIG.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 11, the first notification data 1100 includes summary information 1101, detailed information 1102, an image 1103, a resume button 1104, and an end button 1105. The summary information 1101 indicates the result of the determination by the determination unit 143, that is, the setting information set by the user is not suitable for the transported medium, and the recommendation to rescan the transported medium. The detailed information 1102 indicates the setting information set by the user, the medium number of the medium to which the setting information is not suitable, the recommended setting suitable for the medium, and the recommended device or software supporting the recommended setting suitable for the medium. The recommended setting is the specified information specified by the specification unit 144 as the setting information suitable for the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information. The recommended device or recommended software is the medium transport device or software specified by the specification unit 144 as the medium transport device or software having the ability to be suitable for the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information.

[0101] In this way, the notification unit 146 notifies the user of the specific information identified by the identification unit 144 as the setting information suitable for the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible. This allows the user to recognize the appropriate setting for the medium, and to re-transport and re-image the medium according to the setting. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0102] Furthermore, the notification unit 146 notifies information on a medium conveying device or software that has the capability to be compatible with the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information, among other medium conveying devices or other software. This allows the user to recognize the medium conveying device or software that can generate an image suitable for the conveyed medium, and to obtain the desired image using the medium conveying device or software. Thus, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0103] Image 1103 is an input image of the medium, or a processed image based on the input image. By viewing image 1103, the user can confirm the image of the transported medium captured or processed in accordance with the setting information, and can confirm the validity of the setting information. Resume button 1104 is a button for resuming transport of the medium. After removing the transported medium, the user can press resume button 1104 to resume transport and imaging of the remaining media in accordance with the currently set setting information. End button 1105 is a button for ending the medium reading process. By pressing end button 1105, the user can stop transport and imaging of the remaining media in accordance with the currently set setting information.

[0104] Next, the reception unit 147 waits until the user inputs an instruction to resume or end transport of the medium and imaging using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200, and the reception unit 147 receives a first instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 (step S113). When the user presses the Resume button 1104, the reception unit 147 receives a first instruction signal instructing to resume transport of the medium and imaging from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122. On the other hand, when the user presses the End button 1105, the reception unit 147 receives a first instruction signal instructing to end transport of the medium and imaging from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122.

[0105] When the reception unit 147 receives the first instruction signal, it determines whether the first instruction signal instructs to resume transporting the medium and capturing an image or to end transporting the medium and capturing an image (step S114). If the first instruction signal instructs to end transporting the medium and capturing an image, the control unit 141 ends the medium reading process without transporting the remaining medium.

[0106] On the other hand, if an instruction to resume transport of the medium and imaging has been issued, the control unit 141 re-drives the motor 121 to re-rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the third transport roller 118 and / or the fourth transport roller 119. This causes the control unit 141 to feed and transport the remaining media placed on the placement table 103 (step S115).

[0107] Next, control unit 141 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from first medium sensor 111 (step S116). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 141 increments (+1) the medium number of the medium to be transported and sets the medium number of the next medium to be transported. Control unit 141 then returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S116.

[0108] On the other hand, if no media remain on the placement table 103, the control unit 141 stops the motor 121, and stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118, and the fourth conveyor roller 119 (step S117). This causes the control unit 141 to stop conveying the media.

[0109] Next, the control unit 141 determines whether or not there is a medium whose setting information is determined to be incompatible by the determination unit 143 in step S106 (step S118). If there is no medium whose setting information is determined to be incompatible, the control unit 141 ends the medium reading process.

[0110] On the other hand, if there is a medium determined to have incompatible setting information, the notification unit 146 generates second notification data for receiving an instruction as to whether or not to re-image the medium determined to have incompatible setting information. The notification unit 146 displays the generated second notification data on the first display device 106, or outputs the data by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and notifies the user (step S119). When the information processing device 200 receives the second notification data from the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203, the information processing device 200 displays the received second notification data on the second display device 202. The second notification data is an example of information related to the determination result by the determination unit 143.

[0111] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second notification data 1200. As shown in FIG.

[0112] 12, the second notification data 1200 includes summary information 1201, detailed information 1202, a setting change object 1203, a process designation object 1204, a process button 1205, and an end button 1206. The summary information 1201 indicates the result of the determination by the determination unit 143, i.e., that there is a medium to which the setting information set by the user does not match, and that rescanning of the transported medium is recommended. The detailed information 1202 indicates the setting information set by the user, etc. The setting change object 1203 is an object for accepting changes to the setting information by the user, and includes a box for inputting a setting value designated by the user for each item included in the setting information.

[0113] The process designation object 1204 is an object for accepting a designation by the user of a process for each medium for which the setting information does not match, and is displayed for each medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible in step S106. Each process designation object 1204 includes a re-image button 1207, a skip button 1208, a delete button 1209, a medium number 1210, an image 1211, and the like. The re-image button 1207 is a button for executing re-transport and re-image of the corresponding medium. By pressing the re-image button 1207, the user can execute re-transport and re-image of the corresponding medium according to the setting information designated by the setting change object 1203. The skip button 1208 is a button for skipping re-transport and re-image of the corresponding medium. By pressing the skip button 1208, the user can skip re-transport and re-image of the corresponding medium. The delete button 1209 is a button for deleting a processed image in which the corresponding medium has been imaged. A user can delete a processed image of the corresponding medium by pressing a delete button 1209. A medium number 1210 is the medium number of the corresponding medium. An image 1211 is an input image of the corresponding medium, or a processed image based on the input image. A user can check an image 1211 of the transported medium captured or processed in accordance with setting information, and can refer to it to decide whether or not to re-capture the medium.

[0114] Each process designation object 1204 is displayed in the order in which each medium was transported. This allows the medium transport device 100 to make the user aware of the need to re-mount the media to be re-transported and re-imaged on the mounting table 103 in the order in which they were originally transported. Therefore, the medium transport device 100 can transport the media to be re-transported and re-imaged in the order in which they were originally transported, and appropriately replace images generated with inappropriate settings with re-generated images. The notification unit 146 may display a screen in which images captured of each medium to be re-transported and re-imaged are arranged in the order in which they were originally transported, and explicitly request the user to re-mount the media on the mounting table 103 in that order.

[0115] The process button 1205 is a button for executing the process specified in each process specification object 1204. By pressing the process button 1205, the user can execute the process specified in the process specification object 1204 for each medium whose setting information does not match. The end button 1206 is a button for ending the medium reading process. By pressing the end button 1206, the user can end the medium reading process.

[0116] Next, the reception unit 147 waits until the user inputs a processing instruction or an end instruction using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 and receives a second instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 (step S120).

[0117] When the user presses the process button 1205, the reception unit 147 receives a second instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, which instructs processing for the medium whose setting information does not match. The second instruction signal which instructs processing for the medium whose setting information does not match includes the setting information input to the setting change object 1203. The second instruction signal which instructs processing for the medium whose setting information does not match includes the media number of the medium for which re-transport and re-imaging are to be performed, the media number of the medium for which re-transport and re-imaging are to be skipped, and / or the media number of the medium for which the corresponding processed image is to be deleted. The media number of the medium for which re-transport and re-imaging are to be performed is the media number of the medium corresponding to the process designation object 1204 for which the re-imaging button 1207 is pressed by the user. The media number of the medium for which re-transport and re-imaging are to be skipped is the media number of the medium corresponding to the process designation object 1204 for which the skip button 1208 is pressed by the user. The medium number of the medium from which the corresponding processing image is to be deleted is the medium number of the medium corresponding to the processing specification object 1204 for which the user has pressed the delete button 1209 .

[0118] On the other hand, when the user presses the end button 1206, the receiving unit 147 receives a second instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, which instructs the user to end the conveyance of the medium and the imaging.

[0119] In this way, the reception unit 147 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to re-image the medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information. This allows the user to re-image the medium to obtain an appropriate processed image when the medium does not match the setting information, and can save the user the trouble of re-imaging the medium when the setting information is OK. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0120] Furthermore, the receiving unit 147 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to delete the processed image including the medium determined to have incompatible setting information from the first storage device 130 and / or the second storage device 210 in which the processed image is stored. This allows the user to delete the processed image that was not generated according to the appropriate setting information, and prevents images that were not captured or processed appropriately from remaining. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0121] When the receiving unit 147 receives the second instruction signal, it determines whether the second instruction signal instructs processing of the medium for which the setting information does not match or instructs the end of medium transport and imaging (step S121). If the second instruction signal instructs the end of medium transport and imaging, the control unit 141 ends the medium reading process.

[0122] On the other hand, if the second instruction signal indicates processing for the medium for which the setting information does not match, the receiving unit 147 determines whether the second instruction signal indicates deletion of the processed image (step S122). If the second instruction signal does not indicate deletion of the processed image, the control unit 141 shifts the process to step S124 without executing any particular process.

[0123] On the other hand, if the second instruction signal indicates that the processed image is to be deleted, the control unit 141 deletes the input image and / or the processed image stored in association with the medium number of the medium specified in the result table to delete the corresponding processed image in the second instruction signal. The control unit 141 also transmits a deletion request signal requesting the deletion of the processed image to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122. The deletion request signal includes the medium number corresponding to the processed image to be deleted. When the second processing circuit 220 of the information processing device 200 receives the deletion request signal from the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203, it deletes the processed image associated with the medium number included in the deletion request signal from the second storage device 210 (step S123). As a result, if the media conveyed together include a medium that is not the target of processing, the user does not need to search for and delete the input image and / or the processed image of the medium from among the images of the media conveyed together. Therefore, the medium conveying device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0124] Next, the reception unit 147 determines whether or not the second instruction signal instructs re-transporting and re-imaging of the medium (step S124). If the second instruction signal does not instruct re-transporting and re-imaging of the medium, the control unit 141 does not execute any particular process and ends the medium reading process.

[0125] On the other hand, if the second instruction signal indicates that the medium should be re-conveyed and re-imaged, the control unit 141 returns the process to step S102 and executes the process from step S102 onward. In this case, the user re-mounts the medium designated to be re-conveyed and re-imaged on the mounting table 103. In step S102, the setting unit 142 acquires setting information included in the second instruction signal, and sets the setting information in the imaging device 117, the motor 121, and the like so that an input image is generated according to each setting indicated in the acquired setting information. In step S104, the control unit 141 controls the motor 121 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102. In step S105, the control unit 141 controls the imaging device 117 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102, and performs image processing on the input image according to the setting information acquired in step S102 to generate a processed image.

[0126] The control unit 141 refers to each medium number included in the second instruction signal and specifies the medium number of the medium, i.e., the medium number when the medium was first transported, based on the number of times the medium was re-transported. The control unit 141 replaces the input image and the processed image stored in the result table in association with the specified medium number with the newly acquired input image and the newly generated processed image. The control unit 141 also transmits the newly generated processed image and a replacement request signal requesting replacement of the processed image stored in the second storage device 210 with the newly generated processed image to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122. The replacement request signal includes the medium number corresponding to the processed image to be replaced. When the second processing circuit 220 of the information processing device 200 receives the replacement request signal from the medium transport device 100 via the second communication device 203, it replaces the processed image associated with the medium number included in the replacement request signal with the newly received processed image.

[0127] In this way, when the control unit 141 re-images a medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible and regenerates an input image, the control unit 141 replaces the processed image containing the medium with the regenerated processed image in the first storage device 130 and / or the second storage device 210 in which the processed image including the medium is stored. This eliminates the need for the user to search for the processed image generated according to the incorrect setting information and replace it with the re-imaged processed image, and the medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0128] It should be noted that the process of step S108, the processes of steps S109 to S111, the process of step S112, the process of step S119, the process of step S120, the process of step S121, the processes of steps S122 to S123, and / or the process of step S124 may be omitted.

[0129] As described above in detail, the medium conveying device 100 judges whether the setting information matches the medium included in the input image, and if it does not match, it temporarily stops conveying the medium and notifies the user. This makes it possible for the medium conveying device 100 to improve user convenience.

[0130] For example, when a group of media containing a plurality of types of media, such as a stack of forms containing a photograph, is transported together, an image may be generated by capturing another medium (e.g., a photograph) with a setting suitable for a particular medium (e.g., a binary suitable for forms). In such a case, the user must extract the medium captured with the inappropriate setting from the group of media, transport it again, and re-capture it, and replace the image generated with the inappropriate setting with a newly generated image. In addition, the image generated with the inappropriate setting may continue to exist without the user noticing that the medium captured with the inappropriate setting exists. When the setting information does not match the transported medium, the medium transport device 100 temporarily stops transporting the subsequent media, so that the user can take measures such as removing the medium at that point. When the setting information does not match the transported medium, the medium transport device 100 notifies the user to that effect, so that the user can re-transport and re-capture the medium with the appropriate setting. Thus, the medium transport device 100 can improve the convenience of the user.

[0131] Furthermore, even if a user has little knowledge or skill regarding image reading processing, the user can appropriately select setting information, other medium conveying devices, or other software that can generate the desired image. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent reworking of the image reading processing due to the use of inappropriate settings, medium conveying devices 100, or software, and prevents a decrease in the user's work efficiency or work quality.

[0132] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first processing circuit 340 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment.

[0133] The first processing circuit 340 is used in place of the first processing circuit 140, and executes a medium reading process, etc. The first processing circuit 340 has a control circuit 341, a setting circuit 342, a determination circuit 343, an identification circuit 344, an acquisition circuit 345, a notification circuit 346, a reception circuit 347, etc.

[0134] The control circuit 341 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 141. The control circuit 341 receives an operation signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, a first instruction signal or a second instruction signal from the reception circuit 347, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116. The control circuit 341 also reads out a determination result as to whether or not the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image from the first storage device 130. The control circuit 341 controls the motor 121 based on each piece of information received or read out. The control circuit 341 also acquires an input image from the imaging device 117, generates a processed image based on the input image, stores the image in the first storage device 130, and outputs the image to the first display device 106 or the first communication device 122.

[0135] The setting circuit 342 is an example of a setting unit, and has the same function as the setting unit 142. The setting circuit 342 receives setting information from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, stores it in the first storage device 130, and sets it in the imaging device 117 or the motor 121.

[0136] The determination circuit 343 is an example of a determination unit, and has the same function as the determination unit 143. The determination circuit 343 reads out the setting information and the input image from the first storage device 130, and determines whether or not the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image based on the input image, and stores the determination result in the first storage device 130.

[0137] The identification circuit 344 is an example of an identification unit, and has the same function as the identification unit 144. The identification circuit 344 reads an input image from the first storage device 130, identifies setting information suitable for the medium included in the input image, and stores the identification result in the first storage device 130. The identification circuit 344 also reads setting information and capability information from the first storage device 130, identifies a medium conveying device or software having the capability to be suitable for the medium, and stores the identification result in the first storage device 130.

[0138] The acquisition circuit 345 is an example of an acquisition unit, and has the same function as the acquisition unit 145. The acquisition circuit 345 receives the capability information from the first communication device 122, and stores it in the first storage device .

[0139] The notification circuit 346 is an example of a notification unit, and has the same function as the notification unit 146. The notification circuit 346 reads out the determination result by the determination circuit 343 and the identification result by the identification circuit 344 from the first storage device 130, and outputs them to the first display device 106 or the first communication device 122.

[0140] The receiving circuit 347 is an example of a receiving unit, and has the same function as the receiving unit 147. The receiving circuit 347 receives a first instruction signal or a second instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, and outputs it to the control circuit 341.

[0141] As described above in detail, even when the first processing circuit 340 is used, the medium conveying device can improve user convenience.

[0142] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device 410 and a second processing circuit 420 in an information processing device according to still another embodiment.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 14, the second storage device 410 stores a management program 411, a setting program 412, a determination program 413, a specification program 414, an acquisition program 415, a notification program 416, and a reception program 417. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The second processing circuit 420 reads each program stored in the first storage device 130 and operates according to each program that has been read, thereby functioning as a management unit 421, a setting unit 422, a determination unit 423, a specification unit 424, an acquisition unit 425, a notification unit 426, and a reception unit 427. The setting unit 422, the determination unit 423, the specification unit 424, the acquisition unit 425, the notification unit 426, and the reception unit 427 have the same functions as the setting unit 142, the determination unit 143, the specification unit 144, the acquisition unit 145, the notification unit 146, and the reception unit 147 of the medium conveying device 100, respectively. The second storage device 410 stores the data stored in the first storage device 130 .

[0144] When a medium reading process is executed in this embodiment, in step S101, the management unit 421 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the second input device 201 and receives an operation signal from the second input device 201. The management unit 421 transmits the received operation signal to the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203.

[0145] In step S102, the setting unit 422 acquires setting information included in the operation signal, and transmits a request signal requesting that an input image be generated according to each setting indicated in the acquired setting information to the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203. The setting unit 142 of the medium conveying device 100 receives the request signal from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and sets the setting information in the imaging device 117, the motor 121, etc. so that an input image is generated according to each setting specified in the request signal. As a result, the setting unit 422 sets the setting information specified by the user.

[0146] In step S105, the control unit 141 transmits the input image and the processed image to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122. The management unit 421 receives the input image and the processed image from the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203, and stores them in a result table in the second storage device 410.

[0147] In step S106, the determination unit 423 determines whether the setting information set by the user matches the medium included in the input image based on the input image. The determination unit 423 stores the determination result in a result table of the second storage device 410 and transmits it to the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203. The determination unit 143 of the medium conveying device 100 receives the determination result from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122.

[0148] In step S108, the identifying unit 424 identifies setting information suitable for the medium for which it is determined that the setting information is incompatible. In step S109, the identifying unit 424 determines whether the setting information identified as the setting information suitable for the medium is supported by the medium conveying device 100. In step S110, the acquiring unit 425 acquires capability information indicating the capability of the other medium conveying device or other software regarding imaging processing or image processing. In step S111, the identifying unit 424 identifies, from among the other medium conveying devices or other software, a medium conveying device or software having the capability suitable for the medium for which it is determined that the setting information is incompatible.

[0149] In step S112, the notification unit 426 generates first notification data, outputs the generated first notification data by displaying it on the second display device 202, and notifies the user. In this way, the notification unit 426 notifies the user of the specific information identified by the identification unit 424 as setting information suitable for the medium for which it has been determined that the setting information is incompatible. The notification unit 426 also notifies the user of information on a medium conveying device or software that has the capability of being suitable for the medium for which it has been determined that the setting information is incompatible, among other medium conveying devices or other software.

[0150] In step S113, the reception unit 427 waits until the user inputs an instruction to resume or end medium conveyance and imaging using the second input device 201 and receives a first instruction signal from the second input device 201. The reception unit 427 transmits the received first instruction signal to the medium conveyance device 100 via the second communication device 203.

[0151] In step S118, the management unit 421 determines whether or not there is any medium whose setting information has been determined to be incompatible by the determination unit 423 in step S106. In step S119, the notification unit 426 generates second notification data, and outputs the generated second notification data by displaying it on the second display device 202, thereby notifying the user.

[0152] In step S120, the reception unit 427 waits until a processing instruction or an end instruction is input by the user using the second input device 201 and a second instruction signal is received from the second input device 201. The reception unit 427 transmits the received second instruction signal to the medium conveying device 100 via the second communication device 203. In this manner, the reception unit 427 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to re-image the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible. The reception unit 427 also receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to delete the processed image including the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible from the second storage device 210 in which the processed image is stored.

[0153] Note that some of the processes executed by the respective units of the information processing device described above may be executed by the corresponding units of the medium conveying device.

[0154] As described above in detail, the image processing system can improve user convenience even in the case where an information processing device executes part of a medium reading process.

[0155] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second processing circuit 520 in an information processing device according to still another embodiment.

[0156] The second processing circuit 520 is used in place of the second processing circuit 420, and executes a medium reading process, etc. The second processing circuit 520 has a management circuit 521, a setting circuit 522, a determination circuit 523, a specification circuit 524, an acquisition circuit 525, a notification circuit 526, a reception circuit 527, and the like.

[0157] The management circuit 521 is an example of a management unit, and has the same functions as the management unit 421. The management circuit 521 receives an operation signal from the second input device 201, and outputs the received operation signal to the second communication device 203. The management circuit 521 also receives an input image and a processed image from the second communication device 203, stores them in the second storage device 210, and outputs them to the second display device 202.

[0158] The setting circuit 522 is an example of a setting unit, and has the same function as the setting unit 422. The setting circuit 522 receives setting information from the second input device 201, stores it in the second storage device 210, and outputs it to the second communication device 203.

[0159] The determination circuit 523 is an example of a determination unit, and has the same function as the determination unit 423. The determination circuit 523 reads out the setting information and the input image from the second storage device 210, and determines whether or not the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image based on the input image.

[0160] The identification circuit 524 is an example of an identification unit, and has the same function as the identification unit 424. The identification circuit 524 reads an input image from the second storage device 210, identifies setting information suitable for the medium included in the input image, and stores the identification result in the second storage device 210. The identification circuit 524 also reads setting information and capability information from the second storage device 210, identifies a medium conveying device or software having the capability suitable for the medium, and stores the identification result in the second storage device 210.

[0161] The acquisition circuit 525 is an example of an acquisition unit, and has the same function as the acquisition unit 425. The acquisition circuit 525 receives the capability information from the second communication device 203, and stores it in the second storage device 210.

[0162] The notification circuit 526 is an example of a notification unit, and has the same function as the notification unit 426. The notification circuit 526 reads out the determination result by the determination circuit 523 and the identification result by the identification circuit 524 from the second storage device 210, and outputs them to the second display device 202.

[0163] The receiving circuit 527 is an example of a receiving unit, and has the same function as the receiving unit 427. The receiving circuit 527 receives the first instruction signal or the second instruction signal from the second input device 201, and outputs it to the second communication device 203.

[0164] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the second processing circuit 520, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0165] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, after the control unit 141 stops the transport of the medium in step S107 of FIG. 9, when the medium is pulled out from the medium transport path by the user, the control unit 141 may shift the process to step S115 and resume the feeding and transport of the remaining medium. In this case, a medium sensor is provided between the third transport roller 118 and the fourth transport roller 119 and the discharge port, and the control unit 141 determines whether or not the medium remains in the medium transport path based on an output signal from the medium sensor. This eliminates the need for the user to perform an operation to input a restart command, and the medium transport device 100 can further improve the convenience of the user.

[0166] In addition, when the medium is re-transported and re-imaged, the control unit 141 may determine whether the medium included in the newly generated input image is the same as the medium included in the original input image in step S105 of FIG. 9. In this case, the control unit 141 calculates the similarity between the newly generated input image and the original input image. The similarity is, for example, normalized cross-correlation. If the similarity is equal to or greater than the similarity threshold, the control unit 141 determines that the media included in each input image are the same, and transmits the input image and the processed image to the information processing device 200. On the other hand, if the similarity is less than the similarity threshold, the control unit 141 determines that the media included in each input image are different, and outputs a warning by displaying it on the first display device 106 or transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and notifies the user.

[0167] Furthermore, the determination unit 143 may determine whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image using only a part of the input image (a part at the beginning) rather than using the entire input image. In this case, the determination unit 143 executes the determination process of step S106 when the control unit 141 acquires a predetermined number of lines of the input image from the imaging device 117. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to determine whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image at an earlier stage.

[0168] The medium transport device may also have a so-called U-turn path, and may feed and transport the media placed on the placement table in order from the top, and discharge the media onto the discharge table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1 Image processing system, 100 Medium conveying device, 112 Feeding roller, 113 Separation roller, 114 First conveying roller, 115 Second conveying roller, 118 Third conveying roller, 119 Fourth conveying roller, 117 Imaging device, 130 First storage device, 141 Control unit, 142, 422 Setting unit, 143, 423 Determination unit, 144, 424 Identification unit, 145, 425 Acquisition unit, 146, 426 Notification unit, 147, 427 Reception unit, 200 Information processing device, 210 Second storage device

Claims

1. A setting unit that sets setting information related to designated imaging processing or image processing; a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of media; an imaging unit that captures images of the media sequentially transported by the transport unit and generates an input image; a determination unit that determines, based on the input image, whether or not the setting information is suitable for a medium included in the input image; a control unit that stops conveyance of a medium when it is determined that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image; A medium transport device comprising:

2. A medium conveying device as described in claim 1, further having a notification unit that notifies a user of information regarding the determination result if it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium contained in the input image.

3. a specifying unit that specifies setting information that is suitable for a medium when it is determined that the setting information is not suitable for the medium included in the input image; The medium conveying device according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit notifies a user of the setting information identified by the identification unit.

4. The medium conveying device of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the control unit re-images a medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible and regenerates an input image, the control unit replaces an image based on the input image in a memory unit in which an image based on the input image including the medium is stored with an image based on the regenerated input image.

5. A media conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a reception unit that receives instructions on whether or not to re-image a medium that is determined to be incompatible with the setting information.

6. A medium conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, further having a reception unit that receives instructions as to whether or not to delete an image based on an input image from a memory unit in which an image based on an input image including a medium determined to be incompatible with the setting information is stored.

7. The device further includes an acquisition unit for acquiring capability information indicating the capabilities of another medium transport device different from the medium transport device or other software other than the software installed on the medium transport device regarding imaging processing or image processing, The medium transport device according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit notifies information about a medium transport device or software among the other medium transport devices or other software that has the capability to be compatible with the medium for which the setting information is determined to be incompatible.

8. An image processing system having a medium conveying device and an information processing device, one of the medium conveying device and the information processing device has a setting unit that sets setting information related to designated imaging processing or image processing, The medium transport device is a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of media; an imaging unit that captures images of the media sequentially transported by the transport unit and generates an input image; one of the medium conveying device and the information processing device has a determination unit that determines, based on the input image, whether the setting information is suitable for the medium included in the input image; the medium conveying device has a control unit that stops conveyance of the medium when it is determined that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image. An image processing system comprising:

9. Setting information regarding designated imaging processing or image processing, The conveying unit conveys the plurality of media sequentially, an imaging unit capturing images of the media sequentially transported by the transport unit to generate an input image; determining whether the setting information is compatible with a medium included in the input image based on the input image; If it is determined that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image, stopping the transportation of the medium. A medium transport method comprising:

10. A computer control program comprising: Set the setting information regarding the designated imaging process or image processing, determining whether the setting information matches the media included in the input image based on the input image generated by capturing the images of the media conveyed sequentially; If it is determined that the setting information does not match the medium included in the input image, stopping the transportation of the medium. A control program that causes the computer to execute the above steps.

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