Image reading device and guidance method

Abstract

To improve the convenience for a user by performing an appropriate determination or guidance with respect to the result of placing a document on a flat bed.SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: a reading section capable of reading a document which is placed on a flat bed; and a control section for controlling the reading section. The control section causes the reading section to execute reading in response to a reading instruction accompanied with setting of a document size, acquires read image data which is a read result by the reading section of a region corresponding to the document size with an origin of the flat bed as a reference, determines whether or not there is document image data which is the read result of the document in an origin vicinity region including an apex corresponding to the origin in the read image data and, in a case where it is determined that there is no document image data in the origin vicinity region, executes document position guidance processing for guiding a position where the document should be present in the flat bed, to a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and a guidance method. [Background technology]

[0002] In a program that causes a computer of an information processing device to function, causing an image processing device to execute a scanning process of a document, a creation means is disclosed that creates a GUI screen that includes information for guiding the position where the document is to be placed on the document table (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-189282 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For flatbed scanners, the origin position of the flatbed and the correct orientation of the document vary depending on the product, so users may not be able to place the document correctly on the flatbed. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can provide appropriate judgment and guidance regarding the results of placing the document on the flatbed to improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image reading device includes a reading unit capable of reading a document placed on a flatbed, and a control unit that controls the reading unit. The control unit causes the reading unit to perform reading in response to a reading instruction involving setting a document size, obtains read image data that is the reading result by the reading unit of an area corresponding to the document size based on the origin of the flatbed, determines whether or not document image data that is the reading result of the document is present in an origin vicinity area of ​​the read image data that includes a vertex corresponding to the origin, and if it determines that the document image data is not present in the origin vicinity area, executes a document position guidance process that guides a user to the position where the document should be on the flatbed.

[0006] A method of guiding the reading of a document placed on a flatbed includes a read image data acquisition step of causing a reading unit to execute reading in response to a reading instruction involving setting a document size, and acquiring read image data that is the reading result by the reading unit of an area corresponding to the document size based on the origin of the flatbed, a determination step of determining whether or not document image data that is the reading result of the document is present in an origin vicinity area of ​​the read image data that includes a vertex that corresponds to the origin, and a document position guidance step of guiding a user to the position where the document should be on the flatbed when it is determined that the document image data is not present in the origin vicinity area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a simplified configuration of an image reading apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing the FB and the original from an above perspective. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing a reading control process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of read image data. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams each showing an example of read image data. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of read image data. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is a table showing the correspondence between flags and guidance processes. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a guide screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely an example for explaining the present embodiment. Since each drawing is an example, the ratio, shape, and shading may not be accurate, may not match each other, and some parts may be omitted.

[0009] 1. Overview of the device configuration: 1 shows a simplified configuration of an image reading device 10. The image reading device 10 is capable of executing the guiding method of this embodiment. The image reading device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, a storage unit 15, a communication IF 16, a reading unit 17, etc. IF is an abbreviation for interface.

[0010] The control unit 11 includes a CPU as a processor, a memory, and various electronic circuits. In the control unit 11, the processor executes calculations according to a reading control program 12 stored in the memory, thereby controlling the image reading device 10. The processor is not limited to one CPU, and may be configured to perform processing using multiple CPUs or a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a CPU and a hardware circuit.

[0011] The display unit 13 is a means for displaying visual information, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The display unit 13 may be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display. The operation reception unit 14 is a means for receiving operations and inputs by a user, and is realized, for example, by a physical button, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The operation reception unit 14 as a touch panel is realized as one function of the display unit 13.

[0012] The storage unit 15 is, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory-based storage means. A part of the memory of the control unit 11 may be regarded as the storage unit 15. The storage unit 15 may be regarded as a part of the control unit 11.

[0013] The communication IF 16 is a collective term for one or more IFs for connecting the image reading device 10 to an external device (not shown) via wire or wirelessly in compliance with a predetermined communication protocol including a known communication standard. The external device is, for example, various communication devices such as a personal computer (PC), a server, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a printer.

[0014] The reading unit 17 is a means for optically reading an original under the control of the control unit 11. In this embodiment, the image reading device 10 is a scanner that reads an original placed on a so-called flatbed. The flatbed is a document table made of a transparent material such as glass. The flatbed is abbreviated as FB. The reading unit 17 has a typical configuration as a scanner, such as a light source that irradiates the original, an optical system such as mirrors and lenses that guide reflected light and transmitted light from the original, and an image sensor that receives the light and generates and outputs an electrical signal as a reading result by photoelectric conversion. Furthermore, an image processing circuit such as an analog front end that converts the output from the image sensor into a digital signal to make it image data may be considered as a part of the reading unit 17. A part of the circuitry of the control unit 11 may be considered as a part of the reading unit 17.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows FB18 in a simplified manner from a viewpoint from above. The largest rectangle shown in FIG. 2 by a solid line is FB18. In addition, the main scanning direction D1 and the sub-scanning direction D2 are shown as two directions related to FB18. The directions D1 and D2 are perpendicular to each other. FB18 has a size that allows a document of A4 size or smaller to be placed thereon, for example. Of course, the size of FB18 is not limited to this. In terms of the design of the image reading device 10, FB18 has an origin OP as a reference position for reading. In the viewpoint of FIG. 2, the lower right corner of FB18 is set as the origin OP.

[0016] 2 also illustrates the original 30 placed on FB 18 as a solid-line rectangle smaller than FB 18. According to Fig. 2, the original 30 is placed on FB 18 with one corner aligned with the origin OP. The surface of the original 30 visible from the viewpoint of Fig. 2 is the reverse side of the reading surface to be read by the reading unit 17, i.e., the non-reading surface.

[0017] The rectangle elongated in the main scanning direction D1, indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2, is the reading unit 20. The reading unit 20 is disposed below the FB 18. The reading unit 20 constitutes at least a part of the reading section 17, such as a light source and an image sensor, and moves along the sub-scanning direction D2 while maintaining a state in which its longitudinal direction is parallel to the main scanning direction D1. The image sensor is a line sensor in which multiple photoelectric conversion elements are arranged along the main scanning direction D1. As the reading unit 20 moves from the origin OP side in the sub-scanning direction D2, the area on the FB 18 is read two-dimensionally, and image data is generated.

[0018] The image reading device 10 may be realized not only by one scanner, but also by a plurality of devices including a scanner and connected to be able to communicate with each other. In other words, the image reading device 10 may be an image reading system. For example, the image reading system includes a scanner including the FB 18 and the reading unit 17, and a control device such as a PC or a smartphone that functions as a control unit 11 for controlling the scanner. The display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be understood as a part of the scanner, as a configuration attached to the control device, or as provided in each of the scanner and the control device. Of course, the guidance method of the present embodiment may be understood as being executed by such a control device.

[0019] Thus, the scanner corresponding to the image reading device 10 is an FB type scanner. However, the image reading device 10 may be a so-called multifunction device that has multiple functions such as a printing function, a facsimile communication function, an e-mail communication function, etc. in addition to the FB type scanner.

[0020] 2. Manuscript reading and guidance processing: 3 is a flowchart showing the reading control process executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the reading control program 12. The explanation of the flowchart includes an explanation of the guidance method.

[0021] In step S100, the control unit 11 accepts the reading settings. The reading settings are settings for each item required for reading the original 30, and are settings for each general item such as the original size and gradation. The gradation setting here is one of the options such as binary, grayscale, color, and automatic gradation determination. The reading settings are input by the user. In other words, the user arbitrarily inputs the reading settings by operating the operation reception unit 14 on the UI screen displayed on the display unit 13, and the control unit 11 accepts the input reading settings. UI is an abbreviation for user interface.

[0022] In step S110, the control unit 11 causes the reading unit 17 to execute reading according to the reading setting received in step S100. That is, the user instructs the reading unit 17 to start reading the document 30, and the control unit 11 executes step S110 in response to the instruction to start reading. Buttons and the like used by the user to instruct the reading unit 17 to start reading may also be considered as part of the UI screen and the operation reception unit 14. Such an instruction to start reading is an instruction that has been received in step S100, and therefore can be said to be a reading instruction that involves the setting of the document size. In step S110, image data that is the result of reading by the reading unit 17 is generated.

[0023] In step S120, the control unit 11 acquires "read image data" of the document size. The document size here is, of course, the document size in the reading setting. In step S110, the control unit 11 moves the reading unit 20 of the reading unit 17 in the sub-scanning direction D2 by the distance required to read the document size. For example, if the set document size is a plastic card, the control unit 11 moves the reading unit 20 in the sub-scanning direction D2 by the distance necessary and sufficient to read the plastic card, based on the origin OP. However, even in this case, the reading unit 20 will have read a range wider than the document size in the main scanning direction D1.

[0024] Therefore, in step S120, the control unit 11 cuts out image data of an area corresponding to the document size based on the origin OP from the image data generated in step S110 as necessary, and acquires the cut-out image data as read image data of the document size. The read image data of the document size will be simply called read image data hereinafter. Note that such cutting out is not a necessary process. For example, if the size of FB18 corresponds to A4 size and the set document size is also A4 size, cutting out is not necessary, and the image data generated in step S110 can be acquired as read image data as it is. Such processing up to step S120 corresponds to a "read image data acquisition process" that causes the reading unit 17 to perform reading in response to a reading instruction involving the setting of the document size, and acquires read image data that is the reading result by the reading unit 17 of the area corresponding to the document size based on the origin OP.

[0025] In step S130, the control unit 11 analyzes the read image data. This analysis is necessary to make each judgment such as step S140 described later. Therefore, specific analysis and judgment will be described below. Also, in FIG. 3, step S130 is described as an independent step as a single expression, but step S130 may be understood as a process included in various judgments such as step S140.

[0026] In step S140, the control unit 11 determines whether or not "original image data" that is the result of reading the original 30 is present in an "origin vicinity area" of the read image data that includes a vertex corresponding to the origin OP. Step S140 corresponds to a "determination step." If the control unit 11 determines that original image data is present in the origin vicinity area, it proceeds from "Yes" in step S140 to step S160, whereas if it determines that original image data is not present in the origin vicinity area, it proceeds from "No" in step S140 to step S150.

[0027] In step S150, the control unit 11 sets a "no original near origin flag" which is a flag indicating that no original 30 is present near the origin OP to ON, and the process proceeds to step S240.

[0028] The document image data refers to a region of the scanned image data where pixels corresponding to the document 30 are consecutive. The pixels corresponding to the document 30 are, in other words, pixels that do not correspond to the background region. The background region is the region outside the document 30. Although not shown, a background board is provided above the FB 18 as a background. Therefore, when the reading unit 20 reads outside the document 30, it reads the color of the background board. The control unit 11 can divide the scanned image data into a background region and document image data by analyzing the color of the scanned image data.

[0029] The color of the background plate is not particularly important, but is, for example, gray. In any case, the color of the background plate is known in the product. Therefore, the control unit 11 may specify an area where background pixels, which are pixels corresponding to the color of the background plate, continue from the edge of the read image data as a background area, and specify a continuous block of areas other than the background area specified in this way in the read image data as document image data. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may search for the color of each pixel from the edge of the read image data toward the inside of the read image data, extract the boundary where the background pixels switch to pixels that are not background pixels, that is, the edge of the document 30, and specify the area partitioned by the linear edge of the document 30 as the document image data. There is no particular restriction on the specific method by which the control unit 11 divides the read image data into the background area and the document image data. Note that depending on how the user places the document 30 on the FB 18 and the read settings, the document image data may not contain any document image data in the first place.

[0030] Specific examples of the origin vicinity area will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 etc., but the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is document image data in the origin vicinity area. As an example, if there is even one pixel of document image data in the origin vicinity area, the control unit 11 determines that there is document image data in the origin vicinity area, and if there is no pixel of document image data in the origin vicinity area, the control unit 11 determines that there is no document image data in the origin vicinity area. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine that there is document image data in the origin vicinity area if there is a predetermined number or more of pixels of document image data in the origin vicinity area, and determine that there is no document image data in the origin vicinity area if there are fewer than the predetermined number of pixels of document image data in the origin vicinity area. The predetermined number is a predetermined multiple.

[0031] As a preferred example, the control unit 11 may determine that the original image data is present in the origin vicinity area if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area that corresponds to the original image data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determine that the original image data is not present in the origin vicinity area if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area that corresponds to the original image data is less than the first threshold value. The first threshold value is a preset ratio.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an example of the read image data 21. FIG. 4 shows the read image data 21 generated according to the read settings such as document size=A4 and gradation=grayscale. FIG. 4 also shows the correspondence between the directions D1 and D2 and the top, bottom, left and right of the read image data 21. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 handles the read image data 21 generated by the reading unit 17 with the main scanning direction D1 as the left and right direction and the sub-scanning direction D2 as the up and down direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper left vertex 22 of the four corner vertices of the read image data 21 is the vertex corresponding to the origin OP, and the vertex 22 is on the left and the top side.

[0033] The scanned image data 21 in FIG. 4 includes the result of scanning an ID card, which is a type of plastic card, placed on the FB 18 as the document 30 as shown in FIG. 2, as document image data 23. The document image data 23 includes a user's face photo and character strings. In the scanned image data 21, the area other than the document image data 23 and shown in gray for easy understanding is the background area. That is, FIG. 4 shows scanned image data 21 generated as a result of a user setting a document size that is too large compared to the original size of the document 30, which is a plastic card. Also, according to FIG. 4, although one vertex of the document 30 is aligned with the origin OP on the FB 18, the orientation of the document 30 is incorrect, and as a result, the vertical direction of the document image data 23 does not match the vertical direction of the scanned image data 21.

[0034] The two-dot chain rectangle in the read image data 21 clearly shows the origin vicinity area 24. As an example, the origin vicinity area 24 is a rectangular area including the vertex 22, with two sides that are orthogonal to each other and are 1 / 4 the length of the long side of the read image data 21 on the vertex 22 side and 1 / 4 the length of the short side of the read image data 21 on the vertex 22 side. In other words, the origin vicinity area 24 is a partial area that includes the vertex 22 of the read image data 21, and has an area that is 1 / 16 the area of ​​the read image data 21. Of course, the values ​​1 / 4 and 1 / 16 are merely examples. The control unit 11 determines the presence or absence of the document image data 23 in such an origin vicinity area 24 as described above.

[0035] 4, the control unit 11 determines that the document image data 23 is present in the origin vicinity area 24. The document image data 23 may be determined to be present in the origin vicinity area 24 even if it is away from the vertex 22. For example, if the user positions the document 30 at a corner other than the origin OP of the FB 18, the determination in step S140 is likely to be "No."

[0036] In step S160, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a "filled-in area" of a predetermined shape is included in the document image data 23. If the control unit 11 determines that the document image data 23 includes a filled-in area, the process proceeds from "Yes" in step S160 to step S170, whereas if the control unit 11 determines that the document image data 23 does not include a filled-in area, the process proceeds from "No" in step S160 to step S180.

[0037] In step S170, the control unit 11 sets on a "multiple tone guidance flag" which is a flag indicating that the user should be guided to the settings for reading the document 30 in multiple tones, and the process proceeds to step S180.

[0038] The "predetermined shape" of the filled area may be a rectangle or a geometric shape other than a rectangle, such as a predetermined circle or triangle. Also, "filled" means that the gradation is constant. The read image data 21 generated by the user with gradation set to monochrome is binarized to white or black, but for example, an area of ​​a photograph in the original 30 may be completely blacked out. Therefore, when the original image data 23 contains, for example, a blacked out rectangular area, the control unit 11 determines that the original image data 23 contains a filled area.

[0039] In step S180, the control unit 11 determines whether the ratio of the area of ​​the scanned image data 21 that corresponds to the document image data 23 is smaller than a predetermined standard. If the control unit 11 determines that the ratio of the document image data 23 is small, it proceeds from "Yes" in step S180 to step S190, whereas if the control unit 11 determines that the ratio of the document image data 23 is not small, that is, is large, it proceeds from "No" in step S180 to step S200.

[0040] In step S190, the control unit 11 sets on a "size notification flag" which is a flag indicating that the user should be notified of a change in the document size setting, and the process proceeds to step S200.

[0041] A specific example of the judgment in step S180 will be described. The control unit 11 judges whether the ratio of the area of ​​the read image data 21 that corresponds to the document image data 23 is less than a second threshold value. The second threshold value is a criterion for judging whether the ratio of the document image data 23 in the read image data 21 is large or small, and is set in advance. As an example, the second threshold value is 80%. In step S180, the control unit 11 judges "Yes" if the ratio of the area of ​​the read image data 21 that corresponds to the document image data 23 is less than the second threshold value, and judges "No" if such ratio is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0042] Alternatively, in step S180, the control unit 11 may determine whether or not the ratio of pixels corresponding to the document image data 23 in a specific line of the read image data 21 is less than a third threshold value. The third threshold value is also a criterion for determining whether the ratio of the document image data 23 in the read image data 21 is large or small, and is set in advance. The third threshold value may be the same as the second threshold value, or may be a different value.

[0043] A line of the read image data 21 refers to a row of pixels aligned from the left end to the right end of the read image data 21 along the main scanning direction D1, or a row of pixels aligned from the top end to the bottom end of the read image data 21 along the sub-scanning direction D2. For example, when a row of pixels aligned along the sub-scanning direction D2 is called a line, the control unit 11 extracts one line from the side close to the apex 22 in the read image data 21, and judges whether the ratio of pixels corresponding to the document image data 23 in the line is less than the third threshold value. The control unit 11 executes extraction of such lines at regular intervals along the main scanning direction D1, and performs the same judgment for each line. Then, as a result of checking the ratio of pixels corresponding to the document image data 23 for a certain number of lines, if the ratio of pixels corresponding to the document image data 23 in all of those lines is less than the third threshold value, the judgment is made as "Yes" in step S180. On the other hand, if such a ratio is equal to or greater than the third threshold value in any one or more lines, the judgment is made as "No" in step S180. In the example of FIG. 4, the control unit 11 determines in step S180 that the ratio of the document image data 23 in the read image data 21 is smaller than a predetermined standard, and so determines "Yes."

[0044] In step S200, the control unit 11 determines whether the document image data 23 includes a character string and whether the up-down direction of the character string is rotated with respect to the up-down direction of the read image data 21. The control unit 11 is capable of executing a character recognition process called OCR (Optical Character Recognition). The control unit 11 performs the character recognition process on the document image data 23 to determine whether the document image data 23 includes a character string.

[0045] If the document image data 23 does not contain a character string, the determination in step S200 is naturally "No". Even if the document image data 23 contains a character string, if the up-down direction of the character string matches the up-down direction of the read image data 21, the determination in step S200 is "No". For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the up-down direction of the character string contained in the document image data 23 is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the up-down direction of the read image data 21, the control unit 11 determines "Yes" in step S200. The control unit 11 proceeds from the determination of "No" in step S200 to step S240, and proceeds from the determination of "Yes" in step S200 to step S210.

[0046] In step S210, the control unit 11 determines whether the size information flag is set on or not, and if the size information flag is set on, the control unit 11 proceeds from "Yes" to step S220. On the other hand, if the size information flag is set off, the control unit 11 proceeds from "No" in step S210 to step S230.

[0047] In step S220, the control unit 11 sets on the "orientation guide flag" which is a flag indicating that the user should be notified of the correct orientation of the document 30, and proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, in step S230, the control unit 11 sets on the "rotation guide flag" which is a flag indicating that the user should be notified that the scanned image data 21 can be rotated, and proceeds to step S240.

[0048] According to the read image data 21 of FIG. 4, the control unit 11 judges “Yes” in step S140, “No” in step S160, “Yes” in step S180, “Yes” in step S200, and “Yes” in step S210, and the size guide flag and the orientation guide flag are turned on.

[0049] 5A, 5B, and 6 each show an example of the read image data 21. How to read the figures and the meaning of each symbol are as explained in FIG. The scanned image data 21 shown in Fig. 5A is generated according to the read settings such as document size = plastic card, gradation = grayscale. Also, similar to Fig. 4, the scanned image data 21 in Fig. 5A includes the result of reading an ID card as document 30 placed on FB 18 as in Fig. 2 as document image data 23. Therefore, it also includes a background region. According to such scanned image data 21 in Fig. 5A, the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S140, "No" in step S160, "Yes" in step S180, and "No" in step S200, respectively, and the size guide flag is turned on.

[0050] The read image data 21 shown in Fig. 5B is generated according to the read settings such as document size = plastic card, gradation = color. The read image data 21 in Fig. 5B includes the result of reading the document 30, which is an ID card placed in the correct orientation with reference to the origin OP of the FB18, as document image data 23. Therefore, the read image data 21 in Fig. 5B does not include a background region, and the entire read image data 21 is the document image data 23. According to such read image data 21 in Fig. 5B, the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S140, "No" in step S160, "No" in step S180, and "No" in step S200, and all the flags remain off.

[0051] The read image data 21 shown in Fig. 6 is generated according to the read settings such as document size = A4, gradation = grayscale. The read image data 21 in Fig. 6 includes the result of reading the document 30, which is an A4 sheet of paper placed in the correct orientation with reference to the origin OP of the FB18, as document image data 23. Therefore, the read image data 21 in Fig. 6 does not include a background region, and the entire read image data 21 is the document image data 23. According to such read image data 21 in Fig. 6, the control unit 11 judges "Yes" at step S140, "No" at step S160, "No" at step S180, "Yes" at step S200, and "No" at step S210, respectively, and the rotation guide flag is turned on.

[0052] In step S240, the control unit 11 executes a guidance process according to the flag that is set to ON, and then ends the flowchart in Fig. 3. If no flag is ON, the control unit 11 ends the flowchart without substantially executing step S240.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows in table form the guidance process executed when the flag is on. As shown in Fig. 7, if either the no original near origin flag or the orientation guidance flag is on, in step S240, the control unit 11 executes "original position guidance process" that guides the user to the position where the original 30 should be in the FB 18. The original position guidance process in step S240 corresponds to the "original position guidance step."

[0054] If the size guide flag is on, the control unit 11 executes "document size change guide process" in step S240 to guide the user to change the document size setting. If the rotation guidance flag is on, the control unit 11 executes a "rotation guidance process" in step S240 to inform the user that the scanned image data 21 can be rotated. Furthermore, if the multi-tone guidance flag is on, in step S240, the control unit 11 executes a "multi-tone reading guidance process" that guides the user to settings for reading the original 30 in more than two gradations. Reading the original 30 in more than two gradations means reading in grayscale, color, or the like, rather than in monochrome.

[0055] 7, the control unit 11 can execute a plurality of guide processes corresponding to the plurality of flags in step S240. For example, if the size guide flag and the orientation guide flag are on, the control unit 11 executes the document position guide process and the document size change guide process. Also, for example, if the multi-tone guide flag and the size guide flag are on, the control unit 11 executes the multi-tone reading guide process and the document size change guide process.

[0056] It should be noted that not all steps in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 are essential to this embodiment. A configuration in which some steps are omitted is also included in the scope of disclosure of this embodiment. For example, a configuration in which at least some of the judgments in steps S160, S180, S200, and S210 or the setting of flags associated with some of the judgments is omitted can also be understood as an invention. For example, according to the flow proceeding from "Yes" in step S200 to step S230 via step S210 or directly omitting step S210, it can be said that the control unit 11 executes the rotation guidance process if the document image data 23 includes a character string and the vertical direction of the character string is rotated with respect to the vertical direction of the read image data 21. Flowcharts in which the execution order of each step is partially changed and flowcharts which achieve substantially the same effect are also included within the scope of disclosure of the present embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 8 shows an example of a guide screen 40 that the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display in step S240. The guide screen 40 may be regarded as a type of UI screen. The guide screen 40 includes a first display 41 corresponding to the document position guide process, a second display 42 corresponding to the document size change guide process, a third display 43 corresponding to the rotation guide process, and a fourth display 44 corresponding to the multi-tone reading guide process. For convenience, FIG. 8 shows all of the first to fourth displays 41, 42, 43, and 44, but naturally, one or more of the first to fourth displays 41, 42, 43, and 44 are displayed on the guide screen 40 depending on the type of flag that is set to ON. In addition, the control unit 11 may perform the guide process depending on the type of flag not only visually using the guide screen 40, but also by audio output from a speaker (not shown).

[0058] 8, the first display 41 is a display that provides easy-to-understand guidance, for example, on the correct setting position and orientation of the document 30 on the FB 18 using a message, illustration, or the like. The second display 42 is a display that uses a message or the like to inform the user that, for example, the scanning time can be minimized and shortened by changing the document size settings to match the size of the document 30 to be scanned, or by adjusting the document size to match the document 30.

[0059] The third display 43 is a display that displays a message or the like to inform the user that the scanned image data 21 can be rotated by manipulating the settings and to provide details of the rotation. The fourth display 44 is a display that displays a message or the like to guide the user to set the reading to multiple gradations such as color or grayscale. Of course, the design and message of the guidance screen 40 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and illustrations, photographs, etc. may be used in the second display 42, the third display 43, and the fourth display 43 as necessary.

[0060] The second display 42 corresponding to the document size change guidance process may also display a recommended document size as shown in Fig. 8. The control unit 11 can estimate the actual size of the document 30 based on the lengths of two perpendicular sides of the document image data 23 in the scanned image data 21, the ratio between the two sides, and the like, and display the estimated size as the recommended document size.

[0061] 3. Summary: Thus, according to this embodiment, the image reading device 10 includes a reading unit 17 capable of reading the document 30 placed on the FB 18, and a control unit 11 that controls the reading unit 17. The control unit 11 causes the reading unit 17 to execute reading in response to a reading instruction that involves setting the document size, acquires read image data 21 that is the result of reading by the reading unit 17 of an area corresponding to the document size based on the origin OP of the FB 18, determines whether or not the document image data 23 that is the result of reading the document 30 is present in an origin vicinity area 24 including a vertex 22 that corresponds to the origin OP of the read image data 21, and executes a document position guidance process that guides the user to the position where the document 30 should be on the FB 18 when it is determined that the document image data 23 is not present in the origin vicinity area 24.

[0062] According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 guides the user to the correct setting position of the document 30 on the FB 18 based on the result of placing the document 30 on the FB 18. Therefore, the user can know the correct setting position without checking the instruction manual, etc., and convenience is improved.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may determine that original image data 23 is present in the origin vicinity area 24 if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area 24 that corresponds to the original image data 23 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and may determine that original image data 23 is not present in the origin vicinity area 24 if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area 24 that corresponds to the original image data 23 is less than the first threshold value. According to the above-described configuration, the control unit 11 can appropriately and simply determine whether or not the original 30 is placed near the origin OP of the FB 18.

[0064] In addition, according to this embodiment, the control unit 11 may determine that the origin vicinity area 24 is a rectangular area having two perpendicular sides that are 1 / 4 of the length of the long side of the read image data 21 on the side of vertex 22 and 1 / 4 of the length of the short side of the read image data 21 on the side of vertex 22. According to the above configuration, the control unit 11 can define the origin vicinity area 24 of an appropriate size for determining whether or not the document 30 is placed near the origin OP of the FB 18.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that there is original image data 23 in the origin vicinity area 24, if the original image data 23 includes an area that is rectangular or has a predetermined geometric shape and has a constant gradation, the control unit 11 may execute a multi-tone reading guidance process that guides the user to settings for reading the original 30 in multiple gradations greater than two values. According to the above configuration, when the document image data 23 includes a photograph or the like with crushed black areas, the control unit 11 can guide the user to a multi-tone reading setting that will not cause such crushed black areas, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0066] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the original image data 23 is present in the origin vicinity area 24, if the ratio of the area of ​​the read image data 21 that corresponds to the original image data 23 is less than a second threshold value, the control unit 11 may execute an original size change guidance process that guides the user to change the original size settings. According to the above configuration, when the document size setting does not match the original size of the document 30, the control unit 11 can guide the user to change the document size setting, thereby shortening the subsequent scanning time and increasing user convenience.

[0067] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the original image data 23 is present in the origin vicinity area 24, if the ratio of pixels corresponding to the original image data 23 in a specific line of the read image data 21 is less than a third threshold value, the control unit 11 may execute an original size change guidance process that guides the user to change the original size settings. According to the above configuration, when the document size setting does not match the original size of the document 30, the control unit 11 can guide the user to change the document size setting, thereby shortening the subsequent scanning time and increasing user convenience.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the original image data 23 is present in the origin vicinity area 24, if the original image data 23 contains a character string and the vertical direction of the character string is rotated relative to the vertical direction of the read image data 21, the control unit 11 may execute a rotation guidance process to inform the user that the read image data 21 can be rotated. According to the above configuration, when the vertical direction of a character string is rotated relative to the vertical direction of the scanned image data 21, the control unit 11 can guide the user on how to rotate it to correct this, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0069] According to the present embodiment, when the control unit 11 judges "Yes" in step S180 and judges "Yes" in step S200, the control unit 11 goes through steps S210 and S220, and in step S240, guides the user to the correct orientation of the document 30. That is, if there is a background area greater than the ratio in the scanned image data 21 and the character string in the document image data 23 is rotated, the orientation of the document 30 with respect to the FB18 is incorrect, and the user can be guided to the correct orientation of the document 30. According to the example of Figs. 7 and 8, the display for guiding the user to the correct orientation of the document 30 in step S240 and the display for guiding the user to the position of the document 30 on the FB18 are the common first display 41, but of course these displays may not be common, but may have different designs or messages.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 may output the scanned image data 21 for which it has been determined that the document image data 23 does not exist in the origin vicinity area 24 to a predetermined output destination. The predetermined output destination means a storage destination or a transfer destination preset by the user, and is, for example, a predetermined folder secured in the storage unit 15, a memory external to the image reading device 10, an external device with which communication can be performed via the communication IF 16, a predetermined destination of e-mail, etc. Even if the original image data 23 is not present in the origin vicinity area 24, the scanned image data 21 may contain the original image data 23, and the user may accept such scanned image data 21 as the scanned result of the original 30. Therefore, the control unit 11 outputs the scanned image data 21 to a predetermined output destination regardless of the determination result of step S140. The user can decide whether to rescan the original 30 after checking the scanned image data 21 or viewing the above-mentioned guidance according to the flag.

[0071] Conversely, the control unit 11 may not output to a predetermined output destination the scanned image data 21 for which it has determined that there is no document image data 23 in the origin vicinity area 24. In other words, under the idea that scanned image data 21 for which there is no document image data 23 in the origin vicinity area 24 is likely to be discarded even if it is output to an output destination, it may be discarded without being output to the output destination, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user. The control unit 11 may output to a predetermined output destination the scanned image data 21 for which it has determined that there is document image data 23 in the origin vicinity area 24. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may output to a predetermined output destination only the scanned image data 21 for which none of the flags are set to on in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0072] Although only some of the combinations of claims are described in the claims, this embodiment naturally includes within its scope not only one-to-one combinations of independent claims and dependent claims, but also various combinations of multiple dependent claims. In addition to the image reading device 10 and system, this embodiment discloses inventions in various categories, such as methods based on the processes or steps executed by them, and a program 12 for implementing the methods in cooperation with a processor.

[0073] For example, a method of guiding the reading of a document 30 placed on FB18 includes a read image data acquisition step of causing the reading unit 17 to execute reading in response to a reading instruction involving the setting of a document size, and acquiring read image data 21 which is the reading result by the reading unit 17 of an area corresponding to the document size based on the origin OP of FB18, a determination step of determining whether or not document image data 23 which is the reading result of the document 30 is present in an origin vicinity area 24 including a vertex 22 corresponding to the origin OP among the read image data 21, and a document position guidance step of guiding a user to the position where the document 30 should be on FB18 when it is determined that the document image data 23 is not present in the origin vicinity area 24.

[0074] The origin of the FB and the correct orientation of the original 30 in the FB may differ depending on the scanner model, but by having the control device executing the flowchart of this embodiment know in advance the origin position and original orientation for each scanner model that can be controlled, the guidance process described above can be provided to the user when using various products. Furthermore, the analysis of the read image data 21 and the judgment and guidance process based on the analysis result are not limited to those described above. For example, when the control unit 11 judges that the density of a character string included in the document image data 23 does not satisfy a predetermined density standard, the control unit 11 may guide the user to a setting for applying a predetermined image processing to make the characters clearer and darker. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10...image reading device, 11...control unit, 12...reading control program, 13...display unit, 14...operation reception unit, 15...storage unit, 16...communication IF, 17...reading unit, 18...FB, 20...reading unit, 21...read image data, 22...vertex, 23...original image data, 24...area near origin, 30...original, 40...guide screen, 41...first display, 42...second display, 43...third display, 44...fourth display

Claims

1. A reading unit capable of reading a document placed on a flatbed; A control unit that controls the reading unit, The control unit is In response to a reading instruction that involves setting a document size, the reading unit is caused to execute reading, and read image data that is a result of the reading by the reading unit of an area that corresponds to the document size based on the origin of the flatbed is obtained; determining whether or not document image data, which is a result of reading the document, is present in an origin vicinity area including a vertex corresponding to the origin, of the read image data; an original position guidance process that guides a user to a position where the original should be located on the flatbed when it is determined that the original image data is not present in the area near the origin;

2. The image reading device of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit determines that the original image data is present in the origin vicinity area if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area that corresponds to the original image data is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and determines that the original image data is not present in the origin vicinity area if the ratio of the area of ​​the origin vicinity area that corresponds to the original image data is less than the first threshold value.

3. The image reading device described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control unit defines as the origin vicinity area a rectangular area having two perpendicular sides that are 1 / 4 of the length of the long side of the read image data on the vertex side and 1 / 4 of the length of the short side of the read image data on the vertex side.

4. The image reading device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the document image data is present in the area near the origin, if the document image data includes an area that is rectangular or has a predetermined geometric shape and has a constant gradation, it executes a multi-tone reading guidance process that guides the user to settings for reading the document in multiple gradations greater than two values.

5. The image reading device of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the document image data is present in the area near the origin, if the ratio of the area of ​​the read image data corresponding to the document image data is less than a second threshold value, it executes a document size change guidance process to guide the user to change the document size setting.

6. The image reading device of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the original image data is present in the area near the origin, if the ratio of pixels corresponding to the original image data in a specific line of the read image data is less than a third threshold value, it executes an original size change guidance process to guide the user to change the original size setting.

7. The image reading device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the control unit determines that the original image data is present in the area near the origin, if the original image data contains a character string and the vertical direction of the character string is rotated relative to the vertical direction of the read image data, it executes a rotation guidance process to inform a user that the read image data can be rotated.

8. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the read image data, for which it is determined that the document image data does not exist in the origin vicinity area, to a predetermined output destination.

9. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured not to output the scanned image data, when it is determined that the document image data does not exist in the origin vicinity area, to a predetermined output destination.

10. A method for guiding reading of a document placed on a flatbed, comprising: a read image data acquisition step of causing a reading unit to execute reading in response to a reading instruction involving setting of a document size, and acquiring read image data that is a result of reading by the reading unit of an area that corresponds to the document size based on the origin of the flatbed; a determining step of determining whether or not document image data, which is a result of reading the document, is present in an origin vicinity area including a vertex corresponding to the origin, among the read image data; a document position guidance step of guiding a user to the position where the document should be on the flatbed when it is determined that the document image data is not present in the area near the origin.

Images