Information processing system and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and a program, capable of executing, when a start of scanning a document is instructed, scanning the image even before the document size is identified.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes the steps of, when a start of scanning a document is instructed in a state where a scanning glass cover covering a transparent scanning glass, on which the document is placed, is closed: causing a scanning device to perform scanning in the state where the scanning glass cover is closed, to acquire a first scanning image scanned at a maximum size; acquiring a size of the document in a main scanning direction by causing the scanning device to read in a state where the scanning glass cover is open; and extracting a region corresponded to the size of the document from the first scanning image after the size of the document placed on the transparent scanning glass is identified by using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired in the state where the scanning glass cover is open to acquire a second scanning image corresponding to the size of the document.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a digital image reading device in which only one sensor is placed on a platen to detect the length of the document, and a CCD image sensor is used to detect the width of the document, thereby simplifying the document size detection mechanism.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an original size detection device that is capable of detecting the size of an original even when the original has a high background density or an original on which an image is recorded up to the edge.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses an original size detection device that does not erroneously detect an original even when the original has a different type or shape, such as a black-bordered original, and is compatible with a variety of originals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-207239 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-257255 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-205547 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system and a program that are capable of reading an image when an instruction to start reading a document is given, even before the document size is specified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing system of the first aspect includes a processor, and when an instruction to start reading an original is received with a platen cover covering a transparent platen on which the original is placed being closed, the processor causes a reading device to perform reading with the platen cover closed to obtain a first read image read at maximum size, and causes the reading device to perform reading with the platen cover open to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction, and after the size of the original placed on the transparent platen is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover open, the processor extracts an area corresponding to the size of the original from the first read image to obtain a second read image corresponding to the size of the original.

[0008] In an information processing system of a second aspect, in the information processing system of the first aspect, the processor issues a notification urging the user to open the platen cover after acquiring the first read image.

[0009] An information processing system of a third aspect is the information processing system of the second aspect, wherein the processor performs the notification after the carriage of the reading device has returned ⅓ or more in the sub-scanning direction after the first read image is obtained.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, wherein the processor has the reading device perform a reading operation when the platen cover is in the fully closed position to obtain a first read image, turns on a light source of the reading device before the platen cover is opened beyond a half-closed position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the platen cover, and when the platen cover is opened beyond the half-closed position, has the reading device perform a reading operation to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover is open.

[0011] An information processing system of a fifth aspect is the information processing system of the fourth aspect, wherein the processor turns on a light source of the reading device when the platen cover is opened from the fully closed position.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the first aspect, in which when the processor has the reading device perform a reading to obtain a first read image with the platen cover closed, the processor also obtains the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and if the size of the document can be identified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover closed, the processor does not have the reading device perform a reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction with the platen cover open.

[0013] An information processing system of a seventh aspect includes a processor, and when an instruction to start reading an original is received with a platen cover covering a transparent platen on which the original is placed being open, the processor causes a reading device to perform reading with the platen cover open to obtain a first read image read at maximum size, and causes the reading device to perform reading with the platen cover closed to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction, and after the size of the original placed on the transparent platen is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover closed, an area corresponding to the size of the original is extracted from the first read image to obtain a second read image corresponding to the size of the original.

[0014] An information processing system of an eighth aspect is the information processing system of the seventh aspect, wherein the processor issues a notification to prompt the user to close the platen cover after acquiring the first read image.

[0015] An information processing system of a ninth aspect is the information processing system of the eighth aspect, wherein the processor performs the notification after the carriage of the reading device has returned ⅓ or more in the sub-scanning direction after the first read image is obtained.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the seventh aspect, wherein the processor has the reading device perform a reading operation when the platen cover is in the fully open position to obtain a first read image, turns on a light source of the reading device before the platen cover is closed to the fully closed position, and when the platen cover is closed to the fully closed position, has the reading device perform a reading operation to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover is closed.

[0017] An information processing system of an 11th aspect is the information processing system of the 10th aspect, wherein the processor turns on the light source of the reading device when the document cover is closed to a half-closed position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the document cover.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the information processing system is the information processing system of the seventh aspect, in which when the processor has the reading device perform a reading with the platen cover open to obtain a first read image, the processor also obtains the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and if the size of the document can be identified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover open, the processor does not have the reading device perform a reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover is closed.

[0019] The program of the thirteenth aspect causes a computer to execute the following steps when an instruction to start reading an original is received with a platen cover covering a transparent platen on which the original is placed closed: having the reading device perform reading with the platen cover closed to obtain a first read image read at maximum size; having the reading device perform reading with the platen cover open to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction; and after the size of the original placed on the transparent platen is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover open, extracting an area corresponding to the size of the original from the first read image to obtain a second read image corresponding to the size of the original.

[0020] The program of the 14th aspect causes a computer to execute the following steps when an instruction to start reading an original is received with an original platen cover covering a transparent original platen on which the original is placed open: having the reading device perform reading with the original platen cover open to obtain a first read image read at maximum size; having the reading device perform reading with the original platen cover closed to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction; and after the size of the original placed on the transparent original platen is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the original platen cover closed, extracting an area corresponding to the size of the original from the first read image to obtain a second read image corresponding to the size of the original. Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the information processing system of the first aspect, scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0022] According to the information processing system of the second aspect, it is possible to have the user open the platen cover.

[0023] According to the information processing system of the third aspect, the time from when the user opens the platen cover to when the reading device performs reading can be shortened compared to when the user is asked to open the platen cover immediately after reading at the maximum size.

[0024] According to the information processing system of the fourth aspect, when the platen cover is opened to a position where reading by the reading device is performed, reading can be performed immediately.

[0025] According to the information processing system of the fifth aspect, the light source can be turned on for a shorter period of time than when the light source is turned on before the platen cover is opened.

[0026] According to the information processing system of the sixth aspect, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading.

[0027] According to the information processing system of the seventh aspect, scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0028] According to the information processing system of the eighth aspect, it is possible to have the user close the platen cover.

[0029] According to the information processing system of the ninth aspect, the time between having the user close the platen cover and having the reading device perform reading can be shortened, compared to when the user is asked to close the platen cover immediately after reading at the maximum size.

[0030] According to the information processing system of the tenth aspect, when the platen cover is closed to a position where reading by the reading device is performed, reading can be performed immediately.

[0031] According to the information processing system of the eleventh aspect, the light source is turned on for a shorter period of time than when the light source is turned on before the platen cover is closed.

[0032] According to the information processing system of the twelfth aspect, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading.

[0033] According to the program of the thirteenth aspect, scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0034] According to the program of the fourteenth aspect, scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are side views showing the schematic configuration of the transparent platen and the platen cover of an image forming apparatus, in which FIG. 2A shows the platen cover in a fully open state, FIG. 2B shows the platen cover in a half-closed state, and FIG. 2C shows the platen cover in a fully closed state. [Diagram 3] 2 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of a transparent document platen and its surroundings of the image forming apparatus; [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method for acquiring a scanned document image. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display of a notification that the platen cover is open. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing a basic process flow during scanning in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display of a document cover closing notification. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a basic process flow during scanning in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a transparent platen 21 and a platen cover 22 of the image forming apparatus 10, Fig. 2(A) is a view showing the platen cover 22 in a fully open state, Fig. 2(B) is a view showing the platen cover 22 in a half-closed state, and Fig. 2(C) is a view showing the platen cover 22 in a fully closed state. Fig. 3 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the transparent platen 21 and the periphery of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0037] 1, the image forming apparatus 10 is a so-called multifunction device having multiple functions such as a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, a facsimile function, etc. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing system in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming device 10 includes a housing 20, a transparent document table 21 that is arranged on the upper surface of the housing 20 and on which a document P is placed, a document table cover 22 that covers the transparent document table 21, and an opening / closing detection sensor 23 that detects the open / closed state of the document table cover 22.

[0039] A white back panel is disposed on the lower surface 22a of the document table cover 22, that is, on the surface facing the transparent document table 21 when the document table cover 22 is closed.

[0040] The open / close detection sensor 23 includes a push switch 23a that comes into contact with the document cover 22 when the document cover 22 is closed. The open / close detection sensor 23 is a sensor capable of detecting two positions: a first detection position where the push switch 23a is pressed down to a predetermined degree, and a second detection position where the push switch 23a is completely pressed down.

[0041] The state in which the push switch 23a of the document cover 22 is pressed down to the first detection position is the half-closed position of the document cover 22. In this disclosure, the half-closed position of the document cover 22 is a position between the fully open position and the fully closed position of the document cover 22, and is not limited to a center position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0042] By using such an opening / closing detection sensor 23, the image forming device 10 can detect three types of opening / closing states of the document platen cover 22: a state in which the document platen cover 22 is opened further than the half-closed position, a state in which the document platen cover 22 is closed further than the half-closed position, and a state in which the document platen cover 22 is completely closed.

[0043] 3, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a scanner 16 and a document detection sensor 45. The scanner 16 is an example of a reading device in the technology of the present disclosure. In the following, reading in the technology of the present disclosure will be referred to as scanning, and a read image will be referred to as a scanned image.

[0044] The scanner 16 includes a carriage 40 that is movable in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage 40 includes a light source 41 that extends in the main scanning direction, and a reading unit 42 that extends in the main scanning direction. The light source 41 is configured with a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The reading unit 42 is configured with a light-receiving element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device).

[0045] The document detection sensor 45 is configured with a sensor such as a reflective photointerrupter (also known as a photoreflector) including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and detects the presence or absence of a document in the opposing position.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

[0047] 4, the image forming apparatus 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage device 13 such as a hard disk drive, a communication interface (abbreviated as IF) 14, a user interface (abbreviated as UI) device 15 including a touch panel or a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, a scanner 16, a print engine 17, an open / close detection sensor 23, and a document detection sensor 45. These components are connected to each other via a control bus 19.

[0048] The CPU 11 is a processor that executes a predetermined process based on a control program stored in the RAM 12 or the storage device 13 to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 is described as reading and executing the control program stored in the RAM 12 or the storage device 13, but is not limited to this. The control program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. For example, the program may be provided in a form recorded on an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or in a form recorded on a semiconductor memory such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a memory card. The control program may also be obtained from an external device via a communication line connected to the communication IF 14.

[0049] The communication IF 14 transmits and receives data to and from external devices, etc. The UI device 15 accepts instruction input from a user. The scanner 16 reads an original document loaded in the image forming apparatus 10 as image data. The print engine 17 prints an image on a recording medium such as printing paper through processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing.

[0050] Next, a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, an operation input unit 33, a display unit 34, a data transmission / reception unit 35, an image reading unit 36, an image output unit 37, an open / close detection sensor 23, and a document detection sensor 45.

[0052] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10, and for example, based on instructions input from a user, controls the image reading unit 36 ​​to read an original image, and controls the image output unit 37 to output print data. The storage unit 32 stores data such as a control program.

[0053] The operation input unit 33 inputs information on various operations performed by the user. The display unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 31 and displays various information to the user. The data transmission / reception unit 35 transmits and receives data to and from external devices.

[0054] The image reading unit 36 ​​reads an original image from a loaded original under the control of the control unit 31. The image output unit 37 outputs an image onto a recording medium such as printing paper under the control of the control unit 31.

[0055] Next, a detailed description will be given of the document scanning process in the image forming apparatus 10. When performing scanning or copying in the image forming apparatus 10, scanning of the document P is performed. In the image forming apparatus 10, scanning of the document P is performed after specifying the size of the document P and determining the scanning range.

[0056] Although the method for identifying the size of the document P is a known technique, it will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

[0057] When identifying the size of the original P, first, the scanner 16 scans one line in the main scanning direction of the original P placed on the transparent original table 21, and the edge of the original P in the main scanning direction is detected from the detection signal at this time, thereby obtaining the length of the original P in the main scanning direction. Also, the original detection sensor 45 determines whether the original P has been detected.

[0058] In the image forming device 10, the types of document sizes that can be handled are limited, for example, A3 landscape, A4 landscape, A4 portrait, B4 landscape, B5 landscape, B5 portrait, etc., so it is possible to identify the size of the document P based on the length of the document P in the main scanning direction and whether or not the document detection sensor 45 detects the document in the sub-scanning direction.

[0059] However, in the above-described method of specifying the size, there may be cases where the edges of the document P cannot be accurately specified in the detection signal due to the relationship between the color of the document P and the background color during scanning.

[0060] Hereinafter, a document on a white medium or a medium with a white frame will be referred to as a white document, and a document on a black medium or a medium with a black frame will be referred to as a black document.

[0061] Furthermore, when scanning is performed with the platen cover 22 closed, the background of the document P will be white because the underside of the platen cover 22 is white. Hereinafter, scanning one line in the main scanning direction with the platen cover 22 closed will be referred to as white background detection.

[0062] Furthermore, when scanning is performed with the document cover 22 open, the light emitted from the light source 41 of the carriage 40 is not reflected by the reading unit 42, and the background of the document P becomes black. Hereinafter, scanning one line in the main scanning direction with the document cover 22 open will be referred to as black background detection.

[0063] If white background detection is performed on a white original with the original cover 22 closed, the boundary between the white original and the white background cannot be identified, and the edge of the white original cannot be accurately identified in the detection signal. Therefore, for a white original, black background detection must be performed with the original cover 22 open.

[0064] Conversely, if black background detection is performed on a black original with the original cover 22 open, the boundary between the black original and the black background cannot be identified, and the edge of the black original cannot be accurately identified in the detection signal. Therefore, for black originals, white background detection must be performed with the original cover 22 closed.

[0065] When scanning a white original, the user opens the platen cover 22, places the white original on the transparent platen 21, and then closes the platen cover 22.

[0066] At this time, the control unit 31 performs black background detection when the open / close detection sensor 23 detects the first detection position, i.e., when the document platen cover 22 reaches the semi-closed position, and determines the size of the white document based on the length of the white document in the main scanning direction obtained by the black background detection and the presence or absence of detection by the document detection sensor 45 during black background detection.

[0067] When the user presses the start button after closing the document cover 22, the control unit 31 executes scanning based on the size of the white document that has been specified in advance.

[0068] However, if a user places a white document on transparent document table 21 while image forming apparatus 10 is in the power saving state, closes document table cover 22, and then returns image forming apparatus 10 to the power saving state and presses the start button, control unit 31 cannot detect the black background and is therefore unable to identify the size of the white document. Therefore, control unit 31 is unable to start scanning and will notify the user of an error.

[0069] In order to solve such problems, when the control unit 31 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is instructed to start scanning an original with the original cover 22 closed, it causes the scanner 16 to perform scanning with the original cover 22 closed to obtain a maximum scan image scanned at the maximum size, and causes the scanner 16 to perform scanning with the original cover 22 open to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction, and after the size of the original placed on the transparent original platen 21 is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the original cover 22 open, it extracts an area corresponding to the size of the original from the maximum scan image to obtain an original scan image corresponding to the size of the original.

[0070] The maximum scan image is an example of a first scanned image in the technique of the present disclosure, and the original scan image is an example of a second scanned image in the technique of the present disclosure.

[0071] Here, the "maximum scanned image scanned at the maximum size" refers to a scanned image scanned at a size that includes at least the areas of all documents handled by the image forming apparatus 10, and may be, for example, a scanned image scanned over the entire readable range of the scanner 16. Also, if the size of the largest document among documents handled by the image forming apparatus 10 is a size that includes the areas of all documents handled by the image forming apparatus 10, the scanned image may be the one scanned at the maximum document size.

[0072] In addition, "the size of the original placed on the transparent original platen 21 is determined using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained when the original platen cover 22 is open" means that the size of the original is determined using at least the size of the original in the main scanning direction.

[0073] When the documents handled by the image forming apparatus 10 are, for example, four types, A4 landscape, A4 portrait, B5 landscape, and B5 portrait, it is possible to identify the size of the document using only the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and in such a case, it is sufficient to identify the size of the document using only the size of the document in the main scanning direction.

[0074] Furthermore, when the documents handled by image forming apparatus 10 are of six types, namely A3 landscape, A4 landscape, A4 portrait, B4 landscape, B5 landscape, and B5 portrait, the size of the document cannot be identified from the size of the document in the main scanning direction alone. In such a case, the size of the document can be identified by combining the size of the document in the main scanning direction with document detection sensor 45, which detects the presence or absence of a document at a predetermined position in the sub-scanning direction, for example.

[0075] A method for acquiring a scanned document image in this embodiment will be described in detail below. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the method for acquiring a scanned document image.

[0076] First, as shown in FIG. 6(A), when the control unit 31 is instructed to start scanning an original with the original platen cover 22 closed, the control unit 31 causes the scanner 16 to perform scanning with the original platen cover 22 closed, and obtains a maximum scan image S1 scanned at the maximum size.

[0077] As an example, the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment handles six types of originals, namely, A3 landscape, A4 landscape, A4 portrait, B4 landscape, B5 landscape, and B5 portrait. In this case, the maximum scan image S1 has the largest size of A3 landscape among the six types of originals.

[0078] Next, the control unit 31 causes the scanner 16 to scan with the document platen cover 22 open to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and determines the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen 21 using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document platen cover 22 open.

[0079] Here, the size of the document in the main scanning direction is obtained by scanning one line in the main scanning direction with the scanner 16, and detecting the edge of the document in the main scanning direction from the detection signal, thereby obtaining the length of the document in the main scanning direction. The control unit 31 identifies the size of the document by combining the length of the document in the main scanning direction with the document detection sensor 45. In this description, the size of the document is A4 landscape, as an example.

[0080] Next, the control unit 31 extracts an area R according to the size of the document from the maximum scanned image S1 as shown in Fig. 6(B) In other words, the control unit 31 extracts an area R of A4 landscape size from the maximum scanned image S1 of A3 landscape size.

[0081] Next, the control unit 31 acquires the extracted scanned image of A4 landscape size as a scanned original image S2, as shown in FIG. 6(C).

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 may issue a notification urging the user to open the platen cover 22 after the maximum scanned image is acquired.

[0083] There are no particular limitations on the manner in which this notification is given. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, text information such as "Please open the cover" may be displayed on the UI device 15, or a sound such as "Please open the cover" may be played.

[0084] When making such a notification, the control unit 31 may make the notification after the carriage 40 of the scanner 16 has returned ⅓ or more, preferably ½ or more, in the sub-scanning direction after the maximum scan image has been obtained.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 31 may cause the scanner 16 to perform a scan when the platen cover 22 is in the fully closed position to obtain a maximum scanned image, and may turn on the light source 41 of the scanner 16 before the platen cover 22 is opened beyond the half-closed position between the fully closed and fully open positions of the platen cover 22, and may cause the scanner 16 to perform a scan when the platen cover 22 is opened beyond the half-closed position to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover 22 is open.

[0086] Here, the "half-closed position" of the platen cover 22 is a position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the platen cover 22, and is not necessarily a center position between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

[0087] In this case, the control unit 31 may turn on the light source 41 of the scanner 16 when the document cover 22 is opened from the fully closed position.

[0088] Furthermore, the process of this embodiment is based on the assumption that a white original is placed by the user, but there is a possibility that an original of a color other than white, such as a black original, may be placed.

[0089] In anticipation of such a case, when the control unit 31 has the scanner 16 perform a scan with the platen cover 22 closed to obtain the maximum scanned image, it may also obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and if the size of the document can be identified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover 22 closed, it may not cause the scanner 16 to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover 22 is open.

[0090] Here, with regard to "obtaining the size of the original in the main scanning direction when obtaining the maximum scan image," the size of the original in the main scanning direction and the maximum scan image may be obtained from the scan signal obtained by performing a single scan at the maximum size, or the size of the original in the main scanning direction and the maximum scan image may be obtained by performing separate scans to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction and maximum size scans to obtain the maximum scan image.

[0091] Next, a basic process flow during scanning in the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0092] When the start button is pressed for the first time to execute copying or scanning after returning from the power saving mode in step S10, the control unit 31 determines in step S11 whether the document size has been confirmed. Here, "document size has been confirmed" refers to, for example, the case where the user has input the document size.

[0093] If it is determined in step S11 that the document size has been confirmed, the control unit 31 scans the document at the confirmed size in step S22, and ends the process normally in step S23.

[0094] If it is determined in step S11 that the document size has not been confirmed, the control unit 31 determines in step S12 whether the document cover 22 is fully closed or not.

[0095] If it is determined in step S12 that the platen cover 22 is not fully closed, the control unit 31 performs black background detection in step S19, and determines in step S20 whether the document size has been determined.

[0096] If it is determined in step S20 that the document size has been confirmed, the control unit 31 scans the document at the confirmed size in step S22, and ends the process normally in step S23.

[0097] If it is determined in step S20 that the document size has not been determined, the control unit 31 notifies the user of a size detection error in step S21 and presents an alternative method, such as having the user input the document size.

[0098] Next, in step S22, the control unit 31 scans the document at the determined size, and in step S23, the process ends normally.

[0099] If it is determined in step S12 that the document cover 22 is fully closed, the control unit 31 scans the document at the maximum size and obtains a maximum scan image in step S13.

[0100] Next, in step S14, the control unit 31 issues a notification urging the user to open the platen cover 22.

[0101] Next, in step S15, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the platen cover 22 has been opened within a predetermined time.

[0102] If it is determined in step S15 that the platen cover 22 has not been opened within a specified time, the control unit 31 notifies the user of a size detection error in step S21 and presents an alternative method, scans the document at the confirmed size in step S22, and ends the process normally in step S23.

[0103] If it is determined in step S15 that the platen cover 22 has been opened within the predetermined time, the control unit 31 performs black background detection in step S16, and determines in step S17 whether the document size has been determined.

[0104] If it is determined in step S17 that the document size has not been confirmed, the control unit 31 notifies the user of a size detection error in step S21 and presents an alternative method, scans the document at the confirmed size in step S22, and ends the process normally in step S23.

[0105] If it is determined in step S17 that the document size has been confirmed, the control unit 31 extracts an area corresponding to the document size from the maximum scan image in step S18, obtains a document scan image, and ends the process normally in step S23.

[0106] [Second embodiment] Next, the image forming apparatus 10 of the second embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment is related to the process when the start button is pressed in a state where a white document is placed by the user and the document size is not specified. In contrast, the image forming apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is related to the process when the start button is pressed in a state where a black document is placed by the user and the document size is not specified. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0107] When scanning a black original, the user opens the original platen cover 22, places the black original on the transparent original platen 21, and then closes the original platen cover 22.

[0108] The control unit 31 performs white background detection when the document platen cover 22 is closed, and determines the size of the black document based on the length of the black document in the main scanning direction obtained by the white background detection and the presence or absence of detection by the document detection sensor 45 during the white background detection.

[0109] When the user presses the start button after closing the document cover 22, the control unit 31 executes scanning based on the size of the black document that has been specified in advance.

[0110] However, if the user presses the start button with the document cover 22 open, the control unit 31 cannot detect the white background and is therefore unable to identify the size of the black document, so the control unit 31 is unable to start scanning and will notify the user of an error.

[0111] In order to solve such problems, when the control unit 31 in the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment is instructed to start scanning an original with the original cover 22 open, it causes the scanner 16 to perform scanning with the original cover 22 open to obtain a maximum scan image read at the maximum size, and causes the scanner 16 to perform scanning with the original cover 22 closed to obtain the size of the original in the main scanning direction, and after the size of the original placed on the transparent original platen 21 is identified using the size of the original in the main scanning direction obtained with the original cover 22 closed, it extracts an area corresponding to the size of the original from the maximum scan image to obtain an original scan image corresponding to the size of the original.

[0112] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 may issue a notification to prompt the user to close the platen cover 22 after the maximum scanned image is obtained.

[0113] There are no particular limitations on the manner in which this notification is given. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, text information such as "Please close the cover" may be displayed on the UI device 15, or a sound such as "Please close the cover" may be played.

[0114] When making such a notification, the control unit 31 may make the notification after the carriage 40 of the scanner 16 has returned ⅓ or more, preferably ½ or more, in the sub-scanning direction after the maximum scan image has been obtained.

[0115] In addition, the control unit 31 may cause the scanner 16 to scan when the platen cover 22 is in the fully open position, obtain a maximum scan image, and turn on the light source 41 of the scanner 16 before the platen cover 22 is closed to the fully closed position, and when the platen cover 22 is closed to the fully closed position, cause the scanner 16 to scan to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover 22 is closed.

[0116] In this case, the control unit 31 may turn on the light source 41 of the scanner 16 when the platen cover 22 is closed to a half-closed position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the platen cover 22.

[0117] Furthermore, the process of this embodiment is based on the assumption that a black original is placed by the user, but there is a possibility that an original of a color other than black, such as a white original, may be placed.

[0118] In anticipation of such a case, when the control unit 31 has the scanner 16 perform a scan with the platen cover 22 open to obtain the maximum scanned image, it may also obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction, and if the size of the document can be identified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the platen cover 22 open, it may not cause the scanner 16 to perform a scan to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the platen cover 22 is closed.

[0119] Next, a basic process flow during scanning in the image forming system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0120] When the start button is pressed in step S30 to execute copying or scanning with the platen cover 22 fully open, the control unit 31 determines in step S31 whether the document size has been confirmed.

[0121] If it is determined in step S31 that the document size has been confirmed, the control unit 31 scans the document at the confirmed size in step S39, and ends the process normally in step S40.

[0122] If it is determined in step S31 that the document size has not been confirmed, the control unit 31 scans the document at the maximum size and obtains a maximum scan image in step S32.

[0123] Next, in step S33, the control unit 31 issues a notification urging the user to close the platen cover 22.

[0124] Next, in step S34, the control section 31 determines whether or not the platen cover 22 has been closed within a predetermined time.

[0125] If it is determined in step S34 that the platen cover 22 has not been closed within a predetermined time, the control unit 31 notifies the user of a size detection error in step S38 and presents an alternative method, scans the document at the confirmed size in step S39, and ends the process normally in step S40.

[0126] If it is determined in step S34 that the platen cover 22 has been closed within the predetermined time, the control unit 31 performs white background detection in step S35, and determines in step S36 whether the document size has been determined.

[0127] If it is determined in step S36 that the document size has not been confirmed, the control unit 31 notifies the user of a size detection error in step S38 and presents an alternative method, scans the document at the confirmed size in step S39, and ends the process normally in step S40.

[0128] If it is determined in step S36 that the document size has been confirmed, the control unit 31 extracts an area corresponding to the document size from the maximum scan image in step S37, obtains the document scan image, and ends the process normally in step S40.

[0129] [Variations] Although an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the term "system" includes both a system composed of multiple devices and a system composed of a single device.

[0131] In addition, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0132] In addition, the operations of the processor in the above embodiments may be performed not only by one processor, but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0133] [Note] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0134] (((1))) A processor is provided. The processor, If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is closed, With the document cover closed, the reading device performs reading to obtain a first read image read at a maximum size; With the document platen cover open, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction; After the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen is specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover open, an area corresponding to the size of the document is extracted from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document. Information processing system.

[0135] (((2))) The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, a notification is issued to prompt the user to open the document cover. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0136] (((3))) The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, the carriage of the scanning device returns by at least 1 / 3 in the sub-scanning direction, and then the notification is made. The information processing system according to (((2))).

[0137] (((4))) The processor, With the document cover in a fully closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image; a light source of the reading device is turned on before the document cover is opened at a half-closed position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the document cover; When the document cover is opened from the half-closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the document cover is opened. 1. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0138] (((5))) The processor, When the document cover is opened from the fully closed position, a light source of the reading device is turned on. The information processing system according to (((4))).

[0139] (((6))) The processor, When the document cover is closed and the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image, a size of the document in a main scanning direction is also obtained; When the size of the document can be specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document cover closed, the reading device is not caused to perform reading for obtaining the size of the document in the main scanning direction with the document cover open. An information processing system according to (((1))).

[0140] (((7))) A processor is provided. The processor, If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is open, a reading device is caused to perform reading in a state where the document cover is open, and a first read image read at a maximum size is obtained; With the document cover closed, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction; After the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen is specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover closed, an area corresponding to the size of the document is extracted from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document. Information processing system.

[0141] (((8))) The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, a notification is issued to prompt the user to close the document cover. An information processing system according to (((7))).

[0142] (((9))) The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, the carriage of the scanning device returns by at least 1 / 3 in the sub-scanning direction, and then the notification is made. An information processing system according to (((8))).

[0143] (((10))) The processor, With the document cover in a fully open position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image; before the document cover is closed to a fully closed position, a light source of the reading device is turned on; When the document cover is closed to the fully closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the document cover is closed. 13. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0144] (((11))) The processor, When the document cover is closed to a half-closed position between the fully-closed position and the fully-open position of the document cover, a light source of the reading device is turned on. The information processing system according to (((10))).

[0145] (((12))) The processor, When the document cover is opened and the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image, a size of the document in a main scanning direction is also obtained; When the size of the document can be specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document cover open, the reading device is not caused to perform reading for obtaining the size of the document in the main scanning direction with the document cover closed. An information processing system according to (((7))).

[0146] (((13)) If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is closed, a step of causing the reading device to perform reading with the document cover closed, and acquiring a first read image read at a maximum size; a step of causing the reading device to perform reading while the document cover is open, and acquiring a size of the document in a main scanning direction; a step of identifying a size of the document placed on the transparent document platen using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover open, and then extracting an area corresponding to the size of the document from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0147] (((14))) If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is open, a step of causing the reading device to perform reading in a state where the document cover is open, and acquiring a first read image read at a maximum size; a step of causing the reading device to perform reading while the document cover is closed, and acquiring a size of the document in a main scanning direction; a step of identifying a size of the document placed on the transparent document platen using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover closed, and then extracting an area corresponding to the size of the document from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0148] The effects of the above configuration are described below.

[0149] According to the information processing system of (((1))), scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0150] According to the information processing system (((2))), it is possible to have the user open the document platen cover.

[0151] According to the information processing system (((3))), the time from when the user opens the platen cover to when the reading device begins reading can be shortened, compared to when the user opens the platen cover immediately after scanning at the maximum size.

[0152] According to the information processing system of (((4))), when the platen cover is opened to a position where reading by the reading device is to be performed, reading can be performed immediately.

[0153] According to the information processing system of (((5))), the light source is turned on for a shorter period of time than when the light source is turned on before the platen cover is opened.

[0154] According to the information processing system of (((6))), unnecessary reading can be prevented.

[0155] According to the information processing system of (((7))), scanning can be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0156] According to the information processing system (((8))), it is possible to have the user close the platen cover.

[0157] According to the information processing system (((9))), the time from when the user closes the platen cover to when the reading device starts reading can be shortened, compared to when the user is asked to close the platen cover immediately after scanning at the maximum size.

[0158] According to the information processing system of (((10))), when the platen cover is closed to a position where reading by the reading device can be performed, reading can be performed immediately.

[0159] According to the information processing system of (((11))), the light source is turned on for a shorter period of time than when the light source is turned on before the platen cover is closed.

[0160] According to the information processing system of (((12))), unnecessary reading can be prevented.

[0161] The program (((13))) allows scanning to be performed even before the document size is specified.

[0162] The program (((14))) allows scanning to be performed even before the document size is specified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 10 Image forming device 11 CPU 12 RAM 13 Storage device 14 Communication Interface 15 User Interface Device 16 Scanner 17 Print Engine 19 Control Bus 20. Cabinet 21 Transparent platen 22 Manuscript cover 23 Open / close detection sensor 23a Push switch 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Operation input section 34 Display section 35 Data transmission and reception unit 36 Image reading unit 37 Image output section 40 Carriage 41 Light source 42 Reading unit 45 Document detection sensor

Claims

1. A processor is provided. The processor, If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is closed, a reading device is caused to perform reading with the document cover closed, and a first read image read at a maximum size is obtained; With the document platen cover open, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction; After the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen is specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover open, an area corresponding to the size of the document is extracted from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document. Information processing system.

2. The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, a notification is issued to prompt the user to open the document cover. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, After the first read image is acquired, the carriage of the reading device returns by at least 1 / 3 in the sub-scanning direction, and then the notification is made. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. The processor, With the document cover in a fully closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image; a light source of the reading device is turned on before the document cover is opened at a half-closed position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the document cover; When the document cover is opened from the half-closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the document cover is opened. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The processor, When the document cover is opened from the fully closed position, a light source of the reading device is turned on.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The processor, When the document cover is closed and the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image, a size of the document in a main scanning direction is also obtained; When the size of the document can be specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document cover closed, the reading device is not caused to perform reading for obtaining the size of the document in the main scanning direction with the document cover open. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

7. A processor is provided. The processor, If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is open, a reading device is caused to perform reading in a state where the document cover is open, and a first read image read at a maximum size is obtained; With the document platen cover closed, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction; After the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen is specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover closed, an area corresponding to the size of the document is extracted from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document. Information processing system.

8. The processor, After the first scanned image is acquired, a notification is issued to prompt the user to close the document cover. The information processing system according to claim 7.

9. The processor, After the first read image is acquired, the carriage of the reading device returns by at least 1 / 3 in the sub-scanning direction, and then the notification is made. The information processing system according to claim 8.

10. The processor, With the document cover in a fully open position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image; before the document cover is closed to a fully closed position, a light source of the reading device is turned on; When the document cover is closed to the fully closed position, the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain the size of the document in the main scanning direction when the document cover is closed. The information processing system according to claim 7.

11. The processor, When the document cover is closed to a half-closed position between the fully-closed position and the fully-open position of the document cover, a light source of the reading device is turned on. The information processing system according to claim 10.

12. The processor, When the document cover is opened and the reading device is caused to perform reading to obtain a first read image, a size of the document in a main scanning direction is also obtained; When the size of the document can be specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document cover open, the reading device is not caused to perform reading for obtaining the size of the document in the main scanning direction with the document cover closed. The information processing system according to claim 7.

13. If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is closed, a step of causing the reading device to perform reading with the document cover closed, and acquiring a first read image read at a maximum size; a step of causing the reading device to perform reading while the document cover is open, and acquiring a size of the document in a main scanning direction; a step of identifying a size of the document placed on the transparent document platen using the size of the document in the main scanning direction acquired with the document platen cover open, and then extracting an area corresponding to the size of the document from the first scanned image to acquire a second scanned image corresponding to the size of the document; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

14. If the scanner is instructed to start scanning the document while the document cover, which covers the transparent document tray on which the document is placed, is open, a step of causing a reading device to perform reading in a state where the document cover is open, and acquiring a first read image read at a maximum size; a step of causing the reading device to perform reading while the document cover is closed, and acquiring a size of the document in a main scanning direction; a step of extracting an area according to the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen from the first read image to obtain a second read image according to the size of the document, after the size of the document placed on the transparent document platen is specified using the size of the document in the main scanning direction obtained with the document platen cover closed; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

Images