Image reading device, image reading method, image reading system, and image processing device

Abstract

To reduce operation for generating composite image data from manuscript image data generated by reading a plurality of different manuscripts.SOLUTION: An image reading device includes a reading unit and a control unit. Manuscript image data includes first image data generated by reading a first manuscript and second image data generated by reading a second manuscript. The first manuscript has a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second manuscript is embedded. The control unit detects the specific code from the first image data generated by the reading unit, causes the reading unit to read the second manuscript according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code, and generates composite image data by synthesizing at least part of the generated second image data with the first image data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, an image reading method, an image reading system, and an image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As an image reading apparatus, a flatbed apparatus with an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) that reads a document by both an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) method and a flatbed method is known. A user can cause the apparatus to read a document by the ADF method by setting the document on the ADF document table and performing a read start operation, and can cause the apparatus to read a document by the flatbed method by setting the document on the flatbed document table and performing a read start operation. Document image data is generated separately by the ADF method and the flatbed method.

[0003] As a reference, Patent Document 1 discloses an image processing apparatus that synthesizes text data with image data generated by reading a document with a two-dimensional code. In this image processing apparatus, in order to create a two-dimensional code, it is necessary to cause the apparatus to read an image of handwritten characters. Then, the image processing apparatus generates a two-dimensional code in which text data obtained from the handwritten characters and text area coordinates are encoded and stored, and synthesizes the generated two-dimensional code with the image data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If it is possible to automatically synthesize separately generated manuscript image data, such as synthesizing manuscript image data generated by the ADF method and the flatbed method, convenience is improved. The image processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 needs to previously have a handwritten character read by an image reading apparatus and generate a two-dimensional code storing text data obtained from the handwritten character, so it takes time and effort from reading a plurality of manuscripts to synthesizing the manuscript image data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a first manuscript and a second manuscript different from the first manuscript, and a control unit that performs processing on the manuscript image data generated by the reading unit. The manuscript image data includes first image data generated by reading the first manuscript and second image data generated by reading the second manuscript. The first manuscript has a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second manuscript is embedded. The control unit detects the specific code from the first image data generated by the reading unit, causes the reading unit to read the second manuscript according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code, and generates composite image data in which at least a part of the generated second image data is synthesized with the first image data.

[0007] Also, the image reading method of the present invention is an image reading method for reading a first manuscript and a second manuscript different from the first manuscript and generating composite image data, wherein the first manuscript has a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second manuscript is embedded. The image reading method includes a first reading step of generating first image data as manuscript image data by reading the first manuscript, a detection step of detecting the specific code from the first image data, A second reading step of generating second image data as the manuscript image data by reading the second manuscript according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code; A synthesizing step of generating the synthesized image data by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data with the first image data, and having an aspect.

[0008] Also, an image reading system of the present invention is an image reading system that reads a first manuscript and a second manuscript different from the first manuscript and generates synthesized image data, An image processing apparatus that generates a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second manuscript is embedded, and controls the first manuscript to include the specific code; An image reading apparatus that generates first image data as manuscript image data by reading the first manuscript, detects the specific code from the first image data, and reads the second manuscript according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code, thereby generating second image data as the manuscript image data, and generating the synthesized image data in which at least a part of the second image data is synthesized with the first image data, and having an aspect.

[0009] Also, the image processing apparatus of the present invention A specific code generation unit that generates a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second manuscript is embedded in order to synthesize at least a part of the second image data generated by reading the second manuscript different from the first manuscript with the first image data generated by reading the first manuscript; A specific code addition control unit that controls the first manuscript to include the specific code, and having an aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and not all of the features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution means of the invention.

[0012] (1) Overview of the aspects included in the present invention: First, an overview of the aspects included in the present invention will be described with reference to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 18. It should be noted that the figures of the present application are schematic diagrams showing examples, and the magnification ratios in each direction shown in these figures may be different, and the figures may not be consistent. Of course, each element of this aspect is not limited to the specific examples indicated by the reference numerals. In the "overview of the aspects included in the present invention", the content in parentheses means supplementary explanation of the immediately preceding word.

[0013] [Aspect 1] An image reading apparatus 1 according to one aspect includes a reading unit 30 and a control unit 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. The reading unit 30 reads a first document D01 and a second document D02 different from the first document D01. The control unit 40 processes the document image data DA0 generated by the reading unit 30. The document image data DA0 includes first image data DA1 generated by reading the first document D01 and second image data DA2 generated by reading the second document D02. The first document D01 has a specific code 60 in which embedded information 61 including information indicating how to read the second document D02 is embedded. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, etc., the control unit 40 detects the specific code 60 from the first image data DA1 generated by the reading unit 30, causes the reading unit 30 to read the second document D02 according to the embedded information 61 embedded in the specific code 60, and generates composite image data DA3 in which at least a part of the generated second image data DA2 is combined with the first image data DA1.

[0014] Since the embedding information 61 including information indicating how to read the second original document D02 is embedded in the specific code 60 provided in the first original document D01, the second original document D02 is read according to the embedding information 61. At least a part of the generated second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1. Therefore, the above aspect can provide an image reading apparatus capable of reducing an operation for generating composite image data from original document image data generated by reading a plurality of different original documents. As a result, the usability of the image reading apparatus can be improved.

[0015] Various examples can be given for the above-described aspect. The reading unit may perform a first reading process of reading an original document fed by an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), or may perform a second reading process of reading an original document placed on a flat-bed original document table, or may perform both the first reading process and the second reading process. The material of the original document is not limited to paper, and may be resin, metal, or the like. Examples of the specific code include a two-dimensional code, a bar code, and the like. Examples of the information indicating how to read the second original document include type information indicating the type of the second original document (including size, etc.), the image type of the generated second image data, the resolution of the generated second image data, the rotation amount of the generated second image data, the density of the generated second image data, and the like. The control unit may synthesize the entire second image data with the first image data, or may synthesize a part of the second image data with the first image data. In the present application, "first", "second",... are terms for identifying each component included in a plurality of components having similar points, and do not mean an order. Of course, the above-mentioned remarks are also applicable to the following aspects.

[0016] [Aspect 2] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 1 may further include a document support unit 10 that supports the document D0 fed to the reading unit 30, a feeding unit 15 that feeds the document D0 from the document support unit 10 to the reading unit 30, and a document table 20 on which the document D0 is placed. The reading unit 30 can execute a plurality of reading processes including a first reading process (for example, ADF scan) for reading the document D0 while being fed by the feeding unit 15 and a second reading process (for example, flatbed scan) for reading the document D0 placed on the document table 20. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include processing information 62 indicating whether to perform the first reading process or the second reading process on the second document D02. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit 40 may cause the reading unit 30 to execute the reading process indicated by the processing information 62 embedded in the specific code 60 on the second document D02 among the plurality of reading processes. In the above case, since the reading process indicated by the processing information 62 embedded in the specific code 60 is performed on the second document D02, it is possible to reduce the operations for generating composite image data in an image reading apparatus capable of executing a plurality of reading processes.

[0017] [Aspect 3] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include at least a part of type information 63 indicating the type of the second document D02, position information 64 indicating where to synthesize the second image data DA2 in the first image data DA1, fitting information 65 indicating how to fit the second image data DA2 to a synthesis region A1 set in the first image data DA1, and alignment information 66 indicating which part of the second image data DA2 is used as a reference to fit the second image data DA2 to the synthesis region A1. When the embedded information 61 includes the type information 63, the control unit 40 may cause the reading unit 30 to read the second document D02 that conforms to the type indicated by the type information 63. When the embedded information 61 includes the position information 64, the control unit 40 may synthesize at least a part of the second image data DA2 in the first image data DA1 at the position (for example, region coordinates (x1, y1)-(x2, y2)) indicated by the position information 64. As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the embedded information 61 includes the fitting information 65, the control unit 40 may perform fitting processing to fit at least a part of the second image data DA2 to the synthesis region A1 as indicated by the fitting information 65. As illustrated in FIG. 14, when the embedded information 61 includes the alignment information 66, the control unit 40 may perform alignment processing to align at least a part of the second image data DA2 to the synthesis region A1 as indicated by the alignment information 66. In the above case, since the embedded information 61 includes at least a part of the type information 63, the position information 64, the fitting information 65, and the alignment information 66, operations for generating the composite image data can be further reduced. As a result, the usability of the image reading apparatus can be further improved.

[0018] [Aspect 4] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include generation image setting information 70 indicating how to generate the second image data DA2. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the control unit 40 may cause the reading unit 30 to read the second document D02 according to the generation image setting information 70 embedded in the specific code 60. The control unit 40 may synthesize at least a part of the generated second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1. In the above case, since the embedded information 61 includes the generation image setting information 70, operations for generating the composite image data can be further reduced, and the usability of the image reading apparatus can be further improved.

[0019] Here, the generation image setting information includes the image type of the second image data to be generated, the resolution of the second image data to be generated, the rotation amount of the second image data to be generated, the density of the second image data to be generated, and the like. This note is also applicable in the following aspects.

[0020] [Aspect 5] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the control unit 40 may detect an edge E1 (see FIG. 12) indicating an edge of the second document D02 from the second image data DA2. The control unit 40 may perform a cutting process for cutting out the second image data DA2 based on the embedded information 61 and the edge E1. The control unit 40 may synthesize at least a part of the second image data DA2 subjected to the cutting process with the first image data DA1. In the above case, since an extra area is deleted from the second image data DA2, the image quality of the composite image can be improved.

[0021] [Aspect 6] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 10 to 15, the control unit 40 may perform the cutting process so that the second image data DA2 is adjusted to a size corresponding to the type indicated by the type information 63 embedded in the specific code 60. In the above case, since the second image data DA2 is adjusted to a size corresponding to the type indicated by the type information 63 embedded in the specific code 60, the image quality of the composite image can be further improved.

[0022] [Aspect 7] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include cutout information 75 indicating whether or not to adapt the cutout process to a laminate manuscript (a laminated manuscript). As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the control unit 40 may adapt the cutout process to the laminate manuscript when the cutout information 75 indicates that the cutout process is to be adapted to the laminate manuscript. In the above case, when the second manuscript D02 is a laminate manuscript, a cutout process adapted to the laminate manuscript is performed, so that convenience can be improved.

[0023] [Aspect 8] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include cutout information 75 indicating whether or not to perform an inscribed cutout in the cutout process. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the control unit 40 may perform the inscribed cutout in the cutout process when the cutout information 75 indicates that the inscribed cutout is to be performed. In the above case, since the inscribed cutout of the second image data DA2 is also performed, convenience can be improved.

[0024] [Aspect 9] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the embedded information 61 may include specific region presence information 80 indicating the presence of a specific region A2 in the second image data DA2 on which the cutting process has been performed, when there is a specific region A2 on which predetermined image processing is to be performed. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 16, the control unit 40 may extract the specific region A2 from the second image data DA2 on which the cutting process has been performed according to the specific region presence information 80 included in the embedded information 61. The control unit 40 may perform the image processing on the extracted specific region A2. The control unit 40 may synthesize at least a part of the second image data DA2 on which the image processing has been performed with the first image data DA1. In the above case, by performing image processing on the specific region A2 of the second image data DA2, the image quality of the composite image can be improved. For example, when the specific region A2 is a face photo region, the quality of the composite image data DA3 can be improved by performing image processing such as unsharp masking on the specific region A2 so as to improve the image quality of the specific region A2.

[0025] [Aspect 10] Incidentally, an image reading method according to one aspect is an image reading method for reading a first document D01 and a second document D02 different from the first document D01 to generate composite image data DA3, and includes the following steps as illustrated in FIG. 8. Note that the first document D01 has a specific code 60 in which embedded information 61 including information indicating how to read the second document D02 is embedded. (a1) A first reading step ST1 of generating first image data DA1 as document image data DA0 by reading the first document D01. (a2) A detection step ST2 of detecting the specific code 60 from the first image data DA1. (a3) A second reading step ST3 of generating second image data DA2 as the document image data DA0 by reading the second document D02 according to the embedded information 61 embedded in the specific code 60. (a4) A synthesizing step ST4 of generating the synthesized image data DA3 by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1. The above aspect can provide an image reading method capable of reducing operations for generating synthesized image data from manuscript image data generated by reading a plurality of different manuscripts.

[0026] [Aspect 11] Also, an image reading system SY1 according to an aspect is an image reading system SY1 that reads a first manuscript D01 and a second manuscript D02 different from the first manuscript D01 to generate synthesized image data DA3, and includes an image processing device 100 and an image reading device 1. The image processing device 100 generates a specific code 60 in which embedded information 61 including information indicating how to read the second manuscript D02 is embedded, and controls the first manuscript D01 to include the specific code 60. The image reading device 1 generates first image data DA1 as manuscript image data DA0 by reading the first manuscript D01, detects the specific code 60 from the first image data DA1, and reads the second manuscript D02 according to the embedded information 61 embedded in the specific code 60 to generate second image data DA2 as the manuscript image data DA0, and generates the synthesized image data DA3 in which at least a part of the second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1. The above aspect can provide an image reading system capable of reducing operations for generating synthesized image data from manuscript image data generated by reading a plurality of different manuscripts.

[0027] [Aspect 12] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 100 according to one aspect includes a specific code generation unit 101 and a specific code attachment control unit 102. The specific code generation unit 101 generates a specific code 60 in which embedded information 61 including information indicating how to read the second original document D02 is embedded, in order to synthesize at least a part of second image data DA2 generated by reading a second original document D02 different from the first original document D01 into first image data DA1 generated by reading the first original document D01. The specific code attachment control unit 102 controls the first original document D01 to include the specific code 60. The above aspect can provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing operations for generating composite image data from original document image data generated by reading a plurality of different original documents.

[0028] Furthermore, the above-described aspect is applicable to a composite apparatus including the above-described image reading apparatus, a composite system including the above-described image reading system, a composite apparatus including the above-described image processing apparatus, a control method for the above-described image reading apparatus, a control method for the above-described image reading system, a control method for the above-described image processing apparatus, a control program for the above-described image reading apparatus, a control program for the above-described image reading system, a control program for the above-described image processing apparatus, a computer-readable non-transitory medium recording any of the foregoing control programs, and the like. Any of the foregoing apparatuses may be composed of a plurality of distributed parts.

[0029] (2) Specific example of an image reading system including an image reading apparatus and an image processing apparatus: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an image reading system SY1 including an image reading apparatus 1 and an image processing apparatus 100. FIG. 2 schematically shows an example in which composite image data DA3 is generated. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the configuration of the embedded information 61 of the specific code 60. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the structure of the image reading apparatus 1. The image reading system SY1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image processing apparatus 100 that causes a printer 150 to print an original document D03 serving as a first original document D01, and an image reading apparatus 1 that reads an original document D0 (see FIG. 4). The original document D0 includes a first original document D01 having a specific code 60 in which embedding information 61 is embedded, and a second original document D02 that is read according to the embedding information 61 of the specific code 60. The embedding information 61 includes information indicating how to read the second original document D02. The image processing apparatus 100 includes a specific code generation unit 101 and a specific code assignment control unit 102. The image reading apparatus 1 includes a reading unit 30 and a control unit 40.

[0030] The image reading apparatus 1 of this specific example can generate composite image data DA3 by automatically reading the second original document D02 according to the embedding information 61 of the specific code 60 after reading the first original document D01. For example, it is assumed that the first original document D01 is quickly read by the ADF method, and the second original document D02 is a certificate or the like that is difficult to read by overlapping it with the first original document D01, such as a driver's license, an ID (identification) card, or a passport. In the image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4, if the user sets the second original document D02 on the flatbed document table 20 and sets the first original document D01 on the document support unit 10 for the ADF, the second original document D02 is automatically read after the first original document D01 is read. As a result, the operation for generating composite image data from the first original document D01 suitable for the ADF method and the second original document D02 not suitable for the ADF method is reduced, and the usability of the image reading apparatus 1 is improved.

[0031] In the image processing apparatus 100, the specific code generation unit 101 generates a specific code 60 to be attached to the first original document D01, and the specific code 60 has embedded information 61 (see FIG. 3) including information indicating how to read the second original document D02. Although it will be described in detail later, the embedded information 61 includes processing information 62, type information 63, position information 64, fitting information 65, alignment information 66, generated image setting information 70, and cutout information 75. The specific code 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is, as an example, a matrix type two-dimensional code. The specific code attachment control unit 102 causes the printer 150 to form the original document D03 having the specific code 60. The original document D03 becomes the first original document D01 when a person fills in the entry field 90. Therefore, it can be said that the specific code attachment control unit 102 controls so that the specific code 60 is included in the first original document D01.

[0032] In the image reading apparatus 1, the reading unit 30 generates original document image data DA0 by reading the original document D0. The control unit 40 processes the original document image data DA0 generated by the reading unit 30. First, the reading unit 30 reads the first original document D01 to generate first image data DA1 as the original document image data DA0. The control unit 40 detects the specific code 60 from the first image data DA1 and acquires the embedded information 61 embedded in the specific code 60. Next, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to read the second original document D02 according to the embedded information 61. The reading unit 30 reads the second original document D02 to generate second image data DA2 as the original document image data DA0. Finally, the control unit 40 generates composite image data DA3 obtained by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1.

[0033] The image reading device 1 shown in Fig. 4 includes a main body 2 having a flatbed document table 20 on its upper surface, and an upper cover 3 having an ADF function. The main body 2 includes a reading unit 30, a control unit 40, an upper cover sensor 21 for detecting whether the upper cover 3 is closed, and the like. The upper cover 3 includes a document support unit 10 for supporting a document D0 fed to the reading unit 30, a feeding unit 15 for feeding the document D0 from the document support unit 10 to the reading unit 30, a discharge tray 19, and the like. A document detection sensor 11 for detecting whether the document D0 is placed on the document support unit 10 is provided on the document support unit 10.

[0034] The reading unit 30 includes a moving unit 31 that is movable along a horizontal guide rail 33 facing in both arrow directions in Fig. 4. The moving unit 31 has a line sensor 32 facing in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the guide rail 33, a light source (not shown), a light guide (not shown), a lens (not shown), and the like, and is moved along the guide rail 33 by a driving unit (not shown). In a state where the document D0 is placed on the document table 20, the line sensor 32 reads the image of the document D0 while moving in the direction along the guide rail 33. The reading unit 30 generates two-dimensional document image data DA0 based on the output of the line sensor 32 at each position in the direction along the guide rail 33, and outputs it to the control unit 40. Note that the line sensor 32 can use solid-state imaging devices such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor and a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) line sensor.

[0035] The feeding unit 15 includes a feeding roller 16, a discharge roller 17, a conveyance path 18, and the like. The document D0 placed on the document support unit 10 is fed into the conveyance path 18 by the rotation of the feeding roller 16, and is discharged from the conveyance path 18 to the discharge tray 19 by the rotation of the discharge roller 17. At this time, the moving unit 31 is at a position where the line sensor 32 faces the conveyance path 18, and the reading unit 30 generates two-dimensional document image data DA0 based on the output of the line sensor 32 at each timing, and outputs it to the control unit 40.

[0036] As described above, the reading unit 30 can execute ADF scanning for reading the document D0 while being fed by the feeding unit 15 and flatbed scanning for reading the document D0 placed on the document table 20. The embedded information 61 shown in FIG. 3 includes processing information 62 indicating whether to perform ADF scanning as the first reading process or flatbed scanning as the second reading process on the second document D02. When the processing information 62 indicates execution of ADF scanning, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to execute ADF scanning of the second document D02. When the processing information 62 indicates execution of flatbed scanning, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to execute flatbed scanning of the second document D02.

[0037] The embedded information 61 shown in FIG. 3 includes various information other than the processing information 62. For example, the type information 63 shown in FIG. 3 indicates the type of the second document D02, such as a driver's license, ID card, passport, A4 size, A5 size, etc. The type is a concept including materials such as the size, thickness, and surface state of the second document D02. When the embedded information 61 includes the type information 63, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to read the second document D02 in accordance with the type indicated by the type information 63. For example, when the type information 63 indicates a driver's license, reading conforming to the size and material of the driver's license is performed on the driver's license.

[0038] The position information 64 shown in FIG. 3 indicates where to synthesize the second image data DA2 into the first image data DA1, such as a rectangular area from the start coordinates (x1, y1) to the end coordinates (x2, y2). For example, the coordinates x1 and x2 are coordinate values in the horizontal direction, and the coordinates y1 and y2 are coordinate values in the vertical direction. When the embedded information 61 includes the position information 64, the control unit 40 synthesizes at least a part of the second image data DA2 into the first image data DA1 at the position indicated by the position information 64. For example, the control unit 40 embeds by overwriting at least a part of the second image data DA2 into the synthesis area A1 of the rectangular area coordinates (x1, y1)-(x2, y2) with respect to the first image data DA1.

[0039] The fitting information 65 shown in FIG. 3 indicates how to align the second image data DA2 with the composite region A1 set in the first image data DA1. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the fitting information 65 includes, for example, "FitOutside" for aligning the second image data DA2 outside the composite region A1 without changing the aspect ratio, "FitWithin" for aligning the second image data DA2 inside the composite region A1 without changing the aspect ratio, and "FitAll" for aligning the four sides of the second image data DA2 with the four sides of the composite region A1 even if the aspect ratio is changed. When the embedding information 61 includes the fitting information 65, the control unit 40 performs a fitting process to align at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the composite region A1 as indicated by the fitting information 65.

[0040] The alignment information 66 shown in FIG. 3 indicates where in the second image data DA2 to align the second image data DA2 with the composite region A1. The alignment information 66 includes, for example, horizontal alignment information and vertical alignment information. The horizontal alignment information includes, for example, "Left" for aligning the left end of the second image data DA2 with the left end of the composite region A1 (see FIG. 14), "Center" for aligning the center of the second image data DA2 horizontally with the center of the composite region A1, and "Right" for aligning the right end of the second image data DA2 with the right end of the composite region A1 (see FIG. 14). The vertical alignment information includes, for example, "Top" for aligning the upper end of the second image data DA2 with the upper end of the composite region A1 (see FIG. 14), "Center" for aligning the center of the second image data DA2 vertically with the center of the composite region A1, and "Bottom" for aligning the lower end of the second image data DA2 with the lower end of the composite region A1 (see FIG. 14). When the embedding information 61 includes the alignment information 66, the control unit 40 performs an alignment process to align at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the composite region A1 as indicated by the alignment information 66.

[0041] The generated image setting information 70 shown in FIG. 3 indicates what kind of second image data DA2 is to be generated. The generated image setting information 70 includes, for example, the image type 71 of the second image data DA2 to be generated, the resolution 72 of the second image data DA2 to be generated, the rotation amount 73 of the second image data DA2 to be generated, and the density 74 of the second image data DA2 to be generated. The image type 71 includes, for example, "Color" for generating color second image data DA2, "Monochrome" for generating monochrome second image data DA2, "Gray" for generating gray second image data DA2, and "Color / Gray / Monochrome Automatic Discrimination" for automatically discriminating whether to make it color, gray, or monochrome. The resolution 72 includes, for example, "200 dpi" for generating second image data DA2 with a resolution of 200 dpi, "300 dpi" for generating second image data DA2 with a resolution of 300 dpi, "600 dpi" for generating second image data DA2 with a resolution of 600 dpi, and so on. The rotation amount 73 includes, for example, "0°" for generating second image data DA2 that is not rotated, "90°" for generating second image data DA2 rotated by 90°, "180°" for generating second image data DA2 rotated by 180°, and "270°" for generating second image data DA2 rotated by 270°. The density 74 includes, for example, numerical values in 9 levels from the lightest -4 to the darkest +4. The control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to read the second original D02 according to the generated image setting information 70 embedded in the specific code 60, and synthesizes at least a part of the generated second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1.

[0042] The cutout information 75 shown in FIG. 3 indicates how to perform the cutout process for cutting out the second image data DA2. The cutout information 75 includes, for example, lamination priority information 76 indicating whether to adapt the cutout process to the laminated original, and inscribed cutout information 77 indicating whether to perform an inscribed cutout in the cutout process. The lamination priority information 76 includes, for example, "laminated original" indicating that the second original D02 is a laminated original such as a driver's license, and "ordinary original" indicating that the second original D02 is an ordinary original such as plain paper. When the lamination priority information 76, that is, the cutout information 75, indicates that the cutout process is to be adapted to the "laminated original", the control unit 40 adapts the cutout process to the laminated original and performs, for example, a cutout including the transparent part of the lamination. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the inscribed cutout information 77 includes, for example, "circumscribed cutout" for cutting out the second image data DA2 along the outside of the edge E1 of the second image data DA2, and "inscribed cutout" for cutting out the second image data DA2 along the inside of the edge E1. When the inscribed cutout information 77, that is, the cutout information 75, indicates that an "inscribed cutout" is to be performed, the control unit 40 performs an inscribed cutout in the cutout process. Thereby, the boundary part between the edge of the second original D02 and the background is not included in the cutout result.

[0043] The embedding information 61 shown in FIG. 4 may include specific area presence information 80 indicating the presence of a specific area A2 (see FIG. 16) where predetermined image processing is to be performed on the second image data DA2 on which the cutout process has been performed, when the specific area A2 exists. The specific area presence information 80 may include specific area position information indicating the position of the specific area A2. The specific area A2 includes areas where image quality is desired to be improved, such as a face photo area. For example, when the second original D02 has a face photo area like a driver's license, if the image quality of the face photo area is improved, the quality of the composite image data DA3 is improved. Therefore, when the specific area A2 is a face photo area, the control unit 40 may perform predetermined image processing such as unsharp masking on the specific area A2 so as to improve the image quality of the specific area A2.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an image reading system SY1 that realizes the processes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The control unit 40 of the image reading apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an I / F (interface), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The above-described elements are electrically connected and can input and output information to each other. The CPU executes each process of the software configuration. The ROM stores various software. The various software includes software for realizing scanner control during ADF scanning, generation processing of document image data DA0 during ADF scanning, code detection algorithm for the specific code 60, information conversion logic from the embedded information 61 to the specific code 60, discrimination processing of the specific code 60, scanner control during flatbed scanning, generation processing of document image data DA0 during flatbed scanning (including cutting-out processing), data synthesis processing, and the like. Memory necessary for software execution is allocated to the RAM, and the document image data DA0 generated by scanning with the CISM (Contact Image Sensor Module) is stored. The ASIC is an integrated circuit for a scanner device and operates by a register set and a trigger from the CPU. The control unit 40 can also be said to be a processor, and may include a CPU instead of the above-described ASIC, or may include an ASIC instead of the above-described CPU. Of course, the control unit 40 may include a plurality of CPUs. The ROM and the RAM are semiconductor memories. The I / F of the image reading apparatus 1 is connected to the I / F 117 of the image processing apparatus 100. The following are connected to the ASIC: the Motor Driver included in the feeding unit 15, the CISM included in the reading unit 30, the Sensor including the document detection sensor 11 and the upper cover sensor 21, the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), the Touch Panel, the LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the Switch. The Motor Driver drives the motors of the rollers (16, 17) for ADF scanning and the motor for the moving unit 31. The Sensor detects the setting of the document D0, the position of the document D0, and the like.The LCD and LED are examples of the display unit 50, and the Touch Panel and Switch are examples of the setting reception unit 51.

[0045] The control unit 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage unit 114, an input unit 115, a display unit 116, and an I / F 117. The aforementioned elements (111 to 117) are electrically connected and can input and output information to each other. Examples of the image processing apparatus 100 include a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone such as a smartphone, and the like. The storage unit 114 stores an OS (Operating System) not shown, an image processing program PR1, and the like. The image processing program PR1 causes the image processing apparatus 100, which is a computer, to function as a specific code generation unit 101 and a specific code assignment control unit 102. As the storage unit 114, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or the like can be used. As the input unit 115, a pointing device, a hard key including a keyboard, a touch panel attached to the surface of the display panel, or the like can be used. As the display unit 116, a liquid crystal display panel or the like can be used. The display unit 116 may be provided outside the image processing apparatus 100.

[0046] (3) Specific examples of the processing performed by the image processing apparatus: FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the original manuscript generation processing performed by the control unit 110 of the image processing apparatus 100. Among the original manuscript generation processing, the processing of steps S102 to S108 is performed by the specific code generation unit 101, and the processing of step S110 is performed by the specific code assignment control unit 102. Hereinafter, the description of "step" may be omitted, and the step number may be indicated in parentheses. FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the screen transition for generating the original manuscript D03.

[0047] When a user who creates the original manuscript D03 performs a predetermined operation on the image processing apparatus 100 to start the original manuscript generation process, the control unit 110 starts the original manuscript generation process. First, the control unit 110 causes the display unit 116 to display an initial screen 501 shown in the upper part of FIG. 7 (S102). The initial screen 501 has an original manuscript image 511 for forming the original manuscript D03, an insertion tab 512, and the like. The control unit 110 can receive, at the input unit 115, an operation of inputting a printing item such as the entry field 90 with respect to the original manuscript image 511. When the input unit 115 receives an operation from the user on the insertion tab 512, the control unit 110 causes the next scan selection area 513 to be displayed on the display unit 116. Then, the control unit 110 receives, at the input unit 115, an area designation operation 514 for designating a synthesis area A1 with respect to the original manuscript image 511, as in a synthesis area setting screen 502 shown in the middle part of FIG. 7 (S104). Then, the control unit 110 causes an information setting area 515 to be displayed on the display unit 116, as in an information setting screen 503 shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, and receives, at the input unit 115, an operation of designating embedded information 61 from the information setting area 515 (S106). The information setting area 515 has items for selecting various types of information included in the embedded information 61 shown in FIG. 3. When the input unit 115 receives an operation of the user selecting an item, the control unit 110 generates a specific code 60 by encoding the information corresponding to each of the selected items as the embedded information 61 according to a predetermined coding / decoding rule (S108). As described above, the control unit 110 generates a specific code 60 in which the embedded information 61 is embedded in order to synthesize at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1.

[0048] After generating the specific code 60, the control unit 110 causes the printer 150 to print the original manuscript image 511 including the specific code 60 (S110), and ends the original manuscript generation process. The printer 150 forms the original manuscript D03 having the specific code 60 by printing the original manuscript image 511 including the specific code 60 on a printing medium. As shown in FIG. 2, the original manuscript D01 becomes the first manuscript D01 when a person fills in the entry field 90.

[0049] (4) Specific examples of the processing performed by the image reading device: FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the reading process performed by the control unit 40 of the image reading device 1. Here, S202 to S206 correspond to the first reading step ST1, S208 corresponds to the detection step ST2, S210 to S212 correspond to the second reading step ST3, and S214 to S216 correspond to the synthesis step ST4. The reading process starts when the control unit 40 receives a reading instruction for the document D0. The reading instruction may be an instruction resulting from a pressing operation on the scan start button included in the setting reception unit 51 of the image reading device 1, or an instruction resulting from a predetermined scan start operation on the input unit 115 of the image processing device 100, etc.

[0050] When the reading process starts, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the document D0 is set on the document support unit 10 based on the detection result from the document detection sensor 11 shown in FIG. 4 (S202). The document detection sensor 11 detects whether or not the document D0 is placed on the document support unit 10. Therefore, when the control unit 40 obtains a detection result indicating that the document D0 is placed on the document support unit 10, it causes the reading unit 30 to execute an ADF scan for reading the document D0 in a state where it is being fed by the feeding unit 15, and obtains the generated document image data DA0 (S204). On the other hand, when the control unit 40 obtains a detection result indicating that the document D0 is not placed on the document support unit 10, it causes the reading unit 30 to execute a flatbed scan for reading the document D0 placed on the document table 20, and obtains the generated document image data DA0 (S206). When the document D0 has the specific code 60, the document D0 becomes the first document D01, and the document image data DA0 becomes the first image data DA1. Therefore, in S204 or S206, the reading unit 30 generates the first image data DA1 as the document image data DA0 by reading the first document D01.

[0051] After the processing of S204 or S206, the control unit 40 performs a process of detecting the specific code 60 from the document image data DA0, and determines whether the document D0 has the specific code 60 (S208). If the specific code 60 is not detected from the document image data DA0, since the document D0 does not have the specific code 60, the control unit 40 outputs the document image data DA0 to the set output destination (S218), and ends the reading process. If the specific code 60 is detected from the document image data DA0, the document image data DA0 is the first image data DA1. Therefore, the control unit 40 detects the specific code 60 from the first image data DA1 in S208. In this case, the control unit 40 obtains the embedded information 61 embedded in the specific code 60 by decrypting the detected specific code 60 according to a predetermined multiplexing and decoding rule (S210). After obtaining the embedded information 61, the control unit 40 performs a second document reading process (see FIG. 9) of causing the reading unit 30 to read the second document D02 according to the embedded information 61 (S212). The reading unit 30 generates the second image data DA2 as the document image data DA0 by reading the second document D02 according to the embedded information 61. Thereafter, the control unit 40 performs a cutting process (see FIG. 10) of cutting out the second image data DA2 (S214). Note that the details of the second document reading process and the cutting process will be described later. Finally, the control unit 40 generates composite image data DA3 (see the lower part of FIG. 2) by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1 according to the embedded information 61, and outputs it to the set output destination (S216). The control unit 40 synthesizes at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the first image data DA1 at the position indicated by the position information 64 included in the embedded information 61, for example, in the region coordinates (x1, y1)-(x2, y2).

[0052] Since the embedded information 61 including information indicating how to read the second document D02 from the specific code 60 of the first document D01 read first is embedded, the second document D02 is automatically read according to the embedded information 61. At least a part of the generated second image data DA2 is automatically synthesized with the first image data DA1. Therefore, the operation for generating the composite image data DA3 from the document image data DA0 generated by reading a plurality of different documents D0 is reduced, and the image reading apparatus 1 is easy to use.

[0053] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the second document reading process performed in S212 of FIG. 8. When the second document reading process starts, the control unit 40 determines whether the process information 62 included in the embedded information 61 indicates that ADF scanning is to be performed (S252).

[0054] If the process information 62 indicates that ADF scanning is to be performed, the control unit 40 determines whether the second document D02 is set on the document support unit 10 based on the detection result from the document detection sensor 11 shown in FIG. 4 (S254). When the control unit 40 obtains a detection result indicating that the second document D02 is not placed on the document support unit 10, the determination process of S254 is repeated. Incidentally, when the second document D02 is not placed on the document support unit 10, the control unit 40 may display an alert indicating the absence of the second document on at least one of the display units 50 and 116. When the control unit 40 obtains a detection result indicating that the second document D02 is placed on the document support unit 10, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to perform ADF scanning of the second document D02 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70 included in the embedded information 61 (S256), and ends the second document reading process. The reading unit 30 generates the second image data DA2 by reading the second document D02 fed by the feeding unit 15 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70. When the processing information 62 indicates that flatbed scanning is to be performed, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to execute flatbed scanning of the second document D02 in accordance with the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70 included in the embedded information 61 (S258), and ends the second document reading process. When flatbed scanning is performed on the first document D01, the control unit 40 may perform flatbed scanning of the second document D02 using, as a trigger, the detection result of the upper cover sensor 21 shown in FIG. 3 switching from the upper cover open to the upper cover closed. When the second document D02 is not placed on the document table 20, the control unit 40 may display an alert indicating the absence of the second document on at least one of the display units 50 and 116. The reading unit 30 reads the second document D02 placed on the document table 20 in accordance with the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70 to generate second image data DA2.

[0055] As described above, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to execute, on the second document D02, the reading process indicated by the processing information 62 embedded in the specific code 60 among the plurality of reading processes. For example, when the type information 63 indicates a driver's license, the reading unit 30 generates the second image data DA2 by performing a reading that conforms to the size and material of the driver's license on the driver's license. When the generated image setting information 70 includes "color" as the image type 71, the reading unit 30 generates color second image data DA2. When the generated image setting information 70 includes "200 dpi" as the resolution 72, the reading unit 30 generates second image data DA2 with a resolution of 200 dpi. When the generated image setting information 70 includes "90°" as the rotation amount 73, the reading unit 30 generates second image data DA2 rotated by 90°. When the generated image setting information 70 includes "+1" as the density 74, the reading unit 30 generates second image data DA2 with a density of +1. By performing the processes of S214 to S216 shown in FIG. 8, at least a part of the generated second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1.

[0056] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the cutting process performed in S214 of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the process (S306 in FIG. 10) according to the cutout information 75. FIG. 12 schematically illustrates circumscribed cutting and inscribed cutting. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the fitting performed in S308 of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the alignment performed in S308 of FIG. 10. FIG. 15 schematically illustrates the fitting process performed in S308 of FIG. 10. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates the image processing (S314 in FIG. 10) of the specific area A2.

[0057] When the cutting process starts, the control unit 40 detects an edge from the second image data DA2 (S302). For example, the control unit 40 performs a filter operation of applying a predetermined edge detection filter to the second image data DA2, and can detect, as an edge, a pixel whose obtained operation value exceeds or is lower than a predetermined threshold value among a plurality of pixels. Next, the control unit 40 specifies an edge E1 (see FIG. 12) indicating the edge of the second original document D02 from the second image data DA2 based on the type information 63 included in the embedded information 61 (S304). The edges existing in the second image data DA2 include portions where the image density changes rapidly and portions having dirt. Therefore, in S304, the control unit 40 performs a process of specifying, from among a plurality of edge pixels, the edge E1 at a location that matches the size of the type indicated by the type information 63. Therefore, the control unit 40 performs the cutting process so that the second image data DA2 is adjusted to the size corresponding to the type indicated by the type information 63. Incidentally, when the second original document D02 is a thick original document such as a driver's license, the boundary portion between the edge of the second original document D02 and the background may appear as a thick edge E1.

[0058] After identifying the edge E1, the control unit 40 performs a process of cutting out the second image data DA2 according to the cut-out information 75 included in the embedded information 61 (see FIG. 11) (S306). When the process shown in FIG. 11 starts, the control unit 40 determines whether the lamination priority information 76 included in the cut-out information 75 indicates that the cut-out process is adapted to the laminated original (S352). If the lamination priority information 76 indicates that the cut-out process is adapted to the laminated original, the control unit 40 performs a cut-out process for the laminated original according to the inscribed cut-out information 77 included in the cut-out information 75 (S354), and ends the process according to the cut-out information 75. In S354, the control unit 40 adapts the cut-out process of the second image data DA2 to the laminated original, for example, performs a cut-out including the transparent portion of the lamination. If the lamination priority information 76 indicates that the cut-out process is adapted to the normal original, the control unit 40 performs a cut-out process for the normal original according to the inscribed cut-out information 77 included in the cut-out information 75 (S356), and ends the process according to the cut-out information 75. In S356, the control unit 40 adapts the cut-out process of the second image data DA2 to the normal original.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 12, when the inscribed cut-out information 77 is "circumscribed cut-out", the cut-out position C1 is outside the edge E1 of the second image data DA2. When the inscribed cut-out information 77 indicates that a circumscribed cut-out is to be performed, the control unit 40 performs a circumscribed cut-out in the cut-out process. When the second original D02 is a thick original such as a driver's license, a thick edge E1 remains in the cut-out second image data DA2, and the thick edge E1 is included in the composite image data DA3. When the inscribed cut-out information 77 is "inscribed cut-out", the cut-out position C2 is inside the edge E1 of the second image data DA2. When the inscribed cut-out information 77 indicates that an inscribed cut-out is to be performed, the control unit 40 performs an inscribed cut-out in the cut-out process. In this case, the quality of the composite image data DA3 can be improved by deleting the edge E1 from the second image data DA2. Thereafter, by performing the processes of S308 to S316 shown in FIG. 10 and the process of S216 shown in FIG. 8, at least a part of the second image data DA2 on which the cutting process has been performed based on the embedded information 61 and the edge E1 is synthesized with the first image data DA1.

[0060] After the process according to the cutout information 75, when the embedded information 61 includes the fitting information 65, the control unit 40 performs a fitting process (see FIGS. 13 to 15) of aligning at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the synthesis region A1 as indicated by the fitting information 65 (S308 in FIG. 10). The size of the synthesis region A1 is obtained from the position information 64 included in the embedded information 61, for example, the region coordinates (x1, y1)-(x2, y2).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, when the fitting information 65 is "FitOutside", the control unit 40 aligns the second image data DA2 outside the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. If necessary, the control unit 40 enlarges or reduces the second image data DA2 so that the second image data DA2 fits outside the synthesis region A1. The portion of the second image data DA2 that protrudes from the synthesis region A1 is cut off. The method of cutting off the protruding portion follows the alignment information 66. When the protruding portion is cut off, a part of the second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1. When the fitting information 65 is "FitWithin", the control unit 40 aligns the second image data DA2 inside the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. If necessary, the control unit 40 enlarges or reduces the second image data DA2 so that the second image data DA2 fits inside the synthesis region A1. There may be a gap where the second image data DA2 is not arranged in the synthesis region A1. The arrangement method of the second image data DA2 with respect to the synthesis region A1 follows the alignment information 66. When the fitting information 65 is "FitWithin", the entire second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1. When the fitting information 65 is "FitAll", the control unit 40 aligns the four sides of the second image data DA2 with the four sides of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. If necessary, the control unit 40 enlarges or reduces the second image data DA2 so that the four sides of the second image data DA2 fit with the four sides of the synthesis region A1. In this case, regardless of the alignment information 66, the allocation method of the second image data DA2 with respect to the synthesis region A1 is determined. When the fitting information 65 is "FitAll", the entire second image data DA2 is synthesized with the first image data DA1.

[0062] When the embedded information 61 includes the alignment information 66, the control unit 40 performs an alignment process of aligning at least a part of the second image data DA2 with the synthesis region A1 as indicated by the alignment information 66. FIG. 14 shows "FitOutside" and "FitWithin" when the horizontal alignment information is "Left", "FitOutside" and "FitWithin" when the horizontal alignment information is "Right", "FitOutside" and "FitWithin" when the vertical alignment information is "Top", and "FitOutside" and "FitWithin" when the vertical alignment information is "Bottom".

[0063] When the horizontal alignment information is "Left", the control unit 40 aligns the left end of the second image data DA2 with the left end of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. When the horizontal alignment information is "Center", the control unit 40 aligns the center in the horizontal direction of the second image data DA2 with the center in the horizontal direction of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. When the horizontal alignment information is "Right", the control unit 40 aligns the right end of the second image data DA2 with the right end of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. When the vertical alignment information is "Top", the control unit 40 aligns the upper end of the second image data DA2 with the upper end of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. When the vertical alignment information is "Center", the control unit 40 aligns the center in the vertical direction of the second image data DA2 with the center in the vertical direction of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process. When the vertical alignment information is "Bottom", the control unit 40 aligns the lower end of the second image data DA2 with the lower end of the synthesis region A1 in the fitting process.

[0064] FIG. 15 shows, as an example, a fitting process of aligning second image data DA2 with a synthesis region A1 with reference to the center in both the horizontal and vertical directions. When the fitting process shown in FIG. 15 starts, the control unit 40 determines whether the width of the cut-out second image data DA2 is greater than the width of the synthesis region A1 (S402). If the width of the cut-out second image data DA2 is greater than the width of the synthesis region A1, the control unit 40 reduces the left and right sides of the second image data DA2 by half of the difference between the width of the second image data DA2 and the width of the synthesis region A1 (S404). If the width of the cut-out second image data DA2 is less than or equal to the width of the synthesis region A1, the control unit 40 does not perform the process of S404. Further, the control unit 40 determines whether the cut-out second image data DA2 is higher than the synthesis region A1 (S406). If the cut-out second image data DA2 is higher than the synthesis region A1, the control unit 40 reduces the top and bottom of the second image data DA2 by half of the difference between the height of the second image data DA2 and the height of the synthesis region A1 (S408). If the height of the cut-out second image data DA2 is less than or equal to the height of the synthesis region A1, the control unit 40 does not perform the process of S408.

[0065] After the fitting process, the control unit 40 determines whether the embedded information 61 includes the specific region presence information 80, that is, whether the second image data DA2 includes the specific region A2 (S310 in FIG. 10). If the embedded information 61 does not include the specific region presence information 80, the control unit 40 proceeds to S316. If the embedded information 61 includes the specific region presence information 80, the control unit 40 extracts the specific region A2 from the second image data DA2 after cutting out as shown in FIG. 16 (S312), and performs a predetermined image process on the extracted specific region A2 (S314).

[0066] FIG. 16 shows, as an example, how the control unit 40 performs predetermined image processing to improve the quality of the face photo area as the specific area A2 in the cut-out second image data DA2 obtained from the driver's license. When the specific area presence information 80 includes the specific area position information, the control unit 40 can extract the specific area A2 from the second image data DA2 based on the specific area position information. Further, the control unit 40 may extract the specific area A2 from the second image data DA2 by performing predetermined face identification processing on the second image data DA2. Next, the control unit 40 performs predetermined image processing such as unsharp masking on the specific area A2 so as to improve the image quality of the specific area A2. FIG. 16 shows that the specific area A2 on which the image processing has been performed is shaded. Finally, the control unit 40 can generate the second image data DA2 having the specific area A2 after the image processing by overwriting the specific area A2 after the image processing on the second image data DA2.

[0067] In the cut-out process shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 40 outputs the cut-out result of the second image data DA2 (S316) and ends the cut-out process. Thereafter, by performing the process of S216 shown in FIG. 8, at least a part of the second image data DA2 on which predetermined image processing has been performed as necessary is synthesized with the first image data DA1. By performing the processes of S302 to S306, an extra area is deleted from the second image data DA2 according to the type indicated by the type information 63 embedded in the specific code 60, and the image quality of the composite image is improved. Also, since a cut-out process suitable for the laminated document is performed, an inscribed cut-out is performed, or a fitting process is performed, the present image reading apparatus 1 is convenient. By performing the processes of S312 to S314, the image quality of the composite image is improved. Therefore, the present image reading apparatus 1 can preferably reduce the operation for generating the composite image data DA3 from the document image data DA0 generated by reading a plurality of different documents D0, and can preferably improve the usability of the image reading apparatus 1.

[0068] (5) Modification example: The present invention has various modifications. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the second image data DA2 may be synthesized at a plurality of locations in the first image data DA1. FIG. 17 schematically shows an example in which the second image data DA2 is synthesized at a plurality of locations in the first image data DA1. FIG. 18 schematically illustrates the second original flatbed scan process performed by the image reading apparatus 1. The second original flatbed scan process is performed instead of the process of S258 that is performed when the process information 62 indicates flatbed scan execution in the second original reading process shown in FIG. 9. The control unit 110 of the image processing apparatus 100 causes the printer 150 to print the original image 511 including the specific code 60 in which the embedding information 61 including the position information 64 of the plurality of synthesis regions A1 is embedded, according to the original document generation process shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 17, the original document becomes the first original D01 when a person fills in the entry field 90.

[0069] When the second original flatbed scan process starts, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to perform a flatbed scan of the second original D02 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70 included in the embedding information 61 (S452). What is read here is the surface of the second original D02. The reading unit 30 generates the second image data DA2 on the surface by reading the surface of the second original D02 placed on the document table 20 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70. Next, the control unit 40 causes at least one of the display units 50 and 116 to display "Please set the back side on the document table" (S454). Next, the control unit 40 waits for the process until an operation of the scan start button included in the setting reception unit 51 or the display units 50 and 116 is performed (S456). Finally, the control unit 40 causes the reading unit 30 to perform a flatbed scan of the second original D02 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70 included in the embedding information 61 (S458). What is read here is the back side of the second original D02. The reading unit 30 generates the second image data DA2 on the back side by reading the back side of the second original D02 placed on the document table 20 according to the type information 63 and the generated image setting information 70. Even when ADF scanning is performed on the second original D02, the control unit 40 can similarly acquire the second image data DA2 on the front surface and the second image data DA2 on the back surface.

[0070] Thereafter, the control unit 40 performs the processes of S214 to S216 shown in FIG. 8, and generates composite image data DA3 (see FIG. 17) obtained by compositing at least a part of the second image data DA2 on the front surface and at least a part of the second image data DA2 on the back surface into the first image data DA1. Incidentally, the control unit 40 may determine whether each second image data DA2 is front surface data or back surface data by performing face discrimination processing or histogram analysis processing on each second image data DA2. Moreover, the control unit 40 may composite at least a part of each second image data DA2 into the first image data DA1 according to the determination result. The examples shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 can reduce the operations for compositing at least a part of the second image data DA2 obtained from both sides of the second original D02 into the first image data DA1.

[0071] (6) Conclusion: As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a configuration or the like that can reduce the operations for generating composite image data from the manuscript image data generated by reading a plurality of different manuscripts in various modes. Of course, even in an aspect consisting only of the constituent elements according to the independent claims, the above-described basic operations and effects can be obtained. In addition, a configuration in which the respective configurations disclosed in the above-described examples are mutually replaced or the combination is changed, a known technique, and a configuration in which the respective configurations disclosed in the above-described examples are mutually replaced or the combination is changed, etc. are also implementable. The present invention includes these configurations and the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1…Image reading device, 2…Main body, 3…Upper cover, 10…Original document support section, 11…Original document detection sensor, 15…Feeding section, 20…Original document table, 21…Upper cover sensor, 30…Reading section, 40…Control section, 50…Display section, 51…Setting reception section, 60…Specific code, 61…Embedded information, 62…Processing information, 63…Type information, 64…Position information, 65…Fitting information, 66…Alignment information, 70…Generated image setting information, 71…Image type, 72…Resolution, 73…Rotation amount, 74…Density, 75…Cut-out information, 76…Lamination priority information, 77…Inscribed cut-out information, 80…Specific area existence information, 100…Image processing device, 101…Specific code generation section, 102…Specific code addition control section, 110…Control section, 115…Input section, 116…Display section, 150…Printer, 501…Initial screen, 502…Composite area setting screen, 503…Information setting screen, A1…Composite area, A2…Specific area, C1, C2…Cut-out positions, D0…Original document, D01…First original document, D02…Second original document, D03…Original original document, DA0…Original document image data, DA1…First image data, DA2…Second image data, DA3…Composite image data, E1…Edge, ST1…First reading process, ST2…Detection process, ST3…Second reading process, ST4…Composite process, SY1…Image reading system.

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads a first original document and a second original document different from the first original document, A control unit that processes the original document image data generated by the reading unit, and The original document image data includes first image data generated by reading the first original document and second image data generated by reading the second original document, The first original document has a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second original document is embedded, The control unit detects the specific code from the first image data generated by the reading unit, causes the reading unit to read the second original document according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code, and generates composite image data in which at least a part of the generated second image data is combined with the first image data. An image reading apparatus.

2. An original document support unit that supports the original document fed to the reading unit, A feeding unit that feeds the original document from the original document support unit to the reading unit, and An original document table on which the original document is placed, and The reading unit is capable of executing a plurality of reading processes including a first reading process of reading the original document while being fed by the feeding unit and a second reading process of reading the original document placed on the original document table, The embedded information includes processing information indicating whether to perform the first reading process or the second reading process on the second original document, The control unit causes the reading unit to execute, on the second original document, the reading process indicated by the processing information embedded in the specific code among the plurality of reading processes. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The embedded information includes at least a part of type information indicating the type of the second original document, position information indicating where to combine the second image data with the first image data, fitting information indicating how to align the second image data with a composite area set in the first image data, and alignment information indicating which part of the second image data to align with the composite area. When the embedding information includes the type information, the control unit causes the reading unit to read the second document in accordance with the type indicated by the type information; when the embedding information includes the position information, the control unit synthesizes at least a part of the second image data with the first image data at the position indicated by the position information; when the embedding information includes the fitting information, the control unit performs a fitting process of aligning at least a part of the second image data with the synthesis area as indicated by the fitting information; and when the embedding information includes the alignment information, the control unit performs an alignment process of aligning at least a part of the second image data with the synthesis area as indicated by the alignment information. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The embedding information includes generation image setting information indicating what kind of the second image data is to be generated. The control unit causes the reading unit to read the second document according to the generation image setting information embedded in the specific code, and synthesizes at least a part of the generated second image data with the first image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The control unit detects an edge indicating an edge of the second document from the second image data, performs a cutting process of cutting out the second image data based on the embedding information and the edge, and synthesizes at least a part of the second image data after the cutting process with the first image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The embedding information includes type information indicating the type of the second document. The control unit performs the cutting process so that the second image data is adjusted to a size corresponding to the type indicated by the type information embedded in the specific code. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The embedding information includes cutting information indicating whether to adapt the cutting process to a laminated document. When the cutting information indicates that the cutting process is to be adapted to the laminated document, the control unit adapts the cutting process to the laminated document. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The embedding information includes cutting information indicating whether to perform an inscribed cutting in the cutting process. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs the inscribed cutout in the cutout process when the cutout information indicates that the inscribed cutout is to be performed.

9. The embedded information includes specific region existence information indicating the existence of a specific region where predetermined image processing is to be performed on the second image data on which the cutout process has been performed. The control unit extracts the specific region from the second image data on which the cutout process has been performed according to the specific region existence information included in the embedded information, performs the image processing on the extracted specific region, and synthesizes at least a part of the second image data on which the image processing has been performed with the first image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.

10. An image reading method for reading a first document and a second document different from the first document to generate composite image data, wherein the first document has a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second document is embedded. The image reading method includes: a first reading step of generating first image data as document image data by reading the first document; a detection step of detecting the specific code from the first image data; a second reading step of generating second image data as document image data by reading the second document according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code; and a synthesis step of generating the composite image data by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data with the first image data.

11. An image reading system for reading a first document and a second document different from the first document to generate composite image data, an image processing apparatus that generates a specific code in which embedded information including information indicating how to read the second document is embedded, and controls the first document to include the specific code; an image reading apparatus that generates first image data as document image data by reading the first document, detects the specific code from the first image data, generates second image data as document image data by reading the second document according to the embedded information embedded in the specific code, and generates the composite image data by synthesizing at least a part of the second image data with the first image data.

12. A specific code generation unit that generates a specific code embedded with embedding information including information indicating how to read the second original document in order to synthesize at least a part of second image data generated by reading a second original document different from the first original document into the first image data generated by reading the first original document. An image processing apparatus including a specific code addition control unit that controls to include the specific code in the first original document.

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