Image reading system, image reading device, control device, and method for controlling image reading system

Abstract

To provide an image reading system, an image reading device, a control device, and a method for controlling the image reading device that allow a user to correctly grasp the number of documents.SOLUTION: An image reading system comprises: a conveying unit that conveys documents one by one from a document bundle; a reading unit that reads the documents; a display unit that displays a setting screen on which a target condition is set which is a condition for a document to be read; and a control unit. The control unit counts the documents matching the target condition on the basis of image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and causes the display unit to display the number of the documents matching the target condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading system, an image reading device, a control device, and a control method for an image reading system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an image reading device that conveys a document from a set document stack, and counts the number of documents that have been conveyed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 067709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In image reading devices, documents unintended by the user may be mixed in with the stack of documents. For example, documents of different sizes may be mixed in with the stack of documents to be read. In this case, there is a risk that the documents to be read may not be counted correctly. As a result, there is a risk that the user may not be able to correctly grasp the number of documents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image reading system that solves the above problem comprises a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are the conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit, wherein the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displays the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit.

[0006] An image reading device that solves the above problem comprises a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are the conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit, wherein the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displays the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit.

[0007] A control device that solves the above problem is a control device that is connected to an image reading device that has a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents and a reading unit that reads the documents, and is equipped with a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are the conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit that communicates with the image reading device, and the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displays the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit.

[0008] A control method for an image reading system that solves the above problem is a control method for an image reading system that includes a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, and a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and includes counting documents that meet the target conditions based on image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displaying the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image reading system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the home screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the setting screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a blank condition screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the current status screen. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a notification screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the results screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the count mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the image reading system will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the image reading system 11 includes a control device 12 and an image reading device 13. The control device 12 is configured to control the image reading device 13. The control device 12 communicates with the image reading device 13. The control device 12 is connected to the image reading device 13 wirelessly or via a wire. The control device 12 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like. In the image reading system 11, the control device 12 may store a driver that controls the image reading device 13. In the image reading system 11, the image reading device 13 may operate independently.

[0011] <Control device> The control device 12 includes an operation unit. More specifically, the control device 12 includes a terminal operation unit 14. The terminal operation unit 14 is operated by a user. The user operates the control device 12 through the terminal operation unit 14. The terminal operation unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel. The terminal operation unit 14 is not limited to a touch panel, and may also be a button, a lever, or the like.

[0012] The control device 12 includes a display unit. More specifically, the control device 12 includes a terminal display unit 15. The terminal display unit 15 displays a screen. More specifically, the terminal display unit 15 displays a screen for operating the image reading device 13. The user gives instructions to the image reading device 13 via the screen displayed on the terminal display unit 15.

[0013] The control device 12 includes a control unit. More specifically, the control device 12 includes a terminal control unit 16. The terminal control unit 16 controls the terminal display unit 15. The terminal control unit 16 controls the terminal display unit 15 to display a screen. The terminal control unit 16 is configured to communicate with the image reading device 13. The terminal control unit 16 transmits instructions input via the screen displayed on the terminal display unit 15 to the image reading device 13.

[0014] The terminal control unit 16 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The terminal control unit 16 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, that execute at least some of the various processes. The terminal control unit 16 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0015] <Image reader> The image reading device 13 is configured to read the original M1. The image reading device 13 is, for example, a scanner that reads images such as characters and photographs printed on the original M1 such as paper or film.

[0016] The image reading device 13 includes a housing 21 . The image reading device 13 includes a supply tray 22. A stack of documents MA, which is a stack of multiple documents M1, is set on the supply tray 22. The supply tray 22 extends from the housing 21. The supply tray 22 guides the documents M1 into the housing 21.

[0017] The image reading device 13 includes a transport unit 23. The transport unit 23 is configured to transport the original M1. The transport unit 23 transports the original M1 one sheet at a time from the stack of originals MA. The transport unit 23 transports the original M1 on the supply tray 22 into the housing 21. The transport unit 23 ejects the original M1 from inside the housing 21 to outside the housing 21.

[0018] The transport unit 23 has a plurality of rollers. The transport unit 23 has a pick roller 24. The pick roller 24 is a roller that transports the original M1 one sheet at a time from the document stack MA. In one example, the pick roller 24 comes into contact with the original M1 located at the bottom of the document stack MA. The transport unit 23 has one or more pairs of transport rollers 25. The pairs of transport rollers 25 rotate while sandwiching the original M1. The transport unit 23 may have a retard roller that prevents multiple feeding. Multifeeding refers to multiple sheets of original M1 being transported overlapping each other. The retard roller rotates, for example, to return the original M1 from the housing 21 to the supply tray 22.

[0019] The image reading device 13 includes a reading unit 26. The reading unit 26 is configured to read the original M1. The reading unit 26 reads the original M1 as it is conveyed. The reading unit 26 is composed of a plurality of optical sensors arranged in the main scanning direction. The reading unit 26 is, for example, a contact image sensor module. The reading unit 26 generates image data of the original M1 by reading the original M1. The reading unit 26 may be configured to read one side of the original M1 or may be configured to read both sides of the original M1.

[0020] The image reading device 13 includes a tray detection unit 27. The tray detection unit 27 is configured to detect the document M1. More specifically, the tray detection unit 27 detects whether or not the document M1 is set on the supply tray 22. In one example, the tray detection unit 27 is positioned to face the pick roller 24. The tray detection unit 27 is configured, for example, by an optical sensor.

[0021] The image reading device 13 may include a count detection unit 28. The count detection unit 28 is configured to detect the original M1. More specifically, the count detection unit 28 detects the original M1 fed by the pick roller 24. The image reading device 13 can count the original M1 using the count detection unit 28. In one example, the count detection unit 28 is located between the reading unit 26 and the pick roller 24. The count detection unit 28 is configured, for example, by an optical sensor.

[0022] The image reading device 13 may include an operation unit. For example, the image reading device 13 may include a reading operation unit 31. The reading operation unit 31 is operated by a user. The user operates the image reading device 13 through the reading operation unit 31. The reading operation unit 31 is, for example, a touch panel. The reading operation unit 31 is not limited to a touch panel, and may also be a button, a lever, or the like.

[0023] The image reading device 13 may include a display unit. For example, the image reading device 13 may include a reading display unit 32. The reading display unit 32 displays a screen. More specifically, the reading display unit 32 displays a screen for operating the image reading device 13. The user gives instructions to the image reading device 13 via the screen displayed on the reading display unit 32.

[0024] The image reading device 13 includes a control unit. More specifically, the image reading device 13 includes a reading control unit 33. The reading control unit 33 controls the reading display unit 32. The reading control unit 33 controls the reading display unit 32 to display a screen. The reading control unit 33 executes instructions input through the screen displayed on the reading display unit 32. The reading control unit 33 may control the image reading device 13 based on instructions transmitted from the control device 12.

[0025] The reading control unit 33, like the terminal control unit 16, may be composed of one or more processors, one or more dedicated hardware circuits, or a circuit including a combination thereof.

[0026] The reading control unit 33 is configured to analyze the image data. The reading control unit 33 acquires information about the original M1 by analyzing the image data. The reading control unit 33 analyzes the image data to acquire an RGB histogram and acquire image feature amounts. The reading control unit 33 may also recognize characters in the image by analyzing the image data.

[0027] The reading control unit 33 detects a predetermined document M1 based on the analysis result of the image data. For example, the reading control unit 33 detects a blank document M1 based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 detects a document M1 having a background color based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 detects a monochrome document M1 based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 detects a color document M1 based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 detects a document M1 of a predetermined size based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 detects a document M1 with a page number attached based on the image data. In this way, the reading control unit 33 can determine the type of document M1 based on the image data. The terminal control unit 16 may analyze the image data instead of the reading control unit 33. In this case, the reading control unit 33 transmits the image data to the terminal control unit 16.

[0028] The reading control unit 33 detects a predetermined document M1 based on the number of pixels for each RGB. The reading control unit 33 detects a predetermined document M1 based on the ratio of luminance values in an RGB histogram. That is, the reading control unit 33 determines the type of document M1 based on the relative frequency of luminance values. For example, the reading control unit 33 detects a blank document M1 based on the ratio of luminance values indicating white. The reading control unit 33 detects a document M1 exhibiting a background color based on the ratio of luminance values indicating the background color. The reading control unit 33 detects a monochrome document M1 based on the ratio of luminance values indicating white and the ratio of luminance values indicating black. The reading control unit 33 detects a color document M1 based on the ratio of luminance values indicating colors other than white and black.

[0029] The reading control unit 33 may detect the predetermined document M1 by other methods than the relative frequency of brightness values. For example, the reading control unit 33 may detect the document M1 of a predetermined size by edge extraction. The reading control unit 33 may also detect the document M1 with page numbers by character recognition.

[0030] The reading control unit 33 is configured to be able to count the originals M1. Specifically, the reading control unit 33 counts the originals M1 by transporting the originals M1 one by one from the original stack MA set in the supply tray 22. The reading control unit 33 may count the originals M1 using the count detection unit 28, or may count the originals M1 based on image data. The reading control unit 33 displays the counted number of originals M1 on the display unit. This allows the user to know the number of originals M1 that make up the original stack MA. The reading control unit 33 may display the counted number of originals M1 on the reading display unit 32, or may display it on the terminal display unit 15 via the terminal control unit 16. The terminal control unit 16 may count the originals M1 instead of the reading control unit 33. The terminal control unit 16 may display the counted number of originals M1 on the terminal display unit 15.

[0031] A user may have the image reading device 13 count the originals M1 to create a document stack MA consisting of a desired number of originals M1. In this case, the user sets the document stack MA, in which the originals M1 to be read are stacked, into the image reading device 13. However, documents M1 that are not to be read may be mixed in with the document stack MA. For example, a blank document M1 may be mixed in with the document stack MA. An A5-sized document M1 may be mixed in with a document stack MA in which A4-sized documents M1 are stacked. A monochrome document M1 may be mixed in with a document stack MA in which color documents M1 are stacked. In such cases, the user may not correctly know the number of documents M1 to be read. To address this issue, the image reading device 13 is configured to be able to count the originals M1 to be read.

[0032] The reading control unit 33 is configured to be able to set the target conditions for the original M1 to be read. The target conditions include one or more conditions. In one example, the target conditions include a blank page condition, a background color condition, a color condition, a reference condition, a size condition, and a page number condition. The target conditions are set through a screen displayed on the display unit. That is, the user sets the target conditions through a screen displayed on the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15. The screen will be explained later. The reading control unit 33 counts the originals M1 based on the target conditions.

[0033] The blank condition is a condition for excluding blank documents M1. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines that blank documents M1 are not to be read based on the blank condition. The reading control unit 33 can count the documents M1 excluding blank documents M1 based on the blank condition.

[0034] The background color condition is a condition for excluding originals M1 that have a background color. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines that originals M1 that have a background color are not to be read based on the background color condition. The reading control unit 33 can count originals M1 excluding originals M1 that have a background color based on the background color condition. The background color condition may be a condition for excluding originals M1 that have a predetermined background color. In one example, the reading control unit 33 detects the background color of the original M1 based on an RGB histogram. For example, the reading control unit 33 sets a section including a luminance value in which the number of pixels in the histogram is most frequent as a background section. If the relative frequency of the background section is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the reading control unit 33 determines that the luminance value of the background section indicates a background color. This allows the reading control unit 33 to determine whether the original M1 has a predetermined background color. The reading control unit 33 can count originals M1 excluding originals M1 that have a predetermined background color based on the background color condition.

[0035] The color condition is a condition for excluding color documents M1 or monochrome documents M1. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines that color documents M1 or monochrome documents M1 are not to be read based on the color condition. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 excluding color documents M1 or documents M1 excluding monochrome documents M1 based on the color condition. The color condition may be a condition for excluding grayscale documents M1. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 excluding grayscale documents M1 based on the color condition.

[0036] The reference condition is a condition for excluding documents M1 whose image data has a pixel count for each RGB outside a predetermined range compared to the reference data. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines, based on the reference condition, that documents M1 whose image data has a pixel count for each RGB outside a predetermined range are not to be read. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 excluding documents M1 whose image data has a pixel count for each RGB outside a predetermined range. The reading control unit 33 determines, based on the reference condition, whether the image data is similar to the reference data. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 created in a common format based on the reference condition. For example, the reading control unit 33 can exclude documents M1 other than answer sheets or documents M1 other than resumes based on the reference condition.

[0037] The reference conditions are set based on reference data. The reference data is data that serves as a reference for the number of pixels for each RGB. The reference data is image data of a reference document. The reference data is obtained by having the reading unit 26 read the reference document in advance. The reading control unit 33 determines whether the number of pixels for each RGB indicated by the image data is within a predetermined range with respect to the number of pixels for each RGB indicated by the reference data. If the number of pixels for each RGB indicated by the image data is within the predetermined range with respect to the number of pixels for each RGB indicated by the reference data, the reading control unit 33 determines that the document M1 is to be read.

[0038] The reading control unit 33 may determine the reference condition based on the most frequent pixel number in the histogram. For example, the reading control unit 33 may determine whether the most frequent pixel number in the image data is within a predetermined range relative to the most frequent pixel number in the reference data. The reading control unit 33 may also determine whether the difference between the pixel numbers is within a predetermined range.

[0039] The reading control unit 33 may determine the reference conditions based on the distance between the center of gravity of the reference data and the center of gravity of the image data. In this example, the reference data and image data are represented by point cloud data indicating the number of pixels for each RGB. For example, the reading control unit 33 may determine whether the distance between the center of gravity of the reference data and the center of gravity of the image data is within a predetermined range.

[0040] The size condition is a condition for excluding original documents M1 other than a predetermined size. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines, based on the size condition, that original documents M1 that are not of a predetermined size are not to be read. The reading control unit 33 can count original documents M1 excluding original documents M1 that are not of a predetermined size based on the size condition. In other words, the reading control unit 33 can count only original documents M1 of a predetermined size.

[0041] The page number condition is a condition for excluding documents M1 that do not have page numbers. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines, based on the page number condition, that documents M1 that do not have page numbers are not to be read. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 excluding documents M1 that do not have page numbers based on the page number condition. The page number condition may also be a condition for excluding documents M1 that do not have consecutive page numbers. For example, the reading control unit 33 determines, based on the page number condition, that documents M1 that do not have consecutive page numbers are not to be read. The reading control unit 33 can count documents M1 excluding documents M1 that do not have consecutive page numbers based on the page number condition.

[0042] The reading control unit 33 counts the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions based on the image data. The reading control unit 33 displays the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions on the display unit. This allows the user to correctly understand the number of originals M1 that are to be read.

[0043] When the reading control unit 33 detects an original M1 that does not meet the target conditions based on the image data, it causes the display unit to display that the original M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. The reading control unit 33 may cause the reading display unit 32 to display that the original M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected, or may cause the terminal display unit 15 to display that information via the terminal control unit 16. When the terminal control unit 16 detects an original M1 that does not meet the target conditions based on the image data, it may cause the terminal display unit 15 to display that the original M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. This allows the user to know that an original M1 that is not to be read has been mixed in with the original stack MA, or that a predetermined page of the original M1 is missing from the original stack MA. The user can obtain an original stack MA that includes only the original M1 that is to be read by removing the original M1 that is not to be read from the original stack MA or by supplementing the original M1 with the predetermined page of the original M1 to the original stack MA.

[0044] The reading control unit 33 is configured to be able to execute a count mode. The count mode is a mode in which the originals M1 that match the target conditions are counted. In the count mode, the reading control unit 33 may count the originals M1 that do not match the target conditions in addition to counting the originals M1 that match the target conditions. The reading control unit 33 may separately count the originals M1 that match the target conditions and the originals M1 that do not match the target conditions.

[0045] In the count mode, the reading control unit 33 counts the documents M1 based on the image data. Therefore, the count mode involves reading by the reading unit 26. In the count mode, the resolution of the reading unit 26 may be lower than when performing normal reading. In the count mode, the reading unit 26 only needs to read the documents M1 at a resolution that allows it to determine whether the document M1 meets the target conditions.

[0046] The count mode is executed by the user operating the operation unit. The count mode may be executed by the user operating the reading operation unit 31 or the terminal operation unit 14.

[0047] In the count mode, the reading control unit 33 notifies the user of the number of sheets of the original M1 that meet the target conditions. For example, the reading control unit 33 displays the number of sheets of the original M1 that meet the target conditions on the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15. The count mode allows the user to know the number of sheets of the original M1 that meet the target conditions.

[0048] In the count mode, the reading control unit 33 may notify the user of the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. For example, the reading control unit 33 may cause the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15 to display the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions.

[0049] In the count mode, the reading control unit 33 may present recommended reading settings to the user based on the analysis results of the image data. For example, if the counted original M1 contains a lot of monochrome image data, the reading control unit 33 presents the user with reading settings that make it easier to read characters. If the counted original M1 contains a lot of image data that has a background color, the reading control unit 33 presents the user with reading settings that remove the background color. The reading control unit 33 may display recommended reading settings on the display unit based on the image data obtained in the count mode. Instead of the reading control unit 33, the terminal control unit 16 may present recommended reading settings to the user.

[0050] The reading control unit 33 may be configured to be able to execute a total count mode. The total count mode is a mode in which the originals M1 are counted without reference to the target conditions. In other words, the total count mode is a mode in which all of the originals M1 are counted. In the total count mode, the reading control unit 33 may count the originals M1 based on image data, or may count the originals M1 using the count detection unit 28. In other words, the total count mode may not involve reading by the reading unit 26, or may involve reading by the reading unit 26.

[0051] The total count mode is executed by the user operating the operation unit. The total count mode may be executed by the user operating the reading operation unit 31 or the terminal operation unit 14.

[0052] In the total count mode, the reading control unit 33 notifies the user of the number of counted originals M1. For example, the reading control unit 33 displays the counted number of originals M1 on the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15. The total count mode allows the user to know the number of originals M1 that make up the original stack MA.

[0053] The reading control unit 33 may be configured to be able to execute a verification mode. The verification mode is a mode in which the documents M1 are counted without reference to the target conditions, and then the total number of documents M1 counted this time is verified against the total number of documents M1 counted in the total count mode. The verification mode is a mode in which it is verified whether other documents M1 are mixed in with the document stack MA made up of the documents M1 counted in the total count mode or whether any documents M1 are missing. In the verification mode, the reading control unit 33 may count the documents M1 based on image data, or may count the documents M1 using the count detection unit 28. In other words, the verification mode may or may not involve reading by the reading unit 26.

[0054] The verification mode is executed by the user operating the operation unit. The verification mode may be executed by the user operating the reading operation unit 31 or the terminal operation unit 14.

[0055] The verification mode can be executed after the total count mode is executed. In the verification mode, the reading control unit 33 counts the originals M1 without referring to the target conditions. In the verification mode, the reading control unit 33 checks whether the total number of the originals M1 counted this time matches the total number of the originals M1 counted in the total count mode. In the verification mode, the reading control unit 33 notifies the user whether the total number of the originals M1 counted this time matches the total number of the originals M1 counted in the total count mode. For example, if the total number of the originals M1 counted this time does not match the total number of the originals M1 counted in the total count mode, the reading control unit 33 displays this on the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15. That is, the reading control unit 33 displays on the reading display unit 32 or the terminal display unit 15 that the total number of the originals M1 counted this time does not match the total number of the originals M1 counted in the total count mode. The verification mode allows the user to know that unintended originals M1 have been mixed in the original stack MA or that originals M1 are missing from the original stack MA.

[0056] <Screen> Next, the screens displayed on the display unit will be described. The screens described below may be displayed on the terminal display unit 15 by the terminal control unit 16, or on the reading display unit 32 by the reading control unit 33.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of buttons are displayed on the home screen 40. In one example, the home screen 40 displays a read button 41, a count button 42, a total count button 43, a comparison button 44, and the like. The read button 41 is a button for starting reading of the original M1. The count button 42 is a button for starting the count mode. The total count button 43 is a button for starting the total count mode. The comparison button 44 is a button for starting the comparison mode. By operating the buttons, the user causes the image reading device 13 to read the original M1 or to execute the count mode.

[0058] The home screen 40 may display a count field 45. The count field 45 is a field that displays the cumulative number of originals M1 counted in the count mode. By checking the count field 45, the user can ascertain the number of originals M1 counted through multiple count mode runs. Typically, in the image reading device 13, there is an upper limit to the number of originals M1 that can be set in the supply tray 22. Therefore, the count field 45 is useful when the user creates a stack of originals MA with a number of sheets that exceeds the upper limit that can be set in the supply tray 22. The display in the count field 45 can be reset. For example, the display in the count field 45 can be reset by the user operating the operation unit.

[0059] 3, when the count button 42 is operated on the home screen 40, a setting screen 46 is displayed. The setting screen 46 is a screen for setting target conditions. The setting screen 46 is a screen for setting conditions for the document M1 to be read in the count mode.

[0060] The setting screen 46 displays one or more condition buttons. In one example, the setting screen 46 displays a blank condition button 47, a background color condition button 48, a color condition button 49, a reference condition button 50, a size condition button 51, and a page number condition button 52. The condition buttons are buttons for setting target conditions. For example, operating a condition button transitions to the condition screen. The condition buttons may display whether the condition is valid or invalid. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the condition button is displayed as ON, indicating that the condition is valid.

[0061] A start button 53 is displayed on the setting screen 46. When the start button 53 is operated, counting of the original M1 based on the target conditions is started. When the start button 53 is operated, counting of the original M1 is started based on the target conditions set by the condition button.

[0062] A back button 54 may be displayed on the setting screen 46. When the back button 54 is operated, the home screen 40 is displayed. When the back button 54 is operated, the target conditions may be saved or reset. A count field 45 may be displayed on the setting screen 46.

[0063] 4, when the blank condition button 47 is operated on the setting screen 46, a blank condition screen 55 is displayed. The blank condition screen 55 is a screen for setting the blank conditions. The blank condition screen 55 is a screen for switching between enabling and disabling the blank conditions.

[0064] An ON button 56 and an OFF button 57 are displayed on the blank condition screen 55. When the ON button 56 is operated, the blank condition is enabled. When the OFF button 57 is operated, the blank condition is disabled. A back button 54 is displayed on the blank condition screen 55. When the back button 54 is operated, the screen returns to the setting screen 46.

[0065] When the background color condition button 48 is operated on the setting screen 46, a background color condition screen is displayed. The background color condition screen is a screen for setting background color conditions. On the background color condition screen, it is possible to specify whether or not to use a background color, and to specify a predetermined background color.

[0066] When the color condition button 49 is operated on the setting screen 46, a color condition screen is displayed. The color condition screen is a screen for setting color conditions. On the color condition screen, it is possible to specify a color original or a monochrome original.

[0067] When the reference condition button 50 is operated on the setting screen 46, a reference condition screen is displayed. The reference condition screen is a screen for setting reference conditions. On the reference condition screen, for example, reference data can be specified and threshold values can be changed.

[0068] When the size condition button 51 is operated on the setting screen 46, a size condition screen is displayed. The size condition screen is a screen for setting size conditions. On the size condition screen, the size of the original M1 can be arbitrarily specified. On the size condition screen, the size of the original M1 to be read may also be specified. In this case, an unspecified size is set as the size condition.

[0069] When the page number condition button 52 is operated on the setting screen 46, a page number condition screen is displayed. The page number condition screen is a screen for setting page number conditions. On the page number condition screen, it is possible to specify whether or not page numbers are to be used. On the page number condition screen, it may be possible to specify that the page numbers are consecutive. On the page number condition screen, it may be possible to specify the start and end page numbers. On the page number condition screen, it may be possible to specify the area to which page numbers are to be assigned. When the page number condition is enabled, character recognition is required, and image analysis may take time. Therefore, when the page number condition is enabled, a message indicating that it will take time may be displayed on the page number condition screen.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 5, when the start button 53 is operated on the setting screen 46, a current status screen 58 is displayed. The current status screen 58 is a screen that displays the current number of counted original sheets. The current number of original sheets M1 that meet the target conditions is displayed on the current status screen 58. For example, the current number of original sheets M1 that are not blank is displayed on the current status screen 58.

[0071] A stop button 59 may be displayed on the current status screen 58. When the stop button 59 is operated, the count mode ends. This allows the user to immediately end the count mode. When the stop button 59 is operated, the count result is displayed. When the stop button 59 is operated, the count mode may be temporarily interrupted.

[0072] 6, when a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions is detected during count mode, a notification screen 60 is displayed. The notification screen 60 is a screen that notifies the user that a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. The notification screen 60 displays a message that notifies the user that a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected.

[0073] When a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions is detected, the notification screen 60 is displayed after stopping the conveying unit 23. This reduces the possibility that the document M1 will be conveyed unnecessarily.

[0074] The notification screen 60 may display the reason why the document M1 was detected as not meeting the target conditions. That is, the notification screen 60 may display the condition details of the document M1 that was detected as not meeting the target conditions. For example, if a blank document M1 is detected, a message indicating the blank condition may be displayed on the notification screen 60. This allows the user to understand the reason why the document M1 was detected as not meeting the target conditions.

[0075] The notification screen 60 is also a screen that asks the user whether to count the document M1 that does not meet the target conditions as a document M1 that meets the target conditions. The notification screen 60 displays a message that asks the user whether to count the document M1 that does not meet the target conditions as a document M1 that meets the target conditions.

[0076] The notification screen 60 displays a YES button 61 and a NO button 62. When the YES button 61 is operated, the document M1 detected as not meeting the target conditions is counted as a document M1 meeting the target conditions. When the NO button 62 is operated, the document M1 detected as not meeting the target conditions is not counted as a document M1 meeting the target conditions. In one example, when the YES button 61 or the NO button 62 is operated on the notification screen 60, the driving of the conveying unit 23 is resumed. When the YES button 61 or the NO button 62 is operated on the notification screen 60, the notification screen 60 is closed.

[0077] In the image reading system 11, a detection error of the original M1 may occur. For example, the original M1 may be detected as a blank sheet even though it is not a blank sheet. In such a case, the user operates the YES button 61 on the notification screen 60. This allows the original M1 to be correctly counted as the target of reading even if a detection error of the original M1 occurs. Therefore, the user can know the number of sheets of the original M1 to be read.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7, when all the originals M1 have been counted, a result screen 63 is displayed. The result screen 63 may also be displayed when the stop button 59 is operated on the current status screen 58. The result screen 63 is a screen that displays the counting results. The result screen 63 displays the number of counted originals M1. In other words, the result screen 63 displays the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions.

[0079] The result screen 63 may display the number of conveyed originals M1. The result screen 63 may display the number of originals M1 that do not depend on the target conditions. In other words, the result screen 63 may display the total number of originals M1 set in the supply tray 22. The result screen 63 may display the total number of originals M1 detected by the count detection unit 28, or may display the total number of originals M1 counted based on image data. This allows the user to know the number of originals M1 that will not be read.

[0080] The result screen 63 may display the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. This allows the user to intuitively understand the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. The result screen 63 may also display the detection factors for originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. In one example, the result screen 63 displays the number of originals M1 that were excluded due to the blank condition and the number of originals M1 that were excluded due to the color condition. This allows the user to understand the detection factors for originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions and the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions.

[0081] An OK button 64 is displayed on the result screen 63. When the OK button 64 is operated, the result screen 63 closes. When the OK button 64 is operated, the count mode ends. When the OK button 64 is operated, the home screen 40 is displayed.

[0082] <Flowchart> Next, the operation in the count mode will be described. The count mode may be executed by the reading control unit 33 alone, or by the reading control unit 33 and the terminal control unit 16. Here, the reading control unit 33 and the terminal control unit 16 will not be distinguished from each other and will be referred to simply as the control unit. The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is started by operating the start button 53 on the setting screen 46. The total count mode may also operate according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8.

[0083] 8, the control unit feeds the document M1 in step S11. At this time, the control unit starts the pick roller 24. In step S12, the control unit reads the original M1. Specifically, the control unit reads the original M1 using the reading unit 26. At this time, image data is generated.

[0084] In step S13, the control unit analyzes the image data. Specifically, the control unit analyzes the image data generated in step S12. In step S14, the control unit determines whether the document M1 meets the target conditions. More specifically, the control unit determines whether the document M1 meets the target conditions based on the image data analyzed in step S13. That is, the control unit determines whether the document M1 is the document M1 to be read. If the document M1 meets the target conditions, the control unit proceeds to step S18. If the document M1 does not meet the target conditions, the control unit proceeds to step S15.

[0085] In step S15, the control section stops the transport of the document M1. At this time, the control section stops the transport section 23. In step S16, the control unit displays the notification screen 60. At this time, the user understands that a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. By visually checking the notification screen 60, the user understands the cause of the detection of the document M1 that does not meet the target conditions.

[0086] In step S17, the control unit determines whether to count the document M1 that does not meet the target conditions as a document M1 that meets the target conditions. Specifically, the control unit determines whether the YES button 61 or the NO button 62 has been operated on the notification screen 60. If the YES button 61 has been operated on the notification screen 60, the control unit proceeds to step S18. If the NO button 62 has been operated on the notification screen 60, the control unit proceeds to step S19. If the NO button 62 has been operated on the notification screen 60, the control unit may count up the document M1 as a document that does not meet the target conditions.

[0087] In step S18, the control unit counts up the number of documents M1. Specifically, the control unit counts up the number of documents M1 that match the target condition. In step S19, the control unit determines whether the next document M1 is present. At this time, the control unit determines whether the document M1 is present or not based on whether the tray detection unit 27 detects the document M1. If the document M1 is present on the supply tray 22, the control unit returns the process to step S11. If the document M1 is not present on the supply tray 22, the control unit proceeds to step S20.

[0088] In step S20, the control unit displays a result screen 63. The user knows the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions. The user knows the number of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. The user knows the cause of the detection of originals M1 that do not meet the target conditions. When the OK button 64 is operated on the result screen 63, the control unit ends the count mode.

[0089] As described above, the control method of the image reading system 11 includes counting the documents M1 that meet the target conditions based on the image data, and displaying the number of documents M1 that meet the target conditions on the display unit.

[0090] <Actions and Effects of the Example> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The control unit counts the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions based on the image data. The control unit then displays the number of originals M1 that meet the target conditions on the display unit. With the above configuration, the user can correctly grasp the number of originals M1 to be read.

[0091] (2) When the control unit detects an original M1 that does not meet the target conditions based on the image data, the control unit displays a notification screen 60 indicating that an original M1 that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. With the above configuration, the user can know that the original M1 that is not to be read is included in the original stack MA.

[0092] (3) When counting a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions is selected on the notification screen 60, the control unit counts the document M1 as meeting the target conditions. The image reading system 11 may determine that the document M1 to be read does not meet the target conditions. That is, the image reading system 11 may make a detection error. With the above configuration, the user can correct the detection error of the image reading system 11. This allows the user to know the number of documents M1 to be read.

[0093] (4) The control unit counts the originals M1 based on the blank condition. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of originals M1 excluding blank originals M1. (5) The control unit counts the documents M1 based on the background color condition. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of documents M1 excluding documents M1 having a predetermined background color.

[0094] (6) The control unit counts the number of originals M1 based on the color conditions. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of originals M1 excluding color or monochrome originals M1. (7) The control unit counts the number of documents M1 based on the reference conditions. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of documents M1 excluding documents M1 whose image data differs significantly from the reference data.

[0095] (8) The control unit counts the number of originals M1 based on the size condition. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of originals M1 of a predetermined size. (9) The control unit counts the documents M1 based on the page number condition. According to the above configuration, the user can know the number of pages of the documents M1 excluding the documents M1 without page numbers.

[0096] (10) The reason for the detection of the document M1 that is detected as not meeting the target conditions is displayed on the notification screen 60. According to the above configuration, the user can understand the reason for the detection of the document M1 that is detected as not meeting the target conditions.

[0097] (11) When the control unit detects a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions, the control unit stops the conveying unit 23 and then displays a notification screen 60 on the display unit. When counting a document M1 that does not meet the target conditions is selected on the notification screen 60, the control unit counts the document M1 as meeting the target conditions. In the image reading system 11, it may be determined that the document M1 to be read does not meet the target conditions. In other words, a detection error may occur in the image reading system 11. According to the above configuration, the conveying unit 23 is stopped and the notification screen 60 is displayed, so the user can correct any detection errors made by the image reading system 11 one by one. This allows the user to know the number of documents M1 to be read.

[0098] (12) According to the above configuration, in the total count mode, the control unit causes the display unit to display the number of counted originals M1, allowing the user to grasp the total number of originals M1. (13) In the comparison mode, if the total number of documents M1 counted this time does not match the total number of documents M1 counted in the total count mode, the control unit causes the display unit to display that the total number of documents M1 counted this time does not match the total number of documents M1 counted in the total count mode. With the above configuration, the user can understand that the number of documents M1 does not match.

[0099] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0100] (A) An image reading system includes a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit, wherein the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and causes the display unit to display the number of documents that meet the target conditions. With the above configuration, a user can correctly grasp the number of documents to be read.

[0101] (B) In the image reading system, when a document that does not meet the target conditions is detected based on the image data, the control unit may display a notification screen indicating that a document that does not meet the target conditions has been detected. With the above configuration, the user can know that a document that does not meet the target conditions is included in the document stack.

[0102] (C) In the above image reading system, the notification screen may be a screen that inquires whether to count documents that do not meet the target conditions as documents that meet the target conditions, and the control unit may count the documents as documents that meet the target conditions when counting documents that do not meet the target conditions is selected on the notification screen. In an image reading system, a document to be read may be determined not to meet the target conditions. In other words, a detection error may occur in the image reading system. With the above configuration, a user can correct a detection error made by the image reading system. This allows the user to know the number of documents to be read.

[0103] (D) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a blank condition for excluding blank documents, and the control unit may count the documents based on the blank condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding blank documents.

[0104] (E) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a background color condition for excluding documents having a predetermined background color, and the control unit may count the documents based on the background color condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding documents having the predetermined background color.

[0105] (F) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a color condition that excludes color or monochrome documents, and the control unit may count the documents based on the color condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding color or monochrome documents.

[0106] (G) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a reference condition for excluding documents whose image data has a pixel count for each RGB value outside a predetermined range relative to reference data, and the control unit may count the documents based on the reference condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding documents whose image data is significantly different from the reference data.

[0107] (H) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a size condition that excludes documents of a predetermined size, and the control unit may count the documents based on the size condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding documents of a predetermined size.

[0108] (I) In the image reading system, the target conditions may include a page number condition for excluding documents that do not have page numbers, and the control unit may count the documents based on the page number condition. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the number of documents excluding documents that do not have page numbers.

[0109] (J) In the image reading system, the notification screen may display the cause of the document being detected as not meeting the target conditions. According to the above configuration, the user can understand the cause of the document being detected as not meeting the target conditions.

[0110] (K) In the image reading system, the notification screen may be a screen inquiring whether to count documents that do not meet the target conditions as documents that meet the target conditions, and when the control unit detects a document that does not meet the target conditions, the control unit may stop the transport unit and display the notification screen on the display unit, and when counting documents that do not meet the target conditions is selected on the notification screen, the document may be counted as a document that meets the target conditions. In an image reading system, a document to be read may be determined not to meet the target conditions. In other words, a detection error may occur in the image reading system. According to the above configuration, the notification screen is displayed after the transport unit is stopped, allowing the user to correct any detection errors made by the image reading system one by one. This allows the user to grasp the number of documents to be read.

[0111] (L) In the image reading system, the control unit may cause the display unit to display the number of counted documents in a total count mode in which documents are counted without reference to the target conditions. With the above configuration, the user can grasp the total number of documents.

[0112] (M) In the image reading system, the control unit may count the documents without referring to the target conditions, and then in a comparison mode in which the total number of documents counted this time is compared with the total number of documents counted in the total count mode, if the total number of documents counted this time does not match the total number of documents counted in the total count mode, cause the display unit to display that the total number of documents counted this time does not match the total number of documents counted in the total count mode. With the above configuration, the user can know that the numbers of documents do not match.

[0113] (N) An image reading device includes a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit, wherein the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and causes the display unit to display the number of documents that meet the target conditions. With the above configuration, the same effects as those of the image reading system described above can be obtained.

[0114] (O) The control device is a control device connected to an image reading device having a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents and a reading unit that reads the documents, and is equipped with a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and a control unit that communicates with the image reading device, and the control unit counts the documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displays the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit.With the above configuration, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned image reading system can be obtained.

[0115] (P) A control method for an image reading system includes a transport unit that transports documents one by one from a stack of documents, a reading unit that reads the documents, and a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for the documents to be read, are set, and includes counting documents that meet the target conditions based on image data of the documents read by the reading unit, and displaying the number of documents that meet the target conditions on the display unit.The above method can achieve the same effects as the image reading system described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 11...image reading system, 12...control device, 13...image reading device, 14...terminal operation unit, 15...terminal display unit, 16...terminal control unit, 21...casing, 22...supply tray, 23...conveying unit, 24...pick roller, 25...conveying roller pair, 26...reading unit, 27...tray detection unit, 28...count detection unit, 31...reading operation unit, 32...reading display unit, 33...reading control unit, 40...home screen, 41...reading button, 42...count button, 43...total count button, 44...verification button, 45...Count column, 46...Setting screen, 47...Blank condition button, 48...Background color condition button, 49...Color condition button, 50...Standard condition button, 51...Size condition button, 52...Page number condition button, 53...Start button, 54...Back button, 55...Blank condition screen, 56...On button, 57...Off button, 58...Current status screen, 59...Stop button, 60...Notification screen, 61...YES button, 62...NO button, 63...Result screen, 64...OK button, M1...Manuscript, MA...Manuscript stack.

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys documents one by one from a document stack; a reading unit that reads a document; a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for a document to be read, are set; a control unit, The control unit counting the number of documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit; An image reading system characterized in that the number of documents that meet the target conditions is displayed on the display unit.

2. The image reading system of claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit detects a document that does not meet the target conditions based on the image data, it displays a notification screen indicating that a document that does not meet the target conditions has been detected.

3. The notification screen is a screen for inquiring whether a document that does not meet the target conditions should be counted as a document that meets the target conditions, The image reading system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit counts documents that do not meet the target conditions as documents that meet the target conditions when counting of documents that do not meet the target conditions is selected on the notification screen.

4. the target conditions include a blank condition for excluding blank documents; 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the documents based on the blank condition.

5. the target condition includes a background color condition for excluding documents having a predetermined background color; 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of documents based on the background color condition.

6. the target conditions include a color condition that excludes color or monochrome documents; 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of documents based on the color condition.

7. the target condition includes a reference condition for excluding documents in which the number of pixels for each RGB of the image data is outside a predetermined range with respect to reference data; 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of documents based on the reference condition.

8. The target conditions include a size condition for excluding documents other than a predetermined size, 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the documents based on the size condition.

9. the target condition includes a page number condition for excluding documents that do not have page numbers; 4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the documents based on the page number condition.

10. 3. The image reading system according to claim 2, wherein the notification screen displays a cause of the document being detected as not meeting the target conditions.

11. The notification screen is a screen for inquiring whether a document that does not meet the target conditions should be counted as a document that meets the target conditions, When a document that does not meet the target conditions is detected, the control unit stops the conveyance unit and then causes the display unit to display the notification screen.

3. The image reading system according to claim 2, wherein when counting a document that does not meet the target condition is selected on the notification screen, the document is counted as a document that meets the target condition.

12. 2. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, in a total count mode in which the documents are counted without referring to the target conditions, causes the display unit to display the number of counted documents.

13. The image reading system of claim 12, wherein the control unit counts documents without referring to the target conditions, and then in a comparison mode in which the total number of documents counted this time is compared with the total number of documents counted in the total count mode, if the total number of documents counted this time does not match the total number of documents counted in the total count mode, the control unit displays on the display unit that the total number of documents counted this time does not match the total number of documents counted in the total count mode.

14. a conveying unit that conveys documents one by one from a document stack; a reading unit that reads a document; a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for a document to be read, are set; a control unit, The control unit counting the number of documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit; The image reading device is characterized in that the number of documents that meet the target conditions is displayed on the display unit.

15. A control device connected to an image reading device including a conveying unit that conveys documents one by one from a document stack and a reading unit that reads the documents, a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions, which are conditions for a document to be read, are set; a control unit that communicates with the image reading device, The control unit counting the number of documents that meet the target conditions based on the image data of the documents read by the reading unit; The control device causes the display unit to display the number of documents that meet the target conditions.

16. A control method for an image reading system including a conveying unit that conveys documents one by one from a document stack, a reading unit that reads the documents, and a display unit that displays a setting screen on which target conditions that are conditions for the documents to be read are set, comprising: counting the number of documents that meet the target condition based on image data of the documents read by the reading unit; and displaying on the display unit the number of documents that meet the target conditions.

Images