Image processing apparatus, method for controlling image processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To receive an instruction to perform document reading from a user when an abnormality in the shape state of documents to be conveyed is caused by the state of the document, without detecting whether the shape of the documents is abnormal.SOLUTION: An image reading device comprises: conveying means that conveys and ejects documents loaded on a document platen while separating the documents one by one; and reading means that read images of the documents conveyed by the conveying means, and executes a job to read the images of the documents. When the image reading device detects that the shape state of the documents is not normal after the start of conveyance of the documents, it receives the fact that the shape state of a document to be conveyed next is not detected. Subsequently, when the image reading device receives the fact that the shape state of the document to be conveyed next is not detected, it controls not to detect whether the shape state of the documents conveyed by the conveying means is normal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method for an image processing apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image reading devices used in copiers and the like include those that transport documents one by one using an automatic document feeder (ADF, described later) and read the image of the document using a CCD sensor fixed on the transport path (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the image reading device having the above configuration, when conveying documents, a stack of documents from which staples and clips have not been removed may be placed on the document tray, and a reading instruction may be issued. In an automatic document feeder, the separation mechanism of the feed section separates and transports the documents one by one, so when the feed operation is started with a stack of bound documents loaded, a load is placed on the binding section when the topmost document is separated and transported. This can cause the originals to become wrinkled or torn, and if bound originals are sent out without being separated, problems can occur such as paper jams along the transport path.

[0004] To avoid such a situation, a device has been proposed that detects whether the document is bound with staples, clips, or the like. For example, there is a device that is equipped with a configuration that detects changes in the height of the document as it is transported to determine whether or not the document loaded on the document tray has any binding such as staples, clips, or glue (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-285595 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-182449 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, which detects changes in the height of a document as it is being transported, if the document is folded or wrinkled before it is transported, it may be erroneously determined to be a bound document even though it is not. This also poses the problem of the system continuing to erroneously detect the document no matter how many times the document is repositioned. Another problem is that the conventional technology does not provide a method for dealing with how to read documents after detecting a bound document, which is unfriendly to the user. Another issue is that when stapled bound documents are detected, the bound documents cannot be read by the automatic document feeder, so the job must be stopped, the document must be placed on the document table, and the scanning must be started again from the beginning as a new job, or appropriate operating instructions must be given to the user.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can accept an instruction to read a document from a user when the document being conveyed is in an abnormal shape, without detecting whether the document is abnormal in shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The image processing device of the present invention that achieves the above object is characterized by having a reading means that reads an image of a document transported by a transporting means, a determining means that determines whether the document transported by the transporting means is a bound document, and a display means that displays a button to disable a function that notifies the user that the document transported by the transporting means is a bound document, based on the determination result by the determining means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the display of a button for disabling the function of notifying that the transported document is a bound document can be performed based on the result of determining that the transported document is a bound document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an ADF and an image reading unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of an operation unit. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <System configuration description> [First embodiment]

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, which will be described taking an MFP (Multi Function Printer) capable of performing scan, copy, print, send, and other functions as an example. 1, an image reading unit 200, which is an image reading means, converts image information into an electrical signal by inputting reflected light obtained by scanning an image on a document using light emitted from an illumination lamp into a linear image sensor (CCD sensor). The image reading unit 200 further converts the electrical signal into a luminance signal consisting of R, G, and B colors, and outputs the luminance signal as image data to a controller unit 400 (described later).

[0013] An original document is set on the original tray 30 of the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 100. When a user issues an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 405 described later, the controller unit 400 sends an original document reading instruction to the image reading unit 200. Upon receiving this instruction, the image reading unit 200 separates the original documents one by one from the original document tray 30 of the ADF 100, feeds them, and performs an original document reading operation. Alternatively, an original document can be read by placing it on a platen glass described later. The image forming unit 500 is an image forming device that forms image data received from the controller unit 400 on paper.

[0014] The image forming method in this embodiment is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt. The image forming unit 500 also includes a paper feed unit 504 that includes multiple cassettes capable of handling different paper sizes or orientations. Printed paper is then ejected to a paper ejection unit 502 or a finisher unit 505.

[0015] (ADF100 configuration example) 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the ADF 100 and the image reading unit 200 of this embodiment. The operation of the ADF 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2, the ADF 100 has a document tray 30 on which a document S consisting of one or more document sheets is loaded, a separation pad 21 that protrudes from the document tray 30 before the document starts to be conveyed to prevent the document S from advancing downstream, and a paper feed roller 1. The ADF 100 also has a document detection sensor 23 that detects that the document S is placed on the document tray 30, a distance measurement sensor 22 that measures the distance to the top surface of the document S, and a separation sensor 24 that detects that the document has passed through the separation roller 2. The paper feed roller 1 drops onto the surface of the documents S stacked on the document tray 30 and rotates, thereby feeding the topmost document in the document stack. The documents transported by the paper feed roller 1 are separated into single sheets by the action of the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21. This separation is achieved by well-known retard separation technology. At this time, if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect the document even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of transport, the drive of the paper feed roller 1 and other components is stopped. The certain time (t1) until stopping is calculated by adding a sufficient time to take into account the estimated time from the start of transport to the separation sensor 24 according to the transport speed, plus any delays.

[0016] The document separated by the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21 is transported to the registration roller 4 by the transport roller pair 3, and the document is abutted against the registration roller 4. This causes the document to be formed into a loop, eliminating skew during document transport. A paper feed path is arranged downstream of the registration roller 4 to transport the document that has passed through the registration roller 4 toward the flow-reading glass 201.

[0017] The document fed to the paper feed path is fed onto the platen by the large roller 7 and the transport roller 5. Here, the large roller 7 comes into contact with the flow reading glass 201. The document transported by the large roller 7 passes through the transport roller 6, moves between the roller 16 and the moving glass, and is discharged onto the document discharge tray 31 via the discharge flapper and discharge roller 8.

[0018] The ADF 100 in Figure 2 is a type that reads the image on the back side of a document by inverting it, and while the document is caught between the discharge rollers 8, the discharge rollers 8 are rotated in reverse to switch the discharge flapper, thereby moving the document to the reversal path 19. The moved document is then abutted against the registration rollers 4 from the reversal path 19, and the document is again formed into a loop, thereby eliminating any skew in the transport of the document. Thereafter, the transport rollers 5 and large roller 7 move the document again to the scanning glass 201, where the back side of the document can be read.

[0019] In addition, the document tray 30 is provided with a guide regulation plate 15 that can slide in the sub-scanning direction of the stack of documents loaded thereon, and a document width detection sensor (not shown) that detects the document width in conjunction with this guide regulation plate. The combination of the document width detection sensor and the pre-register sensor 11 makes it possible to determine the document size of the document stack loaded on the document tray 30. In addition, a document length detection sensor (not shown) provided in the transport path can also detect the document length from the transport distance from the detection of the leading edge to the detection of the trailing edge of the document during transport. The document size can also be determined from the combination of the detected document length and the document width detection sensor.

[0020] The distance measuring sensor 22 is a sensor that measures the distance to the top surface of the originals S loaded on the original tray 30. For example, by measuring the difference between the distance to the top surface of the originals S measured for each original before the start of conveyance and the distance to the top surface of the originals S measured a certain time (t2) after the start of conveyance, it is possible to detect originals that are irregularly shaped, such as those that are stapled together. Furthermore, by making t1 > t2, it is possible to detect abnormalities in the shape of the originals before a jam occurs.

[0021] (Configuration example of image reading unit 200) In the image reading section 200, the scanner unit 209 scans the document on the document platen glass 202 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, thereby optically reading image information recorded on the document. Furthermore, for documents on the ADF 100, the documents on the document tray 30 are transported one by one to the reading center position. Furthermore, the scanner unit 209 is moved to the reading center position of the large roller 7 of the ADF 100, and the documents are read at the reading center position of the large roller 7. Documents on the ADF 100 or on the document table glass 202 are read by the following optical system. This optical system includes a flow reading glass 201, a document table glass 202, a scanner unit 209 having a lamp 203 and a mirror 204, mirrors 205 and 206, a lens 207, and a CCD sensor unit 210. The read image information is photoelectrically converted and input as image data to a controller unit (not shown in FIG. 1). Furthermore, a white board 219 is used to create reference data for the white level by shading. In this embodiment, the CCD sensor unit 210 is made up of a color image reading (RGB) CCD (three-line sensor unit) 212 and a black-and-white image reading CCD (one-line sensor unit) 211.

[0022] (ADF100 control block) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0023] 3, the control block of the ADF 100 includes a control means (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 300, which is a central processing unit, a read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 301, a random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 302, an output port, and an input port. ROM 301 stores control programs and fixed parameters, while RAM 302 stores input data and working data. A motor 303, a solenoid 306, and a clutch 307 that drive various conveyance rollers are connected to the output port, and various sensors 304 are connected to the input port.

[0024] The CPU 300 controls paper transport in accordance with a control program stored in a ROM 301 connected via a bus line. The CPU 300 performs serial communication with a central processing unit (CPU) 321 of the image reading unit 200 via a control communication line 351, and exchanges control data with the image reading unit 200. An image leading edge signal, which is a reference for the leading edge of the document image data, is also notified to the image reading unit 200 via the control communication line 351.

[0025] Furthermore, the CPU 300 notifies the image reading unit 200 of the values ​​of the various sensors 304 in accordance with control data from the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200. The values ​​of the various sensors 304 include data measured by the distance measurement sensor 22 and distance data.

[0026] (Control block of image reading unit 200) In the control block of the image reading unit 200, 321 is a CPU, which performs all control of the image reading unit 200. A ROM 322 that stores programs and a RAM 323 that provides a work area are connected to the CPU 321. The RAM 323 represents a work area that also includes an area for non-volatile storage.

[0027] An optical system motor drive unit 326 is a driver circuit for driving the optical system drive motor. A lamp 203 and a CCD sensor unit 210 (a CCD 211 for reading black and white images of front images and a CCD 212 for reading color images of front images) are connected to the image reading unit 200. A CPU 321 controls the optical system motor driver unit 326 and controls the CCD sensor unit 210 via an image processing unit 325 to perform image reading processing.

[0028] To achieve paper transport, the CPU 321 sends commands for paper transport control to the CPU 300 for paper transport control in the ADF 100 via a control communication line 351. The instructed CPU 300 monitors each sensor 304 installed on the transport path and drives the transport motor 303, solenoid 306, and clutch 307, which are loads, to achieve paper transport. In this way, the CPU 321 controls paper transport by the ADF 100 and image reading by the image reading unit 200. 324 is a paper gap correction processing unit that performs paper gap correction.

[0029] The image signal focused by the lens 207 on the CCD sensor unit 210 (either a color image reading (RGB) CCD 212 or a black and white image reading CCD 211) is converted into digital image data. The converted image data is then subjected to various image processing processes in an image processing unit 325, including shading, to detect and correct streaks and the like in the image data, and the result is written to an image memory 329.

[0030] The data written to the image memory 329 is sequentially transmitted to the controller unit 400 via an image communication line 353 of the controller interface, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer. Furthermore, the timing of an image leading edge signal, which is the reference for the leading edge of the document image data, is adjusted by the CPU 321 and notified to the controller unit 400 via a control communication line 352 of the controller interface. Similarly, the timing of an image leading edge signal notified via the communication line from the ADF 100 is also adjusted by the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 and notified to the controller unit 400 via the control communication line 352 of the controller interface.

[0031] The CPU 321 controls an image processing unit 325 connected to the control bus line. Furthermore, the CPU 321 controls the CCD sensor unit 210 by transmitting a control signal from a control communication line 354 to the CCD sensor unit 210 via the image processing unit 325. In the process of scanning an original image with the CCD sensor unit 210, the image is read by a color image reading CCD 212 or a monochrome image reading CCD 211. An analog image signal for each read line is then output to the CCD control unit 213 from an image data communication line 214 or 215, which includes an image transfer clock signal line.

[0032] The analog signal is converted into digital image data by the CCD control unit 213 and transmitted to the controller unit 400 via an image communication line 355 including an image transfer clock signal line, an image memory 329 and an image communication line 353 .

[0033] The CPU 321 communicates serially with the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400 via an image communication line 353, and exchanges control data with the controller unit 400. The CPU 321 detects abnormal shapes of the originals being conveyed in accordance with the control data from the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400. In detecting abnormal shapes, the CPU 321 calculates the difference between the distance from the top surface of the original S measured before conveyance begins for each original and the distance from the top surface of the original S measured a certain time (t2) after conveyance begins, and determines that the original is abnormal in shape if the difference (d1) is greater than a certain value. The CPU 321 then notifies the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400 of the determination result.

[0034] (Control block of controller unit 400) The image processing controller unit 400 is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus 2000, including the ADF 100, the image reading unit 200, and the image forming unit 500. The controller unit 400 has a CPU 401, an image processing circuit 402, a scanner IF 403, an image memory 404, an operation unit 405, a RAM 406 that provides a work area, a ROM 407 that stores programs, a printer IF 408, and an HDD 409. The RAM 406 indicates a work area that also includes an area for nonvolatile storage. Alternatively, the program may be loaded from the HDD 409 into the RAM 406 and executed by the CPU 401. Image data transmitted to the controller unit 400 via the image communication line 353 is stored in the image memory 404 via the scanner IF 403.

[0035] The image processing circuit 402 converts the image on the image memory 404 and returns the converted image to the image memory 404. The image conversion processes performed by the image processing circuit 402 include a rotation process that rotates an image of 32 pixels x 32 pixels by a specified angle, and a resolution conversion process that converts the resolution of the image. Furthermore, the image conversion processing performed by the image processing circuit 402 includes scaling of the image, matrix calculation of multi-value input images, and color space conversion processing that converts YUV images to Lab images using an LUT. This color space conversion uses a 3x8 matrix calculation and a one-dimensional LUT, and can perform well-known background removal and show-through prevention.

[0036] The operation unit 405 has a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch panel input device attached to the LCD, and multiple hard keys. Signals input via the touch panel or hard keys are transmitted to the CPU 401, and the LCD displays functions and image data for operating the image forming apparatus.

[0037] An image leading edge signal is received from the image forming unit 500 through a control communication line 356 of the controller interface. Data written to the image memory 404 based on the image leading edge signal, which serves as a reference for the leading edge of the image data, is sequentially transmitted to the image forming unit 500 via an image communication line 357 of the controller interface, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer, via a printer IF 408.

[0038] (Control block of image forming unit 500) The image forming section 500 conveys recording paper, prints image data on it as a visible image, and discharges the paper outside the apparatus. The image forming section 500 is made up of a control section 501 that controls the image forming section 500, a paper feed unit 504 that has multiple types of recording paper cassettes, and a marking unit 503 that has the function of transferring and fixing the image data onto the recording paper. It also has a paper discharge unit 502 that has the function of outputting the printed recording paper outside the apparatus, and a finisher section (finisher unit) 505 that performs punching and sorting processes.

[0039] When the marking unit 503 is ready to form an image, the control unit 501 sends an image tip signal, which serves as a reference for the leading edge, to the controller unit 400 via the control communication line 356 of the controller interface. Then, the marking unit 503 transfers and fixes the image data sent via the image communication line 357 of the controller interface onto the recording paper.

[0040] [Configuration of operation unit 405] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the operation unit 405 shown in FIG. In Fig. 4, 600 is an LCD touch panel where the main mode settings and status display are performed. 601 is a numeric keypad for entering numbers from 0 to 9. 602 is an ID key, which is used to enter a department number and password mode when the device is managed by department.

[0041] Reference numeral 603 is a reset key for resetting the set mode, 604 is a guide key for displaying an explanation screen for each mode, 606 is an interrupt key for interrupting copying, 607 is a start key for starting copying or scanning operations, and 608 is a stop key for canceling a job currently being executed. Numeral 605 is a user mode key for entering a user mode screen, where various settings related to the device can be made. Numeral 609 is a power saving key, which when pressed enters power saving mode, and when pressed again returns from power saving mode. Numeral 610 is a counter confirmation key, which when pressed displays a count screen on the LCD that displays a total of the number of copies used up to that point.

[0042] Reference numeral 611 denotes an LED that indicates that a job is being executed or that an image is being stored in the image memory, 612 denotes an error LED that indicates that the device is in an error state such as a jam or a door open, and 613 denotes a power LED that indicates that the main switch of the device is turned on.

[0043] [Copy screen] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating UI screens displayed on LCD touch panel 600 shown in Figure 4. The UI screen shown in Figure 5 is an example of a copy screen. As shown in Fig. 5, buttons for setting basic settings, such as color selection 651, magnification 652, and paper selection 653, are arranged as shown in Fig. 5, and the setting status of these is displayed in 650. Settings other than the basic settings can be selected by pressing other functions 658. Although not shown here, other functions 658 include various functions such as page printing, page combining, and bookbinding. For those functions that the user frequently uses, shortcut buttons can be created on the copy screen. Here, double-sided 654 for setting double-sided printing and density 655 for setting print density are provided. Furthermore, a mixed document size loading 656 is provided for reading documents of different sizes, and a bound document detection 657 is provided for detecting whether the document S transported by the automatic document feeder 100 is a document with an abnormal shape.

[0044] The UI screen shown in FIG. 6 is a bound document detection setting screen that is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 when the shortcut button for bound document detection 657 is pressed. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 701 denotes a button for activating a bound document detection mode that detects whether the document S conveyed by the automatic document feeder 100 in a copy job is an abnormally shaped document. When the OK button 703 is pressed, data indicating validity or invalidity is saved in the RAM 406 . Conversely, a button 702 is used to disable the bound document detection mode for detecting whether the document S conveyed by the automatic document feeder 100 in a copy job is an abnormally shaped document. When the bound document detection mode is enabled, the job will suspend scanning if it is detected that an abnormally shaped document is being conveyed.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading apparatus according to this embodiment. The processing shown in each step is realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and expanded in the RAM 406. Note that the series of processing shown in Fig. 7 is started when the copy screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 and bound document detection is set to detect.

[0046] In S701, CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to execute a copy job has been accepted. If CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (NO in S701), the process of S701 is repeated until CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted. Note that an instruction to execute a copy job is accepted when the start key 607 is pressed by the user while the copy screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on LCD touch panel 600.

[0047] In S702, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the document S is placed on the document tray 30. The CPU 401 can determine that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 by receiving a detection signal from the document detection sensor 23.

[0048] In S702, if CPU 401 determines that document S is placed on document tray 30 (YES in S702), the process proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines NO in S702, the series of processes in FIG. 7 ends.

[0049] In S703, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) to "FALSE" the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as a scan end flag) that indicates whether or not a series of processes related to reading (scanning) the image of the document S has been completed normally. The value of the scan end flag is stored in the RAM 406.

[0050] If the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE", it means that the scan ended normally. On the other hand, if the value of the scan end flag is "FALSE", it means that the scan did not end normally. For example, when an instruction to stop scanning is received or when execution of a copy job is canceled, the CPU 401 determines that scanning did not end normally and overwrites the value of the scan end flag with "FALSE." After executing the process of S703, the CPU 401 advances the process to S800. Details of the scan process of S800 will be described later.

[0051] 7, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE." If the CPU 401 determines that the value is "TRUE" (YES in S704), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the value is NO in S704, the process proceeds to S706.

[0052] The CPU 401 reads the image data of the original S saved in the HDD 409 in S808 (described later) and temporarily stores it in the RAM 406 (S705). Then, the CPU 401 instructs the image forming unit 500 to execute a print process based on the image data of the original S temporarily stored in the RAM 406 (S705).

[0053] After executing the process of S705, CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S706. In S706, CPU 401 deletes the image data of document S saved in HDD 409 in S808 described above, and ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 7. The above is the details of the series of processes for accepting an instruction to execute a copy job and executing the accepted copy job.

[0054] [Sequence of processes related to scanning] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading apparatus according to this embodiment. This example corresponds to the detailed procedure of a series of processes (S800) related to scanning by the CPU 401. Note that the processes shown in each step are realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded into the RAM 406.

[0055] In S801, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag to "FALSE" and proceeds to S802. The shape abnormality OFF flag is a flag that indicates whether or not scanning should continue until the end of scanning when a shape abnormality is determined based on a change in the distance to the top surface of the document S as measured by the distance measurement sensor 22. The value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is stored in the RAM 406. Here, if the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is "TRUE," scanning continues until the end of scanning even if a shape abnormality of the document S is detected. On the other hand, if the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is "FALSE," scanning is interrupted in response to the detection of a shape abnormality of the document S.

[0056] After executing the process of S801, CPU 401 advances the process to S802. In S802, CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to convey document S placed on document tray 30.

[0057] After executing the process of S802, CPU 401 advances the process to S803. In S803, CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to detect whether there is any abnormality in the shape of original S conveyed in S802. The control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 detects whether there is any abnormality in the shape of the original and notifies CPU 401 of the detection result (S803).

[0058] After executing the process of S803, the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S804. If the CPU 401 has received a shape abnormality (YES in S804), the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S805. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S804, the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S808.

[0059] In S805, the CPU 401 determines whether the bound document detection mode is enabled by referring to the setting information stored in the RAM 406. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is enabled (YES in S805), the CPU 401 proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is disabled in S805, the CPU 401 proceeds to S818.

[0060] In S806, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag stored in the RAM 406, and if it determines that the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is not "TRUE" (NO in S806), the process proceeds to S811. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines YES in S806, the process proceeds to S807. In S807, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to read the image of the conveyed document S.

[0061] After executing the process of S807, the CPU 401 advances the process to S808. The CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to the controller unit 400. Then, the CPU 401 stores the image data of the original S transferred to the controller unit 400 in the HDD 409 (S808).

[0062] After executing the process of S808, CPU 401 proceeds to S809. CPU 401 determines whether or not original S is placed on original tray 30 (S809). If CPU 401 determines that original S is placed on original tray 30 (YES in S809), CPU 401 proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines NO in S809, CPU 401 proceeds to S810.

[0063] In S810, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE." After executing the process of S810, the CPU 401 ends the series of processes (S800) related to Fig. 8, and proceeds to the process of S704 in Fig. 7 described above.

[0064] In S811, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the original document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the original document S and the reading of the image of the original document S are stopped.

[0065] After executing the process of S811, the CPU 401 advances the process to S812. In S812, the CPU 401 displays a notification screen 900 shown in FIG. 9 is a screen for urging the user to place the document S again on the document tray 30 of the ADF 100. The notification screen 900 is also a screen for urging the user to continue scanning until the scanning is completed even if an abnormal shape of the document S is detected. The CPU 401 displays the notification screen 900 on the LCD touch panel 600 as a screen for accepting that a bound document has not been detected.

[0066] After executing the process of S812, the CPU 401 advances the process to S813. In S813, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted in response to the user pressing the stop button 901 on the notification screen 900. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted (YES in S813), the CPU 401 ends the series of processes (S800) shown in FIG. 8 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S813, the CPU 401 advances the process to S814.

[0067] In step S814, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a scan restart instruction has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that a scan restart instruction has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

[0068] If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S814), the process proceeds to S815. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S814, the process returns to S813.

[0069] In S815, the CPU 401 determines whether the bound document detection OFF button 902 on the notification screen 900 shown in Fig. 9 has been pressed. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection OFF button 902 has been pressed (YES in S815), the process proceeds to S816. On the other hand, in S815, the CPU 401 determines whether the user has selected to temporarily turn off the bound document detection mode. For example, if the document detection OFF button 902 on the notification screen 900 shown in Fig. 9 is pressed, it is determined to be OFF. If the CPU 401 determines that the user has selected to temporarily turn off the bound document detection mode (YES in S815), it advances the process to S816. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S815, it advances the process to S817. In S816, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE."

[0070] After executing the process of S816, the CPU 401 advances the process to S817.

[0071] In S817, CPU 401 determines whether or not original S is placed on original tray 30. If CPU 401 determines that original S is placed on original tray 30 (YES in S817), it proceeds to S802. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S817, it repeats the process of S817 until it determines that the item is placed. In S818, the CPU 401 determines whether a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100. For example, if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect the original even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of conveyance, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 determines that a paper jam has occurred. Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that a jam has occurred. The CPU 401, which has been notified of the jam, determines that a paper jam has occurred. If the CPU 401 determines that a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100 (YES in S818), the process proceeds to S819. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S818, the process proceeds to S807.

[0072] In S819, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the original document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the original document S and the reading of the image of the original document S are stopped.

[0073] After executing the process of S819, CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S820. In S820, CPU 401 determines whether or not the paper jam that occurred in ADF 100 has been resolved. For example, CPU 321 of image reading unit 200 checks the values ​​of various sensors 304 notified from CPU 300 of ADF 100, and determines that the jam has been resolved if the document S is not detected after separation sensor 24 (downstream). Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that the jam has been cleared. Upon being notified of the jam clearance, the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been cleared. If the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been cleared in the ADF 100 (YES in S820), the process proceeds to S821. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S820, it repeats the process of S820.

[0074] 10 on the LCD touch panel 600. The notification screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen for urging the user to place the document S on the document tray 30 again.

[0075] After executing the process of S821, the CPU 401 advances the process to S822. In S822, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted in response to the user pressing the cancel button 1001 on the notification screen 1000. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted (YES in S822), it ends the series of processes (S800) related to FIG. 8 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S822, it advances the process to S823.

[0076] In step S823, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a scan restart instruction has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that a scan restart instruction has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

[0077] If CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S823), it proceeds to S809. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines NO in S823, it returns the process to S822. The above is the details of the series of processes (S800) related to scanning. According to the first embodiment, if the condition of the document being transported is due to an abnormal shape, an instruction to read the document can be received from the user without detecting whether the document is abnormal in shape.

[0078] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the following example will be described. First, after indicating to the user that the document has been stapled, the user manually places the detected document on the document platen without using the ADF 100. Then, an example will be described in which an instruction to switch to continuous reading processing in which the user repeatedly presses the star button 607 will be accepted. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device according to this embodiment. The processing shown in each step is realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded into the RAM 406. The series of processing steps shown in Fig. 11 is started when the copy screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 and bound document detection is set to "detect." The same step numbers are used for steps that are the same as those in Fig. 7.

[0079] In S701, CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to execute a copy job has been accepted. If CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S1101. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (NO in S701), the process of S701 is repeated until CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted. Note that an instruction to execute a copy job is accepted when the start key 607 is pressed by the user while the copy screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on LCD touch panel 600.

[0080] In S1101, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) to "FALSE" the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as a scan end flag) that indicates whether or not a series of processes related to reading (scanning) the image of the document S has been successfully completed. The value of the scan end flag is stored in the RAM 406.

[0081] When the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE," it indicates that the scan has completed successfully. On the other hand, when the value of the scan end flag is "FALSE," it indicates that the scan has not completed successfully. For example, when an instruction to stop scanning is received or when the execution of a copy job is canceled, the CPU 401 determines that the scan has not completed successfully and overwrites the value of the scan end flag with "FALSE."

[0082] In S702, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the document S is placed on the document tray 30. The CPU 401 can determine that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 by receiving a detection signal from the document detection sensor 23.

[0083] If the CPU 401 determines in S702 that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 (YES), the process proceeds to S1102. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in S703 as NO, the process proceeds to S1103.

[0084] In S1102, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as a continuous reading flag) indicating whether or not to repeat document reading on the document platen, document reading by the ADF 100, and a combination thereof multiple times to "FALSE." The value of the continuous reading flag is stored in the RAM 406. After executing the process of S1102, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1200. In S1103, the CPU 401 sets the value of the continuous reading flag to "TRUE" and proceeds to S1200. Details of the processing in S1200 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0085] 7, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE." If the CPU 401 determines in S704 that the value is "TRUE" (YES), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in S7046 that the value is NO, the process proceeds to S706.

[0086] The CPU 401 reads the image data of the original S saved in the HDD 409 in steps S1219 and S1224 (described later) and temporarily stores it in the RAM 406. Thereafter, the CPU 401 instructs the image forming unit 500 to execute a print process based on the image data of the original S temporarily stored in the RAM 406 (S705).

[0087] After executing the process of S705, CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S706. In S706, CPU 401 deletes the image data of document S stored in HDD 409 in S1219 and S1224, which will be described later, and ends the series of processes shown in Fig. 7. The above is the details of the series of processes for accepting an instruction to execute a copy job and executing the accepted copy job.

[0088] [Sequence of processes related to scanning] 12 is a flowchart illustrating a control method for the image reading device according to this embodiment. This example corresponds to the detailed procedure of a series of processes (S1200) related to scanning by the CPU 401. The processes shown in each step are realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded into the RAM 406.

[0089] In S1201, CPU 401 determines whether or not an original S is placed on original tray 30. If CPU 401 determines that an original S is placed on original tray 30 (YES in S1201), it proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines NO in S1201, it proceeds to S1222.

[0090] In S1202, CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to convey original S placed on original tray 30. After executing the process of S1202, CPU 401 advances the process to S1203. In S1203, CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to detect whether there is any abnormality in the shape of original S conveyed in S1202. The control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 detects whether there is any abnormality in the shape of the original, and notifies CPU 401 of the detection result (S1203).

[0091] After executing the process of S1203, the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S1204. If the CPU 401 has received a shape abnormality (YES in S1204), the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S1205. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1204, the CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S1212.

[0092] In S1205, the CPU 401 determines whether the bound document detection mode is enabled by referring to the setting information stored in the RAM 406. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is enabled (YES in S1205), the process proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is disabled in S1205, the process proceeds to S1212.

[0093] In S1206, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the original document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the original document S and the reading of the image of the original document S are stopped.

[0094] After executing the process of S1206, CPU 401 advances the process to S1207. In S1207, CPU 401 displays a notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 on LCD touch panel 600. Note that notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is a screen for urging the user to place original S again on original tray 30. Furthermore, notification screen 1300 is a screen for confirming with the user that scanning will continue by reading the original on the original platen when an abnormal shape of original S is detected. Note that notification screen 1300 is displayed as a screen for accepting a switching instruction to switch from a first reading process for reading an original transported by ADF 100 to a second reading process for continuously reading originals placed on the original platen.

[0095] After executing the process of S1207, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1208. In S1208, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted in response to the user pressing the cancel button 1301 on the notification screen 1300. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted (YES in S1208), it ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1208, it advances the process to S1209.

[0096] In step S1209, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a command to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that a command to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

[0097] If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S1209), the process proceeds to S1210. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1209, the process returns to S1208.

[0098] In S1210, the CPU 401 determines whether the Read on Platen button 1302 on the notification screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 has been pressed. If the CPU 401 determines that the Read on Platen button 1302 has been pressed (YES in S1210), the process proceeds to S1211. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1210, the process returns to S1201. In S1211, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the continuous reading flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE" and returns the process to S1201.

[0099] In S1212, the CPU 401 determines whether a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100. For example, if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect the original even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of conveyance, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 determines that a paper jam has occurred. Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that a jam has occurred. The CPU 401, which has been notified of the jam, determines that a paper jam has occurred. If the CPU 401 determines that a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100 (YES in S1212), the process proceeds to S1213. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1212, the process proceeds to S1218.

[0100] In S1213, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the original document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the original document S and the reading of the image of the original document S are stopped.

[0101] After executing the process of S1213, CPU 401 proceeds to S1214. In S1214, CPU 401 determines whether or not the paper jam that occurred in ADF 100 has been resolved. For example, CPU 321 of image reading unit 200 checks the values ​​of various sensors 304 notified by CPU 300 of ADF 100, and determines that the jam has been resolved if no document S is detected after separation sensor 24 (downstream). Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that the jam has been cleared. Upon being notified of the jam clearance, the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been cleared. If the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been cleared in the ADF 100 (YES in S1214), the process proceeds to S1215. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1214, it repeats the process shown in S1214.

[0102] 14 on the LCD touch panel 600. The notification screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is a screen for urging the user to place the document S on the document tray 30 again.

[0103] After executing the process of S1215, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1216. In S1216, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted in response to the user pressing the cancel button 1402 on the notification screen 1400. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted (YES in S1216), it ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1216, it advances the process to S1217.

[0104] In step S1217, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a command to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that a command to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

[0105] If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S1217), the process returns to S1201. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1217, the process returns to S1216. In S1218, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to read the image of the conveyed document S.

[0106] After executing the process of S1218, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1219. The CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to the controller unit 400. Then, the CPU 401 stores the image data of the original S transferred to the controller unit 400 in the HDD 409 (S1219).

[0107] After executing the process of S1219, CPU 401 proceeds to S1220. CPU 401 determines whether or not original S is placed on original tray 30. If CPU 401 determines that original S is placed on original tray 30 (YES in S1220), CPU 401 proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1220, the process proceeds to S1221.

[0108] In S1221, the CPU 401 determines whether the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE." If the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE" (YES in S1221), the CPU 401 proceeds to S1225. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1221, the CPU 401 proceeds to S1229.

[0109] At S1222, CPU 401 determines whether the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE." If the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE" (YES at S1222), CPU 401 proceeds to S1223. On the other hand, if CPU 401 determines NO at S1222, CPU 401 returns the process to S1201. At S1223, CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to read the image of original S on the platen.

[0110] After executing the process of S1223, CPU 401 advances the process to S1224. CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to controller unit 400. Then, CPU 401 stores the image data of original S transferred to controller unit 400 in HDD 409 (S1224).

[0111] After executing the process of S1224, CPU 401 proceeds to the process of S1225. At S1225, CPU 401 displays a notification screen 1400 shown in Fig. 14 on LCD touch panel 600. Note that notification screen 1400 shown in Fig. 14 is a screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to read the next document.

[0112] After executing the process of S1225, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1226. In S1226, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted in response to the user pressing the cancel button 1402 on the notification screen 1400. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been accepted (YES in S1226), the CPU 401 ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1226, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1227.

[0113] In step S1227, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to read the next document has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

[0114] If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to read the next document has been received (YES in S1227), the process returns to S1201. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1227, the process proceeds to S1228.

[0115] In step S1228, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to end the scan has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to end the scan has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1101 on the notification screen 1100.

[0116] If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to end the scan has been received (YES in S1228), the process proceeds to S1229. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1228, the process returns to S1226.

[0117] In S1229, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE." After executing the process of S1227, the CPU 401 ends the series of processes (S1200) related to Fig. 12, and proceeds to S704 in Fig. 11. The above is the details of the series of processes (S1200) related to scanning. According to the second embodiment, the cause of the job interruption is presented to the user, and it is possible to leave it up to the user to select whether to issue an instruction to switch the recovery process to manual continuous reading process by the user. In other words, if the abnormal shape of the document being transported is due to binding such as stapling, the cause will be displayed and instructions can be received from the user to read documents placed on the document table in succession.

[0118] The present invention can be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium. One or more processors in the computer of the system or device then read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Specifically, it can be realized by having a control circuit (ASIC) designed to execute the processes based on the respective flowcharts execute the processes of CPU300, CPU321, and CPU401. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 100 ADF 200 Image reading unit 400 Controller 405 Operation section 500 Image forming unit

Claims

1. reading means for reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveying means; a determining means for determining whether the document conveyed by the conveying means is a bound document; An image processing device characterized by having a display means for displaying a button to disable a function for notifying that the document transported by the transport means is a bound document, based on the determination result by the determination means.

2. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transport control means for stopping the transport of the document by said transport means based on the result of the determination by said determination means.

3. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport means is capable of transporting documents one by one from a document tray.

4. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a receiving unit that receives a setting to disable the function from a user.

5. 5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the display means further displays a message to accept from the user that the reading of the document whose transport by the transport means has been stopped is to be stopped based on the determination result by the determination means.

6. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines whether the bound document has been transported by the transport unit based on a transport state of the document.

7. 6. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines whether the document transported by the transporting means is a bound document based on at least a state of change in the shape of the document in the height direction.

8. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the transport means.

9. a reading step of reading an image of the transported document; a determining step of determining that the conveyed document is a bound document; A control method for an image processing device, characterized by having a display process of displaying a button to disable a function of notifying that the transported document is a bound document based on the judgment result in the judgment process.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 9.

Images