Image reading device

Abstract

To provide an image reading device capable of reading using multiple reading methods, and to offer a new technology for continuous reading. [Solution] The MFP1 is capable of performing ADF reading and FB reading, and is also capable of continuous reading. When continuous reading is set, after performing ADF reading or FB reading, the MFP1 waits for a continuation instruction, and when a continuation instruction is received, it reads the image of the next document. The MFP1 can register reading settings to be used for ADF reading and reading settings to be used for FB reading, respectively, according to operations via the user IF13. In the case of continuous ADF reading, the MFP1 reads the image of the document according to the registered reading settings for ADF reading, and in the case of continuous FB reading, it reads the image of the document according to the registered reading settings for FB reading.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in the present specification relates to an image reading apparatus capable of performing reading by a plurality of reading methods. More specifically, the present invention relates to a technique for performing continuous reading by an image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image reading apparatus is known that is capable of an FB reading method, in which a document is set on a flatbed (FB) that is a manually placed document table, and an optical unit that optically reads an image is moved along the document table to perform reading, and an ADF reading method, in which the optical unit is fixed and the document is conveyed by an automatic document feeder (ADF) to perform reading, and a technique for performing continuous reading by switching the reading method is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which when an instruction to start reading is given, either the ADF reading method or the FB reading method is selected to read a document, a user designation as to whether or not to continue reading is received each time one reading operation ends, and if continuation is designated, either the ADF reading method or the FB reading method is selected to read the document, and the image data generated as a result is treated as a continuation of the image data generated by the previous reading operations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an image reading apparatus capable of performing reading by two reading methods, the ADF reading method and the FB reading method, a new technique for performing continuous reading is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An image reading device developed to solve this problem comprises a document table, a document transport device for automatically transporting documents, a user interface, and a reading device, wherein the image reading device is capable of performing a first type of reading in which the reading device reads an image of a document transported by the document transport device and generates reading data based on the reading result, and a second type of reading in which the reading device is moved along the document table and the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document table and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is further capable of performing continuous reading, in which, after performing the first type of reading or the second type of reading, the device enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface, and in the state of waiting to receive the continuation instruction If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the next document. If the continuation instruction is not received while the device is waiting for the instruction to be received, the reading data obtained from the previous readings is combined and output. The image reading device is further configured to register, according to operations via the user interface, a first reading setting which includes at least a part of the reading settings used for the first reading method, and a second reading setting which includes at least a part of the reading settings used for the second reading method. In the first reading method in continuous reading, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the registered first reading setting. In the second reading method in continuous reading, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the registered second reading setting.

[0007] The image reading device disclosed herein allows the user to register a first reading setting for a first reading method and a second reading setting for a second reading method, respectively, according to user operation. In continuous reading, the image reading device reads the document according to the registered reading settings, whether using the first or second reading method. In other words, in continuous reading, the reading settings for each method are pre-set. Therefore, even when switching reading methods to perform continuous reading, it is not necessary to input the new reading settings each time a continuation command is given. Consequently, the user's effort during continuation is reduced.

[0008] The control method, computer program, and storage medium readable by the computer that stores the above-mentioned image reading device are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The technology disclosed herein provides an image reading device capable of reading using multiple reading methods, and a new technology for continuous reading is realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the MFP in this configuration. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the cover's configuration. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing an example of the reading process procedure. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the home screen (A), scan screen (B), and scan settings screen (C). [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the scan setup process. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the ADF settings screen and FB settings screen. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the common settings screen. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for registering a shortcut. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing examples of the shortcut registration screen (A) and the home screen (B). [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the scan execution process. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a continuation selection screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the image reading device with reference to the attached drawings. This specification discloses a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as "MFP") having an image reading function.

[0012] In this configuration, the MFP1 includes a controller 10 that includes a CPU 11 and memory 12, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The MFP1 also includes a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 13, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 14, a print engine 15, and an image reading configuration 16, all of which are electrically connected to the controller 10. The MFP1 is an example of an image reading device. Note that the controller 10 in Figure 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used to control the MFP1, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually present in the MFP1.

[0013] The CPU 11 of the MFP1 executes various processes according to the program read from memory 12 and based on user operations. Memory 12 of the MFP1 stores various programs and data, including the operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 21, read programs 22, continuation setting information 23, default setting information 24, and shortcut information 25. Memory 12 is also used as a workspace when various processes are executed. The buffer provided by the CPU 11 is also an example of memory 12. Details of the programs and data will be described later.

[0014] It should be noted that an example of the memory 12 is not limited to a ROM, a RAM, an HDD or the like incorporated in the MFP 1, and may be a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 11. For example, an external memory such as a USB memory or an HDD connected to the MFP 1, and a memory or an HDD provided in a device connected to the MFP 1 via the communication IF 14 are also examples of the memory 12.

[0015] The computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the examples described above, the non-transitory medium also includes recording media such as a CD-ROM and a DVD-ROM. The non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server or the like on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a type of computer-readable medium, but is not included in the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] The user IF 13 includes, for example, a touch panel. The touch panel includes hardware that displays a screen for notifying a user of information, and hardware that receives an operation by the user. The user IF 13 may include a combination of a display, hardware buttons, and the like.

[0017] The communication IF 14 includes hardware for communicating with an external device. The communication IF 14 includes functions corresponding to communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), and USB. The MFP 1 may include a plurality of communication IFs 14 corresponding to a plurality of communication standards.

[0018] The printing engine 15 includes a configuration for printing an image onto a printing medium such as a sheet. The image forming method of the printing engine 15 is, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The MFP1 in this embodiment may be equipped with a printing engine 15 capable of performing color printing using multi-color colorants, or it may be equipped with a printing engine 15 that performs only monochrome printing using a single colorant.

[0019] The image reading configuration 16 includes a main reading device 31, a cover sensor 32, a document tray 33, and a cover 40. The cover 40 includes a document transport device (hereinafter referred to as "ADF") 41 for automatically transporting documents, a secondary reading device 42, and a document sensor 43. The main reading device 31 and the secondary reading device 42 are both examples of reading devices. The main reading device 31 and the secondary reading device 42 may be devices capable of performing color reading, which reads documents as color images, or they may be devices capable of performing monochrome reading only.

[0020] The document tray 33 includes a transparent, plate-shaped contact glass that is fixed integrally with the housing of the MFP1, for example, as shown in Figure 2. The document tray 33 is also called a flatbed (hereinafter referred to as "FB"). The cover 40 is, for example, the part above the area indicated by the thick line in Figure 2, and is positioned above the document tray 33. The cover 40 is designed to open and close relative to the document tray 33 by rotating around an axis (not shown) located at the back of the paper in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the cover 40 in the closed state. The document tray 33 is exposed when the cover 40 is open, and is not exposed when the cover 40 is closed, as it is covered by the cover 40.

[0021] Both the main reading device 31 and the sub-reading device 42 have reading elements arranged in the main scanning direction, which is the depth direction in Figure 2, and are configured to read images from a document. The MFP1 can use the main reading device 31 or the sub-reading device 42 to read images from a document, generate reading data based on the reading results, and output based on the generated reading data.

[0022] The main reading device 31 is positioned below the document glass 33 in Figure 2 and is movable along the document glass 33 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the left-right direction in Figure 2. By utilizing the main reading device 31, the MFP1 can perform image reading using two types of reading methods: ADF reading and FB reading. ADF reading is an example of the first reading method, and FB reading is an example of the second reading method.

[0023] ADF scanning is a scanning method in which the main scanning device 31 is stopped at a predetermined position, and the documents placed on the document tray of the ADF 41 are transported one by one by the ADF 41, with document transport and document image reading being performed in parallel. FB scanning is a scanning method in which the main scanning device 31 is moved along the document glass 33 in the sub-scanning direction, and the image of the document placed on the document glass 33 is read. The main scanning device 31 reads the image of the lower surface of the document on the document glass 33 in Figure 2.

[0024] The secondary scanning device 42 is positioned opposite the document transport path of the ADF 41 and does not move. The secondary scanning device 42 reads the image of the back side of the document transported by the ADF 41, that is, a side different from the side read by the main scanning device 31. The MFP1 can perform double-sided scanning, which reads images of both sides of the document, by transporting the document with the ADF 41 and simultaneously performing both the reading of the first side by the main scanning device 31 and the reading of the second side by the secondary scanning device 42.

[0025] The cover sensor 32 is, for example, a light reflection sensor provided on the underside of the cover 40, and outputs different signals depending on whether the cover 40 is open or closed. Based on the signals output from the cover sensor 32, the MFP1 can detect whether the cover is open or closed. The document sensor 43 is, for example, a light reflection sensor provided on the document tray of the ADF 41, and outputs different signals depending on whether there is a document in the ADF 41 or not. Based on the signals output from the document sensor 43, the MFP1 can determine whether or not a document has been detected in the ADF 41.

[0026] Next, the procedure for reading an image of a document using MFP1 will be described. Note that the following processes basically represent CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program. That is, processes such as "judgment," "extraction," "selection," "calculation," "decision," "identification," "acquisition," "reception," and "control" in the following description represent CPU processing. CPU processing also includes hardware control using the OS API. In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted when describing the operation of each program. That is, in the following description, a statement to the effect that "Program B controls hardware C" may also mean "Program B controls hardware C using the OS API." In addition, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language. For example, it may be written as "performed by the CPU." In addition, CPU processing according to the instructions written in the program may be described using abbreviated language such as "performed by Program A."

[0027] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "notification," "information," "notice," "reply," "response," and "answer" are used not only to mean the transmission of information to a person, but also to mean communication and exchange of information between devices or between components within a device. Note that the components within a device include software.

[0028] Furthermore, "acquisition" is used in a sense that does not necessarily require a request. That is, the process of the CPU receiving data without a request is also included in the concept of "the CPU acquiring data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a bit sequence that can be read by a computer. Data with the same substantial meaning but different formats will be treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Also, "request" and "instruct" are concepts that indicate that information indicating a request or instruction is being output to the other party. Information indicating a request or instruction may also be simply referred to as "request" or "instruction."

[0029] Furthermore, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or not." Similarly, the process by which the CPU determines whether information A indicates event B or event C is sometimes conceptually described as "determining from information A whether it is event B or event C."

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, setting items may be simply referred to as "settings." Similarly, setting values ​​may also be simply referred to as "settings." Setting values ​​may also be referred to as "parameters." Additionally, storing setting values ​​in memory or elsewhere may be simply referred to as "settings." Furthermore, the operation for setting or the input for setting may also be simply referred to as "settings."

[0031] The reading process by the MFP1 in this configuration will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. This reading process is executed by the CPU 11 of the MFP1 when the MFP1 enters a standby state.

[0032] The CPU 11 displays the home screen 50 to the user interface 13 in standby mode (S101). The CPU 11 displays the home screen 50, which includes multiple icons for selecting functions of the MFP1, such as the scan icon 501, as shown in Figure 4(A). The CPU 11 then determines whether or not it has received an operation request for the scan icon 501 (S102). An operation on the scan icon 501 is an example of a scan selection operation, which involves selecting a document to scan. Note that the thick borders shown in the display screens such as Figure 4 are for clarifying the explanatory parts and do not need to be included in the display.

[0033] If the CPU determines that it has received an operation on the scan icon 501 (S102: YES), the CPU 11 displays the scan screen to the user interface 13 (S111). With scan selected, the CPU 11 executes processing based on the reading program 22 (see Figure 1). The CPU 11 displays a scan screen 51 to the user interface 13 that can accept the output destination of the read data, which is the scan result, as shown in Figure 4(B), for example. The scan screen 51 includes multiple buttons to specify the output destination, such as toUSB or toPC, and is a screen that can accept the selection of the output destination by operating any of the buttons.

[0034] The CPU 11 then waits until it accepts the selection of the output destination (S112). If it determines that it has accepted the selection of the output destination (S112: YES), the CPU 11 reads the default setting information 24 (see Figure 1) stored in memory 12 (S115). The default setting information 24 includes the ADF default value 241, the FB default value 242, and the common default value 243. The ADF default value 241 is information indicating the default value of the read settings used for ADF reading. The FB default value 242 is information indicating the default value of the read settings used for FB reading. The common default value 243 is information indicating the default value of the read settings common to both ADF reading and FB reading.

[0035] The CPU 11 can accept instructions to set various read settings, and can also accept instructions to register the information of the accepted read settings as default values ​​in the default setting information 24. If the CPU 11 does not accept instructions to register the read settings as default values, the MFP 1 may store various default values ​​included in the default setting information 24, such as the initial values ​​set at the factory or the read settings used in the previous scan. In addition, the default setting information 24 may be stored in external memory or an external device such as a server instead of in memory 12.

[0036] After reading the various default values ​​registered in the default setting information 24, the CPU 11 executes the scan setting process (S121). The procedure for the scan setting process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. In the scan setting process, the CPU 11 displays the scan setting screen on the user IF 13 (S201). The CPU 11 displays a scan setting screen 52 on the user IF 13 that can accept various setting start instructions and scan execution instructions, for example, as shown in Figure 4(C). Figure 4(C) is an example where button 511 is operated on the scan screen 51 in Figure 4(B) and USB is selected as the output destination.

[0037] The scan settings screen 52 includes an execution button 521 that accepts instructions to perform a scan, and several buttons 522 to 526 that accept instructions for various reading settings. Button 522 accepts instructions to set each item of the reading settings used for ADF reading. Button 523 accepts instructions to set each item of the reading settings used for FB reading. Button 524 accepts instructions to set each item of the reading settings common to both ADF reading and FB reading.

[0038] Button 525 is a button that receives instructions to register the information of each reading setting received through operations on buttons 522 to 524 as the default value. Button 526 is a button that receives instructions to register the information of each reading setting received through operations on buttons 522 to 524 as a shortcut. Shortcuts will be explained later.

[0039] The CPU 11 then waits until it receives an operation to the scan settings screen 52 (S202). If it determines that an operation has been received (S202: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether the received operation is an operation to the execute button 521 and whether it is an instruction to execute a scan (S203).

[0040] If it is determined that the operation received by the user is not an instruction to perform a scan (S203: NO), the CPU 11 determines what kind of instruction it is (S205). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether it is an instruction to set up reading settings by operating buttons 522 to 524, an instruction to register default settings by operating button 525, or an instruction to register shortcuts by operating button 526. If it is determined that it is an instruction to set up reading settings (S205: setting), the CPU 11 determines whether the instruction to set up is for ADF reading, FB reading, or a common reading setting (S212).

[0041] When the CPU 11 receives a user input to button 522 in S202, it determines that this is an instruction to configure the ADF reading settings (S212: ADF settings), and the CPU 11 displays the ADF settings screen to the user interface 13 (S221). The CPU 11 displays the ADF settings screen 53, which includes an OK button 531 and setting values ​​532 for each item, as shown in Figure 6(A), for example. The ADF settings screen 53 is an example of a first setting screen.

[0042] The CPU 11 displays, as setting value 532, the names of at least some of the reading settings used for ADF reading, and the setting values ​​corresponding to those names. The items displayed as setting value 532 include, for example, all the reading setting items used for ADF reading but not for FB reading. The CPU 11 then displays, for example, the ADF setting screen 53, which can accept settings for double-sided reading. The items displayed on the ADF setting screen 53 may or may not include reading setting items used for both ADF reading and FB reading. If an operation is accepted on one of the displayed setting values ​​532, the CPU 11 becomes capable of accepting further instructions to change the setting value of that item (S222).

[0043] In the first S221 after receiving a user input to button 522 in S202, MFP1 displays each setting value 532 based on the ADF default value 241 read from default setting information 24 in the reading process S115. In other words, MFP1 displays the default values ​​of the reading settings used for ADF reading on the initial display of the ADF setting screen 53. The ADF default value 241 included in the default setting information 24 is an example of a first default value.

[0044] Until the OK button 531 is pressed (S223: NO), the CPU 11 accepts instructions to set the reading settings to be used for ADF reading via the ADF setting screen 53. When the CPU 11 determines that the OK button 531 has been pressed (S223: YES), it stores the setting value 532 at that time as the setting value to be used for ADF reading in the current scan (S251). In S251, the CPU 11 stores various setting values ​​as temporary information in an area available to the reading program 22. The setting value 532 stored in S251 is an example of the first reading setting.

[0045] In S202, if the user operation received on the scan setting screen 52 shown in Figure 4(C) is an operation on button 523, the CPU 11 determines that it is an instruction to set up FB reading (S212: FB setting), and displays the FB setting screen to the user IF 13 (S231). The CPU 11 displays the FB setting screen 54, which includes an OK button 541 and setting values ​​542 for each item, as shown in Figure 6(B), for example. The FB setting screen 54 is an example of a second setting screen.

[0046] The CPU 11 displays, as setting value 542, the names of at least some of the reading settings used for FB reading, and the setting values ​​corresponding to those names. The items displayed as setting value 542 include, for example, all the reading setting items used for FB reading but not for ADF reading. The items displayed on the FB setting screen 54 may or may not include reading setting items used for both ADF reading and FB reading. If an operation is received on one of the displayed setting values ​​542, the CPU 11 becomes capable of receiving further instructions to change the setting value of that item (S232).

[0047] Since double-sided reading is not possible with FB reading, the FB settings screen 54 does not include an item for double-sided reading. Furthermore, each setting value used for FB reading can be set independently of the reading settings used for ADF reading. For example, even if an item has the same name as an ADF reading setting item, it can have a different setting value than the ADF reading setting. For example, for the color setting item, the reading setting for ADF reading can be set to monochrome reading, while the reading setting for FB reading can be set to color reading.

[0048] In the first S231 after receiving a user input to button 523 in S202, the MFP1 displays each setting value 542 based on the FB default value 242 read from the default setting information 24 in the reading process S115. In other words, the MFP1 displays the default values ​​of the reading settings used for FB reading on the initial display of the FB setting screen 54. The FB default value 242 included in the default setting information 24 is an example of a second default value.

[0049] Until the OK button 541 is pressed (S233: NO), the CPU 11 accepts instructions to set the reading settings to be used for FB reading via the FB setting screen 54. When the CPU 11 determines that the OK button 541 has been pressed (S233: YES), it stores the setting value 542 at that time as the setting value for the reading settings to be used for FB reading in the current scan (S251). The setting value 542 stored in S251 is an example of a second reading setting.

[0050] In S202, if the user operation received on the scan settings screen 52 shown in Figure 4(C) is an operation on button 524, the CPU 11 determines that it is an instruction for a common reading setting for both ADF reading and FB reading (S212: common setting), and displays the common setting screen to the user IF 13 (S241). The CPU 11 displays the common setting screen 55, which includes an OK button 551, a continuous scan setting button 552, and setting values ​​553 for each item, for example, as shown in Figure 7(A). If an operation is received on one of the displayed setting values ​​553, the CPU 11 becomes capable of receiving an instruction to change the setting value of that item (S242).

[0051] Common items include, for example, the output file name and file type. The common default value 243 read from the default setting information 24 in S115 of the read process includes the setting value for the file type item. The CPU 11 may also be able to automatically generate the output file name, which is the setting value for the file name item, based on the common default value 243. The MFP1 displays information based on the default values ​​of the common read settings in the initial display of the common settings screen 55.

[0052] MFP1 accepts common read settings, such as filenames, for both ADF and FB reading separately from the read settings for ADF and FB reading. This prevents discrepancies between the read settings for ADF and FB reading. Furthermore, it reduces user effort by eliminating the need for duplicate input.

[0053] Information regarding the continuous scan setting is stored, for example, in the continuous setting information 23 (see Figure 1) in memory 12. The continuous setting information 23 indicates either a continuous on or continuous off setting. In this configuration, if continuous on is set, the MFP1 will prompt the user whether to continue reading after performing an ADF read or an FB read, and wait for user input. If continuous off is set, the MFP1 will not prompt after performing an ADF read, but will prompt after performing an FB read. In other words, continuous on is a setting that enables continuous reading during ADF reading, and continuous off is a setting that disables continuous reading during ADF reading.

[0054] The CPU 11 displays the continuous scan setting button 552 based on the information read from the continuous setting information 23. When the CPU 11 receives an operation on the continuous scan setting button 552, it displays a screen 56 that allows the user to select either continuous on or continuous off for the continuous scan setting, as shown in Figure 7(B), and accepts the user's selection. If the CPU 11 determines that it has received an instruction for the continuous scan setting based on the operation on screen 56, it stores information indicating the received instruction in the continuous setting information 23 of the memory 12.

[0055] The CPU 11 accepts instructions to set common reading settings via the common settings screen 55 until it receives an OK button 551 operation (S243: NO). If it determines that an OK button 551 operation has been received (S243: YES), the CPU 11 stores the setting value 553 at that time as the common reading setting value for both ADF reading and FB reading in the current scan (S251). The setting value 553 stored in S251 is an example of a common reading setting.

[0056] Based on user instructions, the CPU 11 stores the reading settings in S251 via the ADF setting screen 53, FB setting screen 54, or common settings screen 55. Then, the CPU 11 proceeds to S201 and displays the scan setting screen 52 shown in Figure 4(C) to the user IF 13. The CPU 11 then accepts further user instructions.

[0057] If the user operation received on the scan settings screen 52 is an operation on button 525, the CPU 11 determines that it is an instruction to register the information of each setting value as the default value. If it determines that it is an instruction to register the default (S205: default registration), the CPU 11 registers information indicating the current setting value for each reading setting in the default setting information 24 (see Figure 1) in memory 12 (S261). The CPU 11 overwrites the current ADF reading setting value with the ADF default value 241, the current FB reading setting value with the FB default value 242, and the current common setting value with the common default value 243.

[0058] Instead of accepting instructions to register default values ​​on the scan settings screen 52, the CPU 11 may also accept them on the ADF settings screen 53, the FB settings screen 54, and the common settings screen 55. In other words, the CPU 11 may be able to accept instructions to register default values ​​individually for the reading settings for ADF reading, the reading settings for FB reading, and the common reading settings. Furthermore, the CPU 11 may update only the changed settings based on the user's instructions.

[0059] The default setting information 24 stored in memory 12 upon receiving a registration instruction is read in S115 of the read process during the next scan instruction. Each read default value is displayed as the initial value for each setting screen. Furthermore, if a scan execution instruction is received without receiving a read setting instruction, the CPU 11 performs the read based on the default values ​​read in S115. Therefore, users who do not need to change the read settings require less input effort.

[0060] After registering the default values, CPU11 proceeds to S201, displays the scan settings screen 52, and then accepts further user input (S202).

[0061] If the CPU 11 determines that the user operation received on the scan settings screen 52 is an operation on button 526 and is an instruction to register it as a shortcut (S205: Shortcut registration), the CPU 11 executes the shortcut registration process (S271).

[0062] The procedure for registering shortcuts will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. In the shortcut registration process, the CPU 11 displays the shortcut registration screen (S301). The CPU 11 displays a shortcut registration screen 57 to the user IF 13, which includes a message notifying the user that a shortcut including the various reading settings will be registered, and an OK button 571, as shown in Figure 9(A).

[0063] On the shortcut registration screen 57, if the user presses the OK button 571 to indicate that they wish to proceed to the next step, the CPU 11 accepts the input of the shortcut name (S302). Furthermore, based on the user's instructions, the CPU 11 determines the icon representing the registered shortcut and the display location on the home screen 50, etc., where that icon will be displayed (S303). Thereafter, in standby mode, the CPU 11 can display the home screen 50, including the scan icon 501 and the shortcut icon 502, for example, as shown in Figure 9(B). The shortcut icon 502 displays the name accepted in S302.

[0064] Furthermore, CPU 11 associates each setting value of the current read settings with the shortcut name received in S302 and the icon information received in S303, and registers them in the shortcut information 25 of memory 12 (see Figure 1) (S305). After that, CPU 11 finishes the shortcut registration process and returns to the scan settings process.

[0065] Furthermore, MFP1 can accept registration of multiple shortcuts. In other words, shortcut information 25 may contain multiple shortcut entries, each associating a shortcut name with various types of information. Also, MFP1 may accept registration of multiple types of shortcuts. For example, when an operation is received on a shortcut icon, there may be standard shortcuts that can accept modification instructions for the content registered to that shortcut, and one-touch shortcuts that can be executed immediately without accepting modifications.

[0066] Returning to the explanation of the scan settings process in Figure 5, after the shortcut registration process in S271, the CPU 11 proceeds to S201, displays the scan settings screen 52, and then accepts user input (S202).

[0067] If the user operation received on the scan settings screen 52 is an operation on the execute button 521, the CPU 11 determines that this is an instruction to execute a scan using the current read settings. An operation on the execute button 521 is an example of a scan execution operation. If the CPU 11 determines that it has received an instruction to execute a scan (S203:YES), it terminates the scan settings process and returns to the read process shown in Figure 3.

[0068] Let's return to the explanation of the reading process in Figure 3. In the reading process, the CPU 11 performs the scan execution process after the scan setting process (S122).

[0069] The procedure for the scan execution process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. During the scan execution process, the CPU 11 determines, for example, whether or not a document is set in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S401). If it is determined that a document is set in the ADF 41 (S401: YES), the CPU 11 transports one of the documents set in the ADF 41 and performs ADF scanning according to the scanning settings to be used for this ADF scan (S402).

[0070] The reading settings used for this ADF read are the setting value 532 obtained when the OK button 531 was pressed on the ADF setting screen 53, if the instruction to set the ADF reading settings was received by pressing button 522 on the scan setting screen 52. If the instruction to set the ADF reading settings was not received, the reading settings used for this ADF read are the setting value stored in the default setting information 24, ADF default value 241.

[0071] In ADF scanning, the CPU 11 stops the main scanning device 31 at a predetermined position, transports a single document to the ADF 41, and scans the image of one side of the document. If the scanning setting used for ADF scanning includes information indicating double-sided scanning, the CPU 11 also performs scanning with the secondary scanning device 42 to scan the image of the other side of the document. Based on the scanning result from the main scanning device 31 and the scanning result from the secondary scanning device 42, the CPU 11 generates scanning data and temporarily stores it in memory 12. If the scanning setting is single-sided scanning, the CPU 11 does not scan the image with the secondary scanning device 42.

[0072] The CPU 11 further determines whether or not the next document is in the ADF 41 (S403). Note that the ADF 41 can hold multiple documents at once, and if there is one or more documents, the document sensor 43 outputs a signal indicating the presence of documents. If it is determined that there is the next document (S403: YES), the CPU 11 transports the next document and performs ADF reading (S402). If it is determined that there is no next document (S403: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the continuation setting is set to "continue on" (S411). Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not information indicating "continue on" is stored in the continuation setting information 23 (see Figure 1).

[0073] Furthermore, if the CPU 11 determines that no document is loaded in the ADF 41 at the start of the scan execution process (S401: NO), the CPU 11 performs FB scanning according to the scanning settings used for this FB scanning (S405).

[0074] The reading settings used for this FB reading are the setting value 542 obtained when the OK button 541 was pressed on the FB setting screen 54, if the instruction to set the FB reading settings was received by pressing button 523 on the scan setting screen 52. If the instruction to set the FB reading settings was not received, the reading settings used for this FB reading are the setting value stored in the default setting information 24's FB default value 242.

[0075] After the FB reading in S405 is performed, or if it is determined that "Continue On" is set (S411: YES), the CPU 11 displays a screen to the user IF 13 asking whether to continue or not (S412). The CPU 11 displays a continuation selection screen 60, including a continue button 61 and an end button 62, to the user IF 13, for example as shown in Figure 11, and accepts user input.

[0076] The CPU 11 then determines whether or not it has received a continue instruction based on the operation of the continue button 61 (S413). If it determines that it has received a continue instruction (S413: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S401 and determines whether or not a document is set in the ADF 41 (S401). The continue selection screen 60 includes a message informing the user that if they wish to continue ADF scanning, they should set the document before operating the continue button 61.

[0077] If there are documents in ADF41 (S401:YES), the CPU 11 transports the documents one by one until all documents set in ADF41 have been scanned, and performs ADF scanning according to the scanning settings used for ADF scanning (S402). If it is determined that there are no documents in ADF41 (S401:NO), the CPU 11 performs FB scanning according to the scanning settings used for FB scanning (S405). After either scanning is completed, the CPU 11 displays the continuation selection screen 60 again (S412).

[0078] In other words, when CPU 11 receives a continue instruction, it performs either ADF reading or FB reading depending on whether or not there is a document in ADF 41. In this case, if the reading method before and after the continuation are different, CPU 11 switches the reading settings and continues reading. If the reading method before and after the continuation are the same, CPU 11 continues reading without switching the reading settings.

[0079] If the CPU determines that the continuation setting is not on (S411: NO), or if it determines that the operation to the end button 62 has been accepted on the continuation selection screen 60 (S413: NO), the CPU 11 outputs the read data obtained up to that point (S421). If multiple reads have been performed, the CPU 11, for example, combines the multiple read data to create an output file and outputs the created file. If, for example, output to a USB memory is specified as a scan setting, the CPU 11 writes the created file to the USB memory connected to the MFP1. Then, the CPU 11 terminates the scan execution process and returns to the read process.

[0080] Thus, after scanning is selected on the home screen 50 (Figure 4(A)), MFP1 can accept instructions for various reading settings before accepting the execution command. MFP1 then stores the information of the accepted reading settings and uses it when executing the scan. In other words, after receiving the instruction to start scanning, MFP1 performs scanning based on the continuation settings and the various stored reading settings. This means that even when performing continuous scanning, MFP1 does not display a settings screen or wait for user input after receiving the continuation command. Therefore, the user does not need to enter reading settings after continuation, reducing the effort required from the user.

[0081] For example, if the user wants to scan the cover in color using the FB (Flashband) setting and the body in monochrome using the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) setting, the user sets the ADF scanning setting to monochrome and the FB scanning setting to color. Then, the user places the cover on the document glass 33 (see Figure 2) and inputs the command to start scanning. After scanning the cover, the user places the body document in the ADF 41 and operates the continue button 61. This automatically switches the scanning method and scanning settings. After scanning the body, if the user operates the finish button 62, the MFP1 combines the scan data from the cover and the body and outputs it to the specified output destination.

[0082] Let's return to the explanation of the reading process in Figure 3. As mentioned above, when the CPU 11 receives a shortcut registration instruction and registers the shortcut, in step S101 of the reading process, the CPU 11 displays the home screen 50, which includes the scan icon 501 and the shortcut icon 502, as shown in Figure 9(B). The CPU 11 then becomes capable of accepting operations on the shortcut icon 502.

[0083] If the CPU 11 determines that it has received an operation request for the shortcut icon 502 on the home screen 50 (S102: NO, and S103: YES), it reads the shortcut information specified by the received icon from the shortcut information 25 (see Figure 1) stored in memory 12 (S131). The shortcut information 25 contains information on various read settings.

[0084] The CPU 11 determines, based on the shortcut information 25 it reads, whether the specified shortcut is a one-touch shortcut (S132). A one-touch shortcut is a type of shortcut that starts the read operation without accepting any read setting instructions after the shortcut is selected.

[0085] If the CPU determines that it is a standard shortcut and not a one-touch shortcut (S132: NO), the CPU 11 executes the scan setting process described above (S121). If the CPU 11 then receives instructions to set various reading settings, it displays the reading settings included in the shortcut information 25 read in S131 as the initial setting values ​​and accepts user input.

[0086] After the scan setting process in S121 is executed, or if it is determined that a one-touch shortcut is selected (S132: YES), the CPU 11 executes the scan execution process (S122). If a one-touch shortcut is selected, in the scan execution process, the CPU 11 determines the read settings for the current scan based on the shortcut information 25 indicating the selected one-touch shortcut.

[0087] If shortcut information 25 includes reading settings for ADF reading and reading settings for FB reading, MFP1 can perform reading using the registered reading settings according to the reading method. Furthermore, if the shortcut includes information to enable continuous reading, MFP1 can accept instructions for continuous reading even after ADF reading. Therefore, the user can perform continuous reading using the registered reading settings simply by selecting the shortcut. Consequently, the user's effort is reduced.

[0088] Returning to the explanation of the reading process in Figure 3, after executing the scan execution process in S122, or if it is determined that the user's operation on the home screen 50 is neither an operation on the scan icon 501 nor an operation on the shortcut icon 502 (S102: NO, and S103: NO), the CPU 11 proceeds to S101, displays the home screen 50 to the user IF 13, and becomes capable of accepting further user operations. If an operation other than scanning is accepted, the CPU 11 can perform various operations based on the accepted user operation.

[0089] As described in detail above, the MFP1 of this embodiment allows users to register separate reading settings for ADF reading and FB reading according to their operations. When the MFP1 receives a command to perform continuous reading, it reads the document according to the registered reading settings, regardless of whether the continuous reading is ADF reading or FB reading. In other words, the reading settings to be used for each method in continuous reading are predetermined. Therefore, even when switching between ADF reading and FB reading for continuous reading, it is not necessary to input the reading settings for the switch each time a continuous reading command is issued. Consequently, the effort required of the user when continuing reading is reduced.

[0090] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technologies disclosed herein can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from their essence. For example, the image reading device can be any device having the function of reading an image, and is not limited to an MFP1; it may also be a scanner, copier, or fax machine.

[0091] Furthermore, the various display screens illustrated in the embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to those shown. For example, in the embodiments, when scan is selected on the home screen 50 (Figure 4(A)), the scan screen 51 (Figure 4(B)) which accepts the selection of the output destination is displayed first (S112 of the reading process (Figure 3)), but the selection of the output destination may be made after the scan settings have been accepted.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP1 accepts selection of reading settings for ADF reading, reading settings for FB reading, and common reading settings by operating buttons 522 to 524 on the scan setting screen 52 (Figure 4(C)) (S212 in the scan setting process (Figure 5)), but it is not limited to this. For example, instead of accepting these distinctions first, the MFP1 may display a screen that accepts all reading settings, or it may display screens that accept each reading setting in sequence. Also, the MFP1 may accept common reading settings for ADF reading and FB reading on the screen after operating buttons 522 or 523.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP1 is capable of accepting a continuous scan setting as a common read setting (Figure 7(A)), but it is not required to accept a continuous scan setting. In that case, the continuous setting information 23 (see Figure 1) may be omitted. For example, the MFP1 may ask whether to continue each time after performing an FB read or an ADF read. Alternatively, the MFP1 may not ask whether to continue after performing an ADF read.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after performing an FB read, the MFP1 displays a continuation selection screen 60 (see Figure 6) and accepts user instructions regardless of the continuation scan setting (S412 in the scan execution process (Figure 10)), but it is not limited to this. For example, the MFP1 may decide whether or not to perform a continuation scan based on the continuation setting information 23 (see Figure 1) even after performing an FB read. Also, for example, when the MFP1 receives an instruction to start a scan, if continuation is not set to "continue on" as a continuation scan, it may display a message confirming that it will not continue.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP1 displays the continuation selection screen 60 (see Figure 6) to the user IF13 and then waits until it accepts user input (S413 of the scan execution process), but it is not limited to this. For example, the MFP1 may decide not to perform a continuous scan if a predetermined time has elapsed without accepting any input from either the continuation button 61 or the end button 62.

[0096] Furthermore, while MFP1 is capable of accepting instructions for default registration and shortcut registration (S261, S271 in Figure 5 of the scan setting process), it is not required to accept them. However, if these are accepted, it reduces the effort required from the user.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MFP1 uses a common main reading device 31 to read the image of the document whether performing single-sided reading with ADF or full-frame reading. However, different devices may be used. For example, the MFP1 may use a secondary reading device 42 for single-sided reading with ADF and the main reading device 31 for full-frame reading.

[0098] Furthermore, although the embodiment described an MFP1 capable of performing double-sided scanning, the image reading device may be one that is not capable of double-sided scanning. The continuous scanning setting can also be applied to a device that is only capable of performing single-sided scanning.

[0099] Furthermore, in any flowchart or sequence diagram disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of any multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel, as long as no inconsistencies arise in the processing content.

[0100] Furthermore, the processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be implemented in various forms, such as a recording medium or method that stores a program for executing the process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1 MFP 13 User Interface 31 Main reading device 33 Manuscript stand 41 ADF

Claims

1. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, Continuous reading is possible, In the aforementioned continuous reading, After performing the reading using the first method or the reading using the second method, the system enters a state of waiting to receive a continuation instruction via the user interface. If the aforementioned continuation instruction is received while the device is waiting to receive the continuation instruction, the image of the next document is then read by the reading device. If the system does not receive the aforementioned continuation instruction while waiting for it to be received, the read data obtained up to that point will be combined and output. The image reading device further, By operating through the user interface, it is possible to register a first reading setting that includes at least a portion of the reading settings used for reading the first method, and a second reading setting that includes at least a portion of the reading settings used for reading the second method, respectively. In the first reading method in the continuous reading described above, the reading device is made to read the image of the document according to the registered first reading settings. In the second reading method in the continuous reading described above, the reading device is made to read the image of the document according to the registered second reading settings. An image reading device configured as follows.

2. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is The user interface can accept a scan selection operation to select which document to scan. When the scan selection operation is received, it becomes possible to display a first setting screen for receiving input of the first reading setting and a second setting screen for receiving input of the second reading setting on the user interface. When the input of the first reading setting is received on the first setting screen, the input first reading setting is registered. When the second setting screen accepts input for the second reading setting, the entered second reading setting is registered. The image reading device further, When the scan selection operation is received, the user interface becomes capable of receiving a scan execution operation that instructs the execution of the continuous reading. When the aforementioned scan execution operation is received, the continuous reading is started. In the first reading method in the initiated continuous reading, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the registered first reading settings. In the second reading method in the initiated continuous reading, the reading device is made to read the image of the document according to the registered second reading settings. An image reading device configured as follows.

3. An image reading device according to claim 2, The aforementioned image reading device is The first default value, which is the default value of the first reading setting, and the second default value, which is the default value of the second reading setting, can be registered via the user interface. The initial display of the first settings screen uses the registered first default value. The initial display of the second settings screen uses the registered second default value. The image reading device further, If the scan execution operation is accepted without changing the reading settings on the first setting screen and the second setting screen, In the first reading method in the initiated continuous reading, the registered first reading setting is used to cause the reading device to read the image of the document according to the first default value, In the second reading method in the initiated continuous reading, the registered second reading setting causes the reading device to read the image of the document according to the second default value. An image reading device configured as follows.

4. An image reading device according to claim 2, The aforementioned image reading device is When the scan execution operation is received and the continuous reading is started using either the first method or the second method, In the continuous reading initiated, the reading using one of the methods involves causing the reading device to read the image of the document according to the registered reading settings corresponding to the one method. When the user receives the aforementioned continuation instruction and switches from one method to the other, the user does not display a settings screen corresponding to the other method on the user interface, but instead causes the reading device to read the image of the document according to the registered reading settings corresponding to the other method. An image reading device configured as follows.

5. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is Shortcut icons associated with the first reading setting and the second reading setting can be registered via the user interface. The image reading device further, The user interface can accept operations on the registered shortcut icons. If continuous reading is initiated based on the operation on the shortcut icon, In the first method of reading in the initiated continuous reading, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the first reading setting associated with the shortcut icon. In the second reading method in the initiated continuous reading, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the second reading setting associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

6. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is In accordance with the operation via the user interface, it is possible to register a common reading setting which is a reading setting common to both the first reading method and the second reading method, a first reading setting which is a reading setting for the first reading method that is not included in the common reading setting, and a second reading setting which is a reading setting for the second reading method that is not included in the common reading setting. In the first reading method for continuous reading, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the registered common reading settings and the first reading settings. In the second reading method for continuous reading, the reading device is made to read the image of the document according to the registered common reading settings and the second reading settings. An image reading device configured as follows.

7. Manuscript stand and, A document transport device that automatically transports documents, User interface and Reading device and An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is A first reading method involves having the reading device read the image of the document transported by the document transport device and generating reading data based on the reading result, A second reading method involves moving the reading device along the document tray, allowing the reading device to read an image of a document placed on the document tray, and generating reading data based on the reading result. It is possible to do this, The image reading device further, By operating through the user interface, it is possible to register a first reading setting that includes at least a portion of the reading settings used for reading the first method, and a second reading setting that includes at least a portion of the reading settings used for reading the second method, respectively. In the first reading method, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the registered first reading settings. In the second reading method, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the registered second reading settings. An image reading device configured as follows.

8. An image reading device according to claim 7, The aforementioned image reading device is The user interface can accept a scan selection operation to select which document to scan. When the scan selection operation is received, it becomes possible to display a first setting screen for receiving input of the first reading setting and a second setting screen for receiving input of the second reading setting on the user interface. When the input of the first reading setting is received on the first setting screen, the input first reading setting is registered. When the second setting screen accepts input for the second reading setting, the entered second reading setting is registered. The image reading device further, When the aforementioned scan selection operation is received, the user interface becomes capable of receiving a scan execution operation instructing the execution of a read. When the scan execution operation is received, either the first method of reading or the second method of reading is started. When the first method of reading is started, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the registered first reading settings. When the second method of reading is initiated, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the registered second reading settings. An image reading device configured as follows.

9. An image reading device according to claim 8, The aforementioned image reading device is The first default value, which is the default value of the first reading setting, and the second default value, which is the default value of the second reading setting, can be registered via the user interface. The initial display of the first settings screen uses the registered first default value. The initial display of the second settings screen uses the registered second default value. The image reading device further, If the scan execution operation is accepted without changing the reading settings on the first setting screen and the second setting screen, When the first method of reading is started, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the first default value as the registered first reading setting. When the second method of reading is initiated, the registered second reading setting will cause the reading device to read the image of the document according to the second default value. An image reading device configured as follows.

10. An image reading device according to claim 7, The aforementioned image reading device is Shortcut icons associated with the first reading setting and the second reading setting can be registered via the user interface. The image reading device further, The user interface can accept operations on the registered shortcut icons. When either the first reading method or the second reading method is initiated based on the operation on the shortcut icon, When the first method of reading is started, the reading device reads the image of the document according to the first reading settings associated with the shortcut icon. When the second method of reading is initiated, the reading device is instructed to read the image of the document according to the second reading settings associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

Images