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 both ADF reading and FB reading. The MFP1 can register reading information that includes multiple set data containing count information indicating the number of documents and method information indicating whether to perform ADF reading or FB reading, with the execution order specified. When the MFP1 receives a reading instruction with registered reading information specified, it extracts the set data with the highest execution order from among the multiple set data included in the reading information, and has the CIS read the extracted set data according to the count information and method information. After that reading is complete, the MFP1 has the CIS read the next set data according to the execution order. After all set data has been read, the MFP1 combines the reading data obtained from the readings up to that point and outputs it.

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 the image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image reading apparatus 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 between the reading methods 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, every time one reading operation is completed, a user designation as to whether or not to continue reading is received, and when continuation is designated, either the ADF reading method or the FB reading method is selected to read the document, and image data generated as a result is handled as a continuation of the image data generated by the previous reading operations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem 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 tray, 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 reading method 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 reading method in which the reading device moves along the document tray and the reading device reads an image of a document placed on the document tray and generates reading data based on the reading result, and the image reading device is capable of registering the reading information which includes a plurality of set data including a number information indicating the number of documents and method information, and information specifying the execution order of the plurality of set data, the method information is information indicating whether it is the first method or the second method, and when a reading instruction specifying the registered reading information is received via the user interface, the first reading based on the registered reading information The system executes a reading control, and in the first reading control, it extracts the set data with the highest execution priority from among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, and has the reading device read the images of the number of originals indicated in the number information of the extracted set data in the manner indicated in the manner information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information that have not been read, it extracts the set data with the highest execution priority from among the set data that have not been read, and has the reading device read the images of the number of originals indicated in the number information of the extracted set data in the manner indicated in the manner information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information that have not been read, it combines the reading data obtained up to that point and outputs it.

[0007] The image reading device disclosed herein includes multiple set data, each containing quantity information indicating the number of documents and method information indicating the reading method, and can pre-register reading information specifying the execution order of the set data. When the user receives a reading instruction that specifies the registered reading information, the image reading device performs readings based on each set data in the order specified in the reading information. For example, when performing multiple readings where the number of documents, reading method, and execution order are predetermined, the user can issue a reading instruction specifying the pre-registered reading information. This realizes a new technology for performing continuous readings by combining reading methods.

[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 an example of the scan settings screen. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the scan execution process. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a continuation registration screen. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for continuing processing. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of continuous reading information. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing shortcut information and examples of shortcut icons. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the shortcut process. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the continuous scan settings screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The first embodiment of the image reading device will be described in detail below 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, and shortcut information 24. 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 programs and data will be described later.

[0014] Note that the example of the memory 12 is not limited to the ROM, RAM, HDD and 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 CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. 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 from 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 be provided with 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 MFP1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. This reading process is executed by the CPU 11 of MFP1 based on the reading program 22, triggered by the acceptance of a selection of an operation including reading. MFP1 can accept instructions to select an operation including reading, for example, by the user selecting scan by interacting with the scan icon on the home screen.

[0032] If the CPU 11 accepts a scan selection, it displays a scan settings screen to the user interface 13 (S101). The CPU 11 displays a scan settings screen 50 to the user interface 13 that can accept instructions for various scan settings and instructions to start the scan, for example, as shown in Figure 4(A). The scan settings screen 50 includes, for example, several buttons 501 for accepting various scan settings and a button 502 for accepting instructions to start the scan.

[0033] The CPU 11 then determines whether it has received an operation on button 502, i.e., an instruction to start the scan (S102). If it determines that it has not received an instruction to start the scan (S102: NO), the CPU 11 will accept other instructions until it receives an operation on button 502. For example, if it receives an operation on one of the buttons 501, the CPU 11 will display a screen that allows it to accept settings for the item for which the operation was received, and will be able to accept instructions to change the settings.

[0034] The CPU 11 may display a button that accepts instructions for setting continuous scanning as one of the buttons 501. The CPU 11 may accept a switch between continuous on and continuous off as the setting for continuous scanning. If continuous on is set, the MFP 1 will ask the user whether to continue scanning after performing an ADF read or after performing an FB read, and will wait for user input. If continuous off is set, the MFP 1 will not ask for input after performing an ADF read, but will ask for input after performing an FB read. When the CPU 11 accepts an instruction for setting continuous scanning, it stores information indicating whether continuous on or continuous off is set in the continuous setting information 23 (see Figure 1) in the memory 12 based on the user's operation.

[0035] Note that MFP1 can perform continuous reading regardless of whether it is continuously on or continuously off, for example, after an FB (Flashback) read has been performed. Pressing button 502 to start a scan is one example of an instruction to perform continuous reading.

[0036] If the CPU determines that it has received an instruction to start scanning by operating button 502 (S102: YES), the CPU 11 sets the information indicating the execution order to 1 and clears both the ADF sheet count and FB sheet count to 0 (S107). The ADF sheet count and FB sheet count are values ​​that indicate the number of documents scanned by the ADF scanning method and the FB scanning method, respectively, through continuous scanning. Then, the CPU 11 executes the scan execution process (S111).

[0037] The procedure for the scan execution process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. The scan execution process is an example of the second reading control. In the scan execution process, the CPU 11 determines, for example, whether or not there is a document in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S201). If it is determined that there is a document in the ADF 41 (S201: YES), the CPU 11 performs ADF reading according to the reading settings received on the scan setting screen 50 described above (S211). Then, the CPU 11 increments the ADF sheet count by 1 (S212).

[0038] Specifically, the CPU 11 stops the main reading device 31 at a predetermined position, feeds a single document into the ADF 41, and reads the image of one side of the document. If double-sided scanning is set as the scan setting, the CPU 11 causes both the main reading device 31 and the sub-reading device 42 to perform scanning. If single-sided scanning is set, the CPU 11 does not perform image reading by the sub-reading device 42. Based on the scanning results, the CPU 11 generates scanning data and temporarily stores it in the memory 12.

[0039] After reading one document using the ADF, the CPU 11 determines whether there are any more documents in the ADF 41 based on the signal from the document sensor 43 (S213). Note that multiple documents can be placed in the ADF 41 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 are documents in the ADF 41 (S213: YES), the CPU 11 transports the next document and performs ADF reading in the same manner (S211), and increments the ADF count by 1 (S212).

[0040] If the CPU determines that there are no more documents placed on the ADF41 (S213: NO), it determines whether or not information indicating "continue on" is stored in the continuation setting information 23 (S215).

[0041] On the other hand, if the CPU 11 determines that there is no document in the ADF 41 when it receives the instruction to start scanning (S201: NO), the CPU 11 performs FB reading (S221). That is, the CPU 11 moves the main reading device 31 along the document glass 33 and reads the image of the document placed on the document glass 33. Then, the CPU 11 increments the FB count by 1 (S222).

[0042] After S222, or if it is determined that "Continue On" is stored (S215: YES), the CPU 11 displays a continuation acceptance screen to the user IF 13 (S231) and enters a state of waiting for a continuation instruction. The CPU 11 accepts user input by displaying a continuation acceptance screen 60 on the user IF 13, which can accept instructions to continue reading and instructions to end reading, as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0043] The continuation acceptance screen 60 includes four buttons 61 to 64, as shown in Figure 6, for example. Button 61 accepts the instruction to continue reading with the current settings. Button 62 accepts the instruction to change the reading settings and continue reading. Button 63 accepts the instruction to end reading. Button 64 accepts the instruction to register the reading information up to this point as a shortcut and end reading. When button 64 is pressed, the CPU 11 will, in a later step, create a shortcut with the registered reading information and create a shortcut icon to indicate that shortcut. Pressing button 64 is an example of a request to register reading information and an example of a request to create a shortcut icon.

[0044] The continuation request screen 60 may contain only two buttons: one for accepting a continuation instruction and another for accepting an termination instruction. The CPU 11 may further inquire whether to change the reading settings if the continuation instruction button is pressed. The CPU 11 may also further inquire whether to register it as a shortcut if the termination instruction button is pressed.

[0045] The CPU 11 determines on the continuation acceptance screen 60 whether or not it has received an instruction to continue reading (S232). If it receives an operation on button 61 or button 62, the CPU 11 determines that it has received an instruction to continue reading (S232: YES) and executes the continuation process (S235).

[0046] The procedure for continuous processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 7. When performing continuous scanning, the CPU 11 temporarily stores the information regarding the current scan as a data set, associated with the execution order (S301). Specifically, the CPU 11 stores the method information, the number of pages information, and the setting information as a data set for whichever of the ADF page count or FB page count is 1 or more, associated with the execution order information. The method information indicates whether the scan performed in the current scan execution process was an ADF scan or an FB scan. The number of pages information indicates the number of documents scanned in the current scan execution process. The setting information is the scanning settings used in the scan execution process performed in the current scan.

[0047] For example, in the scan execution process with execution order "1", if images of 5 documents are read using the ADF, then, as shown in Figure 8, a set of data 71 is stored, which is associated with execution order "1" and combines setting information 711 used for ADF reading, such as color settings and reading resolution, method information 712 indicating ADF reading, and number information 713 indicating 5 documents. The execution order is information that specifies the execution order of multiple set of data. Because the set of data 71 includes setting information 711 and method information 712, there is a high degree of flexibility in reading based on each set of data. Then, the CPU 11 increments the execution order by 1 (S302) and clears both the ADF count and FB count (S303).

[0048] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to change the settings (S311). For example, if the CPU 11 receives a user operation on button 61 on the continuation reception screen 60, it determines that it has not received an instruction to change the settings. If the CPU 11 receives a user operation on button 62 on the continuation reception screen 60, it determines that it has received an instruction to change the settings. If it determines that it has received an instruction to change the settings (S311: YES), the CPU 11 displays the scan settings screen 50 (see Figure 4(A)) to the user IF 13 (S312). The CPU 11 continues to accept instructions to change various reading settings until it receives an execution instruction on the scan settings screen 50 (S313: NO).

[0049] If the CPU determines that it has not received a setting change instruction (S311: NO), or if it determines that it has received an execution instruction on the scan settings screen 50 (S313: YES), the CPU 11 terminates the continuation process and returns to the scan execution process.

[0050] Let's return to the explanation of the scan execution process in Figure 5. After the continuation process is complete, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a document is set in the ADF 41 (S201). As before, if a document is set in the ADF 41, the CPU 11 performs an ADF scan; if no document is set in the ADF 41, it performs an FB scan.

[0051] If the CPU 11 determines that it will continue after reading, it will execute the continuation process again. On the other hand, if the CPU 11 receives an instruction to terminate the reading (S232: NO), that is, if it receives an operation on button 63 or button 64 on the continuation acceptance screen 60, it will determine not to continue. Also, if the CPU 11 has performed an ADF reading and determines that continuation off is stored in the continuation setting information 23 (S215: NO), it will also determine not to continue.

[0052] If it is determined not to continue (S215: NO, or S232: NO), the CPU 11 temporarily stores the information regarding the current scan as a set of data, associated with the execution order (S241). For example, if the set of data for execution order "1" is stored, and then FB scanning of one document is performed in execution order "2", the CPU 11 temporarily stores new set of data 72 as shown in Figure 8. The CPU 11 stores set of data 72, which is a combination of the setting information 721 used for FB scanning, the method information 722 indicating FB scanning, and the number of documents 723 indicating one document, associated with execution order "2". Then, the CPU 11 terminates the scan execution process and returns to the scanning process.

[0053] Returning to the explanation of the reading process in Figure 3, the CPU 11 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to register as a shortcut when it terminates the scan execution process (S121). If the scan execution process is terminated by receiving an operation on button 64 on the continuation acceptance screen 60, the CPU 11 determines that it has received an instruction to register as a shortcut.

[0054] If the CPU determines that it has received an instruction to register a shortcut (S121: YES), the CPU 11 accepts the user's input to specify selection information used when selecting a shortcut, such as the shortcut name and icon (S122). Furthermore, the CPU 11 associates the selection information received in S122 with the set data temporarily stored during the scan execution process to generate shortcut information (S123). The CPU 11 then registers the generated shortcut information in memory 12 as shortcut information 24 (S124). Shortcut information 24 is an example of read information.

[0055] The shortcut information 24 includes, for example, the shortcut name 241, output destination information 242 indicating the output destination of the read data, execution order 243, set data 244, and icon 245, as shown in Figure 9(A). The execution order 243 and set data 244 are information stored during the scan execution process. The name 241 is information that identifies each shortcut. The output destination information 242 is information that specifies the output destination to which the read data obtained by the reading operation of the shortcut information 24 will be output.

[0056] Shortcut information 24 may further include information indicating the type of shortcut and information about the user who created it. For example, as types of shortcuts, there may be shortcuts that accept instructions to change read settings when an execution instruction is received, and shortcuts that start execution without accepting instructions to change read settings.

[0057] When generating shortcut information 24, CPU 11 may combine multiple data sets that have the same reading method and reading settings and are executed in a consecutive order into a single data set. For example, if FB reading is performed repeatedly with the same reading settings, in the continuation process S301, data sets will be generated for each sheet in a sequential execution order. Therefore, in S124, CPU 11 may combine these sequentially numbered data sets and register them as a single data set containing information on the number of sheets for multiple sheets.

[0058] By registering the data set information as shortcut information 24, the CPU 11 can display the home screen 80, which includes a shortcut icon 801 indicating "Shortcut 01," as shown in Figure 9(B). The CPU 11 can accept registration of multiple shortcuts and can store multiple shortcut information based on the received registration instructions. When multiple shortcut information is stored, the home screen 80 will contain multiple shortcut icons.

[0059] The MFP1 can perform continuous scanning, and the information of a completed scan can be registered as a shortcut. When the information of a continuous scan is registered as a shortcut, the MFP1 can accept operations on the shortcut icon 801 on the home screen 80. This allows subsequent scanning of the same combination of documents to be reproduced with simple input operations, just like the continuous scanning performed previously.

[0060] If it is determined that the data should not be registered as a shortcut (S121: NO), the CPU 11 discards the data set temporarily stored during the scan execution process (S125). After S124 or S125, the CPU 11 terminates the reading process. The CPU 11 then enters a standby state, for example, by displaying the home screen to the user interface 13. The data set that is not registered as a shortcut is no longer needed after the reading process is complete.

[0061] Next, the procedure for shortcut processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 10. When an operation on the shortcut icon 801 is received, the CPU 11 executes shortcut processing based on the shortcut information 24 associated with the shortcut icon 801. Shortcut processing is an example of first read control.

[0062] In shortcut processing, the CPU 11 reads the shortcut information 24 associated with the manipulated shortcut icon 801 from the memory 12 (S401). In the following description, it is assumed that the shortcut icon associated with "Shortcut 01" shown in Figure 9(A) has been manipulated. In S401, the CPU 11 reads information that includes at least the execution order 243 and the set data 244.

[0063] The execution order 243 is associated with the data set 244 and indicates the order in which the actions based on the data set 244 will be executed. In other words, when MFP1 receives an execution instruction for the shortcut information 24, it will execute the actions indicated in each data set 244 in order according to the execution order 243. The execution order 243 is information indicating the order of execution.

[0064] The CPU 11 extracts the data set with the highest execution priority from the data set 244 that it has read (S405). For example, if the data set 244 that has been read are data set 71 and data set 72 as shown in Figure 8, the CPU 11 first extracts data set 71, which has execution order "1". Furthermore, the CPU 11 clears the count, which is information for counting the number of read sheets (S406).

[0065] The CPU 11 then determines whether ADF reading is specified as the method information for the extracted data set (S411). Since the data set 71 shown in Figure 8 includes information indicating ADF reading as the method information 712, the CPU 11 determines that ADF reading is specified.

[0066] If the CPU determines that ADF reading is specified (S411: YES), it determines whether or not a document is placed in the ADF 41 (S412). Based on the signal from the document sensor 43, the CPU 11 can determine whether or not there is one or more documents in the ADF 41. If the CPU determines that no documents are placed in the ADF 41 (S412: NO), it displays a message requesting that documents be placed in the ADF 41 (S413). The CPU 11 then waits until documents are placed in the ADF 41.

[0067] If the CPU determines that a document is loaded in the ADF41 (S412: YES), the CPU11 uses the setting information 711 of the set data 71 to read an image of one document by ADF reading (S415). Furthermore, the CPU11 counts up the number of documents that have been read (S416).

[0068] The CPU 11 then determines whether it has finished reading the number of documents indicated in the document count information 713 of the set data 71 (S417). If it determines that it has not finished reading the number of documents indicated in the document count information 713 (S417: NO), the CPU 11 has the next document transported to the ADF 41 and performs ADF reading. If it determines that there are no documents in the ADF 41 before it has finished reading the number of documents indicated in the document count information 713, the CPU 11 requests that the documents be set again.

[0069] If the CPU determines that it has finished scanning the number of documents corresponding to the number of documents in the document count information 713, in the case of the set data 71 shown in Figure 8, which is 5 documents (S417: YES), then the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is another set of documents (S421).

[0070] If the CPU determines that there is another data set (S421: YES), it extracts the data set with the highest execution priority from the remaining data sets (S405). After reading data set 71 shown in Figure 8, the CPU extracts data set 72 with execution order "2". Furthermore, the CPU clears the count (S406).

[0071] The CPU 11 then determines whether ADF reading is specified as the method information for the extracted data set (S411). Since the data set 72 shown in Figure 8 includes information indicating FB reading as the method information 722, the CPU 11 determines that ADF reading is not specified.

[0072] If the CPU determines that ADF reading is not specified (S411: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether the cover 40 has been opened or closed, for example, after receiving a shortcut execution instruction or after the higher-order reading has been completed (S431). The CPU 11 can detect the opening or closing of the cover 40 based on the signal output from the cover sensor 32, for example. If the CPU determines that the cover 40 has not been opened or closed (S431: NO), the CPU 11 checks the document placement (S432). If the CPU determines that the cover 40 has been opened or closed (S431: YES), the CPU 11 skips S432.

[0073] If the cover 40 is opened or closed after a shortcut execution command or the previous scan, it is highly likely that a document is placed on the document glass 33. On the other hand, if the cover 40 is not opened or closed, it is likely that a document is not placed on the document glass 33. Therefore, the CPU 11 should, for example, display a screen that includes a command to place the document and a message prompting the user to press a button after placing the document, and wait for the user to press the button. For example, if the scan in execution order "1" is an FB scan, and the user placed the document on the document glass 33 before the shortcut execution command, they only need to operate the button.

[0074] If the opening or closing of the cover 40 is detected (S431: YES), or after confirming that the document has been set (S432), the CPU 11 performs FB reading (S434). The CPU 11 reads the image of the document by FB reading according to the reading settings indicated in, for example, the setting information 721 of the set data 72. Then, the CPU 11 counts up the number of pages (S435).

[0075] Furthermore, the CPU 11 determines whether it has finished scanning the number of documents specified in the document count information 723 of the set data 72 (S436). If it determines that it has not finished (S436: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether it has detected the opening or closing of the cover 40 after the FB scanning (S431). If multiple documents are specified in the document count information 723 for FB scanning, the CPU 11 checks whether the cover 40 is open or closed each time a document is scanned. If it is open or closed, the CPU 11 determines that the next document has been placed and performs FB scanning. If it is not open or closed, the CPU 11 checks the document placement (S432).

[0076] If the CPU determines that it has finished scanning the number of documents specified in the number of pages information 723 (S436: YES), it determines whether there is any further data to scan (S421). If it determines that there is no further data to scan (S421: NO), the CPU combines the scanned data from the ADF and the scanned data from the FB based on the output destination information 242 of the shortcut information 24, outputs it (S441), and terminates the shortcut process.

[0077] When MFP1 receives an operation on the shortcut icon 801 corresponding to the registered shortcut information 24, it reads the shortcut information 24 and performs a read based on the read shortcut information 24. If the shortcut information 24 contains a set of data 71 and 72 indicating a continuous read, MFP1 performs a continuous read. Therefore, users who want to repeatedly perform a continuous read of the same combination only need to operate on the shortcut icon 801, reducing the effort required from the user when starting a read.

[0078] Furthermore, when CPU 11 has finished reading the number of documents corresponding to the number of documents in document count information 713 (YES in S417), it will temporarily stop ADF scanning even if there are documents remaining in ADF 41. The user can, for example, set multiple documents in ADF 41 and perform continuous scanning by changing the scanning settings without changing the scanning method, such as scanning only the first document in color and the rest in monochrome.

[0079] Up to this point, we have described the procedure for performing continuous reading, registering the performed reading information as shortcut information 24, and performing continuous reading based on the registered shortcut information 24. The MFP1 may be able to accept instructions to register reading information for continuous reading without actually performing the reading.

[0080] For example, if the CPU 11 receives an operation on the home screen 80 shown in Figure 9(B) to the scan icon 802, it may display a screen that allows the user to set the data set. Operation on the scan icon 802 is one example of a scan selection operation.

[0081] In this case, the CPU 11 displays a continuous scan setting screen 91 that can accept multiple scan settings, for example, as shown in Figure 11(A). The continuous scan setting screen 91 includes an execute button 911 and several buttons 912, 913, etc., that accept scan settings. Figure 11(A) shows a state where settings are accepted for scanning five documents using ADF reading in scan execution order "1" and for scanning seven documents using FB reading in scan execution order "2".

[0082] When the CPU 11 receives an operation on button 912, it displays a scan settings screen 92 where the scanning method, execution order, and number of pages can be set, for example, as shown in Figure 11(B). When the CPU 11 receives an operation on each button included in the scan settings screen 92, it displays a screen where it can receive setting instructions for the information indicated by the operated button. When the CPU 11 receives an operation on the OK button 921 on the scan settings screen 92, it confirms the information displayed on the scan settings screen 92 and returns to displaying the continuous scan settings screen 91 as shown in Figure 11(A). The operation on the OK button 921 is an example of the first operation.

[0083] Similarly, when the CPU 11 receives an operation on button 913, it displays a scan settings screen 92 where the user can set the scan method, execution order, and number of pages, as shown in Figure 11(B). If the CPU 11 receives an operation on the scan settings screen 93 by pressing the OK button 931, it confirms the information displayed on the scan settings screen 93 and returns to displaying the continuous scan settings screen 91 shown in Figure 11(A). Pressing the OK button 931 is an example of the first operation.

[0084] After registering all the scan settings to be executed as a continuous read through multiple first operations, the user operates the execute button 911 on the continuous scan settings screen 911. Upon receiving the operation on the execute button 911, the CPU 11 registers read information that includes each accepted scan setting as a set of data. Then, based on the registered read information, the CPU 11 reads the set of data in the execution order, similar to the shortcut processing described above, and executes the read according to the set of data. Operating the execute button 911 is an example of a second operation.

[0085] In this way, after the scan icon 802 is accessed on the home screen 80, but before the read operation is instructed, the user can instruct the creation of multiple data sets and the registration of read information that sets the execution order of those data sets. Therefore, after the read operation begins, the CPU 11 can switch the read operation method according to the read information and perform the read operation.

[0086] In addition, on the continuous scan settings screen 91, instead of accepting a specification of the execution order for each scan setting, the CPU 11 may use the order in which the settings are entered as the execution order. Furthermore, on the continuous scan settings screen 91, the CPU 11 may also be able to accept instructions to register the registered data set information as a shortcut.

[0087] As described in detail above, the MFP1 of this embodiment includes multiple set data 71 and 72, each containing a number of pages indicating the number of pages and a method information indicating the reading method, and can accept registration of reading information in which the execution order of the set data is specified. When the MFP1 receives a reading instruction in which the registered reading information is specified by user operation, it performs reading based on each set data in the order of the set data specified in that reading information. In other words, when a user wants to perform continuous reading with a fixed number of pages, reading method, and execution order, they can issue a reading instruction specifying the reading information that has been registered in advance. Therefore, for example, for a user who wants to perform continuous reading that includes switching reading methods multiple times, the effort required for operation during reading is reduced.

[0088] The above embodiments 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 that has the function of reading an image, and is not limited to MFP1, but may also be a scanner, copier, or fax machine.

[0089] Furthermore, the various screens shown in the illustrations are merely examples and are not limited to those shown. Also, if MFP1 can accept the registration of multiple shortcuts, it may also be able to accept the registration of shortcuts that do not contain set data.

[0090] Furthermore, the data set does not need to contain configuration information. If MFP1 receives an execution command for data set that does not contain configuration information, it may accept instructions for read settings as the execution sequence progresses, or it may use the default settings.

[0091] Furthermore, instead of including the execution order information of the data sets in the read information as information associated with the data sets, the order of the data sets written in the read information may also be the order in which they are written. In that case, instead of reading the data sets based on the execution order information, MFP1 should simply read the data sets in order from the beginning.

[0092] Furthermore, MFP1 may be able to accept shortcut creation instructions not only at the end of continuous reading, but also, for example, during execution or continuation instructions. For example, the scan settings screen 50 (Figure 4) may have a button that accepts instructions to register as a shortcut. Also, the continuation acceptance screen (Figure 6) may have a button separate from button 64 that accepts instructions to register as a shortcut after the scan is completed.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above configurations of the MFP1 are assumed to use a common main reading device 31 to read the image of the document whether performing single-sided scanning with ADF or full-frame scanning, different devices may be used. For example, the MFP1 may use a secondary reading device 42 for single-sided scanning with ADF and the main reading device 31 for full-frame scanning.

[0094] Furthermore, while the above descriptions of each configuration mention an MFP1 capable of performing double-sided scanning, the continuous scanning setting can also be applied to devices that are not capable of double-sided scanning. In that case, the secondary reading device 42 may be omitted.

[0095] Furthermore, in each of the above configurations, MFP1 displays the continuation acceptance screen 60 after performing an FB read, regardless of the continuation scan setting, to accept user instructions, but this is not limited to this. For example, MFP1 may decide whether or not to perform a continuation scan based on the continuation scan setting even after performing an FB read. Also, for example, if MFP1 receives an instruction to start a scan, and continuation is not set to "continue on", it may display a message confirming that it will not continue.

[0096] Furthermore, although the embodiment described MFP1 as waiting for user input after displaying the continuation acceptance screen 60 (see Figure 6) to the user IF13, it is not limited to this. For example, MFP1 may decide to terminate without performing a continuous scan if a predetermined time has elapsed without accepting any input from any of the buttons.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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]

[0099] 1 MFP 13 User Interface 31 Main reading device 41 ADF 43 Document sensor

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, The reading information includes multiple sets of data containing a number of pages indicating the number of pages, and format information, and the execution order of the multiple sets of data is specified, the reading information can be registered, and the format information indicates whether it is the first format or the second format. When a read instruction specifying the registered read information is received via the user interface, a first read control based on the registered read information is executed. In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of originals indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the format information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the format information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. An image reading device configured as follows.

2. An image reading device according to claim 1, The set data included in the reading information includes the number of sheets information, the method information, and setting information indicating the reading settings. The aforementioned image reading device is In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. An image reading device configured as follows.

3. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is Continuous reading is possible, When the instruction to perform the continuous reading is received via the user interface, the second reading control is executed. In the second read control described above, 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, It is possible to accept a request to register the aforementioned read information. In the second read control described above, When the registration request for the read information is received, the read information corresponding to the read performed based on the execution instruction for continuous reading is registered. The image reading device further, When a read instruction specifying the read information registered in the second read control is received via the user interface, the first read control based on the read information registered in the second read control is executed. An image reading device configured as follows.

4. An image reading device according to claim 3, The set data included in the reading information includes the number of sheets information, the method information, and setting information indicating the reading settings. The aforementioned image reading device is In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. The image reading device further, In the second read control described above, When the registration request for the read information is received, the read information corresponding to the read performed based on the execution instruction for continuous reading is registered. The image reading device further, When a read instruction specifying the read information registered in the second read control is received via the user interface, the first read control based on the read information registered in the second read control is executed. An image reading device configured as follows.

5. 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 aforementioned scan selection operation is received, a screen for receiving input of the number of documents and the scanning method can be displayed on the user interface. Each time a first operation is performed via the user interface, a set of data is created that includes the number of pages and the format, as entered on the screen, and multiple sets of data can be created if there are multiple first operations. The user interface accepts the setting of the execution order of the multiple sets of data that have been created. When a second operation occurs via the user interface, the read information, which includes the created set of data sets, is registered, and the set execution order is specified. The image reading device further, When the registered reading information is received via the user interface as a specified reading instruction, the first reading control based on the registered reading information is executed by the second operation. An image reading device configured as follows.

6. An image reading device according to claim 5, The set data included in the reading information includes the number of sheets information, the method information, and setting information indicating the reading settings. The aforementioned image reading device is In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. The image reading device further, When the aforementioned scan selection operation is received, the screen for receiving input of the number of documents, scanning method, and scanning settings can be displayed on the user interface. Each time the first operation is performed via the user interface, a set of data is created that includes the number of documents, the method, and the settings, which are entered on the screen. Multiple sets of data can be created if there are multiple first operations. The user interface accepts the setting of the execution order of the multiple sets of data that have been created. When the second operation occurs via the user interface, the read information, which includes the created set of data sets, is registered, and the set execution order is specified. The image reading device further, When the registered reading information is received via the user interface as a specified reading instruction, the first reading control based on the registered reading information is executed by the second operation. An image reading device configured as follows.

7. An image reading device according to claim 1, The aforementioned image reading device is The shortcut icon associated with the registered reading information is displayed on the user interface. When an operation on the shortcut icon is received, the first read control is executed based on the read information associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

8. An image reading device according to claim 7, The aforementioned image reading device is Continuous reading is possible, When the instruction to perform the continuous reading is received via the user interface, the second reading control is executed. In the second read control described above, 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, It is possible to accept a request to create the shortcut icon associated with the aforementioned reading information, In the second read control described above, When the request to create the shortcut icon is received, the read information corresponding to the read performed based on the execution instruction for continuous reading is registered, and the shortcut icon associated with the registered read information is displayed on the user interface. When an operation on the shortcut icon is received, the first read control is executed based on the read information registered in the second read control associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

9. An image reading device according to claim 8, The set data included in the reading information includes the number of sheets information, the method information, and setting information indicating the reading settings. The aforementioned image reading device is In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. The image reading device further, In the second read control described above, When the request to create the shortcut icon is received, the read information corresponding to the read performed based on the execution instruction for continuous reading is registered, and the shortcut icon associated with the registered read information is displayed on the user interface. When an operation on the shortcut icon is received, the first read control is executed based on the read information registered in the second read control associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

10. 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 aforementioned scan selection operation is received, a screen for receiving input of the number of documents and the scanning method can be displayed on the user interface. Each time a first operation is performed via the user interface, a set of data is created that includes the number of pages and the format, as entered on the screen, and multiple sets of data can be created if there are multiple first operations. The user interface accepts the setting of the execution order of the multiple sets of data that have been created. When a second operation occurs via the user interface, the read information, which includes the created set of data sets and specifies a set execution order, is registered, and the shortcut icon associated with the registered read information is displayed on the user interface. The image reading device further, When an operation on the shortcut icon is received, the first read control is executed based on the read information registered by the second operation, which is associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

11. An image reading device according to claim 10, The set data included in the reading information includes the number of sheets information, the method information, and setting information indicating the reading settings. The aforementioned image reading device is In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device in the manner indicated in the method information of the extracted set data, according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. The image reading device further, When the aforementioned scan selection operation is received, the screen for receiving input of the number of documents, scanning method, and scanning settings can be displayed on the user interface. Each time the first operation is performed via the user interface, a set of data is created that includes the number of documents, the method, and the settings, which are entered on the screen. Multiple sets of data can be created if there are multiple first operations. The user interface accepts the setting of the execution order of the multiple sets of data that have been created. When the second operation occurs via the user interface, the read information, which includes the created set of data sets and has a specified execution order, is registered, and the shortcut icon associated with the registered read information is displayed on the user interface. The image reading device further, When an operation on the shortcut icon is received, the first read control is executed based on the read information registered by the second operation, which is associated with the shortcut icon. An image reading device configured as follows.

12. User interface and Reading device and An image reading device equipped with, The aforementioned image reading device is Reading information that includes multiple sets of data, each containing a number of pages indicating the number of pages and setting information indicating the reading settings, wherein the reading information can be registered in which the execution order of the multiple sets of data is specified. When a read instruction specifying the registered read information is received via the user interface, a first read control based on the registered read information is executed. In the first read control, From the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted, and the images of the number of originals indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are set data that have not been read among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the set data with the highest execution priority is extracted from among the set data that have not been read, and the images of the number of original documents indicated in the number information of the extracted set data are read by the reading device according to the reading settings indicated in the setting information of the extracted set data. After the reading based on the extracted set data is completed, if there are no unread set data among the multiple set data included in the registered reading information, the reading data obtained up to that point is combined and output. An image reading device configured as follows.

Images