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

Abstract

To provide an image reading apparatus, an image reading system and a control method of the image reading apparatus which can improve the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: In an image reading system 10, an image processing unit 44 of an image reading processing apparatus 11 comprises: a circumscription image control part 55 which acquires circumscription image control data about generation of circumscription image data including the entire document area corresponding to a document in a reading area of reading image data on the basis of the reading image data of an image read by a reading unit 30; and an inscription image control part 60 which acquires inscription image control data about generation of the inscription image data not including a background area not corresponding to the document in the reading area of the reading image data and including at least a part of the document area on the basis of the circumscription image control data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image from a document, an image reading system, and a control method for an image reading apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading apparatus that reads an image from a document, in which correction is performed to cut out a document area corresponding to the document from a reading area of the read image data. In particular, image data is acquired so as to at least include all of the document area corresponding to the document so that the image of the document is not missing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in such an image reading apparatus, when image data is acquired so as to include all of the document area, a background area that does not correspond to the document may remain at the end of the image data. Therefore, it is desired to improve the convenience for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An image reading device that solves the above problems comprises a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, and a control unit that performs control related to image reading, wherein the control unit is capable of performing: a first rectangular image control process that acquires first control data related to the generation of a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading areas of the reading image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit; and a second rectangular image control process that acquires second control data related to the generation of a second rectangular image data that does not include a background area that does not correspond to the document among the reading areas of the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data.

[0006] An image reading system that solves the above problems comprises a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, a control unit that performs control related to image reading, a display unit that displays the image, and an input unit that allows user instructions to be input. The control unit is capable of performing the following: a first rectangular image control process that acquires first control data for generating a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading area of ​​the reading image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit; a second rectangular image control process that acquires second control data for generating a second rectangular image data that does not include a background area that does not correspond to the document among the reading area of ​​the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data; and a display control process that, after performing control to display the first rectangular image based on the first rectangular image data on the display unit, performs control to display the second rectangular image based on the second rectangular image data on the display unit based on input from the input unit.

[0007] A control method for an image reading device that solves the above problems is a control method for an image reading device comprising a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, and includes: acquiring first control data relating to the generation of a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading areas of the reading image data, based on the read image data of an image read by the reading unit; and acquiring second control data relating to the generation of a second rectangular image data that does not include a background area that does not correspond to the document among the reading areas of the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image reading system. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an image reading device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing an image reading device. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of an image reading system. [Figure 5] This is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the image reading device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the reading area of ​​image data. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the reading area of ​​image data. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the reading area of ​​image data. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the image reading process of an image reading system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] The following describes one embodiment of an image reading system including an image reading device. <Configuration of the image reading system 10> As shown in Figure 1, the image reading system 10 comprises an image reading device 11 and a terminal device 100. The image reading device 11 is a device that reads images from a document. The image reading device 11 and the terminal device 100 are connected in a communication manner.

[0010] <Configuration of the image reading device 11> As shown in Figure 2, the image reading device 11 comprises a main body 12. The main body 12 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side. The main body 12 is provided with a supply port 12A that opens at the top. The main body 12 is provided with an outlet port 12B that opens at the lower front.

[0011] The image reading device 11 may be equipped with a document support 13. The document support 13 is capable of holding a document D. The document D placed on the document support 13 is the document before image scanning. The image reading device 11 feeds the document D placed on the document support 13 into the main body 12 through the feed port 12A.

[0012] The main body 12 comprises a main body portion 14 and a cover portion 15. The cover portion 15 may be rotatably connected to the front end of the main body portion 14. The main body 14 includes a stacker 16. The stacker 16 is located below the discharge port 12B. The stacker 16 is slidable in the front-rear direction. The stacker 16 can hold the original document D discharged from the discharge port 12B. The original document D discharged from the discharge port 12B is the original document after image scanning. In this way, the image scanning device 11 discharges the scanned original document D from the discharge port 12B to the stacker 16.

[0013] In the diagram, the direction in which the document D is transported is indicated as the transport direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the transport direction Y is indicated as the width direction X. The width direction X is the primary scanning direction when the image reading device 11 reads the image of the document D, and the transport direction Y is the secondary scanning direction. Hereafter, the primary scanning direction will be indicated as primary scanning direction X, just as the width direction X, and the secondary scanning direction will be indicated as secondary scanning direction Y, just as the transport direction Y.

[0014] The main body 12 includes an operation unit 17. The operation unit 17 is provided on the front surface of the cover unit 15. The operation unit 17 includes a plurality of switches that can be operated by the user. The plurality of switches include a power switch 17A, a start switch 17B, and a stop switch 17C.

[0015] The main body 12 includes a notification unit 18. The notification unit 18 is provided at a position adjacent to the operation unit 17. The notification unit 18 may be an indicator light such as an LED, or may be a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. The notification unit 18 displays information necessary for the user, such as on / off of the power supply.

[0016] <Internal Configuration of Image Reading Device 11> As shown in FIG. 3, the image reading device 11 includes a conveyance path 19. The conveyance path 19 is provided inside the main body 12. The conveyance path 19 is a path for conveying the document D. The conveyance path 19 includes a reading area SA. The reading area SA is an area for reading an image from the document D.

[0017] The image reading device 11 includes a conveyance mechanism 20. The conveyance mechanism 20 is provided inside the main body 12. The conveyance mechanism 20 conveys the document D along the conveyance path 19. The conveyance mechanism 20 conveys the document D so as to pass through the reading area SA.

[0018] The conveyance mechanism 20 includes a feeding unit 21. The feeding unit 21 feeds the plurality of documents D placed on the document support 13 one by one into the main body 12. The feeding unit 21 includes a feeding guide 22. The feeding guide 22 guides the document D fed from the document support 13 into the main body 12. The feeding unit 21 includes one feeding roller 23. The feeding roller 23 is provided at the upstream end of the conveyance path 19 inside the main body 12. The feeding roller 23 is a pickup roller facing the feeding guide 22. The feeding unit 21 feeds the plurality of documents D stacked on the document support 13 one by one from the feeding port 12A along the feeding guide 22.

[0019] The transport mechanism 20 includes a transport unit 24. The transport unit 24 is configured to transport the original document D, which has been fed by the feeding unit 21, along the transport path 19. The transport unit 24 is equipped with a feed roller pair 25. The feed roller pair 25 is located downstream of the feed roller 23 in the transport direction Y. The feed roller pair 25 comprises a feed drive roller 25A and a feed separation roller 25B. The feed separation roller 25B has a greater coefficient of friction on its outer surface relative to the original document D than the feed drive roller 25A. The feed separation roller 25B rotates at a slightly lower rotational speed than the feed drive roller 25A. As a result, even if multiple original documents D are fed together from the feed roller 23, the feed roller pair 25 separates the bottommost document and feeds it downstream in the transport direction Y.

[0020] The transport unit 24 includes a transport roller pair 26. The transport roller pair 26 is located downstream of the feed roller pair 25 in the transport direction Y. The transport roller pair 26 is located upstream of the reading area SA in the transport direction Y. The transport roller pair 26 includes a transport drive roller 26A and a transport driven roller 26B. The transport roller pair 26 is rotationally driven to transport the document D at the same transport speed when reading the document D. The transport driven roller 26B rotates together with the rotation of the transport drive roller 26A.

[0021] The transport mechanism 20 includes an ejection unit 27. The ejection unit 27 ejects the original document D after image scanning. The ejection unit 27 includes an ejection roller pair 28. The ejection roller pair 28 is located downstream of the reading area SA in the transport direction Y. The ejection roller pair 28, together with the transport roller pair 26, transports the original document D during scanning. The ejection roller pair 28 includes an ejection drive roller 28A and an ejection driven roller 28B. The ejection roller pair 28 rotates to transport the original document D at the same transport speed when scanning the original document D. The ejection driven roller 28B rotates together with the rotation of the ejection drive roller 28A.

[0022] The image reading device 11 includes a feed motor 29A and a transport motor 29B. The feed motor 29A is a power source for rotating the feed roller 23 and the feed drive roller 25A. The transport motor 29B is a power source for rotating the feed separation roller 25B, the transport drive roller 26A and the discharge drive roller 28A.

[0023] The image reading device 11 includes a reading unit 30. The reading unit 30 is located inside the main body 12. The reading unit 30 is configured to read an image from a document D that is transported along the transport path 19. The reading unit 30 is located between the transport roller pair 26 and the discharge roller pair 28 in the transport direction Y.

[0024] The reading unit 30 may include a first reading unit 30A and a second reading unit 30B. The first reading unit 30A reads the front side of the document D. The second reading unit 30B reads the back side of the document D. The first reading unit 30A and the second reading unit 30B are provided on both sides of the transport path 19. The first reading unit 30A and the second reading unit 30B are provided at positions slightly offset from each other in the transport direction Y. When reading only the front side of the document D, the first reading unit 30A performs a reading operation, and the second reading unit 30B does not. When reading both sides of the document D, the first reading unit 30A and the second reading unit 30B perform reading operations.

[0025] The first reading unit 30A includes a first light source 31A. The first light source 31A is capable of irradiating light onto the document D while it is being transported. The first light source 31A is composed of, for example, an LED or a fluorescent lamp.

[0026] The first reading unit 30A includes a first image sensor 32A. The first image sensor 32A extends in the width direction X. The first image sensor 32A is, for example, a linear image sensor. The first image sensor 32A may also be a contact-type image sensor in which a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a row along the width direction X. Specifically, the first image sensor 32A may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The first image sensor 32A receives reflected light from the original document D that is reflected from the light from the first light source 31A. The first image sensor 32A converts the light received by each photoelectric conversion element into an electrical signal and outputs a pixel signal with a value corresponding to the amount of light received. The image reading device 11 may be capable of color scanning and monochrome scanning (grayscale scanning).

[0027] The first reading unit 30A includes a first color reference plate 33A. The first color reference plate 33A is positioned opposite the first image sensor 32A across the transport path 19. The first color reference plate 33A is used to obtain a white reference value for shading correction.

[0028] The second reading unit 30B has the same function as the first reading unit 30A. Therefore, a detailed explanation of the second reading unit 30B is omitted. The second reading unit 30B comprises a second light source 31B, a second image sensor 32B, and a second color reference plate 33B. The second light source 31B has the same function as the first light source 31A. The second image sensor 32B has the same function as the first image sensor 32A. The second color reference plate 33B has the same function as the first color reference plate 33A.

[0029] The image reading device 11 includes an encoder 34. The encoder 34 is located inside the main body 12. The encoder 34 may be, for example, a rotary encoder. The encoder 34 may be capable of detecting the rotation of the transport drive roller 26A, but may also be capable of detecting the rotation of other rollers. The encoder 34 outputs a detection signal containing a number of pulses proportional to the amount of rotation of the drive roller.

[0030] The image reading device 11 is equipped with a first document sensor 35. The first document sensor 35 is located slightly upstream of the feed roller 23 in the transport direction Y. The first document sensor 35 detects the presence or absence of a document D and outputs a detection signal. The first document sensor 35 may be a contact type sensor with a lever, for example, or a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor. When a document D is placed on the document support 13, the placed document D pushes the lever, causing the first document sensor 35 to detect the presence of a document D on the document support 13.

[0031] The image reading device 11 includes a second document sensor 36. The second document sensor 36 is located slightly downstream of the nip point of the transport roller pair 26 in the transport direction Y. The second document sensor 36 detects the presence or absence of a document D and outputs a detection signal. The second document sensor 36 may be a contact type sensor with a lever, for example, or a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor. When the document D is transported by the transport roller pair 26, the leading edge of the document D pushes the lever, and the second document sensor 36 detects that there is a document D being transported by the transport roller pair 26. After the document D has been transported by the transport roller pair 26, when the trailing edge of the document D has passed, the lever is not pressed, and the second document sensor 36 detects that there is no document D being transported by the transport roller pair 26.

[0032] <Electrical configuration of image reading system 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the image reading system 10 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, in the image reading system 10, the image reading device 11 and the terminal device 100 are connected in a communication manner. The image reading device 11 and the terminal device 100 may be connected by a wired connection or by a wireless connection.

[0033] The image reading device 11 includes a control unit 40. The control unit 40 comprehensively controls the image reading device 11 and may control various operations performed by the image reading device 11. In other words, the control unit 40 performs control related to image reading. The control unit 40 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits that execute at least some of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0034] The control unit 40 is connected to the operation unit 17, notification unit 18, feed motor 29A, transport motor 29B, encoder 34, first document sensor 35, second document sensor 36, and reading unit 30. The control unit 40 can receive signals from the operation unit 17, encoder 34, first document sensor 35, second document sensor 36, and reading unit 30. The control unit 40 can output signals to the notification unit 18, feed motor 29A, transport motor 29B, and reading unit 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 40 includes a timing generator (not shown). The timing generator outputs a pulse signal indicating the reading operation timing to the reading unit 30. The control unit 40 also includes an analog front end (not shown). The analog front end converts the pixel signals from the first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B from analog signals to digital signals.

[0036] The control unit 40 comprises various functional units that operate by executing a program. Specifically, the control unit 40 includes a main control unit 41, a transport control unit 42, a reading control unit 43, and an image processing unit 44. The main control unit 41 comprehensively controls the image reading device 11.

[0037] The transport control unit 42 controls the transport of the document D along the transport path 19. The transport control unit 42 drives the feed motor 29A and the transport motor 29B according to the instructions of the main control unit 41. In particular, the transport control unit 42 drives the feed motor 29A and the transport motor 29B to transport the document D at a transport speed corresponding to the scanning resolution. To give a specific example, when the scanning resolution is relatively low at 300 dpi, the transport control unit 42 transports the document D at a higher speed than when the scanning resolution is relatively high at 600 dpi.

[0038] The reading control unit 43 controls the reading unit 30 via a timing generator. In particular, the reading control unit 43 controls the emission of light from the first light source 31A and the second light source 31B. The reading control unit 43 controls the first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B to perform reading operations. As a result, the reading control unit 43 controls the reading unit 30 to read the image of the document D.

[0039] The image processing unit 44 processes the image data of the image read by the reading unit 30. Hereafter, the image data of the image read by the reading unit 30 will be referred to as read image data. In particular, the image processing unit 44 temporarily stores the read image data. The image processing unit 44 performs analysis on the read image data. Based on the analysis results, the image processing unit 44 can correct the read image data. The image processing unit 44 outputs the corrected image data to the terminal device 100.

[0040] The terminal device 100 may be, for example, a personal computer, or it may be a portable terminal device. The terminal device 100 includes a terminal control unit 101. The terminal control unit 101 comprehensively controls the terminal device 100 and may control various operations performed by the terminal device 100. The terminal device 100 is communicably connected to the image reading device 11, which performs control related to image reading. In other words, the terminal control unit 101 can also be said to perform control related to image reading. The terminal control unit 101 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a program. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. In particular, the terminal control unit 101 may include a read driver. The read driver is a driver that has the function of issuing read instructions to the image reading device 11.

[0041] The terminal device 100 includes a terminal operation unit 102 and a terminal display unit 103. The terminal operation unit 102 is operable by the user; that is, the terminal operation unit 102 can receive user instructions. The terminal display unit 103 is configured to display images. The terminal operation unit 102 is an example of an input unit. The terminal display unit 103 is an example of a display unit.

[0042] <Image Processing Function> Next, the functions of the main control unit 41 and the image processing unit 44 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the main control unit 41 includes an image generation instruction unit 46. The image generation instruction unit 46 instructs the generation of corrected image data by applying predetermined corrections to the read image data. In particular, the image generation instruction unit 46 can instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate circumscribed image data as corrected image data based on the read image data. The image generation instruction unit 46 can also instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate inscribed image data as corrected image data based on the read image data.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6, the reading area R1 is the area of ​​all pixel data that constitutes the scanned image data. The reading area R1 is divided into the document area R2 and the background area R3. The document area R2 is the area of ​​pixel data corresponding to the document D. In other words, the document area R2 is the area of ​​the reading area R1 that corresponds to the document D. The background area R3 is the area of ​​pixel data corresponding to the first color reference plate 33A or the second color reference plate 33B. In other words, the background area R3 is the area of ​​pixel data that does not correspond to the document D. In other words, the background area R3 is the area of ​​the reading area R1 that does not correspond to the document D. The reading area R1, the document area R2, and the background area R3 are areas that target scanned image data, but they are also areas that target the analysis image data described later.

[0045] The circumscribed image data is the image data of the circumscribed image. The circumscribed image is an image that includes the entire document area R2. The circumscribed image is an image that does not leave out the document area R2, but it can also be said that, depending on the scanned image data, it may include at least a part of the background area R3. Thus, the circumscribed image data corresponds to an example of the first rectangular image data.

[0046] On the other hand, inscribed image data is image data of an inscribed image. An inscribed image is an image that does not include the background region R3 and includes at least a part of the document region R2. Although an inscribed image does not include the background region R3, it can also be said that depending on the scanned image data, the edges of the document region R2 may be missing. Inscribed image data corresponds to an example of second rectangular image data.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the image generation instruction unit 46 can instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate a circumscribed image. In particular, the image generation instruction unit 46 may instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate a circumscribed image when the image reading conditions are met. The image reading conditions can be met based on operations performed by the operation unit 17. The image reading conditions can be met based on the input of image reading information from the terminal device 100.

[0048] The image generation instruction unit 46 can instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate an inscribed image. In particular, the image generation instruction unit 46 may instruct the image processing unit 44 to generate an inscribed image based on an inscribed image request from the terminal device 100 after the image reading conditions have been met.

[0049] The main control unit 41 includes an inscribed correction coefficient setting unit 47. The inscribed correction coefficient setting unit 47 sets the inscribed correction coefficient based on a setting signal from the terminal device 100. The inscribed correction coefficient is a coefficient that is multiplied by the correction value of the read image data when generating inscribed image data. In other words, the inscribed correction coefficient is a parameter for adjusting the correction value of the read image data when generating inscribed image data.

[0050] The inscribed correction coefficient may include a first inscribed correction coefficient, a second inscribed correction coefficient, and a third inscribed correction coefficient. The first inscribed correction coefficient may be a coefficient with a smaller correction amount than the second inscribed correction coefficient. The third inscribed correction coefficient may be a coefficient with a larger correction amount than the second inscribed correction coefficient. To give a specific example, the first inscribed correction coefficient may be 0.75, the second inscribed correction coefficient may be 1.0, and the third inscribed correction coefficient may be 1.25. In other words, the second inscribed correction coefficient is a standard coefficient. The first inscribed correction coefficient is a coefficient that makes the correction value smaller than the second inscribed correction coefficient. The third inscribed correction coefficient is a coefficient that makes the correction value larger than the second inscribed correction coefficient.

[0051] The main control unit 41 includes an inscribed correction coefficient instruction unit 48. When generating inscribed image data, the inscribed correction coefficient instruction unit 48 instructs the image processing unit 44 to use an inscribed correction coefficient. The image processing unit 44 includes an image acquisition unit 51. The image acquisition unit 51 receives pixel signals from the first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B via an analog front end. Based on the received pixel signals, the image acquisition unit 51 acquires read image data. The image acquisition unit 51 stores the acquired read image data in the acquired image storage unit 71.

[0052] The image processing unit 44 includes an analysis image conversion unit 52. The analysis image conversion unit 52 converts the read image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 51 into analysis image data. The analysis image conversion unit 52 includes a resolution conversion unit 53 and a binary image conversion unit 54.

[0053] The resolution conversion unit 53 reads the read image data stored in the acquired image storage unit 71 and converts the resolution of the read image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 51. In particular, the resolution conversion unit 53 converts the resolution of the read image data to a lower resolution. To give a specific example, if the reading resolution of the read image data is 300 dpi or 600 dpi, the resolution conversion unit 53 converts the read image data to analysis image data with a reading resolution of 75 dpi. In other words, the control unit 40 having the resolution conversion unit 53 can perform a resolution conversion process that converts the read image data to a second reading resolution lower than the first reading resolution when the read image data is at a first reading resolution. The resolution conversion unit 53 stores the image data with the converted reading resolution in the analysis image storage unit 72.

[0054] The binary image conversion unit 54 reads the image data whose reading resolution has been converted by the resolution conversion unit 53 from the analysis image storage unit 72, and converts the image data whose reading resolution has been converted by the resolution conversion unit 53 into binary image data. In particular, the binary image conversion unit 54 converts RGB pixel data into grayscale pixel data. In other words, the control unit 40 having the binary image conversion unit 54 can perform a binary image conversion process that converts the image data converted to the second reading resolution into binary image data. The binary image conversion unit 54 stores the binary image data in the analysis image storage unit 72. In this way, the image data that has undergone resolution conversion and conversion to a binary image is stored in the analysis image storage unit 72 as analysis image data.

[0055] The image processing unit 44 includes an external image control unit 55. The external image control unit 55 analyzes the analyzed image data based on instructions from the image generation instruction unit 46. Based on the analysis results of the analyzed image data, the external image control unit 55 acquires external image control data related to the generation of external image data. The external image control data includes external correction information. The external correction information includes the correction angle, external correction origin, and external correction size of the read image data. The data for acquiring the external correction information includes the vertex positions and boundary positions of the document area R2. In other words, the external image control data can also be said to include the vertex positions and boundary positions of the document area R2. The external image control data corresponds to an example of first control data. The external image control unit 55 includes a vertex position acquisition unit 56, a boundary position acquisition unit 57, a correction angle acquisition unit 58, and an external correction information acquisition unit 59.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vertex position acquisition unit 56 reads the analyzed image data from the analyzed image storage unit 72. By analyzing the analyzed image data, the vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires four vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2 within the reading area R1. The four vertex positions C1 to C4 are the coordinates of the corners of the document area R2, and are also the coordinates of the edges of the document area R2. In other words, the four vertex positions C1 to C4 are included in the boundary positions of the document area R2. In this way, the control unit 40 having the vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires the corner positions of the document area R2 within the reading area R1 of the read image data.

[0057] To give a specific example, the vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires the coordinate of the pixel data that is in the document area R2, which is the coordinate that is closest to the first sub-scanning direction Y1 in the sub-scanning direction Y, as the first vertex position C1 based on the analyzed image data. The first vertex position C1 is coordinate XC1 in the main scanning direction X and coordinate YC1 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0058] The vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires the coordinate of the pixel data that constitutes the document area R2, which is the coordinate that is closest to the first main scanning direction X1 in the main scanning direction X, as the second vertex position C2 based on the analyzed image data. The second vertex position C2 is coordinate XC2 in the main scanning direction X and coordinate YC2 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0059] The vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires the coordinate of the pixel data that constitutes the document area R2, which is located furthest in the second sub-scanning direction Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y, as the third vertex position C3 based on the analyzed image data. The third vertex position C3 is coordinate XC3 in the main scanning direction X and coordinate YC3 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0060] The vertex position acquisition unit 56 acquires the coordinate of the pixel data that constitutes the document area R2, which is located in the second main scanning direction X2 in the main scanning direction X, as the fourth vertex position C4 based on the analyzed image data. The fourth vertex position C4 is coordinate XC4 in the main scanning direction X and coordinate YC4 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0061] The boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the boundary positions of the document area R2 for each side E11 to E14 connecting the vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2, based on the vertex positions C1 to C4 acquired by the vertex position acquisition unit 56. The boundary positions of the document area R2 are the coordinates of the ends of the document area R2. In other words, the control unit 40 having the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the end positions of the document area R2 within the reading area R1 of the read image data.

[0062] To give a specific example, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires boundary search coordinates by dividing the coordinate YC1 of the first vertex position C1 in the sub-scanning direction Y and the coordinate YC2 of the second vertex position C2 in the sub-scanning direction Y into n equal parts. In this embodiment, n equal parts are 128 equal parts, but it is not limited to this and can be divided into any value. Based on the analyzed image data, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the coordinate that is closest to the first main scanning direction X1 in the main scanning direction X among the coordinates of the pixel data which is the document area R2 as the boundary search coordinate for each boundary search coordinate. In the figure, four boundary positions B10 are shown as representative of multiple boundary positions. The boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2 as boundary positions. As a result, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires multiple boundary positions B10 for the first side E11 connecting the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2.

[0063] Furthermore, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires boundary search coordinates by dividing the coordinate XC2 of the second vertex position C2 in the main scanning direction X and the coordinate XC3 of the third vertex position C3 in the main scanning direction X into n equal parts. Based on the analyzed image data, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the coordinate that is closest to the second main scanning direction X2 in the sub-scanning direction Y among the coordinates of the pixel data which is the document area R2 as the boundary position B20 for each boundary search coordinate. In the figure, four boundary positions B20 are shown to represent multiple boundary positions. The boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the second vertex position C2 and the third vertex position C3 as boundary positions. As a result, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires multiple boundary positions B20 for the second side E12 connecting the second vertex position C2 and the third vertex position C3.

[0064] Furthermore, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires boundary search coordinates by dividing the coordinate YC4 of the fourth vertex position C4 in the sub-scanning direction Y and the coordinate YC3 of the third vertex position C3 in the sub-scanning direction Y into n equal parts. Based on the analyzed image data, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires, for each boundary search coordinate, the coordinate of the pixel data which is the document area R2, that is located furthest in the second main scanning direction X2 in the main scanning direction X, as the boundary position B30. In the figure, four boundary positions B30 are shown to represent multiple boundary positions. The boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the third vertex position C3 and the fourth vertex position C4 as boundary positions. As a result, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires multiple boundary positions B30 for the third side E13 connecting the third vertex position C3 and the fourth vertex position C4.

[0065] Furthermore, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires boundary search coordinates by dividing the coordinate XC1 of the first vertex position C1 in the main scanning direction X and the coordinate XC4 of the fourth vertex position C4 in the main scanning direction X into n equal parts. Based on the analyzed image data, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the coordinate that is closest to the first main scanning direction X1 in the sub-scanning direction Y among the coordinates of the pixel data which is the document area R2 as the boundary position B40 for each boundary search coordinate. In the figure, four boundary positions B40 are shown to represent multiple boundary positions. The boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires the first vertex position C1 and the fourth vertex position C4 as boundary positions. As a result, the boundary position acquisition unit 57 acquires multiple boundary positions B40 for the fourth edge E14 with respect to the first vertex position C1 and the fourth vertex position C4.

[0066] The correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the correction angle θ1 of the read image data based on the boundary position. The correction angle θ1 of the read image data is the inclination angle of the read image data and is used when generating circumscribed image data. The correction angle θ1 of the read image data may also be used when generating inscribed image data. In other words, the correction angle θ1 is included in both the circumscribed correction information and the inscribed correction information. Thus, the control unit 40 having the correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the inclination angle of the read image data based on the boundary position.

[0067] To give a specific example, the correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the first tilt angle with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y for all combinations of coordinates of vertex positions C1, C2 and boundary position B10 corresponding to the first side E11. The correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the second tilt angle with respect to the main scanning direction X for all combinations of coordinates of vertex positions C2, C3 and boundary position B20 corresponding to the second side E12. The correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the third tilt angle with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y for all combinations of coordinates of vertex positions C3, C4 and boundary position B30 corresponding to the third side E13. The correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the fourth tilt angle with respect to the main scanning direction X for all combinations of coordinates of vertex positions C1, C4 and boundary position B40 corresponding to the fourth side E14. Then, the correction angle acquisition unit 58 acquires the average of each tilt angle as the correction angle θ1 of the read image data.

[0068] The circumscribing correction information acquisition unit 59 acquires circumscribing correction information related to the generation of circumscribing image data based on the boundary position and the correction angle θ1 of the read image data. In particular, the circumscribing correction information acquisition unit 59 acquires the circumscribing correction origin and the circumscribing correction size as circumscribing correction information.

[0069] To give a specific example, the external correction information acquisition unit 59 rotates the analyzed image data by a correction angle θ1 based on the analyzed image data. In this case, the external correction information acquisition unit 59 also moves the boundary position of the document area R2 as the analyzed image data is rotated.

[0070] The circumscribed correction information acquisition unit 59 acquires the coordinates of the boundary positions of the document area R2 that are closest to the first main scanning direction X1 and the coordinates that are closest to the second main scanning direction X2 in the main scanning direction X. The circumscribed correction information acquisition unit 59 acquires the coordinates of the boundary positions of the document area R2 that are closest to the first sub-scanning direction Y1 and the coordinates that are closest to the second sub-scanning direction Y2 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The circumscribed correction information acquisition unit 59 acquires a circumscribed correction origin and a circumscribed correction size that can identify a rectangular area containing the four acquired points.

[0071] Thus, the control unit 40, acting as the circumscribed image control unit 55, can perform circumscribed image control processing to acquire circumscribed image control data related to the circumscribed image data based on the read image data. In particular, in the circumscribed image control processing, the control unit 40 acquires the correction angle θ1, which is the tilt angle of the read image data, as circumscribed image control data. It can also be said that the control unit 40 acquires circumscribed image control data based on binary image data in the circumscribed image control processing. The circumscribed image control processing corresponds to an example of the first rectangular image control processing.

[0072] The image processing unit 44 includes an inscribed image control unit 60. The inscribed image control unit 60 analyzes the analyzed image data based on instructions from the image generation instruction unit 46. Based on the analysis results of the analyzed image data, the inscribed image control unit 60 acquires inscribed image control data related to the generation of inscribed image data. The inscribed image control data includes inscribed correction information. The inscribed correction information includes the correction angle of the read image data, the inscribed correction origin, and the inscribed correction size. The data for acquiring the inscribed correction information includes the reference position and the inscribed correction coefficient. In other words, the inscribed image control data can also be said to include the reference position and the inscribed correction coefficient. The inscribed image control data corresponds to an example of second control data. The inscribed image control unit 60 includes an inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61, an inscribed correction coefficient acquisition unit 62, and an inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63.

[0073] Here, as a specific example, we will explain the cases in which, when read image data is corrected by a correction angle θ2, circumscribed image data including the background region R3 is generated, and inscribed image data not including the background region R3 is generated. For the sake of easier understanding of the invention, the correction angle θ2 is set to an angle significantly smaller than the correction angle θ1.

[0074] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the reading area R1 includes the circumscribed image area R11, which is corrected as a circumscribed image. In this case, the circumscribed image area R11 includes the entirety of the document area R2, but also includes the background area R3. In particular, the background area R3 remains at the edges of the circumscribed image area R11.

[0075] On the other hand, the reading area R1 includes the inscribed image area R12, which is corrected as an inscribed image. In this case, the inscribed image area R12 includes a part of the document area R2 but does not include the background area R3. In particular, the inscribed image area R12 does not include the edges of the document area R2. The inscribed image area R12 is smaller than the circumscribed image area R11.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, when the circumscribed image region R11 is rotated by a correction angle θ2, the circumscribed correction origin P11 and the circumscribed correction size of the circumscribed image are calculated. The circumscribed correction size includes the correction width X11 and the correction height Y11 of the circumscribed image.

[0077] On the other hand, with respect to the inscribed image region R12, when it is rotated by a correction angle θ2, just like the circumscribed image region R11, the inscribed correction origin P12 and the inscribed correction size of the inscribed image are calculated. The inscribed correction size includes the correction width X12 and the correction height Y12 of the inscribed image.

[0078] The inscribed image region R12 has a difference of a first width X21 over the first side E11 compared to the circumscribed image region R11. The inscribed image region R12 has a difference of a second height Y22 over the second side E12 compared to the circumscribed image region R11. The inscribed image region R12 has a difference of a second width X22 over the third side E13 compared to the circumscribed image region R11. The inscribed image region R12 has a difference of a first height Y21 over the fourth side E14 compared to the circumscribed image region R11.

[0079] Thus, the inscribed image region R12 can be calculated by the difference between it and the circumscribed image region R11. As will be explained in more detail later, the inscribed image control data is calculated based on the difference between the inscribed image region R12 and the circumscribed image region R11, and the circumscribed image control data.

[0080] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires a reference position for acquiring inscribed image control data. In particular, the inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 rotates the analysis image data by a correction angle θ2 around the circumscribed correction origin. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires reference positions for each side E11 to E14 of the document area R2 in the analysis image data rotated by the correction angle θ2. In other words, the inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires multiple reference positions based on the correction angle θ2 of the read image data included in the circumscribed image control data.

[0081] To give a specific example, the inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires multiple first reference positions B11 and multiple second reference positions B12 from among the boundary positions of the document area R2, with respect to the first side E11 of the document area R2. In the figure, three first reference positions are shown representing the multiple first reference positions B11, and three second reference positions are shown representing the multiple second reference positions B12.

[0082] The multiple first reference positions B11 are positions included in the reference range RY12 within the range RY10 connecting the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2 in the sub-scanning direction Y, and do not include the range RY11 extending from the first vertex position C1 to a distance DY1. The reference range RY12 is the range within the range RY10 in the sub-scanning direction Y, extending from a distance DY1 to a distance DY2 with respect to the first vertex position C1.

[0083] In the sub-scanning direction Y, distance DY1 may be 3 / 16 of the distance DY0 between the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2. In the sub-scanning direction Y, distance DY2 may be 1 / 8 of the distance DY0.

[0084] In other words, the reference range RY12 includes the range from 3 / 16 of the distance DY0 to 5 / 16 of the distance DY0, with respect to the first vertex position C1 in the sub-scanning direction Y. Alternatively, the reference range RY12 can be said to include the range from 1 / 16 of the distance DY0 with respect to the first sub-scanning direction Y1 to 1 / 16 of the distance DY0 with respect to the second sub-scanning direction Y2, with respect to 1 / 4 of the distance DY0 from the first vertex position C1 in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0085] The multiple second reference positions B12, like the multiple first reference positions B11, are positions in the sub-scanning direction Y that fall within the range RY10 and are included in a predetermined reference range RY14, but do not include the range RY13 that extends from the second vertex position C2 to a distance DY1. The reference range RY14 is the range in the sub-scanning direction Y that falls within the range RY10 and extends from a distance DY1 to a distance DY2 with respect to the second vertex position C2.

[0086] In other words, the reference range RY14 includes the range from 3 / 16 of the distance DY0 to 5 / 16 of the distance DY0, with the second vertex position C2 as the reference point in the sub-scanning direction Y. Alternatively, the reference range RY14 can be said to include the range from 1 / 16 of the distance DY0 with respect to the first sub-scanning direction Y1 to 1 / 16 of the distance DY0 with respect to the second sub-scanning direction Y2, with respect to 1 / 4 of the distance DY0 from the second vertex position C2 as the reference point in the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0087] The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the average coordinates of the first reference position B11 with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y for the first side E11 of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the average coordinates of the second reference position B12 with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y for the first side E11 of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the difference between the average coordinates of the first reference position B11 with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y and the average coordinates of the second reference position B12 with respect to the sub-scanning direction Y.

[0088] Thus, the first side E11 based on the vertex positions C1 and C2 of the document area R2 includes the ranges RY11 and RY13 extending from the vertex positions C1 and C2 of the document area R2 to a distance DY1. The first side E11 based on the vertex positions C1 and C2 of the document area R2 includes the reference ranges RY12 and RY14 extending from a distance DY1 to a distance DY2 relative to the vertex positions C1 and C2 of the document area R2. Furthermore, for the first side E11 based on the vertex positions C1 and C2 of the document area R2, multiple reference positions B11 and B12 are included in the reference ranges RY12 and RY14. Ranges RY11 and RY13 correspond to an example of the first range. Reference ranges RY12 and RY14 correspond to an example of the second range. Distance DY1 corresponds to an example of the first distance. Distance DY2 corresponds to an example of the second distance.

[0089] Next, the inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires multiple third reference positions B21 and multiple fourth reference positions B22 from among the boundary positions of the document area R2, with respect to the second side E12 of the document area R2. In the figure, three third reference positions are shown representing the multiple third reference positions B21, and three fourth reference positions are shown representing the multiple fourth reference positions B22.

[0090] The multiple third reference positions B21 are positions within the range RX20 connecting the second vertex position C2 and the third vertex position C3 in the main scanning direction X, and are included in a predetermined reference range RX22, but do not include the range RX21 extending from the second vertex position C2 to a distance DX1. The reference range RX22 is the range within the range RX20 in the main scanning direction X, extending from a distance DX1 to a distance DX2 with respect to the second vertex position C2.

[0091] In the main scanning direction X, distance DX1 may be 3 / 16 of the distance DX0 between the second vertex position C2 and the third vertex position C3. In the main scanning direction X, distance DX2 may be 1 / 8 of the distance DX0.

[0092] In other words, the reference range RX22 includes the range from 3 / 16 of the distance DX0 to 5 / 16 of the distance DX0, with the second vertex position C2 as the reference point in the main scanning direction X. Alternatively, the reference range RX22 can be said to include the range from 1 / 16 of the distance DX0 with respect to the first main scanning direction X1 to 1 / 16 of the distance DX0 with respect to the second main scanning direction X2, with respect to 1 / 4 of the distance DX0 from the second vertex position C2 as the reference point in the main scanning direction X.

[0093] The multiple fourth reference positions B22, like the multiple third reference positions B21, are positions within the range RX20 in the main scanning direction X that are included in a predetermined reference range RX24, and do not include the range RX23 that extends from the third vertex position C3 to a distance DX1. The reference range RX24 is the range within the range RX20 in the main scanning direction X that extends from a distance DX1 to a distance DX2 with respect to the third vertex position C3.

[0094] In other words, the reference range RX24 includes the range from 3 / 16 of the distance DX0 to 5 / 16 of the distance DX0, with the third vertex position C3 as the reference point in the main scanning direction X. Alternatively, the reference range RX24 can be said to include the range from 1 / 16 of the distance DX0 with respect to the first main scanning direction X1 to 1 / 16 of the distance DX0 with respect to the second main scanning direction X2, with respect to 1 / 4 of the distance DX0 from the third vertex position C3 as the reference point in the main scanning direction X.

[0095] Thus, the second side E12 based on the edge of the document area R2 includes the ranges RX21 and RX23, which extend from the vertex positions C2 and C3 of the document area R2 to a distance DX1. The second side E12 based on the vertex positions C2 and C3 of the document area R2 includes the reference ranges RX22 and RX24, which extend from a distance DX1 to a distance DX2 relative to the vertex positions C2 and C3 of the document area R2. Furthermore, for the second side E12 based on the vertex positions C2 and C3 of the document area R2, multiple reference positions B21 and B22 are included in the reference ranges RX22 and RX24. Ranges RX21 and RX23 correspond to an example of the first range. Reference ranges RX22 and RX24 correspond to an example of the second range. Distance DX1 corresponds to an example of the first distance. Distance DX2 corresponds to an example of the second distance.

[0096] The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the average coordinates of the third reference position B21 with respect to the main scanning direction X for the second side E12 of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the average coordinates of the fourth reference position B22 with respect to the main scanning direction X for the second side E12 of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the difference between the average coordinates of the third reference position B21 with respect to the main scanning direction X and the average coordinates of the fourth reference position B22 with respect to the main scanning direction X.

[0097] The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires a reference position for the third side E13 of the document area R2, in the same way as for the first side E11 of the document area R2, among the boundary positions of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the difference of the average coordinates of the reference position with respect to the main scanning direction X for the third side E13 of the document area R2, in the same way as for the first side E11 of the document area R2.

[0098] The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires a reference position for the fourth side E14 of the document area R2, in the same way as for the second side E12 of the document area R2, among the boundary positions of the document area R2. The inscribed reference position acquisition unit 61 acquires the difference of the average coordinates of the reference position with respect to the main scanning direction X for the fourth side E14 of the document area R2, in the same way as for the second side E12 of the document area R2.

[0099] The inscribed correction coefficient acquisition unit 62 acquires an inscribed correction coefficient based on instructions from the inscribed correction coefficient instruction unit 48. In particular, the inscribed correction coefficient acquisition unit 62 acquires one of the first inscribed correction coefficient, the second inscribed correction coefficient, and the third inscribed correction coefficient as the inscribed correction coefficient based on instructions from the inscribed correction coefficient instruction unit 48.

[0100] The inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires inscribed image control data related to the generation of inscribed image data based on the correction angle θ2 of the read image data, the difference in the average coordinates of the reference position, and the inscribed correction coefficient. In particular, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size as inscribed correction information. That is, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size as inscribed correction information based on the correction angle θ2 of the read image data included in the circumscribed image control data.

[0101] To give a specific example, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 multiplies the difference in the average coordinates of the reference position for each side E11 to E14 of the document area R2 by "2" and the inscribed correction coefficient. As a result, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 calculates the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image for each side E11 to E14 of the document area R2. The difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image includes the difference of the first width X21 for the first side E11, the difference of the second height Y22 for the second side E12, the difference of the second width X22 for the third side E13, and the difference of the first height Y21 for the fourth side E14.

[0102] To explain the first side E11 as an example, the multiple first reference positions B11 are positions based on a distance of 1 / 4 of the distance DY0 between the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The multiple second reference positions B12 are positions based on a distance of 3 / 4 of the distance between the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2 in the sub-scanning direction Y. In other words, the multiple first reference positions B11 and the multiple second reference positions B12 are based on positions separated by a distance of 1 / 2 of the distance DY0 between the first vertex position C1 and the second vertex position C2. Therefore, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 can acquire the difference of the first width X21 as the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image for the first side E11 connecting vertex position C1 and vertex position C2 by multiplying the difference of the average coordinates of the reference positions by "2". In this way, by using a position separated by half the distance DY0 as the reference point for multiple first reference positions B11 and multiple second reference positions B12, the control load for calculating the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image can be reduced. Furthermore, by using a distance of one-quarter of the distance DY0 as the reference point for multiple first reference positions B11 and multiple second reference positions B12, the system becomes less susceptible to effects such as the truncation or tearing of stables at vertex positions C1 and C2.

[0103] The inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction size of the inscribed image area R12 for each side E11 to E14 of the document area R2 based on the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image. More specifically, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction size by subtracting the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image from the circumscribed correction size for each side E11 to E14 of the document area R2.

[0104] The inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction origin of the inscribed image region R12 based on the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image for the first side E11 and the fourth side E14 of the document region R2. More specifically, the inscribed correction information acquisition unit 63 acquires the inscribed correction origin by adding the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image from the circumscribed correction origin for the first side E11 and the fourth side E14 of the document region R2.

[0105] Thus, the control unit 40, acting as the inscribed image control unit 60, can perform inscribed image control processing to acquire inscribed image control data based on the circumscribed image control data. In particular, in the inscribed image control processing, the control unit 40 acquires an inscribed correction origin and an inscribed correction size as inscribed image control data based on a plurality of reference positions and the correction angle θ2 of the read image data. The inscribed image control processing corresponds to an example of the second rectangular image control processing.

[0106] The image processing unit 44 includes an image generation unit 64. The image generation unit 64 generates circumscribed image data from read image data based on circumscribed correction information. The image generation unit 64 also generates inscribed image data from read image data based on inscribed correction information. In other words, the control unit 40 having the image generation unit 64 generates circumscribed image data based on read image data and circumscribed correction information. The control unit 40 also generates inscribed image data based on read image data and inscribed correction information.

[0107] To give a specific example, the image generation unit 64 acquires the correction angle, the circumscribing correction origin, and the circumscribing correction size as circumscribing correction information. The circumscribing correction origin and circumscribing correction size are circumscribing correction information that applies to the analysis image data at the second reading resolution. The image generation unit 64 converts the circumscribing correction origin and circumscribing correction size that applies to the analysis image data at the second reading resolution to the circumscribing correction origin and circumscribing correction size that applies to the read image data at the first reading resolution. Based on the circumscribing correction origin and circumscribing correction size that applies to the read image data and the correction angle, the image generation unit 64 generates circumscribing image data from the read image data. Similarly, the image generation unit 64 generates inscribed image data from the read image data based on the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size that applies to the read image data and the correction angle.

[0108] The image processing unit 44 includes an image processing storage unit 70. The image processing storage unit 70 is a recording area that stores image data processed by the image processing unit 44. The image processing storage unit 70 includes an acquired image storage unit 71, an analyzed image storage unit 72, and a generated image storage unit 73. The acquired image storage unit 71 is a storage area that stores image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 51. In other words, the acquired image storage unit 71 stores read image data. The analyzed image storage unit 72 is a storage area that stores the analyzed image converted by the analyzed image conversion unit 52. The generated image storage unit 73 is a storage area that stores image data generated by the image generation unit 64.

[0109] <Inscribed Correction Coefficient Control Processing> The inscribed correction coefficient control process will now be described. The inscribed correction coefficient control process includes an inscribed correction coefficient input process executed in the terminal device 100 and an inscribed correction coefficient setting process executed in the image reading device 11. The inscribed correction coefficient input process is called at predetermined intervals. The inscribed correction coefficient setting process is called at predetermined intervals.

[0110] In the terminal device 100, during the inscribed correction coefficient input processing, the terminal control unit 101 determines whether or not setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has been input based on the input signal from the terminal operation unit 102. The setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient is information that can identify that an inscribed correction coefficient will be set and which inscribed correction coefficient will be set. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has not been input, it terminates the inscribed correction coefficient input processing. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has been input, it outputs the setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient to the image reading device 11. Once this process is completed, the terminal control unit 101 terminates the inscribed correction coefficient input processing.

[0111] In the image reading device 11, during the inscribed correction coefficient setting process, the control unit 40 determines whether or not setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has been input from the terminal device 100. If the control unit 40 determines that setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has not been input from the terminal device 100, it terminates the inscribed correction coefficient setting process. If the control unit 40 determines that setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient has been input from the terminal device 100, it sets the inscribed correction coefficient based on the setting information for the inscribed correction coefficient. In this way, the control unit 40 can adjust the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size of the inscribed image data based on the input from the terminal operation unit 102. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 terminates the inscribed correction coefficient setting process.

[0112] <Image reading control processing> Next, the image reading control process will be described with reference to Figure 9. The image reading control process includes a first image reading control process executed in the image reading device 11 and a second image reading control process executed in the terminal device 100. The first image reading control process is called at predetermined intervals. The second image reading control process is also called at predetermined intervals.

[0113] As shown in Figure 9, in step S11 of the first image reading control process, the control unit 40 determines whether or not the image reading conditions have been met in the image reading device 11. The image reading conditions can be met based on the operation of the operation unit 17. The image reading conditions can be met based on the input of image reading information from the terminal device 100. If the control unit 40 determines that the image reading conditions have not been met, it terminates the first image reading control process. If the control unit 40 determines that the image reading conditions have been met, it proceeds to step S12.

[0114] In step S12, the control unit 40 performs image reading processing. In this process, the control unit 40 controls the transport mechanism 20 to transport the original document D. The control unit 40 controls the reading unit 30 to read an image from the original document D. The control unit 40 generates image data based on the pixel signals read by the reading unit 30. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 moves on to step S13.

[0115] In step S13, the control unit 40 performs circumscribing image control processing. In this process, the control unit 40 generates analyzed image data from the image data. Based on the analyzed image data, the control unit 40 acquires circumscribing image control data. In particular, the control unit 40 acquires the boundary position based on the analyzed image data. Based on the boundary position, the control unit 40 acquires the correction angle as circumscribing image control data. The control unit 40 also acquires the correction origin and correction size as circumscribing image control data based on the boundary position and the correction angle. Based on the circumscribing image control data, the control unit 40 generates circumscribing image data from the read image data. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 moves on to step S14.

[0116] In step S14, the control unit 40 performs the circumscribed image output process. In this process, the control unit 40 outputs the generated circumscribed image data to the terminal device 100. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S15.

[0117] Meanwhile, in the terminal device 100, in step S21 of the second image reading control process, the terminal control unit 101 determines whether or not external image data has been input from the image reading device 11. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that external image data has not been input, it proceeds to step S23. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that external image data has been input, it proceeds to step S22.

[0118] In step S22, the terminal control unit 101 displays the circumscribed image on the terminal display unit 103 based on the input circumscribed image data. When this process is completed, the terminal control unit 101 proceeds to step S23.

[0119] In step S23, the terminal control unit 101 determines whether an inscribed image has been requested based on the operation of the terminal operation unit 102. A request for an inscribed image may be made when the circumscribed image is displayed on the terminal display unit 103. Thus, in the terminal device 100, when the circumscribed image is displayed on the terminal display unit 103, a request for an inscribed image can be made based on the operation of the terminal operation unit 102 when the user wants to display an inscribed image. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that an inscribed image has not been requested, it proceeds to step S25. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that an inscribed image has been requested, it proceeds to step S24.

[0120] In step S24, the terminal control unit 101 outputs an inscribed image request to the image reading device 11. Once this process is complete, the terminal control unit 101 proceeds to step S25.

[0121] In the image reading device 11, in step S15 of the first image reading control process, the control unit 40 determines whether or not there is an inscribed image request from the terminal device 100. If the control unit 40 determines that there is no inscribed image request, it proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 40 determines that there is an inscribed image request, it proceeds to step S16.

[0122] In step S16, the control unit 40 performs inscribed image control processing. In this process, the control unit 40 acquires inscribed image control data based on the circumscribed image control data. In particular, the control unit 40 acquires multiple reference positions based on the boundary position and the correction angle as circumscribed image control data. The control unit 40 acquires the inscribed correction coefficient. The control unit 40 acquires the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image based on the multiple reference positions and the inscribed correction coefficient. The control unit 40 acquires the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size as inscribed image control data based on the circumscribed image control data and the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image. The control unit 40 generates inscribed image data from the read image data based on the correction angle, inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size. In this way, the control unit 40 can select whether or not to generate inscribed image data based on the input from the terminal operation unit 102. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 moves on to step S17.

[0123] In step S17, the control unit 40 performs inscribed image output processing. In this process, the control unit 40 outputs the generated inscribed image data to the terminal device 100. When this process is completed, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S18.

[0124] In step S18, the control unit 40 determines whether the image reading termination condition has been met. The image reading termination condition may be met based on an operation of the operation unit 17. The image reading termination condition may be met based on the input of image reading termination information from the terminal device 100. The image reading termination condition may be met by the output of inscribed image data. The image reading termination condition may be met when a predetermined time has elapsed. If the control unit 40 determines that the image reading termination condition has not been met, it proceeds to step S15. If the control unit 40 determines that the image reading termination condition has been met, it terminates the first image reading control process. As a result, the control unit 40 determines whether or not there has been an inscribed image request until the image reading termination condition is met.

[0125] Meanwhile, in the terminal device 100, in step S25 of the second image reading control process, the terminal control unit 101 determines whether or not inscribed image data has been input from the image reading device 11. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that no inscribed image data has been input, it proceeds to step S27. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that inscribed image data has been input, it proceeds to step S26.

[0126] In step S26, the terminal control unit 101 displays the inscribed image on the terminal display unit 103 based on the input inscribed image data. When this process is completed, the terminal control unit 101 proceeds to step S27.

[0127] In step S27, the terminal control unit 101 determines whether or not a saved image has been specified based on the operation of the terminal operation unit 102. The saved image can be specified when at least one of the circumscribed image and the inscribed image is displayed on the terminal display unit 103. In particular, when at least one of the circumscribed image and the inscribed image is displayed on the terminal display unit 103, the circumscribed image can be specified as the saved image. When the inscribed image is displayed on the terminal display unit 103, the inscribed image can be specified as the saved image. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that no saved image has been specified, it terminates the second image reading control process. If the terminal control unit 101 determines that a saved image has been specified, it proceeds to step S28.

[0128] In step S28, the terminal control unit 101 stores the specified image in memory. As a result, the terminal device 100 can save the specified image from among the circumscribed image and the inscribed image based on the operation of the terminal operation unit 102. The terminal control unit 101 may output image reading completion information to the image reading device 11. When this process is completed, the terminal control unit 101 terminates the second image reading control process.

[0129] Thus, the terminal control unit 101 can perform display control processing to display the inscribed image on the terminal display unit 103 based on input from the terminal operation unit 102, after displaying the circumscribed image on the terminal display unit 103. In other words, the control unit 40 can perform display control processing to display the inscribed image on the terminal display unit 103 based on input from the terminal operation unit 102, after performing control to display the circumscribed image on the terminal display unit 103.

[0130] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will now be described. In the image reading device 11, pixel signals are input to the control unit 40 from the first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B via an analog front end. The control unit 40 acquires read image data based on the pixel signals. Analysis image data is acquired based on the read image data.

[0131] Based on the analyzed image data, the vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2 within the reading area R1 are obtained. Based on the analyzed image data, the boundary positions B10, B20, B30, and B40 of the document area R2 are obtained. Based on the vertex positions C1 to C4 and the boundary positions B10, B20, B30, and B40, the correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data are obtained as circumscribed image control data. Based on the vertex positions C1 to C4, the boundary positions B10, B20, B30, and B40, and the correction angles θ1 and θ2, the circumscribed correction origin and circumscribed correction size are obtained as circumscribed image control data. Based on the circumscribed image control data, circumscribed image control data is generated from the read image data. As a result, the circumscribed image based on the circumscribed image data is displayed on the terminal display unit 103.

[0132] Based on input from the terminal operation unit 102, if an inscribed image request is made, a reference position is obtained based on the vertex positions C1 to C4 and boundary positions B10, B20, B30, B40 of the document area R2. The inscribed correction coefficient set based on input from the terminal operation unit 102 is obtained. Based on the reference position and the inscribed correction coefficient, the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image is obtained. Based on the circumscribed image control data, the circumscribed correction origin and circumscribed correction size are obtained, and based on the difference between the circumscribed image and the inscribed image, the inscribed image control data, the inscribed image control data, and the inscribed image control data are obtained. Based on the inscribed image control data, inscribed image control data is generated from the read image data. As a result, the inscribed image based on the inscribed image data is displayed on the terminal display unit 103.

[0133] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1) Based on the scanned image data, external image control data is obtained for generating external image data that includes the entirety of the document area R2 corresponding to the document D within the scanning area R1. Based on the external image control data, inscribed image control data is obtained for generating inscribed image data that does not include the background area R3 that does not correspond to the document D within the scanning area R1, and that includes at least a part of the document area R2. Therefore, in addition to the external image control data for generating external image data that includes the entirety of the document area R2 corresponding to the document D, it is also possible to obtain inscribed image control data for generating inscribed image data that does not include the background area R3. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0134] (2) The correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data are acquired as circumscribed image control data. Based on the correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data, the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size for correcting the read image data are acquired as inscribed image control data. Therefore, the inscribed correction origin and inscribed correction size based on the correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data can be acquired. Thus, inscribed image control data that takes into account the correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data can be acquired. In addition, although the correction angles θ1 and θ2 of the read image data are acquired as circumscribed image control data, they can also be used when acquiring inscribed image control data, and the control for acquiring inscribed image control data can be sped up.

[0135] (3) Each side E11 to E14 based on the vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2 includes the range RY11, RY13, RX21, RX23 extending from the vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2 at distances DY1 and DX1. For each side E11 to E14 based on the vertex positions C1 to C4 of the document area R2, a correction origin and correction size are obtained to correct the read image data into inscribed image control data based on multiple reference positions not included in the range RY11, RY13, RX21, RX23. Therefore, even if any of the vertex positions C1 to C4 are missing, the correction origin and correction size can be obtained based on multiple reference positions not included in the range RY11, RY13, RX21, RX23 extending from the vertex positions C1 to C4 at distances DY1 and DX1. Thus, by obtaining appropriate inscribed image control data from the circumscribed image control data, inscribed image data can be generated without degrading quality.

[0136] (4) Based on the input from the terminal operation unit 102, it is possible to select whether or not to generate inscribed image data. Therefore, whether or not to generate inscribed image data can be selected according to the user's intentions. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0137] (5) The inscribed correction coefficient can be adjusted based on the input from the terminal operation unit 102. Therefore, the inscribed correction coefficient can be adjusted to the user's intention. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0138] (6) When the read image data is at a first reading resolution, the read image data is converted to a second reading resolution lower than the first reading resolution. The image data converted to the second reading resolution is converted to binary image data. The circumscribed image control data is acquired based on the binary image data. Therefore, the reading resolution of the read image data can be lowered, and the read image data can be used as binary image data. Consequently, the control for acquiring the circumscribed image control data can be accelerated.

[0139] (7) After control is performed to display the circumscribed image, control is performed to display the inscribed image based on input from the terminal operation unit 102. Therefore, by displaying the circumscribed image, an opportunity can be provided for the user to confirm the circumscribed image. After confirming the circumscribed image, an opportunity can be provided for the user to input a request to display the inscribed image. Thus, user convenience can be improved.

[0140] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0141] In the above embodiment, for example, it may be possible to select whether to display an external image or an internal image based on user input. In other words, it may be possible to select whether to generate external image data or internal image data based on user input. That is, the control unit 40 may be able to select whether to execute at least one of the external image control processing and internal image control processing based on input from the terminal operation unit 102 of the terminal device 100. Also, for example, user input may be possible each time the image reading condition is met. Also, for example, user input may be possible before the image reading condition is met, and the selection result may be continuously set.

[0142] In the above embodiment, for example, the resolution of the read image data does not need to be converted for analysis image data. For example, the read image data does not need to be converted into binary image data for analysis image data. For example, analysis image data may not be acquired, and the read image data itself may be analyzed.

[0143] In the above embodiment, for example, inscribed image data may be generated from the circumscribed image data based on the analysis results of the circumscribed image data. In other words, in the inscribed image control process, correction values ​​for correcting the read image data or circumscribed image data may be acquired as inscribed image control data.

[0144] In the above embodiment, for example, the correction angle acquisition unit 58 may acquire a plurality of correction candidate angles and acquire one of the plurality of correction candidate angles as the correction angle. The plurality of correction candidate angles may include a reference angle acquired in the same way as in the above embodiment, an angle obtained by adding a first angle to the reference angle, an angle obtained by subtracting the first angle from the reference angle, an angle obtained by adding a second angle to the reference angle, and an angle obtained by subtracting the second angle from the reference angle. The correction angle acquisition unit 58 may acquire as the correction angle the angle in which the area of ​​the background area R3 is small as a result of rotating the reading area R1 for each of the plurality of correction candidate angles.

[0145] In the above embodiment, inscribed image data may be generated regardless of the input from the terminal operation unit 102. Alternatively, it may be possible to select whether or not to display the inscribed image based on the input from the terminal operation unit 102.

[0146] In the above embodiment, various instructions may be given based on input from the operation unit 17 of the image reading device 11, rather than from the terminal operation unit 102 of the terminal device 100. Various instructions may include input of an inscribed correction coefficient. Various instructions may include generation of inscribed image data. Various instructions may include display of the inscribed image.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the circumscribed image and the inscribed image may be displayed on the display unit of the image reading device 11 instead of the terminal display unit 103 of the terminal device 100. Thus, the control unit 40 may correspond to an example of a control unit, or the control unit 40 and the terminal control unit 101 may correspond to an example of a control unit. Furthermore, the image reading system 10 may include the terminal device 100 or may not include the terminal device 100.

[0148] The first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B are not limited to CMOS image sensors. The first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B may be, for example, MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors, or for example, CCD (charge coupled device) image sensors.

[0149] The first image sensor 32A and the second image sensor 32B are not limited to linear image sensors, but may be, for example, area image sensors. The material of the original document is not limited to paper; for example, it may be made of resin film or sheet, fabric, metal film, etc.

[0150] The image reading device may be part of a multifunction device that includes not only scanning but also printing and copying functions. The image reading device is not limited to a sheet-fed type; it may also be a flatbed type. A flatbed image reading device comprises a carriage and a carriage motor. The carriage is movable along the main scanning direction X by the drive of the carriage motor. The reading unit is mounted on the carriage.

[0151] • While the present invention is applicable to image reading devices, it is also applicable to image reading systems and control methods for image reading devices. [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0152] (A) The device comprises a reading unit configured to read an image from a document and a control unit that performs control related to the reading of the image, wherein the control unit is capable of performing: a first rectangular image control process that acquires first control data related to the generation of a first rectangular image data which includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading areas of the reading image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit; and a second rectangular image control process that acquires second control data related to the generation of a second rectangular image data which does not include a background area that does not correspond to the document among the reading areas of the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data.

[0153] With this configuration, in addition to the first control data related to the generation of the first rectangular image data, which includes the entire document area corresponding to the document, it is also possible to obtain second control data related to the generation of the second rectangular image data, which does not include the background area. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0154] (B) The control unit may, in the first rectangular image control process, acquire the tilt angle of the read image data as the first control data, and in the second rectangular image control process, acquire a correction value for correcting the read image data or the first rectangular image data based on the tilt angle of the read image data as the second control data.

[0155] This configuration allows for the acquisition of correction values ​​based on the tilt angle of the read image data. Therefore, second control data that takes the tilt angle of the read image data into consideration can be acquired. Furthermore, although the tilt angle of the read image data is acquired as first control data, it can also be used when acquiring the second control data, thereby speeding up the control process for acquiring the second control data.

[0156] (C) Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a first range extending a first distance from the corner of the document area, and the control unit may, in the second rectangular image control processing, acquire a correction value for each side based on the corner of the document area, based on a plurality of reference positions not included in the first range, to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data.

[0157] With this configuration, even if the corners of the original document are damaged, such as by tears, folds, or cuts, correction values ​​can be obtained based on multiple reference positions that are not included in a first range extending a first distance from the corners of the original document. Therefore, by obtaining appropriate second control data from the first control data, a second rectangular image data can be generated without degrading quality.

[0158] (D) Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a second range extending from the first distance to the second distance with respect to the corner of the document area, and the plurality of reference positions may be included in the second range. This configuration produces the same effect as (C).

[0159] (E) The control unit may be equipped with an input unit into which user instructions can be input, and the control unit may be able to select whether or not to generate the second rectangular image data based on the input from the input unit.

[0160] This configuration allows users to choose whether or not to generate a second rectangular image data, thus improving user convenience. (F) The control unit may have an input unit that allows the user to input instructions, and based on the input from the input unit, the control unit may adjust a correction value for correcting the read image data or the first rectangular image data in the second rectangular image control process.

[0161] With this configuration, the correction value used to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data can be adjusted to suit the user's intentions. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0162] (G) The control unit is capable of performing a resolution conversion process to convert the read image data to a second read resolution lower than the first read resolution when the read image data is at a first read resolution, and a binary image conversion process to convert the image data converted to the second read resolution to binary image data, and in the first rectangular image control process, the first control data may be acquired based on the binary image data.

[0163] This configuration allows for a lower reading resolution of the read image data and enables the use of the read image data as binary image data. Therefore, the control for acquiring the first control data can be accelerated.

[0164] (H) The device comprises a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, a control unit that performs control related to the reading of the image, a display unit that displays the image, and an input unit that allows the user to input instructions, wherein the control unit is capable of performing: a first rectangular image control process that acquires first control data for generating a first rectangular image data which includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading area of ​​the reading image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit; a second rectangular image control process that acquires second control data for generating a second rectangular image data which does not include a background area that does not correspond to the document among the reading area of ​​the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data; and a display control process that, after performing control to display the first rectangular image based on the first rectangular image data on the display unit, performs control to display the second rectangular image based on the second rectangular image data on the display unit based on input from the input unit.

[0165] This configuration produces a similar effect to (A). In addition, by displaying the first rectangular image, the user is given the opportunity to confirm the first rectangular image. After confirming the first rectangular image, the user is given the opportunity to input a request to display the second rectangular image. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0166] (I) A control method for an image reading device comprising a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, comprising: acquiring first control data relating to the generation of a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the document among the reading areas of the reading image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit; and acquiring second control data relating to the generation of a second rectangular image data that does not include background areas not corresponding to the document among the reading areas of the read image data, and includes at least a part of the document area, based on the first control data. This configuration produces the same effect as (A). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] D...Document, R1...Scanning area, R11...Circumscribed image area, R12...Inscribed image area, R2...Document area, R3...Background area, SA...Scanning area, 10...Image reading system, 11...Image reading device, 12...Main unit, 12A...Feeding port, 12B...Output port, 13...Document support, 14...Main unit, 15...Cover unit, 16...Stacker, 17...Operation unit, 17A...Power switch, 17B...Start switch, 17C...Stop switch, 18...Notification unit, 19...Transportation path, 20...Transportation mechanism, 21 ...feeding section, 22...feeding guide, 23...feeding roller, 24...conveying section, 25...feeding roller pair, 25A...feeding drive roller, 25B...feeding separation roller, 26...conveying roller pair, 26A...conveying drive roller, 26B...conveying driven roller, 27...discharge section, 28...discharge roller pair, 28A...discharge drive roller, 28B...discharge driven roller, 29A...feeding motor, 29B...conveying motor, 30...reading section, 30A...first reading section, 30B...second reading section, 31A...first light source, 31B...Second light source, 32A...First image sensor, 32B...Second image sensor, 33A...First color reference plate, 33B...Second color reference plate, 34...Encoder, 35...First document sensor, 36...Second document sensor, 40...Control unit, 41...Main control unit, 42...Transport control unit, 43...Reading control unit, 44...Image processing unit, 46...Image generation instruction unit, 47...Inscribed correction coefficient setting unit, 48...Inscribed correction coefficient instruction unit, 51...Image acquisition unit, 52...Analysis image conversion unit, 53...Resolution conversion unit, 54 ...Binary image conversion unit, 55...Circumscribed image control unit, 56...Vertex position acquisition unit, 57...Boundary position acquisition unit, 58...Correction angle acquisition unit, 59...Circumscribed correction information acquisition unit, 60...Inscribed image control unit, 61...Inscribed reference position acquisition unit, 62...Inscribed correction coefficient acquisition unit, 63...Inscribed correction information acquisition unit, 64...Image generation unit, 70...Image processing storage unit, 71...Acquired image storage unit, 72...Analysis image storage unit, 73...Generated image storage unit, 100...Terminal device, 101...Terminal control unit, 102...Terminal operation unit, 103...Terminal display unit

Claims

1. A reading unit configured to read images from a document, A control unit that performs control related to image reading, Equipped with, The control unit, A first rectangular image control process that obtains first control data related to the generation of a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the original document among the reading areas of the read image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit, A second rectangular image control process that obtains second control data for generating a second rectangular image data in which the reading area of ​​the read image data does not include a background area that does not correspond to the original document, and includes at least a part of the original document area, based on the first control data. It is possible to do this, Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a first range extending a first distance from the corner of the document area. The control unit, in the second rectangular image control processing, acquires a correction value for each side based on the corners of the document area, based on a plurality of reference positions not included in the first range, to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data. An image reading device characterized by the following:

2. In the image reading device according to claim 1, The control unit, In the first rectangular image control process, the tilt angle of the read image data is acquired as the first control data. In the second rectangular image control process, a correction value is obtained as the second control data to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data based on the tilt angle of the read image data. An image reading device characterized by the following:

3. In the image reading device according to claim 1, Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a second range extending from the first distance to the second distance with respect to the corner of the document area. The aforementioned plurality of reference positions are included in the second range, An image reading device characterized by the following:

4. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is equipped with an input section that allows the user to input instructions, The control unit can select whether or not to generate the second rectangular image data based on the input from the input unit. An image reading device characterized by the following:

5. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is equipped with an input section that allows the user to input instructions, The control unit can adjust a correction value for correcting the read image data or the first rectangular image data in the second rectangular image control processing based on the input from the input unit. An image reading device characterized by the following:

6. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The control unit, When the read image data is at a first reading resolution, a resolution conversion process is performed to convert the read image data to a second reading resolution lower than the first reading resolution. A binary image conversion process that converts the image data converted to the second reading resolution into binary image data, It is possible to do this, In the first rectangular image control process, the first control data is acquired based on the binary image data. An image reading device characterized by the following:

7. A reading unit configured to read images from a document, A control unit that performs control related to image reading, A display unit that displays images, An input section where the user can input instructions, Equipped with, The control unit, A first rectangular image control process that obtains first control data related to the generation of a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the original document among the reading areas of the read image data, based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit, A second rectangular image control process that obtains second control data for generating a second rectangular image data in which the reading area of ​​the read image data does not include a background area that does not correspond to the original document, and includes at least a part of the original document area, based on the first control data. Display control processing is performed to control the display unit to display a first rectangular image based on the first rectangular image data, and then, based on input from the input unit, to display a second rectangular image based on the second rectangular image data on the display unit. It is possible to do this, Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a first range extending a first distance from the corner of the document area. The control unit, in the second rectangular image control processing, acquires a correction value for each side based on the corners of the document area, based on a plurality of reference positions not included in the first range, to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data. An image reading system characterized by the following.

8. A control method for an image reading device equipped with a reading unit configured to read an image from a document, Based on the read image data of the image read by the reading unit, first control data is obtained for generating a first rectangular image data that includes the entire document area corresponding to the original document among the reading areas of the read image data. This includes obtaining second control data for generating a second rectangular image data in which the reading area of ​​the read image data does not include a background area that does not correspond to the original document, and which includes at least a portion of the original document area, based on the first control data. Each side based on the corner of the document area includes a first range extending a first distance from the corner of the document area. In acquiring the second control data, for each side based on the corner of the document area, a correction value is acquired to correct the read image data or the first rectangular image data based on a plurality of reference positions not included in the first range. A control method for an image reading device characterized by the following.

Images