JP2011077875A - Image reading apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

In an image reading apparatus capable of simultaneously reading images on both sides of a document, it is possible to transfer data in a short time while suppressing consumption of a memory used for image reading and data transfer.
When one line of both sides of a document is read (double-sided scanning) by both a front side reading sensor and a back side reading sensor at the same reading timing, the surface is raster data of an image read by the front side reading sensor. Raster data and back side raster data which is raster data of an image read by the back side reading sensor are obtained. These two raster data are combined so that the back surface raster data follows the front surface raster data, so that one raster data is formed as a whole, and the combined raster data is compressed by a predetermined compression method. Is done. Then, data information (data header) is added to the compressed raster data and transferred to the PC.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus capable of reading images on both sides of a document, and a program for processing image data output from the image reading apparatus by a computer.

  As a scanner (image reading apparatus), a front side reading sensor for reading the front side of the document to be conveyed and a back side reading sensor for reading the back side are individually provided at different positions with respect to the document conveying path, There is known a configuration in which images on both sides of a document can be read in parallel (simultaneously) line by line by each reading sensor at each reading timing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Image data representing an image read by each reading sensor (for example, raster data for each line) is output (transferred) to an information processing apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), and the information processing apparatus appropriately It is processed. Here, as a method for transferring raster data from a scanner to a PC or the like, for example, the following two methods are known.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, for each original, raster data of the back surface (even-numbered pages) that is first read is temporarily stored in the memory of the scanner body, and the front surface (odd-numbered pages) is stored. ) Is sequentially transferred to the PC every time the raster data is read, and when the front side reading / transfer is completed, the raster data on the back side is read from the memory and transferred to the PC (hereinafter referred to as “Transfer Method A”). ”).

  Specifically, during the time t2 to t5 when the first page (front surface of the first document) is read and raster data transfer is performed on the front surface reading sensor side, the back surface reading sensor side first starts at time t1. Reading of the second page (back side of the first original) and raster data storage in the memory are completed at time t3, and reading of the fourth page (back side of the second original) and raster data to the memory are continued. Accumulation is started (time t4). Then, after completion of reading / transfer of the first page, raster data of the second page in the memory is transferred (time t6).

  As shown in FIG. 10B, another transfer method is a method in which raster data is sequentially transferred to a PC every time an image is read by each reading sensor regardless of the page order (hereinafter, “ Also referred to as “transfer method B”). That is, while only reading the second page, the raster data of the second page is transferred at any time, and when the reading of the first page is started thereafter, the raster data of the double-sided images are sequentially transferred in parallel ( Alternately)

  In the transfer data 100 transferred by this transfer method B, as shown in FIG. 10C, a data header 101 storing information about the entire transfer data 100 is added to the raster data block 102 storing the raster data. Data structure.

JP 2005-72761 A

  However, in the transfer method A, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, until the data transfer of the first page (the front side of the first original) is completed, the second page (the back side of the first original). It is necessary to store the raster data of about half of all and the fourth page (the back side of the second original) in the memory.

  For this reason, in particular, in a multi-function peripheral having various functions in addition to the scan function, the memory is used for a plurality of functions, and thus there may be a case where a sufficient memory capacity for storing raster data cannot be secured. As a way to reduce memory consumption, it may be possible not to start reading the next document until data transfer between the front and back sides of the document that has been transported and scanned first is completed. Then, since a plurality of documents cannot be continuously conveyed / read, the time required for reading becomes longer as a whole.

  Further, in the transfer method B, although the memory consumption is suppressed, for each transfer data 100, as shown in FIG. 10C, as the data header 101, “data information” (basic information regarding the transfer data 100) In addition to the total size of the transfer data 100, for example, it is necessary to add “surface information” for distinguishing whether the raster data to be transferred is the front or back data of the document. As a result, the amount of data increases and the time required for data transfer increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image reading apparatus capable of simultaneously reading images on both sides of a document, data transfer can be performed in a short time while suppressing the amount of memory used for image reading and data transfer. The purpose is to do so. It is another object of the present invention to allow a computer to appropriately process data transferred from the image reading apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is provided along a transporting means for transporting a document and a transport path of a document transported by the transporting means, and one of the transported documents. A first reading unit that reads an image of a surface line by line at a predetermined reading timing and a second reading that is provided along the conveyance path and reads an image of the other surface of the conveyed document line by line at a reading timing. A first image representing an image read by the first reading means for each output reference reading operation, with a reading operation by each reading means at one or a predetermined number of reading timings as an output reference reading operation. Image data combining means for combining data and second image data representing an image read by the second reading means, and an output object which is image data combined by the image data combining means Data information adding means for adding data information, which is information related to the output target image data, to the image data and output target image data to which the data information is added by the data information adding means can be communicated via a communication line. Output means for outputting to a simple information processing apparatus.

  In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, for each output reference reading operation, the first image data and the second image data read by the output reference reading operation are combined into one data (output target image data). Data information is added and output to the information processing apparatus.

  Therefore, according to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, the image data of the other side is stored in the memory for one page (or more) until the output of the image data of the one side is completed as in the prior art. It is not necessary to save the memory, and the consumption of memory required for a series of processes from image reading to output can be suppressed. In addition, since data information is added to the combined output target image data, the amount of data output to the information processing apparatus can be reduced, and the entire image data can be output to the information processing apparatus in a short time. Can be done.

  Next, the invention according to claim 2 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image read in the output reference reading operation is an image on either one side or the other side of the document. The image data combining unit does not perform the above combination, and the data information adding unit sets the image data of the read image as output target image data, and outputs data information to the output target image data. Append.

  According to the image reading apparatus according to claim 2 configured as described above, each of the images on both the front and back sides of the document is read, or only the image on one side is read, respectively. Image data processing (processing for output to the information processing apparatus) can be performed appropriately and efficiently.

  Next, the invention according to claim 3 is the image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the first image data and the second image data in the output target image data are used as the data information. It has identification information necessary for identification.

  According to the image reading apparatus according to claim 3 configured as described above, in the information processing apparatus that receives and processes the output target image data output from the image reading apparatus, the output target image data is added to the output target image data. The image data included in the output target image data can be appropriately identified based on the data information (identification information).

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the image reading apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the identification information includes a first indicating whether or not the output target image data includes the first image data. At least one of presence / absence information and second presence / absence information indicating whether or not the second image data is included in the output target image data is included.

  According to the image reading apparatus according to claim 4 configured as described above, in the information processing apparatus that receives and processes the output target image data output from the image reading apparatus, the received output target image data It is possible to reliably determine which side of the image data is included, and based on this, the image data can be identified more appropriately.

  Next, the invention according to claim 5 is the image reading apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the identification information includes a delimiter between the first image data and the second image data in the output target image data. Information indicating the position is included.

  According to the image reading apparatus according to claim 5 configured as described above, in the information processing apparatus that receives and processes the output target image data output from the image reading apparatus, the first of the received output target image data The image data and the second image data can be reliably distinguished (identified).

  In particular, even when the data amounts of the first image data and the second image data are different, such as when originals of different sizes are read by the first reading unit and the second reading unit, for example, Regardless of the difference in the amount of data, the two can be reliably distinguished.

  Next, the invention according to claim 6 is the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising compression means for compressing output target image data, and data information adding means. Adds data information to the output target image data compressed by the compression means.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the sixth aspect configured as described above, the amount of data output to the information processing apparatus can be further reduced, and the image data output to the information processing apparatus can be performed in a shorter time. Is possible.

  Next, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the image data on one side of the original or the image on the other side inputted from an image reading apparatus capable of simultaneously reading the images on both sides of the original at every predetermined reading timing. A program for processing input data in which data information, which is information related to image data, is added to one image data obtained by combining data or image data of both surfaces, the computer comprising: Based on the data information included in the input data, image data determination means for determining which side of the original image data is included in the input data, and according to the determination result by the image data determination means, This is a program for functioning as image data storage means for storing image data separately for each surface of a document.

  Based on the data information added to the image data (output target image data) output from the image reading device by causing the computer to execute the program according to claim 7 configured as described above. Thus, the first image data and the second image data can be appropriately distinguished and stored.

It is a block showing the schematic structure of the image processing system of embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a document conveyance process and a reading process. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an overview of a data processing process until read image data is transferred to a PC in an MFP. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the transfer data from MFP to PC, (a) shows the outline of the data structure of transfer data, (b) shows the detail of data information (data header). It is explanatory drawing showing the time-sequential flow of the transfer data from MFP to PC. 5 is a flowchart showing a reading control process executed in the MFP. 7 is a flowchart showing details of processing of S190 and S200 in the reading control processing of FIG. 6. It is a flowchart showing the image data reception control process performed with PC. It is a flowchart showing the detail of the process of S560, S580, and S600 in the image data reception control process of FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the conventional image data transfer, (a) shows the change of the transfer timing and memory storage data during image reading, (b) shows the time-sequential flow of transfer data, c) shows an outline of the data structure of the transfer data.

(1) Configuration of Image Processing System FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image processing system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing system of this embodiment is configured such that an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 1 and a PC 2 are connected so as to be capable of data communication with each other.

  The MFP 1 is a multifunction device having a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and the like. The control unit 11 that controls each unit in the MFP 1 to realize the various functions, a scanner unit 12 that reads an image of a document, A non-volatile memory area in which various programs including a printer unit 13 that prints an image read by the scanner unit 12 or an image input from the outside on a sheet or the like, and a program of a reading control process (see FIG. 6) described later are stored. And a storage unit 14 having a volatile memory area for temporarily storing various data, an operation unit 15 for receiving various input operations by the user, a display unit 16 for displaying the operation state and setting contents of the MFP 1, and a communication line Communication interface for data communication with external devices etc. via LAN (Local Area Network) That includes and LAN communication unit 17, PC2 is connected to enable data communication via the LAN communication unit 17.

  The scanner unit 12 includes a front side reading sensor 31 that reads an image on the front side of a document, a back side reading sensor 32 that reads an image on the back side of the document, an automatic document feeder (ADF; 33) that conveys a document to be read, A first detection sensor 34 and a second detection sensor 35 for detecting a document conveyed by the ADF 33, and a document presence / absence sensor for detecting the presence / absence of a document on an ADF document table 41 (see FIG. 2 described later) on which the document is placed. 36 etc. are provided.

  The PC 2 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a hard disk device (HDD) 24, a display unit 25 such as an LCD, an input unit 26 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a LAN communication unit 27. The HDD 24 stores various programs including a program for image data reception control processing (see FIG. 8) described later.

(2) Overview of Scan Function Next, the scan function among the various functions of the MFP 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the document conveyance process and the reading process in the MFP 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the MFP 1 is provided with an FB (flat bed) document table 38 on the upper surface of the main body 30, and a document table cover 40 covering the FB document table 38 is a frame portion of the FB document table 38. It can be opened and closed (rotated).

  Of the sensors 31, 32, 34 to 36 constituting the scanner unit 12 (see FIG. 1), the surface reading sensor 31 is provided below the FB document table 38 in the main body 30. On the other hand, the other sensors 32, 34 to 36 are provided in the document table cover 40 together with the ADF 33. Further, the document table cover 40 is provided with an ADF document table 41 for placing a document to be read conveyed by the ADF 33. The ADF document table 41 is provided with the document presence sensor 36 described above.

  Further, the MFP 1 has an FB reading function for reading a document placed in a stationary state on the FB document table 38 and an ADF reading function for reading the document while being automatically conveyed by the ADF 33 as a scanning function. Further, as the ADF reading function, there is a double-sided reading function that reads images on both sides of the document by the reading sensors 31 and 32 in parallel. Hereinafter, the double-sided reading function will be described in detail together with a specific configuration in the document table cover 40.

  A document placed on the document table 41 for ADF in the document table cover 40 is subjected to a predetermined double-sided scan (double-sided reading) instruction operation by the user at the operation unit 15 of the MFP 1 or the input unit 26 of the PC 2. The sheets are sequentially conveyed one by one by the ADF 33.

  Both the front side reading sensor 31 and the back side reading sensor 32 are positioned along the original conveyance path 42 such that the front side reading sensor 31 is separated from the rear side reading sensor 32 by a predetermined conveyance distance downstream in the original conveyance direction. It is provided as follows.

  The first detection sensor 34 and the second detection sensor 35 are also provided along the document transport path 42. Of these, the first detection sensor 34 is provided in the vicinity of the back surface reading sensor 32 and upstream of the back surface reading sensor 32 in the transport direction, and the second detection sensor 35 is in the vicinity of the front surface reading sensor 31. It is provided upstream of the surface reading sensor 31 in the transport direction.

  Each of the detection sensors 34 and 35 detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document conveyed by the ADF 33. Then, based on the detection result by the first detection sensor 34, the positional relationship between the image reading position by the back surface reading sensor 32 (hereinafter also referred to as “back surface reading position”) and the document is determined, and the detection result by the second detection sensor 35. Based on the above, the positional relationship between the image reading position by the surface reading sensor 31 (hereinafter also referred to as “surface reading position”) and the document is determined.

  In the MFP 1 configured as described above, when the double-sided scan is executed, first, the conveyance of the first document 50 is started, and when the leading end reaches the back side reading position, the back side sensor 52 reads the back side 52. It is started (FIG. 2 (a)). Thereafter, when the original 50 reaches the front surface reading position, the front surface reading sensor 31 starts reading the front surface 51 (FIG. 2B). When the first document 50 is sent from the ADF document table 41, the conveyance of the second document 60 is started (FIG. 2B), and the two-side document 60 is used for the ADF. When the document is sent out from the document table 41, the conveyance of the third document 70 is started (FIG. 2D).

  Therefore, when the process further proceeds from the state of FIG. 2B, the front side 51 of the first original 50 is read by the front side reading sensor 31 and the second original is read by the back side reading sensor 32 as shown in FIG. When the process proceeds further, the front surface 61 and the back surface 62 of the second document 60 are respectively read as shown in FIG. 2D.

  In the double-sided reading function of the present embodiment, the reading of the document surface by the front surface reading sensor 31 and the reading of the back surface of the document by the back surface reading sensor 32 are performed one line at a predetermined reading timing. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, the back side and the front side of the document face both the back side reading position and the front side reading position, respectively, or the front side reading position as shown in FIG. When there is a document at both of the reading positions, such as when the front surface 51 of the document 50 conveyed first is opposed and the back surface 62 of the next document 60 is opposed to the back surface reading position. In other words, the front and back images are simultaneously read in parallel at every reading timing.

(3) Data Transfer from MFP to PC Next, transfer of image data (raster data) read by the scanner unit 12 of the MFP 1 to the PC 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3, when a double-sided scan for one line is performed at the same reading timing, it is read by the surface raster data that is the raster data of the image read by the front surface reading sensor 31 and the back surface reading sensor 32. Back surface raster data which is raster data of the obtained image is obtained.

  The MFP 1 combines the two raster data so that the back surface raster data follows the front surface raster data, thereby forming one raster data as a whole, and the combined raster data by a predetermined compression method. Compress. Then, data information (data header) is added to the compressed raster data and transferred to the PC 2. As a raster data compression method, various methods such as a ZIP compression method and a JPEG compression method are conceivable.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the data transferred to the PC 2 has a data structure in which a data header 81 storing data information is added to a raster data block 82 storing raster data. The raster data block 82 includes a front surface data block 82a for storing front surface (odd page) raster data and a back surface data block 82b for storing back surface (even page) raster data. However, when only one of the front side and the back side is being read, the raster data block 82 includes only one of the front side data block 82a and the back side data block 82b.

The data header 81 stores various types of information related to the entire transfer data including the raster data to be transferred as shown in FIG.
Of these, the data size is information indicating the total size of transfer data including data information (data header 81), and an information amount of 2 bytes is allocated.

  The surface data present flag is 1-bit information indicating whether or not surface raster data is included in the raster data block 82. When the surface data present flag is set (that is, the bit value is 1; H level), it indicates that the surface raster data is included, and the surface data present flag is lowered (that is, the bit value is 0). ; L level) indicates that the surface raster data is not included. The back side data presence flag is 1-bit information set for the back side raster data with the same purpose and procedure as the above-mentioned front side data presence flag, and indicates whether or not the back side raster data is included in the raster data block 82. It is shown.

  The surface data end flag is 1-bit information indicating whether or not the surface raster data in the surface data block 82a is the last line of the currently read page (surface). When this surface data end flag is set, it indicates that the surface raster data read this time is the last line of the currently read page (front surface). Indicates that it is not a line. The back side data end flag is 1-bit information set for the back side raster data with the same purpose and procedure as the front side data end flag. The back side raster data in the back side data block 82b is currently being read (back side). It is shown whether it is the last line.

When there is no front raster data, the front data end flag is lowered, and when there is no back raster data, the front data end flag is lowered.
The front / back separation position is 2-byte information indicating a separation position between the front surface raster data and the back surface raster data in the raster data block 82 (a separation position between the front surface data block 82a and the back surface data block 82b). Specifically, the same value as the data width (number of pixels) of the surface raster data is set. Other information includes, for example, the order of RGB in raster data, a raster data compression method, and the like.

  FIG. 5 shows a time-series change in data transferred to the PC 2 when the MFP 1 performs double-sided reading of a plurality of documents. After starting the conveyance of the original, first, reading of the second page (the reverse side of the first original) by the back side reading sensor 32 is started. As a result, the read back surface raster data of one line is compressed at each reading timing, and the data information (data header 81) is added to the back surface raster data (back surface data block 82b) after the compression, and transferred to the PC 2. Is done. Note that the numbers in parentheses in each of the data blocks 82a and 82b in FIG. 5 indicate the page number (number of pages) of the document.

  Then, when the conveyance of the original advances and the reading of the first page (the surface of the first original) by the front surface reading sensor 31 is started, the images on both sides of the original are simultaneously read. In this case, the read surface raster data and back surface raster data are combined and compressed at each reading timing, and data information (data header 81) is included in the raster data of the front and back surfaces after the combination and compression. It is added and transferred to PC2.

  In this way, when reading is simultaneously performed by both of the reading sensors 31 and 32, the raster data of the front and back surfaces read by both are combined and compressed to obtain data information (data header 81). Is added and transferred to the PC 2. Further, when reading is performed by any one of the reading sensors, the raster data of the one surface being read is compressed, and data information (data header 81) is added and transferred to the PC 2.

(4) Reading Control Process Performed by MFP Next, a reading control process executed by the MFP 1 for performing double-sided reading of a document by the double-sided reading function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a reading control process executed by the control unit 11 of the MFP 1. This reading control process is executed together with document conveyance by the ADF 33 when a predetermined double-sided scan instruction operation is performed by the user.

  When starting the reading control process, the control unit 11 first determines in S110 whether reading of all pages of the document has been completed. Specifically, if none of the document presence / absence sensor 36, the first detection sensor 34, and the second detection sensor 35 has detected a document, it is determined that all pages have been read, and the process proceeds to S300, where PC2 The end code is transferred to and the reading control process is terminated. On the other hand, if any one of the sensors 34 to 36 has detected a document, it is determined that reading of all pages has not been completed, and the process proceeds to S120.

  In S120, it is determined whether or not both the front and back sides of the document are at the reading position, that is, whether or not the front side is at the front side reading position and the back side is at the back side reading position. Proceed to In this case, since both lines of the document are read simultaneously at the reading timing, raster data of the read images on both sides, that is, front side raster data and back side raster data (both for one line) are read in S130. To get.

  Specifically, in the determination in S120, for the surface of the document, the transport amount of the document after the leading edge of the document is detected by the second detection sensor 35 is a predetermined amount or more, and the second The determination is made based on whether or not the transport amount of the document after the trailing edge of the document is detected by the detection sensor 35 has yet reached the predetermined amount. The predetermined amount here is an amount by which the document is conveyed from the detection position by the second detection sensor 35 to the surface reading position by the surface reading sensor 31. The same applies to the determination in S140 described later.

  The same applies to the back side of the document. The amount of transport of the document is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount as the leading edge of the document is detected by the first detection sensor 34, and the trailing edge of the document is scanned by the first detection sensor 34. Judgment is made based on whether or not the transport amount of the document after the detection of has reached the predetermined amount. The same applies to the determination in S160 described later.

  If it is not determined in S120 that both the front and back surfaces of the document are at the reading position, the process proceeds to S140, where it is determined whether only the front surface of the document is at the reading position (front surface reading position). If YES, the process proceeds to S150. In this case, since the back side of the document is not read at the reading timing and only one line is read, in S150, the read surface raster data (for one line) is acquired.

  If it is not determined in S140 that only the front side of the document is in the front side reading position, the process proceeds to S160, where it is determined whether only the back side of the original is in the reading position (back side reading position). If so, the process proceeds to S170. In this case, the front side of the document is not read at the reading timing, and only one line of the back side is read. Therefore, in S170, the read back side raster data (for one line) is acquired.

  If it is not determined in S160 that only the back side of the document is at the reading position, the reading sensors 31 and 32 do not detect the document, but it is expected that the document still remains, and the process returns to S110. .

  After the raster data is acquired in S130, S150, or S170, the data header is cleared in S180, and the process proceeds to the front surface data flag setting process in S190 and the back surface data flag setting process in S200.

  The surface data flag setting process in S190 is as shown in detail in FIG. 7A. First, in S310, it is determined whether or not the surface raster data has been acquired, and the surface raster data in S130 or S150 above. If acquired, the process proceeds to S320, and if not acquired, the process proceeds to S370.

  In S320, a surface data presence flag is set in the data header 81 (data information). In S330, whether or not the raster data of the last line of the surface has been acquired, that is, the surface raster data acquired in S130 or S150 is the surface of the document currently being read by the surface reading sensor 31 (odd page). It is determined whether or not it is raster data of the last line. Specifically, the determination in S330 is made based on the amount of document transport after the second detection sensor 35 detects the trailing edge of the document.

  If it is not the last line, the surface data end flag in the data header 81 is lowered in S350 and the process proceeds to S360. If it is the last line, the surface data end flag is set in S340 and the process proceeds to S360. In S360, the width (number of pixels) of the acquired surface raster data is inserted as the front / back separation position in the data header 81.

  On the other hand, since the surface raster data is not acquired in S370, the surface data end flag in the data header 81 is cleared, and in S380, zero is inserted as the front / back separation position in the data information.

  Next, the back surface data flag setting process in S200 is as shown in detail in FIG. 7B. First, in S410, it is determined whether back surface raster data has been acquired, and in S130 or S170 above. If back side raster data has been acquired, the process proceeds to S420, and if not, the process proceeds to S460.

  In S420, the back side data existence flag in the data header 81 is set. Then, in the subsequent S430, whether or not the raster data of the last line on the back side has been acquired, that is, the back side raster data acquired in S130 or S170 is the back side of the document currently being read by the back side reading sensor 32 (even page). It is determined whether or not it is raster data of the last line. Specifically, the determination in S430 is made based on the amount of document transport after the first detection sensor 34 detects the trailing edge of the document.

  If it is not the last line, the back data end flag in the data header 81 is lowered in S450, and if it is the last line, the back data end flag is set in S440.

On the other hand, in S460, since the back raster data is not acquired, the back data end flag in the data header 81 is lowered.
When the back surface data flag setting process in S200 is completed in this way, it is determined in S210 whether or not both front surface raster data and back surface raster data have been acquired. If the two-sided raster data is acquired in the previous S130, the acquired front surface raster data and back surface raster data are combined in S220, and the combined raster data is subjected to predetermined compression in S230. After compression by the method, the process proceeds to S270.

  If the raster data on both sides is not acquired in S210, it is determined in S240 whether raster data is acquired only on the surface of the document. If only the surface raster data has been acquired in the previous S150, the acquired surface raster data is compressed by a predetermined compression method in S250, and the process proceeds to S270. On the other hand, if only the back raster data has been acquired in the previous S170, the acquired back raster data is compressed by a predetermined compression method in S260, and the process proceeds to S270.

  In S270, the entire data size after compression (the total size of the transfer data including the data header 81) is inserted into the data header 81. In subsequent S280, various information such as the RGB order and the compression method are inserted into the data header 81. ("Other information" in FIG. 4B) is inserted.

In S290, the entire transfer data, that is, transfer data in which the data header 81 is added to the raster data block 82 is transferred to the PC 2, and the process returns to S110 again.
(5) Image Data Reception Control Process Performed by PC Next, the image data reception control process performed by the PC 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an image data reception control process executed by the PC 2. This image data reception control process is performed when a predetermined scan instruction operation is performed on the PC 2 by the user or when a predetermined scan instruction operation is performed on the MFP 1 by the user and a message to that effect is transmitted from the MFP 1 to the PC 2. Executed.

  When the image data reception control process is started, first, in S510, “1” is set as the odd page number Po and “2” is set as the even page number Pe. In step S520, the data transferred from the MFP 1 is acquired.

  In the PC 2, every time data is received from the MFP 1, the received transfer data is temporarily stored in the RAM 22. Therefore, in S520, the data stored first in the data stored in the RAM 22 is acquired. The data received from the MFP 1 includes an end code as well as transfer data including raster data.

  In S530, it is determined whether the data acquired in S520 is an end code. If it is an end code, the image data reception control process is terminated as it is. If it is not an end code, it is transfer data including raster data, so in S540, the raster included in the transfer data is stored. Data (ie, compressed raster data) is decompressed to obtain the original (uncompressed) raster data.

  In subsequent S550, based on the data information (data header 81), it is determined whether or not the front surface data presence flag and the rear surface data presence flag are standing together. If both are standing, the two-sided image storage process of S560 is performed and the process returns to S520 again. If not standing, the process proceeds to S570.

  In S570, it is determined whether or not the surface data presence flag is set. Then, if the surface data present flag is set, the surface image storage process of S580 is performed and the process returns to S520 again. If not, the process proceeds to S590.

  In S590, it is determined whether the back data presence flag is set. If the back side data present flag is set, the back side image storage process of S600 is performed and the process returns to S520 again. If not, the predetermined error process is performed in S610, and this is shown in FIG. The data reception control process ends.

Details of the double-sided image storage processing in S560, the front-surface image storage processing in S580, and the back-side image storage processing in S600 are as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, respectively.
Among these, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the double-sided image saving process, first, in S710, it is determined whether the image data of the Po page is being saved. If already saved, the process proceeds to S730. If the image is not yet stored, image data storage start processing for Po page (initial setting such as preparation for writing to the RAM 22) is performed in S720, and the process proceeds to S730.

  In S730, the data (surface raster data) before the front / back separation position set in the data header 81 in the raster data (raster data block 82) decompressed in S540 (see FIG. 8) is It is additionally saved in the image data of the Po page being saved.

  In S740, it is determined whether or not the surface data end flag set in the data header 81 is set. If not, the process proceeds to S770. On the other hand, when the surface data end flag is set, this means that the surface raster data additionally stored this time is the raster data of the last line of the current page (Po page), and therefore the image data of the Po page in S750. In step S760, the current odd page number Po is incremented by 2, and the process proceeds to step S770.

  In S770, it is determined whether or not the image data of the Pe page is being saved. If it is already saved, the process proceeds to S790. If it is not saved yet, the image data of the Pe page is started to be saved (S780). (Initial setting such as preparation for writing to the RAM 22) is performed, and the process proceeds to S790.

  In S790, the data after the front / back separation position set in the data header 81 in the raster data (raster data block 82) decompressed in S540 (that is, the back raster data) is currently being saved. It is additionally stored in the image data of the Pe page.

  Then, in S800, it is determined whether or not the back data end flag set in the data header 81 is set. If not, the process returns to S520 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the back side data end flag is set, this means that the back side raster data added and saved this time is the raster data of the last line of the current page (Pe page), and therefore the image data of the Pe page in S810. In step S820, the current even page number Pe is incremented by 2, and the process returns to step S520 (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the surface image storage process (FIG. 8; S580) is the process of S910 to S960 shown in FIG. 9B, and as apparent from the comparison with FIG. 9A, the process of S930 (FIG. The process is the same as the process of S710 to S760 in the double-sided image storage process of FIG.

  In the double-sided image storage process of FIG. 9A, since both front and back raster data are present, data (surface raster data) before the front / back separation position is additionally stored in S730. In the case of the front surface image storing process of FIG. 9B, the raster data block 82 contains only the front surface raster data and no back surface raster data. Therefore, in S930 in the surface image storage process, the raster data (that is, the surface raster data) decompressed in S540 (see FIG. 8) is additionally stored in the Po page image data currently stored.

  Next, the back side image storage process (FIG. 8; S600) is the process of S1010 to S1060 shown in FIG. 9C, and as is clear compared with FIG. 9A, the process of S1030 (FIG. The processing is the same as the processing in S770 to S820 in the double-sided image storage processing in FIG.

  In the case of the back side image storage process of FIG. 9C, the raster data block 82 contains only the back side raster data and no front side raster data. Therefore, in S1030 in the back surface image storage process, the raster data (that is, back surface raster data) decompressed in S540 (see FIG. 8) is additionally stored in the Pe page image data currently stored.

(6) Effects of First Embodiment As described above, in the image processing system according to the present embodiment, when image reading is simultaneously performed by both the front surface reading sensor 31 and the back surface reading sensor 32, they are simultaneously read. The raster data for one line is combined and transferred to the PC 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to store the image data of the other side in the memory for one page (or more) until the output of the image data of one side is completed as in the prior art, and the process is from reading the image to outputting it. The consumption of memory (storage unit 14) necessary for a series of processes can be suppressed.

  In addition, a data header is not added to the raster data on each of the front and back surfaces, but one data header 81 is added to the combined raster data, so the amount of data transferred to the PC 2 can be reduced. As a whole, the image data can be transferred to the PC 2 in a short time.

  Further, since the raster data of the read image is not transferred to the PC 2 with the data amount as it is, but is compressed by a predetermined compression method and transferred to the PC 2, the amount of data transferred to the PC 2 is further increased. Therefore, the image data can be transferred to the PC 2 in a shorter time.

  When only one of the front side reading sensor 31 and the back side reading sensor 32 is reading an image, the raster data of the one side read is compressed and transferred to the PC 2. In this case, the data block corresponding to the surface that has not been read is omitted from the raster data block 82, and only the data block corresponding to the read surface is transferred as the raster data block 82. Therefore, raster data processing (processing for transfer to the PC 2) is performed appropriately and efficiently depending on whether both the front and back images of the document have been read or only the image on either side has been read. )It can be performed.

  In addition, since the data information including the various information shown in FIG. 4B is added to the transfer data as the data header 81, the PC 2 receives various data in the data header 81 for the transfer data from the MFP 1. Based on the data information, the received data can be appropriately processed.

  Specifically, since the front data presence flag and the back surface data presence flag are set as the data information, the presence / absence of the front surface raster data and the back surface raster data can be determined and identified appropriately and reliably based on these flags.

  That is, during execution of double-sided scanning, depending on the timing, only reading of the front side of the document by the front side reading sensor 31, reading of the back side of the original by the back side reading sensor 32, or simultaneous reading of the front and back sides Depending on these, the raster data transferred to the PC 2 may be only one or both of the front and back sides. Therefore, if the raster data is simply transferred, the PC 2 does not know whether the received raster data is the front side, the back side, or both sides. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by setting each flag as data information, the PC 2 can easily and reliably determine whether the received raster data is front, back, or both sides.

  Further, since the front / back separation position is also set as the data information, it is possible to reliably distinguish (identify) the front surface raster data and the back surface raster data in the received transfer data.

  In particular, for example, when different-size originals are mixed and the front-side reading sensor 32 and the back-side reading sensor 32 read different-size originals, the front-side raster data and the rear-side raster data Even if the data amount is different, the PC 2 can reliably distinguish between the two based on the front / back separation position regardless of the difference in the data amount.

  In the present embodiment, the ADF 33 corresponds to the conveying means of the present invention, the data information (data header 81) corresponds to the identification information of the present invention, and the front surface reading sensor 31 and the back surface reading sensor 32 are the first of the present invention. The “front surface data present flag” and the “back surface data present flag” as data information correspond to the first presence information and the second presence information, respectively, as data information. “Front / back separation position” corresponds to information indicating the separation position of the present invention. Further, the reading operation of one line for each reading timing by the reading sensors 31 and 32 corresponds to the output reference reading operation of the present invention.

  In the reading control process of FIG. 6, the process of S220 corresponds to the process executed by the image data combining unit of the present invention, and the processes of S230, S250, and S260 correspond to the process executed by the compression unit of the present invention. , S270 and S280 correspond to the process executed by the data information adding means of the present invention, and the process of S290 corresponds to the process executed by the output means of the present invention.

  In the image data reception control process of FIG. 8, the processes of S550, S570, and S590 correspond to the processes executed by the image data judging means of the present invention, and the processes of S560, S580, and S600 are the image data of the present invention. This corresponds to the processing executed by the storage means.

[Modification]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, when the read one-line image is pure white (single color), the data information (data header 81) includes, for example, information such as “surface data present and true white” flag and “back surface data present and true white” flag. The raster data itself may not be transferred. This makes it possible to further reduce the amount of transfer data when the read image is pure white (single color).

  Alternatively, the flag is the same as that in the above embodiment (FIG. 4B) without setting the “front surface data and white” flag or the “back surface data and white” flag. If the read image is pure white (single color), the raster data may simply be set to zero (not transferred). Even just doing this, the PC 2 can determine whether or not a pure white (single color) image has been read.

  In the above embodiment, the read raster data is transferred to the PC 2 at every reading timing (ie, every line). However, raster data for a plurality of lines read at a plurality of continuous reading timings are transferred. As an output reference, a plurality of lines may be collectively transferred to the PC 2 as one transfer data for each output reference.

  For example, when raster data for three lines read at three consecutive reading timings is used as an output reference, the PC 2 stores the raster data for the nth line on the surface and the n + 1th line on the surface for each transfer. Raster data of the n + 2 line on the front surface, raster data on the m line on the back surface, raster data on the m + 1 line on the back surface, and raster data on the m + 2 line on the back surface are combined in this order, The compressed one is transferred.

  In the above embodiment, the first detection sensor 34 and the second detection sensor 35 are provided as sensors for detecting the conveyed document. However, this is merely an example, and more Alternatively, it may be one. In the case where one detection sensor is provided, based on the document conveyance amount after the leading edge of the document is detected by the single detection sensor and the document conveyance amount after the trailing edge of the document is detected, It is advisable to determine the reading start / end timing for each of the front and back sides.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which a LAN is used as a communication line between the MFP 1 and the PC 2 is shown. However, this is only an example, and a wired communication line other than the LAN may be used. Any communication line may be used as long as they can perform data communication with each other.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when reading both sides of a document, an example of a type in which reading is started first from the back side of the document and then reading of the front side is described as an example, but this is also an example only. On the contrary, it may be of a type that first reads from the surface of the document.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... MFP, 2 ... PC, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Scanner part, 13 ... Printer part, 14 ... Memory | storage part, 15 ... Operation part, 16, 25 ... Display unit, 17, 27 ... LAN communication unit, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... RAM, 23 ... ROM, 24 ... HDD, 26 ... Input unit, 30. ..Main body, 31... Front side reading sensor, 32 .. back side reading sensor, 33... ADF, 34... First detection sensor, 35. Sensors 38... FB document table 40... Document table cover 41... ADF document table 42... Transport path 50, 60, 70. ... Front side, 52, 62, 72 ... Back side, 81, 101 ... Data header, 82, 102 ... Star data blocks, 82a ... surface data blocks, 82b ... rear face data block, 100 ... transfer data

Claims (7)

Conveying means for conveying an original;
A first reading unit that is provided along a conveyance path of the document conveyed by the conveyance unit, and that reads an image on one side of the conveyed document line by line at a predetermined reading timing;
A second reading unit that is provided along the conveyance path and reads an image of the other side of the conveyed document one line at each reading timing;
A first image representing an image read by the first reading unit for each output reference reading operation, with the reading operation by each reading unit at one or a predetermined number of the reading timings being an output reference reading operation. Image data combining means for combining data and second image data representing an image read by the second reading means;
Data information adding means for adding data information that is information related to the output target image data to the output target image data that is the image data combined by the image data combining means;
Output means for outputting the output target image data to which the data information has been added by the data information adding means to an information processing apparatus capable of communicating via a communication line;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
When the image read in the output reference reading operation is only one image of the one side or the other side of the document, the image data combining unit does not perform the combining and the data The information adding means adds the data information to the output target image data using the image data of the read image as output target image data. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image reading apparatus characterized by having at least identification information necessary for identifying the first image data and the second image data in the output target image data as the data information. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3,
The identification information includes first presence / absence information indicating whether or not the first image data is included in the output target image data, and whether or not the second image data is included in the output target image data. An image reading apparatus comprising: at least one of second presence / absence information indicating: The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
The image reading apparatus, wherein the identification information includes information indicating a separation position between the first image data and the second image data in the output target image data. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Compression means for compressing the output target image data;
The image reading apparatus, wherein the data information adding unit adds the data information to the output target image data compressed by the compression unit. The image data of one side of the original, the image data of the other side, or the image data of both sides, which are input from an image reading apparatus capable of simultaneously reading images on both sides of the original at every predetermined reading timing, are combined. A program for processing, on a computer, input data in which data information that is information about the image data is added to one image data,
The computer,
Image data determining means for determining which side of the original image data is included in the input data based on the data information included in the input data;
Image data storage means for distinguishing and storing the image data included in the input data for each surface of the document according to the determination result by the image data determination means;
Program to function as.