Method for reading sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets

A method is provided for reading sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets and dividing the manuscript group into manuscript data. The manuscript group made of the plural sheets is read sequentially to produce reading data. Each reading data of the sheet produced at the reading step is analyzed and judged on whether or not the sheet is added with a predetermined mark. The manuscript group data is divided by the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark into plural manuscript data in a case where the sheet is judged as being added with the predetermined mark at the judging step. Thereafter, each of the manuscript data including the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark in a storing region is collectively stored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method for reading image that reads manuscript and memorizes image data of the manuscript.

2. Description of Related Art

Previously, in an image reading apparatus which reads manuscript and transmits image data to a data receiving device, when transmitting the read image data, transmits image data of plural manuscripts loaded on automatic original transmitting device as one file. Moreover, the technology to set each single page of plural manuscripts loaded on automatic manuscript transmitting device as one file and to transmit respective files, is published (see, e.g. Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No 2003-333264).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, an image reading method reads sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets and divides the manuscript group into manuscript data, and comprises the steps of reading sequentially the manuscript group made of the plural sheets to produce reading data, analyzing each reading data of the sheet produced at the reading step and judging whether or not the sheet is added with a predetermined mark, and dividing the manuscript group data by the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark into plural manuscript data in a case where the sheet is judged as being added with the predetermined mark at the judging step, and thereafter, storing collectively each of the manuscript data including the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark in a storing region. Further, according to another aspect of the invention, an image reading method reads sequentially plural sets of manuscripts as a manuscript group, and comprises the steps of reading sequentially the manuscript group, judging each set of the manuscript included in the manuscript group read at the reading step, and storing reading data of each set of the manuscript judged at the judging step. Moreover, according to another aspect of the invention, an image reading method reads sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets and divides the manuscript group into manuscript data comprises the steps of reading sequentially the manuscript group made of the plural sheets to produce reading data, analyzing each reading data of the sheet produced at the reading step and judging whether or not the sheet is added with a predetermined mark, and dividing the manuscript group data by the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark into plural manuscript data in a case where the sheet is judged as being added with the predetermined mark at the judging step, and thereafter, storing collectively each of the manuscript data excluding the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark in a storing region.

The above and other objects and features of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the drawings.

An image reading apparatus in embodiment 1, when using a flatbed scanning portion to transmit plural manuscripts in each single document, a header sheet in which manuscript sort and manuscript content information are described is inserted in front of each document, therefore, each manuscript is composed of header sheet (front sheet) and document sheet/sheets in pairs. The image reading apparatus identifies the header sheet, obtains the manuscript sort and the manuscript content information from the header sheet, and performs following process so as to make file per manuscript on the basis of the obtained information. To achieve the above purpose, the image reading apparatus of embodiment 1 is structured as below. In the following explanation, manuscript is formed from header sheet and a group of document sheets (or a single sheet) in pairs that contains collective content. Manuscript group is formed from plural manuscripts that gather together.

FIG. 1is an outside view diagram of an image reading apparatus.

In the following explanation, an image reading apparatus refers to Multi Function Peripheral (MFP) which has multi functions as a scanner, a copy machine, a printer, a fax machine, etc. Moreover, in order to enable theFIG. 1to be used in common in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, in the following explanation, some compositions needed for embodiment 2 also will be described.

As shown byFIG. 1, an image reading apparatus1comprises a reading section (scanner)13and a printing section (printer)14. The image reading apparatus1further comprises an operating section11which has various input keys11aand receives input of various instructions and data of word and number based on operation of user and displayer12which performs display of instruction menu with respect to user and information relative to the obtained image.

Further, the reading section (scanner)13is a part that optically reads image information of photo, word and image from manuscript; and generates image signal.

The printing section (printer)14is a part that receives image data; and prints image on a record sheet. Further, at the bottom of the printing section14, there is a paper feeding portion18which feeds record sheet; and in the middle of the printing section14, there is a tray19which ejects the record sheet after image is printed on it by printing section14. Furthermore, a memorizer42for recording image data or the like and an electronic file memorizing section23which is formed by a magnetic disc device or the like, are furnished.

Further, the image reading apparatus1also comprises a communicating section (not shown) which receives and transmits image data and the like via network with an external equipment. The communicating section can receive facsimile data via network such as LAN, internet and the like, as well as through public telephone wires. The following is to explain structure of the system.

FIG. 2is a system structural diagram of an image data transmitting system.

As shown byFIG. 2, the image reading apparatus1is communicatively connected by data receiving devices4a,4band4cvia communication network5such as LAN, internet, and public telephone wires.

FIG. 3is a block diagram for showing function of an image reading apparatus in embodiment 1 and embodiment 2.

As shown byFIG. 3, the image reading apparatus1comprises the operating section11, the displayer12, the reading section13, the printing section14, a communicating section16, the electronic file memorizer23, a CPU30, an image data generating section32, a file making section34, a header information obtaining section35and the memorizer42.

The operating section11is an operating panel and has the various input keys11a. Further, the operating section11is a part that receives input of various instructions and data of word and number based on operation of user; and that performs display of instruction menu with respect to user and information relative to the obtained image and the like. In the various input keys11a, as keys used in the embodiment, there are a start key11cfor instructing to start operation, a stop key11dfor instructing to stop operation, an address book key11efor designating a destination address and a file renaming key11ffor changing file name.

The displayer12is a LCD which performs display of instruction menu with respect to user and information relative to the obtained image and the like, that is, the displayer12is a part that performs display of a transmission destination list when designating a transmission destination of data; and displays a setting scene when setting scan condition, data transmission condition or the like.

The reading section13has a flatbed scanning portion13aand an automatic manuscript conveying device13b, as mentioned above, it is a part that reads manuscript. The flatbed scanning portion13ais a part that scans front page of manuscript which is loaded below the reading section13through a mobile reading sensor; and obtains image signal. These compositions stated above are related to this embodiment. Further, the automatic manuscript conveying device13bis a part that conveys respective sheets one by one according to set conveyance path and ejects them from an ejecting portion1b(2) after manuscript groups are collectively inserted into a manuscript loading portion13b(1). In the process, a fixed reading sensor obtains image signal from manuscript. All those compositions are related to embodiment 2 which will be explained later.

As mentioned above, the printing14is a part that receives image data; and prints image on a record sheet, that is, it is a part that prints and outputs image on a record sheet on the basis of image data which is obtained from the reading section13, image data which is received from the external equipment by the communicating section16or image data which is memorized in the electronic file memorizing section23.

The communicating section16is part that has a data transmitting portion16a; performs transmitting and receiving facsimile data via the communication network5; and performs transmitting and receiving data via email with the external equipment connected with the communication network5. Therefore, the image reading apparatus1not only has a function serving as a fax device which performs a regular facsimile communication, but also has a function serving as a transmitting-and-receiving terminal of email. Accordingly, the image reading apparatus1can transmit and receive various image data as attachment of email. Moreover, the network communication executed by the image reading apparatus1may be adopted either of wired network communication and wireless network communication. The data transmitting portion16ais a network interface for communicatively connecting the image reading apparatus1with the communicating network5.

The electronic file memorizing section23is a memorizing device that is formed by electronic file made by the file making section34and magnetic disc memorizing the received electronic file via communicating network5.

The CPU30starts and generates the image data generating section32, the file making section34and the header information obtaining section35as function blocks through executing a program42awhich is memorized in the memorizer42in advance. Further, the CPU30is a central calculation processing unit that controls all compositions.

The image data generating section32is a part that receives image signal from the reading section13; transfers it into image data; and generates image data. The file making section34is a part that makes electronic file from image data.

The header information obtaining section35has a reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35a. It is a part that obtains sheet sorts received by the reading section13. Moreover, in the case that the sheet is a header sheet (it will be explained later), the header information obtaining section35is a part that obtains resolution, compression rate, data format information, etc. of the following document sheet on the basis of the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35a. Here, the content of header sheet and the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35awill be explained.

FIG. 4is a format explanatory diagram of a header sheet.

As shown byFIG. 4, a header sheet6has an identification mark part61for identifying the header sheet6, a manuscript sort mark part62which represents manuscript sort; and a manuscript content describing part63for describing content such as keywords, make date and manuscript content that serve as information of manuscript, and as content related to an electronic file to be made.

A sort of document sheet which follows after header sheet, is specified according to a mark that user appends to the manuscript sort mark62. Here, as an example, it is specified as catalog (color). In the manuscript content describing part63, keywords, make date, content abstract and the like, are inputted by user.

FIG. 5is an explanatory diagram of the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts.

Back toFIG. 3again, the memorizer42is a memorizer that memorizes the program42ain advance. Through executing the program42, the CPU30starts and generates the image data generating section32, the file making section34and the header information obtaining portion35as function blocks, further, it also controls all compositions.

The image reading apparatus of embodiment 1 explained above operates as follows:

Firstly, prerequisite of operation will be explained.

FIG. 6is an explanatory diagram of an example for showing header sheet and document sheet formed in pairs.

As shown byFIG. 6, as an example, a document (1), a document (2) and a document (3) whose sorts are different, are continuously processed. Here, the document (1) consists of document sheets71,72and73that have the same sort; the document (2) consists of document sheets74and75that have the same sort; and the document (3) consists of document sheets76,77and78that have the same sort. In that case, in this invention, a manuscript (1) is formed by appending a first head sheet81in front of the document (1); a manuscript (2) is formed by appending a second head sheet82in front of the document (2); and a manuscript (3) is formed by appending a third head sheet83in front of the document (3). The manuscript (1), the manuscript (2) and the manuscript (3) that have different sort, are continuously processed. Moreover, in the header sheets81,82and83, predetermined information is set by user.

Regarding function and operation relative to scan transmission, to transmit image data to the data receiving devices4a,4band4cserving as transmission destinations via communication network5after the image reading apparatus1obtains image data through scanning manuscript by the reading section13. It will be explained in detail though using a flowchart together withFIG. 1toFIG. 6.

FIG. 7is an operation flowchart of an image reading apparatus in embodiment 1.

In embodiment 1, the case that manuscript groups are processed through using the flatbed scanning portion13aof the reading section13, will be only explained. Regarding the case that manuscript groups are processed through using the automatic manuscript conveying device13b, it will be explained later as embodiment 2 of this invention.

Through the various input key11aof the operating section11, user designates reading method which integrates manuscripts read by the flatbed scanning section13ainto one electronic file. After the user puts the first header sheet81(FIG. 6) onto the flatbed scanning portion13aand presses the start key11c, the flatbed scanning portion13astarts to scan the first header sheet81. The scanning process is performed according to predetermined setting (e.g., 300 dpi, color, etc.).

After the CPU30obtains destination information, file name, scan condition and setting of operation mode that are designated by user, the displayer12displays information to remind user to select one of header sheet, document sheet, or manuscript absence (end) regarding next manuscript. Here, before user selects header sheet or document sheet, the user needs to change the manuscript on the flatbed scanning portion.

After finished reading of all manuscripts, in the case that “manuscript absence” is selected, step S1-12 is started; if not, step S1-4 is started.

In the case that header sheet is selected, step S1-5 is started; in the case that document sheet is selected, step S1-10 is started.

The file making section34finishes file making process (that is, to close the previous file and memorize it as a finished file).

The header information obtaining section35, after obtained destination information, file name, scan condition and setting of operation mode that are assigned by user, starts to read out header sheet. The scanning process is performed according to predetermined setting.

The header information obtaining section35obtains manuscript sort information (from position of the manuscript sort mark62) from header sheet; on the basis of the information, obtains a reading parameter from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35awhen reading image by reading section13and making image file by file making section34; and changes a setting value when reading by reading section13. For example, as information of header sheet, when a position corresponding to the “catalog (color)” in the manuscript sort mark part62is marked, the CPU30refers to the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts (FIG. 5) in the header information obtaining section35; obtains information about image resolution (300 dpi), density (Normal), compression rate (Normal), mode (Mixed), color (ON) from a line of No. 1 “catalog (Color)”; and changes setting value when reading the reading section13as a reading setting.

The file making section34opens file according to the specified file name; reads out manuscript according to the reading mode which is set in step S1-7; memorizes data into file and starts to execute new file.

When user loads following document sheet or header sheet on the flatbed scanning portion13a, the flow returns to step S1-2 and step S1-2 to step S1-9 are repeated; when reading of all manuscript is finished, the flow skips to step S1-12 from step S1-3.

The flow is shifted to selection process of document sheet, the reading section13reads out document sheet according to setting information obtained from the corresponding header sheet. The read image signal is changed into digital data (image data) by the image data generating section32according to information of compression rate or the like that is obtained from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35a; further is transmitted to the file making section34.

The file making section34, when receives the image data through performing a predetermined process and adding image data of, for example, in PDF (Portable Document Format) format into the file which is set according to the corresponding header sheet, makes an image file; and then, step S1-9 is started.

The file making process is finished; and the flow is finished.

As shown byFIG. 6, in one manuscript group, in the case that there are plural header sheets like the first header sheet81, the second header sheet82and the third header sheet83, in the above series of processes, the selection of sheet (S1-2) is repeated according to the number of header sheets. Further, as shown byFIG. 6, in the case that process of the manuscript (1) is finished and process of the manuscript (2) is started, when the header sheet82is loaded on the flatbed scanning portion13a, through selecting the header sheet again from manuscript selection scene (S1-2) for the next document, file making process of previous manuscript is ended (S1-5).

Next, the displayer12performs a display for reminding user to input a file name of next manuscript. After the user inputted the file name of the next manuscript through using the various input key11a, a reading of the header sheet82is performed (S110). Through the same order mentioned above, a setting value for reading out the next document sheet is changed (S1-7). Through user loads the next document sheet on the flatbed scanning portion13a; and selects document sheet on the manuscript selection scene (S1-2) mentioned above, the next manuscript (2) is made as another image file (S1-11). According to the read page number, image data is accumulated into the electronic file memorizing section23.

In the case that reading of manuscript group is finished, “manuscript absence (END)” is selected on the manuscript selection scene (S1-2) mentioned above; then, file making process is completed (S1-12). In the example shown byFIG. 6, only one time of operation is needed to read three groups of manuscripts with different kinds. These files made as the above are transmitted to the communication network5via data transmitting portion16awhich composes transmitting function (transmitting means) of the communicating section16. At that time, each file is transmitted to each destination address specified by user through the operating section11. Moreover, the data transmitting portion16amay transmit transmitting use file to other data receiving devices through communication network.

As explained above, according to the invention described in embodiment 1, in the case that the flatbed scanning portion reads out manuscript group page by page and transmits an image file, such structure is adopted to obtain reading setting information from header sheet6which described manuscript sort and manuscript content information, and reads document sheet according to the obtained setting information and transfers it into electronic file. Therefore, it is not necessary to re-start the reading operation of next document. As a result, it is possible to effectively perform reading process.

In embodiment 1 mentioned above, it is only to explain the case that the flatbed scanning portion13ain the reading section13is used. In embodiment 2, it will be explained the case to use the automatic manuscript conveying device13binstead of the flatbed scanning portion13a. Because an image reading apparatus in the embodiment 2 is the same as that in embodiment 1, its structural explanation is omitted, and the following is only to explain about its operation.

FIG. 8is an operation flowchart of an image reading apparatus in embodiment 2.

The flowchart shows the case to process through using the automatic manuscript conveying device13bin the image reading apparatus1described inFIG. 1toFIG. 5.

User collectively inserts manuscript group (FIG. 6) formed from plural manuscripts into the manuscript loading portion13b(1) as an example. Through the various input keys11ain the operating section11, user uses the operating section11to instruct to start a scanning.

The CPU30makes the automatic manuscript conveying device13bsynchronize with a reading mechanism (not shown) of the reading section13so as to operate; and controls the reading section13to automatically read out manuscript one by one from the automatic manuscript conveying device13b. The scanning of first page is executed according to a predetermined setting.

The CPU30makes the header information obtaining section35function to judge whether the read image is a header sheet or not. If the read image is a header sheet, step S2-4 is started; if not, step S2-12 is started. The judgment of header sheet is executed according to whether there is a predetermined mark (FIG. 4) or not at the top of the sheet.

In the case that the header information obtaining section35judged that manuscript is a header sheet, the CPU30confirms whether previous manuscript is in file making process or not with respect to the file making section34. If it is in the file making process, step S2-10 is started; if it is not, step S2-5 is started.

The file making section34opens file according to file name which is assigned by user; and starts new file making process.

The header information obtaining section35obtains manuscript sort information (from position of the manuscript sort mark62) from header sheet; on the basis of the information, obtains a reading parameter from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35awhen reading image by reading section13and making image file by file making section34; and changes a setting value when reading by reading section13. For example, as information of header sheet, when a position corresponding to the “catalog (color)” in the manuscript sort mark part62is marked, the CPU30refers to the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts (FIG. 5) in the header information obtaining section35; obtains information about image resolution (300 dpi), density (Normal), compression rate (Normal), mode (Mixed), color (ON) from a line of No. 1 “catalog (Color)”; and changes setting value when reading the reading section13as a reading setting.

The flow is shifted to selection process of document sheet, the reading section13reads out document sheet according to setting information obtained from the corresponding header sheet. The read image signal is changed into digital data (image data) by the image data generating section32according to information of compression rate or the like that is obtained from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35a; further is transmitted to the file making section34.

The file making section34, when receives the image data through performing a predetermined process and adding image data of, for example, in PDF (Portable Document Format) format into the file which is set according to the corresponding header sheet, makes an image file.

In the case that reading of all manuscripts is completed and there is no manuscript, step S2-13 is started; if not, the flow returns to step S2-2 and step S2-2 to step S2-9 are repeated; when all reading of manuscript is finished, the flow skips to step S2-13 from step S2-9.

The file making process of previous manuscript in the file making section34is finished (that is, to close the previous file and memorize it as a finished file).

The file making section34opens file according to file name which is specified by user; starts to execute next file making process; and then, step S2-6 is started.

Because the header information obtaining section35judged that it is not header sheet, the file making section34executes regular file making process and step S2-7 is started.

File making process is finished and the flow is ended (that is, to close the previous file and memorize it as a finished file).

These files made as the above are transmitted to the communication network5via data transmitting portion16awhich composes transmitting function of the communicating section16. At that time, the CPU30supplies destination address which is designated by user to the data transmitting portion16athrough the operating section11. The data transmitting portion16atransmits electronic file to one of data receiving devices4a,4band4c, which corresponds to the designated destination address. Further, the data transmitting portion16amay transmit transmission file to other external equipment through communication network5.

As explained above, according to embodiment 2, it is possible to obtain reading setting information from header sheets inserted in the front of plural manuscripts that are continuously transmitted by automatic manuscript conveying device; then, read out document sheet according to the obtained setting information; and transfer it into electronic file. As a result, because manuscript group can be read out automatically according to appropriate setting of each manuscript; and be divided into plural files, it become easier for user to manage file.

FIG. 9is a block diagram for showing function of an image reading apparatus in embodiment 3.

As shown byFIG. 9, an image reading apparatus50comprises an operating section51, a displayer12, a reading section13, a printing section14, a communicating section16, an electronic file memorizing section23, a CPU55, an image data generating section32, a file making section54, a header information obtaining section35and a memorizer52.

The following is only to explain in detail the part different from the embodiment 1 and embodiment 2, the same symbols are assigned and their explanations are omitted.

The operating section51is an operating panel and has the various input keys11a. Further, the operating section51is a part that receives input of various instructions and data of word and number based on operation of user; and that performs display of instruction menu with respect to user and information relative to the obtained image and the like. In the various input keys11a, as keys used in the embodiment, there are a start key11cfor instructing to start operation, a stop key11dfor instructing to stop operation, an address book key11efor designating a destination address and a file renaming key11ffor changing file name.

Furthermore, the operating section51also has a header sheet appending key which is possible for user to instruct to append the read header sheet to the front of electronic file.

The memorizer52is a memorizer that memorizes a program52bin advance and has a header sheet setting area52a. Through executing the program52b, the CPU55starts and generates the image data generating section32, the file making section54and the header information obtaining section35as functional blocks, further, it also controls all compositions. The header sheet setting area52ais a memorizing part which memorizes instruction of user about appending header sheet to the front of electronic file.

The CPU55starts and generates the image data generating section32, the file making section54and the header information obtaining section35as function blocks through executing the program52bwhich is memorized in the memorizer52in advance. Further, the CPU55is a central calculation processing unit that controls all compositions.

The image reading apparatus50of embodiment 3 mentioned above, operates as follows.

FIG. 10is an operation flowchart of an image reading apparatus in embodiment 3.

FIG. 10is a flowchart for explaining the case that user instructs to append the read header sheet to the front of electronic file. Regarding its operation, it will be explained in detail together withFIG. 9.

User collectively inserts manuscript group (FIG. 6) formed from plural manuscripts into the manuscript loading portion13b(1) as an example; presses the header sheet appending key51afor appending the read header sheet data to the front of manuscript electronic file to be made; after that, the user instructs a scan start by using the various input keys11aof the operating section51.

The CPU55changes the setting value of the header sheet setting area52ainto a value that indicates a header sheet appendage (e.g., ON).

The CPU55makes the automatic manuscript conveying device13bsynchronize with a reading mechanism (not shown) of the reading section13so as to operate; and controls the reading section13to automatically read out manuscript one by one from the automatic manuscript conveying device13b. The scanning of first page is executed according to a predetermined setting.

The CPU55makes the header information obtaining section35function to judge whether the read image is a header sheet or not. If the read image is a header sheet, step S3-5 is started; if not, step S3-15 is started.

In the case that the header information obtaining section35judged that manuscript is a header sheet, the CPU55confirms whether previous manuscript is in file making process or not with respect to the file making section54. If it is in the file making process, step S3-13 is started; if it is not, step S3-6 is started.

The file making section54opens file according to file name which is assigned by user; and starts new file making process.

The CPU55searches the header sheet setting area52a; and confirms whether there is a setting value indicating header sheet data is appended in the front of electronic file or not. If it is an appending setting, step S3-8 is started; if it is not, step S3-9 is started.

The file making section54appends the read header sheet data to the front of each file in manuscript group.

The header information obtaining section35obtains manuscript sort information (from position of the manuscript sort mark part62) from header sheet; on the basis of the information, obtains a reading parameter from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35awhen reading image by reading section13and making image file by file making section54; and changes a setting value when reading by reading section13. For example, as information of header sheet, when a position corresponding to the “catalog (color)” in the manuscript sort mark part62is marked, the CPU55refers to the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts (FIG. 5) in the header information obtaining section35; obtains information about image resolution (300 dpi), density (Normal), compression rate (Normal), mode (Mixed), color (ON) from a line of No.1“catalog (Color)”; and changes setting value when reading the reading section13as a reading setting.

The flow is shifted to selection process of document sheet, the reading section13reads out document sheet according to setting information obtained from the corresponding header sheet. The read image signal is changed into digital data (image data) by the image data generating section32according to information of compression rate or the like that is obtained from the reading parameter table of respective manuscript sorts35a; further is transmitted to the file making section54.

The file making section54, when receives the image data through performing a predetermined process and adding image data of, for example, in PDF (Portable Document Format) format into the file which is set according to the corresponding header sheet, makes an image file.

In the case that reading of all manuscripts is completed and there is no manuscript, step S3-16 is started; if not, the flow returns to step S3-3 and step S3-3 to step S3-12 are repeated; when all reading of manuscript is finished, the flow skips to step S3-16 from step S3-12.

The file making process of previous manuscript in the file making section54is finished (that is, to close the previous file and memorize it as a finished file).

The file making section54opens file according to file name which is specified by user; starts to execute next file making process; and then, step S3-7 is started.

Because the header information obtaining section35judged that it is not header sheet, the file making section54executes regular file making process and step S3-10 is started.

As explained above, according to embodiment 3, because header sheet data is appended to the front of each file in plural manuscripts is conveyed continuously by automatic manuscript conveying device, it is possible to confirm sort of the following document file through only checking the first page of electronic file. As a result, it is possible for user to easily manage file.

Regarding expansion example of this invention, it will be explained.

In the above embodiment 1 to embodiment 3, as shown byFIG. 6, in the case that the document (1) consists of document sheets71,72and73, the document (2) consists of document sheets74and75and the document (3) consists of document sheets76,77and78are collectively processed as manuscript group, header sheet is inserted into the front of each document. However, in the expansion example, such process is executed without inserting header sheet. The following is to explain in detail the process.

FIG. 11is an explanatory diagram of an expansion example of this invention.

As shown byFIG. 11, in the expansion example, header identification mark is appended (e.g. a Star in the diagram) to the upper part (e.g. the position in which an identifying mark part61(FIG. 4) is furnished) of first document sheet (here, it corresponds to document sheet71,74or76) in each document. An identifying section (it corresponds to the header information obtaining section35in the above embodiments) identifies a predetermined mark in predetermined position of document sheet. By this, it is possible to identify the division (header) between respective manuscripts, therefore, the same effect can be obtained as that in embodiment 1 or 2.

Further, as a further expansion example, in the case that the document (1) consists of the document sheets71,72and73, the document (2) consists of the document sheets74and75and the document (3) consists of the document sheets76,77and78are collectively processed as manuscript group, such structure can be adopted to designate order and page number in printer menu per document sheets and to enable a reading section (it corresponds to the reading section13in the above embodiments) to identify switch among the document (1), the document (2) and the document (3) on the basis of the printer menu. That is, if page numbers such as 3, 2 and 3 are inputted in advance, an identifying section of first page will identify respective collections of manuscripts according to the setting of the page numbers.

Moreover, as sheet, not only paper can be used, but also record material with sheet shape such as film and the like can be used. The utilization possibility in industry

This invention can be applied to image reading apparatus such as copying apparatus, facsimile apparatus and scanning apparatus that memorize read manuscript as an electronic file.

This invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments but many modifications and variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the appended claims of the invention.