Abstract:
An image reading apparatus is disclosed. The image reading apparatus provides plural sensors and a correction unit that corrects displacement of image data caused by intervals among the plural sensors and includes a first draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is the same as at the time of shading correction and a second draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of shading correction. The correction unit includes plural paths in which a different number of delay units are disposed in each path and changing over units that change over a connection between the sensors and the paths. The changing over units are changed over between at the time of reading image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode and at the time of reading image data in the second draft reading mode.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to an image reading apparatus, an image reading method and an image processing apparatus, in which a color image sensor composed of plural line sensors is used. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Generally, in an image reading apparatus which can read a color image and an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine and a facsimile, a CCD (charge coupled device) in which line sensors executing photoelectric conversion for hues of RGB are disposed with the same interval among them is installed. For example, a CCD in which three line sensors are disposed with the same interval among them is called as a three line CCD. 
   When a manuscript (draft) is scanned by using the three line CCD, timing to read a specific position of the manuscript deviates by an offset in each hue. In a case where a color image is read, since there are two types of apparatuses, that is, an apparatus that can process each hue of RGB and an apparatus that can only process by considering all information of RGB after executing correction of each hue (for example, shading correction), it is necessary to correct for the delay amount by some means. 
   In a conventional image reading apparatus and a conventional image processing apparatus, the image processing is executed so that delay memories, such as FIFO (first-in first-out) memories for pixels of RGB are disposed and delays in each hue of RGB in a line sensor are decreased (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, delay correction processing in each line is referred to as correction between lines. 
   In the image reading apparatus and the image processing apparatus, when scaling of an image in the sub scanning direction is executed by changing the scanning speed for the image, the delay amount in each hue is changed. Therefore, it is necessary to change the delay amount by matching the scale factor. For example, in a case where a correction amount between lines is four lines between R and G and four lines between G and B at the time when a 100% image is read, since the scanning speed becomes doubled at the time when the 50% image is read, the delay amount between hues becomes two lines between R and G and two lines between G and B. 
   In addition, in the image reading apparatus and the image processing apparatus, there are two types, that is, a book read type that reads a manuscript by scanning the manuscript put on a contact glass with the use of an exposing scanning unit, and a sheet through type that reads the manuscript by moving the manuscript without moving the exposing scanning unit. In the image reading apparatus and the image processing apparatus that can realize both the types, since the scanning direction for the manuscript is generally reversed between the types, the relation of the correction between lines in RGB is reversed. 
   For example, in a case of a condition that G is delayed by four lines for R and B is delayed by eight lines for R in reading by the book read type (hereinafter, referred to as a book read reading), G is delayed by four lines for B and R is delayed by eight lines for B in reading by the sheet through type (hereinafter, referred to as a sheet through reading). 
   [Patent Document 1] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-16442 
   In a case of executing the sheet through reading, the exposing scanning unit (hereinafter, referred to as a carriage) is first moved in the white reference plate direction while the manuscript is moved, correction called shading correction that reduces dispersion in the main scanning direction is executed by reading the white reference plate. In the image reading apparatus and the image processing apparatus, after the white reference plate is read, the carriage is moved to the reading position, and the manuscript is read by moving the manuscript. In the following explanations, this operation is called DF shading correction. 
   However, in a case of the sheet through reading, since the relation among RGB is reversed from the book read reading, when the DF shading correction is executed in a setting of the correction between lines for the sheet through reading, the correction between lines is reversed, as a result, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the effective range of the white reference plate is narrowed.  FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram explaining a reason why the effective range of the white reference plate is narrowed. 
     FIG. 1(a)  shows a case in which the DF shading correction is executed in a setting of the correction between lines for the sheet through reading.  FIG. 1(b)  shows a case in which the DF shading correction is executed in a setting of the correction between lines for the book read reading. A number surrounded by a circle shows each position on a white reference plate  251 . The position in the horizontal direction of the number surrounded by the circle shows timing when each pixel of R, G, and B passes through a position. 
   In this case, since the interval among R, G, and B is four lines, when a pixel of R reads the ninth line, a pixel of B starts to read the white reference plate  251 . Further, since data of G are delayed by four lines and data of B are delayed by eight lines for data of R as the correction between lines, timing, when the pixel of B can obtain data that read each position, is delayed by twice the pixel interval. For example, in the case of  FIG. 1(a) , it is the time when the pixel of R reads the seventeenth line that the DF shading correction is started, and the effective range of the white reference plate  251  is narrowed (DF shading correction possible range in FIG.  1 (a)), compared with the case shown in  FIG. 1(b) . As a result, extra time is required for the DF shading correction. 
   The extra time consuming for the DF shading correction prevents the reading speed from being high. Shortening the extra time for the DF shading correction is important to realize high speed reading. 
   In the Patent Document 1, it is described that the setting of the amount of the correction between lines is changed by considering the scaling. However, a problem caused by reading direction difference in the DF shading correction at the time of the sheet through reading is not solved. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus, an image reading method and an image processing apparatus in which an effective range of a white reference plate in shading correction can be efficiently obtained. 
   Features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention according to the teachings provided in the description. Objects as well as other features and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by an image reading apparatus, an image reading method and an image processing apparatus particularly pointed out in the specification in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. 
   To achieve these and other advantages in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading apparatus which provides a plurality of sensors that execute photoelectric conversion of a plurality of hues and a correction unit that corrects displacement of image data caused by intervals among the plural sensors and includes a first draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is the same as at the time of shading correction and a second draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of shading correction. The correction unit comprises a plurality of paths in which paths a different number of delay units are disposed in each path and changing over units that change over a connection between the sensors and the paths, and the changing over units are changed over between at the time of reading image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode and at the time of reading image data in the second draft reading mode. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading method in an image reading apparatus which provides a plurality of sensors that execute photoelectric conversion of a plurality of hues, and a correction unit that corrects displacement of image data caused by intervals among the plural sensors and includes a first draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is the same as at the time of shading correction and a second draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of shading correction. The correction unit comprises a plurality of paths in which paths a different number of delay units are disposed in each path and changing over units that change over a connection between the sensors and the paths. The method includes the steps of executing the shading correction by changing over the changing over units in the same as at the time of the reading image data in the first draft reading mode, and executing the reading image data in the second draft reading mode by changing over the changing over units from at the time of the shading correction. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus including an image reading apparatus which provides a plurality of sensors that execute photoelectric conversion of a plurality of hues and a correction unit that corrects displacement of image data caused by intervals among the plural sensors and includes a first draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is the same as at the time of shading correction and a second draft reading mode whose scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of shading correction. The correction unit comprises a plurality of paths in which paths a different number of delay units are disposed in each path and changing over units that change over a connection between the sensors and the paths, and the correction unit changes over the changing over units between at the time of the reading image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode and at the time of the reading image data in the second draft reading mode. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a problem caused by the scanning directions by the sensors between at the time of shading correction and at the second draft reading mode being different is solved by the changing over units being changed over between at the time of reading the image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode and at the time of reading the image data in the second draft reading. 
   That is, in the first draft reading mode in which the scanning direct by the sensors is the same as at the time of the shading correction, the connections between the sensors and the paths are not changed over. On the other hand, in the second draft reading mode in which the scanning direction by the sensors is different from at the time of the shading correction, the connections between the sensors and the paths are different from at the time of reading the image data and the shading correction in the first draft reading mode. 
   The changing over by the changing over unit is determined by the relation between the disposition of the plural sensors and the scanning direction. By the relation between the disposition of the plural sensors and the scanning direction, the connections between the sensors and the paths are changed over so that image data of a hue whose reading is started first are delayed more and image data of a hue whose reading is started later are delayed less. Further, image data of a hue whose reading is started last are passed through a path where the delay units are not disposed (the number of the delay units is 0). 
   EFFECT OF THE INVENTION 
   According to embodiments of the present invention, an image reading apparatus, an image reading method and an image processing apparatus, in which an effective range of a white reference plate in shading correction can be efficiently obtained, are provided. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram explaining a reason why an effective range of a white reference plate is narrowed; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing the appearance of a copying machine according to embodiments of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a system structure of the copying machine; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram showing an image reading apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing a three line CCD; 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a first operation for controlling a setting of correction between lines; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a first structure of a block which sets an amount of the correction between lines; 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram showing another block which sets the amount of the correction between lines; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram showing yet another block which sets the amount of the correction between lines; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a second operation for controlling a setting of the correction between lines; 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a second structure of a block which sets the amount of the correction between lines; 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a third operation for controlling a setting of correction between lines; and 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a fourth operation for controlling a setting of correction between lines. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention 
   In the following, a best mode of carrying out the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 2  is a diagram showing the appearance of a copying machine according to embodiments of the present invention. In  FIG. 2 , a copying machine  1  includes a scanner  10 , an operations board  20 , an ADF (automatic draft feeder)  30 , a both face drive unit  33 , a finisher  34 , a paper feeding bank  35 , a large amount paper feeding tray  36 , and a printer  100 . The copying machine  1  can include an I/F (interface) for connecting to a PC (personal computer) or a predetermined network. In addition, the copying machine  1  can include an I/F for connecting to a PN (public network) via/not via a PBX (private branch exchange). 
     FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a system structure of the copying machine  1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in the copying machine  1 , an image data processing apparatus  110  is connected to the scanner  10 , the operations board  20 , the ADF  30 , the finisher  34 , the paper feeding bank  35 , the large amount paper feeding tray  36 , a FCU (facsimile control unit)  40 , and the printer  100 . 
   When the copying machine  1  receives an instruction to read image data from the operations board  20 , a system controller of the image data processing apparatus  110  instructs an image reading apparatus configured to include the scanner  10  and the ADF  30  to execute reading preparations, such a calculation and a register setting for executing reading operations. At the same time, the system controller of the image data processing apparatus  110  instructs storage devices, such as a MEM (memory), and a HDD (hard disk drive) to prepare for storing read image data. 
   When the system controller of the image data processing apparatus  110  receives notifications of reading preparation completion and storing preparation completion, the system controller requests the image reading apparatus to start reading the image data. The image reading apparatus reads the image data upon receipt of the reading start request and transfers read image data to the storage device, such as the MEM and the HDD. After transferring the image data, if necessary, the system controller requests an image output device, such as the printer  100 , to output the image data. The image output device outputs the image data stored in the storage device to a medium upon receipt of the output request from the controller. 
   Since the appearance of the copying machine  1  shown in  FIG. 2  and the system structure shown in  FIG. 3  are publicly known, their detailed explanations are omitted. Next, referring to  FIGS. 4 through 7 , operations of an image reading apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention are explained. 
     FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram showing the image reading apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention. The image reading apparatus shown in  FIG. 4  is configured to include the scanner  10  and the ADF  30 . The image reading apparatus can read image data by a sheet through mode and a book read mode. 
   In reading image data by the sheet through mode, a carriage  233  is fixed under a contact glass  240  for the sheet through mode, a draft put on a draft tray  241  is passed on the contact glass  240 , and image data of the draft are read. In reading image data by the book read mode, a draft is read by moving the carriage  233  at a low speed under the stationary draft on a contact glass  231 . 
   In the book read mode, when the carriage  233  reaches a white reference plate  251  in the middle of moving under the contact glass  231 , the white reference plate  251  is read and shading correction is executed. At this time, since the scanning direction and the speed of the draft match the scanning direction and the speed of the white reference plate  251  at the time of reading (all in the y direction), the setting of the correction between lines is not changed before and after the shading correction. 
   In the sheet through mode, before passing the draft, the carriage  233  is first moved to the white reference plate  251 , and the carriage  233  reads the white reference plate  251  by scanning; with this, the shading correction is executed. After this, the carriage  233  is returned to the sheet through reading position (home position) under the contact glass  240  for the sheet through mode. Reading the draft is executed by passing the draft above the carriage  233  with scanning. 
   At this time, the operations of reading the white reference plate  251  in the DF shading correction and scanning the draft by the sheet through reading are executed individually. The sheet through reading changes the scanning speed by a variable magnification. On the other hand, the scanning speed of the white reference plate  251  in the DF shading correction is constant instead of a variable. 
   In the carriage  233 , as an example of a photoelectric conversion element for image data reading, a CCD in which line sensors are arrayed with the same interval is installed.  FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing a three line CCD. The three line CCD shown in  FIG. 5  is composed of a red reading section, a green reading section, and a blue reading section. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the relative scanning direction of the white reference plate  251  to the carriage  233  is reverse to the scanning direction of the draft by the sheet through reading. The relative scanning direction of the white reference plate  251  to the carriage  233  is equal to the scanning direction of the draft by the book read reading. Therefore, the amount of the correction between lines to be set is different between at the time of the DF shading correction and at the time of the sheet through reading. 
     FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing a first operation for controlling a setting of the correction between lines. First, it is determined whether the image reading apparatus executes book read reading (step S 1 ). When the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (Yes at step S 1 ), the image reading apparatus goes to step S 2  and sets the correction between lines to the book read reading. After this, the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (step S 3 ) and ends the operation. 
   On the other hand, when the image reading apparatus does not execute the book read reading (No at step S 1 ), the image reading apparatus goes to step S 4  and sets the correction between lines to DF shading correction. After this, the image reading apparatus executes the DF shading correction (step S 5 ). The image reading apparatus goes to step S 6  and sets the correction between lines to sheet through reading. Then, the image reading apparatus executes the sheet through reading (step S 7 ) and ends the operation. 
   According to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 6 , before executing the DF shading correction, the correction between lines is set to the DF shading correction, and after reading the white reference plate  251  by scanning, the correction between lines is changed to the sheet through reading. 
   By the operation mentioned above, in each pixel of RGB even at the time of the DF shading correction, as shown in  FIG. 1  (b), when a pixel of R reads the ninth line, all image data at the same position with the white reference plate  251  can be read. Therefore, the effective range of the white reference plate  251  (DF shading correction possible range in  FIG. 1(b) ) can be widened, compared with the case shown in  FIG. 1(a) . 
   First Embodiment 
     FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a first structure of a block which sets the amount of the correction between lines. The block which sets the amount of the correction between lines has a structure that has plural paths in which plural delay memories, such as FIFO memories, are disposed for pixels of R, G, and B read from the red reading section, the green reading section, and the blue reading section shown in  FIG. 5 , and the amount of the correction between lines can be set by plural switches. 
   However, the block that sets the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIG. 7  disposes the plural delay memories, such as the FIFO memories for the pixels of R, G, and B. Consequently, the cost increases. Therefore, in a case of a three line CCD, as in examples shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the block has a structure in which plural delay memories are disposed for pixels of R and G, and delay memories are not disposed for pixels of B. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9  are diagrams showing another block which sets the amount of the correction between lines. The blocks which set the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  newly provide RB changing over block sections  300  that change over the paths for pixels of R and B. 
   At the time of the book read reading and the DF shading correction, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the correction between lines is executed without changing over the path for the pixels of R and B, and the displacement of reading positions is corrected. At the time of the sheet through reading, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the correction between lines is executed by changing over the path for the pixels of R and B, and the displacement of reading positions is corrected. After this, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the path for the pixels of R and B is returned to the original position by again changing over the path. 
     FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a second operation for controlling a setting of the correction between lines. First, it is determined whether the image reading apparatus executes book read reading (step S 11 ). When the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (Yes at step S 11 ), the image reading apparatus goes to step S 12  and sets a path in which the path for pixels of R and B is not changed over. In this, whether the path for pixels of R and B is changed over is set by the RB changing over blocks  300 . 
   The image reading apparatus goes to step S 13  and sets the correction between lines to book read reading. After this, the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (step S 14 ) and ends the operation. 
   On the other hand, when the image reading apparatus does not execute the book read reading (No at step S 11 ), the image reading apparatus goes to step S 15  and sets a path in which the path for pixels of R and B is not changed over. The image reading apparatus goes to step S 16  and sets the correction between lines to DF shading correction. After this, the image reading apparatus executes the DF shading correction (step S 17 ). 
   The image reading apparatus goes to step S 18  and sets a path in which the path for pixels of R and B is changed over. The image reading apparatus goes to step S 19  and sets the correction between lines to sheet through reading. Then, the image reading apparatus executes the sheet through reading (step S 20 ) and ends the operation. 
   According to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 10 , before executing the DF shading correction, the path for pixels of R and B is set not to be changed over, and the amount of the correction between lines, which matches the scanning speed of the white reference plate  251  in the DF shading correction, is set. After reading the white reference plate  251  by scanning, it is set that the path for pixels of R and B is changed over, the amount of the correction between lines is set to an amount matching the variable magnification of reading and the sheet through reading is executed. 
   By the operation mentioned above, at the time of the sheet through reading, in the image reading apparatus that changes over the path for pixels of R and B, the effective range of the white reference plate  251  (DF shading correction possible range in  FIG. 1(b) ) can be widened, compared with the case shown in  FIG. 1(a) . 
   Second Embodiment 
   In the above blocks setting the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it is ideal that the process in each hue be executed before the front RB changing over block  300  and behind the back RB changing over block  300 . However, depending on the structure of the image reading apparatus, some image reading apparatuses execute a part of the process before the back RB changing over block  300 . 
     FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a second structure of a block which sets the amount of the correction between lines. The block which sets the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIG. 11  includes the RB changing over blocks  300  which change over the path for pixels of R and B. Further, the block which sets the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIG. 11  additionally includes first correction blocks  310  and second correction blocks  320  each for hues of R, G, and B before and after the back RB changing over block  300 . 
   For example, the first correction blocks  310  execute the shading correction, and the second correction blocks  320  execute dot correction (decimal point part correction in the correction between lines). In this, the structure including the first and second correction blocks  310  and  320  utilize circuits using in a conventional apparatus in common. Therefore, the process by the second correction blocks  320  can be executed by the first correction blocks  310  by omitting the second correction blocks  320 . 
   At the time of the book read reading and the DF shading correction, the correction between lines is executed without changing over the path for pixels of R and B, and the displacement of reading positions is corrected. At the time of the sheet through reading, the correction between lines is executed by changing over the path for pixels of R and B, and the displacement of reading positions is corrected. After this, the path for pixels of R and B is returned to the original position by again changing over the path. 
     FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a third operation for controlling a setting of correction between lines. First, it is determined whether the image reading apparatus executes book read reading (step S 31 ). When the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (Yes at step S 31 ), the image reading apparatus executes steps S 32  through S 34 , as in the steps  12  through  14  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   On the other hand, when the image reading apparatus does not execute the book read reading (No at step S 31 ), the image reading apparatus executes steps S 35  through S 37  as in the steps  15  through  17  shown in  FIG. 10 . After this, the image reading apparatus goes to step S 38  and executes the following operation. In the block setting the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIG. 11 , even when the path for pixels of R and B is changed over after executing the DF shading correction, the obtained correction data are reversed in R and B. 
   Therefore, the image reading apparatus goes to step S 38 , and correction data of R and B in the first and second correction blocks  310  and  320  are set again from a CPU. Then, the image reading apparatus executes steps S 39  through S 41  as in the steps  18  through  20  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   According to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 12 , even if the obtained correction data are reversed in R and B, the correction data can be set again. With this, at the time of the sheet through reading, even when the first correction blocks  310  exist between the RB changing over blocks  300  which change over the path for pixels of R and B, the effective range of the white reference plate  251  (DF shading correction possible range in  FIG. 1(b) ) can be widened, compared with the case shown in  FIG. 1(a) . 
   Third Embodiment 
   In the blocks setting the amount of the correction between lines shown in  FIG. 11 , an example that does not need to set again the correction data of each hue form the CPU is explained. Generally, correction processes, such as a shading correction process, burden the CPU with complex calculations and feedback processes; therefore, a process device called as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) being an external device from the CPU is generally used for the correction processes. In this case, the correction data are rewritten from the ASIC. 
   When the correction data are set again from the CPU, an input stage to a register is required and this causes a cost increase. As a result, there is a case where the register of the ASIC cannot be written to by not being able to rewrite the correction data from the CPU. In this case, the image reading apparatus executes a process shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a fourth operation for controlling a setting of correction between lines. First, it is determined whether the image reading apparatus executes book read reading (step S 51 ). When the image reading apparatus executes the book read reading (Yes at step S 51 ), the image reading apparatus executes steps S 52  through S 54 , as in the steps  12  through  14  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
   On the other hand, when the image reading apparatus does not execute the book read reading (No at step S 51 ), the image reading apparatus goes to step S 55 , and set a path in which the path for pixels of R and B is changed over. The image reading apparatus goes to step S 56  and sets the correction between lines to 0. Further, the image reading apparatus goes to step S 57  and executes the DF shading correction. 
   Then the image reading apparatus goes to step S 58  and sets the correction between lines to the sheet through reading, executes the sheet through reading (step S 59 ), and ends the operation. 
   According to the flowchart shown in  FIG. 13 , the image reading apparatus sets a path in which the path for pixels of R and B is changed over, sets the amount of the correction between lines to 0, executes the DF shading correction and sets the amount of the correction between lines matching the reading variable magnification, and executes the sheet through reading. With this, even when the correction data of each hue cannot be set again from the CPU, the effective range of the white reference plate  251  (DF shading correction possible range in  FIG. 1(b) ) can be widened, compared with the case shown in  FIG. 1(a) . 
   Further, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   The present invention is based on Japanese Priority Patent Application No. 2004-334563, filed on Nov. 18, 2004, with the Japanese Patent Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.