JP2006173909A - Image reading apparatus and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus along with its control method, capable of detecting a pattern of design at always when a design recognizing unit is attached. <P>SOLUTION: The image reading apparatus is attached with, detachably, a design recognizing unit which recognizes a specified design pattern from the image data acquired by reading an original image. When it detects that the design recognizing unit is attached at startup of a system, the lower limit magnification to read an original is set to be such value or higher as the design recognizing unit can recognize a design pattern. A reading operation with the magnification recognizing the design pattern becomes invalid when the design recognizing unit is attached, resulting in avoiding such a case that a form on which a design is printed cannot be automatically read by a scanner regardless of user's operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus in which a tint block recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined tint block pattern from image data obtained by reading a document image and a control method thereof.

  In recent years, information leakage and security have become a problem for companies. As countermeasures, there are considered devices that place restrictions on the operation of the device itself or put a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern on the document itself so that duplicate data cannot be created, that is, a device that has an illegal copy suppression function.

For example, when a document image read by the image reading unit has a pattern for prohibiting printing on recording paper or transferring image data relating to the image to another apparatus, the printing or transferring is prohibited. In order to detect whether or not, an image processing apparatus has been proposed that can perform a detection operation in a form desired by an administrator (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-200957 A

  However, in order to prevent the paper on which a predetermined background pattern has been printed from being read by the scanner, the background pattern is recognized per specific pixel, and there is a recognizable scaling factor in the background pattern recognition. The tint block pattern cannot be recognized below the scaling factor.

  For this reason, if the scaling ratio is set to an arbitrarily small value, even if the ground pattern recognition unit is mounted, the ground pattern cannot be detected properly, and the function of the apparatus cannot be fully exhibited. There was a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that can always detect a background pattern when a background pattern recognition unit is attached, and a control method therefor. .

  According to the present invention, in an image reading apparatus in which a tint block recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined tint block pattern from image data obtained by reading a document image is detected when the tint block recognition unit is mounted when the system is started. The document reading lower limit scaling factor is set to a value equal to or larger than the scaling factor with which the tint block recognition unit can recognize the tint block pattern. In addition, when it is not detected that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted when the system is started, the original reading lower limit scaling factor is set to a lower limit scaling factor that can be set in the image reading unit. It is. Further, when a zooming mode is selected, priority zoom ratio setting means for setting a priority zoom ratio that is initially set to a selected state is provided, and the priority zoom ratio set in the priority zoom ratio setting means However, when it is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor. Further, when a zooming mode is selected, priority zoom ratio setting means for setting a priority zoom ratio that is initially set to a selected state is provided, and the priority zoom ratio set in the priority zoom ratio setting means Is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor, and the scaling factor that can be set in the scaling mode is greater than or equal to the document reading lower limit scaling factor. It is intended to be restricted. In addition, a program registration unit capable of registering an arbitrary mode is provided, and when the scaling factor registered in the program registration unit is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the registration scaling factor is set to the document scanning unit. The lower limit magnification is reset.

  Further, in a control method of an image reading apparatus in which a tint block recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined tint block pattern from image data obtained by reading a document image is detected, it is detected that the tint block recognition unit is mounted when the system is started. Then, the document reading lower limit scaling factor is set to be equal to or larger than the scaling factor value at which the tint block recognition unit can recognize the tint block pattern. In addition, when it is not detected that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted when the system is started, the original reading lower limit scaling factor is set to a lower limit scaling factor that can be set in the image reading unit. It is. Further, when a zooming mode is selected, priority zoom ratio setting means for setting a priority zoom ratio that is initially set to a selected state is provided, and the priority zoom ratio set in the priority zoom ratio setting means However, when it is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor. Further, when a zooming mode is selected, priority zoom ratio setting means for setting a priority zoom ratio that is initially set to a selected state is provided, and the priority zoom ratio set in the priority zoom ratio setting means Is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor, and the scaling factor that can be set in the scaling mode is greater than or equal to the document reading lower limit scaling factor. It is intended to be restricted. In addition, a program registration unit capable of registering an arbitrary mode is provided, and when the scaling factor registered in the program registration unit is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the registration scaling factor is set to the document scanning unit. The lower limit magnification is reset.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted, the document reading operation at a variable magnification that cannot recognize the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is invalidated, and the sheet on which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is automatically printed regardless of the user's operation Can be prevented from being read by the scanner.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In the figure, a local area network LAN is connected to a plurality of workstation devices WS1 to WSn, a mail server device SM, and a network compatible MFP MFP, and is connected to the Internet via a router device RT. Yes. Therefore, the workstation devices WS1 to WSn, the mail server device SM, and the network compatible MFP MFP can exchange data with other appropriate terminal devices via the Internet.

  Here, the mail server device SM collects and distributes well-known e-mails to users who use the workstation devices WS1 to WSn connected to the local area network LAN and to the network network compatible MFP. It provides services.

  In the workstation devices WS1 to WSn, various programs such as facsimile application software for creating and displaying facsimile image information and various software for exchanging various data via the local area network LAN. Has been introduced and is used by specific users. Here, the specific user may be one or a plurality of users.

  The network-compatible MFP MFP also has a copy function for recording and outputting a copy of a read original, and a network-compatible print function for receiving a print request from the workstation devices WS1 to WSn via the local area network LAN and performing a print operation ( So-called network print function), scan-to-email function that sends image data of scanned originals to a specified mail address using e-mail, e-mail for exchanging image information and various reports as e-mail A processing function and a facsimile communication function for connecting to an analog public line network PSTN and performing image information transmission according to a group 3 facsimile transmission procedure using the public network as a transmission path are provided. In addition, when a predetermined copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is detected in the image data obtained by reading the read original, an unauthorized copy suppression function is applied to apply a predetermined invalidation process to the image data.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the network compatible MFP MFP.

  In the figure, a system control unit 1 includes control processing, copying function, network compatible printing function, scan-to-email function, e-mail processing function, facsimile communication function, etc. of each part of the network compatible MFP. The system memory 2 stores various control processes executed by the system control unit 1 and various data necessary for executing the processing programs, and the work of the system control unit 1 is performed. The parameter memory 3 is used to store various types of information unique to the network compatible MFP MFP, and the clock circuit 4 outputs current time information.

  The scanner 5 is for reading a document image at a predetermined resolution, the plotter 6 is for recording and outputting an image at a predetermined resolution, and the operation display unit 7 is a network-compatible MFP MFP. It is for operation and consists of various operation keys and various displays. Further, the buzzer 8 is used for sounding operation sounds and various warning sounds (including strong attention sounds).

  The encoding / decoding unit 9 encodes and compresses the image signal and decodes the encoded and compressed image information into the original image signal. The image storage device 10 performs encoding and compression. This is for storing a large number of image information in the selected state.

  The group 3 facsimile modem 11 is for realizing the modem function of the group 3 facsimile, and is a low-speed modem function (V.21 modem) for exchanging transmission procedure signals and mainly for exchanging image information. A high-speed modem function (V.17 modem, V.34 modem, V.29 modem, V.27ter modem, etc.) is provided.

  The network control device 12 is for connecting the network compatible MFP MFP to the analog public line network PSTN, and has an automatic outgoing / incoming function.

  The local area network interface circuit 13 is for connecting the network compatible MFP MFP to the local area network LAN, and the local area network transmission control unit 14 is connected to another data terminal device via the local area network LAN. For executing communication control processing of various predetermined protocol suites for exchanging various data with each other.

  The copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is for recognizing a predetermined copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern included in the read image data, and is detachably provided on the apparatus main body. In other words, the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is an optional unit for adding an optional function called “unauthorized copy prevention function” to the network compatible MFP MFP.

  The system control unit 1, the system memory 2, the parameter memory 3, the clock circuit 4, the scanner 5, the plotter 6, the operation display unit 7, the encoding / decoding unit 9, the image storage device 10, the group 3 facsimile modem 11, the network The control device 12, the local area network transmission control unit 14, and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 are connected to an internal bus 16, and data exchange between these elements is mainly performed through the internal bus 16. It has been broken.

  Data exchange between the network control device 11 and the group 3 facsimile modem 10 is performed directly.

  Here, in the present embodiment, basically, data exchange between terminals connected to the local area network LAN is a transmission protocol up to a transport layer called TCP / IP, and more. This is performed by applying a combination with a higher layer communication protocol (so-called protocol suite). For example, in the exchange of e-mail data, a communication protocol called SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is applied as an upper layer communication protocol.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the operation display unit 7.

  In the figure, a start key 7a is used to input a command to start a transmission / reception operation or the like of the network compatible MFP MFP, and a stop key 7b is used to input a command to stop the operation of the network compatible MFP MFPa. The numeric keypad 7c is for inputting numeric (numeric) information such as a telephone number, and the clear key 7d is for deleting one digit of the input information.

  The mode clear key 7e is used to return the content being set to the initial value, and the initial setting key 7f is used to instruct the initial setting of the network compatible MFP MFP and the registration of the administrator setting. The copy key 7g is a setting key for operating the network compatible MFP MFP as a copier, and the scanner key 7h is a setting key for operating the network compatible MFP MFP as a scanner. The printer key 7i is a setting key for operating the network compatible MFP MFP as a printer, and the FAX key 7j is a setting key for operating the network MFP MFP as a facsimile apparatus.

  The liquid crystal display 7k is used to display various messages such as an operation guidance display of the network compatible MFP MFP and a feedback display of input information. The screen is for touch input. A touch panel is attached (not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, as system initial setting information, basic settings for registering basic setting information of the network compatible MFP MFP, paper settings for registering usable paper, etc. File transfer destination settings for registering file transfer destinations and administrator setting information for registering administrator setting information are provided, and are stored in the parameter memory 3, for example. Each setting information is registered by appropriately operating the operation display unit 7 by the user.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the administrator setting information is used to set whether to perform log transfer and whether to perform unauthorized copy suppression. Includes illegal copy suppression information.

  In the case where “(suppress unauthorized copying)” is registered in the unauthorized copy suppression information and the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is mounted, the image data obtained by reading with the scanner 5 will be described. Then, applying the background pattern recognition processing of the background pattern recognition unit 15 to check whether or not a predetermined background pattern is included, and if it is determined that it is included, perform a predetermined invalidation process, Invalidated image data (described later) is output. For example, during a copying operation, the invalidation image is recorded and output as a copy, and when the scan-to-email function is designated, invalidation image data is sent to the designated email address. Send the attached email. In the case of the scan-to-email function, a warning message notifying that a document set to inhibit unauthorized copying has been read can be included in the body information.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the tint block pattern is recorded as a random dot-like isolated point pattern on a sheet of paper. In the present embodiment, when setting to register to suppress unauthorized copying is performed, when an image of a document sheet on which such a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is printed is read as shown in FIG. The scanned image is converted into invalidated image data and output. For example, during a copying operation, a copied image as shown in FIG. In the case of a scan-to-email operation, image data as shown in FIG. 5B is transmitted as read data.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the background pattern recognition unit 15.

  First, the background pattern recognition unit 15 processes binary image data RD obtained by binarizing image data obtained by reading with the scanner 5. The isolated dot detection unit 15a divides the input binarized image data RD into rectangular block units (see FIG. 7A) in which the main scanning direction is d dots and the sub-scanning direction is 1 dot. The block detects whether an isolated point is included, and its output signal is output to the phase information storage unit 15b.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the phase information storage unit 15b divides a region (the processing unit (pattern matching block) of the next pattern matching unit 15c) in which the main scanning direction is B block and the sub scanning direction is L block. For each block included in each region, it is checked whether the isolated dot detection unit 15a has detected an isolated point, and the processing result is output to the pattern matching unit 15c.

  Based on the output result of the phase information storage unit 15b, the pattern matching unit 15c checks the arrangement mode of the blocks in which isolated points are detected among the blocks included in the processing unit area, and the pre-registered background pattern Whether or not the pattern matches is detected, and the detection result is output to the background pattern detection unit 15d.

  For example, the background pattern detection unit 15d monitors the output of the pattern matching unit 15c for each line of the pattern matching block, and determines that a background pattern has been recorded when a predetermined number or more of background patterns are detected. Then, the determination result is output as a signal SS.

  Here, the tint block pattern is a very fine image. Therefore, in order for the tint block recognition unit 15 to recognize the tint block pattern, a document reading resolution (hereinafter referred to as “lower limit reading resolution”) of a certain value or more is required. Necessary.

  Usually, a value obtained by multiplying the reading resolution inherent to the scanner 5 by the scaling factor is substantially equal to the document reading resolution. Therefore, when the scaling factor designated at the time of reading is extremely small, a situation occurs in which the document reading resolution becomes smaller than the lower limit reading resolution of the background pattern recognition unit 15, and in this case, the background pattern recognition unit 15 appropriately The tint block pattern cannot be recognized.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the scaling factor corresponding to the lower limit reading resolution of the background pattern recognition unit 15 is determined as the document reading lower limit scaling factor, and when the background pattern recognition unit 15 is mounted, the scaling factor at the time of reading is It is possible to prevent the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 from always recognizing the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern pattern.

  Here, as described above, the reading resolution of the scanner 5 is a fixed value, and the lower limit reading resolution of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is also determined corresponding to each copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15. The value is substantially equal to the reciprocal of the value obtained by dividing the reading resolution of the scanner 5 by the lower limit reading resolution.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a part of the processing performed by the network compatible MFP MFP when the system is activated.

  First, when the system is activated, it is checked whether the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is attached (decision 101). If the result of determination 101 is YES, the value of the original reading lower limit scaling factor registered in the system is set as the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit. 15 is set to a lower limit scaling factor (predetermined value) at which the tint block pattern can be recognized (processing 102). Here, the value of the document reading lower limit scaling factor is, for example, one element of the basic setting of the system initial setting information.

  If the result of determination 101 is NO, the document reading lower limit scaling factor value is set to the lower limit scaling factor value of the scanner 5 (process 103).

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the background pattern recognition unit 15 is mounted, the value of the document reading lower limit scaling factor registered in the system is set to the lower limit value at which the background pattern recognition unit 15 can recognize the background pattern. Since the scaling factor is set, the tint block recognition unit 15 can always perform the tint block pattern recognition operation, and can achieve a security requirement.

  If the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is not installed, the document reading lower limit scaling factor registered in the system is set to the lower limit scaling factor applicable to the scanner 5. In this case, the scanner Thus, the function 5 can be used effectively.

  By the way, when the reduction mode is selected by a copy operation or the like, one of the scaling ratios is set as the priority reduction ratio. For example, in the first screen for selecting the reduction ratio value, the set priority reduction ratio value is selected. Start from the state that was done. By setting such a priority reduction rate, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user's operation when setting a reduction rate with a high usage frequency. The priority reduction rate is registered as one element of the basic setting of the system initial setting information, for example.

  When setting such a priority reduction ratio, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 7k, and any one of the selection keys (in this case, “25” displayed on the key group BSa). 6 ”(“% ”,“ 50% ”,“ 61% ”,“ 71% ”,“ 82% ”,“ 87% ”), the touch item is highlighted and the fact that it has been selected is displayed. Is done. For example, in this case, “25%” is set as the priority reduction ratio.

  When the “setting” key is touched in this state, the reduction ratio value of the item selected at that time is registered as the priority reduction ratio value.

  Therefore, for example, when the magnification key BSb is touched from the standby screen in the copy operation mode shown in FIG. 10, the screen is switched to the reduction mode screen as shown in FIG. 11, and 25% of the priority reduction ratio is selected. Initially displayed in the state.

  The priority reduction rate setting operation can be performed regardless of whether or not the ground pattern recognition unit 15 is attached. For this reason, some users may set the priority reduction ratio to a value smaller than the lower limit scaling factor at which the background pattern recognition unit 15 can recognize the background pattern even though the background pattern recognition unit 15 is attached. Alternatively, when the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 is mounted after the user sets the priority reduction ratio value, the priority reduction ratio is set to a value smaller than the lower limit scaling factor with which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit 15 can recognize the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern. There is a great deal of potential.

  In such a case, when the background pattern recognition unit 15 is attached, a situation occurs in which the background pattern recognition unit 15 cannot recognize the background pattern.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when setting the scaling factor in the reduction mode, such a problem can be avoided by performing the processing shown in FIG.

  First, it is checked whether or not the value of the set magnification is other than “100%” (decision 201). When the result of determination 201 is YES, the preset value is set as the scaling factor (processing 202), and the scaling factor setting screen is displayed (processing 203).

  Further, when the result of determination 201 is YES, since the scaling value has not been set, it is determined whether or not the value of the priority scaling ratio is smaller than the value of the document reading lower limit scaling ratio registered in the system. Check (decision 204).

  When the result of determination 204 is YES, the registered original reading lower limit scaling factor is set as the scaling factor (processing 205), the process proceeds to processing 203, and the subsequent processing is performed.

  When the result of determination 204 is NO, the value of the priority reduction rate is set as the scaling factor (process 206), the process proceeds to process 203, and the subsequent processes are performed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the value of the priority reduction ratio is smaller than the value of the document reading lower limit scaling ratio, the priority reduction ratio value is reset to the value of the document reading lower limit scaling ratio. Since the display of the magnification setting screen is started, the user can select an appropriate reduction ratio (magnification). Further, in this case, in order to prevent setting of a scaling factor value smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the selection element of the corresponding scaling item is grayed out on the scaling factor setting screen, and the scaling item cannot be selected. It is good to limit so.

  Also, in this network-compatible MFP MFP, when the program registration function is used, the user appropriately sets the original image reading magnification, reading mode, paper size, destination (in the case of the communication function), etc. in a certain operation mode. It is possible to set and register one work unit (hereinafter referred to as “job”) combined with the above.

  For example, when “Register” is selected from the program screen as shown in FIG. 13, in this case, various conditions in the copy operation mode can be registered, and the registered contents can be selected by one key operation. (For the selection state, see FIG. 14).

  As one of the program elements in the program registration function, there is a scaling factor. The scaling factor value can be set regardless of whether or not the ground pattern recognition unit 15 is attached. Therefore, depending on the user, the scaling factor may be set to a value smaller than the lower limit scaling factor with which the tint block recognition unit 15 can recognize the tint block even though the tint block recognition unit 15 is attached. Alternatively, when the background pattern recognition unit 15 is mounted after the user registers the program, there is a great possibility that the scaling factor is set to a value smaller than the lower limit scaling factor with which the background pattern recognition unit 15 can recognize the background pattern. .

  In such a case, when the background pattern recognition unit 15 is attached, a situation occurs in which the background pattern recognition unit 15 cannot recognize the background pattern.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a registered program is executed, such a problem can be avoided by performing a process as shown in FIG.

  First, it is checked whether or not the registered scaling factor is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor (decision 301). When the result of determination 301 is YES, the value of the document reading lower limit scaling factor is set as the scaling factor value to be applied to the program at that time (processing 302), and other mode settings are performed (processing 303). The subsequent operation is executed.

  If the result of determination 301 is NO, the value of the scaling factor registered in the program is set as the scaling factor value to be applied to the program at that time (processing 304), and the process proceeds to processing 303. Set other modes and execute the subsequent operations.

  In this way, in this embodiment, when the value of the scaling factor set in the registered program is smaller than the value of the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the value of the scaling factor applied to the program is read. Since the lower limit scaling factor is reset, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the background pattern recognition unit 15 cannot recognize the background pattern when executing the program.

  In the above description, the case where the present invention is applied to the network compatible MFP MFP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to other apparatuses having a document reading function, such as a scanner apparatus, a network compatible scanner apparatus (particularly, The same can be applied to a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a network facsimile machine having a scan-to-email function.

1 is a block diagram showing a network system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a network compatible MFP MFP. Schematic which showed an example of the structure of the operation display part 7. FIG. Schematic which showed an example of system initial setting information and setting information for managers. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an unauthorized copy suppression original and invalidation image data. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a background pattern recognition processing unit 15. Schematic which showed an example of the block which is a process unit of the isolated dot detection part 15a, and the pattern matching block which is a process unit of the pattern matching part 15c. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a part of processing performed by the network compatible MFP MFP when the system is started up. Schematic which showed an example of the setting screen of a priority reduction rate. Schematic which showed an example of the standby screen in copy operation mode. Schematic which showed an example of the screen of reduction mode. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of setting the scaling factor of reduction mode. Schematic which showed an example of the program screen. Schematic which showed an example of the program selection screen. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of running the registered program.

Explanation of symbols

MFP network compatible MFP 1 system control unit 2 system memory 3 parameter memory 15 tint block recognition unit

Claims (10)

In an image reading apparatus in which a tint block recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined tint block pattern from image data obtained by reading a document image is removable.
When detecting that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted at the time of starting up the system, the document reading lower limit scaling factor registered in the system is set to be equal to or larger than a scaling factor value at which the tint block recognition unit can recognize the tint block pattern. An image reading apparatus.   The system may be configured to set the document reading lower limit scaling factor to a lower limit scaling factor that can be set in the image reading unit when it is not detected that the tint block recognition unit is mounted when the system is started. Item 2. The image reading apparatus according to Item 1. Furthermore, when a zooming mode is selected, a priority scaling factor setting unit that sets a priority scaling factor that is initially set to a selected state is provided.
2. The priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor when a priority scaling factor set in the priority scaling factor setting unit is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. Furthermore, when a zooming mode is selected, a priority scaling factor setting unit that sets a priority scaling factor that is initially set to a selected state is provided.
When the priority scaling factor set in the priority scaling factor setting means is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor and set in the scaling mode. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a possible variable magnification is limited to be equal to or greater than the document reading lower limit variable magnification. Furthermore, it has a program registration means that can register any mode,
2. The registration magnification is reset to the original reading lower limit scaling factor when the scaling factor registered in the program registration unit is smaller than the original reading lower limit scaling factor. The document reading apparatus according to claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4. In a control method of an image reading apparatus in which a ground pattern recognition unit for recognizing a predetermined ground pattern pattern from image data obtained by reading a document image is removable.
When detecting that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted at the time of starting up the system, an image reading lower limit scaling factor is set to be equal to or larger than a scaling factor at which the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit can recognize a tint block pattern. A method for controlling a reader.   The system may be configured to set the document reading lower limit scaling factor to a lower limit scaling factor that can be set in the image reading unit when it is not detected that the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern recognition unit is mounted when the system is activated. Item 7. A method for controlling an image reading apparatus according to Item 6. Furthermore, when a zooming mode is selected, a priority scaling factor setting unit that sets a priority scaling factor that is initially set to a selected state is provided.
2. The priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor when a priority scaling factor set in the priority scaling factor setting unit is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor. A control method for an image reading apparatus according to claim 6 or 7. Furthermore, when a zooming mode is selected, a priority scaling factor setting unit that sets a priority scaling factor that is initially set to a selected state is provided.
When the priority scaling factor set in the priority scaling factor setting means is smaller than the document reading lower limit scaling factor, the priority scaling factor is reset to the document reading lower limit scaling factor and set in the scaling mode. 8. The control method for an image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a possible variable magnification is limited to be equal to or greater than the original reading lower limit variable magnification. Furthermore, it has a program registration means that can register any mode,
7. The registration magnification is reset to the original reading lower limit scaling factor when the scaling factor registered in the program registration unit is smaller than the original reading lower limit scaling factor. The control method of the document reading apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 or claim 9.