CN117880426A - Image reading apparatus and image reading method of image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are an image reading apparatus and an image reading method of the image reading apparatus, which can improve user convenience. The image reading apparatus includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a display unit capable of displaying information; and a USB connection unit to which a USB cable can be connected. The control unit can control the operation mode to any one of a plurality of modes. When the power supply is connected, the control unit determines any one of a plurality of modes based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying the determined mode.

Description

Image reading apparatus and image reading method of image reading apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus configured to read an image from an original document, and an image reading method of the image reading apparatus.

Background

For example, patent document 1 discloses an image reading apparatus connectable to a USB device. In the image reading apparatus, for example, a USB device such as a terminal apparatus is connected, and power can be supplied from the USB device. Such an image reading apparatus can be controlled to any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption depending on the connection with the USB device. The plurality of modes include a reference mode and a power saving mode that consumes less power than the reference mode. In the image reading apparatus, when the image is not read, the image reading apparatus can be controlled to a power saving mode. In the image reading apparatus, when the control is in the power saving mode, the control can be in the reference mode when the image reading is instructed.

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication 2016-32239

However, in such an image reading apparatus, it is desirable to improve the convenience of the user by providing the user with useful information accompanying the power supplied from the USB device when connected to the USB device.

Disclosure of Invention

An image reading apparatus for solving the above-described problems includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a display unit capable of displaying information; and a USB connection unit configured to be connectable to a USB cable, wherein the control unit is configured to control the USB cable to be in any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption, and when the power supply is connected, the control unit determines any one of the plurality of modes based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of determining the determined mode.

An image reading method of an image reading apparatus that solves the above-described problems is an image reading method of an image reading apparatus that includes a reading unit capable of reading an image from an original, a control unit that performs control related to reading the image from the original, a display unit capable of displaying information, and a USB connection unit capable of connecting a USB cable, and is executed as follows: when the power supply is turned on, the control unit determines any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of determining the determined mode.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of an image reading apparatus in a first posture.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the image reading apparatus in the second posture.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the image reading apparatus.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the USB connection section, the first light-emitting section, and the second light-emitting section.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the power supply monitoring section.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing control contents of each of the plurality of modes.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the mode setting process.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a notification method.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the power supply monitoring process.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the display change process.

Description of the reference numerals

D: an original document; d1: a sub-scanning direction; d2: a main scanning direction; p1: a first position; p2: a second position; SA: a read area; vm1: a first voltage value; vm2: a second voltage value; vo: a supply voltage value; 11: an image reading device; 12: a frame; 13: a base station; 14: a supply port; 15: a discharge port; 15A: a first discharge port; 15B: a second discharge port; 16: a paper feed tray; 17: a paper discharge tray; 18: a conveying path; 18A: a first conveying path; 18B: a second conveying path; 19: a common conveying path; 20A: a curved path; 20B: a straight line path; 21: a conveying section; 22: a paper feed roller; 23: a first roller pair; 23A: a first driving roller; 23B: a first separation roller; 24: a second roller pair; 24A: a second driving roller; 24B: a second driven roller; 25: a third roller pair; 25A: a third driving roller; 25B: a third driven roller; 26: a path switching member; 27: an operation unit; 28: a notification unit; 28A: a first light emitting section; 28B: a second light emitting section; 28C: a sound output unit; 29: a touch panel; 30: a liquid crystal display unit; 31: a first original sensor; 32: an original protection sensor; 33: a manuscript thickness sensor; 34: a carrier sheet sensor; 35: overlapping the conveying sensors; 36: a second original sensor; 37: an attitude sensor; 37A: a first attitude sensor; 37B: a second attitude sensor; 40: a reading section; 41: a light source; 42: an image sensor; 43: a background plate; 44: a feed motor; 45: a conveying motor; 46: an encoder; 47: a paper feed tray motor; 48: a paper discharge tray motor; 49: a posture driving motor; 50: a control unit; 51: a main control unit; 52: a conveyance control unit; 53: a read control unit; 54: an image processing section; 55: a timing generator; 56: simulating a front end; 57: a wireless communication unit; 58: a wired communication unit; 59: a power supply circuit; 60: a power supply monitoring unit; 61: a connection part; 62: an AC adapter connection; 63: a USB connection part; 70: a measuring unit; 71: a measuring resistor; 72: a switching section; 73: a comparison unit; 100: a USB cable; 101: a USB device; 102: a power supply side USB connection part.

Detailed Description

First embodiment

An embodiment of the image reading apparatus is described below with reference to the drawings. The image reading apparatus is, for example, a sheet-fed scanner in which a fixed reading section reads an original such as a sheet or a film to be conveyed. The image reading apparatus is not limited to the sheet fed scanner, and may be a flatbed scanner.

< Structure of image reader 11 >

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the image reading apparatus 11 includes a housing 12 and a base 13. The frame 12 is supported by a base 13. The base 13 is provided on a horizontal plane, for example. The housing 12 is rotatable relative to the base 13.

The housing 12 is configured to be capable of switching the posture. The housing 12 is configured to switch the posture by rotation relative to the base 13, for example. The frame 12 is switched to, for example, a first posture shown in fig. 1 and a second posture shown in fig. 2. The frame 12 is configured to change the inclination with respect to the base 13 between the first posture and the second posture. In this way, the image reading apparatus 11 can reduce the bottom space of the image reading apparatus 11 when the housing 12 is in the first posture, compared to when the housing 12 is in the second posture.

The housing 12 includes a supply port 14. The supply port 14 is an opening for supplying the original D before reading. The housing 12 may be provided with a plurality of discharge ports 15. The plurality of discharge ports 15 are openings for discharging the read original document D. The plurality of discharge ports 15 includes a first discharge port 15A and a second discharge port 15B.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a paper feed tray 16. The paper feed tray 16 extends from the inside of the housing 12 toward the outside of the housing 12 through the supply port 14. The paper feed tray 16 can place the original document D before reading. The paper feed tray 16 is slidable in a direction of feeding the original document D before reading.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a discharge tray 17. The paper discharge tray 17 extends from the inside of the housing 12 toward the outside of the housing 12 through the first discharge port 15A. The discharge tray 17 can place the read document D. The discharge tray 17 is slidable in a direction of discharging the read document D.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a conveyance path 18. The conveying path 18 is a path for conveying the document D. The conveyance path 18 extends inside the housing 12. The image reading apparatus 11 includes, for example, a first conveyance path 18A and a second conveyance path 18B. The first conveyance path 18A is a path shown by a one-dot chain line in fig. 1. The second conveyance path 18B is a path shown by a one-dot chain line in fig. 2.

As shown in fig. 1, the first conveyance path 18A extends from the supply port 14 toward the first discharge port 15A. The first conveyance path 18A includes, for example, a common conveyance path 19. The common conveyance path 19 is a path shared by the first conveyance path 18A and the second conveyance path 18B. The common conveyance path 19 extends in a straight line or a straight line. The direction in which the common conveyance path 19 extends is the sub-scanning direction D1. The common conveyance path 19 is a path passing through the reading area SA. The first conveying path 18A includes a curved path 20A. The curved path 20A extends from the common conveyance path 19. The curved path 20A is curved in a U shape, for example. The first conveyance path 18A is, for example, a path for conveying the document D when the housing 12 is in the first posture.

As shown in fig. 2, the second conveyance path 18B extends from the supply port 14 toward the second discharge port 15B. The second conveyance path 18B includes, for example, a common conveyance path 19. The second conveyance path 18B includes a straight path 20B. The straight path 20B extends from the common conveyance path 19. The straight path 20B is a path extending in a straight line or a straight line. The second conveying path 18B is, for example, a path for conveying the document D when the housing 12 is in the second posture. In this way, the image reading apparatus 11 is configured to switch the path of conveying the document D by switching the posture of the housing 12.

In this way, the image reading apparatus 11 is configured such that the angle of the common conveyance path 19 with respect to the horizontal plane is changed by switching the posture of the housing 12. In particular, the image reading apparatus 11 may be configured such that the angle of the common conveyance path 19 with respect to the horizontal plane becomes smaller than in the case where the housing 12 is in the first posture and in the case where the housing 12 is in the second posture.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a conveying section 21. The conveying section 21 is configured to convey the document D in the sub-scanning direction D1. In particular, the conveying section 21 can convey the document D of the thin paper. The conveying section 21 can convey the thick paper document D. The conveying section 21 can convey a carrier sheet that holds the original document D.

The conveying section 21 includes one or more rollers. The conveying section 21 includes, for example, a paper feed roller 22, a first roller pair 23, a second roller pair 24, and a third roller pair 25. The paper feed roller 22 is disposed at an upstream end of the conveyance path 18. The paper feed roller 22 feeds the originals D placed on the paper feed tray 16 one by one into the housing 12 through the feed port 14.

The first roller pair 23 is provided downstream of the feed roller 22 in the conveying path 18. The first roller pair 23 includes a first driving roller 23A and a first separation roller 23B. The first separation roller 23B has a larger friction coefficient with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the original document D than the first driving roller 23A. The first separation roller 23B rotates at a slightly lower rotational speed than the first drive roller 23A. Thus, even if the plurality of originals D are overlapped and conveyed from the paper feed roller 22, the first roller pair 23 separates the lowermost one and conveys the sheet downstream of the conveying path 18.

The second roller pair 24 is provided downstream of the first roller pair 23 on the conveying path 18. The second roller pair 24 is disposed further upstream than the reading area SA in the conveyance path 18. The second roller pair 24 includes a second driving roller 24A and a second driven roller 24B. The second driving roller 24A is rotationally driven in the following manner: the original document D is conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed. The second driven roller 24B rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the second driving roller 24A.

The third roller pair 25 is provided downstream of the second roller pair 24 in the conveying path 18. The third roller pair 25 is provided further downstream in the conveyance path 18 than the reading area SA. The third roller pair 25 includes a third driving roller 25A and a third driven roller 25B. The third driving roller 25A is rotationally driven in the following manner: the original document D is conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed. The third driven roller 25B rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the third driving roller 25A.

The conveying section 21 includes a path switching member 26. The path switching member 26 is, for example, a shutter. The path switching member 26 switches the path of conveying the original document D to the first conveying path 18A or the second conveying path 18B. The path switching member 26 switches the path for conveying the document D by blocking the first conveying path 18A or the second conveying path 18B. The path switching member 26 guides the original document D to the second conveying path 18B when the first conveying path 18A is jammed. The path switching member 26 guides the original document D to the first conveying path 18A when the second conveying path 18B is jammed.

The path switching member 26 is linked with the posture of the housing 12, for example. The path switching member 26 blocks the second conveying path 18B when the frame 12 is in the first posture. The path switching member 26 blocks the first conveying path 18A when the frame 12 is in the second posture. The path switching member 26 may be displaced independently of the posture of the housing 12. That is, the path switching member 26 may switch the path regardless of the posture of the housing 12.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes one or more sensors for detecting the reading of an image. Specifically, the image reading apparatus 11 may include the first document sensor 31. The first document sensor 31 detects the presence or absence of a document D in the paper feed tray 16. The first document sensor 31 may be, for example, a contact sensor having a lever, but may be a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor.

The image reading apparatus 11 may also include a document protection sensor 32. The original protection sensor 32 detects the position of the original D in the paper feed tray 16. In particular, the document protection sensor 32 detects that the document D fed from the feed port 14 is conveyed obliquely for protecting the document D. The original protection sensor 32 may be a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor, for example, but may be a contact sensor having a lever.

The image reading apparatus 11 may also include a document thickness sensor 33. The document thickness sensor 33 detects the thickness of the document D placed on the paper feed tray 16. For example, as a type of the document, the document thickness sensor 33 may be capable of detecting any one of the document D of thin paper, the document D of thick paper, and the carrier sheet. The document thickness sensor 33 is located in the housing 12, for example. The document thickness sensor 33 may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor.

The image reading apparatus 11 may also be provided with a carrier sheet sensor 34. The carrier sheet sensor 34 is disposed between the first drive roller 23A and the second drive roller 24A. The carrier sheet sensor 34 detects a carrier sheet holding the original D. The carrier sheet is a sheet configured to sandwich the original D by a transparent film. The carrier sheet can be conveyed in the conveyance path 18 in a state where an extremely small-sized original D or other original D is sandwiched, for example. The carrier sheet sensor 34 may be an optical sensor, for example. The carrier sheet sensor 34 detects an identification portion such as a mark of the original D or the carrier sheet.

The image reading apparatus 11 may be provided with an overlapping conveyance sensor 35. The overlapping conveyance sensor 35 is provided between the first drive roller 23A and the second drive roller 24A. The overlapping conveyance sensor 35 is disposed further downstream of the carrier sheet sensor 34 than the conveyance path 18. The double feed sensor 35 detects double feed of the original D. The double feed of the document D is to feed a plurality of documents D in a double-stacked state.

The image reading apparatus 11 may also include a second document sensor 36. The second document sensor 36 is disposed further downstream in the conveyance path 18 than the second roller pair 24. The second document sensor 36 detects the presence or absence of the document D conveyed by the second roller pair 24. The second document sensor 36 may be, for example, a contact sensor having a lever, but may be a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor.

The image reading apparatus 11 may also include an attitude sensor 37. The posture sensor 37 detects the posture of the housing 12. The attitude sensor 37 may be provided with a first attitude sensor 37A and a second attitude sensor 37B, but may be constituted by one sensor. The first posture sensor 37A detects that the housing 12 is in the first posture. The first posture sensor 37A may be configured to detect, for example, a path switching member 26 that blocks the second conveyance path 18B. The second posture sensor 37B detects that the housing 12 is in the second posture. The second posture sensor 37B is configured to detect, for example, a path switching member 26 that blocks the first conveying path 18A.

The attitude sensor 37 is not limited to a sensor that detects the path switching member 26, and may be, for example, a gyro sensor. In the case where the attitude sensor 37 is a gyro sensor, the image reading apparatus 11 may be provided with a sensor for detecting the position of the path switching member 26.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes one or more reading units 40. The reading section 40 is configured to be able to read an image from the document D. The reading section 40 reads an image from the document D conveyed on the common conveying path 19 in the reading area SA. The reading unit 40 is accommodated in the housing 12.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes, for example, two reading units 40. The two reading portions 40 are located at positions across the common conveyance path 19. The two reading portions 40 are opposed to each other. The two reading portions 40 read different surfaces of the document D. One reading section 40 of the two reading sections 40 reads the front surface of the original document D. The other reading portion 40 of the two reading portions 40 reads the back surface of the original document D. Thereby, the image reading apparatus 11 reads one side of the original D or both sides of the original D.

The reading section 40 includes a light source 41, an image sensor 42, and a background plate 43. The light source 41 is, for example, an LED, a fluorescent lamp, or the like. The light source 41 irradiates light toward the opposite background plate 43.

The image sensors 42 are arranged in the main scanning direction D2. The image sensor 42 is modularized. The image sensor 42 is, for example, a contact image sensor. In detail, the image sensor 42 is a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor 42 photoelectrically converts the received light. The image sensor 42 outputs an output signal of a value corresponding to the amount of light received.

The image sensor 42 may be either a monochrome sensor or a color sensor. The reading section 40 may be configured to read the original document D in full color. For example, the reading unit 40 may be configured to read the document D in three colors of RGB. The reading section 40 may be configured to read the document D in a gradation manner.

The background plate 43 is opposed to the light source 41 and the image sensor 42 of the other reading section 40, for example. The background plate 43 reflects light irradiated from the light source 41 and is incident on the image sensor 42. The background plate 43 is read by the image sensor 42 together with the original D. The background plate 43 is read as a background by the image sensor 42 together with the original D. The background plate 43 is not limited to white, and may be gray, for example.

< electric Structure of image reading device 11 >

Next, an electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus 11 will be described with reference to fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 3, the image reading apparatus 11 includes a control unit 50. The control unit 50 may control the image reading apparatus 11 in total and control various operations performed by the image reading apparatus 11. That is, the control unit 50 is configured to perform control related to reading of an image. The control unit 50 may include one or more processors that execute various processes in accordance with a program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit that executes at least a part of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU, and memories such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memories store program codes and instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, encompasses all readable media that can be accessed by a computer, either general purpose or special purpose. The control unit 50 may also include an SOC (System on a chip).

The image reading apparatus 11 includes an operation unit 27. The operation unit 27 is provided in the housing 12. The operation unit 27 includes a plurality of switches operable by a user. The plurality of switches includes a power switch, a start switch, and a stop switch.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a notification unit 28. The notification unit 28 is provided in the housing 12. The notification unit 28 is configured to perform notification concerning reading of an image. In particular, the notification unit 28 may include, for example, a power source light emitting unit not shown. The power source light emitting unit may be a light emitting unit for notifying whether or not power is turned on.

The notification unit 28 may include a first light emitting unit 28A. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 may include the first light emitting unit 28A. The first light emitting portion 28A may be a display portion such as an LED, for example. The first light emitting unit 28A may be a light emitting unit that notifies a type of a mode described later. That is, the first light emitting unit 28A is configured to emit light in a light emission system in which a controlled mode can be specified.

The notification unit 28 may include a second light emitting unit 28B. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 may include the second light emitting unit 28B. The second light emitting portion 28B may be a display portion such as an LED, for example. The second light emitting unit 28B may be a light emitting unit for notifying a communication status of wireless communication. That is, the second light emitting unit 28B is configured to emit light in a light emission system capable of specifying the state of wireless communication.

The notification unit 28 may include an audio output unit 28C. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 may include the audio output unit 28C. The sound output unit 28C can output a sound associated with reading of an image. The sound output unit 28C may be a speaker.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a touch panel 29 and a liquid crystal display unit 30. The touch panel 29 is provided in the housing 12. The touch panel 29 includes a touch area operable by a user. The liquid crystal display unit 30 may be a display unit made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, for example. The liquid crystal display unit 30 is configured to display an image at a position corresponding to the contact area of the touch panel 29. The liquid crystal display unit 30 displays information related to reading of an image, such as setting information. The liquid crystal display unit 30 can display information more detailed than the notification unit 28.

In the present embodiment, the first light emitting portion 28A, the second light emitting portion 28B, and the liquid crystal display portion 30 correspond to an example of a display portion. The display unit can display information. The display unit can delete the information. The first light emitting portion 28A, the second light emitting portion 28B, the sound output portion 28C, and the liquid crystal display portion 30 correspond to an example of a notification portion. The notification unit can notify information.

The conveying section 21 includes a feed motor 44 and a conveying motor 45. The feed motor 44 is a power source for rotationally driving the paper feed roller 22 and the first drive roller 23A. The conveying motor 45 is a power source for rotationally driving the first separation roller 23B, the second driving roller 24A, and the third driving roller 25A.

The image reading apparatus 11 may be provided with an encoder 46. The encoder 46 is provided inside the housing 12. The encoder 46 may be, for example, a rotary encoder. The encoder 46 may be capable of detecting rotation of the second drive roller 24A, but may also be capable of detecting rotation of other rollers. The encoder 46 outputs a detection signal including a number of pulses proportional to the rotation amount of the second driving roller 24A.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a paper feed tray motor 47. The paper feed tray motor 47 is a driving source capable of moving the paper feed tray 16. The image reading apparatus 11 includes a discharge tray motor 48. The discharge tray motor 48 is a driving source capable of moving the discharge tray 17. The image reading apparatus 11 includes an attitude driving motor 49. The posture driving motor 49 is a power source that drives the posture of the housing 12 to be changeable.

The control unit 50 is connected to the operation unit 27, the notification unit 28, the touch panel 29, and the liquid crystal display unit 30. The control unit 50 can input an operation signal from the operation unit 27. The control unit 50 can output a notification signal to the notification unit 28. The control unit 50 can input a touch signal from the touch panel 29. The control unit 50 can control whether the touch panel 29 is activated or deactivated. The control unit 50 can output a signal for displaying an image to the liquid crystal display unit 30. The control unit 50 can control whether the liquid crystal display unit 30 is activated or deactivated.

The control section 50 is connected to the first document sensor 31, the document protection sensor 32, the document thickness sensor 33, the carrier sheet sensor 34, the double feed sensor 35, the second document sensor 36, the posture sensor 37, and the encoder 46. In fig. 3, the carrier sheet sensor 34 is denoted as CS sensor. The control section 50 can input detection signals from the first document sensor 31, the document protection sensor 32, the document thickness sensor 33, the carrier sheet sensor 34, the double feed sensor 35, the second document sensor 36, the posture sensor 37, and the encoder 46. The control section 50 can control whether the first document sensor 31, the document protection sensor 32, the document thickness sensor 33, the carrier sheet sensor 34, the double feed sensor 35, the second document sensor 36, the posture sensor 37, and the encoder 46 are activated or deactivated.

The control unit 50 is connected to the feed motor 44, the conveyance motor 45, the paper feed tray motor 47, the paper discharge tray motor 48, and the posture driving motor 49. The control unit 50 can output signals for driving the feed motor 44, the conveyance motor 45, the paper feed tray motor 47, the paper discharge tray motor 48, and the posture driving motor 49. The feed motor 44 may be constituted by one motor, for example, or may be constituted by a plurality of motors, for example. The conveying motor 45 may be constituted by one motor, for example, or may be constituted by a plurality of motors, for example. The paper feed tray motor 47 may be constituted by one motor, for example, or may be constituted by a plurality of motors, for example. The discharge tray motor 48 may be constituted by one motor, for example, or may be constituted by a plurality of motors, for example. The posture driving motor 49 may be constituted by one motor, for example, or may be constituted by a plurality of motors, for example.

The control unit 50 includes a timing generator 55. In fig. 3, the timing generator 55 is denoted as TG. The timing generator 55 outputs a pulse signal indicating the timing of the reading operation to the reading section 40.

The control unit 50 includes an analog front end 56. In fig. 3, the analog front end 56 is denoted AFE. The analog front end 56 converts from an analog signal to a digital signal based on the image signal from the image sensor 42.

The control unit 50 is connected to the reading unit 40. The control section 50 can instruct the reading section 40 to read the image via the timing generator 55. The control unit 50 can input an image signal from the reading unit 40 via the analog front end 56. The control unit 50 can adjust a read control clock supplied to the timing generator 55 and the analog front end 56. The timing generator 55 and the analog front end 56 are driven with a cycle based on the read control clock supplied from the control section 50.

The control unit 50 includes various functional units that function by executing programs. Specifically, the control unit 50 includes a main control unit 51, a conveyance control unit 52, a reading control unit 53, an image processing unit 54, a wireless communication unit 57, and a wired communication unit 58. The main control unit 51 performs overall control of the image reading apparatus 11.

The conveyance control section 52 performs control of conveying the document D along the conveyance path 18. The conveyance control unit 52 controls driving of the feed motor 44 and the conveyance motor 45 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 51. In particular, the conveyance control unit 52 drives and controls the feed motor 44 and the conveyance motor 45 as follows: the original D is conveyed at a conveying speed corresponding to the reading speed. In the present embodiment, the number of sheets of original D that can be read in one minute, that is, ppm (paper per minute) is used as a unit of reading speed. The reading speed may be specified based on the reading instruction, or may be set in advance in the control unit 50 without every reading instruction.

Specifically, the conveyance control unit 52 conveys the document D at a high speed, as compared with the case where the reading speed is 20ppm, and the case where the reading speed is 90 ppm. The conveyance control section 52 conveys the original D at a higher speed than in the case where the reading speed is 5ppm and in the case where the reading speed is 20 ppm.

The read control unit 53 controls the read unit 40 via the timing generator 55. In particular, the reading control section 53 controls the light emission of the light source 41. The read control unit 53 performs control to cause the image sensor 42 to perform a read operation. Thus, the reading control section 53 performs control to cause the reading section 40 to read the image of the document D.

Further, as the reading speed, the reading control unit 53 causes the reading unit 40 to read an image at any one of 90ppm, 20ppm, and 5 ppm. That is, the reading section 40 can read an image at any one of a plurality of reading speeds including 90ppm, 20ppm, and 5 ppm. As a reading speed, 5ppm was slower than 20ppm, and 20ppm was slower than 90 ppm. As the reading speed, 90ppm corresponds to an example of the first reading speed. As the reading speed, 20ppm corresponds to an example of the second reading speed. As an example of the third reading speed, 5ppm corresponds to the third reading speed.

The image reading section 54 processes image data of the image read by the reading section 40. In particular, the image processing unit 54 can perform predetermined correction on the image data of the image read by the reading unit 40.

The image processing unit 54 can output the corrected image data to an external device. Examples of the external device include a USB (Universal Serial Bus: universal serial bus) memory, a personal computer, a portable terminal device, and a server device. Regarding communication with an external device, both wired communication and wireless communication are performed. The wired communication includes USB communication via a USB cable, but may also include communication via other communication cables such as a LAN (Local Area Network: local area network) cable.

The wireless communication unit 57 performs control for performing wireless communication. The wireless communication may be, for example, wireless communication capable of connecting USB devices using the IEEE802.11 standard. In other words, the wireless communication may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark), for example. The wireless communication may be bluetooth (registered trademark), for example.

The wired communication unit 58 performs control for performing wired communication. The wired communication may be, for example, communication via a USB cable, or communication via another communication cable including a LAN cable. The wired communication is communication that consumes less power than the wireless communication.

When a reading instruction is input, the image reading apparatus 11 can perform the following reading operation: more than one document D placed on the paper feed tray 16 is conveyed one by one, and an image is read from the document D. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 can perform a reading operation of reading an image from one or a plurality of originals D based on a one-time reading instruction. The reading instruction may be an instruction from the operation unit 27, an instruction from the touch panel 29, or an instruction from a personal computer or a portable terminal device.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a power supply circuit 59. The power supply circuit 59 supplies power to various components of the image reading apparatus 11 based on power supply supplied via a connection unit 61 described later. The power supply circuit 59 includes a power supply monitor 60. The power supply monitoring unit 60 is configured to monitor a power supply voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 59.

The image reading apparatus 11 includes a connection unit 61. The connection unit 61 can be connected to a power supply source from outside the image reading apparatus 11. The control unit 50 is connected to a power supply circuit 59 and a connection unit 61. The power supply circuit 59 is connected to the connection portion 61.

The connection portion 61 is provided with an AC adapter connection portion 62. The AC adapter connection portion 62 is capable of connecting an AC adapter cable. That is, the AC adapter connection portion 62 can be connected to an AC adapter as a power supply source via an AC adapter cable. The AC adapter connection unit 62 can be said to be connected to a commercial power supply source as a power supply source via an AC adapter cable and an AC adapter.

The connection portion 61 includes a USB connection portion 63. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 includes the USB connection section 63. The USB connection 63 can be connected to a USB cable. That is, the USB connection portion 63 can be connected to a USB device as a power supply source via a USB cable. The USB device includes, for example, a USB memory, a personal computer, a portable terminal device, and the like. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 27, the touch panel 29, the wireless communication unit 57, and the wired communication unit 58 correspond to an example of an input unit. The input unit is capable of inputting a user instruction.

< positional relationship of USB connection portion 63 and light emitting portion >

Here, the positional relationship among the USB connection portion 63, the first light emitting portion 28A, and the second light emitting portion 28B will be described with reference to fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 4, the USB connection portion 63, the first light emitting portion 28A, and the second light emitting portion 28B are exposed on the same surface. Therefore, the USB connection portion 63 and the first light emitting portion 28A are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction. Further, the USB connection portion 63 and the second light emitting portion 28B are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction. Thus, when the USB cable is connected to the USB connection portion 63, the condition of the first light emitting portion 28A and the second light emitting portion 28B can be easily visually distinguished.

< Power supply monitoring Unit 60>

Next, the electrical configuration of the power supply monitoring unit 60 will be described with reference to fig. 5.

As shown in fig. 5, the power supply monitor unit 60 is connected to the USB connection unit 63. In particular, the power supply monitor 60 is connected to a power supply terminal of the USB connection 63. The USB cable 100 can be connected to the USB connection section 63.

The USB device 101 includes a power supply side USB connection unit 102. The USB cable 100 can be connected to a power supply side USB connection section 102. The first position P1 is a position output from the power supply side USB connection section 102 to the outside. The first position P1 is an end portion from which the supply voltage value Vo from the USB device 101 is output. That is, the first position P1 is an output end of USB power supply in the USB device 101. The USB cable 100 has a resistance Rc.

The power supply monitoring unit 60 includes a measuring unit 70. The measurement unit 70 is configured to measure the voltage value Vm at the second position P2. The second position P2 is a position connected to the USB connection portion 63. The second position P2 is an end portion to which the power supply voltage supplied from the USB device 101 is input. That is, the second position P2 is an input end of USB power supply in the image reading apparatus 11. In this way, the measurement unit 70 can measure the voltage value Vm supplied from the USB cable 100 connected to the USB connection unit 63 in a state where the USB cable 100 is connected to the USB connection unit 63.

The measurement unit 70 is connected to the control unit 50. The measurement unit 70 outputs a signal indicating the voltage value to the control unit 50. The measuring unit 70 is connected to a comparing unit 73 described later. The measurement unit 70 also outputs a signal indicating the voltage value to the comparison unit 73.

The power supply monitoring unit 60 includes a measuring resistor 71. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 includes the measuring resistor 71. The measurement resistor 71 is used when the voltage Vm is measured by the measurement unit 70. The measurement resistor 71 has a resistance value Rm.

The power supply monitoring unit 60 includes a switching unit 72. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 includes the switching unit 72. The switching unit 72 is connected between the second position P2 and the measuring resistor 71. The switching unit 72 is connected to the control unit 50. The switching unit 72 is configured to switch the connection state between the second position P2 and the measuring resistor 71 based on a signal from the control unit 50. The connection state has a first state and a second state. The first state is a state in which the second position P2 and the measuring resistor 71 are connected. That is, the first state is a state in which the measuring unit 70 and the measuring resistor 71 are connected. The second state is a state in which the second position P2 and the measuring resistor 71 are not connected. That is, the second state is a state in which the measuring unit 70 and the measuring resistor 71 are not connected. In this way, the switching unit 72 can switch between the first state and the second state at least.

The control section 50 can switch the first state and the second state by outputting a signal to the switching section 72. That is, the control unit 50 can control the switching unit 72 to switch to either one of the first state and the second state. In the second state, the measuring resistor 71 is not connected to the measuring unit 70, and the control unit 50 and the measuring unit 70 have a resistance value R1. In fig. 5, for convenience, only the measuring unit 70 is labeled with the resistance value R1. In the first state, the measuring resistor 71 is connected to the measuring unit 70. Therefore, the control unit 50 and the measuring unit 70 are connected in parallel with the measuring resistor 71. The resistance value obtained when the control unit 50 and the measurement unit 70 are connected in parallel with the measurement resistor 71 is referred to as a resistance value Rs.

In this way, the control unit 50 can acquire the first voltage value Vm1 and the second voltage value Vm2. The control unit 50 can acquire a measurement result concerning the power loss of the USB cable 100 based on the acquired first voltage value Vm1 and second voltage value Vm2.

As a measurement result concerning the power loss of the USB cable 100, a measurement result concerning the power loss of the USB cable 100 may be used. The measured value related to the power loss of the USB cable 100 may be the power loss of the USB cable 100, but may be a voltage value reduced by the USB cable 100 or may be a resistance value Rc. Hereinafter, the power value lost by the USB cable 100 is sometimes expressed as a lost power value. The voltage value that drops due to the USB cable 100 is sometimes expressed as a drop voltage value.

Specifically, in the first state, the current of the current value Im1 flows to the second position P2, and in the second state, the current of the current value Im2 flows to the second position P2. In this case, in the first state, the supply voltage Vo is a result of multiplying the current value Im1 by the sum of the resistance value Rc and the resistance value Rs. In the first state, the first voltage value Vm1 is a result of multiplying the resistance value Rs by the current value Im 1. In the second state, the supply voltage Vo is a result of multiplying the current value Im2 by the sum of the resistance value Rc and the resistance value R1. In the second state, the second voltage value Vm2 is a result of multiplying the resistance value R1 and the current value Im 2. According to such a relationship, the control unit 50 can acquire the resistance value Rc based on the acquired first voltage value Vm1 and second voltage value Vm2, resistance value R1, and resistance value Rm.

The control unit 50 can acquire the drop voltage value and the loss power value based on the resistance value Rc and the current value Im at the second position P2. In detail, the control unit 50 obtains the result of multiplying the resistance value Rc by the current value Im at the second position P2 as the drop voltage value. The control unit 50 obtains the result of multiplying the resistance value Rc by the square of the current value Im at the second position P2 as the loss voltage value. Further, the control section 50 can acquire a measurement result concerning the power loss of the USB cable 100, regardless of the supply voltage value Vo output from the USB device 101.

The power supply monitoring unit 60 includes a comparing unit 73. The comparator 73 is configured to compare the input voltage value with a reference voltage value. The comparing section 73 is connected to the control section 50. The control unit 50 inputs a signal indicating the reference voltage value to the comparison unit 73. The comparing unit 73 compares the voltage value Vm measured by the measuring unit 70 with a reference voltage value. When the voltage value measured by the measuring unit 70 exceeds the reference voltage value, the comparing unit 73 outputs a signal indicating that the voltage value exceeds the reference voltage value to the control unit 50.

< control related to connecting portion 61 >

Here, control related to the connection unit 61 will be described.

The control unit 50 monitors the connection state of the connection unit 61 to the power supply circuit 59. In detail, the control unit 50 monitors whether the USB device is connected to the power supply circuit 59. The control unit 50 determines either one from the power supply source connected to the connection unit 61 based on the connection state of the connection unit 61 to the power supply circuit 59.

The control unit 50 instructs the power supply circuit 59 about the determined power supply source. The power supply circuit 59 supplies the power to the various components of the image reading apparatus 11 based on the power supply from the power supply source instructed by the control section 50. The control unit 50 determines the power supply source according to a priority predetermined with respect to the connection state. In detail, the control unit 50 determines the power supply source by giving priority to the AC adapter over the USB device.

The control unit 50 performs USB negotiation with a USB device connected via the USB connection unit 63 and a USB cable. In particular, the control unit 50 performs USB negotiation with the USB device when the power is turned on. The control unit 50 performs USB negotiation with the USB device when the connection state with the USB device changes. The control unit 50 performs USB negotiation with the USB device in response to the instruction from the user. The USB negotiation is a process of determining a standard of USB to be adopted between the image reading apparatus 11 and the USB device. The control unit 50 determines the connection state with the USB device based on the result of the USB negotiation, and controls the USB device according to any one of the USB standards.

The standards of USB include USB2.0, USB3.0, USB-BC (Battery Charging), USB-PD (Power Delivery), and the like. As a standard of USB, communication speeds are different.

As a standard of USB, a standard of a USB connector is different. Examples of the standard USB connector include Type-A, type-B, type-C, miniUSB, microUSB. The USB connection 63 is not limited, but in the case of using USB-PD, type-C is preferable.

As a standard of USB, power that can be supplied is different. That is, the power that can be supplied by the standard of USB power supply is different. For example, USB2.0 is capable of 2.5W (0.5A/5V) power supply. USB3.0 is capable of 4.5W (0.9A/5V) power supply. USB-BC is capable of 7.5W (1.5A/5V) power. The USB-PD can supply power of more than 15W. In particular, the USB-PD may be capable of 15W (3A/5V) power supply, but is not limited thereto. The USB-PD may be capable of supplying power of 27W (3A/9V), 45W (3A/15V), 60W (5A/12V or 3A/20V), 100W (5A/20V), or the like, for example.

The power values that can be supplied can be classified into a low power range, a medium power range, and a high power range. The low power range may be 7.5W or more and less than 15W. The medium power range may be a power range of 15W or more and less than 27W. The high power range may be a power range of 27W or more and 100W or less. Hereinafter, a USB device capable of supplying power in a high power range may be referred to as a high USB device. USB devices that can supply power in a medium power range are sometimes referred to as medium USB devices. USB devices that can supply power in a low power range are sometimes referred to as low USB devices.

The control unit 50 can control any of a plurality of modes. In particular, the control unit 50 can control to any one of a plurality of modes based on a specified power supply source and a standard of USB power supply. In other words, the control unit 50 can control to any one of a plurality of modes based on the connection state with the USB device.

The plurality of modes are modes in which the power consumption of the image reading apparatus 11 is different. The plurality of modes may also include a low output mode, a medium output mode, and a high output mode. The medium output mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than in the high output mode. The low output mode is a mode in which the consumed power is smaller than that in the medium output mode.

The high output mode is a mode that can be controlled when the high power USB device is a power supply source. The high-output mode may be a mode that can be controlled when the AC adapter is a power supply source. The medium output mode is a mode that can be controlled when the medium power USB device is a power supply source. The low output mode is a mode that can be controlled when the low power USB device is a power supply source. The high output mode corresponds to an example of the first mode. The output mode corresponds to an example of the second mode. The low output mode corresponds to an example of the third mode.

< Pattern control Contents >

Here, the control contents of each mode will be described with reference to fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 6, the control content corresponds to each of the plurality of modes. Control is performed in accordance with control contents corresponding to a set mode among the plurality of modes. In fig. 6, valid information is indicated by "o", and invalid information is indicated by "x".

In detail, the control contents corresponding to each of the plurality of modes include the control contents of the control section 50 and the reading speed. Control contents corresponding to each of the plurality of modes include document type, carrier sheet, double feed detection, document protection, attitude drive, and tray drive. Control contents corresponding to each of the plurality of modes include a communication mode, a liquid crystal display, a touch panel, and a USB memory.

As a control content of the control unit 50, in the medium output mode, the power consumption becomes lower than in the high output mode. As a control content of the control section 50, in the low output mode, the power consumption becomes lower than in the medium output mode.

In particular, the control content of the control unit 50 includes adjustment of the operating frequency of the control unit 50. Specifically, the operating frequency of the control unit 50 is set to be lower in the medium output mode than in the high output mode. The operating frequency of the control unit 50 is set to be lower in the low output mode than in the medium output mode.

The control content of the control section 50 includes whether the function of the control section 50 is enabled or disabled. In the middle output mode, the function of the control unit 50 is set to be inactive as compared with the high output mode. In the low output mode, the function of the control unit 50 is set to be inactive as compared with the medium output mode.

As the reading speed, in the high output mode, images can be read at 90ppm, 20ppm, and 5 ppm. As the reading speed, in the medium output mode, the image cannot be read at 90ppm, but can be read at 20ppm as well as 5 ppm. As the reading speed, in the low output mode, the image cannot be read at 90ppm and 20ppm, but can be read at 5 ppm. When the reading speed is low, the power consumption decreases.

In this way, when a reading instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the reading unit 40 to read an image at 90ppm when the control unit is controlled to the high output mode. When a reading instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the reading unit 40 to read an image at 20ppm when controlling the medium output mode. When a reading instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the reading unit 40 to read an image at 5ppm when the control unit is controlled to the low output mode. That is, when a read instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the reading unit 40 to perform control corresponding to the determined mode among the plurality of modes.

The document category includes a thin document D and a thick document D. The conveyance force of the conveyance section 21 is required more than the thin paper document D. Therefore, the control load of the conveying section 21 increases and the power consumption increases as compared with the thin document D.

As the document type, in the high output mode, images can be read from both the thin document D and the thick document D. In the medium output mode and the low output mode, an image can be read from the original D of the thin paper, but an image is not read from the original D of the thick paper.

As the carrier sheet, in the high output mode, the carrier sheet conveyance and carrier sheet sensor 34 become active, and in the medium output mode and the low output mode, the carrier sheet conveyance and carrier sheet sensor 34 become inactive. The carrier sheet requires a conveying force of the conveying section 21 more than the original D of the thin paper. Therefore, the control load of the carrier sheet by the conveying section 21 becomes larger and the power consumption becomes larger than the original document D of the thin paper. The carrier sheet sensor 34 becomes inactive, and thus the power consumption becomes small.

As the overlapped feeding detection, the overlapped feeding sensor 35 becomes active in the high-output mode, and the overlapped feeding sensor 35 becomes inactive in the medium-output mode and the low-output mode.

As document protection, the document protection sensor 32 becomes active in the high output mode and the medium output mode, and the document protection sensor 32 becomes inactive in the low output mode. The original protection sensor 32 becomes inactive, and the power consumption becomes small.

The posture driving is a driving of a posture driving motor 49 for changing the posture of the housing 12. As the posture driving, the driving of the posture driving motor 49 becomes effective in the high output mode and the medium output mode, and the driving of the posture driving motor 49 becomes ineffective in the low output mode. The driving of the posture driving motor 49 becomes ineffective, and the power consumption becomes small.

The tray driving includes driving of the paper feed tray motor 47 and driving of the paper discharge tray motor 48. As the tray drive, the tray drive becomes effective in the high output mode, and becomes ineffective in the medium output mode as well as the low output mode. The tray driving becomes ineffective, and thus the power consumption becomes small.

As a communication scheme, there are wireless communication and wired communication. As the wireless communication, in the high output mode, the output of the image data via the wireless communication becomes effective. As the wireless communication, in the low output mode, the output of the image data via the wireless communication becomes invalid. As the wireless communication, in the medium output mode, the output of the image data via the wireless communication becomes invalid during the reading period in the reading control period based on the reading instruction. In the medium output mode, the output of the image data via the wireless communication becomes effective during the non-reading period and the non-reading period of the reading control period.

The reading control period indicates a period from the start of reading an image from a first document D among the plurality of documents D until the end of reading an image from the plurality of documents D when reading an image from the plurality of documents D is instructed based on one reading instruction. The reading period is a period during which the reading of the image is actually performed by the reading section 40 in the reading control period. The non-reading period is a period in which the reading of the image by the reading section 40 is not actually performed in the reading control period. Wireless communication becomes invalid, and power consumption becomes small. In particular, when an image is being read based on a read instruction, wireless communication becomes invalid, and power consumption becomes small.

As the wired communication, in the high output mode and the medium output mode, the output of the image data via the wired communication becomes effective. As the wired communication, in the low output mode, at the time of the reading period among the reading control periods, the output of the image data via the wired communication becomes invalid. As the wired communication, in the low output mode, the output of the image data via the wired communication becomes effective in the non-reading period and the non-reading period among the reading control periods. The wired communication becomes invalid, and the power consumption becomes small.

As the liquid crystal display, the liquid crystal display unit 30 becomes active in the high output mode and the medium output mode, and the liquid crystal display unit 30 becomes inactive in the low output mode. The liquid crystal display unit 30 becomes ineffective, and the power consumption becomes small.

The control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be active in the high output mode and the medium output mode. Thus, the control unit 50 can display an image on the liquid crystal display unit 30 in the high output mode and the medium output mode. The control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be inactive in the low output mode.

As the touch panel, the touch panel 29 becomes active in the high output mode and the medium output mode, and the touch panel 29 becomes inactive in the low output mode. The touch panel 29 becomes invalid, and the power consumption becomes small.

When the USB memory is connected via the USB connection unit 63, the USB memory is set to be valid or invalid for storing image data. As the USB memory, in the high output mode, storing image data to the USB memory becomes effective, and in the medium output mode and the low output mode, storing image data to the USB memory becomes ineffective. Storing image data to the USB memory becomes invalid, and power consumption becomes small.

< mode setting Process >

Here, the mode setting process will be described with reference to fig. 7. The mode setting process is a process called every predetermined period. In the following processes, the AC adapter cable is not connected to the AC adapter connection unit 62 in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. The order of the subsequent processes may be arbitrarily changed within a range not departing from the purpose of each process.

As shown in fig. 7, in step S10, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the detection condition is satisfied. The detection conditions may also include a first detection condition, a second detection condition, and a third detection condition. The first detection condition is established when the power is turned on. The second detection condition is established in response to an instruction from the user. The third detection condition is established in response to a change in the connection state with the USB device. Specifically, the third detection condition is established when the USB device is connected to the USB connection unit 63 via the USB cable from a state in which the USB device is not connected to the USB connection unit 63 via the USB cable. When determining that the detection condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 ends the mode setting process. On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the detection condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the control unit 50 performs USB negotiation with the USB device. That is, the control section 50 can perform USB negotiation in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63. The control unit 50 determines the connection state with the USB device based on the result of the USB negotiation. Thereby, the control section 50 determines the standard of USB. In particular, the control unit 50 determines a power value and a current value corresponding to the standard of USB power supply. When the process ends, the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 50 executes a mode decision process. In this process, the control unit 50 determines one of the modes based on the result of the USB negotiation. In detail, when the high power USB device is connected, the control unit 50 determines the high output mode. When the USB device is being connected, the control unit 50 determines the medium output mode. When the low power USB device is connected, the control unit 50 determines the low output mode.

In this way, when the power is turned on, the first detection condition is satisfied, and the control unit 50 determines any one of the plurality of modes based on the result of the USB negotiation. When the user's instruction is input after the power is turned on, the second detection condition is satisfied, and the control unit 50 decides any one of the plurality of modes based on the result of the USB negotiation. When the state of the USB cable not connected to the USB connection section 63 is changed to the connected state after the power is turned on, the third detection condition is established, and the control section 50 decides any one of the plurality of modes based on the result of the USB negotiation. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S13.

In step S13, the control section 50 executes a first state switching process. In this process, the control unit 50 outputs a signal for controlling the switching unit 72 to be in the first state. When the process ends, the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S14.

In step S14, the control section 50 executes a first voltage value acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 50 acquires the first voltage value Vm1 when controlled to the first state from the measurement unit 70. The control unit 50 stores the first voltage value Vm1 in a memory. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S15.

In step S15, the control section 50 executes a second state switching process. In this process, the control unit 50 outputs a signal for controlling the switching unit 72 to be in the second state. When the process ends, the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S16.

In step S16, the control section 50 executes a second voltage value acquisition process. In this process, the control unit 50 acquires the second voltage value Vm2 when controlled to the second state from the measurement unit 70. The control unit 50 stores the second voltage value Vm2 in the memory. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S17.

In step S17, the control unit 50 executes measurement result acquisition processing. In this process, the control unit 50 can acquire the loss power value as a measurement result based on the first voltage value Vm1 and the second voltage value Vm 2. In particular, the control unit 50 calculates the resistance value Rc based on the resistance value R1, the resistance value Rm, the first voltage value Vm1, and the second voltage value Vm 2. The control unit 50 calculates a loss power value based on the resistance value Rc and the current value Im at the second position P2. The control unit 50 obtains a current value corresponding to the standard of USB power supply as the current value Im of the second position P2, but is not limited thereto. The image reading apparatus 11 may include a ammeter that measures the current value Im at the second position P2, and the control unit 50 may acquire the current value Im at the second position P2 from the ammeter. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S18.

In this way, the control unit 50 executes the measurement processing in steps S13 to S17. The measurement process is a process of acquiring a measurement result concerning the power loss caused by the USB cable connected to the USB connection section 63 based on the first voltage value Vm1 and the second voltage value Vm 2.

In detail, when the power is turned on in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63, the first detection condition is satisfied, and the control section 50 executes the measurement process. When the user's instruction is input after the power is turned on, the control unit 50 executes the measurement process, with the second detection condition being established. When the state of the USB cable disconnected from the USB connection section 63 is changed to the connected state after the power is turned on, the third detection condition is established, and the control section 50 executes the measurement processing.

In step S18, the control section 50 executes a threshold value acquisition process. In this process, the control section 50 acquires a threshold value corresponding to the standard of USB power supply from the memory. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S19.

In step S19, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the loss power value acquired in step S17 exceeds the threshold value acquired in step S18. When determining that the loss power value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S20. On the other hand, when determining that the loss power value does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 50 does not execute steps S20 and S21, and shifts the process to step S22.

In step S20, the control unit 50 executes a mode change process. In this process, the control unit 50 changes from the mode corresponding to the standard of USB power supply to the mode corresponding to the loss power value.

In a specific example, the mode corresponding to the standard of USB power supply is the high output mode, but when the power loss value exceeds the threshold value and the mode corresponding to the power loss value is the medium output mode, the control unit 50 changes from the high output mode to the medium output mode. The mode corresponding to the standard of USB power supply is the low-output mode, but the control unit 50 may be turned off when the power loss value exceeds the threshold value. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S21.

In this way, when the power loss value acquired in the measurement process does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 50 controls the mode to be a mode corresponding to the result of USB negotiation. On the other hand, when the power consumption value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 controls the power consumption to be smaller than the mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation.

In detail, after determining the high output mode based on the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 can control the medium output mode when the acquired power loss value exceeds the threshold value. Further, after determining the output mode based on the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 can control the low output mode when the acquired power loss value exceeds the threshold value.

In this way, the control unit 50 controls one of the plurality of modes based on the result of the USB negotiation and the measurement result obtained in the measurement process. Specifically, the control unit 50 can control the power consumption to the medium output mode when the obtained power consumption exceeds the threshold value as a result of connecting the USB cable to the USB connection unit 63 after determining the high output mode based on the USB negotiation.

In step S21, the control unit 50 executes a mode change notification process. In this process, the control unit 50 notifies a change to a mode with low power consumption based on the power loss of the USB cable. When the process ends, the control unit 50 shifts the process to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 50 executes a reference voltage setting process. In this process, the control unit 50 outputs a reference voltage value corresponding to the set pattern to the comparison unit 73. The reference voltage value is a threshold value with respect to the second voltage value Vm2, and is a threshold value corresponding to the standard of USB power supply. When the process ends, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S23.

In step S23, the control unit 50 executes a mode notification process. In this process, the control unit 50 notifies the set mode. When this process ends, the control unit 50 ends the mode setting process.

< notification method >

Here, a mode of notification in the mode setting process will be described with reference to fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 8, notification is performed in a manner corresponding to the set mode. Specifically, when the high output mode is set, the first light emitting unit 28A is turned on in green, a mode image indicating the high output mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, and the first sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C. When the middle output mode is set, the first light emitting unit 28A blinks in green, a mode image indicating the middle output mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, and the second sound is output from the sound output unit 28C. When the low output mode is set, the first light emitting unit 28A is turned on in yellow, a mode image indicating the low output mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, and the third sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C.

When the power consumption of the USB cable is changed to a mode with low power consumption, a mode change image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, and an alarm sound is output from the sound output unit 28C. The mode change image and the alarm sound are information indicating that the power consumption is changed to a mode lower than the mode corresponding to the standard of USB power supply. The mode change image and the alarm sound are also information capable of specifying that the loss power value exceeds the threshold value.

When the display is not controlled to be turned off in any one of the plurality of modes, the first light emitting unit 28A is turned on in red, an image indicating the off is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, and the off sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C. The first sound, the second sound, the third sound, the alarm sound, and the off sound are respectively different sounds.

In this way, in step S21, when the loss power value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display a mode change image. In particular, after determining the in-process output mode based on the result of the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display a mode change image even when the power loss value exceeds the threshold value and is controlled to the low output mode. In this way, the control unit 50 can display information for specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement processing on the liquid crystal display unit 30. The control unit 50 also outputs an alarm sound from the sound output unit 28C.

In step S23, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display a mode image. The mode image is information capable of determining a set mode. In particular, the mode image is information that can specify a mode after the change when the mode is changed to a mode with less power consumption. The control unit 50 causes the first light emitting unit 28A to emit light in a light emission manner corresponding to the set pattern.

In detail, when the loss power value acquired in the measurement process does not exceed the threshold value, the control unit 50 causes the first light emitting unit 28A and the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying a mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation. On the other hand, when the power consumption value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 causes the first light emitting unit 28A and the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying a mode in which the power consumption is smaller than the mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation.

Specifically, after determining the high output mode according to the result of the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 causes the first light emitting unit 28A and the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying the medium output mode when controlling the medium output mode based on the result of the measurement process. After determining the medium output mode according to the result of the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 causes the first light emitting unit 28A and the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying the low output mode when controlling the low output mode based on the result of the measurement process.

The control unit 50 outputs a sound corresponding to the set mode from the sound output unit 28C. In detail, when the control unit 50 controls the high output mode, the first sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C. When the control unit 50 controls the medium output mode, the second sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C. When the control unit 50 controls the low output mode, the third sound is outputted from the sound output unit 28C.

< Power supply monitoring Process >

Next, the power supply monitoring process will be described with reference to fig. 9. The power supply monitoring process is a process called every predetermined period.

As shown in fig. 9, in step S30, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the voltage value Vm measured by the measurement unit 70 exceeds the reference voltage value based on the signal from the comparison unit 73. That is, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the loss power value exceeds the threshold value based on the signal from the comparison unit 73. When determining that the voltage value Vm does not exceed the reference voltage value, the control unit 50 ends the power supply monitoring process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the voltage value Vm exceeds the reference voltage value, the control unit 50 does not execute steps S11 and S12 of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7, and shifts the process to step S13. After step S13, the control unit 50 executes the same processing as the mode setting processing. In this way, the control unit 50 executes the measurement processing based on the comparison result of the comparison unit 73.

< change display processing >

Next, a display change process will be described with reference to fig. 10. The display change processing is processing called every predetermined period.

As shown in fig. 10, in step S40, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a deletion instruction is given by the user. The deletion instruction may be input by the user according to an operation of the operation unit 27 or the touch panel 29. When determining that the deletion instruction is not made by the user, the control unit 50 ends the display change processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has instructed to delete, the control unit 50 advances the process to step S41.

In step S41, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a mode image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30. When the control unit 50 determines that the mode image is not being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, it ends the display change process. On the other hand, when the control unit 50 determines that the mode image is being displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, the control unit 50 executes display deletion processing. In this process, the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 so as to delete the mode image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30. In this way, after the mode image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, when a deletion instruction by the user is input, the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to delete the mode image. When this process ends, the control unit 50 ends the display change process.

< action and Effect of the first embodiment >

The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described.

(1) When the power is turned on, the control unit 50 determines any one of the plurality of modes based on USB negotiation, and then causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying the determined mode. Therefore, when the power is turned on, after the mode is decided based on the USB negotiation automatically, the user can be made to determine the decided mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(2) After determining the high-output mode based on the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 can control the medium-output mode to have a lower power consumption than the high-output mode when the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value. When the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be in the medium output mode, a mode image capable of specifying the medium output mode is displayed. Therefore, even if the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value and the USB negotiation is controlled from the high output mode to the medium output mode, the user can be allowed to determine the control of the medium output mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(3) After determining the medium output mode based on the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 can control the low output mode to have lower power consumption than the medium output mode when the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value. When the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be in the low-output mode, a mode image in which the low-output mode can be specified is displayed. Therefore, even if the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value and the output mode is controlled to the low output mode from the medium output mode by USB negotiation, the user can be made to determine the control to the low output mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(4) When a read instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the read unit 40 to perform control corresponding to the determined mode. Therefore, when a read instruction is input, control corresponding to the controlled mode can be automatically performed. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(5) When the reading instruction is input, the control unit 50 causes the reading unit 40 to read the image at 90ppm when the control is in the high output mode, and causes the reading unit 40 to read the image at 20ppm slower than 90ppm when the control is in the medium output mode. Therefore, when a reading instruction is input, an image can be automatically read at a reading speed corresponding to the controlled mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(6) The control unit 50 causes the first sound to be output from the sound output unit 28C when the control is in the high output mode, and causes the second sound different from the first sound to be output from the sound output unit 28C when the control is in the medium output mode. Thus, the user can be enabled to determine the controlled mode by sound. Thus, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the controlled mode. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(7) When the loss power value exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display information capable of specifying that the loss power value exceeds the threshold value. Accordingly, a situation can be provided to the user in which it is possible to determine that the loss power value associated with the power loss caused by the USB cable exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(8) After determining the high output mode based on the USB negotiation, the control unit 50 can control the USB cable to be connected to the USB connection unit 63 to be in the medium output mode when the power loss value exceeds the threshold value. When the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be in the medium output mode, a mode image capable of specifying the medium output mode is displayed. Therefore, when the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit 63, even if the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value, the user can be allowed to determine the control of the mid-output mode even if the mid-output mode is controlled such that the power consumption value is smaller than the high-output mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(9) After information capable of specifying the determined mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, the control unit 50 causes the mode image in which the determined mode is specified to be deleted when an instruction from the user is input. Therefore, the possibility of having the user determine the mode can be improved. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(10) The USB connection portion 63 and the first light emitting portion 28A are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction. Therefore, it is easy to visually distinguish the USB connection portion 63 capable of connecting a USB cable and the first light emitting portion 28A capable of determining the controlled mode. In this way, after the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the controlled mode. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(11) The USB connection portion 63 and the second light emitting portion 28B are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction. Therefore, the USB connection portion 63 to which the USB cable can be connected and the second light emitting portion 28B to which the wireless communication condition can be specified are easily visually distinguished. In this way, after the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the situation of wireless communication. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(12) The control unit 50 executes measurement processing for acquiring a measurement result concerning the power loss caused by the USB cable connected to the USB connection unit 63 based on the first voltage value Vm1 measured in the first state and the second voltage value Vm2 measured in the second state. The control unit 50 controls one of a plurality of modes related to the reading by the reading unit 40 based on the result of the USB negotiation and the measurement result obtained in the measurement process.

In particular, in recent years, the standard of USB for supplying power by a large current has appeared, and there is a concern about the influence of power loss caused by a USB cable. In addition, in the standard of USB that supplies power with a large current, when calculating the power loss value, a resistor having a large resistance value must be used. In addition, conventionally, there are the following concerns: when the supply voltage value Vo from the USB device is deviated, a difference from the supply voltage value Vo specified in the standard of the USB becomes large, and an error occurs in the power loss value calculated from the supply voltage value Vo specified in the standard of the USB.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the voltage value is measured by switching to the first state and the second state, and thus, even if a resistor having a small resistance value is used, the accuracy of measurement relating to the power loss caused by the USB cable can be improved. In addition, the influence of the voltage value supplied from the USB device can be suppressed. This enables the power loss caused by the USB cable to be appropriately detected. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

Further, a measuring unit having a variable resistance value may not be used, and the image reading apparatus 11 may be made space-saving without increasing the cost of the image reading apparatus 11. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(13) When the power is turned on in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63, the control section 50 executes measurement processing. Therefore, when the power supply is turned on, the power loss caused by the USB cable can be appropriately detected by automatically performing the measurement process, and therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.

(14) When the state of the USB cable not connected to the USB connection section 63 is changed to the connected state after the power is turned on, the control section 50 executes the measurement processing. Therefore, when the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section 63, the power loss caused by the USB cable can be appropriately detected by automatically performing the measurement processing. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(15) When an instruction of the user is input after the power is turned on, the control section 50 executes measurement processing. The control unit 50 displays information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement process on the liquid crystal display unit 30. Therefore, by executing the measurement processing at the timing assumed by the user, the power loss caused by the USB cable can be appropriately detected. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(16) The control unit 50 controls the mode to be a mode corresponding to the result of USB negotiation when the power loss value acquired in the measurement process does not exceed the threshold value. On the other hand, when the power consumption value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 controls the power consumption to be lower than the mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation. Therefore, when the power consumption value exceeds the threshold value, it is possible to control the mode to have lower power consumption than the mode corresponding to the result of USB negotiation. Thus, even when the power loss caused by the USB cable becomes large, the image can be read from the document D in the mode in which the power consumption is reduced. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(17) When the power consumption value obtained in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value, the control unit 50 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 to display a mode image in which a mode in which the power consumption is lower than a mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation can be specified. Therefore, even when the power loss caused by the USB cable becomes large, when the mode is controlled to reduce the power consumption, the user can be made to determine the mode controlled to reduce the power consumption. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(18) The control unit 50 displays information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement processing on the liquid crystal display unit 30. Therefore, the user can be allowed to specify the measurement result obtained in the measurement process. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(19) The control unit 50 performs measurement processing based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the voltage value measured by the measurement unit 70 with a reference voltage value. Therefore, by using the comparison result, it is possible to reduce the control load of the control section 50 by reducing the execution frequency of the measurement process, and to detect the power loss caused by the USB cable at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

Modification example

The present embodiment can be modified as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within a range that is not technically contradictory.

The first light emitting unit 28A may be provided on the same surface as the USB connection unit 63, as long as it is a position that can be visually recognized from a predetermined direction together with the USB connection unit 63. In this case, the same plane is a plane or a curved plane.

The second light emitting unit 28B may be provided on the same surface as the USB connection unit 63, as long as it is a position that can be visually recognized from a predetermined direction together with the USB connection unit 63. In this case, the same plane is a plane or a curved plane.

The operation unit 27 may be provided at a position that can be visually recognized from a predetermined direction together with the first light emitting unit 28A, the second light emitting unit 28B, and the USB connection unit 63.

The control unit 50 may notify information to a terminal device not shown connected to the image reading device 11. The control unit 50 may perform control related to reading of an image based on an instruction from a user input from a terminal device, not shown, connected to the image reading device 11.

The control unit 50 may cause the first light emitting unit 28A to emit light in a light emission manner corresponding to the mode change image. The first light emitting unit 28A may be turned on in orange when the medium output mode is set based on the result of the USB negotiation, and may be turned off in orange when the medium output mode is changed based on the power loss of the USB cable. That is, the first light emitting unit 28A may notify that the mode is changed by blinking in a color corresponding to the mode.

When the control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be in the low output mode based on the power consumption of the USB cable, the liquid crystal display unit 30 may be controlled to be inactive after the mode is changed and the display of the mode image is deleted. When the control unit 50 controls the low output mode based on the power loss of the USB cable, the control unit may control the liquid crystal display unit 30 to be inactive without displaying the mode change image and the mode image on the liquid crystal display unit 30.

The liquid crystal display unit 30 may display at least one of the mode change image and the mode image by an icon or the like, instead of the image representing the character, or may be a combination thereof.

The mode change notification process of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7 may be executed after the detection condition is satisfied. That is, the mode change notification process may be performed regardless of whether or not during the read control. The mode notification process of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7 may be executed after the detection condition is satisfied. That is, the mode notification process can be performed regardless of whether or not during the read control.

The control unit 50 may notify the degree of the power loss based on the loss power value when the loss power value exceeds the threshold value. The control unit 50 may notify the difference between the loss power value and the threshold value when the loss power value exceeds the threshold value. The control unit 50 may notify different information based on the loss power value when the loss power value exceeds the threshold value. Specifically, the control unit 50 may notify information indicating replacement of the USB cable when the difference between the power loss value and the threshold value is small, and notify information prompting connection maintenance when the difference between the power loss value and the threshold value is large.

The control unit 50 may notify the degree of the power loss based on the loss power value when the loss power value does not exceed the threshold value. The control unit 50 may notify the difference between the loss power value and the threshold value when the loss power value does not exceed the threshold value.

The control unit 50 may notify information that can specify the standard of USB power supply. The control unit 50 may notify information capable of specifying the communication speed of the USB. The control unit 50 may notify information capable of specifying the standard itself of the USB.

The detection conditions may include any one of the first detection conditions, the second detection conditions, and the third detection conditions, and may include other detection conditions.

The control unit 50 may notify information that it is possible to specify that the loss power value exceeds the threshold value without starting the image reading when the detection condition is satisfied and the loss power value exceeds the threshold value in the measurement process.

Even if the user does not have a deletion instruction, the control unit 50 may delete the mode change image when a predetermined time has elapsed. The control unit 50 may not delete the mode change image based on the instruction from the user.

Steps S13 to S23 of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7 may not be executed when the AC adapter is the power supply source in a state where the AC adapter cable is connected to the AC adapter connection unit 62. The condition may be detected to be satisfied in step S10 of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7 when the USB device is the power supply source, from the state in which the AC adapter cable is connected to the AC adapter connection unit 62 to the disconnected state.

The connection portion 61 may be provided with a battery connection portion. The battery connection part can be connected with a battery cable. That is, the battery connection portion can be connected to a battery as a power supply source via a battery cable. The image reading apparatus 11 may also include a battery. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 may have a battery incorporated therein, for example.

In the power supply monitoring process shown in fig. 8, the control unit 50 may execute steps S11 and S12 of the mode setting process shown in fig. 7 when it is determined that the voltage value Vm exceeds the reference voltage value.

In the above embodiment, for example, at least one of the movement of the paper feed tray 16, the movement of the paper discharge tray 17, and the change of the posture of the housing 12 may be realized by a user operation. Thus, even if at least one of the movement of the paper feed tray 16, the movement of the paper discharge tray 17, and the change of the posture of the housing 12 becomes invalid, it can be realized by the operation of the user. For example, at least one of the movement of the paper feed tray 16 and the movement of the paper discharge tray 17 and the change of the posture of the housing 12 may not be realized by the driving of the driving source. That is, for example, the paper feed tray 16 may not be moved. Further, for example, the paper discharge tray 17 may not be moved. For example, the posture of the housing 12 may not be changed.

In the above embodiment, for example, the control unit 50 may increase the illuminance of the backlight of the liquid crystal display unit 30 in the high output mode and the medium output mode, and decrease the illuminance of the backlight of the liquid crystal display unit 30 in the low output mode.

In the above embodiment, for example, the control unit 50 may disable the notification unit 28 in the low output mode.

In the above embodiment, for example, the image reading apparatus 11 may not be provided with the touch panel 29. For example, the image reading apparatus 11 may not include the liquid crystal display unit 30. For example, the image reading apparatus 11 may not include the operation unit 27. For example, the image reading apparatus 11 may not include the notification unit 28.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 may control the control content in the medium output mode in the same manner as in the low output mode, for example, in the high output mode in a manner different from the low output mode. As a specific example, the control unit 50 may control the overlapping conveyance sensor 35 to be active in the high output mode and the medium output mode.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 may control the control content in the medium output mode in the same manner as in the high output mode, for example, in the low output mode in a manner different from the high output mode. As a specific example, the control unit 50 may not drive the posture driving motor 49 in the medium output mode and the low output mode.

In the above embodiment, for example, the control unit 50 may control at least one of the control contents corresponding to each of the plurality of modes shown in fig. 6.

In the above embodiment, the second position P2 may not be the position of the input end of the USB cable, but is preferably a position close to the input end of the USB cable.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 50 outputs a signal for controlling the switching unit 72 to be in the first state, but may control the switching unit 72 not to be in the first state but to be in the second state. In the above embodiment, the control is performed in the second state at the time of normal operation, but the control may be performed in the first state at the time of normal operation.

In the above embodiment, for example, the image reading apparatus 11 may be configured to read an image at any one of two or four or more reading speeds. Further, for example, the reading speed may be any speed.

In the above embodiment, four standards are illustrated with respect to the USB standard, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to two standards, three standards, and five or more standards, for example. That is, it is sufficient to connect a plurality of USB devices capable of supplying power at least with power values included in different power ranges. Further, for example, each power range may be an arbitrary range.

In the above embodiment, for example, the image reading apparatus 11 may be provided with a plurality of USB connection units 63. That is, the image reading apparatus 11 can connect a plurality of USB devices. In this case, the control unit 50 may determine the power supply source according to the priority levels among the plurality of USB devices. The control unit 50 may control the mode according to the priority among the plurality of USB devices.

In the above embodiment, for example, the USB device is a host device or a device.

In the above embodiment, for example, the USB device may have any power range. Further, for example, regarding the USB device, if power supply of the power value included in the same power range is possible, the power value itself may be the same or different.

In the above-described embodiment, four power supply sources of the AC adapter, the high power supply USB device, the medium power supply USB device, and the low power supply USB device are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the image reading apparatus 11 may be capable of supplying power from any one of two or more, three or less, and five or more power supply sources. That is, the power supply source may include, for example, a power supply source other than the above-described exemplary power supply source, and may not include, for example, at least any one of the above-described exemplary power supply sources.

In the above embodiment, three modes are used as the plurality of modes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any one of two or four or more modes may be employed as the plurality of modes.

In the above embodiment, for example, the control unit 50 may not perform USB negotiation with the USB device when the power is turned on. For example, the control unit 50 may not perform USB negotiation with the USB device when instructed by the user. For example, the control unit 50 may not perform USB negotiation with the USB device when the connection state with the USB device changes. That is, the control unit 50 may not perform USB negotiation with the USB device when any one of the power supply connection, the user instruction, and the change in the connection state with the USB device is set.

The image sensor 42 is not limited to a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor 42 may be, for example, a MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor: metal oxide semiconductor) image sensor, or may be, for example, a CCD (charge coupled device: charge coupled device) image sensor.

The image sensor 42 is not limited to a linear image sensor, and may be, for example, a regional image sensor.

The material of the document is not limited to paper, and may be, for example, a film made of resin, a sheet, a fabric, a metal film, or the like.

The image reading apparatus is not limited to the sheet feeding type, and may be a flat plate type. The flat-panel image reading apparatus includes a carriage and a carriage motor. The carriage can be moved along the main scanning direction D2 by driving of the carriage motor. The reading section is mounted on the carriage.

The image reading apparatus 11 may be a part of a multifunctional apparatus having a printing function and a copying function in addition to a scanner function. The present invention is applied to the image reading apparatus 11, but is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a recording apparatus. The recording device includes a recording unit that performs recording on a medium. The present invention can also be applied to an electronic device.

The expression "at least one of the items" used in the present specification means one or more of the desired items. As an example, the expression "at least one of the two options" used in the present specification means that if the number of options is two, only one option or both of the two options are provided. As another example, the expression "at least any one of the two" as used in the present specification, meaning that if the number of options is three or more, only one option or a combination of any of the two or more options.

[ additionally remembered ]

Technical ideas and effects of the technical ideas and their effects grasped from the above-described embodiments and modified examples are described below.

(A1) The image reading apparatus includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a display unit capable of displaying information; and a USB connection unit configured to be connectable to a USB cable, wherein the control unit is configured to control the USB cable to be in any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption, and when the power supply is connected, the control unit determines any one of the plurality of modes based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of determining the determined mode.

According to this structure, when the power is turned on, after the mode is decided automatically based on the USB negotiation, the user can be made to determine the decided mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(B1) In the image reading apparatus, the plurality of modes may include a first mode and a second mode, the second mode being a mode in which consumed power is smaller than that in the first mode, the control unit may acquire a measured value related to power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit, and the control unit may control the second mode when the acquired measured value exceeds a threshold value after determining the first mode based on USB negotiation, and may display information capable of specifying the second mode on the display unit when the acquired measured value exceeds the threshold value.

According to this configuration, even if the power consumption is controlled to be lower than the first mode based on USB negotiation when the measured value exceeds the threshold value, the user can be allowed to determine the control to the second mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(C1) In the image reading apparatus, the plurality of modes may include a third mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the second mode, and the control unit may control the third mode when the acquired measurement value exceeds a threshold value after determining the second mode based on USB negotiation, and may display information for specifying the third mode on the display unit when the control unit controls the third mode.

According to this configuration, even if the power consumption is controlled to be smaller than the second mode based on USB negotiation when the measured value exceeds the threshold value, the user can be allowed to determine the control to the third mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(D1) In the image reading apparatus, when a reading instruction is input, the control unit may cause the reading unit to perform control corresponding to a determined mode among the plurality of modes.

According to this configuration, when a read instruction is input, control corresponding to the controlled mode is automatically performed. In this way, the user can be made sure to perform control corresponding to the controlled mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(E1) In the image reading apparatus, the plurality of modes may include a first mode and a second mode, wherein the second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the first mode, and the control unit causes the reading unit to read an image at a first reading speed when the control unit is in the first mode, and causes the reading unit to read an image at a second reading speed slower than the first reading speed when the control unit is in the second mode.

According to this configuration, when a reading instruction is input, an image is automatically read from an original at a reading speed corresponding to the controlled mode. In this way, the user can be made sure to read the image at the reading speed corresponding to the controlled mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(F1) The image reading apparatus may further include a sound output unit configured to output a sound, wherein the plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode, the second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode, and the control unit may cause the sound output unit to output a first sound when the control unit controls the first mode, and may cause the sound output unit to output a second sound different from the first sound when the control unit controls the second mode.

According to this structure, the user can be made to determine the controlled mode by sound. Thus, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the controlled mode. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(G1) In the image reading apparatus, the control unit may acquire a measured value related to a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit after determining any one of the plurality of modes, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display information capable of specifying that the measured value exceeds a threshold value when the acquired measured value exceeds the threshold value.

According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with a situation in which it is possible to determine that the measured value relating to the power loss caused by the USB cable exceeds the threshold value. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(H1) In the image reading apparatus, the plurality of modes may include a first mode and a second mode, the second mode being a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode, the control unit may acquire a measured value related to power consumption by a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit, the control unit may determine the first mode based on USB negotiation, and then, when the acquired measured value exceeds a threshold value, may control the second mode, and when the acquired measured value exceeds the threshold value, may cause information capable of specifying the second mode to be displayed on the display unit.

According to this configuration, when the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit, even if the control is performed in the second mode in which the power consumption is smaller than in the first mode when the measured value exceeds the threshold value, the user can be allowed to determine the control to the second mode. This can provide the user with useful information associated with the power supplied from the USB device. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(I1) The image reading apparatus may further include an input unit capable of inputting an instruction from a user, wherein the display unit is capable of deleting information, and the control unit may delete information capable of specifying the determined mode when the instruction from the user is input through the input unit after causing the information capable of specifying the determined mode to be displayed on the display unit.

According to this configuration, by inputting an instruction from the user, information capable of specifying a mode is deleted. This can improve the possibility of making the user specify the mode. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(J1) In the image reading apparatus, the display unit may have a first light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting manner capable of specifying a controlled mode, and the USB connection unit and the first light emitting unit may be provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction.

According to this structure, it is easy to visually distinguish between the USB connection portion capable of connecting the USB cable and the first light emitting portion capable of determining the controlled mode. In this way, after the USB cable is connected to the USB connection portion, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the mode to be controlled. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(K1) In the image reading apparatus, the display unit may have a second light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting manner capable of specifying a state of wireless communication, and the USB connection unit and the second light emitting unit may be provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction.

According to this configuration, it is easy to visually distinguish between the USB connection portion to which the USB cable can be connected and the second light emitting portion to which the wireless communication condition can be specified. In this way, after the USB cable is connected to the USB connection portion, a situation can be provided in which it is easy for the user to determine the situation of wireless communication. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(L1) in an image reading method of an image reading apparatus, the image reading apparatus includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a display unit capable of displaying information; and a USB connection section capable of connecting a USB cable, the image reading method of the image reading apparatus performing: when the power supply is turned on, the control unit determines any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of determining the determined mode. This structure can provide the same effect as (A1).

(A2) The image reading apparatus includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a USB connection part capable of connecting a USB cable; a measurement unit configured to be able to measure a voltage value supplied from a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit; a measuring resistor used when the voltage value is measured by the measuring unit; and a switching unit configured to be capable of switching between at least a first state in which the measuring unit is connected to the measuring resistor and a second state in which the measuring unit is not connected to the measuring resistor, wherein the control unit is configured to be capable of performing USB negotiation in a state in which a USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit, and is configured to be capable of controlling the switching unit so as to switch to either one of the first state and the second state, and to perform a measurement process in which a measurement result related to a power loss caused by the USB cable connected to the USB connection unit is acquired based on a first voltage value measured by the measuring unit in the first state and a second voltage value measured by the measuring unit in the second state, and to control to either one of a plurality of modes related to reading by the reading unit based on a result of the USB negotiation and a measurement result acquired in the measurement process.

According to this configuration, the voltage value is measured by switching to the first state and the second state, and thus, even if a resistor having a small resistance value is used, the accuracy of measurement relating to the power loss caused by the USB cable can be improved. In addition, the influence of the voltage value supplied from the USB device can be suppressed. This enables the power loss caused by the USB cable to be appropriately detected. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(B2) In the image reading apparatus, the control unit may execute the measurement process when the power is turned on in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit.

According to this configuration, when the power supply is turned on, the power loss due to the USB cable can be appropriately detected by automatically performing the measurement process, and therefore, the convenience of the user can be improved.

(C2) In the above-described image reading apparatus, the control section may also execute the measurement process when changing from a state in which the USB cable is not connected to the USB connection section to a connected state after the power supply is turned on.

According to this configuration, when the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section, the power loss caused by the USB cable can be appropriately detected by automatically performing the measurement process. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(D2) The image reading apparatus may further include: an input unit which can input a user instruction; and a display unit configured to display information, wherein when a user instruction is input from the input unit after the power is turned on, the control unit executes the measurement processing and causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying a measurement result obtained in the measurement processing.

According to this configuration, by executing the measurement process at the timing assumed by the user, the power loss caused by the USB cable can be appropriately detected. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(E2) In the image reading apparatus, the control unit may be configured to be able to acquire, as a measurement result, a measurement value related to a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit in the measurement process, and to control the mode to be a mode corresponding to a result of USB negotiation when the measurement value acquired in the measurement process does not exceed a threshold value, and to control the mode to be a mode in which power consumption is lower than that corresponding to the result of USB negotiation when the measurement value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value.

According to this configuration, when the measured value related to the power loss caused by the USB cable exceeds the threshold value, the power consumption can be controlled to be lower than the mode corresponding to the result of the USB negotiation. Thus, even when the power loss caused by the USB cable becomes large, the image can be read from the document D in the mode in which the power consumption is reduced. Therefore, convenience for the user can be provided.

(F2) The image reading apparatus may further include a display unit capable of displaying information, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying a mode in which the consumption power is lower than a mode corresponding to a result of USB negotiation when the measurement value acquired in the measurement process exceeds a threshold value.

According to this configuration, even when the power loss caused by the USB cable becomes large, the user can be made to determine the mode controlled to reduce the power consumption when controlling to the mode to reduce the power consumption. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(G2) The image reading apparatus may further include a display unit capable of displaying information, and the control unit may cause the display unit to display information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement process.

According to this configuration, the user can be allowed to specify information related to the measurement value. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(H2) The image reading apparatus may further include a comparison unit that compares the voltage value measured by the measurement unit with a reference voltage value, and the control unit may execute the measurement process based on a comparison result of the comparison unit.

According to this configuration, by using the comparison unit, it is possible to reduce the control load of the control unit and detect the power loss caused by the USB cable at an appropriate timing. Therefore, the user's convenience can be improved.

(I2) In an image reading method of an image reading apparatus, the image reading apparatus includes: a reading section capable of reading an image from an original; a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original; a USB connection part capable of connecting a USB cable; a measurement unit configured to be able to measure a voltage value supplied from a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit; a measuring resistor used when the voltage value is measured by the measuring unit; and a switching unit configured to be capable of switching between at least a first state in which the measuring unit is connected to the measuring resistor and a second state in which the measuring unit is not connected to the measuring resistor, wherein the image reading method of the image reading apparatus is configured to perform: the control section performs USB negotiation in a state where a USB cable is connected to the USB connection section; performing a measurement process of acquiring a measurement result concerning power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection section based on the first voltage value measured by the measurement section in the first state and the second voltage value measured by the measurement section in the second state; and controlling to any one of a plurality of modes related to reading by the reading unit based on a result of the USB negotiation and a measurement result acquired in the measurement process. This structure can provide the same effect as (A2).

(J2) In the image reading method of the image reading apparatus described above, the control unit may execute the measurement process and display information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement process on the display unit when an instruction from the user is input after the power is turned on. This structure can provide the same effect as (D2).

Claims (20)

1. An image reading apparatus comprising:

a reading section capable of reading an image from an original;

a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original;

a display unit capable of displaying information; and

a USB connection part capable of connecting a USB cable,

the control unit may control the display unit to be in any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption, and when the power supply is turned on, the control unit may determine any one of the plurality of modes based on USB negotiation, and then may display information capable of determining the determined mode on the display unit.

2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the plurality of modes includes a first mode and a second mode,

the second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode,

the control section is capable of acquiring a measured value related to a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection section,

The control unit may control the first mode to be the second mode when the acquired measurement value exceeds a threshold value after the first mode is determined based on USB negotiation, and may display information capable of specifying the second mode on the display unit when the second mode is controlled.

3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

the plurality of modes includes a third mode,

the third mode is a mode in which the consumed power is smaller than that of the second mode,

the control unit may control the second mode to be the third mode when the acquired measurement value exceeds a threshold value after determining the second mode based on USB negotiation, and may display information capable of specifying the third mode on the display unit when the control unit controls the third mode.

4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

when a reading instruction is input, the control unit causes the reading unit to perform control corresponding to the determined one of the plurality of modes.

5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein,

the plurality of modes includes a first mode and a second mode,

The second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode,

the control unit causes the reading unit to perform image reading at a first reading speed when a reading instruction is input in the first mode, and causes the reading unit to perform image reading at a second reading speed slower than the first reading speed when a reading instruction is input in the second mode.

6. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes a sound output unit capable of outputting sound,

the plurality of modes includes a first mode and a second mode,

the second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode,

the control unit causes the sound output unit to output a first sound in the first mode, and causes the sound output unit to output a second sound different from the first sound in the second mode.

7. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the control unit may acquire a measured value related to a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit after determining any one of the plurality of modes,

The control unit causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying that the measured value exceeds the threshold value when the obtained measured value exceeds the threshold value.

8. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the plurality of modes includes a first mode and a second mode,

the second mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that of the first mode,

the control section is capable of acquiring a measured value related to a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection section,

the control unit may control the first mode to be the second mode when the acquired measurement value exceeds a threshold value as a result of connecting the USB cable to the USB connection unit after determining the first mode based on the USB negotiation, and may display information capable of specifying the second mode on the display unit when the control unit controls the second mode.

9. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes an input unit capable of inputting a user instruction,

the display section is capable of deleting information,

the control unit may delete information capable of specifying the determined mode when an instruction from the user is input through the input unit after information capable of specifying the determined mode is displayed on the display unit.

10. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the display unit has a first light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting manner capable of determining a controlled mode,

the USB connection portion and the first light emitting portion are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction.

11. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein,

the display unit has a second light emitting unit that emits light in a light emitting manner capable of determining a state of wireless communication,

the USB connection portion and the second light emitting portion are provided so as to be visually distinguishable from a predetermined direction.

12. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes:

a measurement unit configured to be able to measure a voltage value supplied from a USB cable connected to the USB connection unit in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection unit;

a measuring resistor used when the voltage value is measured by the measuring unit; and

a switching unit configured to be capable of switching between at least a first state in which the measuring unit is connected to the measuring resistor and a second state in which the measuring unit is not connected to the measuring resistor,

The control unit:

the switching section may be controlled so as to switch to either one of the first state and the second state,

performing a measurement process of acquiring a measurement result concerning a power loss caused by a USB cable connected to the USB connection section based on the first voltage value measured by the measurement section in the first state and the second voltage value measured by the measurement section in the second state,

based on the result of the USB negotiation and the measurement result obtained in the measurement process, the control is performed in any one of a plurality of modes related to the reading by the reading unit.

13. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

when the power supply is turned on in a state where the USB cable is connected to the USB connection section, the control section executes the measurement processing.

14. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

the control section executes the measurement processing when a state of the USB cable disconnected from the USB connection section is changed to a connected state after the power is turned on.

15. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

The image reading apparatus includes an input unit capable of inputting a user instruction,

when an instruction of a user is input by the input section after the power is turned on, the control section executes the measurement processing and causes the display section to display information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement processing.

16. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

the control unit may acquire a measurement value concerning the power loss caused by the USB cable connected to the USB connection unit as a measurement result in the measurement process,

the control unit controls the mode to be a mode corresponding to a result of USB negotiation when the measured value acquired in the measurement process does not exceed the threshold value, and controls the mode to be a mode having lower power consumption than the mode corresponding to the result of USB negotiation when the measured value acquired in the measurement process exceeds the threshold value.

17. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes a display unit capable of displaying information,

the control unit causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying a mode in which the consumption power is lower than a mode corresponding to a result of USB negotiation when the measurement value acquired in the measurement process exceeds a threshold value.

18. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes a display unit capable of displaying information,

the control unit causes the display unit to display information capable of specifying the measurement result obtained in the measurement process.

19. The image reading apparatus according to claim 12, wherein,

the image reading apparatus includes a comparing unit that compares the voltage value measured by the measuring unit with a reference voltage value,

the control unit executes the measurement processing based on a comparison result of the comparison unit.

20. An image reading method of an image reading apparatus, characterized in that,

the image reading apparatus includes:

a reading section capable of reading an image from an original;

a control section that performs control related to reading an image from an original;

a display unit capable of displaying information; and

a USB connection part capable of connecting a USB cable,

the image reading method of the image reading apparatus is performed: when the power supply is turned on, the control unit determines any one of a plurality of modes having different power consumption based on USB negotiation, and then causes the display unit to display information capable of determining the determined mode.