JP2002010020A - Image reader and method of controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader which ensures safety and proper operation and a method of controlling the same. SOLUTION: An image reader is equipped with a first mirror pad 22 and a second mirror pad 23 disposed so as to guide the image data of manuscripts to a sensor, and the mirror pads 22 and 23 are driven to read the image of the manuscripts. Furthermore, the image reader is equipped with a first drive means that drives the first mirror pad 22 and a second drive means that drives the second mirror pad 23, where either the first mirror pad 22 or the second mirror pad 23 is equipped with a detecting sensor 403 for detecting the position of the other. A drive control means which controls the first drive means and second drive means based on data from the detecting sensor 403 is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus for reading image information with a scanner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, demands for increasing the speed of copiers have been increasing with the efficiency of office work. The scanner section of a copying machine generally has a first mirror base and a second mirror base. By setting the respective scanning speeds to 2: 1, the optical path length of the light image as the original image information from the original to the CCD sensor is obtained. Can be scanned at a constant level, and accordingly, it can be mechanically configured so as to be driven by one motor.

[0003]

However, increasing the scanning speed raises various problems such as an increase in the size of the shape due to an increase in the torque of the motor, measures against heat, and instability in a low speed range. One of the solutions is to drive each mirror base with a different motor to disperse the torque.

However, in this configuration, since the first and second mirror bases can operate independently, if any abnormality occurs, for example, if one of the mirror bases becomes inoperable, the mirror bases collide with each other. I will. And the cost of the repairs can be prohibitive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an image reading apparatus which guarantees safe and proper operation of the apparatus and a control method thereof.

[0006]

An image reading apparatus according to the present invention has a first mirror base and a second mirror base for guiding image information of a document to a sensor, and by driving them, An image reading apparatus configured to read a document image, wherein the first drive means drives the first mirror base, the second drive means drives the second mirror base, One of the first mirror base and the second mirror base has a detection sensor for detecting the position of the other.

The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image reading apparatus further comprises a drive control means for controlling the first drive means and the second drive means based on information from the detection sensor. Further, in the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, the drive control means stops the first mirror base and the second mirror base at a predetermined timing. Further, in the image reading device of the present invention,
The drive operating means drives one or both of the first mirror base and the second mirror base in a direction opposite to the respective mirror bases, and after the opposite drive, drives the first and second mirror bases. It is characterized by stopping.

Further, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, a power supply for supplying power to the first and second driving means and a power supply from the power supply are switched between the first and second driving means. A power supply switching unit and a disconnection unit for disconnecting power supply by the power supply switching unit based on information from the detection sensor are provided.

Further, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a light source for irradiating one of the first and second mirror bases with light to the original, and the detection sensor has the light source having the light source. It is characterized by being attached to the first or second mirror base. Further, the image reading apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the image reading apparatus further comprises a positioning means for determining a position of the first or second mirror base based on information of the detection sensor.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the detection sensor uses a photo interrupter, and the distance between the first and second mirror bases is different from the mirror base on which the photo interrupter is mounted. A plate for changing the output of the photo interrupter when a predetermined distance is reached is attached. Further, in the image reading device of the present invention, when the signal from the photo interrupter is detected to have changed, the signal state from the signal from the photo interrupter before the change is detected in one of the first and second mirror bases. Characterized in that it is moved a certain distance so that

In the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, the order in which the first and second mirror bases are driven is set such that the mirror base having the higher driving speed is driven first. I do. Further, the image reading apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the image reading apparatus further includes a display device for displaying a state in the image reading apparatus or a next operation method based on a signal from the detection sensor. Further, in the image reading apparatus of the present invention, there is provided a signal generating unit for driving the first and second driving units, and a signal generating unit is provided between the signal generating unit and the first and second driving units. It has a first switching means and a second switching means for connecting / disconnecting a signal from the signal generating means.

[0012] A control method of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention has a first mirror base and a second mirror base for guiding image information of a document to a sensor, and drives the documents to drive the document. A method for controlling an image reading device configured to read an image, wherein one of the first mirror base and the second mirror base detects the other position. I do.

Further, in the control method of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, the first mirror base and the second mirror base are stopped at a predetermined timing based on the position detection information. Further, in the control method of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, one or both of the first mirror base and the second mirror base are driven in a direction opposite to the respective mirror bases based on the position detection information. After the opposite drive, the first and second mirror bases are stopped. Further, in the control method of the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, light is applied to the document from one of the first and second mirror bases. Also,
In the method for controlling an image reading apparatus according to the present invention, the position of the first or second mirror base is determined based on the position detection information.

Further, a recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as any one of the above means. Further, a recording medium of the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing any of the above-described processing procedures.

According to the present invention, a sensor for detecting the position of the second mirror base is mounted on the first mirror base to solve the above problems. By forcibly stopping the motor based on the information from the sensor, the mirror base is stopped even in the event of any abnormality, and a collision can be avoided.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a copying machine system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeder unit for sending a document to a scanning position, 2 a reader unit for reading a document image, and 3 a printer unit for forming image information obtained from the reader unit 2 on a copy sheet. It is.

Further, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 21 denotes a platen glass on which an original is placed, 22 denotes a first mirror base for irradiating the original with light and reflects the reflected light (light image), and 23 denotes a first mirror base 22. A mirror unit for reflecting the light image from the lens unit 24, a lens unit for adjusting the focus of the light image from the second mirror table 23, and a reflection unit 25 for reflecting the light image from the lens unit 24 A mirror 26, a CCD sensor for converting a light image from the reflection mirror 25 into an electric signal,
Reference numeral 27 denotes a reader signal processing unit which processes an image signal from the CCD sensor 26 and sends it to the printer unit 3, and 28 denotes a mirror base driving unit for scanning the first and second mirror bases 22 and 23.

Reference numeral 221 denotes a light source for irradiating the original with light; 222, a reflector for reflecting extra light;
3,231,232 are reflection mirrors for reflecting an optical image.

A control unit 31 controls the entire system,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a printer signal processing unit for processing an image signal from the reader unit 2, reference numeral 33 denotes a paper feeding unit for feeding a copy sheet, and reference numeral 34 denotes a printer signal for a copy sheet sent from the paper feeding unit 33. A printing unit for forming an image from the image signal from the processing unit 32; a paper discharging unit 35 for discharging the image-formed copy sheet from the printing unit 34;
Reference numeral 36 denotes a paper discharge tray on which a copy sheet from the paper discharge unit 35 is placed.

Further, reference numeral 4 denotes an operation unit for instructing the system to perform a copying operation, and 5 denotes a display unit for displaying the status of the system, the settings of the operation unit 4, and the like.

Next, the operation of the apparatus will be described. The document sent from the document feeder unit 1 is placed on a platen glass 21 and irradiated by a light source 221. The light image obtained by this passes through the first mirror base 22, the second mirror base 23, the lens unit 24 and the CCD reflection mirror 25, and the light image is converted into an image signal by the CCD sensor 26. Sent. Here the first
By scanning the second mirror tables 22 and 23, image information on the front surface of the document can be obtained.

The image signal from the reader unit 2 is transmitted to the printer unit 3
Sent to Then, it enters the printer signal processing unit 32,
Processed into a signal for image formation. A copy sheet is fed from the paper feed unit 33, and the copy sheet is sent to the print unit 34. An image is formed on a copy sheet based on a signal from the printer signal processing unit 32, sent to a discharge detail 35, and discharged to a discharge tray 36.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a mechanical configuration of the reader unit 2. As shown in FIG. 201 is a first motor for driving the first mirror base 22, 202 is a second motor for driving the second mirror base 23, and 203 and 205 are wires for applying torque from the first motor 201 or the second motor 202. A timing belt 204 for transmitting to the wire 204 or a wire 206; pulleys 207 and 208 for decelerating the rotation of the motor through the timing belt 203;
Reference numerals 9 and 210 are pulleys for reducing the rotation of the motor via a timing belt. The reduction ratio of the pulleys 209 and 210 is set to be の of the reduction ratio of the pulleys 207 and 208. Also, the first motor 201
The second motor 202 uses a stepping motor driven by a pulse.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the mirror base drive unit 28. Reference numeral 301 denotes a motor control unit that generates a pulse necessary for driving the stepping motor based on a signal from the control unit 31. Reference numerals 302 and 304 denote motor control units.
Switch (S) for connecting / disconnecting the signal from
W), 303 and 305 are drivers for supplying current to the first and second motors 201 and 202 based on the signals from the SWs 302 and 304 and rotating the respective motors, and 306 are the drivers 303 and 305 respectively.
For turning on / off the power supply to the power supply.

If the configurations of the first and second motors 201 and 20 are the same according to the configurations of FIGS.
When the same drive control signal is given to the drivers 303 and 305 according to the speed command from 1 to drive the respective motors, the speed ratio between the first mirror base 22 and the second mirror base 23 becomes 2: 1. Thereby, the CCD is moved from the first mirror base 22 to the CCD.
The optical path length to the sensor 26 is always equal.

FIG. 4 shows a photointerrupter 40 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a flag 1 and a flag 402. As shown in the figure, the photo interrupter 401 and the flag 402
And "H" when the flag 402 is attached to the photo interrupter 401 when the flag 402 is attached to the second mirror bases 22 and 23.
A signal is output, and an "L" signal is output when the signal is not input. Reference numeral 403 denotes a scan start position sensor for determining the scan start position of the second mirror base 23, which outputs a signal "H" when the second mirror base 23 comes to the scan start position, and "403" except for the scan start position. L 'is output.

Next, a copy operation according to the present invention will be described. When a copy operation is instructed from the operation unit 4,
The first and second mirror bases 2 previously moved to the scan start position based on the scan start position sensor 403
The motors 2 and 23 drive motors so that the scanning speed is determined by the operation unit 4. When a certain distance from the scan start position is reached, the capture of the image signal from the CCD sensor 26 into the reader signal processing unit 27 is started, and when the mirror base advances by the next set distance, the capture of the image signal is stopped. . The image signals captured during that time pass through the reader unit signal processing unit 27 and the printer unit signal processing unit 32, are processed by the respective units, form an image on a copy sheet, and are discharged. On the other hand, the mirror stand is stopped immediately after the image reading is completed, then moved at a predetermined speed to move to the scan start position, and the copying operation is completed.

Next, the scanning operation will be described.
FIG. 5 is a time chart of the scanning operation of the first mirror base 22. In the figure, when the motor 201 starts rotating at time t0, the first mirror base 2
2 gradually increases the speed and moves at a steady speed when the desired speed is reached. After a predetermined distance (time) from the start position (time t1), image data is read by the CCD sensor 26. Thereafter, when the vehicle travels a distance corresponding to a desired image width, it is decelerated and temporarily stopped (time t2). Then, it is accelerated to quickly return to the start position (back scan operation) (time t3), moves at a desired speed, and is then decelerated and stopped (time t4).

Thus, the first mirror base 22 is driven so as to move in a series of scanning operations. Here, the scanning operation of the first mirror base 22 is shown,
Similarly, the mirror table 23 operates at the same speed chart at half its speed.

FIG. 6 shows the first and second mirror bases 22 and 2.
3 is a flow chart when 3 is moved to a scan start position. First, the switch 306 is turned on to enable power supply to the motor (step S601). Then S
W302 is turned off, and SW304 is turned on so that only the second mirror stand 23 is operable (step S602). The output of the scan start position sensor 403 at that position is detected.
3 is moved to the start position until the start position sensor 403 becomes "H" (steps S603 and S604). The position where the start position sensor 403 becomes “H” is set as the start position, and the second mirror base 23 is stopped (step S605).

Next, while the SW 302 is turned on, S
The W304 is turned off, and only the first mirror base 22 is made operable (step S606). Then, the first mirror base 22 is moved to the start position until the output of the photo interrupter 401 becomes “H” (step S607,
Step S608). When the output of the photo interrupter 401 becomes “H”, the second mirror base 23 is moved by a certain distance to move the first mirror base 22 to the start position.
In the opposite direction to the start position of the first mirror base 22 (step S609). The movement by the predetermined distance is an operation for adjusting the approach distance of the mirror base and keeping the photointerrupter at “L” during the scanning operation. When the movement is completed, the first mirror base 22 is stopped (step S610), the SW 304 is turned on, the first and second mirror bases 22 and 23 are operable, and the start position movement operation ends.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the scanning operation is started. First, SW 302, 304,
306 is turned on, and the first and second mirror bases 22 and 2 are turned on.
3 is set in an operable state (the on-switch does not have to be turned on) (steps S701 and S702). The scanning operation of the first and second mirror bases 22 and 23 is started (step S703).

While moving for scanning, the output of the photointerrupter 401 is monitored. If it does not become "H", after the scanning distance is advanced, the scanning operation is terminated and the respective motors are temporarily stopped (step S704, step S704).
705, step S706). Then, the back scan operation of the first and second mirror bases 22 and 23 is started immediately (step S707), and the output of the photointerrupter 401 is monitored during the back scan. After proceeding, the back scan operation is stopped and the normal scan operation ends (steps S708, S709, and S710).

Here, for some trouble, for example, the first
When the mirror base 22 does not operate, the second mirror base 23 approaches the first mirror base 22 after the scan is started, and the output of the photointerrupter 401 is set to “H”. In step S705, the output of the photointerrupter 401 is monitored. Since the output is “H”, the process proceeds to step S711, and the first and second motors 201 and 202 are forcibly stopped to stop the first and second mirror bases 22 and 23 (step S720).

The power supply to each motor is stopped by turning off the switch SW306 (step S721), and the switch SW3 is turned off.
02 and 304 are turned off (step S722), and the image capturing operation is stopped (step S723). Then, the fact that the scanner is abnormal is displayed on the display unit 5 (step S724), and the entire system is stopped. At the time of the back scan, the output of the photointerrupter 401 is monitored in step S709 in the same manner. When the output becomes “H”, the following operation of step S711 is performed.

Here, each functional block and processing procedure shown in the above various embodiments may be constituted by hardware, or may be constituted by a CPU or MPU, ROM and R
It may be constituted by a microcomputer system composed of an AM or the like, and its operation may be realized according to a work program stored in a ROM or a RAM. The present invention also includes a software program for realizing the functions described above, which is provided to a RAM so as to realize the functions of the respective functional blocks, and which is executed by operating the functional blocks according to the programs. include.

In this case, the software program itself implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program itself and means for supplying the program to a computer, for example, a recording medium storing the program Constitute the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program, the above-described ROM or RAM
Besides, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-RO
M, CD-I, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, zi
p, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. Needless to say, such a program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention when the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the above.

Further, after the supplied program is stored in the memory provided on the function expansion board of the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program is provided on the function expansion board or the function expansion unit based on the instruction of the program. It is needless to say that the present invention also includes a case where the CPU or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, a sensor for detecting the position of the second mirror base is attached to the first mirror base, and the mirror base driving motor is forcibly stopped based on the sensor. As a result, there is an advantage that the collision between the mirror stands can be avoided at the time of abnormality, and the cost for repair at that time can be minimized.
Therefore, the cost can be substantially reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a mechanism operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a mirror base driving unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a mounting position of a photo interrupter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time chart of a scanning operation in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart when the mirror base is moved to a start position in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a scan operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 Document feeder unit 2 Reader unit 3 Printer unit 4 Operation unit 5 Display unit 22 First mirror base 23 Second mirror base 26 CCD sensor 28 Mirror base drive unit 31 Control unit 201 First motor 202 Second motor 301 Motor control unit 302 , 304, 306 ON / OFF SW 401 Photo interrupter 402 Flag 403 Scan start position sensor

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H108 AA01 CA01 CB01 5B047 AA01 BA02 BB02 BC09 BC12 CA07 CA12 CB06 5C051 AA01 BA03 DA03 DB01 DB24 DB28 DE09 FA01 5C072 AA01 CA09 DA04 EA05 MA01 MB01 MB04 XA01

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. An image reading apparatus comprising a first mirror base and a second mirror base for guiding image information of a document to a sensor, and configured to read the document image by driving them. A first driving unit for driving the first mirror base, a second driving unit for driving the second mirror base, and the first driving unit.
Any one of the mirror base and the second mirror base has a detection sensor for detecting the position of the other. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive control unit that controls the first drive unit and the second drive unit based on information from the detection sensor. Image reading device. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said drive control means stops said first mirror base and said second mirror base at a predetermined timing. 4. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the driving operation unit drives one or both of the first mirror base and the second mirror base in directions opposite to the respective mirror bases. An image reading apparatus wherein the first and second mirror bases are stopped after the opposite drive. 5. A power supply unit for supplying power to the first and second drive units, a power supply switching unit for switching power supply from the power supply unit between the first and second drive units, and the detection sensor. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disconnecting unit that disconnects power supply by the power supply switching unit based on information from the image forming apparatus. 6. A light source for irradiating light to a document on one of the first and second mirror bases, and the detection sensor is provided on the first or second mirror base having the light source. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is attached. 7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning unit configured to determine a position of the first or second mirror base based on information of the detection sensor. Image reading device. 8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection sensor uses a photo-interrupter, and the first and second mirror pedestals are mounted on a mirror pedestal different from a mirror pedestal on which the photo-interrupter is mounted. An image reading device for attaching a plate for changing the output of the photointerrupter when the distance of the photointerrupter becomes a predetermined distance. 9. The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a change in a signal from the photo interrupter is detected, and one of the first and second mirror bases is signaled from the photo interrupter. An image reading apparatus characterized in that the image reading apparatus is moved by a predetermined distance so that the signal state becomes the signal state before the change. 10. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an order in which the first and second mirror bases are driven is set such that the mirror base having a higher driving speed is driven first. An image reading apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. The image reading device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device that displays a state in the image reading device or a next operation method based on a signal from the detection sensor. Reader. 12. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signal generating unit for driving said first and second driving units, wherein said signal generating unit and said first and second driving units are provided.
An image reading apparatus comprising a first switching unit and a second switching unit for connecting / disconnecting a signal from the signal generation unit to the driving unit. 13. An image reading apparatus comprising a first mirror base and a second mirror base for guiding image information of a document to a sensor, and configured to read the document image by driving them. The control method of the image reading apparatus, wherein one of the first mirror base and the second mirror base detects the other position. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first mirror base and the second mirror base are stopped at a predetermined timing based on the position detection information. Control method. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the first mirror base and the second mirror base are driven in directions opposite to the respective mirror bases based on the position detection information. And controlling the first and second mirror stands after the opposite drive. 16. The method according to claim 13, wherein light is applied to the document from one of the first and second mirror bases. . 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the position of the first or second mirror base is determined based on the position detection information. 18. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each of the means according to claim 1. Description: 19. A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the processing procedure of the method according to claim 13. Description: