JP2004070028A - Picture reader, copying device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader, a copying machine and a computer program which prevents defective reading due to the floating of an original from an original platen and enhances the handleability by reducing the load of user when the original apt to float from the reading position such as a stitch of book is made to be an object to be read. <P>SOLUTION: The image reader 1 is provided with an exposure optical system S which exposes and scans a picture of the original positioned on a reading position by moving a light source 8 along the original and an original retaining member 3 which is selectively located to a retaining position of locating the original to the reading position and a releasing position of releasing the reading position. When the original retaining member 3 is set at the releasing position on the start of the exposure scanning, the timing of the start of the exposure scanning is delayed as compared with the case that the original retaining member 3 is set at the retaining position when the start of the exposure scanning is announced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading device, a copying device, and an image reading method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some image reading apparatuses that read a document placed on a platen include a pressure plate that presses the document against the platen in order to prevent the document from floating from the platen. There is also an image reading apparatus provided with a document feeder which automatically and sequentially supplies a plurality of documents in place of the pressure plate. In such an image reading apparatus, it is possible to selectively position a pressing position where the original is pressed against the platen to position the original at the reading position, and an open position where the original can be set on the platen. Some have a pressure plate and a document feeding device. Hereinafter, such a pressure plate and a document feeding device are collectively referred to as a document pressing member.
[0003]
By the way, when reading a bound document such as a book, the image reading device including the document feeding device cannot use the document feeding device. For this reason, when reading a bound original such as a book, the user generally uses any one of the following (1) and (2) regardless of whether the image reading apparatus includes a pressure plate or an original feeding device. Perform these steps.
[0004]
{Circle around (1)} The document pressing member is positioned at the open position, and after the document is placed on the document table, the document pressing member is positioned at the pressing position, and reading is started by operating a start button or the like.
[0005]
(2) Place the document on the platen with the document holding member positioned at the open position, and operate the start button etc. while pressing the document with one hand while the document holding member is positioned at the open position to read. Let it start. In this case, it is necessary to press the document before a portion, such as a stitch, raised from the document table is read.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when reading a bound original such as a book, or when reading in any of the above-mentioned procedures (1) and (2), there are the following disadvantages.
[0007]
First, when reading a bound document such as a book in the procedure of (1), if there are a plurality of pages to be read, the operation of positioning the document pressing member at the open position or the pressing position must be performed for each page. It takes time when the number of pages to be read is large.
[0008]
As measures against the above-mentioned (1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-344907 discloses a pressure plate which can be freely opened and closed, a pressure plate opening / closing detecting means for detecting opening / closing of the pressure plate, and a presence / absence of a document on a document table. There is disclosed a technique in which when a specific mode is set in a copying apparatus having a document detection unit, copying is started when the pressure plate is closed without operating a copy button.
[0009]
However, according to the technology disclosed in the publication, the copy can be started by opening and closing the pressure plate without operating the copy button. However, since the operation of opening and closing the pressure plate is necessary, the operation over a plurality of pages is required. In the case of scanning, the burden on the user increases, and a problem such as fatigue of the arm may occur, which is not convenient. Further, since the opening / closing operation of the pressure plate itself is a time-consuming operation, the technology disclosed in the publication aims to effectively reduce the time when reading a bound document such as a book over a plurality of pages. It is not possible at present.
[0010]
When reading a bound original such as a book in the procedure of (2), it is not necessary to open and close the original pressing member. However, the original must not be pressed before the floating portion of the original such as a stitch is read. Therefore, after pressing the start button, the entire document must be quickly pressed. At this time, it may not be possible to press the start button and then press the entire document in time, and the document may be read in a floating state. In a copying apparatus equipped with such an image reading device, the read image is copied while the document is floating, and thus the copied paper may be wasted.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to prevent a reading error due to the lifting of a document from a platen and reduce the burden on a user when a document that tends to rise from a reading position, such as a book binding, is to be read. The goal is to reduce and improve usability.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
2. An exposure scanning optical system for exposing an image of a document positioned at a reading position by a light source and a moving unit for moving the light source along the document, and the exposure scanning optical system. A light receiving optical system that causes a light receiving element to receive light obtained by exposing a document by exposure scanning of a system, a document holding member selectively positioned at a holding position for positioning the document at a reading position and an open position for opening the reading position, Position setting means for setting whether the document pressing member is positioned at the pressing position or at the open position, start declaring means for declaring the start of exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system, and If the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting means at the time of declaring the start of scanning is an open position, Declaration means comprises a timing adjusting means for delaying the exposure scanning start timing than when it is located the pressing position of the document pressing member which is set by the position setting means when declaring the exposure scanning start.
[0013]
Therefore, when the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is the open position, the exposure scanning start timing is set longer than when the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is the pressing position. By delaying the time, it is possible to secure the time from the declaration of the start of the exposure scanning to the actual exposure scanning of the document.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a position determining unit configured to determine whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or an open position, and wherein the position setting is performed. The means sets the position of the pressing member according to the result of the determination by the position determining means.
[0015]
Therefore, the position of the document pressing member can be automatically set according to the result of the determination by the position determining means.
[0016]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading device according to the first or second aspect, the timing adjustment unit is configured to set the original pressing unit set by the position setting unit when the start declaration unit declares the start of exposure scanning. When the position of the member is the holding position, the exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system is started after the lighting time from when the start declaration means declares the start of exposure scanning to when the light source is turned on has elapsed.
[0017]
Therefore, by starting the exposure scanning after the lighting time from the declaration of the start of the exposure scanning to the lighting of the light source has elapsed, the entire document can be uniformly exposed and scanned. If the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is the open position, the exposure scanning is started after a lapse of time longer than the lighting time after the declaration of the start of the exposure scanning. In addition to the effects of the invention described in Item 1 or 2, it is possible to uniformly expose and scan the entire document.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copying apparatus according to the first, second, or third aspect, and a recording medium for storing an image based on image data acquired based on a light amount received by a light receiving element of the image reading apparatus. And an image forming apparatus for forming the image.
[0019]
Therefore, a copying apparatus having the effects of the first, second, or third aspect of the invention can be obtained.
[0020]
6. An exposure scanning optical system for exposing and scanning an image of a document positioned at a reading position by a light source and moving means for moving the light source along the document, and the exposure scanning optical system. A light receiving optical system for receiving light passing through the document by the exposure scanning by a light receiving element, start declaration means for declaring the start of exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system, and a pressing position and a reading position for positioning the document at a reading position. A document holding member selectively positioned at an opening position to be opened, and a computer program installed in a computer provided in an image reading apparatus including the document reading device, wherein the document holding member is positioned at the holding position or at the opening position. A position setting function for setting whether the position is set, and exposure scanning by the start declaration means. When the document pressing member is set to the open position when the start is declared, when the document pressing member is set to the pressing position when the exposure scanning start is declared by the start declaring means. And a timing adjustment function for delaying the exposure scanning start timing.
[0021]
Therefore, when the position of the document pressing member when the exposure scanning start is declared is the open position, the exposure scanning starts when the position of the document pressing member when the exposure scanning start is declared is the pressing position. Since the timing is delayed, it is possible to secure a time from the declaration of the start of the exposure scanning to the actual exposure scanning of the document.
[0022]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the computer program according to the fifth aspect, the computer causes the computer to execute a position determining function of determining whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or an open position. The computer causes the computer to execute a function of setting the position of the holding member according to a result of the determination by the position determination function as the position setting function.
[0023]
Therefore, the position of the document pressing member can be automatically set.
[0024]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the computer program according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting unit when the start declaration unit declares the start of exposure scanning is a pressing position. In some cases, a function of starting exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system after a lighting time from when the start declaration means declares the start of exposure scanning to when the light source is turned on is used as the timing adjustment function. To run.
[0025]
Therefore, since the exposure scan is started after the lighting time from when the start of the exposure scan is declared to when the light source is turned on, the entire document can be uniformly exposed and scanned. If the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is the open position, the exposure scanning is started after a lapse of time longer than the lighting time after the declaration of the start of the exposure scanning. In addition to the effects of the invention described in the item 5 or 6, it is possible to uniformly expose and scan the entire document.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an example of application to a digital scanner as an image reading device.
[0027]
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional front view showing the digital scanner of the present embodiment. The digital scanner 1 according to the present embodiment includes a scanner device 2 and a document feeding device 3 provided above the scanner device 2.
[0028]
First, the scanner device 2 will be described. The scanner device 2 includes a scanner case 5 having an original table 4 on which an original is set. The size of the document placed on the document table 4 is detected by a document detection sensor 6 (see FIG. 3). The document detection sensor 6 detects a document size in accordance with an open / close state signal / aks output from an open / close detection switch 7 (see FIG. 3) described later.
[0029]
Inside the scanner case 5, a first traveling body 10 having an exposure lamp 8 and a mirror 9 as light sources for emitting light, and a second traveling body 13 having two mirrors 11 and 12 are provided. ing. The exposure lamp 8 and the mirrors 9, 11, and 12 are arranged so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the main scanning direction. The first and second traveling bodies 10 and 13 are provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction (the horizontal direction in FIG. 1) along the document table 4 and are driven by a stepping motor (not shown) as moving means. The vehicle runs at a speed ratio of 1.
[0030]
In an image reading process to be described later, the exposure lamp 8 is caused to emit light, and the first and second traveling bodies 10 and 13 are reciprocated along the document table 4. Thus, the document is exposed and scanned within a range determined by the width of the exposure lamp 8 in the main scanning direction and the distance the exposure lamp 8 has moved. In the present embodiment, a two-dimensional exposure scanning range formed on the document table 4 by the movement of the exposure lamp 8 is set as a reading position.
[0031]
Light obtained by exposing and scanning the original is guided by mirrors 9, 11, and 12, and forms an image on an image sensor 15 a as a light receiving element mounted on an image reading substrate 15 via an imaging lens 14. In the present embodiment, the exposure lamp 8, the first traveling body 10, and a stepping motor (not shown) constitute an exposure scanning optical system S, and the mirrors 9, 11, 12, the imaging lens 14, and the image sensor 15 a receive light. System C is configured.
[0032]
The image sensor 15a according to the present embodiment is a one-dimensional reading element including a large number of reading cells mounted in a line on the surface of the image reading substrate 15. The image reading board 15 photoelectrically converts the analog image data of the exposure light imaged on the image sensor 15a via the original to generate digital image data.
[0033]
The digital image data generated by the image reading board 15 is subjected to various kinds of image processing by the image processing board 16. Examples of the image processing performed by the image processing board 16 include various known image processing such as shading correction processing, MTF correction processing, and γ correction processing. Note that the shading correction processing, the MTF correction processing, and the γ correction processing are well-known technologies, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
[0034]
Next, the document feeder 3 will be described. The document feeder 3 is provided with a document table 17 on which sheet-shaped documents are set. When there are a plurality of documents, the documents are set in a state of being stacked on the document table 17. In FIG. 1, a document feed path 20 extending from the paper feed port 18 to a discharge port 19 via a reading position on the document table 4 is communicated with a paper feed port 18 provided at a left end position of the document table 17. I have. At a communication position between the document feed path 20 and the paper feed port 18, a call roller 21 for sending the document set on the document table 17 into the document feed path 20 is moved from the lower side of the document feed path 20 to the document feed path 20. It is arranged to face. A pinch roller 22 is provided at a communication position between the document transport path 20 and the paper feed port 18 so as to face the call roller 21 with the document transport path 20 interposed therebetween. The document is set on the document table 17 with the end on the paper feed port 18 side as the front end and the front end inserted between the call roller 21 and the pinch roller 22.
[0035]
In the document transport path 20, the document is placed on the document table 17 near the discharge roller 21 and the pinch roller 22 so as to be located closer to the discharge port 19 (downstream in the document transport direction) than the call roller 21 and the pinch roller 22. A document presence / absence sensor 23 (see FIG. 3) whose output (document presence / absence signal / adf_doc) changes depending on whether or not the document is set is provided. A separation mechanism 24 configured by a belt, a separation roller, and the like, and separating the originals sent into the original conveyance path 20 by the call rollers 21 is provided one by one.
[0036]
A transport belt 26 that is wound around the plurality of transport rollers 25 and is transported by the transport rollers 25 to transport the original is provided in the document transport path 20. The transport belt 26 is provided so as to cover the entire platen 4, and conveys the document and presses the document on the platen 4 against the platen 4 to prevent the document from rising from the platen 4. Plays the function of preventing. The call roller 21, the separation roller of the separation mechanism 24, and the plurality of transport rollers 25 are rotationally driven by a motor (not shown).
[0037]
In addition, the document conveying path 20 detects the leading edge of the document conveyed in the document conveying path 20 by the conveying belt 26 and detects the leading edge of the document (in the direction perpendicular to the document conveying direction; A size sensor 27 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the size in the front and back directions and a stop claw (not shown) for stopping the document conveyed on the document table 4 at the reading position are provided. When the exposure scanning is completed, the stop claw is displaced so as to open the document conveying path 20, and thereby the document can be discharged. The document discharged from the discharge port 19 is stacked on a discharge table 28.
[0038]
The document feeder 3 feeds only one document separated by a separation mechanism 24 into the document conveyance path 20 by a call roller 21 at the time of an image reading process described later, and conveys only one document by a conveyance belt 26. The document is sent out onto the platen 4. When the document reaches the reading position, the rotation of the transport roller 25 is stopped. As a result, the document is positioned at the reading position. The size of the document in the transport direction can be obtained from, for example, the detection timing of the size sensor 27, and the motor can be driven based on this detection timing to accurately position the document at the reading position.
[0039]
When the above-described exposure scanning of the original by the scanner device 2 is completed in a state where the original is positioned at the reading position, the original feeding device 3 restarts the driving of the transport roller 25 and reads the original on the original platen 4. It is transported from the position to the discharge table 28. Since the transport belt 26 is provided so as to cover the entire document table 4, the drive timing of the call roller 21 and the separation roller is adjusted to move the document on the document table 4 from the reading position to the discharge table 28. The next document can be fed at the same time as the document is conveyed.
[0040]
The document feeding device 3 is connected to the scanner device 2 at a connection position J (see FIG. 2) on the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1, and rotates around the connection position J as a fulcrum in a direction away from the scanner device 2. It is provided movably. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1, the position of the document feeding device 3 where the document table 4 is covered by the document feeding device 3 is set as the pressing position, and the connecting position J is used as a fulcrum to turn the document feeding device 3 away from the scanner device 2. The position of the document feeder 3 which opens the document table 4 by moving the document table 4 is defined as an open position. The document feeder 3 is selectively positioned at a holding position or an opening position.
[0041]
The document feeder 3 of the present embodiment is detachably attached to the scanner device 2 by releasing the connection at the connection position.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 2, a pressure plate 30 can be attached to the scanner device 2 from which the document feeding device 3 has been removed, instead of the document feeding device 3 as shown in FIG. The pressure plate 30 is connected to the scanner device 2 at a connection position J, similarly to the document feeding device 3, and is mounted rotatably about the connection position J as a fulcrum. In the present embodiment, similarly to the document feeder 3, the position of the pressure plate 30 such that the platen 4 is covered by the pressure plate 30 is set as the holding position, and the connection position J is used as a fulcrum to rotate in the direction away from the scanner device 2. The position of the pressure plate 30 that opens the original table 4 by moving the platen 4 is set as an open position.
[0043]
When the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the pressing position, the document on the document table 4 is positioned so as to be pressed against the document table 4 by the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30. When the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the open position, the upper part of the document table 4 is opened, and the document can be set or collected on the document table 4. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a document pressing member is realized by the document feeding device 3 and the pressure plate 30.
[0044]
The digital scanner 1 has an open / close detection switch 7 (FIG. 3) that changes the open / close state signal / aks to be output depending on whether the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the holding position or the open position. Reference). The open / close detection switch 7 is disposed near the connection position J between the document feeding device 3 or the pressure plate 30 and the scanner device 2 and, as shown in FIG. It has a piece 31. The detection piece 31 is urged by an urging member (not shown) in a direction protruding from the upper surface of the scanner case 5. When the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the open position, the detection piece 31 is moved. When the original feeding device 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the pressing position, the upper end surface is pressed by the original feeding device 3 or the pressing plate 30, and It is positioned to be buried in.
[0045]
In addition, the digital scanner 1 receives a user's operation, and functions as a display operation panel 32 that functions as an interface with the user, and a start key that functions as a start declaration unit that declares the start of an image reading process described later when operated. 33 are provided. The display operation panel 32 of the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel and a touch panel stacked on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel. Note that the liquid crystal panel and the touch panel are well-known technologies, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Various operation keys such as mode setting keys for setting a reading mode such as a background removal function OFF / ON are assigned to the touch panel of the display operation panel 32. Various operation keys assigned to the touch panel are assigned to the liquid crystal panel. Information for guiding the position of the device, operation guidance, and the like are displayed.
[0046]
Next, the electrical connection of each unit included in the digital scanner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each unit included in the digital scanner 1. The digital scanner 1 includes a main control unit 40 that drives and controls each unit included in the digital scanner 1. Although not particularly shown, the main control unit 40 stores a CPU that executes various control programs and drives each unit included in the digital scanner 1, a control program executed by the CPU, data necessary for executing the control program, and the like. The microcomputer is mainly configured with a storage device.
[0047]
The storage device of the main control unit 40 includes a time storage area (not shown) for storing times t1 and t2 referred to in image reading processing to be described later, a reading mode set by a user's operation on the display operation panel 32, and a magnification. A setting storage area and the like (not shown) for storing various settings such as. In the present embodiment, the time longer than the lighting time in consideration of the time lag from the assertion of the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en to the actual lighting of the exposure lamp 8 is defined as time t1. Time t2 is set longer than time t1.
[0048]
Further, the storage device of the main control unit 40 stores an error memory which is referred to at the time of an image reading process to be described later and stores the presence or absence of an error that interferes with the reading operation, and setting of reading conditions such as shading. A reading condition setting file, a counter buffer for counting time t, and the like are provided.
[0049]
Further, the storage device of the main control unit 40 has a position setting for setting whether the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the pressing position or the open position when the start key 33 is operated. An open / close setting area (not shown) as means is secured. The setting of the open / close setting area is set according to the open / close state signal / aks output from the open / close detection switch 7 at the time when the start key 33 is operated at the time of executing a document reading process described later. Here, the position setting function is realized.
[0050]
The main controller 40 includes a document presence / absence signal / adf_doc output from the document presence / absence sensor 23 of the document feeder 3, an open / close state signal / aks output from the open / close detection switch 7, or a start key The read start request signal / sc_stt output from the control unit 33 is input. The document presence / absence signal / adf_doc output from the document presence / absence sensor 23 is at “L” level when a document is set on the document table 17 and at “H” level when no document is set. The open / close state signal / aks output from the open / close detection switch 7 is “L” level when the document feeding device 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the holding position, and “H” when the document feeding device 3 or the pressing plate 30 is positioned at the open position. Level. The read start request signal / sc_stt output from the start key 33 becomes “L” level when the start key 33 is operated.
[0051]
The main controller 40 receives an output from the size sensor 27 of the document feeder 3, an output from the document detection sensor 6, and the like.
[0052]
Further, the main control unit 40 is connected to a motor drive unit 42 that is configured by a motor driver and a stepping motor (not shown) and that drives a motor that drives the first and second traveling bodies 10 and 13 and the like. The main control unit 40 outputs a control clock necessary for driving the stepping motor and data such as a forward / reverse command to the motor driver. The motor driver drives the stepping motor according to the data output from the main control unit 40, whereby the first and second traveling bodies 10 and 13 travel along the document.
[0053]
In addition, the above-described exposure lamp 8 is connected to the main control unit 40. The main control unit 40 outputs a lamp lighting signal / lamp_en for controlling the lighting / extinguishing of the exposure lamp 8 to the exposure lamp 8. The lamp lighting signal / lamp_en is asserted when the exposure lamp 8 is turned on during exposure scanning, and is negated when the exposure scanning ends.
[0054]
The main control unit 40 includes an interface (not shown) for performing data communication with the document feeder 3. The data communication by the interface is enabled when the document feeder 3 is attached to the scanner device 2, and the main control unit 40 performs data communication with the document feeder 3 via the interface. Thus, it is determined whether or not the document feeder 3 is mounted on the scanner 2. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the new original ball device 3 is mounted on the scanner device 2.
[0055]
Next, a reading process executed by the main control unit 40 according to the control program will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts schematically illustrating a reading process executed by the main control unit 40 according to the control program.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the reading process, the process waits until it is determined that the start key 33 has been operated based on the read start request signal sc_stt (N in S1). (Y in S1) transmits an "L" level read start request signal / sc_stt to the main control unit 40 to notify that there is a request, and refers to the error memory to perform a read operation inside the machine. It is determined whether or not an error has occurred (S2).
[0057]
If it is determined that an error that interferes with the reading operation has occurred inside the machine with reference to the error memory (N in S2), the operation of the start key 33 is invalidated, and the subsequent processing is not executed. Then, the process returns to step S1.
[0058]
If it is determined that an error that interferes with the reading operation has not occurred inside the machine with reference to the error memory (N in S2), the user operates the display operation panel 32 by referring to the setting storage area (not shown). According to the reading mode set by the operation, the reading conditions are set for the image reading board 15, the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en is asserted, and the counting of the time t is started in the counter buffer (S3). The exposure lamp 8 is turned on by asserting the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en.
[0059]
Subsequently, the connection of the document feeder 3 is confirmed, and it is determined whether or not the document feeder 3 is mounted (S4). If it is determined that the document feeder 3 is mounted ( (Y in S4), based on the open / close state signal / aks from the open / close detection switch 7, it is determined whether or not the attached document feeding device 3 is at the holding position (S5).
[0060]
When it is determined based on the open / close state signal / aks from the open / close detection switch 7 that the document feeder 3 is at the holding position (Y in S5), the output from the document presence sensor 23 of the document feeder 3 is output. Based on the signal / adf_doc, it is determined whether a document is set at the document setting position of the document table 17 (S6).
[0061]
If it is determined based on the output signal / adf_doc from the document presence / absence sensor 23 of the document feeder 3 that the document is set at the document set position (Y in S6), the document feeder 3 A document feed start command is transmitted (S7). When receiving the document feed start command from the main control unit 40, the document feeder 3 drives the transport rollers 25 and the like to start feeding the document.
[0062]
Then, proceeding to FIG. 5, referring to time t counted by a counter buffer (not shown), it is determined whether or not time t1 has elapsed since assertion of lamp lighting signal / lamp_en (S8). If it is determined that the time t1 has elapsed after assertion of / lamp_en (Y in S8), the process waits until it is determined that the document conveyed by the document feeder 3 has reached the reading position (S9). N).
[0063]
If it is determined that the document conveyed by the document feeder 3 has been conveyed to the reading position (Y in S9), the magnification set by operating the display operation panel 32 with reference to a setting storage area (not shown). , A control signal such as a drive clock and a rotation direction is transmitted to the motor drive unit 42 (S10). As a result, the exposure lamp 8 and the mirrors 9, 11, 12 mounted on the first and second traveling bodies 10, 13 are driven in the sub-scanning direction at a speed according to the magnification set on the display operation panel 32. The image of the document at the reading position is exposed and scanned, and photoelectric conversion data is generated. The image reading board 15 refers to the reading condition setting file, digitally converts the generated photoelectric conversion data under the set conditions, and outputs the image data to the image processing board 16.
[0064]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the original is set at the original set position based on the output signal / adf_doc from the original presence / absence sensor of the original feeder 3 (S11). If it is determined that the document is present (Y in S11), the process waits until it is determined that the next document can be fed (N in S12). A feed start command is transmitted to the feeding device 3 (S13). Here, the timing at which the preceding document can be fed and then the following document can be fed is, for example, the document conveying speed by the document feeder 3, the exposure scanning capability by the exposure scanning optical system S, and the like. It is set according to the processing capability of the image processing board 16 and the like.
[0065]
The processes from step S9 to step S14 are repeated until it is determined in step S11 that the document is not set at the document setting position.
[0066]
If it is determined that the original is not set at the original setting position (N of S11), since the next original to be read is not set in the paper feed port 18 of the original feeding device 3, the lamp lighting signal / Lamp_en is negated (S14). By negating the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en, the exposure lamp 8 is turned off, and the reading operation ends.
[0067]
By the way, if it is determined that the original is not set at the original set position based on the output signal / adf_doc from the original presence / absence sensor 23 of the original feeding device 3 (N in S6), the count is counted by a counter buffer (not shown). With reference to the time t performed and the time t1 stored in the storage device, it waits until it is determined that the time t1 has elapsed after asserting the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en (N in S15), and the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en. When it is determined that the time t1 has elapsed since the assertion of (S15 / Y), the motor drive unit 42 is controlled based on the magnification set on the display operation panel 32, as in step S10. A control signal such as a drive clock and a rotation direction is transmitted (S16), and when the first and second traveling bodies make one reciprocation, as in step S14, Negates the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en (S17).
[0068]
On the other hand, if it is determined based on the open / close state signal / aks from the open / close detection switch 7 that the attached document feeder 3 is not at the closed position (N in S5), the time counted by the counter buffer is counted. With reference to t and the time t2 stored in the storage device, the process waits until it is determined whether the time t2 has elapsed since the assertion of the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en (N in S18).
[0069]
If it is determined that the time t2 has elapsed since the assertion of the lamp lighting signal / lamp_en (Y in S18), the process proceeds to step S16.
[0070]
When the connection of the document feeder 3 is confirmed and it is determined that the document feeder 3 is not mounted (N in S4), the pressure plate 30 is mounted instead of the document feeder 3. It is determined whether or not the pressure plate 30 is at the holding position based on the open / close state signal / aks from the open / close detection switch 7 (S19). Here, a function as a position determining means and a position determining function are executed by steps S5 and S19.
[0071]
If it is determined that the pressure plate 30 is at the holding position based on the opening / closing state signal / aks from the opening / closing detection switch 7 (Y in S19), the process proceeds to step S15, and the pressure plate 30 is not at the holding position, that is, the open position. If it is determined that the position is set to (No in S19), the process proceeds to step S18. Here, a function as a timing adjustment unit and a timing adjustment function are executed by steps S18 and S16.
[0072]
When a thick original such as a book is to be read, the original feeder 3 and the pressure plate 30 are not physically closed, so that reading may be performed with the original feeder 3 and the pressure plate 30 open. . When a document having a portion raised from the document table 4 such as a binding edge of a book is to be read, the reading is performed with the document feeding device 3 and the pressure plate 30 opened to hold the raised portion. There is.
[0073]
According to the digital scanner 1 of the present embodiment, when a document is not fed from the document feeder 3 and the document is read when the document feeder 3 and the pressure plate 30 are kept open, a lamp lighting signal is output. Since the time t2 is longer than the time t1 longer than the v lighting time in consideration of the time lag from the assertion of / lamp_en to the actual lighting of the exposure lamp 8, the scanner motor is driven. It is possible to secure a time from when the start key 33 is operated until the document is actually exposed and scanned.
[0074]
Accordingly, for example, even when a document that tends to rise from the reading position, such as a book binding, is to be read, after the start key 33 is operated, the document is surely read before the raised portion is read. It is possible to prevent reading errors due to the lifting of the document from the document table, such as the pressing of the document and the reading operation being wasted due to the pressing operation of the document being delayed.
[0075]
Further, even when a document that tends to rise from a reading position on the document table 4 is to be read, the document can be read without using the document feeding device 3 and the pressure plate 30, so that a bound document such as a book can be read. When reading over a plurality of pages, it is not necessary to position the document feeder 3 and the pressure plate 30 at the open position or the pressing position in a series of operations, thereby shortening the operation time and reducing the burden on the user. And the usability can be improved.
[0076]
At this time, if the open / close state signal / aks from the open / close detection switch 7 when the start of the exposure scanning is declared by the operation of the start key 33 is “L”, the lighting time t1 after the start key 33 is operated When the opening / closing state signal / aks from the opening / closing detection switch 7 when the start key 33 is operated is "H" when the exposure scanning is started after the elapse of the time, the lighting time after the start key 33 is operated Exposure scanning is started after a lapse of time t2 longer than t1, so that the entire document can be uniformly exposed and scanned regardless of the position of the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30. As a result, occurrence of uneven reading can be prevented.
[0077]
Further, according to the digital scanner 1 of the present embodiment, based on the output from the open / close detection switch 7, it is digitally determined whether the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the pressing position or the open position. Since the scanner 1 makes a determination and performs reading based on the determination result, the setting operation by the user is not required, the occurrence of a setting error is eliminated, the burden on the user is reduced, and the usability can be improved.
[0078]
When the document feeder 3 or the pressure plate 30 is positioned at the pressing position, there is no need to wait after the start key 33 is operated, so that reading is started only by waiting for the elapse of the shortest time t1. be able to.
[0079]
In the present embodiment, when the document feeder 3 is positioned at the holding position while the document feeder 3 is mounted on the scanner 2, the document is fed to the reading position by the document feeder 3. After the document is conveyed, an example of application to the digital scanner 1 in which the exposure scanning is performed by the exposure scanning optical system S in a state where the original is fixed at the reading position and the image of the original is read has been described. However, in such a case, for example, the exposure lamp 8 is turned on while the position of the scanning optical system S is fixed, and the original is conveyed by the original feeding device 3 so as to pass through the reading position. May be exposed and scanned to read the image of the document.
[0080]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an example of application to a digital copying machine as a copying machine. Note that the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0081]
FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional front view showing the digital copying apparatus of the present embodiment. The digital copying apparatus 50 includes the digital scanner 1 according to the first embodiment, and a printer 51 as an image forming apparatus that forms an image based on image data read by the digital scanner 1 on a sheet-shaped recording medium. .
[0082]
The printer case 52 of the printer 51 is provided with a manual tray 53 on which recording media to be manually fed are stacked, and a discharge tray 54 for discharging the recording medium after image formation.
[0083]
In the printer case 52, a paper feed tray 55 for stacking and holding a plurality of recording media is provided. In the printer case 52, there is provided a recording medium path 58 which communicates with the discharge tray 54 from the paper feed tray 55 or the manual feed tray 53 via the printer engine 56 and the fixing unit 57.
[0084]
The printer engine 56 is composed of an organic semiconductor, and is provided with a photosensitive drum 59 provided at the center of the printer engine 56, a main charger 60 disposed around the photosensitive drum 59, an exposure scanning device 61, and a developing unit 62. , A pre-transfer charger 63, a transfer charger 64, a separation charger 65, a separation claw 66, a pre-cleaning charger 67, a cleaning unit 68, a static elimination lamp 69, and the like. The photoconductor drum 59 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), and in the present embodiment, rotates clockwise in FIG.
[0085]
Although the description is omitted because it is a known technique, the exposure scanning device 61 includes a semiconductor laser diode (hereinafter, referred to as a semiconductor LD) 70 that emits light, a polygon mirror 71 that scans the light emitted by the semiconductor LD 70, and a polygon mirror. It has a motor 72 for rotating 71, a mirror 74 for reflecting light scanned by the polygon mirror 71 toward the photosensitive drum 59 via the lens 73, and the like. ON / OFF drive control of the semiconductor LD 70 is performed based on a modulation signal for writing generated by the image writing board 75.
[0086]
The image writing board 75 is connected to the image processing board 16 of the digital scanner 1, and the image writing board 75 outputs a modulation signal for writing based on a signal processed by the image processing board 16 and input. The ON / OFF drive of the semiconductor LD 70 is controlled based on the generated modulation signal for writing.
[0087]
Next, the electrical connection of each unit included in the digital copying apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Each unit included in the digital copying apparatus 50 is driven and controlled by the main control unit 40. In the present embodiment, a copy start request signal / cp_stt is output from the start key 33 by operating the start key 33, and the copy start request signal / cp_stt is input to the main control unit 40. The copy start request signal / cp_stt output from the start key 33 becomes “L” level when the start key 33 is operated, similarly to the read start request signal / sc_stt of the first embodiment.
[0088]
In addition, the motor driving unit 42 of the present embodiment also controls driving of each unit in the printer 51 such as a motor (not shown) for rotating the photosensitive drum 59, a fixing unit 57, and a developing unit.
[0089]
In such a configuration, when the start key 33 is operated during the copy operation, and the copy start request signal / cp_stt output from the start key 33 becomes “L” level, the respective parts of the digital scanner 1 are drive-controlled. Then, the above-described document reading process is executed.
[0090]
In addition, it controls the driving of each unit of the printer 51 to form an image based on the image data read by the digital scanner 1 on a recording medium. That is, while rotating the photosensitive drum 59 clockwise in FIG. 7, the surface of the photosensitive drum 59 is uniformly charged by the main charger 60, and the semiconductor LD 70 is charged by the exposure scanning device 61 based on a modulation signal for writing. ON / OFF drive control is performed, and an optical signal corresponding to a modulation signal for writing is output from the semiconductor LD 70. The light output from the semiconductor LD 70 is formed as a writing image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 59 via the polygon mirror 71, the lens 73, and the mirror 74. Since the photoconductor drum 59 of the present embodiment is made of an organic semiconductor, it responds to the laser light imaged on the surface, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 59 surface. As a result, a potential distribution corresponding to the density distribution of the written image, that is, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 59 irradiated with the laser beam. Then, by rotating the photosensitive drum 59, the electrostatic latent image is visualized by attaching toner when the electrostatic latent image passes near the developing unit 62.
[0091]
Further, when a recording medium is fed from a paper feed tray in synchronization with the timing at which the visualized image passes near the transfer charger 64, when the recording medium is fed between the photosensitive drum 59 and the transfer charger, The image is transferred onto a recording medium by the transfer charger 64. The recording medium to which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 59, conveyed, and discharged through the fixing unit 57.
[0092]
According to the digital copying apparatus 50 of the present embodiment, for example, even when copying a document that tends to rise from the reading position, such as a book binding, the raised portion may be removed after the start key 33 is operated. It is possible to reliably press the document before scanning, and to prevent reading errors due to the lifting of the document from the platen, such as wasting the reading operation because the pressing operation of the document could not be completed in time. And a good image can be formed on the recording medium by suppressing the occurrence of the recording medium, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of the recording medium by an unnecessary copying operation.
[0093]
Further, even when a document that tends to rise from a reading position on the document table 4 is to be read, the document can be read without using the document feeding device 3 and the pressure plate 30, so that a bound document such as a book can be read. When copying over a plurality of pages, there is no need to position the document feeder 3 and the pressure plate 30 at the open position or the pressing position in a series of operations, thereby shortening the operation time and reducing the burden on the user. Thus, the usability can be improved.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
According to the image reading apparatus of the first aspect, when the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is the open position, the position of the document pressing member at the time of declaring the start of the exposure scanning is changed. By delaying the exposure scanning start timing from the case of the pressing position, the time from the declaration of the exposure scanning start to the actual exposure scanning of the document can be ensured. Even when a document that tends to rise from the reading position is to be scanned, the original can be reliably pressed before the raised portion is read after declaring the start of exposure scanning, and the operation of pressing the document can be completed in time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a reading defect due to the lifting of the document from the document table, such as a wasteful reading operation. In addition, since it is not necessary to use the document pressing member even when a document that tends to rise from the reading position is to be read, for example, when reading a bound document such as a book over a plurality of pages, a series of operations are performed. It is not necessary to position the document holding member at the release position or the holding position, thereby shortening the working time, reducing the burden on the user, and improving the usability.
[0095]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, since the position of the document pressing member can be automatically set, the occurrence of a setting error can be eliminated and the burden on the user can be reduced. Thus, the usability can be improved.
[0096]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the lighting time has elapsed from the declaration of the start of exposure scanning until the light source is turned on regardless of the position of the document pressing member. By starting the exposure scanning later, the entire document can be uniformly exposed and scanned, so that the occurrence of uneven reading can be prevented.
[0097]
According to the copying apparatus of the fourth aspect, it is possible to obtain a copying apparatus having the effects of the first, second, or third aspect.
[0098]
According to the computer program of the present invention, when the position of the document pressing member when the start of the exposure scanning is declared is the open position, the position of the document pressing member when the start of the exposure scanning is declared. Since the exposure scanning start timing is delayed as compared with the case where is the pressing position, the time from when the exposure scanning start is declared to when the document is actually exposed and scanned can be secured. Even if the document to be read tends to rise from the reading position as described above, it is necessary to press the document securely before declaring the start of the exposure scan and before the raised portion is read. It is possible to prevent a reading error due to the lifting of the document from the document table, such as a wasteful reading operation. In addition, since it is not necessary to use the document pressing member even when a document that tends to rise from the reading position is to be read, for example, when reading a bound document such as a book over a plurality of pages, a series of operations are performed. It is not necessary to position the document holding member at the release position or the holding position, thereby shortening the working time, reducing the burden on the user, and improving the usability.
[0099]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the computer program according to the fifth aspect, since the position of the document pressing member can be automatically set, the occurrence of a setting error can be eliminated, and the burden on the user can be reduced. The usability can be improved.
[0100]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the computer program according to the fifth or sixth aspect, regardless of the position of the document pressing member, after the lighting time from when the exposure scanning start is declared to when the light source is turned on has elapsed. Since the exposure scanning is started, the entire document can be uniformly exposed and scanned, and the occurrence of uneven reading can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a digital scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the digital scanner with a pressure plate attached.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of each unit included in the digital scanner.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a reading process executed by a main control unit according to a control program.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a reading process executed by a main control unit according to a control program.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each unit at the time of a reading operation started by operating a start key.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional front view showing a digital copying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical connection of each unit included in the digital copying apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image reading device
3, 30 Document holding member
8 light source
15a light receiving element
33 Start declaration means
50 Copier
51 Image Forming Apparatus
C Receiving optical system
S Exposure scanning optical system

Claims (7)

An exposure scanning optical system for exposing and scanning the image of the document positioned at the reading position by a light source and a moving unit that moves the light source along the document;
A light-receiving optical system that causes a light-receiving element to receive light obtained by exposing the document by exposure scanning of the exposure scanning optical system,
A document pressing member selectively positioned at a pressing position for positioning the document at the reading position and an open position for opening the reading position;
Position setting means for setting whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or at an open position,
Start declaration means for declaring the start of exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system,
If the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting means is an open position when the start declaration means declares the start of exposure scanning, the start declaration means declares the start of exposure scanning. Timing adjusting means for delaying the exposure scanning start timing as compared with the case where the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting means is the pressing position,
An image reading device comprising: A position determining unit that determines whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or an open position,
2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position setting unit sets the position of the pressing member according to a result of the determination by the position determining unit. The timing adjusting unit declares the start of exposure scanning when the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting unit is a pressing position when the start declaring unit declares the start of exposure scanning. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system is started after a lighting time from when the light source is turned on until the light source is turned on. An image reading device according to claim 1, 2, or 3,
An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium based on image data obtained based on the amount of light received by a light receiving element of the image reading device,
A copying apparatus comprising: An exposure scanning optical system for exposing and scanning an image of the document positioned at the reading position by a light source and a moving means for moving the light source along the document, and receiving light passing through the document by exposure scanning of the exposure scanning optical system A light receiving optical system for receiving light by the element, a start declaration means for declaring the start of exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system, and a pressing position for positioning the original at a reading position and an opening position for opening the reading position. A document holding member, and a computer program installed in a computer provided in an image reading apparatus including
A position setting function for setting whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or an open position,
If the document pressing member is set to the open position when the exposure declaration start is declared by the start declaration means, the document pressing member is pressed when the exposure scanning start is declared by the start declaration means. A timing adjustment function that delays the exposure scanning start timing as compared with the case where the position is set to a position,
And a computer program for causing the computer to execute. Causing the computer to execute a position determination function of determining whether the document pressing member is positioned at a pressing position or an open position;
6. The computer program according to claim 5, causing the computer to execute, as the position setting function, a function of setting a position of the holding member according to a result of the determination by the position determining function. When the position of the document pressing member set by the position setting unit is a pressing position when the start declaring unit declares the start of exposure scanning, the light source is turned off after the start declaring unit declares the start of exposure scanning. 7. The computer program according to claim 5, wherein the computer executes the function of starting exposure scanning by the exposure scanning optical system after the lighting time until the lighting has elapsed as the timing adjustment function. 8.

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