JP2005294964A - Image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading apparatus the cost reduction and the downsizing of which can be realized. <P>SOLUTION: When a detection means detects an operation event being an operation act by a user until a printer section starts outputting image data, a CPU stores the operation event as operation event execution information to an SDRAM. The CPU compares the operation event registration information stored in advance in an EEPROM with the operation event execution information. When both the information items are coincident, the CPU sets an output condition related to the operation event registration information to an SPC composite apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads and outputs an image.

  In recent years, as an image reading apparatus, for example, a copying machine has been complicated by editing a manuscript image and adjusting image quality in order to meet a demand for copying an image that suits user preferences such as paper size, resolution, and image density. Various additional setting items are provided. While an increase in various setting items in such a copying machine can satisfy the user's request described above, since the setting items are various, the user takes a considerable amount of time to set all the items. There must be. That is, the increase in the additional setting items also results in imposing a burden on the user for setting various setting items, which may be a factor that hinders work efficiency.

In order to solve this problem, a technique for automatically setting various setting items (output conditions) in a copying machine by causing a magnetic card reading unit provided in the copying apparatus to read information stored in the magnetic card. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, the user's code recorded on the magnetic card can be read, and a specific output condition stored in the memory in the copying apparatus can be read and automatically set in association with the code. It is.
JP 05-088425 A

  However, when the output condition is set using a magnetic card, it is necessary to manage the magnetic card separately from the copying machine. Therefore, the user has a new problem of managing the magnetic card. Furthermore, since the magnetic card is indispensable, the copying machine needs to be equipped with reading means for reading the magnetic card, and therefore, it goes against the flow of copying machines such as cost reduction and miniaturization. .

  As described above, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, since these problems are newly generated, it is required to improve convenience for setting the output condition of the user while avoiding these problems. As an example, it can be considered that a dedicated button used for setting the output condition is provided in the copying machine. According to this configuration, the output condition stored in advance is set by pressing the dedicated button. However, in the configuration related to this dedicated button, since it is necessary to provide the copying machine with one dedicated button for one output condition, in order to be able to set a plurality of types of output conditions with the dedicated button, There must be as many dedicated buttons as there are. If a plurality of dedicated buttons are provided, there is a risk of going backwards in the flow of copying machines such as cost reduction and miniaturization due to increased costs associated with an increase in the number of members and securing of installation space. After all, the problem that occurs in the invention described in Patent Document 1 is not enough to be solved by the configuration related to this dedicated button.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the problems existing in the prior art including Patent Document 1. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of realizing cost reduction and size reduction of the apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a reading means for reading an object to be read, an output means for outputting image data read by the reading means under a set output condition, and image data by the output means. Registration information storage means for storing in advance operation events until reaching the start of output as operation event registration information and storing in advance output conditions for outputting image data in association with the operation event registration information as output condition registration information Detection means for detecting an operation event until the output means starts outputting image data, an execution information storage means for storing the operation event detected by the detection means as operation event execution information, and the operation When the event execution information and the operation event registration information are compared and the two information match, the operation event The output condition registration information associated with preparative registration information and a control unit for setting as an output condition of the image data by said output means.

  In such a configuration, the setting of the output condition does not mean that the setting is not performed every time image data is output by the output unit, and any user can start the output of the image data by the output unit. We were able to adopt it because we paid attention to the fact that it was operated including procedures that must be followed. That is, the present invention is based on the action and function of associating the execution of the output condition with the execution of the operation event itself, thereby realizing, for example, cost reduction and downsizing of the device that has not been solved by the conventional technology. It becomes possible. In the configuration of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a magnetic card used for setting the output condition, a reading means for reading the magnetic card, or a dedicated button for setting the output condition stored in advance. Because.

  In this image reading apparatus, the operation event is a minimum required user operation action that occurs in a process in which the output unit reaches an output start. In the present invention, for example, the problem of the prior art of reading output conditions from a graphic liquid crystal touch panel 100 provided in a copying machine or the like as shown in FIG. 6 is solved. In the figure, on the normal screen 101 displayed after the power is turned on, the basic menu 102, the application menu 103, and the special menu 103 can be selected as appropriate. In order to call out the output condition stored in the memory from the normal screen 101, the special menu 104 is selected, the mode memory menu 105 is selected, the call menu 106 is selected, and one of the four memory keys 107 is selected. You have to go through the process of choosing. That is, when the output condition is set by software using the graphic liquid crystal touch panel 100, a plurality of key input operations (four times in the above example) are required only for setting the output condition. In this case, not only the necessary minimum but also the key input operation is required more than necessary, but the configuration of the graphic liquid crystal touch panel 100 cannot be denied.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the output condition stored in advance is set only by the user performing the minimum necessary operation that occurs until the start of output. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to perform an operation performed only for setting the output condition, and the output condition registered in advance is set by the minimum necessary user operation. The “minimum necessary operation” here is an operation action of the user that is indispensable for starting the output by the output means. If there is no user operation event, the image data cannot be output. Meaning operations. In the present invention, as long as the minimum necessary operation is detected by the detection means, the output condition is set without any further operation. It can also be said that the detection of the operation event can be realized more efficiently since the arrangement of the detection means is also minimal.

  In this image reading apparatus, the operation event relates to the start of reading of an object to be read by the reading unit. In the present invention, attention is paid to the fact that a user's operation event is characterized by which reading means reads an object to be read. For example, when there are a plurality of reading units in the image reading apparatus, it is assumed that the operation events until the output by the output unit is started are different from each other. It is understood that the setting / change of the output condition by the user tends to occur at the time of setting / changing which reading unit causes the reading object to be read. In view of these circumstances, the association between the execution of the operation event and the execution setting of the output condition is configured more reliably, and therefore an output condition setting error can be avoided in advance. It can be said that.

  In the image reading apparatus, the reading unit includes an original platen glass on which the reading object is placed and an original platen cover that covers the original platen glass, and the original platen cover is opened in the operation event. It includes at least one of an operation event, an operation event for placing a document on the platen glass, and an operation event for closing the platen cover. The operation event for opening and closing the document table cover and the operation event for placing the document on the document table glass are both operation events that are always performed when reading the reading object placed on the document table glass. That is, the operation event in the present invention includes at least one of these operation events that are always executed when the reading object is read.

  In the present invention, the user can automatically set the output condition only by performing an operation event until reaching the output start without performing an operation performed only for setting the output condition. In the present invention, the detecting means detects at least one operation event among an operation event in which a reading object is placed on the platen glass and an operation event in which the platen cover is opened and closed. When detecting an operation event in which an object to be read is placed on the platen glass, this detection means detects a part of the object to be read because, for example, the object to be read is not correctly placed on the platen glass. In order to prevent the image from being read, it can be used in combination with a detection means provided in the image reading apparatus in advance. Further, when detecting an operation event in which the document table cover is opened and closed, the detection unit is configured in advance to prevent the reading target from being read in a state where the document table cover is opened. Can also be used as the detection means provided in the apparatus. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a new configuration for detecting an operation event for opening / closing the platen cover and an operation event for placing a document on the platen glass. If it does so, the said objective can be achieved only by changing the software for controlling an image reading apparatus, without increasing manufacturing cost.

  In this image reading apparatus, the reading unit includes a memory card slot in which a memory card can be inserted and removed, and the operation event is an operation event in which a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot. The operation event in which the memory card is inserted into the memory card slot is an operation event that is always performed when image data stored in the memory card is read. That is, the operation event in the present invention includes the operation event that is always performed when the reading object is read.

  In the present invention, the user can automatically set the output condition only by inserting the memory card into the memory card slot without performing an operation for setting the output condition. In the present invention, the detecting means detects an operation event in which a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot. This detection means can be used in combination with the detection means provided in advance in the image reading apparatus in order to prevent image data from being read without a memory card being inserted into the memory card slot, for example. is there. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a new configuration for detecting an operation event in which a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot. If it does so, the said objective can be achieved only by changing the software for controlling an image reading apparatus, without increasing manufacturing cost.

  The image reading apparatus further includes an input unit capable of inputting a predetermined signal, and the registration information storage unit stores in advance a pair of the operation event and the predetermined signal by the input unit as operation event registration information, The execution information storage means stores a pair of the operation event and a predetermined signal from the input means as operation event execution information. In this configuration, taking “operation event registration information” as an example, a case where “operation event” is simply stored as operation event registration information, and “a pair of an operation event and a predetermined signal by the input means” are registered as an operation event. There are distinct cases depending on whether it is stored as information. This also applies to the operation event execution information. That is, even when the reading object is read by the same reading means and the operation events are the same, the case classification of the output condition setting can be realized by utilizing the input means.

  In the image reading apparatus, the reading unit includes a platen glass on which the reading object is placed, and a platen cover that covers the platen glass, and the operation event is a predetermined signal by the input unit. An operation event in which the document table cover is opened while a document is input, an operation event in which a document is placed on the document table glass while a predetermined signal is input by the input unit, and a predetermined signal is input by the input unit It includes at least one operation event among the operation events for closing the document table cover. The operation event for opening and closing the document table cover and the operation event for placing the document on the document table glass are both operation events that are always performed when reading the reading object placed on the document table glass. That is, the operation event in the present invention includes at least one of these operation events that are always executed when the reading object is read.

  In the present invention, the user can automatically set the output condition only by performing an operation event until the output is started without performing an operation performed only for setting the output condition. Furthermore, the operation event in the present invention is performed while a predetermined signal is input. Therefore, for example, even when an object to be read is read by the same reading unit, only when an operation event is performed, and when an operation event is performed while a predetermined signal is being input, when an output condition is set Division can be realized.

  In the present invention, the detecting means detects at least one operation event among an operation event in which a reading object is placed on the platen glass and an operation event in which the platen cover is opened and closed. When detecting an operation event in which an object to be read is placed on the platen glass, this detection means detects a part of the object to be read because, for example, the object to be read is not correctly placed on the platen glass. In order to prevent the image from being read, it can be used in combination with a detection means provided in the image reading apparatus in advance. Further, when detecting an operation event in which the document table cover is opened and closed, this detection means is provided in advance with an image reading device in order to prevent the reading object from being read with the document table cover opened, for example. Can also be used as the detection means provided in the apparatus. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a new configuration for detecting an operation event for opening / closing the platen cover and an operation event for placing a document on the platen glass. If it does so, the said objective can be achieved only by changing the software for controlling an image reading apparatus, without increasing manufacturing cost.

  In this image reading apparatus, the reading means includes a document table glass on which the reading object is placed, a document table cover that covers the document table glass, and the document table in the document table cover for fixing the film. A film fixing portion provided on a surface facing the glass, and the operation event includes an operation event in which the document table cover is opened, an operation event in which the film is fixed on the film fixing portion, and the document table cover is closed. At least one of the operation events to be performed. Both the operation event for opening and closing the platen cover and the operation event for fixing the film to the film fixing unit are operation events that are always performed when the film fixed to the film fixing unit is read. That is, the operation event in the present invention includes at least one of these operation events that are always performed when the film is read.

  In the present invention, the user can automatically set the output condition only by performing an operation event until the output is started without performing an operation performed only for setting the output condition. In the present invention, the detecting means detects at least one operation event among an operation event for fixing the film to the film fixing portion and an operation event for opening and closing the document table cover. When detecting an operation event in which the film is fixed to the film fixing unit, the detection means detects an image in advance in order to prevent a part of the film from being scanned, for example, because the film is not correctly fixed to the film fixing unit. It can also be used as detection means provided in the reading device. Further, when detecting an operation event in which the document table cover is opened and closed, the detection unit is configured in advance to prevent the reading target from being read in a state where the document table cover is opened. Can also be used as the detection means provided in the apparatus. That is, in the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a new configuration for detecting an operation event for opening and closing the platen cover and an operation event for fixing the film to the film fixing unit. If it does so, the said objective can be achieved only by changing the software for controlling an image reading apparatus, without increasing manufacturing cost.

  In the image reading apparatus, the registration information storage means stores a plurality of operation event registration information and a plurality of output condition registration information associated with each of the plurality of operation event registration information. With this configuration, an operation event for each reading unit can be stored as operation event registration information even in an image reading apparatus provided with a plurality of reading units. Further, even when reading an object to be read from the same reading means and setting different output conditions, different operation event registration information can be stored in association with different output condition registration information. Recent image reading apparatuses are provided with a plurality of reading means so as to realize reading of various reading objects, and the reading means tend to be multifunctional. The configuration of the present invention is for dealing with such a tendency, and can further enhance the completeness of the image reading apparatus.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the image reading apparatus of the present invention will be described. As an image reading apparatus in the following embodiments, a printer function for executing printing in response to a print instruction from a computer, a scan function, and a copy function are added in accordance with the recent trend toward multi-functionality in printer apparatuses. It is also envisioned for complex devices that have a direct print function and a film scan function. In the image reading apparatus described in the following embodiments, the “operation event” related to the reading start of the reading object by the reading unit differs depending on each function. Therefore, for convenience of explanation, this is divided into embodiments. I will do it.

  The first embodiment is the relationship between the copy function and the “operation event”, the second embodiment is the relationship between the direct print function and the “operation event”, and the third embodiment is the relationship between the scan function and the “operation event”. In the fourth embodiment, the relationship between the film scanning function and the “operation event” will be mainly described. These embodiments are merely divided for convenience of explanation, and it is sufficient for the image reading apparatus to have at least each function described in each embodiment. In some cases, the image reading apparatus may be configured as a composite function type image reading apparatus having a plurality of functions described in each embodiment. The combination of these functions is completely free.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a composite apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. The composite apparatus according to the present embodiment is a composite apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an SPC composite apparatus) having a plurality of functions such as a scan function, a printer function, and a copy function. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 2 as a reading unit that reads an image of a document or a film as a reading object and inputs it as image data, and the read image data. A printer unit 3 is provided as output means for printing an image on a medium such as paper, and an operation panel unit 4 is operated by a user.

  The scanner unit 2 is disposed on the printer unit 3. On the upper part of the scanner unit 2, an original table glass 5 for placing an original to be read, an open / close detection sensor 2 a as a detecting means for detecting that the original table cover 6 is opened and closed, and when reading an original or a film Alternatively, a document table cover 6 that covers the document table glass 5 when not in use is provided. The open / close detection sensor 2a in the present embodiment is configured by a limit switch. A document placement detection sensor 2b (see FIG. 3) is provided at a predetermined position inside the scanner unit 2 as detection means for detecting that a document is placed on the document table glass 5. The document placement detection sensor 2b in the present embodiment is configured by an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

  On the back side of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1, a paper feed tray 7 for holding a cut sheet (not shown) to be supplied to the printer unit 3 is provided. A paper discharge unit 8 that discharges paper printed by the printer unit 3 is provided at the lower part of the front side of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. An operation panel unit 4 is provided above the paper discharge unit 8. A liquid crystal display 9 capable of displaying output conditions, operation states, and the like with characters is provided at the approximate center of the operation panel unit 4.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display 9, there are provided a power button 10 as input means for turning on / off the power and a scan button 11 for starting reading of a document or film. The scan button 11 also functions as an event registration button for shifting to the event registration mode. That is, when the scan button 11 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (3 seconds in the present embodiment), the mode shifts from the normal mode in which copying, scanning, etc. are possible to the event registration mode.

  The event registration mode here means a mode for registering an operation event for setting an output condition in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. The “output condition” means various conditions when a document or film read by the scanner unit 2 of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is output from the printer unit 3 to a cut sheet or the like. For example, output conditions in the copy function include paper size, resolution, image quality, print density, and magnification. The operation event is a user operation action until the printer unit 3 starts outputting image data when using various functions (such as a copy function and a scan function) of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. Examples of the operation event in the present embodiment include a cover open event in which the document table cover 6 is opened and closed, a cover close event, and a document placement event in which a document is placed on the document table glass 5. These operation events are respectively detected by various sensors (open / close detection sensor 2a, document placement detection sensor 2b, etc.) provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1.

  The open / close detection sensor 2a detects an operation event for realizing automatic setting of output conditions in addition to the purpose of preventing copying or scanning from being performed with the document table cover 6 opened. Contribute to achieving both. Further, the document placement detection sensor 2b realizes automatic setting of output conditions in addition to the purpose of preventing a part of the document from being copied or scanned because the document is not correctly placed on the platen glass 5. In order to achieve both of the objectives of detecting operation events.

  On the right side of the liquid crystal display 9, a color copy button 12 for starting color copy and a monochrome copy button 13 for starting monochrome copy are provided. A memory card slot 14 is provided on the right side of the paper discharge unit 8. The memory card slot 14 conforms to, for example, the PCMCIA standard, and a memory card 15 conforming to such a standard is configured to be detachable. The memory card 15 incorporates a rewritable nonvolatile memory, and image data read by the scanner unit 2 is stored in the memory card 15.

  The image data stored in the memory card 15 is printed by the printer unit 3. In the memory card slot 14, a mounting detection sensor (not shown) is provided as a detecting means for detecting that the memory card 15 is mounted. The mounting detection sensor in the present embodiment is configured by an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In addition to the purpose of preventing image data from being read without the memory card 15 being inserted into the memory card slot 14, the attachment detection sensor generates an operation event for realizing automatic setting of output conditions. Contributes to achieving both of the purposes of detection.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a film fixing portion 17 for fixing the film 16 on the inner surface of the document table cover 6 facing the document table glass 5. . The film fixing unit 17 is provided with a film detection sensor 18 as detection means for detecting that the film 16 is fixed. The film detection sensor 18 in the present embodiment is configured by an optical sensor that includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In addition to the purpose of preventing a part of the film 16 from being read because the film 16 is not correctly fixed to the film fixing unit 17, the film detection sensor 18 is used to automatically set output conditions. Contributes to achieving both the objective of detecting operational events.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. Note that an interface circuit, a processing circuit, and the like necessary for connecting to a computer or the like to function as a printer are omitted. The SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is provided with a main board (not shown) for overall control in the case of the printer unit 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the main board includes a CPU built-in ASIC (Application Specific IC) 21, a program ROM 22, an EEPROM 23 as registration information storage means, a first SDRAM 24 as event information storage means, and an image storage means. A second SDRAM 25 is mounted.

  The ASIC 21 includes a CPU 26 as control means, an image processing circuit 27, a memory card input / output circuit 28, and a head control unit 29, all of which are connected to the internal bus 21 a on the ASIC 21. A program ROM 22, EEPROM 23, first SDRAM 24, second SDRAM 25, and operation panel unit 4 that are externally attached to the ASIC 21 are connected to the internal bus 21 a. The program ROM 22 stores a control program executed by the CPU 26 and the like. The EEPROM 23 stores operation event registration information registered by the user and output conditions associated with the operation event registration information.

  The first SDRAM 24 stores the current output condition. Further, each time an operation event is performed by the user, information related to the operation event (operation event execution information) is sequentially stored in the first SDRAM 24. The operation event execution information can be stored in a predetermined number (five in this embodiment), and when the number of operation event execution information exceeds 5, old operation event execution information is sequentially deleted. ing. The second SDRAM 25 connected to the image processing circuit 27 temporarily stores image data or print data before and after processing performed in the image processing circuit 27.

  In the scanner unit 2 connected to the image processing circuit 27, the document placed on the platen glass 5 or the film 16 fixed to the film fixing unit 17 is read by a CCD (charge coupled device) 2c. The read data is A / D converted by the A / D conversion circuit 2d and then input to the image processing circuit 27 as image data. In the image processing circuit 27, under the control of the CPU 26, correction processing such as resolution conversion processing and various image processing such as halftone processing are performed on the image data. The image data on which each process has been performed is converted into print data and temporarily stored in the second SDRAM 25.

  The print data stored in the second SDRAM 25 is read by the CPU 26 and transferred to the head control unit 29. In the head control unit 29, the printer head 30 is driven based on the print data under the control of the CPU 26, and the presence / absence of ink droplet ejection and the amount of ink droplets ejected are controlled. Through the above control, the image data read by the scanner unit 2 is printed by the printer unit 3. Further, the image data read from the film 16 is temporarily stored in the second SDRAM 25 by the film scanning function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1, and then passed through the memory card input / output circuit 28 based on the control of the CPU 26. And stored in the memory card 15.

  Next, an operation when registering an operation event in the copy function of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. First, a predetermined output condition is set by the user based on the display on the liquid crystal display 9 (step S1). For example, settings such as paper size A4, resolution 2400 dpi, magnification 100%, printing density 9 (4 is slightly thin), output number 1 is executed by pressing various setting buttons provided on the operation panel unit 4. Is done. When the output condition is set, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 as needed.

  Next, the scan button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds by the user. When the CPU 26 recognizes that the scan button 11 has been pressed for 3 seconds, the CPU 26 displays the event registration mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9 and shifts the mode from the normal mode capable of copying to the event registration mode (step). S2). At this time, the CPU 26 recognizes that the output condition set in step S1 is a target associated with an operation event registered later. On the event registration mode screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, it is possible to select which function event registration mode is selected from among the copy function, scan function, film scan function, and direct print function. In this embodiment, the copy function is selected.

  Next, an operation event desired to be registered by the user is performed (step S3). For example, a series of operation events such as a cover open event, a document placement event, and a cover close event are performed. First, when the open / close detection sensor 2a detects that the document table cover 6 has been opened, the CPU 26 determines that a cover open event has been performed, and stores information related to the cover open event (stored information A) in the SDRAM 24. Next, when the document placement detection sensor 2b detects that a document is placed on the document table, the CPU 26 determines that a document placement event has been performed, and stores information on the document placement event (stored information B) in the SDRAM 24. To remember. When the open / close detection sensor 2a detects that the document table cover 6 is closed, the CPU 26 determines that a cover close event has been performed, and the CPU 26 stores information (memory information C) regarding the cover close event in the SDRAM 24.

  After a series of operation events are performed, the scan button 11 is pressed again by the user for 3 seconds (step S4). By pressing the scan button 11, the output condition of the copy function set in step S1 is associated with the storage information A to C regarding the series of operation events executed in step S3. The CPU 26 stores the associated information in the EEPROM 23 and also stores the storage information A to C in the EEPROM 23 as one piece of operation event registration information. Further, the CPU 26 shifts the mode from the event registration mode to the normal mode.

  Next, an operation of setting an output condition of a copy function by executing an operation event in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. Note that the storage information A to C described above is stored in the EEPROM 23 as operation event registration information.

  First, when a cover open event is detected by the open / close detection sensor 2a (step S11), the CPU 26 stores information (operation information A) regarding the cover open event in the SDRAM 24 (step S12). Next, the CPU 26 compares the number of stored information with the number of operation information (step S13). At this time, since the operation information is only the operation information A, the number of the operation information (only the operation information A) is smaller than the number of the stored information (the three pieces of storage information A to C). Therefore, the CPU 26 shifts the mode to the event waiting mode (step S11). Next, when a document placement event is detected by the document placement detection sensor 2b (step S11), the CPU 26 stores information (operation information B) regarding the document placement event in the SDRAM 24 (step S12). The CPU 26 compares the number of stored information with the number of operation information (step S13). At this time, since the operation information is A and B, the number of operation information (two operation information A and B) is smaller than the number of storage information (three storage information A to C). Therefore, the CPU 26 shifts the mode to the operation event waiting mode (step S11).

  When a cover close event is detected by the open / close detection sensor 2a (step S11), the CPU 26 stores information (operation information C) regarding the cover close event in the SDRAM 24 (step S12). The CPU 26 compares the number of stored information with the number of operation information (step S13). At this time, the number of operation information (three pieces of operation information A to C) and the number of stored information (three pieces of storage information A to C) coincide. Therefore, next, the CPU 26 compares the stored information with the operation information (step S14). Specifically, the CPU 26 compares the stored information A to C with the operation information A to C in the order stored. That is, the storage information A and the operation information A, the storage information B and the operation information B, and the storage information C and the operation information C are compared. Since they all match, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 to the output condition stored in the EEPROM 23 (step S15). With the above operation, output conditions are set in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1.

The effects obtained by this embodiment will be described.
(1) Since a medium that must be managed by the user, such as a magnetic card, is not required, there is no management burden on the user. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a reading unit or the like for reading a magnetic card provided only for setting the output conditions, the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 can be reduced in cost and size.

  (2) When the same operation event as the operation event registration information stored in advance in the EEPROM 23 is executed, output conditions such as paper size, resolution, magnification, print density, number of output sheets, etc. are set in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. I did it. For this reason, no operation related to setting only the output condition is required, and the user's work load can be reduced.

  (3) When detecting an operation event for opening and closing the document table cover 6, this detection means preliminarily reads the document with the document table cover 6 opened to prevent the document from being read. The sensor is also used as the open / close detection sensor 2a. Further, when detecting an operation event for placing a document on the platen glass 5, this detection means that a part of the document cannot be read because the document is not correctly placed on the platen glass 5. In order to prevent this, the document placement detection sensor 2b provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 in advance is also used. Therefore, it is possible to achieve cost reduction and downsizing of the apparatus only by changing software for controlling the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 without adding hardware for detecting an operation event.

  (4) It is not necessary to provide a dedicated button as described in the prior art that is used only for operations for setting output conditions such as paper size, resolution, magnification, print density, number of output sheets, etc. in the copy function. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the cost of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 in that it is not necessary to increase the number of buttons to be provided on the operation panel unit 4.

  (5) The cover open event, document placement event, and cover close event are stored in the EEPROM 23 as operation event registration information. Then, when the operation event is executed by the user in the order of the operation event stored as the operation event registration information, the output condition is set. Therefore, for example, the output condition is not automatically set only by opening the document table cover 6 and closing the document table cover 6 without placing the document on the document table glass 5. It is possible to avoid the possibility of setting an output condition when an operation event not recorded as operation event registration information is executed.

In addition, you may implement this embodiment in the following aspects.
The operation events stored in advance in the EEPROM 23 as operation event registration information are not limited to the cover open event, the document placement event, and the cover close event. For example, only any one operation event may be used as the operation event registration information, and two or four or more operation events may be used as the operation event registration information.

  The EEPROM 23 corresponding to the registration information storage means may be configured to store a plurality of operation event registration information and to store output conditions associated with each of the operation event registration information. Thereby, output conditions for each of a plurality of functions (such as a copy function and a scan function) can be set. In this case, when the executed operation event is stored in the EEPROM 23 as the operation event registration information, the CPU 26 checks whether the same operation event registration information is stored among the operation event registration information stored previously. Determined. If the same operation event registration information as the operation event registration information to be stored is already stored, a message to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 and the storage of the operation event registration information is stopped. Therefore, storing the same operation event registration information can be prohibited.

An operation event may be to set a cut sheet in the paper feed tray 7 or to install the memory card 15 in the memory card slot 14.
Each sensor corresponding to the detection means (open / close detection sensor 2a, document placement detection sensor 2b, attachment detection sensor, film detection sensor 18) may be an ultrasonic sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

  The copy operation may be started when the output condition stored in the EEPROM 23 is set in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. Since the copy operation is automatically started without pressing the color copy button 12 or the monochrome copy button 13, the user's work efficiency can be improved.

  A detection means for detecting an operation event for opening and closing the document table cover 6 may be provided separately from the opening / closing detection sensor 2a. The same applies to other detection means (document placement detection sensor 2b, mounting detection sensor, film detection sensor 18).

The present embodiment is embodied in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1, but may be a printer, a scanner, a copier, a facsimile machine, or the like.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is an example relating to the direct print function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. Since other basic configurations are the same, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions and operations will be described. The direct print function is a function that allows image data stored in the memory card 15 to be read and printed by the printer unit 3 without using a computer or the like.

  The operation event in the present embodiment includes a memory mounting event in which the memory card 15 is mounted in the memory card slot 14. The operation event registration information is associated with output conditions such as paper size, image quality, print density, color scan / monochrome scan, etc. set by the user and stored in the EEPROM 23.

  Next, an operation for registering an operation event in the direct print function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. First, a predetermined output condition is set by the user based on the display on the liquid crystal display 9 (step S1). For example, various settings are provided in the operation panel unit 4 such as a paper size A4, brightness 50 (in a range of −100 to 100) as an image quality, 6 of 9 printing densities (slightly dark), and scanning in a color mode. This is executed by pressing the setting button. When the output condition is set, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 as needed.

  Next, the scan button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds by the user. When the CPU 26 recognizes that the scan button 11 has been pressed for 3 seconds, the CPU 26 displays the event registration mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9 and shifts the mode from the normal mode in which direct printing is possible to the event registration mode (step). S2). In the event registration mode screen, the direct print function is selected. Next, an operation event desired to be registered by the user is performed (step S3). In this embodiment, a memory installation event is performed. When the memory mounting event is executed, the CPU 26 stores information (memory information D) related to the memory mounting event in the SDRAM 24.

  After the operation event is performed, the scan button 11 is pressed again by the user for 3 seconds (step S4). By pressing the scan button 11, the output condition of the direct print function set in step S1 is associated with the storage information D related to the memory installation event performed in step S3. The CPU 26 stores the associated information in the EEPROM 23 and also stores the stored information D in the EEPROM 23 as operation event registration information. Further, the CPU 26 shifts the mode from the event registration mode to the normal mode.

  Next, an operation of setting an output condition of the direct print function by executing an operation event in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. In the present embodiment, the operation event registration information stored in the EEPROM 23 is only information (memory information D) related to the memory mounting event.

  First, when a memory mounting event is detected by the mounting detection sensor (step S11), the CPU 26 stores information on the memory mounting event (operation information D) in the SDRAM 24 (step S12). Next, the CPU 26 compares the number of stored information with the number of operation information (step S13). Since the stored information is only the stored information D, the number of stored information matches the number of operation information. Therefore, the CPU 26 compares the stored information D with the operation information D (step S14). Since the storage information D and the operation information D match, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 to the output condition stored in the EEPROM 23 (step S15). With the above operation, output conditions are set in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, output conditions such as paper size, image quality, print density, color scan / monochrome scan, etc. can be automatically set by simply mounting the memory card 15 in the memory card slot 14.

In addition, you may implement this embodiment in the following aspects.
The cover open event, document placement event, cover close event, and the like in the first embodiment may be employed as the operation event in the present embodiment.

In addition to the memory installation event, other operation events may be added.
The direct print operation may be started when the output condition stored in the EEPROM 23 is set in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The present embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the present embodiment is an example related to the scan function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 and that an operation event is performed in a state where the power button 10 is pressed. Since other basic configurations are the same, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions and operations will be described.

  The operation events in this embodiment include a cover open event, a document placement event, and a cover close event. The operation event registration information is associated with output conditions such as scan area, resolution, and color / monochrome scan set by the user and stored in the EEPROM 23.

  Next, an operation for registering an operation event in the scan function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. First, a predetermined output condition is set by the user based on the display on the liquid crystal display 9 (step S1). For example, settings for the entire scan area, resolution of 2400 dpi, scan in color mode, and the like are executed by pressing various setting buttons provided on the operation panel unit 4. When the output condition is set, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 as needed.

  Next, the scan button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds by the user. When the CPU 26 recognizes that the scan button 11 has been pressed for 3 seconds, the CPU 26 displays the event registration mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9 and shifts the mode from the normal mode capable of scanning to the event registration mode (step). S2). On the event registration mode screen, the scan function is selected.

  Next, an operation event desired to be registered by the user is performed (step S3). For example, a series of operation events such as a cover open event, a document placement event, and a cover close event are performed in a state where the power button 10 as an input unit is pressed. When the power button 10 is pressed, a power button pressing signal as a predetermined signal indicating that the power button 10 is pressed is continuously input to the CPU 26. By inputting the power button pressing signal to the CPU 26, the CPU 26 can recognize that the power button 10 is being pressed.

  First, when a cover open event is performed in a state where the power button 10 is pressed, the CPU 26 stores a pair of information of information related to the cover open event and information related to the power button press signal in the SDRAM 24 as storage information E. Next, when the document placement event is performed in a state where the power button 10 is pressed, the CPU 26 stores a pair of information of the information related to the document placement event and the information related to the power button press signal as stored information F in the SDRAM 24. Remember. When the cover close event is performed in a state where the power button 10 is pressed, the CPU 26 stores a pair of information of information related to the cover close event and information related to the power button press signal in the SDRAM 24 as storage information G.

  After a series of operation events are performed, the scan button 11 is pressed again by the user for 3 seconds (step S4). By pressing the scan button 11, the output condition of the scan function set in step S1 is associated with the storage information E to G relating to a series of operation events performed in the state where the power button 10 is pressed in step S3. It is done. The CPU 26 stores the associated information in the EEPROM 23 and also stores the storage information E to G in the EEPROM 23 as one piece of operation event registration information. Further, the CPU 26 shifts the mode from the event registration mode to the normal mode.

  Therefore, also in the third embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scanning area, resolution, and the like can be obtained simply by opening the document table cover 6 with the power button 10 pressed, placing the document on the document table glass 5, and closing the document table cover 6. Output conditions such as color scan / monochrome scan can be set.

  Although this embodiment has different functions, this embodiment is effective when a document is read by the same reading unit and the operation events are the same. For example, both the copy function and the scan function are the same in that the scanner unit 2 reads a document placed on the document table glass 5. Therefore, the operation events may be the same (for example, a cover open event, a document placement event, and a cover close event). In this case, taking the operation event registration information as an example, in the copy function, only the operation event is stored as the operation event registration information. In the scan function, an operation event performed while pressing the power button 10 is stored as operation event registration information. This also applies to the operation event execution information.

  In this way, the same operation event executed in different functions can be stored as operation event registration information for each function. That is, even when the operation events are the same, different output conditions can be set. In the present embodiment, a pair of an operation event and a power button pressing signal that is input when the power button 10 is pressed constitutes one operation event.

In addition, you may implement this embodiment in the following aspects.
The configuration corresponding to the input means may be various buttons provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1, such as the scan button 11, the color copy button 12, and the monochrome copy button 13. Moreover, it is not restricted to these buttons, What is necessary is just a member which can input a certain signal based on a user's operation.

  An operation event may be performed in a state where a signal is input by any one of various buttons as input means. In addition, an operation event may be performed in a state where signals are input by a plurality of buttons.

In other embodiments, an operation event may be performed while a predetermined signal is input by a configuration corresponding to an input unit.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is different from the first to third embodiments in that it is an example relating to a film scanning function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1. Since other basic configurations are the same, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and only different portions and operations will be described.

  The operation events in the present embodiment include a cover open event, a cover close event, and a film fixing event in which the film 16 is fixed to the film fixing unit 17. The operation event registration information is associated with output conditions such as scan area, resolution, and color / monochrome scan set by the user and stored in the EEPROM 23.

  Next, an operation when registering an operation event in the film scanning function provided in the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the CPU 26 based on the control program stored in the program ROM 22. First, a predetermined output condition is set by the user based on the display on the liquid crystal display 9 (step S1). For example, settings for the entire scan area, resolution of 2400 dpi, scan in color mode, and the like are executed by pressing various setting buttons provided on the operation panel unit 4. When the output condition is set, the CPU 26 updates the output condition stored in the SDRAM 24 as needed.

  Next, the scan button 11 is pressed for 3 seconds by the user. When the CPU 26 recognizes that the scan button 11 has been pressed for 3 seconds, the CPU 26 displays the event registration mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9 and shifts the mode from the normal mode capable of film scanning to the event registration mode ( Step S2). On the event registration mode screen, the film scan function is selected.

  Next, an operation event desired to be registered by the user is performed (step S3). For example, a series of operation events such as a cover open event, a film fixing event, and a cover close event are performed. First, when a cover open event is performed, the CPU 26 stores information (storage information A) regarding the cover open event in the SDRAM 24. Next, when the film fixing event is executed, the CPU 26 stores information (memory information H) related to the film fixing event in the SDRAM 24. When the cover close event is executed, the CPU 26 stores information (memory information C) regarding the cover close event in the SDRAM 24.

  After a series of operation events are performed, the scan button 11 is pressed again by the user for 3 seconds (step S4). By pressing the scan button 11, the output condition of the film scan function set in step S1 is associated with the stored information A, H, and C related to the series of operation events performed in step S3. The CPU 26 stores the associated information in the EEPROM 23 and also stores the storage information A, H, and C as one operation event registration information in the EEPROM 23. Further, the CPU 26 shifts the mode from the event registration mode to the normal mode.

  Therefore, also in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as the effect in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the output conditions such as scan area, resolution, color scan / monochrome scan, etc. can be obtained simply by opening the document table cover 6, fixing the film 16 to the film fixing unit 17, and closing the document table cover 6. Can be set.

In addition, you may implement the said 1st-4th embodiment with the following aspects.
In the case where the same SPC multifunction apparatus 1 is used by a plurality of persons, each person may store a separate operation event in the EEPROM 23 as operation event registration information.

  A means for prohibiting setting of an output condition associated with the operation event registration information when the operation event performed by the user matches the operation event registration information stored in the EEPROM 23 is added. May be. This means is effective, for example, when it is desired to output document image data under an output condition different from the output condition stored in the EEPROM 23. By adding this means, the completeness of the SPC multifunction apparatus 1 can be further increased.

The perspective view which shows a SPC compound apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an SPC multifunction apparatus in a state where a document table cover of a scanner unit is opened. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a SPC compound apparatus. The flowchart which shows the process which registers an operation event. The flowchart which shows the process by which an output condition is set. Explanatory drawing in the case of setting output conditions in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Scanner part as reading means, 2a ... Opening / closing detection sensor as detection means, 2b ... Document placement detection sensor as detection means, 3 ... Printer part as output means, 5 ... Document table glass, 6 ... Document table Cover: 10 ... Power button as input means, 14 ... Memory card slot, 15 ... Memory card, 16 ... Film, 17 ... Film fixing part, 18 ... Film detection sensor as detection means, 23 ... Registration information storage means EEPROM, 24 ... first SDRAM as event information storage means, 25 ... second SDRAM as image storage means, 26 ... CPU as control means

Claims (9)

Reading means for reading an object to be read;
Output means for outputting the image data read by the reading means under set output conditions;
The operation event until the output start of the image data by the output means is stored in advance as operation event registration information, and an output condition for outputting image data in association with the operation event registration information is used as output condition registration information. Registration information storage means for storing in advance;
Detecting means for detecting an operation event until the output start of the image data by the output means;
Implementation information storage means for storing the operation event detected by the detection means as operation event implementation information;
The operation event execution information and the operation event registration information are compared, and when both pieces of information match, the output condition registration information associated with the operation event registration information is set as an output condition of image data by the output means. An image reading apparatus comprising a control unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation event is a minimum required user operation action that occurs in a process in which the output unit reaches an output start. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation event relates to a start of reading of an object to be read by the reading unit. The reading means includes a platen glass on which the reading object is placed, and a platen cover that covers the platen glass,
The operation event includes at least one of an operation event for opening the platen cover, an operation event for placing a document on the platen glass, and an operation event for closing the platen cover. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3. The reading means includes a memory card slot in which a memory card can be attached and detached,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the operation event is an operation event in which a memory card is inserted into the memory card slot. It further comprises input means capable of inputting a predetermined signal,
The registration information storage means stores in advance a pair of the operation event and a predetermined signal from the input means as operation event registration information, and the implementation information storage means includes the operation event and a predetermined signal from the input means. 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pair is stored as operation event execution information. The reading means includes a platen glass on which the reading object is placed, and a platen cover that covers the platen glass,
The operation event includes an operation event in which the document table cover is opened while a predetermined signal is input by the input unit, and an operation event in which a document is placed on the document table glass while a predetermined signal is input by the input unit. 7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising at least one operation event among operation events in which the document table cover is closed while a predetermined signal is input by the input unit. The reading means includes a platen glass on which the reading object is placed, a platen cover that covers the platen glass, and a surface of the platen cover that faces the platen glass in order to fix the film. Provided with a fixed film portion,
The operation event includes at least one of an operation event for opening the platen cover, an operation event for fixing a film on the film fixing unit, and an operation event for closing the platen cover. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the image reading apparatus is characterized in that: 9. The registration information storage means stores a plurality of operation event registration information and a plurality of output condition registration information associated with each of the plurality of operation event registration information. The image reading apparatus according to any one of the above.

Images