JP2007243611A - Multifunction device, program, and system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a printing function available when the head of a scanner is fixed. <P>SOLUTION: A multifunction device is provided with: an image reading part for executing reading operation for reading an image from an original; a printing part for executing printing operation for printing on a medium; a head which is provided for the image reading part and performs relative movement to the original when the image reading part executes the reading operation; a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so that it does not move; a detection part for detecting whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism; and a control part which controls the image reading part and the printing part, permits the reading operation by the image reading part and the printing operation by the printing part when the detection part detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, prohibits the reading operation by the image reading part but permits the printing operation by the printing part when the detection part detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a composite apparatus, a program, and a system having a head that moves when an image is read from a document.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a multifunction device called a multifunction device having a scanner function, a printer function (printing function), a local copy function, and the like is known. This composite apparatus includes a scanner unit (image reading unit) that reads an image from a document, and a printer unit (printing unit) that prints an image on a medium. In the scanner function, the scanner unit reads an image from a document, generates image data, and outputs the image data to an external computer such as a personal computer. In the print function, the printer unit prints on various media such as printing paper based on print data sent from an external computer such as a personal computer. In the local copy function, the scanner unit reads an image from a document, and the printer unit prints the image on a medium for copying.

By the way, in such a composite apparatus, generally, when a scanner unit reads an image from a document, a head that moves relative to the document is provided. The head is provided with a sensor for reading an image from the document, and the head moves relative to the document so that the sensor reads the image of the entire document. In such a head, there is a risk that the head drive mechanism or the like may be seriously damaged due to severe shaking during transportation of the composite apparatus. Therefore, in such a composite apparatus, generally, a fixing mechanism for fixing the head is provided to prevent the head from moving carelessly during transportation. This fixing mechanism is operated by a user or the like during transportation. Thereby, the composite apparatus can be transported safely. After the transportation of the composite apparatus, the fixing mechanism is released by the user or the like (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
JP-A 63-198056 JP 2002-64679 A

  In such a composite apparatus, the following problems have occurred. In other words, after the transportation of the composite device is completed, when the composite device is used, the fixing mechanism is released by the user or the like and the head should be movable again. However, there are cases in which the fixing mechanism is not released because the user or the like forgets or does not know to release the fixing mechanism. If the fixing mechanism is not released in this way, the head of the scanner unit cannot move during the initial operation of the entire device when the power of the composite device is turned on, and a large abnormal noise or the like occurs. An error occurred as a device. When an error occurs in the apparatus as described above, the function of the entire apparatus is stopped, and the printer section is greatly affected even though only the scanner section is originally unusable. Another problem occurred.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to use a printing function even when a scanner head is fixed.

The main invention for achieving the object is as follows:
(A) an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
(B) a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
(C) a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
(D) a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
(E) a detection unit that detects whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
(F) a control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit,
When the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit prohibits the reading operation by the image reading unit, while allowing the printing operation by the printing unit;
(G) It is the composite apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  At least the following matters will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

(A) an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
(B) a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
(C) a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
(D) a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
(E) a detection unit that detects whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
(F) a control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit,
When the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit prohibits the reading operation by the image reading unit, while allowing the printing operation by the printing unit;
A composite apparatus comprising (G).

  In such a composite apparatus, when the head is not fixed, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed. When the head is fixed, the image reading unit While the reading operation is prohibited, the printing operation by the printing unit is permitted, so that the printing unit can perform printing even when the head is fixed. As a result, the entire apparatus can be prevented from becoming unusable.

  In such a composite apparatus, the head may be provided with an image reading sensor for reading the image from the document. If such an image reading sensor is provided in the head, an image can be easily read from the document.

  Further, in such a composite apparatus, an operation unit may be provided for the user to fix the head by the fixing mechanism. If such an operation unit is provided, the user can easily fix the head by the fixing mechanism.

  In such a composite apparatus, a fixing lever may be provided as the operation unit. If such a fixing lever is provided, the user can easily fix the head by the fixing mechanism.

  In this composite apparatus, the detection unit may include a detection sensor that detects whether or not the fixing lever is in a predetermined position. If such a detection sensor is provided, it can be easily detected whether or not the fixing lever is in a predetermined position.

  In such a composite apparatus, the detection sensor may be constituted by an optical sensor. As described above, since the detection sensor is constituted by the optical sensor, it is possible to easily detect whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism.

  In the composite apparatus, when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit fixes the head by the fixing mechanism by the detection unit. The image reading unit may be controlled such that the power consumption in the image reading unit is smaller than when it is detected that the image reading unit is not. As described above, when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism. By controlling the image reading unit so as to reduce the power consumption in the power consumption, the power consumption can be reduced and the power saving can be achieved.

  Further, such a composite apparatus may include an informing unit for informing when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. By providing such a notification unit, it is possible to notify when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism.

  Moreover, in this composite apparatus, the notification unit may include a display unit that displays a message when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. By providing such a display unit, when it is detected by the detection unit that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, this can be notified by a message.

  In the composite apparatus, when the control unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when the control unit receives an image reading command to the image reading unit. The notification unit may notify that effect. In this way, when the image reading command for the image reading unit is received, if the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the image reading unit reads the image by notifying this. Can be smoothly communicated to the user or the like.

  Further, in such a composite apparatus, a document cover that is provided in the image reading unit and covers the document when the image is read from the document, and a cover detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the document cover And the control unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism by the detection unit when the cover detection unit detects that the document cover is open. In addition, the notification unit may notify that effect. Thus, when the cover detection unit detects that the document cover is in the open state, when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the fact is notified. It is possible to prompt the user to release the fixing of the head.

  Further, in such a composite apparatus, when the mark sheet to be read later as the original by the image reading unit is printed by the printing unit, the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. When it is done, the notification unit may notify that effect. When such a mark sheet is printed, if the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the fact that the head is fixed is informed so that the user is prompted to release the fixing of the head. Can do.

(A) an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
(B) a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
(C) a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
(D) a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
(E) a detection unit that detects whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
(F) a control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit,
When the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit prohibits the reading operation by the image reading unit, while allowing the printing operation by the printing unit;
(G)
(H) The head is provided with an image reading sensor for reading the image from the document.
(I) A user has an operation unit for fixing the head by the fixing mechanism,
(J) A fixing lever is provided as the operation unit,
(K) The detection unit includes a detection sensor that detects whether or not the fixing lever is in a predetermined position;
(L) the detection sensor is constituted by an optical sensor;
(M) When the control unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism The image reading unit is controlled so that the power consumption in the image reading unit is smaller than
(N) When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the detection unit includes an informing unit for informing this,
(O) The notification unit includes a display unit that displays a message when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism,
(P) When the control unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when receiving an image reading command to the image reading unit, the control unit notifies the notification unit to that effect. To inform
(Q) The control unit includes a document cover that is provided in the image reading unit and covers the document when the image is read from the document, and a cover detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the document cover. When the cover detecting unit detects that the document cover is in the closed state, when the detecting unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the notification is made. Notified by the department,
(R) When a mark sheet, which is read later as the original by the image reading unit, is printed by the printing unit, the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. Is notified by the notification unit.

A program executed in a composite apparatus including an image reading unit that executes a reading operation for reading an image from a document and a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium,
The detection unit detects that a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document is not fixed so as not to move by a fixing mechanism when the image reading unit executes the reading operation. If it is, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, a step of prohibiting the reading operation by the image reading unit and allowing the printing operation by the printing unit is executed. A program characterized by that.

A system comprising a computer and a composite device connectable to the computer,
The composite apparatus includes an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
A printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
A head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
A fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
A control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit, and when the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the When the printing unit allows the printing operation and the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the image reading unit prohibits the reading operation, while the printing unit A controller that allows the printing operation;
A system characterized by comprising:

=== Overview of Compound Device ===
An embodiment of a composite apparatus according to the present invention will be described. This composite apparatus includes a scanner unit that reads an image from a document and generates image data, and a printer unit that prints on a medium. Here, the scanner unit corresponds to an “image reading unit”. The printer unit corresponds to a “printing unit”.

  1 to 6 illustrate an example of a composite apparatus. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the composite apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of the scanner unit 10 of the multifunction apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of the printer unit 30 of the multifunction apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the composite apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the operation panel 2 of the composite apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control unit of the composite apparatus 1.

  The composite apparatus 1 includes a scanner function that reads an image from a document and generates image data, a printer function that prints on various media such as printing paper based on print data sent from a host computer (not shown), And a local copy function for printing an image read from a document on a medium and copying it. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction apparatus 1 includes a scanner unit 10 for reading an image from a document 5 at an upper portion 6 thereof. In addition, the multifunction apparatus 1 includes a printer unit 30 for printing on a medium S such as printing paper in the lower part 9. In addition, an operation panel 2 and a card reader unit 20 are provided on the front surface of the composite apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 10 includes a document table 11 provided with a glass plate on which the document 5 is set, and a document table cover 12 that covers the document table 11 from above. The document table cover 12 is rotatably attached to the rear end portion of the multifunction apparatus 1 and is provided so as to open and close the upper surface portion of the document table 11. In the present embodiment, a fixing lever 28 for fixing a scanner head (not shown) provided inside the scanner unit 10 is provided on the left side of the document table 11. The fixing lever 28 is for fixing the scanner head (not shown) so as not to move when the composite apparatus is transported. The scanner head and the fixing lever 28 will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the printer unit 30 is configured such that the inside of the printer unit 30 is opened to the outside by lifting the scanner unit 10 upward. That is, the scanner unit 10 is rotatably attached to the rear part of the multifunction apparatus 1 via the hinge unit 34. When the scanner unit 10 is lifted upward, the inside of the printer unit 30 is opened. A carriage 41 and the like are arranged inside the printer unit 30. The carriage 41 is provided with a printer head 21 that ejects ink. The printer head 21 performs printing by ejecting ink toward a medium such as paper while moving with the carriage 41.

  In addition, the printer unit 30 is provided with a conveyance unit (not shown) for conveying the medium. The transport unit feeds the medium set in the back paper feed port 22 provided on the back of the multifunction device 1 or the front paper feed port 23 provided on the front of the multifunction device 1 into the printer unit 30. Then, the medium printed by the printer head 21 is discharged through a discharge tray 25 provided at the front of the multifunction apparatus 1.

  Ink cartridge covers 27 are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the lower portion 9 of the composite apparatus 1. When installing or replacing the ink cartridge 26, the user opens the ink cartridge cover 27 and installs or replaces the ink cartridge 26. When the user closes the ink cartridge cover 27 after installation or replacement, the setting of the ink cartridge 26 is completed. The ink cartridge 26 stores ink, and this ink is supplied to the printer head 21 mounted on the carriage 41.

  The card reader unit 20 is a part that is set by inserting various memory cards. Then, the card reader unit 20 reads stored image data from various set memory cards. The image of the image data read here can be printed by the printer unit 30. Examples of the memory card that can be set in the card reader unit 20 include various flash memories such as a compact flash, smart media, a memory stick, an SD memory card, and an xD picture card. In addition, the card reader unit 20 can correspond to various memory cards used in digital cameras and mobile phones.

=== Internal mechanism of scanner / printer ===
FIG. 4 shows the internal mechanism of the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30.

<Scanner part>
As shown in the upper part of the figure, the scanner unit 10 has a scanner head 60 below the document table 11 and the scanner head 60 in the direction of arrow A in the figure while maintaining a predetermined distance from the document table 11. A driving mechanism 62 for moving the scanner head 60 in parallel, and a guide 64 for supporting the scanner head 60 and guiding the movement thereof are provided. Here, the scanner head 60 corresponds to a “head”.

  The scanner head 60 has an exposure lamp 66 as a light source for irradiating light on the document 5 via the document table 11, a lens 70 on which reflected light reflected by the document 5 is incident, and the scanner head 60 through the lens 70. And an image sensor 72 for receiving the reflected light taken in. Here, the image sensor 72 corresponds to an “image reading sensor”.

  In the present embodiment, the image sensor 72 is configured by a linear CCD sensor in which photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes that convert an optical signal into an electrical signal are arranged in a line. Data relating to the image read by the image sensor 72 is output to the control unit 50.

  The drive mechanism 62 includes a timing belt 74 connected to the scanner head 60, a pair of pulleys 75 and 76 around which the timing belt 74 is stretched, and a drive motor 77 that rotationally drives one pulley 75. ing. The drive motor 77 is driven and controlled by a control signal from the control unit 50.

<Printer section>
On the other hand, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, the printer unit 30 holds the printer head 41, the printer head 21 mounted on the printer carriage 41, and the printer carriage 41 with a predetermined distance from the medium S. However, a drive mechanism 24 that moves relatively parallel to each other and a transport mechanism 36 that transports the medium S along a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the printer carriage 41 are provided.

  The printer carriage 41 is provided with a cartridge mounting portion. In this cartridge mounting portion, an ink cartridge containing ink such as black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) is stored. Installed. The printer head 21 ejects ink of each color supplied from the ink cartridge toward the medium S to form dots on the medium S, and prints an image on the medium S. The printer head 21 is provided with nozzles for each color, that is, for each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). The printer head 21 discharges ink of different colors from the nozzles toward the medium.

  The drive mechanism 24 guides the movement of the timing belt 45 connected to the printer carriage 41, the pulley 44 meshed with the timing belt 45, the carriage motor 42 that rotationally drives the pulley 44, and the printer carriage 41. A guide rail 46, a linear encoder code plate 51 as a linear encoder for detecting the position of the printer carriage 41, and a detection unit 52 for reading the linear encoder code plate 51. The drive mechanism 24 drives the carriage motor 42 to rotate the timing belt 45 via the pulley 44. As a result, the printer carriage 41 moves relative to the medium S along the guide rail 46. The carriage motor 42 is driven and controlled by a control signal from the control unit 50.

  The transport mechanism 36 includes a platen 14, a transport roller 17A, a transport motor 15 that rotationally drives the transport roller 17A, a paper detection sensor 53 that detects whether the medium S has reached a predetermined position, and the transport roller 17A. And a rotary encoder 56 for detecting the amount of rotation. The platen 14 is disposed to face the printer head 21. When the transport motor 15 is driven, the transport roller 17 </ b> A rotates and the medium S is transported on the platen 14. The conveyance motor 15 is driven and controlled by a control signal from the control unit 50.

  At the time of printing, the medium S is intermittently transported by a predetermined transport amount by the transport roller 17A, and the printer carriage 41 is along the direction intersecting the transport direction by the transport roller 17A between the intermittent transports. While moving, ink is ejected from the printer head 21 toward the medium S to perform printing.

=== Operation panel ===
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation panel 2 in detail. The operation panel 2 has a liquid crystal display 80 and various buttons. Examples of the buttons provided here include a power button 82, a setting button 83, a stop button 84, a mode selection button 85, a cursor operation button group 86, a start button 87, and the like. The power button 82 is a button for turning on / off the power of the composite apparatus 1. The setting button 83 is a button for setting and confirming head cleaning, nozzle check, ink remaining amount, and the like. The stop button 84 is a button for canceling the function being operated. The mode selection button 85 is a button for selecting a function of the multifunction apparatus 1. The cursor operation button group 86 is a button for setting items displayed on the liquid crystal display 80. The start button 87 includes a color button 87C and a monochrome button 87B, and is used to start color printing or monochrome printing.

=== Control unit ===
<Configuration of control unit>
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the configuration of the control unit 50 of the multifunction apparatus 1. As shown in the figure, the control unit 50 includes a CPU 90, a memory 92, an external communication interface 94, an operation input interface 96, a display control unit 98, a scanner control unit 100, an image processing unit 102, A printer control unit 104 and a card interface 106 are provided. The CPU 90, memory 92, external communication interface 94, operation input interface 96, display control unit 98, scanner control unit 100, image processing unit 102, printer control unit 104, and card interface 106 are connected via a bus 108. .

  The CPU 90 controls the entire composite apparatus 1. That is, the CPU 90 controls the external communication interface 94, the operation input interface 96, the display control unit 98, the scanner control unit 100, the image processing unit 102, the printer control unit 104, and the card interface 106. The memory 92 stores a program executed by the CPU 90, data used in the program, and the like. The memory 92 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory.

  The external communication interface 94 communicates with the host computer 110 connected to the composite apparatus 1 by wire or wireless. Specifically, the external communication interface 94 receives various data such as print data and commands from the host computer 110, and transmits image data read from the document by the scanner unit 10 to the host computer 110. To do.

  The operation input interface 96 includes various operation buttons provided on the operation panel 2, that is, a power button 82, a setting button 83, a stop button 84, a mode selection button 85, a cursor operation button group 86, a start button 87 (87B, 87C) and receives an operation input from the user. Note that the operation input interface 96 may accept operation input from the user through other operation buttons excluding various operation buttons on the operation panel 2. The operation input interface 96 transmits operation inputs from the user received through the various operation buttons 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 (87 B, 87 C) to the CPU 90.

  The display control unit 98 controls display on the liquid crystal display 80 provided on the operation panel 2. Specifically, the display control unit 98 controls an image displayed on the liquid crystal display 80 according to a command from the CPU 90, and performs image quality adjustment such as brightness and contrast of the liquid crystal display 80.

  The scanner control unit 100 controls the scanner unit 10. Specifically, the scanner control unit 100 controls the drive motor 77 of the drive mechanism 62 that moves the scanner head 60 of the scanner unit 10, and the exposure lamp 66 and the image sensor 72 provided in the scanner head 60. Control etc. As a result, the scanner control unit 100 drives the drive motor 77 of the drive mechanism 62 to move the scanner head 60 relative to the document 5, thereby causing the image from the document 5 to pass through the image sensor 72 of the scanner head 60. Perform a read operation to read.

  In addition, when the image processing unit 102 prints an image read from the document 5 by the scanner unit 10 on a medium by the printer unit 30, the image data output from the scanner unit 10 is printed by the printer unit 30. It plays the role of converting to data for executing. Specifically, the image processing unit 102 converts RGB data received from the scanner control unit 100 as image data read from the document 5 by the scanner unit 10 into CMYK data. Here, the RGB data is image data expressed by three color spaces of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). On the other hand, the CMYK data is image data represented by four color spaces of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The image processing unit 102 performs halftone processing on the CMYK data obtained by this conversion and converts the data into binary data (or 2-bit data). This binary data (or 2-bit data) is data for executing a printing process in the printer unit 30. The binary data (or 2-bit data) generated in this way is output to the printer control unit 104.

  The printer control unit 104 controls the printer unit 30. Specifically, the printer control unit 104 controls the carriage motor 42 of the drive mechanism 24 that moves the printer carriage 41 of the printer unit 30 and also controls the transport motor 15 of the transport mechanism 36 that transports the medium. In addition, the ink ejection from the printer head 21 is controlled. As a result, the printer control unit 104 ejects ink toward the medium by the printer head 21 while driving the carriage motor 42 of the drive mechanism 24 and the conveyance motor 15 of the conveyance mechanism 36, and prints the medium. Execute.

  Further, the card interface 106 performs processing for reading image data stored in the memory card from various memory cards set in the card reader unit 20. Further, the card interface 106 performs a process of writing data such as image data to various memory cards set in the card reader unit 20.

<Operation of control unit>
(1) Scanner Mode The scanner mode is activated by an image reading command or the like received from the external communication interface 94 from the host computer 110, for example. In this scanner mode, the CPU 90 controls the scanner control unit 100 based on the reading information such as the reading resolution and reading area sent from the host computer 110 received through the external communication interface 94, and the scanner unit 10 Perform a read operation. Here, the scanner control unit 100 drives the drive motor 77 of the drive mechanism 62 that moves the scanner head 60 of the scanner unit 10 in accordance with a command from the CPU 90, and moves the scanner head 60 relative to the document 5. Let Accordingly, the scanner control unit 100 reads an image from the document 5 through the image sensor 72 provided in the scanner head 60. The scanner control unit 100 receives the image data read here from the scanner unit 10. Then, the scanner control unit 100 transmits the image data acquired from the scanner unit 10 to the host computer 110 through the external communication interface 94.

(2) Print mode The print mode is activated, for example, by a print command or the like received from the external communication interface 94 from the host computer 110. In this print mode, the CPU 90 controls the printer control unit 104 based on print data sent from the host computer 110 received through the external communication interface 94 to execute a print operation. Here, the printer control unit 104 controls the carriage motor 42 of the drive mechanism 24 that moves the printer carriage 41 of the printer unit 30 in accordance with a command from the CPU 90, and the conveyance motor of the conveyance mechanism 36 that conveys the medium. 15 and the ink ejection from the printer head 21 is controlled. Accordingly, the printer control unit 104 performs printing by ejecting ink from the printer head 21 provided in the printer carriage 41 toward the medium.

(3) Copy mode The copy mode is activated when the mode selection button 85 is operated and set. In this copy mode, when the user operates the start button 87 (87B, 87C) on the operation panel 2, this is transmitted to the CPU 90 through the operation input interface. The CPU 90 issues a command for executing an operation of reading an image from a document by the scanner unit 10 to the scanner control unit 100. In accordance with this command, the scanner control unit 100 drives the drive motor 77 of the drive mechanism 62 that moves the scanner head 60 of the scanner unit 10 to move the scanner head 60 relative to the document 5. Accordingly, the scanner control unit 100 executes a reading operation of reading an image from the document 5 through the image sensor 72 provided in the scanner head 60. The scanner control unit 100 receives the image data read here from the scanner unit 10. Then, the scanner control unit 100 outputs the image data acquired from the scanner unit 10 to the image processing unit 102.

  The image processing unit 102 converts the image data output from the scanner control unit 100 into data for executing print processing in the printer unit 30. Here, the image processing unit 102 converts the image data output as RGB data from the scanner control unit 100 into CMYK data. Further, the image processing unit 102 performs halftone processing on the CMYK data obtained by the conversion, and converts the data into binary data (or 2-bit data). This binary data (or 2-bit data) is data for executing a printing process in the printer unit 30. The image processing unit 102 outputs the binary data (or 2-bit data) generated in this way to the printer control unit 104.

  The printer control unit 104 ejects ink from the printer head 21 based on binary data (or 2-bit data) output from the image processing unit 102 in accordance with a command from the CPU 90. At this time, the printer control unit 104 controls the carriage motor 42 of the drive mechanism 24 that moves the printer carriage 41 of the printer unit 30 and also controls the transport motor 15 of the transport mechanism 36 that transports the medium. In this way, the printer control unit 104 performs printing on the medium.

(4) Memory Card Print Mode The memory card print mode is executed by selecting a mode by operating a mode selection button 85 provided on the operation panel 2 and operating a start button 87, for example. . In this memory card printing mode, printing processing is executed for image data stored in a memory card set in the card reader unit 20. Here, the CPU 90 reads image data from the memory card set in the card reader unit 20 through the card interface 106. The image data read here includes image data recorded in various formats such as JPEG format and bitmap format. The CPU 90 sends the image data read from the memory card to the image processing unit 102, and converts the image data into data for executing the printing process in the printer unit 30 in the image processing unit 102.

  The printer control unit 104 ejects ink from the printer head 21 based on binary data (or 2-bit data) output from the image processing unit 102 in accordance with a command from the CPU 90. At this time, the printer control unit 104 controls the carriage motor 42 of the drive mechanism 24 that moves the printer carriage 41 of the printer unit 30 and also controls the transport motor 15 of the transport mechanism 36 that transports the medium. In this way, the printer control unit 104 performs printing on the medium.

=== Conventional Problems and Solutions ===
<Conventional problems>
By the way, such a composite apparatus 1 has the following problems. That is, after the transportation of the composite apparatus is completed, when the composite apparatus 1 is used, the fixing mechanism is released by the user or the like, and the scanner head 60 should be movable again. However, there are cases in which the fixing mechanism is not released because the user or the like forgets or does not know to release the fixing mechanism. If the fixing mechanism is not released in this way, the scanner head 60 cannot move during the initial operation of the entire apparatus when the power of the composite apparatus 1 is turned on, and a large abnormal noise occurs. An error occurred as a device. If an error occurs in the apparatus as described above, the function of the entire apparatus is stopped, and the printer unit 30 is greatly affected even though only the scanner unit 10 is originally unusable. Another problem occurred.

<Solution>
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a detection unit that detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism is provided, and when the detection unit detects that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism, The operation of the scanner unit 10 is restricted to prohibit the movement of the scanner head 60, while the operation of the printer unit 30 is allowed. That is, even if the scanner head 60 is fixed, the printer unit 30 operates normally. Note that, when the detection unit detects that the scanner head 60 is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, each function of the multifunction device 1 is allowed without limitation.

=== Method of fixing the scanner head ===
Here, a fixing mechanism for fixing the scanner head 60 of the scanner unit 10 so as not to move will be described. 7 to 8B describe the fixing mechanism for fixing the scanner head 60 in detail. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the fixing lever 28 that is operated when the scanner head 60 is fixed. FIG. 8A is a plan view illustrating a fixing mechanism of the scanner head 60. FIG. 8B is a side view illustrating the fixing mechanism of the scanner head 60.

<Lever for fixing>
As shown in FIG. 7, the fixing lever 28 has a lever main body 29A and a recess 29B for accommodating the lever main body 29A. The lever main body 29A is provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction inside the recess 29B. The lever main body 29A is moved inside the recess 29B, so that the scanner head 60 is fixed by a fixing mechanism so as not to move, and the scanner head 60 is released from the fixed state so that the scanner head 60 can be moved. Or In the present embodiment, the scanner head 60 is fixed when the lever main body 29A moves to the upper position. Further, when the lever main body 29A moves to the lower position, the scanner head 60 is released from the fixed state.

<Fixing mechanism>
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the fixing mechanism 120 includes a first engaging portion 122 provided integrally protruding on the scanner head 60 side and the first engaging portion 122 integrally on the lever body 29A side. And a second engaging portion 124 that can be engaged with the engaging portion 122. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a detection unit 128 that detects whether or not the second engagement unit 124 is engaged with the first engagement unit 122 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the first engagement portion 122 is formed to protrude vertically from the rear end portion 60 </ b> A of the scanner head 60 along the moving direction B of the scanner head 60. The first engagement portion 122 is provided with a recess (not shown) into which the second engagement portion 124 is inserted. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second engagement portion 124 is inserted into the recess (not shown), so that the first engagement portion 122 engages with the second engagement portion 124 and the scanner head 60. Is locked to the second engaging portion 124. Accordingly, the scanner head 60 is fixed so as not to move by the fixing mechanism 120.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the second engaging portion 124 is integrally provided on the lever main body 29 </ b> A via the connecting portion 126. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the lever main body 29A moves along the direction of the arrow C, the second engaging portion 124 moves along the direction of the arrow C integrally with the lever main body 29A. Yes. As a result, when the lever main body 29A is moved in the direction of arrow C, the second engagement portion 124 is inserted into or removed from the recess (not shown) of the first engagement portion 122. . That is, the first engagement portion 122 is engaged with or released from the first engagement portion 122 on the scanner head 60 side. From this, the fixing mechanism 120 fixes the scanner head 60 so as not to move by moving the lever main body 29A, and releases the fixed state.

  Further, the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the second engagement unit 124 is engaged with the first engagement unit 122. Here, the detection part 128 is arrange | positioned in the vicinity of the 2nd engaging part 124, as shown to FIG. 8A and 8B. Thereby, the detection part 128 detects whether the 2nd engaging part 124 exists in a predetermined position. Here, when the detection unit 128 detects that the second engagement portion 124 is in a predetermined position, the second engagement portion 124 is extracted from the concave portion (not shown) of the first engagement portion 122 to be the first. The engagement with the engagement portion 122 is released. That is, the fixed state of the scanner head 60 is released. On the other hand, when the detection unit 128 detects that the second engagement portion 124 is not at the predetermined position, the second engagement portion 124 is inserted into a recess (not shown) of the first engagement portion 122 and is thus engaged with the first engagement portion. The joint 122 is engaged. That is, the scanner head 60 is fixed so as not to move.

  In the present embodiment, the detection unit 128 is configured by a photo interrupter (not shown). This photo interrupter (not shown) corresponds to a “detection sensor”. A photo interrupter is an element having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and is provided at a position where the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion face each other, so that light emitted from the light emitting portion is received by the light receiving portion. ing. The photo interrupter detects an object by blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit and reaching the light receiving unit. Here, when the second engagement portion 124 is in a predetermined position, the light emitted from the light emitting portion is blocked by the second engagement portion 124. Thereby, the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the second engagement unit 124 is in a predetermined position. That is, when it is detected that the second engagement portion 124 is in the predetermined position, the detection portion 128 can detect that the second engagement portion 124 is not engaged with the first engagement portion 122. . On the other hand, when it is detected that the second engagement portion 124 is not in the predetermined position, the detection portion 128 may detect that the second engagement portion 124 is engaged with the first engagement portion 122. it can. In this way, the detection unit 128 can detect whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120.

=== Operation of Control Unit ===
When the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is not fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the control unit 50 allows the operations of both the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30. On the other hand, when the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the control unit 50 allows the operation of the printer unit 30, but at least the scanner head as the operation of the scanner unit 10. 60 movement operations are prohibited.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the CPU 90. The CPU 90 determines whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. When determining whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the CPU 90 first acquires the detection result of the detection unit 128 (S202). Next, the CPU 90 determines whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 based on the detection result of the detection unit 128 acquired in this way. Specifically, the CPU 90 checks whether or not the second engagement unit 124 is detected by the detection unit 128 based on the detection result from the detection unit 128 (S204).

  Here, when the second engagement portion 124 is detected by the detection portion 128, the second engagement portion 124 is not engaged with the first engagement portion 122 on the scanner head 60 side, and is in a predetermined position. If there is, it is determined that the scanner head 60 is not fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 (fixed release) (S206). On the other hand, when the second engaging portion 124 is not detected by the detecting portion 128, the second engaging portion 124 is not in a predetermined position and is engaged with the first engaging portion 122 on the scanner head 60 side. It is determined that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 (S210).

  If the CPU 90 determines that the scanner head 60 is not fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the CPU 90 permits the operations of both the scanner unit 10 and the printer unit 30 (S212). On the other hand, when it is determined that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the CPU 90 allows the operation of the printer unit, but prohibits at least the moving operation of the scanner head 60 for the operation of the scanner unit 10. Then, the entire operation of the scanner unit 10 is restricted (S208).

=== Detection timing ===
Timings at which the detection unit 128 detects whether the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 include the following timings (1) to (4).

(1) When the composite apparatus 1 is turned on When the composite apparatus 1 is turned on, the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. Thereby, when the scanner head 60 is operated in the initialization operation of the scanner unit 10, it is possible to check whether the scanner head 60 is fixed.

(2) When receiving an image reading command from the host computer 110 When receiving an image reading command for the scanner unit 10 from the host computer 110 such as a personal computer connected to the composite apparatus 1 by wire or wirelessly, the detecting unit It is detected by 128 whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. Thus, it is checked whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed when executing an image reading operation for reading an image from the document 5 placed on the document table 11 in the scanner unit 10 in accordance with a command from the host computer 110. be able to.

(3) When executing copy In the copy mode, when the start button 87 (87B, 87C) on the operation panel 2 is operated and a copy command is received from the user or the like, the scanner head 60 is fixed to the fixing mechanism 120 by the detection unit 128. It is detected whether it is fixed by. As a result, in the copy mode, the scanner head 60 reads the image from the document 5 placed on the document table 11 with the scanner unit 10 and executes the copy operation for printing on the medium with the printer unit 30. It can be checked whether it is fixed or not.

(4) When the document table cover 12 is opened When the document table cover 12 is opened by a user or the like, the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. In the present embodiment, the fixing lever 28 for fixing the scanner head 60 by the fixing mechanism 120 is provided on the left side of the document table 11 as described with reference to FIG. From this, when the document table cover 12 is opened by the user or the like, it is checked whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. If it is found that the scanner head 60 is fixed, the scanner head 60 is determined. The user or the like can be prompted to release the fixing of the head 60.

  Whether or not the document table cover 12 is opened may be checked by a sensor for detecting this, and if such a sensor is not provided, the image reading provided in the scanner head 60 is performed. The opening of the document table cover 12 may be detected using the above sensor, that is, the image sensor 72.

(5) Mark-sheet printing When a mark sheet (also referred to as “order sheet”) to be read later by the scanner unit 10 is printed by the printer unit 30, the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 by the detection unit 128. Detect whether or not. The mark sheet printed here is as follows.

  FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the mark sheet 148. As shown in the figure, the mark sheet 148 has a print setting mark column 150 at the top and a print number setting mark column 152 at the bottom. The print setting mark field 150 is provided with an entry field for setting “paper size”, “paper type”, “image quality”, and “marginless printing”. The print number setting mark column 152 is provided with a photo 154 to be printed and an entry column 156 for setting the number of prints for each photo 154 individually. The user or the like performs the setting by filling these entry fields 156 on the mark sheet 148 with a writing instrument such as a pencil.

  Then, the mark sheet 148 in which the entry field 156 is filled is set on the document table 11 by the user or the like, and the entry surface of the mark sheet 148 is read by the scanner unit 10. As a result, the CPU 90 acquires setting information from the user or the like from the mark sheet 148.

  As described above, since the mark sheet 148 is read later by the scanner unit 10, the detection unit 128 checks whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 when the mark sheet 148 is printed. If it is found that the scanner head 60 is fixed, the user or the like can be prompted to release the fixing of the scanner head 60.

  Heretofore, the timings (1) to (5) have been described as examples of the timing at which the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. Timing for detecting whether or not 60 is fixed may be other timing than (1) to (5). Further, the detection unit 128 may detect whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 at all times at a predetermined time interval while the power of the multifunction apparatus 1 is turned on.

=== Notification of scanner head fixation ===
When the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, it is preferable to notify the user or the like of this. There are the following methods for notifying that the scanner head 60 is fixed.

(A) Notification by the display unit such as the liquid crystal display 80 The scanner head 60 is fixed to the user or the like by displaying an alarm by a message or the like on the display unit such as the liquid crystal display 80 provided in the composite apparatus 1. Inform you. In this case, as an alarm such as a message to be displayed on the display unit such as the liquid crystal display 80, it may be displayed that the scanner head 60 is fixed, or a message that prompts the release of the fixing lever 28 or the like. An alarm may be displayed.

(B) Notification by buzzer or the like A sound is generated by a buzzer or the like provided in the composite apparatus 1 to notify the user or the like that the scanner head 60 is fixed. In this case, for example, notification is performed in conjunction with the timings (1) to (4) at which the detection unit 128 detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. The method (B) may be used in combination with the method (A).

  As described above, when the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, a method for notifying the user or the like of this is other than (A) and (B). It may be the timing.

=== Scanner operation suppression mode ===
When the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the multifunction apparatus 1 may operate in the scanner operation suppression mode. The scanner operation suppression mode is specifically the following mode. That is, the power of the exposure lamp 66 of the scanner head 60 is turned off or set to the power saving mode, the power of the image sensor 72 of the scanner head 60 is turned off or set to the power saving mode, and the drive motor 77 of the scanner head 60 is set. This is a mode in which the power source of the drive mechanism 62 is turned off or set to the power saving mode, or the power source of other electrical components related to the scanner unit 10 is turned off or set to the power saving mode. That is, in this scanner operation suppression mode, the scanner unit 10 operates in a low power consumption state.

  The overall consumption of the composite apparatus 1 is compared with the case where the scanner unit 10 is operated in the low power consumption state in this way and the detection unit 128 detects that the scanner head 60 is not fixed by the fixing mechanism 120. Electric power can be suppressed. Thereby, useless power consumption can be avoided.

=== Summary ===
As described above, the present embodiment includes the detection unit 128 that detects whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed so as not to move by the fixing mechanism 120, and whether or not the scanner head 60 is fixed by the detection unit 128. Therefore, when the scanner head 60 is fixed, the operation of the scanner unit 60 can be prohibited while the operation of the printer unit 30 can be permitted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the entire function of the multifunction apparatus 1 from being stopped, and it is possible to allow each function of the multifunction apparatus 1 without restriction.

  Further, such detection is performed by (1) turning on the power of the multifunction apparatus 1, (2) receiving an image reading command from the host computer 110, (3) executing a copy, or (4) opening the document table cover 12. (5) Since it is executed at the time of printing a mark-sheet, etc., it is detected smoothly whether the scanner head 60 is fixed so as not to move by the fixing mechanism 120, and the result is notified to the user or the like. Can do.

  Furthermore, when the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, a message or the like is displayed on the display unit of the liquid crystal display 80 or the like, or a sound is generated by a buzzer or the like. Since the notification is made, even if the user or the like forgets to release the fixing lever 28 after transportation, the user or the like can be informed so as to prompt the user to release the fixing lever 28.

  Furthermore, when the scanner head 60 is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120, the entire composite apparatus 1 is switched to the scanner operation suppression mode, whereby the drive mechanism 62 such as the exposure lamp 66, the image sensor 72, and the drive motor 77. For example, the power of the electrical components related to the scanner unit 10 is turned off or set to the power saving mode, and the overall power consumption of the composite apparatus 1 can be suppressed. Thereby, useless power consumption can be avoided.

=== Other Embodiments ===
As mentioned above, although the composite apparatus etc. were demonstrated based on one embodiment, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. . The present invention can be changed or improved without departing from the gist thereof, and needless to say, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About the printing section>
In the embodiment described above, the printer unit 30 that performs printing by ejecting ink toward the medium has been described as an example of the “printing unit”. However, in the “printing unit” here, this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to the printer unit 30 (printing unit) that performs printing by discharging such ink. That is, any type of printing unit may be used as long as printing is performed on the medium. For example, other types of printing units such as a laser beam type printing unit may be used.

<About the image reader>
In the embodiment described above, the scanner unit 10 including the document table 11 on which the document 5 is placed is described as an example of the “image reading unit”. However, in the “image reading unit” here, The scanner unit 10 is not limited to this, and may be another type of “image reading unit”.

<About the head>
In the above-described embodiment, the scanner head 60 including the exposure lamp 66, the image sensor 72, and the like has been described as an example of the “head”. However, in the “head” here, such a scanner is not necessarily used. Any type of “head” can be used as long as the image reading unit (scanner unit 10) moves relative to the document 5 when the image reading operation is performed. I do not care.

<About the fixing mechanism>
In the above-described embodiment, the “fixing mechanism” includes the first engaging portion 122 on the scanner head 60 side and the second engaging portion 124 on the lever body 29A side. The fixing mechanism 120 that fixes the scanner head 60 by engaging with each other with the second engaging portion 124 has been described as an example. However, in the “fixing mechanism” here, such a fixing mechanism 120 is not necessarily used. Need not be. In other words, the “fixing mechanism” here may be any type of mechanism as long as the head (scanner head 60) is fixed so as not to move.

<About the detector>
In the above-described embodiment, the detection unit 128 that detects whether or not the second engagement unit 124 included in the fixing mechanism 120 is at a predetermined position has been described as an example of the “detection unit”. In the “detection unit”, such a detection unit 128 is not necessarily required. In other words, the “detection unit” here is any type of detection unit as long as it detects whether the head (scanner head 60) is fixed by the fixing mechanism 120 or not. It is not always necessary to provide an optical sensor such as a photo interrupter.

<About the control unit>
In the above-described embodiment, the “control unit” includes the CPU 90, the memory 92, the external communication interface 94, the operation input interface 96, the display control unit 98, the scanner control unit 100, the image processing unit 102, the printer control unit 104, and the card interface. The configuration provided with 106 has been described as an example, but the “control unit” described here does not necessarily have such a configuration. In other words, the “control unit” here may be any control unit that controls the image reading unit (scanner unit 10) and the printing unit (printer unit 30), and any type of control unit. It doesn't matter.

<About complex devices>
In the above-described embodiment, as the “composite device”, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, an image reading unit (scanner unit 10) is provided at the top, and a printing unit (printer unit 30) is provided at the bottom. Although the composite apparatus 1 has been described as an example, the “composite apparatus” described here is not necessarily limited to this type of composite apparatus. In other words, the “composite device” here may be any type of composite device as long as it includes an image reading unit (scanner unit 10) and a printing unit (printer unit 30). .

<About image reading sensor>
In the above-described embodiment, the image sensor 72 has been described as an example of the “image reading sensor”. However, the “image reading sensor” here is not necessarily limited to such an image sensor 72. . In other words, the “image reading sensor” referred to here may be any type of sensor provided to the head (scanner head 60) as long as it is a sensor for reading an image from a document.

<About the operation unit>
In the above-described embodiment, the fixing lever 28 provided on the left side of the document table 11 is described as an example of the “operation unit”. However, the “operation unit” described here is not necessarily in this manner. The fixing lever 28 is not limited. In other words, the “operation unit” here may be any type of operation unit as long as the user uses the fixing mechanism to fix the head (scanner head 60).

<About the fixing lever>
In the above-described embodiment, as the “fixing lever”, the fixing lever 28 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) provided on the left side of the document table 11 and including the lever body 29A that moves in the vertical direction is taken as an example. However, the “fixing lever” here is not necessarily limited to such a lever. In other words, the “fixing lever” here may be any type of lever as long as it is a lever for the user to fix the head (scanner head) by a fixing mechanism.

<About detection sensor>
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the detection unit 128 is configured by a photo interrupter as a “detection sensor” has been disclosed. However, the “detection sensor” here is not limited to such a photo interrupter, In order to check whether or not the scanner head 60 (“head”) is fixed so as not to move by the fixing mechanism, it is detected whether or not the fixing lever 28 (second engaging portion 124) is in a predetermined position. Any sensor may be used as long as it is a sensor.

<About the notification unit>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the “notification unit” includes a display unit such as the liquid crystal display 80, a buzzer for generating sound, and the like has been described as an example. Is not necessarily limited to such a notification unit. In other words, the “notification unit” here is, for example, a program such as a driver installed in the host computer 110 that displays a message or the like on the screen of the display unit of the host computer 110 connected to the multifunction device 1. It doesn't matter. Of course, as the “notification unit” here, any type of notification unit can be used as long as the detection unit detects that the scanner head 60 (head) is fixed by the fixing mechanism. It may be a notification unit.

<About the display>
In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal display 80 provided on the operation panel 2 is described as an example of the “display unit”. However, the “display unit” described here is not necessarily limited to such a liquid crystal display 80. Not limited to. That is, any type of display unit may be used as long as a message or the like can be displayed.

<About Mark Sheet>
In the above-described embodiment, the mark sheet 148 having the print setting mark field 150 and the print number setting mark field 152 as shown in FIG. 10 has been described as an example of the “mark sheet”. Is not limited to such a mark sheet. In other words, the “mark sheet” here may be any type of mark sheet as long as it is a mark sheet that can be read later as an original by the image reading unit.

The perspective view explaining an example of a compound device. The perspective view when the cover of the scanner part of a compound apparatus is opened. The perspective view which shows the printing part of a composite apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating configurations of a scanner unit and a printer unit of the multifunction apparatus. Explanatory drawing explaining the operation panel of a compound apparatus. Explanatory drawing of an example of the system configuration | structure of the control part of a compound apparatus. Explanatory drawing of the fixing lever of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining a scanner head fixing mechanism of the embodiment. The side view for demonstrating the fixing mechanism of the scanner head of this embodiment. The flowchart explaining an example of the processing flow of a control part. Explanatory drawing of an example of a mark sheet.

Explanation of symbols

1 composite device, 2 operation panel, 5 document, 6 upper part, 9 lower part, 10 scanner part,
11 Document platen, 12 Document platen cover, 14 Platen, 15 Transport motor,
17A transport roller, 20 card reader section, 21 printer head,
22 Back feeding port, 23 Front feeding port, 24 Drive mechanism, 25 Paper discharge tray,
26 ink cartridge, 27 ink cartridge cover, 28 fixing lever,
29A Lever body, 29B Concave part, 30 Printer part, 34 Hinge part,
36 transport mechanism, 41 carriage, 42 carriage motor, 44 pulley,
45 timing belt, 46 guide rail, 50 control unit,
51 linear encoder code plate, 52 detector, 53 paper detection sensor,
56 rotary encoder, 60 scanner head, 60A rear end,
62 drive mechanism, 64 guide, 66 exposure lamp, 70 lens,
72 image sensor, 74 timing belt, 75 pulley, 76 pulley,
77 drive motor, 80 liquid crystal display, 82 power button, 83 setting button,
84 stop buttons, 85 mode selection buttons, 86 cursor operation buttons,
87 Start button, 87C Color button, 87B Monochrome button,
90 CPU, 92 memory, 94 external communication interface,
96 operation input interface, 98 display control unit, 100 scanner control unit,
102 image processing unit, 104 printer control unit, 106 card interface,
108 bus, 110 host computer, 120 fixing mechanism,
122 1st engagement part, 124 2nd engagement part, 126 connection part, 128 detection part,
148 Mark sheet, 150 Print setting mark field, 152 Number of print setting mark field,
154 photos, 156 fields

Claims (15)

(A) an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
(B) a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
(C) a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
(D) a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
(E) a detection unit that detects whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
(F) a control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit,
When the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit prohibits the reading operation by the image reading unit, while allowing the printing operation by the printing unit;
A composite apparatus comprising (G).   The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the head is provided with an image reading sensor for reading the image from the document.   The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a user has an operation unit for fixing the head by the fixing mechanism.   The composite apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a fixing lever as the operation unit.   The composite apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit includes a detection sensor that detects whether or not the fixing lever is in a predetermined position.   The composite apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the detection sensor includes an optical sensor.   When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit is compared with a case where the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism. The composite apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit is controlled so that power consumption in the image reading unit is reduced.   8. The composite according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. 9. apparatus.   The composite apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: a display unit that displays a message when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism.   When the control unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when receiving an image reading command to the image reading unit, the control unit notifies the notification unit to that effect. The composite apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein A document cover that is provided in the image reading unit and covers the document when the image is read from the document; and a cover detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the document cover;
The control unit detects the notification when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when the cover detection unit detects that the document cover is open. The composite apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the fact is notified by a unit.   When a mark sheet to be read later as the original by the image reading unit is printed by the printing unit, if the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the notification is made. The composite apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, which is notified by a unit. (A) an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
(B) a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
(C) a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
(D) a fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
(E) a detection unit that detects whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
(F) a control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit,
When the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the control unit prohibits the reading operation by the image reading unit, while allowing the printing operation by the printing unit;
(G)
(H) The head is provided with an image reading sensor for reading the image from the document.
(I) A user has an operation unit for fixing the head by the fixing mechanism,
(J) A fixing lever is provided as the operation unit,
(K) The detection unit includes a detection sensor that detects whether or not the fixing lever is in a predetermined position;
(L) the detection sensor is constituted by an optical sensor;
(M) When the control unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism The image reading unit is controlled so that the power consumption in the image reading unit is smaller than
(N) When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the detection unit includes an informing unit for informing this,
(O) The notification unit includes a display unit that displays a message when the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism,
(P) When the control unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when receiving an image reading command to the image reading unit, the control unit notifies the notification unit to that effect. To inform
(Q) The control unit includes a document cover that is provided in the image reading unit and covers the document when the image is read from the document, and a cover detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the document cover. If the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism when the cover detection unit detects that the document cover is open, the notification is made. Notified by the department,
(R) When a mark sheet, which is read later as the original by the image reading unit, is printed by the printing unit, the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism. Is notified by the notification unit. A program executed in a composite apparatus including an image reading unit that executes a reading operation for reading an image from a document and a printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium,
The detection unit detects that a head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document is not fixed so as not to move by a fixing mechanism when the image reading unit executes the reading operation. If it is, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the printing operation by the printing unit are allowed,
When the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, a step of prohibiting the reading operation by the image reading unit and allowing the printing operation by the printing unit is executed. A program characterized by that. A system comprising a computer and a composite device connectable to the computer,
The composite apparatus includes an image reading unit that performs a reading operation of reading an image from a document;
A printing unit that executes a printing operation for printing on a medium;
A head that is provided in the image reading unit and moves relative to the document when the image reading unit executes the reading operation;
A fixing mechanism for fixing the head so as not to move;
A detection unit for detecting whether or not the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism;
A control unit for controlling the image reading unit and the printing unit, and when the detection unit detects that the head is not fixed by the fixing mechanism, the reading operation by the image reading unit and the When the printing unit allows the printing operation and the detection unit detects that the head is fixed by the fixing mechanism, the image reading unit prohibits the reading operation, while the printing unit A controller that allows the printing operation;
A system characterized by comprising:

Images