JP2008008984A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high-security image reader enabling even a user who does not possess a radio frequency tag sensor or the like to perform ordinary image read and properly actuate a function for preventing an original from being left according to a predetermined condition. <P>SOLUTION: The image reader is equipped with: an original reading means reading an original placed on an original platen; an original detecting means 82 detecting the original placed on the original platen; an operator detecting means 83 detecting the presence of an operator; a mode setting means 90 capable of setting either a first mode in which processing for preventing the original from being left is performed or a second mode in which the processing for preventing the original from being left is not performed; and a control means 90 performing the processing for preventing the original from being left when the image reader is set to the first mode by the mode setting means and when the original is detected by the original detecting means and also the operator is not detected by the operator detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

  In an image reading device such as a copier, when an operator tries to leave the reading device while reading a confidential document (for example, someone suddenly called), the confidential document is being read or read. There is a case where the confidential document is misplaced in the reader later. Then, there is a possibility that someone else takes away the misplaced confidential document and leaks important information (confidential content). Therefore, it is necessary for the image reading apparatus to have a function for preventing confidential documents from being left behind.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for identifying a user by acquiring a user ID for identifying a user in use by acquiring an output of a wireless tag sensor after determining a document set. The document is prevented from being left behind by determining whether the ID is continuously acquired while the document exists. In addition, techniques such as Patent Documents 2 to 5 are also disclosed.
JP-A-2005-84440 JP-A-7-177288 JP 2001-202551 A JP-A-6-67482 JP-A-6-230627

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that a user who does not include a wireless tag sensor cannot read a document. Also, in the techniques disclosed in other Patent Documents 2 to 5, when it is not necessary to prevent the document from being left behind, for example, even when a large amount of documents are read, the forgotten document prevention function is forcibly activated. Therefore, for example, when reading an original using an ADF (automatic document feeder), there is a problem that a warning is issued even if the user consciously leaves the reading apparatus.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a user who does not have a wireless tag sensor or the like can also perform normal image reading. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus with high security that can be operated.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image reading apparatus of the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen, a document detection unit that detects a document placed on the platen, and an operation An operator detection means for detecting the presence of a person, a mode setting means capable of setting one of a first mode for executing a document placement forgetting prevention process and a second mode for not executing a document placement forgetting prevention process, When the first mode is set by the mode setting means, and the original is detected by the original detection means, and the operator is not detected by the operator detection means, the original placement forgetting prevention process is performed. And a control means to execute.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to detect the presence of the operator only in the first mode and execute the document misplacement prevention process, and in the second mode, prevent the document misplacement. Normal image reading can be executed without executing processing. Therefore, even an operator who does not have an operation key such as a wireless tag can read an image by setting the second mode, and only a specific operator as in the past can read an image. Trouble can be solved. Also, when it is not necessary to perform document placement forgetting prevention, such as when reading a large number of documents, the document placement forgetting prevention processing is not executed by setting to the second mode, and the operator reads from the image reading apparatus. It is possible to smoothly read a large number of documents even in a separated state.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention may further include a fingerprint reading unit, and the mode setting unit may set the first mode when the fingerprint reading unit reads fingerprint information.
According to such an image reading apparatus, since the mode is set when the operator scans the fingerprint, it is possible to execute the document placement forgetting prevention process that surely reflects the operator's intention. . Further, since the mode setting is performed according to the reading of the fingerprint information, the operator can be identified at the time of mode setting. For example, the operator who has performed the mode setting can be identified later. It is possible to further enhance the function.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention further includes a fingerprint reading unit, and the mode setting unit includes a fingerprint information storage unit that stores fingerprint information of a specific operator, and fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reading unit; Either the first mode or the second mode can be set according to the collation result with the fingerprint information stored in the fingerprint information storage means.
According to such an image reading apparatus, since the mode setting is performed based on the collation result of the fingerprint information, the presence / absence of the mode setting can be surely classified for each operator. In addition, for example, a security level with different types of document misplacement prevention processing is set for each operator, the operator is identified based on the collation result, and different document placement forget prevention processing is executed for each operator. Is also possible.

The fingerprint reading unit creates fingerprint reading continuation information regarding whether or not fingerprint reading is being performed continuously or at predetermined intervals, and the operator detection means is based on the fingerprint reading continuation information from the fingerprint reading unit. Thus, the presence of the operator can be detected.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably detect the presence of the operator, and if the fingerprint reading continuation information is read at a predetermined interval, the operator lifts his finger from the fingerprint reading unit within the predetermined interval. Thus, operations other than fingerprint reading can be appropriately performed.

The image reading apparatus according to the present invention may include a setting change device that allows an operator to change settings between the first mode and the second mode.
According to such a configuration, the mode can be changed as appropriate based on the operation of the setting change device by the operator, and the mode setting process becomes extremely simple.

The setting change device may be a push button device, and the mode setting means may set the first mode when the push button device is pressed.
According to such a configuration, since the mode is set by pressing the push button device, the mode setting process is further simplified. Further, according to the push button device, for example, the configuration of the image reading device itself is simpler than that in the case of reading a fingerprint.

In addition, the setting change device creates operation continuation information regarding whether or not an operation to the setting change device is being performed continuously or at a predetermined interval, and the operator detection unit performs an operation from the setting change device. The presence of the operator can be detected based on continuation information.
According to such a configuration, the presence of the operator can be detected easily and reliably.

The mode setting means may be set to the first mode when the original detection means detects identification information previously given to the original.
According to such a configuration, the mode can be set according to the type of document, and the security of the document can be increased. For example, it is possible to set a security level for each document, identify the document based on the identification information, and execute different document forgetting prevention processing for each document.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention further includes confirmation means for confirming document removal by an operator, and document removal information creating means for creating document removal information relating to document removal by the operator, wherein the mode setting means includes the mode setting means, The setting can be changed from the first mode to the second mode based on the document removal information.
According to such an image reading apparatus, it is possible to reliably specify the opportunity to end the first mode and change the setting to the second mode. That is, if the operator confirms the removal of the original and confirms the removal of the original, it is possible to execute a process of ending the first mode and changing to the second mode, and thus an unnecessary original misplacement prevention process. It is also possible to prevent execution.

  A copy creation means for creating a copy of the original read by the image reading means, a copy removal confirmation means for confirming removal of the copy by the operator, and a copy relating to removal of the copy by the operator A copy removal information creating means for creating an object removal information, wherein the mode setting means changes the setting from the first mode to the second mode based on the duplicate removal information. . In this case, it is possible to have a function of preventing the misplacement of duplicates.

The document placement-forgetting prevention process includes a plurality of types of document placement-forgetting prevention processing having different processing contents depending on the security level, and the control means includes a security level confirmation means for confirming the security level, and the confirmed security level. And a process selection unit that selects the document placement forgetting prevention process corresponding to the above.
According to such a configuration, even in the first mode, it becomes possible to execute different document placement forgetting prevention processing depending on the security level, and as a result, document management can be made more accurate and sophisticated. For example, according to the type of the manuscript or the operator, the image reading is forcibly interrupted, the image recording is forcibly interrupted, or the manuscript cover is locked. A process for forcibly interrupting taking out of the document can be exemplified.

  The image reading apparatus according to the present invention also detects the presence of an operator, an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen, a document detection unit that detects a document placed on the platen. An operator detection unit; and a control unit that executes a document placement forgetting prevention process when the document is detected by the document detection unit and an operator is not detected by the operator detection unit. The operator detection means includes a push button device, and can detect whether the operator is present depending on whether the push button device is pressed continuously or at predetermined intervals. In this case, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus that can easily and reliably detect the presence of the operator.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The image reading apparatus according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a multifunction device 1 having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and the like, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance thereof. 2 is a perspective view of the multifunction device 1 with the reading unit 3 opened, FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the multifunction device 1, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the multifunction device 1. . In the following description, with respect to the multifunction device 1, the front side (lower right direction in FIG. 1) where the operation unit 6 is provided is “front”, and the opposite side (upper left direction in FIG. 1) is “rear”. And

(overall structure)
The multi-function peripheral (image reading apparatus) 1 includes an image forming unit 2 including a feeder unit 21 and an image forming unit 22 (see FIG. 3), and an automatic transport document reading unit (hereinafter referred to as “reading unit”) 3. I have. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the reading unit 3 includes an image reading device 4 having a rectangular document table 4a on the upper surface, and an automatic document conveying device (hereinafter referred to as “covering the document table 4a”). 5) (referred to as “ADF”). As shown in FIG. 2, the rear end of the reading unit 3 opposite to the operation unit 6 is pivotally supported on the upper rear end of the image forming unit 2 so as to be rotatable.

An operation unit 6 is provided on one end side of the image reading device 4 (in the lower right direction in the drawing in FIG. 1) that allows various operations by the user.
The operation unit 6 is provided with a mode selection switch 96, a start key 97, various operation buttons 98, and a security key 99.
The mode selection switch 96 can select one of three types of function modes (modes in which each of the printer function, the scanner function, and the copy function can be performed). Specifically, three mode keys, a copy mode key 96a for selecting a copy mode, a FAX mode key 96b for selecting a FAX (fax) mode, and a scanner mode key 96c for selecting a scanner mode, are displayed on the left and right. It is provided side by side.

The start key 97 is a switch for starting an operation corresponding to the function mode, and starts to copy a document placed (placed) on the document table 4a when pressed (turned on) in the copy mode. To do.
When the start key 97 is pressed in the FAX mode or the scanner mode, operations such as FAX transmission document reading and scanner document reading are performed.

  The security key 99 is constituted by a push button device. For example, when the user pushes the push button, security setting is performed, and a document misplacement prevention process is executed.

  Further, a display unit 101 is provided in parallel with the security key 99 so that various types of information can be displayed. For example, when an error such as a lack of paper (copy paper) W occurs after a print request is made, an error is displayed on the display unit 101 to notify the user that the error has occurred. .

  A sheet take-out hole 7 is formed at a lower position of the operation unit 6 and is open to the discharge tray 2a (see FIG. 3). A manual paper feed port 8 having a slit-like opening extending in the horizontal direction is formed below the paper take-out hole 7, and two paper feed cassettes 9 (9A, 9B) are further provided below the paper feed hole 7. It is provided in two stages.

(Image forming unit)
Each configuration of the image forming unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the main part of the multifunction machine 1 as viewed from the axial direction of the paper feed roller 25 and the like. In FIG. 3, the right side of the sheet is the front of the multifunction machine 1, and the left side of the sheet is the rear of the multifunction machine 1. Become.

  The casing 20 of the image forming unit 2 includes a feeder unit 21 for feeding paper W, an image forming unit (printing unit) 22 for forming a predetermined image on the fed paper W, and the like. It has been. In addition, a paper discharge tray 2 a used for holding the paper W on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 22 and discharged is disposed above the image forming unit 22.

  The feeder unit 21 includes two sheet feeding cassettes 9A and 9B, a swingable sheet pressing plate (not shown) provided in each sheet feeding cassette 9 (9A and 9B), and a front end of each sheet feeding cassette 9 The sheet feeding roller 25 is provided above the side end.

  Each of the paper feed cassettes 9 (9A, 9B) is arranged on the lower side in the casing 20 and is detachably mounted (attached and removed) from the surface on the operation unit 6 side, and sheets are stacked therein. The uppermost sheet is sequentially fed to the registration roller 29 side by the sheet feeding roller 25 through the conveyance path.

  The registration roller 29 is composed of a pair of rollers, and the driving and stopping operations are controlled by a control device (not shown) based on a detection timing by a position sensor (not shown) disposed in the vicinity of the paper feeding roller 25. The The skew of the paper W is corrected by this control.

On the other hand, the image forming unit 22 includes a scanner unit 40, a process unit 41, a fixing unit 42, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner unit 40 is provided in the upper part of the casing 20, and includes a laser light emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror 44 rotated by a polygon motor 43, lenses 45 and 46, a reflecting mirror 47 and 48 and the like, and a laser beam based on predetermined image data emitted from the laser light emitting section is passed through or reflected in the order of the polygon mirror 44, the lens 45, the reflecting mirror 47, the lens 46, and the reflecting mirror 48 to be described later. The surface of the photosensitive drum 52 in the process unit 41 is irradiated with high-speed scanning.

The multifunction device 1 is provided with a process unit 41 that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming unit 2.
The process unit 41 includes a drum cartridge 50 and a developing cartridge 51.

  Among the process units 41, the drum cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 52, a scorotron charger 53, and a transfer roller 54. Further, the developing cartridge 51 includes a developing roller 55, a layer thickness regulating blade 56 pressed against the developing roller 55, a toner supply roller 57, a toner box 58 filled with toner (developer), and the like.

  The photosensitive drum 52 is disposed at a side position of the developing roller 55 so as to be able to rotate in the clockwise direction so as to face the developing roller 55.

  The scorotron charger 53 is a positively-charged scorotron charger, and is disposed at a predetermined interval so as not to contact the photosensitive drum 52.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is first uniformly charged positively by the scorotron charger 53 as the photosensitive drum 52 rotates, and then exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser beam from the scanner unit 40. Then, an electrostatic latent image based on predetermined image data is formed.

  Next, the electrostatic charge formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 when the positively charged toner carried on the developing roller 55 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 52 by the rotation of the developing roller 55. Supplied to the latent image.

  The transfer roller 54 is disposed below the photoconductive drum 52 so as to face the photoconductive drum 52 and is supported by the drum cartridge 50 so as to be rotatable counterclockwise. The visible image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is transferred to the paper W while the paper W passes between the photosensitive drum 52 and the transfer roller 54.

  The fixing unit 42 is disposed on the downstream side (rear side) in the paper transport direction with respect to the process unit 41. The fixing unit 42 heats and melts the toner on the transferred paper W, and the heating roller 63. And a pressing roller 64 that presses the fed paper W toward the heating roller 63, and a thermostat 65.

  The heating roller 63 includes a metal base tube as a cylindrical member, and a halogen lamp is provided along the axial direction thereof. With this halogen lamp, the surface of the heating roller 63 can be heated to a fixing temperature (for example, 200 ° C.) at which the toner is fixed to the paper W.

  The pressing roller 64 includes a metal roller shaft and a rubber roller made of a rubber material that covers the periphery of the pressing roller shaft. The rubber roller of the pressing roller is elastically pressed against the metal tube of the heating roller 63 and is driven by the rotation of the heating roller 63.

  The thermostat 65 is made of, for example, bimetal, and according to the heat generated from the heating roller 63, the heater power for heating the heating roller 63 is turned ON / OFF so that the heating roller 63 is not heated to an abnormally high temperature. ing.

  In such a fixing unit 42, the heating roller 63 heats and presses the toner transferred onto the paper W in the process unit 41 while the paper W passes between the heating roller 63 and the pressing roller 64. To fix.

  Further, the heating roller 63 conveys the paper W after image fixing to the discharge roller 69 through a discharge path formed by the guide members 67 and 68. The discharge roller 69 discharges the fed paper W onto the discharge tray 2a.

(Reading unit)
The reading unit 3 includes an image reading device 4 and an ADF 5, and the image reading device (image reading means) 4 has a lower surface 4b facing the paper discharge tray 2a above the paper discharge tray 2a of the image forming unit 2. However, it is arranged so as to cover the paper discharge tray 2a.

  The reading unit 3 includes an IC reader / writer 81 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, and can detect, for example, an ID tag 80 containing an IC chip attached to a document MS to be copied, as shown in FIG. ing. The reading unit 3 is also provided with a document detection sensor (document detection means) 82 (see FIG. 4), and is configured to detect the presence of a document placed on the document table 4A.

  The reading unit 3 is configured as a flat bed type scanner. In this flat bed type configuration, when the ADF 5 is opened rearward, the document table 4a is exposed (see FIG. 2). A book or other various originals are placed on the table 4a so that they can be read during copying.

  Note that the reading of the document may be performed by placing the document on the document table 4 a or using the ADF 5. When the document is placed on the document table 4a, a CIS (contact image sensor) 71 is moved along the axis 79 extending along the document conveyance direction and along the document table 4a. At this time, the document placed on the document table 4a is read line by line. On the other hand, when the ADF 5 is used, the CIS 71 is moved to the left end side of the document table 4a, held at that position, and the document conveyed by the ADF 5 is read line by line. Yes.

(Electrical configuration)
The electrical configuration of the multifunction machine 1 is shown in a simplified manner in FIG.
The multifunction device 1 includes an operation unit 6 that accepts various input operations, a reading unit 3 that reads image data, an image forming unit 22 that performs heating and fixing using a printing and fixing unit 42 (see FIG. 3), a ROM 91, and the like. RAM 92, NVRAM (nonvolatile memory) 93, CPU 90, facsimile interface 94 connected to a communication line such as a telephone line, and network interface 95 connected to a PC (personal computer) not shown. It is configured.

  When the CPU 90 receives image data from an external PC and receives image data from the reading unit 3 by performing a copy operation, the CPU 90 receives information (for example, a print command) added to the image data and image data. Information on the user who has made the page and page information such as the number of print requests) are stored in the RAM 92.

  Further, when the security key 99 is operated by the user, that is, when the button type security key is pressed, the CPU 90 executes a document placement forgetting prevention process as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the document placement forgetting prevention process will be described in detail.

(Preventing forgetting manuscript placement)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the document placement forgetting prevention process executed by the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment.
First, in S1, it is determined whether or not the security mode is set. In other words, the document placement forget prevention process of this embodiment is performed only when the security mode is set (first mode). For example, when copying a large amount of documents, the security mode is set during normal use. Otherwise, the document placement forgetting prevention process is not executed (second mode).

  Here, the setting of the security mode in S1 is performed based on the pressing of the security key 99 by the user as described above (mode setting means). Specifically, when the security key 99 is pressed, the security mode is set (S1: YES), and the process proceeds to the processing after S2, while when the security key 99 is not pressed, the security mode is not set. And the process is terminated (S1: NO).

  In this embodiment, in addition to whether or not the user presses the security key 99 as described above, the security mode can be set depending on whether or not the document has a predetermined IC chip (ID tag). Has been. That is, for example, if the information stored in the IC chip included in the document is recognized by the IC reader / writer 81, the security mode is set.

  When the security mode setting is confirmed, the presence or absence of a document is confirmed in S2. Here, the presence or absence of a document detection signal from the document detection sensor 82 is confirmed. If there is a document (S2: YES), the process proceeds to S3 and subsequent steps. If there is no document (S2: NO), the process is performed. finish.

  When the security mode setting is confirmed and the existence of the document is confirmed, the presence of the user is confirmed in S3. Here, the security key 99 creates information indicating whether or not the security key 99 is continuously pressed, and the presence of the user is confirmed based on the information. If the security key 99 continues to be pressed (S3: YES), it is determined that there is a user and the process proceeds to S4 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if there is no continuation of pressing the security key 99 (S3: NO), it is determined that the user does not exist and it is determined that the document has been left, and a notification operation such as sounding an alarm sound is performed in S11. Post-processing 1 is performed in S12. As post-processing 1, for example, various processes such as “interruption of reading”, “interruption of recording”, etc. can be executed, and the personal information of the user can be identified by providing a fingerprint sensor as will be described later. For example, it is possible to provide a function for executing post-processing 1 according to a case, such as “continue reading operation when user can be recognized”, “cover lock when user cannot be recognized”, or the like. Here, the cover lock refers to a process for prohibiting the opening of the ADF 5.

  As a method for detecting the presence of the user, in addition to the method of confirming whether or not the security key 99 is continuously pressed, the security key 99 is also used, and the pressing is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). ) A method of confirming each time may be adopted. In this case, the user can interrupt the pressing of the security key 99 within a predetermined time, and the user can proceed with operations other than the pressing simultaneously with the document reading.

  The user may be provided with an ID tag as personal information identification means, and the multifunction device 1 may be provided with a reading sensor that reads the ID tag to detect the presence of the user. Alternatively, it is also possible to employ a method of detecting the presence of the user by providing the multifunction device 1 with an infrared sensor.

  If the presence of the user is detected in S3 (S3: YES), the process proceeds to S4, and it is determined whether or not the reading of the document is completed. Here, when the reading operation is continued (S4: NO), the process returns to S3 and the user detection is repeated. On the other hand, when the reading operation is completed (S4: YES), the processing after S5 is performed. move on.

  In S5, user detection is performed in the same manner as in S3. When user detection is not performed (S5: NO), an alarm operation such as an alarm sound is performed in S13, and post-processing 2 is executed in S14. In this case, as post-processing 2, in addition to “recording interruption”, processing such as “cover lock when user cannot be recognized” can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the user is detected in S5 (S5: YES), the process proceeds to S6 and confirmation of document removal is performed. Here, it is assumed that the document removal is confirmed based on whether or not the document detection sensor 82 detects the document. Specifically, when the document is not detected by the document detection sensor 82, it is determined that the document has been removed (S6: YES), and the process proceeds to S7 to perform the security mode release process. On the other hand, when a document is detected by the document detection sensor 82, it is determined that the document has not been removed (S6: NO), and the process returns to S5 to repeat user detection.

  The confirmation of document removal in S6 can be determined by whether or not the ADF 5 is opened in addition to the document detection sensor 82. In this case, it is assumed that the document is removed when the ADF 5 is opened after the reading is completed. Judgment can be made. Alternatively, in the case of an original with an IC chip, it is possible to confirm the removal of the original by detection information from the IC reader / writer 81 that reads the IC. In this case, it is assumed that the original has been removed when the IC cannot be detected. Judgment can be made. Further, a message such as “document removal?” May be displayed on the display unit 101, and the user may confirm the document removal by operating with a YES button (not shown) or the like provided on the operation unit 6. it can. However, in this case, after the message is displayed, if there is no user operation within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), it is possible to proceed to the notification operation assuming that there is no confirmation of document removal.

  When the security mode is set, the CPU (control means) 90 capable of executing the above-described document misplacement prevention process can detect the user and execute the document misplacement prevention process, while the security mode is set. If it is not set, normal image reading (copying) can be executed without executing the document misplacement prevention processing. Therefore, any user can execute the normal copy operation unless the security mode is set, and can solve the problem that only a specific user can execute the copy operation. For example, when it is not necessary to execute document placement forgetting prevention processing, such as copying a large amount of documents, the document placement forgetting prevention processing is not executed unless the security mode is set, and the user leaves the multi-function device 1. Even in this state, it is possible to smoothly copy a large amount of documents.

Hereinafter, modifications of the first embodiment will be described.
In the MFP 1, the security mode is set by pressing the security key 99. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 6 is provided with a fingerprint reading unit 99a, and based on the operation on the fingerprint reading unit 99a. The security mode may be set.

  Specifically, when a fingerprint reading operation is performed on the fingerprint reading unit 99a, it is assumed that the security mode is set, and the processing subsequent to S2 in the document placement forgetting prevention processing shown in FIG. 5 can be performed. In this case, for example, when the fingerprint information of the user is stored in the NVRAM 93 and the fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reading unit 99a matches the fingerprint information stored in the NVRAM 93, the security mode is set. It can also be designed to set

  Thus, if the security mode is set by the fingerprint reading unit 99a, the user can be identified reliably. For example, a security level is set for each user, and the user is selected based on the collation result. It is also possible to identify (security level confirmation means) and perform document placement forgetting prevention processing corresponding to the identified user (processing selection unit). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when user A at level 1 is identified by fingerprint verification, reading is interrupted as post-processing, while user B or user C at level 2 is identified In this case, recording is interrupted as post-processing, and when a user D of level 3 is identified, a security level with different processing contents may be set and stored for each user, such as performing cover lock as post-processing. it can.

  In addition, when the fingerprint reading unit 99a is provided, the presence confirmation of the user in S5 of FIG. 5 may be determined based on whether or not there is a continuous reading operation for the fingerprint reading unit 99a. Also in this case, it is assumed that the information regarding the continuous reading operation is created at predetermined intervals, and the CPU 90 determines the user detection based on the information from the fingerprint reading unit 99a generated at the predetermined intervals. (FIG. 5: S5).

  The security mode may be set, for example, by providing a touch panel 99b on the operation unit 6 as shown in FIG. 7 and setting the security mode based on an operation on the touch panel 99b. The touch panel 99b can be integrally formed with the display unit 101 shown in FIG. 1, and a setting menu button (not shown) including a numeric keypad is displayed by a predetermined operation, and the setting menu button is touched. And various settings are displayed. Specifically, it is assumed that the security mode is set when the user touches the touch panel 99b, and the processing after S2 of the document placement forgetting prevention processing shown in FIG. 5 can be performed.

  Further, the security mode may be set by inputting a password to the operation button 98 constituting the numeric keypad, for example. Specifically, when the password stored in advance matches the password input by the user, the process after S2 of the document placement forgetting prevention process shown in FIG. 5 is performed assuming that the security mode is set. Can be. Note that the password can be input by inputting to the touch panel 99b, for example.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of security levels 1, 2, 3, 4... With different processing contents are stored in advance in the NVRAM 93 (see FIG. 4), and based on the difference of the user or the user's Post-processing of each level arbitrarily selected based on the intention can be executed (FIG. 5: S12, S14).

For example, when the user selects the security level, each level can be selected by the number of times the security key 99 is pressed, level 1 can be selected by pressing once, level 2 can be selected by pressing twice, etc. can do.
Alternatively, each level can be selected by entering a password. That is, a password can be set for each level, and a level corresponding to a predetermined password can be selected.
In addition, when the IC chip 80 is provided in the document MS as shown in FIG. 8, the level identification information can be stored in the IC chip 80. In that case, the IC reader / writer 81 can read the level identification information (security confirmation means) and execute the processing contents of the level corresponding to the identification information (processing selection unit).

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the process of preventing the document from being left behind when an image is captured is executed. However, for example, the process of preventing the misplacement of a copy (copy paper) that has been copied may be performed together. Specifically, in the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment, the document and duplicate copy misplacement prevention process is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. Note that the hardware configuration of the MFP according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, so the description of the configuration is omitted. In the following description, the description will be given with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Do.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a document and duplicate misplacement prevention process executed by the multifunction peripheral (image reading apparatus) according to the second embodiment.
First, in S21, it is determined whether or not the security mode is set. In other words, the document and duplicate object forgetting prevention process according to the second embodiment is performed only when the security mode is set (first mode). For example, when a large amount of documents are copied, during normal use. Unless the security mode is set, the document placement forgetting prevention process is not executed (second mode).

  Here, the setting of the security mode in S21 is performed based on the pressing of the security key 99 by the user as described above (mode setting means). Specifically, when the security key 99 is pressed, the security mode is set (S21: YES), and the process proceeds to the processing after S22. On the other hand, when the security key 99 is not pressed, the security mode is not set. Then, the process is terminated (S21: NO).

  In the second embodiment, the mode is set based on whether or not the user presses the security key 99 as described above. However, depending on whether the document includes a predetermined IC chip (ID tag) 80 or not. Mode setting may be performed (see FIG. 8).

  When the security mode setting is confirmed, the presence or absence of a document is confirmed in S22. That is, the presence / absence of a document detection signal from the document detection sensor 82 is confirmed. If there is a document (S22: YES), the process proceeds to S31 and subsequent steps, whereas if there is no document (S22: NO), the process ends. To do.

  When the security mode setting is confirmed and the existence of the document is confirmed, the presence of the user is confirmed in S31. Here, the security key 99 creates information indicating whether or not the security key 99 is continuously pressed, and the presence of the user is confirmed based on the information. If the security key 99 continues to be pressed, it is determined that there is a user, and the process proceeds to S32 and subsequent steps (S31: YES). On the other hand, if the security key 99 is not continuously pressed, it is determined that the user does not exist (S31: NO), and a notification operation such as sounding an alarm sound is performed in S33. Post-processing 1 is performed in S34. As post-processing 1, for example, various processes such as “interruption of reading”, “interruption of recording”, etc. can be performed. It is possible to provide a function for executing post-processing 1 in different cases, such as “continue reading operation when recognizable”, “lock cover when user cannot be recognized”, or the like. Here, the cover lock refers to a process for prohibiting the opening of the ADF 5.

  As a method for detecting the presence of the user, in addition to the method of confirming whether or not the security key 99 is continuously pressed, the security key 99 is also used, and the pressing is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). ) A method of confirming each time may be adopted. In this case, the user can interrupt the pressing of the security key 99 within a predetermined time, and the user can proceed with operations other than the pressing simultaneously with the document reading.

  In addition, the user may be provided with an ID tag as personal information identification means, and the multifunction peripheral of the second embodiment may be provided with a reading sensor that reads the ID tag to detect the presence of the user. Alternatively, a method of detecting the presence of a user by providing an infrared sensor in the multifunction device of the second embodiment can be employed.

  If the presence of the user is detected in S31 (S3: YES), the process proceeds to S32, and it is determined whether or not the reading of the document is completed. Here, when the reading operation is continued (S32: NO), the process returns to S31 and the user detection is repeated. On the other hand, when the reading operation is completed (S32: YES), the processing after S41 is performed. move on.

  In S41, user detection is performed in the same manner as in S31. When the user is not detected (S41: NO), a notification operation such as an alarm sound is performed in S43, and post-processing 2 is executed in S44. In this case, as post-processing 2, in addition to “recording interruption”, processing such as “cover lock when user cannot be recognized” can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the user is detected in S41 (S41: YES), the process proceeds to S42 to confirm the document removal. Here, it is assumed that the document removal is confirmed based on whether or not the document detection sensor 82 detects the document. Specifically, if the document detection sensor 82 detects no document, it is determined that the document has been removed (S42: YES), and the process proceeds to S51. On the other hand, when the document is detected by the document detection sensor 82, it is determined that the document has not been removed (S42: NO), and the process returns to S41 to repeat the user detection.

  The confirmation of document removal in S41 can be determined by whether or not the ADF 5 is opened in addition to the document detection sensor 82. In this case, it is assumed that the document is removed when the ADF 5 is opened after the reading is completed. Judgment can be made. Alternatively, in the case of a document with an IC chip, the document removal can be confirmed by detection information from the IC reader / writer 81 that reads information on the IC chip. In this case, if the information on the IC chip cannot be detected, the document Can be determined as having been removed. Further, a message such as “document removal?” Is displayed on the display unit 101, and the user confirms document removal by performing a response operation using a YES button (not shown) or the like provided on the operation unit 6. You can also. However, in this case, after the message is displayed, if there is no response operation by the user within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), it is possible to proceed to the notification operation assuming that there is no confirmation of document removal.

  In S51, the user is detected in the same manner as in S31 and S41. When the user is not detected (S51: NO), a notification operation such as an alarm sound is performed in S53, and post-processing 3 is executed in S54. In this case, as post-processing 3, in addition to “recording interruption”, processing such as “cover lock when user cannot be recognized” can be performed.

  On the other hand, when a user is detected in S51 (S51: YES), the process proceeds to S52 to check whether the recording is finished. Here, when the recording operation is continued (S52: NO), the process returns to S51 and the user detection is repeated. On the other hand, when the recording operation is completed (S52: YES), the processing after S61 is performed. move on.

  In S61, the user is detected in the same manner as in S31, S41, S51, and the like. When the user is not detected (S61: NO), a notification operation such as an alarm sound is performed in S63, and post-processing 4 is executed in S64. In this case, as post-processing 4, processing such as “cover lock when user cannot be recognized” can be performed.

  On the other hand, when the user is detected in S61 (S61: YES), the process proceeds to S62, and the copy removal is confirmed. Here, it is assumed that the copy removal is confirmed by the presence or absence of the copy detection by the copy detection sensor 84 (see FIG. 4). Specifically, when a duplicate is not detected by the duplicate detection sensor 84, it is determined that the duplicate has been removed (S62: YES), and the process proceeds to S71 to perform security mode release processing. On the other hand, when a duplicate is detected by the duplicate detection sensor 84, it is determined that the duplicate has not been removed (S62: NO), and the process returns to S61 to repeat the user detection.

  The CPU (control means) 90 capable of executing the above-described document and copy misplacement prevention process can detect the user and execute the document and copy misplacement prevention process when the security mode is set. On the other hand, when the security mode is not set, normal image reading (copying) can be executed without executing the process of preventing the document and the duplicate from being left behind. Therefore, any user can execute the normal copy operation unless the security mode is set, and can solve the problem that only a specific user can execute the copy operation. For example, when it is not necessary to execute the document and copy misplacement prevention process such as copying a large amount of documents, the document and duplicate document misplacement prevention process is not executed unless the security mode is set. Even when the user is away from the multifunction device, a large amount of originals can be copied smoothly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the multifunction machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine showing a state in which a reading unit is opened. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the multifunction machine. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of document placement forgetting prevention processing. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a modified example of the multifunction machine. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a different modification of the multifunction machine. Explanatory drawing which shows the original document provided with the ID tag. The figure which shows the content of the post-process stored in RAM. The figure which shows the different content of the post-process stored in RAM. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for preventing a document and a duplicate from being left behind.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi-function device (image reading apparatus), 4 ... Image reading apparatus (image reading means), 80 ... ID tag (identification information), 82 ... Document detection sensor (document detection means), 83 ... User detection sensor (operator detection) Means), 84 ... duplicate detection sensor (copy removal confirmation means), 90 ... CPU (mode setting means, control means, security level confirmation means, processing selection section), 93 ... NVRAM (fingerprint information storage means)

Claims (12)

Image reading means for reading an image of a document placed on a document table;
Document detection means for detecting a document placed on a document table;
An operator detection means for detecting the presence of the operator;
Mode setting means capable of setting one of a first mode for executing document placement forgetting prevention processing and a second mode for not executing document placement forgetting prevention processing;
When the mode setting means sets the first mode, and the original detection means detects the original, and the operator detection means does not detect the operator, the original placement prevention process Control means for executing
An image reading apparatus comprising: With a fingerprint reader,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit sets the first mode when the fingerprint reading unit reads fingerprint information. While having a fingerprint reader, it has fingerprint information storage means for storing fingerprint information of a specific operator,
The mode setting means sets either the first mode or the second mode according to a collation result between fingerprint information read by the fingerprint reading unit and fingerprint information stored in the fingerprint information storage means. The image reading apparatus according to 1. The fingerprint reading unit creates fingerprint reading continuation information regarding whether or not fingerprint reading is performed continuously or at predetermined intervals,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operator detection unit detects the presence of the operator based on the fingerprint reading continuation information created by the fingerprint reading unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting change device that allows an operator to change settings between the first mode and the second mode. The setting change device is a push button device,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mode setting unit sets the first mode when the push button device is pressed. The setting change device creates operation continuation information regarding whether or not an operation to the setting change device is performed continuously or at predetermined intervals,
The image reading device according to claim 5, wherein the operator detection unit detects the presence of the operator based on operation continuation information from the setting change device.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit sets the first mode when the document detection unit detects identification information previously given to the document. A confirmation means for confirming document removal by an operator; and a document removal information creating means for creating document removal information related to document removal by the operator,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit changes the setting from the first mode to the second mode based on the document removal information. A copy creation means for creating a copy of the document read by the image reading means;
A duplicate removal confirmation means for confirming the removal of the duplicate by the operator, and a duplicate removal information creating means for creating duplicate removal information relating to the removal of the duplicate by the operator,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mode setting unit changes the setting from the first mode to the second mode based on the duplicate removal information.   The document placement-forgetting prevention process includes a plurality of types of document placement-forgetting prevention processing having different processing contents depending on the security level, and the control means includes a security level confirmation means for confirming the security level, and the confirmed security level. 11. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a process selection unit that selects a document placement-forgetting prevention process corresponding to. Image reading means for reading an image of a document placed on a document table;
Document detection means for detecting a document placed on a document table;
An operator detection means for detecting the presence of the operator;
Control means for executing a document placement forgetting prevention process when the document is detected by the document detection means and an operator is not detected by the operator detection means;
In an image reading apparatus comprising:
The operator detection means includes a push button device, and detects whether or not the operator exists depending on whether the push button device is pressed continuously or at a predetermined interval. apparatus.

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