JP2008182382A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader reading an original by performing preparation operation in a preparation parallel control system, based on original change time data at an automatic original conveyance mechanism section. <P>SOLUTION: A scanner 1 acquires the original change time data in an entire original conveyance mode from an ADF4 at start-up, refers to the acquired original change time data based on the original conveyance mode of the read conditions of the read operation in read operation, and performs preparation operation, by performing preparation operation in the preparation parallel control system, thus continuously performing the preparation operation in the preparation parallel control system at an appropriate timing, without changing a program, even if the ADF4 is replaced with an ADF4 that has different control timing, and hence reading of the original can be made quickly and appropriately. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly, to an image reading apparatus that reads a document by conveying the document by a preparation parallel control method based on document replacement time data of an automatic document transport mechanism.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder: automatic document feeder) that separates documents one by one and conveys them onto a document reading table such as contact glass is provided. While the carriage is stationary on the document reading table and the carriage (running body) on which the scanning unit is mounted is moved in the sub-scanning direction, the scanning unit performs main scanning on the stationary document, and the document is subjected to main scanning and scanning. There is an image reading apparatus that performs sub-scanning and reads an image of the original (see Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, as a reading control method in such an image reading apparatus method, a preparation sequential control method shown in FIG. 12 and a preparation parallel control method shown in FIG. 13 are used.

  That is, in the preparation sequential control method of FIG. 12, in the image reading apparatus main body, the reflected light reflected by the document on the document reading table is moved to the photoelectric conversion element mounted on the document reading table while moving the carriage on which the scanning unit is mounted during the reading period. When the image of the original is introduced and read, and the reading is completed, a gate negation (end of reading) is instructed, an original replacement instruction signal is output to the ADF, and a return operation (carriage return) for returning the carriage to the reference position and the carriage Carriage stop operation is performed to stop the carriage at the reference position.

  When a document replacement instruction signal is input from the image reading apparatus main body, the ADF discharges the document on the document reading table, and transports the next document on the document placing table onto the document reading table to be replaced. The replacement operation is performed as a transport preparation operation. When the transport preparation operation is completed, a document replacement completion notification is sent to the image reading apparatus main body.

  When the ADF document replacement preparation operation (conveyance preparation operation) is completed, the image reading apparatus main body sets a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, which is a photoelectric conversion element for photoelectrically converting the reading light, and sets the document on the document reading table. After the carriage forward operation is started from the state in which the reading operation by scanning is possible and the forward & shading operation is performed to perform shading immediately before reading, the document is read in response to the gate assert (reading start) signal. Start.

  On the other hand, in the preparation parallel control in FIG. 13, the image reading apparatus main body reads the image of the document on the document reading table while moving the carriage on which the scanning unit is mounted during the reading period. ), A document replacement instruction signal is output to the ADF, a return operation (carriage return) for returning the carriage to the reference position, and a carriage stop operation for stopping the carriage at the reference position are performed. By shortening the carriage stop operation time in parallel with the next forward & shading operation, the reading processing time can be shortened and the productivity can be improved.

  That is, when a document replacement instruction signal is input from the image reading apparatus main body, the ADF discharges the document on the document reading table and conveys the next document on the document mounting table onto the one document reading table. A document replacement operation to be replaced is performed as a transport preparation operation. When the transport preparation operation is completed, a document replacement completion notification is sent to the image reading apparatus main body.

  When the document reading instruction is given to the ADF, the image reading apparatus main body performs the carriage operation as described above. When the carriage is returned to the reference position and stopped, the CCD does not wait for the document changing completion notification from the ADF. After performing a forward & shading operation in which the carriage is started from a state in which the reading operation can be performed by setting the sensor and scanning the original on the original reading table and performing the shading immediately before the reading, the gate assertion ( In response to the (reading start) signal, reading of the document is started.

  Therefore, if the document replacement operation by the ADF is completed before the forward & shading operation is completed, even if the document reading operation is started after the completion of the forward & shading, the document can be read promptly and appropriately. It can be carried out.

  However, as shown in FIG. 14, when the document replacement operation by the ADF is completed after the forward & shading operation is completed, the document reading operation is started in a state where the document has not been set on the document reading table. As a result, an abnormal image is generated in the read image, and an appropriate original cannot be read.

  The time required for the transport preparation operation, that is, the document replacement time varies depending on the conditions such as the document transport speed and the document length size, so that the read preparation operation is executed in consideration of the timing at which the transport preparation operation ends. Need to control.

  Therefore, conventionally, when a timer counts a time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time within a time corresponding to a time from when a document feeding apparatus receives a document replacement instruction signal until it enters a movable state from a scanning time according to the document size. A copying apparatus has been proposed in which a document replacement signal is output to a document feeder and a scanning unit is moved back when a timer measures a scanning time corresponding to the document size (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2000-226134 A Japanese Patent No. 2742793

  However, in the above prior art, the predetermined time is subtracted from the scanning time corresponding to the document size within the time corresponding to the time from when the document feeder receives the document replacement instruction signal until it enters the movable state. When the time is counted by the timer, a document replacement signal is output to the document feeding device, and when the timer times the scanning time according to the document size, the scanning means is moved back, so the conveyance preparation time is set as the main body of the image reading device. The side program will handle the fixed value based on the above conditions, and the read preparation time will vary if an ADF with a different transport preparation time is installed or if the control timing is changed due to an ADF version upgrade. In order to read an appropriate document, it is necessary to update the program on the image reading apparatus main body side. Without changing, in terms of reading the low cost and appropriately document, it is necessary for improvement.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that always performs appropriate preparatory parallel control and performs quick document reading regardless of the automatic document conveying mechanism.

  In the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, an automatic document transport mechanism that separates the documents placed on the document table one by one and conveys them onto the document reading table is replaceably mounted. The reflected light in the main scanning direction of the light irradiated on the document is photoelectrically applied to the document stopped on the reading table by using the light source and the optical system mounted on the traveling body while moving the traveling body in the sub-scanning direction. On the original reading table on which the original has been read by the automatic original conveying mechanism by photoelectric conversion by the conversion means and reading in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original in the main scanning direction. A document transport preparation operation for discharging the next document and transporting the next document on the document table onto the document reading table, position adjustment of the traveling body for reading the next document, and setting of the photoelectric conversion means Image reading preparation operation In the image reading apparatus that sequentially reads the image of the original by performing the preparatory operation in the preparatory parallel control method in which both the preparatory operations are performed in parallel, the automatic original conveyance mechanism unit is all determined by the original conveyance speed and the original size. The document replacement time data required for the document transport preparation operation in the document transport mode is stored in a predetermined storage means, and the document replacement time data in the document transport mode in the predetermined mode is started from the automatic document transport mechanism when starting up. And reading the original by performing the preparatory operation in the preparation parallel control method with reference to the acquired original replacement time data based on the original conveyance mode of the reading condition of the reading operation. The above-mentioned purpose is achieved.

  In this case, for example, as described in claim 2, at the time of startup, the image reading apparatus replaces the document in all the document conveyance modes stored in the storage unit of the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit. Time data may be acquired.

  For example, as described in claim 3, the image reading apparatus has a processing time shorter than a predetermined processing time in the document transport mode provided in the automatic document transport mechanism at the start-up. The document replacement time data in the high-productivity document transport mode may be acquired.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 4, when the image reading apparatus is started up, the image reading apparatus frequently conveys a document more frequently than a predetermined frequency in the document conveyance mode provided in the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit. The document replacement time data of the mode may be acquired.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 5, the image reading apparatus is configured such that, when the image reading apparatus is started up, the document replacement time in all the document transport modes stored in the storage unit of the automatic document transport mechanism unit. Either the data or the document replacement time data in a predetermined partial document transport mode may be acquired according to the selection.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 6, when the image reading apparatus starts up silently at a setting that does not use the automatic document transport mechanism, at least the document replacement time from the automatic document transport mechanism Data acquisition processing may be omitted.

  Further, for example, as described in claim 7, the image reading apparatus stores the document replacement time data acquired at the start-up in a predetermined storage unit in association with the identification information of the automatic document transport mechanism. At the time of start-up, the identification information of the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit is acquired from the mounted automatic document conveyance mechanism unit, and the identification information acquired and the identification of the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit stored in the storage means If the information is the same, the document replacement time data acquisition process may be omitted.

  Further, for example, the image reading apparatus may not acquire the document replacement time data corresponding to the document transport mode under the scanning condition from the automatic document transport mechanism when reading the document. If the document replacement time data is acquired from the automatic document transport mechanism, the document replacement time data is referred to, the preparation operation is performed by the preparation parallel control method, and the document reading operation is performed. Good.

  According to the image reading apparatus of the present invention, at the time of start-up, document replacement time data in a predetermined document transport mode is acquired from the automatic document transport mechanism and based on the document transport mode of the reading condition of the read operation during the reading operation. Therefore, even if the control timing is changed due to replacement of the automatic document transport mechanism, the program can be executed. Without changing, the preparatory operation in the preparatory parallel control method can always be appropriately performed at an appropriate timing, and prompt and appropriate document reading can be performed.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a scanner 1 to which the first embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied. .

  In FIG. 1, a scanner (image reading device) 1 is provided with a contact glass (original reading table) 3 on an upper surface portion of a main body 2 and covers an upper portion of the contact glass 3 so that it can be opened and closed. An ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 4 is installed. The ADF 4 is attached to the main body 2 of the scanner 1 in a replaceable manner.

  The ADF 4 includes a document table 11 on which a plurality of documents to be read are placed, a document delivery table 12 on which a document that has been read is ejected, a document on the document table 11 separated one by one, and contact glass. A sheet feeding unit 15 including a separation roller 13 and sheet feeding roller 14 that are fed in three directions, and a document fed by the sheet feeding unit 15 is conveyed to a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 3 and a document that has been read is discharged. A transport belt mechanism 16 that feeds the paper in the paper direction and a paper discharge roller pair 17 that discharges the document sent by the transport belt mechanism 16 onto the paper discharge tray 12 are provided. The transport belt mechanism 16 includes a plurality of transport rollers 18 and A conveyance belt 19 is provided across the conveyance roller 18, and at least one of the conveyance rollers 18 is rotationally driven by a paper feed motor 43 (see FIG. 2). Rotates clockwise, to convey the document to the reading position on the contact glass 3, also conveys the document on the contact glass 3 to the discharge rollers pair 17.

  In the scanner 1, an optical scanning unit 20 is accommodated in a main body 2 below the contact glass 3, and the optical scanning unit 20 has a first traveling on which an illumination lamp 21 and a first mirror (optical system) 22 are mounted. It comprises a body 23, a second traveling body 26 on which a second mirror 24 and a third mirror 25 as an optical system are mounted, a lens unit 27, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 28 as a photoelectric conversion means, and the like.

  In the optical scanning unit 20, the first traveling body 23 and the second traveling body 26 are moved in the sub-scanning direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) by the traveling body motor 34 (see FIG. 2), and the illumination on the first traveling body 23 is performed. The original placed on the contact glass 3 is irradiated with light from the lamp 21, and the reflected light of the light reflected by the original is directed to the second traveling body 26 by the first mirror 22 on the first traveling body 23. The light reflected and incident from the first traveling body 23 by the second mirror 24 and the third mirror 25 on the second traveling body 26 is sequentially reflected and emitted toward the lens unit 27. The lens unit 27 condenses and enters the light incident from the second traveling body 26 onto the CCD 28. The CCD 28 has a plurality of CCD elements as one-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, photoelectrically converts incident light incident from the lens unit 27, and outputs analog image data (image signal). That is, the optical scanning unit 20 moves the first traveling body 23 and the second traveling body 26 in the sub-scanning direction, and the illumination lamp 21 mounted on the first traveling body 23 and the second traveling body 26 and the first as an optical system. The reflected light in the main scanning direction of the light irradiated on the original using the first mirror 22, the second mirror 24, and the third mirror 25 is photoelectrically converted by the CCD 28 to read the original in the main scanning direction. Reading is performed to read an image of the original.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 of the scanner 1 includes at least a main control unit 31, an image processing unit 32, the CCD 28, a motor driver 33, a traveling body motor 34, various sensors 35, and the like. ADF control unit 41, motor driver 42 and paper feed motor 43 driven by motor driver 42, motor driver 44 and transport motor 45 driven by motor driver 44, motor driver 46 and motor driver 46 A paper discharge motor 47 and various sensors 48 are provided.

  The main control unit 31 of the main body unit 2 and the ADF control unit 41 of the ADF 41 include a nonvolatile memory 36 and a nonvolatile memory 49, respectively, and are connected via an interface and a cord (not shown).

  In the main body 2, the image processing unit 32 receives analog image data from the CCD 28, performs shading correction, gamma correction, MTF correction, etc. on the image data, and then binarizes the image data. Necessary image processing is performed and output to the main control unit 31 together with the page synchronization signal, line synchronization signal, and image clock.

  The main unit 2 includes a communication unit that connects to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer (not shown). The main control unit 31 receives image data input from the image processing unit 32 via the communication unit. Output to.

  The various sensors 35 are, for example, position sensors that detect the positions of the first traveling body 23 and the second traveling body 26, and output detection results to the main control unit 31.

  The traveling body motor 34 is a motor that moves the first traveling body 23 and the second traveling body 26 in the sub-scanning direction, and the motor driver 33 drives the traveling body motor 34 under the control of the main control unit 31.

  The main control unit 31 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and a non-volatile memory (storage means) 36 such as a battery-backed RAM. The non-volatile memory 36 receives and stores document replacement time data, which will be described later, passed from the ADF 4.

  The main control unit 31 uses the RAM as a work memory based on a program in the ROM to control each unit of the main body unit 2 and the ADF 4 so that the main control unit 31 does not use the document reading process using the ADF 4 or the ADF 4. A document set on the contact glass 3 is read. The main control unit 31 selectively executes the preparation sequential control method and the preparation parallel control method based on the program in the ROM in the document reading process using the ADF 4, but executes the preparation parallel control method as a basic method. If there is an obstacle to the execution in the preparation parallel control method, the original is read by the preparation sequential control method.

  The main control unit 3 incorporates the document replacement time data stored in the nonvolatile memory 36 received from the ADF 4 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method in the document reading by the preparation parallel control method, Document reading control is performed.

  In the ADF 4, various sensors 48 detect the presence / absence of a document on the document table 11, a document transport position, and the like, and output the detected document to the ADF control unit 41.

  The paper feed motor 43 is a motor that drives the paper feed unit 15, and the motor driver 42 drives the paper feed motor 43 under the control of the ADF control unit 41.

  The conveyance motor 45 is a motor that drives the conveyance belt mechanism 16, and the motor driver 44 drives the conveyance motor 45 under the control of the ADF control unit 41.

  The paper discharge motor 47 is a motor that drives the paper discharge roller pair 17, and the motor driver 46 drives the paper discharge motor 47 under the control of the ADF control unit 41.

  The ADF control unit 41 controls the motor drivers 42, 44, and 46 based on the detection results of the various sensors 48 under the control of the main control unit 31 of the main body unit 2 to perform document conveyance processing.

  The ADF 4 discharges a document on the contact glass 3, and time data (document replacement time data) required for a document replacement process for transporting the next document on the document table 11 to a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 3. The ADF control unit 41 is stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 41, and the ADF control unit 41 starts from the non-volatile memory 49 when the scanner 1 is started up in response to a document replacement time data acquisition request from the main control unit 31 of the main body unit 2. The original replacement time data is read out and transferred to the main control unit 31 of the main unit 2.

  The document replacement time data varies depending on the document transport pattern (document transport mode) determined by the document transport speed and the document size, but the non-volatile memory 49 includes, for example, the ADF 4 as shown in FIG. It stores document replacement time data for all document transport speeds and transportable document sizes (document length size), that is, document replacement time data for all document transport patterns. FIG. 3 shows the document replacement time for each document size in transport speed mode A and transport speed mode B. When the scanner 1 is started up, the main control unit 31 of the main body unit 2 performs a predetermined document conveyance pattern stored in the nonvolatile memory 49 of the ADF 4, for example, all document conveyance patterns, that is, all document conveyance. Document replacement time data for the speed and transportable document size is acquired.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The scanner 1 of this embodiment acquires all the document replacement time data of the ADF 4 when the scanner 1 is started up, and performs preparation parallel control.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S101), the main control unit 31 causes the ADF control unit 41 of the ADF 4 to send document replacement time data of all document transport patterns. Is acquired, and the document replacement time data of all document transport patterns stored in the non-volatile memory 49 of the ADF 4 is acquired (step S102).

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data of all the document conveyance patterns from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (Step S103). When there is an instruction (step S104), the preparatory operation by the preparation parallel control method is performed with reference to the set program variables based on the original reading conditions (original conveying speed and original size) in the reading instruction, and the original is read. Is performed (step S105).

  As described above, the scanner 1 according to the present embodiment acquires the document replacement time data in the predetermined document conveyance pattern from the ADF 4 at the time of start-up, and based on the document conveyance pattern of the reading condition of the reading operation during the reading operation, With reference to the acquired document replacement time data, a read operation is performed by performing a preparatory operation using the preparatory parallel control method.

  Therefore, even if the ADF control timing is changed due to replacement of the ADF 4 or the like, the preparation operation in the preparation parallel control method can be appropriately performed at an appropriate timing without changing the program of the main body 2 of the scanner 1. It is possible to quickly and appropriately read an original.

  Further, the scanner 1 of the present embodiment acquires document replacement data for all document transport patterns.

  Therefore, regardless of the ADF 4 and regardless of the document conveyance pattern of the reading condition, the preparation operation in the preparation parallel control method is always performed at an appropriate timing without changing the program of the main body 2 of the scanner 1. Can be appropriately performed, and prompt and appropriate document reading can be performed.

  5 and 6 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which the second embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied. It is.

  This embodiment is applied to a scanner similar to the scanner 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as necessary. This will be described using

  When the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, only the document replacement time data of the document conveyance pattern that requires productivity is acquired from the ADF 4 among the document replacement time data of the ADF 4, and the reading condition is a request for the productivity. When the document transport pattern is to be read, reading is performed using the preparation parallel control method, and when the other reading conditions are used, reading is performed using the preparation sequential control method.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S201), the main control unit 31 has a document transport pattern document that requires the ADF control unit 41 of the ADF 4 to be productive. A replacement time data acquisition request is issued, and the document replacement time data of the document transport pattern for which productivity is required among all the patterns stored in the nonvolatile memory 49 of the ADF 4 is acquired (step S202). The document transport pattern for which productivity is required is a document transport pattern that requires a processing speed in the document reading process in each document transport pattern provided in the ADF 4. For example, as shown in FIG. This is a document conveyance pattern such as A4 portrait or A3 portrait.

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data of the document transport pattern for which productivity is required from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (step S203). When there is a document reading instruction (step S204), it is checked whether the document reading condition of the reading instruction is a document conveyance pattern for which productivity is required (step S205).

  In step S205, if the document reading condition is a document conveyance pattern for which productivity is required, the main control unit 31 refers to the set program variable based on the document reading condition in the reading instruction and performs the preparation parallel. A document is read by performing a preparatory operation based on the control method (step S206).

  In step S205, when the document reading condition is not the document conveyance pattern for which productivity is required, the main control unit 31 performs the preparation operation by the preparation sequential control method and reads the document (step S207). In this case, as will be described later, necessary document replacement time data may be acquired from the ADF 4, and a document image may be read by performing a preparation operation using the preparation parallel control method.

  As described above, when the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, the document replacement time of the document transport pattern (high productivity document transport pattern) for which productivity is required among the document transport patterns provided in the ADF 4 to the ADF 4 is set. Data is acquired, and at the time of the reading operation, the reading operation is performed by referring to the acquired document replacement time data based on the document conveyance pattern of the reading condition of the reading operation and performing the preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method. .

  Therefore, regardless of the ADF 4, it is possible to acquire only the document replacement time data of the document transport pattern for which productivity is required at high speed, to shorten the start-up time, and to be required for productivity. Preparatory parallel control in the document conveyance pattern can be appropriately performed, and more appropriate and appropriate document reading can be performed.

  7 and 8 are diagrams showing a third embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which the third embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied. It is.

  This embodiment is applied to a scanner similar to the scanner 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as necessary. This will be described using

  When the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, only the document replacement time data of the frequently used document transport pattern is acquired from the ADF 4 among the document replacement time data of the ADF 4, and the document transport whose reading conditions are frequently used is acquired. When the pattern is a pattern, reading is performed by the preparation parallel control method, and when the reading condition is other, reading is performed by the preparation sequential control method.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S301), the main control unit 31 replaces a document transport pattern that is often used by the ADF control unit 41 of the ADF 4. A time data acquisition request is issued, and only the document replacement time data of the frequently used document transport pattern is acquired from all the patterns stored in the nonvolatile memory 49 of the ADF 4 (step S302). This frequently used document transport pattern is a document transport pattern that is used by the user more frequently than the predetermined frequency among the document transport patterns provided in the ADF 4. For example, as shown in FIG. These are document conveyance patterns such as landscape, A4 landscape, A5 portrait, A4 portrait, and A3 portrait. The frequently used document conveyance pattern may be set in advance as a document conveyance pattern that is often used as general statistics, or the document conveyance pattern of a document read by the scanner 1 is subjected to statistical processing for a predetermined period. It may be set as a result of the execution, or this statistical process may be updated every predetermined period.

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data of the frequently used document transport pattern from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (step S303). When there is a document reading instruction (step S304), it is checked whether the document reading condition of the reading instruction is a document transport pattern that is often used (step S305).

  In step S305, if the document reading condition is a frequently used document conveyance pattern, the main control unit 31 refers to the set program variable based on the document reading condition in the reading instruction, and uses the preparation parallel control method. A preparatory operation is performed to read the original (step S306).

  If the document reading condition is not a frequently used document transport pattern in step S305, the main control unit 31 performs a preparation operation by the preparation sequential control method and reads the document (step S307).

  As described above, when the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, the scanner 1 acquires document replacement time data of a frequently used document transport pattern that is used more frequently than the predetermined frequency among the document transport patterns provided in the ADF 4. Yes.

  Therefore, even if the ADF 4 is replaced, it is possible to acquire only the document replacement time data of the frequently used document transport pattern at high speed regardless of the ADF 4, thereby shortening the start-up time and frequently using it. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately perform the preparation parallel control in the document conveyance pattern to be performed, and to perform the document reading more quickly and appropriately.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the reading control process by the scanner to which the fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  This embodiment is applied to a scanner similar to the scanner 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as necessary. This will be described using

  When the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, the document replacement time for acquiring the document replacement time data for some document transport patterns and the document replacement time data for all document transport patterns among the document replacement time data of the ADF 4 is acquired. The user selects a document transport pattern of data, acquires document replacement time data of the acquired document transport pattern (acquired document transport pattern) which is the selected document transport pattern from the ADF 4, and the reading condition is the acquired document transport pattern. In the case of the original document conveyance pattern, reading by the preparation parallel control method is performed, and in the case of other reading conditions, reading by the preparation sequential control method is performed.

  Therefore, in the scanner 1 of the present embodiment, the user can specify the document conveyance pattern of the document replacement time data acquired from the ADF 4 as the acquired document conveyance pattern by operating the operation display unit (not shown). Acquires from the ADF 4 document replacement time data of the acquired document transport pattern that has been designated. This acquired document conveyance pattern is designated in advance by the operation of the operation display unit by the user and stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory 36. However, the acquired document conveyance pattern can be changed as appropriate, and the acquired document conveyance pattern can be conveyed when the scanner 1 is started up. A display for inquiring a pattern may be performed on a display of an operation display unit or the like, and an acquired document conveyance pattern may be determined from an operation result designated and operated in response to the inquiry. This designated document conveyance pattern is a document conveyance pattern for which productivity is required among the document conveyance patterns provided in the ADF 4 of the second embodiment or a document conveyance pattern often used by the user of the third embodiment. Alternatively, a document conveyance pattern designated by another user may be used.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S401), the main control unit 31 determines the acquired document conveyance pattern by referring to the nonvolatile memory 36 or the like. (Step S402), a document replacement time data acquisition request for the acquired document transport pattern is issued to the ADF control unit 49 of the ADF 4, and is designated among all patterns stored in the non-volatile memory 49 of the ADF 4. Document replacement time data of the acquired document transport pattern is acquired (step S403).

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data of the specified document transport pattern from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the acquired document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (Step S31). If there is an original reading instruction (step S405), it is checked whether the original reading condition of the reading instruction is the acquired original conveyance pattern (step S406).

  In step S405, if the document reading condition is the acquired document conveyance pattern, the main control unit 31 refers to the set program variable based on the document reading condition in the reading instruction, and performs the preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method. Then, the original is read (step S407).

  If the document reading condition is not the acquired document transport pattern in step S406, the main control unit 31 performs a preparation operation by the preparation sequential control method and reads the document (step S408). In this case, as will be described later, necessary document replacement time data may be acquired from the ADF 4, and a document image may be read by performing a preparation operation using the preparation parallel control method.

  As described above, when the scanner 1 of this embodiment is started up, it selects either the document replacement time data for all the document transport patterns provided in the ADF 4 or the document replacement time data for a predetermined part of the document transport pattern. Is obtained from ADF4.

  Therefore, even if the ADF 4 is replaced and the control timing is changed, regardless of the ADF 4, only the document replacement time data of the document conveyance pattern according to the user's designation is acquired at high speed, and the startup time is reduced. In addition to being able to reduce the time, it is possible to appropriately perform the preparation parallel control in the document transport pattern designated by the user, and to perform more appropriate and appropriate document reading.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the reading control process by the scanner to which the fifth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  This embodiment is applied to a scanner similar to the scanner 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as necessary. This will be described using

  Although not shown, the scanner 1 of this embodiment is a device having other functions such as an image forming function other than the scanner function, such as a composite apparatus, a copying apparatus, and a facsimile machine, and uses the scanner function when the apparatus is started up. It has a silent start-up mode. The scanner 1 acquires the document replacement time data from the ADF 4 only at the start-up other than the silent start-up, and at the time of the silent start-up, the scanner 1 promptly starts up without performing unnecessary document replacement time data acquisition processing. When the original is read, the reading by the preparation parallel control method is appropriately performed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S501), the main control unit 31 determines whether it is a silent start (step S502), and is not a quiet start. In some cases, a document replacement time data acquisition request is issued to the ADF control unit 49 of the ADF 4 to perform document replacement time acquisition processing for acquiring document replacement time data from the ADF 4 (step S503). In this document replacement time acquisition process, all document replacement time data is acquired as in the first embodiment, and document replacement time data of a document transport pattern for which productivity is required as in the second embodiment. As described above, the acquisition process of the document replacement pattern data of the frequently used document transport pattern or the acquisition of the document replacement time data of the designated document transport pattern specified by the user as in the fourth embodiment may be performed.

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (step S504), and when there is a document reading instruction (step S504). In step S505, it is checked whether or not there is document replacement time data corresponding to the document reading condition of the reading instruction (step S506).

  Further, at the time of silent start-up in step S502, the main control unit 31 proceeds to step S505, and if there is a document reading instruction, checks whether there is document replacement time data corresponding to the document reading condition of the reading instruction. (Step S506).

  If there is document replacement time data in step S506, the main control unit 31 refers to the set program variable based on the document reading condition, performs a preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method, and reads the document. (Step S507).

  In step S506, when there is no document replacement time data, the main control unit 31 issues a document replacement time data acquisition request to the ADF control unit 49 of the ADF 4, and acquires document replacement time data from the ADF 4. Processing is performed (step S508). In this document replacement time acquisition process, only document replacement time data of a document transport pattern corresponding to the reading condition may be acquired, or all document replacement time data may be acquired.

  When acquiring the document replacement time data from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (step S509), and based on the document reading condition, With reference to the set program variable, a document is read by performing a preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method (step S510).

  As described above, the scanner 1 according to the present embodiment omits the process of acquiring the document replacement time data from the ADF 4 at the time of silent start-up that is started with at least the setting that does not use the ADF 4.

  Therefore, at the time of silent start-up with low possibility of using the scanner function, it is possible to start up quickly without starting the document replacement time data acquisition process.

  Further, the scanner 1 of this embodiment acquires necessary document replacement time data when using the scanner function at the time of startup other than the silent startup or after the silent startup.

  Therefore, even if the ADF 4 is replaced, the preparation parallel control can be appropriately performed regardless of the ADF 4.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the reading control process by the scanner to which the sixth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  This embodiment is applied to a scanner similar to the scanner 1 of the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the reference numerals used in the description of the first embodiment are used as necessary. This will be described using

  The scanner 1 of this embodiment acquires original information specifying the type of ADF 4 such as model identification information of the ADF 4 together with the document replacement time data from the ADF 4, stores it in the nonvolatile memory 36, and is mounted at the time of startup. Only when the unique information is obtained from the ADF 4 that is different from the unique information stored in the nonvolatile memory 36, the document replacement time data and the unique information are obtained from the ADF 4.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the power of the scanner 1 is turned on and started up (step S601), the main control unit 31 acquires only model identification information that is unique information from the ADF 4 (step S602). The document replacement time data and the model identification information are stored in the nonvolatile memory 36, or when the document replacement time data and model identification information are stored, the acquired model identification information matches the model identification information already stored in the nonvolatile memory 36. That is, it is checked whether or not the document replacement time data of the attached ADF 4 has been acquired (step S603).

  If the document replacement time data of the attached ADF 4 has not been acquired in step S603, the main control unit 31 issues a document replacement time data acquisition request to the ADF control unit 49 of the ADF 4, and the document replacement time data is obtained. Document replacement time acquisition processing acquired from the ADF 4 is performed (step S604). In this document replacement time acquisition process, all document replacement time data is acquired as in the first embodiment, and document replacement time data of a document transport pattern for which productivity is required as in the second embodiment. As described above, the acquisition process of the document replacement pattern data of the frequently used document transport pattern or the acquisition of the document replacement time data of the designated document transport pattern specified by the user as in the fourth embodiment may be performed.

  When the main control unit 31 acquires the document replacement time data from the ADF 4, the main control unit 31 stores the document replacement time data in the nonvolatile memory 36 as a program variable of the preparation parallel control method (step S605), and when there is a document reading instruction (step S605). S606) Referring to the program variable set based on the document reading condition, the document is read by performing the preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method (step S607).

  When the document replacement time data has already been acquired in step S603, the main control unit 31 proceeds to step S606 without performing the document replacement time data acquisition process, waits for the document reading instruction, and receives the document reading instruction. If so, the program variable set based on the document reading condition is referred to, and the document is read by performing a preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method (step S607).

  As described above, the scanner 1 according to the present embodiment stores the document replacement time data acquired at the time of startup in the nonvolatile memory 36 in association with the unique information of the ADF 4, and from the ADF 4 mounted at the time of startup, When the unique information of the ADF 4 is acquired, and the acquired unique information and the unique information of the ADF 4 stored in the nonvolatile memory 36 are the same, the process for acquiring the document replacement time data is omitted.

  Therefore, when the ADF 4 is not exchanged or the like and the document replacement time does not change, the document replacement time data acquisition process can be omitted and a quick start-up can be performed.

  In the second to sixth embodiments, when the scanner 1 is instructed to read a document and the document replacement time data corresponding to the document reading condition of the reading instruction is not in the nonvolatile memory 36, the scanner 1 The control unit 31 issues a document replacement time data acquisition request to the ADF control unit 49 of the ADF 4, performs document replacement time acquisition processing for acquiring document replacement time data from the ADF 4, and prepares the acquired document replacement time data. Even if a parallel control method program variable is stored in the non-volatile memory 36 and a document is read by performing a preparatory operation by the preparation parallel control method with reference to the set program variable based on the document reading condition. Good.

  In this way, it is possible to speedily acquire the document replacement time data by acquiring the document replacement time data at the same time, and to acquire the document replacement time data that is insufficient at the time of reading, and reliably and appropriately prepare the parallel control method. By performing the preparatory operation according to the above, it is possible to read the document quickly and appropriately.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  The present invention can be applied to an image reading apparatus that reads a document by performing a preparation operation using a preparation parallel control method based on document replacement time data of an automatic document transport mechanism.

1 is a schematic front view of a scanner to which a first embodiment of an image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the scanner in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of document replacement time data stored in a non-volatile memory of the ADF in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by the scanner of FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which a second embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the present invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of document replacement time data of a document transport pattern for which productivity obtained by the reading control process of FIG. 5 is required. 10 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which a third embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the invention is applied. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of document replacement time data of a frequently used document transport pattern acquired in the reading control process of FIG. 5. 10 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which a fourth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the invention is applied. 10 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which a fifth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the invention is applied. 14 is a flowchart showing a reading control process by a scanner to which a sixth embodiment of the image reading apparatus of the invention is applied. Explanatory drawing of the reading control by a preparation sequential control system. Explanatory drawing of the reading control by a preparation parallel control system. Explanatory drawing of the illegal reading control by a preparation parallel control system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Scanner 2 Body 3 Contact Glass 4 ADF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Document stand 12 Document discharge stand 13 Separation roller 14 Paper feed roller 15 Paper feed part 16 Conveyor belt mechanism 17 Discharge roller pair 18 Conveyor roller 19 Conveyor belt 20 Optical scanning unit 21 Illumination lamp 22 First mirror 23 First traveling body 24 Second mirror 25 Third mirror 26 Second traveling body 27 Lens unit 28 CCD
Reference Signs List 31 Main Control Unit 32 Image Processing Unit 33 Motor Driver 34 Traveling Motor 35 Various Sensors 36 Non-volatile Memory 41 ADF Control Unit 42 Motor Driver 43 Paper Feed Motor 44 Motor Driver 45 Conveyance Motor 46 Motor Driver 47 Paper Discharge Motor 48 Various Sensors 49 Non-volatile memory

Claims (8)

  An automatic document transport mechanism that separates the documents placed on the document table one by one and conveys them to the document reading table is replaceably mounted, and the document that has been stopped on the document reading table is run. While the body is moved in the sub-scanning direction, the reflected light in the main scanning direction of the light irradiated on the document is photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric conversion means using the light source and the optical system mounted on the traveling body, and the main scanning of the document is performed. The image of the original is read by reading in the sub-scanning direction while reading the direction, the original on the original reading table is discharged by the automatic original transport mechanism and the next on the original table is discharged. Both an original transport preparation operation for transporting the original document on the original reading table and an image read preparation operation for performing read preparation such as position adjustment of the traveling body for reading the next original document and setting of the photoelectric conversion means. Parallel preparation to perform preparation operations in parallel In an image reading apparatus that sequentially performs a preparation operation and reads an image of a document sequentially, the automatic document transport mechanism performs the document transport preparation operation in all document transport modes determined by a document transport speed and a document size. The required document replacement time data is stored in a predetermined storage means, and at the time of start-up, the document replacement time data in the predetermined document transport mode is acquired from the automatic document transport mechanism and the reading operation is performed during the reading operation. An image reading apparatus for performing a document reading operation by performing a preparation operation by the preparation parallel control method with reference to the acquired document replacement time data based on the document conveyance mode of the reading conditions.   The image reading apparatus acquires the document replacement time data in all the document transport modes stored in the storage unit of the automatic document transport mechanism at the start-up. Image reading apparatus.   The image reading device receives the document replacement time data in the high-productivity document transport mode having a processing time shorter than a predetermined processing time in the document transport mode provided in the automatic document transport mechanism at the start-up. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is acquired.   The image reading apparatus acquires the document replacement time data in a document transport mode that is used more frequently than a predetermined frequency in the document transport mode provided in the automatic document transport mechanism at the start-up. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   When the image reading apparatus is started up, the original replacement time data in all the document transport modes stored in the storage unit of the automatic document transport mechanism and the document in a predetermined part of the document transport mode are stored. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the replacement time data is acquired according to selection.   The image reading apparatus omits the process of acquiring the document replacement time data from the automatic document transport mechanism when at least a silent startup is started with a setting that does not use the automatic document transport mechanism. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.   The image reading apparatus stores the document replacement time data acquired at the time of startup in a predetermined storage unit in association with the identification information of the automatic document transport mechanism, and is mounted at the time of startup. If the identification information of the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit is acquired from the copy unit, and the identification information of the automatic document conveyance mechanism unit stored in the storage means is the same, the document replacement time data 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition process is omitted.   When the original reading time data corresponding to the original conveying mode under the reading condition has not been acquired from the automatic original conveying mechanism at the time of reading the original, the image reading apparatus reads the original from the automatic original conveying mechanism. 8. The document reading operation is performed by acquiring replacement time data, referring to the document replacement time data, and performing a preparation operation using the preparation parallel control method. The image reading apparatus described in 1.

Images