JP2008306463A - Image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a scanner device 200 having a self-diagnostic function from being degraded in working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: A control program storing memory 15 preliminarily stores threshold information for every item. An ADF reading section 18 reads self-diagnostic items from a self-diagnostic sheet conveyed through the apparatus. A diagnosis control section 16 performs the self-diagnosis for every item to determine acceptance or rejection of the result by comparing the result of the self-diagnosis with the above threshold information. A conveyance control section 17 causes the self-diagnostic sheet to be discharged when the diagnosis control section 16 determines the acceptance of all the items specified by the diagnostic sheet, and stops the diagnostic sheet at a position at which the predetermined item is represented when the diagnosis control section 16 determines the rejection for a predetermined item. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a self-diagnosis function.

In recent years, an image processing apparatus that reads a document image and performs various image processing has become widespread. An example of such an image processing apparatus is a scanner apparatus. In the technical field of this scanner device, technical development of a self-diagnosis process for accurately reproducing a document image is in progress (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The diagnosis result is displayed on a predetermined display means and notified to the operator.
JP 05-308484 A

  However, low-cost scanner devices often do not include display means. In such a case, the scanner device is connected to a predetermined network, and a display unit of a PC or printer connected to the network is used. As a result, there remains a problem to be solved that the work efficiency decreases.

  The present invention is an image processing apparatus having a self-diagnosis function for a plurality of items, in which a threshold information for each item is stored in advance and a self-diagnosis item is specified in advance in order to specify the item of the self-diagnosis at a sheet conveyance position. A self-diagnosis sheet on which a predetermined image is recorded, a self-diagnosis, a diagnosis control unit that compares the diagnosis result of the self-diagnosis with the threshold information, and determines whether the diagnosis result is acceptable, and the self-diagnosis sheet includes When the diagnosis control unit determines that all items to be identified are acceptable, the self-diagnosis sheet is ejected, and when the diagnosis control unit determines that the predetermined items are unacceptable, the conveyance of the self-diagnosis sheet is changed to the predetermined items. The main feature is that it includes a conveyance control unit that stops at the position shown.

  When the diagnosis control unit determines that all items specified by the self-diagnosis sheet conveyed inside the apparatus are acceptable, the self-diagnosis sheet is discharged, and when the diagnosis control unit determines that the predetermined items are unacceptable, the self And a conveyance control unit that stops conveyance of the diagnostic sheet at a position indicating the predetermined item. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the self-diagnosis result is acceptable or not, based on whether or not the self-diagnosis sheet is discharged. , It becomes unnecessary to connect to a predetermined network. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the decrease in work efficiency in the self-diagnosis process.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured as follows.

  In the present invention, a self-diagnosis sheet (which will be described later) in which a plurality of diagnostic items are specified as positions in the sub-operation direction is provided in order to prevent a reduction in work efficiency without providing an extra display means for executing self-diagnosis. ) In advance on the paper tray of the ADF unit. When the self-diagnosis is started, the diagnostic sheet is conveyed through the ADF unit and temporarily stops at a predetermined position. At this time, the diagnostic item specified at that position is executed. If the diagnosis result is not abnormal, the diagnostic sheet is further conveyed and stops at the next position. Similarly, the diagnostic item specified at that position is executed. If there is no abnormality in the diagnosis result, the diagnostic sheet is further conveyed and stops at the next position. If all the diagnostic items are not abnormal in this way, the diagnostic sheet is discharged from the ADF unit. If an abnormality has occurred in the self-diagnosis item specified at a predetermined position, the self-diagnosis sheet continues to maintain the stopped state at that position. As a result, the diagnostic item in which an abnormality has occurred in the diagnostic result is recognized by the operator based on the stop continuation position of the diagnostic sheet. In order to provide the functions described above, the image processing apparatus of the present embodiment is configured as follows.

Here, a scanner apparatus will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus.
FIG. 1 is an external view of an ADF unit of the scanner apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the FB unit of the scanner device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the scanner device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the scanner device according to the first embodiment.

First, the configuration of the mechanical part of the scanner device 200 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied and the function thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in the figure, the scanner device 200 includes a paper tray 3 that supplies paper 2, an ADF (automatic document feed) unit 4 that reads an image on the paper 2 while conveying the paper 2, and an ADF unit 4. An instruction mark 5 indicating a specific position in the transport direction of the discharged paper 2 and an FB (flat bet) unit 6 for reading an image of the paper 2 placed on the document table 7 are provided.

  The ADF unit 4 includes at least a pickup roller 10, a discharge roller 11, an ADF reading unit 12, and a paper position sensor 13 (-1 and -2). The paper 2 set in the paper tray 3 is conveyed into the ADF unit 4 by the pickup roller 10. The leading position of the sheet 2 conveyed inside is grasped by the sheet position sensor 13 (-1 and -2). Further, the sheet 2 is discharged out of the ADF unit 4 by the discharge roller 11. Each roller is driven by an ADF motor (not shown).

  At the time of self-diagnosis, a self-diagnosis sheet (described later) in which check item areas are determined in advance is supplied to the paper tray 3. Furthermore, in the present invention, the self-diagnosis sheet (paper 2) is discharged out of the ADF unit 4 only when all the diagnosis items in the self-diagnosis are determined to be acceptable, and the diagnosis item is determined to be unacceptable. The discharge of the self-diagnosis sheet is stopped at a predetermined position (details will be described later).

  Further, the ADF reading unit 12 is a part that reads an image of the conveyed paper 2. Image reading is performed by a contact sensor method (CIS). The contact sensor is composed of an image sensor, a rod lens array, and a light source, irradiates the paper 2 with light from the light source, and receives reflected light transmitted through the rod lens array with the image sensor. Image data is generated by measuring the amount of received light.

  The FB unit 6 includes an original table 7 on which the paper 2 is placed, an FB reading unit (carriage) 8 that reads an image recorded on the paper 2 placed on the original table 7 from below in the figure, and an FB. An FB conveyance belt 9 for driving the reading unit 8, a conveyance motor 41 for driving the FB conveyance belt 9, an FB reference position sensor 42 for recognizing the reference position of the FB reading unit 8, And a correction plate 40 used for checking the light amount of the FB reading unit to be described later.

  The FB reading unit 8 is a portion that performs reading by a reduction optical system (CCD system). The reduction optical system (CCD system) includes a one-dimensional CCD (charge coupled device) image sensor 108, a lens 106, a light source 107, and mirrors 111, 112, and 113. The paper 2 is irradiated with light from the light source 107, the reflected light is further reflected by the mirrors 111, 112, and 113, and received by the CCD image sensor 108 through the lens 106. Image data is generated by measuring the amount of received light. Then, the carriage on which the one-dimensional CCD is mounted is moved to sequentially read the line images. The description of the mechanical part of the scanner device 200 according to the first embodiment is finished, and the control function of the scanner device 200 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the scanner apparatus according to the first embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the scanner device 200 according to the first embodiment includes a paper position sensor 13, a diagnostic switch 14, a control program storage memory 15, a diagnostic control unit 16, a conveyance control unit 17, and an ADF reading unit 18. An ADF read control unit 19, an FB read unit 20, an FB read control unit 21, an I / F control unit 22, a main control unit 23, an image memory 25, and a bus 100.

  The sheet position sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the leading position of the sheet 2 conveyed inside the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 3) and notifies at least the diagnosis control unit 16. In FIG. 3, they are represented as sheet position sensors 13-1 and 13-2. The diagnosis switch 14 is a switch that generates a diagnosis start request signal S1 when pressed by an operator. The control program storage memory 15 constitutes each control unit in the figure by being executed by a CPU (not shown), and stores in advance a control program for controlling the operation of the scanner device 200 and control data (including a self-diagnosis threshold). Memory. This control program includes a self-diagnosis processing program that executes self-diagnosis processing for each predetermined diagnosis item. Further, a diagnostic procedure storage area 15-1 is provided therein, and an execution procedure control program for controlling the execution procedure (including the order) of each diagnostic item is stored in advance in this area.

  When the diagnosis control unit 16 receives the diagnosis start request signal S1, the diagnosis control unit 16 controls the self-diagnosis process executed by the main control unit 23 based on the execution procedure control program stored in the diagnosis procedure storage area 15-1. It is. Moreover, the pass / fail judgment means 16-1 included therein is a part for judging pass / fail of the self-diagnosis result. Further, the diagnostic start request signal S1 and the diagnostic item end signal S3 are input, and the diagnostic item start signal S2, the diagnostic result notification signal S4, the ADF motor drive request signal S5, and the transport motor drive request signal S6 are output.

  Here, the diagnosis start request signal S1 is a signal for requesting the start of execution of self-diagnosis, and as an example, is a signal output when the operator presses the diagnosis switch 14 or the like. The diagnostic item start signal S2 is a signal for notifying the start of the processing procedure after setting the diagnostic item. The diagnosis item end signal S3 is a signal for notifying the end of the processing procedure for each diagnosis item described later. The diagnosis result notification signal S4 is a signal for notifying the determination result by the pass / fail determination means 16-1. The ADF motor drive request signal S5 is a signal for requesting rotation of an ADF motor (not shown) in order to convey the sheet 2 (self-diagnostic sheet). The conveyance motor drive request signal S6 is a signal for requesting rotation of the conveyance motor 41 (FIG. 3).

  The conveyance control unit 17 is a part that controls the conveyance of the paper 2 or the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) by driving the conveyance motor 41 (FIG. 3) and an ADF motor (not shown). When the diagnosis start request signal S1 is input and execution of self-diagnosis is started, the pickup roller 10 (FIG. 3) is driven under the control of the diagnosis control unit 16 to set the paper set in the paper tray 3 (FIG. 3). 2 (FIG. 3) is a portion for conveying the inside of the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 3). In addition, when the ADF motor drive request signal S5 is received, the sheet 2 (self-diagnostic sheet) is conveyed and discharged. Furthermore, when the conveyance motor drive request signal S6 is received from the diagnosis control unit 16, the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) is driven based on the control.

  The ADF reading unit 18 irradiates the image recorded on the paper 2 conveyed inside the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 3), receives the reflected light by the contact image sensor, and is recorded. Is a part for converting the signal into an electric signal. The ADF reading unit 12 in FIG. 3 shares this role.

  The ADF reading control unit 19 is a part that controls the ADF reading unit 18 and converts an electrical signal received from the ADF reading unit 18 into image data. The converted image data is also stored in the image memory 25.

  The FB reading unit 20 irradiates the image recorded on the paper 2 set on the document table 7 of the FB unit 6 with light, receives the reflected light by the CCD sensor, and uses the recorded image as an electrical signal. This is the part to be converted. However, it is not necessary to set the paper 2 during the self-diagnosis. In such a case, the reflected light of the irradiated light on the correction plate 40 is received. The FB reading unit 8 of FIG. 3 shares this role.

  The FB reading control unit 21 controls the FB reading unit 20 to drive the transport motor 41 (FIG. 3), and converts the electric signal received from the FB reading unit 20 into image data while moving the FB reading unit 20. This is the part to be converted. The converted image data is also stored in the image memory 25.

  The I / F control unit 22 is an interface part that controls communication with devices such as a printer, a PC, and a facsimile machine connected to the scanner device 200. The main control unit 23 is a part that controls the entire apparatus, and in particular, a part that performs overall execution control of a normal scanner operation. Here, the normal scanner operation refers to, for example, reading out image data acquired by the FB unit 6 and outputting the image data to a printer, a PC, a facsimile machine or the like via the I / F control unit 22. The main control unit 23 is also a part that controls the diagnosis control unit 16 and executes self-diagnosis processing for each diagnosis item. In other words, when the diagnosis item start signal S2 is received from the diagnosis control unit 16, diagnosis of a predetermined diagnosis item is started, and when the diagnosis is completed, the diagnosis item end signal S3 is sent to the diagnosis control unit 16. The diagnosis order for each diagnosis item is controlled by the diagnosis control unit 16 as described above. A bus 100 is a signal line for communication connection of the control parts.

Next, the operation of the self-diagnosis process in this embodiment will be described.
First, the contents (example) of the self-diagnosis sheet and its function will be described.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a self-diagnosis sheet in the first embodiment.
In the self-diagnosis process, as shown in the figure (example), the self-diagnosis sheet 26 in which a plurality of diagnosis items executed in the self-diagnosis process are specified on the paper 2 as positions in the sub-operation direction is displayed on the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 1) is set in the paper tray 3 (FIG. 1). In this state, the front end position of the self-diagnosis sheet 26 is the same position as the paper position sensor 13-1 (FIG. 3).

  In the figure, when the diagnosis switch 14 (FIG. 8) is pressed by the operator and the diagnosis start request signal S1 is input to the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8), the self-diagnosis sheet 26 has the self-diagnosis set mark 27 as an instruction mark. 5 (FIG. 1) is conveyed in the sub-operation direction. Here, the distance L by which the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is conveyed is L = Z + A, where Z is the distance from the paper position sensor 13-1 (FIG. 3) to the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1).

  Next, in the RAM check stage, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 is conveyed until the RAM check mark 28 coincides with the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1). That is, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is conveyed by B in the sub-operation direction. Similarly, in the reading unit light quantity check stage, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 is conveyed in the sub-operation direction until the reading unit light quantity check mark 29 coincides with the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1), that is, by C. Similarly, in the conveyance drive check stage, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 is conveyed in the sub-operation direction by D until the FB drive check mark 30 coincides with the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1).

  When all the diagnostic items have been checked, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 is discharged. On the other hand, when the check of the diagnostic item in the middle is unsuccessful, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 continues the stopped state at that position. In the following description, as a precondition, the reading unit light amount check and the conveyance drive check are performed by checking both the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 1) and the FB unit 6 (FIG. 1), respectively. However, this is an example, and according to the use state of the apparatus, either one of the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 1) and the FB unit 6 (FIG. 1) may be checked. You may check only one of them. The diagnosis item can be arbitrarily selected.

  Here, the RAM check mark 28 is a position where a device failure (RAM check) in the image memory 25 (FIG. 5) is diagnosed. When the self-diagnosis sheet 26 advances from the self-diagnosis set mark 27 by B in the sub-scanning direction, the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) writes 00h, 55h, AAh, FFh in the image memory 25 (FIG. 5). This is compared with the value read and written. If they are equal, the validity of the maintenance function is confirmed. This comparison is executed by the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5), the determination is executed by the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5), and the result is output as the diagnosis result notification signal S4.

  In the scanner device 200 that fails the RAM check, the memory device elements that form the image memory 25 are defective, so that the image data stored in the memory cannot hold a correct value. Accordingly, the pixel data is destroyed, which causes a mismatch between the image written on the sheet 2 as a reading destination and the image data read by the scanner device 200.

  The reading unit light quantity check mark 29 is a position where the light quantity stability of the ADF reading unit 12 (FIG. 3) and the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) is diagnosed. The process starts when the self-diagnosis sheet 26 advances further from the RAM check mark 28 in the sub-scanning direction by C. If the light receiving sensitivity by the ADF reading unit 12 and the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) is equal to or greater than a certain threshold value, the light amount check is passed. If it does not pass, it will cause image reproduction failure of the read image data. This comparison is performed by the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5), the determination is performed by the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5), and the determination result is output as the diagnosis result notification signal S4.

The FB drive check mark 30 is a position where the FB carriage conveyance is diagnosed by the drive control of the conveyance motor 41 (FIG. 3) by the conveyance control unit 17. The self-diagnosis sheet 26 is started when the reading unit light amount check mark 29 further advances by D in the sub-scanning direction. The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) first moves the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) to a position recognized by the reference position sensor. Thereafter, the FB reading unit 8 is moved rightward by the amount of movement set for checking by the transport motor 41. Then, the reference position sensor 42 cannot recognize the FB reading unit 8. Next, the diagnosis control unit 16 reversely rotates the transport motor 41 to move the FB reading unit 8 in the reverse direction by the set movement amount.
If the driving of the FB reading unit 8 is normally performed, the reference position sensor 42 can recognize the FB reading unit 8 again.
As described above, if the reference position sensor 42 can recognize, unrecognize, and recognize the FB reading unit 8 again, the FB carriage drive check is determined to be acceptable. The determination is executed by the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5), and the determination result is output as the diagnosis result notification signal S4.

  In the self-diagnosis process according to this embodiment, the execution order of the RAM check, the reading unit light amount check, and the FB drive check is determined in advance and stored in the diagnosis procedure storage area 15-1. If the pass / fail determination means 16-1 determines a failure in the course of this execution procedure, the self-diagnosis process is stopped at that time. That is, the self-diagnosis sheet is output only when all of the check items pass.

Next, the operation of the self-diagnosis process of the ADF unit in the scanner device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart of the self-diagnosis process in the first embodiment.
Step S100
The self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is set on the paper tray 3 (FIG. 3).

Step S101
The scanner device 200 (FIG. 3) maintains a state where the diagnosis start request signal S1 can be accepted.

Step S102
As an example, when the diagnosis start request signal S1 is input to the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) of the scanner device 200 by the operator pressing the diagnosis switch 14 (FIG. 3), the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is displayed. , A are conveyed until the self-diagnosis set mark 27 (FIG. 6) coincides with the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1), and the self-diagnosis process is started.

Step S103
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) sets the first diagnosis item (RAM check here) stored in the diagnosis procedure storage area 15-1 (FIG. 5) as a diagnosis target item.

Step S104
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) of the execution of the RAM check that is the set diagnosis item. Under the control of the main controller 23, the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is conveyed until the RAM check mark 28 (FIG. 6) matches the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1), and the RAM check is started.

Step S105
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) executes a RAM check, and the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) waits for a diagnostic item end signal S3 output from the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5).

Step S106
When the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (RAM check end), the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5) determines pass / fail of the diagnosis result, and the diagnosis result notification signal S4. Is output.

Step S107
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S108, and if not, the process proceeds to step S119.

Step S108
The diagnostic control unit 16 (FIG. 5) sets the diagnostic item of the reading unit light amount check, which is the next diagnostic item stored in the diagnostic procedure storage area 15-1 (FIG. 5), as the diagnostic target item. The reading unit light amount check is executed for both the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 3) and the FB unit 6 (FIG. 3) based on the above assumption.

Step S109
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) that the reading unit light amount check that is the set diagnosis item is executed. The self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) is conveyed by the control of the main control unit 23 until the reading unit light amount check mark 29 (FIG. 6) coincides with the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1), and is read by the control of the main control unit 23. Unit light quantity check starts.

Step S110
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) executes a reading unit light amount check, and the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) waits for a diagnostic item end signal S3 output from the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5).

Step S111
When the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (end of reading unit light amount check), the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5) determines the pass / fail of the diagnosis result and notifies the diagnosis result. The signal S4 is output.

Step S112
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S113, and if not, the process proceeds to step S119.

Step S113
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) sets the conveyance drive check, which is the next diagnosis item stored in the diagnosis procedure storage area 15-1 (FIG. 5), as a diagnosis target item.

Step S114
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) of the execution of the conveyance drive check that is the set diagnosis item. Under the control of the main control unit 23, the drive check of the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3) is started.

Step S115
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 5) performs the conveyance drive check of the FB unit 6 (FIG. 3) and the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 3), and the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) is the main control unit 23 (FIG. 5). Waits for the diagnostic item end signal S3 output by the.

Step S116
When the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (end of the conveyance drive check of the FB reading unit 8 (FIG. 3)), the pass / fail determination means 16-1 (FIG. 5) displays the diagnosis result. Judgment of pass / fail is determined.

Step S117
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S118, and if not, the process proceeds to step S119.

Step S118
Since the series of self-diagnosis passes, the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) sends the ADF motor drive request signal S5 to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 5) to discharge the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6). As a result, the operator is notified that the self-diagnosis has passed.

Step S119
The diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 5) shows the instruction mark 5 (FIG. 1) of the item which is a diagnosis failure of the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6), and the diagnosis item which has failed based on the result Is recognized by the operator.

  A, B, C, D representing the distance from the upper end of the self-diagnosis sheet 26 (FIG. 6) to each line, and the distance Z from the sheet position sensor 13-1 (FIG. 3) to the indication mark 5 (FIG. 1) It is stored in advance in the diagnostic procedure storage area 15-1 (FIG. 5). Therefore, the transport distance is easily calculated. For example, if the reading unit light quantity check fails, the conveyance distance M (mm) for the indication mark 5 (FIG. 1) to point to the reading unit light quantity check mark 29 (FIG. 6) is M. (Mm) = (A + B + C + Z) (mm).

  In the present embodiment, the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 3) and the diagnosis switch 14 (FIG. 3) have been described as being provided in the scanner device 200, but are connected via the I / F control unit 22 (FIG. 5). It may be in a device other than the scanner device 200 (FIG. 3). Further, a diagnosis request signal is output from the diagnosis control unit 16 (FIG. 3) to a printer or facsimile control unit connected to the scanner device 200 (FIG. 3), so that diagnosis other than the scanner device 200 (FIG. 3) can be performed. Is possible.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the self-diagnosis sheet (paper 2) on which the diagnostic items are described is set in the paper tray 3 in advance and then the self-diagnosis is started. Also, it is possible to easily notify the user of the result of the self-diagnosis.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the configuration of the scanner device according to the second embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the scanner device 400 according to the second embodiment includes a sheet position sensor 13, a diagnostic switch 14, a conveyance control unit 17, an ADF reading unit 18, an ADF reading control unit 19, and an FB reading. Unit 20, FB read control unit 21, I / F control unit 22, main control unit 23, image memory 25, control program storage memory 44, diagnosis control unit 45, and bus 100. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

  The control program storage memory 44 constitutes each control unit in the figure when executed by a CPU (not shown), and stores in advance a control program for controlling the operation of the scanner device 400 and control data (including a self-diagnosis threshold). Memory (ROM) to be used. This control program includes a self-diagnosis processing program that executes self-diagnosis processing for each predetermined diagnosis item. Further, a diagnostic code storage area 44-1 is provided therein. In this area, correspondence information between barcodes (diagnostic codes) and diagnostic items described in a self-diagnosis sheet 33 described later, and the execution procedure thereof are stored in advance.

  When the diagnosis control unit 45 receives the diagnosis start request signal S1, the diagnosis control unit 45 controls the self-diagnosis process executed by the main control unit 23 based on the execution procedure control program stored in the diagnostic code storage area 44-1. It is. Moreover, the pass / fail judgment means 45-1 provided therein is a part for judging pass / fail of the self-diagnosis result. Further, the diagnostic start request signal S1 and the diagnostic item end signal S3 are input, and the diagnostic item start signal S2, the diagnostic result notification signal S4, the ADF motor drive request signal S5, and the transport motor drive request signal S6 are output.

  Here, the diagnosis start request signal S1 is a signal for requesting the start of execution of self-diagnosis, and as an example, is a signal output when the operator depresses the diagnosis switch 14 (FIG. 3) or the like (one example). . The diagnostic item start signal S2 is a signal for determining the diagnostic item and notifying the start of the processing procedure. The diagnosis item end signal S3 is a signal for notifying the end of the processing procedure for each diagnosis item. The diagnosis result notification signal S4 is a signal for notifying the determination result by the pass / fail determination means 16-1. The ADF motor drive request signal S5 is a signal for requesting rotation of an ADF motor (not shown) in order to convey the sheet 2 (self-diagnostic sheet). The mechanical part of the scanner device 400 according to the second embodiment and its operation are the same as those of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a self-diagnosis sheet according to the second embodiment.
The self-diagnosis sheet 33 is a self-diagnosis sheet (sheet 2) on which a barcode indicating a diagnostic item to be executed in the self-diagnosis and a barcode indicating the end of the diagnosis are recorded. In the description of the present embodiment, for convenience, the self-diagnosis will be described as performing a RAM check, a reading unit light amount check, and a conveyance drive check as in the first embodiment. In the figure, a RAM check bar code 34 is a code indicating execution of a RAM check. The reading unit light amount check bar code 35 is a code indicating execution of the reading unit light amount check. The transport drive check bar code 36 is a code indicating execution of the transport drive check. The diagnosis end bar code 37 is a code indicating the end of diagnosis.

Next, the operation of the self-diagnosis process of the scanner device 200 in the present embodiment will be described using a flowchart. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, both the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 1) and the FB unit 6 (FIG. 1) are checked as preconditions. However, this is an example, and according to the use state of the apparatus, either one of the ADF unit 4 (FIG. 1) and the FB unit 6 (FIG. 1) may be checked. You may check only one of them. The diagnosis item can be arbitrarily selected.
FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of the self-diagnosis process in the second embodiment.

Step S200
The self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) is set on the paper tray 3 (FIG. 3).

Step S201
The scanner device 400 (FIG. 8) maintains a state where the diagnosis start request signal S1 can be accepted.

Step S202
For example, when the operator depresses the diagnostic switch 14 (FIG. 8), the diagnosis start request signal S1 is input to the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) of the scanner device 400, and the self-diagnosis process is started.

Step S203
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) sends an ADF motor drive request signal S5 (FIG. 8) to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 8), and conveys the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) to the barcode position.

Step S204
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) reads the barcode on the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) via the ADF read control unit 19 (FIG. 8).

Step S205
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) selects an item from the barcode reading information acquired by the ADF reading control unit 19 (FIG. 8) and the information stored in the diagnostic code storage area 44-1 (FIG. 8). The RAM check bar code 34 (FIG. 9) is determined, and this RAM check is set as an item to be diagnosed.

Step S206
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) of the execution of the RAM check that is the set diagnosis item. A RAM check is started under the control of the main control unit 23.

Step S207
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) executes a RAM check, and the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) waits for a diagnosis item end signal S3 output from the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8).

Step S208
When the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (RAM check end), the pass / fail determination means 45-1 (FIG. 8) determines pass / fail of the diagnosis result, and the diagnosis result notification signal S4. Is output.

Step S209
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S210, and if not, the process proceeds to step S228.

Step S210
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) sends an ADF motor drive request signal S5 to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 8), and conveys the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) to the next barcode position.

Step S211
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) reads the barcode on the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) via the ADF read control unit 19 (FIG. 8).

Step S212
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) selects an item from the barcode reading information acquired by the ADF reading control unit 19 (FIG. 8) and the information stored in the diagnostic code storage area 44-1 (FIG. 8). It is determined that the reading unit light quantity check bar code 35 (FIG. 9) is set as a reading unit light quantity check diagnosis target item.

Step S213
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) that the reading unit light amount check that is the set diagnosis item is executed. Under the control of the main control unit 23, the FB reading unit light amount check is started.

Step S214
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) executes a reading unit light amount check, and the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) waits for a diagnostic item end signal S3 output from the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8).

Step S215
When the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (end of reading unit light amount check), the pass / fail determination means 45-1 (FIG. 8) determines the pass / fail of the diagnosis result and notifies the diagnosis result. The signal S4 is output.

Step S216
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S217, and if not, the process proceeds to step S228.

Step S217
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) sends an ADF motor drive request signal S5 to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 8), and conveys the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) to the next barcode position.

Step S218
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) reads the barcode on the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) via the ADF read control unit 19 (FIG. 8).

Step S219
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) selects an item from the barcode reading information acquired by the ADF reading control unit 19 (FIG. 8) and the information stored in the diagnostic code storage area 44-1 (FIG. 8). The conveyance drive check bar code 36 (FIG. 9) is determined, and this conveyance drive check is set as an item to be diagnosed.

Step S220
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) outputs a diagnosis item start signal S2, and notifies the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) of the execution of the conveyance drive check that is the set diagnosis item. The conveyance drive check is started by the control of the main control unit 23.

Step S221
The main control unit 23 (FIG. 8) performs a conveyance drive check, and the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) waits for a diagnosis item end signal S3 output from the main control unit 23 (FIG. 8).

Step S222
When the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) receives the diagnosis item end signal S3 (conveyance drive check end), the pass / fail determination means 45-1 (FIG. 8) determines pass / fail of the diagnosis result, and a diagnosis result notification signal. S4 is output.

Step S223
If the diagnosis result is passed by the diagnosis result notification signal S4, the process proceeds to step S224, and if not, the process proceeds to step S228.

Step S224
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) sends an ADF motor drive request signal S5 to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 8), and conveys the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) to the next barcode position.

Step S225
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) reads the barcode on the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) via the ADF read control unit 19 (FIG. 8).

Step S226
The diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) selects an item from the barcode reading information acquired by the ADF reading control unit 19 (FIG. 8) and the information stored in the diagnostic code storage area 44-1 (FIG. 8). The diagnosis end barcode 37 (FIG. 9) is determined.

Step S227
Since the series of self-diagnosis passes, the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) sends an ADF motor drive request signal S5 to the conveyance control unit 17 (FIG. 8) to discharge the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9). As a result, the operator is notified of the passing of the self-diagnosis.

Step S228
Since the diagnosis result is unacceptable, the diagnosis control unit 45 (FIG. 8) notifies the conveyance control unit 17 of the conveyance stop of the self-diagnosis sheet 33 (FIG. 9) and ends the flow.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the barcode is used to identify each check item on the self-diagnosis sheet, the self-diagnosis item is selected according to the sheet in addition to the effect of the first embodiment. The effect that it becomes possible to obtain.

  In the embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the scanner device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the present invention can be applied to a facsimile, a copying machine, and a composite printing apparatus that combines a scanner and a printer.

FIG. 3 is an external view of an ADF unit of the scanner device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of an FB unit of the scanner device according to the first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a scanner device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the scanner device according to the first embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a scanner device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a self-diagnosis sheet in Example 1. FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of self-diagnosis processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a configuration of a scanner device according to a second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the self-diagnosis sheet in Example 2. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of self-diagnosis processing in the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 Paper position sensor 14 Diagnosis switch 15 Control program storage memory 15-1 Diagnosis procedure storage area 16 Diagnosis control part 16-1 Pass / fail judgment means 17 Conveyance control part 18 ADF reading part 19 ADF reading control part 20 FB reading part 21 Read control unit for FB 22 I / F control unit 23 Main control unit 25 Image memory 42 FB reference position sensor 200 Scanner device S1 Diagnosis start request signal S2 Diagnosis item start signal S3 Diagnosis item end signal S4 Diagnosis result notification signal S5 ADF motor drive Request signal S6 Transport motor drive request signal

Claims (5)

An image reading unit for reading an image of a document;
A transport unit for transporting the document;
A self-diagnosis control unit for self-diagnosis of the device,
The self-diagnosis control unit controls conveyance of the conveyance unit according to a diagnosis result.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the self-diagnosis control unit determines the content of self-diagnosis based on an image read by the image reading unit. An image processing apparatus having a self-diagnosis function of a plurality of items,
A diagnostic information storage unit for storing threshold information for each item in advance;
A self-diagnosis sheet that pre-records a check line for each item that identifies the self-diagnosis item at a position in the main operation direction;
An image reading unit for reading the self-diagnosis item from the self-diagnosis sheet conveyed inside the apparatus;
A diagnostic control unit that performs a self-diagnosis for each item read by the image reading unit, compares a diagnosis result of the self-diagnosis with the threshold information, and determines whether the diagnosis result is acceptable;
When the diagnosis control unit determines that all items specified by the self-diagnosis sheet are acceptable, the self-diagnosis sheet is ejected, and when the diagnosis control unit determines that a predetermined item is unacceptable, the self-diagnosis sheet is conveyed. An image processing apparatus comprising: a conveyance control unit that stops at a position indicating the predetermined item.   The self-diagnosis sheet records the self-diagnosis item with a code that identifies the self-diagnosis item, instead of a check line for each item that identifies the self-diagnosis item at a position in a main operation direction. Image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is a composite printing apparatus.

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