JP2010021832A - Document reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a document reader having a registration means for performing registration by forming a loop in a document by which the number of read documents per unit time is increased. <P>SOLUTION: The registration means executes correction of inclination of the document by an instruction of a document conveyance control means. The document conveyance control means determines whether or not to make the registration means execute correction of the inclination of the original depending on the content of setting regarding image information acquired by a document reading means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a document reading apparatus having registration means for correcting inclination.

  Printers, facsimile machines, and scanner devices operate using image information.

  The printer outputs the image information to a recording sheet to produce a print, the facsimile device transmits the image information to another device connected via a telephone line, and the scanner device transmits the image information to the network line. To other connected devices.

  The document reading device is one of devices that acquire image information. The document reading device includes a document conveying unit that continuously conveys sheet-like documents one by one, and a document reading unit that reads a document and acquires image information. The document reading unit reads the document transported to the document transport unit and acquires image information.

  The document reading device is used in a form mounted on each of a printer, a facsimile device, and a scanner device, or mounted on a multifunctional image forming device that functions as a printer, a facsimile device, and a scanner device. Often used in form.

  When such a document reading device is used in a form mounted on a printer, a facsimile device, a scanner device, or a multi-function image forming apparatus, a large amount of documents are conveyed and image information is acquired. This is highly convenient because it is performed in conjunction with the operation of a printer, facsimile apparatus, scanner apparatus, or multifunctional image forming apparatus.

  By the way, when the document reading apparatus is used in combination with a printer or an image forming apparatus that functions as a printer, the printer or the image forming apparatus that functions as a printer uses image information acquired by the document reading apparatus. A copy of the original is then formed. The image output on the copy copy of the document is required to have no inclination with respect to the outline of the recording paper. For this reason, the image information is required to have no inclination. Therefore, the document reading apparatus needs to convey the document to the document reading unit without tilting in order to acquire image information without tilting.

  The document reading apparatus conveys a sheet-like document one by one to the document reading unit by the document conveying unit, and the document may be inclined in the process.

  For this reason, the document reading apparatus has a mechanism for correcting the inclination of the document generated during conveyance. Such an operation for correcting the inclination of the original is called registration, and a normal original reading apparatus includes means for performing registration (hereinafter referred to as registration means).

  As a registration method, for example, a roller pair called a registration roller is provided in the document conveyance path, and the side on the leading end side of the conveyed sheet-like document is pushed into the nip portion of the registration roller pair in a stopped state. A method of correcting the inclination of the original by hitting is known. The leading side of the document is prevented from moving at the nip portion of the pair of registration rollers in a stopped state, while the conveyance of the trailing end is continued, whereby the document is bent and a loop is formed, The side on the leading end side of the document can be caused to follow the nip of the registration roller by the loop. Then, when the registration roller pair is rotated in a state where the leading end side of the original is in contact with the nip of the registration roller, the inclination of the original conveyed while being held between the registration rollers is corrected.

  By performing such registration upstream of the document reading unit in the document conveyance direction, the document reading unit can acquire image information without inclination.

  Such a method of performing registration by abutting the conveyed document against the stop member to form a loop can correct the tilt with a simple structure. Side movement will be paused.

  Incidentally, in recent years, as a means for improving office efficiency, high-speed reading of an original document is required. Speeding up document reading means increasing the number of documents read per unit time. In the above-described method of performing registration by forming a loop on a document, the movement of the leading edge of the document is temporarily stopped during the conveyance of the document. This stoppage of the leading edge of the document during transportation affects the time required to start and finish the transportation of the document. Especially when transporting a plurality of documents continuously, the number of scanned documents per unit time is reduced. It is a hindrance to the increase.

By the way, in order to increase the speed of the document reading apparatus, there has been proposed a technique for correcting skew, that is, inclination without stopping the movement of a sheet (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 proposes a technique in which two sensors are arranged on an axis perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction in the sheet conveyance path to detect the inclination of the sheet leading end, and on the axis perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. Is arranged to control the sheet conveyance speed of each of the two skew feeding correction roller pairs that are independently driven and function as registration means in accordance with the inclination of the sheet to correct the skew of the sheet. It is. According to this technology, skew correction can be performed without stopping the sheet, so that the reading speed can be increased compared to other methods, but two sensors or an axis perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction is used. Since two skew correction roller pairs driven independently of each other and their control means are required, it is inevitable that the structure becomes complicated.
JP-A-7-223756

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an original reading apparatus having registration means for registering by forming a loop on an original that can increase the number of originals read per unit time.

The said subject is solved by the following means.
(1) an original conveying means for conveying an original;
Registration means for correcting the inclination of the original with respect to the conveying direction by abutting the original conveyed to the original conveying means against a stop member to form a loop;
An original reading means for acquiring image information by reading the original conveyed to the original conveying means;
Have
The document reading apparatus, wherein the registration unit performs correction of the inclination of the document according to an instruction from the document conveyance control unit.
(2) The document conveyance control means determines whether or not to cause the registration means to correct the inclination of the document, based on the setting information related to image information acquired by the document reading means. The document reading apparatus according to (1).
(3) When the setting relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to use the image information for forming a copy copy of the document, the document conveyance control unit causes the registration unit to set the inclination of the document. The document reading apparatus according to (2), wherein the correction is determined to be executed.
(4) The document conveyance control unit is configured such that the setting relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to transmit the image information to another device connected via a telephone line, and only the character information. If it is, the document reading apparatus according to (2), wherein the registration unit is determined not to execute correction of the inclination of the document.
(5) In the document conveyance control unit, the setting related to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to transmit the image information to another device connected to the network line, and the resolution selection is predetermined. The document reading apparatus according to (2), wherein when the resolution is equal to or less than the value of the document, the registration unit is determined not to execute correction of the inclination of the document.
(6) The settings relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit are input to an input unit capable of inputting the contents of a job executed by the document reading device. The document reading device according to any one of the above.
(7) The input means is a first selection that causes the registration means to determine whether or not to cause the registration means to correct the inclination of the original. The registration means always corrects the inclination of the original. The document reading apparatus according to (6), wherein a second selection that is not executed and a third selection that always causes the registration unit to correct the inclination of the document can be input.
(8) When one of the first selection, the second selection, and the third selection is input from the input unit, the document conveyance control unit follows the content of the input selection. The document reading apparatus according to (7), wherein the registration unit determines whether or not to correct the inclination of the document.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an original reading apparatus having registration means that can increase the number of originals read per unit time and form a loop on the original to perform registration.

  A document reading apparatus having registration means conveys a document without tilting and acquires image information. The method of registering by forming a loop on the document is simple in structure, but requires stopping the document being transported, and increases the number of documents read per unit time required for the document reader. Making it difficult.

  The inventor has an object of increasing the number of originals read per unit time in an original reading apparatus having a registration unit that performs registration by forming a loop on an original, and in solving the problem, image information acquired by the original reading apparatus As a result of examining the relationship between the setting and the inclination of the image, the following conclusions were obtained.

  When image information is output on recording paper to produce a copy copy of an original, it is required that the image of the copy print has no inclination with respect to the outline of the recording paper. For this reason, the image information used for the production of a copy print must not have an inclination, and it is necessary to acquire image information without an inclination. Therefore, when making a copy print of an original, the original must be conveyed without tilting, and registration is required.

  On the other hand, when transmitting image information to another device, the degree to which the transmitted image information is allowed to be tilted is large, and registration of the document is not necessarily required. For example, when image information is transmitted to another apparatus connected via a telephone line, registration of the document is not required if the document is only characters that do not include images or photographs. When image information is transmitted to another apparatus connected via a network line, no registration is required except for a document that needs to be read at a high resolution. Here, the high resolution means a resolution in which the number of pixels per 25.4 mm (= 1 inch) is 400 or more, for example. As a unit for displaying the resolution, “dpi (= dot per inch)” representing the number of pixels per inch is often used. For example, a resolution with 400 pixels per 25.4 mm (= 1 inch) is expressed as 400 dpi. In the following description, “dpi” may be used as a unit representing resolution.

  Therefore, when image information is transmitted via a telephone line or a network line, it is possible to carry a document without performing registration depending on the conditions. By performing document conveyance without performing registration, the number of documents read per unit time in the document reading apparatus can be increased.

The present invention has been made based on the above conclusion, and the document conveyance control means determines whether or not to perform registration during document conveyance based on the contents of the image information setting acquired by the document reading apparatus. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an original reading apparatus that can increase the number of originals read per unit time by operating according to the determination result.
<Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a form in which an original reading apparatus 200 according to the present invention is mounted on an image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer that outputs image information on recording paper to produce a copy print, and transmits the image information to a connected facsimile apparatus (not shown) via a telephone line (not shown). A multifunctional image forming apparatus capable of functioning as a facsimile apparatus or a device connected via a network line (not shown), for example, a scanner device that transmits to a personal computer (not shown). The document reading apparatus 200 is not limited to being mounted on a multifunction image forming apparatus, but may be mounted on a single printer or facsimile apparatus.

  As will be described later, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110 capable of acquiring image information. However, when a document is placed on the document reading device 200, the image reading unit 110 has priority over the image reading unit 110. A job is executed using the image information acquired by the document reading device 200 from the document placed on the reading device 200.

  That is, when the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer, if an original is placed on the original reading apparatus 200, the image information acquired by the original reading apparatus 200 from the original placed on the original reading apparatus 200 is displayed. Use to make copy prints.

  Similarly, when the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a facsimile apparatus or a scanner apparatus, when an original is placed on the original reading apparatus 200, the original reading apparatus 200 starts from the original placed on the original reading apparatus 200. The acquired image information is transmitted to a device connected via a telephone line or a network line.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 110, an image writing unit 130, an image forming unit 140, a paper feed / conveying unit 150, a fixing unit 160, an operation display unit 170, and a control unit 190.

  The control unit 190 performs operations of the image reading unit 110, the image writing unit 130, the image forming unit 140, the paper feed / conveying unit 150, the fixing unit 160, and the operation display unit 170 based on information input from the operation display unit 170. Control means for controlling. The control unit 190 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and controls the mounted image reading apparatus 200 to operate in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 190 (shown in FIG. 8) functions as a document conveyance control unit described in the claims.

  The operation display unit 170 includes a touch panel in which a touch screen is placed on a display unit configured by a liquid crystal panel. The operation display unit 170 displays various operation screens and jobs to be executed by the image forming apparatus 100. The user can input contents, and can select whether to operate the image forming apparatus 100 with any of the functions of a printer, a facsimile machine, and a scanner as job information. In addition, it is possible to input settings for causing the document reading apparatus 200 to acquire image information in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The operation display unit 170 functions as input means described in the claims.

  A control unit 190 that functions as a document conveyance control unit determines whether or not to perform registration when operating the document reading apparatus 200, based on settings relating to image information input to the operation display unit 170 that functions as an input unit. Then, the original reading unit 200 is operated based on the determination.

  The control unit 190 determines whether or not to cause the document reading apparatus 200 to perform registration, and details of control for operating the document reading unit based on the determination will be described later.

  The image forming unit 140 includes a photosensitive drum, a developing unit, and a transfer unit.

  The sheet feeding / conveying unit 150 includes a sheet feeding cassette, a conveying unit, and a sheet discharging unit.

  The image reading unit 110 includes a document placement unit, an optical system, and a photoelectric conversion element, reads a document placed on the document placement unit, and acquires image information.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer, the image information acquired by the document reading device 200 or the image reading unit 110 is processed by the image processing unit 120 (shown in FIG. 8) in an image process adapted for making a copy print. Is written on the photosensitive drum of the image forming unit 140 by the image writing unit 130 to form a latent image. The latent image on the photosensitive drum becomes a visible image by the developing unit, and is transferred to the recording paper S conveyed by the paper feeding / conveying unit 150 in the transfer unit. The recording paper to which the visible image is transferred is fixed by the fixing unit 160 and discharged by the paper discharge unit to form a copy print.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 functions as either a facsimile apparatus or a scanner apparatus, image information acquired by the document reading apparatus 200 or the image reading unit 110 is copied by the image processing unit 120 to copy a document. Production, image processing adapted to transmission of image information to a facsimile machine or personal computer connected via a telephone line or a network line, and the image information subjected to image processing is transferred to a telephone line or a network line Via other devices.

  Whether the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a scanner apparatus depends on job information input from the operation display unit 170.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 operates using the image information acquired by the image reading unit 110 disposed in the image forming apparatus 100 or the image information acquired by the document reading apparatus 200.

  When a document is placed on the document reading device 200, the document reading device 200 is operated with priority over the image reading unit 110 to acquire image information, and the image information acquired by the document reading device 200 is used. Operate.

  The following description is based on the premise that a document is placed on the document reading apparatus 200, that is, a state in which the document reading apparatus 200 is operated with priority.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the document reading apparatus 200.

  The document reading apparatus 200 includes a document placement table 210, a document discharge table 220, a document transport unit 230, document sensors 241 and 242, and a document reading unit 250.

  The document placement table 210 and the document discharge table 220 are placement tables on which a plurality of sheet-like documents P can be placed.

The document transport unit 230 that functions as the document transport unit described in the claims includes a roller group R ₁ , a roller pair R ₂ , a roller pair R ₃ , a roller pair R ₄ , and a rotation shaft arranged in parallel. It has a roller pair R ₅ and a roller pair R ₆ . By operating a series of roller groups and roller pairs, the document P is conveyed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of each roller. A path along which the document P is transported by the document transport unit 230 is hereinafter referred to as a document transport path. A broken line shown in FIG.

  The document conveyance unit 230 conveys the document P placed on the document placement table 210 to a position facing the document reading unit 250 and discharges it to the document discharge table 220.

  The document reading unit 250 that functions as a document reading unit described in the claims has an optical system and a photoelectric conversion element, reads the document conveyed to the opposite position by the document conveyance unit 230, and acquires image information.

Roller group R ₁ functions as feeding roller feeds the document P placed on the document table 210 to the document conveying path one by one. The document P sent out by the roller group R ₁ is transported along a predetermined transport path by the roller pair R ₂ to the fifth roller pair R ₅ and is discharged to the document discharge table 220.

The roller group R ₁ , the roller pair R ₂ , the roller pair R ₃ , the roller pair R ₄ , and the roller pair R ₅ are respectively a first motor M ₁ , a second motor M ₂ , and a third motor M ₃ (not shown). Driven by the fourth motor M ₄ and the fifth motor M ₅ . The speed at which the roller group R ₁ and each of the roller pairs R _{2 to} R ₅ transport the original P along the transport path is the same, and is represented by v.

Fed from the document table 210 in one by one roller group R _1, the original P conveyed through the roller pair R _2, at the roller pair R _3, the slope of the modification, namely, registration is made. Roller pair R ₃ functions as register means for correcting the inclination forms a loop on the document conveyed. Document P registration is made, a fourth roller pair R _4, is conveyed to a position facing the document reading section 250 of the image forming apparatus 100 via, it is discharged to the document discharge table 220 through the fifth roller pair R ₅ The While the document P is transported to the position facing the document reading unit 250, the document P is read by the document reading unit 250, and image information of the document P is acquired.

  The document sensor 241 is an optical sensor disposed on the document placement table 210 and transmits a document detection signal when the document P exists on the document placement table 210.

  As described above, when a document is placed on the document reading device 200, the image forming apparatus 100 has priority over the image reading unit 110 and starts from the document placed on the document reading device 200. The job is executed using the image information acquired by. Whether or not a document is placed on the document reading device 200 is determined based on the presence or absence of a document detection signal transmitted from the document sensor 241 when the document P is present on the document placing table 210.

The document sensor 242 is an optical sensor disposed between the roller group R ₁ and the roller pair R ₂ on the document conveyance path, and the leading edge of the document P conveyed on the document conveyance path has passed the position opposite to the document sensor 242. A document leading edge detection signal is transmitted, and a document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted when the trailing edge of the document P passes the position opposite to the document sensor 242.

The first motor M ₁ to the fifth motor M ₅ in the document transport unit 230 are controlled to be activated and stopped by the document transport control unit 290. The operation of the document conveyance unit 230 of the document conveyance control unit 290 is controlled based on the presence or absence of the document detection signal of the document sensor 241 and the document leading edge detection signal of the document sensor 242 or the document trailing edge detection signal.

  The document reading apparatus 200 can correct the inclination of the document, that is, carry the document while performing registration, and can carry the document without performing registration. Hereinafter, a conveyance mode in which the inclination of the document is corrected, that is, a conveyance mode in which the document is conveyed while performing registration is referred to as a precision conveyance mode, and a conveyance mode in which the document is conveyed without performing registration is referred to as a high-speed conveyance mode.

  First, the conveyance of a document while performing registration, that is, the operation in the precision conveyance mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  3 to 6, the roller group or roller pair driven by the motor is represented by a white circle, and the roller group or roller pair not driven by the motor is represented by a black circle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the document reading apparatus 200 starts conveying a document. When starting the conveyance of the document is the first motor M ₁ is operated, the roller group R ₁ is driven.

The roller group R ₁ functions as a feed roller, and when driven by the first motor M ₁ , takes out _one document P from the document table 210 and conveys it at a speed v toward the roller pair R ₂ . FIG. 3 shows a state where the leading edge of the conveyed document P has reached the position facing the document sensor 242. The document sensor 242 detects the leading edge of the document P that has reached the facing position, and transmits a document leading edge detection signal. When t _S2R , t _S3R , t _S4R , and t _S5R , which are predetermined times from the time when the document leading edge detection signal is transmitted, the second motor M ₂ , third motor M ₃ , fourth motor M ₄ , fifth The motor M ₅ operates to drive the roller pair R ₂ , the roller pair R ₃ , the roller pair R ₄ , and the roller pair R ₅ , respectively.

The roller pair R ₂ to the roller pair R ₅ driven by the second motor M ₂ to the fifth motor M ₅ respectively convey the document at the speed v.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the registration to be made by the rollers R _3.

4 (a) it is from the time shown in FIG. 3, over time _{t S2R,} showing a state _{where t S3R} has not elapsed. Second motor M ₂ is operated, the leading edge of the document P which has been conveyed by the roller pair R ₂ is, but has reached the nip portion of the roller pair R _3, since the third motor M ₃ are not started the operation , rollers R ₃ is not driven. Thus, the leading edge of the document P, while being hampered movement by rollers R _3, the rear end side of the document P, the roller group R ₁ and the roller pair R ₂ rollers from the nip portion of the roller pair R ₂ by R ₃ In this state, it is sent out at a speed v.

FIG. 4B shows a state in which time t _R has elapsed since the leading edge of the document P shown in FIG. 4A has reached the nip portion of the roller pair R ₃ . The time t _R is a time determined in advance depending on the configuration of the document reading apparatus and the properties and dimensions of the document to be conveyed. Hereinafter, the time t _R will be referred to as a resist time.

While the leading edge of the document P is prevented from moving by the roller pair R ₃ , the trailing end side of the document P is sent out toward the roller pair R ₃ by the roller pair R _2, so that when the registration time t _R elapses, the original P, the deflection between the nip of the roller pair R ₂ and the roller pair nip portion R _3, loop B is formed. Occurred in the loop B, the direction of stress to push the leading end of the document P to the nip portion of the roller pair R _3, the document P is attitude tip sides along the nip of the roller pair R _3, i.e., the original a state in which the tip side is in contact with posture parallel to the nip of the roller pair R _3.

The stress generated in the loop B, the tip of the side of the document P is parallel to abut against the nip portion of the roller pair R _3, when the original P is conveyed to the roller pair R ₃ is inclined to the conveying direction But it is done in the same way. Therefore, the tip edges even when the document P is transported inclined, the contact at a position parallel to the nip of the roller pair R _3, i.e., abuts in a state of no slope with respect to the transport direction.

Third motor M ₃ are, starts operation and the time t _S3R from the transmission time of the document leading edge detecting signal shown in FIG. 3 has elapsed. The time t _S3R is set to a time obtained by adding the registration time t _R to the time from when the document leading edge detection signal shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted until the leading edge of the document P reaches the nip portion of the roller pair R _3. Has been.

When the third motor M ₃ starts operating, the rollers R ₃ is driven.

FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state in which time t _S3R has elapsed from the state illustrated in FIG. 3 and time t _S4R has further elapsed. In FIG. 4 (c), the roller pair R ₃ is activated, the state that conveys the document P at a speed v is shown. Also, over time _{t S4R,} rollers _{R 4} and fourth motor _{M 4} is operated is in operation.

In the state shown in FIG. 4 (c), from the original P is roller pair R _3, parallel orientation to the nip portion of the roller pair R _3, i.e., in the absence of the slope that against the conveying direction, towards the roller pair R ₄ Sent out. Thus, by operating the pair of rollers R ₃ after forming a loop on the document P, even when the slope has occurred on the document conveyed to the rollers R _3, original inclination fed by rollers R ₃ Correction, that is, registration.

Since the original P is conveyed at a speed v by the roller pair R ₂ together with the roller pair R ₃ , the original P is conveyed with the loop B remaining between the roller pair R ₃ and the roller pair R _2. Is done. Then, the inclination of the portion to be nipped portion of the roller pair R ₃ in the document P, the difference in inclination between the portion to be nipped portion of the roller pair R ₂ is absorbed by the loop B, the document P is It is transported smoothly.

  FIG. 4C shows a state in which the trailing edge of the document P has reached the position facing the document sensor 242. A document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 that has detected the trailing edge of the document P.

FIG. 4 (d), the rear end of the conveyed document P by the roller pair R ₂ at velocity v is a diagram showing a time which has passed through the nip of the roller pair R _2. At this point, although the conveying force by the roller pair R ₂ is the document P is not applied, the loop B is left, the rear end of the document P by the stress generated in the loop B, abuts against the nip portion of the roller pair R ₂ .

Loop B is as described in FIG. 4 (b), the movement of the leading edge of the document P having reached the nip portion of the roller pair R ₃ is, to the registration time t _R has elapsed, which is formed by being blocked since those, remaining from the time when the trailing edge of the document P has passed the nip of the roller pair R _2, until time equal to resist time t _R has elapsed.

FIG. 4 (e) is a time equal from the time the trailing end of the original P passes through the nip of the roller pair R ₂ to resist the time t _R has elapsed, a view showing a state where the loop B has disappeared.

Trailing end of the document P when the loop B disappears is separated at a speed v from the nip portion of the roller pair R _2. FIG. 4E is a diagram showing the time when t _E1R and t _E2R have elapsed from the time when the document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 shown in FIG. the operation is stopped roller group R ₁ and the rollers R _2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time when t _E3R has elapsed from the time when the document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 shown in FIG. In addition to the roller group R ₁ and the roller pair R ₂ , the roller pair R ₃ stops operating, and the fourth roller pair R ₄ and the fifth roller pair R ₅ transport the document P to the position facing the document reading unit 250. is doing. The document P conveyed at the position opposite to the document reading unit 250 is read by the document reading unit 250, image information is acquired, and the document is discharged to the document discharge table 220. Then, when t _E4 R and t _E5R have elapsed from when the document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 shown in FIG. _4C , the roller pair R ₄ and the roller pair R ₅ are stopped, and the document The transport operation is terminated.

Document when there is a subsequent document table 210, the document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242, the first motor M ₁ starts operating after a predetermined time t _S1R has elapsed, the subsequent Send out the manuscript.

As described above, the rear end of the document P is, after having passed through the nip of the roller pair R _2, it remains in a position abutting the nip portion of the roller pair R ₂ until the loop B disappears.

In other words, the trailing edge of the document is the roller pair until a time equal to the registration time t _R , which is the time required for the loop B to disappear, from the time when the trailing edge of the document P passes the nip portion of the roller pair R ₂ . remain in a position to abut against the nip portion of the R _2. When the loop B disappears, away from the nip of the roller pair R _2.

Thus, the prior document a P _{1 to,} when the document following the original P ₁ the preceding was P _2, in order not to interfere with the original P ₁ which precedes the subsequent document P _2, to start conveyance of the original P ₂ timing assumption that the trailing edge of the document P ₁ from the time which has passed through the nip of the roller pair R ₂ until time equal to resist time t _R has elapsed, it remains in the position abutting the nip portion of the roller pair R ₂ Must be set to

Figure 6 is the precise transport mode, the original P ₁ the preceding is a diagram for explaining the operation when the document P ₂ subsequent to the original P ₁ is conveyed.

6 (a) to 6 (e) show operations in time series when a document is conveyed in the precision conveyance mode. In the precision conveyance mode, as described with reference to FIG. 4 (b) and the like. In order to perform registration, a loop is formed. Trailing end of the original P ₁ which precedes this case, until the loop is eliminated, since only resist time t _R needs to be stopped, when the continuously conveyed subsequent original P ₂ is resist time t _R In consideration of the above, the conveyance interval of the original P is controlled.

As shown in FIG. 6, the distance between the originals P is conveyed by h + v · t _R when continuously conveyed. Movement where h is the minimum required document conveyance interval to carry to the front end of the document and a subsequent trailing edge of the document that precedes does not interfere, in the document conveying distance h, between the resist time t _R The document P is conveyed at an interval obtained by adding the distances v · t _R to be added. Thus, by starting the conveyance of the original P ₂ at timing when the distance between the tip of the rear end and the document P ₂ of the original P ₁ to h + v · t _R, the original P2 is to interfere with the original P ₁ It is conveyed without.

  Up to this point, the mode in which the document reading apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment transports a document while performing registration, that is, the operation in the precision transport mode has been described. Hereinafter, the document is transported without performing registration. The operation in the mode, that is, the high-speed conveyance mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, the roller group or roller pair driven by the motor is represented by a white circle, and the roller group or roller pair not driven by the motor is represented by a black circle.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the high-speed conveyance mode in which the document is conveyed without performing registration.

  FIGS. 7A to 7C show operations in time series when a document is transported in the high-speed transport mode. In the document transport mode, registration performed in the precision transport mode is performed. Not performed.

In high-speed feed mode as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible when conveying the original P in succession, has no requirement considering resist time t _R, to transport the original P by the document conveyance interval h. Therefore, compared with the precision conveyance mode shown in FIG. 6, the number of originals read per unit time can be increased and the productivity can be improved.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus 100 and a control system of the document reading apparatus 200 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunctional image forming apparatus that can function as a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, and is connected to a network line 910 and a telephone line 920.

  Based on the job information input to the operation display unit 170, the printer operates with any one of a printer, a facsimile machine, and a scanner apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 190, and the control unit 190 operates the image forming apparatus 100 with any one of a printer, a facsimile machine, and a scanner device based on job information input to the operation display unit 170. .

  The control unit 190 operates the image forming apparatus 100 using the image information acquired by the image reading unit 110 or the document reading device 200 based on the job information input to the operation display unit 170.

  When a document is placed on the document reading device 200, that is, when the document sensor 241 receives a document detection signal transmitted when the document P exists on the document placement table 210, the control unit 190 displays an image. Prior to the reading unit 110, a job is executed using image information acquired by the document reading device 200 from a document placed on the document reading device 200.

  The control unit 190 determines whether or not to correct the inclination of the document when the document reading apparatus 200 acquires the image information, based on the setting relating to the image information input to the operation display unit 170. It functions as a document conveyance control means.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is operated as a printer, the control unit 190 operates each mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus 100 to produce a copy print of an original using the image information.

  When operating as a facsimile apparatus, the operation of each mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled so that image information is transmitted to another apparatus connected to the telephone line 920, for example, the facsimile apparatus 400. Further, when operating as a scanner apparatus, the operation of each mechanism unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled so as to be transmitted to another apparatus connected to the network line 910, for example, the personal computer 300.

  The control unit 190 of the image forming apparatus 100 is a computer system having a CPU 191 and a ROM 195.

  The CPU 191 operates by executing a program stored in the ROM 195. Then, based on the job information input from the operation display unit 170, the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is controlled to execute the job.

  Further, the ROM 195 is a mode determination program that determines whether to operate the document reading apparatus 200 in either the precision conveyance mode or the high-speed conveyance mode in response to the setting relating to the image information input from the operation display unit 170. A mode determination table that is referred to when the mode determination program is executed is stored.

  The CPU 191 executes the mode determination program, refers to the mode determination table based on the settings relating to the image information input from the operation display unit 170, and sets the document reading apparatus 200 to either the precision conveyance mode or the high-speed conveyance mode. The document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the determined transport mode based on the determination result. The operation in the mode determination program, the contents of the mode determination table, and the control operation for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the determined transport mode will be described later.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the document reading device 200 via a serial communication unit 181, and the CPU 191 transmits control information to the document reading device 200 via the serial communication unit 181, thereby causing the document reading device 200 to operate. The image forming apparatus 100 is operated in conjunction with the operation of the image forming apparatus 100.

  The document reading apparatus 200 includes a document conveyance control unit 290, and the document conveyance control unit 290 includes a CPU 291, a ROM 295, a RAM 296, and a timing unit 298.

  Then, based on control information from the image forming apparatus 100 connected via the serial communication unit 281, the operation of the document conveying unit 230 is controlled.

  As described above, the document reading apparatus 200 can operate in either a precision transport mode in which a document is transported while performing registration or a high-speed transport mode in which a document is transported without performing registration. .

  Based on the control information from the image forming apparatus 100, the CPU 291 executes the program stored in the ROM 295 to operate the document reading apparatus 200 in either the precision conveyance mode or the high-speed conveyance mode.

  The RAM 296 is storage means capable of storing and reading a plurality of information.

  The time measuring means 298 can measure a plurality of times.

The ROM 295 includes a program for causing the CPU 291 to operate the first motor M ₁ to the fifth motor M ₅ of the document transport unit 230 in the precision transport mode, and the CPU 291 for the first motor M ₁ to the first motor M ₁ of the document transport unit 230. 5 motor M _5, for accommodating a program for operating at a high speed transport mode. The time constant for operation, or to stop at the first motor M _{1 ~} fifth motor M ₅ precision transport mode, and accommodates operating at a high speed transport mode, or the time constant for stopping .

The time measuring means 298 transmits the elapsed time t _S1 , t _S2 , t _S3 , t _S4 , t _S5 from the time when the document leading edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 and the document trailing edge detection signal from the document sensor 242. Elapsed time t _E1 , t _E2 , t _E3 , t _E4 , t _E5 , from the time point of being set.

CPU291, when operating at a precision transport _{mode, t S1} actuates the first motor _{M 1} reaches the _{t S1R, Similarly,} when _{t S2} reaches _{t S2R} the second motor _{M 2,} is _{t S3} a third motor _{M 3} and reaches the t _{S3R, t S4} is a fourth motor _{M 4} reaches the _{t S4R, t S5} operates the fifth motor _{M 5} reaches the _{t S5R.}

Further, CPU 291, when operating at a precision transport _{mode, t E1} stops the first motor _{M 1} reaches the _{t E1R, Similarly,} when _{t E2} reaches _{t E2R} the second motor _{M 2,} t When _E3 reaches _{t E3R} a third motor _{M 3, t S4} is a fourth motor _{M 4} reaches the _{t E4R, t E5} stops the fifth motor _{M 5} reaches the _{t E5R.}

CPU291 when operating at a high speed transport _{mode, t S1} actuates the first motor _{M 1} reaches the _{t S1N, Similarly,} when _{t S2} reaches _{t S2N} the second motor _{M 2,} is _{t S3} a third motor _{M 3} and reaches the t _{S3N, t S4} is a fourth motor _{M 4} reaches the _{t S4N, t S5} operates the fifth motor _{M 5} reaches the _{t S5N.}

Further, CPU 291, when operating at a high speed transport _{mode, t E1} stops the first motor _{M 1} reaches the _{t E1N, Similarly,} when _{t E2} reaches _{t E2N} the second motor _{M 2,} t When _E3 reaches _{t e3n} a third motor _{M 3, t S4} is a fourth motor _{M 4} reaches the _{t E4N, t E5} stops the fifth motor _{M 5} reaches the _{t E5N.}

Measurement of these elapsed times t _{S1 to} t _S5 and t _{E1 to} t _E5 is started under the control of the CPU 291.

As described above, the CPU 291 transmits the control signal transmitted from the image forming apparatus, the document detection signal of the document sensor 241, the elapsed time from when the document sensor 242 transmits the document leading edge detection signal, and the document trailing edge detection signal. Based on the elapsed time from the time point, the original reading apparatus 200 is controlled in the precision conveyance mode or the high-speed conveyance mode by controlling the first motor M ₁ to the fifth motor M ₅ to operate and stop. Make it work.

The image information acquired by the document reading unit 250 is transmitted to the connected image forming apparatus 100 via the serial communication unit 281.
<Embodiment 1>
A document reading apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a multifunctional image forming apparatus 100 that can operate as a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner apparatus, and is based on job information input to the image forming apparatus 100 operation display unit 170. The image forming apparatus 100 operates in conjunction with the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 190 that functions as a document conveyance control unit and an operation display unit 170 that functions as an input unit. The control unit 190 operates the image forming apparatus 100 in any one of a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner apparatus based on the job setting input to the operation display unit 170, and the document reading device 200 conveys the document. The conveyance mode to be performed is determined from the settings regarding the image information acquired by the document reading apparatus 200, and the document is conveyed in the determined conveyance mode.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the operation display unit 170 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, the operation display unit 170 in the first embodiment includes a copy button 171, a FAX button 172, a scanner button 173, a numeric keypad button 174, a start button 175, and a display screen unit 179. is doing.

  A copy button 171, a FAX button 172, and a scanner button 173 are function selection buttons for selecting whether the image forming apparatus 100 is operated with a printer, a facsimile machine, or a scanner apparatus. When the user selects and presses one of the selection buttons, the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated by any one of the printer, the facsimile apparatus, and the scanner apparatus corresponding to the pressed button.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is operated as a printer by pressing the numeric keypad 174, the number of copy prints to be produced, the telephone number of the transmission destination when operating as a facsimile apparatus, and the like are input as job information. be able to. Then, by pressing the start button 175, the image forming apparatus 100 can be started to operate as a printer, a facsimile apparatus, or a scanner apparatus.

  The display screen unit 179 is a display unit that displays conditions for executing the input job, and can also be a touch panel type input unit that can input the condition to be changed when the displayed condition is to be changed. is there.

  When the copy button 171 among the function selection buttons of the operation display unit 170 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer and creates a copy print using the image information acquired by the document reading apparatus 200.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the copy button 171 is pressed in the operation display unit 170 of the first embodiment and the image forming apparatus 100 is selected to operate as a printer.

  When the copy button 171 is pressed, on the display screen unit 179, operating conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer are displayed on the condition display units 179CA, 179CB, and 179CC.

  The screen displaying the operating conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer is referred to as a “printer execution screen”.

  In order to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer under the operation conditions displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the start button 175 may be pressed in this state. In addition, when it is desired to operate under conditions different from the operation conditions displayed on the “printer execution screen”, it is desired to change the operation conditions displayed on the condition display sections 179CA, 179CB, and 179CC on the “printer execution screen”. Selecting and pressing the condition display section on which the item is displayed and pressing the setting change button 179CAZ displays a screen on which the selectable condition of the item to be changed is displayed. Can be changed.

  When the start button 175 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 operates the document reading device 200 to convey the document to acquire image information, and produces a copy print using the image information acquired by the document reading device 200. To do.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the first embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a facsimile machine.

  The image forming apparatus 100 operates as a facsimile machine when the FAX button 172 of the function selection buttons is pressed.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the FAX button 172 is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, when the FAX button 172 is pressed, the operating condition when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a facsimile apparatus is displayed on the condition display unit 179FA. . Image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment operates under the operating conditions displayed on condition display unit 179FA when operating as a facsimile machine.

  A screen displaying conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a facsimile apparatus as shown in the display screen unit 179 of FIG. 10A is referred to as a “facsimile execution screen”.

  In the condition display section 179FA of the “facsimile execution screen” shown in FIG. 10A, it is displayed that the operation condition is “original quality text + photograph”. If there is no problem in causing the image forming apparatus 100 to operate as a facsimile machine under these operating conditions, the user can input the destination telephone number from the numeric keypad 174 and press the start button 175. Display unit 179FC displays the telephone number input from numeric keypad 174.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 is to be operated under conditions different from those displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”, the condition display unit 179FA on the “facsimile execution screen” is selected and pressed, and then displayed on the display screen unit 179. The condition can be changed by pressing the displayed setting change button 179FZ.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the condition display unit 179FA is selected from the “facsimile execution screen” illustrated in FIG. 10A and the setting change button 179FZ is pressed.

  When the condition display unit 179FA is selected and the setting change button 179FZ is pressed, options for document quality as an operation condition are displayed on the display unit 179FA1, 179FA2, 179FA3 on the display screen unit 179. One of the selectable conditions for the display unit 179FA1 is “original quality character”, one of the selectable conditions for the display unit 179FA2 is “original quality photograph”, and can be selected for the display unit 179FA3. It is displayed that one of the conditions is “original quality text + photograph”.

  The screen on which the operating conditions that can be selected when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a facsimile apparatus is referred to as a “condition selection screen”.

  Note that the operation condition displayed on the “condition selection screen” is not limited to “original quality”, and other condition items such as “original density” may be added.

  When one of the display units 179FA1 to 179FA3 is selected and pressed from the “condition selection screen” shown in FIG. 10B and the OK button 179FAZ is pressed, the display on the display screen unit 179 is selected. The screen returns to the “facsimile execution screen” on which the document quality is displayed. The user inputs the destination telephone number from the numeric keypad 174 and presses the start button 175, whereby the image forming apparatus 100 can be operated as a facsimile machine under the operating conditions displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”. it can.

  When the start button 175 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 operates the document reading device 200 to acquire image information, and the image information acquired by the document reading device 200 is transmitted to another connected via a telephone line. Send to a facsimile machine.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the first embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner device.

  The image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner device when the scanner button 173 among the function selection buttons is pressed.

  FIG. 11A shows the operation display unit 170 when the scanner button 173 is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, when the scanner button 173 is pressed, the operating condition when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner device is displayed on the condition display unit 179SA. . The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates under the operating conditions displayed on the condition display unit 179SA when operating as a scanner device.

  A screen displaying conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner device as shown in the display screen unit 179 in FIG. 11A is referred to as a “scanner execution screen”.

  In the condition display section 179FA of the “scanner execution screen” shown in FIG. 11A, it is displayed that the operation condition is “resolution 100 dpi (normal)”. If there is no problem in operating the image forming apparatus 100 as a facsimile machine under these operating conditions, the user may press the start button 175.

  The operation condition displayed on the “scanner execution screen” is not limited to “resolution”, and other condition items such as “document density” may be added.

  Further, when it is desired to operate the image forming apparatus 100 under conditions different from the conditions displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the condition display unit 179SA in the “scanner execution screen” is selected and pressed, and then displayed on the display screen unit 179. The conditions can be changed by pressing the displayed setting change button 179SZ.

  FIG. 11B is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the condition display unit 179SA is selected from the “scanner execution screen” shown in FIG. 11A and the setting change button 179FZ is pressed.

  When the condition display section 179SA is selected and the setting change button 179SZ is pressed, resolution options as operating conditions are displayed on the display screen section 179 on the display sections 179SA1, 179SA2, and 179SA3. One of the selectable conditions for the display unit 179SA1 is “resolution 100 dpi (normal)”, one of the selectable conditions for the display unit 179FA2 is “resolution 200 dpi (fine)”, and the display unit 179FA3 Indicates that one of the selectable conditions is "resolution 400 dpi (high definition)".

  The screen on which the operating conditions that can be selected when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner device is referred to as a “condition selection screen”.

  The resolution options displayed on the “condition selection screen” are not limited to the three items “100 dpi (normal)”, “200 dpi (fine)”, and “400 dpi (high definition)”. Selection of a resolution lower than 100 dpi or a resolution higher than 400 dpi may be added.

  When one of the display units 179SA1 to 179SA3 is selected and pressed from the “condition selection screen” shown in FIG. 11B and the OK button 179SAZ is pressed, the display on the display screen unit 179 is selected. The screen returns to the “scanner execution screen” on which the resolution conditions are displayed. By pressing the start button 175, the user can cause the image forming apparatus 100 to operate as a scanner device under the operating conditions displayed on the “scanner execution screen”.

  When the start button 175 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 100 operates the original reading apparatus 200 to acquire image information, and the image information acquired by the original reading apparatus 200 is transmitted to another connected via a network line. Send to device.

  As described above, when a copy print is produced by the image forming apparatus, the image output to the copy print is required to have no inclination with respect to the outline of the recording paper. Therefore, when the document reading apparatus 200 acquires image information for the purpose of producing a copy print, the document must be conveyed without tilting, and registration is required. In this case, the precision transfer mode is executed.

  Further, when the image forming apparatus operates as a facsimile apparatus or a scanner apparatus, the degree to which the image information to be transmitted is allowed to be tilted is large, and when the image reading apparatus 200 acquires the image information, registration of the document is necessarily required. do not do. In this case, either the precise transfer mode or the high-speed transfer mode is determined according to the job content, and the determined transfer mode is executed.

  Image forming apparatus 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment determines a conveyance mode from settings relating to image information input to operation display unit 170, and operates document reading apparatus 200 in the determined conveyance mode.

  When the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer based on the contents input to the operation display unit 170, the document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the precision conveyance mode.

  When operating as a facsimile machine, the original reading apparatus 200 operates in the high-speed conveyance mode when the original quality selection under the operating condition input to the operation display unit 170 is “original quality character”. If the selection of the document quality in the operation condition is “document quality photograph” or “document quality character + photo”, the document is operated in the precision conveyance mode.

  When operating as a scanner device, the original reading device 200 is selected under the operating conditions input to the operation display unit 170 when the resolution is 400 dpi (the number of pixels per 25.4 mm (= 1 inch) is 400) or more. When the resolution is set, the operation is performed in the precision transfer mode. When the resolution is less than 400 dpi, the operation is performed in the high-speed transfer mode.

  Table 1 shows combinations of document conveyance modes for operating the document reading apparatus 200 based on the settings relating to the image information input to the operation display unit 170 and the settings relating to the image information. When the document reading apparatus 200 operates in the conveyance mode corresponding to the settings relating to the image information shown in Table 1, when the document reading apparatus 200 acquires image information, registration is not performed when registration is not required. Thus, the number of originals read per unit time can be increased.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, the ROM 195 stores a combination of the settings relating to the image information shown in Table 1 and the corresponding transport mode as a mode determination table.

  Whether the CPU 191 refers to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195 based on the job content input from the operation display unit 170 and operates the document reading apparatus 200 in either the precision conveyance mode or the high-speed conveyance mode. To decide. Then, the original reading apparatus 200 is controlled to operate in the determined conveyance mode. The document reading apparatus 200 transports the document in either the precision transport mode or the high-speed transport mode based on the determination result of the CPU 191.

  From the operation display unit 170, the user can select whether the image forming apparatus 100 is to be operated by a printer, a facsimile machine, or a scanner apparatus, and can select an operation condition associated with the selection result. After the selection is completed, by pressing the start button 175, the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 can be started with the selected function and operating conditions.

  FIG. 12 illustrates determination of the conveyance mode performed by the control unit 190 of the image forming apparatus 100 from the settings regarding the image information input from the operation display unit 170 of the first embodiment, and the document reading apparatus 200 performs the determined conveyance mode. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a document conveying operation.

  The flowchart in FIG. 12 is based on the premise that a document is placed on the document reading device 200 and the image forming apparatus 100 performs a job using image information acquired by the document reading device 200.

  Hereinafter, a case where the setting relating to the input image information selected by the user operates the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner apparatus and the selection of the resolution is “resolution 100 dpi (normal)” will be described as an example.

  In step S101, the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the user to input job information to the operation display unit 170 and press the start button 175 of the operation display unit 170.

  In the embodiment, since the user's selection is to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner apparatus, the SCAN button 173 of the function selection buttons is pressed, and the resolution selection is 100 dpi (normal), Therefore, the start button 175 is pressed after the display unit 179SA1 is pressed as an operation condition.

  When the start button 175 is pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S102.

  In step S <b> 102, the CPU 191 refers to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195, and determines whether or not the setting relating to the input image information corresponds to the “precise conveyance mode” of the document reading apparatus 200. Check. As described above, the ROM 195 stores, as a mode determination table, combinations of settings relating to input image information shown in Table 1 and document transport modes appropriate for the settings.

  When the input image information setting corresponds to the “precision conveyance mode” (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the document reading apparatus 200 is set in the “precision conveyance mode”. It is determined to operate, and the process proceeds to step S105.

  On the other hand, when the setting relating to the input image information does not correspond to the “precision conveyance mode” (No in step S102), the process proceeds to step S104, and in step S104, the document reading apparatus 200 is set to the “high speed conveyance mode”. To move to step S105.

  In the embodiment, since the function selection is “SCAN” and the operation condition selection is “resolution 100 dpi (normal)”, the conveyance mode determined in step S104 is “high-speed conveyance mode”.

  In step S105, the CPU 109 transmits the “conveyance mode information” including the determined conveyance mode information to the document reading apparatus 200, and proceeds to step S106.

  In the embodiment, “transport mode information” including information indicating that the determined transport mode is “high-speed transport mode” is transmitted to the automatic document transport apparatus 200.

  In step S106, the CPU 109 waits for image information to be transmitted from the image reading apparatus 200, receives the image information (Yes in step S106), moves to step S107, and sets the image forming apparatus 100 based on the job content. , Run the job and finish the operation.

  In the embodiment, the document reading apparatus 200 receives image information acquired from a document conveyed in the “high-speed conveyance mode”, and transmits the received image information to another apparatus connected via the network line 910. To do.

  On the other hand, in document reading apparatus 200, CPU 209 waits for “conveyance mode information” to be transmitted from image forming apparatus 100 in step S 201. When “conveyance mode information” is received (step S201 Yes), the process proceeds to step S202, and it is confirmed whether or not the mode information included in the “conveyance mode information” is the “precise conveyance mode”.

  In the embodiment, “transport mode information” includes “high-speed transport mode” as mode information.

When the mode information included in the “transport mode information”, that is, when the instruction from the control unit 190 is the “precision transport mode” (Yes in step S202), the CPU 209 proceeds to step S203 and is stored in the ROM 295. The CPU 291 executes a program for operating the first motor M ₁ to the fifth motor M ₅ of the document transport unit 230 in the precision transport mode, and operates the document reading apparatus 200 in the precision transport mode. When the document reading apparatus 200 operates in the precision transport mode, registration of the transported document is performed, and a document with no inclination is transported to a position opposite to the document reading unit 250.

Further, when the mode information included in the “transport mode information” is not the “precision transport mode” (No in step S202), that is, when the instruction from the control unit 190 is the “high-speed transport mode”, the CPU 291 S204 was shifted to, stored in the ROM295, CPU 291 is a first motor _{M 1} ~ fifth motor _{M 5} of the document feeding unit 230, executes a program for operating at a high speed transport mode, the document reader 200 Operate in high-speed transfer mode. When the document reading apparatus 200 operates in the high-speed transport mode, the document can be transported at shorter time intervals than when operated in the precision transport mode.

  In the embodiment, since the mode information included in the “transport mode information” is the “high-speed transport mode” and not the “precision transport mode”, the CPU 209 executes a program for operating in the high-speed transport mode in step S204. Execute.

  The CPU 209 conveys the document in step S203 or step S204, causes the image information to be acquired in 250 in step S205, transmits the image information acquired in step S206 to the image forming apparatus 100, and the document reading apparatus 200. End the operation.

The document reading apparatus 200 can acquire image information without tilting the document when operating in the precision transport mode, and can increase the number of documents read per unit time when operating in the high speed transport mode. As described above, when the image information to be acquired by the document reading apparatus 200 by the control unit 190 of the image forming apparatus 100 allows the document to be tilted, the conveyance mode is determined as the high-speed conveyance mode, and the document reading is performed based on the determination. Since the apparatus 200 is operated, it is possible to increase the number of originals read per unit time when the original reading apparatus 200 acquires image information.
<Embodiment 2>
When the image forming apparatus 100 provided with the operation display unit 170 according to the first embodiment operates as one of a printer, a facsimile machine, and a scanner device, the conveyance mode is set based on the settings relating to the image information input to the operation display unit 170. The document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the determined conveyance mode. The operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment to be described below allows the user to select whether to perform the document conveyance of the document reading apparatus in the high-speed conveyance mode or the precision conveyance mode.

  In the image forming apparatus including the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment, the user can perform the document conveyance of the document reading apparatus in the high-speed conveyance mode or the precision conveyance mode, or the operation display according to the second embodiment. This can be input from the unit 170.

  The operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. In the description of the operation display unit 170 of the second embodiment, those having the same functions as those of the operation display unit 170 of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same symbols as those used in the first embodiment. It is attached. In addition, overlapping descriptions of the same functions as those of the first embodiment are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the operation display unit 170 of the second embodiment includes a copy button 171, a FAX button 172, a scanner button 173, a numeric keypad button 174, a start button 175, and a display screen unit 179. Have. The operation display unit 170 functions as an input unit that can input whether the document reading apparatus performs document transport in the high-speed transport mode or the transport mode.

  The image forming apparatus 100 provided with the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment operates as a printer when the copy button 171 among the copy button 171, the FAX button 172, and the scanner button 173 is pressed.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a “printer execution screen” displayed on the operation display unit 170 when the copy button 171 of the operation display unit 170 is pressed. On the display screen unit 179, operating conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer as a “printer execution screen” are displayed on the condition display units 179CA, 179CB, 179CC, and 179CD.

  The condition display section 179CD of the “printer execution screen” shown in FIG. 13A displays that the operation condition is “automatic document conveyance”. “Automatic document conveyance” is a combination shown in Table 1 in which a conveyance mode for operating the document reading apparatus 200 is selected from the job contents input to the operation display unit 170, and the document reading apparatus 200 is selected based on the selection result. Is the choice to operate.

  In order to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer under the operation conditions displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the start button 175 may be pressed in this state. When it is desired to operate as a printer under conditions different from the operation conditions displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the operation conditions displayed on the condition display sections 179CA, 179CB, 179CC, 179CD in the “printer execution screen”. When the condition display section on which the item to be changed is displayed is selected and pressed and the setting change button 179CAZ is pressed, a screen on which the selectable condition of the item to be changed is displayed is displayed. Changes can be made by selecting from the screen.

  FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the condition display unit 179CD is selected from the “printer execution screen” shown in FIG. 13A and the setting change button 179CZ is pressed.

  On the display screen unit 179, options for document conveyance as operation conditions are displayed on the display units 179CD1, 179CD2, 179CD3. One of the selectable conditions on the display unit 179CD1 is “automatic document conveyance”, one of the selectable conditions on the display unit 179CD2 is “high document conveyance”, and selectable on the display unit 179CD3. It is displayed that one of the conditions is “original transport fineness”. This screen is a “condition selection screen” on which operation conditions that can be selected when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a printer are displayed.

  As described above, “document transport automatic is” on the display unit 179CD1 selects the transport mode for operating the document reading apparatus 200 from the job contents input to the operation display unit 170 in the combination shown in Table 1. This is a selection for operating the document reading apparatus 200 based on the selection result, and is the first selection described in the claims.

  “Original transport high speed” on the display unit 179CD2 is a selection for causing the document reading apparatus 200 to always operate in the high speed transport mode, and is a second selection described in the claims.

  “Original transport precision” on the display unit 179CD3 is a selection for always operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the precision transport mode, and is a third selection described in the claims.

  When one of the display units 179CD1 to 179CD3 is selected and pressed from the “condition selection screen” shown in FIG. 13B and the OK button 179CDZ is pressed, the display on the display screen unit 179 is selected. The screen returns to the “printer execution screen” on which the document conveyance conditions are displayed. By pressing the start button 175, the user can cause the image forming apparatus 100 to operate as a printer under the operating conditions displayed on the “printer execution screen”.

  When the first selection is selected and the first selection is displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the job content displayed on the “printer execution screen” to display the image forming apparatus 100. The transport mode is determined with reference to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195, and the document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the determined transport mode.

  When the second selection is selected and the second selection is displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the high-speed conveyance mode, and the document reading apparatus in the high-speed conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  When the third selection is selected and the third selection is displayed on the “printer execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the precision conveyance mode, and the document reading apparatus in the precision conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a facsimile apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus 100 operates as a facsimile machine when the FAX button 172 of the function selection buttons is pressed.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating a “facsimile execution screen” displayed on the operation display unit 170 when the FAX button 172 is pressed.

  In the “facsimile execution screen” shown in FIG. 14A, the operation condition is “original quality text + photograph” in the condition display portion 179FA, and “automatic document conveyance” in the condition display portion 179FD. It is displayed.

  Further, when it is desired to operate the image forming apparatus 100 under conditions different from the conditions displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”, the condition display unit 179FA in the “facsimile execution screen” is selected and pressed, and then displayed on the display screen unit 179. The conditions can be changed by pressing the displayed setting change button 179FZ.

  FIG. 14C is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the condition display unit 179FD is selected from the “facsimile execution screen” illustrated in FIG. 14A and the setting change button 179FZ is pressed.

  When the condition display unit 179FD in the “facsimile execution screen” is selected and the setting change button 179FZ is pressed, the screen becomes the “condition selection screen”, and the display screen unit 179 has options for document conveyance as an operation condition. Displayed on the display units 179FD1, 179FD2, and 179FD3.

  Display unit 179FD1 displayed on the “condition selection screen” in the “facsimile execution screen” has “automatic document transfer” for the display unit 179FD2, “original transport high speed” for the display unit 179FD2, and “document transport precision” for the display unit 179FD3. Is displayed.

  In “automatic document conveyance” on the display unit 179FD1, a conveyance mode for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the combination shown in Table 1 is selected from the job contents input to the operation display unit 170, and the document is determined based on the selection result. This is a selection for operating the reading device 200, and is a first selection described in the claims. Further, “document transport high speed” on the display unit 179FD2 is a selection for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the high speed transport mode, and is a second selection described in the claims. “Document transport precision” on the display unit 179FD3 is a selection for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the precision transport mode, and is a third selection described in the claims.

  When one of the display units 179FD1 to 179FD3 is selected and pressed by the user from the “condition selection screen” shown in FIG. 14C and the OK button 179FAZ is pressed, the display on the display screen unit 179 is selected. The screen returns to the “facsimile execution screen” on which the document quality is displayed. The user can cause the image forming apparatus 100 to operate as a facsimile apparatus under the operating conditions displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”.

  When the first selection is selected and the first selection is displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the job content displayed on the “facsimile execution screen” to display the image forming apparatus 100. The transport mode is determined with reference to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195, and the document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the determined transport mode.

  When the second selection is selected and the second selection is displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the high-speed conveyance mode, and the original reading apparatus in the high-speed conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  When the third selection is selected and the third selection is displayed on the “facsimile execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the precision conveyance mode, and the document reading apparatus in the precision conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner device.

  The image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner device when the scanner button 173 among the function selection buttons is pressed.

  FIG. 15A is a view showing a “scanner execution screen” displayed on the operation display unit 170 when the scanner button 173 is pressed.

  The “scanner execution screen” displays operating conditions when the image forming apparatus 100 operates as a scanner apparatus. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment operates under the operating conditions displayed on the condition display unit 179SA when operating as a scanner device.

  In the condition display unit 179SA of the “scanner execution screen” shown in FIG. 15A, the operation condition is “resolution 100 dpi (normal)”, and the condition display unit 179FD is “automatic document conveyance”. It is displayed. “Automatic document conveyance” is selected from the job contents input to the operation display unit 170 as a conveyance mode in which the document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the combination shown in Table 1, and the document reading apparatus 200 is selected based on the selection result. Is the choice to operate.

  If there is no problem in operating the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner apparatus under the operating conditions displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the user may press the start button 175.

  Further, when it is desired to operate the image forming apparatus 100 under conditions different from the conditions displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the condition display unit 179SA or the condition display unit 179SB on the “scanner execution screen” is selected and pressed. The conditions can be changed by pressing the setting change button 179SZ displayed on the display screen unit 179.

  FIG. 15C is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the condition display unit 179SD is selected from the “scanner execution screen” shown in FIG. 15A and the setting change button 179SZ is pressed.

  When the condition display unit 179SB in the “scanner execution screen” is selected and the setting change button 179SZ is pressed, the screen becomes the “condition selection screen”, and the display screen unit 179 has options for document conveyance as an operation condition. Displayed on the display units 179SD1, 179SD2, 179SD3.

  In “automatic document conveyance” on the display unit 179SD1, a conveyance mode for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the combination shown in Table 1 is selected from the job content input to the operation display unit 170, and the document is determined based on the selection result. This is a selection for operating the reading device 200, and is a first selection described in the claims. Further, “document transport high speed” on the display unit 179SD2 is a selection for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the high speed transport mode, and is a second selection described in the claims. “Document transport precision” on the display unit 179SD3 is a selection for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the precision transport mode, and is a third selection described in the claims.

  When one of the display units 179SD1 to 179SD3 is selected and pressed from the “condition selection screen” shown in FIG. 15C and the OK button 179SBZ is pressed, the display on the display screen unit 179 is selected. Return to the "Scanner Execution Screen" that displays the document quality. The user can cause the image forming apparatus 100 to operate as a scanner device under the operating conditions displayed on the “scanner execution screen”.

  When the first selection is selected and the first selection is displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 uses the job content displayed on the “scanner execution screen” to display the image forming apparatus 100. The transport mode is determined with reference to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195, and the document reading apparatus 200 is operated in the determined transport mode.

  When the second selection is selected and the second selection is displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the high-speed conveyance mode, and the document reading apparatus in the high-speed conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  When the third selection is selected and the third selection is displayed on the “scanner execution screen”, the image forming apparatus 100 determines the conveyance mode as the precision conveyance mode, and the document reading apparatus in the precision conveyance mode. 200 is operated.

  FIG. 16 illustrates determination of the conveyance mode performed by the control unit 190 of the image forming apparatus 100 based on the setting relating to the image information input from the operation display unit 170 of the second embodiment, and the document reading apparatus 200 in the determined conveyance mode. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a document transport operation performed by the user.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is obtained by adding steps S102a and S102b to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, and other processes are the same as those shown in FIG. Step S102b will be mainly described.

  In step S101, the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 100 waits for the user to input job information to the operation display unit 170 and press the start button 175 of the operation display unit 170.

  When the start button 175 is pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S102a.

  In step S102a, the CPU 191 confirms whether or not the document conveyance selection is the first selection, that is, “document conveyance automatic”. And when selection is the 1st selection (Step S102a Yes), it shifts to Step S102b. In step S <b> 102 b, the CPU 191 refers to the mode determination table stored in the ROM 195, and whether the setting relating to the input image information is a condition for operating the document reading apparatus 200 in the “precision conveyance mode”. Confirm whether or not. Then, when the setting relating to the input image information is a condition for operating in the “precision transport mode” (Yes in step S102b), the process proceeds to step S103, and the condition for operating in the “precision transport mode” is set. If not (No in step S102a), the process proceeds to step S104.

  On the other hand, when the confirmation result in step S102b is not the first selection (No in step S102b), the process proceeds to step S102c.

  In step S102c, it is confirmed whether or not the document conveyance selection is the second selection, that is, “document conveyance high speed”. When the selection is the second selection (step S102c Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. When the selection is not the second selection (step S102c No), the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, the CPU 191 determines to operate the document reading apparatus 200 in the “precise conveyance mode”, and proceeds to step S105.

  In step S104, the CPU 191 determines to operate the document reading apparatus 200 in the “high speed conveyance mode”, and proceeds to step S105.

  After step S105, the image forming apparatus 100 and the original reading apparatus 200 operate in the same process as the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As described above, by selecting the first selection from the operation display unit 170 according to the second exemplary embodiment, the paper conveyance mode is determined from the setting related to the input image information, and the operation is performed in the determined conveyance mode. be able to. Then, registration is performed by selecting the second selection, image information is acquired from the document conveyed without tilting, and the number of documents read per unit time is selected by selecting the third selection. , And document conveyance reflecting the user's intention can be performed.

1 is a diagram showing a form in which an original reading apparatus 200 of the present invention is mounted on an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of document reading apparatus 200. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the document reading apparatus 200 starts conveying a document. Is a diagram for explaining the operation of the registration to be made by the rollers R _3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a time when t _E3R has elapsed from the time when a document trailing edge detection signal is transmitted from the document sensor 242 shown in FIG. In precision transport mode, the original P ₁ the preceding is a diagram for explaining the operation when the document P ₂ subsequent to the original P ₁ is conveyed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation in a high-speed conveyance mode in which a document is conveyed without performing registration. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 100 and a document reading apparatus 200 mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the copy button 171 is pressed in the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 1 and it is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 1 is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a facsimile apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 1 is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for describing determination of a conveyance mode performed by the image forming apparatus 100 based on job information input from the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 1, and a document conveyance operation performed by the document reading apparatus 200 in the determined conveyance mode. . 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 2 is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a printer. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 according to the second embodiment is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a facsimile apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation display unit 170 when the operation display unit 170 of Embodiment 2 is selected to operate the image forming apparatus 100 as a scanner device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating determination of a conveyance mode performed by the image forming apparatus 100 from job information input from the operation display unit 170 of the second embodiment and a document conveyance operation performed by the document reading apparatus 200 in the determined conveyance mode. .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Image reading part 120 Image processing part 130 Image writing part 140 Image forming part 150 Paper feed conveyance part 160 Fixing part 170 Operation display part 190 Control part 191 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 200 Original reading apparatus 210 Original mounting stand 220 Original discharge stand 230 Original conveyance part 241,242 Original sensor 250 Original reading part 290 Original conveyance control part 291 CPU
R ₃ Registration roller P Original S Recording paper

Claims (8)

An original conveying means for conveying an original;
Registration means for correcting the inclination of the original with respect to the conveying direction by abutting the original conveyed to the original conveying means against a stop member to form a loop;
An original reading means for acquiring image information by reading the original conveyed to the original conveying means;
Have
The document reading apparatus, wherein the registration unit performs correction of the inclination of the document according to an instruction from the document conveyance control unit. 2. The document conveyance control unit determines whether or not to cause the registration unit to perform correction of the inclination of the document, based on a setting content related to image information acquired by the document reading unit. The document reading device described in 1. When the setting relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to use the image information for forming a copy print of the document, the document conveyance control unit performs correction of the inclination of the document on the registration unit. The document reading device according to claim 2, wherein the document reading device is determined so as to perform the operation. In the case where the setting related to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to transmit the image information to another device connected via a telephone line, and the document conveyance control unit is only character information. 3. The document reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the registration means is determined not to execute correction of the inclination of the document. In the document conveyance control unit, the setting relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is to transmit the image information to another device connected to the network line, and the resolution selection is a predetermined value or less. 3. The document reading apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the registration unit determines that the registration unit does not correct the inclination of the document. 6. The setting relating to the image information acquired by the document reading unit is input to an input unit capable of inputting the contents of a job executed by the document reading device. The document reading device described in 1. The input means is a first selection for causing the original conveyance control means to determine whether or not the registration means is to correct the inclination of the original, and does not always cause the registration means to correct the inclination of the original. 7. The document reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a selection of 2 and a third selection for always causing the registration means to correct the inclination of the document can be input. When one of the first selection, the second selection, and the third selection is input from the input unit, the document conveyance control unit is configured to register a unit according to the content of the input selection. The document reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein whether or not to correct the inclination of the document is determined.

Images