JP2012049678A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid forming an image on a recording medium of a different size from a document size even when image reading is started with the document size undetermined, and quickly form an image read on a recording medium when an upper cover is opened after the completion of image reading.SOLUTION: A document size detection section 19 of a copying machine detects the size of a document placed on a platen when a cover opening/closing detection section 7 detects an opening movement of the upper cover after the completion of image reading started by an image reading section 101 with the document size undetermined. When image reading is started with a document size undetermined and the document size is detected by the document size detection section 19, the copying machine forms an image read on a recording medium of the same size as the detected document size.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that reads an image of a document placed on a document table and forms a read image on a recording medium.

  When an image of a document placed on a document table (eg, contact glass) is read and a read image is formed on a recording medium (eg, paper) having the same size as the document, the size of the placed document is detected by a sensor. However, it is necessary to select a recording medium according to the detection result. At this time, in the configuration in which the document size is detected after the document is placed on the document table and the upper surface cover is closed, image formation is delayed by the time required for size detection after the upper surface cover is closed. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, after placing the document on the document table, the size of the document is detected in the middle of closing the top cover. Thus, by performing size detection in parallel with the operation of closing the top cover, it is possible to immediately form an image after the top cover is closed.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 2-21588 (see claims, 4th column, lines 5-9)

  For convenience of explanation below, the power-on state of the apparatus and the state where the apparatus has returned from the sleep mode (power-saving mode) to the normal mode in which image formation is possible are referred to as the operating state of the apparatus, and the power-off state of the apparatus A state where the device is in the sleep mode is referred to as a non-operating state of the device.

  In the operating state of the device, power is supplied to each functional block, and when a document is placed on the document table, the size of the document can be detected by a sensor. A corresponding recording medium can be selected to form a read image on the recording medium.

  On the other hand, when the apparatus is not in operation, the power supply to all or a part of each functional block is turned off, and the document size is detected by the sensor even when the document is placed on the document table. I will not. For this reason, when the apparatus is in an operating state after placing a document and a copy operation of the placed document is instructed, the image of the document is read with the document size indefinite, and the read image is recorded on the recording medium. Will be formed.

  Here, for example, if the size of the recording medium accommodated in the uppermost paper feed tray among the multiple paper feed trays provided in the apparatus is set as the priority size, the document size is uncertain. When reading is started, an image can be formed on a recording medium having a preset priority size. However, in this case, the size of the placed document does not always match the priority size, and an image is formed on a recording medium having a size different from the document size.

  In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, after the original is placed on the platen in a non-operating state of the apparatus and the upper cover is closed and then the apparatus is operated, the operation of closing the upper cover is already completed. Since it is not performed again, it is not possible to detect the size of the document triggered by the closing operation of the top cover. Therefore, when a copy operation of a placed document is instructed, image reading is started with the document size being uncertain, and the situation is the same as described above.

  In addition, even when image reading is started when the document size is indeterminate, after the image reading is completed, the user opens the top cover with respect to the document table and removes the document placed on the document table. I do. Therefore, assuming such an operation, if the read image can be quickly formed on the recording medium after the image reading is completed, the user can quickly obtain the recording medium on which the image is formed, which is convenient. is there.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image on a recording medium having a size different from the original size even when image reading is started with the original size being uncertain. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of avoiding a situation where the image is formed and forming a read image on a recording medium promptly after completion of image reading.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a platen, and forms an image read by the image reading unit on a recording medium. A top cover that opens and closes with respect to the document table, a cover open / close detection unit that detects opening / closing of the top cover, and reading of an image by the image reading unit is started in a state where the size of the document is indeterminate. And a document size detecting unit for detecting the size of the document when the cover opening / closing detection unit detects the opening operation of the upper surface cover after the completion, and the document size is uncertain when the document size is indeterminate. When reading of an image by the image reading unit is started and the size of the document is detected by the document size detection unit, a read image is formed on a recording medium having the same size as the detected size of the document. It is characterized in that.

  According to the above configuration, even when image reading is started in a state where the document size is indeterminate, if the document size is detected by the document size detection unit, a recording medium having the same size as the detected document size is recorded. Since the read image is formed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which an image is formed on a recording medium having a size different from the size of the placed document.

  In addition, when reading of an image is started in a state where the document size is indeterminate, and the opening operation of the top cover is detected after the image reading is completed, the document size detection unit detects the document size. The document size can be detected as early as possible, and a read image can be quickly formed on a recording medium having the same size as the detected document size.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the image reading unit irradiates the document placed on the document table with light while moving a carriage having a light source, and receives reflected light from the document. The document size detection unit reads the image of the document, and the document size detector detects the upper surface cover by the cover open / close detection unit while the carriage returns from the reading end position to the home position after the image reading by moving the carriage is completed. When the opening operation is detected, the size of the document may be detected during the return.

  In this case, since the document size detection unit detects the document size by using the operation during the carriage return after the image reading is completed, an extra operation of the carriage can be made unnecessary. That is, it is not necessary to operate the carriage anew (an operation different from the return operation) for size detection.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the image reading unit irradiates the document placed on the document table with light while moving a carriage having a light source, and receives reflected light from the document. The document size detector reads the image of the document, and the document size detection unit returns to the home position from the reading end position after the image reading by the movement of the carriage is completed. When the opening operation of the top cover is detected by the detection unit, the carriage may be moved again to detect the size of the document.

  In this case, the document size detection unit can detect the document size by moving the carriage again even after the carriage return is completed.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the aspect of the invention, the document size detection unit detects the document size based on the detection results of the detection sensors arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions for the document size in the sub-scanning direction. On the other hand, for the document size in the main scanning direction, the document size may be detected based on the reading result when the light source is turned on.

  In this configuration, the document size can be correctly detected in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes a display unit that displays candidates for the size of the document and receives designation of the size of the document from the displayed candidates. When reading of an image by the image reading unit is started and the size of the original is designated on the display unit, the read image may be formed on a recording medium having the same size as the designated original size.

  In this configuration, even when image reading is started with the document size being indeterminate, the user directly specifies the document size on the display unit, so that the image can be formed on the recording medium soon after the image reading is completed. Can be started.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image reading unit reads an image with a maximum document size when the size of the document is indeterminate, and the image forming device is detected by the document size detection unit. The read image may be cut out to the size of the original or the size of the original specified on the display unit, and the cut image may be formed on a recording medium having the same size as the original size.

  When the document size is indeterminate, the image is scanned at the maximum document size, so that no matter what document size is detected or specified thereafter, the necessary part of the scanned image (the placed document Only the image part) can be cut out. Then, the read image is cut out to the detected or designated original size, and the cut out image is formed on the recording medium, so that only the necessary image can be formed on the recording medium.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention shows a result of forming an image using a recording medium corresponding to the size of the document detected by the document size detection unit or the size of the document specified by the display unit. An input unit may be further provided for setting whether or not the display unit is to execute preview display before image formation on the recording medium.

  In this case, the user can freely set whether or not to perform preview display on the display unit by setting input on the input unit. In addition, when execution of preview display is set, the user can confirm whether or not a read image is formed on a recording medium of a correct size by preview display. On the other hand, when execution of the preview display is not set, the read image can be formed on the recording medium without the user confirming the document size in the preview display. It can be performed.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the preview display is performed, the display unit may display other document size candidates together and accept selection input of the other document size.

  In this case, when the user determines that the detected or designated document size is not correct in the preview display, the user can select another document size on the display unit.

  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the display unit may perform a preview display of the other document size that has been input when receiving the selection input of the other document size.

  In this case, the user can determine whether or not the inputted other document size is correct by the preview display with the inputted other document size.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention displays a candidate for the size of the document, a display unit that receives designation of the size of the document from the displayed candidates, and before the image reading unit starts reading the image, A document size recognition unit that detects and recognizes the size of the document placed on the document table, and a document size that determines whether or not the size of the document is determined at the start of image reading by the image reading unit A determination unit, and the document size determination unit has no designation of the document size on the display unit when the image reading unit starts reading the image, and the document size recognition unit If the size of the document is not recognized, it may be determined that the size of the document is indeterminate.

  In this configuration, the document size determination determination unit can easily and reliably determine whether or not the document size is indeterminate.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention may form an image read by the image reading unit on the recording medium at an equal magnification.

  In this case, in the configuration in which the read image is formed on the recording medium at the same magnification, the above-described effects of the present invention can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, even when image reading is started in a state where the document size is indeterminate, if the document size is detected by the document size detection unit, the recording medium having the same size as the detected document size Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where an image is formed on a recording medium having a size different from the size of the placed document. Even if image reading is started when the document size is indeterminate, the document size is detected when the top cover is opened after the image reading is completed. Thus, a read image can be quickly formed on a recording medium having the same size as the detected document size.

1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a detailed configuration of an image reading apparatus of the copying machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the image reading apparatus in an open state of a document conveying unit of the copying machine. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus and the document transport unit when the document transport unit is open. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus and the document transport unit when the document transport unit is shifting from an open state to a closed state. 2 is a plan view of the image reading apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the copying machine. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the hardware constitutions of the said image reading apparatus. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation flow in the copying machine. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on a liquid crystal display unit of the copying machine when reading is started in a state where the document size is indeterminate. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the movement order of the said carriage when the opening operation | movement of a top cover is detected during the return of a carriage after completion | finish of image reading. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the movement order of the said carriage when the opening operation of an upper surface cover is detected after completion | finish of a return of a carriage after completion | finish of an image reading. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a method for determining a document size when reading is started in a state where the document size is indefinite is set on the liquid crystal display unit. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of other operation | movement in the said copying machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting screen of the preview display in the said liquid crystal display part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement when the setting of a preview display is considered. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display screen of the preview display in the said liquid crystal display part. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a display screen for displaying other document size candidates on the liquid crystal display unit and accepting selection input of another document size.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an outline of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described.

(Outline of image forming apparatus)
FIG. 1 is a front sectional view schematically showing a schematic configuration of a copying machine 100 as an image forming apparatus that forms an image using an electrophotographic system. The copying machine 100 includes an image reading device 1 and a document conveying unit 2.

  For convenience of explanation below, the moving direction of the first reading frame 131 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, of the image reading apparatus 1 at the time of image reading is referred to as a sub-scanning direction, and a reading glass for placing and reading as a document table. A direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction in a plane parallel to 12 is referred to as a main scanning direction. The main scanning direction can also be said to be a direction parallel to one line in which the image of the original is read by the image reading device 1.

  The image reading apparatus 1 reads an image of a document that is transported by the document transport unit 2 and passes over the transport reading contact glass 11 or an image of a document that is placed on the placement reading contact glass 12. The image reading apparatus 1 moves a first moving frame 131 having a light source 6 (see FIG. 2) to a reading position at the time of reading an image of a document conveyed by the document conveying unit 2, and carries a conveyance reading contact at the reading position. The original is irradiated with light through the glass 11, and reflected light from the original is received by the image sensor 15 (see FIG. 2), whereby the image of the original is read line by line in the main scanning direction. The image reading apparatus 1 also reads the document through the placement reading contact glass 12 while moving the first moving frame 131 in the sub-scanning direction when reading an image of the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12. Is irradiated with light, and reflected light from the original is received by the image sensor 15 to read the image of the original. Details of the image reading apparatus 1 will be described later.

  The document conveyance unit 2 is a document conveyance device that automatically and continuously conveys a read document one by one on the conveyance reading contact glass 11, and is provided above the image reading device 1. The document conveying section 2 is provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 2a (see FIG. 3) horizontally positioned on the back side of the copying machine, and is a document table (placement reading contact) of the image reading apparatus 1. When the document is placed on the glass 12), an upper surface cover that opens and closes in the vertical direction is configured. Further, when reading an image of a book document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12, the document transport unit 2 also functions as a document pressing unit for pressing the book document from above. Instead of the document conveying unit 2, an upper surface cover that functions only as a document pressing unit may be provided.

  Further, the copying machine 100 has an operation panel 3 on the front side of the image reading apparatus 1. The operation panel 3 includes a liquid crystal display unit 30 including a touch panel that receives a user's input while displaying setting keys for the copier 100, a numeric keypad unit 31 for inputting numbers such as the number of copies, and printing start. And a start key 32 for inputting an instruction.

  The liquid crystal display unit 30 also displays candidates for the size of the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12, and also functions as a display unit that accepts designation of the size of the document from the displayed candidates. ing. Examples of the document size candidates include A4 landscape (landscape), B4 portrait (portrait) size, and the like. When the user presses the button of the document size displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 30, normally, a sheet having the same size as the document size is designated as a recording medium for forming a read image (unless enlargement / reduction is specified). It will be. The liquid crystal display unit 30 can also display the status of the copying machine 100 such as an error such as a jam or out of paper.

  The copying machine 100 also includes a paper feed unit 4A, a conveyance path 4B, an image forming unit 5A, an intermediate transfer unit 5B, a fixing unit 5C, and the like, and forms an image read by the image reading device 1 on a recording medium. To do. The copying machine 100 can also form an image on a recording medium based on image data transmitted from the outside.

  A plurality of paper feed units 4A are provided in the main body of the copying machine 100, and each size (for example, A type, B type paper such as A4, B4, etc.), various papers (for example, copy paper, recycled paper). , Thick paper, OHP sheets, etc.) as a recording medium. Each paper feed unit 4A includes a paper feed roller 41 that is driven to rotate, and feeds paper one by one to the transport path 4B during printing.

  The transport path 4B is a path for transporting paper in the apparatus. Then, on the conveyance path 4B, a guide plate for guiding the sheet, a pair of conveyance rollers 42 that are rotationally driven during conveyance of the sheet (in FIG. 1, a total of three of 42A, 42B, and 42C from the top) are conveyed. A registration roller pair 43 or the like is provided that waits in front of the image forming unit 5A and feeds the paper in accordance with the transfer timing of the formed toner image. In addition, a pair of discharge rollers 45 for discharging the sheet after the completion of fixing to the discharge tray 44 is also provided.

  The image forming unit 5A includes a plurality of image forming units 50 (50Bk for black, 50Y for yellow, 50C for cyan, 50M for magenta) and an exposure device 51. The exposure device 51 outputs laser light while turning it on and off based on the image data of the image read by the image reading device 1, and scans and exposes each photosensitive drum. The image forming unit 50 includes a photosensitive drum that is rotatably supported, and a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and the like disposed around the photosensitive drum. Then, a toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum by each image forming unit 50 and the exposure device 51.

  The intermediate transfer unit 5B receives the primary transfer of the toner image from each image forming unit 50 and performs the secondary transfer on the paper. The intermediate transfer unit 5B includes primary transfer rollers 52Bk to 52M, an intermediate transfer belt 53, a driving roller 54, a plurality of driven rollers 55, a secondary transfer roller 56, a belt cleaning device 57, and the like. Each primary transfer roller 52Bk to 52M sandwiches an endless intermediate transfer belt 53 with a corresponding photosensitive drum. A transfer voltage is applied to each of the primary transfer rollers 52 </ b> Bk to 52 </ b> M, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 53.

  The intermediate transfer belt 53 is stretched around a driving roller 54 and the like, and rotates around the driving roller 54 connected to a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. The driving roller 54 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 53 with the secondary transfer roller 56. The toner images (black, yellow, cyan, and magenta colors) formed by each image forming unit 50 are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 53 in a superimposed manner without deviation, and then applied with a predetermined voltage. The image is transferred onto the paper by the secondary transfer roller 56.

  The fixing unit 5C fixes the toner image transferred to the paper. The fixing unit 5C mainly includes a heating roller 58 containing a heating element and a pressure roller 59 in pressure contact therewith. When the sheet passes through the nip formed between the heating roller 58 and the pressure roller 59, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet discharged from the fixing unit 5C is sent to the discharge tray 44.

  From the above, the paper feed unit 4A, the conveyance path 4B, the image forming unit 5A, the intermediate transfer unit 5B, and the fixing unit 5C constitute an image output unit that forms an image read by the image reading device 1 on a recording medium. I can say that.

(Details of image reader)
Next, details of the above-described image reading apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in front view showing the detailed configuration of the image reading apparatus 1. The image reading apparatus 1 has a box-shaped housing. Further, on the upper surface of the image reading apparatus 1, on the left side of the center, a transparent plate-shaped conveyance reading contact glass 11 elongated in the main scanning direction is disposed. In addition, in the center of the upper surface of the image reading apparatus 1, a placement reading contact glass 12 having a transparent plate shape wider than the conveyance reading contact glass 11 in the sub-scanning direction is disposed. When reading a document such as a book one page at a time, the document is transported on the placement reading contact glass 12 with the document transport unit 2 serving as an upper surface cover lifted and the reading surface facing downward.

  In the housing of the image reading apparatus 1, a first moving frame 131 (carriage), a second moving frame 132, a wire 133, a winding drum 134, a lens 14, an image sensor 15, and the like are arranged. The first moving frame 131 is a frame that holds the light source 6 and the first mirror 161. The light source 6 irradiates the original with light, and includes, for example, a plurality of LEDs arranged in the main scanning direction.

  The second moving frame 132 is a frame that holds the second mirror 162 and the third mirror 163. The first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 are connected to the winding drum 134 via a plurality of wires 133. When the winding drum 134 rotates forward and backward by the winding motor 13M (see FIG. 8), the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 are individually moved freely in the sub-scanning direction. The lens 14 collects the light incident through the mirrors of the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 and guides it to the image sensor 15.

  The image sensor 15 receives the light emitted from the light source 6 and reflected by the document, thereby reading the image of the document for each line in the main scanning direction and generating image data. For example, the image sensor 15 includes a line sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (for example, a CCD) are arranged in a line in the main scanning direction for each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Yes.

  In the above configuration, when reading an image of a document transported by the document transport unit 2, the first moving frame 131 is moved from the home position (HP) to a position below the transport reading contact glass 11 by driving the winding motor 13M. The light source 6 is turned on at that position. The home position is, for example, a lower position between the conveyance reading contact glass 11 and the placement reading contact glass 12. As the first moving frame 131 moves, the second moving frame 132 also moves in the sub-scanning direction.

  When the light source 6 is turned on, the original is irradiated with light through the conveyance reading contact glass 11. Reflected light from the original is incident on the first mirror 161 via the conveyance reading contact glass 11, is reflected there, and then is sequentially reflected by the second mirror 162 and the third mirror 163, and is imaged via the lens 14. It enters the sensor 15. The image sensor 15 converts the reflected light into an analog electrical signal corresponding to the image density to generate image data, and reads an image of one line in the main scanning direction of the document. By continuously performing such an operation while transporting the document, the image reading for each line in the main scanning direction of the document is continuously performed in the sub-scanning direction, and one document is read.

  On the other hand, when reading an image of a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12, the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 keep the light source 6 lit by driving the winding motor 13M. The lower part of the placement reading contact glass 12 is moved in the sub-scanning direction. The entire image of the original is read by receiving reflected light from the original with the image sensor 15 while moving the original reading position from one end to the other end in the sub-scanning direction.

  From the above, at least the light source 6, the first moving frame 131, the second moving frame 132, the take-up motor 13M, the take-up drum 134, and the image sensor 15 read the image of the original image reading unit 101 (see FIG. 8). ) Is composed.

(Opening and closing the top cover and detecting it)
Next, the opening and closing of the document conveying unit 2 as the upper surface cover with respect to the document table and the detection of the opening and closing will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the image reading device 1 in the opened state of the document conveying unit 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading device 1 and the document conveying unit 2 in the opened state of the document conveying unit 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus 1 and the document transport unit 2 when the document transport unit 2 is shifting from the open state to the closed state. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the image reading apparatus 1 and the document conveying unit 2 when viewed from the left side, respectively.

  The document conveying unit 2 is provided on the upper surface of the image reading apparatus 1 as described above. The document conveying section 2 is attached to a support member 2b so as to be rotatable about two rotation shafts 2a provided on one side of the image reading apparatus 1 on the back side of the main body. The two rotation shafts 2a and 2a extend in the horizontal direction (left and right direction when viewed from the front side). As a result, the document transport unit 2 rotates with the front side of the image reading device 1 as a free end and swings the front side up and down, and takes an open and closed posture with respect to the upper surface of the image reading device 1. obtain.

  A white guide plate 2c is provided on the lower surface of the document conveying unit 2 at a position facing the conveyance reading contact glass 11 when the document conveying unit 2 is closed. The white guide plate 2 c is formed at a position and a size that cover the conveyance reading contact glass 11. When the document conveying unit 2 is closed, a gap is formed between the white guide plate 2c and the conveyance reading contact glass 11, and the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 2 passes through this gap.

  A white mat 2d is provided on the lower surface of the document conveying unit 2 at a position facing the placement reading contact glass 12 when the document conveying unit 2 is closed. The white mat 2d is formed in a position and a size that cover the placement reading contact glass 12. When the document conveying section 2 is closed, the white mat 2d presses the document placed on the placement reading contact glass 12, so that the document is held without moving.

  The image reading apparatus 1 also includes a cover open / close detection unit 7. The cover open / close detection unit 7 is provided between the two rotating shafts 2a of the document conveying unit 2 and detects opening / closing of the document conveying unit 2 with respect to the document table. The cover piece 71, the sensor 72, and the spring 73 are detected. Etc.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the contact piece 71 is a bar-like member extending in the vertical direction and slides in the vertical direction. The contact piece 71 includes a contact portion 74 whose upper end comes into contact with the lower surface of the document conveying portion 2 when the document conveying portion 2 starts to be closed. The contact piece 71 is pushed downward as the document conveying section 2 is tilted. In addition, the contact piece 71 includes a sensor interference unit 75 used for opening / closing detection by the sensor 72 at the lower end.

  The sensor 72 is provided in the vicinity of the sensor interference unit 75 when the document conveying unit 2 is lowered. The sensor 72 is constituted by, for example, a transmissive optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (not shown). When the document conveying unit 2 is tilted from a predetermined position, the sensor interference unit 75 starts to block the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the sensor 72. Further, if the document conveying unit 2 is tilted from a predetermined position, the sensor interference unit 75 continues to block the optical path between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the sensor 72.

  As a result, the document conveying unit 2 is tilted from a predetermined position (closed state, closing operation), and the document conveying unit 2 is lifted beyond a predetermined position (open state). , Opening operation) can be detected. The spring 73 is composed of, for example, a compression coil spring, and is provided below the contact piece 71. The spring 73 urges the contact piece 71 upward so that the contact piece 71 does not pop out and the sensor interference part 75 comes above the sensor 72 when the document conveying unit 2 is open.

(About original size detection)
Next, document size detection in the image reading apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the image reading apparatus 1. In FIG. 6, the document conveying unit 2 located above the image reading device 1 is not shown.

  The user places the document on the placement reading contact glass 12 in accordance with the reference point P of the document with the surface for reading the image of the document facing downward. In the copying machine 100 of the present embodiment, the upper left corner of the placement reading contact glass 12 is the reference point P when the copying machine 100 is viewed from above. The user places the original by aligning the upper left corner of the original with the reference point P.

  The image reading apparatus 1 has a document size detection unit 19. The document size detector 19 detects the size of the document placed on the document table in the sub-scanning direction and the main scanning direction. Specifically, the document size detection unit 19 determines the document size in the sub-scanning direction based on the detection results of the detection sensors 19a arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions in the sub-scanning direction. Detect. More details are as follows.

  Each detection sensor 19a is constituted by, for example, a reflection type optical sensor, and is arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of candidates for the document size in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, the size of the placed document in the sub-scanning direction can be detected based on the number or position of the detection sensors 19a that detect the presence of the document when the document is placed. For example, when the original is placed, the presence of the original is detected by each of the detection sensors 19a located in the first, second, and third in the sub-scanning direction from the reference point P, and is located fourth from the reference point P. If the detection sensor 19a does not detect the presence of the document, it can be determined that the document size in the sub-scanning direction is the size corresponding to the third detection sensor 19a from the reference point P. The output of each detection sensor 19a is input to, for example, a reading control unit 10 (see FIG. 8) described later.

  On the other hand, for the detection of the document size in the main scanning direction, the document size detection unit 19 detects the document size based on the reading result when the light source 6 is turned on. That is, the size (length) of the document in the main scanning direction is detected by reading a part of the left end of the document (a plurality of lines near the start of image reading). Therefore, when detecting the document size in the main scanning direction, it is necessary to slightly move the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 in the sub-scanning direction while turning on the light source 6. From this, it can be said that the image reading unit 101 (see FIG. 8) including the light source 6 functions as the document size detecting unit 19 when detecting the document size in the main scanning direction.

  When the document is placed on the document table in the operation state of the apparatus (the power is turned on or the image is returned from the sleep mode to the normal mode in which image formation is possible), the document size detection unit 19 is an image reading unit. The size of the document placed on the document table can be detected before the image reading by 101 is started. In this case, the document size detection unit 19 functions as a document size recognition unit. The document size detection unit 19 detects the opening operation of the top cover by the cover opening / closing detection unit 7 after reading of an image by the image reading unit 101 is started in a state where the size of the document is indefinite. Even in such a case, the document size can be detected. In addition, the detection method at this time will be described together in the operation description to be described later.

(Hardware configuration of copier)
Next, the hardware configuration of the copying machine 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the copying machine 100.

  The main body control unit 8 of the copying machine 100 is provided with a CPU 81 as a central processing unit and a storage unit 82. The storage unit 82 includes nonvolatile and volatile memories such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), and a flash ROM. Note that the storage unit 82 may be provided outside the main body control unit 8.

  The storage unit 82 stores programs, data, and the like for controlling the copying machine 100. The main body control unit 8 uses the program and data stored in the storage unit 82 to control each unit and perform printing. The main body control unit 8 includes a main control unit that performs overall control, communication control, and image processing, an engine control unit that controls printing by performing ON / OFF of a motor that rotates image forming and various rotating bodies, and the like. Multiple types may be provided for each function. Here, these control units are shown and described in a combined form.

  The main body control unit 8 is provided with an image processing unit 83. The image processing unit 83 includes an ASIC, a memory, and the like, and performs various types of image processing such as density conversion processing, enlargement / reduction processing, rotation processing, and image data compression / decompression processing. Note that the image processing unit 83 can perform other known image processing (for example, frame erasing processing) and the like.

  The main body control unit 8 is connected to the paper feeding unit 4A, the conveyance path 4B, the image forming unit 5A, the intermediate transfer unit 5B, the fixing unit 5C, the operation panel 3, and the like. Take control. Settings on the operation panel 3 and a copy execution instruction are transmitted to the main body control unit 8. The main body control unit 8 is also connected to the image reading device 1 and the document conveying unit 2, and gives an operation instruction to the image reading device 1 and the document conveying unit 2 when copying is performed. Then, the main body control unit 8 receives the image data of the document at the time of copying, and performs printing (copying) based on the image data.

  Further, the main body control unit 8 (particularly the CPU 81) specifies the size in the liquid crystal display unit 30 or detects the size in the document size detection unit 19 when reading of an image is started with the document size indefinite. Functions as a document size determination unit that determines the size of the document. The document size indefinite state means that the document size is not specified on the liquid crystal display unit 30 when the image reading unit 101 starts reading an image, and the document size is detected by the document size detection unit 19. This refers to the state where detection (recognition) is not possible. That is, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the document size is fixed at the start of image reading, whether the size is specified on the liquid crystal display unit 30 or is detected by the document size detection unit 19 (document size recognition unit). Judgment based on. Therefore, the main body control unit 8 also functions as a document size determination determination unit that determines whether or not the document size has been determined at the start of image reading.

  For example, when the apparatus is in a power-off state or sleep mode (power-saving mode), after the document is placed on the document table and the top cover (document conveying unit 2) is closed, the apparatus is in the power-on state. If the size is not designated on the liquid crystal display unit 30 when the sleep mode is returned to the normal mode, the document size is indeterminate. Further, in the power-off state and sleep mode of the apparatus, power supply to at least some of the functional blocks (for example, the document size detection unit 19) is turned off, so that even if the document is placed on the document table, the document Size detection by the size detection unit 19 is not performed, and in this case also, the document size is indeterminate.

  When image reading is started with the document size being indeterminate, the read image is then formed on a recording medium having the same size as the document size detected by the document size detector 19. Details thereof will be described together in an operation description to be described later based on a flowchart.

(Hardware configuration of image reading apparatus)
Next, a hardware configuration of the image reading apparatus 100 including the image reading apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating details of the hardware configuration of the image reading apparatus 100.

  The image reading apparatus 100 includes the image reading unit 101, the cover open / close detection unit 7, and the document size detection unit 19. The image reading unit 101 includes a reading control unit 10 in addition to the first moving frame 131, the second moving frame 132, the winding motor 13M, the winding drum 134, the light source 6, and the image sensor 15.

  The reading control unit 10 is communicably connected to the main body control unit 8 and the operation panel 3 described above. For example, when the start key 32 of the operation panel 3 is pressed, the reading control unit 10 receives an instruction from the main body control unit 8. Then, operation control of each unit of the image reading apparatus 1 and transmission control of image data obtained by reading to the main body control unit 8 are performed. Such a reading control unit 10 is configured by a substrate including a CPU as a central processing unit, a program necessary for controlling the image reading apparatus 100, a ROM as a storage device for storing data, and a RAM.

  A winding motor 13M is connected to the reading control unit 10. Accordingly, the winding drum 134 can be rotated by controlling the rotation of the winding motor 13M, and the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 can be moved in the sub-scanning direction. The reading control unit 10 is connected to the light source 6 and controls turning on / off of the light source 6 at the time of image reading. Further, the reading control unit 10 is communicably connected to the image sensor 15, the cover open / close detection unit 7, and the document size detection unit 19, and transmits image data read by the image sensor 15 to the main body control unit 8. The detection results of the cover open / close detection unit 7 and the document size detection unit 19 can be transmitted to the main body control unit 8. The main body control unit 8 receives various information transmitted from the reading control unit 10 and controls the formation of the read image on the recording medium.

  It should be noted that the function of the reading control unit 10 can be provided in the main body control unit 8, or conversely, the function of the main body control unit 8 can be provided in the reading control unit 10.

(Copier operation)
Next, the operation of the copying machine 100 having the above configuration will be described mainly based on the flowchart of FIG. Here, an operation in the case of receiving an instruction to start printing and reading an image when the size of the document placed on the document table is indefinite will be described. Note that the main body control unit 8 can determine whether the document size is indefinite as described above.

  When the start key 32 is pressed on the operation panel 3 and the start of printing is instructed in the state where the document size is indeterminate (S1), the image reading unit 101 determines the image with the maximum document size because the document size is uncertain. Is started (S2). That is, the image reading unit 101 reads the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 having the light source 6 from the home position HP (see FIGS. 11 and 12) corresponding to the maximum document size in the sub-scanning direction. While moving to the position A (see FIGS. 11 and 12), the document placed on the document table is irradiated with light, and the reflected light from the document is received by the image sensor 15, thereby reading the image of the document. . Then, the main body control unit 8 causes the liquid crystal display unit 30 of the operation panel 3 to display that the document size is indeterminate and also displays the document size candidates (S3). FIG. 10 shows an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 30 at this time. As described above, in S3, the same size (A4 portrait, A4 landscape, etc.) as the paper of a plurality of sizes accommodated in the paper feed unit 4A is displayed as a document size candidate, and the user selects and specifies the document size. It will be possible to do.

  Next, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the document size is selected by the user on the liquid crystal display unit 30 (S4). When the document size is selected in S4, the main body control unit 8 determines the document size to the selected size (S5), and cuts the read image to the determined document size (S6). Thereafter, the main body control unit 8 turns off the display of the document size candidates on the liquid crystal display unit 30 (S7), and forms an image cut out on a sheet of the same size as the selected document size. The control unit controls each unit (sheet feeding unit 4A, conveyance path 4B, image forming unit 5A, intermediate transfer unit 5B, fixing unit 5C). As a result, printing on a sheet is performed (S8), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the document size is not selected in S4, reading of the image at the maximum size is completed and the light source 6 is turned off (S9). Then, the main body control unit 8 switches the reading control unit 10 on. Control is performed to start the return of the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 to the home position (S10). Then, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the document size is selected by the user on the liquid crystal display unit 30 before the return is completed (before the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 return to the home position). Is determined (S11). If the document size is selected in S11, the document size is determined thereby (S5). Thereafter, the operations in S6 and subsequent steps are performed, and the process is terminated.

  If the document size is not selected in S11, the main body control unit 8 determines whether the upper surface cover (document conveying unit 2) has been opened by the cover open / close detection unit 7 before the return is completed. (S12). When the upper surface cover is opened in S12, the main body control unit 8 instructs the reading control unit 10 to detect the document size by the document size detection unit 19. Based on this instruction, the document size detection unit 19 detects the document size during return of the carriage (S13). As a result, the document size is determined (S5), and thereafter, the operations after S6 described above are performed, and the process is terminated.

  Here, FIG. 11 schematically shows the moving order of the carriage (first moving frame 131) when the opening operation of the top cover is detected during the return. After the image reading is completed, when the opening operation of the top cover is detected at a returning position (for example, position B) where the carriage returns from the reading end position A to the home position HP, the document size detection unit 19 turns the light source 6 on. It is turned on again and the size of the document (size in the main scanning direction) is detected during carriage return. Note that after detecting the document size, the light source 6 is immediately turned off. Accordingly, the order of carriage movement from the start of image reading to the return to the home position after size detection is in the order of (1) and (2) in FIG. The document size in the sub-scanning direction can be detected by each detection sensor 19a (see FIG. 6) regardless of the movement of the carriage.

  As described above, when the document size is detected during the carriage return, the document size can be detected using the carriage return operation as it is. For example, after the carriage return operation is completed, the carriage is moved again. Thus, unlike the case where size detection is performed, it is not necessary to operate the carriage again only for the purpose of size detection, and an extra operation of the carriage can be made unnecessary.

  On the other hand, when the top cover is not opened in S12 of FIG. 9, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the return of the first moving frame 131 and the second moving frame 132 to the home position has ended. Judgment is made (S14), and the judgments of S11 and S12 are repeated until the return is completed. If the return is completed in S14, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the document size has been selected by the user on the liquid crystal display unit 30 as in the return (S15). If the document size is selected in S15, the document size is determined thereby (S5). Thereafter, the operations in S6 and subsequent steps are performed, and the process is terminated.

  If the document size is not selected in S15, the main body control unit 8 determines whether or not the top cover is opened by the cover open / close detection unit 7 (S16). When the upper surface cover is opened in S16, the main body control unit 8 instructs the reading control unit 10 to detect the document size by the document size detection unit 19. Based on this instruction, the document size detection unit 19 detects the document size after the carriage returns (S13). As a result, the document size is determined (S5), and thereafter, the operations after S6 described above are performed, and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the top cover is not opened in S16, the main body control unit 8 does not instruct the detection of the document size until the top cover is opened.

  FIG. 12 schematically shows the order of carriage movement when the opening operation of the top cover is detected after the end of the return. After the image reading is completed, the carriage returns from the reading end position A to the home position HP (return ends), and when the opening operation of the top cover is detected while the carriage is stopped at the home position HP, the document size detection is performed. The unit 19 detects the size of the document (size in the main scanning direction) by moving the carriage again from the home position HP to, for example, the position C, and returns the carriage to the home position HP after the detection is completed. With this operation, the document size can be detected even after the carriage return is completed. It should be noted that the document size in the sub-scanning direction can be detected by each detection sensor 19a regardless of the movement of the carriage, as in the case of detection during return. Accordingly, the order of carriage movement from the start of image reading to the return to the home position after size detection is in the order of (1), (2), (3), and (4) in FIG.

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the image reading unit 101 starts reading an image with the document size indefinite, the document size detection unit 19 detects the size of the document ( A read image is formed on a recording medium having the same size as the detected document size (see S13). Therefore, a read image can be formed on a recording medium having the correct size (the same size as the placed document).

  Further, when reading of an image is started in a state where the document size is indeterminate and the opening / closing operation of the upper cover is detected by the cover open / close detection unit 7 after the image reading is completed, the document size detection unit 19 detects the document size. (See S12, S16, S13). As a result, the document size can be quickly detected with the opening operation of the top cover after the image reading is completed, and the read image can be quickly formed on a recording medium having the same size as the detected document size. If the top cover is opened after the image reading is completed, the user recognizes the completion of the image reading and is trying to remove the document from the document table, and the user is waiting for the completion of the document copying operation. It can be inferred. Therefore, promptly completing the copy operation after the image reading is completed satisfies the user's expectation, and is highly convenient.

  Even when image reading is started with the document size being indeterminate, if the document size is designated on the liquid crystal display unit 30 (see S4, S11, and S15), the designated document size is designated. A read image is formed on a recording medium of the same size as (see S8). Therefore, for example, before the size detection by the document size detection unit 19, the user directly designates the document size on the liquid crystal display unit 30, so that the image formation on the recording medium is started soon after the image reading is completed. be able to.

  The image reading unit 101 reads an image with the maximum document size when the document size is indeterminate (see S2). Thereby, no matter what document size is detected by the document size detection unit 19 or specified by the liquid crystal display unit 30 thereafter, a necessary portion of the read image (the image portion of the placed document) Can only cut out. Then, the main body control unit 8 cuts out the read image in the size of the document detected or designated (see S6). Therefore, it is possible to form only a necessary image (cut-out image) on a recording medium having the same size as the detected or designated document size.

(About setting the document size determination method)
As described above, when reading is started with the document size being indeterminate, the main body control unit 8 is based on both the size designation in the liquid crystal display unit 30 and the size detection in the document size detection unit 19. The document size is fixed, but the document size may be determined based only on the size detection, and any one of these document size determination methods may be set.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of a display screen when the liquid crystal display unit 30 sets a document size determination method when reading is started in a state where the document size is indefinite. In the example of FIG. 13, as the determination method, (1) the document size is determined based on the size detection by the document size detection unit 19, (2) the size designation and document size detection unit 19 by the liquid crystal display unit 30. It can be set by pressing one of the display portions of confirming the document size based on both the size detection and pressing the OK button. When the method (1) is set as the document size determination method, the operation flow is as shown in FIG. Note that the number of each step in FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG.

  By displaying a screen as shown in FIG. 13 on the liquid crystal display unit 30 and making it possible to set the document size determination method, it is possible to set the document size determination method according to the user's preference.

  From the above, the liquid crystal display unit 30 allows the main body control unit 8 as the document size determination unit to detect only the size in the document size detection unit 19 when reading is started in a state where the document size is indefinite. It can be said that it functions as a setting unit for setting whether to determine the size of the document based on both size designation and size detection.

(About preview display)
FIG. 15 shows a setting screen for preview display on the liquid crystal display unit 30. As shown in the figure, it may be configured to set whether or not to perform a preview display before printing when reading is started in a state where the document size is indefinite. The preview display uses a recording medium corresponding to the size of the document detected by the document size detection unit 19 or the size of the document specified by the liquid crystal display unit 30 before the read image is formed on the recording medium. This shows the result of image formation. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 30, it is possible to set whether or not the preview display can be executed by pressing any display portion of preview display or no preview display and pressing the OK button. it can. As described above, the liquid crystal display unit 30 functions as an input unit for setting execution of such preview display, and performs preview display only when execution of preview display is set.

  FIG. 16 shows the flow of operations when the preview display setting is considered in the flowchart of FIG. The main body control unit 8 determines whether or not preview display is set to be executed on the liquid crystal display unit 30 before determining the document size in S5 after S4 or S13 (S4-1). If execution of the preview display is not set in S4-1, the process proceeds to S5 as it is, and the operations after S5 are performed.

  On the other hand, if execution of the preview display is set in S4-1, the liquid crystal display unit 30 executes the preview display and combines other document size candidates different from the preview displayed size. And an input for selecting another document size is received (S4-2). Here, FIG. 17 shows a display screen example of the liquid crystal display unit 30 in S4-2. For example, when the document size selected in S4 or detected in S13 is A4 landscape, the liquid crystal display unit 30 displays a preview of the document size and displays other document sizes such as A4 portrait and B4 landscape. Candidates are also displayed and these selection inputs are accepted. If printing with the size displayed in the preview is OK, the user may press the OK button, and if printing with another document size is desired, the user may press the display portion with the desired other document size. .

  When the OK button is pressed in the preview display of S4-2, the main body control unit 8 determines that printing with the document size displayed in the preview is OK (Yes in S4-3), and the above-described S5 Perform the following operations.

  On the other hand, if printing at the preview-displayed document size is not OK and another document size is selected in S4-3, the liquid crystal display unit 30 displays a preview display of the other document size input. At the same time, candidates for other document sizes are displayed, and selection input for other document sizes is accepted (S4-4).

  FIG. 18 shows a display screen example of the liquid crystal display unit 30 in S4-4. For example, when B5 landscape is selected as the document size, the liquid crystal display unit 30 displays a preview of the document size and also displays other document size candidates such as A4 landscape, A4 portrait, etc. Accept selection input. The user looks at the preview display, and if the printing with the selected document size is OK, the user presses the OK button. If the user desires printing with another document size, the user displays another desired document size. What is necessary is just to press a part. Then, the process returns to S4-3, and the processes of S4-3 and S4-4 are repeated until the user's consent is obtained, that is, until the user presses the OK button in the preview display. The desired document size is determined (S5).

  As described above, since the liquid crystal display unit 30 functions as an input unit for setting execution of the preview display, the user can freely determine whether or not the preview display can be executed by the input on the liquid crystal display unit 30. Can be set. In addition, when execution of the preview display is set, the user can check whether the designated or detected document size is correct afterwards even when the reading is started with the document size indefinite. Whether or not a read image is formed on a recording medium having the same size as the correct document size can be confirmed by a preview display. Further, when the document is quickly extracted from the document table, the document size may not be detected correctly. However, whether or not the document size is correctly detected can be confirmed by executing the preview display. On the other hand, when execution of the preview display is not set, the read image can be formed on the recording medium without the user confirming the document size in the preview display. It can be performed.

  Further, when performing the preview display, the liquid crystal display unit 30 also displays other document size candidates and accepts selection input of other document sizes (see S4-2). Thereby, even when the user determines that the document size is not correct in the preview display, the user can select another document size on the liquid crystal display unit 30.

  Further, when the liquid crystal display unit 30 receives selection input of another document size different from the size displayed in the preview display, the liquid crystal display unit 30 performs the preview display of the other document size input again (see S4-4). . Thus, the user can easily determine whether or not the other input document size is correct.

  Further, since the processes of S4-3 and S4-4 are repeated until the user presses the OK button in the preview display, the user displays the preview corresponding to the input document size every time another document size is input. Thus, it can be determined whether or not the input document size is correct.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the preview display is performed before the document size is determined, but the preview display may be performed at any time before printing. For example, after determining the document size, that is, after S5 (or after S7), it is determined whether or not the preview display is set, the preview display is performed with the determined document size, and the user is OK. When the button is pressed, printing may be performed with the size displayed in the preview.

  In this embodiment, the copying machine 100 is taken as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is also applicable to other image forming apparatuses such as a multifunction peripheral and a facsimile machine. In this embodiment, the tandem color image forming apparatus has been described. However, the configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to a rotary color image forming apparatus and a monochrome image forming apparatus. is there.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus that reads an image of a document placed on a document table and forms a read image on a recording medium.

2 Document transport section (top cover)
6 Light source 7 Cover open / close detection unit 8 Main body control unit (original size determination determination unit)
12 Contact glass for document reading (original table)
19 Document size detection unit (document size detection unit, document size recognition unit)
30 Liquid crystal display (display, input)
100 Copying machine (image forming device)
101 Image reading unit (image reading unit, document size detection unit, document size recognition unit)
131 First moving frame (carriage)

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus that includes an image reading unit that reads an image of a document placed on a document table, and that forms an image read by the image reading unit on a recording medium,
A top cover that opens and closes relative to the document table;
A cover open / close detector for detecting opening / closing of the top cover;
When reading of an image by the image reading unit is started in a state in which the size of the document is indeterminate, and the opening / closing detection unit detects an opening operation of the top cover after the reading is finished, A document size detection unit that detects the size of the document,
When the image reading unit starts reading an image with the document size being indeterminate, and the document size detection unit detects the size of the document, the same size as the detected document size An image forming apparatus for forming a read image on a recording medium. The image reading unit reads an image of the original by irradiating light on the original placed on the original table while receiving a reflected light from the original while moving a carriage having a light source,
The document size detection unit is configured to detect an opening operation of the upper surface cover by the cover opening / closing detection unit during return of the carriage returning from the reading end position to the home position after the image reading by the movement of the carriage is completed. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a size of the original is detected during the return. The image reading unit reads an image of the original by irradiating light on the original placed on the original table while receiving a reflected light from the original while moving a carriage having a light source,
The document size detection unit returns to the home position from the reading end position after the reading of the image by the movement of the carriage, and the cover open / close detection unit opens the top cover while the carriage is stopped at the home position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when an operation is detected, the carriage is moved again to detect the size of the document.   The document size detection unit detects the document size based on the detection results of the detection sensors arranged at a plurality of predetermined positions for the document size in the sub-scanning direction, while the document in the main scanning direction. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the size of the document is detected based on a reading result when the light source is turned on. The display further includes a display unit that displays candidates for the size of the document and receives designation of the size of the document from the displayed candidates.
When reading of an image by the image reading unit is started in a state where the size of the document is indeterminate, and the size of the document is designated on the display unit, a recording medium having the same size as the designated document size The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a read image is formed on the image forming apparatus. The image reading unit reads an image with a maximum document size when the size of the document is indeterminate.
The image forming apparatus cuts out a read image to the size of the document detected by the document size detection unit or the size of the document specified by the display unit, and onto a recording medium having the same size as the document size. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the cut image is formed.   A preview display showing the result of forming an image using a recording medium corresponding to the size of the original detected by the original size detecting unit or the size of the original specified by the display unit is displayed on the recording medium. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an input unit configured to set whether or not the display unit is executed before the image formation.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the preview display is performed, the display unit also displays other document size candidates and accepts selection input of the other document size. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the display unit displays a preview of the inputted other document size when receiving the selection input of the other document size. A display unit that displays candidates for the size of the document and receives designation of the size of the document from the displayed candidates;
A document size recognition unit that detects and recognizes the size of a document placed on the document table before the image reading unit starts reading an image;
A document size determination determination unit that determines whether or not the size of the document has been determined at the start of image reading by the image reading unit;
The document size confirmation determination unit has no designation of the document size on the display unit and the document size recognition unit recognizes the document size at the start of image reading by the image reading unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the size of the document is determined to be indefinite when the document is not printed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image read by the image reading unit is formed on the recording medium at an equal magnification.

Images