JP2021057765A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

To easily set an output device of image data.SOLUTION: An image reader includes a document platen on which a document can be placed; a read unit which reads an image of the document placed on the document platen to generate image data; four interfaces to connect to external devices; and a control unit. The control unit executes: position detection processing of detecting a position of the document placed on the document platen on the basis of the image data generated by the read unit; and output determination processing of determining an external device connected to each of the four interfaces as an output device of the image data generated by the read unit, on the basis of the position of the document detected by the position detection processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an image reader that reads an image.

As an example of an image reading device, Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner that reads an image of a document. In such a scanner, after scanning the original, the acquired scan data (image data) is output to the PC.

JP-A-2019-47264

In the image reading device as described above, when there are a plurality of output destinations capable of outputting the acquired image data, the user needs to set the output destination of the image data. As a procedure for setting the output destination of image data by the user, for example, a desired output destination is found from a plurality of output destination candidates displayed on the display unit, and an input device such as a button is operated to obtain the desired output destination. It is conceivable to select. In this way, in order to set the data output destination, the user needs to perform a troublesome operation, and it takes time to set.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device capable of easily setting an output destination of image data.

The image reading device of the present invention is for connecting a document table on which a document can be placed, a reading unit that reads an image of the document placed on the document table and generates image data, and an external device. The control unit includes the above interface and a control unit, and the control unit includes a position detection process for detecting the position of the document placed on the platen based on the image data generated by the reading unit. Based on the position of the document detected by the position detection process, the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit is set to any of the two or more external devices connected to the two or more interfaces, respectively. The output judgment process for determining whether or not is executed.

In the image reading device of the present invention, the output destination of the image data is determined by the position of the original on the platen, so that the user can output the image data to the desired output destination when the original is placed on the platen. The manuscript may be placed in. That is, it is not necessary to set the output destination of the image data separately from the work of placing the original on the platen, and the output destination of the image data can be easily set.

It is a schematic side view which shows the internal structure of the image reading apparatus mounted on the multifunction device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the image reader shown in FIG. 1 in an open state. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the multifunction device equipped with the image reader shown in FIG. (A) is a diagram for explaining a method of determining whether or not a manuscript is placed on a corner portion, and (b) is a diagram for explaining a method of determining whether or not a manuscript is placed on a side portion. It is a figure for. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure when a scanning function is executed in a multifunction device equipped with the image reading device shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 1st pattern processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 2nd pattern processing shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the 3rd pattern processing shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image reading device mounted on a so-called multifunction device having a printing function, a scanning function, a copying function, and a fax function will be described.

First, the configuration of the image reading device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The image reading device 10 includes a platen glass 2, a cover 3, a reading unit 4, and the like. The platen glass 2 closes the rectangular opening 11a formed in the upper part of the rectangular parallelepiped housing 11 of the multifunction device 1 from the inside of the housing 11. The portion of the platen glass 2 exposed from the opening 11a is the platen 2a on which the document can be placed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 2a has an A3 size rectangular shape having four corners when viewed from above. Of the four corners of the platen 2a, the upper left corner of FIG. 2 is the corner 21, the lower left corner is the corner 22, the lower right corner is the corner 23, and the upper right corner is the corner 24. And. Of the four sides of the platen 2a, the side connecting the corner 21 and the corner 22 is the side 25, the side connecting the corner 22 and the corner 23 is the side 26, and the corner 23 and the corner 24 are the sides 24. The side connecting the corners 27 is the side 27, and the side connecting the corners 24 and the corners 21 is the side 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 2a has sides 25 and 27 as short sides and sides 26 and 28 as long sides. In the following description, one (lower in the middle of FIG. 2) of the short side of the platen 2a in the stretching direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) is the front, and the other (upper in the middle of FIG. 2) is the rear.

One end of the cover 3 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the housing 11, and the closed position (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1) covering the upper surface of the platen glass 2 and the upper surface of the platen glass 2 are exposed. It can take an open position (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). Note that FIG. 2 is a view of the image reading device 10 viewed from above with the cover 3 in the open position. The reading unit 4 reads an image of a document placed on the document table 2a and generates image data. The reading unit 4 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 11, and has a reading device 41 and a moving mechanism 46.

The reading device 41 is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type scanner, and includes an image sensor 42, a light source 43, a rod lens array 44, a carriage 45 on which these are mounted, and the like, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the moving mechanism 46 is not shown, and only the image sensor 42 of the reading device 41 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor 42 is a linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements 40 are arranged in the main scanning direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) parallel to the short side of the platen 2a. The plurality of light receiving elements 40 are arranged along the main scanning direction over the entire width of the platen 2a. The light source 43 is composed of a light emitting diode or the like, and emits light rays toward the document base 2a. The rod lens array 44 forms an image of a light ray emitted from the light source 43 and reflected by an obstacle on each light receiving element 40 of the image sensor 42.

The moving mechanism 46 moves the reading device 41 in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the platen glass 2 in a sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the moving mechanism 46 includes a drive roller 47a, a driven roller 47b, a drive roller 47a, an endless belt 48 bridged over the driven roller 47b, and the like driven by a motor 49 that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions. ing. A carriage 45 of the reading device 41 is attached to the belt 48, and the belt 48 travels due to the rotation of the drive roller 47a so that the reading device 41 can reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction.

The driving roller 47a and the driven roller 47b are arranged in regions facing both side portions of the platen 2a in the sub-scanning direction, respectively. Therefore, the reading device 41 can be moved from one end side to the other end side of the region facing the document base 2a in the sub-scanning direction by the moving mechanism 46.

A USB (Universal Serial Bus) output port 61a, a memory slot 62a, and a telephone line connection slot 63a are provided on the side wall of the housing 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the USB output port 61a is provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 21 of the document base 2a on the rear side wall of the housing 11. The memory slot 62a is provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 22 of the document base 2a on the front side wall of the housing 11. The telephone line connection slot 63a is provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 23 of the document base 2a on the front side wall of the housing 11.

In the present embodiment, a USB cable connector (not shown) connected to a PC (Personal Computer) is inserted into the USB output port 61a. That is, the USB output port 61a constitutes a part of the PC interface (PCI / F) 61 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 to the PC. The memory slot 62a of the present embodiment is for inserting a USB memory. That is, the memory slot 62a constitutes a part of the memory interface (memory I / F) 62 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 to the USB memory. The memory slot 62a is not limited to the USB memory, and may be for inserting another recording medium such as an SD card. A telephone line connector (not shown) is inserted into the telephone line connection slot 63a. That is, the telephone line connection slot 63a constitutes a part of the FAX interface (FAXI / F) 63 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 to the public telephone line used for facsimile communication. That is, the multifunction device 1 can transmit a facsimile signal to an arbitrary destination via a public telephone line.

Further, the multifunction device 1 includes a wireless communication unit 64 (see FIG. 3). The wireless communication unit 64 of the present embodiment enables direct wireless communication with an external device compatible with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) without going through a server or the like. Interface. The wireless communication unit 64 is not limited to Wi-Fi Direct, and may be used for communication using other wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). That is, the multifunction device 1 includes four interfaces for connecting to an external device: a PC interface 61, a memory interface 62, a fax interface 63, and a wireless communication unit 64.

In the multifunction device 1, four interfaces are associated with each of the four corners of the platen 2a. The interface corresponding to the corner portion 21 is a PC interface 61 including a USB output port 61a provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 21. The interface corresponding to the corner portion 22 is a memory interface 62 including a memory slot 62a provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 22. The interface corresponding to the corner portion 23 is a fax interface 63 including a telephone line connection slot 63a provided in the vicinity of the corner portion 23. The interface corresponding to the corner portion 24 is the wireless communication unit 64.

Information about an external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner portion is described in the portion of the inner wall surface of the housing 11 facing each corner portion of the platen 2a. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the portion facing the corner portion 21 is described as "PC", and the portion facing the corner portion 22 is described as "USB memory". The portion facing the corner portion is described as "FAX", and the portion facing the corner portion 24 is described as "Wi-Fi Direct". The information about the external device written on the inner wall surface of the housing 11 can be seen through the document base 2a when the user looks down at the document table 2a. In the present embodiment, the description of "PC", "USB memory", etc. means display by all known means such as printing, molding with uneven surface, and labeling.

Next, the control unit 9 that controls the control of the entire multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 95, and an ASIC (Application Specific Technology) 97 connected to each other by a bus. At least a part of the ROM 93 is an erasable and rewritable EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The reading device 41 and the moving mechanism 46 of the image reading device 10, the printing device 12, the error lamp 6, the operation button 7, and the like are connected to the control unit 9. Further, four interfaces of a PC interface 61, a memory interface 62, a fax interface 63, and a wireless communication unit 64 are connected to the control unit 9.

The printing device 12 is a device that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper by an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like. The error lamp 6 is for notifying the user of an error by lighting the multifunction device 1 when an error occurs. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when it is determined that the external device to be the output destination of the image data is not connected when the scan function is executed and there is no output destination of the image data, the control unit 9 controls the control. Turn on the error lamp 6. Therefore, by turning on the error lamp 6, it is possible to notify the user that the external device is not connected.

The operation button 7 includes a menu button 7a, a start button 7b, and a mode setting button 7c. The menu button 7a is for selecting any of the print function, the scan function, the copy function, and the FAX function. The start button 7b is for executing the function selected by the menu button 7a. The mode setting button 7c is for receiving an input of an instruction from the user regarding setting / canceling the backup mode, which will be described later. In the present embodiment, each time the user operates the mode setting button 7c, the backup mode setting state and the backup mode release state are switched.

The control unit 9 controls each unit of the multifunction device 1 by the CPU 91 and the ASIC 97 according to the program stored in the ROM 93. The processing in the control unit 9 is not limited to this, and for example, the control unit 9 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the processing may be shared by the plurality of CPUs. Further, the control unit 9 may include a plurality of ASICs, and the processing may be shared by the plurality of ASICs. Alternatively, the processing may be performed by one ASIC alone.

Here, the control performed by the control unit 9 when the scan function is selected by the menu button 7a and the execution of the scan function is instructed by the start button 7b will be described. The control unit 9 executes a position detection process for detecting the position of the document placed on the platen 2a based on the image data generated by the scanning unit 4. When the scanning unit 4 executes the document scanning process, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 40 facing the portion of the platen 2a on which the document is placed is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the light received by the light receiving element 40 facing the portion on which the document is not placed is equal to or higher than the threshold value. The amount of light received by the element 40 becomes smaller than the threshold value. That is, the position of the document placed on the platen 2a can be detected based on the magnitude of the amount of light received by the light receiving element 40 when the scanning unit 4 executes the scanning process.

More specifically, in the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the document is placed on only one of the four corners 21 to 24 of the platen 2a. .. The fact that the manuscript is placed only on the corner 21 of the four corners 21 to 24 corresponds to, for example, the case where the manuscript is placed at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line A in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the determination as to whether or not the document is placed on the corner portion 21 is determined by the distance L1 from the side 25 and the distance L2 from the side 28 on the platen 2a. Judgment is made based on whether or not the document is placed in a region (area indicated by a diagonal line) closer to the corner (the joint between the side 25 and the side 28) than the portion where both are 3 mm. Similarly for the corners 22, 23, 24, is the document placed in a region closer to the corner of the joint between the two sides than the portion where the distance from the two sides forming the corner is 3 mm? Judge whether or not.

Further, in the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the document is placed along only the side portion of any one of the four sides 25 to 28 of the platen 2a. The manuscript is placed along only the side of any one of the four sides 25 to 28, for example, when the manuscript is placed at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line B in FIG. Is applicable. In the present embodiment, whether or not the original is placed on the side of the side 25 is determined by whether or not the original is placed on the side of the side 25, as shown in FIG. 4B, as compared with the portion of the platen 2a where the distance L3 from the side 25 is 3 mm. Judgment is made based on whether or not the document is placed in the area close to the side 25 (the area indicated by the diagonal line). Further, when it is determined that the original document is placed on the side portion over a range of 30 mm, it is determined that the original document is placed "along" the side portion. Similarly, for the side portions of the sides 26, 27, and 28, it is determined whether or not the document is placed over a range of 30 mm in a region closer to the side than the portion where the distance from the side is 3 mm.

Further, the control unit 9 determines which of the external devices connected to each of the four interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit 4 based on the position of the document detected by the position detection process. Executes the output judgment process to determine. That is, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is set to any of the external devices connected to the PC interface 61, the memory interface 62, the FAX interface 63, and the wireless communication unit 64, respectively.

Specifically, in the output determination process, when it is determined in the position detection process that the original is placed in only one corner, it is determined that the original is placed as the output destination of the image data. Determine the external device to be connected to the interface corresponding to the corner.

That is, when it is determined that the original is placed only on the corner portion 21, the PC connected to the PC interface 61 is determined as the output destination of the image data. When it is determined that the original is placed only on the corner portion 22, the USB memory connected to the memory interface 62 is determined as the output destination of the image data. When it is determined that the original is placed only on the corner 23, the mode for executing the scanning function is switched to the mode for executing the FAX function, and communication is possible via the public telephone line connected to the FAX interface 63. Determine a specific destination as the output destination of image data. At this time, the control unit 9 outputs the image data transmitted by facsimile communication to a preset destination. When it is determined that the original is placed only on the corner portion 24, the output destination of the image data is determined to the external device connected to the wireless communication unit 64 by Wi-Fi Direct.

Further, in the output determination process, when it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed along only one side of any one of the four sides 25 to 28, the image data is output. The tip is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the document is determined to be placed.

Here, the interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 25 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 21 and 22, and are the PC interface 61 and the memory interface 62. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 26 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 22 and 23, and are the memory interface 62 and the FAX interface 63. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 27 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 23 and 24, and are the FAX interface 63 and the wireless communication unit 64. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 28 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 24 and 21, and are the wireless communication unit 64 and the PC interface 61.

That is, when it is determined that the original is placed along only the side of the side 25, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the PC interface 61 and the memory interface 62. When it is determined that the original is placed along only the side of the side 26, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the memory interface 62 and the FAX interface 63. When it is determined that the original is placed along only the side of the side 27, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the FAX interface 63 and the wireless communication unit 64. When it is determined that the document is placed along only the side of the side 28, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the wireless communication unit 64 and the PC interface 61.

Here, the backup mode described above will be described. The backup mode is determined based on the placement position of the document. Even if the external device to which the image data is output is not connected, as long as another external device is connected, the backup mode is irrespective of the placement position of the document. This mode outputs image data to a connected external device.

That is, when the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one corner, it determines whether or not an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner. The first connection determination process is executed. Furthermore, if it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected, is the external device connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the document is determined to be placed? The second connection determination process for determining whether or not to perform is executed. When performing the second connection determination process, the fax interface 63 is excluded from the determination. If it is determined in the second connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for image data.

Then, when the backup mode is set, when it is determined in the second connection determination process that an external device is connected, the output destination of the image data is connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device. Determine the external device you are using. Further, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), if it is determined in the first connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for image data.

Similarly, when the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the document is placed along only one side portion, at least two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion are used. A third connection determination process for determining whether or not an external device is connected to one side is executed. Further, when it is determined in the third connection determination process that no external device is connected to either of the two interfaces, it is determined whether or not the external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces. Execute connection judgment processing. When performing the fourth connection determination process, the fax interface 63 is excluded from the determination. When it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that the external device is not connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

Then, when the backup mode is set, when it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that an external device is connected, the output destination of the image data is connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device. Determine the external device you are using. Further, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), if it is determined in the third connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for image data.

Further, the control unit 9 does not determine that the document is placed on only one corner portion in the position detection process, and determines that the document is placed along only one side portion. If not, the fifth connection determination process for determining whether or not an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces other than the FAX interface 63 is executed.

Then, when the backup mode is set, when it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that an external device is connected, the output destination of the image data is connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device. Determine the external device you are using. Further, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), it is not determined that the original is placed on only one corner, and the original is placed along only one side. If it is not determined that the image data is output, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, an example of a processing procedure when the scanner function is executed by the control unit 9 in the multifunction device 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the user has instructed the execution of the scanning function (S1). The control unit 9 determines that the execution of the scan function has been instructed when it is determined that the start button 7b has been operated after the scan function has been selected by the menu button 7a.

If it is not determined in step S1 that the execution of the scan function is instructed (S1: NO), the process of step S1 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the execution of the scanning function is instructed (S1: YES), the scanning unit 4 is controlled to execute the scanning process of the entire surface of the document base 2a (S2). After that, based on the image data generated by the scanning unit 4, it is determined whether or not the document is placed only on any one corner of the document base 2a (S3: position detection process). The fact that the document is placed on only one of the corners means that the condition described in FIG. 4A is satisfied for one corner and the condition is not satisfied for the remaining corners.

When it is determined that the original is placed on only one corner (S3: YES), the first pattern processing described later is executed (S4). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the original is placed on only one corner (S3: NO), any one side of the platen 2a is based on the image data generated by the reading unit 4. It is determined whether or not the document is placed along only the side portion of (S5: position detection process). The fact that the manuscript is placed along only one of the sides means that one side satisfies the condition described in FIG. 4 (b) and the remaining side does not satisfy the condition. is there.

When it is determined that the original is placed along only one side (S5: YES), the second pattern processing described later is executed (S6). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the original is placed along only one side (S5: NO), the third pattern processing described later is executed (S7).

Next, the procedure of the first pattern processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the document is determined to be placed in step S3 (see FIG. 5) (S11: first connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the manuscript is determined to be placed (S11: YES), the external device connected to that interface is used as the image data. Set as the output destination (output determination process) and output the image data (S12).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the original is determined to be placed (S11: NO), it is determined that the original is placed. It is determined whether or not an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner portion other than the corner portion (S13: second connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the document is determined to be placed (S13: YES), whether the backup mode is set or not. Is determined (S14).

When it is determined that the pack-up mode is set (S14: YES), an image of an external device connected to an interface corresponding to a corner other than the corner where the original is determined to be placed is imaged. It is set as the data output destination (output determination process), and the image data is output (S15). In the present embodiment, when an external device is connected to a plurality of interfaces corresponding to the corners other than the corner where the document is determined to be placed, all the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces are connected. Output image data to. The image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces.

When it is determined that an external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the document is determined to be placed (S13: NO), and the pack-up mode is not set. When it is determined (S14: NO), the error lamp 6 is turned on to notify the error (S16: notification processing).

Subsequently, the procedure of the second pattern processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7. First, it is determined whether or not an external device is connected to both of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion where the document is determined to be placed along the line in step S5 (see FIG. 5). (S21: Third connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to both of the two interfaces (S21: YES), the external device connected to the two interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data (output determination process). , Output image data (S22).

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the external device is connected to both of the two interfaces (S21: NO), it is determined whether or not the external device is connected to either of the two interfaces. (S23: Third connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to either of the two interfaces (S23: YES), the external device connected to that interface is set as the image data output destination (connection determination process). , Output image data (S24).

If it is not determined that an external device is connected to either of the two interfaces (S23: NO), it is determined whether or not the external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces. (S25: Fourth connection determination process). When it is determined that the external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces (S25: YES), it is determined whether or not the backup mode is set (S26).

When it is determined that the backup mode is set (S26: YES), an external device connected to an interface other than the two interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data (connection determination process), and the image data is set. Output (S27). In the present embodiment, when an external device is connected to a plurality of interfaces other than the two interfaces, image data is output to all the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces. The image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces.

When it is determined that no external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces (S25: NO), or when it is determined that the backup mode is not set (S26: NO), the error lamp 6 is turned on. And notify the error (S28: notification processing).

Finally, the procedure of the third pattern processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces except the FAX interface 63 (S31: fifth connection determination process). When it is determined that an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces (S31: YES), it is determined whether or not the backup mode is set (S32).

When it is determined that the backup mode is set (S32: YES), the external device connected to the three interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data (output determination process), and the image data is output (output determination process). S33). In the present embodiment, when an external device is connected to a plurality of interfaces among the three interfaces, image data is output to all the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces. The image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces.

When it is determined that no external device is connected to any of the three interfaces (S31: NO) and when it is determined that the backup mode is not set (S32: NO), the error lamp 6 is turned on. The error is notified (S34: notification processing).

As described above, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 performs the position detection process for detecting the position of the document placed on the platen 2a based on the image data generated by the reading unit 4, and the position. Based on the position of the document detected by the detection process, the output determination process that determines which of the external devices connected to each of the four interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data generated by the scanning unit 4. Execute. Therefore, since the output destination of the image data is determined by the position of the original on the platen 2a, the user places the original at the position where the image data is output to the desired output destination when the original is placed on the platen 2a. Just put it. That is, it is not necessary to set the output destination of the image data separately from the work of placing the original on the platen 2a, and the output destination of the image data can be easily set.

Further, the platen 2a of the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. In the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether or not the document is placed on only one of the four corners 21 to 24 of the platen 2a. Therefore, the position of the document placed on the platen 2a can be easily detected.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one corner, the control unit 9 determines the output destination of the image data in the output determination process. Determine the external device to be connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the document is determined to be placed. Therefore, when the original is placed on the platen 2a, the user may place the original on the corner corresponding to the interface to which the external device to which the image data is to be output is connected. Therefore, the output destination of the image data can be set intuitively.

In addition, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines that the original is placed on only one corner in the position detection process, it determines that the original is placed. The manuscript is placed when it is determined in the first connection determination process that determines whether or not an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner and the external device is not connected in the first connection determination process. The second connection judgment process for determining whether or not an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner determined to be is executed, and the external device is connected in the second connection judgment process. If it is determined that there is, the output destination of the image data is determined by the output determination process to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and the external device is connected by the second connection determination process. If it is determined that there is no image data, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Therefore, when the external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corner on which the document is placed, the image data can be output to the external device connected to another interface.

Further, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment includes a mode setting button 7c for receiving an input of an instruction from the user regarding setting / canceling the backup mode. The control unit 9 executes the second connection determination process when it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c, and the second connection determination process is performed. Backup mode that determines the output destination of image data to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected in the output judgment process when it is determined in the connection judgment process that an external device is connected. And, when it is determined in the first connection determination process that no external device is connected, in the output determination process, select one of the non-backup modes in which it is determined that there is no output destination for image data. To set. Therefore, when an external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the document is placed, the image data is output to the external device connected to another interface, or the image data is not output. Can be selected by the user.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 further determines whether or not the document is placed along only one side portion in the position detection process, and follows only one side portion. When it is determined that the original is placed, in the output judgment process, the output destination of the image data is at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the original is determined to be placed. Determine the external device to be connected to. Therefore, the output destination of the image data is not only when the original is placed on only one corner, but also when the original is placed along only one side of the platen 2a. Can be set.

In addition, in the composite machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the manuscript is placed along only one side portion, the control unit 9 determines that the manuscript is placed. The external device is connected by the third connection judgment process that determines whether or not an external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the determined side, and the third connection judgment process. If it is determined that the connection is not established, the fourth connection determination process for determining whether or not an external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces is executed, and the external device is connected in the fourth connection determination process. If it is determined that there is, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and the external device is connected in the fourth connection determination process. When it is determined that the image data is not output, it is determined that there is no output destination of the image data in the output determination process. Therefore, when the external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion on which the document is placed, the image data can be output to the external device connected to another interface.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines that the external device is not connected in the third connection determination process based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c, When the 4th connection judgment process is executed and it is determined in the 4th connection judgment process that an external device is connected, the output destination of the image data in the output judgment process is the interface determined to be connected to the external device. A backup mode that determines the external device to be connected, and a non-backup mode that determines that there is no output destination for image data in the output determination process when it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected. Selectively set one of the modes. Therefore, when an external device is not connected to the interface corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the original is placed, the image data is output to the external device connected to another interface, or the image data is output. The user can select whether to output.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 does not determine that the document is placed on only one corner portion in the position detection process, and the document is aligned along only one side portion. If it is not determined that it is mounted, the fifth connection determination process for determining whether or not an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces other than the FAX interface 63 is executed, and the fifth connection is established. When it is determined in the determination process that an external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and the fifth When it is determined in the connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Therefore, when the original is placed on only one corner or when the original is placed along only one side, that is, the original is placed away from the edge of the platen 2a. Even if it is installed, if there is an interface to which an external device is connected, image data can be output to the external device connected to that interface.

In addition, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 states that the document is placed on only one corner in the position detection process based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c. If no judgment is made and it is not judged that the original is placed along only one side, the fifth connection judgment process is executed, and the external device is connected in the fifth connection judgment process. A backup mode that determines the output destination of the image data to the external device connected to the interface that is determined to be connected to the external device in the output judgment process when it is determined to be, and only one corner in the position detection process. If it is not determined that the original is placed in the image and the original is not placed along only one side, there is no output destination for the image data in the output judgment process. Selectively set one of the non-backup modes to be judged. Therefore, when the original is placed on only one corner or when the original is placed along only one side, that is, the original is placed away from the edge of the platen 2a. Even if it is installed, if there is an interface to which an external device is connected, whether to output the image data to the external device connected to that interface or not to output the image data Can be selected by the user.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines in the output determination process that there is no output destination for image data, the control unit 9 controls the error lamp 6 to indicate that no external device is connected. Executes a notification process for notifying the user of information. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to connect an external device.

Further, the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment provides information on an external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to each corner of the platen 2a on the inner wall surface of the housing 11 so as to face each corner. Is described. Therefore, when the user places the original on the platen 2a, the relationship between the position of the original and the output destination of the image data can be easily grasped.

Further, the platen 2a of the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment is A3 size. When the size of the original is larger than the size of the platen 2a, the original protrudes from the platen 2a, and it may be difficult to detect the position of the original on the platen 2a. Since the document base 2a of the present embodiment is sufficiently large in size, it is possible to avoid difficulty in detecting the position of the document.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it should be considered that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiment, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the platen 2a has an A3 size rectangular shape in a top view has been described, but the size and shape of the platen 2a are not limited to this. The size of the platen 2a may be larger than the A3 size or smaller than the A3 size. The platen 2a may have a polygonal shape.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where four interfaces are provided corresponding to the four corners of the platen 2a has been described, but if the number of interfaces is two or more, the total number of corners of the platen 2a May be less than.

In the above-described embodiment, the interface corresponding to the corners 21, 22, and 23 has been described in the case where a part of the interface (USB output port 61a, etc.) is provided in the vicinity of the corresponding corner. The positional relationship between the portion and the interface corresponding to the corner portion may be irrelevant. For example, all of the USB output port 61a, the memory slot 62a, and the telephone line connection slot 63a may be provided on the front side wall of the housing 11.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the backup mode and the non-backup mode are selectively set based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mode setting button 7c is not provided, and the process in the backup mode may always be executed, or the process in the non-backup mode may always be executed.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the position detection process determines whether or not the document is placed along only one side portion has been described, but such a determination may not be performed. That is, when it is not determined in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one corner (S3: NO), the third pattern process may be executed.

In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined that the external device is connected to both of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion where the original is determined to be placed in the third connection determination process. , The case where the external device connected to the two interfaces is set as the output destination of the image data has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, when it is determined in the third connection determination process that an external device is connected to both of the two interfaces, only the external device connected to either of the two interfaces is the output destination of the image data. May be set to.

In the above-described embodiment, when it is not determined that the original is placed on only one corner and the original is not placed along only one side, the external device If there is an interface to which is connected, the case of outputting image data to an external device connected to that interface has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is not determined that the original is placed on only one corner and the original is not placed along only one side, the scan function is executed. The mode may be switched to the mode in which the copy function is executed.

In the above-described embodiment, when it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data, the error lamp 6 is turned on to notify the user of the information that the external device is not connected. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the notification to the user may be performed by sounding a buzzer. In addition, it is not necessary to notify the user.

In the above-described embodiment, information on an external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner portion is described in a portion of the inner wall surface of the housing 11 facing each corner portion of the platen 2a. The case has been described, but is not limited to this. For example, information about an external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner portion may be described in the vicinity of each corner portion of the platen 2a on the upper surface of the housing 11.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the PC interface 61, the memory interface 62, the FAX interface 63, and the wireless communication unit 64 are provided as the interface for connecting to the external device has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may have an interface for connecting to an external hard disk.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the reading device 41 of the reading unit 4 is a CIS type scanner has been described, but a scanner of another type such as a CCD type scanner may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image reading device 10 is mounted on the multifunction device 1 has been described, but the present invention may be applied to a device of the image reading device 10 alone.

2a Document stand 4 Reading unit 9 Control unit 10 Image reader 61 PC interface 62 Memory interface 63 FAX interface 64 Wireless communication unit

Claims (14)

A manuscript stand on which manuscripts can be placed and a manuscript stand
A reading unit that reads an image of the document placed on the platen and generates image data, and a reading unit.
Two or more interfaces for connecting to external devices,
It has a control unit and
The control unit
Position detection processing that detects the position of the document placed on the platen based on the image data generated by the scanning unit, and
Based on the position of the document detected by the position detection process, the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit is set to any of the two or more external devices connected to the two or more interfaces, respectively. An image reading device characterized by executing an output determination process for determining an interface. The platen has a polygonal shape having at least three corners when viewed from above.
The control unit
In the position detection process, with respect to at least two corners of the corners of the platen, whether or not the document is placed only on any one corner of the at least two corners. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device is characterized in that. The two or more interfaces are provided corresponding to the corners of the platen, respectively.
The control unit
When it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed only in any one corner of the platen, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner portion where the original document is determined to be placed. The control unit
When it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed only on any one corner of the platen, the corner determined that the document is placed. The first connection determination process for determining whether or not the external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the unit, and
The interface corresponding to the corner portion other than the corner portion determined by the position detection process when the external device is not connected in the first connection determination process. The second connection determination process for determining whether or not the external device is connected to the interface is further executed.
When it is determined in the second connection determination process that the external device is connected, the output destination of the image data in the output determination process is connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device. Determined to be the external device
The image according to claim 3, wherein when it is determined in the second connection determination process that the external device is not connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Reader. It also has a reception section that accepts input from users.
The control unit is based on the input from the user received by the reception unit.
When it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected, the second connection determination process is executed, and it is determined in the second connection determination process that the external device is connected. In addition, in the output determination process, a backup mode in which the output destination of the image data is determined to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device.
A non-backup mode in which it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data when it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected.
The image reading device according to claim 4, wherein any one of the modes is selectively set. The control unit
In the position detection process, it is further determined whether or not the document is placed along only one side of the platen.
When it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed along only one side of the platen, the document is placed at the output destination of the image data in the output determination process. The invention according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion determined to be. Image reader. The control unit
In the position detection process, when it is determined that the document is placed along only one side of the platen, the corners of both ends of the side that is determined to be placed. A third connection determination process for determining whether or not the external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the unit, and
When it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces, it is determined whether or not the external device is connected to the interface other than the two interfaces. Further execute the fourth connection judgment process to be performed,
When it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that the external device is connected, the output destination of the image data in the output determination process is connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device. Determined to be the external device
The image according to claim 6, wherein when it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that the external device is not connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Reader. It also has a reception section that accepts input from users.
The control unit is based on the input from the user received by the reception unit.
When it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces, the fourth connection determination process is executed, and the external device performs the fourth connection determination process. When it is determined that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, a backup mode for determining the output destination of the image data to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and a backup mode.
A non-backup mode in which it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data when it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces. ,
The image reading device according to claim 7, wherein any one of the modes is selectively set. The control unit
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on any one corner of the platen, and the document is along only one side of the platen. When it is not determined that the manuscript is placed, the fifth connection determination process for determining whether or not the external device is connected to at least one of the two or more interfaces is further executed. ,
When it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that the external device is connected to at least one of the two or more interfaces, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is the interface of the two or more interfaces. Of these, the external device to be connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device is determined.
When it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that the external device is not connected to any of the two or more interfaces, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. The image reading device according to any one of claims 6 to 8. It also has a reception section that accepts input from users.
The control unit is based on the input from the user received by the reception unit.
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on any one corner of the platen, and the document is along only one side of the platen. When it is not determined that the manuscript is placed, the fifth connection determination process is executed, and when it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that the external device is connected, the output is output. In the determination process, a backup mode in which the output destination of the image data is determined to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and a backup mode.
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on any one corner of the platen, and the document is along only one side of the platen. A non-backup mode in which it is determined that there is no output destination of the image data in the output determination process when it is not determined that the manuscript is placed.
The image reading device according to claim 9, wherein any one of the modes is selectively set. It also has a notification unit for notifying the user of information.
The control unit
When it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data, the notification process for controlling the notification unit to notify the user of information that the external device is not connected is further executed. The image reading device according to any one of claims 4, 5, 7, and 8. A third to eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein information about the external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner portion is described at a position corresponding to the corner portion of the platen. The image reading device according to any one of the following items. The image reading according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the two or more interfaces include at least one of a USB output port, a memory slot, a telephone line connection slot, and a wireless communication unit. apparatus. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the platen is A3 size.

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