JP3125737B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to, for example,
The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image on a document, such as a facsimile multifunction peripheral.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image reading apparatus typified by a copy / facsimile multifunction machine, the size of a document supplied to an automatic multiple document reading section (ADF) is determined by two types provided at positions opposed to a document table. Is performed by the size sensor. More specifically, a document of “B4” size is placed on a document table, and the short side of the document has a plurality of document automatic reading units (AD
F), a B4 size sensor that outputs a detection signal when facing the document, and an “A3” size document placed on the document table, with the short side of the document facing the multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF) A3 size sensor that sometimes outputs a detection signal. Further, whether or not a document is placed on the document table is determined by a document presence / absence sensor provided at a position facing the document table.

That is, when a detection signal is output from the B4 size sensor and the A3 size sensor, it is determined that the document placed on the document table is the "A3" size. Further, when the detection signal is output only from the B4 size sensor, it is determined that the document placed on the platen is the “B4” size. Further, when no detection signal is output from the B4 size sensor and the A3 size sensor, it is determined that the document placed on the platen is the “A4” or “B5” size.

[0004] In the automatic multi-document reading section (ADF), the position facing the perforated plate is constituted by a white plate. As a result, when a document of “B5” size is placed on the document table and the document is read by the automatic multiple document reading unit (ADF), the recording paper of “A4” size is selected.
The read image is recorded on recording paper. Here, "B
Consider a case where an original having a size of 5 "is read by an automatic multiple document reading unit (ADF). That is, when the read original is the “B5” size, the “A4” size recording paper is selected. This is because the color of the position of the automatic document reading section (ADF) facing the aperture plate is white, so it is difficult to determine the end of the document width from the read image data. As a result, even if the read original is the “B5” size, the recording paper of the “A4” size is selected, and the read image data is recorded. For this reason, a blank portion always occurs on the recording paper. However, if the color of the position of the automatic document reading section (ADF) facing the perforated plate is other than white, some image is also recorded in the margin of the recording paper. Therefore, the color at the position facing the perforated plate must be white.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an "A4" size original is placed on a platen as in the case of the B4 size sensor and the A3 size sensor. An A4 size sensor that outputs a detection signal when the side faces the automatic document reading unit (ADF) is provided at a position facing the document table. Then, from the same relationship as described above, a configuration is also conceivable in which a read original of a size from “A3” to “B5” is accurately determined. However, if the A4 size sensor is provided at a position facing the document table, the configuration becomes complicated. In addition, this leads to an increase in the cost of the device. In addition, it is possible to add an A4 size sensor to an existing device later, but this is not very advantageous.

The present invention has been made in view of the problems existing in the prior art, and has as its object the purpose of making it possible to determine the size of a read original with a simple configuration. A reading device is provided.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a detecting means for detecting a size of a document, a reading means for reading a document, and a detecting means are provided. Control means for judging the size of the document which cannot be detected by the method based on the length of the read document.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a detecting means for detecting the size of the original, a reading means for reading the original, a setting means for setting the image quality, and a detecting means for the original which cannot be detected by the detecting means. And control means for judging the size based on the setting of the setting means and the number of scanning lines in the image data of the read document.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the second aspect, there is provided a storage unit for storing image data of the read original, and the control unit stores the image data at the time of reading or in the storage unit. The number of scanning lines of the stored image data is calculated.

In the embodiments of the invention described below, an “image reading apparatus” described in claims or means for solving the problems corresponds to the apparatus main body 11 (multi-function facsimile machine). "Detection means" is B
4 size sensor 27a and A3 size sensor 27b
Similarly, "reading means" corresponds to the document feeding section 12 and the reading section 14 constituting the automatic multi-document reading section (ADF). Similarly, "setting means" corresponds to the image quality setting key 87d. The "control means" corresponds to the MPU 82, the ROM 83 and the RAM 84, and the "storage means" also corresponds to the image memory 85.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus main body 11 of the multifunction machine includes an original feeding section 12, an original placing section 13, a reading section 14, a recording paper supply section 15, and a recording section 17. , And a cut sheet discharge unit 18 are provided.

The document feeding section 12 includes a document table 22 on which a plurality of documents 21 can be placed, and a document table 21 on the document table 22.
A separation roller 23 for separating and feeding the sheets, a plurality of feeding rollers 24 for feeding the separated documents 21, a light-transmitting plate 25 through which the fed documents 21 pass through the upper surface, and a discharged document 21 And a document discharge table 26 for stocking the original.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a document presence / absence sensor 27 is disposed to face the document table 22 and outputs a detection signal when the document 21 is placed on the document table 22. B4
The size sensor 27a is arranged to face the document table 22, and a document 21 of "B4" size is placed on the document table 22.
A detection signal is output when the signal faces F). The A3 size sensor 27b is disposed to face the document table 22, and an "A3" size document 21 is placed on the document table 22, and the short side of the document 21 faces the multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF). Outputs a detection signal when it is done. Document discharge sensor 28
Is disposed to face the document discharge table 26, and outputs a detection signal when the document 21 is discharged onto the document discharge table 26.

The original placing portion 13 has a transparent original placing plate 31 for placing the original 21 on the upper surface thereof, and a pressing lid 32 disposed on the original placing plate 31 so as to be openable and closable. And The document table 22 and document discharge table 26 of the document feeding section 12 are provided with a pressing cover 32 of the document table 13.
It is arranged on the upper side, and is opened and closed and rotated integrally with the presser lid 32.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a light source 37 for irradiating the original 21 passing on the light transmitting plate 25 or the original 21 placed on the original placing plate 31 with light.
To change the optical path of the reflected light from the document 21
Mirrors 38, 39, 40, and a moving mechanism 41 for moving the light source 37 and the first to third mirrors 38, 39, 40
And Further, the reading unit 14 includes the third mirror 4
A condensing lens 42 for converging light from 0, and an image pickup device (CCD) 43 for reading an image on the document 21 based on light incident through the condensing lens 42 are provided.

The moving mechanism 41 includes a pair of left and right large diameter pulleys 44 and 45, a pair of left and right small diameter pulleys 46 and 47,
First belt 48 mounted between large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45
And the second belt 4 mounted between the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47
9 is provided. Further, the moving mechanism 41 includes a first carriage 50 connected to the first belt 48, a second carriage 51 connected to the second belt 49, and a step motor 52.

The diameters of the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45 are formed to be twice the diameters of the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47. The large-diameter pulley 44 and the small-diameter pulley 46 on the left side are integrally rotatably connected on the same axis, and are operatively connected to a step motor 52. Further, a light source 37 and a first mirror 38 are supported on the first carriage 50, and a second mirror 39 and a third mirror 39 are provided on the second carriage 51.
A mirror 40 is supported.

When the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45 and the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are rotated by the step motor 52, the first and second carriages 50 and 50 are rotated via the first and second belts 48 and 49. 51 is moved. At this time, the first carriage 50 is moved at twice the moving speed of the second carriage 51. As a result, the first and second carriages 50 and 51 move to the intermediate standby position P1, the first document reading position P2 located immediately below the light transmitting plate 25, and the document placing plate 31, as shown in FIG. And a start point P3 of the second document reading position which is located immediately below the reference end 31a.

The document feeding section 12 and the reading section 14 constitute an automatic multiple document reading section (ADF).
And the second carriages 50 and 51 move to the first document reading position P2.
The image of the document 21 passing over the light-transmitting plate 25 is read in a state where the document 21 is moved and arranged.

Further, a flat bed reading section (FBS) is constituted by the document placing section 13 and the reading section 14,
After the second carriages 50 and 51 are moved and arranged at the start point P3 of the second document reading position, they are moved toward the end point P4, and the image of the document 21 placed on the document placing plate 31 is moved. Read.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper supply unit 15
Is a predetermined size (“A3”, “B4”,
A plurality (four in this embodiment) of recording paper cassettes 57 accommodating recording papers 56 of “A4” and “B5” sizes in a stacked state are provided. Further, the recording paper supply unit 15
A paper feed roller 58 for feeding the recording paper 56 in each recording paper cassette 57 one by one toward the recording unit 17;
And a guide plate 59 for guiding the feeding of the sheet No. 6.

The recording paper type sensors 60a to 60d are provided corresponding to the respective recording paper cassettes 57. When each recording paper cassette 57 is inserted at a predetermined position, these recording paper type sensors 60a to 60d output a size detection signal of the recording paper 56 stored in each recording paper cassette 57.

The recording unit 17 includes a photosensitive drum 68, a charger 69 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 68 to a predetermined potential, and an exposing device for forming an electrostatic latent image of an image on the photosensitive drum 68. And a developing unit 71 for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 68 to visualize the latent image. Further, the recording unit 17 includes a feeding roller 72 for feeding the recording paper 56 to the photosensitive drum 68, a transfer unit 73 for transferring the toner image from the photosensitive drum 68 onto the recording paper 56, And a heat fixing device 74 for heat fixing the toner image.

The recording paper discharge section 18 includes a paper discharge roller 77 for discharging the recorded recording paper 56, a guide plate 78 for guiding the discharge of the recording paper 56, and a paper discharge for stocking the discharged recording paper 56. And a tray 79.

Next, the circuit configuration of the copy / facsimile multifunction machine configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the MPU 82 controls the operation of each unit of the copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral. ROM83
Stores various programs necessary for the operation of the copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral. The RAM 84 temporarily stores data and the like obtained with the execution of the program.

The image memory 85 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The B4 size sensor 27a, the A3 size sensor 27b, and the cut sheet type sensors 60a to 60d output detection signals to the MPU 82. The reading unit 14 reads an image on the document 21 via the light transmitting plate 25 or the document placing plate 31 and outputs black and white binary image data to the MPU 82. The recording paper supply unit 15 supplies the recording paper 56 to the recording unit 17 from the recording paper cassette 57 selected according to the document size or the like.
The recording unit 17 records the received image data and the image data read by the reading unit 14 on the recording paper 56.

The display unit 86 includes a liquid crystal display panel and LEDs, and displays various information such as an operation state of the apparatus such as "copy mode", "communication mode", "standby", and "device abnormality". . The operation unit 87 includes a copy / communication key 87a for setting a “copy mode” or a “communication (FAX) mode”, a start key 87b for starting a reading operation of the document 21, and a telephone number and the like. Numeric keys 87c, image quality setting keys 87 for setting the image quality at the time of reading to "standard", "high image quality", and "ultra high image quality"
Various operation keys such as d are provided.

The modem 88 conforms to ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30 based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to V.30. 1
7, V. 27ter, V.A. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to 29 or the like are performed. The NCU 89 has a function of controlling the closing and opening of the telephone line L1, and a function of detecting transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to the fax number of the other party.

Next, in the copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment, if the short side of the read original 21 is placed on the original platen 22 so as to face the plural original automatic reading section (ADF), The operation of reading and copying the original 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In addition, except for the operation by the user, based on the program stored in the ROM 83,
It is executed under the control of the MPU 82.

In S1, the user places the document table 2
When the document 21 is placed on the document 2 such that the short sides of the document 21 face the automatic document reading section (ADF), a detection signal is output from the document presence sensor 27, and the document 21 is placed on the document table 22. It is determined that it has been placed.

In S2, the image quality is set by the user using the image quality setting key 87d. In the case where the operation of the image quality setting key 87d is not performed and the copy operation is performed, the image quality is set to “super high image quality” in order to give priority to the image quality. Therefore, only when the image quality is set to a value other than “ultra high image quality”, the user sets the image quality setting key 87.
d is operated.

In S3, the user inputs the number of copies by using the numeric keypad 87c. In S4, it is determined whether or not the read original 21 is the “A3” size. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the detection signals are output from the B4 size sensor 27a and the A3 size sensor 27b. If the read original 21 is the “A3” size, the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if the read original 21 is not the “A3” size, the process proceeds to S9.

In S5, the user waits for the start key 87c to be pressed. In S6, the document 21 is read by the automatic document reading section (ADF), and the read image data is compression-encoded by the MR method or the like and stored in the image memory 85.

In S7, the recording paper 56 of "A3" size is selected from the recording paper cassette 57 of the recording paper supply unit 15. In S8, the image data is stored in the image memory 8
5 and decoded. Then, the recording unit 17
The recording is performed on the recording paper 56 of “A3” size.

In S9, the read original 21 is "B
It is determined whether the size is "4". Specifically, B
The determination is made based on whether or not the detection signal is output only from the four-size sensor 27a. If the read original 21 is the “B4” size, the process proceeds to S10. On the other hand, if the read original 21 is not the “B4” size, the process proceeds to S14.

In S10 and S11, the same processing as in S5 and S6 is performed. In S12, “B4” is selected from the recording paper cassette 57 of the recording paper supply unit 15.
The recording paper 56 of the size is selected.

In S13, the image data is read from the image memory 85 and decoded. And the recording unit 1
At step 7, the image is recorded on the recording paper 56 of "B4" size. S14
In S15 and S15, the same processing as in S5 and S6 is performed.

In S16, the number of scanning lines of the image data stored in the image memory 85 is calculated. That is, the number of scanning lines is calculated based on the line end code (EOL).

In S17, the length of the read document 21 is calculated based on the image quality set in S2. More specifically, in step S2, when the image quality is set to “standard” and the original 21 is read, the length of the original 21 is determined by the standard resolution of 3.85 [lines / mm] = (the number of scanning lines) / 3.85 [mm] (Expression 1)

In S2, when the image quality is set to "high image quality" and the original 21 is read, the length of the original 21 = (the number of scanning lines) from the high image quality resolution 7.7 [lines / mm]. ) /7.7 [mm] (Expression 2)

Further, in S2, when the image quality is set to "ultra high image quality" and the original 21 is read, the length of the original 21 = (scanning) from the ultra high image quality resolution 15.4 [lines / mm]. (Number of lines) /15.4 [mm] (Expression 3)

In S21 shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the read document 21 is the "B5" size.
Specifically, based on the length of the document 21 calculated based on the above (Equation 1) to (Equation 3) and the length of the long side of the “B5” size being 257 [mm], | (Length of original 21) −257 | ≦ 5 [mm] (Expression 4) Here, || indicates an absolute value.

That is, when the absolute value of (length of original 21) -257 is 5 mm or less, the read original 2
1 is determined to be the “B5” size. On the other hand, 5 [m
m] or more, it is determined that the read document 21 is the “A4” size. Here, the tolerance of ± 5 [mm] with respect to the length of the long side of “B5” size of 257 [mm] constitutes a part of the document feeding unit 12. Original 2 with respect to separation roller 23 and feed roller 24
1 is considered.

Therefore, if it is determined that the read document 21 is the "B5" size, the process proceeds to S22. On the other hand, if it is determined that the read document 21 is not the “B5” size, it is determined that the read document 21 is the “A4” size, and the process proceeds to S24.

In step S22, the "B5" size recording paper 56 is stored in the recording paper cassette 57 of the recording paper supply unit 15.
Is selected. In S23, the image data is read from the image memory 85 and is recorded on the recording paper 56 of “B5” size by the recording unit 17.

In S24, the recording paper 56 of "A4" size is taken out of the recording paper cassette 57 of the recording paper supply unit 15.
Is selected. In S25, the image data is read from the image memory 85 and is recorded on the recording paper 56 of “A4” size by the recording unit 17.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained. If the read original 21 is of the “A4” or “B5” size, the length of the original 21 is calculated based on the image quality setting by the image quality setting key 87d and the number of scanning lines of the read image data. Then, the length of the original 21 and “B
The difference from the long side length 257 [mm] of the 5 "size is ± 5
[Mm] or less, the read original 21
5 "size. In other words, the size of the read document 21 is determined based on the length of the read document 21. For this reason, the read original 21 is “A
Even if the image data has the size of “4” or “B5”, the read image data can be recorded on the recording paper 56 having the same size as the read original 21. Therefore, even if the read original 21 is the “B5” size, the “A4” size paper 5
6 is not selected, and the recording paper 56 of “B5” size is reliably selected. In addition, if the read document 21 is the “B5” size, the “B5” size recording paper 56 is always selected. Therefore, the “A4” size recording paper 56 is selected, and the “A4” size recording paper 56 is selected. Is not wasted.

Further, a new sensor for detecting the size of the read document 21 is unnecessary. Therefore, the size of the read document 21 can be determined with a simple configuration. In addition, only the program in the ROM 12 needs to be changed. Therefore, it is possible to easily cope with an existing device.

The above embodiment can be embodied with the following modifications. In the processing of S15 and S16 shown in FIG. 5, instead of calculating the number of scanning lines after storing the image data in the image memory 85, the number of scanning lines is calculated when the reading unit 14 reads the image data. It may be configured. When the image memory 85 is encoded and stored in the MMR system, the line end code (EOL) of one scanning line is not stored.
The number of scanning lines cannot be easily calculated. For this reason,
The number of scanning lines may be calculated at the time of reading and encoding, and may be stored in the RAM 84 together with the resolution.

In the processing of S15 and S16 shown in FIG. 5, instead of calculating the number of scanning lines after storing the image data in the image memory 85, the number of scanning lines is calculated while reading the image data. May be.

In the process of S21 shown in FIG. 6, the sliding of the document 21 on the separation roller 23 and the feeding roller 24 constituting a part of the document feeding section 12 can be arbitrarily set according to the model. It may be configured as follows. With this configuration, it is possible to cope with slippage occurring between the document 21 and the separation roller 23 and the feeding roller 24 depending on the model.

If it is determined that the read original 21 is the "B5" size and the read image data is to be transmitted to the other party, the image data is enlarged to the "A4" size and transmitted. It may be configured as follows. According to this structure, when the reception side device records the received image data on the recording paper 56, no margin is generated on the recording paper 56. In addition, in the transmitting device, "B5"
Even if the original 21 is the size, when sending it, "A
4 "size original 21 so that" B "
It is not necessary to make an enlarged copy from the “5” size to the “A4” size. Therefore, in the case of facsimile transmission, the "B5" size original 21 can be handled in the same manner as the "A4" size original 21.

The present embodiment may be applied to a facsimile apparatus having only a facsimile function. further,
The technical ideas other than the claims grasped from the embodiment will be described below together with their effects.

[1] The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising recording means for recording image data of the document read by the reading means on recording paper.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the “recording means” described in the technical idea [1] is the same as the recording unit 1.
Equivalent to 7. With this configuration, the recording unit can record the original on the same recording paper as the read original.

[2] In the image reading apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3] and [1], when the control means reads and transmits a B5 size document, the read image data is read. Image reading device for enlarging and transmitting images.

With this configuration, a document of "B5" size can be handled in the same manner as a document of "A4" size.

[0059]

The present invention is configured as described above, and has the following effects. According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the size of a read document with a simple configuration.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the size of the read original can be determined from the number of scanning lines. According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the size of the read document is determined from the number of scanning lines of the image data at the time of reading or the image data stored in the storage means. be able to.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary sectional view showing a copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copy / facsimile multifunction peripheral.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an original is read and copied by a multiple original automatic reading unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation when an original is read and copied by a multiple original automatic reading unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: an apparatus main body (copy / facsimile multifunction machine) as an image reading apparatus; 12: a document feeding section constituting reading means (automatic multiple document reading section); 14: reading means (automatic multiple document reading section) Reading unit, 27a: B4 size sensor constituting detection means, 27b: A3 size sensor constituting detection means, 82: MP constituting control means
U, 83: ROM constituting control means; 84, RAM constituting control means; 85, image memory as storage means; 87d, image quality setting key as setting means.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 15/36

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] A detecting unit configured to detect a size of the original; a reading unit configured to read the original; and a control unit configured to determine a size of the original that cannot be detected by the detecting unit based on a length of the read original. Image reading device. A detecting means for detecting the size of the document, a reading means for reading the document, a setting means for setting the image quality, and a setting means for setting the size of the document which cannot be detected by the detecting means. A control unit for making a determination based on the number of scanning lines in the image data of the read document. 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a storage unit configured to store image data of the read original, wherein the control unit scans the image data at the time of reading or the image data stored in the storage unit. An image reading device that calculates the number of lines.