JP4230832B2 - Image reading apparatus, image processing system, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine, and a complex machine thereof, and an image reading apparatus that is applied to the image forming apparatus and automatically conveys and reads a document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an image reading apparatus that automatically conveys a document from a predetermined document tray to a conveyance path by an automatic document feeder and reads an image of the document being conveyed. Some image forming apparatuses include the above-described image reading apparatus.
[0003]
  In the image reading apparatus, generally, a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp, a fluorescent lamp, or the like is used as a light source of an exposure lamp for reading an image. However, it is known that the light amount of these light sources changes with the passage of lighting time. The passage of the lighting time has two types of meanings, that is, a cumulative lighting time and a time during which lighting is continued from the start of lighting until the lighting is turned off. In the former, the amount of light changes due to deterioration of the exposure lamp, and in the latter, the amount of light changes due to an increase in temperature accompanying light emission of the exposure lamp.
[0004]
  When a plurality of originals are read continuously, the exposure lamp continues to be lit, but if the amount of light changes as described above, the image data also changes depending on the original, and appropriate image data could not be output. . Furthermore, since it is lit from the end of the reading of one document until the start of the reading of the next document, that is, when it is not necessary to turn on the exposure lamp, the deterioration of the exposure lamp is advanced more than necessary. There was also wasted power consumption.
[0005]
  Shading correction is performed as one method for removing the influence of changes in the amount of light on image data. In order to eliminate unnecessary lighting of the exposure lamp, it has been attempted to control the image reading apparatus so that the exposure lamp is turned off at a predetermined timing.
[0006]
  Further, the image reading apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires time until the image memory can be secured for reading by saving image data in the image memory to a hard disk or finishing printing when a large memory capacity such as a color document is required. Therefore, it solves the problem in the case where there is a gap between the time when the reading is actually started after the reference data for shading correction is collected. That is, in the above situation, since the amount of light has changed since the collection of the reference data, after the shading correction is performed in the image reading apparatus, the exposure lamp is turned on when the accumulated time required for the document reading operation has passed a specified time. The light is turned off, and shading correction is performed again when the original is read.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-330269 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  One of the printing modes of the image forming apparatus is a group copy mode. This group copy mode is a mode for printing a set number of image data corresponding to a document each time the document set on the document tray of the image reading apparatus is automatically conveyed and read. In the group copy mode, since printing is performed for each original, only one page of image data is stored in the image memory. Therefore, the image memory can be saved when the number of documents is large, or when a color image or high image quality is required. However, in the group copy mode, after a certain original is read and output to the image memory, the exposure lamp is turned on while reading the next original is not started while printing the set number of sheets. Will remain.
[0009]
  Further, depending on the image forming apparatus, when there are a large number of originals, image data may be printed every time a predetermined number of originals are read. Also in this case, it is only necessary to store a predetermined number of image data in the image memory, so that the image memory can be saved. However, while printing the predetermined number of pieces of image data stored in the image memory, the exposure lamp remains lit until reading of the next predetermined number of originals is started. Here, when the number of print copies is two or more, the lighting time unrelated to the document reading is increased accordingly.
[0010]
  The same applies to not only printing image data but also other image data processing, for example, facsimile transmission, registration in a database such as a server. That is, when image data corresponding to every time a document is read is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses (registered simultaneously in a plurality of databases), the image data is transmitted by facsimile each time a predetermined number of documents are read (registered in the database). ), The same problem as described above occurs when image data is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses (registered simultaneously in a plurality of databases) every time a predetermined number of documents are read.
[0011]
  Further, during the processing of image data (printing, facsimile transmission or database registration) while reading a plurality of originals continuously, the illumination lamp is unnecessarily turned on due to the factors of the processing means of the image forming apparatus. Sometimes. Specifically, toner empty is detected.TheWhen a facsimile is called, when a connection to a server is confirmed, when a regular adjustment mode of the image processing process (for example, charger current adjustment, toner density adjustment, fixing temperature adjustment, etc.) is entered Etc.
[0012]
  Therefore, the exposure lamp is lit for a long time due to the image data processing mode and the factors in the processing means, which causes image deterioration and increased power consumption. These problems cannot be solved even when the image reading apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is used. In Patent Document 1, since only the time required for the document reading operation is measured, when the exposure lamp is turned on during the time when there is no reading operation as described above, the exposure lamp is continuously turned on more than necessary. In addition, the cumulative lighting time also increases.
[0013]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and suppresses a change in the amount of light due to the lapse of the lighting time of an exposure lamp, which is a light source for reading a document, and prevents image deterioration and wasteful power consumption. An object is to provide an apparatus.
[0014]
  Another object of the present invention is to suppress a change in the amount of light due to the passage of lighting time of an exposure lamp, which is a light source for reading a document, to prevent deterioration of a read image, and to print an appropriate image, transmission data, or registration data. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image processing system or an image forming apparatus that not only obtains the image quality but also prevents unnecessary power consumption.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0016]
[0017]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus of the present invention is an image reading apparatus connected to a node, and includes a document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray, and the automatically conveyed conveyance. A reading means for reading the image of the original document by irradiation of an exposure lamp, a control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp, and an output for storing data of an image read by the reading means in a storage device And output requesting means for requesting output of image data by the output means, and when the reading means continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed originals, the node reads the one original. This mode prints the image data corresponding to the document for each preset number of times each time it is read, and the number of prints per document is the specified number. If it is aboveIsAfter the output means finishes outputting the image data of the one original, the control means turns off the exposure lamp.If the number of prints per document is less than the specified number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp.It is characterized by doing.
[0018]
  Furthermore, another image reading apparatus according to the present invention is an image reading apparatus connected to a node, and includes a document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray, and the above-described automatic conveyance during the conveyance. Reading means for reading an image of an original by irradiation of an exposure lamp, control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp, output means for outputting data of an image read by the reading means in a storage device, Output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means, and when the reading means continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed documents, each time the node reads the one document. When the image data corresponding to the document is in a mode for printing the preset number of pages, and the number of prints per document is greater than or equal to the specified numberIsThe one original after the control means turns off the exposure lamp.The next document is made to stand by at a standby position in the conveyance path of the document conveying means, and when the number of printed sheets per document is less than a prescribed number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp.It is characterized by that.
[0020]
  Further, the image reading apparatus described above may be configured such that if the exposure lamp is turned off when the output of the image data is requested by the output unit in response to a request from the output request unit, the control unit performs the exposure. Turn on the lamp andRecordPrior to the output of image data by the force means, the reference data is collected for the shading correction by the reading means. If the exposure lamp is not turned off, the reference data for the reading means shading correction is collected. Instead, the image data can be output by the output means.
[0021]
  An image processing system of the present invention includes the above image reading device, a storage device that stores image data output from the image reading device,the aboveThe image data stored in the storage deviceprintingAnd a node that
[0022]
[0023]
  Another image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a document conveying unit that automatically conveys a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray, a reading unit that reads an image of the document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp, Output means for outputting image data read by the reading means, output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means, control means for switching on / off of the exposure lamp, and output by the output means A storage means for storing the image data and a printing means for printing the image data output from the storage means, and when the reading means continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed documents, Each time the one original is read, the image data corresponding to the original is printed by the preset number of sheets, and the mode If the number of copies of each manuscript is the prescribed number of sheets or moreIsAfter the output means finishes outputting the image data of the one original, the control means turns off the exposure lamp.If the number of prints per document is less than the specified number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp.It is characterized by doing.
[0024]
  Furthermore, another image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a document conveying unit that automatically conveys a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray, and a reading unit that reads the image of the document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp. And an image reading means for outputting image data read by the reading means, and an output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means, and a control for switching on and off of the exposure lamp Means for storing the image data output by the output means, and printing means for printing the image data output from the storage means. When the original is read continuously, the image data corresponding to the original is printed for each preset number of times each time the one original is read. A mode, and when the number of printed sheets per the document is predetermined number or more, of the one after the control means turns off the exposure lamp originalThe next document is made to stand by at a standby position in the conveyance path of the document conveying means, and when the number of printed sheets per document is less than a prescribed number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp. It is characterized by.
[0026]
  Further, in the image forming apparatus described above, if the exposure lamp is turned off when the output of the image data is requested by the output means in response to a request from the output request means, the control means will perform the exposure. Before the image data is output by the output means, the reference data is collected for shading correction by the reading means, and if the exposure lamp is not turned off, the reading means is turned on.byThe output means can output image data without collecting reference data for shading correction.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image reading apparatus and an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 1 includes an original conveying means 10, a reading means 11, an output means 12, an output request means 13, a control means 14, and a time measuring means 15. Further, the image reading device 1 is connected to a printing device 3 and a storage device 4 as nodes, and constitutes an image processing system 5.
[0029]
  The document conveying means 10 has a mechanism as shown in FIG. 2, and conveys the document 116 by the following operation. First, the document conveying means 10 separates the uppermost document 116 placed on the document tray 100 by the separating roller 101 and guides it into the conveying path 103 by the feed rollers 102a and 102b. Further, the feed rollers 104 to 108 move the document 116 to the standby position A. Then, the document 116 is temporarily stopped at the standby position A, and is waited until the image reading of the previous document, the output of the image data, etc. are completed and the image reading of the document 116 is ready. Thereafter, when there is an output request for image data, which will be described later, the document 116 is moved again to pass the reading position B for reading the image of the document 116.
[0030]
  When the output request is made, the reading unit 11 waits for the document 116 to reach the reading position B, and then reads the image data of the document 116 passing through the reading position B. The exposure lamp 112 is turned on to irradiate light toward the document 116, and the reflected light is reflected on the reflection plates 111 and 113.aIs reflected and passed through the lens 114 and then guided to the CCD line sensor 115. The CCD line sensor 115 converts the received light into an electrical signal and generates image data.
[0031]
  Further, at the time of collecting reference data for shading correction, the exposure lamp 112 and the reflection plate 111 are moved directly below the shading plate 110. Then, the exposure lamp 112 is turned on to irradiate light toward the two white and black shading plates 110, and the reflected light from the shading plate 110 is guided to the CCD line sensor 115. At this time, reference data for correcting (shading correction) the variation in the reading density of the original image due to the change in the light of the exposure lamp 112, the sensitivity variation of one pixel of the CCD line sensor 115, and the light distribution characteristic of the exposure lamp 112 is obtained. create. Shading correction itself is appropriately performed for each document or each copy before image data is read.
[0032]
  The output unit 12 outputs the image data generated by the reading unit 11 to the storage device 4 when the output request is made.
[0033]
  The output request unit 13 requests the output unit 12 to output image data. Using this output request as a trigger, the document conveying means 10 and the reading means 11 start the above-described document conveying and reading operations. At this time, it is not always necessary to make the output request to the document conveying means 10 and the reading means 11. For example, if the control means 14 controls the operations of the document conveying means 10 and the reading means 11 in synchronization with the output request. Good.
[0034]
  FIG. 2 illustrates the document conveying means 10 and the reading means 11 by taking a sheet-through type automatic document conveying apparatus as an example, as long as it has a mechanism for continuously reading a plurality of documents. It can be applied to the present invention.
[0035]
  As described above, when the reading of the original 116 is completed, the next original 116 on the original tray 100 is automatically conveyed to the conveyance path, and the same operation as described above is continued until the original 116 disappears.
[0036]
  When the document 116 continuously reads the document 116 as described above, the timing until the exposure lamp 112 turns off when the document 116 stands by at the standby position A in the adjustment mode and the group copy mode of the image forming process. Time. Details of the operation timing of the time measuring means 15 will be described in detail later.
[0037]
  The storage device 4 is connected to the image reading device 1 and the printing device 3, and can exchange data with each other. The connection is performed by a conventionally known means such as a LAN, a serial cable, or a bus connection. The storage device 4 stores the image data output from the output means 12, and a RAM, a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, a hard disk, or the like can be used. Further, the storage device 4 outputs the stored image data to the printing device 3. At this time, according to the type of the printing apparatus 3, the image data can be processed for printing and output. In FIG. 1, the storage device 4 is installed outside the image reading device 1 and the printing device 3, but may be installed inside the image reading device 1 or the printing device 3.
[0038]
  The printing device 3 prints the image data output from the storage device 4 on a recording medium such as transfer paper. As the printing apparatus 3, for example, a conventionally known system such as electrophotography, ink jet, sublimation type, or thermal transfer can be used. Figure1PrintingDevice 3Indicates an electrophotographic type. As a printing (image forming) process, first, a photosensitive member (not shown) is charged by the charging unit 30, and the photosensitive member is exposed according to the image data by the exposing unit 31 (different from the exposure at the time of reading the document). To form an electrostatic latent image. Next, toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member by the developing means 32 to make a visible image. Thereafter, the toner on the photosensitive member is transferred to a transfer medium such as paper by the transfer means 33, and the toner image on the transfer medium is fixed by the fixing means 34 to complete the printing.
[0039]
  Although the case where the printing apparatus 3 is used has been described above, other nodes such as a facsimile apparatus and a server may be used. When a facsimile apparatus is used, facsimile transmission is performed instead of printing image data. In the case of a server, registration in the database is performed instead of printing. Further, the storage device 4 can be used as a registration location of the database.
[0040]
  The control means 14 controls the overall operation of the image reading apparatus 1 described above, including turning on and off the exposure lamp 112. Further, the entire image printing system including the printing device 3 and the storage device 4 may be controlled.
[0041]
  An image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention can be configured by omitting the time measuring means 15 from the image reading apparatus 1. Other configurations are the same as those of the image reading apparatus 1. The other image forming apparatus is connected to the printing apparatus 3 and the storage apparatus 4, and constitutes an image processing system. Here, the printing apparatus 3 has a mode for processing image data corresponding to a document each time a predetermined number of documents are read. More specifically, a mode that prints a preset number of times each time the original is read with the predetermined number of sheets (hereinafter referred to as a group copy mode), and one or more each time the original is read with a plurality of the predetermined number of sheets. There is a mode to print sheets.
[0042]
  The image processing system of the present invention can be applied not only when the printing apparatus 3 is used, but also when other nodes such as a facsimile machine and a server are used. That is, a mode in which image data corresponding to every time a document is read is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses (registered simultaneously in a plurality of databases), and image data is transmitted by facsimile each time a predetermined number of documents are read (registered in a database). Mode) The same mode as described above can be set when image data is simultaneously transmitted to a plurality of facsimile apparatuses (registered simultaneously in a plurality of databases) each time a predetermined number of documents are read.
[0043]
  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a document conveying unit 20, a reading unit 21, an output unit 22, an output request unit 23, a control unit 24, a timing unit 25, a printing unit 26, and a storage unit 27. Here, the document conveying means 20 and the reading means 21 have the same configuration as the document conveying means 10 and the reading means 11, respectively, and have, for example, the mechanism shown in FIG. The output request unit 23 requests the output unit 22 to output image data in the same manner as the output request unit 13.
[0044]
  The output means 22 outputs the image data generated by the reading means 21 to the storage means 27. The clock means 25 has the same configuration as the clock means 15 described above. Details of the operation timing of the time measuring means 25 will be described in detail later.
[0045]
  The storage means 27 stores the image data output from the output means 22, and a RAM, a compact flash (registered trademark) memory, a hard disk, or the like can be used. Further, the storage means 27 outputs the stored image data to the printing means 26. At this time, according to the type of the printing means 26, the image data to be output can be processed and output for printing.
[0046]
  The printing unit 26 prints the image data output from the storage unit 27 on a recording medium such as transfer paper. As the printing means 26, for example, an electrophotographic, ink jet, sublimation type, thermal transfer, or the like can be used. Figure1PrintingDevice 3Indicates an electrophotographic type. In the figure, charging means 260, exposure means 261, development means 262, transfer means 263 and fixing means 264 are the same as charging means 30, exposure means 31, development means 32, transfer means 33 and fixing means 34, respectively. is there.
[0047]
  The control unit 24 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1 described above, including turning on and off the exposure lamp 112.
[0048]
  An image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention can be configured by omitting the time measuring means 25 from the image forming apparatus 2, and each time a predetermined number of originals are read, image data corresponding to the originals is obtained. It has a processing mode. Other configurations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 2.
[0049]
  Although the case where the printing unit 26 is used has been described above, other image processing units such as a facsimile and a server may be used. When using facsimile means, facsimile transmission is performed instead of printing image data. In the case of server means, registration in the database is performed instead of printing. Furthermore, the storage means 27 can be used together as a registration location of the database.
[0050]
  Next, an image reading procedure of the image reading apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the image reading procedure of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0051]
  In the figure, first, in step S10, it is confirmed whether there is an output request for image data by the output request means 13, and if there is an output request, the process proceeds to step S20. Here, if there is no output request, the confirmation is continued until there is an output request.
[0052]
  In step S20, the document conveying means 10 performs primary paper feeding for conveying the document 116 to the standby position A, and waits at this standby position A. Next, in the reading means 11, the exposure lamp 112 and the reflecting plate 111 are moved directly below the shading plate 100 and turned on (step S30), and reference data collection for shading correction is performed (step S40). In step S50, the original image is read and the image data is output. Specifically, the document 116 waiting at the standby position A is conveyed toward the reading position B, and at the same time, the exposure lamp 112 and the reflection plate 111 are moved directly below the reading position B. When the image area of the document 116 reaches the reading position B, the document 116 is exposed by the exposure lamp 112 and the reflected light is received by the CCD line sensor 115 to read the image. The CCD line sensor 115 converts the received light into an electrical signal and generates image data. Then, the output unit 12 outputs the generated image data to the storage device 4. Next, in step S60, it is confirmed whether or not the output of the image data has been completed. If it has been completed, the process proceeds to step S70 and the time measuring means 15 is reset, and then the time measurement is started. If the output is not completed, the confirmation is continued until the document 116 has passed the reading position B and the output is completed.
[0053]
  Next, in step S80, it is confirmed whether or not the document 116 read earlier is the final document. As a result, if it is the final document, the process proceeds to step S140, the exposure lamp 112 is turned off, and the process returns to step S10 and waits until there is a request to output image data of a new document. On the contrary, if it is not the final document, the process proceeds to step S100, where the next document 116 is primarily fed, and it is confirmed whether there is an output request for image data from the output request means 13. Here, the document 116 is newly requested to output image data, and waits at the standby position A until the process proceeds to step S50. However, if an image data output request has already been made when the document 116 is temporarily fed, the document 116 is conveyed to the reading position B without waiting at the standby position A.
[0054]
  Here, if there is no output request, it is checked in step S110 whether a specified time has elapsed from the start of time measurement by the time measuring means 15, and if not, the process returns to step S100 to check again whether there is an image data output request. . If the specified time has elapsed in step S110, the process proceeds to step S120 and the exposure lamp 112 is turned off, and then the process proceeds to step S130 to wait for an image data output request. If there is an output request, the process proceeds to step S30, the exposure lamp is turned on, reference data collection for shading correction is performed again (step S40), and image reading and output are performed (step S50).
[0055]
  If there is a request for outputting image data in step S100, it means that the lighting time of the exposure lamp 112 is short, and therefore the process proceeds to image reading and output processing in step S50 without collecting reference data for shading correction.
[0056]
  Note that the timing at which the output request unit 13 issues an output request for image data is usually when the image data can be output to the storage device 4. For example, in the group copy mode, after the image data corresponding to the read original 116 is printed by the printing device 3 for the set number of sheets, and in the normal copy mode, every time the image data is printed, the printing of the storage device 3 is performed. This is when the image data of the next original 116 can be output to the empty area because the data area is empty. In addition, when the toner empty or the regular adjustment mode of the image forming process is entered during printing, this mode is finished.
[0057]
  Of these, in group copy mode, facsimile call, server connection confirmation, toner empty, and adjustment mode, it takes time until the image data of the next original can be output. It is preferable to set the specified time in consideration of the above. More specifically, for the group copy mode, the specified time may be set longer when priority is given to the document reading speed in consideration of work efficiency, and the specified time may be set lower when priority is given to the image quality of the printed matter. For facsimile calls, server connection confirmation, toner empty, and adjustment modes, it is necessary to set at least the time required for each mode to end, and shading correction in the normal copy mode. It should be as short as possible so that no reference data can be collected. Specifically, it may be set to about 10 seconds to 1 minute.
[0058]
  As described above, in the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the lighting of the exposure lamp 112 continues for a specified time from the end of the output of the image data to the storage device 4, the exposure lamp 112 Turn off the light. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a change in the light amount due to continuous lighting of the exposure lamp 112 and an increase in the cumulative lighting time, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of the read image and wasteful power consumption. At this time, reference data collection for shading correction is performed prior to reading the next original image, so that the influence of the change in the amount of light can be further suppressed.
[0059]
  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another specific example of the image reading procedure in the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0060]
  In the figure, Steps S210 to S260 are the same as Steps S10 to S60. If the output of the image data has been completed in step S260, the process proceeds to step S270 to check whether the reading of the final document image has been completed. As a result, if the reading of the final document image has been completed, the process proceeds to step S340, the exposure lamp 112 is turned off, and the process returns to step S210 and waits until there is a request for output of new document image data. On the other hand, if the reading of the final document image has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S280, where the next document is primarily fed to confirm whether there is an output request for image data. If there is already an output request, the process proceeds to step S250, and the next original 116 is conveyed to the reading position B without stopping. In step S280, the output request isIf notThen, the next original 116 waits at the standby position A. Next, after the time measuring means 15 is reset in step S290, time counting is started, and the process proceeds to step S300. If the output is not completed in step S260, the confirmation is continued until the next document 116 has passed the reading position B and the output is completed.
[0061]
  Steps S300 to S330 are the same as steps S100 to S130 described above.
.
[0062]
  Note that the timing at which the output request unit 13 outputs the image data is the same as described above. Further, the specified time may be set similarly to the above.
[0063]
  In the image reading procedure described above, when the exposure lamp 112 continues to be lit for a specified time, starting from when the next original is first fed and put on standby, the exposure lamp 112 is temporarily turned off. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a change in the light amount due to continuous lighting of the exposure lamp 112 and an increase in the cumulative lighting time, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of the read image and wasteful power consumption. At this time, reference data collection for shading correction is performed prior to reading the next original image, so that the influence of the change in the amount of light can be further suppressed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a specific example of an image reading procedure of an image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0064]
  In the figure, steps S410 to S470 are the same as steps S210 to S270. If the reading of the final document image is completed in step S470, the process proceeds to step S510, the exposure lamp 112 is turned off, and the process returns to step S410 and waits until there is a request for output of new document image data. On the contrary, if the reading of the final document image has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S480, where it is confirmed whether the printing apparatus 3 is in the group copy mode and the number of printed sheets for each document is equal to or greater than the specified number. Here, in the group copy mode, the number of prints per document is more than the specified number.AhIn step S520, the exposure lamp 112 is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to step S530, where the next document is primarily fed, and the standby position A is waited for an image data output request. If there is an output request, the process proceeds to step S430, the exposure lamp is turned on, reference data collection for shading correction is performed again (step S440), and image reading and output are performed (step S450).
[0065]
  If it is determined in step S480 that the group copy mode is not set or the number is less than the specified number, the process proceeds to step S500, where the next document is primarily fed, and an output request for image data from the output request unit 13 is awaited. If an output request has already been made at this time, the process proceeds to step S450, and the document 116 is conveyed to the reading position B without stopping. On the other hand, if an output request has not been received, the document 116 is made to wait at the standby position A. After that, even when there is a request for outputting image data, the lighting time of the exposure lamp 112 is short, so the process proceeds to the image reading and output processing in step S450 without collecting reference data for shading correction.
[0066]
  Note that the timing at which the output request unit 13 outputs the image data is the same as described above. Further, the specified number of sheets may be set to the number of image data that is output to the storage device 4 or a number that does not cause image deterioration of the printed matter by the printing device 3. Specifically, in consideration of work efficiency, the specified number of sheets may be set large when priority is given to the reading speed of the original, and the specified number of sheets may be set small when priority is given to the image quality of the printed matter. In either case, the production efficiency is improved as compared with the case where the specified number of sheets is not set.
[0067]
  As described above, the image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention performs exposure after the output of the image data to the storage device 4 is completed when the number of printed sheets per document is equal to or greater than the specified number in the group copy mode. The lamp 112 is temporarily turned off. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a change in the amount of light due to the continuous lighting of the exposure lamp 112 and an increase in the cumulative lighting time without reducing the production efficiency, and it is possible to prevent deterioration of the read image and wasteful power consumption. At this time, since the shading correction is performed prior to the reading of the next original image, it is possible to further suppress the influence due to the light amount change.
[0068]
[0069]
[0070]
[0071]
[0073]
  In the image processing system of the present invention, in each embodiment of the image reading device 1 described above, the image data output from the output unit 12 is stored in the storage unit 4, and the stored image data is output to the printing device 3. The image is printed.
[0074]
  The image forming apparatus of the present invention performs image reading in the same procedure as each specific example of the image reading procedure described above. Specifically, the document conveying means 20, the reading means 21, the output means 22, the output requesting means 23, the control means 24, and the time measuring means 25 of the image forming apparatus are respectively document conveying means in each specific example of the image reading procedure. 10, the reading means 11, the output means 12, the output request means 13, the control means 14, and the time measuring means 15 are operated in the same manner. In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the image data output from the output unit 22 is stored in the storage unit 27, and the stored image data is output to the printing unit 26 to print an image. In the printing unit 26, the charging unit 260, the exposing unit 261, the developing unit 262, the transferring unit 263, and the fixing unit 264 are the same as the charging unit 30, the exposing unit 31, the developing unit 32, the transferring unit 33, and the fixing unit 34, respectively. Act on.
[0075]
  In the image processing system and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the same effects as those of the specific examples described above are obtained with respect to image reading.
[0076]
  Figure 4 to Figure6Each of the determinations and control of each processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 is performed by the control unit 14 in the image reading apparatus and the image processing system, and the control unit 24 in the image forming apparatus.
[0077]
  In the embodiments of the image reading apparatus, the image printing system, and the image forming apparatus, the document 116 is primarily fed and waited for the next image reading at the standby position A. Any position may be used as long as it is before the reading position B. Further, it is not always necessary to primarily feed the document 116, and the document 116 may be kept on the document tray 100.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
  The image reading apparatus of the present invention is a light source for reading a document when it takes time to read an image of a next document, such as a group copy mode, toner empty, facsimile call, confirmation of connection to a server, and periodic adjustment mode of an image forming process. Since the exposure lamp is turned off, it is possible to suppress a change in the amount of light due to the passage of the exposure lamp lighting time, thereby preventing deterioration of the read image and unnecessary power consumption.
[0079]
  Since the image processing system and the image forming apparatus of the present invention turn off the exposure lamp in the same manner as the image reading apparatus, it is possible to suppress a change in the amount of light due to the passage of the exposure lamp lighting time and prevent deterioration of the read image. It is possible not only to obtain an appropriate printed matter of image, transmission data or registration data, but also to prevent wasteful power consumption.
[0080]
  Further, the image reading apparatus, the image processing system, and the image forming apparatus of the present invention reduce the production efficiency when the above-described operation of turning off the exposure lamp is performed only when the number of printed sheets per document is equal to or more than the specified number in the group copy mode. In addition, it is possible to suppress a change in the light amount due to the passage of the lighting time of the exposure lamp.
[0081]
  Also, the image reading apparatus and image of the present inventionprocessingWhen the system and the image forming apparatus collect reference data for shading correction prior to reading the next original image, it is possible to further suppress the influence of the light amount change.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image reading apparatus and an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating mechanisms of a document conveying unit and an image reading unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a specific example of an image reading procedure of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another specific example of an image reading procedure in the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a specific example of an image reading procedure of an image reading apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.The
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image reader
2 Image forming device
3 Printing device
4 storage devices
5 Image processing system
10, 20 Document conveying means
11, 21 Reader
12, 22 Output means
13, 23 Output request means
14, 24 Control means
15, 25 Timekeeping means
26 Printing means
27 Memory means
110 Shading board
112 Exposure lamp

Claims (7)

An image reading apparatus connected to the node, wherein a document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray;
Reading means for reading the image of the original document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp;
Control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp;
Output means for outputting the image data read by the reading means to be stored in a storage device;
Output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means,
When the reading unit continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed documents, each time the node reads the one document, the mode prints image data corresponding to the document by a preset number of times. and when the number of printed sheets per the document is defined number or more, after the output of the image data of said one document by said output means is completed, the control means turns off the exposure lamp, the The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the number of printed sheets per document is less than a prescribed number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp . An image reading apparatus connected to the node, wherein a document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray;
Reading means for reading the image of the original document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp;
Control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp;
Output means for outputting the image data read by the reading means to be stored in a storage device;
Output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means,
When the reading unit continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed documents, each time the node reads the one document, the mode prints image data corresponding to the document by a preset number of times. and when the number of printed sheets per the document is defined number or more, the control means is a next document of the one document after turning off the exposure lamp in the conveying path of the document conveying means waiting The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit continues to turn on the exposure lamp when the number of printed sheets per document is less than a specified number . The request from the output request unit, when the output of the image data by the output means is requested, if the exposure light turns off, the control means lights the exposure lamp, upper Kide force means Prior to the output of the image data by the reference means, the reference data is collected for the shading correction by the reading means, and if the exposure lamp is not turned off, the reference data for the shading correction by the reading means is not collected. the image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the output of the image data by the output means. Having an image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the storage device for storing image data output from the image reading apparatus, and a node for printing the image data stored in the storage device Image processing system characterized by Document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray;
Reading means for reading the image of the original document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp;
Output means for outputting image data read by the reading means;
Output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means;
Control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp;
Storage means for storing the image data output by the output means;
Printing means for printing the image data output from the storage means,
When the reading unit continuously reads the plurality of automatically conveyed documents, each time the one document is read, the image data corresponding to the document is printed by a preset number of times, and If the number of printed sheets for each document is defined number or more, after the output of the image data of said one document by said output means is completed, the control means turns off the exposure lamp, per the document When the number of printed sheets is less than the specified number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp . Document conveying means for automatically conveying a plurality of documents from a predetermined document tray;
Reading means for reading the image of the original document that is being automatically conveyed by irradiation of an exposure lamp;
Output means for outputting image data read by the reading means;
Image reading means having output request means for requesting output of image data by the output means;
Control means for switching on and off of the exposure lamp;
Storage means for storing the image data output by the output means;
Printing means for printing the image data output from the storage means,
When the reading unit continuously reads the plurality of automatically fed documents, every time the one document is read, the image data corresponding to the document is printed by a preset number of times, and When the number of prints per document is equal to or greater than the specified number, the control unit waits for the next document after the one document at a standby position in the transport path of the document transport unit after the exposure lamp is turned off. When the number of printed sheets per document is less than the prescribed number, the control means continues to turn on the exposure lamp . If the exposure lamp is turned off when output of image data is requested by the output means in response to a request from the output request means, the control means turns on the exposure lamp, and the image by the output means Prior to outputting data, the reference data is collected for shading correction by the reading means, and the reference data for shading correction by the reading means is not collected unless the exposure lamp is turned off. the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that for outputting the image data by the output means.

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