JP4258116B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus typified by a copying machine having a multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF) that automatically reads a plurality of documents and a facsimile machine with a copying function. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a copying machine or a facsimile with a copying function provided with a flatbed scanner (FBS) that reads a stationary document placed on a document placing plate and a multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF) that automatically reads a plurality of documents. The device is becoming mainstream.
[0003]
When copying a standard size (for example, A4, B4, etc.) document on a standard size recording paper using the multiple document automatic reading unit of these apparatuses, the document is first placed on the document table, A regulating member that regulates the width direction of the document is matched with the width of the document. Next, when the start key is operated, the originals are supplied while being separated one by one. Then, the width of the document is determined based on the position of the restricting member. The length of the document is determined based on the number of lines of the image data of the document read by the multiple document automatic reading unit. As a result, the recording paper stored in the recording paper cassette is selected based on the width and length of the original, and the read image of the original is recorded on the recording paper.
[0004]
In other words, when a plurality of original documents are read by a plurality of document automatic reading units, the apparatus itself recognizes the size of the document. Further, the apparatus itself recognizes the size of the standard size recording paper stored in the recording paper cassette. For this reason, when copying a standard-size document onto a standard-size recording paper, it is possible to record an image at an appropriate magnification and create an appropriate margin on the recording paper.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, there are some originals and recording papers other than a standard size (for example, A4, B4, etc.), that is, an irregular size, but the apparatus itself does not recognize the irregular size. Therefore, for example, when copying a non-standard size document to a standard size recording paper, the non-standard size is used to record an image at an appropriate magnification or create an appropriate margin on the recording paper. It is necessary to input the width and length of the original. In addition, in the case of a document of an irregular size whose width and length are unknown, it is necessary to measure the width and length in advance.
[0006]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and the object thereof is to make it possible to easily determine the size of a document simply by causing a plurality of document automatic reading sections to read the document. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus provided with the multiple document automatic reading unit, the multiple document automatic reading unit is caused to read the document in a plurality of modes having different feed speeds. And a control unit that determines the size of the document based on a signal from the multiple document automatic reading unit corresponding to the mode for each mode. The multiple document automatic reading unit feeds the document. A step motor, and an image sensor that reads an image on the document in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the document feed direction, and the control means calculates the length of the document based on the number of steps of the step motor and captures the image. The width of the document is calculated based on the reading signal of the element.
further, The multiple document automatic reading unit includes a document length sensor that sends a detection signal from the detection of the leading edge in the document feed direction until the trailing edge is detected, and the control means converts the document to the multiple document automatic reading unit in the high speed mode. When scanning, the length of the document is calculated based on the number of steps of the step motor counted from when the document length sensor detects the leading edge of the document until the trailing edge is detected. In the case where the multiple document automatic reading unit reads the line count from the detection of the leading edge of the document to the detection of the trailing edge of the reading line in the main scanning direction of the imaging element as the number of steps of the step motor. The length of the document is calculated based on the number of steps.
[0008]
Claim 2 In the invention described in claim 1 In the image forming apparatus described above, when the document is read by a plurality of document automatic reading units in the high-speed mode, the control unit feeds the document at a speed higher than that at the time of reading except when the document is read by the image sensor.
[0009]
Claim 3 In the invention described in claim 1 The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a notification unit that notifies that the document is skewed, and the control unit is configured to cause the plurality of document automatic reading units to read the document in the high-accuracy mode. When it is running, the notification means is informed of that fact.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is embodied as a facsimile machine with a copying function will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 11 with a copying function is provided with a document feeding unit 12, a document placing unit 13, a reading unit 14, a recording sheet supply unit 15, a recording unit 16, and a recording sheet discharge unit 17. Has been.
[0012]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the document feeder 12 includes a document table 22 on which a plurality of documents 21 can be placed, a separation roller 23 that separates and supplies the documents 21 on the document table 22 one by one, A plurality of feed rollers 24 for feeding the separated document 21, a document length sensor 25 made up of a reflective photosensor or filler sensor for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the document 21, and a transparency through which the document 21 passes through the upper surface. An optical plate 26 and a document discharge table 27 for stocking the discharged document 21 are provided. The document presence / absence sensor 28 is disposed opposite to the document table 22 and outputs a detection signal when the document 21 is placed on the document table 22. As shown in FIG. 4, a plate switching roller 29c having a white plate 29a and a black plate 29b on its outer peripheral surface is provided above the translucent plate 26. The plate switching roller 29c is provided at a position opposite to the translucent plate 26 across the conveyance path of the original 21 (first original) from the original table 22.
[0013]
The document placing unit 13 includes a transparent document placing plate 31 for placing the document 21 on the upper surface, and a cover 32 disposed on the document placing plate 31 so as to be openable and closable. . Then, the document table 22 and the document discharge table 27 of the document feeding unit 12 are disposed on the cover 32 of the document placing unit 13, and are opened and closed integrally with the cover 32. The cover open / close sensor 33 detects the open / closed state of the cover 32 and outputs a detection signal thereof.
[0014]
The reading unit 14 includes a light source 37 that irradiates light on the document 21 (first document) that passes over the translucent plate 26 or the document 21 (second document) placed on the document placement plate 31, and the document 21. First to third mirrors 38 to 40 for changing the optical path of the reflected light from the light source, and a moving mechanism 41 (see FIG. 2) for moving the light source 37 and the first to third mirrors 38 to 40. . Further, the reading unit 14 reads the image of the document 21 based on the condensing lens 42 for converging the light from the third mirror 40 and the light incident through the condensing lens 42, and reads the image of the read document 21. An image pickup device (CCD) 43 for output is provided.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, 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, and a first belt 48 hung between the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45. The second belt 49 is provided between the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47. Furthermore, 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.
[0016]
The diameters of the large diameter pulleys 44 and 45 are twice as large as the diameters of the small diameter pulleys 46 and 47. Further, the large-diameter pulley 44 and the small-diameter pulley 46 on the left side are connected so as to be integrally rotatable on the same axis, and are operatively connected to the 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 40 are supported on the second carriage 51.
[0017]
Then, the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45 and the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are rotated by the step motor 52, so that the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved via the first and second belts 48 and 49. Is done. 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, as shown in FIG. 1, have an intermediate standby position P <b> 1, a first document reading position P <b> 2 that is directly opposite to the translucent plate 26, and a document placement plate 31. Is moved to the start point P3 of the second document reading position that is located immediately below the reference end 31a.
[0018]
The document feeding unit 12 and the reading unit 14 constitute a multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF), and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved and arranged at the first document reading position P2. An image of the document 21 passing on the optical plate 26 is read.
[0019]
Further, the document placing unit 13 and the reading unit 14 constitute a flat bed scanner (FBS), and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are the starting point P3 of the second document reading position, that is, the flat bed scanner (FBS). After moving to the home position, the image is moved toward the end point P4, and the image of the document 21 placed on the document placement plate 31 is read.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper supply unit 15 includes a plurality (two in this embodiment) of recording paper cassettes 57 that store recording papers 56 of a predetermined size in a stacked state. The recording paper supply unit 15 also feeds the recording paper 56 in each recording paper cassette 57 one by one toward the recording unit 16 and a guide plate 59 that guides the feeding of the recording paper 56. And. Each recording paper cassette 57 contains recording papers 56 of different sizes.
[0021]
Each recording paper cassette 57 is provided with recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b. When each recording paper cassette 57 is inserted at a predetermined position, these recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b output detection signals indicating the size of the recording paper 56 accommodated in each recording paper cassette 57.
[0022]
The recording unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum 68 having a photoconductive film on the outer peripheral surface, a charger 69 that uniformly charges the photoconductive film of the photosensitive drum 68 to a predetermined potential, and an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 68. An exposure unit 70 that forms an image and a developing unit 71 that supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 68 and develops the electrostatic latent image are provided. Further, the recording unit 16 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 recording paper. And a heat fixing device 74 for heat fixing the toner image on 56.
[0023]
The recording paper discharge unit 17 includes a paper discharge roller 77 that discharges the recorded recording paper 56, a guide plate 78 that guides the discharge of the recording paper 56, and a paper discharge tray 79 that stocks the discharged recording paper 56. I have. In the recording paper supply unit 15, the recording unit 16, and the recording paper discharge unit 17, for example, a paper feed roller 58, a feed roller 72, a photosensitive drum 68, a developing device 71, a paper discharge roller 77, and the like are not shown. It is rotated by the rotational driving force from.
[0024]
Next, the electrical configuration of the facsimile apparatus 11 with a copying function configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function includes an MPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a reading unit 14, a recording paper supply unit 15, a recording unit 16, an operation unit 84, a display unit 85, an image memory 86, a codec 87, A modem 88 and an NCU 89 are included, and the units 14 to 16 and 81 to 89 are connected to each other via a bus 90.
[0025]
The MPU 81 controls the operation of each part of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The ROM 82 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The RAM 83 temporarily stores various data associated with the execution of the program. The RAM 83 stores the size of the document 21 read by the multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF).
[0026]
The reading unit 14 reads an image of the document 21 via the light transmitting plate 26 or the document placing plate 31. The reading unit 14 includes a document length sensor 25, an image sensor 43, and a step motor 52. That is, the document length sensor 25 sends a detection signal from the time when the leading edge of the document 21 from the document table 22 is detected until the trailing edge is detected. The image sensor 43 reads an image of the document 21 and outputs black and white binary image data. The step motor 52 rotates the separation roller 23, the plurality of feeding rollers 24, and the plate switching roller 29c in addition to the pulleys 44 to 47.
[0027]
The recording paper supply unit 15 supplies the recording paper 56 from the recording paper cassette 57 selected according to the document size and the like to the recording unit 16. The recording unit 16 is composed of, for example, an electrophotographic printer, and records received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14 in a copying operation on a recording paper 56.
[0028]
The operation unit 84 is a numeric keypad (including * and # keys) 84a for inputting a telephone number, FAX number, etc., abbreviated key 84b for registering or calling from abbreviated number, and a previously registered FAX number. The one-touch key 84c for designating the document, the start key 84d for starting the document reading operation, the communication / copy key 84e for setting the "communication (FAX)" mode or the "copy" mode, and the size of the document 21. Various operation keys such as a high-speed mode key 84f for reading the document 21 in a high-speed mode for quick measurement and a high-precision mode key 84g for reading the document 21 in a high-accuracy mode for measuring the size of the document 21 with high accuracy I have. A display unit 85 formed of an LCD or the like displays various information such as the operating state of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function.
[0029]
The image memory 86 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The codec 87 encodes (encodes) the image data read by the reading unit 14 using the MH, MR, MMR method, or the like for transmission. The codec 87 decodes (decodes) the received image data.
[0030]
The modem 88 is an ITU-T recommendation T.30. 30 based on the facsimile transmission control procedure according to 17, V. 27ter, V.L. Modulates and demodulates transmission / reception data according to 29. The NCU 89 has a function of controlling connection with the telephone line L and detecting the transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to the destination telephone number (including the FAX number).
[0031]
Next, in the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function, based on the operation of the high speed mode key 84f, an image on the irregular-size document 21 is read by the multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF), and the size of the document 21 is stored. The operation up to this will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the MPU 81 based on a program stored in the ROM 82 (hereinafter, the same applies to the operation of the facsimile machine 11 with a copy function).
[0032]
When the irregular-size document 21 is placed on the document table 22 and the high-speed mode is set based on the operation of the high-speed mode key 84f, the step motor 52 is controlled in step S1 shown in FIG. The plate switching roller 29c is rotated so that the black plate 29b faces the translucent plate 26. That is, since the color of the document 21 is often white, when the back surface of the reading position P2 of the document 21 is white, the difference between the color of the document 21 and the color of the back surface of the reading position P2 is difficult to occur. Sometimes it becomes difficult to detect the edge of the document 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the back surface of the reading position P2 of the document 21 is black.
[0033]
When the start key 84d is operated (step S2), the process proceeds to step S3.
In step S 3, the step motor 52 is controlled to rotate the separation roller 23, thereby supplying (feeding) one unfixed-size document 21 on the document table 22. At this time, the document 21 having an irregular size is supplied at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode in which the resolution is lower than the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. In other words, the irregular-size original 21 is supplied at a relatively high speed except when reading an image. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a relatively high speed except during image reading, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be quickly measured.
[0034]
Eventually, when the leading end of the irregular-size document 21 is detected by the document length sensor 25 (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.
In step S5, counting of the number of steps of the step motor 52 is started, and the rotation speed of the step motor 52 is gradually reduced based on the detection of the leading end of the document 21 of the irregular size in step S4.
[0035]
In step S6, when a predetermined time elapses after the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 is detected in step S4, the image sensor 43 starts reading an image on the irregular-size document 21. That is, after the time until the leading end of the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26, reading of the image on the irregular-size document 21 is started. At this time, the document 21 having an irregular size is fed at a speed based on the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, when reading an image, the document 21 having an irregular size is fed at the lowest speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at the lowest speed during image reading, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be measured with high accuracy.
[0036]
Eventually, when the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 is detected by the document length sensor 25 (step S7), the process proceeds to step S8.
In step S8, the step motor 52 stops counting the number of steps.
[0037]
In step S9, when a predetermined time elapses after the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 is detected in step S7, the image sensor 43 stops reading the image on the irregular-size document 21. That is, reading of an image on the irregular-size document 21 is stopped after a time until the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26 has elapsed. Thereafter, the irregular-size document 21 is discharged to the document discharge table 27 at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode. That is, after reading the image, the irregular-size document 21 is discharged at a relatively high speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a relatively high speed after the image is read, the size measurement of the irregular-size document 21 can be quickly completed.
[0038]
In step S <b> 10, the width of the irregular-size document 21, that is, the length in the main scanning direction of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated based on the read signal from the image sensor 43. The step of the counted step motor 52 is performed after the document length sensor 25 detects the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 until the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 is detected (steps S4 to S7). Based on the number and the feed length of the irregular-size document 21 per step, the length of the irregular-size document 21, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated. That is, in step S10, the size of the document 21 having an irregular size is calculated.
[0039]
In step S <b> 11, the size of the irregular-size document 21, that is, the width and length of the irregular-size document 21 are stored in the RAM 83. Specifically, for example, as “atypical size 1”, the width (for example, 150) and length (for example, 200) of the document 21 of the irregular size, that is, the length in the main scanning direction and the sub-scan in the document 21 of the irregular size. The direction length is stored in the RAM 83.
[0040]
As a result, when the irregular-size document 21 is placed on the document table 22 and the start key 84d is operated, for example, an appropriate image processing is performed on the regular-size recording paper 56 stored in the upper recording paper cassette 57. (The left and right margins are set, the entire image is reduced) and copied.
[0041]
In step S12, the step motor 52 is controlled to rotate the plate switching roller 29c so that the white plate 29a faces the translucent plate 26, and this process ends.
[0042]
Next, in the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function, based on the operation of the high-precision mode key 84g, an image on the irregular-size document 21 is read by the multiple document automatic reading unit (ADF), and the size of the document 21 is reduced. The operation until storage is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the operation in the high-speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is determined based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, and the irregular-size document 21 is measured using the document length sensor 25. In the high-precision mode operation described below, the width and length of the irregular-size document 21 are calculated based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, respectively. That is, the operation for calculating the length of the irregular-size document 21 without using the document length sensor 25 is different from the operation in the high-speed mode shown in FIG.
[0043]
Now, when the irregular-size document 21 is placed on the document table 22 and the high-accuracy mode is set based on the operation of the high-accuracy mode key 84g, steps S21 and S22 shown in FIG. The same processing as step S1 and step S2 shown in FIG.
[0044]
In step S23, the step motor 52 is rotated by one step, the separation roller 23 is rotated, and one sheet of the irregular-size document 21 on the document table 22 is supplied (feeded). At this time, the document 21 having an irregular size is supplied at a speed based on the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, before reading the image on the document 21, the irregular-size document 21 is supplied at the lowest speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at the lowest speed before the image on the document 21 is read, the document 21 is skewed when the document 21 having an irregular size is supplied to the reading unit 14. The fear is reduced. Therefore, the size of the irregular-size original 21 can be measured with high accuracy.
[0045]
In step S24, the image sensor 43 is caused to read an image for one line. However, in this step S24 in the first control cycle, the irregular-size document 21 is fed only for one step of the step motor 52 after the start key 84d is operated in step S22. In other words, the irregular-size document 21 is not yet on the translucent plate 26. Therefore, in this step S24 in the first control cycle, only the black pixels on the black plate 29b arranged on the back surface of the reading position P2, not the white pixels on the irregular-size original 21, are read by the image sensor 43. become.
[0046]
Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 4, the conveyance path for the irregular-size document 21 is closer to the image sensor 43 than the black plate 29b. Therefore, when the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26, the white pixels on the irregular-size document 21 overlap the black pixels on the black plate 29b. That is, when the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26, white on the irregular-size document 21 in the middle of the black pixels on the black plate 29b in the reading line in the main scanning direction. Pixels exist continuously.
[0047]
In step S25, the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43 in step S24 is calculated. Note that the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 in the first control cycle is zero.
[0048]
In step S26, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 50 pixels). Incidentally, when the resolution of reading by the image sensor 43 in the super high image quality mode is 16 [dots / mm], these 50 pixels correspond to the number of pixels of about 3 mm. If the number of continuous white pixels is greater than or equal to the predetermined value in step S26, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if the number of continuous white pixels is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S23, and the document 21 of irregular size is further fed by one step of the step motor 52.
[0049]
Note that the number of consecutive white pixels calculated in step S25 in the first control cycle is zero. Therefore, in this step S26 in the first control cycle, it is determined that the number of continuous white pixels is less than the predetermined value, and the process proceeds to step S23. That is, the processes in steps S23 to S26 are performed until the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, that is, until the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26. repeat.
[0050]
In step S27, the line count is reset to “0”. That is, based on the fact that the number of consecutive white pixels calculated in step S25 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 has been transferred onto the translucent plate 26, and the line count is determined. Start.
[0051]
In step S28, an arbitrary position of continuous white pixels, for example, the position of the first white pixel (K shown in FIG. 5) in the reading line in the main scanning direction is stored in the RAM 83.
[0052]
In step S29, the step motor 52 is rotated by one step, the separation roller 23 and the feeding roller 24 are rotated, and the document 21 of irregular size is fed. At this time, the document 21 having an irregular size is fed at a speed based on the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, when reading the image on the document 21, the irregular-size document 21 is fed at the lowest speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at the lowest speed when the image on the document 21 is read, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be measured with high accuracy.
[0053]
In step S30, "1" is added to the line count, and the process proceeds to step S31.
In step S31, the image sensor 43 is caused to read an image for one line.
[0054]
In step S32, in the line read by the image sensor 43 in step S31, an arbitrary position of the continuous white pixels stored in step S28 (in this case, the first white pixel in the reading line in the main scanning direction). It is determined whether or not the pixel at position K) is a black pixel. When the first white pixel at the position K in the main scanning direction is a black pixel, it is determined that the rear end of the irregular-size document 21 has already passed over the light transmitting plate 26, and the step The process proceeds to S33. On the other hand, when the first white pixel at the position K in the scanning line in the main scanning direction is not a black pixel, that is, when it is a white pixel, the rear end of the irregular-size document 21 moves over the translucent plate 26. It is determined that the document has not passed yet, and the process proceeds to step S29 to feed the document 21 having an irregular size. That is, the steps until the first white pixel at the position K in the scanning line in the main scanning direction becomes a black pixel, that is, until the rear end of the irregular-size document 21 passes over the translucent plate 26. The processes from S29 to S32 are repeated.
[0055]
In step S <b> 33 shown in FIG. 8, reading of the image on the irregular-size document 21 by the image sensor 43 is stopped. Thereafter, the irregular-size document 21 is discharged to the document discharge table 27 at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode. That is, after reading the image, the irregular-size document 21 is discharged at a relatively high speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a relatively high speed after the image is read, the size measurement of the irregular-size document 21 can be quickly completed.
[0056]
In step S34, based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, specifically, based on the maximum value of the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43 in step S24 and step S31 shown in FIG. The width of the standard-size document 21, that is, the length in the main scanning direction of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated.
[0057]
In addition, after the number of continuous white pixels reaches a predetermined value or more in step S26 shown in FIG. 7, until the pixel at the position K of the first white pixel becomes a black pixel in the reading line in the main scanning direction in step S32. Based on the line count, that is, the number of steps of the step motor 52 and the feed length of the irregular-size document 21 per step, the length of the irregular-size document 21, that is, the sub-scan in the irregular-size document 21. Calculate the length of the direction. In other words, the step motor 52 from when the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the light-transmitting plate 26 to when the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 passes over the transparent plate 26. The length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated based on the number of steps and the feed length of the irregular-size document 21 per step. That is, in step S34, the size of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated.
[0058]
In step S35, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, “the maximum value M of the number of continuous white pixels according to the width of the document 21 of the irregular size calculated in step S34” is displayed. The ratio of the number of consecutive white pixels R ”when the number of consecutive white pixels calculated in step S25 shown in FIG. 7 becomes the predetermined value or more for the first time in step S26 is calculated.
[0059]
In step S36, it is determined whether or not the ratio calculated in step S35 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (eg, 3%). By the way, when the width of the irregular-size document 21 is 150 mm and the resolution of reading by the image sensor 43 in the super high image quality mode is 16 [dot / mm], the number of continuous white pixels corresponding to the width is The maximum value M is 2400 pixels (150 × 16). That is, in this step S36, it is determined whether or not the continuous white pixel number R is 3% (72 pixels) or more of 2400 pixels. These 72 pixels correspond to the number of pixels for about 4.5 mm.
[0060]
In step S36, if the ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, as shown in FIG. 5A, the irregular-size document 21 is not skewed or skewed so that the size can be measured approximately accurately. And the process proceeds to step S37. In step S37 and step S38, processing similar to that in step S11 and step S12 shown in FIG. 6 is performed.
[0061]
If the ratio is less than the predetermined value in step S36, it is determined that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed so that the size cannot be measured accurately, as shown in FIG. Control goes to step S39.
[0062]
In step S39, an error message indicating that the size could not be measured with high accuracy is displayed because the irregular-size document 21 placed on the document table 22 for measuring the size is skewed. The part 85 is displayed for a predetermined time.
[0063]
In step S38, the same process as step S12 shown in FIG. 6 is performed.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
[0064]
(1) When the irregular-size document 21 is placed on the document table 22 and the high-speed mode key 84f is operated, the irregular-size document 21 is read by a plurality of document automatic reading units (ADF) in the high-speed mode. I am doing so. Based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated (step S10 shown in FIG. 6). Further, the number of steps of the step motor 52 counted from when the document length sensor 25 detects the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 to when the trailing edge of the irregular-size document 21 is detected, and per step. Based on the feed length of the irregular-size document 21, the length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated (step S10).
[0065]
On the other hand, when the high-accuracy mode key 84g is operated, the document 21 having an irregular size is read by the multiple-document automatic reading unit (ADF) in the high-accuracy mode. Based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated (step S34 shown in FIG. 8). In addition, the step of the step motor 52 from the time when the leading edge of the irregular-size document 21 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26 to the time when the rear end of the irregular-size document 21 passes over the translucent plate 26. Based on the number and the feed length of the irregular-size original 21 per step, the length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated (step S34).
[0066]
That is, for each mode, the size of the irregular-size document 21 is determined based on a signal from the multiple document automatic reading unit corresponding to the mode. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, even when the irregular-size original 21 is copied to the regular-size recording paper 56, an image is recorded at an appropriate magnification, or an appropriate margin is created on the recording paper 56. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the width and length of the irregular-size original 21. Moreover, even in the case of the irregular-size original 21 whose width and length are unknown, it is not necessary to measure the width and length in advance. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the size of the irregular-size document 21 simply by causing the plurality of document automatic reading sections to read the irregular-size document 21.
[0067]
(2) In addition, when the non-standard size original 21 is read by the multiple original automatic reading unit in the high-speed mode, the non-standard size original 21 is used except during reading (steps S6 to S9 shown in FIG. 6). Feeding is performed at a higher speed than when reading. Therefore, in the high-speed mode, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be quickly measured.
[0068]
(3) Further, when the irregular-size document 21 is read by the automatic document reading unit in the high-accuracy mode, and the irregular-size document 21 is skewed, an error message indicating that fact. Is displayed on the display unit 85 (step S39 shown in FIG. 8). That is, when the irregular-size document 21 is skewed and the measured size may be significantly different from the actual size, the size is measured again without storing the measured size. Urging to. In other words, in the high-accuracy mode, the measured size is stored only when the irregular-size document 21 is not skewed or hardly skewed (step S37). Therefore, in the high accuracy mode, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be measured with high accuracy.
[0069]
(4) In the high accuracy mode, the length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated without using the document length sensor 25. Specifically, after the number of consecutive white pixels becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S26 shown in FIG. 7, until the pixel at the first white pixel position K becomes a black pixel in the reading line in the main scanning direction in step S32. The length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated based on the number of steps of the step motor 52 and the feed length of the irregular-size document 21 per step. That is, the length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated based on the read signal after the image sensor 43 reads an image on the irregular-size document 21.
[0070]
Therefore, unlike the high-speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the feed from when the document length sensor 25 detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the irregular-sized document 21 to when it is transferred to the light transmitting plate 26. Even if there is sometimes “play”, it does not adversely affect the measurement of the length of the irregular-size original 21. That is, the possibility that an error occurs in the measurement of the length of the irregular-size original 21 due to the thickness of the irregular-size original 21 is reduced. Therefore, the length of the irregular-size original 21 can be determined with higher accuracy than in the high-speed mode.
[0071]
In addition, the said embodiment can also be changed and actualized as follows.
In the embodiment, in the operation in the high speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the irregular-size original 21 is supplied at a relatively high speed until the leading edge is detected (step S3), and based on the detection of the leading edge. After the rotation speed of the step motor 52 is gradually reduced (step S5), the irregular-size original 21 is fed at a speed (lowest speed) based on the super high image quality mode (step S6). The configuration may be as follows. That is, it is possible to supply the irregular-size original 21 at a speed (lowest speed) based on the super-high-quality mode with the highest resolution based on the operation of the start key 84d in step S2. With this configuration, when the irregular-size original 21 whose size is to be measured is supplied to the reading unit 14, the irregular-size original 21 is supplied at a speed (lowest speed) based on the super high image quality mode. For this reason, when the irregular-size document 21 is supplied to the reading unit 14, the possibility that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed is reduced. Therefore, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be measured with high accuracy in the high-speed mode. Further, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a low speed, it is not necessary to gradually decrease the rotation speed of the step motor 52.
[0072]
In addition, after the detection of the leading edge of the irregular-size original 21 in step S4 shown in FIG. 6, in order to measure the size of the irregular-size original 21 more quickly than in the above-described embodiment, When the predetermined number of steps elapses, the rotational speed of the step motor 52 is gradually reduced, and then the irregular-size document 21 is supplied at a speed (lowest speed) based on the super high image quality mode. .
[0073]
In the above-described embodiment, in the operation in the high accuracy mode shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the irregular-size document 21 is fed at a speed (lowest speed) based on the super-high image quality mode with the highest resolution (step S23). And although it was set as step S29) structure, you may comprise as follows. That is, at least in the process of step S23, the document 21 having an irregular size may be fed at a speed (relatively high speed) based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode having a lower resolution than the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. Good. With this configuration, the size of the irregular-size document 21 can be quickly measured in the high accuracy mode.
[0074]
In the embodiment, in the operation in the high accuracy mode shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated in step S34, the ratio is calculated in step S35, and the ratio is calculated in step S36. If it is less than the predetermined value, an error message is displayed on the display unit 85 in step S39. That is, in the above embodiment, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated after all the images on the irregular-size document 21 are read. However, a part of the processing shown in FIGS. It is good also as a structure changed into the process shown in FIG.
[0075]
That is, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the width of the irregular-size document 21 has already been stored in the RAM 83. In step S51 in the first control cycle, the width of the irregular-size document 21 has not yet been stored in the RAM 83, and the process proceeds to step S52.
[0076]
In step S52, it is determined whether or not the line count in step S30 is a predetermined value (for example, 500) or more. Incidentally, when the resolution in the sub-scanning direction in the super high image quality mode is 16 [lines / mm], these 500 lines correspond to the number of lines of about 3 cm. That is, in this step S52, it is determined whether or not reading of an image of about 3 cm from the leading end of the irregular-size document 21 has been completed. Note that the reading line at a position of about 3 cm from the leading end of the irregular-size document 21 is a continuous white having the maximum value M shown in FIG. 5 unless the irregular-size document 21 is skewed extremely. This corresponds to a line having the number of pixels.
[0077]
In step S52, if the line count is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it has been determined that the ratio can be calculated in the same manner as in step S35 shown in FIG. 7 because the line having the maximum number M of continuous white pixels has been reached. Then, the process proceeds to step S53. On the other hand, if the line count is less than the predetermined value in step S52, it is determined that the ratio cannot be calculated because the line having the maximum number M of continuous white pixels has not yet been reached. Then, the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. 7, and the image sensor 43 is caused to read an image for one line.
[0078]
In step S53, the width of the irregular-size document 21, that is, the length in the main scanning direction of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated based on the number of continuous white pixels having the maximum value M. In step S54 and step S55, processing similar to that in step S35 and step S36 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.
[0079]
If the ratio is greater than or equal to the predetermined value in step S55, the process proceeds to step S56, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83, and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. Then, after the determination of “NO” in step S31 and step S32, and the processing in step S29 and step S30, the process proceeds to step S51 shown in FIG. 9, and in step S51, the document of an irregular size already in step S56. Since the width of 21 is stored in the RAM 83, it is determined as “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. That is, when the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S56, the processing in steps S53 to S56 in the next control cycle is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the width of the irregular-size document 21 from being calculated and stored again even though the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83.
[0080]
If “NO” is determined in step S55, that is, if the ratio calculated in step S54 is less than a predetermined value, the document 21 having an irregular size is skewed so that the size cannot be accurately measured. In step S57, processing similar to that in step S39 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.
[0081]
Incidentally, when the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S56 and it is determined “YES” in step S32 through step S31 shown in FIG. 7, the following processing is performed thereafter. . That is, in step S34 shown in FIG. 8, only the length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated, and steps S35, S36, and S39 are omitted. In step S37, only the length of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83. Remember me.
[0082]
Thus, unlike the above-described embodiment, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is not calculated after all the images on the irregular-size document 21 are read, but on the irregular-size document 21. When the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated at the stage where the image is read about 3 cm from the leading edge, the irregular-size document 21 is operated quickly when the irregular-size document 21 is skewed greatly. The person can be notified.
[0083]
In addition, a part of the processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be changed to the processing shown in FIG. That is, in step S61, the same process as step S51 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. In step S62, the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43 in step S31 shown in FIG. 7 is calculated.
[0084]
In step S63, it is determined whether or not the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S62 is the same as the number of continuous white pixels in the previous line. When both have the same number of pixels, they are all the number of continuous white pixels having the maximum value M shown in FIG. 5, that is, the irregular-size document 21 is not skewed or skewed. However, this is limited to the case where a line having the maximum number M of continuous white pixels is reached. Therefore, in any of these cases, it is determined that the ratio can be calculated in the same manner as in step S35 shown in FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, if the number of pixels is different in step S63, the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG.
[0085]
In step S64 to step S68, processing similar to that in step S53 to step S57 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. In step S66, if the ratio is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S67, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83, and the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG. Then, after the determination of “NO” in step S32 and the processing in steps S29 to S31, the process proceeds to step S61 shown in FIG. 10. In step S61, the width of the document 21 having an irregular size is already determined in step S67. Is stored in the RAM 83, it is determined "YES", and the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG. That is, when the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S67, the processes in steps S64 to S67 of the next control cycle are not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the width of the irregular-size document 21 from being calculated and stored again even though the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83.
[0086]
If “NO” is determined in step S66, that is, if the ratio calculated in step S65 is less than the predetermined value, the irregular-size original 21 is skewed so much that the size cannot be measured accurately. In step S68, processing similar to that in step S39 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.
[0087]
Incidentally, when the width of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S67 and it is determined “YES” in step S32 shown in FIG. 7, the following processing is performed thereafter. That is, in step S34 shown in FIG. 8, only the length of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated, and steps S35, S36, and S39 are omitted. In step S37, only the length of the irregular-size document 21 is stored in the RAM 83. Remember me.
[0088]
According to this configuration, the width of the irregular-size document 21 is calculated at the stage where two lines having a continuous white pixel number of the maximum value M are read from the image on the irregular-size document 21. Can do. Therefore, when the irregular-size original 21 is skewed greatly, it can be quickly notified to the operator.
[0089]
After the size of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S11 shown in FIG. 6 or step S37 shown in FIG. If “size 1” is associated and registered in the RAM 83, “undefined size 1 = 150 × 200” may be displayed on the display unit 85. According to this configuration, when the original 21 having an arbitrary size is placed on the original table 22 and the start key 84d is operated, the recording paper 56 having an irregular size stored in the lower recording paper cassette 57 is operated. Appropriate image processing (setting of left and right and top and bottom margins, reduction of the entire image) is performed and copied. In this case, the RAM 83 corresponds to a storage unit that stores the width and length of the document 21, and the operation unit 84 corresponds to an operation unit that associates the recording paper cassette 57 with the width and length of the document 21, and a display unit 85. Corresponds to display means for displaying the width and length of the document 21 read by the multiple document automatic reading unit.
[0090]
In addition, the width and length of the irregular-size original 21 may be displayed on the display unit 85 when the width and length of the irregular-size original 21 are read. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine the width and length of the irregular-size document 21.
[0091]
In the above-described embodiment, the operation when reading the irregular-size original 21 and storing the irregular-size original 21 is described. However, the irregular-size original 21 may be used. In this way, for example, when it is desired to know the width and length of the standard size, the width and length of the standard size are stored in the RAM 83. For this reason, the width and length of the stored standard size can be displayed on the display unit 85. Therefore, the width and length of the standard size can be easily known.
[0092]
In the embodiment, the width and length of the irregular-size original 21 are stored. In addition to this, the irregular-size original 21 is placed on the regular-size or irregular-size recording paper 56. It may be configured to store the left, right, top and bottom margins when recording. Specifically, the left / right / up / down margins are stored by an operation from the operation unit 84. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably create margins on the left, right, top and bottom of the recording paper 56.
[0093]
In the above embodiment, the error message indicating that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed is displayed on the display unit 85 in the operation in the high accuracy mode shown in FIGS. Step S39), as shown by a broken line in FIG. 3, a sounding unit 91 for sounding a voice message is provided, and a sound message indicating that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed is sounded from the sounding unit 91. It is good. With this configuration, the operator listens to the voice message, and the irregular-size document 21 placed on the document table 22 is skewed to measure the size. It is possible to know that measurement could not be performed.
[0094]
In addition, an error message indicating that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed is displayed on the display unit 85, and a voice message indicating that the irregular-size document 21 is skewed is displayed. It is good also as a structure which rings from 91.
[0095]
In the above embodiment, the step motor 52 is controlled to rotate the plate switching roller 29c so that the black plate 29b and the white plate 29a face the light transmitting plate 26 (step S1 shown in FIG. 6). Step S12, step S21 shown in FIG. 7, step S38 shown in FIG. 8, and the black plate 29b or the white plate 29a may be manually replaced.
[0096]
In addition, the color of the black plate 29b may be changed to another color different from the color of the document 21.
Furthermore, it is grasped from the above embodiment etc. Technique The technical ideas are described below together with their effects.
[0097]
・ A step motor for feeding the document is provided, and the control means controls the step motor so that the document is fed at a higher speed than at the time of reading before starting the reading, and feeds the document at a predetermined speed at the start of the reading at the latest. An image forming apparatus that gradually decreases the rotational speed of a step motor so that it can be started. If comprised in this way, the size of a document can be measured quickly.
[0098]
・ The multiple document automatic reading unit includes a reading unit that reads an image on a document, and the control unit determines the length of the document based on a reading signal from the reading unit. With this configuration, the length of the document can be determined with high accuracy.
[0099]
・ The multiple document automatic reading unit includes a reading unit that reads an image on the document, and the control unit reads the image of the document based on a reading signal from the reading unit at a stage before the reading unit reads all the images on the document. An image forming apparatus that determines the width and, when determining that the document is skewed based on a reading signal from the reading unit, notifies the notifying unit of the fact. With this configuration, when the document is skewed, it can be notified quickly.
[0100]
・ A plate of a color different from the color of the original can be arranged on the back of the reading position where the original is read by a plurality of original automatic reading sections, and the control means can copy the original with the plate arranged on the back of the reading position. An image forming apparatus that determines the size of a document by causing a plurality of document automatic reading units to read the document. With this configuration, it becomes easy to detect the edge of the document from the difference between the color of the document and the color on the back of the document reading position, and the size of the document can be determined with high accuracy.
[0101]
【The invention's effect】
Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
Each claim According to the invention described in (1), it is possible to easily determine the size of a document simply by causing a plurality of document automatic reading sections to read the document.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a facsimile machine with a copying function.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a facsimile machine with a copying function.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a facsimile apparatus with a copy function.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged front view of a document feeding unit.
5A is a plan view showing a state in which an irregular-size document is not skewed, and FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a state in which the document is skewed.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in a high-speed mode to storing the size of the document.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in a high accuracy mode to storing the size of the document.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in a high accuracy mode to storing the size of the document.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Facsimile apparatus with a copy function as an image forming apparatus, 12 ... Document feeding section constituting a plurality of document automatic reading section, 14 ... Reading section constituting a plurality of document automatic reading section, 21 ... Document, 29b ... As plate Black plate, 43 ... Imaging device as reading means, 52 ... Step motor, 81 ... MPU constituting control means, 82 ... ROM constituting control means, 83 ... RAM constituting control means, 85 ... Notification means Display unit 91. Ringing unit as notification means, P2. First document reading position as reading position.

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus including a plurality of document automatic reading units,
The document can be read by a plurality of document automatic reading units in a plurality of modes with different feed speeds, and the size of the document is determined for each mode based on a signal from the document automatic reading unit corresponding to the mode. A control means for judging,
The multiple document automatic reading unit includes a step motor for feeding a document and an image sensor that reads an image on the document in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the document feed direction,
The control means calculates the length of the document based on the number of steps of the step motor, calculates the width of the document based on the read signal of the image sensor ,
The multiple document automatic reading unit includes a document length sensor that sends a detection signal from the detection of the leading edge in the document feed direction to the detection of the trailing edge.
When the document is read by the multiple document automatic reading unit in the high-speed mode, the control means determines the number of steps of the step motor counted from when the document length sensor detects the leading edge of the document until the trailing edge is detected. If the document length is calculated based on this and the document is read by the multiple document automatic reading unit in the high-definition mode, the image sensor detects the leading edge of the document in the reading line in the main scanning direction of the image sensor. An image forming apparatus that calculates the length of a document based on the number of steps of the step motor as the line count until the end is detected . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control unit is an image forming apparatus that feeds a document at a speed higher than that at the time of reading the document other than when the document is read by the image pickup device when the document is read by the automatic document reading unit in the high-speed mode . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .
Informing means for informing that the document is skewed is provided, and the control means is for causing the plurality of document automatic reading sections to read the document in the high accuracy mode, and when the document is skewed, An image forming apparatus for informing a notification means .

Images