JP6542067B2 - Image reader - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, an image reading apparatus such as a scanner, a facsimile, a copying machine, and the like provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF).

  In order to increase the efficiency of continuous reading, some image reading apparatuses such as scanners use an ADF to feed an original document while separating the originals one by one from an original table, and perform reading processing.

  Among scan applications, there is one (batch scan) in which execution of reading processing of a bundle of documents stacked on a platen of a scanner is performed by a single scan start instruction. In addition, there is one which issues a scan start instruction for each document, and continuously reads all document bundles (continuous one-sheet scan).

  In continuous single-sheet scanning, the conventional scanner turns off the lamp of the reading sensor when the document reading process is completed. Therefore, there is a problem that a waiting time occurs until the light amount of the lamp is stabilized at the start of the next scan. As a solution to this problem, a technique has been proposed in which the lighting frequency of the lamp is lowered for a predetermined period of time after reading is finished (see Patent Document 1).

  Since the paper discharge process and the image transfer process are performed asynchronously, the paper discharge process may end earlier, or the image transfer process may end earlier. When both the paper discharge process and the image transfer process are completed, the one-sheet scanning is completed.

JP, 2010-212789, A

  However, if the paper discharge process ends earlier than the image transfer process, the driving of the conveyance motor is stopped when the paper discharge process ends, and the start of the next document is ended after the image transfer process ends. Since the instruction is issued, the transport motor is driven again during the stationary state or the deceleration processing.

  In that case, a waiting time until the rotational speed of the transport roller reaches a predetermined speed occurs, which causes a problem that the throughput at the time of continuous single-sheet scanning is reduced.

  In addition to continuous single sheet scanning, specified number of sheets (for example, the second original when the number of sheets specified is two) and continuous scanning at the time of continuous scanning (continuous number specification scanning) specifying the number of scannings The same problem occurs as in the case of continuous single-scan even when

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of improving the throughput of scanning.

In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a feeding unit for feeding a document set in a document tray; a transport unit for transporting and discharging the fed document; Image reading means for reading the image of the original document, and output means for outputting the read image to the outside, and at least the image reading means is provided after the discharge of the original document by the conveyance means is completed. Until the output means completes the external output of the read image data, the conveyance means is driven, and the drive of the sheet feeding means executes the document standby control which is stopping, and the image reading means reads When a predetermined time elapses after the output means completes the external output of the image data, the document standby control is ended to stop the driving of the transport device, and the document standby control is repeatedly executed. The external processing of the image data in the next reading processing is performed based on one or more of the time from the completion of the external output of the image data in the reading processing which has been reversed to the time the driving of the sheet feeding means is resumed. The predetermined time from when the output is completed to when the driving of the next transport means is stopped is determined .

  According to the present invention, scan throughput can be improved.

A perspective view showing an overview of the image reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment A flowchart showing a reading process control method of the first embodiment Block diagram showing a control unit of the image reading apparatus 100 of the first embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image reading apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. Timing chart at the time of one sheet scan of the first embodiment A flowchart showing the discharge processing control method of the first embodiment A flowchart showing an image transfer processing control method according to the first embodiment A flow chart showing a discharge processing control method of the second embodiment A flowchart showing an image transfer processing control method according to the second embodiment A flowchart showing the paper discharge processing control method of the third embodiment

Example 1
The invention according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
Here, the flow of processing for one-sheet scanning will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading apparatus 100 is connected by a USB cable 300 or the like so that data can be transmitted to and received from the information processing terminal 200.

  The user operates the information processing terminal 200 to transmit the reading setting and the reading start instruction to the image reading apparatus 100.

  The flow of processing when the image reading apparatus 100 receives a reading start instruction from the information processing terminal 200 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2, the block diagram of FIG. 3, and the schematic cross sectional view of FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the image reading process of the image reading apparatus 100. In step S2001, the CPU 401 starts driving of the conveyance motor 404. Thereby, the 1st conveyance roller pair 102 and the 2nd conveyance roller pair 103 rotate. At this time, in order to prevent image blurring when acquiring an image by the image reading units 105 and 106, the process waits until the rotational speed of the first conveying roller pair 102 and the second conveying roller pair 103 reaches a predetermined speed. Do. In the following description, the first conveyance roller pair 102 and the second conveyance roller pair 103 may be collectively referred to as conveyance roller pairs 102 and 103.

  In step S2002, the CPU 401 starts driving of the sheet feeding motor 405. As a result, the paper feed roller 101 rotates, and the originals stacked on the document tray 107 are separated one by one and fed at the nip portion with the separation pad 104.

  When detecting that the leading end of the fed document has reached the registration sensor 108 in step S2003, the CPU 401 stops driving of the feed motor 405 in step S2004. A one-way clutch (not shown) is mounted on the sheet feeding roller 101, and even if the driving of the sheet feeding motor 405 is stopped, the document fed by the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 102 and 103 is conveyed.

  In step S2005, the CPU 401 causes the motor rotation amount determination unit 411 to measure the rotation amount of the conveyance motor 404, and starts the reading process when the leading end of the conveyed document reaches the position of the image reading units 105 and 106. As an example of the method of measuring the amount of rotation, in this example, the case where a pulse motor is used for the transport motor 404 will be described. The amount of rotation can be calculated from the number of pulses of the pulse signal input to the pulse motor. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the front end of the document reaches the position of the image reading unit 105 by measuring the number of pulses from the time the front end of the document reaches the registration sensor 108 until the present time.

  In step S2006, when the CPU 401 detects that the trailing edge of the document has passed through the registration sensor 108, reading continues until the trailing edge of the conveyed document passes through the positions of the image reading units 105 and 106, and step S2007. Ends the reading process.

  In step S2008, the CPU 401 asynchronously performs two processes of paper discharge processing and image transfer processing.

  In the paper discharge process, the CPU 401 drives the conveyance motor 404 to discharge the document from the image reading apparatus 100. Here, it is determined that the rear end of the document has passed the conveyance roller 103 based on the number of pulses input to the pulse motor after the rear end of the document reaches the registration sensor 108, and paper discharge is completed. By providing a discharge sensor in the vicinity of the roller 103, it may be detected that the document is discharged and the discharge is completed.

  In the image transfer process, the CPU 401 transfers the read image to the information processing terminal 200.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the image reading apparatus 100 of the present invention. The originals stacked on the original tray 107 are fed to the conveyance path by the rotation of the feed roller 101. A separation pad 104 for separating and feeding a document one by one is attached to the upper portion of the sheet feeding roller 101. The separation pad 104 may be a separation roller. The feed roller 101 and the separation pad 104 are examples of a document feeding unit that feeds a document while separating the documents one by one.

  Downstream of the feed roller 101, a first transport roller pair 102 and a second transport roller pair 103 for transporting a fed document are provided. The first transport roller pair 102 and the second transport roller pair 103 are an example of a document transport unit that transports and discharges a fed document.

  On the downstream side of the first conveyance roller 102, a registration sensor 108 for detecting that the document has reached and passed through the conveyance path is provided.

  Image reading units 105 and 106 are provided downstream of the registration sensor 108. The image reading unit 105 is a sensor that reads the first side of the document, and the image reading unit 106 is a sensor that reads the second side of the document. The image reading units 105 and 106 do not necessarily have to be both, and only one of them may be provided.

  Further, on the upstream side of the sheet feeding roller 101, a tray sensor 109 for detecting that the document has been stacked on the document tray 107 is provided. However, although the tray sensor 109 is not necessarily required in the first embodiment, the control of each motor can be performed more efficiently by detecting the presence or absence of the document by the tray sensor 109.

  The feed roller 101 is driven by the power from the feed motor 405. Further, the first conveyance roller pair 102 and the second conveyance roller pair 103 are driven by the power from the conveyance motor 404.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the image reading apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. The CPU 401 is a unit that controls each part of the image reading apparatus 100 in an integrated manner.

  The ROM 402 is a memory that stores control programs, data, and the like. A RAM 403 is a work area of the CPU 401. The CPU 401 functions as various means by executing a control program.

  The motor rotation amount determination unit 411 measures the rotation amounts of the conveyance motor 404 and the paper feed motor 405, and indicates that the front end of the document has reached the position of the image reading units 105 and 106, and that the rear end of the document has passed. judge. When a pulse motor is used for the transport motor 404 and the paper feed motor 405 as an example of a method of measuring the amount of rotation, the amount of rotation can be calculated from the number of pulses of the pulse signal input to the pulse motor.

  The flag management unit 412 manages a discharge processing completion flag and an image transfer processing completion flag. The discharge process completion flag is managed for each document, and when the discharge process completion flag is ON, it indicates that the document discharge process is completed. If the image transfer processing completion flag is ON, it indicates that the transfer of the image read by the image reading units 105 and 106 to the information processing terminal 200 is completed, and the image transfer processing is completed. The initial values of the discharge process completion flag and the image transfer process completion flag are OFF.

  Here, with regard to the completion of the image transfer processing, a method in which the image transmission processing is completed by notifying the image reading device 100 that the reception of all the image data has been completed by the information processing terminal 200, and the image reading device 100 Any method may be used in which the image transfer process is completed when all the image data transmission processes are completed. When all the transmission processing of the image data from the image reading apparatus 100 is completed, the image reading apparatus 100 can read the next document, so that the image reading apparatus 100 has completed the transmission processing of the image data. By using the method of completing the transfer process, the time until the next image reading can be shortened.

  The time measuring unit 413 starts measuring time after the image transfer is completed, and the CPU 401 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed. The CPU 401 measures the time from the completion of the image transfer at the time of the previous reading process to the time when the CPU 401 receives the current reading process start instruction, and the CPU 401 holds the time as the reading start instruction reception waiting time.

  The drive method selection unit 414 selects a drive method of sheet discharge processing. The paper discharge processing options include a first drive method for stopping the driving of the conveyance motor 404 after a predetermined time as an original document waiting time after image transfer is completed, and a second driving method for stopping the conveyance motor 404 after the completion of paper discharge. There is a driving method of The selection of the driving method is determined by the driving method selection information included in the reading setting transmitted from the information processing terminal 200. In addition, in the selection of the drive method, the drive method selection information may be stored in advance in the ROM 402, and the information may be used. At this time, it is desirable for the user to be able to change the drive scheme selection information stored in the ROM 402.

  In the present embodiment, the first drive method is selected as the initial setting. However, without the drive scheme selection unit 414, only a single drive scheme, that is, the first drive scheme may be included.

  The horizontal axis of the time chart in FIG. 5 indicates the time axis, and from the top, operation timings of the sheet feeding motor, the conveyance motor, the reading processing, and the image transfer processing are indicated.

  Timing a is timing when the image reading apparatus 100 receives a reading start instruction from the information processing terminal 200. Thus, the CPU 401 performs rotation acceleration processing of the transport motor 404 (step S2001).

  At timing b, the CPU 401 switches the conveyance motor 404 to constant speed processing, and performs rotation acceleration processing of the paper feed motor 405 (step S2002).

  The timing c is the timing when the leading end of the document reaches the registration sensor 108 (step S2003), and the CPU 401 performs deceleration processing to stop the driving of the sheet feeding motor (step S2004).

  The timing d is the timing when the leading edge of the document reaches the image reading units 105 and 106, and the CPU 401 starts the document reading process (step S2005).

  The timing e is the timing when the trailing edge of the document passes through the image reading units 105 and 106, and the CPU 401 starts image transfer after the document reading process is completed (step S2007).

  The timing f is the timing at which the document discharge processing is completed. At this time, the image transfer is not completed and continues until the timing g.

  In the case of continuous single-sheet scanning in the case where such discharge processing ends first, after the image transfer of timing g is completed, an instruction to start reading a subsequent document is issued from the information processing terminal 200. Thus, the process from timing a is repeated.

  At this time, the first drive method of driving the conveyance motor 404 for a predetermined time after the image transfer is completed is performed so that the conveyance motor 404 does not drive from the stationary state for each reading process. Do.

  The predetermined time as the document standby time is a time longer than the time taken for the user to confirm that the image transfer has been completed on the display screen of the information processing terminal 200 and issue a reading start instruction for the next document. It is desirable to set, for example, about 3 seconds, but it is sufficient to drive the transport motor at least until image transfer is completed, and the predetermined time may be 0 seconds.

  Further, although the image is transferred to the information processing terminal 200 as an example of the external output destination of the read image data, the image may be directly transferred to various storage media instead of the information processing terminal 200. In this case, or when the information processing terminal 200 does not have a display screen, the user confirms that the image transfer has been completed using an image transfer completion display (not shown) provided in the image reading apparatus. For example, an LED lamp can be used for the image transfer completion display. When display relating to image transfer is made on the display screen of the information processing terminal 200, the progress of the image transfer can be made more comprehensible by, for example, displaying the progress bar or the like. When confirming the completion of the transfer, it is preferable to set a predetermined time of about 5 seconds in consideration of the fact that it takes more time than confirming that the image transfer has been completed on the display screen of the information processing terminal 200.

  As a result, as shown by the time from timing a to b in FIG. 5, no waiting time occurs until the rotational speed of the conveying roller pair 102, 103 reaches a predetermined speed, and continuous single sheet scanning etc. It is possible to improve the throughput when performing the number-of-sheets specification scan.

  In addition, the acceleration processing and the deceleration processing of the conveyance roller pairs 102 and 103 occur for each reading processing, so that the frequency of the apparatus driving sound generated from the image reading apparatus 100 changes, and the problem of the user feeling uncomfortable is also reduced. can do.

  The paper discharge process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S 2101, the CPU 401 performs a waiting process until the conveyed document is discharged from the image reading apparatus 100. The motor rotation amount determination unit 411 determines whether the sheet has been discharged.
The determination method is performed by measuring the number of pulses from the time when the trailing end of the document passes through the registration sensor 108 until the present time.

  In step S2102, the CPU 401 turns on the discharge process completion flag of the flag management unit 413.

  Thus, the discharge process is completed. In the paper discharge process, the drive stop control of the conveyance motor 404 is not performed even when the paper discharge is completed.

  Next, image transfer processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S2201, the CPU 401 transfers the read image to the information processing terminal 200. Alternatively, the image is written to a storage medium directly connected to the image reading apparatus 100. Hereinafter, the case of transferring an image to the information processing terminal 200 will be described as an example, but the same applies to the case of writing in a storage medium.

  When the transfer of the image is completed, in step S2202, the CPU 401 determines whether the elapsed time from the completion of the image transfer measured by the time measurement unit 413 to the present time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and The process branches from two determination conditions of determination condition 2 of whether the paper discharge process completion flag, which is turned on when the process is completed, is on.

(1) In the case where the determination condition 1 is satisfied and the determination condition 2 is satisfied, in step S2205, the CPU 401 stops the driving of the conveyance motor 405, and ends the image transfer process.

(2) In the case other than (1) In step S2203, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to start reading a subsequent document is received from the information processing terminal 200.

  If the instruction to start reading the subsequent document has not been received, the process loops to step S2202.

  If an instruction to start reading a subsequent document has been received, the CPU 401 forcibly ends the paper discharge process in step S2204. For example, when it is in the sheet discharge completion waiting state which is step S2101 of the sheet discharge processing, the waiting state is released and the sheet discharge processing is forcibly ended. If the paper discharge process has already been completed, nothing is performed in step S2204.

  Then, the process loops to step S2001 and repeats the reading process from the beginning.

(Example 2)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the image reading apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.
In the second embodiment, the tray sensor 109 is used to determine whether a subsequent document exists. Then, when there is a subsequent document, the conveyance motor 405 is driven for a predetermined time after the image transfer is completed.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image reading apparatus 100, which is the same as that of the first embodiment and thus the description thereof is omitted. The second exemplary embodiment is different from the first exemplary embodiment in the sheet discharge process and the image transfer process performed in step S2008.

  The discharge process of the second embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In addition, simplification of explanation is achieved by giving the same reference numerals to steps common to the first embodiment. When FIG. 8 and FIG. 6 are compared, the process after step S3101 is added after step S2102.

  In step S3101, the CPU 401 determines whether an image transfer processing completion flag indicating that the image transfer processing has been completed is ON. If the condition is satisfied, the processing ends. The timing at which the image transfer processing completion flag is turned on will be described later.

  If the image transfer processing completion flag is not ON, the process branches depending on whether the conveyance motor 404 is in operation and the tray sensor 109 is OFF or not in step S3102.

  If the transport motor 404 is in operation and the tray sensor 109 is off, the CPU 401 stops the drive of the transport motor 404 in step S3103 and loops to step S3101.

  If the conveyance motor 404 is in operation and the tray sensor 109 is not OFF, the process loops to step S3101.

Next, the image transfer process of the second embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In addition, simplification of explanation is achieved by giving the same reference numerals to steps common to the first embodiment.
Comparing FIG. 9 with FIG. 7, step S3201 is added after step S2205.

  In step S3201, the CPU 401 turns on the image transfer processing completion flag of the flag management unit 413. As described above, the image transfer processing completion flag is the end condition of the paper discharge processing.

  When the process of step S2204 of FIG. 9 is shifted to step S2001, the transport motor 405 is in the drive stop state or the deceleration process state when the process of step S3103 of FIG. 8 is being performed. When the process of S3103 is not performed, it is in the constant speed processing state. Therefore, although the conveyance motor 405 is in any of the drive stop state, the deceleration processing state, and the constant speed processing state, by performing the process of step S2001, the conveyance motor 405 has a predetermined speed regardless of the state. Drive and perform the following processing.

(Example 3)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The configuration of the image reading apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.
The third embodiment is characterized in that the driving method of the discharge process can be selected.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control method of the image reading apparatus 100, which is the same as that of the first embodiment and thus the description thereof is omitted. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the discharge process performed in step S2008.

  The discharge process of the third embodiment is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In addition, simplification of explanation is achieved by giving the same reference numerals to steps common to the first embodiment. When FIG. 10 and FIG. 6 are compared, the process after step S4101 is added after step S2102.

  In step S4101, the CPU 401 uses the drive method selection information stored in the drive method selection unit 414 to stop the drive of the conveyance motor 404 after a predetermined time has elapsed after image transfer is completed, and after discharge completion. It switches with the 2nd drive system which stops the drive of the conveyance motor 404. FIG.

  When the CPU 401 determines that the first driving method is to be used, the paper discharge processing ends as in the paper discharge processing of the first embodiment.

  If the CPU 401 determines that the first driving method is not used, the driving of the conveyance motor 404 is stopped in step S4102, and the paper discharge processing is ended.

  The flowchart of the image transfer process is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The contents described in the third embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment, in which case the drive system determination process corresponding to step S4101 in FIG. 10 may be performed after step S2102 in FIG.

(Example 4)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image reading apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.
The fourth embodiment is characterized in that the time from the completion of the image transfer at the time of the previous reading process to the time when the current reading process start instruction is received is used as the determination condition of elapse of the predetermined time in step S2202.

  As the reading start instruction reception waiting time held by the time measuring unit 413, an appropriate value is set as an initial value after the power of the image reading apparatus 100 is turned on. As an example, in this embodiment, it is 10 seconds. Alternatively, the previously used value may be stored in the ROM 402 and read from the ROM 402 and set after the power is turned on.

  The flow chart is omitted because it is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, when the image transfer is completed in step S2201 of FIG. 7, the time measurement unit 413 starts measuring time.

  In step S2202, the reading start instruction reception waiting time is used as the determination condition of the elapse of a predetermined time. If the reading start instruction reception waiting time is 10 seconds, which is the initial value after the power is turned on, it is determined whether 10 seconds have elapsed, and the subsequent processing is performed as in the first embodiment.

  After completion of the image transfer, when the instruction to start reading the subsequent document is received from the information processing terminal 200, the time measuring unit 413 ends the measurement of the time started in step S2201 and waits for reception of the read start instruction based on the measured time. Determine the time.

As an example, when the time from the image transfer completion to the time when the reading start instruction is received is 5 seconds, the value of the reading start instruction reception waiting time is 8 seconds with a margin of 3 seconds added to 5 seconds Set The margin is merely an example, and may be increased or decreased as appropriate.
The time measurement unit 413 can store a plurality of times, and sets the reading start instruction reception waiting time value derived not only from the previous time but also from the average value in the past several times and the value in the past several times May be

  Further, it is desirable to set an upper limit value to the value of the reading start instruction reception waiting time. If the upper limit value is not set, for example, if one sheet scan (not continuous single sheet scan) is performed twice at 5-minute intervals, the conveyance motor 404 continues rotating for 5 minutes or more after completion of document discharge in the second reading process. It will fall into an abnormal state. In order to prevent this problem, the value of the reading start instruction reception waiting time may have an upper limit of 20 seconds. The upper limit value is also merely an example, and may be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  The processing time required for image transfer increases or decreases depending on the processing capability of the information processing terminal 200 or the difference in the communication method with the information processing terminal 200, but the processing capability of the information processing terminal 200 and the information processing terminal 200 Thus, the optimum reading start instruction reception waiting time can be set without depending on the difference between the communication methods.

  Also, although transfer to an information processing terminal has been described as an example of external output of image data as an example, transfer of an image to an external storage medium and writing to an external storage medium are also possible. Thus, the optimum reading start instruction reception waiting time can be set.

  The contents described in the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

(Example 5)
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image reading apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, the document reading start button (not shown) provided on the image reading apparatus 100 or the information processing terminal 200 is pressed in place of the tray sensor OFF which is the determination condition of step S3102 in FIG. Is used as the judgment condition. Normally, the start of reading of the next original can not be input during image transfer, but in the present embodiment, reservation can be made by input.

  That is, in step S3102, if the conveyance motor 404 is in operation and the document reading start button is not pressed, the process advances to step S3103 to stop the driving of the conveyance motor 404. If not, the process loops to step S3101.

  As a result, as in the second embodiment, it is determined that the next document is to be read, and the conveyance roller can be driven even after the discharge process is completed.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes design and the like within the scope of the present invention.

  In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, the feeding and discharging of the document are controlled by separate motors, namely, the conveyance motor 404 and the feeding motor 405. The paper discharge may be controlled simultaneously.

  In this case, the document standby control for simultaneously driving the sheet feeding roller 101 and the conveying rollers 102 and 103 is executed.

  Even if the paper feed motor 404 and the conveyance motor 405 are controlled by the same drive motor, the paper feed motor 404 and the conveyance motor 405 are separately controlled with the clutch interposed between the paper feed motor 404 and the drive motor. May be

  Further, in the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments described above, when performing document standby control, document standby control may be executed in which only the sheet feed roller 101 is driven, or the sheet feed roller 101 and the conveyance roller 103 are synchronized. May be driven.

  As described above, according to the present invention, according to the present invention, the conveyance means for conveying and discharging the original, the image reading means for reading the image of the original to be conveyed, and the output means for outputting the read image to the outside An original for driving the conveyance means at least until the output means completes external output of image data read by the image reading means after the discharge of the original by the conveyance means is completed Execute standby control.

  According to this configuration, the scan throughput can be improved.

  The document standby control drives the transport unit during a document standby time which is a lapse of a predetermined time after the discharge of the document is completed or the external output of the image data is completed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to further reduce the loss due to the conveyance roller rising from the stationary state even when the start instruction of the image reading is not immediately given after the external output of the image data is completed.

  A document detection unit is provided for detecting that a document has been set in the document tray, and after the image reading is completed, the document standby control is executed when the document is detected by the document detection unit.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably execute the document standby control when the document is set in the document tray.

  Further, one of a first driving method for executing the document standby control and a second driving method for stopping the driving of the conveyance unit when the discharge of the document by the conveyance unit is completed is selected. The drive system selection means is provided.

  According to this configuration, the document standby control can be executed only when necessary, and power consumption can be reduced.

  Further, when the document standby control is repeatedly executed, the next time based on one or more of the time from the completion of the external output of the image data in the repetitively executed reading processing until the instruction to start reading is given, The time from the completion of the external output of the image data in the reading process of 1 to the time to stop the driving of the next conveying means is determined.

  According to this configuration, the time until the conveyance roller is stopped can be made more time according to actual use, and when the next document is present, the conveyance roller can be prevented from being stopped while the wasteful power is consumed. Consumption can be reduced.

  Further, the present invention has a sheet number specifying scan mode in which image reading to the image reading means is performed for each predetermined number of sheets, and the document standby control is executed during execution of the sheet number specifying scan mode.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the throughput in the number specification scan.

  Further, a feeding unit for feeding a document set in a document tray, a feeding unit for feeding and discharging the fed document, and an image reading unit for reading an image of the fed document. And output means for outputting the read image to the outside, and the output means completes external output of the image data read by the image reading means at least after the delivery of the document by the conveyance means is completed. In the meantime, the drive of the sheet feeding unit is stopped, and the document standby control to drive the conveying unit is executed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the loss due to the conveyance roller standing up from the stationary state by driving only the conveyance roller during the document standby control.

100 image reading apparatus 101 sheet feeding roller 102 conveyance roller 103 conveyance roller 104 separation pad 105 image reading section 106 image reading section 107 document tray 108 registration sensor 109 tray sensor 110 external output section 200 information processing terminal 412 flag management section 413 time measurement section 414 Drive system selection unit

Claims (7)

Feeding means for feeding an original set in the original tray;
Transport means for transporting and discharging the fed original;
Image reading means for reading an image of the document being conveyed;
And an output unit for outputting the read image to the outside,
The conveyance means is driven at least until the output means completes the external output of the image data read by the image reading means after the discharge of the document by the conveyance means is completed, and the paper feeding means Executes the document standby control that is stopped ,
When a predetermined time elapses after the output means completes the external output of the image data read by the image reading means, the document standby control is ended to stop the driving of the conveyance means.
When repeatedly executing the document standby control,
Based on one or more of the time from the completion of the external output of the image data in the repeated reading processing to the resumption of the driving of the sheet feeding means,
An image reading apparatus characterized in that the predetermined time from the completion of the external output of the image data in the next reading process to the stop of the driving of the next conveying means is determined . Feeding means for feeding an original set in the original tray;
Transport means for transporting and discharging the fed original;
Image reading means for reading an image of the document being conveyed;
And an output unit for outputting the read image to the outside,
The conveyance means is driven at least until the output means completes the external output of the image data read by the image reading means after the discharge of the document by the conveyance means is completed, and the paper feeding means Executes the document standby control that is stopped ,
It has a number specification scan mode in which image reading to the image reading means is performed every predetermined number of sheets,
An image reading apparatus , wherein the document standby control is executed during execution of the number-of-sheets specifying scan mode . 3. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving of the sheet feeding unit is resumed after the output unit completes the external output of the image data read by the image reading unit. The original standby control, before Symbol according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that also runs over the period from the external output of the image data is completed until the predetermined time has elapsed Image reader. Document detection means for detecting that a document has been set in the document tray;
Before SL after an external output completion of the image data, the even when the document is detected by the document detecting unit, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that executing the original standby control Image reader. The conveyance means has a pair of conveyance rollers provided near the downstream side of the image reading means, and the document read by the image reading means is discharged from the image reading device by the conveyance roller pair The image reading apparatus according to claim 5 , A first driving method for executing the document standby control;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive system selection unit capable of selecting any one of the second drive system that stops the drive of the conveyance unit when the discharge of the document by the conveyance unit is completed. The image reading device according to any one of 6 .

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