JP6677185B2 - Image reading device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus for reading a document and an image forming apparatus including the image reading apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, the developer deteriorates due to long-term use or the like, and a so-called background stain occurs that stains a non-image portion of the recording paper. For example, an image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 is provided with a predetermined-width background stain detection unit that detects the density of a non-image portion and detects the presence / absence of a predetermined-width background stain based on the detection result. ing.

JP-A-10-97110

  However, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to specify which color of the developer causes the problem because only the density of the non-image portion is detected. In addition, since the configuration is such that the density of the non-image portion is detected, it is difficult to detect a stain generated in a portion where an image is formed, deterioration of the image, and the like.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the related art, and has as its object to provide an image reading apparatus that can recognize a defective image formed on a recording sheet and determine the cause of the defective image.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus according to claim 1 includes an image reading unit that reads a set document, and an image processing unit that processes an image included in image data read by the image reading unit. The image processing unit identifies a defective image other than the normal image included in the image data, and the defective image is formed of a single color ink or toner, or a plurality of colors of ink or toner. It is characterized in that it is determined whether it is formed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus that can recognize a defective image formed on a recording sheet and determine the cause of the defective image.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of a multifunction peripheral including an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of the multifunction peripheral illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming unit. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the image reading device. This is image data of a document read by the image reading device. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining a defective portion of the multifunction peripheral. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen displayed on a display panel when operating the multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen displayed on the display panel when the multifunction peripheral is operated in the operation mode for determining a failure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming unit of an inkjet system.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a multifunction peripheral 100 as an example of an image forming apparatus. Each element of the configuration, arrangement, and the like described in the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an example of description.

(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a multifunction peripheral including an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of the multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. In the following description, upper and lower sides are defined based on the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. Further, with respect to the front (front side) or the rear side (back side), the front side of the paper is defined as the front (front side) and the back side of the paper is defined as the rear side (the back side) with reference to the MFP 100 shown in FIG.

(MFP 100)
The multifunction peripheral 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the MFP 100 is provided with an image reading device 200. The MFP 100 includes a main control unit 1, a printing unit 2, and a storage unit 3. Further, the multifunction peripheral 100 includes an operation panel 6 and a communication unit 7.

  The main control unit 1 controls the overall control of the MFP 100. The main control unit 1 includes a CPU 11. The storage unit 3 stores programs and data related to control. The storage unit 3 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an HDD or a flash ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The main control unit 1 controls each unit using a program and data in the storage unit 3. The main control unit 1 controls scanning, printing, transmission, storage of image data, and the like, which are performed at the time of a job such as copying or transmission.

(Printing unit 2)
The printing unit 2 includes a paper feeding unit 2a, a conveying unit 2b, an image forming unit 2c, a fixing unit 2d, and a paper discharging unit 2e. The paper supply unit 2a supplies paper. The transport unit 2b transports the paper and discharges the printed paper outside the machine. The image forming unit 2c forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to a conveyed sheet. The fixing unit 2d fixes the transferred toner image on a sheet. The main control unit 1 controls the operation of the printing unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feeding unit 2a includes a plurality of paper feeding cassettes 21. Paper is stored in the plurality of paper feed cassettes 21. The sheets stored in each of the plurality of sheet cassettes 21 have at least one of different sizes or directions. The main control unit 1 selects an appropriate size, direction, and the like of the sheet based on a user's instruction. Then, the paper feed cassette 21 containing appropriate paper is selected. Then, the paper feed unit 2 a feeds out the paper from the selected paper feed cassette 21 in accordance with an instruction from the main control unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus includes a discharge tray 22 disposed in a gap provided between the printing unit 2 and the image reading device 200. By 2e, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 22.

(Image forming unit 2c)
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming section 2c includes a plurality of toner image forming units 23 (23K for black, 23Y for yellow, 23C for cyan, and 23M for magenta), an intermediate transfer belt 24, , Primary transfer rollers 25K, 25Y, 25C, and 25M, a drive roller 26, a driven roller 27, a secondary transfer roller 28, and a cleaning unit 29.

  Each of the toner image forming units 23K to 23M includes a photoconductor 231 and a developing unit 232. The toner image forming unit 23 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 231 by an exposure device (not shown), and then supplies toner to the photoconductor 231 by the developing unit 232 to form a toner image. By applying a transfer voltage to the primary transfer rollers 25K to 25M, the primary transfer toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 24.

  The intermediate transfer belt 24 is stretched around a driving roller 26 or the like, and rotates around the driving roller 26 connected to a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a motor. The driving roller 26 and the secondary transfer roller 28 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 24. The sheet is fed to the nip where the intermediate transfer belt 24 and the secondary transfer roller 28 come into contact, and the primary transfer toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is transferred to the sheet. The image forming unit 2c forms a toner image of a color corresponding to each of the photoconductors 231 of each of the toner image forming units 23 (23K for black, 23Y for yellow, 23C for cyan, and 23M for magenta). Then, each toner image is superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 24 to form a color primary transfer toner image.

(Operation panel 6)
The operation panel 6 includes a display panel 61, a touch panel 62, and hard keys 63. The touch panel 62 is for detecting a touch position of the user. The main control unit 1 recognizes, on the basis of the output of the touch panel 62, an operated image such as a key or a button displayed on the display panel 61. The hard keys 63 include a start key for instructing the start of execution of a job and a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. The main controller 1 causes the display panel 61 to display the state of the operation panel 6, various messages, and a setting screen. Further, the operation panel 6 accepts a setting operation on the touch panel 62 and the hard keys 63 for jobs such as scanning and copying. Although details will be described later, when the image reading device 200 is connected, the setting and operation of the image reading device 200 may be enabled on the operation panel 6.

(Communication unit 7)
The communication unit 7 is communicably connected to a computer 300 such as a PC, a server 400, a FAX device 500, and the like via a wired and / or wireless network, a public line, or the like. In addition, a device that exchanges image data other than these devices may be connected.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading device 200 has a box-shaped housing (document table), and is arranged above the printing unit 2 in the multifunction peripheral 100.

(Image reading device 200)
The details of the image reading device 200 will be described with reference to a new drawing. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the image reading apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading apparatus 200 includes an image reading unit 4, a document transport unit 5, and a reading control unit 8. The reading control unit 8 controls operations of the image reading unit 4 and the document conveying unit 5.

(Image reading unit 4)
The image reading unit 4 reads an image of a document mounted on the upper surface of the image reading unit housing and generates image data based on the control of the main control unit 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading section 4 includes a contact glass 41 (document table) for placing a document. The image reading section 4 further includes an openable / closable document pressing cover 42 for pressing a document placed on the contact glass 41 and an image of the document placed on the contact glass 41 or a document conveyed to the contact glass 41. And a reading mechanism 43 for reading.

  The reading mechanism 43 irradiates the original set on the contact glass 41 or the original conveyed with light, and receives the reflected light by a light receiving element (not shown) to read an image on the original and to read the image data. Output as The image data is transmitted to the reading control unit 8.

(Document feeder 5)
The document transport unit 5 transports a document to the contact glass 41 of the image reading unit 4 under the control of the reading control unit 8. The document transport section 5 includes a document table 51 on which a document is placed, a document discharge section 52 from which an image-read document is discharged, and a document transport mechanism 53 (see FIG. 2). The document transport mechanism 53 includes a paper feed roller and a transport roller (not shown). The document transport mechanism 53 feeds out the documents placed on the document placing table 51 one by one and transports them to the contact glass 41 by driving the paper feed roller and the transport roller. The document conveyed to the contact glass 41 is read by the reading mechanism 43 and then discharged to the document discharge unit 52.

  Further, the document feeder 5 is provided with a hinge (not shown) on the back side of the sheet of FIG. The document feeder 5 rotates about the hinge so that the front approaches or separates from the contact glass 41. By moving the front side of the document feeder 5 upward and opening the upper surface of the contact glass 41, a user can place a document on the upper surface of the contact glass 41. Further, with the original placed on the upper surface of the contact glass 41, the front of the original transport unit 5 is made to approach the contact glass 41. As a result, the original can be pressed against the contact glass 41, and the image reading section 4 can accurately read the original.

  In the multifunction peripheral 100, the image reading unit 4 optically reads a document conveyed by the document conveyance unit 5 or a document placed on the contact glass 41 to generate image data.

(Image processing unit 81)
The reading control unit 8 includes an image processing unit 81. The image processing section 81 performs processing of the read image. In the image reading device 200, the image processing unit 81 can determine whether the image of the document is formed with a plurality of toners or with a single color toner. Further, when the image processing unit 81 determines that the image of the document is formed by a single color toner, it also determines the type of the toner. When the toner is formed by a plurality of color toners, the type of the toner and the ratio of the amount of the toner may be determined.

(Determination of malfunction of the multifunction peripheral 100)
In the multifunction peripheral 100, when a failure occurs in the printing unit 2, an image (defective image) other than the image to be printed (regular image or original image) may be formed on the paper on which the image is printed. . If a defective image is formed on the printed sheet, the user of the multifunction peripheral 100 determines that there is a defect inside the multifunction peripheral 100. In the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the defective image on the sheet after printing the image is identified, and the defective portion of the multifunction peripheral 100 is determined from the defect. Hereinafter, a method of determining a defective portion by the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  For example, when the user determines that there is a defective image in the image printed by the printing unit 2 or performs a periodic check, the image printed by the printing unit 2 is used as a document by the image reading device 200. read.

  FIG. 5 shows image data of a document read by the image reading apparatus. It is assumed that an image Pt originally formed (referred to as an original image Pt) and an image Ps different from the original image Pt (referred to as a defective image Ps) are formed in the image data Dg. As shown in FIG. 5, the original image Pt is arranged in the central region R1 of the image data Dg, and the defective image Ps is formed in the peripheral region R2 outside the central region R1. In other words, an image in the peripheral area R2 of the image data Dg can be regarded as a defective image. In the present embodiment, the central region R1 and the peripheral region R2 of the image data Dg are determined in advance, and the image processing unit 81 has information on the central region R1 and the peripheral region R2. .

  In the multifunction peripheral 100, the main control unit 1 acquires the determination result of the defective image from the image processing unit 81 of the image reading device 200, and determines the defect of the multifunction peripheral 100, that is, the printing unit 2. For example, when the defective image Ps is formed of a single color toner, the main control unit 1 determines that the defective image Ps is defective in the toner image forming unit that forms the toner image of the color in which the defective image Ps is formed. On the other hand, when the defective image Ps is formed with toners of a plurality of colors, it is determined that the intermediate transfer belt 24 or the cleaning unit 29 has a defect or toner is attached.

  Next, a procedure in which the main control unit 1 detects a defective portion of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining a defective portion of the multifunction peripheral. As shown in FIG. 6, first, a document is read by the image reading unit 4 of the image forming apparatus 200 (step S101). The original may be read by reading the original set on the contact glass 41 or by reading the original transported by the original transport unit 5. The image processing unit 81 determines whether or not the image data Dg obtained by reading the original by the image reading unit 4 includes the defective image Ps (step S102). Note that the image processing unit 81 determines whether an image is included in the peripheral region R2 of the image data Dg. Then, when the image is included in the peripheral region R2, the image processing unit 81 determines that the defective image Ps is included in the document.

  If the defective image Ps is not included (No in step S102), the image processing unit 81 determines that there is no defect in the document, and transmits the absence of the defective image to the main control unit 1 (step S103). ). The main control unit 1 determines that there is no defect in the printing unit 2 (step S104), and ends the determination of the defect.

  When the image processing unit 81 has identified the defective image Ps included in the document (Yes in step S102), the image processing unit 81 determines whether the defective image Ps is formed with a plurality of color toners. (Step S105).

  If the defective image Ps is formed of a plurality of color toners (Yes in step S105), the image processing unit 81 determines that the defective image Ps is formed of a plurality of color toners, and determines the result as the main. The information is transmitted to the control unit 1 (step S106). The main control unit 1 determines that the intermediate transfer belt 24 or the cleaning unit 29 is a defective portion based on the determination result that the defective image is formed by a plurality of color toners (step S107). Then, the main control unit 1 performs the notification by displaying the defective portion on the display panel 61 (step S108). In addition, a defective part may be displayed with a character, and a defective part may be shown with an image.

  If the defective image Ps is formed of a single color toner (No in step S105), the image processing unit 81 determines that the defective image Ps is formed of a single color toner (step S109). Then, the image processing unit 81 specifies the color of the toner constituting the defective image Ps (Step S110). Then, the image processing unit 81 transmits to the main control unit 1 information indicating that the defective image Ps is formed by the single color toner and the color information of the single color toner to the main control unit 1 (step S111).

  The main control unit 1 determines that the defective image Ps is formed of the single-color toner from the image processing unit 81, and further includes a toner image forming unit that forms a single-color toner image that forms the defective image Ps based on the color information of the toner. It is determined that there is a defect (step S112). For example, when information indicating that the defective image Ps is an image formed with magenta toner is obtained, the main control unit 1 determines that there is a defect in the magenta toner image forming unit 23M. Then, the main control unit 1 notifies by displaying the defective part on the display panel 61 (step S113). In addition, a defective part may be displayed with a character, and a defective part may be shown with an image.

  As described above, the image reading apparatus 200 determines whether or not the read original includes the defective image Ps, and determines whether the defective image Ps is formed of a plurality of color toners or a single color toner. Can be determined. Then, in the multifunction peripheral 100, by reading the paper on which the image is printed by the image reading device 200, it is possible to specify a defective portion and / or a cause of the printing unit 2 of the multifunction peripheral 100. When some trouble occurs in the multifunction peripheral 100, even a user who does not have high-level knowledge of the multifunction peripheral 100, for example, a user, can specify a trouble spot in the printing unit 2. Thus, when the user requests the maintenance of the multi-function peripheral 100 to the contractor, the operator can be notified of the defective portion in advance, and the labor and time for the maintenance can be saved.

(Modification)
In the above-described determination of the defective image, the image processing unit 81 may determine that the defective image is formed in black. At this time, the image processing unit 81 determines that the image is formed with black toner. On the other hand, when the image data read by the image reading unit 4 is processed by the image processing unit 81, even if the image is a black image, black including many red components, black including many blue components, etc. It may be detected as a component different from the black toner. In such a case, even if the image processing unit 81 determines that the image is a black defective image, the image processing unit 81 performs more detailed image processing to mix at least one of yellow, cyan, and magenta. It is determined that the image is formed. That is, when the image processing unit 81 determines that the image is formed of a single color toner and determines that the image is formed of a single black color, the image processing unit 81 performs more detailed image processing to determine the color of the toner forming the defective image. The determination may be performed. By doing so, the accuracy of discriminating the defective image can be improved. Then, by increasing the accuracy of determining the defective image, it is possible to increase the accuracy of determining the defective portion of the multifunction peripheral.

(2nd Embodiment)
Another example of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a view showing a setting screen displayed on the display panel when operating the MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen displayed on the display panel when the multifunction peripheral is operated in the operation mode for determining a failure. Note that the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment is different from the multifunction peripheral 100 of the first embodiment in the process of determining a defective portion, but the configuration is the same as that of the multifunction peripheral 100 of the first embodiment. A detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the multifunction peripheral 100, a setting screen 64 is displayed on the display panel 61. The setting screen 64 includes a function display section 641 on which functions executable by the multifunction peripheral 100 are displayed, an OK key K1, and a cancel key K2. The function display section 641 includes keys for selecting operation modes such as a copy mode 642, a facsimile mode 643, a mail transmission mode 644, and a failure determination mode 645.

  Then, when the OK key K1 is operated after the user selects the failure determination mode 645, the multifunction peripheral 100 enters the failure determination mode. Then, on the display panel 62, a setting screen 65 for failure determination is displayed.

  The defect determination setting screen 65 shown in FIG. 8 includes an instruction message 651, a defect position designation image 652, an automatic identification key 653, and a reading start key 654. It also includes an OK key K1 and a cancel key K2. The instruction message 651 displays a message of an operation performed by the user. It should be noted that, on the defect determination setting screen 65, a character string “Please specify the position of the defect image” is displayed as the instruction message 651.

  As described above, when the user determines that there is a defect on the sheet on which the image is printed, the user uses the defect determination mode to determine the defect. Therefore, the user recognizes the position of the defective image in the document read by the image reading device 200. Therefore, the user can use the touch panel 61 to input the position of the defective image. Therefore, the defect position designation image 652 has the same shape as the document read by the image reading device 200. Then, by touching a part of the defect position designation image 652, the position of the defect image in the paper can be designated. Note that the defect position designation image 652 may be divided into a plurality of regions, and the divided regions may be selected. Thus, the user can easily specify the position of the defective image.

  Further, the automatic identification key 653 performs identification and determination of the defective image assuming that the defective image is displayed at a predetermined position (peripheral area) of the sheet as in the first embodiment. The reading start key 654 is a key operated when preparation for reading a document is completed. Then, by operating the OK key K1 after operating the reading start key 654, the failure determination mode is started, and the reading of the document is started. When the cancel key K2 is operated, the failure determination mode ends.

  After the reading of the document is completed, the main control unit 1 displays information of the defective portion on the display panel 61.

  As described above, by allowing the user to specify the location of the defective image, even when the defective image is printed on the portion of the paper on which the image is printed by the printing unit 2 where the original image is formed, The defective image can be identified. As a result, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining a defective portion of the multifunction peripheral 100.

(Third embodiment)
Another example of the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the main control unit 1 of the multifunction peripheral 100 reads the paper printed by the printing unit 2 with the image reading device 200 and determines a defective portion of the printing unit 2 from the result. . Then, the main control unit 1 displays the defective portion on the display panel 61. In the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment, in addition to the function of displaying a defective portion on the display panel 61 of the first and second embodiments, the computer 300, the server 400, and the like connected via the communication unit 7 May be transmitted to an external device.

  In the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present embodiment, the external device connected to the communication unit 7 is used as a device (computer or server) for reporting a defect of a manufacturer or a maintenance company, so that the defect can be determined periodically or by a user's judgment. Since the information of the defective portion of the printing unit 2 is notified in the mode, maintenance and repair of the multifunction peripheral 100 can be performed quickly. When it is difficult to directly connect to the external device, the information may be transmitted by e-mail or the like. Further, when transmitting the information of the defective portion, the image data read by the image reading device 200 may be attached. By attaching the image data, it is possible to perform more detailed processing than the image processing unit 81 of the multifunction peripheral 100. As a result, a manufacturer or a worker who performs maintenance management can recognize a more detailed defect location, a cause of the defect, and the like. Since the operator can obtain accurate information on the troubled part, trouble and time required for maintenance and repair can be saved.

(Fourth embodiment)
The defect determination method of the present invention is applicable not only to the electrophotographic image forming unit 2c but also to a printing unit using an inkjet image forming unit that forms (prints) an image by spraying ink on paper. . Hereinafter, an ink jet printing unit will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming unit of an ink jet system. The configuration other than the image forming unit 9 of the printing unit 2 of the multifunction peripheral 100 of the present embodiment is the same as the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 of the first embodiment and the like, and substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the image forming unit 9 includes a driving roller 91, a driven roller 92, a transport belt 93, and a head unit 94.

  The driving roller 91 rotates by receiving a driving force of a motor (not shown). The driven roller 92 is provided so that its axis is parallel to the driving roller 91. The transport belt 23 is an endless belt stretched between a driving roller 91 and a driven roller 92. The transport belt 93 rotates by the rotation of the driving roller 91. Thereby, the sheet on the conveyor belt 93 is transported in the direction of arrow X in FIG. 9, that is, the direction indicated by arrow X is the transport direction of the sheet.

  The head 94 is disposed above the transport belt 93. The head unit 94 includes a head unit 94C for discharging cyan ink, a head unit 94M for discharging magenta ink, a head unit 94Y for discharging yellow ink, and a head unit 94K for discharging black ink from the upstream side in the paper transport direction. Are provided in order. These heads 94C, 94M, 94Y, and 94K are filled with inks of four different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). Then, ink of each color is ejected from each of the head portions 94C, 94M, 94Y, and 94K, and a color image is recorded (printed) on a sheet. In the following, reference numerals (C, M, Y, K) indicating colors are omitted, and may be simply referred to as a head unit 94.

  Next, failure determination of the multifunction peripheral of the present embodiment will be described. In the image forming unit 9 of the ink jet system, ink is sprayed from the head unit 94 toward the sheet. If the paper is misaligned or the paper is not supplied when the ink is sprayed, the ink sprayed from the head unit 94 stains the transport belt 93. As described above, since the head unit 94 sprays a plurality of colors of ink, dirt is mixed with the plurality of colors of ink. Then, when the paper is transported by the transport belt 93 that is soiled with ink, the paper is soiled with ink. In addition, there is a case where ink is excessively supplied due to a malfunction of the head unit 94. In such a case, the ink often adheres to a portion of the sheet which is not an area where an image is originally formed. Then, the adhesion of the ink becomes a defective image.

  That is, as in the above-described embodiment, based on the result of reading the sheet on which the image is printed by the image reading device 200, it is determined that the image read by the image processing unit 81 includes the defective image formed by the ink of a plurality of colors. In this case, the main control unit 1 determines that the transport belt 93 is defective. On the other hand, when the image processing unit 81 determines that the read image includes the defective image formed by the single color ink, the main control unit 1 determines that the defective color of the head unit 94 of the color of the ink forming the defective image exists. to decide.

  As described above, even in the multifunction peripheral 100 including the inkjet type image forming unit 9, the main control unit 1 can determine a failure of the printing unit from the original image read by the image reading unit 4.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the image reading apparatus 200 operates integrally with the multifunction peripheral 100. However, the operation may be performed only by the image reading device 200. In this case, the image reading apparatus 200 may include an operation unit, a display unit (both not shown), and the like, and may be operated from an external device by communication or displayed on the external device. You may.

  For example, by reading a document on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus that is not connected to the image reading apparatus 200 and identifying and determining a defective image, it is possible to determine a defect in the image forming apparatus. is there. Further, at this time, the defective portion of the image forming apparatus may be determined based on the determination result of the defective image. The determination of the defective portion of the image forming apparatus is the same as that described above, and thus details are omitted.

  An example of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image reading unit that reads a set document; and an image processing unit that processes an image included in image data read by the image reading unit. The unit identifies a defective image included in the image data, and determines whether the defective image is formed with a single color ink or toner or whether the color of the defective image is formed with a plurality of colors of ink or toner. Features.

  By doing so, the defective image other than the normal image to be printed is identified on the paper on which the image is printed, and the defective image is formed of a single color ink or toner, or a multicolor ink or It is possible to recognize the cause of the defective image by determining whether the image is formed with toner.

  In particular, when the defective image is a black image, the image processing unit may be configured such that the color of the defective image is formed of black ink or toner or a plurality of colors of ink or toner including a color other than black. It may be determined whether or not it is formed. Ink or toner approaches black by overlapping a plurality of colors. From the visual observation of the user or the operator, even a defective image determined to be black may be formed by overlapping ink or toner other than black, and the cause of the defect can be accurately recognized.

  In the above configuration, a display unit that receives the determination result of the defective image from the image processing unit and displays the determination result of the defective image may be provided.

  In the above configuration, the image processing unit may identify an image arranged outside a predetermined area of the image data as the defective image.

  The above configuration further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user, wherein a selection area in the image data is selected by the operation of the operation unit by the user, and the image processing unit identifies a defective image from an image in the selection area. I do. When the user who has visually recognized the printed image confirms the defective image and confirms the cause of the defective image using the image reading device, the user selects the location of the defective image in advance so that the defective image can be identified. It can be performed easily and in a short time. In addition, since a defective image in a portion where a regular image is formed can be identified, the accuracy of determining the defective image can be improved.

  In the above configuration, the image processing unit may further include a connection unit for connecting to an external device, and the image processing unit may transmit a determination result of the defective image to the external device connected to the connection unit.

  In the above configuration, the image reading apparatus includes the image reading device described above, an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on a recording sheet, and a control unit that performs overall control of the image reading device and the image forming unit. Is also good.

  In the above configuration, the image processing unit identifies a defective image of the image data read by the image reading unit using the recording sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit as a document, and determines the defective image. A determination result may be transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit may determine a defective portion of the image forming unit based on the determination result of the defective image.

  In the above configuration, the image forming unit is a color image forming unit that forms a color image by superimposing a plurality of color toner images, and a plurality of toner image forming units that develop the toner image for each color to be superimposed. An intermediate transfer unit to which toner images of respective colors formed by the plurality of developing units are temporarily transferred; and a toner remaining in the intermediate transfer unit after transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer unit to the recording paper. A cleaning unit for removing, when the determination result transmitted from the image processing unit is a single color, information of the color is also included, and the control unit determines that the defective image is a single color toner. If the toner image is formed, it is determined that the toner image forming unit develops a toner image corresponding to the color. It may be determined that at least one of the defect parts. By doing so, even when there is a defect in the image forming apparatus, the user can recognize the defective part of the image forming apparatus without accessing the inside of the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the user can recognize the information of the defect without incurring dirt or injury, and can transmit the information to a worker who performs repair or maintenance. In addition, since the worker also obtains information on the defect in advance, the work can be considered, and repair or maintenance can be performed quickly.

  In the above configuration, the image forming unit is a color image forming unit that forms a color image by spraying ink of a plurality of colors in a superposed manner, and a plurality of head units that eject ink for each of the superimposed colors; A transport belt that transports the recording sheet relatively to the head unit, and when the determination result transmitted from the image processing unit is a single color, information of the color is also included, The control unit determines that the head unit that ejects the ink corresponding to the color is defective when the defective image is formed of a single color ink, and the control unit determines that the defective image is formed of a plurality of color inks. It may be determined that at least the transport belt is defective. By doing so, even when there is a defect in the image forming apparatus, the user can recognize the defective part of the image forming apparatus without accessing the inside of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the user can recognize the information of the defect without incurring dirt or injury, and can transmit the information to a worker who performs repair or maintenance. In addition, since the worker also obtains information on the defect in advance, the work can be considered, and repair or maintenance can be performed quickly.

  In the above configuration, a notifying unit for notifying information may be further provided, and the control unit may send the information on the determined defect location to the notifying unit.

In the above configuration, the notification unit includes a communication unit for communicating with an external communication device,
The control unit may transmit the information of the defective location to the external communication device that can communicate via the communication unit. By adopting such a configuration, if there is a possibility that a problem that can be recognized by a specialized worker but cannot be recognized by a general user may occur, the worker can recognize the problem. Can be handled. Thus, the image forming apparatus can be used in a good state for a long period of time.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is applicable to a sheet processing apparatus for binding a sheet bundle and an image forming apparatus including the same.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 control unit 2 printing unit 4 image reading unit 41 contact glass 42 document holding cover 43 reading mechanism 5 document conveying unit 51 document placing table 52 document discharging unit 53 document conveying mechanism 6 operation panel 61 display panel 62 touch panel 7 communication unit 8 reading control unit 81 image processing unit 200 image reading device

Claims (12)

An image reading unit that reads an image formed on the set sheet ;
An image processing unit for processing an image included in the image data read by the image reading unit,
The image processing unit identifies an image in the peripheral region as a defective image when there is an image in a peripheral region outside a central region where a normal image is formed in the read image data, and there is the defective image. Occasionally, either the defect image is formed by single color ink or toner, or the image reading apparatus characterized by determining whether it is formed with ink or toner of a plurality of colors. An image reading unit that reads an image formed on the set sheet ;
An image processing unit for processing an image included in the image data read by the image reading unit,
The image processing unit identifies the presence or absence of a defective image other than the regular image included in the image data, and when the defective image is present, the defective image is formed of a single color ink or toner, or a plurality of colors. It is determined whether the defective image is formed of ink or toner, and if it is determined that the defective image is formed of black single color ink or toner, the accuracy of the determination is increased and the defective image is formed of single color ink or toner. An image reading apparatus for re-determining whether an image is formed with a plurality of inks or toners . The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit determines whether an image different from the normal image included in the image data is included, and identifies an image different from the normal image as a defective image . Image reading device. It further includes an operation unit that accepts user operations,
A selection region in the image data is selected by an operation of the operation unit by a user,
The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the image processing unit identifies a defective image from an image in the selected area. It further includes a connection unit for connecting to an external device,
The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit transmits a determination result of the defective image to an external device connected to a connection unit. 6. The image processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit determines a defective portion of the image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet on which the image is read by the image reading unit, based on a determination result of the defective image. 7. The image reading device according to claim 1. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on recording paper,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the image reading device and the image forming unit. The image processing unit identifies a defective image of the image data read by the image reading unit on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit, determines the defective image, and sends the determination result to the control unit. Send,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines a defective portion of the image forming unit based on a determination result of the defective image. The image forming unit is a color image forming unit that forms a color image by superimposing a plurality of color toner images,
A plurality of toner image forming units for developing the toner image for each color to be superimposed,
An intermediate transfer section to which the toner images of each color formed by the plurality of developing devices are temporarily transferred;
A cleaning unit that removes toner remaining in the intermediate transfer unit after transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer unit to the recording paper,
When the determination result transmitted from the image processing unit is a single color, information on the color is also included,
When the defective image is formed of a single color toner, the control unit determines that the defective image is a defect of the toner image forming unit that develops the toner image corresponding to the color, and the defective image is formed with a plurality of color toners. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when it is determined that at least one of the intermediate transfer unit and the cleaning unit is defective. The image forming unit is a color image forming unit that forms a color image by spraying ink of a plurality of colors in an overlapping manner,
A plurality of head units for ejecting ink for each color to be superimposed,
A transport belt that transports the recording paper relative to the head unit,
When the determination result transmitted from the image processing unit is a single color, information on the color is also included,
The control unit determines that the head unit that ejects the ink corresponding to the color is defective when the defective image is formed of a single color ink, and when the defective image is formed with a plurality of color inks. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein it is determined that at least the transport belt is defective. It further includes a notification unit for notifying information,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the control unit sends information of the determined defect location to a notification unit. The notification unit includes a communication unit for communicating with an external communication device,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit transmits the information of the defective location to the external communication device communicable via the communication unit.