JP6749066B2 - Image reading device, image reading method, and image reading program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading device, an image reading method, and an image reading program for reading a document image placed on a document table.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an image processing device including an image reading device that reads an original image placed on a document table, for example, a copying machine, a family machine, or a multifunction machine having a copying function, a family function, and a printer function. .. In these image processing apparatuses, an energy saving mode in which power supply to some components other than some components is stopped when the user gives an instruction to transition to the energy saving mode or when there is no instruction from the user for a certain time or more. Be prepared.

Shifting from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode is called "shifting to the energy-saving mode".
The event that triggers the shift from the normal mode to the energy saving mode is called "energy saving transition trigger".
Returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is called "normal recovery".
The event that triggers a return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode is called a "normal return trigger".

Examples of the “energy saving transition trigger” include that the user has instructed the transition to the energy saving mode, and that there is no instruction from the user for a certain time or more.
The “normal return trigger” is, for example, the user's instruction to return to the normal mode, the operation of any key of the image processing apparatus, or the presence sensor detecting the presence of a person. ..

JP, 2002-258678, A JP, 2002-314727, A

An image reading apparatus usually has a function of detecting the size of a document placed on a document table (glass surface). However, in the energy saving mode, no power is supplied to the functional portion that detects the size of the document. Therefore, the detection light-emitting unit remains off, the detection light-receiving unit does not function, and the document size detection unit does not function. Therefore, even if the original is replaced with an original of a different size during the energy saving mode, it cannot be detected during the energy saving mode.

(Problem 1)
The image reading apparatus normally retains the information about the size of the original document detected in the normal mode even after shifting to the energy saving mode, and even after returning to the normal mode. Then, when the platen cover is opened/closed during the energy saving mode and the original is replaced with an original of a different size, the original size information held after returning to the normal mode and the original placed on the original table (glass surface) The size information of the original document does not match. If the original is read in this state, there is a possibility that a part of the original cannot be read or incorrect size copy is made.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the problem 1.
2A corresponds to FIGS. 1C and 1D, and FIG. 2B corresponds to FIG. 1E.
In FIG. 1A, it is assumed that an A4 portrait document is placed on the document table (glass surface). After that, when the platen cover is closed as shown in FIG. 1B, “A4 portrait” is held as the document size information. When the energy saving transition trigger is generated in FIG. 1B, the energy saving mode is changed as shown in FIG.

According to the conventional technique described in paragraph [0006] of Patent Document 2, for example, during the energy saving mode of FIG. 1C, the platen cover is opened as shown in FIG. When the original is "A4 landscape", the opening of the platen cover triggers the normal recovery, and the normal recovery is performed as shown in FIG. 1(e). It remains vertical. In this state, when a copy is made as shown in FIG. 2B, the image reading apparatus displays the document "A4 portrait" even though the document actually placed on the document table (glass surface) is "A4 landscape". 2C, an erroneous copy result is obtained as shown in FIG.

(Problem 2)
As a method of coping with the problem 1, in the technique described in claims 1 to 6 of Patent Document 1, when a normal return trigger such as opening and closing of the platen cover occurs during the energy saving mode, the size information of the document is generated. It is disclosed to clear and return to normal.

(Problem 2-1)
If the original was placed before the energy saving mode, the normal return trigger such as the opening and closing of the platen cover occurs, and the original size information is cleared at the time of the normal return, so the original size information is acquired. It is necessary to open and close the platen cover again.
(Problem 2-2)
For the purpose of opening and closing the platen cover during the energy saving mode, the user may simply want to remove the original from the original table (glass surface). In this case, the normal return is an unnecessary normal return.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the problem 2-1 and the problem 2-2. In FIG. 3A, it is assumed that an A4 portrait document is placed on the document table (glass surface). After that, when the platen cover is closed as shown in FIG. 3B, the document size information “A4 portrait” is held. In FIG. 3B, when the user erroneously presses the power saving key, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode as shown in FIG. 3C. For example, in the technique described in claims 1 to 6 of Patent Document 1, when some normal return trigger occurs here, the document size information held is discarded, and thus the same work is desired to be continued. As shown in FIG. 3E, the document size is unknown. In FIG. 3E, it is necessary to detect the document size again. (Problem 2-1)

Further, in the energy saving mode of FIG. 3C, when the platen cover is simply opened to remove a document that has been left behind as shown in FIG. 3D, it becomes a normal return trigger and there is no need to return normally. Nonetheless, it makes an unnecessary normal return. (Problem 2-2)

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, there is no risk of erroneous size copying even if the platen cover is opened/closed during the energy saving mode and the original is replaced with an original of a different size. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading device, an image reading method, and an image reading program that do not perform unnecessary normal restoration even when the image is opened and closed.

The present inventors clear the size information of the document when the platen cover is opened/closed during the energy saving mode, but do not return to the normal state, and return to the normal state by other work, and then, "the document size is not detected. It was found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by displaying a message indicating "." and displaying a message prompting the user to "Open and close the platen cover." and thus completed the present invention.

( 1 ) An image reading device for reading a document placed on a document table,
Document size information is held when the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and the platen cover is not opened or closed during the period when the mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode. When returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition other than the opening/closing of the platen cover, a maintaining unit that maintains the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial stage of the normal mode after the return. ,
The original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode with the original placed on the document table, and the platen cover of the platen cover is held during the period of shifting to the energy saving mode. If there is an opening/closing, the opening/closing is not used as a trigger for returning to the normal mode, and a clearing means for clearing the document size information at the latest immediately after returning to the normal mode under a return condition other than opening/closing of the platen cover. ,
If the original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the normal mode is restored by using a return condition other than the opening/closing of the platen cover as a trigger. First return means for avoiding return to the normal mode,
Second return means for returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition including opening and closing of the platen cover if the document size information is not held when the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the energy saving mode;
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. First display means for displaying size information of the existing document on the screen,
An image reading apparatus comprising:
When the platen cover is not opened/closed during the energy saving mode, the image reading apparatus of (1) can resume the work immediately before the transition to the energy saving mode after the normal recovery. Further, when the platen cover is opened/closed during the energy saving mode, unnecessary normal recovery is not performed, and there is no risk of making an incorrect size copy after the normal recovery.
The image reading apparatus of (1) can display the document size according to each mode of the document feeding device priority mode and the document table priority mode.
(2) When the document size information is held and transferred from the normal mode to the energy saving mode with the document placed on the document table, the platen cover is provided during the time when the energy saving mode is entered. If the opening/closing of the platen cover returns to the normal mode due to an event other than the opening/closing of the platen cover, a message indicating that the document size is undetermined and a message prompting the opening/closing of the platen cover are displayed on the screen. 2. The image reading device according to (1), further including two display means.
The image reading apparatus of (2) informs the user that the document size is undetermined when the document size information is not held, opens the platen cover, and prompts the user to detect the document size again. Can be urged.
(3) When the original mode is changed to the energy saving mode without holding the original size information while the original is not placed on the original table, the platen cover is opened and closed to change the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The image reading device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a second returning means for returning.
The image reading device of (3) can be normally restored when an operation is performed by another user in the energy saving mode.
(4) When the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode without holding the original size information while the original is not placed on the original table, the platen cover is opened and closed to change the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The image reading device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a return avoiding unit that does not return.
The image reading device of (4) prevents an unnecessary normal return when the first user becomes ambiguous in the memory of "whether the document is left on the platen or removed" and opens and closes the platen cover for confirmation. it can.
(5) When the original mode is shifted to the energy saving mode without holding the original size information while the original is not placed on the original table, the original is returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. The image reading apparatus according to (3) or (4), further including a third display unit that displays a message indicating that the size is undetermined and a message that prompts opening and closing of the platen cover.
The image reading device of (5) can inform the user that the document size is undetermined, and can open and close the platen cover to prompt the user to detect the size of the document again.
(6) An image reading device for reading a document placed on a document table,
Trigger an event other than opening/closing of the platen cover because the platen cover is not opened/closed during the transition to the energy saving mode from the normal mode with the original placed on the platen. As a result, when returning to the normal mode, maintaining means for maintaining the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial stage of the normal mode after the recovery,
If the platen cover is opened/closed during the period of transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and if the platen cover is opened/closed, Clear means for clearing the original size information immediately before returning to the normal mode due to an event other than opening and closing of the platen cover at the latest, without being a trigger for returning to the mode,
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. An image reading apparatus further comprising display means for displaying size information of an existing document on a screen.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a convenient image reading apparatus.

It is a figure explaining the problem 1 of the conventional image reading apparatus of a multifunctional device. It is a figure explaining the problem 1 of the conventional image reading apparatus of a multifunctional device. It is a figure explaining the problem 2 of the conventional image reading apparatus of a multifunctional device. It is a figure showing the outline of the compound machine by which the present invention is carried out. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading device relating to image reading of a multi-functional peripheral in which the present invention is implemented. 1 is a diagram showing an automatic document reading device and a document table of an image reading device of a multi-functional peripheral in which the present invention is implemented. It is a figure which shows the example of the operation panel of the image reading apparatus of the multifunctional device which implements this invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a document set of an image reading device of a multi-functional peripheral in which the present invention is implemented. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a sensor configuration example of an image reading apparatus of a multi-functional peripheral in which the present invention is implemented. It is a diagram showing a module configuration of a control unit of the image reading apparatus of the present invention. It is a figure explaining operation A of the image reading device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining operation|movement B of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining operation C of the image reading device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart of an image reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining operation|movement of the image reading apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 9 is a flowchart of an image reading device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 shows an outline of a multifunction peripheral 800 in which the present invention is implemented.
The multi-function device 800 forms multi-color and single-color images on a predetermined sheet (recording paper) according to image data transmitted from the outside, and includes a device main body 810 and an automatic document feeder 820. Including. The apparatus main body 810 includes an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing unit 7, a paper feed cassette 81, a paper discharge tray 91, and the like.

A document table 92 made of transparent glass on which a document is placed is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 810, and an automatic document feeder 820 is mounted on the document table 92. The automatic document feeder 820 automatically conveys a document onto the document table 92. Further, the automatic document feeder 820 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of the arrow M, and by opening the document table 92, the document can be manually placed.

The image data handled by this multifunction peripheral corresponds to a color image using each color of black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Therefore, the developing device 2, the photoconductor drum 3, the charging device 5, and the cleaner unit 4 are provided four by four so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to each color, and are respectively black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. It is set, and these constitute four image stations.

The charger 5 is a charging unit for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential, and includes a contact type roller type or brush type charger as well as a charger type as shown in FIG. Sometimes used.

The exposure unit 1 corresponds to the image writing apparatus according to the present invention, and is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) including a laser emitting unit, a reflection mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 1 is provided with a polygon mirror for scanning a laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3. The configuration of the optical scanning device that constitutes the exposure unit 1 will be specifically described later. Further, as the exposure unit 1, a method of using, for example, an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array can also be used.

The exposure unit 1 has a function of exposing the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data to form an electrostatic latent image according to the image data on the surface thereof. The developing device 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor drum 3 with toner of four colors (YMCK). Further, the cleaner unit 4 removes and collects the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 arranged above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. I have it. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to each color for YMCK.

The intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 stretch the intermediate transfer belt 61 to rotate it. Further, each intermediate transfer roller 64 provides a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided so as to be in contact with each of the photoconductor drums 3, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photoconductor drums 3 are sequentially superposed and transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. , And has a function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm, for example.

The transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high-voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the charging polarity (−) of the toner) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam). With this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can be used instead.

As described above, the electrostatic images visualized according to the respective hues on the respective photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this way, the laminated image information is transferred onto the paper by the transfer roller 10 arranged at the contact position between the paper and the intermediate transfer belt 61, which will be described later, by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61.

At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a predetermined nip, and a voltage for transferring the toner to the sheet is applied to the transfer roller 10 (a polarity opposite to the charging polarity (-) of the toner). (+) high voltage). Further, in order to constantly obtain the nip, the transfer roller 10 uses one of the transfer roller 10 and the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 as a hard material (metal or the like), and the other as a soft material (elastic material) such as an elastic roller. A rubber roller, a foaming resin roller or the like) is used.

Further, as described above, the toner attached to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contacting the photoconductor drum 3 or the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred onto the sheet by the transfer roller 10 is used in the next step. Therefore, the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is set to remove and collect the toner in order to cause color mixing of toner. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is provided with, for example, a cleaning blade that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61 as a cleaning member. The intermediate transfer belt 61 that comes into contact with the cleaning blade is supported by the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 from the back side. ing.

The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for accumulating sheets (recording paper) used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 810. A sheet used for image formation can also be placed in the manual paper feed cassette 82. A paper discharge tray 91 provided above the apparatus main body 810 is a tray for collecting printed sheets face down.

Further, the apparatus main body 810 is provided with a substantially vertical paper transport path S for sending the sheets of the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Has been. Near the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual paper feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, and a fixing unit. Seven etc. are arranged.

The transport rollers 12a to 12d are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of the sheet, and a plurality of them are provided along the sheet transport path S. The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81, and picks up the sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette 81 and supplies them to the paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11b is also provided in the vicinity of the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82, and picks up the sheets one by one from the manual paper feed cassette 82 and supplies them to the paper transport path S.

Further, the registration roller 13 temporarily holds the sheet conveyed on the sheet conveying path S. Then, it has a function of conveying the sheet to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the front edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 and the front edge of the sheet are aligned.

The fixing unit 7 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72, and the heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 rotate so as to sandwich the sheet. Further, the heat roller 71 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by a control unit based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown). It has the function of melting, mixing, and pressing the transferred multicolor toner image to heat-fix it to the sheet. Further, an external heating belt 73 for heating the heat roller 71 from the outside is provided.

Next, the sheet conveying path will be described in detail. As described above, the multifunction peripheral is provided with the paper feed cassette 81 for storing sheets and the manual paper feed cassette 82 in advance. Pickup rollers 11a and 11b are provided to feed the sheets from the sheet feeding cassettes 81 and 82, and the sheets are guided to the sheet conveying path S one by one.

The sheet conveyed from each of the sheet feeding cassettes 81 and 82 is conveyed to the registration roller 13 by the conveying roller 12a of the sheet conveying path S, and the transfer roller is transferred at the timing of aligning the leading end of the sheet with the leading end of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The sheet is conveyed to 10, and image information is written on the sheet. Thereafter, as the sheet passes through the fixing unit 7, the unfixed toner on the sheet is melted and fixed by heat, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 91 via the transport roller 12b arranged thereafter.

The above conveyance path is used for single-sided printing request for the sheet. On the other hand, when double-sided printing is requested, the trailing edge of the sheet that has passed single-sided printing and passed through the fixing unit 7 as described above is When the sheet is finally gripped by the transport roller 12b, the transport roller 12b rotates in the reverse direction to guide the sheet to the transport rollers 12c and 12d. Then, after the printing is performed on the back surface of the sheet via the registration rollers 13, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 91.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the image reading apparatus 200 related to image reading of the multifunction peripheral 800.
The operation panel unit 211 includes a touch panel having a liquid crystal display screen, and is operated by a user to set various parameters when performing image processing and input a command to the image reading apparatus 200.

The control unit 212 includes a CPU 2121, a ROM 2122, a RAM 2123, and an I/O 2124, and the CPU 2121 controls the entire processing of the image reading apparatus according to a program stored in the ROM 2122.
The scanner unit 213 includes a CCD element 2131, reads a document, and converts optical information into an electric signal.
The image processing unit 214 performs various image processing such as enlargement/reduction on the image read by the scanner unit 213.

The image storage unit 215 stores the image data read by the scanner unit 213 or the image data processed by the image processing unit 214.
The optical sensor unit 216 includes a document size detection sensor that detects the size of the document and a platen cover open/close sensor that detects opening/closing of the platen cover.
The platen original operation unit drive motor 217 is a drive motor for optically scanning the original placed on the original table 92. The driver 2171 is a driver for the control unit 212 to drive the platen document operation unit drive motor 217.

The document feed roller driving motor 218 is a motor that rotates a roller that feeds a document set on a document setting table. The driver 2181 is a driver for the control unit 212 to drive the document conveying roller drive motor 218.
The control unit 212 is connected to the interface unit 219 via a communication line.
The control unit 212, the image processing unit 214, the image storage unit 215, and the interface unit 219 are connected to each other by an image data bus.
The interface unit 219 is connected to an external device (computer/printer) 220.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configurations of the automatic document feeder 820 and the document table 92 of the image reading apparatus 200.
The document feeding roller 301 rotates to automatically convey the document.
The document feeding section cover 302 is normally closed, and is opened when a document is jammed or when the document feeding roller 301 is cleaned.

The document guide 303 is a guide for correctly reading a document, is movable in the depth direction, and is adapted to the width of the size of the set document.
The document setting table 304 is a table for setting a plurality of documents.
The original that has been read comes out to the original output unit 305.

The document reading unit 306 is a part that reads a document set on the document setting table 304.
The document size detection plate 307 is a device that detects the size of the document set on the document table (glass surface) 92.
The document table (glass surface) 92 is used when setting a document such as a thick document or a book, for which the automatic document feeder cannot be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel of the image reading apparatus 200.
The touch panel 401 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display screen and a touch sensor, the liquid crystal display screen displays a message, a key, and the like, and the touch sensor detects a touch by the user's finger on the displayed key or the like.
The clear key 402 is used to return the set numerical value such as the number of copies to “0”.

The reset key 403 is used to cancel various settings during operation and to start operation from the initial state.
The stop key 404 is used when the copying is stopped or the reading of the original is stopped.
A color start key 405 is used when making a color copy or reading a document in color.

The black and white start key 406 is used to read a document in black and white.
The power saving key 407 is used to shift the image reading apparatus 200 to the energy saving mode. When the power saving key 407 is turned on or no key is operated for a certain period of time, the power saving mode is entered. The power saving key 407 is turned off, or various normal recovery triggers such as an operation on any key are used to recover from the energy saving mode.
The power key 408 is used to turn on and off the image reading apparatus 200.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating keys displayed on touch panel 401 when a document is set.
The original key 501 displays the original size automatically detected when the original is set. When a document is mounted on both the document table (glass surface) 92 and the document feeding device (document setting table 304), the document feeding device side is preferentially displayed. The user touches the document key 501 to manually input the document size. When the document size is manually input, the set size is displayed.

When a sheet is set on the sheet key 502, the automatically detected sheet size is displayed. The user touches the paper key 502 when changing the paper (tray) to be used. When touched, the tray, paper size, and paper type are displayed side by side.
The document feeding display 503 is displayed when a document is set on the automatic document feeder.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the optical sensor unit 216 provided in the image reading apparatus 200.
The document size detection plate (light emission) 601 includes a plurality of detection light emitting units. In order to detect the size of the document set on the document table (glass surface) 92, the plurality of detection light emitting units are driven to emit light.

The document size detection board (light receiving) 602 includes a plurality of detection light receiving portions corresponding to the plurality of detection light emitting portions. When the plurality of light-emitting portions for detection are raised as will be described later, the plurality of light-emitting portions for detection are arranged along one side of the document setting table 304 above the edge portion on one side, and the plurality of light-receiving portions for detection are set on the original set. The bases 304 are arranged below the edge portion on the opposite side and along the opposite side. The light emitted from each detection light-emitting unit reaches the corresponding detection light-receiving unit unless blocked by the document, but does not reach the opposite detection light-receiving unit if blocked by the document. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence/absence of a document and the size of the document when there is a document by the combination of the detection light receiving units that receive light.

The platen cover opening/closing sensor 603 is a sensor that detects opening/closing of the platen cover. The detection signal is used as a trigger signal for detecting the document size. When the platen cover open/close sensor 603 is in the OPEN state, the document size detection plate (light emission) 601 moves up in conjunction with this, and a plurality of detection light emitting units provided therein emit light. The original size is detected by the original size detection plate (light emission) 601 and the original size detection substrate 602 which are in the raised position and in the light emitting state. When the platen cover open/close sensor 603 changes from OPEN to CLOSE, the document size detection operation is stopped in the vicinity of that point and the document size information is held. The plurality of light emitting units for detection are turned off.

Therefore, the user can detect the document size only by opening the platen cover, placing the document on the document table 92, and then closing the platen cover.
After that, when the platen cover open/close sensor 603 changes from CLOSE to OPEN, the document size detection operation can be restarted.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the module configuration of the control unit 212 of the image reading apparatus of this embodiment.
When the original mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, the first maintaining unit 121 retains the document size information held at the time of transition at least in the initial state of the energy-saving mode.

The second maintaining unit 122, when the document is placed on the platen and the mode is changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode, if the platen cover is not opened/closed during the period of the energy saving mode, the energy saving mode is set. Also, the document size information is maintained at least in the initial stage of the normal mode after returning.

The first return unit 123 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode due to an event other than the opening and closing of the platen cover when the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode with the original placed on the platen.

The second returning unit 124 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by opening and closing the platen cover when the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode with no original placed on the original table.

The clear unit 125 restores the opening/closing of the platen cover to the normal state if the platen cover is opened or closed during the transition to the energy-saving mode when the document is placed on the platen and the mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode. The original size information is cleared immediately before returning to the normal mode due to an event other than the opening and closing of the platen cover, not as a trigger.

The first display unit 126 displays the platen cover if the platen cover is opened or closed during the transition to the energy saving mode when the transition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode is performed with the original placed on the platen. If the normal mode is restored due to an event other than the opening/closing, the message indicating that the document size is undetermined and the message prompting the opening/closing of the platen cover are displayed on the screen.

The second display unit 127 indicates that the original size is undetermined after the normal mode is returned from the energy saving mode when the normal mode is changed to the energy saving mode when no original is placed on the original table. And a message prompting you to open and close the platen cover are displayed.

In the third display unit 128, the document feeding device priority mode is designated, and when documents are loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device returns from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. Display the size information of the originals loaded on the display screen.

The return avoidance unit 129 does not return from the energy-saving mode to the normal mode by opening and closing the platen cover when the normal mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode with no document placed on the platen.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as the energy saving transition trigger,
(A) The power saving key is turned on.
(B) No operation was performed for a certain period of time.
Is.

As a normal return trigger,
(A) The power saving key is turned off.
(B) One of the keys was operated.
(C) There was a print request or FAX reception.
(D) A human sensor detected.
Etc.
It should be noted that although "the platen cover has been opened/closed" has been conventionally regarded as a normal return trigger, in the embodiment of the present invention, "the platen cover has been opened/closed" is not a normal return trigger in principle.

However, when there is no document on the document table (glass surface) 92 and the mode shifts to the energy-saving mode, the second returning unit 124 normally returns based on "the platen cover has been opened and closed." This means, "The first user should know that the document is not placed, so the platen cover should not be opened to remove the document. It is possible to infer that it is a user different from the user of.

Further, when the platen cover is opened and closed in the state where there is a document on the document table (glass surface) 92 and the mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the clear unit 125 clears the held document size information. Then, after that, when the normal operation is resumed by another operation, the first display unit 126 displays “The original size is not detected.” on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel unit 211, and “Opens and closes the platen cover”. Message.” is displayed.

Further, when there is no original on the original table (glass surface) 92 and the mode shifts to the energy-saving mode and then returns to normal, the second display unit 127 displays the “original size” on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel unit 211. Is not detected.” is displayed, and a message prompting “Open and close the platen cover.” is displayed.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation A of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
When the energy saving transition trigger occurs after the original size is recognized from the placed original in FIG. 11A and the platen cover is closed as shown in FIG. 11B, the original recognized in FIG. 11A is generated. With the size information held, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode as shown in FIG. After that, when the normal return trigger occurs in the state where the platen cover is still closed, the normal return is performed while the original size information is not cleared and maintained. In this case, the document size information “A4 portrait” held as shown in FIG. 11D matches the size of the document actually placed on the document table (glass surface) 92, and the copy is immediately performed. You can

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation B of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
When the energy saving transition trigger occurs after the original size is recognized from the placed original in FIG. 11A and the platen cover is closed as shown in FIG. 11B, the original recognized in FIG. 11A is generated. With the size information held, the mode shifts to the energy saving mode as shown in FIG. FIG. 12A is shown for the sake of explanation, but this is the same as FIG. 11C. In FIG. 12A, the energy saving mode is set. After that, when the platen cover is opened as shown in FIG. 12B in the state where the normal return trigger is not generated, the original may have been replaced, so the held original size information is cleared. However, since the normal return trigger is not generated, the normal return is not performed (state of FIG. 12C). After that, when the normal return trigger is generated by another operation, the normal return is performed, but since the original size information is cleared, as shown in FIG. 12D, "the original size is not detected on the liquid crystal display screen. Is displayed, and a message prompting “Open and close the platen cover.” is displayed. Instead of clearing the document size information immediately after the platen cover is opened, a normal recovery trigger may be generated and the document size information may be cleared when the normal recovery is performed.

Unlike the operation A and the operation B in which the document size is recognized from the document placed on the document setting table 304, and then the energy saving transition trigger occurs after the platen cover is closed, the document is different from the operation A and the operation B. If the platen cover is opened after entering the energy saver mode when not loaded, the first user should know that the document is not loaded, so the platen cover must be removed to remove the document. The cover cannot open. Therefore, it can be inferred that the user who opened the platen cover is a user different from the first user. Therefore, in this case, it can be said that it is appropriate to return to the normal state by using the opening of the platen cover as the normal return trigger.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation C of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13A is based on the premise that the energy saving mode is entered with no document placed. After that, when the platen cover is opened in FIG. 13B, the opening of the platen cover is used as a normal return trigger only when the energy-saving mode is entered without the document placed. It normally returns like 13 (c). When the normal state is restored, as shown in FIG. 13D, "the size of the original is not detected" is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen, and a message prompting "Open and close the platen cover." is displayed.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In step S101, it is determined whether an energy saving transition trigger has occurred. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S102, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S101.

In step S102, the energy saving mode is entered, and the first maintaining unit 121 holds the document size information detected by the document size detection board (light receiving) 62.

In step S103, it is determined whether the document size information is held. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S104, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S104, it is determined whether the open/closed state of the platen cover has changed. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S105, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S105, the clear unit 125 clears the document size information held therein.

In step S106, it is determined whether a normal return trigger has occurred. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S107, it is determined whether the open/closed state of the platen cover has changed or a normal return trigger has occurred. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S108, the first restoration unit 123 or the second restoration unit 124 makes a normal restoration.
If NO is determined in S104 and the process does not go through step S105, the second maintaining unit 122 maintains the document size information after the normal recovery.

In step S109, it is determined whether the document size information is held. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S111, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the first display unit 126 or the second display unit 127 displays "the document size is not detected" on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel unit 11 and "Opens and closes the platen cover." Is displayed.

In step S111, the mode is changed to the normal mode.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, in step S107, when there is a change in the open/closed state of the platen cover or a normal return trigger is generated, the platen cover is normally returned.

However, the memory of whether the first user left the original on the platen or removed it became ambiguous, and actually, even though the original on the platen was removed, the platen cover was opened and closed for confirmation. It is possible. In this case, the normal return is an unnecessary normal return. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in step S107, if there is a change in the open/closed state of the platen cover, there is also an option of not normally returning the platen cover.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the image reading device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 differs from FIG. 14 only in that when the open/close state of the platen cover is changed in step 207, the determination result is NO and the process returns to step S207.

In step S207, it is determined whether a normal return trigger has occurred. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. If the determination is NO, the return avoidance unit 129 causes the process to proceed to step S207.
With this configuration, in the second embodiment, when the first user becomes ambiguous in the memory of “whether the document is left on the document table or removed”, and when the platen cover is opened/closed for confirmation. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary normal return.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the image reading apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a document is set on the document feeding device.
In this case, one of the "document feeder priority mode" and the "document table priority mode" is set.

When documents are set on both the document feeder and the platen, in the document feeder priority mode, the document of the document feeder is processed with priority.

When documents are set on both the document feeder and the platen, the document on the platen is preferentially processed in the platen priority mode.

In the document feeding device priority mode, the processes of FIGS. 11 to 13 are not performed, the document size of the document set in the document feeding device is displayed, and reading from the document feeding device is executed.
In the document table priority mode, the processes of FIGS.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the image reading device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The third embodiment has a processing flow including the case where a document is mounted on the automatic document feeder after the normal recovery.
Since steps S301 to S308 of the third embodiment are the same as steps S1011 to S108 of the first embodiment, the description of steps S301 to S308 will be omitted.

In step S309, it is determined whether a document is loaded in the automatic document feeder 820. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S310, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S311.

In step S310, it is determined whether the document table priority mode is selected. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S311, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S313.

In step S311, it is determined whether the document size information is held. If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S314, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S312.

In step 312, the first display unit 126 or the second display unit 127 displays “the original size is not detected.” on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation panel unit 11 and “Open/close the platen cover”. Is displayed.

In step S313, the third display unit 128 displays the size of the original document mounted on the automatic document feeder 820.

In step S314, the mode shifts to the normal mode.
According to the third embodiment, even when a document is mounted on the automatic document feeder, it is possible to perform processing according to a mode in which the document feeder has priority or the document table has priority.
The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, but the second embodiment can be modified in the same manner.

The above image reading device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the image reading method performed by the above image reading device can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “implemented by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

The program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include a magnetic recording medium (for example, flexible disk, magnetic tape, hard disk drive), magneto-optical recording medium (for example, magneto-optical disk), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R/W, and semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)) are included. In addition, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or a wireless communication path.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an easy-to-use image reading device.

92 Platen (glass surface)
121 1st maintenance part 122 2nd maintenance part 123 1st restoration part 124 2nd restoration part 125 Clear part 126 1st display part 127 2nd display part 128 3rd display part 129 Recovery avoidance part 200 Image reading device 211 Operation panel part 212 Control Unit 213 Scanner Unit 214 Image Processing Unit 215 Image Storage Unit 216 Optical Sensor Unit 217 Platen Document Scanning Unit Drive Motor 218 Document Feed Roller Drive Motor 219 Interface Unit 220 External Device 301 Document Feed Roller 302 Document Feed Port Cover 303 Document Guide 304 Original setting table 305 Original output section
306 Original reading unit 307 Original size detection plate 401 Touch panel 402 Clear key 403 Reset key 404 Stop key 405 Color start key 406 Color start key 407 Power saving key 408 Power key 501 Original key 502 Paper key 503 Original feed display 601 Original size detection plate ( Light emission)
602 Original size detection board (light receiving)
603 Platen cover open/close sensor 800 Multifunction machine 820 Automatic document feeder

Claims (10)

An image reading device for reading a document placed on a platen,
Document size information is held when the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and the platen cover is not opened or closed during the period when the mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode. When returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition other than the opening/closing of the platen cover, a maintaining unit that maintains the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial stage of the normal mode after the return. ,
The original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode with the original placed on the document table, and the platen cover of the platen cover is held during the period of shifting to the energy saving mode. If there is an opening/closing, the opening/closing is not used as a trigger for returning to the normal mode, and a clearing means for clearing the document size information at the latest immediately after returning to the normal mode by a return condition other than opening/closing of the platen cover. ,
If the original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the normal mode is restored by using a return condition other than the opening/closing of the platen cover as a trigger. First return means for avoiding return to the normal mode,
Second return means for returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition including opening and closing of the platen cover if the document size information is not held when the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the energy saving mode;
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. First display means for displaying size information of the existing document on the screen,
An image reading apparatus comprising: The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein
When the original size is held and the original size is retained and the original size is retained while the original is placed on the original table, the platen cover is opened and closed during the transition to the energy saving mode. If there is, a second display means for displaying on the screen a message indicating that the document size is undetermined and a message urging the opening and closing of the platen cover if the normal mode is restored by an event other than the opening and closing of the platen cover. An image reading apparatus further comprising: The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
When the original mode is shifted to the energy saving mode without holding the original size information in a state where no original is placed on the original table, the platen cover is opened and closed to return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. An image reading apparatus further comprising: 3 return means. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein
If the original on the platen has moved without holding the document size information to the energy saving mode from the normal mode in a state of not being mounted, it does not return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by opening and closing the platen cover An image reading apparatus further comprising return avoidance means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein
If the original mode is changed from the normal mode to the energy saving mode without holding the original size information in a state where no original is placed on the original table, the original size is not determined after returning from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. An image reading apparatus further comprising a third display unit for displaying a message indicating confirmation and a message prompting opening and closing of the platen cover on a screen. An image reading device for reading a document placed on a platen,
Trigger an event other than opening/closing of the platen cover because the platen cover is not opened/closed during the transition to the energy saving mode from the normal mode with the original placed on the platen. As a result, when returning to the normal mode, maintaining means for maintaining the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial stage of the normal mode after the recovery,
If the platen cover is opened/closed during the period of transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and if the platen cover is opened/closed, Clear means for clearing the original size information immediately before returning to the normal mode due to an event other than opening and closing of the platen cover at the latest, without being a trigger for returning to the mode,
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. An image reading apparatus further comprising display means for displaying size information of an existing document on a screen. MFP, characterized in that it comprises an image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An image reading method for reading a document placed on a platen,
Document size information is held when the mode is shifted from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and the platen cover is not opened or closed during the period when the mode is shifted to the energy-saving mode. When returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition other than the opening and closing of the platen cover, a maintaining step of maintaining the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial of the normal mode after the return. ,
The original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode with the original placed on the document table, and the platen cover of the platen cover is held during the period of shifting to the energy saving mode. If there is an opening/closing, the opening/closing is not used as a trigger for returning to the normal mode, and a clearing step of clearing the document size information at the latest immediately after returning to the normal mode by a return condition other than opening/closing of the platen cover. ,
If the original size information is held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode, the normal mode is restored by using a return condition other than the opening/closing of the platen cover as a trigger. A first return step for avoiding return to the normal mode;
A second return step of returning to the normal mode triggered by a return condition including opening/closing of the platen cover if the document size information is not held when the normal mode is shifted to the energy saving mode;
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. The display step to display the size information of the document on the screen,
An image reading method comprising: An image reading method for reading a document placed on a platen,
Trigger an event other than opening/closing of the platen cover because the platen cover is not opened/closed during the transition to the energy saving mode from the normal mode with the original placed on the platen. As a result, when returning to the normal mode, a maintaining step of maintaining the document size information held at the time of the transition until at least the initial of the normal mode after the recovery,
If the platen cover is opened/closed during the period of transition from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode with the document placed on the platen, and if the platen cover is opened/closed, Without a trigger for returning to the mode, a clear step of clearing the original size information by the time immediately after returning to the normal mode due to an event other than opening and closing of the platen cover at the latest.
When the document feeding device priority mode is designated and the document is loaded on both the document feeding device and the document table, the document feeding device is loaded on the document feeding device after returning from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. An image reading method, further comprising a display step of displaying size information of an existing document on a screen. An image reading program that causes a computer to function as the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .

Images