JP7107208B2 - Image processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus such as an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) and technology related thereto.

An image processing apparatus such as an MFP is provided with an operation panel, and various instruction operations are given by a user operating (pressing, etc.) operation parts (operation buttons, etc.) displayed in the operation panel.

By the way, depending on the scanning operation for reading the document on the platen glass, the scanning operation for reading the document using an ADF (automatic document feeder), or the print output operation involving the conveyance of the paper, the image processing apparatus may move in a predetermined direction. vibrate at The amplitude of such vibration is, for example, around 1 mm (millimeter) to several mm. Further, there is a possibility that the amplitude of the vibration of the image processing device will further increase as the weight of the image processing device is reduced.

When the user tries to press an operation button in the operation panel while the above-described vibration is occurring, the fingertip of the user may be shifted from the desired position of the operation panel, thereby preventing the user from performing the intended operation. may not be possible.

As a technology for the vibration of the operation unit, there is a technology that detects the vibration of the operation unit by separately providing a sensor for detecting vibration (vibration sensor) and executes a correction operation to reduce the influence of the vibration (Patent document 1st prize).

JP-A-2009-9261

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is required to provide a vibration sensor as described above, and to provide a CPU that realizes high-speed processing for correcting the influence of vibration detected by the vibration sensor. Therefore, there are problems such as an increase in cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the influence of vibration in an operation unit while suppressing an increase in cost.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the invention of claim 1 is an image processing apparatus comprising an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts, and a mechanical drive that responds to each of a plurality of jobs. job execution means for executing an action; storage means for pre-storing information on vibration of the operation unit caused by the mechanical driving action during execution of each job for each type of job; Acquisition means for acquiring vibration information corresponding to a job to be executed, which is a job, from the storage means; correction control means for executing a correction operation for reducing the influence of vibration at the vibration generation timing.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the storage means pre-stores information relating to the timing of occurrence of vibration in the operation unit for each type of job, and the acquisition means comprises: Information including the vibration generation timing corresponding to the type of the execution target job is acquired as the vibration information corresponding to the execution target job.

The invention of claim 3 is the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 2, wherein the correction operation by the correction control means is based on the vibration of the operation unit by enlarging and displaying the operation part at the vibration generation timing. It is characterized by being a process for reducing the influence.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the storage means also pre-stores information on the magnitude of vibration of the operation unit for each job type, and the acquisition means stores , the information including the magnitude of the vibration corresponding to the type of the job to be executed is acquired as the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed, and the correction control means obtains the vibration information corresponding to the type of the job to be executed The correction operation is performed also based on the magnitude of the vibration.

The invention of claim 5 is the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 4, wherein the correction control means reduces the influence of the vibration of the operation unit by enlarging and displaying the operation part at the vibration generation timing. At this time, the degree of enlargement of the operation part is changed based on the magnitude of the vibration corresponding to the type of the job to be executed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the plurality of jobs includes a job accompanied by an image reading operation and a job accompanied by a printout operation. It is characterized by

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the image reading operation includes an operation accompanying movement of the movable portion of the image reading unit and a document conveying operation using an automatic document feeder. and .

The invention of claim 8 is the image processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1, further comprising a scanner section for reading a document on the platen glass, and the scanner section is arranged below the platen glass and moves in a predetermined direction. When the job to be executed is a job involving an image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means sets a start timing of the first movement of the moving mechanism for the image reading operation. and the completion timing of the first movement and the completion timing of the second movement to reversely move toward the home position immediately after the completion of the first movement are estimated as the vibration generation timing, and It is characterized by executing a correction operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the job to be executed is a job involving the image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means controls the first moving mechanism. over a first period from the start timing of the first movement, a second period from the completion timing of the first movement, and a third period from the completion timing of the second movement, It is characterized by executing a correction operation.

In a tenth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth or ninth aspect of the invention, when the job to be executed is a job involving the image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means controls the A period during which the second movement is continued is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is executed even during the period where the second movement is continued.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises an automatic document feeder, wherein the automatic document feeder comprises a document placement section on which a document to be read is placed; A first conveying roller for conveying the document placed on the document placing portion toward the document reading position, and a second conveying roller for conveying the document passed through the document reading position and read toward the document ejection tray. When the job to be executed is a job involving an image reading operation using the automatic document feeder, the correction control means controls the driving start timing of the first conveying roller and the second A timing including a driving completion timing of the conveying roller is estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is executed.

In a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, when the job to be executed is a job involving the image reading operation using the automatic document feeder, the correction control means controls the The correcting operation is performed over a period including a first period from the driving start timing of the first conveying roller and a second period from the driving completion timing of the second conveying roller. do.

A thirteenth aspect of the invention is directed to the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein a paper feed tray on which printing paper is placed and a printout operation for executing a printout operation on the printing paper carried out from the paper feed tray. and a conveying roller for conveying the print paper placed on the paper feed tray toward the print output unit, wherein the correction control means controls the execution target job to perform the print output operation. In the case of a job that accompanies the job, the timing including the driving start timing of the transport roller and the driving completion timing of the transport roller is estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is executed.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, wherein when the job to be executed is a job involving the print output operation, the correction control means removes the image from the paper feed tray by the conveying roller. A timing at which the printing paper sent out to the print output unit collides with another conveying roller downstream of the conveying roller after the conveying direction of the printing paper is changed is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction is performed. Characterized by executing an action.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided the image processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the correction control means detects the downstream edge of the printing paper by a sensor provided immediately upstream of the another transport roller. The arrival of the vibration generation timing caused by the collision of the printing paper against the another transport roller is detected based on the detection of the proximity to the other transport roller.

A sixteenth aspect of the invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects of the invention, wherein the correction control means, when the job to be executed is a job involving the printout operation, The start timing of a warm-up operation including preliminary heating of the fixing unit and preliminary rotation of the fixing roller of the fixing unit is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correcting operation is executed. characterized by

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the correction control means controls the correction control means when the image processing apparatus transitions from an off state to an on state, or when the image processing apparatus transitions from an off state to an on state. When the image processing apparatus returns from the sleep state, the start timing of the warm-up operation for print output, which includes preheating of the fixing section and preliminary rotation of the fixing roller of the fixing section, is also set by the vibration. It is characterized by estimating the occurrence timing and executing the correcting operation.

An eighteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the image processing apparatus according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect of the invention, the correction control means continues the correction operation at least until the end of the warm-up operation.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a program incorporated in an image processing apparatus having an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts, the program comprising: a step of acquiring vibration information corresponding to a job to be executed from a storage means in which information about vibration of the operation unit caused by the driving operation is stored in advance for each job type; a step of estimating the vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed; and a step to be executed at the vibration generation timing.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts; a plurality of drive mechanisms that perform a plurality of mechanical driving operations; storage means for pre-storing information on vibrations of the operation unit caused by each of the mechanical driving motions; acquisition means for acquiring vibration information on specific motions to be currently executed from the storage means; correction control means for estimating the vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information related to the specific operation, and executing a correction operation for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing. and

According to a 21st aspect of the invention, there is provided a program incorporated in an image processing apparatus comprising an operation unit that displays an operation part and receives a user operation on the operation part, the program: b) acquiring vibration information about a specific action to be currently executed from storage means for pre-storing information about vibration of the operation unit generated by the operation; a step of estimating a vibration generation timing; and c) a step of executing a correction operation for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing estimated in the step b). It is characterized by being a program.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to invention of Claim 1- Claim 21, it is possible to reduce the influence by the vibration in an operation part, suppressing the increase in cost.

1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an MFP (image processing apparatus); FIG. 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the MFP; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading section; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram mainly showing the configuration of a reading unit of an image reading section; 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the configuration and the like of a print output unit; FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a vibration data table. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a vibration data table. It is a figure which shows the vibration data table (part) which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the outline of correction|amendment operation|movement. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the MFP; 4 is a flow chart showing operations related to a scan-related job that does not use the ADF; 4 is a flow chart showing operations related to a scan-related job using the ADF; 4 is a flow chart showing operations related to a print-related job; 4 is a flow chart showing operations related to a print-related job;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration Overview>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of an MFP (image processing apparatus) 1, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the MFP 1. As shown in FIG. Here, an MFP (Multi-Functional Peripheral) is exemplified as an image processing device.

The MFP 1 is a device (also referred to as a multifunction device) having a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a box storage function, and the like. Specifically, as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 2, the MFP 1 includes an image reading section 2, a printout section 3, a communication section 4, a storage section 5, an operation section 6, a controller (control section) 9, and the like. Various functions are realized by operating these units in combination. Note that the MFP 1 is also called an image processing device, an image forming device, an image reading device, or the like.

The image reading unit 2 is a processing unit that optically reads (that is, scans) a document placed at a predetermined position on the MFP 1 and generates image data (also referred to as a document image or a scanned image) of the document. be. This image reading section 2 is also called a scanner section. As will be described later, the image reading unit 2 can read a document placed on the platen glass 244 and can also read a document placed on the ADF 26 (automatic document feeder).

The printout unit 3 is an output unit that prints out an image on various media such as paper based on data regarding a print target.

A communication unit 4 is a processing unit capable of performing facsimile communication via a public line or the like. The communication unit 4 can also perform various types of network communication (wired communication and wireless communication).

The storage unit 5 is composed of various semiconductor memories (ROM, RAM, etc.) and a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD). Various programs and data (electronic document data, image data, vibration data table (described later), etc.) are stored in the storage unit 5 . Further, in the vibration data tables 550 and 560 in the storage unit 5, information (“apparatus vibration information”) (described later) regarding vibration of the operation panel unit 150 (described later) is stored in advance.

The operation unit 6 includes an operation input unit 6a that receives an operation input to the MFP 1, and a display unit 6b that displays and outputs various information.

In this MFP 1 , a substantially plate-like operation panel section 150 (see FIG. 1) is provided as one of the operation sections 6 . Further, the operation panel section 150 has a touch panel 151 (see FIG. 1) on its front side. The touch panel 151 functions not only as part of the operation input section 6a, but also as part of the display section 6b. The touch panel 151 is configured by embedding various sensors and the like in a liquid crystal display panel, and is capable of displaying various types of information and accepting various operational inputs from the operator.

A controller (control unit) 9 is a control device that is built in the MFP 1 and controls the MFP 1 in an integrated manner. The controller 9 is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various semiconductor memories (RAM and ROM). The controller 9 realizes various processing units by executing a predetermined software program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) stored in a ROM (for example, EEPROM (registered trademark)) in the CPU. The program (specifically, the program module group) may be recorded in a portable recording medium such as a USB memory and installed in the MFP 1 via the recording medium. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a communication network and installed in MFP1.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, by executing the program, the controller 9 controls a communication control unit 91, an input control unit 92, a display control unit 93, an operation control unit 94, an acquisition unit 95, and a correction control unit 96. Various processing units including and are realized.

The communication control unit 91 is a processing unit that controls communication operations with other devices in cooperation with the communication unit 4 and the like. The communication control unit 91 has a transmission control unit that controls transmission operations of various data and a reception control unit that controls reception operations of various data.

The input control unit 92 is a control unit that controls operation input operations on the operation input unit 6a (touch panel 151, etc.). For example, the input control unit 92 controls the operation of receiving an operation input on the operation screen displayed on the touch panel 151 .

The display control unit 93 is a processing unit that performs display control on the display unit 6b (touch panel 151, etc.). For example, display control unit 93 causes touch panel 151 to display an operation screen or the like for operating MFP 1 . In addition, the display control unit 93 cooperates with the correction control unit 96 to perform a correction operation to reduce the influence of the vibration of the operation unit (the influence on the operation of the operation parts displayed on the touch panel 151).

The operation control unit 94 is a processing unit that controls operations related to various operations (image reading operation (scanning operation), printout operation (printing operation), etc.).

The acquisition unit 95 is a processing unit that extracts and acquires vibration information about a specific motion to be currently executed (also referred to as a current motion to be executed) from the storage unit 5 (specifically, vibration data tables 550 and 560). For example, the acquisition unit 95 executes a process of acquiring vibration information corresponding to an execution target job (execution target job) from the storage unit 5 .

The correction control unit 96 is a processing unit that cooperates with the display control unit 93 to perform the correction operation. The correction control unit 96 estimates (specifies) the vibration generation timing of the operation panel unit 150 based on the vibration information regarding the specific motion to be currently executed (the current motion to be executed). The correction control unit 96 estimates the vibration generation timing of the operation unit, for example, based on the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed. Then, the correction control section 96 executes a correction operation for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation panel section 150 (the influence on the operation parts) at the timing of occurrence of the vibration.

<2. Detailed Configuration of Scanner Unit>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading section (scanner section) 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram mainly showing the configuration of the reading unit 210 of the image reading section 2. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the configuration regarding ADF 26 is not shown. In FIGS. 3 and 4, etc., the directions and the like are shown as appropriate using an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system.

As shown in FIG. 4, the scanner section 2 has a reading unit 210 .

The reading unit 210 is configured here as a reduction optics type reading section. The reading unit 210 has a light source 211 , mirrors 212 ( 212 a , 212 b , 212 c ), a lens (imaging optical system) 214 , and an imaging section (image sensor (imaging element)) 215 . Each element of the reading unit 210 is provided on the lower side (inner side) of the transparent platen glass 244 (the surface on which the document is placed). Light emitted from the light source 211 toward the original 900 above is transmitted through the platen glass 244 (or the glass 243 (described later)) and reflected by the original 900 , and the reflected light reaches the image sensor 215 . By doing so, an image of the document 900 is acquired.

Further, the light source 211 has a plurality of light emitting elements 211E (not shown), and the plurality of light emitting elements (a plurality of partial light sources) 211E are linearly arranged in the main scanning direction (X direction). is a row of light-emitting elements arranged in a row. In other words, the light source 211 is a linear light source extending in the main scanning direction. The plurality of light emitting elements 211E are composed of, for example, several tens of LEDs (light emitting diodes). Also, the plurality of light emitting elements 211E can be lit independently of each other.

As the image sensor 215, a linear image sensor (here, a CCD line sensor) in which a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels) are arranged one-dimensionally (linearly) in the main scanning direction (X direction) is used. In other words, the image sensor 215 is a photoelectric conversion element having a plurality of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction. The photoelectric conversion element converts reflected light emitted from the light source 211 toward the document 900 and reflected by the document 900 into an image signal, thereby producing a "line image" which is a linear image of the document 900 in the main scanning direction. is obtained.

<Scanning operation for documents on the platen glass>
The MFP 1 is capable of executing single-sided copying with a document placed on the document table (specifically, the platen glass 244). Specifically, the operator once retracts the document cover 231 (see also FIG. 1) from the platen glass 244 of the main body of the MFP 1 and places the document on the platen glass 244 . When the operator returns the document cover 231 to its original position, the document is sandwiched between the document cover 231 and the platen glass 244 . After that, the scanning operation is executed in response to pressing of a start button (not shown) or the like. In the scanning operation, a movable portion 220a (described later) of the reading unit 210 scans a line image (X-direction line image) at each sub-scanning position while moving from one end of the document to the other end in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). ), the two-dimensional image of the document placed on the platen glass 244 is read.

The light source 211 of the reading unit 210 is arranged below the platen glass 244, emits illumination light upward, and scans the surface to be scanned (lower surface) of the document placed on the platen glass 244 (document table). ) from below. Light from the light source 211 is transmitted through the platen glass 244 and reflected by the surface of the document 900 to be scanned. A light image of the reflected light is further reflected by mirrors 212 a , 212 b , and 212 c , passes through lens 214 and is reduced, and then received by image sensor 215 . The image sensor 215 acquires line images in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the paper at once. As a result, a linear image (line image) at a certain position (Y) in the sub-scanning direction of the document 900 is obtained.

The reading unit 210 also includes two movable portions 220a and 220b (collectively referred to as movable portions 220) that are movable in the sub-scanning direction (Y direction). The movable portion 220a is provided with a light source 211 and a mirror 212a, and the movable portion 220b is provided with mirrors 212b and 212c. As the movable portions (also called slide portions or sliders) 220a and 220b move in the sub-scanning direction (Y-direction), the document 900 placed on the platen glass 244 moves at each sub-scanning-direction position (Y). linear images (line images) are acquired respectively. The movable parts 220a and 220b are driven by a slider driving part 223 (driving mechanism having a motor, gears, etc.). When moving the movable portions 220a and 220b, the movable portion 220b moves half the amount of movement of the movable portion 220a. length remains constant.

In this way, as the reading unit 210 moves, the operation of acquiring line images (linear images) at each Y position is repeated while changing each scanning position (each Y position) in the sub-scanning direction. obtains a two-dimensional image of the surface of the document to be scanned. In other words, an image of the entire document (document information) is obtained. Such a scanning operation is a scanning operation for reading a document on the platen glass 244, and is also expressed as a scanning operation accompanied by a movement operation of the scanner sliders (movable parts 220a and 220b).

Here, as the movable portions (moving mechanisms) 220a and 220b of the reading unit 210 move, the main body portion of the MFP 1 and the operation panel portion 150 vibrate (particularly in the Y direction). More specifically, when reading by the reading unit 210 is started (specifically, when the movable parts (moving mechanisms) 220a and 220b are accelerated (in the +Y direction) at a predetermined degree or more of acceleration), vibration is generated. occurs. Vibration also occurs when reading by the reading unit 210 is completed (specifically, when the movable parts (moving mechanisms) 220a and 220b decelerate at a deceleration rate equal to or greater than a predetermined level). Furthermore, vibration occurs when the movable portion of the reading unit 210 returns toward the home position at high speed (moves in the -Y direction). More specifically, when accelerating in the -Y direction with a predetermined degree of acceleration or more, when moving in the -Y direction at a predetermined speed or more (high-speed movement), and further when decelerating with a predetermined degree or more of deceleration acceleration Vibration occurs.

<Scan operation using ADF>
The MFP 1 also includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 26, as shown in FIG. The MFP 1 can also perform a scanning operation using an ADF (automatic document feeder).

The ADF 26 conveys the document from the upstream side to the downstream side along the document conveying path (conveyance path) 278 . The ADF 26 has a plurality of conveying rollers (more specifically, a plurality of conveying roller pairs) including a paper feed roller 271, a separation roller 272, a timing roller 273, a pre-reading roller 274, and post-reading rollers 275 and 276. there is Documents (original documents to be read) placed on a document placing tray 251 (original placing portion) are sent out to the separation roller 272 side by a paper feeding roller 271, and then are sequentially fed to rollers 272, 273, and 274. advances to the downstream side in the conveying direction. The document advances toward the document discharge tray 252 along a conveying path 278 formed by rollers 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, a guide member 277, and the like. The originals are separated by the separation roller 272 and conveyed one by one. Further, the document is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side while being read by the above-described reading unit 210 at a position directly above the glass 243 (document reading position P21).

Thus, the document placed on the document placement tray 251 is conveyed toward the document reading position P21 by the rollers 271, 272, 273, 274 and the like. Then, the document that has passed through the document reading position P21 and is read is conveyed toward the document discharge tray 252 by the rollers 275, 276 and the like.

In addition, the scanner unit 2 can read images on both sides of the document without inverting the document (front and back) in one pass operation of the document, and generate image data for each side.

Specifically, the scanner section 2 also has a back surface reading unit 260 (FIG. 3). The back surface reading unit 260 has a light source and an image sensor (light receiving sensor). As the image sensor, a linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels) are arranged one-dimensionally (linearly) in the main scanning direction (X direction) is used. The image sensor of back side reading unit 260 is configured by, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor).

The back side reading unit 260 is arranged near the document reading position P22, and obtains line images (line images at the document reading position P22) in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the document at once. A two-dimensional image of the back surface of the document is obtained by repeating the same line image acquisition operation when the document is gradually moved in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction).

In particular, during the period in which the document is conveyed once as described above, the above-described reading unit 210 is used as a front side reading unit to generate an image of the front side of the document, and the back side reading unit 260 is used to generate an image of the front side of the document. By generating an image of the back side of the document, image data of each side can be generated in parallel.

As the document placed on the document tray 251 progresses downstream along the conveying path 278, the angle of travel of the document is gradually changed. It's reversed. That is, when the original is placed on the original tray 251, the front side of the original is the upper side. This is the side surface. Each element of the back side reading unit 260 (contact type reading section) near the glass 243 is provided above the document transport path 278 (the side of the back side of the document).

Here, as the document is transported by the ADF 26 , vibrations (especially in the Y direction) occur in the main body of the MFP 1 and the operation panel section 150 . Specifically, when the document placed on the document placement tray 251 is transported toward the document reading positions P21 and P22 by driving the transport rollers 271, 272, 273, 274, etc. of the ADF 26 (especially when the document is transported by the motor) When the rollers 271, 272, 273, 274, etc. start to be driven), vibration occurs. Also, when the document that has passed through the document reading positions P21 and P22 and is read is transported toward the document discharge tray 252 by the transport rollers 275 and 276 (especially when the motor stops driving the transport rollers 275 and 276). Vibration also occurs when

<3. Detailed Configuration of Print Output Unit>
The printout unit 3 of the MFP 1 is an electrophotographic printout unit, more specifically, a tandem full-color printout unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration and the like of the print output unit 3. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MFP 1 includes a plurality (specifically, four) of imaging units 10 (specifically, 10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K). Specifically, the MFP 1 includes a yellow imaging unit 10Y, a magenta imaging unit 10M, a cyan imaging unit 10C, and a black imaging unit 10K. Each imaging unit 10 electrophotographs an image of each color component (specifically, each component of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black)) of the final output image. method and transferred to an intermediate transfer belt (also called an intermediate transfer body) 41 . Then, the image of each color component superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is further transferred to a sheet of printing paper (also called a transfer material) passing between the drive roller 43 and the secondary transfer roller 46. , a full-color image is formed on the printing paper. The intermediate transfer belt 41 is also expressed as an image carrier that temporarily carries toner images transferred from the photoreceptors 11 (described later).

The four imaging units 10 (10Y, 10M, 10C, and 10K) are arranged mainly in the lower portion of the lower straight portion of the intermediate transfer belt 41 wound around the driving roller 43 and the winding roller 44. arranged in series along the Each imaging unit 10 has a photosensitive member 11, a charger, an exposure device, a developer, a first transfer device (primary transfer device) 15, an eraser (discharger), and a cleaner. Specifically, in each imaging unit 10, a charger, an exposure device, a developer, a first transfer device 15, an eraser, and a cleaner are arranged clockwise in this order so as to surround the outer circumference of the substantially cylindrical photosensitive member 11. are placed. Among them, the first transfer device (more specifically, the transfer roller (primary transfer roller)) 15 is arranged at a position facing the photoreceptor 11 with the intermediate transfer belt 41 interposed therebetween.

The intermediate transfer belt 41 is moved by driving the driving roller 43 . A second transfer device (transfer roller (secondary transfer roller)) 46 is provided at a position facing the drive roller 43 with the intermediate transfer belt 41 interposed therebetween. A toner image (such as a full-color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 41 is transferred to the printing paper in response to voltage application by the transfer roller 46 .

A fixing section (fixing device) 67 is provided on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the printing paper after passing the positions of the driving roller 43 and the transfer roller 46 . The fixing unit 67 applies heat to the printing paper to fix the toner image formed on the printing paper to the printing paper.

Further, a paper discharge tray 75 is provided on the downstream side of the fixing section 67 in the transport direction.

A plurality of paper feeding units 51a, 51b, and 51c are provided below each imaging unit 10 and transfer roller 46 (on the upstream side in the transport path). Each of the paper feed units 51a, 51b, and 51c includes a paper feed tray 331 (331a, 331b, and 331c), a pickup roller 332 (332a, 332b, and 332c), a paper feed roller 333 (333a, 333b, and 333c), and a separation roller 334, respectively. (334a, 334b, 334c). Each of the paper feed units 51c, 51b, and 51c uses these transport rollers 332, 333, and 334, respectively, to supply printing paper toward other transport rollers 65 and 66 (or 335 and 336). is possible.

A paper detection sensor 337 is provided at a position P1 immediately before the transport rollers 335 and 336 on the paper transport path, and the paper detection sensor 337 detects the presence or absence of paper at the position P1 immediately before the paper transport path. Further, a paper detection sensor 338 is provided at a position P2 immediately before the timing rollers 65 and 66, and the paper detection sensor detects the presence or absence of paper at the position P2 just before the timing rollers 65 and 66. FIG. Note that in this embodiment, as will be described later, correction operations are executed based on the paper detection results from the paper detection sensors 337 and 338 . As the paper detection sensors 337 and 338, it is preferable to use existing sensors for paper jam detection.

In this manner, the MFP 1 includes a paper feed tray 331 on which printing paper is placed, and a print output section 3 (particularly, the imaging unit 10 and the secondary transfer unit 3) that executes a print output operation on the print paper carried out from the paper feed tray 331. roller 46, etc.), and transport rollers 332, 333, 334 for transporting the printing paper placed on the paper feed tray 331 toward the print output unit 3 (especially, the secondary transfer roller 46, etc.).

Here, when the paper feeding mechanism (332, 333, 334) as described above is used to start feeding printing paper, vibration occurs.

For example, when the print paper in each paper feed unit 51 (51a, 51b, 51c) is supplied from each paper feed tray 331 (331a, 331b, 331c) to the paper transport path, the transport rollers 332, 333, 334 are driven. During the period, vibration occurs due to the operation of the drive mechanism of the transport rollers 332, 333, and 334, and the like.

Also, the printing paper supplied from each paper feeding section 51 to the paper transport path is transported while gradually changing its transport direction from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction (upward). At this time, the edge of the paper once collides with one of the transport roller pair in the middle of the paper transport path. Vibration occurs due to such a collision (collision of the edge of the paper against one of the transport roller pairs). After the collision, the paper edge moves to the nip portion (nipping portion) of the transport roller pair, passes through the nip portion of the transport roller pair, and moves further downstream of the transport roller pair. To go.

More specifically, the print paper supplied from the paper feed tray 331 of the paper feed unit 51a gradually changes its conveying direction from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction (upward), and the pair of conveying rollers (specifically, timing roller pair) (65, 66). At this time, the downstream end of the printing paper is guided by the paper guide (guide plate) 342 on the relatively lower side and the paper guide 348 on the right side while gradually changing its traveling direction upward. Then, the downstream end of the printing paper collides with one of the pair of timing rollers (65, 66) (for example, roller 66). Thereafter, the printing paper passes through the nip portion of the roller pair (65, 66) and moves further downstream of the roller pair (65, 66). This collision (collision with the roller pair (65, 66)) occurs at the timing when the paper detection sensor 338 detects the start of passage of the printing paper (more precisely, immediately after the detection). Rollers 332a, 333a, 334a, 65, 66 and guide plates 341, 342, 348 change the transport angle (from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical) of the printing paper supplied from paper feeding unit 51a. It functions as an angle changer.

Similarly, a similar collision (collision in the vicinity of the roller pair (65, 66) (collision with the roller 65)) also occurs with respect to the printing paper supplied from the paper feed unit 51c (manual feed tray 331c). The collision also occurs at the timing when the start of passage of the printing paper is detected by the paper detection sensor 338 (in detail, immediately after the detection). The rollers 332c, 333c, 334c, 65, 66 and the guide plates 347, 348, 341 function as a conveying angle changing section that changes the conveying angle of the printing paper supplied from the paper feeding section 51c.

Also, the printing paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 51b is conveyed toward the pair of conveying rollers (335, 336) while gradually changing its conveying direction from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction (upward). At this time, the downstream end of the printing paper is guided by the relatively lower paper guide 346 while gradually changing its advancing direction upward. Then, the downstream end of the printing paper collides with one of the roller pair (335, 336) (for example, roller 336). After that, the printing paper passes through the nip portion of the roller pair (335, 336) and moves to the further downstream side of the roller pair (335, 336). This collision (collision in the vicinity of the roller pair (335, 336)) occurs at the timing when the paper detection sensor 337 detects the start of passage of the printing paper (more precisely, immediately after the detection). Note that the rollers 332b, 333b, 334b, 335, 336 and the guide plates 344, 346 are configured to change the conveying angle of the printing paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 51b (from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical). functions as a department.

In addition, the MFP 1 performs a preparatory operation (also referred to as a warm-up operation) for printing immediately after transitioning from the sleep state to the normal state (and immediately after transitioning from the power-off state to the power-on state, etc.). Run. In the preparatory operation, a preliminary heating operation for raising the temperature of the fixing section 67, a preliminary rotating operation for the fixing roller 68 in the fixing section 67, and the like are performed. This preparatory operation (including preliminary rotation of the fixing roller 68 and the like) is also one of the causes of vibration in the operation panel section 150 .

This warm-up operation is performed, for example, immediately after a copy job or box print job setting operation is started in MFP 1 that has returned from sleep. The warm-up operation is also performed when the MFP 1 returns to the normal state (recovery from sleep) in response to receiving a PC print job from another computer (PC) while the MFP 1 is sleeping. . Alternatively, when the MFP 1 in sleep receives facsimile data from another facsimile device, the MFP 1 returns to the normal state (return to sleep). In other words, the job type of the job to be executed is determined immediately after returning from sleep or the like, and the warm-up operation is performed on the condition that the job to be executed is a print-related job. When the warm-up operation is performed, it is preferable that the influence of vibration caused by the warm-up operation is reduced, as will be described later.

<4. Operation overview>
In the MFP 1, vibrations (mainly vibrations in the Y direction) are generated in accordance with various mechanical driving operations within the MFP 1. FIG. In operation panel section 150 (FIG. 1) provided in MFP 1, it is preferable that the influence of the vibration is reduced as described above.

Therefore, in this embodiment, vibrations caused by mechanical driving operations in various operations are measured in advance, and information about the vibrations related to the various operations (also referred to as device vibration information) is stored in the storage unit 5 in advance. Keep Specifically, the device vibration information is stored in advance in vibration data tables 550 and 560 in the storage unit 5 . For example, experimental results (vibration information) performed on a certain MFP are stored in advance in vibration data tables 550 and 560 in each MFP 1 of the same type.

After that, the MFP 1 (acquisition unit 95) extracts and acquires the vibration information related to the current execution target specific operation (execution target job, etc.) from the storage unit 5 (vibration data tables 550 and 560). Then, the MFP 1 (correction control unit 96, etc.) estimates (specifies) the vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information related to the specific operation, and corrects the operation (effect of vibration of the operation panel unit 150 (effect on operation parts). ) is executed at the vibration generation timing. For example, the operation parts (the operation button 511 and the scroll bar (operation slider), etc.) being displayed on the operation panel unit 150 are enlarged and displayed at the timing of vibration occurrence, thereby reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation panel unit 150. .

The upper side of FIG. 9 shows the operation button 511 (also referred to as 511a) before enlargement, and the lower side of FIG. 9 shows the operation button 511 (also referred to as 511b) after enlargement. If no correction processing is performed, as shown in the upper part of FIG. The user's fingertip may come off the operation part due to the influence.

Here, it is assumed that the vibration direction of the operation panel section 150 is the Y direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the operation panel section 150 . Then, the correction operation for reducing the influence of vibration is executed by enlarging the operation button 511 in the Y direction. More specifically, the display area of the operation button 511 is enlarged by several mm (millimeters) in the -Y direction (to the left in the drawing) and the +Y direction (to the right in the drawing).

According to such a correction operation, when the user tries to press an operation part (such as an operation button) in the operation panel unit 150 while vibration is occurring, even if the user's fingertip is slightly displaced from the desired position of the operation panel, It is also possible to fit the pressed position within the enlarged display area of the operation button 511 (see the lower part of FIG. 9). Therefore, it is possible to suppress (or avoid) the influence of vibration. In particular, since the device vibration information stored in advance in the storage unit 5 of each MFP 1 is used to specify the vibration generation timing, it is not necessary to separately provide an expensive sensor for vibration detection in each MFP 1 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress costs.

<5. Vibration data table>
6 and 7 are diagrams showing configuration examples of the vibration data tables 560 and 550. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main data table 550, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a sub data table 560 that defines detailed content of vibration generation timing.

In the data table 560 of FIG. 6, the relationship between the vibration generation source (mechanical configuration (or mechanical operation) that generates vibration) and vibration generation timing is defined. A data table 550 (also referred to as 550a) in FIG. 7 defines the relationship between job types and vibration sources. In this way, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the relationship between the job type and the vibration generation timing is defined via the vibration generation source. In other words, the vibration data tables 550 and 560 store in advance information regarding the timing of vibration of the operation panel unit 150 for each job type.

FIG. 6 defines the relationship between detailed operation types (scan operation for reading a document on the platen glass 244 and scan operation using the ADF) and vibration generation timing regarding the scanner unit 2 .

First, in a scanning operation for reading a document on the platen glass 244 (a scanning operation involving movement of the scanner sliders (movable parts) 220a and 220b), a plurality of vibration generation timings (“reading start”, “reading completion”, “slider Returning and Returning Completed") exist.

"Reading start" is the start timing (reading start timing) of movement of the movable parts 220a and 220b in the +Y direction (rightward in FIG. 4). The CPU of the controller 9 determines the timing at which the movement start instruction is given by the CPU as the "reading start" timing.

“Reading completion” is the completion timing (reading completion timing) of movement of the movable parts 220a and 220b in the +Y direction (rightward in FIG. 4). The CPU of the controller 9 determines the timing at which the movement end instruction is given by the CPU as the "reading completion" timing. For example, when the movable portion (slider) 220a moves only within the range corresponding to the size of the document out of the entire range of the platen glass 244 in the Y direction, the CPU of the controller 9 moves one side within the range corresponding to the size of the document. The timing at which the movement from one end to the other end is completed may be determined as the "reading completion" timing. For example, the timing at which the movable portion 220a reaches the central position of the A3 size (A3 horizontal size) platen glass 244 (the position corresponding to the A4 size (A4 vertical size) document) is determined as the “reading completion” timing. All you have to do is

"During slider return and return completion" is the return timing after reading is completed. is. Note that the return operation is a movement operation in the -Y direction (to the left in FIG. 4) and is a movement operation in the opposite direction to that during reading, so it is also called a reversal movement operation or a switchback operation. The CPU of the controller 9 gives an instruction to return to the home position immediately after the end of the movement in the +Y direction during reading (“reading completion” timing). The CPU determines the timing at which the home position sensor 225 detects that the movable parts (sliders) 220a and 220b (particularly 220b) have returned to the home position after the return instruction is given as the completion timing of the return operation. do. Further, the CPU determines that the period from "completion of reading" to "completion of recovery operation" is "during recovery operation period".

Also, in the scanning operation using the ADF 26, it is stipulated that there are a plurality of vibration generation timings (“reading start”, “paper ejection completion”).

“Reading start” is the driving start timing (reading start timing) of the conveying rollers 271 to 274 . The CPU of the controller 9 discriminates the timing at which the CPU gives the instruction to start conveying the document (instruction to start driving the conveying rollers 271 to 274) as the "reading start" timing.

"Paper ejection completion" is the timing at which the driving of the transport rollers 275 and 276 (driving for document ejection) is completed after the ADF 26 "starts reading" (the timing at which the document ejection to the document ejection tray 252 is completed). ). The CPU of the controller 9 determines the timing at which the CPU determines that the document has been discharged (the timing at which the instruction to stop driving the transport rollers 275 and 276 is given) as the "paper discharge completion" timing.

Furthermore, in FIG. 6, the relationship between the detailed operation type and the vibration generation timing regarding the print output unit 3 is also defined.

First, it is stipulated that there are vibration generation timings ("warm-up start" and "during warm-up period") related to the warm-up operation. It should be noted that, without being limited to this, "end of warm-up" may also be defined as the vibration generation timing related to the warm-up operation. Alternatively, (conversely) only "warm-up start" may be defined as the vibration generation timing for the warm-up operation.

Further, it is defined that there are vibration generation timings (“feeding start” and “feeding completion”) related to the feeding operation of the feeding mechanism.

"Paper feed start" means that transport rollers (also referred to as paper feed rollers) 332, 333, 332, 333, 332, 333, 332, 333, 332, 333, 332, 333, 333, 333, 333, and 334 drive start timing (paper feeding start timing). The CPU of the controller 9 determines the timing at which the CPU issues a paper feed start instruction (starts driving the transport rollers 332, 333, and 334) as the "paper feed start" timing.

“Paper feeding completion” is the driving completion timing (paper feeding completion timing) of the transport rollers 332, 333, and 334 after “paper feeding start”. The CPU of the controller 9 determines the completion of paper feeding according to the detection of the paper by the sensor 338 (or 337) and designates the timing (by the CPU) to stop driving the transport rollers 332, 333, and 334 as "paper feeding completed". It is determined as the timing (the timing at which paper feed completion is detected).

As described above, the print paper may be supplied from the paper feed units 51a and 51b (paper feed trays 331a and 331b), or may be supplied from the paper feed unit 51c (manual feed tray 331c). When printing paper is supplied from the paper supply unit 51a, the drive start timing and drive end timing of the transport rollers 332a, 333a, and 334a are determined as the paper supply start timing and the paper supply completion timing, respectively. Further, when printing paper is supplied from the paper supply unit 51b, the drive start timing and drive end timing of the transport rollers 332b, 333b, and 334b are determined as the paper supply start timing and the paper supply completion timing, respectively. Further, when printing paper is supplied from the paper supply unit 51c, the drive start timing and drive end timing of the transport rollers 332c, 333c, and 334c are determined as the paper supply start timing and the paper supply completion timing, respectively.

Furthermore, the data table 560 in FIG. 6 defines that there is also a vibration generation timing (“collision” against a predetermined conveying roller (paper reaching the collision point)) related to the bumping operation in the conveying angle changing section. there is For example, when a print sheet fed from a paper feed tray (one of 51a, 51b, 51c) by transport rollers 332, 333, and 334 toward print output unit 3 (especially secondary transfer roller 46) changes its transport direction, The timing (collision timing) at which another conveying roller (65, 66) or (335, 336) collides later is defined as the vibration generation timing. The CPU of the controller 9 determines the timing at which the print paper fed from the paper feed tray 331 reaches a predetermined position (the position immediately before it hits against a predetermined transport roller) as the "collision" timing. The arrival of the printing paper at the predetermined position is detected by the corresponding sensor 337 (or 338).

A data table 550 (also referred to as 550a) in FIG. 7 defines the relationship between job types and vibration sources. In FIG. 7, "ScanToBOX", "ScanToEmail", "ScanToUSB", "Facsimile transmission", "Facsimile reception", "PC print", "BOX print", and "Copy" are shown as a plurality of jobs of different types. ' are exemplified.

Here, the "ScanToBOX" job is a job of executing an image reading operation (scanning operation) of a document and storing an image (scanned image) generated by the image reading operation in a box (a storage area in the HDD of the MFP 1). is. A "ScanToEmail" job is a job that scans a document, attaches a scanned image generated by the scanning operation to an e-mail, and transmits the e-mail to a desired destination. A "ScanToUSB" job is a job for executing a document scanning operation and storing a scanned image generated by the scanning operation in a USB memory. Furthermore, a "facsimile transmission" job is a job for executing a document scanning operation and facsimile transmission of a scanned image generated by the scanning operation.

A "facsimile reception" job is a job for executing print output based on data (image data) received via facsimile communication. A "PC print" job is a job for executing print output based on data received from another personal computer (PC) or the like. The "BOX print" job executes print output based on data (electronic document data, etc.) stored in a box (file storage area provided in storage unit 5 (HDD, etc.)) in MFP 1. is a job.

Furthermore, a "copy" job is a job for executing an image reading operation (scanning operation) of a document and executing print output based on image data generated by the image reading operation (scanning operation).

Among these, "ScanToBOX", "ScanToEmail", "ScanToUSB", "facsimile transmission", and "copy" are jobs involving scanning operations (image reading operations), and are also expressed as "scan-related jobs". Also, "facsimile reception", "PC print", "BOX print", and "copy" are jobs accompanied by print operations (print output operations), and are also expressed as "print-related jobs". Also, "copy" is a scan-related job as well as a copy-related job, so it is also expressed as a "composite job".

Thus, the plurality of jobs executed by MFP 1 include jobs (scan-related jobs) involving scanning operations (image reading operations) and jobs involving printing operations (printout operations) (print-related jobs). . Further, the scanning operation (image reading operation) is classified into an operation involving movement of the movable portion of the reading unit 210 and an operation involving document transport using the ADF 26 .

In FIG. 7, each scan-related job involves a scan operation for reading a document on the platen glass 244 (more specifically, a scan operation involving movement of the movable portions 220a and 220b of the reading unit 210), and the ADF 26 is used. Jobs involving scanning operations are distinguished from each other, and a "vibration source" corresponding to each job is defined. A job involving a scanning operation using the ADF 26 is executed without the above-described moving operation of the movable portions 220a and 220b of the reading unit 210. FIG.

For example, in a scan-related job (“ScanToBOX” job, etc.) that reads a document on the platen glass 244, vibrations caused by (driving operations of) the movable portions 220a and 220b of the reading unit 210 may occur ( indicated by black circles in the table). Also, in a scan-related job ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.) using the ADF 26, it is indicated (by black circles in the table) that vibration is generated with (driving operation of) the ADF 26 as the vibration generation source.

In addition, in FIG. 7, a "vibration source" corresponding to each print-related job is defined. Specifically, it is indicated (by black circles in the table) that the vibration is caused by the (warm-up operation of) the warm-up mechanism (including the rotation drive mechanism of the fixing roller, etc.). In addition, it is also indicated (marked with black circles in the table) that vibrations originating from (the paper feeding operation by) the paper feeding mechanism and vibrations originating from the conveying angle changing unit are generated. It is

In the MFP 1, the data table 550 of FIG. 7 and the data table 560 of FIG. 6 are used to define the relationship between the job type and the vibration generation timing.

Specifically, first, “vibration generation timing” is defined for each scan-related job (“ScanToBOX”, “ScanToEmail”, “ScanToUSB”, “Facsimile transmission”). In particular, in each scan-related job, a scan-related job that uses the ADF and a scan-related job that reads a document on the platen glass 244 are distinguished from each other, and the "vibration generation timing" of each job is defined. there is

For example, in a scan-related job ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.) (see FIG. 7) for reading a document on the platen glass 244, "reading start", "reading completion", and " It is stipulated that "during return of slider and completion of return" (see FIG. 6) exist as "vibration generation timing".

In scan-related jobs using the ADF 26 ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.), it is stipulated that "reading start" and "paper discharge completion" for the ADF 26 exist as "vibration generation timing".

Furthermore, for print-related jobs, vibration generation timings related to warm-up operation ("warm-up start" and "during warm-up period") and vibration generation timings related to paper feeding operation by the paper feed mechanism ("feed start", " Paper feeding completion") and vibration generation timing ("collision" to a predetermined conveying roller) corresponding to the abutting operation in the conveying angle changing section are stipulated.

<6. Operation details>
Next, detailed operations of the MFP 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the MFP 1. FIG.

When the MFP 1 receives various jobs (jobs to be executed) from an external device (such as a PC) or via the operation panel section 150 of the MFP 1, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2.

In step S2, the MFP 1 extracts and acquires vibration information corresponding to the current execution target job (execution target job) from the storage unit 5 (vibration data tables 550 and 560). Specifically, information including vibration generation timing corresponding to the type of job to be executed is acquired as vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed. For example, if the type of job to be executed is a "ScanToBOX" job (and a scan-related job for reading the document on the platen glass 244), the "ScanToBOX" job (and a scan-related job for reading the document on the platen glass 244) Vibration information (including information about the "vibration generation timing" specified in advance) is acquired as vibration information corresponding to the current job to be executed.

Then, in step S3, the MFP 1 estimates (identifies) the vibration generation timing of the operation panel unit 150 based on the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed. That is, the vibration generation timing corresponding to (the type of) the job to be executed is specified. For example, if the job to be executed is a scan-related job (“ScanToBOX” job, etc.) that reads a document on the platen glass 244, “reading start”, “reading completed”, “slider returning and returning completed” related to the scanner slider ” is specified as the “vibration generation timing”.

After that, in step S4, an operation (including correction operation for reducing the influence of vibration, etc.) is executed according to the type of each job.

11 to 14 are flow charts showing details of the operation of step S4. FIG. 11 shows correction operations and the like related to a scan-related job for reading an original on platen glass 244 . FIG. 12 shows a correction operation and the like regarding a scan-related job using the ADF 26 . FIGS. 13 and 14 show correction operations and the like regarding print-related jobs.

First, the correction operation and the like relating to a scan-related job for reading a document on the platen glass 244 will be described below with reference to FIG. 11 .

<6-1. When Executing a Scan Job Regarding Documents on Platen Glass 244>
If the job to be executed is a scan-related job for reading a document on the platen glass 244 ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.), in step S3, "reading start", "reading completed", "returning slider and "recovery completion" is specified as the "vibration generation timing". Then, as the operation of step S4, the operation of step S20 (FIG. 11) is executed.

When the scan job setting operation is completed and an instruction to start the scanning operation (image reading start instruction) is given in response to pressing of the start button, the process proceeds from step S21 to step S22.

In step S22, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "reading start") has arrived in response to the image reading start instruction, and performs a correction operation (operation button 511 enlargement display processing) (see FIG. 9) is started.

Thereafter, when it is determined in step S23 that the image reading process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S24, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "reading completed" and "slider returning") has arrived, and starts the correction operation.

Thereafter, the correction operation is continued (step S26) until it is determined in step S25 that the slider return processing has been completed (that the slider has returned to the home position). In other words, the continuation (duration) of the slider return operation is also specified (determined) as the “vibration generation timing”, and the correction operation is executed even during the continuation of the slider return operation.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S25 that the slider return processing has been completed (that the slider has returned to the home position), the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, it is determined that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "slider recovery completion") has arrived, and correction operation is started for a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds).

<6-2. When executing a scan job using the ADF 26>
Next, referring to FIG. 12, a correction operation and the like regarding a scan-related job using the ADF 26 will be described.

If the job to be executed is a scan-related job using the ADF 26 ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.), in step S3, "reading start" (driving start timing of the transport rollers 271 to 274, etc.) and "discharge "completion" (driving completion timing of conveying rollers 275, 276, etc.) is specified as "vibration generation timing". Then, as the operation of step S4, the operation of step S30 (FIG. 12) is executed.

When the scan job setting operation is completed and an instruction to start the scan operation (image reading start instruction) is given in response to pressing of the start button, the process proceeds from step S31 to step S32.

In step S32, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "reading start") has arrived, and starts correction operation for a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds).

Thereafter, when it is determined in step S35 that the document discharge process is completed, the process proceeds to step S36.

In step S36, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "paper discharge completion") has arrived, and starts a correction operation for a predetermined period (for example, 1 second).

Although the case where only one document is read is exemplified here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same operation may be executed when a plurality of documents are continuously read. In this case, the operations of steps S31, S32, S35, and S36 may be executed for each document. Further, in steps S31 and S32, the timing at which the instruction to start reading the second and subsequent documents is given by the CPU may be determined as the "reading start" timing for the second document. Alternatively, the period from the start of reading of the first document to the completion of ejection of the last N-th document is specified as the "vibration generation timing", and the correction operation is continued over this period. may Furthermore, even if the timing at which the final N-th document has been discharged is specified as the "vibration generation timing" and the correction operation continues for a predetermined period (for example, two seconds) after the completion of the discharge. good.

<6-3. When executing a print job>
Next, a correction operation and the like regarding a print-related job will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG.

If the job to be executed is a print-related job (“PC print” job, etc.), in step S3, “warm-up start” and “during warm-up period” regarding the fixing unit 67 and the like, and “feeding The timings of "start of paper feeding" and "completion of paper feeding" and "arrival of paper at the collision point" associated with the change of the conveying angle are specified as the "vibration generation timing" (see FIG. 6, etc.). Then, as the operation of step S4, the operation of step S50 (FIG. 13) (and step S60 (FIG. 14)) is executed.

When the print job is accepted, the process proceeds to step S51.

In step S51, it is determined whether or not the warm-up operation is to be performed immediately. The MFP 1 is configured to perform a warm-up operation immediately after returning from sleep (or immediately after turning on the power). Therefore, "immediately after returning from sleep" (or "immediately after turning on the power") is determined to be a situation in which the warm-up operation is immediately performed. In this case, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is determined that the warm-up operation is not to be performed immediately, the process proceeds to step S60.

If it is determined in step S52 that the warm-up operation (more specifically, the pre-rotation operation of the fixing roller accompanying the warm-up operation, etc.) has started, the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "warm-up start") has arrived, and starts correction operation.

After that, when it is determined in step S54 that the warm-up operation is completed, the MFP 1 ends the correction operation (step S55). In other words, the correction operation continues until the end timing (completion timing) of the warm-up operation. If the printout operation (feeding operation) is started immediately after the completion of the warm-up operation, the correcting operation continues until the feeding operation starts. In response to the start, the correction operation is started again (step S63 (described later)).

Then, the process proceeds from step S55 to step S60 (FIG. 15).

In step S61, it is determined whether or not a print operation start instruction (print start instruction) has been given.

For example, if the print job is a PC print job, it is determined that a print operation execution start instruction has been given in response to completion of reception of print data from the external device. Alternatively, if the print job involves a user operation on the MFP 1 (operation panel unit 150, etc.), when the user operation (setting operation, etc.) on the operation panel unit 150, etc. is completed and the start button is pressed, printing is performed. It is determined that an instruction to start executing an action has been given.

If it is determined that a print operation start instruction (print start instruction) has been given, the process proceeds from step S61 to step S62.

In step S62, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the paper feed operation (driving operation of the transport rollers 332, 333, and 334) regarding the print paper has started. If it is determined that the paper feed operation has started, the process proceeds to step S63.

In step S63, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "feed start") has arrived, and starts a correction operation for a predetermined period (for example, two seconds).

Thereafter, in step S64, it is determined whether the paper feeding operation has (just) completed.

If it is determined in step S64 that the paper feeding operation has (just) been completed, the process proceeds to step S67. In step S67, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "paper feed completion") has arrived, and after starting the correction operation for a predetermined period (for example, 2 seconds), the process proceeds to step S68. proceed to

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the paper feed operation has (exactly) completed (specifically, if the paper feed operation has not yet completed, or if the correction operation in step S67 has already started), the process goes from step S64 to step S65.

In step S65, it is determined whether or not it is time for the print paper fed from the paper feed tray to the print output unit 3 by the transport roller to hit another transport roller after the transport direction is changed. In other words, it is determined whether or not the timing (also referred to as “paper collision timing”) has arrived at which the edge of the paper collides with the conveying roller as the paper conveying direction is changed. The "paper collision timing" is, for example, when the print paper fed onto the paper transport path using the transport rollers (paper feed rollers) 332, 333, 334 of the paper feed unit 51 (51a, 51b, 51c) This is the timing of collision with another transport roller 65, 66 (337, 338) provided downstream of the roller (paper feed roller). In other words, the "paper collision timing" is the vibration generation timing caused by the collision of the printing paper against the other transport roller.

Specifically, when the sensor 338 detects that the downstream end of the printing paper has reached the paper detection position P2 after the paper feeding from the paper feeding units 51a and 51c is started, the "paper collision It is determined (detected) that the "timing" has arrived (that the sheet edge has reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position). The sensor 338 is provided near the paper detection position P2 on the upstream side of the other transport rollers 65 and 66, and can detect that the downstream edge of the printing paper has reached the paper detection position P2.

Similarly, when the downstream end of the printing paper reaches the paper detection position P1 after the start of paper feeding from the paper feeding unit 51b (approaching the other transport rollers 335 and 336), the other transport rollers 335 and 336 Based on the detection by the sensor 337 provided immediately upstream of the rollers 335 and 336, it is determined that the "paper collision timing" has arrived.

If it is not determined that the paper edge has reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position (if it has not reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position yet, or if the correction operation in step S66 (described below) has already started ), the process returns to step S64.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet edge has (exactly) reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position, the process proceeds to step S66.

In step S66, the MFP 1 determines that the vibration generation timing (specifically, "the paper reaches the collision point") has arrived, and starts a correction operation for a predetermined period (for example, 1 second). Then, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, it is determined whether or not the paper feeding operation (driving operation of the transport rollers 332, 333, 334) has ended. Also, in step S68, it is determined whether or not the sheet edge has reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position.

If the paper feeding operation has not yet ended, the process returns to step S64. Also, if the paper edge has not yet reached the vicinity of the collision occurrence position, the process returns to step S64.

When the paper feed operation is finished and the paper edge reaches the vicinity of the collision occurrence position, the process of step S60 is finished after the correction operation which has been started is finished.

<7. Effect of Embodiment>
According to the aspect described above, the information (vibration data tables 550 and 560) on the vibration of the operation panel section 150 caused by the mechanical drive operation is stored in the storage section 5 in advance. In particular, information (vibration data tables 550 and 560) regarding vibrations of the operation panel section 150 caused by mechanical driving operations during execution of each job is pre-stored in the storage section 5 for each type of job. there is

Then, the MFP 1 extracts and acquires the vibration information related to the current specific motion to be executed from the storage unit 5 . For example, MFP 1 extracts and acquires vibration information corresponding to a job to be executed from storage unit 5 in the actual job execution stage. Then, the MFP 1 estimates (specifies) the vibration generation timing of the operation panel unit 150 based on the vibration information. Further, the MFP 1 executes a correction operation to reduce the influence of the vibration of the operation panel section 150 (the influence on the operation parts in the operation panel section 150, etc.) at the timing of occurrence of the vibration.

Therefore, it is possible to appropriately reduce the influence of vibration on the operation panel section 150 . In particular, since it is not necessary to separately provide a vibration sensor for detecting vibration of the operation panel section 150 in each MFP 1, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost.

<8. Modification 1>
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents described above.

For example, in the above embodiment, the vibration information (especially the vibration data table 550 (550a) (FIG. 7)) in the storage unit 5 includes the vibration generation timing (presence or absence of vibration of a predetermined degree or more in each mechanical driving operation). is defined only, but not limited to. Specifically, not only the generation timing of vibration but also the magnitude of vibration (magnitude of vibration in each mechanical drive operation) may be defined. Further, in the correcting action, the degree of enlargement of the operation part in the correcting action may be changed based on the "magnitude of vibration" (information on amplitude).

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a vibration data table 550 (550b) according to such a modification. In the vibration data table 550b of FIG. 8, the magnitude (amplitude) of vibration in each mechanical drive operation is shown in two stages (double circle, single circle). More specifically, the information about the magnitude of the vibration is shown in two stages for each job type.

Double circles in FIG. 8 indicate that vibrations (extremely large vibrations) of magnitude (amplitude) equal to or greater than the threshold TH1 occur, and single circles in FIG. This indicates that a vibration with a magnitude (amplitude) of is generated. The threshold TH1 is a value larger than the threshold TH2 (TH1>TH2). In addition, it is also expressed that the double circle represents the vibration of the magnitude of "level L1" and the single circle represents the vibration of the magnitude of "level L2". Level L1 indicates a vibration state with an amplitude greater than that of level L2.

Then, the MFP 1 acquires information including the magnitude of vibration corresponding to the type of job to be executed as vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed, and corrects the vibration based on the acquired magnitude of vibration. Actions may be performed. More specifically, when MFP 1 enlarges and displays an operation part in operation panel unit 150 to reduce the influence of vibration, the MFP 1 enlarges the operation part based on the magnitude of vibration according to the type of job to be executed. You may make it change the grade of.

For example, if the job to be executed is a scan-related job ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.) that does not use the ADF 26 but uses the reading unit 210, the MFP 1 will vibrate at the level of "level L1" (double circle). It should be determined that (extremely large vibration) occurs. Then, based on this determination result, the MFP 1 expands the size (size in the width direction) of the operation parts in the operation panel section 150 to the left and right by a predetermined width W1 (for example, 10 mm) (relatively large). , the effect of vibration should be reduced. Also, if the job to be executed is a scan-related job ("ScanToBOX" job, etc.) using the ADF 26, the MFP 1 determines that vibration (slightly large vibration) of the size of "level L2" (single circle) occurs. do it. Then, based on this determination result, MFP 1 shifts the size (size in the width direction) of the operation parts in operation panel section 150 to both the left and right sides with a (relatively small) predetermined width W2 (for example, 5 mm) (however, W2 <W1) to reduce the influence of vibration.

Also, the period length of the correction operation may be changed according to the magnitude of the vibration. For example, the correction operation is performed for a relatively long period TM1 (for example, 5 seconds) for the vibration of level L1, and for the vibration of level L2, a relatively short period TM2 (for example, 2 seconds) (however, TM2 <TM1) may be performed.

Further, in the above modified example, the magnitude of vibration is specified in two steps, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnitude of vibration may be specified in multiple steps of three or more steps. Alternatively, the magnitude of vibration may be indicated by a measured value of amplitude in actual vibration, or the like, instead of the level value as described above.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, on the assumption that the direction of vibration is mainly in a predetermined direction (a direction corresponding to the horizontal direction of the operation panel), the influence of vibration is corrected by performing a correction operation of enlarging and displaying the operation parts in the predetermined direction. is reduced, but is not limited to this. In cases such as when there is a possibility that the operation panel unit 150 will vibrate in all two-dimensional directions, it is possible to perform correction such as enlarging the operation parts in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the operation panel unit 150. good. For example, the operation button 511 may be displayed enlarged in the vertical direction as well. In other words, the operation button 511 may be enlarged and displayed in all directions. In particular, when the operation panel unit 150 may vibrate in all two-dimensional directions, it is preferable to perform corrections such as enlarging operation parts in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the operation panel.

Further, in the above embodiment, the display area of the operation button 511 itself is enlarged in order to reduce the influence of vibration, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the size of the button display area itself may not be changed, and the area for accepting the button pressing operation (operation accepting area) may be enlarged.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the warm-up operation (and the correction operation associated with the warm-up operation) is performed according to the determination result of the job type, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the MFP 1 always performs warm-up immediately after the MFP 1 recovers from the sleep state (or immediately after the power is switched from power-off to power-on) without specifying the job type, the correction operation associated with the warm-up is performed. may always be executed by the MFP 1.

1 MFP (image processing device)
2 Image reading unit (scanner unit)
3 print output unit 26 ADF
46 secondary transfer rollers 51, 51a, 51b, 51c paper feeding section 67 fixing section 68 fixing roller 150 operation panel section 151 touch panel 210 reading unit 220a, 220b movable section 225 home position sensor 231 document cover 244 platen glass 251 document placement tray (Document Placement Section)
331, 331a, 331b, 331c Paper feed tray 550, 560 Vibration data table

Claims (21)

An image processing device,
an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts;
a job executing means for executing a mechanical drive operation corresponding to each of a plurality of jobs;
storage means for pre-storing, for each type of job, information about vibration of the operation unit caused by the mechanical drive operation during execution of each job;
acquisition means for acquiring vibration information corresponding to an execution target job, which is a job to be executed, from the storage means;
correction control means for estimating vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed, and executing a correction operation for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing;
An image processing device comprising: The image processing device according to claim 1,
The storage means pre-stores information about the timing of vibration generation in the operation unit for each type of job,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information including the vibration generation timing corresponding to the type of the execution target job as the vibration information corresponding to the execution target job. In the image processing device according to claim 2,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the correction operation by the correction control means is processing for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit by enlarging and displaying the operation part at the vibration generation timing. In the image processing device according to claim 2,
The storage means also pre-stores information about the magnitude of vibration of the operation unit for each job type,
the acquiring means acquires information including the magnitude of the vibration according to the type of the job to be executed as the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed;
The image processing apparatus, wherein the correction control means executes the correction operation based also on the magnitude of the vibration corresponding to the type of the job to be executed. In the image processing device according to claim 4,
The correction control means, when reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit by enlarging and displaying the operation part at the vibration generation timing, adjusts the vibration based on the magnitude of the vibration according to the type of the job to be executed. An image processing apparatus, wherein a degree of enlargement of the operation part is changed. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The plurality of jobs are
a job involving an image reading operation;
a job with a print output action;
An image processing device comprising: In the image processing device according to claim 6,
The image reading operation includes:
an operation accompanied by a moving operation of the movable portion of the image reading unit;
an operation accompanied by a document conveying operation using an automatic document feeder;
An image processing device comprising any one of: The image processing device according to claim 1,
A scanner unit that reads the document on the platen glass,
with
The scanner unit has a moving mechanism that is arranged below the platen glass and moves in a predetermined direction,
When the job to be executed is a job involving an image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means sets a start timing of a first movement of the moving mechanism for the image reading operation, and the completion timing of a second movement that reversely moves toward the home position immediately after the completion of the first movement is estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is performed. An image processing device characterized by: In the image processing device according to claim 8,
When the execution target job is a job involving the image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means controls the first period from the start timing of the first movement and the An image processing apparatus, wherein the correcting operation is performed over a second period from the completion timing and a third period from the completion timing of the second movement. In the image processing device according to claim 8 or 9,
When the job to be executed is a job involving the image reading operation by the moving mechanism, the correction control means estimates the continuation of the second movement as the vibration generation timing, An image processing apparatus characterized in that the correction operation is executed even during continuation. The image processing device according to claim 1,
automatic document feeder,
further comprising
The automatic document feeder is
a document placement unit for placing a document to be read;
a first conveying roller that conveys the document placed on the document placing unit toward a document reading position;
a second conveying roller that conveys the document that has passed through the document reading position and is read toward a document discharge tray;
has
When the job to be executed is a job involving an image reading operation using the automatic document feeder, the correction control means controls the driving start timing of the first conveying roller and the driving completion timing of the second conveying roller. An image processing apparatus, wherein the timing including the vibration is estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is executed. The image processing device according to claim 11,
When the execution target job is a job involving the image reading operation using the automatic document feeder, the correction control means controls the first period from the driving start timing of the first conveying roller and the second period. An image processing apparatus, wherein the correcting operation is executed over a period including a second period from the completion timing of driving of the conveying roller. The image processing device according to claim 1,
a paper feed tray for placing print paper;
a print output unit that performs a print output operation on the print paper carried out from the paper feed tray;
a transport roller for transporting the printing paper placed on the paper feed tray toward the print output unit;
further comprising
When the job to be executed is a job involving the printout operation, the correction control means estimates, as the vibration generation timing, a timing including a driving start timing of the conveying roller and a driving completion timing of the conveying roller, and An image processing apparatus that executes the correcting operation. The image processing device according to claim 13,
When the job to be executed is a job involving the print output operation, the correction control means determines that the print paper fed from the paper feed tray toward the print output unit by the transport roller is transported. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, after changing the direction, a timing at which the conveying roller collides with another conveying roller downstream of the conveying roller is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correcting operation is executed. The image processing device according to claim 14,
The correction control means detects that a downstream paper edge of the printing paper has approached the another transport roller by a sensor provided immediately upstream of the another transport roller, and the other and detecting the arrival of the vibration generation timing caused by the collision of the printing paper against the conveying roller of the image processing apparatus. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
When the job to be executed is a job involving the printout operation, the correction control means performs preheating of the fixing unit and preliminary rotation of the fixing roller of the fixing unit as a warm-up operation for printout. An image processing apparatus, wherein a start timing of a warm-up operation is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correcting operation is executed. In the image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When the image processing apparatus transitions from an off state to an on state, or when the image processing apparatus returns from a sleep state, the correction control means performs a warm-up operation for print output, which is a preparatory operation of the fixing section. An image processing apparatus, wherein a start timing of a warm-up operation including heating and preliminary rotation of a fixing roller of the fixing section is also estimated as the vibration generation timing, and the correction operation is executed. In the image processing device according to claim 16 or 17,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the correction control means continues the correction operation at least until the end of the warm-up operation. A program incorporated in an image processing device having an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts,
a) a job to be executed, which is a job to be executed, from a storage unit that stores in advance information about vibration of the operation unit caused by mechanical driving operation at the time of execution of each of a plurality of jobs for each type of job; obtaining vibration information corresponding to
b) estimating the vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information corresponding to the job to be executed;
c) a step of performing a correction operation for reducing the influence of vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing estimated in step b);
program to run the An image processing device,
an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts;
a plurality of drive mechanisms for performing a plurality of mechanical drive movements;
storage means for pre-storing information about vibrations of the operation unit caused by each of the plurality of mechanical driving operations;
Acquisition means for acquiring, from the storage means, vibration information relating to a specific motion to be currently executed;
correction control means for estimating vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information related to the specific operation, and executing a correction operation for reducing the influence of the vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing;
An image processing device comprising: A program incorporated in an image processing device comprising an operation unit that displays operation parts and receives user operations on the operation parts,
a) obtaining vibration information about a specific motion to be currently executed from a storage means for pre-storing information about vibration of the operation unit caused by each of a plurality of mechanical driving motions;
b) estimating the vibration generation timing of the operation unit based on the vibration information related to the specific action;
c) a step of performing a correction operation for reducing the influence of vibration of the operation unit at the vibration generation timing estimated in step b);
program to run the

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