JP7354737B2 - Image reading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image reading device that reads images.

As an example of an image reading device, Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner that reads an image of a document. After reading a document, such a scanner outputs the acquired scan data (image data) to a PC.

JP 2019-47264 Publication

In the image reading device as described above, if there are multiple output destinations to which the acquired image data can be output, the user needs to set the output destination of the image data. The procedure for setting the output destination of image data by the user includes, for example, finding the desired output destination from among the multiple output destination candidates displayed on the display, and selecting the desired output destination by operating an input device such as a button. It is possible to select . In this way, in order to set the data output destination, the user needs to perform a cumbersome operation, and it takes time to make the settings.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading device that can easily set the output destination of image data.

The image reading device of the present invention includes a document table on which a document can be placed, a reading section that reads an image of the document placed on the document table and generates image data, and a second device for connecting to an external device. The control unit includes the above interface and a control unit, and the control unit performs a position detection process of detecting the position of the document placed on the document table based on image data generated by the reading unit; Based on the position of the document detected by the position detection process, the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit is set to one of the two or more external devices respectively connected to the two or more interfaces. Output determination processing for determining whether

In the image reading device of the present invention, the output destination of the image data is determined by the position of the document on the document table, so when placing the document on the document table, the user selects the position where the image data will be output to the desired output destination. All you have to do is place the manuscript on the . That is, there is no need to perform a task of setting the output destination of image data in addition to the task of placing the original on the document table, and the destination of the image data can be easily set.

1 is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of an image reading device installed in a multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view of the image reading device shown in FIG. 1 with the cover in an open state. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a multifunction peripheral equipped with the image reading device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. (a) is a diagram for explaining a method for determining whether a document is placed on a corner, and (b) is a diagram for explaining a method for determining whether a document is placed on a side. This is a diagram for 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a scan function is executed in a multifunction peripheral equipped with the image reading device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first pattern processing shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second pattern processing shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the third pattern processing shown in FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image reading device installed in a so-called multifunction device, which has a print function, a scan function, a copy function, and a FAX function, will be described.

First, the configuration of the image reading device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The image reading device 10 includes a platen glass 2, a cover 3, a reading section 4, and the like. The platen glass 2 closes a rectangular opening 11a formed at the top of the rectangular parallelepiped housing 11 of the multifunctional device 1 from the inside of the housing 11. A portion of the platen glass 2 exposed through the opening 11a serves as a document table 2a on which a document can be placed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the document table 2a has an A3 size rectangular shape having four corners when viewed from above. Among the four corners of the document table 2a, the upper left corner in FIG. 2 is a corner 21, the lower left corner is a corner 22, the lower right corner is a corner 23, and the upper right corner is a corner 24. shall be. Also, among the four sides of the document table 2a, the side connecting the corner 21 and the corner 22 is called a side 25, the side connecting the corner 22 and the corner 23 is called a side 26, and the side connecting the corner 23 and the corner 24 is called a side 25. The side connecting the corners 24 and 21 is the side 27, and the side connecting the corners 24 and 21 is the side 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the document table 2a has short sides 25 and 27 and long sides 26 and 28. In the following description, one of the short sides (vertical direction in FIG. 2) of the document table 2a (lower side in FIG. 2) will be referred to as the front, and the other side (upper side in FIG. 2) will be referred to as the rear.

One end of the cover 3 is rotatably supported on the top surface of the casing 11, and the cover 3 is placed in a closed position (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) covering the top surface of the platen glass 2 and in a closed position (position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1), and in a closed position exposing the top surface of the platen glass 2. It can take an open position (the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). Note that FIG. 2 is a view of the image reading device 10 viewed from above with the cover 3 in the open position. The reading unit 4 reads an image of a document placed on the document table 2a and generates image data. The reading section 4 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 11 and includes a reading device 41 and a moving mechanism 46.

The reading device 41 is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) scanner, and as shown in FIG. 1, it includes an image sensor 42, a light source 43, a rod lens array 44, a carriage 45 on which these are mounted, and the like. Note that in FIG. 2, illustration of the moving mechanism 46 is omitted, and only the image sensor 42 of the reading device 41 is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image sensor 42 is a linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements 40 are arranged in the main scanning direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) parallel to the short side of the document table 2a. The plurality of light receiving elements 40 are arranged along the main scanning direction over the entire width of the document table 2a. The light source 43 is composed of a light emitting diode or the like, and emits a light beam toward the document table 2a. The rod lens array 44 forms an image of the light beam emitted from the light source 43 and reflected by an obstacle onto each light receiving element 40 of the image sensor 42 .

The moving mechanism 46 moves the reading device 41 in a sub-scanning direction (horizontal direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) orthogonal to the main scanning direction in a plane parallel to the upper surface of the platen glass 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the moving mechanism 46 includes a drive roller 47a driven by a motor 49 that can rotate in forward and reverse directions, a driven roller 47b, an endless belt 48 that spans the drive roller 47a and the driven roller 47b, and the like. ing. A carriage 45 of the reading device 41 is attached to the belt 48, and the reading device 41 can reciprocate in the sub-scanning direction as the belt 48 travels due to the rotation of the drive roller 47a.

The driving roller 47a and the driven roller 47b are respectively arranged in areas facing both side portions of the document table 2a in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, the reading device 41 is movable by the moving mechanism 46 from one end side to the other end side of the area facing the document table 2a in the sub-scanning direction.

A side wall of the housing 11 is provided with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) output port 61a, a memory slot 62a, and a telephone line connection slot 63a. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the USB output port 61a is provided near the corner 21 of the document table 2a on the rear side wall of the housing 11. The memory slot 62a is provided on the front side wall of the housing 11 near the corner 22 of the document table 2a. The telephone line connection slot 63a is provided near the corner 23 of the document table 2a on the front side wall of the housing 11.

In this embodiment, a connector (not shown) of a USB cable connected to a PC (Personal Computer) is inserted into the USB output port 61a. That is, the USB output port 61a constitutes a part of a PC interface (PCI/F) 61 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 to a PC. The memory slot 62a of this embodiment is for inserting a USB memory. That is, the memory slot 62a constitutes a part of a memory interface (memory I/F) 62 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 with a USB memory. The memory slot 62a is not limited to a USB memory, but may be used to insert other recording media such as an SD card. A telephone line connector (not shown) is inserted into the telephone line connection slot 63a. That is, the telephone line connection slot 63a constitutes a part of a FAX interface (FAXI/F) 63 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the multifunction device 1 to a public telephone line used for facsimile communication. That is, the multifunction device 1 can transmit a facsimile signal to any destination via a public telephone line.

The multifunction device 1 also includes a wireless communication section 64 (see FIG. 3). The wireless communication unit 64 of this embodiment enables direct wireless communication with an external device compatible with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard using Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) without going through a server or the like. This is an interface to Note that the wireless communication unit 64 is not limited to Wi-Fi Direct, and may be configured to perform communication using other wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). That is, the multifunction device 1 includes four interfaces for connecting to external devices: a PC interface 61, a memory interface 62, a FAX interface 63, and a wireless communication section 64.

In the multifunction device 1, four interfaces are associated with each of the four corners of the document table 2a. The interface corresponding to the corner 21 is a PC interface 61 that includes a USB output port 61a provided near the corner 21. The interface corresponding to the corner 22 is a memory interface 62 that includes a memory slot 62a provided near the corner 22. The interface corresponding to the corner 23 is a FAX interface 63 that includes a telephone line connection slot 63a provided near the corner 23. The interface corresponding to the corner section 24 is the wireless communication section 64.

Information regarding external devices connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner is written on a portion of the inner wall surface of the housing 11 facing each corner of the document table 2a. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, "PC" is written in the part facing the corner 21, "USB memory" is written in the part facing the corner 22, and the part facing the corner 23 is written as "USB memory". "FAX" is written on the opposing portion, and "Wi-Fi Direct" is written on the portion facing the corner 24. Information regarding external devices written on the inner wall surface of the housing 11 can be seen through the document table 2a when the user looks down at the document table 2a. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions such as "PC" and "USB memory" mean display by any known means such as printing, molding with an uneven surface, or pasting a label.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the control unit 9 that controls the entire multifunction device 1 will be described. The control unit 9 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 93, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 95, and an ASIC (Application Specific Memory) that are connected to each other by a bus. Integrated Circuit) 97. At least a portion of the ROM 93 is an erasable and rewritable EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The control unit 9 is connected to the reading device 41 and moving mechanism 46 of the image reading device 10, as well as the printing device 12, error lamp 6, operation button 7, and the like. Furthermore, four interfaces are connected to the control section 9: a PC interface 61, a memory interface 62, a FAX interface 63, and a wireless communication section 64.

The printing device 12 is a device that forms an image on a recording medium such as paper using an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or the like. The error lamp 6 is turned on when an error occurs in the multifunction device 1 to notify the user of the error. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when it is determined that the external device to which the image data is output is not connected and there is no output destination for the image data when executing the scan function, the controller 9 controls the Turn on the error lamp 6. Therefore, by lighting the error lamp 6, it is possible to notify the user that the external device is not connected.

The operation buttons 7 include a menu button 7a, a start button 7b, and a mode setting button 7c. The menu button 7a is used to select one of the print function, scan function, copy function, and FAX function. The start button 7b is used to execute the function selected with the menu button 7a. The mode setting button 7c is for receiving instructions from the user regarding setting/cancelling of a backup mode, which will be described later. In this embodiment, each time the user operates the mode setting button 7c, the state is switched between the backup mode setting state and the backup mode canceling state.

The control section 9 controls each section of the multifunction device 1 using the CPU 91 and ASIC 97 according to a program stored in the ROM 93 . Note that the processing in the control section 9 is not limited to this, and for example, the control section 9 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the processing may be shared among the plurality of CPUs. Further, the control unit 9 may include a plurality of ASICs, and the processing may be shared among the plurality of ASICs. Alternatively, processing may be performed by one ASIC alone.

Here, the control performed by the control unit 9 when the scan function is selected with the menu button 7a and the execution of the scan function is instructed with the start button 7b will be described. The control unit 9 executes a position detection process to detect the position of the document placed on the document table 2a based on the image data generated by the reading unit 4. When the reading unit 4 executes the document reading process, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 facing the portion of the document table 2a where the document is placed exceeds the threshold value, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 facing the portion where the document is not placed on the document table 2a exceeds the threshold value. The amount of light received by the element 40 becomes smaller than the threshold value. That is, the position of the document placed on the document table 2a can be detected based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element 40 when the reading section 4 executes the reading process.

More specifically, in the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether the document is placed on only one of the four corners 21 to 24 of the document table 2a. . The original is placed only on the corner 21 of the four corners 21 to 24, for example, when the original is placed at the position indicated by the dashed line A in FIG. In this embodiment, the determination as to whether or not a document is placed on the corner 21 is made based on the distance L1 from the side 25 and the distance L2 from the side 28 on the document table 2a, as shown in FIG. 4(a). The determination is made based on whether or not the document is placed in an area (shaded area) closer to the corner (the joint between sides 25 and 28) than the area where both sides are 3 mm. Similarly, regarding the corners 22, 23, and 24, is the original placed in an area closer to the corner where the two sides join than the part where the distance from the two sides forming the corner is 3 mm? Decide whether or not.

Further, in the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether the document is placed along only one of the four sides 25 to 28 of the document table 2a. The original is placed along only one of the four sides 25 to 28, for example, when the original is placed at the position indicated by the two-dot chain line B in FIG. is applicable. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(b), whether or not a document is placed on the side 25 is determined by whether or not the document is placed on the side 25, as shown in FIG. The determination is made based on whether or not the document is placed in an area close to side 25 (the area indicated by diagonal lines). Further, if it is determined that the document is placed over a range of 30 mm on the side, it is determined that the document is placed "along" the side. Similarly, for the sides 26, 27, and 28, it is determined whether or not the document is placed over a range of 30 mm in an area closer to the side than the part where the distance from the side is 3 mm.

The control unit 9 also determines which of the external devices connected to each of the four interfaces the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit 4 should be set, based on the position of the document detected by the position detection process. Execute output judgment processing to determine. That is, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is set to one of the external devices connected to the PC interface 61, the memory interface 62, the FAX interface 63, and the wireless communication section 64, respectively.

Specifically, in the output determination process, if the position detection process determines that the document is placed in only one corner, the image data output destination is determined to be the document placed in the corner. Decide on the external device connected to the interface corresponding to the corner.

That is, if it is determined that the document is placed only on the corner 21, the PC connected to the PC interface 61 is determined as the output destination of the image data. If it is determined that the document is placed only on the corner 22, the USB memory connected to the memory interface 62 is determined as the output destination of the image data. If it is determined that the document is placed only on the corner 23, the mode is switched from the scan function execution mode to the FAX function execution mode, and communication is possible via the public telephone line connected to the FAX interface 63. Determine a specific destination as the output destination of image data. At this time, the control unit 9 outputs the image data transmitted by facsimile communication to a preset destination. If it is determined that the document is placed only on the corner 24, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to the wireless communication unit 64 via Wi-Fi Direct.

In addition, in the output determination process, if the position detection process determines that the document is placed only along one of the four sides 25 to 28, the image data is output. The first external device is determined to be connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion where it is determined that the document is placed.

Here, the interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 25 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 21 and 22, and are the PC interface 61 and the memory interface 62. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 26 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 22 and 23, and are the memory interface 62 and the FAX interface 63. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 27 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 23 and 24, and are the FAX interface 63 and the wireless communication section 64. The interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side 28 are the interfaces corresponding to the corners 24 and 21, and are the wireless communication section 64 and the PC interface 61.

That is, if it is determined that the document is placed only along the side 25, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the PC interface 61 and the memory interface 62. If it is determined that the document is placed only along the sides 26, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the memory interface 62 and the FAX interface 63. If it is determined that the document is placed only along the side 27, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the FAX interface 63 and the wireless communication section 64. If it is determined that the document is placed only along the sides 28, the output destination of the image data is determined to be an external device connected to at least one of the wireless communication unit 64 and the PC interface 61.

Here, the above-mentioned backup mode will be explained. Backup mode means that even if the external device to which the image data is output, which is determined based on the original placement position, is not connected, as long as another external device is connected, regardless of the original placement position. This mode outputs image data to a connected external device.

That is, when the control unit 9 determines that the document is placed only at one corner in the position detection process, it determines whether an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to that corner. A first connection determination process is executed. Furthermore, if it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected, check whether the external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the original is determined to be placed. A second connection determination process is executed to determine whether or not the connection is possible. Note that when performing the second connection determination process, the FAX interface 63 is excluded from the determination. If it is determined in the second connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

When the backup mode is set and the second connection determination process determines that an external device is connected, the image data output destination is connected to the interface to which the external device was determined to be connected. Select the external device you are using. Further, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), if it is determined in the first connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

Similarly, if the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the document is placed along only one side, the controller 9 selects at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of that side. A third connection determination process is executed to determine whether an external device is connected to one of the devices. Furthermore, if it is determined in the third connection determination process that no external device is connected to any of the two interfaces, a fourth connection determination process is performed that determines whether or not an external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces. Execute connection determination processing. Note that when performing the fourth connection determination process, the FAX interface 63 is excluded from the determination. If it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

When the backup mode is set, if the fourth connection determination process determines that an external device is connected, the image data output destination is connected to the interface to which it was determined that the external device is connected. Select the external device you are using. Furthermore, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), if it is determined in the third connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

Furthermore, in the position detection process, the control unit 9 does not determine that the document is placed only on one corner, and determines that the document is placed along only one side. If not, a fifth connection determination process is executed to determine whether an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces other than the FAX interface 63.

When the backup mode is set, if the fifth connection determination process determines that an external device is connected, the image data output destination is connected to the interface to which the external device was determined to be connected. Select the external device you are using. In addition, when the backup mode is canceled (non-backup mode), the document is not determined to be placed along only one corner, and the document is placed along only one edge. If it is not determined that there is, it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data.

Next, an example of a processing procedure when the scanner function is executed by the control unit 9 in the multifunction device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. First, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether the user has instructed execution of the scan function (S1). When the control unit 9 determines that the start button 7b has been operated after the scan function has been selected by the menu button 7a, it determines that execution of the scan function has been instructed.

If it is not determined in step S1 that execution of the scan function has been instructed (S1: NO), the process in step S1 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution of the scan function has been instructed (S1: YES), the reading section 4 is controlled to perform a process of reading the entire surface of the document table 2a (S2). Thereafter, based on the image data generated by the reading unit 4, it is determined whether or not the original is placed on only one corner of the original table 2a (S3: position detection process). The document being placed on only one corner means that the condition described in FIG. 4A is satisfied for one corner, but the condition is not satisfied for the remaining corners.

If it is determined that the document is placed on only one corner (S3: YES), a first pattern process to be described later is executed (S4). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the document is placed on only one corner (S3: NO), based on the image data generated by the reading section 4, one side of the document table 2a is It is determined whether the document is placed only along the sides (S5: position detection process). The document is placed along only one side when the condition explained in FIG. 4(b) is satisfied for one side, but the condition is not satisfied for the remaining sides. be.

If it is determined that the document is placed along only one side (S5: YES), a second pattern process to be described later is executed (S6). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the document is placed along only one side (S5: NO), a third pattern process to be described later is executed (S7).

Next, the procedure of the first pattern processing will be described with reference to FIG. 6. First, it is determined whether an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where it is determined in step S3 (see FIG. 5) that the document is placed (S11: first connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the original is determined to be placed (S11: YES), the external device connected to that interface is connected to the image data. The image data is set as the output destination (output determination process) and the image data is output (S12).

On the other hand, if it is determined that no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where it is determined that the document is placed (S11: NO), it is determined that the document is placed. It is determined whether an external device is connected to an interface corresponding to a corner other than the corner (S13: second connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to an interface corresponding to a corner other than the corner where the original is determined to be placed (S13: YES), check whether the backup mode is set or not. (S14).

If it is determined that the backup mode is set (S14: YES), an image of the external device connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the original is determined to be placed is displayed. It is set as the data output destination (output determination process), and the image data is output (S15). In this embodiment, if external devices are connected to multiple interfaces corresponding to corners other than the corner where the original is determined to be placed, all external devices connected to the multiple interfaces Output image data to . Image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to a plurality of interfaces.

If it is determined that no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner other than the corner where the document is placed (S13: NO), and if the backup mode is not set. If it is determined (S14: NO), the error lamp 6 is turned on to notify the error (S16: notification process).

Next, the procedure of the second pattern processing will be explained with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not external devices are connected to both of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side portion along which it was determined in step S5 (see FIG. 5) that the document is placed. (S21: Third connection determination process). If it is determined that external devices are connected to both of the two interfaces (S21: YES), the external devices connected to those two interfaces are set as the output destination of the image data (output determination process). , outputs image data (S22).

On the other hand, if it is not determined that an external device is connected to both of the two interfaces (S21: NO), it is determined whether an external device is connected to either one of the two interfaces. (S23: Third connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to one of the two interfaces (S23: YES), the external device connected to that interface is set as the image data output destination (connection determination process). , outputs image data (S24).

Furthermore, if it is not determined that an external device is connected to either of the two interfaces (S23: NO), it is determined whether an external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces. (S25: Fourth connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces (S25: YES), it is determined whether a backup mode is set (S26).

If it is determined that the backup mode is set (S26: YES), the external device connected to the interface other than the two interfaces is set as the image data output destination (connection determination process), and the image data is Output (S27). In this embodiment, when external devices are connected to multiple interfaces other than two interfaces, image data is output to all the external devices connected to the multiple interfaces. Image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to a plurality of interfaces.

If it is determined that no external device is connected to any interface other than the two interfaces (S25: NO), and if it is determined that the backup mode is not set (S26: NO), the error lamp 6 will be lit. to notify the error (S28: notification process).

Finally, the procedure of the third pattern processing will be explained with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces other than the FAX interface 63 (S31: fifth connection determination process). If it is determined that an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces (S31: YES), it is determined whether a backup mode is set (S32).

If it is determined that the backup mode is set (S32: YES), the external devices connected to the three interfaces are set as the image data output destination (output determination process), and the image data is output ( S33). In this embodiment, when external devices are connected to a plurality of the three interfaces, image data is output to all the external devices connected to the plurality of interfaces. Image data may be output to only one of the external devices connected to a plurality of interfaces.

If it is determined that no external device is connected to any of the three interfaces (S31: NO), and if it is determined that the backup mode is not set (S32: NO), the error lamp 6 will be lit. to notify the error (S34: notification process).

As described above, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 performs the position detection process of detecting the position of the document placed on the document table 2a based on the image data generated by the reading unit 4; Output determination processing that determines which of the external devices connected to each of the four interfaces the output destination of the image data generated by the reading unit 4 should be set to, based on the position of the document detected by the detection processing. Execute. Therefore, since the output destination of the image data is determined by the position of the document on the document table 2a, when placing the document on the document table 2a, the user places the document in a position where the image data will be output to the desired output destination. Just put it there. In other words, there is no need to perform the work of setting the output destination of image data in addition to the work of placing the original on the document table 2a, and the output destination of the image data can be easily set.

Further, the document table 2a of the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. In the position detection process, the control unit 9 determines whether a document is placed on only one of the four corners 21 to 24 of the document table 2a. Therefore, the position of the document placed on the document table 2a can be easily detected.

Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines in the position detection process that the document is placed only at one corner, the control unit 9 determines the output destination of the image data in the output determination process. The external device is determined to be connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where it is determined that the document is placed. Therefore, when placing the original on the original platen 2a, the user only has to place the original on the corner corresponding to the interface to which the external device to which the user wants to output image data is connected. Therefore, the output destination of image data can be set intuitively.

In addition, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 determines that a document is placed when the position detection process determines that the document is placed only at one corner. A first connection determination process determines whether an external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner, and if the first connection determination process determines that no external device is connected, the original is placed. A second connection determination process is executed to determine whether an external device is connected to an interface corresponding to a corner other than the corner determined to be connected, and the second connection determination process determines whether the external device is connected. If it is determined that the external device is connected, an output determination process determines the output destination of the image data to the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and a second connection determination process determines whether the external device is connected. If it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Therefore, when no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the document is placed, image data can be output to an external device connected to another interface.

Further, the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment includes a mode setting button 7c for accepting input of instructions from the user regarding setting/cancelling of the backup mode. When the control unit 9 determines that the external device is not connected in the first connection determination process based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c, the control unit 9 executes the second connection determination process, and performs the second connection determination process. A backup mode in which, when it is determined in the connection determination process that an external device is connected, the output destination of the image data is determined in the output determination process to the external device connected to the interface that is determined to be connected to the external device. or a non-backup mode in which it is determined that there is no output destination for image data in the output determination process if the first connection determination process determines that the external device is not connected. Set the target. Therefore, if no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner where the original is placed, output image data to an external device connected to another interface, or do not output image data. The user can select which one.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 further determines whether or not the document is placed along only one side in the position detection process, and determines whether the document is placed along only one side. When it is determined that a document is placed, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the document is determined to be placed. Determine which external device will be connected to. Therefore, not only when the original is placed on one corner, but also when the original is placed along only one side of the original table 2a, the output destination of the image data is can be set.

In addition, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, if the control unit 9 determines that the document is placed along only one side in the position detection process, the controller 9 determines that the document is placed along only one side. A third connection determination process that determines whether an external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the determined side, and an external device is connected in the third connection determination process. If it is determined that the external device is not connected to an interface other than the two interfaces, a fourth connection determination process is executed to determine whether an external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces, and the fourth connection determination process determines whether the external device is connected to an interface other than the two interfaces. If it is determined that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface determined to be connected to the external device, and in the fourth connection determination process, the external device is connected. If it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Therefore, when no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner portions at both ends of the side portion on which the document is placed, image data can be output to an external device connected to another interface.

Furthermore, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines that no external device is connected in the third connection determination process based on the input from the user accepted by the mode setting button 7c, When the fourth connection determination process is executed and the fourth connection determination process determines that the external device is connected, the output destination of the image data is set to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected in the output determination process. a backup mode that is determined based on the external device to be connected; and a non-backup mode that determines that there is no output destination for the image data in the output determination process when it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected; Selectively set one of the modes. Therefore, if no external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the document is placed, image data can be output to an external device connected to another interface, or the image data can be output to an external device connected to a different interface. The user can choose whether or not to output it.

Furthermore, in the multifunction peripheral 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 9 does not determine that the document is placed only at one corner in the position detection process, and does not determine that the document is placed only along one side. If it is not determined that the external device is connected to the FAX interface 63, a fifth connection determination process is executed to determine whether an external device is connected to at least one of the three interfaces except for the FAX interface 63, and the fifth connection determination process is executed. When it is determined in the determination process that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface to which it is determined that the external device is connected, and the fifth If it is determined in the connection determination process that no external device is connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. Therefore, if the original is not placed on only one corner or along one edge, that is, the original is placed away from the edge of the original table 2a. Even in the case where an external device is connected to an external device, if there is an interface to which the external device is connected, image data can be output to the external device connected to that interface.

In addition, in the multifunction peripheral 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 9 detects when the document is placed only at one corner in the position detection process based on the input from the user accepted by the mode setting button 7c. If no determination is made and it is not determined that the original is placed along only one side, a fifth connection determination process is executed, and the fifth connection determination process determines whether the external device is connected. A backup mode in which the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface that is determined to be connected to the external device in the output judgment process when it is determined that the external device is connected. If it is not determined that the original is placed along only one edge, the output determination process determines that there is no output destination for the image data. Selectively set one of the non-backup modes to be determined. Therefore, if the original is not placed on only one corner or along one edge, that is, the original is placed away from the edge of the original table 2a. Even if there is an interface to which an external device is connected, you can select whether to output image data to the external device connected to that interface or not to output image data. User can select.

Further, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control unit 9 determines that there is no output destination for the image data in the output determination process, the control unit 9 controls the error lamp 6 to indicate that no external device is connected. Execute notification processing to notify the user of information. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the user to connect an external device.

The multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment also provides information regarding external devices connected to each interface provided at a portion of the inner wall surface of the casing 11 facing each corner of the document table 2a corresponding to the corner. is listed. Therefore, when the user places a document on the document table 2a, the user can easily understand the relationship between the position of the document and the output destination of the image data.

Further, the document table 2a of the multifunction device 1 of this embodiment is A3 size. If the size of the original is larger than the size of the original platen 2a, the original protrudes from the original platen 2a, so that it may be difficult to detect the position of the original on the original platen 2a. Since the document table 2a of this embodiment is sufficiently large in size, it is possible to avoid difficulty in detecting the position of the document.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above based on the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and includes all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the document table 2a has an A3 size rectangular shape when viewed from above, but the size and shape of the document table 2a are not limited to this. The size of the document table 2a may be larger than A3 size or smaller than A3 size. The document table 2a may have a polygonal shape.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which four interfaces are provided corresponding to the four corners of the document table 2a, but if the number of interfaces is two or more, the total number of corners of the document table 2a is It may be less than .

In the above-described embodiment, the interfaces corresponding to the corners 21, 22, and 23 are partially provided in the vicinity of each corresponding corner (such as the USB output port 61a). The positional relationship between the corner and the interface corresponding to the corner may be unrelated. For example, the USB output port 61a, the memory slot 62a, and the telephone line connection slot 63a may all be provided on the front side wall of the housing 11.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the backup mode and non-backup mode are selectively set based on the input from the user received by the mode setting button 7c, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mode setting button 7c may not be provided, and processing may always be executed in backup mode, or processing may be always executed in non-backup mode.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which it is determined in the position detection process whether or not the document is placed along only one side, but such a determination does not have to be made. That is, if it is not determined in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one corner (S3: NO), the third pattern process may be executed.

In the embodiment described above, when it is determined in the third connection determination process that external devices are connected to both of the two interfaces corresponding to the corners at both ends of the side where the document is determined to be placed, , a case has been described in which the external devices connected to the two interfaces are set as the output destination of image data, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, if it is determined in the third connection determination process that external devices are connected to both of the two interfaces, only the external device connected to one of the two interfaces is selected as the output destination for image data. It may be set to

In the above-described embodiment, if it is not determined that the document is placed only on one corner, and it is not determined that the document is placed along only one side, the external device In the above description, if there is an interface to which the image data is connected, the image data is output to an external device connected to that interface, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is not determined that the document is placed on only one corner, and it is not determined that the document is placed along only one edge, the scan function is executed. It may also be possible to switch from a mode to a mode in which a copy function is executed.

In the above embodiment, when it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data, the error lamp 6 is turned on to notify the user that the external device is not connected. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the user may be notified by sounding a buzzer. Further, it is not necessary to notify the user.

In the embodiment described above, information regarding external devices connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner is written on a portion of the inner wall surface of the housing 11 facing each corner of the document table 2a. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information regarding external devices connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner may be written near each corner of the document table 2a on the upper surface of the housing 11.

In the embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the PC interface 61, the memory interface 62, the FAX interface 63, and the wireless communication section 64 are provided as interfaces for connecting to external devices, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may include an interface for connecting to an external hard disk.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the reading device 41 of the reading unit 4 is a CIS scanner is described, but it may be a scanner of another type such as a CCD scanner.

In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the image reading device 10 is installed in the multifunction device 1, but the present invention may be applied to a device including the image reading device 10 alone.

2a Original table 4 Reading section 9 Control section 10 Image reading device 61 PC interface 62 Memory interface 63 FAX interface 64 Wireless communication section

Claims (13)

A document table on which a document can be placed;
a reading unit that reads an image of the document placed on the document table and generates image data;
two or more interfaces for connecting with external devices,
It is equipped with a control unit, and
The document table has a polygonal shape having at least three corners when viewed from above,
The control unit includes:
Position detection processing for detecting the position of the document placed on the document table based on image data generated by the reading unit, the process comprising: for at least two corners of the corner portions of the document table; position detection processing for determining whether or not the document is placed only on one of the at least two corners;
If it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed only on the one corner, and the external device is connected to one of the two or more interfaces, the reading section an output determination process for determining which of the two or more external devices respectively connected to the two or more interfaces the output destination of the image data generated by the image data is to be set. Device. The two or more interfaces are respectively provided corresponding to the corners of the document table,
The control unit includes:
If it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one of the corners of the document table, the corner where it is determined that the document is placed is If the external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the corner, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is set to the interface corresponding to the corner where the original is determined to be placed. The image reading device according to claim 1 , wherein the image reading device determines the external device to be connected. The control unit includes:
If it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed on only one of the corners of the document table, the corner where it is determined that the document is placed is a first connection determination process of determining whether the external device is connected to the interface corresponding to the section;
When it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected, the interface corresponds to the corner other than the corner where it was determined in the position detection process that the document is placed. further performing a second connection determination process of determining whether the external device is connected to the
If it is determined in the second connection determination process that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected. the external device,
3. The image data according to claim 2, wherein when it is determined in the second connection determination process that the external device is not connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. reading device. It further includes a reception section that receives input from the user.
The control unit, based on the input from the user accepted by the reception unit,
If the first connection determination process determines that the external device is not connected, the second connection determination process is executed, and the second connection determination process determines that the external device is connected. a backup mode in which, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected;
a non-backup mode in which, when it is determined in the first connection determination process that the external device is not connected, in the output determination process it is determined that there is no output destination for the image data;
The image reading device according to claim 3 , wherein one of the modes is selectively set. The control unit includes:
In the position detection process, if it is not determined that the document is placed only on one of the corners of the document table, the document is placed only on one side of the document table. further determining whether or not the original is placed along the
When it is determined in the position detection process that the document is placed along only one side of the document table, the corners at both ends of the side where it is determined that the document is placed; If the external device is connected to either of the two interfaces corresponding to The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to a corner of the image reading device. The control unit includes:
In the position detection process, when it is determined that the document is placed along only one side of the document table, the corners of both ends of the side where it is determined that the document is placed; a third connection determination process of determining whether the external device is connected to at least one of the two interfaces corresponding to the part;
If it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces, it is determined whether the external device is connected to the interface other than the two interfaces. further performing a fourth connection determination process,
When it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected. the external device,
The image according to claim 5 , characterized in that when it is determined in the fourth connection determination process that the external device is not connected, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. reading device. It further includes a reception section that receives input from the user.
The control unit, based on the input from the user accepted by the reception unit,
If it is determined in the third connection determination process that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces, the fourth connection determination process is executed; a backup mode in which, when it is determined that the external device is connected, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected;
If the third connection determination process determines that the external device is not connected to either of the two interfaces, the output determination process determines that there is no output destination for the image data. ,
The image reading device according to claim 6 , wherein one of the modes is selectively set. The control unit includes:
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on one of the corners of the document table, and the document is not determined to be placed only along one side of the document table. and if it is not determined that the original is placed, further executing a fifth connection determination process of determining whether or not the external device is connected to at least one of the two or more interfaces. ,
If it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that the external device is connected to at least one of the two or more interfaces, in the output determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be one of the two or more interfaces. Among them, the external device is determined to be connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected;
If it is determined in the fifth connection determination process that the external device is not connected to any of the two or more interfaces, it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data. The image reading device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 . It further includes a reception section that receives input from the user.
The control unit, based on the input from the user accepted by the reception unit,
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on one of the corners of the document table, and the document is not determined to be placed only along one side of the document table. If it is not determined that the document is placed, the fifth connection determination process is executed, and if the fifth connection determination process determines that the external device is connected, the output a backup mode in which, in the determination process, the output destination of the image data is determined to be the external device connected to the interface to which the external device is determined to be connected;
In the position detection process, it is not determined that the document is placed only on one of the corners of the document table, and the document is not determined to be placed only along one side of the document table. a non-backup mode in which it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data if it is not determined that the document is placed;
The image reading device according to claim 8 , wherein one of the modes is selectively set. It further includes a notification unit for notifying the user of information,
The control unit includes:
If it is determined in the output determination process that there is no output destination for the image data, a notification process is further executed for controlling the notification unit to notify the user of information that the external device is not connected. The image reading device according to any one of claims 3, 4, 6, and 7 . 11. Information regarding the external device connected to each interface provided corresponding to the corner is written at a position corresponding to the corner of the document table. The image reading device according to any one of the items. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the two or more interfaces include at least one of a USB output port, a memory slot, a telephone line connection slot, and a wireless communication section. Device. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the document table is A3 size.

Images