JPH11284801A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize deterioration in an output image in the case that a reader for a sheet original (sheet feed scanner) for an image forming device is in use in a vehicle such as an automobile when image data processing cannot accurately be conducted caused by vibration due to driving or the like during reading of an original in driving. SOLUTION: In the case that vibration over a prescribed value is produced and an image sensor 1 sensing vibration of a sheet feed scanner outputs a signal during image reading, the reading is interrupted and a carrying means of a sheet original P is carried reversely, that is, sufficiently to an upper-stream till the signal is released to bring a sheet original P to a standby state and when the signal is released, the reading is restarted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention reads an image on a sheet original by irradiating a sheet original with light and forming an image of reflected light or transmitted light on an image sensor.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing image formation and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 9 shows a conventional sheet document image reading apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet feed scanner") having an image reading sequence as shown in an operation sequence flow chart from the document feeding to the sheet discharging. 2) feeds and discharges the sheet documents stacked on the paper feed tray toward the image sensor, reads the image by the image sensor, and discharges the sheet documents to the discharge tray. Further, the read image is subjected to various image processing, and is stored as image data and file data in a personal computer or the like.

That is, in FIG. 9, step S21
The reading of the document is started in step S22. When the reading is completed in step S22, an OCR (optical character recognition) file data is created in step S23, and the document is discharged.

In recent years, in order to perform rapid data processing by a fieldworker, a sheet feed scanner and a personal computer may be mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile and perform data processing on the road. In addition, the sheet field scanner and the like to be mounted are systemized, and automatically perform sheet feeding / conveyance / image reading / discharging, data processing of read images, etc. All the processing is performed only by setting the sheet document on the sheet feeding tray. In other words, the system is such that the file data can be created not only in a state where the car or the like is stopped but also in a running state.

[0005]

However, if unexpected vibrations occur during image reading by the sheet field scanner while suddenly starting, stopping suddenly, or traveling on a rough road, the vibrations may cause the sheet document or the image sensor itself. The read image may deteriorate due to vibration or slight deformation. In some cases, data processing cannot be performed accurately on a deteriorated image.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described aspects, and in a sheet feed scanner mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile, image deterioration may occur even when violent vibrations more than expected occur during traveling. The aim is to provide fewer sheet feed scanners.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing an image reading apparatus according to any one of the following items (1) to (5).

(1) A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. Then, in an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting a vibration of the image reading apparatus, and the detecting means transmits a signal when the vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs. And
If an image is being read, the reading is interrupted, the transport unit is driven in the non-image reading direction, the sheet document is transported sufficiently upstream from the document position where the signal was transmitted, and the signal is released. Means for making the sheet document stand by until the reading is resumed when the signal is released.

(2) The sheet document is conveyed toward the image sensor, the image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. Then, in an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting a vibration of the image reading apparatus, and the detecting means transmits a signal when the vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs. And
Means for interrupting the reading when the image is being read and for holding the sheet document on standby, and restarting the reading when the signal is released.

(3) The sheet document is conveyed toward the image sensor, the image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. Then, in an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting vibration of the image reading apparatus, and the detecting means sends a signal when vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs. Means for creating the file data so that it can be confirmed from the file data whether or not the signal has been transmitted during the image reading.

(4) The sheet document is conveyed toward the image sensor, the image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. Then, in an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting vibration of the image reading apparatus, and the detecting means sends a signal when vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs. And an imprinting means for stamping the sheet document when the signal is transmitted during the image reading.

(5) The sheet document is conveyed toward the image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. Then, in an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting vibration of the image reading apparatus, and the detecting means sends a signal when vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs. Means, and a variable document guide downstream of the image sensor for selectively transporting the sheet document to a plurality of discharge trays, wherein only the document which transmitted the signal during the image reading is set in a second An image reading device for discharging paper to a paper discharge tray.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail based on a plurality of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0014]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a sheet feed scanner. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation sequence.

The general method of reading an image is as follows.
In FIG. 1, first, a sheet document P is placed on a paper feed tray 2. The sheet document P is lifted by the lifting tray 3 and picked up by the paper feed roller 4. Then, the image is conveyed to the image sensor 1 by the separation roller pair 5 and the conveyance roller pair 6, and the image is read by the image sensor 1. Thereafter, the sheet document P is discharged to the discharge tray 8 by the discharge roller pair 7.

The sheet feed scanner includes:
A vibration detection sensor (not shown) is provided, and detects vibration of the sheet feed scanner during image reading. The vibration detection sensor transmits a warning signal when detecting vibration equal to or greater than an assumed predetermined value.

The image reading operation sequence will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
Is transported toward the image sensor 1 by the separation roller pair 5 and the transport roller pair 6. Then, in step S1, the image sensor 1 starts reading an image. At the same time, the vibration of the sheet feed scanner during image reading is detected by the vibration detection sensor.

If the vibration detection sensor does not send out a warning signal, the image is read continuously, and step S
After the image reading is completed in step S8, the sheet document P
At 0, the sheet is ejected to the sheet ejection tray 8 by the sheet ejection roller pair 7.
On the other hand, the read image data is used in step S9.
The image data is subjected to image processing such as OCR (optical character recognition) and stored as file data.

On the other hand, in step S1, the vibration detecting sensor detects an unexpected vibration during image reading,
When a warning signal is transmitted in step S2, the sheet feed scanner immediately stops reading in step S3.
Then, in step S4, the conveying roller pair 6 and the paper discharging roller pair 7 are rotated in the direction opposite to the image reading direction to return the sheet document P to the image reading start position, and wait until the warning signal is released. Then, when the vibration detection sensor releases the warning signal in step S5, the conveying roller pair 6 and the paper discharge roller pair 7 are rotated in the image reading direction (the arrow direction in FIG. 1) in step S6, and reading is restarted.

The same effect can be expected even when the standby position of the sheet document P is not the image reading start position but a position where the sheet document P is conveyed a predetermined amount upstream from the image reading position immediately after the warning signal is transmitted.

By using the above-described apparatus and operation sequence, it is possible to obtain a good image even when a vibration that affects reading of an image occurs.

(Second Embodiment) When the vibration level at which a vibration detection sensor issues a warning signal is set to a value immediately before affecting an image, a second embodiment in FIG. As shown in the operation sequence flowchart, the reading is interrupted immediately after the vibration detection sensor issues the warning signal, and the sheet original is made to stand by until the warning signal is released. The same effect can be obtained even when the sequence is restarted.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the second embodiment.
Is a flow chart of the first embodiment in which step S4 in FIG. 2 is omitted, and therefore, other duplicated description will be omitted.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the sheet feed scanner according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an operation sequence flowchart thereof.

The structure of sheet feeding, conveyance and image reading of the sheet document P of the third embodiment is the same as that of FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, but as shown in FIG. There is a variable document guide 9 downstream, and depending on the position of the document guide 9, the sheet document P is conveyed to the conveyance path 10 following the first discharge tray or the conveyance path 11 following the second discharge tray. It is configured to:

FIG. 5 shows the operation sequence of the third embodiment.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same step numbers.

The sheet document P on the sheet feed tray 2 is sent to the image sensor 1 by the sheet feed roller 4, the separation roller pair 5, and the conveyance roller pair 6 in step S1, and the image reading is started. After the completion of the image reading, if the warning signal is not transmitted in step S2, the variable document guide 9 is set so that the sheet document P is discharged to a first tray (not shown) following the conveyance path 10 in step S8. Move (in FIG. 4,
(The position indicated by the solid line), and discharges the sheet document P. In step S7, the read image is subjected to image processing such as OCR and stored as file data.

On the other hand, if a warning signal is issued in step S2 (step S11), a signature indicating the possibility of image deterioration is stamped on the file data when the file data is created in step S9. Further, the variable document guide 9 is moved so that the sheet document P is discharged to a second discharge tray (not shown) following the transport path 11, and the sheet document P is discharged to the second discharge tray. By checking the signature on the file data in step S10, it is possible to determine at a glance the data file in which the image may be deteriorated. Also, when the data file and the sheet document P are directly checked against each other, the sheet document P whose image may be degraded is stacked on the second discharge tray. The trouble of searching is saved, and workability is improved.

(Fourth Embodiment) Also, FIG. 6 shows an operation sequence flow chart of the fourth embodiment. In step S9 of the third embodiment (FIG. 5), the file data is not stamped. The workability can be improved only by selectively changing the first / second paper discharge trays only by the presence or absence of the warning signal in S11.

(Fifth Embodiment) Further, as shown in the operation sequence flow chart of the fifth embodiment in FIG. 7, the output tray is not selectively changed, and only the warning signal in step S2 is used. The workability can be improved only by stamping the file data.

(Sixth Embodiment) The operation sequence of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The configuration of the sheet feed scanner and the vibration detection sensor
When the warning signal is not transmitted, it is the same as in FIG. 3 of the second embodiment. However, in FIG. 8, when the vibration detection sensor issues a warning signal in step S2 during image reading, the image reading is temporarily suspended (step S3) until the warning signal is released, and after the signal is released (step S5). The image reading is restarted again (step S
6). Then, in step S9, the file data created from the intermittently read image data is stamped to indicate that there is a possibility of image deterioration. At step S13, the sheet document P
1 is discharged to the second tray.

By using the above-described apparatus and operation sequence, the file data created from the deteriorated image data can be determined at a glance on a personal computer or the like. Since the paper is discharged to the second discharge tray), the collation work with the file data can be easily performed, and the workability is improved.

(Seventh Embodiment) Also, the seal indicating the transmission of the warning signal may be stamped directly on a sheet document instead of on file data as in the sixth embodiment (flow chart is omitted). The same effect can be expected.

(Other Embodiments) In each of the above embodiments, a case of a sheet feed scanner or the like mounted on an automobile or the like has been described. A similar effect can be expected with a flatbed scanner that reads the upper document. Further, the same effect can be expected even when applied to a general image forming apparatus used in an environment where vibration or the like is likely to occur, for example, a copying machine or a facsimile.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention, even when an image reading device in an image forming apparatus or the like receives a severe vibration of a predetermined value or more, for example, on a moving vehicle, the output image is deteriorated. Can be minimized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sheet feed scanner according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an operation sequence flowchart of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an operation sequence flowchart of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a sheet feed scanner according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an operation sequence flowchart of a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an operation sequence flowchart of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation sequence flowchart of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an operation sequence flowchart of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an operation sequence flowchart of a conventional sheet feed scanner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image sensor 2 Paper feed tray 3 Elevating tray 4 Paper feed roller 5 Separation roller pair 6 Transport roller pair 7 Paper discharge roller pair 8 Paper discharge tray 9 Document guide 10, 11 Transport path

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. In an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting vibration of the image reading apparatus, and when the vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs, the detecting means sends a signal. If the image is being read, the reading is interrupted,
Means for driving the transport means in the non-image reading direction, transporting the sheet document sufficiently upstream from the document position at which the signal was transmitted, and waiting for the sheet document until the signal is released. An image reading apparatus for resuming the reading when the signal is released. 2. A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. In an image reading apparatus that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data, a means for detecting vibration of the image reading apparatus, and when the vibration of a predetermined value or more occurs, the detecting means sends a signal. If the image is being read, the reading is interrupted,
Means for waiting for the sheet document, wherein reading is resumed when the signal is released. 3. A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. An image reading device that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data; a unit that detects vibration of the image reading device; and a unit that sends a signal when a vibration equal to or more than a predetermined value occurs. Wherein the file data is created so that it can be confirmed from the file data whether or not the signal has been transmitted during the image reading. 4. A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. An image reading device that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data; a unit that detects vibration of the image reading device; and a unit that sends a signal when a vibration equal to or more than a predetermined value occurs. And an imprinting means for pressing a stamp on the sheet document when the signal is transmitted during the image reading. 5. A sheet document is conveyed toward an image sensor, an image on the sheet document is read, and the sheet document is discharged onto a discharge tray, and the read image data is subjected to image processing. An image reading device that automatically performs a series of operations for creating file data; a unit that detects vibration of the image reading device; and a unit that sends a signal when a vibration equal to or more than a predetermined value occurs. And a variable document guide downstream of the image sensor for selectively transporting the sheet document to a plurality of discharge trays, wherein only the document which transmitted the signal during the image reading is subjected to a second discharge. An image reading device for discharging paper to a paper tray.