JP2014138237A - Image reading device, image forming apparatus, and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

An image reading apparatus capable of preventing unnecessary power consumption even when a document is taken in and out is provided.
An image reading apparatus (2) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a reading unit (20) for reading a document, a document table on which the document is placed, and a document placed at a predetermined position on the document table. First detecting means (S0) for detecting, conveying means (24) for conveying the original detected by the first detecting means (S0), and second for detecting the original conveyed by the conveying means (24) Detection means (S5) and a power supply means for supplying power to the reading means (20) when the second detection means (S5) detects a document.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a technology of an image reading apparatus that reads a document.

  An image forming apparatus called a digital multi-function peripheral or MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) has several functional units such as a scanner unit and a plotter unit. For this reason, control means for controlling ON / OFF of power supply to each unit is provided to reduce power consumption of the image forming apparatus.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-217075), for the purpose of reducing power consumption, power is supplied to the scanner unit and the image writing unit only when it is necessary for reading a document or writing an image. The technology to do is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-215595) includes a plurality of initial settings of the scanner unit that are performed after power is supplied to the scanner unit. A technique for changing the information is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 2, the initial setting time of the scanner unit is shortened by changing the initial setting of the scanner unit between a short-term change and a long-term change. In Patent Document 2, the document insertion detection unit supplies power to the reading unit of the scanner unit. The reading unit reads a document. The document insertion detection unit detects whether or not a document is inserted on the document table. In Patent Document 2, when a document insertion detection unit detects a document, power is supplied to the reading unit.

  However, when the document insertion detection unit supplies power to the reading unit as in Patent Document 2, if the user inserts or removes the document many times, the document insertion detection unit detects the document many times. It will end up. As a result, ON / OFF of power supply to the reading unit is repeated many times according to the detection result of the document insertion detection unit.

  Therefore, in the case of a method in which the power of the reading unit is detected by document insertion detection, power consumption is wasted or the power switching unit that switches ON / OFF of the power to the reading unit is easily deteriorated. .

  An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of preventing wasteful power consumption even when a document is taken in and out.

An image reading apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is provided.
Reading means for reading a document;
A document table on which the document is placed;
First detecting means for detecting that the document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table;
Conveying means for conveying the document detected by the first detecting means;
Second detection means for detecting the original document conveyed by the conveyance means;
Power supply means for supplying power to the reading means when the second detection means detects the document;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to one aspect of the present disclosure, wasteful power consumption can be prevented from being generated even when a document is taken in and out.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example when a scanner unit 2 is viewed from above. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the state transition to each operation mode, and an energy saving state. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the scanner unit 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence of the initial setting A. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence of the initial setting B.

(Outline of Embodiment of Image Reading Device 2 According to One Aspect of Present Disclosure)
First, an overview of the image reading apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3. 1 and 3 show a schematic configuration example of an image reading apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In the image reading apparatus 2, the scanner unit 2 functions.

  The image reading apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a reading unit 20, a document table, a first detection unit S0, a conveyance unit 24, a second detection unit S5, and a power supply unit 26. Have and configure.

  The reading unit 20 reads a document. The CIS 20 functions as the reading unit 20. The document table is a table on which a document is placed. The first detection means S0 detects that a document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table. The first detection means S0 functions as the document insertion sensor S0. The transport unit 24 transports the document detected by the first detection unit S0. The document transport motor 24 functions as the transport unit 24. The second detection unit S5 detects the document conveyed by the conveyance unit 24. The document detection sensor S5 functions as the second detection means S5. The power supply means 26 supplies power to the reading means CIS20 when the second detection means S5 detects a document. The power supply means 26 functions as the power switching unit 26 shown in FIG.

  The image reading apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure performs a step of detecting by the first detection unit S0 that a document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table. Then, a process of conveying the document detected in the above process by the conveying means 24 is performed. Then, a step of detecting the original conveyed in the above step by the second detection means S5 is performed. Then, when a document is detected in the above process, a process of supplying power to the reading means 20 is performed. As a result, power is not supplied to the reading means 20 even when the user inserts a document on the document table, so that no wasteful power consumption is generated regardless of how many times the user inserts and removes the document. Can do. Hereinafter, embodiments of the image reading apparatus 2 according to an aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, the scanner unit 2 will be described as an example of the image reading device 2. An image forming apparatus 100 having the scanner unit 2 and the plotter unit 1 will be described as an example.

<Configuration Example of Image Forming Apparatus 100>
First, a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the scanner unit 2 as viewed from above.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a plotter unit 1 and a scanner unit 2. The scanner unit 2 functions as a document reading unit that reads a document. The plotter unit 1 functions as an image forming unit that forms an image of a document read by the scanner unit 2.

  The plotter unit 1 includes an image forming unit 60 and a paper feeding unit 40. Two roll papers P are wound around the paper feed unit 40 around the main scanning direction. The number of roll papers P may be 1 or 3 or more, and instead of the roll paper P, a paper feed tray for feeding rectangular paper may be mounted on the paper feed unit 40.

  On the leading end side of the roll paper P, paper feed rollers 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43 are arranged. The roll paper P is pulled out toward the image forming unit 60, conveyed by the paper supply rollers 41 a, 41 b, 42 a, 42 b, and 43, and then conveyed to the registration roller 45. The roll paper P remains connected until it is cut immediately before the discharge port 51. The paper feed rollers 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43 are driven by a paper feed motor 44.

  The image forming unit 60 includes a registration roller 45, a registration motor 46, a platen plate 52, a head 14, paper discharge rollers 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b, a cutter 50, and a discharge port 51.

  Roll paper P is conveyed to platen plate 52 by registration rollers 45. The registration roller 45 is driven by a registration motor 46.

  The platen plate 52 is provided with a plurality of holes, and a suction fan (not shown) for sucking the roll paper P on the platen plate 52 is disposed below the platen plate 52. The roll paper P is sucked onto the platen plate 52 by the suction force of the suction fan through a plurality of holes, so that deflection or the like is prevented and a flat surface is maintained.

  The head 14 is mounted on the carriage 47 above the platen plate 52. Since the carriage 47 reciprocates in the main scanning direction of the roll paper P, the head 14 discharges ink droplets toward the roll paper P on the platen plate 52 during the movement, so that an image is formed on the roll paper P. Is done. The power consumption of the scanner unit 2 can be reduced even with a line type in which the head 14 is arranged in the main scanning direction instead of the serial type. Further, instead of the ink jet type image forming unit 60, an electrophotographic image forming unit 60 may be mounted.

  The roll paper P on which the image is formed is conveyed to a predetermined position by the discharge rollers 48a and 48b and 49a and 49b that make a pair, cut by the cutter 50, and discharged from the discharge port 51.

  The scanner unit 2 employs a document feed type paper feed mechanism.

  The scanner unit 2 includes a document table 28, a document insertion port 29, a contact sensor (hereinafter referred to as CIS: Contact Image Sensor) 20, a document pressing plate 30, and document transport rollers 31a and 31b. The document insertion port 29 is a port for inserting a document. The CIS 20 reads a document. The CIS 20 is disposed inside the contact glass. The document pressing plate 30 presses the document on the contact glass. The document transport rollers 31a and 31b transport the document. The document transport rollers 31a and 31b are arranged along the document transport path with the CIS 20 and the document pressing plate 30 interposed therebetween.

  The CIS 20 irradiates the original with reading light and photoelectrically converts the reflected light to read an image on the original. The CIS 20 may be configured with a CCD, a CMOS, or the like. LED is suitable for the illumination of CIS20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, sensors S0 to S4 are arranged in the document insertion slot 29. The sensor S0 is a sensor that detects a document inserted into the document insertion port 29 (hereinafter referred to as a document insertion sensor S0). The document insertion sensor S0 is arranged at a substantially central portion in the main scanning direction of the image forming apparatus 100, and can detect an inserted document unless the size is extremely small. In the present embodiment, the position where the document is inserted into the document insertion slot 29 is a predetermined position on the document table. Therefore, the document insertion sensor S0 detects that a document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table.

  Inside the contact glass on the original conveying surface, an original conveying motor 24 for conveying the original G by driving the original conveying rollers 31a and 31b is provided. An operation unit 23 (not shown in FIG. 2) and an emergency stop key S8 for stopping the document conveyance are provided on the document conveyance surface.

  Sensors S1 to S4 are sensors for detecting the document size (hereinafter referred to as document size sensors S1 to S4). The document size sensors S1 to S4 are arranged at an interval only on one side in the main scanning direction from the document insertion sensor S0. This interval is adjusted according to the document size, and the document size can be specified by which of the document size sensors S1 to S4 detects the document.

  A document registration sensor S5 that outputs a document width signal that is the width in the sub-scanning direction of the document is disposed downstream of the document insertion sensor S0, and the document is discharged inside the contact glass around the document discharge port 32. A document discharge sensor S6 for detecting is disposed.

  Since the scanner unit 2 of the present embodiment includes the document insertion sensor S0, the document registration sensor S5, and the document discharge sensor S6, the position of the document can be specified. For example, when the document insertion sensor S0 detects a document, it can be specified that the document is located at the document position 1 shown in FIG. If the document registration sensor S5 detects a document, it can be specified that the document is located at the document position 2 shown in FIG. When the document discharge sensor S6 detects the document, it can be specified that the document is located at the document position 3 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 2 of this embodiment includes a document insertion sensor S0, a document registration sensor S5, a CIS 20, and a document discharge sensor S6 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the document transport direction. Yes.

  Although the scanner unit 2 of the present embodiment has been described as the document through method, other methods such as the ADF method can reduce the power consumption of the scanner unit 2.

<Example of Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 100>
Next, a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the plotter unit 1 and the scanner unit 2.

  The plotter unit 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a system control unit 12, an I / O unit 13, a head 14, an image writing processing unit 15, a writing control unit 16, an external I / F unit 17, and a main SW 11. .

  The power supply unit 10 is connected to an external commercial power supply via the main SW 11, and rectifies and adjusts the voltage of the commercial power supply to generate a predetermined constant voltage / constant current. The scanner unit 2, the system control unit 12, an image The data is supplied to the writing processing unit 15, the writing control unit 16, and the external I / F unit 17. The main SW 11 switches power supply from the commercial power supply to the power supply unit 10 or cuts off.

  The system control unit 12 includes a CPU 121, a memory 122, a timer 123, and a power supply switching signal output unit 124. The CPU 121 executes the program 1221 stored in the memory 122 to control the entire system control unit 12. The program 1221 is installed via the external I / F unit 17 from a storage medium or a network destination server.

  The timer 123 is a measuring unit that measures a time during which the power source of the reading unit 70 is cut off (hereinafter referred to as a power stop time). The timer 123 is operated by a battery or the like and measures the power stop time of the reading unit 70 even when power is not supplied to the system control unit 12. The timer 123 may be a counter, obtains and stores the time when the power from the RTC (not shown) to the reading unit 70 is shut off, and calculates the elapsed time from the stored time. Also good.

  Under the control of the CPU 121, the power supply switching signal output unit 124 transmits a power supply switching signal to the power supply switching units 26 and 27 to switch between supply and interruption of power to the reading unit 70.

  An external device is connected to the external I / F unit 17 and transmits / receives image data to / from the external device under the control of the system control unit 12. Examples of the external device include a personal computer and a server. The external I / F unit 17 includes a communication device for connecting to a network.

  The image writing processing unit 15 performs image processing on the image data formed on the roll paper P under the control of the system control unit 12. In the case of image data read by the scanner unit 2, for example, the image area is separated and edge enhancement processing is performed on the character portion and smoothing processing is performed on the background portion. If the print data is transmitted from a personal computer, it is rendered and converted into raster data, and image processing appropriate for characters and background is performed. In either case, the image writing processing unit 15 replaces the pixel value for each pixel with a dither matrix having a predetermined number of screen lines.

  The writing control unit 16 controls each nozzle of the head 14 to discharge the appropriate ink color onto the roll paper P at an appropriate timing in order to write the image data output from the image writing processing unit 15 on the roll paper P. To do.

  The I / O unit 13 is connected to a paper feed motor 44, a registration motor 46, and the like shown in FIG.

  The scanner unit 2 includes a first read image processing unit 21, a second read image processing unit 22, a document transport motor 24, a scanner sensor unit 25, and a CIS 20. Note that power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the operation unit 23, the first read image processing unit 21, the second read image processing unit 22, the document conveyance motor 24 (motor driver 211), and the scanner sensor unit 25. .

  The first read image processing unit 21 includes a power supply switching unit 26, a motor driver 211, an AFE (analog front end) 212, and a memory 213.

  The AFE 212 has an analog ASIC 2121. The power source switching unit 26 is connected to the AFE 212, the memory 213, and the CIS 20, and switches power supply / cutoff to these components. The motor driver 211 controls the driving of the document transport motor 24.

  The first read image processing unit 21 converts the analog image data read by the CIS 20 into a digital image by removing noise, amplifying, etc. with the AFE 212 and converting it into a second read image processing unit 22. Output.

  The second read image processing unit 22 includes a power supply switching unit 27, an AFE 221, a memory 222, and an ASIC 223. The power supply switching unit 27 is connected to the AFE 221, the memory 222, and the ASIC 223, and switches power supply / cutoff to these. The ASIC 223 performs various kinds of image processing such as shading correction, γ correction, spatial filter (smooth, beautiful text, Laplacian, median, rank, etc.), moire removal, and the like.

  In a state where the scanner unit 2 is not used to reduce power consumption, the power switching units 26 and 27 cut off the power, so that the CIS 20, the first read image processing unit 21, and the second read image processing unit 22 are cut off. The power supply to at least one of these is interrupted.

  The CIS 20, the first read image processing unit 21, and the second read image processing unit 22 are the reading unit 70. Even if power supply to the reading unit 70 is interrupted, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to the scanner sensor unit 25 and the document transport motor 24 without the power supply switching units 26 and 27 being interposed. Note that, similarly to the reading unit 70, the power supply to the document conveyance motor 24 and the scanner sensor unit 25 may be cut off.

  The operation unit 23 includes a key for the user to operate the image forming apparatus 100, and the input key identification information is transmitted to the system control unit 12. The system control unit 12 receives an operation and controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. Examples of keys for operating the image forming apparatus 100 include a numeric keypad, a copy start key, and a mode setting key.

  The scanner sensor unit 25 includes a document insertion sensor S0, document size sensors S1 to S4, a document registration sensor S5, a document discharge sensor S6, an emergency stop key S8, and a cover open / close detection sensor (not shown). The document insertion sensor S0 detects a document inserted on the document table. Document size sensors S1 to S4 detect the document size. The document registration sensor S5 detects a document and outputs a document width signal in the sub-scanning direction of the document. The document discharge sensor S6 detects that the document is discharged. The emergency stop key S8 stops the document conveyance. The cover open / close detection sensor detects whether the document cover is opened or closed.

  The power supply switching units 26 and 27 supply or cut off power to the reading unit 70 in response to a power supply switching signal from the power supply switching signal output unit 124. Note that the power supply switching units 26 and 27 may be arranged other than the first read image processing unit 21 and the second read image processing unit 22. For example, the power supply switching units 26 and 27 may be arranged in the power supply unit 10 or the like. Moreover, the power supply switching units 26 and 27 can be made one.

<Operation mode example>
Next, an example of an operation mode of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation mode that is determined depending on whether power is supplied to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In FIG. 4, “ON” indicates that power is supplied to each unit, and “OFF” indicates that power is not supplied (cut off). Each unit is the system control unit 12, the external I / F unit 17, the image writing control unit, the reading unit 70, and the operation unit 23 as described above. The image writing function unit is a general term for the image writing processing unit 15, the writing control unit 16, the head 14, and the I / O unit 13.

  The plug-in mode is a mode in which power is cut off to all the respective parts while the main SW 11 is OFF.

  The main SW rising mode is a mode in which power is supplied to all the parts immediately after the main SW11 is turned on.

  The standby mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to the reading unit 70.

  The scanner mode is a mode in which power is supplied to all.

  The print 1 mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to the reading unit 70.

  The print 2 mode is a mode in which power is not supplied to the reading unit 70, power is supplied to a part (main power key) of the operation unit 23, and power is supplied to the rest.

  The sleep mode is a mode in which power is supplied to a part of the system control unit 12 (CPU 121), a part of the operation unit 23 (main power key), and the external I / F unit 17, and no power is supplied to the rest.

<State transition to each mode>
Next, state transition to each operation mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of state transition to each operation mode and an energy saving state.

  The plug-in mode (S100) is a mode in which the power cord is connected and the main SW 11 is OFF. In the plug-in mode (S100), all power supplies are shut off.

  By turning on the main SW 11, power is supplied to each part of the image forming apparatus 100, and initial setting is performed after the power is supplied. When the initial setting is completed, the power supply of the reading unit 70 is cut off, and a transition is made to the standby mode (S101) which is a command standby state. The standby mode (S101) is a mode in which the energy saving state 1 is entered, and the power supply to the reading unit 70 is cut off.

  When a preset time has elapsed in the standby mode (S101), the process shifts to the sleep mode (S102), which is a start trigger standby state. At this time, a part of the system control unit 12 (CPU 121), a part of the external I / F unit 17 and a part of the operation unit 23 (main power key) are supplied. Is blocked. The sleep mode (S102) is a mode in which the energy saving state 2 is entered. Power is supplied only to the external I / F unit 17, a part of the operation unit 23 (main power key), and a part of the system control unit 12 (CPU 121). It becomes the state.

  When the main power key on the operation unit 23 is pressed in the sleep mode (S102), the standby mode (S101) is entered.

  When a print command is received from an external device such as a personal computer in the sleep mode (S102), the print mode is shifted to the print 2 mode (S104). At this time, the power is turned off except for the reading unit 70 and a part of the operation unit 23 (main power key). When the print command is completed, the process shifts to the sleep mode (S102). The print 2 mode (S104) is a mode in which the energy saving state 3 is entered, and the power is turned off except for the reading unit 70 and a part of the operation unit 23 (main power key).

  When a document is inserted in the standby mode (S101), power-on control of the reading unit 70 is performed. When it is determined that power can be supplied to the reading unit 70, power is supplied to the reading unit 70. Thereafter, the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 is executed, and the process proceeds to a scanner mode (S105) in which a document is read. Here, all the power is supplied.

  When the copy is set in the standby mode (S101), when the processing of the read image data is completed, the mode is shifted to the print 1 mode (S103) in which sequential printing is executed. The print 1 mode (S103) is a mode in which the energy saving state 1 is set, and the power supply to the reading unit 70 is cut off.

  When the reading of the document is completed in the print 1 mode (S103), the power of the reading unit 70 is shut off, and when the print output is completed, the process proceeds to the standby mode (S101).

  The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment can reduce power consumption by shutting off one of the power sources in a plurality of modes.

<Operation procedure example of scanner unit 2>
Next, an example of the operation procedure of the scanner unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the scanner unit 2.

  In the plug-in mode (S100 in FIG. 5), the user turns on the main SW11 (step S300). As a result, supply of power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 is started.

  When power is supplied to the reading unit 70 (step S301), an initial setting determination of the scanner unit 2 is performed (step S302). The determination of the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 compares the power stop time, which is the time when the power of the reading unit 70 is turned off, with a predetermined value (step S302).

  When the power stop time <predetermined value, the initial setting A of the scanner unit 2 is selected, and the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 is executed (step S303b).

  If power stop time ≧ predetermined value, the initial setting A + initial setting B of the scanner unit 2 is selected, and the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 is executed (step S303b). Note that the predetermined value to be compared with the power stop time can be arbitrarily changed.

  At this time, power is supplied to each unit other than the scanner unit 2, and the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 is executed.

  When the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 is completed, the power supply to the reading unit 70 is shut off (step S304), and the standby mode (S101 in FIG. 5) is entered (S305).

  In the standby mode (S101 in FIG. 5), when the user inserts a document into the document insertion port 29, the document insertion sensor S0 is turned on to detect the document (step S306 / ON). When the document insertion sensor S0 detects the document, the document is positioned at the document position 1 in FIG.

  When the document insertion sensor S0 is turned on and a document is detected (step S306 / ON), the document transport motor 24 operates after a predetermined time (step S307). For this reason, the user can freely put in and out the document for a predetermined time from when the document insertion sensor S0 detects the document until the document transport motor 24 operates. The predetermined time can be arbitrarily changed.

  When the document conveying motor 24 starts operating and conveying the document, the document registration sensor S5 is turned on and the document is conveyed until the document registration sensor S5 detects the document (step S308). When the document registration sensor S5 detects the document, the document is positioned at the document position 2 in FIG. The user presses the emergency stop key S8 until the document registration sensor S5 detects the document until the document registration sensor S5 detects the document after the document conveyance motor 24 starts operating and the document conveyance. Can be removed from the scanner unit 2.

  When the document registration sensor S5 is turned on and a document is detected (step S308 / ON), power is supplied to the reading unit 70 (step S309). After the power is supplied to the reading unit 70, the initial setting A of the scanner unit 2 is executed (step S310). Thereby, the original can be read by the reading unit 70.

  When the initial setting A of the scanner unit 2 is completed, the document transport motor 24 operates to perform a document reading operation (step S311). If the document discharge sensor S6 is turned on after the document reading operation is performed and a document is detected (step S312 / ON), the document transport motor 24 is stopped. When the preset time has elapsed (step S313), the power supply to the reading unit 70 is shut off (step S314). When the document discharge sensor S6 detects the document, the document is positioned at the document position 3 in FIG.

  When the power supply to the reading unit 70 is shut off, the standby mode (S101 in FIG. 5) is entered (step S315).

  The standby mode (S101 in FIG. 5) can be set to 240 minutes at the longest, and after that, the mode is automatically shifted to the sleep mode (S102 in FIG. 5).

  The fluctuation of the LED light that is the light source decreases the light source in the long term, and output correction is required. But you don't have to adjust that often. Further, the light quantity of the LED of the light source varies depending on the ambient temperature. However, since the constant current drive is used, the fluctuation range of the light amount is small. For 240 minutes, there is no need to adjust the initial setting B, and only the initial setting A is set.

  The scanner unit 2 of the present embodiment performs the processing operation shown in FIG. 6 to turn on the main SW 11 (step S300), supply power to the reading unit 70, and initialize the scanner unit 2 (step S303a). , S303b). After the initial setting of the scanner unit 2, the power supply to the reading unit 70 is cut off (step S304), and the process proceeds to the standby mode (S101 shown in FIG. 5) (step S305). Thereby, in the standby mode (S101), the power supply to the reading unit 70 is cut off. Then, after the document insertion sensor S0 detects the document (step S306 / ON), the document transport motor 24 is operated after a predetermined time to start transporting the document (step S307). When the document is conveyed and the document registration sensor S5 detects the document (step S308 / ON), power supply to the reading unit 70 is started (step S309). This prevents power from being supplied to the reading unit 70 even if the user inserts a document on the document table, so that no wasteful power consumption is generated regardless of how many times the user inserts and removes the document. Can do. Further, even if the document is inserted many times, the power supply switching units 26 and 27 do not repeat ON / OFF, so that the power supply switching units 26 and 27 can be prevented from being deteriorated. When the document insertion sensor S0 is turned on and a document is detected (step S306 / ON), the document transport motor 24 operates after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S307). Therefore, the user presses the emergency stop key S8 to stop the document and remove the document from the scanner unit 2 until the document registration sensor S5 detects the document after the document insertion sensor S0 detects the document. be able to.

<Example of processing operation for initial setting A>
Next, an example of the processing operation of the initial setting A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation example of the initial setting A. The processing in FIG. 7 is an example of processing operation performed in step S303a, step S303b, and step S310 in FIG.

  First, abnormality detection of the scanner unit 2 is performed (step S400). For example, a connection error can be confirmed by checking register access of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (not shown) mounted in the first read image processing unit 21 or the second read image processing unit 22 of the scanner unit 2. Check for presence.

  Next, the analog ASIC 2121 of the scanner unit 2 and the registers of the FPGA are initialized (step S401). For example, an initial value is set in the analog ASIC 2121 of the AFE 212 of the first read image processing unit 21 or the register of the FPGA. This initial value is a value for initialization and does not change.

  Next, the boot program is downloaded from the memory 222 to the ASIC 223 of the second read image processing unit 22, and the boot program is executed (step S402). When the ASIC 223 executes the boot program, a program for initial setting is downloaded from the memory 222 to the ASIC 223.

  Next, the ASIC 223 of the second read image processing unit 22 sets a parameter for correcting the sensitivity adjusted based on the read values of R, G, and B of each CIS 20 in the register of the ASIC 223 (step S403).

  Next, the ASIC 223 of the second read image processing unit 22 reads the white reference plate, sets the luminance distribution image for shading correction in the register of the ASIC 223, and changes the threshold value of the shading data (step S404).

  This is the initial setting A.

  Next, in order not to execute the initial setting B, the previous setting information in which the data of the initial setting B is stored in the memory 222 is stored in the register of the ASIC 223 of the second read image processing unit 22 ( Step S405). The setting information includes an AGC adjustment value, a white level adjustment value, and a black level adjustment value.

  When a plurality of CISs 20 are mounted on the reading unit 70, in addition to the initial setting A, setting of joint parameters in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the second read image processing unit 22 is also performed.

<Example of processing operation for initial setting B>
Next, an example of the processing operation of the initial setting B will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a processing operation example of the initial setting B. The processing operation example of FIG. 8 is an example of the processing operation performed in step S303a of FIG. The initial setting B is performed after the initial setting A of the scanner unit 2 is completed.

  First, AGC adjustment is performed so that each reading value of the CIS 20 falls within an appropriate range regardless of the magnitude of the input signal (step S410).

  Next, white level adjustment is performed to adjust the amount of light of the CIS 20 so that the white reference plate of each CIS 20 becomes the reference value (step S411).

  Next, black level adjustment is performed (step S412).

  The image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment sets the setting information B in the ASIC 223 and stores it in the memory 222. Thereby, the initial setting B is completed. The initial setting B may include one or more of AGC adjustment, white level adjustment, and black level adjustment.

  The image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can reduce the rise time while maintaining the quality of the read image by dividing the initial setting of the scanner unit 2 into the initial setting A and the initial setting B. .

<Operation / Effect of Image Forming Apparatus 100 of Present Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment detects a document feeding motor S0 when the document insertion sensor S0 detects that a document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table (step S306 / ON). 24 is operated (step S307), and the document placed at a predetermined position on the document table is conveyed. When the document registration sensor S5 detects the document conveyed by the document conveyance motor 24 (step S308 / ON), power is supplied to the reading unit 70 that reads the document (step S309). As a result, even if the user inserts a document into the document table, power is not supplied to the reading unit 70. For this reason, for example, even when the user puts in and out the document many times for positioning the document, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption. Further, even if the document is inserted many times, the power supply switching units 26 and 27 do not repeat ON / OFF, so that the power supply switching units 26 and 27 can be prevented from being deteriorated.

  When the document insertion sensor S0 is turned on and a document is detected (step S306 / ON), the document transport motor 24 operates after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S307). Therefore, the user presses the emergency stop key S8 to stop the document and remove the document from the scanner unit 2 until the document registration sensor S5 detects the document after the document insertion sensor S0 detects the document. be able to.

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, the control operation in each device constituting the information processing system of the above embodiment can be executed using hardware, software, or a combined configuration of both.

  In the case of executing processing using software, it is possible to install and execute a program in which a processing sequence is recorded in a memory in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware. Alternatively, it can be installed in a memory in a general-purpose computer capable of executing various processes and executed.

  For example, the program can be recorded in advance on a hard disk or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) temporarily or permanently in a removable recording medium. Such a removable recording medium can be provided as so-called package software. Examples of the removable recording medium include various recording media such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory.

  The program is installed in the computer from the removable recording medium as described above. In addition, it is wirelessly transferred from the download site to the computer. In addition, it is transferred to a computer via a network by wire.

  In addition, each device constituting the information processing system of the above embodiment is not limited to performing processing in time series according to the processing operation described in the above embodiment. For example, it is possible to construct the processing capability of a device that executes processing, or to execute processing in parallel or individually as necessary.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Plotter part 2 Scanner part 12 System control part 4 Head 20 CIS (contact sensor)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 1st read image process part 22 2nd read image process part 23 Operation part 24 Document conveyance motor 25 Scanner sensor part 26, 27 Power supply switching part 28 Document stand 30 Document pressing plate 40 Paper feed part,
41a, 41b, 42a, 42b, 43 Paper feed roller 46 Registration motor 47 Carriage 48a, 48b, 49a, 49b Paper discharge roller 50 Cutter 60 Image forming unit 70 Reading unit 100 Image forming apparatus

JP 2006-217075 A JP 2011-215595 A

Claims (7)

Reading means for reading a document;
A document table on which the document is placed;
First detecting means for detecting that the document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table;
Conveying means for conveying the document detected by the first detecting means;
Second detection means for detecting the original document conveyed by the conveyance means;
Power supply means for supplying power to the reading means when the second detection means detects the document;
An image reading apparatus comprising:   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance unit conveys the document after a predetermined time after the document is detected by the first detection unit.   3. The first detection unit, the second detection unit, and the reading unit are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the document transport direction. The image reading apparatus described. A setting unit configured to set a plurality of setting information used when the reading unit reads the original and generates image data;
The setting means includes
4. The image according to claim 1, wherein after the power is supplied to the reading unit by the power supply unit, some setting information is set in the reading unit. 5. Reader.   5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control a timing at which power is supplied to the reading unit by the power supply unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a document reading unit that reads a document; and an image forming unit that forms an image of the document read by the document reading unit;
The document reading unit
Reading means for reading a document;
A document table on which the document is placed;
First detecting means for detecting that the document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table;
Conveying means for conveying the document detected by the first detecting means;
Second detection means for detecting the original document conveyed by the conveyance means;
Power supply means for supplying power to the reading means when the second detection means detects the document;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A control method performed by an image reading apparatus having reading means for reading a document and a document table on which the document is placed,
A first detection step of detecting that a document is placed at a predetermined position on the document table;
A conveying step of conveying the document detected in the first detecting step;
A second detection step of detecting the original document conveyed by the conveyance step;
A power supply step for supplying power to the reading means when the document is detected in the second detection step;
A control method characterized by comprising:

Images