JP4423146B2 - Copy machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a copying apparatus, and more particularly, to a copying apparatus that allows a plurality of document reading units to be used at low cost and appropriately.

  In recent years, the importance of people with disabilities (hereinafter referred to as disabled people) on a global scale is increasing for creating an environment where they can work in the same way as healthy people. The same applies to information devices, and the enforcement of the US Rehabilitation Act Article 508 is a prominent manifestation. Article 508 of the Rehabilitation Act obligates government agencies to purchase information equipment that does not impose an excessive burden on people with disabilities in accessibility, and is enforceable. Providing devices with excellent accessibility for manufacturers that provide information devices not only satisfy delivery conditions to government agencies, but also clarify their stance as a manufacturer. Is a social responsibility.

  In such a social situation, there is a demand for the development of a copying apparatus with excellent accessibility even in the copying apparatus. In the case of a copying apparatus, a typical task for accessibility is easy operation even for a wheelchair. There is a problem whether it can be done. In general, a copying apparatus that is widely used is set on the basis of a person of average height, the height is fixed, and a document reading unit is generally arranged at the top of the apparatus. It is. Therefore, the height of the operator and the user of a wheelchair (including a moving device similar to a wheelchair) can be operated from a low posture, but it is difficult to set the manuscript and operate the buttons on the operation unit. It is not an excellent device.

  To deal with such problems, the document reading unit is separated from the main unit and installed on the side of the copying machine main unit, so that the document reading unit can be installed at a low position and operated easily even from a low position. Can be able to. However, in order to realize a copying apparatus having such a configuration, not only a considerable increase in cost is unavoidable compared to a general copying apparatus, but also a normal person can copy the copying apparatus in the same way as a general copying apparatus. When trying to use the apparatus, there is a problem that the usability is worse than that of a general copying apparatus.

  That is, providing a copying apparatus with excellent accessibility is a manufacturer's mission, but on the other hand, it is desired to provide a copying apparatus at a low cost without impairing the conventional operation feeling. Specifically, it is also true that usage forms that require a configuration in which the document reading unit can be separated from the main body are overwhelmingly less than usage forms that do not require separation. The fact that a significant increase in cost is required to deal with the case where there is a small amount of money is not easily accepted by both manufacturers and buyers.

  Therefore, it is an important issue how to provide a copying apparatus with excellent accessibility for any situation at low cost. The original reading unit is added to the conventional copying apparatus by connecting the original reading unit of the copying apparatus to the main body of the copying apparatus and connecting another original reading unit with a connection cord. It is possible to cope with such a configuration. In this way, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for separating the document reading unit for all the copying apparatuses, and can be dealt with by providing an interface that can be physically connected at a minimum. Even an operator who wants to use a simple copying apparatus can use the same general copying apparatus using method as before.

  However, in order to actually realize the copying apparatus having the above-described configuration, it is not possible to cope only with a physical interface. For example, assuming that a plurality of document reading units are used at the same time, even if a power supply unit capable of supplying the corresponding power is installed, or when a plurality of document reading units are simultaneously read, It is necessary to provide an image processing function and a memory that can process image data read by the plurality of document reading units without stress.

On the other hand, for example, a copying machine including a plurality of scanner devices and a plurality of printer devices for recording image data of a document read by the scanner device is proposed for one document feeder (patent). Reference 1). Also, a first mode in which image signals from one document reading unit are transferred to a plurality of image output units via a video bus, and one image output from the plurality of document reading units via a video bus. There has been proposed a connecting device for a digital copying machine that is provided with a second mode for transfer to the means and selectively executes the two modes (see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-214126 JP-A-8-289053

  However, the conventional techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are all aimed at improving the processing capability, and a plurality of document reading units can be selectively used, but the cost increases. There was a problem.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a copying apparatus that connects an operation reading unit inexpensively and appropriately to a user (person with a disability) such as a wheelchair and improves accessibility at a low cost.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention , an image of a document sent from an selectively operated plurality of document feeding units arranged at different heights is provided to each of the plurality of document feeding units. In a copying apparatus provided with a control unit that reads by selectively operating a plurality of corresponding image reading units, receives the read image information, and records and outputs it on a recording medium, the plurality of image reading units The operation unit is associated with the document reading unit of one of the image reading units, and a plurality of units configured as one operation reading unit are connected, and the function of the connected plurality of operation reading units is switched between the valid state and the invalid state. Selecting means for selecting, and the control unit controls the selecting means to set any one of the plurality of operation reading units in the valid state, and in the operation reading unit in the valid state, The original image is read by the original reading unit under the control of the control unit in accordance with the operation of the operation unit, and the original image read by the original reading unit by the print output unit is used as the recording medium. The plurality of operation reading units includes a state detection unit that detects whether the unit itself is in a use state or a standby state according to an operation of the operation unit, and the control unit further includes: When the operation reading unit in the valid state is switched to the invalid state under the control of the selection unit, it is performed when the state detection unit detects the standby state for the operation reading unit .

The second invention according to the first invention, the plurality of operation reading unit is provided with a switching request means for requesting switching to the valid state by the control of said selection means, said control unit, said switching request means When there is a request for switching from the valid state to the valid state, the effective reading unit having the switching request means that has made the switching request in response to the switching request is controlled by the selection means. In addition to switching to a state, another of the plurality of operation reading units is switched to the invalid state .

A third invention is the first invention or the second invention, the plurality of operation reading unit is provided with a document detecting means for detecting the existence of a set of originals to the original reading portion having the unit itself The state detecting unit also serves as the document presence / absence detecting unit, corresponding to the use state and the standby state corresponding to the presence of the document set and the absence of the document set, respectively .

The fourth invention is the second invention or the third invention, the plurality of operation reading unit, which has energy saving operation mode for reducing power consumption during the standby state, the normal operation from the energy-saving operating mode Return request means for instructing to return to the mode, wherein the switching request means has a request for switching to the valid state, and there is no request for switching to the valid state, respectively, the return instruction operation is present, and the return When the return instruction means is operated by the return request means when the plurality of operation reading units are in the invalid state, the switching request unit is also used. The energy saving after switching to the effective state through the control of the selection unit by the control unit in response to a switching request by the request unit Characterized in that the return from Guy operation mode to the normal operation mode is performed.

According to the present invention, different from the Ru with a plurality of document feeding portion arranged at a height, to connect the plurality of operation-reading unit is made to correspond to the operation section in the document reading unit as an operation-reading unit by the control unit As for the control for the selection means for enabling one function of the above, the operation reading unit in the valid state is put on standby based on the detection result from the state detection means for detecting whether the operation reading unit is in use or in the standby state. Since it is switched to the invalid state when it is in the state, the operation reading unit in the use state is sufficiently disabled while sufficiently reducing power consumption, and the occurrence of an abnormal copy operation is prevented in advance, and the scanned document based on the copy image can be formed, for users, such as wheelchair convenience of operation reading unit taking the (Disabled) inexpensively and properly connected is achieved, sintered As it is possible to provide a copying apparatus which inexpensively and appropriately improve accessibility.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The scope of the present invention limits this invention especially in the following description. As long as there is no description of the effect, it is not restricted to these aspects.

  1 to 4 are views showing an embodiment of a copying apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a front external configuration diagram of the copying apparatus 1 to which an embodiment of the copying apparatus of the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 1, the copying apparatus 1 includes a copying apparatus main body 2 and an additional operation reading unit 3, and the copying apparatus main body 2 and the additional operation reading unit 3 are connected by a connection cable 4. The copying apparatus main body 2 includes a paper feeding unit 21 at the bottom, a printing unit 22 is provided above the paper feeding unit 21, and an operation reading unit 23 is provided above the printing unit 22. The paper feed unit 21 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes that store a plurality of recording papers, and each paper feed cassette has a recording paper having a size corresponding to the size of the original and the size of the original image after enlargement or reduction. Each is conveyed to the printing unit 22.

  The printing unit 22 is, for example, an electrophotographic printing unit, and prints an image on a recording sheet conveyed from the paper feeding unit 21 based on image data of a document read by the operation reading unit 23 or the additional operation reading unit 3. Is discharged to a paper discharge tray (not shown). The operation reading unit 23 is provided with an operation unit 24 on the side surface on the front side, and the operation unit 24 is necessary for performing operations of the copying apparatus 1, in particular, a document reading process and a copying process using the operation reading unit 23. Various operation keys for performing various operations are provided. These various operation keys include, in particular, an energy saving return key (return request means; switching request means) 25 (see FIG. 2) for instructing a return from the energy saving mode for reducing power consumption. Furthermore, a display or the like for performing necessary display is provided. The operation reading unit 23 is disposed at a height position suitable for the operation of a healthy person. That is, the operation reading unit 23 has a document reading unit and an operation unit 24 as one unit.

  As the operation reading unit 23, for example, an image scanner using an image sensor 26 (see FIG. 2) or the like is used, and an ADF (automatic document feeder) 27 is provided. A plurality of documents are set in the ADF 27, and the ADF 27 feeds the set documents one by one to the document reading position of the operation reading unit 23. The operation reading unit 23 scans the document conveyed from the ADF 27, reads an image of the document with a predetermined resolution, and outputs image data. The operation reading unit 23 is provided with an ADF 27 so as to be openable and closable on a contact glass on which a document such as a book document is placed. The image sensor 26 reads the document set on the contact glass. The original image is read by scanning and sub-scanning. That is, the operation reading unit 23 has a book reading mode for reading a document set on the contact glass and an ADF reading mode for reading a document set on the ADF 27. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation reading unit 23 is provided with a document presence / absence detection sensor (document presence / absence detection means; status detection means) 28. The document presence / absence detection sensor 28 transmits the ADF 27 to the ADF 27 in the ADF reading mode. The presence / absence of a document set and the presence / absence of a document set on the contact glass are detected in the book reading mode.

  The extension operation reading unit 3 is, for example, installed on a table 5 such as a desk and at a height suitable for use by a user such as a wheelchair or a short person. This is the same as the operation reading unit 23. The extension operation reading unit 3 is provided with an operation unit 31 on the side surface on the front side. The operation unit 31 operates the copying apparatus 1, particularly a document reading process using the extension operation reading unit 3 and copying. Various operation keys for performing various operations necessary for processing, particularly an energy saving return key (return request means; switching request means) 32 for instructing a return from an energy saving mode for reducing power consumption (see FIG. 2) ) And a display for performing necessary display. That is, the operation reading unit 3 has a document reading unit and an operation unit 31 as one unit.

  The extension operation reading unit 3 uses, for example, an image scanner using an image sensor 33 (see FIG. 2), and includes an ADF (automatic document feeder) 34. A plurality of documents are set in the ADF 34, and the ADF 34 feeds the set documents one by one to the document reading position of the extension operation reading unit 3. The extension operation reading unit 3 scans the document conveyed from the ADF 34, reads an image of the document with a predetermined resolution, and outputs image data. In addition, the extension operation reading unit 3 is provided with an ADF 34 that can be opened and closed on a contact glass on which a document such as a book document is placed. The document set on the contact glass is read by the image sensor 33. The image of the original is read by main scanning and sub scanning. That is, the operation reading unit 3 has a book reading mode for reading a document set on the contact glass and an ADF reading mode for reading a document set on the ADF 34.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation reading unit 3 is provided with a document presence / absence detection sensor (document presence / absence detection means; status detection means) 35, and the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 receives the document to the ADF 34 in the ADF reading mode. The presence / absence of a set and the presence / absence of a document set on the contact glass are detected in the book reading mode.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the copying apparatus 1 includes the operation reading unit 23 and the additional operation reading unit 3, and the copying apparatus body 2 includes an image data switching unit 41, an operation switching unit 42, and an image processing unit 43. , A port control unit 44, an operation unit I / F 45, a print control unit 46, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 47, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 48, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 49, and the like. 43, the port control unit 44, the operation unit I / F 45, the print control unit 46, the RAM 47, and the CPU 48 are connected by a data bus 50.

  The ROM 49 stores in advance various programs such as a basic control program of the copying apparatus 1 and an operation reading unit switching control processing program, and various data necessary for executing these various programs, and a CPU (control means) 48. Performs the basic processing as the copying machine 1 by controlling each part of the copying machine 1 while using the RAM 47 as a work memory based on the program in the ROM 49, and also executes the operation reading unit switching control process described later. To do.

  The image data switching unit (selecting means) 41 receives image data from the image sensor 26 of the operation reading unit 23 and image data from the image sensor 33 of the additional operation reading unit 3. One of the image data from the image sensor 26 of the operation reading unit 23 and the image data from the image sensor 33 of the additional operation reading unit 3 is selected according to the switching signal from the control unit 44 and output to the image processing unit 43. To do.

The image processing unit 43 performs various necessary image processing on the image data input from the image data switching unit 41.

  The print control unit 46 controls the paper feeding unit 21 and the print unit 22 in accordance with a switching signal from the CPU 48 and controls the image on the recording paper based on the image data of the original read by the operation reading unit 23 or the additional operation reading unit 3. Is recorded and output. The output image data is image data selected by the image data switching unit 41 and subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 43.

  The operation switching unit (selection means) 42 is connected to the operation unit 24 of the operation reading unit 23 and the operation unit 31 of the additional operation reading unit 3, and under the control of the port control unit 44, Either one of the operation contents of the operation unit 31 is selected and notified to the CPU 48 via the operation I / F 4, and information from the CPU 48 is output to the operation unit 24 or the operation unit 31.

  The port control unit 44 outputs a switching signal to the image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42 according to a command from the CPU 48, and controls the switching of the image data of the image data switching unit 41 and the operation content of the operation switching unit 42. It has an output port function for performing control. The port control unit 44 receives the detection signal of the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 of the operation reading unit 23 and the operation signal of the energy saving return key 25 of the operation unit 24, and the detection signal of the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 of the extension operation reading unit 3. The operation signal of the energy saving return key 32 of the operation unit 31 is input. The port control unit 44 converts the detection signals of the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 and the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 and the operation signals of the energy saving return key 25 and the energy saving return key 32 into data that can be recognized by the CPU 48 and outputs the data to the CPU 48. Has an input port function.

  The detection signal from the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 of the operation reading unit 23 is indicated by the symbol DTC_A, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, and when the state is “0”, it indicates “no document” and the state “1”. Indicates that there is a document. Similarly, the detection signal from the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 of the extension operation reading unit 3 is indicated by a symbol DTC_B, for example, as shown in FIG. “1” indicates that there is a document. The switching signal output from the port control unit 44 to the image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42 is indicated by, for example, a symbol SEL as shown in FIG. When the state is “1”, the selection of the additional operation reading unit 3 is instructed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation signal from the energy saving return key 25 of the operation reading unit 23 is indicated by the symbol RCV_A, and when the state is “0”, it indicates “not pressed” and the state “1”. Is “depressed”. Similarly, the operation signal from the energy saving return key 32 of the extension operation reading unit 3 is indicated by, for example, the symbol RCV_B as shown in FIG. 3, and “not pressed” is displayed when the state is “0”. When the state is “1”, it indicates “pressed”.

  The copying apparatus 1 has an energy saving mode for restricting units that supply power in order to reduce the power consumption of the entire copying apparatus 1, and the operation of the energy saving return key 25 of the operation unit 24 of the operation reading unit 23, or When the operator operates the energy saving return key 32 of the operation unit 31 of the extension operation reading unit 3, the operation signal is passed to the CPU 48 through the port control unit 44, and the energy saving is performed under the control of the CPU 48. Return from mode.

  Therefore, even in the energy saving mode, the copying apparatus 1 recognizes the operation of the energy saving return key 25 or the energy saving return key 32 and energizes each part necessary for returning from the energy saving mode. Then, the CPU 48 recognizes the operation of the energy saving return key 25 and the energy saving return key 32 as a function valid request from the disabled operation reading unit 23 or the additional operation reading unit 3, and based on this, the copying apparatus 1. Adopts the operation reading unit 23 or the additional operation reading unit 3 provided with the operated energy saving return key 25 or the energy saving return key 32 as an effective reading unit. When the energy saving return key 25 and the energy saving return key 32 are used for a function enable request, the condition that the function is invalidated is required to be equal to or greater than the energy saving state when viewed from the power supply side. However, it is not necessarily the same as the energy saving mode. In the above description, in order to return from the energy saving mode, the pressing of the energy saving return key 25 provided on the operation unit 24 or the energy saving return key 32 provided on the operation unit 31 is employed as a trigger. The return factor from the energy saving mode is not limited to the pressing operation of the energy saving return keys 25 and 32. For example, a document set on the operation reading unit 23 or the operation reading unit 3 may be used as the return factor. The return factor may be used as a function enable request for the operation reading unit 23 and the extension operation reading unit 3.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The copying apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a copying apparatus main body 2 and an additional operation reading unit 3 connected to the copying apparatus main body 2 by a connection cable 4. The additional operation reading unit 3 is used for a user such as a wheelchair or the like. It is installed on a table 5 such as a desk having a height suitable for use by a short person. The extension operation reading unit 3 has the same configuration as the operation reading unit 23 provided in the copying apparatus main body 2. Then, the copying apparatus main body 2 switches the image data switched between the image data read by the image sensor 26 of the operation reading unit 23 and the image data read by the image sensor 33 of the additional operation reading unit 3 and input to the image processing unit 43. Unit 41, operation switching unit 42 for selectively connecting the operation unit 24 of the operation reading unit 23 and the operation unit 31 of the additional operation reading unit 3 to the operation unit I / F 45, and the energy saving return key 25 of the operation reading unit 23 Data conversion is performed so that the CPU 48 can recognize the operation signal from the energy saving return key 32 of the extension operation reading unit 3 and the detection signal from the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 of the operation reading unit 23 and the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 of the extension operation reading unit 3. And a port control unit 44 to be transferred to the CPU 48.

  In the copying apparatus 1, the key operation of the energy saving return key 25 of the operation reading unit 23 or the energy saving return key 32 of the extension operation reading unit 3 is performed, and the energy saving return key 25 of the operation reading unit 23 or the extension operation reading unit 3. When the operation signal from the energy saving return key 32 is input to the CPU 48 via the port control unit 44, the CPU 48 recognizes that there is a request for switching between the operation reading units 23 and 3, and reads the operation before switching. Based on the detection signal from the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 or the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 of the unit 23 or the extension operation reading unit 3, it is checked whether the operation reading unit 23 or the extension operation reading unit 3 before switching is in use. When the operation reading unit 23 or the additional operation reading unit 3 before switching is in use, the use is finished. That of the waiting performs an operation reading unit switching process for switching the operation-reading unit 23 or expansion operations-reading unit 3.

  That is, now, the copying apparatus 1 is in an initial state. As shown in FIG. 4, the initial state of the copying apparatus 1 includes the detection signals (35) of the document presence / absence detection sensors 28 and 35 of the operation reading unit 23 and the additional operation reading unit 3. If the operation signals (RCV_A, RCV_B) of the DTC_A, DTC_B) and the energy saving return keys 25, 32 are both “0”, the CPU 48 outputs “0” as the switching signal SEL, and the operation reading unit 23 Is enabled (step S102). In this initial state, the CPU 48 checks whether there is a switching request from the extension operation reading unit 3, that is, whether the operation signal RCV_B from the energy saving return key 32 of the extension operation reading unit 3 is “1” (step S103). ) When there is a switching request from the additional operation reading unit 3, the detection signal DTC_A from the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 of the operation reading unit 23 indicates whether the operation reading unit 23 whose function is currently valid is in use. Is determined based on whether or not is “0” (step S104).

  In step S104, if the detection signal DTC_A is “1” and the operation reading unit 23 whose function is currently valid is in use, the CPU 48 waits for a preset waiting time (wait). (Step S105) Check again whether the detection signal DTC_A from the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 of the operation reading unit 23 is “1” (Step S104). If the detection signal DTC_A is “0”, the current function is valid. Since no manuscript is set in the operation reading unit 23, it is determined that the operation reading unit 23 is not in use, the switching signal SEL is set to “1”, and the image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42 are set. The extension operation reading unit 3 is selected to invalidate the function of the operation reading unit 23 and the function of the extension operation reading unit 3 Effective to (step S106). In this state, the extension operation reading unit 3 can be used.

  When the function of the additional operation reading unit 3 is validated, the CPU 48 determines whether there is a switching request from the operation reading unit 23, that is, whether the operation signal RCV_A from the energy saving return key 25 of the operation reading unit 23 is “1”. A check is made (step S107), and if there is a switching request from the operation reading unit 23, whether or not the extension operation reading unit 3 whose function is currently valid is in use is not detected. Determination is made based on whether the detection signal DTC_B from 35 is “0” (step S108).

  In step S108, if the detection signal DTC_B is “1” and the additional operation reading unit 3 whose function is currently valid is in use, the CPU 48 waits for a preset waiting time (wait). After (step S109), it is checked again whether the detection signal DTC_B from the document presence / absence detection sensor 35 of the extension operation reading unit 3 is “0” (step S108). If the detection signal DTC_B is “0”, the current function Since no original is set on the extension operation reading unit 3 in which is enabled, it is determined that the extension operation reading unit 3 is not in use, and the process returns to step S102 to set the switching signal SEL to “0”. The image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42 are made to select the operation reading unit 23 and the function of the additional operation reading unit 3 is invalidated. To be valid the function of the operation-reading unit 23 (step S102). In this state, the operation reading unit 23 can be used.

  Therefore, the switching request from the operation reading units 23 and 3 whose functions are disabled is monitored based on the presence / absence of the operation of the energy saving return keys 25 and 32, and when there is a switching request, the operation reading whose function is currently enabled. The operation status of the units 23 and 3 is confirmed by the document presence / absence detection sensors 28 and 35, and only when it is determined that the document is not set and is in a standby state, the operation reading unit 23 that has requested switching is operated. 3 functions can be enabled.

  As described above, the copying apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment enables a plurality of operation reading units 23 and 3 having the document reading unit and the operation units 24 and 31 as a single unit to be connected. The function of any one of the plurality of connected operation reading units 23 and 3 is enabled via the operation switching unit 42.

Therefore, the operation reading units 23 and 3 can be inexpensively and appropriately used for a user (person with a disability) such as a wheelchair without providing a function or device that assumes a case where a plurality of operation reading units 23 and 3 are used simultaneously. Connection can be made and accessibility can be improved inexpensively and appropriately.

  In addition, the copying apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes each of the operation reading units 23 and 3 with document presence / absence detection sensors 28 and 35 that detect whether the operation reading units 23 and 3 are in use or in a standby state. When the CPU 48 switches the operation reading units 23 and 3 in the valid state to the invalid state, the document presence / absence detection sensors 28 and 35 detect that the operation reading units 23 and 3 are in the standby state. Only when the operation reading units 23 and 3 in the valid state are switched to the invalid state via the image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42.

  Accordingly, an abnormal copy operation using the operation reading units 23 and 3 due to invalidation of the operation reading units 23 and 3 in use, for example, breakage of parts, destruction of data handled, damage of originals, etc. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormalities in advance and improve accessibility more inexpensively and more appropriately.

  Further, the copying apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is assumed that each of the operation reading units 23 and 3 is provided with energy saving return keys 25 and 32 for requesting switching to an effective state, and the CPU 48 uses the energy saving return keys 25 and 32. When there is a request for switching to an effective state, the operation reading unit 23 including the energy saving return keys 25 and 32 that have sent the switching request to the image data switching unit 41 and the operation switching unit 42 in response to the switching request, 3 is switched to the valid state.

  Therefore, even if the function of the operation reading units 23 and 3 that the user wants to use is disabled, the function is disabled without moving from the operation reading units 23 and 3 where the function is disabled to the copying apparatus 1 main body. The functions of the operation reading units 23 and 3 can be validated by operating the energy saving return keys 25 and 32 of the operation reading units 23 and 3, which can further improve the usability and are inexpensive and appropriate. Can improve accessibility.

  Further, the copying apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to detect the document presence / absence detection sensor 28 as a state detection unit that detects whether each of the operation reading units 23 and 3 is in use or in a standby state. , 35 are also used.

  Therefore, the existing document presence / absence detection sensors 28 and 35 can detect the use states of the operation reading units 23 and 3 without providing a new mechanism, and the accessibility can be improved more inexpensively and more appropriately. be able to.

  Further, the copying apparatus 1 of this embodiment also uses the energy saving return keys 25 and 32 as switching request means for requesting the operation reading units 23 and 3 to switch to the valid state.

Therefore, the function of the operation reading units 23 and 3 can be made effective by operating the energy saving return keys 25 and 32 of the operation reading units 23 and 3 whose functions are invalid without providing a new mechanism. The accessibility can be improved and the accessibility can be improved more inexpensively and appropriately.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the description of the above embodiment, the case where only one additional operation reading unit 3 is connected in addition to the operation reading unit 23 of the copying apparatus body 2 has been described. It is not restricted to this, More operation reading units may be connected.

  In this embodiment, only the document feeder is provided outside the document feeder of the operation reading unit, and the document fed from this document feeder is read by the image sensor of the operation reading unit. FIG. 5 is a front external configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a principal circuit block diagram of the copying apparatus of FIG.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the document feeding section of the operation reading unit 23 in FIG. 1, here, the additional ADF 27 a having the same function as the ADF 27 is replaced with a table 5 such as a desk like the additional operation reading unit 3. It is installed at a height suitable for use by a user such as a wheelchair or a short person. Then, a document transport path 40 for transporting a document from the additional ADF 27a to the reading position of the image sensor 26 of the operation reading unit 23 is provided. From this document transport path 40, the document is transported to a position where it can be read by the image sensor 26 of the operation reading unit 23 using the document transport path of the ADF 27a. Is provided. The document feed selection unit 41a switches the path with, for example, a switching claw, and operates the switching claw with, for example, a solenoid in response to a switching signal output from the CPU.

  Similarly to the operation reading unit 23, the extension ADF 27a is also provided with a document feeding section 27b, a document presence / absence detection sensor 35a, an operation section 31a, and an energy saving return key 32a. From the operation section 31a, for example, the user is in a wheelchair-mounted state. A desired operation can be performed on the copying apparatus 1, and a document can be sent from the additional ADF 27 a to the operation reading unit 23 and read by the image sensor 26. At that time, if the original selection unit 41a reads a document from the additional ADF 27a, the original selection path 41a opens the conveyance path on the original conveyance path 40 side, closes the conveyance path from the ADF 23a on the operation reading unit 23 side, and expands the additional ADF 27a. The original from is guided to the reading position of the image sensor 26. On the other hand, for use at a normal high position, the conveyance path on the document conveyance path 40 side is closed, the conveyance path from the ADF 23a on the operation reading unit 23 side is opened, and the ADF 23a on the operation reading unit 23 side is opened. The original is guided to the reading position of the image sensor 26. Needless to say, the original set on the low-position additional ADF 27a can be operated by the operation unit 24 on the operation reading unit 23 side at the high position to send the original. In this embodiment, the document sent from the additional ADF 27a is also discharged to the document discharge section E of the operation reading unit 23 at a higher position.

  Other parts that are not particularly described are configured in the same way as in the first embodiment and function in the same manner, and thus redundant description is omitted.

  In order to improve accessibility, the present invention can be applied to a copying apparatus having a plurality of operation reading units.

1 is a front external configuration diagram of a copying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a main part circuit block configuration diagram of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the symbol of each signal of FIG. 2, a state, and a definition. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation reading unit switching process by the copying apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a front external appearance block diagram of the copying apparatus based on 2nd Example of this invention. FIG. 6 is a main part circuit block configuration diagram of the copying apparatus of FIG. 5.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copying apparatus 2 Copying machine main body 3 Additional operation reading unit 4 Connection cable 21 Paper feed unit 22 Printing unit 23 Operation reading unit 23a Document feeding part 24 Operation part 25 Energy saving return key 26 Image sensor 27 ADF
27a Expansion ADF
27b Document feeding section 28 Document presence / absence detection sensor 31, 31a Operation section 32, 32a Energy saving return key 33 Image sensor 34 ADF
35 Document presence / absence detection sensor 41 Image data switching unit 42 Operation switching unit 43 Image processing unit 44 Port control unit 45 Operation unit I / F
46 Print controller 47 RAM
48 CPU
49 ROM
50 data bus

Claims (4)

Select a plurality of image reading sections provided corresponding to each of the plurality of document feeding sections from an image that is selectively operated from a plurality of document feeding sections arranged at different heights. In a copying apparatus provided with a control unit that reads with a single operation, receives the read image information, and records and outputs it on a recording medium,
The operation unit is associated with the document reading unit by one of the plurality of image reading units, and a plurality of the operation reading units are connected, and the functions of the connected operation reading units are enabled or disabled. A selection means for switching to a state and selecting,
The control unit controls the selection unit to place any one of the plurality of operation reading units in the valid state,
In the operation reading unit in the valid state, the document read by the document reading unit is read by the document reading unit under the control of the control unit according to the operation of the operation unit, and the document read by the document reading unit by the print output unit The image is recorded and output on paper as the recording medium,
The plurality of operation reading units includes a state detection unit that detects whether the unit itself is in a use state or a standby state according to an operation of the operation unit,
Furthermore, the control unit performs when the operation detection unit in the valid state is switched to the invalid state by the control of the selection unit, and when the state detection unit detects the standby state for the operation read unit. A copying apparatus characterized by that. 2. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation reading units include a switching request unit that requests switching to the valid state under the control of the selection unit,
When there is a switching request from the switching request unit to the valid state, the control unit includes the switching request unit that has made the switching request in response to the switching request. A copying apparatus characterized by switching to the valid state under the control of the selection means, and switching another of the plurality of operation reading units to the invalid state . 3. The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operation reading units include document presence / absence detection means for detecting presence / absence of a document set in the document reading unit of the unit itself,
The copying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit also serves as the document presence / absence detection unit in correspondence with the use state and the standby state corresponding to whether the document is set or not . 4. The copying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of operation reading units have an energy saving operation mode for reducing power consumption in the standby state and instruct to return from the energy saving operation mode to the normal operation mode. Equipped with return request means to operate,
The switching request unit is also used as the return request unit in correspondence with the request for switching to the valid state and the request for switching to the valid state with the return instruction operation and without the return instruction operation, respectively. And
The plurality of operation reading units control the selection unit by the control unit in response to a switching request by the switching request unit when the return instruction operation is performed by the return request unit in the invalid state. The copying apparatus is characterized in that after switching to the valid state via the above, the energy saving operation mode is returned to the normal operation mode .

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