JP7618873B2 - IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD FOR IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control method for an image processing device, and a program.

Conventionally, image reading devices used in copying machines and the like include those that transport documents one by one using an automatic document feeder (ADF, described later) and read the image of the document using a CCD sensor fixed on the transport path (see Patent Document 1).

In an image reading device having the above configuration, when documents are transported, a document stack from which staples and clips have not been removed may be placed on the document tray, and a reading instruction may be issued.
In an automatic document feeder, the separation mechanism of the feed section separates and transports the documents one by one, so when the feed operation is started with a stack of bound documents loaded, a load is placed on the bound portion as the topmost document is separated and transported.
This can cause the originals to become wrinkled or torn. In addition, if bound originals are sent out without being separated, problems such as paper jams can occur along the transport path.

In order to avoid such a situation, a device has been proposed that detects whether the document is bound with a staple, a clip, or the like.
For example, there is a device that is equipped with a configuration that detects changes in the height of the document as it is transported to determine whether or not the document loaded on the document tray has been bound with a staple, clip, glue, or other fastenings (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2001-285595 A JP 2004-182449 A

However, in the technology described in Patent Document 2, which detects the change in height of the document during transport, if the document is folded or wrinkled before transport, it may be erroneously determined to be bound even though it is not bound. Furthermore, there is a problem that the erroneous detection continues no matter how many times the document is repositioned.
Another problem is that the conventional technology does not show how to read documents after detecting a bound document, which is unfriendly to the user.
Another problem is that when a stapled bound document is detected, the bound document cannot be read by the automatic document feeder, so the job must be stopped once, the document must be placed on the document tray, and the document must be read continuously from the beginning as a new job, or appropriate operational instructions must not be given to the user.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for displaying a reception unit for disabling a function for stopping the transport of a document when the height position of the transported document reaches an abnormal position, on the condition that the height position of the transported document reaches an abnormal position .

The image processing device of the present invention, which achieves the above-mentioned object, is characterized by having a reading means for reading an image of a document transported by a transporting means, a transport control means for stopping the transport of the document when the height-wise position of the document transported by the transporting means reaches an abnormal position , and a display means for displaying a reception unit to disable the function of stopping the transport of the document when the height-wise position of the document transported by the transporting means reaches an abnormal position, on the condition that the height-wise position of the document transported by the transporting means reaches an abnormal position .

According to the present invention, the display of the reception section for disabling the function of stopping the transport of the document when the height position of the transported document reaches an abnormal position can be performed on the condition that the height position of the transported document reaches an abnormal position .

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of an ADF and an image reading unit. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the image reading apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the image reading apparatus. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the image reading apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of the image reading apparatus. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a UI screen displayed on an LCD touch panel.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<System configuration>
First Embodiment

1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, which will be described by taking an example of an MFP (Multi Function Printer) capable of executing a scan function, a copy function, a print function, a send function, and the like.
1, an image reading unit 200, which is an image reading means, converts image information into an electrical signal by inputting reflected light obtained by exposing and scanning an image on an original document using light emitted from an illumination lamp to a linear image sensor (CCD sensor). The image reading unit 200 further converts the electrical signal into a luminance signal consisting of R, G, and B colors, and outputs the luminance signal as image data to a controller unit 400, which will be described later.

The document is set in the document tray 30 of the automatic document feeder (ADF) 100. When the user issues an instruction to start reading from the operation unit 405 (described later), the controller unit 400 sends a document reading instruction to the image reading unit 200. Upon receiving this instruction, the image reading unit 200 separates the document one by one from the document tray 30 of the ADF 100 and feeds it to perform the document reading operation. The document can also be read by placing it on the document platen glass (described later). The image forming unit 500 is an image forming device that forms the image data received from the controller unit 400 on paper.

The image forming method in this embodiment is an electrophotographic method using a photoreceptor drum or a photoreceptor belt. The image forming section 500 also includes a paper feed unit 504 that includes multiple cassettes that can accommodate different paper sizes or different paper orientations. The paper after printing is discharged to the paper discharge unit 502 or the finisher unit 505.

(Example of ADF 100 configuration)
2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the ADF 100 and the image reading unit 200 of this embodiment. The operation of the ADF 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.
2, the ADF 100 has an original tray 30 on which an original S consisting of one or more original sheets is loaded, a separation pad 21 which protrudes from the original tray 30 before the start of transport of the original to restrict the original S from advancing downstream, and a paper feed roller 1. The ADF 100 further has an original detection sensor 23 which detects that the original S is placed on the original tray 30, a distance measuring sensor 22 which measures the distance to the top surface of the original S, and a separation sensor 24 which detects that the original has passed through the separation roller 2.
The feed roller 1 drops onto the surface of the documents S loaded on the document tray 30 and rotates. This feeds the topmost document in the document stack. The documents transported by the feed roller 1 are separated into single sheets by the action of the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21. This separation is achieved by a well-known retard separation technique. At this time, if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect the document even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of transport, the drive of the feed roller 1 and the like is stopped. The certain time (t1) until the stop is calculated by adding a sufficient time to the arrival time from the start of transport to the separation sensor 24, which is predicted according to the transport speed, and a delay.

The document separated by the separation roller 2 and separation pad 21 is transported by the transport roller pair 3 to the registration roller 4, where the document is abutted against the registration roller 4. This causes the document to be formed into a loop, eliminating skewing during document transport. Downstream of the registration roller 4 is a paper feed path that transports the document that has passed through the registration roller 4 toward the scanning glass 201.

The document sent to the paper feed path is sent onto the platen by the large roller 7 and the transport roller 5. Here, the large roller 7 comes into contact with the slide-reading glass 201. The document transported by the large roller 7 passes through the transport roller 6, moves between the roller 16 and the moving glass, and is discharged to the document discharge tray 31 via the discharge flapper and the discharge roller 8.

The ADF 100 in FIG. 2 is a type that reads the image on the back side of a document by inverting both sides. With the document caught in the discharge rollers 8, the discharge rollers 8 are rotated in reverse to switch the discharge flapper, and the document is moved to the reversal path 19. The moved document is abutted from the reversal path 19 against the registration rollers 4, and the document is again formed into a loop, eliminating any skewing during transport of the document. The transport rollers 5 and large rollers 7 then move the document again to the scanning glass 201, making it possible to read the back side of the document on the scanning glass 201.

In addition, the document tray 30 is provided with a guide and regulating plate 15 that is slidable in the sub-scanning direction of the stack of documents loaded thereon, and is also provided with a document width detection sensor (not shown) that detects the document width in conjunction with this guide and regulating plate.
The combination of the document width detection sensor and the pre-register sensor 11 makes it possible to determine the document size of the document stack loaded on the document tray 30. Also, a document length detection sensor (not shown) provided in the transport path can detect the document length from the transport distance from the detection of the leading edge to the detection of the trailing edge of the document being transported. The document size can also be determined from the combination of the detected document length and the document width detection sensor.

The distance sensor 22 is a sensor that measures the distance to the top surface of the document S loaded on the document tray 30. For example, by measuring the difference between the distance to the top surface of the document S measured for each document before the start of transport and the distance to the top surface of the document S measured a certain time (t2) after the start of transport, it is possible to detect documents with abnormal shapes, such as those bound with staples. Also, by making t1 > t2, it is possible to detect abnormal shapes of documents before a jam occurs.

(Example of configuration of image reading unit 200)
In the image reading section 200, a scanner unit 209 scans an original placed on an original platen glass 202 in the sub-scanning direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1, thereby optically reading image information recorded on the original.
For documents on the ADF 100, the document tray 30 conveys the documents one by one to the reading center position. Furthermore, the scanner unit 209 moves to the reading center position of the large roller 7 of the ADF 100, and reads the documents at the reading center position of the large roller 7. The documents on the ADF 100 or on the document table glass 202 are read by the following optical system. This optical system includes a flow reading glass 201, a document table glass 202, a scanner unit 209 having a lamp 203 and a mirror 204, mirrors 205 and 206, a lens 207, and a CCD sensor unit 210. The read image information is photoelectrically converted and input as image data to a controller unit not shown in FIG. 1. The white board 219 is a white board for creating reference data of the white level by shading. In this embodiment, the CCD sensor unit 210 is made up of a color image reading (RGB) CCD (3 line sensor unit) 212 and a black and white image reading CCD (1 line sensor unit) 211 .

(ADF100 control block)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the control block of the ADF 100 includes a control means (hereinafter, CPU) 300, which is a central processing unit, a read-only memory (hereinafter, ROM) 301, a random access memory (hereinafter, RAM) 302, an output port, and an input port. The ROM 301 stores control programs and fixed parameters, and the RAM 302 stores input data and working data. The output port is connected to a motor 303, a solenoid 306, and a clutch 307 that drive various conveying rollers, and the input port is connected to various sensors 304.

The CPU 300 controls paper transport according to a control program stored in the ROM 301 connected via a bus line. The CPU 300 communicates serially with the central processing unit (CPU) 321 of the image reading unit 200 via a control communication line 351, and transmits and receives control data between the image reading unit 200. In addition, an image tip signal that is the reference for the leading edge of the document image data is also notified to the image reading unit 200 via the control communication line 351.

The CPU 300 also notifies the image reading unit 200 of the values of the various sensors 304 in response to control data from the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200. The values of the various sensors 304 include data measured by the distance measuring sensor 22 and distance data.

(Control block of image reading unit 200)
In the control block of the image reading unit 200, 321 is a CPU, which performs all control of the image reading unit 200. A ROM 322 for storing programs and a RAM 323 for providing a work area are connected to the CPU 321. The RAM 323 indicates a work area that also includes an area for performing non-volatile storage.

326 is an optical system motor drive unit, which is a driver circuit for driving the optical system drive motor. A lamp 203 and a CCD sensor unit 210 (CCD 211 for black and white image reading for front image/CCD 212 for color image reading for front image) are connected to the image reading unit 200. The CPU 321 controls the optical system motor driver unit 326 and performs image reading processing by controlling the CCD sensor unit 210 via the image processing unit 325.

To realize paper transport, CPU 321 instructs CPU 300 for paper transport control of ADF 100 by sending commands for paper transport control via control communication line 351. In response to the instructions, CPU 300 monitors each sensor 304 installed on the transport path and realizes paper transport by driving the transport motor 303, solenoid 306, and clutch 307, which are loads. In this way, CPU 321 controls paper transport by ADF 100 and image reading by image reading unit 200. 324 is a paper-spacing correction processing unit that performs paper-spacing correction.

The image signal focused by the lens 207 on the CCD sensor unit 210 (either the (RGB) CCD 212 for color image reading or the CCD 211 for black and white image reading) is converted into digital image data. The converted image data is then subjected to various image processing steps in the image processing unit 325, including shading, to detect and correct streaks in the image data, and written to the image memory 329.

The data written to the image memory 329 is sequentially sent to the controller unit 400 through the image communication line 353 of the controller interface, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer. Furthermore, the timing of the image tip signal, which is the reference for the leading edge of the document image data, is adjusted by the CPU 321 and notified to the controller unit 400 through the control communication line 352 of the controller interface. Similarly, the timing of the image tip signal notified through the communication line from the ADF 100 is adjusted by the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 and notified to the controller unit 400 through the control communication line 352 of the controller interface.

The CPU 321 controls the image processing unit 325 connected on the control bus line. Furthermore, the CPU 321 controls the CCD sensor unit 210 by transmitting a control signal from the control communication line 354 to the CCD sensor unit 210 via the image processing unit 325. In the process of scanning the original image with the CCD sensor unit 210, the image is read by the color image reading CCD 212 or the black and white image reading CCD 211. Then, an analog image signal for each line that has been read is output to the CCD control unit 213 from the image data communication line 214 or 215, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer.

The analog signal is converted to digital image data by the CCD control unit 213, and is transmitted to the controller unit 400 via the image communication line 353 through the image memory 329 from the image communication line 355, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer.

The CPU 321 communicates serially with the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400 via the image communication line 353, and transmits and receives control data to and from the controller unit 400. The CPU 321 detects shape abnormalities in the document being transported in response to control data from the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400. In detecting shape abnormalities, the difference between the distance between the top surface of the document S measured before the start of transport for each document and the distance between the top surface of the document S measured a certain time (t2) after the start of transport is calculated, and if there is a difference (d1) greater than a certain value, the document is determined to be abnormal in shape. The CPU 321 then notifies the central processing unit (CPU) 401 of the controller unit 400 of the determination result.

(Control block of controller unit 400)
The image processing controller unit 400 is a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus 2000 including the ADF 100, the image reading unit 200, and the image forming unit 500. The controller unit 400 has a CPU 401, an image processing circuit 402, a scanner IF 403, an image memory 404, an operation unit 405, a RAM 406 that provides a work area, a ROM 407 that stores programs, a printer IF 408, and a HDD 409. The RAM 406 indicates a work area that also includes an area for performing non-volatile storage.
Alternatively, the program may be loaded from the HDD 409 into the RAM 406 and executed by the CPU 401. Image data transmitted to the controller unit 400 via the image communication line 353 is stored in the image memory 404 via the scanner IF 403.

The image processing circuit 402 converts the image on the image memory 404 and returns the image to the image memory 404. The image conversion processes performed by the image processing circuit 402 include a rotation process that rotates an image of 32 pixels x 32 pixels by a specified angle, and a resolution conversion process that converts the resolution of the image.
Furthermore, the image conversion process performed by the image processing circuit 402 includes a magnification change process for changing the size of an image, a matrix operation for a multi-value input image, and a color space conversion process for converting a YUV image into a Lab image using a LUT. This color space conversion has a 3 x 8 matrix operation and a one-dimensional LUT, and can perform the well-known prevention of background skipping and show-through.

The operation unit 405 has a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch panel input device attached to the LCD, and multiple hard keys. Signals input via the touch panel or hard keys are transmitted to the CPU 401, and the LCD displays the functions and image data for operating the image forming apparatus.

An image tip signal is received from the image forming unit 500 through the control communication line 356 of the controller interface. The data written to the image memory 404 based on the image tip signal, which is the reference for the leading edge of the image data, is sequentially transmitted to the image forming unit 500 through the image communication line 357 of the controller interface, which includes a clock signal line for image transfer, via the printer IF 408.

(Control block of image forming unit 500)
The image forming section 500 conveys recording paper, prints image data on it as a visible image, and discharges the paper outside the device. The image forming section 500 is composed of a control section 501 that controls the image forming section 500, a paper feed unit 504 that has multiple types of recording paper cassettes, and a marking unit 503 that has the function of transferring and fixing image data onto recording paper. It also comprises a paper discharge unit 502 that has the function of outputting the printed recording paper outside the device, and a finisher section (finisher unit) 505 that performs punching and sorting.

When the marking unit 503 is ready to form an image, the control unit 501 sends an image tip signal, which serves as a reference for the leading edge, to the controller unit 400 via the control communication line 356 of the controller interface. Then, the marking unit 503 transfers and fixes the image data sent via the image communication line 357 of the controller interface onto the recording paper.

[Configuration of operation unit 405]
FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the operation unit 405 shown in FIG.
In Fig. 4, 600 is an LCD touch panel where the main mode settings and status display are performed. 601 is a numeric keypad for inputting numbers from 0 to 9. 602 is an ID key, which is used to input a department number and a password mode when the device is managed by department.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a reset key for resetting the set mode, 604 denotes a guide key for displaying an explanatory screen for each mode, and 606 denotes an interrupt key for interrupting copying. Reference numeral 607 denotes a start key for starting a copying or scanning operation, and 608 denotes a stop key for canceling a job currently being executed.
Numeral 605 is a user mode key for entering a user mode screen, where various settings related to the device can be made. Numeral 609 is a power saving key, which when pressed enters a power saving state, and when pressed again returns from the power saving state. Numeral 610 is a counter confirmation key, which when pressed displays on the LCD a count screen showing the total number of copies used up to that point.

611 is an LED that indicates that a job is being executed or that images are being stored in the image memory, 612 is an error LED that indicates that the device is in an error state such as a jam or door open, and 613 is a power LED that indicates that the device's main switch is ON.

[Copy screen]
Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining UI screens displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 shown in Figure 4. The UI screen shown in Figure 5 is an example of a copy screen.
As shown in Fig. 5, buttons for setting color selection 651, magnification 652, and paper selection 653 as basic settings are arranged as shown in Fig. 5, and their setting status is displayed in 650. Settings other than the basic settings can be selected by pressing other functions 658.
Although not shown here, various functions such as page printing, page combining, and bookbinding are available in other functions 658. For those functions that the user frequently uses, shortcut buttons can be created on the copy screen. Here, double-sided 654 for setting double-sided printing and density 655 for setting print density are provided.
Furthermore, there is provided a mixed document size loading 656 for reading documents of different sizes, and a bound document detection 657 for detecting whether the document S transported by the automatic document feeder 100 is a document with an abnormal shape.

The UI screen shown in FIG. 6 is a bound document detection setting screen that is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 when the bound document detection 657 shortcut button is pressed.
6, reference numeral 701 denotes a button for enabling a bound document detection mode that detects whether the document S conveyed by the automatic document feeder 100 in a copy job is an abnormally shaped document. When an OK button 703 is pressed, data indicating whether the mode is enabled or disabled is stored in the RAM 406.
Conversely, a button 702 is used to disable a bound document detection mode for detecting whether or not the document S conveyed by the automatic document feeder 100 in a copy job is an abnormally shaped document. When the bound document detection mode is enabled, the job that detects that an abnormally shaped document is being conveyed suspends scanning.

Figure 7 is a flowchart explaining a control method of the image reading device according to this embodiment. The processing shown in each step is realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and deployed in the RAM 406. Note that the series of processing steps shown in Figure 7 is started when the copy screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 and bound document detection is set to detect.

In S701, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to execute a copy job has been accepted. If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S702. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (NO in S701), the process of S701 is repeated until the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted. Note that an instruction to execute a copy job is accepted when the start key 607 is pressed by the user while the copy screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600.

In S702, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an original S is placed on the original tray 30. The CPU 401 can determine that an original S is placed on the original tray 30 by receiving a detection signal from the original detection sensor 23.

If the CPU 401 determines in S702 that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 (YES in S702), the process proceeds to S703. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S702, the process in FIG. 7 ends.

At S703, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of a flag (hereafter referred to as the scan end flag) indicating whether or not a series of processes relating to reading (scanning) the image of the document S has been completed normally to "FALSE." The value of the scan end flag is stored in the RAM 406.

When the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE", it indicates that the scan has ended normally. On the other hand, when the value of the scan end flag is "FALSE", it indicates that the scan has not ended normally.
For example, when an instruction to stop scanning is received or when execution of a copy job is canceled, the CPU 401 determines that scanning did not end normally and overwrites the value of the scan end flag with "FALSE."
After executing the process of S703, the CPU 401 advances the process to S800. Details of the scan process of S800 will be described later.

Next, in S704 of FIG. 7, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE." If the CPU 401 determines that the value is "TRUE" (YES in S704), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the value is NO in S704, the process proceeds to S706.

The CPU 401 reads the image data of the document S saved in the HDD 409 by S808 (described later) and temporarily stores it in the RAM 406 (S705). The CPU 401 then instructs the image forming unit 500 to execute a print process based on the image data of the document S temporarily stored in the RAM 406 (S705).

After executing the process of S705, the CPU 401 advances the process to S706. In S706, the CPU 401 deletes the image data of the document S stored in the HDD 409 by the above-mentioned S808, and ends the series of processes related to FIG. 7. The above is the details of the series of processes for accepting an instruction to execute a copy job and executing the accepted copy job.

[A series of processes related to scanning]
8 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling the image reading device according to this embodiment. This example corresponds to a detailed procedure of a series of processes (S800) related to scanning by the CPU 401. The processes shown in each step are realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded into the RAM 406.

In S801, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag to "FALSE" and proceeds to S802. The shape abnormality OFF flag is a flag that indicates whether or not scanning should continue until the end of scanning when a shape abnormality is determined based on a change in the distance to the top surface of the document S measured by the distance measuring sensor 22. The value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is stored in the RAM 406. Here, if the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is "TRUE", scanning will continue until the end of scanning even if a shape abnormality of the document S is detected. On the other hand, if the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is "FALSE", scanning will be interrupted in accordance with the detection of a shape abnormality of the document S.

After executing the process of S801, the CPU 401 advances the process to S802. In S802, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transport the document S placed on the document tray 30.

After executing the process of S802, the CPU 401 advances the process to S803. In S803, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to detect whether there is any abnormality in the shape of the document S conveyed in S802. The control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 detects whether there is any abnormality in the shape of the document and notifies the CPU 401 of the detection result. (S803)

After executing the process of S803, the CPU 401 advances the process to S804. If the CPU 401 receives a shape abnormality (YES in S804), the CPU 401 advances the process to S805. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S804, the CPU 401 advances the process to S808.

In S805, the CPU 401 refers to the setting information stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether or not the bound document detection mode is enabled. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is enabled (YES in S805), the process proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is disabled in S805, the process proceeds to S818.

In S806, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag stored in the RAM 406, and if it determines that the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag is not "TRUE" (NO in S806), the process proceeds to S811.
On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines YES in S806, the process proceeds to S807. In S807, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to read the image of the conveyed document S.

After executing the process of S807, the CPU 401 advances the process to S808. The CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to the controller unit 400. The CPU 401 then stores the image data of the original S transferred to the controller unit 400 in the HDD 409 (S808).

After executing the process of S808, the CPU 401 advances the process to S809. The CPU 401 determines whether or not the document S is placed on the document tray 30 (S809). If the CPU 401 determines that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 (YES in S809), the process advances to S802. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S809, the process advances to S810.

In S810, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE". After executing the process of S810, the CPU 401 ends the series of processes (S800) related to FIG. 8, and proceeds to S704 in FIG. 7 described above.

At S811, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the document S and the reading of the image of the document S are stopped.

After executing the process of S811, the CPU 401 advances the process to S812. In S812, the CPU 401 displays a notification screen 900 shown in FIG.
9 is a screen for urging the user to place the document S again on the document tray 30 of the ADF 100. The notification screen 900 is also a screen for urging the user to continue scanning until the scanning is completed even if an abnormal shape of the document S is detected. The CPU 401 displays the notification screen 900 on the LCD touch panel 600 as a screen for accepting that a bound document has not been detected.

After executing the process of S812, the CPU 401 advances the process to S813. In S813, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to stop scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 901 on the notification screen 900. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received (YES in S813), it ends the series of processes (S800) shown in FIG. 8 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S813, it advances the process to S814.

In S814, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

If the CPU 401 determines that a scan restart instruction has been received (YES in S814), the process proceeds to S815. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S814, the process returns to S813.

In S815, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the bound document detection OFF button 902 on the notification screen 900 shown in Fig. 9 has been pressed. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection OFF button 902 has been pressed (YES in S815), the process proceeds to S816. On the other hand, in S815, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the user has selected to temporarily turn off the bound document detection mode.
For example, if the document detection OFF button 902 on the notification screen 900 shown in Fig. 9 is pressed, it is determined to be OFF. If the CPU 401 determines that the user has selected to temporarily turn off the bound document detection mode (YES in S815), it advances the process to S816. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S815, it advances the process to S817.
In S816, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the shape abnormality OFF flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE".

After executing step S816, the CPU 401 advances the process to step S817.

In S817, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the original S is placed on the original tray 30. If the CPU 401 determines that the original S is placed on the original tray 30 (YES in S817), the process proceeds to S802.
On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S817, it repeats the process of S817 until it determines that the item is placed.
In S818, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100. For example, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 determines that a paper jam has occurred if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect an original even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of conveyance.
Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that a jam has occurred. The CPU 401, which has been notified of the jam, determines that a paper jam has occurred. If the CPU 401 determines that a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100 (YES in S818), the process proceeds to S819. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S818, the process proceeds to S807.

In S819, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the document S and the reading of the image of the document S are stopped.

After executing the process of S819, the CPU 401 advances the process to S820. In S820, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the paper jam that occurred in the ADF 100 has been cleared. For example, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 checks the values of the various sensors 304 notified by the CPU 300 of the ADF 100, and determines that the jam has been cleared if the original S is not detected after the separation sensor 24 (downstream).
Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 of the jam removal. The CPU 401, which has been notified of the jam removal, determines that the paper jam has been removed. If the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been removed in the ADF 100 (YES in S820), the process proceeds to S821. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S820, the process of S820 is repeated.

At S821, the CPU 401 displays the notification screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 on the LCD touch panel 600. Note that the notification screen 1000 shown in FIG. 10 is a screen for prompting the user to place the document S on the document tray 30 again.

After executing the process of S821, the CPU 401 advances the process to S822. In S822, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to stop scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1001 on the notification screen 1000. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received (YES in S822), it ends the series of processes (S800) shown in FIG. 8 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 7. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S822, it advances the process to S823.

In S823, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S823), the process proceeds to S809. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S823, the process returns to S822. The above is the details of the series of processes (S800) related to scanning.
According to the first embodiment, when the condition of the document being transported is due to an abnormal shape, an instruction to read the document can be received from the user without detecting whether the document is abnormal in shape.

Second Embodiment
In this embodiment, the following example will be described. First, after indicating to the user that the document is stapled, the user places the detected document on the document platen manually without using the ADF 100. Then, an example will be described in which an instruction to switch to a continuous reading process in which the user repeatedly presses the star button 607 will be accepted.
Fig. 11 is a flow chart for explaining a method for controlling the image reading apparatus according to this embodiment. The process shown in each step is realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded in the RAM 406. The series of processes shown in Fig. 11 are started when the copy screen shown in Fig. 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600 and bound document detection is set to detect. The same step numbers are used for the same steps as in Fig. 7.

In S701, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to execute a copy job has been accepted. If the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (YES in S701), the process proceeds to S1101. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted (NO in S701), the process of S701 is repeated until the CPU 401 determines that the instruction has been accepted. Note that an instruction to execute a copy job is accepted when the start key 607 is pressed by the user while the copy screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the LCD touch panel 600.

In S1101, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of a flag (hereafter referred to as the scan end flag) indicating whether or not a series of processes related to reading (scanning) the image of the document S has been completed normally to "FALSE." The value of the scan end flag is stored in the RAM 406.

When the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE", it indicates that the scan ended normally. On the other hand, when the value of the scan end flag is "FALSE", it indicates that the scan did not end normally. For example, when an instruction to stop scanning is received or when the execution of a copy job is canceled, the CPU 401 determines that the scan did not end normally and overwrites the value of the scan end flag with "FALSE".

In S702, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an original S is placed on the original tray 30. The CPU 401 can determine that an original S is placed on the original tray 30 by receiving a detection signal from the original detection sensor 23.

If the CPU 401 determines in S702 that the document S is placed on the document tray 30 (YES), the process proceeds to S1102. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in S703 as NO, the process proceeds to S1103.

In S1102, the CPU 401 sets (initializes) the value of a flag (hereinafter referred to as a continuous reading flag) indicating whether or not the original reading on the platen, the original reading by the ADF 100, and a combination of these will be repeated multiple times to "FALSE." The value of the continuous reading flag is stored in the RAM 406. After executing the process of S1102, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1200.
In S1103, the CPU 401 sets the value of the continuous reading flag to "TRUE" and advances the process to S1200. Details of the process of S1200 will be described later with reference to FIG.

Next, in S704 of FIG. 7, the CPU 401 refers to the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether the value of the scan end flag is "TRUE." If the CPU 401 determines in S704 that the value is "TRUE" (YES), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines in S7046 that the value is NO, the process proceeds to S706.

The CPU 401 reads the image data of the document S saved in the HDD 409 by S1219 and S1224 described below, and temporarily stores the image data in the RAM 406. The CPU 401 then instructs the image forming unit 500 to execute a print process based on the image data of the document S temporarily stored in the RAM 406 (S705).

After executing the process of S705, the CPU 401 advances the process to S706. In S706, the CPU 401 deletes the image data of the document S stored in the HDD 409 by S1219 and S1224 described below, and ends the series of processes related to FIG. 7. The above is a detailed description of the series of processes for accepting an instruction to execute a copy job and executing the accepted copy job.

[A series of processes related to scanning]
12 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling the image reading device according to this embodiment. This example corresponds to a detailed procedure of a series of processes (S1200) related to scanning by the CPU 401. The processes shown in each step are realized by the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 executing a control program read from the ROM 407 and loaded into the RAM 406.

In S1201, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an original S is placed on the original tray 30. If the CPU 401 determines that an original S is placed on the original tray 30 (YES in S1201), the process proceeds to S1202. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1201, the process proceeds to S1222.

In S1202, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transport the original S placed on the original tray 30. After executing the process of S1202, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1203. In S1203, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to detect whether there is any abnormality in the shape of the original S transported in S1202. The control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 detects any abnormality in the shape of the original and notifies the CPU 401 of the detection result (S1203).

After executing the process of S1203, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1204. If the CPU 401 receives a shape abnormality (YES in S1204), the process advances to S1205. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1204, the process advances to S1212.

In S1205, the CPU 401 refers to the setting information stored in the RAM 406 and determines whether or not the bound document detection mode is enabled. If the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is enabled (YES in S1205), the process proceeds to S1206. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines that the bound document detection mode is disabled in S1205, the process proceeds to S1212.

At S1206, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the document S and the reading of the image of the document S are stopped.

After executing the process of S1206, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1207. In S1207, the CPU 401 displays the notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 on the LCD touch panel 600. The notification screen 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is a screen for urging the user to place the document S on the document tray 30 again. The notification screen 1300 is also a screen for confirming with the user that scanning will continue by reading the document on the document tray when an abnormal shape of the document S is detected. The notification screen 1300 is displayed as a screen for accepting a switching instruction to switch from a first reading process in which the document transported by the ADF 100 is read to a second reading process in which documents placed on the document tray are continuously read.

After executing the process of S1207, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1208. In S1208, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to stop scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1301 on the notification screen 1300. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received (YES in S1208), it ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1208, it advances the process to S1209.

In S1209, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

If the CPU 401 determines that a scan restart instruction has been received (YES in S1209), the process proceeds to S1210. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1209, the process returns to S1208.

In S1210, the CPU 401 determines whether the Read on Platen button 1302 on the notification screen 1300 shown in Fig. 13 has been pressed. If the CPU 401 determines that the Read on Platen button 1302 has been pressed (YES in S1210), the process proceeds to S1211. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1210, the process returns to S1201.
In S1211, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the continuous reading flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE" and returns the process to S1201.

In S1212, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100. For example, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 determines that a paper jam has occurred if the separation sensor 24 cannot detect an original even after a certain time (t1) has elapsed since the start of conveyance.
Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 that a jam has occurred. The CPU 401 that has been notified of the jam determines that a paper jam has occurred. If the CPU 401 determines that a paper jam has occurred in the ADF 100 (YES in S1212), the process proceeds to S1213. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1212, the process proceeds to S1218.

At S1213, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to suspend the transport of the document S. With the suspension of scanning, the transport of the document S and the reading of the image of the document S are stopped.

After executing the process of S1213, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1214. In S1214, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the paper jam that occurred in the ADF 100 has been cleared. For example, the CPU 321 of the image reading unit 200 checks the values of the various sensors 304 notified by the CPU 300 of the ADF 100, and determines that the jam has been cleared if the original S is not detected after the separation sensor 24 (downstream).
Then, the CPU 321 notifies the CPU 401 of the controller unit 400 of the jam removal. The CPU 401, which has been notified of the jam removal, determines that the paper jam has been removed. If the CPU 401 determines that the paper jam has been removed in the ADF 100 (YES in S1214), the process proceeds to S1215. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1214, it repeats the process shown in S1214.

At S1215, the CPU 401 displays the notification screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 on the LCD touch panel 600. Note that the notification screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is a screen for prompting the user to place the document S on the document tray 30 again.

After executing the process of S1215, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1216. In S1216, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to stop scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1402 on the notification screen 1400. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received (YES in S1216), it ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1216, it advances the process to S1217.

In S1217, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to resume scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

When the CPU 401 determines that the instruction to resume scanning has been received (YES in S1217), the process returns to S1201. On the other hand, when the CPU 401 determines NO in S1217, the process returns to S1216.
In S1218, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to read the image of the conveyed original S.

After executing the process of S1218, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1219. The CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to the controller unit 400. The CPU 401 then stores the image data of the original S transferred to the controller unit 400 in the HDD 409 (S1219).

After executing the process of S1219, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1220. The CPU 401 determines whether or not an original S is placed on the original tray 30. If the CPU 401 determines that an original S is placed on the original tray 30 (YES in S1220), the process advances to S1202. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1220, the process advances to S1221.

At S1221, the CPU 401 determines whether the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE." If the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE" (YES at S1221), the CPU 401 advances the process to S1225. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO at S1221, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1229.

At S1222, the CPU 401 determines whether the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE". If the value of the continuous reading flag is "TRUE" (YES at S1222), the CPU 401 advances the process to S1223. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO at S1222, the process returns to S1201. At S1223, the CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to read the image of the original S on the original platen.

After executing the process of S1223, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1224. The CPU 401 instructs the control unit (CPU 321) of the image reading unit 200 to transfer the read image data to the controller unit 400. The CPU 401 then stores the image data of the original S transferred to the controller unit 400 in the HDD 409 (S1224).

After executing the process of S1224, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1225. In S1225, the CPU 401 displays the notification screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 on the LCD touch panel 600. Note that the notification screen 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is a screen that allows the user to select whether or not to read the next document.

After executing the process of S1225, the CPU 401 advances the process to S1226. In S1226, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to stop scanning has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1402 on the notification screen 1400. If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to stop scanning has been received (YES in S1226), it ends the series of processes (S1200) shown in FIG. 12 and advances the process to S704 in FIG. 11. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1226, it advances the process to S1227.

At S1227, the CPU 401 determines whether an instruction to read the next document has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to resume scanning has been received in response to the user pressing the start key 607 on the operation unit 405.

If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to read the next document has been received (YES in S1227), the CPU 401 returns the process to S1201. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1227, the process proceeds to S1228.

In S1228, the CPU 401 determines whether or not an instruction to end the scan has been received. For example, the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to end the scan has been received in response to the user pressing the stop button 1101 on the notification screen 1100.

If the CPU 401 determines that an instruction to end scanning has been received (YES in S1228), the process proceeds to S1229. On the other hand, if the CPU 401 determines NO in S1228, the process returns to S1226.

In S1229, the CPU 401 overwrites the value of the scan end flag stored in the RAM 406 with "TRUE." After executing the process of S1227, the CPU 401 ends the series of processes related to Fig. 12 (S1200) and proceeds to the process of S704 in Fig. 11. The above is the details of the series of processes related to scanning (S1200).
According to the second embodiment, the cause of the job interruption is presented to the user, and it is possible to leave it up to the user to select whether or not to instruct the user to switch the recovery process to manual continuous reading process.
In other words, if the abnormal shape of the document being transported is due to binding such as stapling, the cause of the abnormality will be displayed and an instruction can be received from the user to read documents placed on the document table in succession.

The present invention provides a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium. The present invention can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. Specifically, the present invention can be realized by a control circuit (ASIC) designed to execute the processes based on each flowchart executing the processes by CPU 300, CPU 321, and CPU 401.

100 ADF
200 Image reading unit
400 Controller
405 Operation Unit
500 Image forming unit

Claims (11)

a reading means for reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveying means;
a conveyance control means for stopping conveyance of the original when the height direction of the original conveyed by the conveyance means reaches an abnormal position ;
An image processing device characterized by having a display means that displays a reception section to disable a function of stopping the transport of the document when the height-wise position of the document transported by the transport means reaches an abnormal position, on the condition that the height-wise position of the document transported by the transport means reaches an abnormal position. The image processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the reception unit is a button . The image processing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport means is capable of transporting documents one by one from a document tray. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reception unit that receives a setting to disable the function from a user via the reception unit . The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that the display means further displays another reception section for receiving from a user a request to stop reading of the document whose transport by the transport means has been stopped, on the condition that the vertical position of the document transported by the transport means has reached an abnormal position. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a sensor for detecting a position in the height direction . 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising : a sensor for detecting a jam of the document conveyed by the conveying means. The image processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the reception unit for disabling the function of stopping the transport of the document based on at least the detected position in the height direction of the document transported by the transport means is a reception unit that disables detection by the sensor . 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the transport means. a reading step of reading an image of the document conveyed by the conveying means;
a conveyance control step of stopping conveyance of the document when a position in a height direction of the document conveyed by the conveying means reaches an abnormal position ;
A control method for an image processing device, comprising: a display step of displaying a reception unit to disable a function of stopping the transport of the original when the height-wise position of the original transported by the transporting means reaches an abnormal position, on the condition that the height-wise position of the original transported by the transporting means reaches an abnormal position . A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 10 .

Images