JP2002094748A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that allows a plurality of automatic draft feeders, to have only to read originals for easily discriminating the size of the originals. SOLUTION: The image forming device enables a plurality of the automatic draft feeders(ADFs) to read originals of indeterminate forms at a high-speed mode or a high precision mode. Then the image forming device discriminates the sizes of the originals of indeterminate forms, on the basis of a signal from a plurality of the automatic draft feeders, depending on each mode by each mode. Thus, even when the originals of indeterminate forms are copied on the recording paper of a definite size, it is not required for a user to enter the width and the length of the originals of indeterminate forms for the purpose of recording an image at a proper magnification or of producing a proper space on the recording paper which is different from the conventional image forming device. Thus, the image forming device can easily discriminate the size of the originals, by only having to make a plurality of automatic draft feeders read the originals of indeterminate forms.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a copier or a facsimile apparatus having a copying function provided with an automatic document reading unit (ADF) for automatically reading a plurality of documents. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a flatbed scanner (FBS) for reading a still document placed on a document placing plate and a multiple document automatic reading section (AD) for automatically reading a plurality of documents are provided.
F) and a facsimile machine with a copy function are becoming mainstream.

In order to copy a fixed-size (for example, A4, B4, etc.) document onto a fixed-size recording sheet using the automatic multiple-document reading section of these apparatuses, the document is first placed on a platen. Then, the regulating member that regulates the width direction of the document is adjusted to the width of the document. Next, when the start key is operated, the originals are supplied while being separated one by one. Then, the width of the document is determined based on the position of the regulating member. Further, the length of the document is determined based on the number of lines of the image data of the document read by the automatic document reading unit.
As a result, the recording paper accommodated in the recording paper cassette is selected based on the width and length of the original, and the read image of the original is recorded on the recording paper.

That is, by causing a plurality of automatic document reading units to read a fixed size original, the apparatus itself recognizes the size of the original. Further, the apparatus itself recognizes the size of the fixed-size recording paper accommodated in the recording paper cassette. Therefore, when copying a fixed size original onto a fixed size recording paper, it is possible to record an image at an appropriate magnification and create an appropriate margin on the recording paper.

[0005]

By the way, originals and recording papers of a size other than a standard size (for example, A4, B4, etc.)
That is, although there are irregular sizes, the device itself does not recognize the irregular size. Therefore, for example, when copying an irregular-size original on a fixed-size recording paper, the irregular-size original is recorded in order to record an image at an appropriate magnification or to create an appropriate margin on the recording paper. It is necessary to input the width and length of the original. In addition, in the case of an irregular size document whose width and length are unknown,
Its width and length need to be measured in advance.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily determine the size of a document only by causing a plurality of document automatic reading units to read the document. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the following.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus provided with an automatic reading section for a plurality of originals, an original is automatically read in a plurality of modes in a plurality of modes. And a control unit for judging the size of the document based on a signal from the plural document automatic reading unit corresponding to the mode for each mode.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, when the control unit causes the automatic scanning unit to read a plurality of originals in the high-speed mode, the control unit reads the originals except during reading. Feed at a higher speed than when reading.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, there is provided a notifying unit for notifying that the document is skewed, and the control unit controls the plurality of documents in a high precision mode. If you want the automatic document reading unit to read,
When the document is skewed, the notification means is notified of the fact.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is embodied in a facsimile apparatus with a copying function will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a facsimile apparatus 11 with a copying function includes a document feeding section 12, a document placing section 13,
A reading unit 14, a recording paper supply unit 15, a recording unit 16, and a recording paper discharge unit 17 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a document table 22 on which a plurality of documents 21 can be placed, a separation roller 23 for separately feeding the documents 21 on the document table 22 one by one, and a plurality of feeding rollers for feeding the separated documents 21. 24, and a document length sensor 2 comprising a reflective photosensor or a filler sensor for detecting the leading and trailing edges of the document 21
5, a light-transmitting plate 26 through which the original 21 passes, and an original discharge tray 27 for storing the discharged original 21. The document presence sensor 28 is arranged to face the document table 22 and outputs a detection signal when the document 21 is placed on the document table 22. As shown in FIG. 4, a plate switching roller 29c having a white plate 29a and a black plate 29b on the outer peripheral surface is provided above the light transmitting plate 26. The plate switching roller 29c is provided between the light transmitting plate 2 and the conveyance path of the original 21 (first original) from the original platen 22.
6 is provided at a position on the opposite side.

The original placing portion 13 has a transparent original placing plate 31 for placing the original 21 on the upper surface thereof, and the original placing plate 3
1 and a cover 32 arranged to be openable and closable. Then, the document table 22 and the document discharge table 27 of the document feeding section 12 are disposed on the cover 32 of the document placing section 13, and are opened and closed integrally with the cover 32. The cover open / close sensor 33 detects the open / closed state of the cover 32 and outputs a detection signal.

The reading section 14 includes a light source 37 for irradiating light to the original 21 (first original) passing on the light transmitting plate 26 or the original 21 (second original) placed on the original placing plate 31. First to third mirrors 38 to 40 for changing the optical path of the reflected light from the original 21, a light source 37 and first to third mirrors 38 to 4
And a moving mechanism 41 (see FIG. 2) for moving 0. Further, the reading unit 14 includes a condenser lens 42 for converging light from the third mirror 40 and a condenser lens 4
An image sensor (CCD) 43 that reads an image of the document 21 based on the light incident through the device 2 and outputs the read image of the document 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the moving mechanism 41 includes a pair of left and right large-diameter pulleys 44, 45, a pair of left and right small-diameter pulleys 46, 47, and a first mechanism mounted between the large-diameter pulleys 44, 45. A belt 48 and a second belt 49 mounted between the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are provided. Further, the moving mechanism 41
Is a first carriage 50 connected to the first belt 48.
And the second carriage 5 connected to the second belt 49.
1 and a step motor 52.

The diameters of the large-diameter pulleys 44, 45 are twice as large as the diameters of the small-diameter pulleys 46, 47. The large-diameter pulley 44 and the small-diameter pulley 46 on the left side are integrally rotatably connected on the same axis, and are operatively connected to a step motor 52. Further, the light source 37 and the first mirror 38 are supported on the first carriage 50, and the second mirror 39 and the third mirror 40 are supported on the second carriage 51.

When the large-diameter pulleys 44 and 45 and the small-diameter pulleys 46 and 47 are rotated by the step motor 52, the first and second carriages 50 and 50 are rotated via the first and second belts 48 and 49. 51 is moved. At this time, the first carriage 50 is moved at twice the moving speed of the second carriage 51. As a result, the first and second carriages 50 and 51 move to the intermediate standby position P1, the first document reading position P2 located immediately below the light transmitting plate 26, and the document placing plate 31, as shown in FIG. And a start point P3 of the second document reading position which is located immediately below the reference end 31a.

A document automatic reading section (ADF) is constituted by the document feeding section 12 and the reading section 14, and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved to the first document reading position P2. And the original 21 passing over the transparent plate 26
Is read.

Further, a flatbed scanner (FBS) is constituted by the original placing section 13 and the reading section 14, and the first and second carriages 50 and 51 are moved to the starting point P3 of the second original reading position, that is, the flatbed scanner. (FB
After being moved to the home position of S), it is moved toward the end point P4, and the image of the original 21 placed on the original placing plate 31 is read.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper supply unit 15
A plurality (two in the present embodiment) of recording paper cassettes 57 accommodating recording papers 56 of a predetermined size in a stacked state are provided. Further, the recording paper supply unit 15 is provided with each recording paper cassette 57.
A paper feed roller 58 that feeds the recording paper 56 therein one by one toward the recording unit 16 and a guide plate 59 that guides the feeding of the recording paper 56 are provided. Note that recording papers 56 having different sizes are stored in the respective recording paper cassettes 57.

The recording paper cassettes 57 are provided with recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b, respectively. When each recording paper cassette 57 is inserted into a predetermined position, these recording paper size sensors 60a and 60b output a detection signal indicating the size of the recording paper 56 stored in each recording paper cassette 57.

The recording unit 16 includes a photosensitive drum 68 having a photoconductive film on the outer peripheral surface, a charger 69 for uniformly charging the photoconductive film of the photoconductive drum 68 to a predetermined potential, and a recording device 16 on the photoconductive drum 68. An exposure unit 70 for forming an electrostatic latent image and a developing unit 71 for supplying toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 68 and developing the electrostatic latent image are provided. Further, the recording unit 16 includes a feeding roller 72 for feeding the recording paper 56 to the photosensitive drum 68, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 68.
The image forming apparatus includes a transfer device 73 that transfers the toner image onto the recording paper 56 from above, and a heat fixing device 74 that heats and fixes the toner image on the recording paper 56.

The recording paper discharge section 17 is provided for recording the recording paper 5.
The recording paper 56 includes a paper discharge roller 77 that discharges the recording paper 6, a guide plate 78 that guides the discharge of the recording paper 56, and a paper discharge tray 79 that stores the discharged recording paper 56. In the recording paper supply unit 15, the recording unit 16, and the recording paper discharge unit 17,
For example, the paper feed roller 58, the feed roller 72, the photosensitive drum 68, the developing device 71, the paper discharge roller 77, and the like are rotated by a rotational driving force from a step motor (not shown).

Next, the electrical configuration of the facsimile machine 11 with the copying function configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the facsimile apparatus 11 with a copy function includes an MPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 8
3, reading unit 14, recording paper supply unit 15, recording unit 16, operation unit 84, display unit 85, image memory 86, codec 8
7, a modem 88 and an NCU 89, and the respective units 14 to 16 and 81 to 89 are connected via a bus 90, respectively.

The MPU 81 controls the operation of each unit of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The ROM 82 stores various programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function. The RAM 83 temporarily stores various data and the like accompanying the execution of the program. Also, R
The AM 83 stores the size of the document 21 read by the automatic document reading unit (ADF).

The reading section 14 reads an image of the original 21 via the light transmitting plate 26 or the original placing plate 31. The reading unit 14 includes a document length sensor 25, an image sensor 43, and a step motor 52. That is, the document length sensor 2
Reference numeral 5 sends a detection signal from when the leading edge of the document 21 from the document table 22 is detected to when the trailing edge is detected. The image sensor 43 reads an image of the document 21 and outputs black and white binary image data. The step motor 52 rotates the separation roller 23, the plurality of feeding rollers 24, and the plate switching roller 29c in addition to the pulleys 44 to 47.

The recording paper supply unit 15 supplies the recording paper 56 to the recording unit 16 from the recording paper cassette 57 selected according to the size of the original. The recording unit 16 is composed of, for example, an electrophotographic printer, and stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14 in a copy operation on a recording paper
Record above.

The operation unit 84 includes ten-keys (including * and # keys) 84a for inputting telephone numbers, fax numbers, and the like.
The abbreviated key 84b for registering the abbreviated number or transmitting from the abbreviated number, the one-touch key 84c for specifying the pre-registered FAX number with one touch, the start key 84d for starting the original reading operation, and
X) "or" copy "mode, a communication / copy key 84e, a high-speed mode key 84f for reading the original 21 in a high-speed mode for quickly measuring the size of the original 21, and a highly accurate size of the original 21. And various operation keys such as a high-accuracy mode key 84g for reading the original 21 in the high-accuracy mode measured by. LCD
The display unit 85 is configured to display various information such as the operation state of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function.

The image memory 86 temporarily stores received image data and image data read by the reading unit 14. The codec 87 encodes the image data read by the reading unit 14 for transmission using the MH, MR, MMR, or the like. The codec 87 decodes (decodes) the received image data.

The modem 88 complies with ITU-T Recommendation T.30. 30 based on a facsimile transmission control procedure according to V.30. 1
7, V. 27ter, V.A. Modulation and demodulation of transmission / reception data according to 29 or the like are performed. The NCU 89 has a function of controlling connection with the telephone line L and detecting transmission and reception of a dial signal corresponding to a telephone number (including a FAX number) of a destination.

Next, a facsimile machine 11 with a copying function
In this case, based on the operation of the high-speed mode key 84f, the automatic document reading unit (ADF) 21
The operation from reading the upper image to storing the size of the document 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. This operation is executed under the control of the MPU 81 based on the program stored in the ROM 82 (the same applies to the operation of the facsimile machine 11 with a copying function).

The original 21 of irregular size is placed on the original platen 2.
2 and the high-speed mode is set based on the operation of the high-speed mode key 84f, the step S shown in FIG.
In step 1, the step motor 52 is controlled so that the black plate 2
The plate switching roller 29c is rotated so that 9b faces the light transmitting plate 26. That is, since the color of the document 21 is often white, if the back of the reading position P2 of the document 21 is white, the difference between the color of the document 21 and the color of the back of the reading position P2 hardly appears, and Sometimes it is difficult to detect the edge of the document 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Of the reading position P2 is black.

When the start key 84d is operated (step S2), the flow shifts to step S3. In step S <b> 3, the stepping motor 52 is controlled to rotate the separation roller 23 to feed (feed) one document 21 of an irregular size on the document table 22. At this time, the original 21 of an irregular size is supplied at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode having a lower resolution than the ultra high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, the document 21 of the irregular size is supplied at a relatively high speed except when the image is read. Since the step motor 52 is rotated at a relatively high speed except when the image is read, the size of the irregular-size original 21 can be quickly measured.

Eventually, when the leading end of the irregular-sized original 21 is detected by the original length sensor 25 (step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, while counting the number of steps of the step motor 52 is started,
The rotation speed of the step motor 52 is gradually reduced based on the detection of the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 in step S4.

In step S6, when a predetermined time has passed since the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 was detected in step S4, the image sensor 43 starts reading an image on the irregular-size original 21. That is,
After a lapse of time until the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26, reading of an image on the irregular-size original 21 is started. At this time, the original 21 of an irregular size is fed at a speed based on the ultra-high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, when reading an image, the original 21 of the irregular size is fed at the lowest speed.
Since the step motor 52 is rotated at the lowest speed when reading an image in this manner, the size of the original 21 having an irregular size can be measured with high accuracy.

When the trailing edge of the irregular-sized original 21 is detected by the original length sensor 25 (step S7), the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, counting of the number of steps of the step motor 52 is stopped.

In step S9, when a predetermined time has passed since the trailing end of the irregular-size original 21 was detected in step S7, the image sensor 43 stops reading the image on the irregular-size original 21. . That is,
After a lapse of time until the rear end of the irregular-size original 21 is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26, reading of the image on the irregular-size original 21 is stopped. Thereafter, the original 21 of irregular size is ejected to the original ejection tray 27 at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode. That is, after the image is read, the original 21 of the irregular size is discharged at a relatively high speed. After reading the image, the stepping motor 5
Since the document 2 is rotated at a relatively high speed, the size measurement of the original 21 having an irregular size can be completed quickly.

In step S10, the width of the irregular-sized original 21, that is, the length of the irregular-sized original 21 in the main scanning direction is calculated based on the read signal from the image sensor 43. Further, after the original length sensor 25 detects the leading end of the irregular-size original 21, the original 21
Until the trailing edge is detected (steps S4 to S7),
Based on the counted number of steps of the step motor 52 and the feed length of the irregular-size original 21 per step, the length of the irregular-size original 21, that is, in the sub-scanning direction of the irregular-size original 21. Calculate the length. That is, in step S10, the size of the original 21 of irregular size is calculated.

In step S11, the size of the irregular-size original 21, that is, the width and length of the irregular-size original 21, are stored in the RAM 83. Specifically, for example, as “irregular size 1”, the width (for example, 150) and length (for example, 200) of the irregular-size original 21, that is, the length of the irregular-size original 21 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning The length in the direction is stored in the RAM 83.

As a result, when the irregular size original 21 is placed on the original platen 22 and the start key 84d is operated, for example, the standard size recording paper 56 accommodated in the upper recording paper cassette 57 is appropriately adjusted. Image processing (setting of left, right, top and bottom margins, reduction of the entire image) is performed and copied.

In step S12, the step motor 52
Is controlled so that the plate switching roller 29c is rotated so that the white plate 29a faces the light transmitting plate 26, and the process ends.

Next, a facsimile machine 11 with a copying function
, Based on the operation of the high-precision mode key 84g,
Documents of irregular size 2 by the automatic document reader (ADF)
The operation from reading the upper image to storing the size of the original 21 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the operation in the high-speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the width of the irregular-size original 21 is determined based on a read signal from the image sensor 43.
Were used to calculate the length of the irregular-size original 21, respectively. In the operation in the high-accuracy mode described below, the width and the width of the irregular-size original 21 are determined based on a read signal from the image sensor 43. Each length is calculated. That is,
The calculation of the length of the irregular-size original 21 without using the original length sensor 25 is different from the operation in the high-speed mode shown in FIG.

Now, the original 21 of irregular size is placed on the original platen 2.
When the high-accuracy mode is set on the basis of the operation of the high-accuracy mode key 84g, steps S21 and S22 shown in FIG.
1 and the same processing as in step S2.

In step S23, the step motor 52
Is rotated by one step, and the separation roller 23 is rotated to feed (feed) one document 21 of an irregular size on the document table 22. At this time, the original 21 of an irregular size is supplied at a speed based on the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. That is, before the image on the document 21 is read,
An irregular size original 21 is supplied at the lowest speed. As described above, before the image on the document 21 is read, the stepping motor 52
Is rotated at the lowest speed, the possibility that the original 21 is skewed when the original 21 of irregular size is supplied to the reading unit 14 is reduced. Therefore, the size of the original 21 having an irregular size can be measured with high accuracy.

In step S24, the image is read by the image sensor 43 for one line. However, in this step S24 in the first control cycle, the original 21 of irregular size is set in the start key 84 in step S22.
Only one step of the step motor 52 has been fed since d was operated. That is, the original 21 of the irregular size is not yet on the light transmitting plate 26. Therefore, in this step S24 in the first control cycle, not the white pixels on the irregular-size original 21 but the reading position P
Only the black pixels on the black plate 29b arranged on the back surface of the image sensor 2 are read by the image sensor 43.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the conveyance path for the original 21 of irregular size is closer to the image sensor 43 than the black plate 29b. Therefore, an irregular size original 2
When 1 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26, white pixels on the original 21 of irregular size overlap black pixels on the black plate 29b. That is, the original 2 of irregular size
When 1 is transferred onto the translucent plate 26, white pixels on the irregular-sized original 21 are continuously present in the reading line in the main scanning direction in the middle of the black pixels on the black plate 29b. Will be.

In the step S25, the step S24
Calculates the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43. Note that the number of consecutive white pixels calculated in step S25 in the first control cycle is zero.

In step S26, step S25 is performed.
It is determined whether or not the number of consecutive white pixels calculated in step is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 50 pixels). Incidentally, the resolution of reading by the image sensor 43 in the super high image quality mode is 16
In the case of [dot / mm], the 50 pixels are about 3
It corresponds to the number of pixels for mm. In step S26,
If the number of consecutive white pixels is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive white pixels is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S23, and the original 21 of the irregular size is further fed by one step of the step motor 52.

The number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 in the first control cycle is zero.
Therefore, this step S in the first control cycle
At 26, it is determined that the number of consecutive white pixels is less than the predetermined value, and the routine goes to Step S23. That is, step S
Until the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step 25 becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, that is, the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 is
Until it is transported upward, the processing of steps S23 to S26 is repeated.

In step S27, the line count is reset to "0". That is, based on the fact that the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, it is determined that the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 has been transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26, and the line count is counted. Start.

In step S28, at an arbitrary position of a continuous white pixel, for example, at a read line in the main scanning direction,
The position of the first white pixel (K shown in FIG. 5) is stored in the RAM 83.

In step S29, the step motor 52
Is rotated by one step, the separation roller 23 and the feed roller 24 are rotated, and the original 21 of an irregular size is fed. At this time, the original 21 of irregular size is
Feed at a speed based on the ultra-high quality mode with the highest resolution. That is, when reading an image on the document 21, the document 21 of the irregular size is fed at the lowest speed. As described above, when the image on the document 21 is read, the stepping motor 52
Is rotated at the lowest speed, so that the size of the original 21 of irregular size can be measured with high accuracy.

In step S30, "1" is added to the line count, and the flow shifts to step S31. In step S31, the image sensor 43 is caused to read an image for one line.

In step S32, the process proceeds to step S31.
In the line read by the image sensor 43, the pixel at an arbitrary position of the continuous white pixel stored in the step S28 (in this case, the position K of the first white pixel on the read line in the main scanning direction) is black. It is determined whether the pixel is a pixel. If the first pixel at the position K of the white pixel is a black pixel on the read line in the main scanning direction, it is determined that the rear end of the original 21 of the irregular size has already passed over the light transmitting plate 26, and Move to S33. On the other hand, if the first pixel at the position K of the white pixel is not a black pixel in the reading line in the main scanning direction, that is, if the pixel is a white pixel, the rear end of the original 21 of irregular size is placed on the light transmitting plate 26. If it is determined that the original has not passed yet, the process proceeds to step S29 to feed the original 21 of an irregular size. In other words, in the reading line in the main scanning direction, the steps until the pixel at the position K of the first white pixel becomes a black pixel, that is, until the rear end of the original 21 of the irregular size passes over the light transmitting plate 26. The processes from S29 to S32 are repeated.

In step S33 shown in FIG. 8, the image sensor 43 stops reading an image on the original 21 of an irregular size. Thereafter, the original 21 of irregular size is ejected to the original ejection tray 27 at a speed based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode. That is, after the image is read, the original 21 of the irregular size is discharged at a relatively high speed. As described above, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a relatively high speed after reading the image, the size measurement of the original 21 having an irregular size can be completed quickly.

In step S34, based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, more specifically, based on the maximum value of the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43 in steps S24 and S31 shown in FIG. Then, the width of the irregular-size original 21, that is, the length of the irregular-size original 21 in the main scanning direction is calculated.

After the number of continuous white pixels has become equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S26 shown in FIG.
In the reading line in the main scanning direction, the line count until the pixel at the position K of the first white pixel becomes a black pixel, that is, the number of steps of the step motor 52, and the feed length of the irregular-size original 21 per step Based on the above, the length of the irregular-size original 21, that is, the length of the irregular-size original 21 in the sub-scanning direction is calculated. In other words, the front end of the irregular-size original 21 is
The number of steps of the step motor 52 from the time when the original 21 is transported to the time when the rear end of the irregular-size original 21 passes over the light transmitting plate 26, and the feed of the irregular-size original 21 per step Based on the length, the length of the original 21 of irregular size is calculated. That is, in step S34, the size of the original 21 of irregular size is calculated.

In step S35, FIGS. 5A and 5B
As shown in FIG. 7, the “continuous white pixels calculated in step S25 shown in FIG. 7” with respect to “the maximum value M of the number of continuous white pixels corresponding to the width of the irregular-sized original document 21 calculated in step S34” The ratio of the number R of consecutive white pixels when the number becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value for the first time in step S26 is calculated.

In step S36, step S35
It is determined whether or not the ratio calculated in is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 3%). Incidentally, the width of the irregular-size original 21 is 150 mm, and the image sensor 43 in the ultra-high image quality mode is used.
Is 16 [dots / mm], the maximum value M of the number of continuous white pixels corresponding to the width is 2400 pixels (150 × 16). That is, in this step S36, the number of consecutive white pixels R
Is greater than or equal to 3% (72 pixels) of 2,400 pixels. The 72 pixels correspond to the number of pixels for about 4.5 mm.

If the ratio is equal to or more than the predetermined value in step S36, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the irregular-size original 21 is not skewed, or the size can be measured almost exactly. Is determined, the flow proceeds to step S37. Step S37 and Step S38
Then, the same processing as in steps S11 and S12 shown in FIG. 6 is performed.

If the ratio is less than the predetermined value in step S36, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is determined that the irregularly sized document 21 is skewed so large that the size cannot be measured accurately. Then, control goes to a step S39.

In step S39, an error indicating that the size could not be measured with high accuracy because the irregular-size document 21 placed on the document table 22 to measure the size is skewed. The message is displayed on the display unit 85 for a predetermined time.

In step S38, the same processing as in step S12 shown in FIG. 6 is performed. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

(1) Document 21 of irregular size is placed on platen 2
2 and the high-speed mode key 84f is operated,
The original 21 of the irregular size is read by the automatic scanning unit (ADF) in a high-speed mode. Then, based on the read signal from the image sensor 43, the width of the original 21 of irregular size is calculated (step S10 shown in FIG. 6). Further, after the original length sensor 25 detects the leading end of the irregular-size original 21, the original 2
The length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated based on the number of steps of the step motor 52 counted until one trailing edge is detected and the feed length of the irregular-size original 21 per step. (Step S1
0).

On the other hand, when the high-accuracy mode key 84g is operated, the original 21 of irregular size is read by the automatic multi-document reading section (ADF) in the high-accuracy mode. Then, based on the read signal from the image sensor 43,
The width of the original 21 of irregular size is calculated (step S34 shown in FIG. 8). The stepping motor 52 moves from the time when the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 is transferred onto the light transmitting plate 26 to the time when the rear end of the irregular-size original 21 passes over the light transmitting plate 26. The length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated based on the number and the feed length of the irregular-size original 21 per step (step S34).

That is, for each mode, the size of the original 21 having an irregular size is determined based on a signal from the plural original automatic reading unit corresponding to the mode. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, even when the original 21 of the irregular size is copied onto the recording paper 56 of the standard size, an image is recorded at an appropriate magnification or an appropriate margin is created on the recording paper 56. Therefore, it is not necessary to input the width and length of the original 21 having the irregular size. Moreover, even in the case of the original 21 of an irregular size whose width and length are unknown, it is not necessary to measure the width and length in advance. Accordingly, the size of the irregular-size original 21 can be easily determined only by causing the automatic scanning unit to read the irregular-size original 21.

(2) In addition, in the case where the original 21 of irregular size is read by the automatic scanning unit for plural originals in the high-speed mode, the reading is performed (steps S6 to S9 shown in FIG. 6).
In other cases, the original 21 of an irregular size is fed at a higher speed than at the time of reading. Therefore, in the high-speed mode, the size of the irregular-size original 21 can be quickly measured.

(3) Further, in the case where the original 21 of irregular size is to be read by the automatic scanning unit for plural originals in the high accuracy mode, if the irregular size of the original 21 is skewed, the fact is described. The display unit 85 displays an error message
(Step S39 shown in FIG. 8). In other words, if the irregular size original 21 is skewed and the measured size is likely to be significantly different from the actual size, the size is measured again without storing the measured size. Has been prompted. In other words, in the high-accuracy mode, the measured size is stored only when the irregular-sized original 21 is not skewed or almost skewed (step S37). Therefore,
In the high-accuracy mode, the size of the irregular-size original 21 can be measured with high accuracy.

(4) In the high-accuracy mode, the length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated without using the original length sensor 25. More specifically, after the number of consecutive white pixels has reached a predetermined value or more in step S26 shown in FIG.
In the reading line in the main scanning direction, the number of steps of the step motor 52 until the pixel at the position K of the first white pixel becomes a black pixel and the feed length of the irregular-sized original 21 per step are determined based on the number of steps. , The length of the original 21 having an irregular size is calculated. That is, the length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated based on the read signal after the image on the irregular-size original 21 is read by the image sensor 43.

Therefore, unlike the high-speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the document length sensor 25 detects the leading edge or the trailing edge of the irregular-size original 21 and continues until the original is transferred to the light transmitting plate 26. Even if there is “play” during the intermediate feed, the play does not adversely affect the measurement of the length of the original 21 having the irregular size. That is, the possibility that an error occurs in the measurement of the length of the irregular-size original 21 due to the thickness of the irregular-size original 21 is reduced. Therefore, the length of the irregular-size original 21 can be determined with higher accuracy than in the high-speed mode.

The above embodiment can be modified and embodied as follows. In the above-described embodiment, in the operation in the high-speed mode shown in FIG. 6, the irregular-size original 21 is supplied at a relatively high speed until the leading end is detected (step S3), and based on the detection of the leading end. After gradually decreasing the rotation speed of the step motor 52 (step S5), the irregular-size original 21 is fed at a speed (lowest speed) based on the ultra-high image quality mode (step S6). , May be configured as follows. That is, the configuration may be such that the original 21 of an irregular size is supplied at the speed (lowest speed) based on the ultra-high image quality mode having the highest resolution based on the operation of the start key 84d in step S2. With this configuration, when the irregular-size original 21 whose size is to be measured is supplied to the reading unit 14, the irregular-size original 21 is supplied at a speed (lowest speed) based on the ultra-high image quality mode. Therefore, the original 21 of the irregular size
When the document 21 is supplied to the reading unit 14, the possibility that the original 21 of the irregular size skews is reduced. Therefore, in the high-speed mode, the size of the original 21 having an irregular size can be measured with high accuracy. Further, since the step motor 52 is rotated at a low speed, there is no need to gradually reduce the rotation speed of the step motor 52.

In addition, in order to measure the size of the irregular-size original 21 more quickly than in the above-described embodiment, FIG.
After the detection of the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 in step S4 shown in FIG. 4 and the predetermined number of steps after the detection has elapsed, the rotation speed of the step motor 52 is gradually decreased, and then the irregular-size May be supplied at a speed (lowest speed) based on the ultra-high image quality mode.

In the above-described embodiment, in the operation in the high-accuracy mode shown in FIGS.
1 is configured to be fed at the speed (lowest speed) based on the ultra-high image quality mode having the highest resolution (step S23 and step S29), but may be configured as follows. That is, at least in the processing of step S23,
The configuration may be such that the original 21 of an irregular size is fed at a speed (relatively high speed) based on the standard mode or the high image quality mode having a lower resolution than the super high image quality mode having the highest resolution. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly measure the size of the original 21 having an irregular size in the high-accuracy mode.

In the above embodiment, in the operation in the high-accuracy mode shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the width of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated in step S34, the ratio is calculated in step S35, and the ratio is calculated in step S36. If the ratio is less than the predetermined value, an error message is displayed on the display unit 8 in step S39.
5 is displayed. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the width of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated after all the images on the irregular-size original 21 are read. However, a part of the processing illustrated in FIGS. May be changed to the processing shown in FIG.

That is, in step S51, it is determined whether or not the width of the original 21 of irregular size has already been stored in the RAM 83. In this step S51 in the first control cycle, the width of the original 21 of the irregular size is not yet stored in the RAM 83, so that the process proceeds to step S52.

In step S52, it is determined whether or not the line count in step S30 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 500). Incidentally, when the resolution in the sub-scanning direction in the super high image quality mode is 16 [lines / mm], the 500 lines correspond to the number of lines of about 3 cm. That is, in this step S52, it is determined whether the reading of the image of about 3 cm from the leading end of the original 21 of the irregular size has already been completed. Note that the reading line at a position approximately 3 cm from the leading end of the irregular-size original 21 means a continuous white color having the maximum value M shown in FIG. 5 unless the irregular-size original 21 is extremely skewed. This corresponds to a line having the number of pixels.

If the line count is equal to or greater than the predetermined value in step S52, the line has reached the maximum value M and has the number of continuous white pixels, so that the ratio can be calculated as in step S35 shown in FIG. It moves to step S53. On the other hand, step S52
In the case where the line count is less than the predetermined value,
Since it has not yet reached the line having the maximum number M of continuous white pixels, it is determined that the ratio cannot be calculated, and the process proceeds to step S31 shown in FIG. Read only the lines.

In step S53, the width of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated based on the maximum number M of consecutive white pixels.
That is, the length in the main scanning direction of the original 21 having the irregular size is calculated. In steps S54 and S55, the same processing as in steps S35 and S36 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.

If it is determined in step S55 that the ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the flow shifts to step S56, where the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83, and the flow shifts to step S31 shown in FIG. Then, step S3
1. Determination of "NO" in step S32, step S29
Then, after going through each process of step S30 and proceeding to step S51 shown in FIG. 9, in step S51, the width of the original 21 having the irregular size already
Since the result is stored in M83, "YES" is determined, and the process shifts to step S31 shown in FIG. That is, step S5
If the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step 6, the processing of steps S53 to S56 in the next control cycle is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the width of the irregular-size original 21 from being calculated and stored again despite the fact that the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83.

If "NO" is determined in the step S55, that is, if the ratio calculated in the step S54 is less than the predetermined value, the irregularly sized original 21 is skewed so large that the size cannot be measured accurately. Then, in step S57, the same processing as in step S39 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.

By the way, when the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S56, and if "YES" is determined in step S32 through step S31 shown in FIG. Perform processing. That is, in step S34 shown in FIG. 8, only the length of the original 21 of the irregular size is calculated, and in step S35,
Steps S36 and S39 are omitted, and in step S37, only the length of the original 21 of irregular size is stored in the RAM.
83.

As described above, unlike the above embodiment, after reading all the images on the original 21 of the irregular size,
Instead of calculating the width of the original 21 of irregular size,
If the width of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated at the stage when the image on the irregular-size original 21 is read by about 3 cm from the leading end, the irregular-size original 21 is greatly skewed. When in operation, it can be quickly notified to the operator.

In addition, a configuration in which part of the processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is changed to the processing shown in FIG. 10 may be adopted. That is, in step S61, the same processing as in step S51 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. In step S62, the number of continuous white pixels in the line read by the image sensor 43 in step S31 shown in FIG. 7 is calculated.

In step S63, step S62
It is determined whether or not the number of continuous white pixels calculated in step is the same as the number of continuous white pixels in the immediately preceding line. If both have the same number of pixels, they are the number of consecutive white pixels having the maximum value M shown in FIG.
That is, whether the original 21 of irregular size is skewed,
Alternatively, it is limited to a case where a line having the maximum number M of continuous white pixels is reached even if it is skewed. Therefore, in these cases, it is determined that the ratio can be calculated as in step S35 shown in FIG.
Move to 64. On the other hand, in step S63, if the two have different numbers of pixels, the process moves to step S32 shown in FIG.

In steps S64 to S68, the same processing as in steps S53 to S57 shown in FIG. 9 is performed. If the ratio is equal to or more than the predetermined value in step S66, the process proceeds to step S67, where the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83, and then the process proceeds to step S32 shown in FIG. Then, step S3
No. 2 determination of “NO”, steps S29 to S31
After the above-described processing, the process proceeds to step S61 shown in FIG. 10. In step S61, since the width of the irregular-size original 21 has already been stored in the RAM 83 in step S67, "YES" is determined. Step S3 shown in
Move to 2. That is, when the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in step S67, the processes in steps S64 to S67 of the next control cycle are not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the width of the irregular-size original 21 from being calculated and stored again despite the fact that the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83.

If "NO" is determined in the step S66, that is, if the ratio calculated in the step S65 is less than a predetermined value, the irregular-size original 21 is skewed so large that the size cannot be measured accurately. In step S68, the same process as step S39 shown in FIG. 8 is performed.

By the way, when the width of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83 in the step S67, and the determination is "YES" in the step S32 shown in FIG. 7, the following processing is performed thereafter. That is, in step S34 shown in FIG. 8, only the length of the irregular-size original 21 is calculated, steps S35, S36 and S39 are omitted, and in step S37, only the length of the irregular-size original 21 is stored in the RAM 83. To memorize.

With this configuration, the width of the irregular-size original 21 is reduced when two lines having the maximum value M and the number of continuous white pixels are read from the image on the irregular-size original 21. Can be calculated. Therefore, when the irregular-size original 21 is skewed greatly, it can be quickly notified to the operator.

In step S11 shown in FIG. 6 or step S37 shown in FIG.
After the data is stored in the AM 83 and, for example, the lower recording paper cassette 57 and the “undefined size 1” are registered in the RAM 83 in association with the operation from the operation unit 84, the display unit 8
5 may be configured to display “irregular size 1 = 150 × 200”. With this configuration, when the document 21 of an arbitrary size is placed on the document table 22 and the start key 84d is operated, the recording paper 56 of the irregular size stored in the lower recording paper cassette 57 is moved. Appropriate image processing (setting of left, right, top and bottom margins, reduction of the entire image) is performed and copied. In this case, the RAM 83 stores the original 2
1 corresponds to storage means for storing the width and length of
Reference numeral 4 denotes an operation unit for associating the recording paper cassette 57 with the width and length of the document 21. The display unit 85 corresponds to a display unit for displaying the width and length of the document 21 read by the plural document automatic reading unit. I do.

In addition, the width and length of the irregular-size original 21 may be displayed on the display unit 85 when the width and length of the irregular-size original 21 are read.
With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine the width and length of the original 21 having an irregular size.

In the above-described embodiment, the operation for reading the original 21 having the irregular size and storing the size of the original 21 having the irregular size has been described. In this way, for example, when it is desired to know the width and length of the fixed size, the width and length of the fixed size are stored in the RAM 83. For this reason, the stored width and length of the fixed size are displayed on the display unit 85.
Can be displayed. Therefore, the width and length of the standard size can be easily known.

In the above embodiment, the width and length of the original 21 of irregular size are stored.
In addition to the above, the left, right, top, and bottom margins when the irregular-size original 21 is recorded on the regular-size or irregular-size recording paper 56 may be stored. Specifically, the left, right, top, and bottom margins are stored by an operation from the operation unit 84. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably create margins on the left, right, top, and bottom of the recording paper 56.

In the embodiment, in the operation in the high-accuracy mode shown in FIGS.
Display section 8 displays an error message indicating that 1 is skewed.
5 (step S39), as shown by the broken line in FIG. 3, the sounding unit 9 that sounds a voice message.
1 may be provided so that a sound message indicating that the irregular-sized original 21 is skewed is sounded from the sounding unit 91. With such a configuration, the operator listens to the voice message, and the irregular-sized document 21 placed on the document table 22 for measuring the size is skewed. It is possible to know that measurement could not be performed.

In addition, an error message indicating that the irregular-size original 21 is skewed is displayed on the display unit 85, and an audio message indicating that the irregular-size original 21 is skewed is displayed. May be sounded from the sounding unit 91.

In the above embodiment, the step motor 52
Is controlled to rotate the plate switching roller 29c so that the black plate 29b and the white plate 29a face the light transmitting plate 26 (steps S1, S12 shown in FIG. 6, and step S21 shown in FIG. 7). Step S38 shown in FIG. 8), the black plate 29b and the white plate 29
It is good also as composition which replaces a manually.

In addition, the color of the black plate 29b is
The color may be changed to another color different from the one color. Further, technical ideas other than the claims grasped from the above-described embodiments and the like will be described below together with their effects.

[1] The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a step motor for feeding the document, wherein the control means controls the step motor so that the document is fed at a higher speed than at the time of reading before starting the reading. And an image forming apparatus that gradually reduces the rotation speed of a step motor so that document feeding at a predetermined speed is started at the latest when reading is started. With this configuration, the size of the document can be measured quickly.

[2] In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the automatic plural-document reading section includes reading means for reading an image on the document, and the control means controls the document based on a reading signal from the reading means. Image forming apparatus that determines the length of the image. With this configuration, the length of the document can be determined with high accuracy.

[3] In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the automatic multiple document reading section includes reading means for reading an image on the document, and the control means causes the reading means to read all the images on the document. In the previous step, if the width of the document is determined based on the read signal from the reading unit, and if it is determined based on the read signal from the reading unit that the document is skewed, the fact is described. Image forming apparatus for notifying the notification means. According to this configuration, when a document is skewed, it is possible to promptly notify that fact.

[4] Claims 1-3, [1]-
In the image forming apparatus according to any one of [3],
A plate of a color different from the color of the original can be arranged on the back of the reading position at which the automatic original reading unit reads a plurality of originals, and the control unit controls the original in a state where the plate is arranged on the back of the reading position. An image forming apparatus that determines the size of a document by causing a plurality of documents to be read automatically. With this configuration, it is easy to detect the edge of the document from the difference between the color of the document and the color of the back of the reading position of the document, and the size of the document can be determined with high accuracy.

[0101]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the size of the original can be easily determined only by causing the automatic scanning unit to read the original.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a facsimile apparatus with a copying function.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged front view of a document feeding unit.

5A is a plan view illustrating a state where an irregular-size original is not skewed, and FIG. 5B is a plan view illustrating a state where the original is skewed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in the high-speed mode to storing the size of the document.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in the high-accuracy mode to storing the size of the document.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation from reading an image on a document of an irregular size in the high-accuracy mode to storing the size of the document.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11: facsimile machine with a copying function as an image forming apparatus, 12: document feeder constituting an automatic multiple document reading section, 14: reading section constituting an automatic multiple document reading section, 21
... manuscript, 29b ... black plate as plate, 43 ...
Image sensor as reading means, 52 ... step motor, 8
1. MPU constituting the control means, 82 ROM constituting the control means, 83 RAM constituting the control means, 85 ...
Display section as notification means, 91 ... sounding section as notification means, P2 ... first document reading position as reading position.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/00 108 H04N 1/00 108J 1/12 A F term (Reference) 2H012 CA07 CC25 CC30 2H027 DB09 DB10 EE03 GB04 GB07 ZA07 2H076 AA58 BA56 BA68 BA73 BA76 BB04 BB10 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB02 AB08 AB20 AB30 AB32 AC12 AC58 AC67 AF10 AF15 BA00 5C072 AA05 BA02 BA04 LA02 LA18 NA01 NA05 RA01 RA03 UA14 XA01

Claims (3)

[Claims] In an image forming apparatus having an automatic reading unit for a plurality of originals, an original can be read by an automatic reading unit for a plurality of originals in a plurality of modes, and a plurality of originals corresponding to the mode for each mode can be read. An image forming apparatus including a control unit that determines a size of a document based on a signal from an automatic reading unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit feeds the document at a higher speed than at the time of reading except when reading the document when the plurality of document automatic reading units read the document in the high-speed mode. Image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying that the document is skewed,
An image forming apparatus in which a control unit is configured to cause a plurality of automatic document reading units to read a document in a high-accuracy mode, and to notify a notification unit when the document is skewed.