Conveying device, image reading device, image forming device, and conveying method

Abstract

The purpose is to facilitate the loading operation when loading transported items onto the loading section. [Solution] The system comprises a loading unit for loading objects to be transported, a transport unit for transporting the objects to be transported, a supply unit for supplying the objects to be transported, a position changing unit for changing the position of the loading unit between a first position in which the objects loaded on the loading unit can be supplied by the supply unit and a second position in which the objects loaded on the loading unit cannot be supplied by the supply unit, a mode switching unit for switching the mode in which the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit based on a user switching operation, and an operation unit for performing the switching operation, wherein the system switches between a first mode in which the loading unit is moved from the second position to the first position and a second mode in which the loading unit is moved from the second position to the first position when the user initiates the transport of the objects to be transported.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a conveying method. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image reading apparatus in which a plurality of documents of different sizes are set (stacked) on a stacking section, and each document is conveyed and read. Such an image reading apparatus has a position change mode in which the position of the stacking section is not changed to a sheet feeding position when documents are stacked, in order to facilitate the work of stacking a plurality of documents of different sizes and adjusting the position of each document (stacking work).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which, when a user selects a reading mode for stacking and reading a plurality of documents of different sizes, the stacking section is moved to a second position below a first position for feeding documents (sheet feeding position), and the position of the stacking section is not changed to the sheet feeding position until an instruction to start feeding is received. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, according to the conventional art, an operation panel for setting various modes of the image reading apparatus is provided at a position away from the stacking section. For this reason, there are cases where a user stacks documents, which are objects to be conveyed, on the stacking section before selecting the position change mode or the reading mode, and when a document is placed on the stacking section, the position of the stacking section is changed to the sheet feeding position, which causes a problem that the stacking work cannot be facilitated.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate stacking work when stacking objects to be conveyed onto a stacking section. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides a loading unit for loading objects to be transported, a transport unit for transporting the objects to be transported, a supply unit for supplying the objects to be transported, a position changing unit for changing the position of the loading unit between a first position in which the objects loaded on the loading unit can be supplied by the supply unit and a second position in which the objects loaded on the loading unit cannot be supplied by the supply unit, a mode switching unit for switching the mode of position changing of the loading unit based on a user's switching operation, and an operation unit provided near the loading unit for performing the switching operation, wherein the mode switching unit switches to either a first mode in which the loading unit is moved from the second position to the first position when the objects to be transported are loaded on the loading unit, or a second mode in which the loading unit is moved from the second position to the first position when the user initiates the transport of the objects to be transported. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the loading operation can be made easier when loading the transported object onto the loading section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the scanner. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the ADF. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a functional block of the ADF according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ADF (Automatic Deposition Frame) from the side. [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows an example of multiple documents of different sizes being stacked. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the ADF as viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the document tray viewed from directly above. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the external appearance of an ADF with a document holder, viewed from diagonally above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the transport process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a functional block of the ADF according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a functional block of the ADF according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for transport processing according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a functional block of the ADF according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the transport process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing image processing according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing the image correction process according to the sixth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the transport device, image reading device, image forming device, and transport method will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a multifunction peripheral having at least two functions among a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a paper feeding unit 103, an apparatus main body 104, a scanner 101, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 102.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 100 includes a plotter 120, which is an image forming unit, inside the apparatus main body 104. The plotter 120 includes a tandem-type image forming unit 105, a registration roller 108 that supplies recording paper to the image forming unit 105 from the paper feeding unit 103 via a conveyance path 107, an optical writing device 109, a fixing unit 110, and a duplex tray 111. Note that the plotter 120 is an example of the image forming unit.

[0013] In the image forming unit 105, four photosensitive drums 112 are arranged in parallel corresponding to four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (key plate (black)). Image forming elements including a charger, a developing device 106, a transfer device, a cleaner, and a static eliminator are arranged around each photosensitive drum 112.

[0014] Further, an intermediate transfer belt 113 stretched between a driving roller and a driven roller while being held in a nip between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum 112 is disposed between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum 112.

[0015] In this tandem-type image forming apparatus 100, based on the scanned image obtained by scanning the original document sent from the ADF 102 with the scanner 101, the optical writing device 109 performs optical writing to each color of the YMCK toner on the corresponding photoreceptor drum 112, the developer unit 106 develops each toner color, and the images are primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 113 in the order of, for example, Y, M, C, K. Then, the image forming apparatus 100 performs a secondary transfer of the full-color image superimposed by the four colors through the primary transfer onto the recording paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 103, fixes it in the fuser unit 110, and ejects the paper to form a full-color image on the recording paper.

[0016] Next, we will describe scanner 101.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the scanner 101. As shown in Figure 2, the scanner 101 comprises a first carriage 25, a second carriage 26, an imaging lens 27, an imaging unit 28, and an operation panel 29.

[0018] Furthermore, a first rail and a second rail (not shown) are provided inside the main frame 101a of the scanner 101, extending in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in Figure 2). The first rail consists of two rails arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the sub-scanning direction. The second rail has the same configuration as the first rail.

[0019] The first carriage 25 is slidably mounted on the first rail and is configured to reciprocate between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 via a drive wire for the first carriage (not shown) driven by a drive motor (not shown). The first carriage 25 is provided with a light source 24 and a first mirror member 25a. The light source 24 is an example of a visible light source that emits visible light.

[0020] Furthermore, the second carriage 26 is slidably mounted on the second rail and is configured to reciprocate between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 via a drive wire for the second carriage (not shown) driven by a drive motor (not shown). The second carriage 26 is provided with a second mirror member 26a and a third mirror member 26b.

[0021] Here, the first carriage 25 and the second carriage 26 move in the sub-scanning direction at a speed ratio of 2:1. Due to this relationship of movement speeds, even when the first carriage 25 and the second carriage 26 move, the optical path length of the light from the document surface to the imaging lens 27 does not change.

[0022] The imaging lens 27 focuses and images the reflected light from the original document, which is incident via each mirror member, onto the imaging unit 28. The imaging unit 28 is composed of an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and reads the original document in full color. The imaging unit 28 includes, for example, three color sensors (line image sensors): an R (Red) sensor, a G (Green) sensor, and a B (Blue) sensor. The imaging unit 28 converts the reflected light image of the original document, which is imaged via the imaging lens 27, into an analog image signal. The imaging unit 28 is an example of a visible light sensor that detects visible light.

[0023] The control panel 29 displays the current settings of the image reading device, including the scanner 101, and includes a touch panel or similar device that accepts user input of settings and instructions to start image reading (instructions to start scanning or copying). The touch panel or similar device accepts touch input from the user, allowing the user to use their finger or a pen to input numerical values ​​into input boxes displayed on the screen, select from pull-down menus, and turn checkboxes ON / OFF, etc. The control panel 29 may also include input means such as a numeric keypad, trackball, or touchpad.

[0024] The scanner 101 outputs a read image obtained by digitizing the analog image signal output by the imaging unit 28. The data of the read image is full-color image data in which each pixel includes, for example, R data, G data, and B data. Hereafter, such image data may be referred to as an image.

[0025] Next, we will describe the ADF 102 mounted on the scanner 101. Note that the ADF 102 is an example of a transport device.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the general configuration of the ADF 102. As shown in Figure 3, the ADF 102 includes a document tray 11 for loading documents. The document tray 11 has a movable document table 41 that rotates in directions a and b in the figure with its base end as a pivot point, and a pair of side guide plates 42 that position the document in the left-right direction relative to the paper feeding direction (transport direction). By rotating the movable document table 41, the front end of the document in the feeding direction is adjusted to an appropriate height. Note that the document is an example of an object to be transported, and the movable document table 41 is an example of a loading section for loading the object to be transported.

[0027] The document tray 11 is equipped with a main scanning sensor 89 and a sub-scanning sensor 90. The main scanning sensor 89 detects the width of the document, which is the dimension of the document in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction (main scanning direction), and the sub-scanning sensor 90 detects the length of the document, which is the dimension of the document in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction). The sub-scanning sensor 90 is an example of a sensor that detects the length of the transported object.

[0028] The main scanning sensor 89 is a sensor array consisting of multiple sensors spaced apart in the main scanning direction, and the sub-scanning sensor 90 is a sensor array consisting of multiple sensors spaced apart in the sub-scanning direction. The main scanning sensor 89 and the sub-scanning sensor 90 can be reflective sensors that detect non-contact by optical means, or contact-type actuator sensors. Furthermore, the number of sensors included in the sub-scanning sensor 90 may be less than three or more than three.

[0029] The pair of side guide plates 42 are slidable in the main scanning direction and are configured to accommodate documents of various sizes.

[0030] A set filler 46, which rotates when a document is loaded, is provided on the fixed side of a pair of side guide plates 42. A document set sensor 82, which detects when a document is loaded into the document tray 11, is provided at the lowest point of the movement trajectory of the tip of the set filler 46. In other words, the document set sensor 82 detects whether or not a document is loaded into the ADF 102 by checking whether or not the set filler 46 rotates and moves away from the document set sensor 82.

[0031] The ADF102 includes a transport unit 50 which is composed of a separation and feeding unit 51, a pull-out unit 52, a turn unit 53, a first reading and transport unit 54, a second reading and transport unit 55, and a paper discharge unit 56. Each transport roller of the transport unit 50 is rotationally driven by one or more transport motors.

[0032] The separation and feeding unit 51 includes a pickup roller 61 positioned near the paper feed opening 60 for feeding documents, and a paper feed belt 62 and a reverse roller 63 positioned opposite each other across the transport path.

[0033] The pickup roller 61 is supported by a support arm member 64 attached to the paper feed belt 62, and moves up and down in directions c and d in the figure between a contact position where it contacts the stack of documents and a separation position away from the stack of documents via a cam mechanism (not shown). Here, the stack of documents consists of one or more documents. At the contact position, the pickup roller 61 ideally picks up one document from the stack of documents piled on the document tray 11.

[0034] The paper feed belt 62 rotates in the feeding direction, and the reverse roller 63 rotates in the opposite direction to the feeding direction. In addition, if a document is double-fed, the reverse roller 63 rotates in the opposite direction to the paper feed belt 62. However, when the reverse roller 63 is in contact with the paper feed belt 62, or when only one document is being transported, it rotates together with the paper feed belt 62 due to the action of a torque limiter (not shown). This prevents double feeding of documents. The paper feeding mechanism, including the pickup roller 61, paper feed belt 62, and reverse roller 63, is an example of a document supply unit.

[0035] The pull-out section 52 has a pull-out roller 65 consisting of a pair of rollers arranged to straddle the transport path 52a. The pull-out section 52 performs primary skew correction (so-called skew correction) on the fed-out document based on the driving timing of the pull-out roller 65 and the pickup roller 61, and then pulls out and transports the aligned document.

[0036] The turning section 53 has an intermediate roller 66 and a reading entrance roller 67, which consist of a pair of rollers arranged to sandwich a transport path 53a that curves from top to bottom. The turning section 53 turns the original document, which has been pulled out and transported by the intermediate roller 66, by transporting it along the curved transport path, and then transports it with the reading entrance roller 67 with the surface of the original document facing downwards to the vicinity of the slit glass 7, which is the reading position of the original document.

[0037] Here, the transport speed of the document from the pull-out section 52 to the turn section 53 is set to be faster than the transport speed in the first reading transport section 54. This reduces the transport time of the document to be transported to the first reading transport section 54.

[0038] The first reading and transport unit 54 includes a first reading roller 68 positioned opposite the slit glass 7 and a first reading exit roller 69 positioned on the transport path 55a after reading is complete. The first reading and transport unit 54 transports the document as it is transported to the vicinity of the slit glass 7, while the surface of the document is brought into contact with the slit glass 7 by the first reading roller 68. At this time, the document is read by the scanner 101 through the slit glass 7 at the reading position. At this time, the first carriage 25 and the second carriage 26 of the scanner 101 are stopped at the home position. The first reading and transport unit 54 further transports the document after reading is complete using the first reading exit roller 69.

[0039] The second reading and transport unit 55 in Figure 3 includes a second reading unit 91 for reading the back side of the document, a second reading roller 70 positioned opposite the second reading unit 91 across the transport path 55a, and a second reading exit roller 71 positioned downstream of the second reading unit 91 in the transport direction.

[0040] In the second reading and transport unit 55, the back side of the document after the front side has been read is read by the second reading unit 91. The document with the back side read is transported toward the paper output tray by the second reading exit roller 71. The second reading roller 70 suppresses the lifting of the document in the second reading unit 91 and also serves as a reference white area for acquiring shading data in the second reading unit 91. If double-sided reading is not performed, the document passes through the second reading unit 91 without any problems.

[0041] The paper output section 56 is equipped with a pair of paper output rollers 72 near the paper output opening, and the documents conveyed by the second reading outlet roller 71 are output to the paper output tray 12.

[0042] Furthermore, the ADF102 is equipped with various sensors along the transport path, such as a stop sensor 84, a resist sensor 81, and a paper ejection sensor 83, which are used for transport control, including the transport distance and transport speed of the document.

[0043] Furthermore, a document width sensor 85 is provided between the pull-out roller 65 and the intermediate roller 66. The length of the document in the transport direction is detected from the motor pulse by reading the leading and trailing ends of the document with a stop sensor 84 and a resist sensor 81.

[0044] Furthermore, the ADF102 may have a member (document holder 47 in Figure 10) for suppressing skew (tilting) of the document during transport, as described later.

[0045] Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.

[0046] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Figure 4, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a scanner 101, an ADF 102, a plotter 120, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 211, and an image processing unit 200. The scanner 101, ADF 102, and image processing unit 200 constitute an image reading device.

[0047] The ADF102 has the function of transporting the original document to the scanner 101. The scanner 101 has the function of reading images from the original document for copying or outputting to an external interface. The plotter 120 has the function of printing images processed by the image processing unit 200.

[0048] The image processing unit 200 outputs an image generated by applying predetermined processing to the scanned image obtained from the original document transported by the ADF 102 and scanned by the scanner 101, to the plotter 120. The image processing unit 200 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, main memory 205, chipset 206, image processing ASIC 207, controller ASIC 208, main memory 209, and I / O ASIC 210. ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.

[0049] The CPU 201 controls the image forming apparatus 100. The main memory 205 is used as a work area where the program for the CPU 201 to control the image forming apparatus 100 is deployed, and also as image memory for temporarily storing image data and other data handled. The chipset 206 is used together with the CPU 201 and controls the controller ASIC 208 and I / O ASIC 210 to access the main memory 205.

[0050] The program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided as a file in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0051] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0052] The image processing ASIC 207 performs image processing on the image read by the scanner 101 and outputs the processed image to the controller ASIC 208. The image processing ASIC 207 also processes the image from the controller ASIC 208 so that it can be printed by the plotter 120, and sends the image in accordance with the printing timing of the plotter 120.

[0053] The controller ASIC 208 uses the main memory 205 via the chipset 206 to rotate and edit image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100, stores it in the HDD 211, and sends and receives image data with the image processing ASIC 207. The main memory 209 is used as image memory for image processing by the controller ASIC 208. The HDD 211 is used for temporary storage of the processed image data.

[0054] The I / O ASIC210 is an external interface for providing additional functions to the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the I / O ASIC210 includes interfaces such as a network interface, USB (Universal Serial Bus), SD (Secure Digital) card, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit), as well as hardware accelerators for speeding up image processing and encryption processing circuits.

[0055] Furthermore, the plotter 120 is not limited to one that forms images using the electrophotographic method described above, but may also form images using an inkjet method. Also, the image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having at least two functions from among copying, printing, scanning, and facsimile, but may be any device that forms images, such as a copier, scanner, or facsimile. The image forming apparatus 100 may be, for example, a printer that receives image data generated by a separate image reading device via communication and prints the received image data.

[0056] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional block of the ADF102 according to the first embodiment. Here, we will describe the characteristic functions of the ADF102 in this embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, the ADF 102 has an input unit 150, a position change unit 160, and a mode switching unit 170. These functional units may be implemented by an image processing ASIC 207 or a controller ASIC 208, or by a CPU 201 executing a program.

[0058] The input unit 150 receives input for the switching operations performed by the user on the ADF 102's control panel, which will be described later.

[0059] The position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 (stacking unit) between a first position and a second position different from the first position. Here, the first position is the position in which documents stacked on the movable document table 41 can be fed (supplied) by the paper feeding mechanism (supplying unit) described above, and is the position in which the movable document table 41 is raised in the direction of a in Figure 3. In this case, the edge of the document is held in place between the pickup roller 61 and the movable document table 41, making it difficult to adjust its position by moving the document.

[0060] The second position is the position where the documents stacked on the movable document table 41 cannot be fed by the supply unit (feeding is impossible), and this is the position where the movable document table 41 has descended in the direction of b in Figure 3. In this case, the edge of the document is not in contact with the pickup roller 61, so it is easy to adjust its position by moving the document.

[0061] The mode switching unit 170 switches the mode (position change mode) in which the position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 based on the switching operation input by the input unit 150. In this embodiment, the position change mode includes a first mode and a second mode. Therefore, the position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 according to the first mode or the second mode.

[0062] The first mode is one in which the position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 from the second position to the first position when the document is loaded onto the movable document table 41. The second mode is one in which the position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 from the second position to the first position when the user performs an operation to start transporting the document (transport start operation). The transport start operation is, for example, pressing the scan start or copy start button on the operation panel 29 of the scanner 101.

[0063] In the first mode, after the document is placed, the movable document table 41 quickly moves to a first position where the document can be fed, thus shortening the time from the start of the transport operation to the start of transport. However, when the movable document table 41 is in the first position, it is difficult to move the document, so the position of the placed document cannot be easily adjusted.

[0064] In the second mode, even after the document is placed, the movable document table 41 remains in a second position where document feeding is impossible, allowing the position of the placed document to be adjusted until the transport start operation is performed.

[0065] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 6 and 7.

[0066] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ADF 102 from the side. Figure 6(a) is an example of the first mode, in which the movable document table 41 rises to the first position when the document is loaded. In this case, the document is held in place by the pickup roller 61 and is in a waiting state, so as mentioned above, there is the advantage that transport can be started immediately from the transport start operation, but it is difficult to adjust the position of the loaded document.

[0067] Figure 6(b) shows an example of the second mode, where the movable document table 41 remains in the second position when the document is loaded. In this case, the document is not sandwiched between the movable document table 41 and the pickup roller 61, so as described above, the position of the document after loading can be easily adjusted.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of multiple documents of different sizes being loaded. Figure 7(a) shows the ADF102 viewed from diagonally above, with documents A and B of different sizes loaded on the movable document table 41. Figure 7(b) shows the loaded documents A and B viewed from directly above. Here, the X direction is the main scanning direction, and the Y direction is the transport direction.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(b), wide document A is restricted by the side guide plate 42 so that its center of gravity in the X direction is at the center of the transport path. On the other hand, narrow document B is not restricted by the side guide plate 42, so its center of gravity in the X direction may be off-center from the center of the transport path. When document B reaches the transport roller with its center of gravity in the X direction off-center, it is subjected to a rotational action as shown by the arrow in Figure 7(b). This is because the force with which the transport roller pulls in document B differs on the +X side and the -X side of the center of gravity. Document B is prone to skew due to this rotational action.

[0070] Therefore, in order to suppress skew when transporting narrow documents, it is necessary to adjust the relationship between the center of gravity of the document in the X direction and the position of the transport roller. Also, even if the width of multiple documents to be loaded is the same, if their lengths differ, it may be necessary to adjust their position so that the downstream end of the smaller document on the transport path is near the pickup roller 61. Thus, when loading multiple documents of different sizes, it is necessary to adjust the position of the documents, so it is important that the second mode can be easily selected during loading.

[0071] When scanning or copying documents, users often first place the document they are holding onto the movable document table 41 before operating the control panel 29. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to switch the position change mode before or while loading the document. In this embodiment, by providing the operation unit for switching to the second mode near the movable document table 41, the position change mode can be easily switched when loading a document.

[0072] Next, we will describe an example in which a sub-scanning sensor 90 is used as the operating unit for the switching operation.

[0073] Figure 8 shows the ADF 102 as viewed from diagonally above. As shown in Figure 8, the sub-scanning sensor 90 of the document tray 11 is located near the movable document table 41. In this example, the sub-scanning sensor 90 functions as an operating unit for switching operations.

[0074] Figure 9 is a top-down view of the document tray 11. As shown in Figure 9(a), when a document is placed on the movable document table 41, the document covers part or all of the sub-scanning sensor 90. The sub-scanning sensor 90 can detect the approximate length of the document depending on which sensor the document covers.

[0075] The switching operation is, for example, an operation in which the user covers a part of the sub-scanning sensor 90 with their fingers. For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), the switching operation can be an operation in which the user covers the upstream part of the sub-scanning sensor 90 in the transport direction with two fingers before loading a document onto the movable document table 41. If the current position change mode is the first mode, the mode switching unit 170 switches to the second position change mode by the switching operation. Also, if the current position change mode is the second mode, the mode switching unit 170 switches the position change mode back to the first mode by the switching operation.

[0076] Note that the switching operation may be other than those described above. For example, it may be an operation to cover each sensor of the sub-scanning sensor 90 sequentially from the upstream side in the transport direction to the downstream side, or an operation to cover them sequentially from the downstream side in the transport direction to the upstream side. Alternatively, it may be an operation to cover only the sensor furthest upstream in the transport direction, or an operation to double-click a specific sensor of the sub-scanning sensor 90.

[0077] When using the sub-scan sensor 90 as the control unit, the switching operation can be performed with an action different from that used when loading documents normally, such as touching the sub-scan sensor 90 with a finger. Therefore, users only need to perform the switching operation when loading multiple documents of different sizes. Furthermore, by combining the function of detecting the document length and the function of switching operation with the sub-scan sensor 90, there is no need to add parts or hardware for the switching operation, making it possible to implement the switching operation function at a reduced cost.

[0078] The actions used for switching operations may be those that are shown to the user in advance in a manual or similar document, or those shown to the user on a help screen displayed on the scanner 101's control panel 29 or similar.

[0079] Next, we will describe an example in which the document holder member 47 is used as the operating unit for switching operations.

[0080] Figure 10 shows the external view of the ADF 102, which has a document holding member 47, as seen from diagonally above. When loading multiple documents of different sizes, smaller documents whose ends do not touch the side guide plates 42 are prone to skew during transport. The document holding member 47 is a member that suppresses such skew by pressing down on the loaded documents from above.

[0081] The document holder 47 can be raised and retracted upwards, as shown in Figure 10(a), when it is not needed, such as when scanning multiple documents of the same width. On the other hand, when loading multiple documents of different sizes, the document holder 47 is lowered to press down on the documents from above, as shown in Figure 10(b). The document holder 47 has rollers on the document-side surface, allowing documents to slide and be loaded on the movable document table 41 even when it is lowered. The document holder 47 is an example of a pressing mechanism that holds down the object being transported.

[0082] In this example, the document holder 47 functions as an operating unit for switching operations. For example, lowering the document holder 47 can be used as an operation to switch to the second mode. That is, when loading multiple documents of different sizes, if the user lowers the document holder 47, the mode switching unit 170 switches the position change mode to the second mode unless the current position change mode is the second mode. Whether or not the document holder 47 is raised can be detected by providing a sensor near the document holder 47. For example, this can be detected by using an optical sensor to detect the position of the document holder 47, or by using a sensor to detect the rotation of the drive shaft of the document holder 47.

[0083] As described above, when the movable document table 41 is in the second position change mode, it remains in the second position even when multiple documents of different sizes are loaded, making it easy to adjust the position of the loaded documents. On the other hand, when the document holder 47 is raised, the position change mode becomes the first mode, and the movable document table 41 moves to the first position as soon as documents are loaded.

[0084] In this way, by linking the position change mode to the position of the document holder member 47, the user can select the appropriate position change mode depending on whether or not multiple documents of different sizes are being loaded, without having to consciously think about the position change mode. Furthermore, since the document holder member 47 can perform both the function of holding down documents and the switching operation, there is no need to add any additional parts or hardware for the switching operation, making it possible to implement the switching operation function at a reduced cost.

[0085] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the transport process procedure according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the ADF 102 is in standby mode, the loading section (movable document table 41) is returned to the second position, and the position change mode is set to the first mode.

[0086] First, the input unit 150 checks the input for switching the position change mode (step S100). If there is an input to set the position change mode to the second mode (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S101, and if a document is loaded (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. If no document is loaded (step S101: No), the process returns to step S100, and the input unit 150 checks the input for switching the position change mode.

[0087] On the other hand, if there is no input to set the position change mode to the second mode (i.e., the position change mode is the first mode) (step S100: No), and a document is loaded (step S102: Yes), the position change unit 160 changes the loading unit to the first position (step S103). Also, if no document is loaded (step S102: No), the process returns to step S100, and the input unit 150 confirms the input for switching the position change mode.

[0088] Next, if a transport start operation is detected (Step S104: Yes), and the loading unit is in the first position (Step S105: Yes), the ADF 102 transports the document (Step S107). If the loading unit is not in the first position (Step S105: No), the position change unit 160 changes the loading unit to the first position (Step S106), and the ADF 102 transports the document (Step S107).

[0089] On the other hand, if the ADF102 does not detect a transport start operation (step S104: No), the process in step S104 is repeated.

[0090] After the document transport has started, if the transport of all documents is complete (Step S108: Yes), the position change unit 160 changes the loading unit to the second position (Step S109). On the other hand, if the transport of all documents is not complete (Step S108: No), the ADF 102 continues to transport the documents (Step S107).

[0091] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading the documents to be transported into the loading section.

[0092] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0093] The second embodiment prevents the user from accidentally changing the position change mode by switching the position change mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user performed the switching operation. In the following description of the second embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0094] Figure 12 shows an example of the functional block of the ADF102 according to the second embodiment. The difference from Figure 5 is that the mode switching unit 170 further includes a counter 171.

[0095] The counter 171 counts the elapsed time after a switching operation is input to the input unit 150. The mode switching unit 170 switches the position change mode when the elapsed time counted by the counter 171 exceeds a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is a time determined in advance through experiments, etc., for example, 5 seconds or 10 seconds, which is enough time for the user to realize that they have mistakenly changed the position change mode and to correct it to the desired position change mode.

[0096] For example, even if a user mistakenly lowers the document holder member 47, which is the operating unit for switching operations, if the document holder member 47 is returned to its upper position before a predetermined time has elapsed, the position change unit 160 will not move the movable document table 41. This reduces the wasted time required for movement of the movable document table 41 due to incorrect operation, thereby improving productivity.

[0097] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading documents, which are the items to be transported, onto the loading section. Furthermore, by switching the position change mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user performed the switching operation, unnecessary movement of the movable document table 41 due to user error can be prevented.

[0098] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0099] In the third embodiment, even if the position change mode is the second mode, the movable document table 41 is moved from the second position to the first position after a predetermined time has elapsed since the document was placed on the movable document table 41. In the following description of the third embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0100] When loading multiple documents of different sizes, adjustment of the loading position is necessary. However, productivity can be increased by quickly moving the movable document table 41 back to the first position after the expected adjustment time has elapsed.

[0101] Figure 13 shows an example of the functional block of the ADF102 according to the third embodiment. The difference from Figure 5 is that the position changing unit 160 further includes a counter 161.

[0102] The counter 161 counts the elapsed time after a document is placed on the movable document table 41. The position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 from the second position to the first position when the elapsed time counted by the counter 161 exceeds a predetermined time.

[0103] For example, experiments have shown that when loading approximately 50 sheets at once, it takes about 3 minutes to complete the adjustment of the loading position. Therefore, if the predetermined time is set to 3 minutes, the change to the first position of the movable document table 41 can be started at the moment the position adjustment is completed. In the second mode, the position change can be performed earlier than when the change to the first position is performed after the detection of the transport start operation, thus speeding up the document transport timing. Note that the predetermined time is not limited to 3 minutes and may be any other time.

[0104] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the transport process according to the third embodiment. The difference from Figure 11 is that steps S310 to S312 have been added. The processing in steps S300 to S309 is the same as steps S100 to S109 in Figure 11, so the explanation is omitted.

[0105] When the second mode is set, if a document is loaded onto the loading section (movable document table 41), the process proceeds from step S301 to S310. At this time, the counter 161 starts counting the elapsed time since the document was loaded. Next, if a transport start operation is detected (step S310: Yes), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0106] On the other hand, if no transport start operation is detected (step S310: No), the position change unit 160 compares the elapsed time after document loading, as counted by the counter 161, with a predetermined time (step S310). If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time (step S311: Yes), the position change unit 160 changes the loading unit to the first position (step S312), and the process proceeds to step S304. If the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined time (step S311: No), the process returns to step S310.

[0107] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading documents, which are the items to be transported, into the loading section. Furthermore, by changing the movable document table 41 to the first position after a predetermined time has elapsed since the documents were loaded, it is possible to start transporting multiple documents of different sizes earlier while maintaining the ease of adjusting the position of the documents, thereby increasing productivity.

[0108] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, even if the position change mode is the second mode, the movable document table 41 is moved from the second position to the first position when a document is loaded onto the movable document table 41 and the user's setting operation is detected. In the following description of the fourth embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0110] After the user places the document on the movable document table 41, they operate the control panel 29 to set settings such as scan quality, resolution, and size. In this embodiment, even if the position change mode is switched to the second mode, the movable document table 41 is changed to the first position when a setting operation on the control panel 29 is detected. By setting the movable document table 41 to the first position before the user performs the transport start operation, it is possible to speed up the timing of the transport start.

[0111] Figure 15 shows an example of the functional block of the ADF102 according to the fourth embodiment. The difference from Figure 5 is that the position change unit 160 further includes a setting operation detection unit 162.

[0112] The setting operation detection unit 162 detects setting operations on the operation panel 29. The position change unit 160 changes the position of the movable document table 41 from the second position to the first position when a document is loaded onto the movable document table 41 and a setting operation is detected by the setting operation detection unit 162.

[0113] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the transport process procedure according to the fourth embodiment. The difference from Figure 11 is that steps S410 and S411 have been added. The processing in steps S400 to S409 is the same as steps S100 to S109 in Figure 11, so the explanation is omitted.

[0114] When the second mode is set, if a document is placed on the loading section (movable document table 41), the process proceeds to step S410. If the setting operation detection unit 162 detects a setting operation on the operation panel 29 (step S410: Yes), the position change unit 160 changes the loading section to the first position (step S411), and the process proceeds to step S404. If the setting operation detection unit 162 does not detect a setting operation on the operation panel 29 (step S410: No), the process in step S410 is repeated.

[0115] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading documents, which are the items to be transported, into the loading section. Furthermore, by changing the movable document table 41 to the first position when documents are loaded and a user setting operation is detected, it is possible to accelerate the start of transporting multiple documents of different sizes while maintaining the ease of adjusting the position of the documents, thereby increasing productivity.

[0116] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0117] The fifth embodiment corrects the scanned image read by the image reading device according to the first to fourth embodiments and extracts the original document image from the scanned image. In the following description of the fifth embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

[0118] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing image processing according to the fifth embodiment. The reading unit 300 in Figure 17 includes the light source 24 and imaging unit 28 described in Figure 2. The reading unit 300 irradiates the object to be transported with visible light from the light source 24, receives the reflected light from the object to be transported with the imaging unit 28, and outputs a visible image (an RGB image as an example) as the read image. Note that the light source 24 is an example of a visible light source, and the imaging unit 28 is an example of a visible light sensor.

[0119] As shown in Figure 17, the image processing unit 200 includes an outline detection unit 251, a skew correction unit 252, an image cropping unit 253, and an image output unit 254.

[0120] The external shape detection unit 251 detects external shape information such as the tilt and size of the transported object (document) from the input scanned image. More specifically, the external shape detection unit 251 detects the boundary (edge) between the background portion and the document portion of the scanned image, and detects the tilt of the document from the tilt of the edge and the size of the document from the size of the edge region.

[0121] The skew correction unit 252 performs tilt correction processing to correct the tilt of the document based on the external shape information detected by the external shape detection unit 251.

[0122] The image extraction unit 253 performs a process to extract the original document image (the image of the area in the scanned image in which the original document was read) from the scanned image after tilt correction, based on the outline information detected by the outline detection unit 251.

[0123] The image output unit 254 outputs the original document image generated by the image cropping unit 253. The image processing unit 200 may also generate an image in which at least one of the following has been performed: tilt correction processing of the scanned image and cropping processing of the original document image. That is, the image processing unit 200 may include both the skew correction unit 252 and the image cropping unit 253, or at least one of them. Furthermore, the image output unit 254 may output at least one of the following: a scanned image with tilt correction, an original document image cropped from the scanned image, or an original document image cropped from the scanned image after tilt correction.

[0124] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading documents, which are the objects to be transported, into the loading section. Furthermore, even when loading multiple documents of different sizes, the tilt correction of the documents is performed to output an image with the tilt corrected, and the image cropping process of the documents allows for the output of an image with a small amount of data.

[0125] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

[0126] The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the reading unit 300 has a visible image reading unit 300A and an invisible image reading unit 300B. In the following description of the sixth embodiment, the description of parts that are the same as those of the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0127] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration for performing the image correction processing according to the sixth embodiment. The difference from Figure 17 is that the reading unit 300 includes a visible image reading unit 300A and an invisible image reading unit 300B, and the outline detection unit 251 of the image processing unit 200 detects outline information using the image read by the invisible image reading unit 300B in addition to the image read by the visible image reading unit 300A.

[0128] The visible image reading unit 300A includes a visible light source 24A and a visible light sensor 28A that receives reflected visible light irradiated onto the object being transported and outputs an image. The invisible image reading unit 300B includes an invisible light source 24B and a visible light sensor 28B that receives reflected near-infrared light irradiated onto the object being transported and outputs an image. The visible light sensor 28B is a sensor that is sensitive to invisible light and has a sensitivity peak around 850 nm, for example. In this embodiment, the image output from the visible image reading unit 300A is called a visible image, and the image output from the invisible image reading unit 300B is called an invisible image.

[0129] Although the reading unit 300 in Figure 18 is provided with separate visible light source 24A and invisible light source 24B, it may also be configured so that both visible and invisible light are emitted from a single light source. Furthermore, although the reading unit 300 in Figure 18 is provided with separate visible light sensor 28A and visible light sensor 28B, it may also be configured so that both visible and invisible images are output from a single image sensor.

[0130] The visible image reading unit 300A illuminates the object to be transported with light from the visible light source 24A, receives the reflected light from the object with the visible light sensor 28A, and outputs a visible image (for example, an RGB image). The invisible image reading unit 300B illuminates the same object to be transported with light from the invisible light source 24B, receives the reflected light from the object with the visible light sensor 28B, and outputs an invisible image (for example, an NIR image).

[0131] The reading unit 300 can simultaneously read both visible and invisible images from the same transported object. However, if the transported objects are the same, the reading unit 300 does not need to read both visible and invisible images simultaneously; it may read them at different times as long as the positions of the transported objects coincide.

[0132] The outline detection unit 251 in Figure 18 detects outline information such as the tilt and size of the transported object (document) from the input visible and invisible images. Depending on the background and type of document, using invisible images may allow for more accurate edge detection than using visible images. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outline detection unit 251 adaptively uses visible and invisible images to detect outline information.

[0133] The outline detection unit 251 generates, for example, first-order derivative images of the visible image and the invisible image, and detects regions where the pixel values ​​of the first-order derivative images are greater than a predetermined threshold. If the region detected in the visible image is larger, it uses the visible image to detect the edge; if the region detected in the invisible image is larger, it uses the invisible image to detect the edge. If the sizes of the regions detected in the visible image and the invisible image are approximately the same, it uses both the visible image and the invisible image to detect the edge.

[0134] The skew correction unit 252 performs tilt correction processing to correct the tilt of the original document in at least one of the visible image and the invisible image, based on the external shape information detected by the external shape detection unit 251.

[0135] The image extraction unit 253 performs the process of extracting the original document image from at least one of the visible image and the invisible image after tilt correction, based on the outline information detected by the outline detection unit 251. The image extraction unit 253 may also perform the process of extracting the original document image from at least one of the visible image and the invisible image before tilt correction.

[0136] The image output unit 254 outputs at least one of the following: an image in which the visible or invisible image has been tilt-corrected; a source image cut out from the visible or invisible image; or a source image cut out from the visible or invisible image after tilt correction. The image output unit 254 may also output at least one of the following: an image in which the visible and invisible images have been tilt-corrected; a source image cut out from the visible and invisible images; or a source image cut out from the visible and invisible images after tilt correction.

[0137] Thus, according to this embodiment, the loading operation can be made easier when loading the document, which is the object to be transported, into the loading section. Furthermore, by adaptively using visible and invisible images, the external shape information of the document can be detected with greater accuracy, and the accuracy of tilt correction and cutting can be improved.

[0138] The programs executed by the transport device and image reading device of each embodiment described above are provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0139] Furthermore, the programs executed by the transport device and image reading device of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by the transport device and image reading device of each embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0140] Furthermore, the programs for each embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like.

[0141] The programs executed in the transport device and image reading device of each embodiment are configured as modules including the above-mentioned parts (input unit 150, position change unit 160, mode switching unit 170, etc.), and in actual hardware, the CPU (processor) reads the program from the above-mentioned recording medium and executes it, thereby loading the above-mentioned parts onto the main memory and generating them.

[0142] Each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0143] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0144] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A loading section for loading the items to be transported, A conveying unit for conveying the object to be conveyed, A supply unit that supplies the object to be conveyed, A position changing unit is provided to change the position of the loading unit between a first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading unit can be supplied by the supply unit, and a second position different from the first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading unit cannot be supplied by the supply unit. A mode switching unit that switches the mode in which the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit based on the user's switching operation, An operating unit for performing the switching operation is provided near the loading section, Equipped with, The mode switching unit is A first mode occurs in which, when the object to be transported is loaded onto the loading section, the loading section is repositioned from the second position to the first position, In a second mode, when the user initiates the transport of the transported object, the loading unit is repositioned from the second position to the first position. This conveying device is characterized by its ability to switch between two modes. <2> The operation unit is a sensor that detects the length of the object to be transported that is loaded on the loading unit. <1> This is the conveying device described in [reference]. <3> The operating unit is a pressing unit that holds down the object to be transported which is loaded on the loading unit. <1> This is the conveying device described in [reference]. <4> The mode switching unit switches the mode of the position changing unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user performed the switching operation. <1> ~ <3> The conveying device is one of the devices described in any one of the following descriptions. <5> In the second mode, the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit from the second position to the first position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transported object was loaded onto the loading unit. <1> ~ <4> It is a conveying device described in any one of the following. <6> In the second mode, the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit from the second position to the first position when the object to be transported is loaded onto the loading unit and the user's setting operation is detected. <1> ~ <4> The conveying device is one of the devices described in any one of the following descriptions. <7> A visible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with visible light, A visible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned visible light, An image processing unit that detects external shape information of the transported object from a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the visible light sensor, and generates an image by performing skew correction on the read image and cropping the image of the transported object using the external shape information, The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> A conveying device described in any one of the following, This is an image reading device equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. <8> A visible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with visible light, An invisible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with invisible light, A visible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned visible light, An invisible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned invisible light, An image processing unit that detects external shape information of the transported object from at least one of a visible image, which is a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the visible light sensor, and an invisible image, which is a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the invisible light sensor, and generates an image by performing at least one of the following using the external shape information: skew correction of the visible image or invisible image, and cropping an image of the transported object from the visible image or invisible image. The aforementioned <1> ~ <6> A conveying device described in any one of the following, This is an image reading device equipped with [a specific feature / feature]. <9> The aforementioned <7> The image reading device described above, An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image generated by the image processing unit, This is an image forming apparatus equipped with [a specific feature]. <10> A conveying method performed by a conveying device comprising: a loading section for loading objects to be conveyed; a conveying section for transporting the objects to be conveyed; a supply section for supplying the objects to be conveyed; and an operating section provided near the loading section for the user to perform switching operations, wherein A position change step of changing the position of the loading section between a first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading section can be supplied by the supply section, and a second position different from the first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading section cannot be supplied by the supply section. A mode switching step which switches the mode for changing the position of the loading section in the position changing step based on the switching operation, Includes, The mode switching process described above is: A first mode occurs in which, when the object to be transported is loaded onto the loading section, the loading section is repositioned from the second position to the first position, In a second mode, when the user initiates the transport of the transported object, the loading unit is repositioned from the second position to the first position. This transport method is characterized by switching to one of the following modes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 24 Light source 28 Imaging Unit 41. Movable document table 47 Document holding member 61 Pickup Roller 90 Sub-scanning sensor 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Scanner 102 ADF 150 Input section 160 Position change section 170 Mode switching section 200 Image Processing Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0146] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-187590

Claims

1. A loading section for loading the items to be transported, A conveying unit for conveying the object to be conveyed, A supply unit that supplies the object to be conveyed, A position changing unit is provided to change the position of the loading unit between a first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading unit can be supplied by the supply unit, and a second position different from the first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading unit cannot be supplied by the supply unit. A mode switching unit that switches the mode in which the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit based on the user's switching operation, An operating unit for performing the switching operation is provided near the loading section, Equipped with, The mode switching unit is A first mode occurs in which, when the object to be transported is loaded onto the loading section, the loading section is repositioned from the second position to the first position, In a second mode, when the user initiates the transport of the transported object, the loading unit is repositioned from the second position to the first position. A transport device characterized by its ability to switch between two modes.

2. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is a sensor that detects the length of the transported object loaded on the loading unit.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the operating unit is a pressing unit that holds down the object to be conveyed which is loaded on the loading unit.

4. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit switches the mode of the position changing unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the user performed the switching operation.

5. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, in the second mode, the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit from the second position to the first position when a predetermined time has elapsed since the conveyed object was loaded onto the loading unit.

6. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein, in the second mode, the position changing unit changes the position of the loading unit from the second position to the first position when the conveyed object is loaded onto the loading unit and the user's setting operation is detected.

7. A visible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with visible light, A visible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned visible light, An image processing unit that detects external shape information of the transported object from a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the visible light sensor, and generates an image by performing skew correction on the read image and cropping the image of the transported object using the external shape information, A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An image reading device equipped with [a specific feature].

8. A visible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with visible light, An invisible light source that irradiates the object to be transported with invisible light, A visible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned visible light, An invisible light sensor for detecting the aforementioned invisible light, An image processing unit that detects external shape information of the transported object from at least one of a visible image, which is a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the visible light sensor, and an invisible image, which is a read image of the transported object obtained based on the output of the invisible light sensor, and generates an image by performing at least one of the following using the external shape information: skew correction of the visible image or invisible image, and cropping an image of the transported object from the visible image or invisible image. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, An image reading device equipped with [a specific feature].

9. The image reading device according to claim 7, An image forming unit that forms an image based on the image generated by the image processing unit, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

10. A conveying method performed by a conveying device comprising: a loading section for loading objects to be conveyed; a conveying section for transporting the objects to be conveyed; a supply section for supplying the objects to be conveyed; and an operating section provided near the loading section for the user to perform switching operations, wherein A position change step of changing the position of the loading section between a first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading section can be supplied by the supply section, and a second position different from the first position in which the object to be transported loaded on the loading section cannot be supplied by the supply section. A mode switching step which switches the mode for changing the position of the loading section in the position changing step based on the switching operation, Includes, The mode switching process described above is: A first mode occurs in which, when the object to be transported is loaded onto the loading section, the loading section is repositioned from the second position to the first position, In a second mode, when the user initiates the transport of the transported object, the loading unit is repositioned from the second position to the first position. A transport method characterized by switching to one of the following modes.

Images