Image processing device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an image processing device and a control method thereof. A mechanism for determining whether to perform a process of raising a document tray when a document is detected according to an application started is provided. A method for controlling an image processing device includes: raising a document tray when a document is placed on the document tray; conveying a document placed on the document tray being raised during the lifting; reading a document being conveyed during the conveying; and registering for an application whether to raise the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device and a control method of the image processing device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a conventional automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) conveys documents placed on a document tray one by one and reads the conveyed documents to generate image data.

[0003] In a known image reading apparatus, when a document detection sensor for detecting a document placed on a document tray detects the presence of a document, the document tray is lifted and the upper surface of the document placed on the document tray contacts a feed roller (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-263452).

[0004] There is known a mixed document reading mode which conveys a plurality of documents of different sizes placed on a document tray one by one, determines the size of each conveyed document, and reads the document based on the determined size (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-350225).

[0005] When reading standard size originals, such as Fig.15A As shown, a guide plate on the document tray abuts against the document to prevent the document from being fed skewed, and the document is fed one by one by a feed roller.

[0006] However, when multiple originals of non-standard sizes are placed on the original tray, such as Fig. 15B As shown, even if the guide plate abuts on the side of the large-size original, the small-size original does not contact the guide plate. Therefore, the small-size original is not placed at the position of the feed roller and may not be fed properly.

[0007] Therefore, if Fig.16A As shown, the user needs to carefully place the small size original at the position of the feed roller.

[0008] If Fig. 16B As shown, the document is initially placed at a position offset from the position of the feed roller, and the user may want to move the document to the position of the feed roller, or re-place the document.

[0009] When the document tray is raised after the document is detected, Fig.17 As shown, the upper surface of the original is in contact with the feed roller. This causes a problem that the user finds it difficult to reset the original.

[0010] On the other hand, when a standard-size document is read, the time period from when the document reading instruction is issued to when the first document is fed can be shortened by lifting the document tray after the document is detected. Summary of the invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing device includes: a document tray; a lifting unit, which is used to lift the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray; a conveying unit, which is used to convey the document placed on the document tray lifted by the lifting unit; a reading unit, which is used to read the document conveyed by the conveying unit; and a registration unit, which is used to register for an application whether to lift the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray.

[0012] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a reading device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a reading device according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the document tray in a lowered state according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the document tray in a lifted state according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a function selection screen according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 : is a diagram showing a screen of a function for reading mixed originals of non-standard sizes according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting document tray control for each application according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a reading mode setting screen for each application according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 : is a diagram showing a setting screen for selecting an operation to be performed when an application is not started according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a setting screen for setting a mixed original setting mode for each job according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Fig.13 is a flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 : is another flowchart illustrating processing performed by the image processing apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B 1 and 2 are diagrams respectively showing the automatic document reading unit when a document is placed on the document tray while abutting against the guide plate when viewed from the top.

[0028] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B are diagrams each showing the automatic document reading unit when a document of a non-standard size is placed on the document tray when viewed from the top.

[0029] Fig.17 is a perspective view showing the automatic document reading unit in a state where it is difficult to re-set a document. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following exemplary embodiments are not limited to the present invention set forth in the appended claims. Not all combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0031] An example configuration of a reading device included in an image processing device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a reading device according to the present exemplary embodiment. The reading device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a document reading unit 100 that reads a document and an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 200 that conveys the document to the document reading unit 100 .

[0033] The ADF 200 is connected to the document reading unit 100 in such a manner that it can be freely opened and closed by an opening / closing hinge on the back side of the upper surface of the document reading unit 100 .

[0034] When the ADF 200 is closed, a document pressing member of the ADF 200 attached to one side of the document reading unit 100 presses a document placed on the document reading unit 100 .

[0035] <Example Configuration of Document Reading Unit 100>

[0036] The following will refer to Figure 2 The document reading unit 100 will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the ADF 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0037] The document reading unit 100 includes a document positioning glass plate 101, a front reading unit 105, an optical motor (not shown), and a reading movement guide rail. When the document reading control (platen reading control) is performed, the document reading unit 100 reads the document placed on the document positioning glass plate 101 while moving the front reading unit 105 along the reading movement guide rail.

[0038] In the feed-reading control, the front-side reading unit 105 reads an image of the document that has been conveyed to the front-side feed-reading glass plate 102 by the ADF 200 .

[0039] The ADF 200 includes a document tray 30 on which a document bundle S including at least one document is stacked. The ADF 200 also includes a separation pad 21 as a separation mechanism, a separation roller 2, and a feed roller 1. The separation pad 21 prevents the document bundle S from protruding from the document tray 30 and advancing to the downstream side of the document conveying direction before the document feeding starts. The document tray 30 includes a document detection sensor 10 that detects the presence of a document and a document tray size detection sensor 9 that determines the size of the document on the document tray 30.

[0040] In order to reliably convey the original placed on the original tray 30 during the original conveyance, it is necessary to make the feed roller 1 and the original bundle S contact each other and apply an appropriate pressure to the contact portion. For this purpose, the original tray 30 is lifted to a predetermined height, and the feed roller 1 is pressed against the surface of the uppermost original of the original bundle S stacked on the original tray 30. In this state, the feed roller 1 is rotated so that the originals can be fed one by one from the uppermost original of the original bundle S. The originals fed by the feed roller 1 are separated by the action of the separation pad 21 and the separation roller 2, and the uppermost original is conveyed.

[0041] The document separated by the separation pad 21 and the separation roller 2 is conveyed to the drawing roller 3, and then further conveyed to the conveying roller 4 by the drawing roller 3. A conveying path for conveying the document having passed through the conveying roller 4 to the front feed-reading glass plate 102 is formed on the downstream side of the conveying roller 4. The front reading conveying roller 5 and the front reading upstream roller 51 further convey the document having been conveyed to the conveying path to the front reading position.

[0042] <<Read front>>

[0043] The document conveyed to the front reading position passes through the gap between the front feeding-reading glass plate 102 and the front glass facing member 6, and is irradiated with light by front light emitting diodes (LEDs) 103a and 103b. Then, when the reflected light is bent by a plurality of reflection mirrors 104a, 104b, and 104c, the reflected light is read by the front reading sensor 108. The image on the front side of the document is read line by line by the above method.

[0044] The read document is discharged to a discharge tray 17 by a conveying roller 7 and a discharge roller 16 located between a front-side reading position and a back-side reading position.

[0045] When there are multiple originals on the original tray 30, the image processing device repeats the processing of feeding, separating and conveying from the above-mentioned original bundle S, the reading processing at the front feeding-reading position and the discharge processing until the image processing device completes the reading of the front side of the last original and discharges the last original to the discharge tray 17.

[0046] <<Duplex Reading>>

[0047] The double-sided feeding-reading includes the reading of the front side of the original in the single-sided feeding-reading and the reading of the back side of the original. The feeding, separation, conveyance and front side reading of the original are similar to those in the single-sided feeding-reading described above, so they will not be described in detail.

[0048] The document that has been conveyed by the front-side reading downstream roller 52 is conveyed to the back-side feeding-reading position by the back-side reading conveying roller 7 and the back-side reading upstream roller 53. Before the document reaches the back-side feeding-reading position, the movable back-side feeding-reading glass plate 201 is moved to the back-side feeding-reading position. Figure 2 The back side of the document passing through the space between the back feed-reading glass plate 201 and the back glass facing member 8 is irradiated with light by the back side LEDs 203a and 203b. When the reflected light is bent by the plurality of reflection mirrors 204a, 204b, and 204c, the image on the back side of the document is read by the back side reading sensor 208. The image on the back side of the document is read line by line by this method.

[0049] The document that has been conveyed by the back-side reading downstream rollers 54 is conveyed to the discharge tray 17 by the discharge rollers 16 .

[0050] When there are multiple originals on the original tray 30, the image processing device repeats the processing of feeding, separating and conveying from the original bundle S, the reading processing on the front and back sides, and the discharge processing until the image processing device completes reading the front and back sides of the last original and discharges the last original to the discharge tray 17.

[0051] A charge coupled device (CCD) or a contact image sensor (CIS) may be used for the front side reading unit 105 and the back side reading unit 202 .

[0052] <Block Diagram Description>

[0053] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the reader controller 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[0054] The reader controller 300 includes a reader central processing unit (CPU) 301 as a central processing device. The reader controller 300 includes a reader read-only memory (ROM) 302 and a reader random access memory (RAM) 303. The reader ROM 302 stores a control program, and the reader RAM 303 stores input data and work data. The reader CPU 301 executes the control program stored in the reader ROM 302 to control the document reading unit 100.

[0055] In order to realize the document conveying function, the reader CPU 301 controls the driving and rotation of the feed motor 310 and the conveying motor 307 that drive each conveying roller. When the feed motor 310 is driven, the feed roller 1 and the separation roller 2 connected to the feed motor 310 rotate, thereby feeding the document. Other rollers such as the traction roller 3, the conveying roller 4, the read upstream roller (front reading conveying roller) 5, the read downstream roller (back reading conveying roller) 7 and the discharge roller 16 are directly connected to the conveying motor 307, and are driven and stopped in association with the rotation of the conveying motor 307.

[0056] The feed motor 310 and the conveying motor 307 according to the present exemplary embodiment are pulse motors, and the reader CPU 301 controls the number of drive pulses thereof to manage the rotation amount of each motor. Therefore, the number of drive pulses can be regarded as the conveying distance of the original document currently being conveyed. The reader CPU 301 counts the number of drive pulses of each of the feed motor 310 and the conveying motor 307 to measure the conveying distance of the original document. The reader CPU 301 is connected to the system CPU 411 and performs various types of control based on instructions from the system CPU 411.

[0057] The reader controller 300 also includes conveyor system sensors (including Figure 2 The separation sensor 11, the traction sensor 12, the delivery sensor 13, the reading sensor 14 and the discharge sensor 15 are shown.

[0058] The reader controller 300 also includes an on-tray length sensor (document tray size detection sensor) 9 that detects the length of the document on the document tray 30, and an on-tray width guide sensor 309 that similarly detects the width of the document. The reader controller 300 estimates the size of the document on the document tray 30 by using the above-mentioned on-tray length sensor 9 and on-tray width guide sensor 309.

[0059] When the document detection sensor 10 detects the document placed on the document tray 30, the reader CPU 301 operates the feed roller lifting motor 311 to lower the feed roller 1. Then, the reader CPU 301 operates the tray lifting motor 312 to lift the document tray 30. The reader CPU 301 may operate the feed roller lifting motor 311 so as to perform only the process for lifting the document tray 30 without performing the process for lowering the feed roller 1.

[0060] The reader CPU 301 stops lifting the document tray 30 at a position where the lowered feed roller 1 contacts the document placed on the document tray 30 .

[0061] The reader CPU 301 is connected to the front LED 103, the back LED 203, the front line sensor (front reading sensor) 108, and the back line sensor (back reading sensor) 208 to realize the image reading function. The reader CPU 301 performs various types of image processing on the image data read by the front line sensor 108 and the back line sensor 208 through the reader image processing unit 304, and stores the processed image data in the reader image memory 305.

[0062] In response to an image output request received from the system controller 400 via the command data bus 317 , the reader CPU 301 transmits the image data stored in the reader image memory 305 to the system controller 400 via the image data bus 318 .

[0063] The reader CPU 301 also sends a vertical synchronization signal serving as a reference for the start position of the document image data and a horizontal synchronization signal serving as a reference for the start position of one row of pixels to the system controller 400 via the image data bus 318 .

[0064] The system controller 400 includes a system CPU 411, a hard disk drive (HDD) 412, and a RAM 413, and transmits and receives data related to image reading control to and from the reader CPU 301 via a command data bus 317. Image data processed by the reader image processing unit 304 is transmitted to an image processing unit 414 in the system controller 400 via an image data bus 318. Then, predetermined image processing such as color determination is performed on the image data, and stored in an image memory 415. The system controller 400 also includes an operation unit 416, and the system CPU 411 performs user interface control via the operation unit 416.

[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment, an application that reads a document and performs form processing on the read document is stored as software in the HDD 412. The application is read into the RAM 413 as necessary and then executed 411 by the system CPU.

[0066] The system control application executed by the system CPU 411 controls instructions for executing document reading, instructions for preliminary operations synchronized with document reading, and a user interface to be displayed on the operation unit 416 .

[0067] <About mixed document reading>

[0068] A method for reading a plurality of originals of different sizes will be described below.

[0069] In a manner similar to the above-mentioned reading method (single-sided reading and double-sided reading), the reader CPU 301 feeds each original document stacked on the original document tray 30 one by one, and conveys the original document on the conveying path using the feed roller 1 and the separation roller 2. At this time, the reader CPU 301 detects the length of the conveyed original document using the separation sensor 11. More specifically, the original document is fed from the original document bundle S on the original document tray 30 using the feed roller 1, and the uppermost original document is separated and conveyed using the separation roller 2 and the separation pad 21. The leading end of the conveyed original document is detected by the separation sensor 11, and the signal from the separation sensor 11 changes from off to on. When the original document is conveyed and the rear end of the original document passes through the separation sensor 11, the signal from the separation sensor 11 is turned off. The reader CPU 301 measures the time period during which the signal from the separation sensor 11 is on, and calculates the product of the measured time period and the conveying speed to obtain the length of the original document.

[0070] Then, when the original is conveyed to the front reading position and read by the front reading unit 105, image data is generated based on the image of the original. The generated image data is sent to the reader image processing unit 304. The reader image processing unit 304 detects the end of the original and measures the width of the original based on the detected end. The reader image processing unit 304 identifies the size of the original based on the measured width of the original and its above-mentioned length, and stores the image data with the identified original size in the reader image memory 305. The reader image processing unit 304 may read an image only in the area of ​​the identified original size using the front reading sensor 108 and the back reading sensor 208. Alternatively, the reader image processing unit 304 may perform control in the following manner. For example, the reader image processing unit 304 may read an image of the maximum size that the front reading sensor 108 and the back reading sensor 208 can read, cut out the image data corresponding to the area of ​​the identified original size, and store the image data.

[0071] <About the original placement position on the original tray>

[0072] The document tray 30 cooperates with the tray lifting motor 312 through gears. When the tray lifting motor 312 is driven, a lifting operation such as a lifting and lowering operation of the document tray 30 is performed.

[0073] When no document is placed on the document tray 30, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the document tray 30 stands by in a lowered state. When a document bundle S is placed on the document tray 30 and the document detection sensor 10 determines that there is a document, the reader CPU 301 lowers the feed roller 1 and lifts the document tray 30 on which the document is placed to feed the document. Then, the reader CPU 301 stops lifting the document tray 30 at a position where the feed roller 1 contacts the document bundle S while the feed roller 1 is lowered. When the document tray 30 is lifted and stopped, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the document tray 30 is in a raised state with the document bundle S in contact with the feed roller 1. This enables the feed roller 1 to be driven immediately to feed the document, thereby shortening the time period from receiving the reading start instruction to feeding the first document, and enabling document reading to be started quickly.

[0074] like Fig.15A As shown, the document tray 30 is provided with tray adjustment plates a and b for placing the document in the correct position (center position). The tray adjustment plates a and b can be manually slid to adapt to the width of the document. The reader CPU 301 detects the width of the document by detecting the gap between the tray adjustment plates a and b by the width guide sensor 309 on the tray. When reading only one document size, the width size information detected here is used.

[0075] In the case of mixed originals, a plurality of originals of different sizes are placed on the original tray 30. In this case, in order to prevent the originals from being conveyed skewed during the original feeding, as shown in FIG. Fig.15A As shown, the user places originals on the original tray 30 so as to abut against the tray regulating plates a and b on the original tray 30. Each of the placed originals is conveyed by the feed roller 1 and then read.

[0076] The above method is effective for document sizes such as A3, A4, B4, and B5 that are standardized by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 216 or Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) P 0138. However, if the above method is used to place documents when mixed reading of non-standard documents (e.g., receipts, checks, bills), such as Fig. 15B As shown, the original may not be placed at the position of the feed roller 1 and may not be fed by the feed roller 1 .

[0077] Therefore, when placing originals including non-standard size originals, Fig.16A As shown, the reader CPU 301 needs to prompt the user to place the document at the position of the feed roller 1.

[0078] A document smaller in size than other documents in the document bundle S cannot be placed close to the tray adjustment plates a and b. Therefore, the user is likely to place such a document once on the document tray 30 and then re-place the document. Fig. 16B Place the original once as shown, and then Fig.16A Reload the original as shown.

[0079] At this time, when the document bundle S is set on the document tray 30 and the document tray 30 is lifted and stopped, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, the feed roller 1 applies pressure to the document bundle S. In this state, it is difficult for the user to correct the document position in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the document conveying direction (sub scanning direction) or to re-place the document.

[0080] It is desirable to change the lifting and lowering of the document tray 30 according to the application that performs document reading and the reading setting set by the user at the time of image reading. For example, when a form processing application is installed, it is desirable to lift the document tray 30 at the start of document reading rather than when the document is placed from the viewpoint of convenience of document placement. On the other hand, when a copy or image transmission application is installed, placing the document without hindrance is a priority, so it is desirable to lift the document tray 30 when the document is placed. In order to realize such an operation, it is necessary to change the lifting and lowering processing according to the application characteristics and the user settings.

[0081] Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, whether to execute processing for lifting the document tray 30 is determined when a document is detected according to the activated application.

[0082] <<Reading Mixed Originals of Non-Standard Sizes>>

[0083] Reading of mixed documents of non-standard sizes according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0084] Figure 6 A screen displayed on the operation unit 416 when the reading operation is not performed after the power of the image processing apparatus is turned on is illustrated.

[0085] Figure 6 A plurality of selectable buttons that can be selected when the user touches the screen via the touch panel are shown.

[0086] When reading non-standard size mixed documents on the document tray 30 , the user selects the “read non-standard size mixed documents” button to enable reading of non-standard size mixed documents.

[0087] When the "Read non-standard size mixed originals" button is selected, the screen for reading non-standard size mixed originals is displayed ( Figure 7 ). The screen prompts the user to place the original in the center and enables the user to make the desired reading settings in detail.

[0088] <<Select the document tray control method for each application>>

[0089] Figure 8 An example screen for setting whether to automatically raise or lower the document tray 30 when a document is placed on the document tray 30 for each application is shown. Figure 6 When the “Settings” button in the display is clicked, the screen is displayed on the operation unit 416 through the system control application.

[0090] The user performs an operation to change the setting of each application on the operation unit 416. The setting of each application is stored in the management table information in the RAM 413. In the case where the RAM 413 is to be erased, such as when the power of the image processing apparatus is turned off, the management table is stored in the HDD 412, and loaded into the RAM 413 when the power of the image processing apparatus is turned on again. Figure 8 Examples of the setting screens 1000A, 1000C, and 1000E and examples of the management tables 1000B, 1000D, and 1000F in the RAM 413 when settings are made on the respective setting screens are illustrated.

[0091] The information in the management table includes application identifiers (IDs), application names, and automatic tray lift settings. Application IDs are unique numbers assigned to each application. When an application is installed in an image processing device, the application ID is issued individually to each application vendor or uniquely assigned to each application. Application name indicates the name of each application and is displayed in Figure 6 The application name is also used as the name displayed in screen 1000A when specifying an application that has undergone setting changes.

[0092] The “Copy” application reads an image of an original to generate image data, and executes a “Copy” function for printing the image based on the generated image data on the printer unit 500. The “Send” application reads an image of an original to generate image data, and executes a “Send” function for sending the generated image data to a designated destination via the network I / F 417. The “Save to Box” application reads an image of an original to generate image data, and executes a Box function for saving the generated image data in the HDD 412. The “Read non-standard size mixed originals” application reads non-standard size originals such as receipts, checks, or slips to generate image data, and executes a function for sending the generated image data to a designated destination via the network I / F 417.

[0093] "Automatic tray lift when original is placed" refers to whether the document tray 30 is automatically lifted when an original is placed on the document tray 30. The default setting is indicated in row 1002 of screen 1000A and table 1000B, and only the "Read non-standard size mixed originals" application in row 1001 of screen 1000A is highlighted. This setting means that the document tray 30 will not be automatically lifted when an original is placed. If the user wants to set the document tray 30 not to be automatically lifted for the "Send" application (which reads an original and sends the image data of the original to a specified destination), the user performs the following operations. First, the user presses row 1003 of screen 1000C to highlight the row 1003, and then presses the OK key 1004. After pressing the OK key 1004, the system control application changes the management table, that is, the system control application changes the "Automatic tray lift when original is placed" setting set for the "Send" function to 0.

[0094] When a new application (e.g., a form processing application) is installed, a new configurable application is added at any time as in screen 1000E, and the application is also added to the management table. The default setting of the "automatic tray lift when original is set" setting (1 or 0) in the management table can be determined for each application. The system control application of the image processing apparatus can automatically determine the application and register the initial value of the "automatic tray lift when original is set" setting.

[0095] The following will refer to Fig. 9 The flowchart in describes the operation performed when an application is selected and a document is placed. The flowchart is implemented when the system CPU 411 (hereinafter referred to as the CPU 411) loads a system control application from the HDD 412 into the RAM 413 and then executes the application.

[0096] Although detailed description will be omitted, the system CPU 411 of the system controller 400 raises and lowers the document tray 30 by issuing a control instruction to the reader CPU 301 of the reader controller 300. The reader controller 300 notifies the system controller 400 of the lifting or lowering state after the state transition. Figure 6 Of course, when the document is removed from the document tray 30, the system CPU 411 unconditionally issues the document tray lowering instruction. The processing for lowering the document tray 30 when the document is removed from the document tray 30 may be executed by the reader controller 300 alone.

[0097] In step S1101, the CPU 411 checks whether a document is placed. More specifically, the CPU 411 determines whether to raise the document tray 30 when a document is placed. When no document is placed on the document tray 30, it is not necessary to raise the document tray 30, so the process is exited once. Fig. 9 Then, the system CPU 411 continues the determination in step S1101. When the document is placed ("Yes" in step S1101), the process proceeds to step S1102. In step S1102, the CPU 411 obtains the ID of the application corresponding to the displayed screen. For example, when the Figure 6 When the "Copy" button in the "Copy" function is activated, that is, the "Copy" screen is displayed, the system CPU 411 obtains 1 as the application ID. When the "Read non-standard size mixed originals" button is selected and the "Read non-standard size mixed originals" application is activated, that is, the "Copy" screen is displayed. Figure 7 In the "Read Non-standard Size Mixed Originals" screen in the display, the system CPU 411 obtains 4 as the application ID. In step S1102, the CPU 411 may simply obtain the ID of the started application, rather than obtaining the application ID after identifying the application corresponding to the displayed screen based on the displayed screen.

[0098] After obtaining the application ID, in step S1103, the CPU 411 refers to the management table loaded in the RAM 413. If the application ID obtained in step S1102 is registered in the management table, then in step S104, the CPU 411 determines that there is a suitable application ("Yes" in step S1104). On the other hand, if Figure 6If the screen in remains displayed and no application is selected, then in step S104, the CPU 411 determines that there is no suitable application ("No" in step S1104), and the process exits. Fig. 9 Flowchart in .

[0099] When the CPU 411 determines that there is an appropriate application ("YES" in step S1104), the CPU 411 confirms the value of the "automatic tray lift when original is set" setting for each individual application in the management table. If the value is 1 ("YES" in step S1105), the process proceeds to step S1106. If the value is 0 ("NO" in step S1105), the process proceeds to step S1108.

[0100] In step S1106, the CPU 411 determines whether the document tray 30 is in the lowered state. If the document tray 30 is in the lowered state ("YES" in step S1106), the process proceeds to step S1107. If the document tray 30 is not in the lowered state ("NO" in step S1106), the process exits. Fig. 9 Flowchart in .

[0101] In step S1107, the CPU 411 issues a document tray lifting instruction to the reader controller 300 to lift the document tray 30. Then, the process exits. Fig. 9 Flowchart in .

[0102] If the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is not in the lowered state (NO in step S1106), the CPU 411 assumes that the document tray 30 is already in the raised state and the state of the document tray 30 remains unchanged. Then, the process exits the flowchart.

[0103] If the value of the automatic tray lifting setting when the document is set is 0 (NO in step S1105 ), that is, if the document tray 30 is not lifted up when the document is set, the process proceeds to step S1108 .

[0104] In step S1108, the CPU 411 determines whether the document tray 30 is in the raised state. If the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is in the raised state ("Yes" in step S1108), the process proceeds to step S1109. In step S1109, the CPU 411 issues a document tray lowering instruction to the reader controller 300. If the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is not in the raised state ("No" in step S1108), the CPU 411 maintains the state of the document tray 30 unchanged. The process then exits. Fig. 9 Flowchart in .

[0105] If the CPU 411 receives a read start instruction while the document tray 30 is in the lowered state, the CPU 411 automatically raises the document tray 30 and then conveys and reads the document.

[0106] The above control enables the CPU 411 to set for each application whether to automatically lift the document tray 30 when a document is placed on the document tray 30. Therefore, the lifting control of the document tray 30 can be appropriately performed by changing the setting on whether to automatically lift the document tray 30 between the "read non-standard size mixed originals" application that is likely to read non-standard size originals and the application for reading standard size originals.

[0107] The first exemplary embodiment has been described above around an example in which a setting as to whether or not to automatically raise the document tray 30 when a document is set is provided for each application.

[0108] The second exemplary embodiment will be described below centering on an example in which the setting as to whether to automatically raise the document tray 30 when a document is set is determined according to the registered contents of the reading mode.

[0109] The following will refer to Fig.10 Description of the default reading mode for each application is described in detail. Screens 1200A and 1200C are examples of setting screens for determining the default value of the reading mode for each application. As an initial value, the reading mode for reading standard size originals is registered as the default value for three applications, namely the "Copy" application, the "Send" application, and the "Save to Box" application. For the "Read Non-standard Size Mixed Originals" application, mixed original reading can be registered as the default value. The default value is pre-stored by the system control application as a specified value for the application. In addition to being stored by the system control application, the default value can also be stored by each application and notified to the system control application.

[0110] In order to change the settings, the user presses the setting key for each application on screen 1200A.

[0111] To change the default value of the transmission reading mode, the user presses the key 1201 and then presses the OK key 1202. When the OK key 1202 is pressed, a management table 1200D is generated in the RAM 413.

[0112] Fig.11 This illustrates a screen for setting a default action to be performed when no application is selected. Fig.10 The screen for determining the behavior when displaying each application is shown as an example. Fig.11 The screen for performing settings when a document is placed on the document tray 30 in a state where no application is selected is illustrated.

[0113] The automatic lift-up key 1301 when placing an original is used to unconditionally lift up the original tray 30 when placing an original. The automatic lift-up key 1302 when starting a job is used to lift up the original tray 30 when reading of an original is started. Only one of the automatic lift-up key 1301 when placing an original and the automatic lift-up key 1302 when starting a job can be selected, and the selected key is highlighted. When the OK key 1303 is pressed after making the setting, the setting value is stored in the RAM 413.

[0114] The initial values ​​of the operation settings when no application is selected may be initialized by values ​​pre-stored by the system control application and may be freely changed by the user. Fig.12 An example screen for selecting a mixed manuscript mode in each reading mode is illustrated. The same width key 1401 is used to issue an instruction for setting mixed manuscripts of the same series. The different width key 1402 is used to issue an instruction for setting mixed manuscripts of different series. The different width (small size) key 1403 is used to issue an instruction for reading mixed manuscripts of non-standard sizes. When the OK key is pressed, these setting values ​​are stored in the RAM 413.

[0115] When Fig.10 When the "Non-standard size mixed originals" setting is made in the reading mode setting of each application in the display, the different width (small size) key 1403 is selected. Fig.12 The screen in .

[0116] The following will refer to Fig.13 The flowchart in describes the operations to be performed when placing an original or selecting Apply. The basic operation is similar to Fig. 9 The operation of the flowchart in . The flowchart is implemented by the system CPU 411 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 411) loading the system control application from the HDD 412 into the RAM 413.

[0117] In step S1501, the CPU 411 determines whether a document is set. When no document is set (NO in step S1501), the process exits. Fig.13 Then, the CPU 411 continues the determination in step S1501. If the CPU 411 determines that the document is set (YES in step S1501), the process proceeds to step S1502.

[0118] In step S1502, the CPU 411 obtains the ID of the displayed application. In step S1503, the CPU 411 refers to the management table. If the CPU 411 determines that the ID of the displayed application is not registered as a result of referring to the management table (NO in step S1504), the process proceeds to step S1505.

[0119] In step S1505, the CPU 411 reads the Fig.11 The setting value of the document tray control when the application is not started is preset in the screen of . When the default operation setting is the automatic lift setting when the document is placed ("Yes" in step S1505), the processing enters step S1507. In step S1507, the CPU 411 determines whether the document tray 30 is in a lowered state. If the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is in a lowered state ("Yes" in step S1507), the processing enters step S1508 to issue an original tray lift instruction. On the other hand, if the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is not in a lowered state ("No" in step S1507), the processing exits. Fig.13 In step S1508, the CPU 411 issues a document tray lifting instruction.

[0120] If the CPU 411 determines that the default operation setting is the job start automatic lift setting (NO in step S1505 ), the processing proceeds to step S1509 .

[0121] In step S1509, the CPU 411 determines whether the document tray 30 is in the raised state. If the CPU 411 determines that the document tray 30 is in the raised state (YES in step S1509), the process proceeds to step S1510. In step S1510, the CPU 411 issues a document tray lowering instruction.

[0122] If the CPU 411 determines that the ID of the displayed application is registered in the management table (YES in step S1504 ), the processing proceeds to step S1506 .

[0123] In step S1506, the CPU 411 determines whether the default value setting of the reading mode registered in the management table is a standard size. If the CPU 411 determines that the default value setting is a standard size ("Yes" in step S1506), the process proceeds to step S1507. On the other hand, if the CPU 411 determines that the default value setting is a non-standard size mixed original ("No" in step S1506), the process proceeds to step S1509.

[0124] Executing the above control enables optimal control of the lifting and lowering of the document tray 30 when selecting an application to be used and placing a document. Fig.14 The operation to be performed when the mixed document reading setting is changed after selecting an application is described in detail. This flowchart is implemented by the CPU 411 loading the system control application from the HDD 412 into the RAM 413 .

[0125] When the user selects an application and then at any time (that is, when the user presses Fig.12 This flowchart is executed when you change the job settings by pressing the OK button in the Fig.13 Execute after the flowchart in Fig.14 Execute each time you change the settings Fig.14 On the premise that the document tray 30 is maintained in the lowered state, changing the document tray 30 to be in the lowered state when removing the document will not be described in detail.

[0126] In step S1601, the CPU 411 checks whether a document is placed. When no document is placed ("No" in step S1601), the process exits the flowchart. When a document is placed ("Yes" in step S1601), the process proceeds to step S1602. In step S1602, the CPU 411 Fig.12 Check the Mixed Originals Mode setting on the Fig.12 , the setting value of the mixed original mode is stored in RAM 413. CPU 411 reads and checks the information. If a different width (small size) is selected ("Yes" in step S1602), the process proceeds to step S1605. If other settings are selected ("No" in step S1602), the process proceeds to step S1603. The processes in steps S1603, S1604, S1605, and S1607 are similar to the processes in steps S1106, S1107, S1108, and S1109, respectively, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] The above control makes it possible to change whether to automatically raise the document tray 30 when a document is detected based on the default mode registered for each application. In the case where a receipt, check, slip or other non-standard size document is likely to be placed, the above control makes it easier for the user to re-place the document, thereby improving user convenience.

[0128] In the above exemplary embodiments, an example has been described in which the image processing apparatus includes a plurality of applications, and a setting regarding whether to raise the document tray 30 when the placement of a document is detected is stored in association with each application. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A setting regarding whether to raise the document tray 30 when the placement of a document is detected during the execution of the application may also be stored in association with each application. For example, in the case where a new application is installed in the image processing apparatus, the user may also be prompted to select whether to raise the document tray 30 when the placement of a document is detected for the application, and the result of the selection may be stored.

[0129] Other embodiments

[0130] The embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented by providing software (program) for performing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and a computer or a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0131] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image processing device, comprising: Original document tray; monitor; A lifting unit for raising the document tray; a conveying unit for conveying an original document placed on the original document tray raised by the lifting unit; a reading unit configured to read the document conveyed by the conveying unit; and a registration unit for registering, for an application, whether or not to raise the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray; as well as a control unit configured to cause a lifting unit to lift up the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray when the display displays a first screen of the first application, wherein the registration unit registers, for the first application, that the document tray is lifted when a document is placed on the document tray; When the display displays the second screen of the second application, the control unit does not cause the lifting unit to lift the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray, and the registration unit does not register the second application as lifting the document tray when a document is placed on the document tray. 2 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first application is a copy application. 3 . The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second application is a form processing application.

4. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an installation unit for installing a new application, in, The registration unit can register, for the new application installed by the installation unit, whether the document tray is raised when a document is placed on the document tray.

5. A method for controlling an image processing device, the image processing device comprising a document tray and a display, the method comprising: Register for the application whether to raise the document tray when placing an original on it; When the display displays a first screen of a first application, the document tray is raised when a document is placed on the document tray, wherein the document tray is registered to be raised when a document is placed on the document tray for the first application, Transporting the original placed on the original tray raised during the lift; Reading the original document being transported; When the display displays the second screen of the second application, the document tray is not raised when the document is placed on the document tray, and the document tray is not registered to be raised when the document is placed on the document tray for the second application.

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