Image reading device and image formation device

Abstract

To achieve improvement in operability of an operation a user performs to a recording medium to be conveyed, while suppressing a fall of efficiency in reading images formed in the recording medium when compared to a configuration in which a conveyance speed of the recording medium to be conveyed stays unchanged.SOLUTION: A CPU is configured to set a conveyance speed on the basis of a state about a position of paper P to be conveyed by a conveyance roll, in which the conveyance roll is configured to convey the paper P in a direction indicated by an arrow 6A serving as one direction as indicated in (A). The CPU is configured to set a conveyance speed on the basis of a state about a position of the paper P to be conveyed by the conveyance roll in a direction crossing the one direction. A CPU 11a is configured to, when the position of the paper P in the crossing direction is a specific position, perform setting so that the conveyance speed of the paper P by the conveyance roll becomes small when compared to a case where the position thereof is not the specific position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a configuration including a determination means for determining the amount of skew of the document based on a read image of the document read by an image reading unit while the document is being transported by a transport unit, and a transport control means for controlling the transport unit to suppress transport of the document based on the amount of skew determined by the determination means and a preset threshold value. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which two tilt sensors are provided midway along a document transport path in order to detect the degree of tilt of a document transported along the document transport path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-1795 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-35031 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an image reading device, a recording medium to be read is transported, and further, a user may perform operations on the recording medium depending on the positional deviation or inclination of the recording medium being transported. Here, if the transport speed of the transported recording medium is slow, the operability of the user's operation on the recording medium is improved, but on the other hand, if the transport speed of the transported recording medium is slow, the efficiency of reading the image formed on the recording medium decreases. The object of the present invention is to improve the operability of operations performed by a user on a transported recording medium while suppressing a decrease in the efficiency of reading an image formed on the recording medium, compared to a configuration in which the transport speed of the transported recording medium does not change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image reading device comprising a transport means for transporting a recording medium, a reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium transported by the transport means, and a processor for setting the transport speed of the recording medium by the transport means based on the transport state of the recording medium transported by the transport means. The invention described in claim 2 is the image reading device described in claim 1, wherein the processor sets the transport speed based on a state regarding a position of the recording medium transported by the transport means. The invention described in claim 3 is an image reading device described in claim 2, wherein the conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, and the processor sets the conveying speed based on the state of the position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction. The invention described in claim 4 is an image reading device described in claim 3, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be slower when the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a specific position than when the recording medium is not at the specific position. The invention described in claim 5 is an image reading device described in claim 4, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be slower when the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to the recording medium exceeds a predetermined threshold value compared to when the distance does not exceed the threshold value. The invention described in claim 6 is an image reading device described in claim 4, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be increased when the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is no longer at the specific position. The invention described in claim 7 is the image reading device described in claim 1, wherein the conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, and the processor sets the conveying speed based on the degree of movement of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction. The invention described in claim 8 is the image reading device described in claim 7, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be slower when the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction exceeds a predetermined threshold value compared to when the amount of movement does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. The invention described in claim 9 is the image reading device described in claim 8, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be increased when the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold. The invention described in claim 10 is the image reading device described in claim 1, wherein the processor sets the transport speed based on a state regarding an inclination of the recording medium transported by the transport means. The invention described in claim 11 is an image reading device described in claim 10, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be slower when the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means is greater than a predetermined threshold value than when the inclination is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The invention described in claim 12 is an image reading device described in claim 11, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be increased when the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The invention described in claim 13 is the image reading device described in claim 1, wherein the processor sets the conveying speed to be changed when the conveying state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, and sets the conveying speed to be returned to its original state when the conveying state of the recording medium is no longer in the specific state. The invention described in claim 14 is the image reading device described in claim 1, wherein the processor performs settings to change the conveying speed when the conveying state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, and when the setting to change the conveying speed is performed, a notification is given to the user that the conveying speed of the recording medium will change. The invention described in claim 15 is an image forming apparatus comprising an image reading device that reads an image formed on a recording medium, and an image forming means that forms an image obtained by reading by the image reading device on the recording medium, wherein the image reading device is configured as an image reading device described in any one of claims 1 to 14. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, compared to a configuration in which the transport speed of the transported recording medium does not change, it is possible to improve the operability of the user's operations on the transported recording medium while suppressing any decrease in the efficiency of reading the image formed on the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 2, when the position of the recording medium transported by the transport means deviates from the originally planned position, it is possible to set the transport speed of the recording medium to a new transport speed. According to the invention of claim 3, when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means deviates from the originally intended position, it is possible to set the conveying speed of the recording medium to a new conveying speed. According to the invention of claim 4, when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is at a specific position, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 5, when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to the recording medium exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 6, when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is no longer a specific position, it becomes possible to increase the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to change the transport speed of the recording medium according to the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means. According to the invention of claim 8, when the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means is large, it is possible to reduce the conveying speed of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 9, when the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes small, it is possible to increase the conveying speed of the recording medium. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the transport speed of the recording medium according to the inclination of the recording medium transported by the transport means. According to the invention of claim 11, when the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means is large, it is possible to reduce the conveying speed of the recording medium. According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, when the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes small, it is possible to increase the conveying speed of the recording medium. According to the invention of claim 13, it is possible to change or return the conveying speed of the recording medium to its original state according to the conveying state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means. According to the invention of claim 14, it is possible to notify the user that the conveying speed of the recording medium will change. According to the invention of claim 15, compared to a configuration in which the transport speed of the transported recording medium does not change, it is possible to improve the operability of the user's operations on the transported recording medium while suppressing any decrease in the efficiency of reading the image formed on the recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image forming unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an image reading unit as viewed from above. [Diagram 5] 11A to 11C are diagrams showing user operations when an image is read by an image reading unit. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the setting of the paper transport speed by the CPU. [Figure 7] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing an example of a process flow for transporting paper. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification performed via a notification unit. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing a processing sequence. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, an image forming section 100 that forms an image on a sheet of paper, which is an example of a recording medium, is provided on the lower side of the image forming apparatus 300. The image forming unit 100, which is an example of an image forming means, forms an image on paper based on image data obtained by reading with the image reading device 400 or image data sent to the image forming device 300 from outside the image forming device 300.

[0009] An image reading device 400 that reads an image formed on a sheet of paper, which is an example of a recording medium, is provided on the upper side of the image forming device 300. In other words, an image reading device 400 that reads an original on which an image is formed is provided on this upper side. The image reading device 400 includes an image reading section 410 having a line sensor and the like installed therein. In this embodiment, as the paper serving as the original passes under the image reading unit 410 toward the back side in the figure, the image formed on the paper is read. More specifically, in this embodiment, the image formed on the original paper is read as the original paper passes between the device main body 310 located below the image reading unit 410 and the image reading unit 410.

[0010] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 300 of this embodiment is provided with a notification section 320 for notifying the user of information. The notification section 320 of this embodiment is configured with a touch panel type display device. In this embodiment, the notification unit 320 is also capable of accepting information input by a user to the image forming apparatus 300. The notification unit 320 also has a function of accepting information from the user.

[0011] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which information is notified to the user through an image displayed on the notification unit 320. However, a speaker may be installed and the information may be notified to the user through sound output from the speaker. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control unit 240 (not shown in FIG. 1) that controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 300 is provided inside the image forming apparatus 300.

[0012] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 240. The control unit 240 is realized by a computer. The control unit 240 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 91 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 91 is realized by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0013] The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 11 also includes a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0014] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. In the secondary storage unit 91, various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 are stored. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, whereby various processes performed in the image forming apparatus 300 are executed.

[0015] The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the image forming apparatus 300 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 11a may also be provided to the image forming apparatus 300 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0016] In this specification, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor may not only be performed by one processor, but may be performed by multiple processors in physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the image forming unit 100. As shown in FIG. Note that the image forming unit 100 shown in Fig. 3 is an example, and the device configuration of the image forming unit 100 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3. The image forming unit 100 shown in Fig. 3 is an image forming unit that forms an image using a so-called electrophotographic method, but the image forming unit 100 may be an image forming unit that forms an image using, for example, an inkjet method. Furthermore, the image forming unit 100 may be an image forming unit that forms an image using a method other than the electrophotographic method or the inkjet method.

[0018] The image forming section 100 includes image forming units 11 (11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K), an intermediate transfer belt 12, a secondary transfer section 13, and a fixing device . In this embodiment, the image forming units 11 include four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K corresponding to toner of four colors, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), respectively. The four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are arranged side by side in the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 12, and form toner images by electrophotography.

[0019] Each of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K includes a photoconductor drum 111, a charging section 112, an exposure section 113, a developing section 114, and a primary transfer section 115. Each of the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K forms a toner image of any one of the colors YMCK, and transfers the formed toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. As a result, a toner image in which the toner images of the respective colors YMCK are superimposed is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0020] Photoconductor drum 111 rotates in the direction of arrow A in the figure at a predetermined speed. Charging unit 112 charges the circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 111 to a predetermined potential. Exposure unit 113 irradiates the charged circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 111 with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the circumferential surface of photoconductor drum 111. The developing unit 114 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum 111. The primary transfer unit 115 transfers the toner image formed on the circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum 111 onto the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0021] A voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 115. As a result, the toner images formed on the circumferential surface of the photoconductor drum 111 are electrostatically attracted in sequence onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. As a result, color toner images that are superimposed on one another are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12. When a black-and-white image is formed, a black toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0022] The intermediate transfer belt 12 is supported by a plurality of roll-shaped members and is a belt-shaped member that circulates and moves in the direction of the arrow B in the figure. In this embodiment, the multiple roll-shaped members include a drive roll 121 that is driven by a motor not shown in the figure and drives the intermediate transfer belt 12, a tension roll 122 that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 12, an idle roll 123 that supports the intermediate transfer belt 12, and a backup roll 132.

[0023] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a paper transport section 20 is provided. The paper transport section 20 is provided with a paper storage section 21 in which paper P is stored, and a pick-up roller 22 that picks up and transports paper P stored in the paper storage section 21. Further, the paper transport section 20 is provided with a transport roll 23 that transports the paper P picked up by the pickup roll 22 along a paper transport path 60, and a guide section 24 that guides the paper P transported by the transport roll 23 to the secondary transfer section 13. Further, the paper transport section 20 is provided with a transport belt 25 that transports the paper P after the secondary transfer to the fixing device 14.

[0024] In this embodiment, rectangular paper is stored in the paper storage section 21, but this is not limited thereto. A roll of paper may be placed in the paper storage section 21, and paper may be sequentially unwound from the roll of paper to supply it to the secondary transfer section 13. In this case, for example, a cutting device is provided downstream of the fixing unit 14, and the paper is cut by this cutting device to generate a rectangular paper on which an image is formed.

[0025] The secondary transfer section 13 is provided with a secondary transfer roll 134 arranged in contact with the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 12, and a backup roll 132 arranged on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 12 and serving as an opposing electrode to the secondary transfer roll 134. In this embodiment, a metallic power supply roll 133 that applies a secondary transfer bias to the backup roll 132 is provided. In the secondary transfer section 13, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the paper P that has been conveyed thereto.

[0026] The fixing unit 14 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 13 in the transport direction of the paper P. The fixing unit 14 is provided with a fixing roll 141 having a heat source (not shown) and a pressure roll 142 that is disposed opposite the fixing roll 141 and presses the fixing roll. In this embodiment, the paper P that has passed through the secondary transfer unit 13 is transported between the fixing roll 141 and the pressure roll 142. Then, when the paper P passes between the fixing roll 141 and the pressure roll 142, the unfixed toner image on the paper P is fixed onto the paper P. As a result, an image made of the toner image is formed on the paper P.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the image reading unit 410 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. In this embodiment, inside the image reading unit 410, there are provided transport rolls 412 as an example of a transport means for transporting a paper P, which is an example of a recording medium and an example of a document. The transport roll 412 is composed of a rotating shaft 412A rotated by a motor M and a cylindrical elastic body 412B provided around the rotating shaft 412A. In the present invention, the paper P is transported by being pushed upward in the figure by the rotating elastic body 412B. A plurality of elastic bodies 412B are provided, and are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 412A.

[0028] Furthermore, inside the image reading section 410, a line sensor 414 that reads an image formed on the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412 is provided. The line sensor 414, which is an example of a reading means, is provided so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412. In other words, the line sensor 414 is provided so as to extend in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412. A plurality of light receiving elements (not shown) are provided in the line sensor 414. The plurality of light receiving elements are arranged along the extension direction of the line sensor 414. In this embodiment, read data obtained by reading an image on the paper P is generated based on a signal output from each of the light receiving elements.

[0029] Further, the image reading section 410 is provided with a right side guide 416R against which the right side 19R of the paper P in the figure (hereinafter referred to as the "right side 19R") is pressed and which guides the right side 19R. In this embodiment, the user operates the paper P to press the paper P against the right side guide 416R, which is an example of a pressed portion, and the paper P is transported downstream while being guided by the right side guide 416R. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there is provided a left side guide 416L that contacts a side edge 19L (hereinafter referred to as the "left side 19L") on the left side in the figure of the paper P. This left side guide 416L is movable in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the paper P is being transported by the transport rolls 412, the user touches the paper P and performs an operation on the paper P. In other words, the user touches the paper P and applies a load to the paper P. More specifically, the user moves the conveyed paper P to the right side so that the right side 19R of the paper P moves while being guided by the right side guide 416R. In this embodiment, when the paper P is being transported, the user performs an operation on the paper P so that the paper P moves along a predetermined path.

[0031] 5(A) to 5(C) are diagrams showing user operations when an image is read by image reading unit 410. FIG. The image reading device 400 of this embodiment is capable of reading wide and long paper P. When reading wide and long paper P, as described above and as shown in FIG. 5(A), the paper P is transported while the user manipulates the paper P by hand.

[0032] Here, assume that while the paper P is being transported, the paper P becomes skewed and tries to move, for example, to the left, as shown in Fig. 5(B). In this case, the user applies a load to the paper P with his / her left or right hand so as to move the paper P toward the right side guide 416R. 5C, the sheet P approaches the right side guide 416R and becomes straight. Then, the transport of the sheet P continues in this state.

[0033] In this embodiment, to make it easier for the user to perform this operation, the transport speed of the paper P by the transport rolls 412 (see FIG. 4) is changed according to the transport state of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412. In this embodiment, a CPU 11a (see FIG. 2) as an example of a processor provided in the control unit 240 sets the transport speed of the paper P by the transport roll 412, which is an example of a transport means, based on the transport state of the paper P transported by the transport roll 412. In this embodiment, the motor M (see FIG. 4) is driven in a manner that corresponds to the set conveying speed. As a result, as will be described later, the transport speed of the paper P is reduced, making it easier for the user to operate the paper P.

[0034] 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the setting of the transport speed of the paper P by the CPU 11a. In this embodiment, the CPU 11a (an example of a processor) sets the transport speed based on the state of the position of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, the transport roll 412 (not shown in FIG. 6) transports the paper P in one direction, that is, the direction indicated by the arrow 6A, as shown in FIG. 6(A). The CPU 11a sets the transport speed based on the state of the position of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412 in a direction intersecting this one direction. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed based on the state of the position of the paper P in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the position of the paper P in the intersecting direction is a specific position, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P by the transport roll 412 to be slower than when the paper P is not at this specific position. More specifically, when the position of the paper P in the intersecting direction is to the left of a predetermined boundary position as shown in FIG. 6(B) and exceeds this boundary position, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P by the transport roll 412 to be slower. More specifically, when the position of the right side 19R of the paper P in the intersecting direction exceeds a predetermined boundary position, the CPU 11a performs a setting so that the transport speed of the paper P by the transport roll 412 is reduced.

[0036] In this embodiment, the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is identified based on the output from the line sensor 414 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, among the multiple light receiving elements that line sensor 414 has, the signal output from the light receiving element located at the position opposite paper P is different from the signal output from the light receiving element located at a position away from the position opposite paper P. In this embodiment, the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is identified based on the difference between the signals output from each of the multiple light receiving elements. In addition, the position of the right side 19R of the paper P can be determined not only by the output from the line sensor 414, but also by providing a separate sensor dedicated to determining the position of the right side 19R of the paper P, and using this dedicated sensor to determine the position of the right side 19R.

[0037] In this embodiment, the installation position of the right side guide 416R is set as a predetermined reference position. Also, in this embodiment, the distance from this reference position to the boundary position is set as a predetermined threshold value. In this embodiment, when the position of the paper P is at a position where the distance from this predetermined reference position to the paper P exceeds this predetermined threshold value, the transport speed of the paper P is set to be slower than when the position of the paper P is at a position where the distance does not exceed this threshold value. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to this right side 19R exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the transport speed of the paper P is set to be slower than when the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is a position where the distance does not exceed this threshold value.

[0038] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a determines the distance from the position of the right side guide 416R, which is the reference position, to the right edge 19R of the paper P, based on the output from the line sensor 414. Then, when the specified distance is larger than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed of the paper P to be slower than when the specified distance is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

[0039] In this embodiment, the position indicated by reference symbol 6B in FIG. 6(A) is the reference position. Fig. 6A shows a case where the distance from the reference position to the right side 19R of the paper P is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, Fig. 6A shows a case where the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is to the right of the boundary position. In this case, the CPU 11a does not set the transport speed of the paper P to be slow.

[0040] In contrast, Fig. 6(B) shows a case where the distance from the reference position to the right side 19R of the paper P is greater than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, Fig. 6(B) shows a case where the position of the right side 19R of the paper P is to the left of the boundary position. In this case, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P to be slow. When the transport speed of the paper P is set to be slower, the rotation speed of the motor M (see FIG. 4) decreases, and accordingly, the transport speed of the paper P decreases.

[0041] When the transport speed of the paper P is reduced as in this embodiment, it becomes easier for the user to move the paper P toward the right side guide 416R, which serves as the reference. Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, when the transport speed of the paper P is reduced, the user can easily perform an operation to straighten the paper P. In other words, when the transport speed of the paper P is reduced, the user can easily perform an operation to change the attitude of the paper P.

[0042] If it is difficult to move the paper P or change the position of the paper P, the quality of the read image obtained by reading the image on the paper P may deteriorate. Furthermore, if it is difficult to move the paper P or change the position of the paper P, the paper P may be pushed against the left side guide 416L (see FIG. 4) at an angle, which may result in damage to the paper P. In contrast, if the operation of moving the paper P or changing the attitude of the paper P is easy to perform as in this embodiment, this problem is less likely to occur.

[0043] When decreasing the transport speed of the paper P, the transport speed of the paper P may be set to zero and the transport of the paper P may be temporarily stopped. However, it is more preferable that when the transport speed of the paper P is reduced, the transport speed of the paper P is not set to zero, but rather the transport speed of the paper P is continued at the low speed even when the transport speed of the paper P is reduced. If the transport speed of the paper P is set to zero and the transport of the paper P is temporarily stopped, there is a risk that there will be discontinuity between the image obtained by reading the paper P before the transport of the paper P is stopped and the image obtained by reading the paper P after the transport of the paper P is resumed. On the other hand, if the transport of the paper P is continued without being stopped, the occurrence of this problem can be avoided.

[0044] When the position of the paper P in the intersecting direction is no longer the specific position, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed to be increased. Specifically, when the position of the paper P in the intersecting direction is to the right of the boundary position, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed to be high. More specifically, when the position of the right side 19R of the paper P in the intersecting direction is to the right of the boundary position, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to return to the original speed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a performs settings to change the transport speed when the transport state of the paper P becomes a specific state, such as when the paper P is positioned to the left of the boundary position. Furthermore, when the transport state of the paper P is no longer in this specific state, the CPU 11a performs setting to return the transport speed to the original speed. If the setting for changing the transport speed is left unchanged, the transport speed of the paper P will remain slow, reducing the efficiency of reading the image formed on the paper P. By returning the transport speed to its original state, the decrease in the efficiency of reading the image can be suppressed.

[0046] 7A to 7D are diagrams showing an example of the process flow for transporting paper P. FIG. 7A shows the state of the paper P immediately after the start of conveyance. In this state, the paper P is aligned with the right side guide 416R and is in a straight state. In this state, the right side 19R of the paper P is located to the right of the boundary position. In this state, the transport speed of the paper P is set to a first transport speed which is a high speed.

[0047] FIG. 7B shows a state in which, after the state shown in FIG. 7A, the sheet P becomes slanted and starts to move in a direction away from the right side guide 416R. Even in this state, the right side 19R of the paper P does not pass the boundary position, and the transport speed of the paper P remains at the first transport speed.

[0048] FIG. 7C shows the state after the right side 19R of the paper P has passed the boundary position. In this state, the CPU 11a sets a slower transport speed for the paper P. As a result, the paper P is transported at a second transport speed that is slower than the first transport speed. In this state, it becomes easier for the user to perform operations on the paper P. FIG. 7D shows a state after the paper P has been straightened by a user's operation and the position of the right side 19R of the paper P has come to be located to the right of the boundary position. In this state, the transport speed of the paper P is set to the first transport speed, and the transport speed of the paper P is the original transport speed before the transport speed was reduced.

[0049] Other Embodiments In the above, the case where the transport speed of the paper P is set based on the position of the document has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The transport speed may be set based on the degree of movement of the paper P. In this case, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed based on, for example, the degree of movement of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412 in a direction intersecting the one direction. Here, the extent of movement of the paper P can be specified based on the output from the line sensor 414, for example, in the same manner as described above.

[0050] In determining the degree of movement of the paper P, for example, the position of the right side 19R of the paper P immediately after the conveyance of the paper P is started is set as a reference position. After this reference position is specified, the degree of movement of the paper P is specified based on the distance between the position of the right side 19R of the paper P being conveyed and this reference position. In the above embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the reference position was the installation position of the right side guide 416R and was configured as a fixed position, but if the position of the right side edge 19R of the paper P is used as the reference position, the reference position will be set for each paper P.

[0051] When setting the transport speed based on the degree of movement of the paper P, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed to be slower when the amount of movement of the paper P in the intersecting direction exceeds a predetermined threshold value, compared to when the amount of movement does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. This makes it easier for the user to perform operations on the paper P, in the same way as above.

[0052] When setting the transport speed based on the degree of movement of the paper P, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed to be higher when the amount of movement of the paper P in the intersecting direction becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, when the amount of movement of the paper P in the intersecting direction becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 11a performs setting to return the transport speed to the original speed. In other words, when the amount of movement of the paper P, which was in a large amount, becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to return to the original speed.

[0053] Other Embodiments Additionally, the CPU 11a may set the transport speed based on the state of the inclination of the paper P transported by the transport roll 412. Specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to be slower when the inclination of the paper P conveyed by the conveying roll 412 becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value, compared to when the inclination is smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

[0054] More specifically, when the inclination of the right side 19R of the paper P transported by the transport roll 412 in the above-mentioned one direction becomes greater than a predetermined threshold, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed to be slower than when the inclination is smaller than the predetermined threshold. In addition, to identify the inclination of the paper P, for example, two sensors are provided at different positions in the transport direction of the paper P. These two sensors are used to identify, for example, the position of the right side 19R of the paper P. This makes it possible to identify the inclination of the right side 19R.

[0055] As described above, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to be increased when the inclination of the paper P conveyed by the conveying rolls 412 becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value. In other words, in this case, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to be returned to the original value. In other words, when the degree of inclination of the sheet P, which was in a large inclination state, becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value, the CPU 11a sets the conveying speed to return to the original speed.

[0056] [Notification process] In this embodiment, as described above, when the transport state of the paper P transported by the transport rolls 412 becomes a specific state, the CPU 11a performs setting to change the transport speed. Specifically, the CPU 11a performs setting to decrease the transport speed or setting to return the transport speed to the original state. In this way, when the setting is made to change the transport speed, it is preferable that a notification to the effect that the transport speed of the paper P will change is given to the user. In this embodiment, when the CPU 11a performs a setting to change the transport speed, the CPU 11a notifies the user that the transport speed of the paper P will be changed.

[0057] Specifically, when the CPU 11a performs a setting to change the transport speed, the CPU 11a notifies the user via the notification unit 320 (see FIG. 1) that the transport speed of the paper P will be changed. In this way, when the transport speed of the paper P changes, the user is notified via the notification unit 320 that the transport speed of the paper P will change. It is preferable that this notification be given before the transport speed of the paper P actually changes.

[0058] Specifically, it is preferable to give this notification before the transport speed of the paper P actually decreases, and it is also preferable to give this notification before the transport speed of the paper P actually returns to its original speed. Further, the notification may be made only when the transport speed of the paper P is reduced or when the transport speed of the paper P is restored to the original speed. Furthermore, the notification is not limited to notification by displaying information on notification unit 320, but may be performed by voice through a speaker.

[0059] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of a notification performed via notification unit 320. In FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example of a notification in a case where the transport speed of the paper P is set to be slower. In this notification shown in Fig. 8(A), as shown by reference symbol 8A, a notification is given that a misalignment of the document has been detected. In addition, in this notification shown in Fig. 8(A), as shown by reference symbol 8B, a notification is given that the conveying speed of the paper P will be reduced by one step in a few seconds. In addition, in this notification shown in Fig. 8(A), as shown by reference symbol 8C, a notification is given to call the attention of the user who is touching the document.

[0060] By referring to this notification, the user becomes aware that the transport speed of the paper P will be reduced. Furthermore, in this display example, a light source 481 made up of an LED or the like is provided below the screen 480, and this light source 481 is configured to light up or blink. Furthermore, notification section 320 displays operation button 482 that the user touches when closing screen 480 displayed on notification section 320. In this embodiment, the screen 480 displayed on the notification unit 320 is automatically hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0061] FIG. 8B shows an example of a notification in the case where the transport speed of the paper P is set back to the original speed. In this notification shown in Fig. 8(B), as shown by reference symbol 8D, a notification is given that the misalignment of the document has been corrected. In addition, in this notification shown in Fig. 8(B), as shown by reference symbol 8E, a notification is given that the document transport speed will return to the original transport speed in a few seconds. In addition, in this notification shown in Fig. 8(B), as shown by reference symbol 8F, a notification is given to call the attention of the user who is touching the document.

[0062] By referring to this notification, the user knows that the transport speed of the paper P will return to normal. Furthermore, in this display example, similarly to the above, a light source 481 made up of an LED or the like is provided below the screen 480, and this light source 481 is configured to light up or blink. Furthermore, in the notification section 320 shown in FIG. 8(B), similarly to the above, an operation button 482 is displayed which the user touches when closing the screen 480 displayed in the notification section 320. In this embodiment, the screen 480 displayed on the notification unit 320 shown in FIG. 8(B) is also automatically hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing a series of steps in the process described above. In Fig. 9, the process shown in Figs. 6 and 7 will be explained as an example. In this embodiment, when the conveyance of the paper P starts, the CPU 11a acquires position information of the paper P based on the output from the line sensor 414 (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 11a acquires information about the position of the right side 19R of the paper P. Next, the CPU 11a judges whether or not the position of the paper P is the above-mentioned specific position based on the acquired position information (step S102).

[0064] Then, when the CPU 11a determines that the position of the paper P is the above-mentioned specific position, it performs a setting to reduce the transport speed of the paper P (step S103). In other words, when the CPU 11a determines that the position of the paper P is the above-mentioned specific position, it performs a setting to reduce the transport speed of the paper P. Here, "reducing the transport speed of the paper P" is synonymous with "slowing the transport speed of the paper P". Specifically, in this embodiment, when the CPU 11a determines that the position of the paper P is the above-mentioned specific position, it sets the transport speed of the paper P from a first transport speed, which is the initial value, to a second transport speed which is slower than the first transport speed. Furthermore, the CPU 11a controls the notification unit 320 to notify the user that the conveying speed of the paper P will be reduced (step S104).

[0065] On the other hand, if the CPU 11a does not determine in step S102 that the position of the paper P is the specific position, the setting for decreasing the transport speed of the paper P is not performed (step S105). In step S105, the CPU 11a determines whether the transport speed of the paper P set at the time when step S105 is executed is the first transport speed, which is the above-mentioned initial value.

[0066] When the CPU 11a determines that the transport speed of the paper P set at the time when step S105 is executed is the first transport speed, the CPU 11a causes the transport of the paper P to continue as is. On the other hand, when the transport speed of the paper P set at the time of executing step S105 is not the first transport speed but the second transport speed, the CPU 11a performs setting so that the transport speed of the paper P becomes the first transport speed. In other words, the CPU 11a performs setting so that the transport speed of the paper P is restored to the original speed. When the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P back to the original speed, the CPU 11a notifies the user through the notification unit 320 that the transport speed of the paper P will be returned to the original speed.

[0067] If in step S102 the position of the paper P is not determined to be a specific position, and in step S105 the transport speed of the paper P is determined to be a second transport speed, this means that the paper P, which was transported at a low transport speed and was located at a specific position, has returned to a position other than the specific position. In this case, as described above, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P to the first transport speed, which is a high speed. In this case, following this setting, the CPU 11a also sets a notification that the transport speed of the paper P will return to the original speed.

[0068] After the process of step S104 and after the process of step S105, the CPU 11a judges whether or not the reading of the paper P is completed (step S106). Then, when the CPU 11a judges that the reading of the paper P is completed, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the CPU 11a determines in step S106 that the reading of the paper P has not been completed, it performs the processes from step S101 onwards again.

[0069] In this embodiment, if the paper P that was in the specific position is now in a position that is not the specific position, it is determined in step S102 above that the position of the paper P is not the specific position, and the process proceeds to step S105. In this case, in step S105, as described above, the CPU 11a sets the transport speed of the paper P to the first transport speed, thereby returning the transport speed of the paper P to the original speed.

[0070] 〔others〕 In the above, a case has been described in which two types of conveying speeds, a first conveying speed and a second conveying speed, are set as the conveying speed, but three or more types of conveying speeds may be set as the conveying speed. Three or more types of conveying speeds may be set so that the conveying speed gradually decreases as the amount of positional deviation of the conveyed paper P, the amount of movement of the conveyed paper P, and the amount of inclination of the conveyed paper P increase. Also, in the above, the amount of misalignment, the amount of movement, and the amount of inclination of paper P are specified by identifying the position of the right side 19R of paper P. However, this is not limited to this, and the amount of misalignment, the amount of movement, and the amount of inclination of paper P may be specified by identifying the position of the left side 19L of paper P, and based on the result of identifying the position of this left side 19L.

[0071] (Additional Note) (((1))) A conveying means for conveying a recording medium; a reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a processor for setting a transport speed of the recording medium by the transport means based on a transport state of the recording medium transported by the transport means; An image reading device comprising: (((2))) The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state regarding a position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; The image reading apparatus according to (((1))). (((3))) The conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state of a position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction; The image reading apparatus according to (((2))). (((4))) The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a specific position, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the recording medium is not at the specific position. The image reading apparatus according to (((3))). (((5))) The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to the recording medium exceeds a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the position is a position where the distance does not exceed the threshold. The image reading apparatus according to (((4))). (((6))) The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is no longer the specific position, the conveying speed is set to be increased. The image reading device according to ((4))) or (((5))). (((7))) The conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a degree of movement of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction; The image reading apparatus according to (((1))). (((8))) The processor, When the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction exceeds a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction does not exceed the predetermined threshold. The image reading device according to (((7))). (((9))) The processor, When the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the conveying speed is set to be increased. The image reading device according to (((8))). (((10))) The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state regarding an inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; The image reading apparatus according to (((1))). (((11))) The processor, When the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means is larger than a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be smaller than when the inclination is smaller than the predetermined threshold. The image reading device according to (((10))). (((12))) The processor, When the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the conveying speed is set to be increased. The image reading apparatus according to (((11))). (((13))) The processor, When the conveyance state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, a setting is made to change the conveying speed, and when the conveyance state of the recording medium is no longer in the specific state, a setting is made to return the conveying speed to the original state. The image reading apparatus according to (((1))). (((14))) The processor, When the conveyance state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, a setting is made to change the conveying speed; When the setting for changing the conveying speed is performed, a notification that the conveying speed of the recording medium will be changed is provided to the user. 13. An image reading device according to claim 12, wherein the image reading device is a digital camera. (((15))) An image forming apparatus comprising an image reading device that reads an image formed on a recording medium, and an image forming means that forms an image obtained by reading with the image reading device on the recording medium, wherein the image reading device is configured as an image reading device according to any one of (((1))) to (((14))).

[0072] According to the device relating to (((1))), compared to a configuration in which the transport speed of the transported recording medium is not changed, it is possible to improve the operability of the user's operations on the transported recording medium while suppressing any decrease in the efficiency of reading the image formed on the recording medium. According to the device of (((2))), when the position of the recording medium transported by the transport means deviates from the originally planned position, it is possible to set the transport speed of the recording medium to a new transport speed. According to the device of (((3))), when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means deviates from the originally intended position, it is possible to set the transport speed of the recording medium to a new transport speed. According to the device relating to (((4))), when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is at a specific position, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device relating to (((5))), when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to the recording medium exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((6))), when the position of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is no longer at a specific position, it becomes possible to increase the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((7))), it is possible to change the transport speed of the recording medium depending on the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means. According to the device of (((8))), when the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium transported by the transport means is large, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((9))), when the degree of movement of the recording medium in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes small, it becomes possible to increase the conveying speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((10))), it is possible to change the transport speed of the recording medium according to the inclination of the recording medium transported by the transport means. According to the device of (((11))), when the inclination of the recording medium transported by the transport means is large, it is possible to reduce the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((12))), when the inclination of the recording medium transported by the transport means becomes small, it is possible to increase the transport speed of the recording medium. According to the device of (((13))), it is possible to change or restore the transport speed of the recording medium according to the transport state of the recording medium transported by the transport means. According to the device of (((14))), it is possible to notify the user that the conveying speed of the recording medium will change. According to the image forming device of (((15))), compared to a configuration in which the transport speed of the transported recording medium is not changed, it is possible to improve the operability of the user's operations on the transported recording medium while suppressing any decrease in the efficiency of reading the image formed on the recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 11a...CPU, 100...image forming section, 300...image forming device, 320...notification section, 400...image reading device, 412...transport roll, 414...line sensor, P...paper

Claims

1. A conveying means for conveying a recording medium; a reading means for reading an image formed on the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; a processor for setting a transport speed of the recording medium by the transport means based on a transport state of the recording medium transported by the transport means; An image reading device comprising:

2. The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state regarding a position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. The conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state of a position of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction; 3. The image reading device according to claim 2.

4. The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a specific position, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the recording medium is not at the specific position.

4. The image reading device according to claim 3.

5. The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is a position where the distance from a predetermined reference position to the recording medium exceeds a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the position is a position where the distance does not exceed the threshold.

5. The image reading device according to claim 4.

6. The processor, When the position of the recording medium in the intersecting direction is no longer the specific position, the conveying speed is set to be increased.

5. The image reading device according to claim 4.

7. The conveying means conveys the recording medium in one direction, The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a degree of movement of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means in a direction intersecting the one direction; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

8. The processor, When the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction exceeds a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be slower than when the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction does not exceed the predetermined threshold.

8. The image reading device according to claim 7.

9. The processor, When the amount of movement of the recording medium in the intersecting direction becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the conveying speed is set to be increased.

9. The image reading device according to claim 8.

10. The processor, setting the conveying speed based on a state regarding an inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means; 2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

11. The processor, When the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means is larger than a predetermined threshold, the conveying speed is set to be smaller than when the inclination is smaller than the predetermined threshold. The image reading device according to claim 10.

12. The processor, When the inclination of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the conveying speed is set to be increased. The image reading device according to claim 11.

13. The processor, When the conveyance state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, a setting is made to change the conveying speed, and when the conveyance state of the recording medium is no longer in the specific state, a setting is made to return the conveying speed to the original state.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

14. The processor, When the conveyance state of the recording medium conveyed by the conveying means becomes a specific state, a setting is made to change the conveying speed; When the setting for changing the conveying speed is performed, a notification that the conveying speed of the recording medium will be changed is provided to the user.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

15. 15. An image forming apparatus comprising an image reading device that reads an image formed on a recording medium, and an image forming means that forms an image obtained by reading with the image reading device on the recording medium, wherein the image reading device is configured as the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images