Image reading device

Abstract

To prevent a human detection sensor from erroneously detecting a user who works near a device, thereby saving power.SOLUTION: An image reading device has a paper feed tray 1 on which sheets are loaded on a top face part of the device, and comprises: a paper feed port that takes in the sheets loaded on the paper feed tray 1; and a human detection sensor 301 that detects approach of a part of a user's body. A detection area of the human detection sensor 301 includes an area surrounded by the normal line of an installation surface of the device 100 passing through a downstream end of the paper feed port and a loading surface of the paper feed tray 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device equipped with a human detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some devices, such as copy machines and multi-function digital multifunction peripherals known as MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), are equipped with a human detection device for detecting the approach of a user.

[0003] Patent Document 2 exemplifies a case in which a human detection device has a detection area in front of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-103423 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5942724 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Even in image reading devices that are primarily used on a desk, power control using a human detection means is desired in order to reduce power consumption.

[0006] However, the prior art documents have the following problems: As described in Patent Document 2, when a human detection device has a detection area on the front side of the device, if a user is always present near the image forming device, the device will always detect the human. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, an image reading device according to the present invention comprises: In an image reading device having a paper feed tray on an upper surface of the device, a paper feed opening for taking in the sheets placed on the paper feed tray; A human presence detection sensor that detects the approach of a part of the user's body; Equipped with The detection area of ​​the human detection sensor includes an area surrounded by a normal line of an installation surface of the device that passes through the downstream end of the paper feed port and a placement surface of the paper feed tray. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a human presence detection sensor can read the user's hands and arms when setting a sheet in the paper feed port of the image reading device, and the power consumption of the image reading device can be reduced by configuring the device to be turned on only when the user operates it. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Front view of the image reading device [Diagram 2] Side cross-sectional view of the image reading device [Diagram 3] An illustration of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 4] An illustration of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Diagram 5] Circuit Block Diagram [Figure 6] State Transition Diagram [Figure 7] flowchart [Figure 8] An illustration of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 9] Another explanatory diagram of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 10] Another explanatory diagram of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 11] Another explanatory diagram of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 12] Another explanatory diagram of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 13] Another explanatory diagram of the detection area of ​​the human detection sensor [Figure 14]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a top view of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a front view of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment; [Figure 17] 11 is a circuit block diagram of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is another top view of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment; [Figure 19] 13 is another front view of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment; [Figure 21] Block diagram of a peripheral device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of power states of a peripheral device according to the third embodiment; [Figure 23] Block diagram of a peripheral device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of power states of a peripheral device according to a fourth embodiment; [Diagram 25] A flowchart showing a procedure for power-off control by a control unit in a peripheral device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] Block diagram of a peripheral device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the transition of power states of peripheral devices in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 28] A flowchart showing a procedure for power-off control by a control unit in a peripheral device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] Block diagram of a peripheral device according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral device according to the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a peripheral device according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an image reading device that separates sheets one by one and reads images will be described as an example. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments.

[0011] <First embodiment> FIG. 1 is a front view of an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] More precisely, it is a view seen from a direction perpendicular to the front panel 90 provided at an angle on the front side of the image reading device 100, and is a view seen from slightly above the front when the device is placed on the table.

[0013] The upper unit 103 is an upper unit that forms a conveying path of the image reading device. The upper unit 103 is provided with a front panel 90. The upper unit 103 is rotatably attached to the lower unit.

[0014] A display panel 93 is provided on the front panel 90, and an operation unit 83 is provided inside the display panel 93.

[0015] The operation unit 83 is provided with a start key, a stop key, and the like for starting the operation of the image reading device 100 , and a display unit 94 is provided adjacent to the operation unit 83 .

[0016] Further, the upper unit 103 is provided with a front top surface portion 95. A placement table 1 (paper feed tray) on which a plurality of sheets S are stacked is provided on the rear side of the front top surface portion 95 (top surface portion) of the upper unit 103. The placement table 1 is provided with a sheet regulating plate 96 that regulates the position of the sheets S.

[0017] A paper discharge tray 2 is provided on the bottom front surface of the upper unit 103. A human detection sensor 301 for detecting a person is provided on a top surface 95 front surface of the upper unit 103.

[0018] A discharge opening 92 is provided in a lower panel 91 of the upper unit 103, and the sheets S stacked on the placement table 1 are discharged from the discharge opening 92 onto the sheet discharge tray 2.

[0019] <Internal configuration of image reading device> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the internal configuration of the image reading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The image reading device 100 is a device that conveys one or more sheets S stacked on a placement table 1 one by one into the device along a path RT, reads the images thereon, and discharges the sheets onto a discharge tray 2.

[0021] The sheet S is, for example, an office paper, a check, a business card, a card, or the like, and may be a thick or thin sheet. Examples of cards include insurance cards and credit cards. Also included are booklets such as passports. When a booklet is the target, the booklet is placed in a transparent holder in an open state and placed on the placement table 1, whereby the booklet is transported together with the holder, and the image can be read.

[0022] <Paper Feed> A first conveying section 10 is provided as a feeding mechanism that feeds the sheet S along a path RT. The first conveying section 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 disposed opposite the feed roller 11, and conveys the sheets S on the placement table 1 one by one in a conveying direction D1.

[0023] A driving force is transmitted from the sheet feed drive unit 3 to the feed roller 11 via a transmission unit 5, and the feed roller 11 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure (the forward direction for conveying the sheet S along the path RT). The sheet feed drive unit 3 is, for example, a motor, and the transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and connects and disconnects the driving force from the drive unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

[0024] <Drive unit> The transmission unit 5 that connects the sheet feed drive unit 3 and the feed roller 11 normally transmits the driving force, and cuts off the driving force when the sheet S is reversed or stopped. When the transmission of the driving force is cut off by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 is allowed to rotate freely.

[0025] Incidentally, such a transmission section 5 does not need to be provided when the feed roller 11 is driven in only one direction.

[0026] <Separated structure> The separation roller 12, which is disposed opposite the feed roller 11, is a roller for separating the sheets S one by one, and is in contact with the feed roller 11 at a constant pressure. In order to ensure this state of contact, the separation roller 12 is provided to be swingable and configured to be biased toward the feed roller 11.

[0027] A driving force is transmitted to the separation roller 12 from the paper feed drive unit 3 via a torque limiter 12a, and the separation roller 12 is driven to rotate in the direction of a solid arrow (the direction opposite to the forward direction of the feed roller 11).

[0028] When the separation roller 12 and the feed roller 11 are in contact with each other, the transmission of driving force is restricted by the torque limiter 12a, so the separation roller 12 rotates in a direction (indicated by a dashed arrow) that rotates together with the feed roller 11. As a result, when multiple sheets S are conveyed to the pressure contact portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, two or more sheets S except one are blocked so as not to be conveyed downstream.

[0029] It should be noted that such a separation mechanism is not necessarily provided, and any feeding mechanism that sequentially feeds the sheets S one by one to the path RT will suffice. Also, instead of a configuration such as the separation roller 12, a separation pad that applies friction to the sheets S may be pressed against the feed roller 11 to provide a similar separation effect.

[0030] <Conveyor structure> The second conveying section 20 includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 that is driven by the drive roller 21. The second conveying section 20 is located downstream of the first conveying section 10 in the conveying direction, and conveys the sheet S conveyed from the first conveying section 10 in the downstream direction.

[0031] A driving force is transmitted from a conveyance driving unit 4 such as a motor to the driving roller 21, and the driving roller 21 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 22 is pressed against the driving roller 21 with a constant pressure, and rotates together with the driving roller 21. The driven roller 22 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 21 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

[0032] The third conveying section 30 includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 that is driven by the drive roller 31. The third conveying section 30 is located downstream of the second conveying section 20 in the conveying direction, and conveys the sheet S conveyed from the second conveying section 20 to the discharge tray 2. In other words, the third conveying section 30 functions as a discharge mechanism.

[0033] A driving force is transmitted from a conveyance driving unit 4 such as a motor to the driving roller 31, and the driving roller 31 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 32 is in contact with the driving roller 31 with a constant pressure, and rotates together with the driving roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be biased against the driving roller 31 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

[0034] The discharge tray 2 is supported below the image reading device 100 so as to be slidable relative to the image reading device 100. The discharge tray 2 is composed of a first discharge tray 151 and a second discharge tray 152, and a first extension tray 153 and a second extension tray 154 connected to the leading ends of the first discharge tray 151 and the second discharge tray 152. The first extension tray 153 is supported slidably relative to the second discharge tray 152, and the second extension tray 154 is supported slidably relative to the first extension tray 153.

[0035] <Double-feed detection structure> A double feed detection sensor 40 is disposed between the first conveying section 10 and the second conveying section 20. The double feed detection sensor 40 is a sensor that detects when the sheets S that have passed through the first conveying section 10 are in a double feed state (a state in which sheets S such as paper have come into close contact with each other due to static electricity or the like).

[0036] Various types of double-feed detection sensor 40 can be used. In this embodiment, it is an ultrasonic sensor, and includes an ultrasonic transmitter 41 and a receiver 42. Double-feeding is detected based on the principle that the attenuation of ultrasonic waves passing through sheets S, such as paper, differs between when sheets S are double-fed and when they are transported one by one. Note that, in addition to ultrasonic waves, other types of double-feeding means include an optical type using an optical sensor and a mechanical type using a lever.

[0037] <Seat stacking detection structure> A sheet stacking detection sensor 311 is disposed near the first conveying section 10 and on the upstream side in the conveying direction. The sheet stacking detection sensor 311 detects whether the sheet S is stacked on the stacking tray 1. In detail, the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 detects whether the end of the sheet S has reached the vicinity of the first conveying section 10.

[0038] Various types of sensors can be used as the sheet stacking detection sensor 311. In the present embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor that includes a light emitting section and a light receiving section, and detects the sheet S on the basis of a change in the intensity (amount) of received light caused by the sheet S being stacked.

[0039] The sheet stacking detection sensor 311 is not limited to the optical sensor described above, and may be, for example, a sensor (such as an image sensor) capable of detecting the edge of the sheet S, or a lever-type sensor protruding into the path RT.

[0040] <Image reading position detection structure> An image reading position detection sensor 50 is disposed near the double feed detection sensor 40 and downstream in the conveying direction. The image reading position detection sensor 50 detects the position of the sheet S conveyed by the first conveying unit 10, more specifically, whether or not an end of the sheet S has reached or passed through the detection position of the image reading position detection sensor 50.

[0041] Various types of sensors can be used as the image reading position detection sensor 50. In this embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor that includes a light emitting portion 51 and a light receiving portion 52, and detects the sheet S based on the principle that the intensity of received light (amount of received light) changes when the sheet S arrives at or passes through the sensor.

[0042] The image reading position detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above, and may be, for example, a sensor (such as an image sensor) capable of detecting the edge of the sheet S, or a lever-type sensor protruding into the path RT.

[0043] In this embodiment, the image reading position detection sensor 50 is disposed on the upstream side in the transport direction of the second transport unit 20, but the image reading position detection sensor 60 may be disposed on the downstream side in the transport direction. Both the image reading position detection sensors 50 and 60 may be disposed.

[0044] <Image reading structure> Image reading sensors 70 are disposed on both sides of the path RT between the second transport section 20 and the third transport section 30. The image reading sensor 70 optically scans and converts the image into an electrical signal to read it as image data, and includes a light source such as an LED, an image sensor, a lens array, and the like.

[0045] In this embodiment, image reading sensors 70 are arranged on both sides of the path RT to read the front and back sides of the sheet S, but it is also possible to arrange one sensor on only one side of the path RT to read only one side of the sheet S.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading sensors 70 are arranged facing each other on both sides of the route RT, but for example, they may be arranged at an interval in the direction of the route RT.

[0047] <Human detection structure> A human detection sensor 301 for detecting a person is provided on the front top surface 95 of the upper unit 103.

[0048] The human presence detection sensor 301 detects that a part of the user's body has approached the image reading device 100. More specifically, the human presence detection sensor 301 detects that the user's hand has approached the image reading device 100.

[0049] Various types of sensors can be used as the human detection sensor 301. In this embodiment, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used, which detects changes in heat (infrared rays) emitted from the human body or the like.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a side view of the image reading device 100, showing the detection range of the human detection sensor 301. The front-rear direction of the device, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3, is the X direction. The detection range of the human detection sensor 301 is a range of a predetermined angle (shown as angle α1 in FIG. 3) symmetrically in FIG. 3 with the vertical direction as the center direction. The detection distance is L1. This detection range includes a roughly triangular area surrounded by a normal line of the installation surface of the image reading device 100 that passes through the downstream end position of the paper feed port in the conveying direction and the placement surface of the placement table 1 in the side view shown in FIG. 3. This makes it possible to efficiently detect the approach of the hand of the user who places the sheet S on the placement table 1. 3, the detection range of the human detection sensor 301 includes a triangular area surrounded by a normal line to the installation surface of the image reading device 100 that passes through the downstream end of the paper feed port in the transport direction, the placement surface of the placement table 1, and a straight line that passes through the upstream end of the placement table 1 and is parallel to the installation surface of the image reading device 100. This makes it possible to more efficiently and reliably detect the approach of the hand of a user who places the sheet S on the placement table 1.

[0051] Fig. 4 is a front view of image reading device 100, showing the detection range of human presence detection sensor 301. The width direction of the device indicated by the arrow in Fig. 4 is the Y direction. The detection range of human presence detection sensor 301 is a range of a predetermined angle (shown as angle β1 in Fig. 3) symmetrically on the left and right in Fig. 4 with the vertical direction as the center direction.

[0052] The human detection sensor 301 is provided on the front top surface 95 of the upper unit 103, and is disposed slightly inward from the end of the paper feed port in the Y direction (for example, the width of one forearm inward from the end) when viewed from the front of the image reading device 100 shown in Fig. 4. This is intended to improve sensitivity when a user brings a sheet S to the paper feed port with their hand.

[0053] <Block diagram of image reading device> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing electrical connections according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The image reading device 100 is equipped with the aforementioned paper feed drive unit 3, conveying drive unit 4, transmission unit 5, double feed detection sensor 40, human presence detection sensor 301, image reading sensor 70, image reading position sensor 50, sheet loading detection sensor 311, and operation unit 83.

[0055] In addition to the above, a USB terminal 108, a DC power supply 109, a voltage conversion circuit 281, and a power supply switch circuit 282 are also mounted.

[0056] The control unit 200 is composed of a CPU, a microcomputer, etc., and is responsible for controlling the entire device, performing calculations, and transferring information. The controls performed by the control unit 200 include image reading control (image reading sensor 70), motor drive control (paper feed drive unit 3, transport drive unit 4), on / off control (transmission unit 5), etc. The control unit 200 also includes a communication unit 202 and an I / O unit 207.

[0057] The communication unit 202 communicates information via a wired connection with an external device 285. Examples of communication standards include USB, LAN, and SCSI.

[0058] The I / O unit 207 detects input of signals and controls output to each of the above-mentioned units. Signals to be input and detected include button input of the operation unit 83, output voltage of the image reading sensor 70, output voltage of the double feed detection sensor, output voltage of the image reading position detection sensor 50, output voltage of the sheet stacking detection sensor 311, output voltage of the human detection sensor 301, etc.

[0059] The DC power supply device 283 supplies a DC voltage required to drive the image reading device 100. The DC power supply device 283 includes an AC adapter that converts a commercial power supply into a DC voltage, an external battery, a mobile battery, and the like.

[0060] In this embodiment, a DC power supply device 283 is connected to the image reading device 100 from the outside, but an AC / DC conversion power supply unit that supplies commercial power to the image reading device and converts it to DC voltage inside the device may be built into the image reading device 100.

[0061] The DC power supply terminal 109 is a connection terminal for connecting a power supply line for supplying power from a DC power supply device 283 to the image reading device 100 .

[0062] The power supply SW circuit 282 is an on / off switch for switching between supplying and not supplying the DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply device 283 to the inside of the device. When the power supply SW circuit 282 is turned on, power is supplied to the voltage conversion circuit 281, the paper feed operation unit 3, the transport drive unit 4, the transmission unit 5, and the double feed detection sensor 40.

[0063] The on / off of the power supply SW circuit 282 is controlled by the output of the human detection sensor 301. When the human detection sensor 301 detects a person, it turns the power supply SW circuit 282 on, and when it does not detect a person, it turns the power supply SW circuit 282 off.

[0064] When the power switch circuit 282 is turned on, the voltage conversion circuit 281 converts the supplied power into a voltage required to drive the image reading sensor 70, the image reading position detection sensor 50, the sheet loading detection sensor 311, the operation unit 83, and the control unit 200.

[0065] The output of the human detection sensor 301 is also connected to the IO unit 207 of the control unit 200. In addition, the output from the IO unit 207 of the control unit 200 is also connected to the power supply SW circuit 282. Even if the human detection sensor 301 does not detect a person, the power supply SW circuit 282 is not turned off while the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 or the image reading position detection sensor 50 is detecting the sheet S, and image reading is performed, and after the predetermined processing is completed, the power supply SW circuit 282 is turned off. A DC power supply (Va1) is supplied to the human detection sensor 301 from the DC power supply terminal 109.

[0066] The USB terminal 108 is a connection terminal for an interface for transmitting and receiving data such as image information between an external device 285 and a communication unit 202 in the image reading device 100. The image reading device 100 and the external device 285 are connected via a USB cable 284.

[0067] The USB cable 284 is a cable for connecting devices together, and in this embodiment, the devices are connected together by inserting the USB cable 284 into USB terminals of the image reading device 100 and the external device 285, respectively.

[0068] The external device 285 is a device that performs complex calculations such as numerical calculations, information processing, and data processing at high speed and in large quantities, and is a terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet.

[0069] <Basic operations for image reading> The following describes the basic operation of the image reading device 100. When the control unit 200 receives an instruction to start image reading from an external device, it starts driving the first conveying unit 10 to the third conveying unit 30. The sheets S stacked on the placement table 1 are conveyed one by one starting from the bottommost sheet S.

[0070] Further, in order to read the image by the image reading sensor 70, the second conveying section 20 and the third conveying section 30 convey the sheet S at a constant speed. In addition, in order to reliably prevent the succeeding sheet S from catching up with the preceding sheet S, the conveying speed is controlled to always be equal to or faster than the conveying speed of the first conveying section 10.

[0071] Furthermore, even if the conveying speed of the sheet S by the second conveying section 20 and the third conveying section 30 and the conveying speed of the sheet S by the first conveying section 10 are the same, it is also possible to form a minimum gap between the preceding sheet S and the succeeding sheet S by controlling the drive section 3 to intermittently shift the timing at which the feeding of the succeeding sheet S begins.

[0072] When the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the image reading position detection sensor 50 or 60, a detection signal is output from the image reading position detection sensor 50 or 60, and the control unit 200 measures the reading timing and starts reading the image by the image reading sensor 70.

[0073] The image data read by the image reading sensor 70 is transmitted by the control unit 200 to, for example, the external device 285 that issued the instruction to read the image.

[0074] <Power state transition> FIG. 6 is a state transition diagram of the image reading device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The power states of the image reading device 100 include a power off state (S101), a standby state 1 (S102), a standby state 2 (S103), an image reading state (S104), and a calibration start state (S105).

[0076] The power-off state (S101) is a state in which the power switch circuit 282 is turned off and power is cut off from the DC power supply device 283 to all devices of the image reading device 100 except for the human detection sensor 301. The human detection sensor 301 is in an enabled state, and when the human detection sensor 301 detects a person, a transition is made to the start of calibration (S105).

[0077] The power off state (S101) can be entered only from the standby state 1 (S102). The condition for the transition is when the human presence sensor 301 does not detect a human.

[0078] In the calibration start step (S105), calibration is started when the human detection sensor 301 operates. When the calibration starts, the state transitions to standby state 1 (S102).

[0079] In the standby state 1 (S102), the control unit 200 of the image reading device 100 operates and the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 is enabled. When the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 detects a sheet, the standby state 1 (S102) transitions to the standby state 2 (S103).

[0080] Standby state 2 (S103) is a standby state in which image reading can be started immediately. Also, the control unit 200 is in operation, and power is basically supplied to all devices of the image reading device 100. However, the power supply to devices that do not require much time to return to normal operation may be stopped.

[0081] When an image reading start instruction is received from the control unit 200, the standby state 2 (S103) transitions to an image reading state (S104).

[0082] The image reading state (S104) is a state in which the image reading apparatus 100 is performing image reading. When the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 detects that there is no sheet and the image reading process ends, the image reading state (S104) transitions to the standby state 1 (S102).

[0083] <Operation flow> The operation flow of the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. When the DC power supply device 283 is connected to the DC power supply terminal 109, a voltage is applied to the image reading device 100 (S201).

[0084] In the power-off state, the power switch circuit 282 is in the off state, but a voltage is applied to the human detection sensor 301, and the human detection sensor 301 is in a functionally active state (S202).

[0085] If the DC power device 283 is not removed from the DC power terminal 109 (NO in S203) and the human detection sensor detects a person (YES in S204), the device transitions to standby state 1 (S205). If the human detection sensor does not detect a person (NO in S204), the device continues in the power off state (S202).

[0086] When the human detection sensor 301 operates, calibration starts (S212).

[0087] Examples of the calibration in this embodiment include shading correction, light amount adjustment, white correction, black correction, and the like, but the calibration is not limited to these processes.

[0088] In the standby state 1, the power supply switch circuit 282 is turned on, and the voltage conversion circuit 281 operates to apply a voltage to the sheet stacking detection sensor 311, thereby making the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 active.

[0089] When the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 detects the presence of a sheet in an enabled state (YES in S206), the state transitions to a standby state 2 (S208).

[0090] If the sheet stacking detection sensor 311 is enabled and does not detect the presence of a sheet (NO in S206), and if a predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in S207), the standby state 1 (S205) continues. If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in S207), the power is turned off (S202).

[0091] If there is an instruction to start sheet reading in the standby state 2 (S208) (YES in S209), the state transitions to an image reading state (S210). If there is no instruction to start sheet reading (NO in S209), the standby state 2 (S208) continues.

[0092] In the image reading state (S210), if the image reading process for all sheets is completed (YES in S211), the state transitions to the standby state 1 (S205). If the image reading process for all sheets is not completed (NO in S211), the image reading state (S210) continues.

[0093] After transitioning from standby state 1 (S205) to the power off state (S202), if the DC power device 283 is removed from the DC power terminal 109 (YES in S203), the process ends. Although this step is provided for explanatory purposes, in reality, it is not necessary to detect that the DC power device 283 has been removed, and the power may be cut off immediately.

[0094] If the cover is opened during standby state 1, the calibration is stopped. If the cover is closed, the previous process is resumed. Or, the data from the previous calibration is used.

[0095] <Other examples of human detection sensor placement> In this embodiment, the human detection sensor 301 is provided on the front top surface 95 of the upper unit 103. However, the human detection sensor 301 may be disposed somewhere other than the front top surface 95 of the upper unit 103, and other arrangement examples will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0096] 8 is a side view of image reading device 100, showing an example in which human detection sensor 301 is disposed on paper feed surface section 97 closer to platform 1. The detection range of human detection sensor 301 is a range of predetermined angles (shown as angles α1 and γ1 in FIG. 8) both forward and backward from a direction parallel to the mounting surface of platform 1 as the center direction. By disposing in this way, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the hands and arms of a person approaching platform 1.

[0097] In this embodiment, the upper unit 103 has been described as having the front top surface portion 95. However, there are also cases where the front top surface portion 95 does not exist. An example of the arrangement of the human detection sensor 301 in such a case will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a side view of image reading device 100, showing an example of an embodiment without front top surface 95. Upper unit 401 does not have a front top surface, and front panel 402 and paper feed surface 403 are designed to intersect at approximately a right angle. Human detection sensor 301 is disposed at the intersection of front panel 402 and paper feed surface 403 of upper unit 401. The detection range of human detection sensor 301 is a range of a predetermined angle (shown as angle α2 in FIG. 9) with the vertical direction as the center direction. The detection distance is L3. By disposing in this manner, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the hand or arm of a person approaching platform 1.

[0099] 10 is a side view of an image reading device 100 according to another embodiment, in which an upper unit 401 does not have a front top surface, and a front panel 402 and a paper feed surface 403 are designed to intersect at a substantially right angle. A human detection sensor 301 is disposed on the paper feed surface 403 of the upper unit 401. The detection range of the human detection sensor 301 is a range of predetermined angles (shown as angles α2 and β2 in FIG. 10) both forward and backward, with a direction parallel to the placement surface of the placement table 1 as the center direction. By disposing the sensor in this way, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the hands and arms of a person approaching the placement table 1.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a side view of an image reading device 100 according to another embodiment, and is an example of a design without a front top surface portion 95. The upper unit 411 does not have a front top surface portion, and the front panel 412 is curved and designed to intersect with the paper feed surface portion 413 at a substantially right angle. The human detection sensor 301 is disposed at the intersection of the front panel 412 of the upper unit 411 and the paper feed surface portion 413. The detection range of the human detection sensor 301 is a range of a predetermined angle (shown as angle α3 in FIG. 11) with respect to the center direction. The detection distance is L5. By disposing in this manner, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the hand or arm of a person approaching the placement table 1.

[0101] 12 is a side view of the image reading device 100 according to another embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment without the front top surface portion 95. The upper unit 411 does not have a front top surface portion, the front panel 412 is a curved surface, and the paper feed surface portion 413 is designed to intersect with the placement surface of the placement table 1 at a substantially right angle. The human detection sensor 301 is disposed on the paper feed surface portion 413 of the upper unit 411. The detection range of the human detection sensor 301 is a range of a predetermined angle (shown as angles α3 and β3 in FIG. 12) with a direction parallel to the placement surface of the placement table 1 as the center direction. By disposing the sensor in this way, it becomes possible to detect the movement of the hand or arm of a person approaching the placement table 1.

[0102] Here, pyroelectric infrared sensors used in human detection sensor 301 are available in different types depending on the number of elements. For example, there are pyroelectric infrared sensor types with two elements and types with four elements. When there are two elements, a person moving in the direction in which the two elements are lined up can be detected. When there are four elements, a person moving in the direction in which the four elements are lined up can be detected. In other words, a pyroelectric infrared sensor with four elements can detect more complex movements. However, the more elements there are, the higher the cost generally becomes. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to use a type with fewer elements, two elements.

[0103] 13 shows the detection range when using a human detection sensor 301 composed of two elements. The two elements are configured to be arranged in front and behind when viewed from the front of the image reading device 100, so that it is possible to detect the action of a person picking up a sheet S and setting it on the placement table 1 from the front of the image reading device 100.

[0104] In this case, the detection range in the Y direction in Fig. 13 is the range indicated by angle ε1, which may be narrower than the angle β1 shown as the detection range in the Y direction in Fig. 4. Even in this case, the detection range in the X direction is the range indicated by α1, which remains unchanged. If the two elements are arranged in front and behind when viewed from the front of the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 using the human detection sensor 301 can be constructed inexpensively.

[0105] The detection distance and range of the human detection sensor 301 can be set as appropriate according to the size and design of the image reading device 100 and the user's needs, and the above-mentioned detection distance and range do not limit the detection distance of the human detection sensor 301 relative to the size of the image reading device 100.

[0106] In the present embodiment, a pyroelectric infrared sensor is used as the human detection sensor 301, but the type of sensor is not limited to this. For example, a human detection sensor using an ultrasonic sensor may be used.

[0107] In this embodiment, one pyroelectric infrared sensor is used as the human detection sensor 301, but the number of sensors per image reading device is not limited. For example, the sensor arrangements shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 8 may be implemented in one image reading device.

[0108] In this embodiment, an example is described in which a power switch is not provided. However, a power switch may be provided. When a power switch is provided, the human detection sensor is configured not to operate until the user presses the power switch for the first time, and after the user presses the power switch and a predetermined time has elapsed, only the human detection sensor is energized and goes into standby.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the calibration is exemplified by shading correction, light amount adjustment, white correction, black correction, etc., but is not limited to the sensor for image reading. For example, the calibration may be used for offset adjustment of a paper feed drive unit.

[0110] As described above, by providing the human detection sensor 301 in the upper unit 103 and providing a detection area as shown in this embodiment, the human detection sensor 301 can detect the movement of the user's hand when setting the sheet S on the mounting table 1 of the image reading device 100, or the movement of the user's hand when operating the sheet regulating plate 96 of the mounting table 1.

[0111] By detecting the movement of the user's hand, it is possible to configure the image reading device 100 so that the power is turned on only when the user operates the image reading device 100. This makes it possible to further reduce the power consumption of the image reading device 100.

[0112] In addition, by providing a human detection sensor 301 in the upper unit 103 and providing a detection area as shown in this embodiment, even if a user is always present in a seat near the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 will not be turned on when it is not in use, thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0113] In order to more reliably reduce power consumption, the detection distance and range of the human detection sensor 301 can be set appropriately depending on the size and design of the image reading device 100 and the user's needs, and the detection distance shown in the figure does not limit the detection distance of the human detection sensor 301 relative to the size of the image reading device 100.

[0114] Furthermore, conventionally, it is also possible to detect an original by detecting the original by receiving and emitting infrared light with the sheet loading sensor 311. However, according to this embodiment, by changing from receiving and emitting infrared light to a pyroelectric sensor, infrared emission is no longer necessary, and power saving can be achieved.

[0115] When the sheet stacking sensor 311 detects a sheet, the human detection sensor 301 is turned off, thereby making it possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0116] The image reading device 100 can open and close the upper unit 103. Since the human detection sensor 301 is provided in the upper unit 103, when the upper unit 103 is opened, the human detection range changes, making it easier to detect nearby people. Therefore, the human detection may be controlled to stop when the upper unit 103 is open.

[0117] By stopping the detection of a person, it is possible to stop the calibration and to stop the detection of the sheet stacking sensor 311. This makes it possible to further reduce power consumption.

[0118] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the first embodiment, and the basic configuration is similar. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the first embodiment, and the description is omitted, and only the differences are described.

[0119] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an image reading device 500 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the image reading device has a U-shaped transport path, that is, a so-called U-turn path transport path. In this embodiment, a human detection sensor 301 is disposed on the side of a paper feed unit. As shown in FIG. 14, it is preferable to dispose the human detection sensor 301 at a position where it is not blocked by a sheet restricting plate 551. Furthermore, it is preferable to dispose the human detection sensor 301 at a position where it is not blocked by the sheet restricting plate 551 or the document stack F even when the document table 501 is raised to the highest position.

[0120] Fig. 15 is a top view of image reading device 500. In Fig. 15 as well, the front-to-rear direction of the device is indicated by an arrow as the X direction. In Fig. 15, the detection range of human detection sensor 301 is indicated by a sector-shaped figure. The detection range of human detection sensor 301 in Fig. 15 has a range of predetermined angles (shown as angles α1 and γ1 in Fig. 15) respectively before and after the X direction, with the left-right direction in the figure as the center direction.

[0121] 16 is a front view of image reading device 500. FIG. 16 shows the detection range of detection sensor 301. In FIG. 16 as well, the width direction of the device is indicated by an arrow as the Y direction. The detection range of human detection sensor 301 in FIG. 16 is a range of predetermined angles (shown as angles α1 and γ2 in FIG. 16) in the vertical direction with the Y direction as the center direction. Arranging in this way makes it possible to detect the movement of a person on platen 501.

[0122] <Block diagram of image reading device 500> 17 is a block diagram showing electrical connections according to this embodiment. The image reading device 500 includes a platen drive motor 502, a pickup drive motor 505, a feed motor 508, a separation motor 509, a transport motor 510, a nip gap adjustment motor 511, and a registration clutch 519.

[0123] In addition to the above, a USB terminal 108, a DC power terminal 109, a voltage conversion circuit 281, and a power switch circuit 282 are also mounted.

[0124] The control unit 200 is composed of a CPU, a microcomputer, etc., and is responsible for controlling the entire device, performing calculations, and transferring information. The controls performed by the control unit 200 include image reading control (image reading sensor 43), motor drive control (original table drive motor 502, pickup drive motor 505, feed motor 508, separation motor 509, transport motor 510, nip gap adjustment motor 511), on / off control (resist clutch 519), etc. The control unit 200 also includes a communication unit 202 and an I / O unit 207.

[0125] The communication unit 202 communicates information via a wired connection with an external device 285. Examples of communication standards include USB, LAN, and SCSI.

[0126] The I / O unit 207 detects input of signals and controls output. Signals to be input and detected include button input of the operation unit 83, output voltage of the image reading sensor 43, and output voltages of various sensors (original platen original detection sensor 501A, home position sensor 501B, feed position original detection sensor 503, pre-feed sensor S1, post-feed sensor S2, pre-registration sensor S3, post-registration sensor S4, original discharge sensor 516, etc.).

[0127] The DC power supply device 283 supplies a DC voltage required to drive the image reading device 500. The DC power supply device 283 includes an AC adapter that converts a commercial power supply into a DC voltage, an external battery, a mobile battery, and the like.

[0128] In this embodiment, the DC power supply device 283 is connected to the image reading device 500 from the outside, but the image reading device 500 may also have an AC / DC conversion power supply unit built in that supplies commercial power to the image reading device and converts it to DC voltage inside the device.

[0129] The DC power supply terminal 109 is a connection terminal for connecting a power supply line for supplying power from the DC power supply device 283 to the image reading device 500 .

[0130] The power supply SW circuit 282 is an on / off switch for switching between supplying and not supplying the DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply device 283 to the device. When the power supply SW circuit 282 is turned on, power is supplied to the voltage conversion circuit 281 and the various motors and clutches described above.

[0131] The on / off of the power supply SW circuit 282 is controlled by the output of the human detection sensor 301. When the human detection sensor 301 detects a person, it turns the power supply SW circuit 282 on, and when it does not detect a person, it turns the power supply SW circuit 282 off.

[0132] When the power switch circuit 282 is turned on, the voltage conversion circuit 281 converts the supplied power into a voltage required to drive the above-mentioned sensors, the image reading sensor 43, the operation unit 83, and the control unit 200.

[0133] The output of the human detection sensor 301 is also connected to the IO unit 207 of the control unit 200. In addition, the output from the IO unit 207 of the control unit 200 is also connected to the power supply SW circuit 282. Even if the human detection sensor 301 does not detect a person, the power supply SW circuit 282 is not turned off while the platen document detection sensor 1A, the feed position document detection sensor 3, or the pre-feed sensor S1, the post-feed sensor S2, the pre-registration sensor S3, the post-registration sensor S4, and the document discharge sensor 16 are detecting the sheet S, and image reading is performed, and after the predetermined processing is completed, the power supply SW circuit 282 is turned off. A DC power supply (Va1) is supplied to the human detection sensor 301 from the DC power supply terminal 109.

[0134] The USB terminal 108 is a connection terminal for an interface for transmitting and receiving data such as image information between an external device 285 and a communication unit 202 in the image reading device 500. The image reading device 500 and the external device 285 are connected via a USB cable 284.

[0135] The USB cable 284 is a cable for connecting devices together. In this embodiment, the devices are connected together by inserting the USB cable 284 into the USB terminals of the image reading device 500 and the external device 285, respectively.

[0136] The external device 285 is a device that performs complex calculations such as numerical calculations, information processing, and data processing at high speed and in large quantities, and is a terminal such as a personal computer or a tablet.

[0137] Fig. 18 is a top view of image reading device 500. In Fig. 18, a human presence detection sensor 302 is added in addition to human presence detection sensor 301. Human presence detection sensor 302 is provided on the side of the paper feed port facing human presence detection sensor 301. The detection range of the added human presence detection sensor 302 is a range of predetermined angles (shown as angles α1 and γ1 in Fig. 18) with respect to the center direction. The detection distance is also denoted as L2.

[0138] Fig. 19 is a front view of the image reading device 100 in the case of Fig. 18. The detection range of the added human detection sensor 302 is within a predetermined angle (shown as angles α1 and γ2 in Fig. 19) with respect to the center direction.

[0139] By arranging them in this manner, it is possible to provide an overlapping area in the detection ranges of the human detection sensor 301 and the human detection sensor 302, thereby making it possible to more accurately detect human movement on the platen 501. For example, first only the human detection sensor 301 detects a person, and then the human detection sensors 301 and 302 simultaneously detect the person, making it possible to more accurately detect human movement.

[0140] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the image reading device. The position of the operation unit 83 of the image reading device and the shape of the paper feed unit are different. In the case of the design shown in FIG. 20, it is preferable to place the human detection sensor 301 on the side of the paper feed unit. It is also preferable to place the human detection sensor 301 in a position where it is not blocked by the sheet restriction plate 551. It is also preferable to place the human detection sensor 301 in a position where it is not blocked by the sheet restriction plate 551 or the document stack F even when the document table 1 is raised to the highest position. Although FIG. 20 shows an example where one human detection sensor 301 is provided, multiple human detection sensors may be provided.

[0141] <Third embodiment> The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the above embodiment, and has the same basic configuration. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the parts common to the above embodiment, and the description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0142] The image reading device 600 of this embodiment reduces the power consumption of the human presence sensor when the device is not in use by the user, regardless of the device's power mode (such as the power off state S401, standby state S402, image reading state S403, etc., described below).

[0143] <Block diagram of peripheral devices> 21 is a block diagram showing electrical connections according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The USB terminal 108 is a connection terminal for an interface for transmitting and receiving data such as image information between an external device 285 and a communication unit 202 in the peripheral device 100. In addition, a USB power supply Vu is also supplied from the external device 285. The peripheral device and the external device 285 are connected via a USB cable 284.

[0144] <Power state transition> 22 is a diagram showing the transition of the power state of the image reading device 600 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The transition of the power state is indicated by arrows.

[0145] The power states of the image reading device 600 include a power off state S401, a standby state S402, and an image reading state S403.

[0146] The power-off state S401 is a state in which the power switch circuit 282 is turned off and power supply from the DC power supply device 283 is cut off to all devices of the image reading device 600 except for the human detection sensor 301. Note that power consumption differs depending on the device such as the DC power supply device 283, so the power consumption cannot be expressed uniformly. However, for convenience, the power consumption is set to less than 0.5 W.

[0147] The power off state S401 can be entered from the standby state S402 and the image reading state S403. The condition for the transition is when the human detection sensor 301 detects no human.

[0148] Here, the human detection sensor 301 uses the USB power supply Vu supplied from the external device. Therefore, when the external device is not connected via the USB cable 284 or when the external device is not operating, the USB power supply Vu is not supplied to the image reading device 600, and the human detection sensor 301 cannot output the detection of a person. This causes a transition to the power off state S401, and the power supply is turned off in conjunction with the external device.

[0149] The standby state S402 is a standby state in which the control unit 200 of the image reading device 600 is operating and image reading can be started immediately. In addition, the control unit 200 is operating, and power is basically supplied to all devices of the peripheral device 100. However, power supply to devices that do not take long to recover may be stopped. Note that power consumption differs depending on the device, such as the control unit 200, so power consumption cannot be expressed uniformly, but for convenience, power consumption is set to less than 3 W.

[0150] The standby state S402 can be entered from the image reading state S403 or the power off state S401. The condition for transition from the image reading state S403 is that the image reading process is completed, and the condition for transition from the power off state S401 is that the human detection sensor 301 detects a human.

[0151] Here, since the human detection sensor 301 uses the USB power supply Vu supplied from an external device, if the image reading device 600 is not connected to the external device, no detection output is made even if a person is present near the image reading device 600. Therefore, the strict transition condition is when the USB power supply Vu is supplied to the human detection sensor 301 and the human detection sensor 301 detects a person.

[0152] The image reading state S403 is a state in which the image reading device 600 is reading an image. Note that power consumption differs depending on the device, such as the size and width of the image being read, so power consumption cannot be expressed uniformly. For convenience, however, power consumption is set to less than 50 W.

[0153] The image reading state S403 can be entered only from the standby state S402 when an image reading start instruction is received from an external device.

[0154] As described above, in this embodiment, the human detection sensor 301 turns on and off the power of the image reading device 600, and the power source used is the USB power source Vu supplied from an external device. This results in a configuration in which the image reading device 600 is turned on only when a person is near the device and an external device is connected, that is, when the user actually uses the image reading device 600. This allows the power consumption of the image reading device 600 to be reduced.

[0155] In addition, power consumption can be reduced as much as possible in devices such as image reading devices that require little time before actually performing an operation.

[0156] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the third embodiment, and has the same basic configuration. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In the image reading device 700 according to this embodiment, a determination from the control unit 200 is added to the transition of the power-off state.

[0157] <Block diagram of peripheral devices> A block diagram showing electrical connections in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 23. The configuration of an image reading device 700 in this embodiment is such that an OR connection circuit 701 is added to the block diagram in Fig. 22, and the on / off control of the power supply switch circuit 218 can be performed by the human detection sensor 301 or the control unit 200.

[0158] Furthermore, the output of the human detection sensor 301 is also input to the control unit 200.

[0159] The OR connection circuit 501 has two or more input terminals and one output terminal, and when a signal is applied to one or more input terminals, an output signal appears at the output terminal. As a result, when there is an output from the human detection sensor 301 or the control unit 200, the power supply SW circuit 282 is switched on, and the DC voltage Va1 supplied from the DC power supply device 283 is supplied to the inside of the device via the power supply SW circuit 282.

[0160] When the control unit 200 satisfies the determination condition for transitioning to the power-off state, the control unit 200 stops outputting to the OR connection circuit 501 .

[0161] Here, the control unit 200 determines whether or not to transition to the power-off state when there is no signal output from the internal device or no communication from the external device 285 for a certain period of time.

[0162] The internal devices are devices that output signals to the control unit 200, such as the operation unit 83, the human detection sensor 301, the document detection sensor 311, the document reading position sensor 50, the image reading sensor 70, and the double feed detection sensor 70.

[0163] <Power state transition> The transition of the power state of the image reading device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 24. The power states of the image reading device 700 include a power off state S601, a standby state S602, and an image reading state S603. Each power state (operation state, power consumption, etc.) is the same as in the third embodiment.

[0164] The power off state S601 can be entered only from the standby state S602. The transition condition is when the human detection sensor 301 does not detect a human being and when the control unit 200 does not output a power on command.

[0165] In the third embodiment, it was possible to transition from the image reading state S603 to the power off state S601, but in this embodiment, the transition to the power off state S601 is prevented by outputting a power on signal from the control unit 200.

[0166] The standby state S602 can be entered from the image reading state S603 or the power off state S601. The condition for transition from the image reading state S603 is that the image reading process is completed, and the condition for transition from the power off state S601 is that the human detection sensor 301 detects a human.

[0167] The image reading state S603 can be entered only from the standby state S602 when an image reading start instruction is received from an external device.

[0168] <Power off procedure> 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the power-off control process by the control unit of the image reading device 700 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, if there is no input from an external operation or a sensor to the control unit 200 for a certain period of time ta, the power is turned off, and this flowchart corresponds to this.

[0169] When a user approaches the image reading device 700 connected to an external device, the human detection sensor 301 outputs a detection signal, which turns on the power switch circuit 208, supplying power to each device. When power is supplied to each device, the control unit 200 also starts up (starts).

[0170] When the control unit 200 is started by the supply of power, the control unit 200 outputs a signal to the OR connection circuit 501 from the IO unit 207 in the control unit 200 to keep the power on (step 701). As a result, the power supply SW circuit 282 maintains the on state even if there is no human detection output from the human detection sensor 301.

[0171] When the control unit 200 outputs a power-on signal in step 701, it once clears the remaining time of timer A, which counts whether a certain time ta has elapsed, and starts counting from the set time until the power is turned off (step 702).

[0172] After step 702, the control unit 200 determines whether the current power transition state is the image reading state S603 (step 703).

[0173] If the control unit 200 is in the image reading state S603 in step 703 (Yes in step 703), the count of timer A is cleared in step 702, and timer A starts counting from the set time until the power is turned off.

[0174] If the control unit 200 is not in the image reading state S603 at step 703 (No at step 703), the control unit 200 determines whether there is an output from the human detection sensor 301 (step 704).

[0175] If the control unit 200 determines in step 704 that there is an output from the human detection sensor 301 (Yes in step 704), it clears the remaining time for turning off the power and starts counting from the set time until the power is turned off.

[0176] If the control unit 200 determines in step 704 that there is no output from the human detection sensor 301 (No in step 704), the control unit 200 determines whether there is any input from devices inside the image reading device 700 (image reading position detection sensor 50, document loading detection sensor 311, operation unit 83) (step 705).

[0177] If the control unit 200 determines in step 705 that there has been an input from a device inside the image reading device 700 (Yes in step 705), it clears the remaining time until the power is turned off in step 702 and starts counting from the set time until the power is turned off.

[0178] If it is determined in step 705 that there is no input from the device inside the image reading device 700 (No in step 705), the control unit 200 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed before the power is turned off (step 706).

[0179] If the control unit 200 determines in step 706 that the certain time ta until the power is turned off has not elapsed (No in step 706), the control unit 200 determines whether the current power transition state is the image reading state S603 (step 703).

[0180] If the control unit 200 determines in step 706 that a certain period of time ta has elapsed until the power is turned off (Yes in step 706), the control unit 200 stops the power-on signal from the IO unit 207 in the control unit 200 (step 707).

[0181] In step 707, the control unit 200 stops the power-on signal, and if there is no human detection output from the human detection sensor 301, the power switch circuit 282 is turned off. This cuts off the power to the device (END).

[0182] In this embodiment, the control unit 200 sets the time until it stops the power-on signal to the OR connection circuit 501 to be constant regardless of the input signal from any of the devices (image reading position detection sensor 50, document loading detection sensor 311, operation unit 83) inside the image reading device 700. However, the time may be changed for each device.

[0183] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 200 returns to step 702 and clears the timer count regardless of the input signal from any device inside the image reading device 700 (image reading position detection sensor 50, document loading detection sensor 311, operation unit 83), but depending on the device, the timer count may be changed so as not to be cleared.

[0184] As described above, in this embodiment, a decision from the control unit 200 is added to the transition of the power-off state. This makes it possible to maintain the power even when the user leaves the image reading device for a short time. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the image reading device 700 while turning the power of the image reading device 700 on and off as necessary.

[0185] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the third embodiment, and the basic configuration is similar. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted, and only the differences are described. The image reading device according to this embodiment is configured to be able to turn on the power by user operation and turn off the power by a human detection sensor even when not connected to an external device.

[0186] <Block diagram of peripheral devices> Next, a block diagram showing electrical connections in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0187] The configuration of an image reading device 800 of this embodiment is the same as that of the block diagram of Figure 23, except that a diode array circuit 801 is added, and the sensor power supply Vd for operating the human detection sensor 301 can be supplied with a USB power supply Vu or a DC power supply voltage Vc.

[0188] Also, a power button 802 and a level conversion circuit 803 are added, and the output of the power button is input to the OR connection circuit 501 or the IO unit 207 in the control unit 200 via the level conversion circuit 803 .

[0189] The diode array circuit 801 is a circuit equipped with multiple rectifiers for flowing current in only one direction. This circuit limits the direction of current to only the direction from the USB power supply Vu to the sensor power supply Vd and from the DC power supply voltage Vc to the sensor power supply Vd.

[0190] In this embodiment, the USB power supply Vu is higher than the DC power supply voltage Vc, and when power is supplied from both, the USB power supply Vu, which has the higher voltage, is supplied.

[0191] With the above configuration, when the power supply SW circuit 282 is turned on, power is supplied to the human detection sensor 301 from the DC power supply voltage Vc, so that the image reading device 800 alone can remain powered on even if it is not connected to an external device.

[0192] The power button 802 is a button that the user uses to turn the power of the device on and off. In this embodiment, it is provided on the top of the operation unit 83.

[0193] The level conversion circuit 803 is a circuit that converts the voltage of the signal output from the power button 802 into a DC power supply voltage Vc used in the control unit 200 . <Power state transition>

[0194] The transition of the power state of the peripheral device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 27. The power states of the image reading device 800 include a power off state S901, a standby state S902, and an image reading state S903. Also, each power state (operation state, power consumption, etc.) is the same as in the third and fourth embodiments.

[0195] The power off state S901 can be entered only from the standby state S902. The transition condition is when the human detection sensor 301 does not detect a human being and when the control unit 200 does not issue a control instruction to turn on the power.

[0196] The standby state S902 can be entered from the image reading state S903 or the power off state S901. The transition conditions are that the image reading process ends for the image reading state S903, and that the power off state S901 occurs when the power button 802 is pressed by the user or when a person is detected by the human detection sensor 301. Note that for the human detection sensor 301 to detect a person, it is necessary that the external device and the image reading device 800 are connected by the USB cable 284 and that the USB power source Vu is being supplied.

[0197] The image reading state S903 can be entered only from the standby state S902 when an image reading start instruction is issued from the external device 285.

[0198] <Power off procedure> FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for power-off control by a control unit of an image reading device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In addition, this embodiment is obtained by adding to the fourth embodiment a process to be performed when the user presses the power button 802. Therefore, only the additional part of the process procedure for power-off control when the power button 802 is pressed will be described.

[0200] If the control unit 200 is not in the image reading state S903 in step 703 (No in step 703), the control unit 200 determines whether the power button 802 is pressed (step 731).

[0201] If the control unit 200 determines in step 731 that the power button 802 is pressed (Yes in step 731), it starts counting timer B for measuring the time that the power button 802 is pressed (step 732).

[0202] If the control unit 200 determines in step 731 that the power button 802 has not been pressed (No in step 731), it clears the count value of timer B and stops timer B (step 733).

[0203] In step 732, the control unit 200 starts counting the timer B, and determines whether the count value of the timer B has reached a certain time tb or more (step 734).

[0204] If the control unit 200 determines in step 734 that the count value by the timer B has not reached the fixed time tb (No in step 734), the control unit 200 determines whether the power button 802 is pressed.

[0205] If the control unit 200 determines in step 734 that the count value by timer B has exceeded a certain period of time tb (Yes in step 734), the control unit 200 stops the power-on signal from the IO unit 207 in the control unit 200 (step 707).

[0206] As described above, in this embodiment, the image reading device 800 can be turned on by a user operation even without connection to an external device, and can be turned off by a human detection sensor. This allows the device to operate independently without an external device, for example, when performing maintenance on the device, and allows the power of peripheral devices to be turned on and off as necessary.

[0207] Sixth embodiment The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the fifth embodiment, and has the same basic configuration. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above embodiments, and their description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. The image reading device according to this embodiment is configured so that the user can switch between on and off the power supply linked to an external device.

[0208] <Block diagram of peripheral devices> Next, a block diagram showing electrical connections in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0209] The configuration of the peripheral device of this embodiment is similar to that of the block diagram of Figure 26, except that the diode array circuit 801 is replaced with a power supply switching circuit 901, and either the USB power supply Vu or the DC power supply voltage Vc can be supplied to the sensor power supply Vd for operating the human detection sensor 301.

[0210] The power supply switching circuit 901 is a circuit for supplying either a USB power supply Vu or a DC power supply voltage Vc to the sensor power supply Vd for operating the human detection sensor 301, and is composed of a slide switch that switches the circuit connection by sliding a lever sideways.

[0211] A power supply switching lever 902 is a lever that the user can operate on the peripheral device 100. In response to the movement of this lever, a slide switch on a power supply switching circuit 901 operates, and the voltage supplied to the sensor power supply Vd is determined to be either the USB power supply Vu or the DC power supply voltage Vc.

[0212] As described above, in this embodiment, the user can select whether or not to turn the power on and off in conjunction with an external device, which allows the user to reduce the power consumption of the device depending on the purpose and situation of use.

[0213] Seventh embodiment The seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. This embodiment shares the basic concept with the fifth embodiment, and has the same basic configuration. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. The image reading device according to this embodiment has a built-in power supply unit that generates a DC voltage (voltage Va2) required to drive the image reading device 1000.

[0214] <Block diagram of peripheral devices> A block diagram showing the electrical connections in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0215] An example of the configuration of an image reading apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0216] In the configuration of FIG. 30, compared to the block diagram of FIG. 23, the DC device power supply device 283 and the DC power supply terminal 109 are replaced with a commercial power supply 910 and an AC / DC conversion power supply unit 911, thereby incorporating into the device a function for generating a DC voltage required to drive the image reading device 1000.

[0217] Also, by controlling the on / off of the AC / DC conversion power supply unit 911 from the OR connection circuit 501, the power supply switch circuit 282 is eliminated.

[0218] Commercial power source 910 is an AC power source supplied to ordinary homes and offices.

[0219] The AC / DC conversion power supply unit 911 converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial power supply 910 into a DC voltage. In this embodiment, the AC / DC conversion power supply unit 911 can be turned on and off by inputting a signal from the outside (OR connection circuit 501) to a control terminal.

[0220] Another example of the configuration of the image reading apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0221] The configuration in FIG. 31 is obtained by adding a configuration for turning on and off the power supply from the commercial power source to the block diagram in FIG.

[0222] The power supply switch 912 is used to switch between supplying and not supplying the AC voltage from the commercial power supply 910 to the image reading device 1000 .

[0223] In the mechanical relay 913, a magnetic force is generated by passing a current through a coil, and the magnetic force is used to turn on and off the power supply SW 912. The mechanical relay 913 is controlled by an output signal of the OR connection circuit 501.

[0224] As described above, in this embodiment, the power supply unit that generates the DC voltage required to drive the device is incorporated inside the device, and the switch circuit is eliminated by turning the power supply unit on and off, thereby eliminating loss in the switch circuit and further reducing the power consumption of the device.

[0225] As another example, a power switch and relay that turns the AC voltage on and off is used to stop power to the power supply unit even when the device is turned off. This stops the supply of power to the power supply unit even when the power is off, making it possible to further reduce the power consumption of the device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 1. Placement table 2 Output tray 3. Paper feed drive unit 5 Transmission section 10 First conveyor section 11 Feed roller 12 Separation roller 12a Torque limiter 20 Second conveying section 21 Drive roller 22 Driven roller 30 Third conveyor section 31 Drive roller 32 Driven roller 40 Double feed detection sensor 41 Transmission Department 42 Receiving section 50 Image reading position detection sensor 51 Light emitting part 52 Light receiving part 60 Image reading position detection sensor 70 Image reading sensor 83 Operation section 90 Front Panel 91 Bottom Panel 92 Discharge opening 93 Display Panel 94 Display section 100 Image reader 103 Upper Unit 301 Human detection sensor 311 Sheet stacking detection sensor

Claims

1. In an image reading device having a paper feed tray on an upper surface of the device, a paper feed opening for taking in the sheets placed on the paper feed tray; A human presence detection sensor that detects the approach of a part of the user's body; Equipped with An image reading device, characterized in that a detection area of ​​the human detection sensor includes an area surrounded by a normal line of an installation surface of the device that passes through a downstream end of the paper feed port and a loading surface of the paper feed tray.

2. a lower unit; and an upper unit that is rotatably attached to the lower unit and forms a conveying path between the lower unit and the upper unit for conveying a sheet taken in through the paper feed opening, 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the human detection sensor is provided in the upper unit.

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 2, wherein the human detection sensor is provided on an inner side than an end of the paper feed port in a width direction of the sheet transported on the transport path.

4. 4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein when the human detection sensor detects an approach, a calibration of an image reading process is executed.

5. In an image reading device, a sheet is fed from a paper feed port and conveyed along a U-shaped conveying path toward a paper discharge tray provided above the paper feed port, an operation unit provided on a side of the paper feed port; A human presence detection sensor that detects the approach of a part of the user's body; Equipped with The image reading device is characterized in that the human detection sensor is disposed on the operation unit in a width direction of the sheet transported along the transport path so that a detection area of ​​the human detection sensor faces the paper feed outlet.

6. A control unit for controlling image reading; A human detection unit that detects when a person approaches the surrounding area; a power supply unit for supplying and stopping power; a power supply unit that outputs a first power supply obtained by converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage; a communication unit for communicating data with an external device and receiving a second power source supplied from the external device; Equipped with The power supply unit starts and stops the supply of power from the first power source to the control unit, The human presence detection unit is powered by the second power source, and when it detects that a person is approaching nearby, it instructs the power supply unit to supply the first power source to the control unit.

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