Document reading device

Abstract

To provide a document reading device that can reduce erroneous detection of an open / closed state of a cover member and can detect the open / closed state of the cover member while a document is being read.SOLUTION: A document reading device includes: a main body; a cover member arranged opposite to the main body so as to be openable and closable; a reading unit arranged on at least one of the main body and the cover member and reading a document using a plurality of pixels arranged side by side in a predetermined arrangement direction; and a control unit for detecting an open / closed state of the cover member on the basis of the output of a monitoring pixel arranged outside an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the reading unit in the arrangement direction among the plurality of pixels, and outputs open / closed state information of the cover member or stops a reading operation by the reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a document reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Document reading devices are known that have a main body, a cover member that can be opened and closed relative to the main body, and a detector for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member, and that can control operation depending on the open / closed state of the cover member relative to the main body.

[0003] Also disclosed is a document reading device that detects the open / close state of a document transport device based on the brightness of the reflected light received by a back surface reading means provided in the document transport device that can be opened and closed relative to the device body, after light is irradiated onto a reflective surface provided on the device body side at the reading position (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-55246 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, if a document remains at the reading position of the document reading device after the document has been read, the device may erroneously detect the open / closed state of the cover member of the document transport device, etc. Also, in the device described in Patent Document 1, the device cannot detect the open / closed state of the cover member while the document is being read.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an original reading device that can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of a cover member and can detect the open / closed state of a cover member while an original is being read. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An original reading device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a main body, a cover member arranged opposite the main body in an openable and closable manner, a reading unit arranged on at least one of the main body and the cover member, and reading an original using a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, and a control unit that detects the open / closed state of the cover member based on the output of a monitoring pixel among the plurality of pixels that is arranged outside the area in which the original is located during the period in which the original is read by the reading unit, and is capable of outputting open / closed state information of the cover member or stopping the reading operation by the reading unit. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an original reading device that can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of a cover member and can detect the open / closed state of a cover member while an original is being read. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a document reading device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with a cover member in an open state. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first reading unit and a second reading unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic plan view of a first imaging section included in the first reading unit appearing in FIG. 3, illustrating a first left monitoring pixel and a first right monitoring pixel of the first imaging section. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic plan view of a second imaging section included in the second reading unit appearing in FIG. 3, illustrating a second left monitoring pixel and a second right monitoring pixel of the second imaging section. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a first reading unit and a second reading unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with a cover member in an open state. [Figure 7]2 is a second diagram illustrating the first reading unit and the second reading unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the cover member open; FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control unit included in the document reading device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a document reading device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a document reading device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit included in a document reading device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a control unit included in a document reading device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a document reading device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a document reading device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure with a cover member open. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A document reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of a document reading device for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, and are not limited to the following. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in one embodiment of the present disclosure are merely illustrative examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to those alone. Note that the sizes, positional relationships, and the like of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated to clarify the explanation. In the following explanation, the same names and symbols indicate the same or similar components, and detailed explanations will be omitted as appropriate. An end view showing only a cut surface may be used as a cross-sectional view.

[0011] In each drawing, a Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is used to represent directions. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are mutually perpendicular. The side toward which the arrow points in the X direction along the X-axis is indicated as the +X side, and the opposite side of the +X side is indicated as the -X side. The side toward which the arrow points in the Y direction along the Y-axis is indicated as the +Y side, and the opposite side of the +Y side is indicated as the -Y side. The side toward which the arrow points in the Z direction along the Z-axis is indicated as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the +Z side is indicated as the -Z side.

[0012] The arrangement direction of the pixels in the document reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is along the X-axis. However, when the document reading device expresses the color of one pixel using a set of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, for example, a set of three pixels consisting of red (R), green (G) and blue (B), the set of pixels arranged in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction is regarded as one pixel, and the X direction in which the pixels consisting of the set of pixels are arranged is regarded as the arrangement direction. The Y direction is along the vertical direction. Also, the -X side is referred to as the left side, and the +X side is referred to as the right side. In the terminology of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a planar view refers to a view of a target surface from the normal direction of the target surface. A plan view of an object means a view of the object in a planar view. However, the terms indicating these specific directions and positions are merely used to make the relative directions and positions in the referenced drawings easier to understand. These terms do not limit the orientation of the document reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is used, and the orientation of the document reading device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when it is used is arbitrary.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure described below, "along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis" includes an object having a tilt within a range of ±10 degrees with respect to these axes. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the perpendicular and perpendicular directions may have an error within ±10 degrees with respect to 90 degrees.

[0014] [First embodiment] <Example of overall configuration of document reading device according to first embodiment> The overall configuration of a document reading device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a document reading device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the document reading device 100 in a state in which a cover member 2 included in the document reading device 100 is open. Figs. 1 and 2 show a cross section of the document reading device 100 cut along a virtual plane (e.g., a YZ plane) perpendicular to an arrangement direction (e.g., an X direction) of a plurality of pixels included in a reading unit 3 of the document reading device 100.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the document reading device 100 includes a main body 1, a cover member 2 disposed facing the main body 1 so as to be openable and closable, and a reading unit 3 disposed on at least one of the main body 1 and the cover member 2, and reading the document S using a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction. The document reading device 100 also includes a control unit 4 capable of detecting an open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on an output of a monitoring pixel disposed outside an area in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the reading unit 3 in the arrangement direction, among the plurality of pixels, and outputting open / closed state information of the cover member 2 or stopping the reading operation by the reading unit 3. The open / closed state information is information related to the open / closed state of the cover member 2. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the document reading device 100 includes a conveying unit 5 that conveys the document S, a first discharge roller 6, a second discharge roller 7, a supply tray 8, and a discharge tray 9. The conveying unit 5 includes a first conveying roller 5a and a second conveying roller 5b.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the supply tray 8 is disposed in the main body 1 so that a document S to be read can be placed thereon. The discharge tray 9 is disposed in the main body 1 so that the document S discharged from the main body 1 can be held. The discharge tray 9 may be disposed in the cover member 2. The document reading device 100 can transport the document S placed on the supply tray 8 in a transport direction A1 by the transport unit 5. The transport unit 5 can transport the document S in a state where the document S is sandwiched between the first transport roller 5a and the second transport roller 5b. The transport direction A1 is a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

[0018] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 3 is disposed downstream of the conveying unit 5 in the conveying direction A1. The reading unit 3 includes a first reading unit 3a that reads a first surface (e.g., a surface on the -Y side) of the document S conveyed by the conveying unit 5, and a second reading unit 3b that reads a second surface (e.g., a surface on the +Y side) opposite to the first surface of the document S conveyed by the conveying unit 5. The first reading unit 3a is disposed on the main body 1 so as to face the cover member 2 when the main body 1 and the cover member 2 face each other. The second reading unit 3b is disposed on the cover member 2 so as to face the main body 1 when the main body 1 and the cover member 2 face each other. Further downstream of the reading unit 3, a first discharge roller 6 and a second discharge roller 7 are disposed to face each other. The document S transported from the transport unit 5 passes between the first reading unit 3a and the cover member 2 and between the second reading unit 3b and the main body unit 1, and then passes between the first discharge roller 6 and the second discharge roller 7, before being discharged onto the discharge tray 9. The control unit 4 is disposed in the main body unit 1. However, the control unit 4 may also be disposed in the cover member 2, or may be disposed separately from the main body unit 1 and the cover member 2 as long as the control unit 4 is capable of communicating with the reading unit 3, the transport unit 5, etc.

[0019] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the document reading device 100 can read the first side of the document S by the first reading unit 3a while the document S passes between the first reading unit 3a and the cover member 2. The document reading device 100 can also read the second side of the document S by the second reading unit 3b while the document S passes between the second reading unit 3b and the main body unit 1. The period during which the document S is read by the reading unit 3 refers to the period from when the downstream end of the document S in the transport direction A1 enters the reading position by the reading unit 3 and the reading unit 3 starts reading, until when the upstream end of the document S in the transport direction A1 leaves the reading position by the reading unit 3 and the reading unit 3 completes reading. The reading position refers to the position at which the reading unit 3 reads the document S in the transport direction A1.

[0020] The cover member 2 is connected to the main body 1 via a hinge or the like, and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 1 disposed opposite to it. The state in which the cover member 2 is closed with respect to the main body 1 means that the lower surface (-Y side surface) of the cover member 2 faces the upper surface (+Y side surface) of the main body 1, as shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, the state in which the cover member 2 is open with respect to the main body 1 means that the lower surface (-Y side surface) of the cover member 2 is inclined with respect to the upper surface (+Y side surface) of the main body 1, as a result of the cover member 2 rotating around a rotation axis of a hinge or the like, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] In the document reading device 100, when reading a document S, the cover member 2 is closed as shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, when the document is jammed or when cleaning the inside of the document reading device 100, the cover member 2 is opened as shown in Fig. 2. Note that a document jam refers to a situation in which the document S being conveyed stops midway and remains inside the document reading device 100.

[0022] Here, when the document is read in a state where the cover member is open relative to the main body, a document may not be transported properly when the cover member is open relative to the main body. In addition, the document may not be read accurately due to external light such as illumination light from a lighting fixture in a room where the document reading device is installed being incident on the reading unit, resulting in a reading failure. For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the open / closed state of the cover member is detected based on the brightness of the reflected light of light irradiated on a reflective surface provided on the main body and received by an imaging unit provided on the cover member. However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a document remains at the reading position in the document reading device after reading the document, the imaging unit may receive the reflected light from the document, not the reflected light from the reflective surface. In this case, the document reading device 100 erroneously detects that the cover member is closed, even though the cover member is open. In addition, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the imaging unit is used to read the document during the period in which the document is being read, and therefore cannot be used to detect the open / closed state of the cover member, and therefore cannot detect the open / closed state of the cover member. As a result, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, reading of the document may result in reading errors when the cover member is open.

[0023] The document reading device 100 detects the open / closed state of the cover member 2 using monitoring pixels that are arranged outside the area where the document S is located in the arrangement direction, among the multiple pixels in the reading unit 3, while the document S is being read by the reading unit 3. By using such monitoring pixels, when the document S remains at the reading position, it is possible to reduce the incidence of light from the remaining document S on the monitoring pixels, and therefore it is possible to reduce erroneous detections in which the cover member 2 is determined to be closed even though it is open. In addition, since the open / closed state of the cover member 2 is detected using monitoring pixels that are not necessarily used for reading the document S, it is possible to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 even while the document S is being read. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a document reading device 100 that can reduce erroneous detections of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 and can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 while the document S is being read. Then, the document reading device 100 can reduce the occurrence of reading failures by outputting open / closed state information of the cover member 2 based on the detection result of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by the control unit 4, or by stopping the reading operation by the reading unit 3.

[0024] Furthermore, in the document reading device 100, the reading unit 3 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in an arrangement direction intersecting with the conveying direction A1 by the conveying unit 5, and can read the document S conveyed by the conveying unit 5. The control unit 4 detects the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixels, and can output open / closed state information of the cover member 2, or can stop both the reading operation by the reading unit 3 and the conveying by the conveying unit 5. In this way, the document reading device 100 can reduce the occurrence of reading failures depending on the open / closed state of the cover member 2.

[0025] The reading unit 3 does not necessarily have to be disposed on both the main body 1 and the cover member 2, and may be disposed on at least one of the main body 1 and the cover member 2. When the reading unit 3 is disposed only on the main body 1, the document reading device 100 can read only the first side of the document S. On the other hand, when the reading unit 3 is disposed only on the cover member 2, the document reading device 100 can read only the second side of the document S. The transport unit 5 may include a feed roller and a brake roller so that the document S can be separated and transported one by one from the multiple documents S loaded on the supply tray 8.

[0026] <Configuration example of first reading unit 3a and second reading unit 3b> Next, the configuration of the first reading section 3a and the second reading section 3b will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 5. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the first reading section 3a and the second reading section 3b. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first reading section 3a and the second reading section 3b in the document reading device 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the first imaging section 32a showing the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the first right monitoring pixel 323a of the first imaging section 32a included in the first reading section 3a in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the second imaging section 32b showing the second left monitoring pixel 322b and the second right monitoring pixel 323b of the second imaging section 32b included in the second reading section 3b in Fig. 3.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first reading unit 3a has a first light emitting unit 31a and a first imaging unit 32a. A first backing member 33a is disposed at a position facing the first reading unit 3a on the cover member 2. The first imaging unit 32a includes a plurality of pixels arranged in the arrangement direction. The second reading unit 3b has a second light emitting unit 31b and a second imaging unit 32b. A second backing member 33b is disposed at a position facing the second reading unit 3b on the main body 1. The second imaging unit 32b includes a plurality of pixels arranged in the arrangement direction.

[0028] For each of the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b, for example, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a unit-magnification optical system type can be used. For each of the first light emitting unit 31a and the second light emitting unit 31b, one or more LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged in the arrangement direction can be used. For each of the first imaging unit 32a and the second imaging unit 32b, an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in the arrangement direction can be included. However, the configuration of the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b is not limited to these. For example, a reduction optical system type equipped with a lens with a reduction magnification can be used for each of the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b.

[0029] The first backing member 33a and the second backing member 33b may be made of a white or gray plate-like member or tape, etc. These plate-like members or tapes may be made of resin.

[0030] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first imaging section 32a includes a first monitoring pixel 321a. The first monitoring pixel 321a is included in monitoring pixels 321 that are arranged, among the multiple pixels, outside a first region 320a in which the document S is located during the period in which the document S is being read by the first reading section 3a in the arrangement direction. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 4, multiple pixels are arranged in the arrangement direction in almost the entire first imaging section 32a, and multiple pixels are arranged in the arrangement direction in the first region 320a. Also, the first monitoring pixel 321a includes one or more pixels.

[0031] The first monitoring pixel 321a includes a first left monitoring pixel 322a and a first right monitoring pixel 323a. The first left monitoring pixel 322a corresponds to a left monitoring pixel that is located on the left outer side (e.g., -X side) of the area where the document S is located during the period when the document S is read by the first reading unit 3a in the arrangement direction, among the multiple pixels. The first right monitoring pixel 323a corresponds to a right monitoring pixel that is located on the right outer side (e.g., +X side) of the area where the document S is located during the period when the document S is read by the first reading unit 3a in the arrangement direction, among the multiple pixels. The first left monitoring pixel 322a and the first right monitoring pixel 323a each include one or more pixels. In the document reading device 100, when the color of one pixel is expressed by using a set of multiple pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 in the first imaging unit 32a, for example, 3×10 = 30 pixels including 3 pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 and 10 pixels aligned in the X direction on the left side can be set as the first left-side monitoring pixel 322a. Also, 3×10 = 30 pixels including 3 pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 and 10 pixels aligned in the X direction on the right side can be set as the first right-side monitoring pixel 323a.

[0032] 3 and 4, the first reading unit 3a emits a first light La from a first light emitter 31a. The first reading unit 3a receives a first reflected light Ra of the first light La by a first surface of the document S transported between the first reading unit 3a and the cover member 2, by a plurality of pixels included in a first region 320a of the first imaging unit 32a. The plurality of pixels included in the first region 320a capture an image of the first surface of the document S based on the first reflected light Ra.

[0033] On the other hand, when the cover member 2 is closed relative to the main body portion 1 and the first backing member 33a is present in the opposing position, the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the first right monitoring pixel 323a receive the first reflected light Ra of the first light La by the first backing member 33a.

[0034] The first reading unit 3a includes outputs from a plurality of pixels included in the first region 320a, and outputs from the first left monitor pixel 322a and the first right monitor pixel 323a, and can output these to the control unit 4.

[0035] In FIG. 4, the first monitoring pixel 321a is preferably arranged outside the first region 320a in the arrangement direction, in which the document S having the maximum width W among the documents S that can be read by the first reading unit 3a is located during the period when the document S is being read by the first reading unit 3a. For example, when the documents S that can be read by the first reading unit 3a are documents of A3 size and A4 size, the maximum width W is 420 mm, which is the length in the longitudinal direction of the A3 size. By arranging the first monitoring pixel 321a outside the maximum width W, when there are multiple types of widths of the documents S that can be read by the first reading unit 3a, the first monitoring pixel 321a can be arranged outside the document S in the transport direction when any type of document S is read. This allows the document reading device 100 to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the first monitoring pixel 321a.

[0036] In addition, the first monitoring pixel 321a is preferably disposed, in the arrangement direction, at least a predetermined number of pixels outside the first region 320a in which the document S having the maximum width W among the documents S that can be read by the first reading unit 3a is located during the period in which the document S is being read by the first reading unit 3a. For example, when the document S is read by the document reading device 100 and the document S is transported in an inclined state, the end of the document S may be located outside the maximum width W of the document S transported in an uninclined state. Therefore, in a configuration in which the first monitoring pixel 321a is disposed slightly outside the maximum width W of the document S transported in an uninclined state, the end of the document S transported in an inclined state may overlap with the first monitoring pixel 321a when the document S is being read, and this may result in erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2. By arranging the first monitoring pixels 321a at least a predetermined number of pixels outside the first region 320a in the arrangement direction, it is possible to reduce overlap between the document S and the first monitoring pixels 321a even when the document S is transported in an inclined state. This makes it possible to reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2. Note that the predetermined number of pixels is preferably 10 pixels or more from the viewpoints of reducing erroneous detection and preventing the document reading device 100 from becoming large.

[0037] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the second imaging section 32b includes a second monitoring pixel 321b. The second monitoring pixel 321b is included in monitoring pixels 321 that are arranged, among the multiple pixels, outside a second region 320b in which the document S is located during the period in which the document S is being read by the second reading section 3b in the arrangement direction. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 5, multiple pixels are arranged in the arrangement direction in almost the entire second imaging section 32b, and multiple pixels are arranged in the arrangement direction in the second region 320b. The second monitoring pixel 321b includes one or more pixels.

[0038] The second monitoring pixel 321b includes a second left monitoring pixel 322b and a second right monitoring pixel 323b. The second left monitoring pixel 322b corresponds to a left monitoring pixel that is disposed on the left outer side of an area where the document S is located during the period when the document S is read by the second reading unit 3b in the arrangement direction among the plurality of pixels. The second right monitoring pixel 323b corresponds to a right monitoring pixel that is disposed on the right outer side of an area where the document S is located during the period when the document S is read by the second reading unit 3b in the arrangement direction among the plurality of pixels. The second left monitoring pixel 322b and the second right monitoring pixel 323b each include one or more pixels. In the document reading device 100, when the color of one pixel is expressed using a set of a plurality of pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 in the second imaging unit 32b, for example, on the left side, 3×10=30 pixels including three pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 and ten pixels aligned in the X direction can be set as the second left monitoring pixel 322b. Also, on the right side, 30 pixels (3×10) including 3 pixels aligned in the transport direction A1 and 10 pixels aligned in the X direction can be set as second right-side monitor pixels 323b.

[0039] 3 and 5, the second reading unit 3b emits a first light Lb from the second light emitting unit 31b. The second reading unit 3b receives second reflected light Rb of the second light Lb by the second surface of the document S transported between the second reading unit 3b and the main body unit 1, using a plurality of pixels included in the second region 320b of the second imaging unit 32b. The plurality of pixels included in the second region 320b capture an image of the second surface of the document S based on the second reflected light Rb.

[0040] On the other hand, the second left-side monitoring pixel 322b and the second right-side monitoring pixel 323b receive the second reflected light Rb of the second light Lb by the second backing member 33b when the cover member 2 is closed relative to the main body portion 1 and the second backing member 33b is present in the opposing position.

[0041] The second reading unit 3b includes outputs from a plurality of pixels included in the second region 320b, and outputs from the second left monitor pixel 322b and the second right monitor pixel 323b, and can output these to the control unit 4.

[0042] 5, the second monitoring pixel 321b is preferably disposed outside, in the arrangement direction, a second region 320b in which an original S having a maximum width W among originals S that can be read by the second reading unit 3b is located during a period in which the original S is being read by the second reading unit 3b. By disposing the second monitoring pixel 321b outside the maximum width W, when there are multiple types of widths of originals S that can be read by the second reading unit 3b, the second monitoring pixel 321b can be disposed outside the original S in the transport direction regardless of which type of original S is being read. This allows the document reading device 100 to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the second monitoring pixel 321b.

[0043] Moreover, it is preferable that the second monitoring pixels 321b are arranged, in the arrangement direction, at least a predetermined number of pixels outside the second region 320b in which the document S having the maximum width W among documents S that can be read by the second reading unit 3b is located during the period in which the document S is being read by the second reading unit 3b. This arrangement can reduce overlap between the document S and the second monitoring pixels 321b even when the document S is transported in an inclined state. As a result, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2.

[0044] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b of the document reading device 100 when the cover member 2 is open. Fig. 6 shows a case where the inclination angle of the cover member 2 with respect to the main body 1 is angle θ1. Fig. 7 shows a case where the inclination angle of the cover member 2 with respect to the main body 1 is angle θ2. The angle θ2 is larger than the angle θ1.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the larger the inclination angle of the cover member 2 with respect to the main body 1, the less likely it is that the reflected light Ra by the first backing member 33a of the first light La emitted from the first light emitter 31a reaches the first imaging unit 32a. As a result, the amount of reflected light Ra reaching the first imaging unit 32a decreases, and the output of the first monitoring pixel 321a in the first imaging unit 32a decreases. Also, the larger the inclination angle of the cover member 2 with respect to the main body 1, the less likely it is that the reflected light Rb by the second backing member 33b of the second light Lb emitted from the second light emitter 31b reaches the second imaging unit 32b. As a result, the amount of reflected light Rb reaching the second imaging unit 32b decreases, and the output of the second monitoring pixel 321b in the second imaging unit 32b decreases.

[0046] When the output of the monitoring pixel 321 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the document reading device 100 can output open / close state information corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed. For example, the output of the monitoring pixel 321 is a luminance value of the monitoring pixel 321. The threshold is set for the luminance value of the monitoring pixel 321. The luminance value threshold may be set for the luminance value of one monitoring pixel 321, or may be set for a statistical value such as a sum, average, median, maximum, or minimum value of the luminance values ​​of each of the multiple monitoring pixels 321. When the luminance value of at least one of the first monitoring pixel 321a and the second monitoring pixel 321b is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the document reading device 100 can output open / close state information corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed, or can stop the reading operation by the reading unit 3.

[0047] From the viewpoint of increasing the detection sensitivity of the monitoring pixel 321 to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2, it is preferable that the monitoring pixel 321 is the 1st to 60th pixel counting from the end of the imaging element included in each of the first imaging unit 32a and the second imaging unit 32b. It is further preferable that the monitoring pixel 321 is the 1st to 30th pixel counting from the end of the imaging element included in each of the first imaging unit 32a and the second imaging unit 32b.

[0048] In the document reading device 100, when the monitoring pixel 321 reads the document S transported in an oblique direction, the data read by the monitoring pixel 321 can be used as read data of the document S. In other words, the monitoring pixel 321 is not a pixel used exclusively for detecting whether the cover member 2 is open or closed. The document reading device 100 can read the document S using all the pixels included in the imaging unit 32, and the monitoring pixel 321, which is one of the pixels included in the imaging unit 32, can be used not only for reading the document S but also for detecting whether it is open or closed.

[0049] <Configuration example of control unit 4> Next, the configuration of the control unit 4 included in the document reading device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control unit 4 included in the document reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0051] 8, the control unit 4 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) / SSD (Solid State Drive) 44, an I / F (Interface) 45, and an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) 46. These are connected to each other via a system bus B so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0052] The control unit 4 is communicatively connected to the reading unit 3 and the motor group 10. The motor group 10 includes one or more motors capable of rotating the first conveyor roller 5a, the second conveyor roller 5b, the first discharge roller 6, and the second discharge roller 7 shown in FIG. 1. The document reading device 100 may further include an operation unit for operating the document reading device 100, a display unit for displaying various notifications, and the like, which may be communicatively connected to the control unit 4.

[0053] The CPU 41 executes control processing including various kinds of arithmetic processing. The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory that stores programs used to drive the CPU 41, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 43 is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU 41. The HDD / SSD 44 is a non-volatile memory that can store information on threshold values ​​used by the control unit 4 to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2, image data obtained by reading the document S, and the like.

[0054] The I / F 45 is an interface for communicating between the control unit 4 and a device or apparatus other than the control unit 4. The I / F 45 can also communicate with a device or apparatus other than the control unit 4 via a network or the like. Devices other than the control unit 4 include the reading unit 3 and the motor group 10. Devices other than the control unit 4 include an external PC (Personal Computer) and an external server. The ADC 46 is an electric circuit that converts an input analog signal into a digital signal and outputs it.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the control unit 4. As shown in FIG.

[0056] 9, the control unit 4 includes an input unit 401, a storage unit 402, an image processing unit 403, an update unit 404, an open / close detection unit 405, an operation control unit 406, and an output unit 407. Note that the control unit 4 may further include functional configurations other than these.

[0057] The function of the input unit 401 is realized by the I / F 45, the ADC 46, etc. The function of the output unit 407 is realized by the I / F 45, etc. Some of the functions of the input unit 401 and the output unit 407 may be realized by a processor such as the CPU 41 executing processing defined in a program stored in the ROM 42, etc. The function of the storage unit 402 is realized by the RAM 43, the HDD / SSD 44, etc. The functions of the image processing unit 403, the update unit 404, the open / close detection unit 405, and the operation control unit 406 are realized by a processor such as the CPU 41 executing processing defined in a program stored in the ROM 42, etc.

[0058] Each function of the control unit 4 can also be realized by one or more processing circuits. The "processing circuit" here includes devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (digital signal processor), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above. Some of the functions of the control unit 4 can also be realized by external devices such as an external PC or an external server communicably connected to the control unit 4. Some of the functions of the control unit 4 can also be realized by distributed processing between the control unit 4 and these external devices.

[0059] The input unit 401 controls communication between the control unit 4 and each of the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b, thereby inputting a first analog image signal Ia1 of the first side of the document S from the first reading unit 3a and inputting a second analog image signal Ia2 of the second side of the document S from the second reading unit 3b. The input unit 401 can pass the first image data Im1 obtained by capturing an image of the first side of the document S from among the digital image signals converted from the analog image signal Ia1 to the storage unit 402. The input unit 401 can also pass the second image data Im2 obtained by capturing an image of the second side of the document S from among the digital image signals converted from the analog image signal Ia1 to the storage unit 402.

[0060] The storage unit 402 can store or temporarily store each of the first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2. The first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2 stored or temporarily stored in the storage unit 402 may be subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 403.

[0061] The image processing unit 403 can perform various image processing on the first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2 stored or temporarily stored in the storage unit 402, and output the first processed image data Im1' and the second processed image data Im2' after processing. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 4 temporarily stores the first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2 read by the reading unit 3 in the storage unit 402. The image processing unit 403 can perform edge detection or the like by image processing on the first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2 stored in the storage unit 402, thereby cropping the first region 320a where the document S is located when reading the document S. Note that the image processing unit 403 may perform image processing on the first image data Im1 and the second image data Im2 input from the input unit 401 without going through the storage unit 402.

[0062] The update unit 404 can update the threshold value Th used by the open / close detection unit 405 to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2. For example, the update unit 404 rewrites the threshold value Th stored in the storage unit 402 to a value that can determine that the amount of light is low when the cover member 2 is open, based on the light amount data used in the previous adjustment of the reading unit 3. This makes it possible to update the threshold value Th. By including the update unit 404, the document reading device 100 can reduce the influence of changes in signal strength of the reading unit 3, etc., and detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 with high accuracy.

[0063] Adjustment of the reading unit 3 means adjustment of the output of the reading unit 3. By adjusting the reading unit 3, the document reading device 100 can correct output changes of the reading unit 3 caused by misalignment of components in the reading unit 3, dirt on the imaging element, heat generation, etc., thereby enabling the document S to be read with high accuracy.

[0064] During the standby period of the document reading device 100, the reading unit 3 is adjusted when the cover member 2 is closed, when the document reading device 100 is powered on, at predetermined intervals, etc. Meanwhile, during the reading period of the document reading device 100, the reading unit 3 is adjusted every time a predetermined number of documents S are read, at predetermined intervals, etc. The standby period of the document reading device 100 refers to a period during which the document reading device 100 is powered on and the document reading device 100 is not reading the document S. The reading period of the document reading device 100 refers to a period during which the document reading device 100 is powered on and the document reading device 100 is reading the document S.

[0065] The update unit 404 can update the threshold value Th to a value that can determine that the amount of light is low when the cover member 2 is open, by referring to light amount data that was used in the previous adjustment of the reading unit 3 and is stored in the storage unit 402. The update unit 404 can also update the threshold value Th in response to an operation input by the operator of the document reading device 100 using an operation unit provided in the document reading device S.

[0066] The information used for updating by the update unit 404 is not limited to information based on the light amount data at the time of the previous adjustment of the reading unit 3. For example, a fixed value determined at the time of shipping the document reading device 100 from a factory or at the time of designing the document reading device 100, a threshold value used in the past, or a combination of these, may be used.

[0067] The open / close detection unit 405 detects the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the open / close detection unit 405 acquires first monitoring information Mt1 corresponding to the output of the first monitoring pixel 321a from the first image data Im1 stored in the storage unit 402. The open / close detection unit 405 also acquires second monitoring information Mt2 corresponding to the output of the second monitoring pixel 321b from the second image data Im2 stored in the storage unit 402. The open / close detection unit 405 can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the first monitoring information Mt1 and the second monitoring information Mt2. The open / close detection unit 405 can also refer to a threshold value Th stored in the storage unit 402 in a process of detecting the open / closed state of the cover member 2. The open / close detection unit 405 outputs open / closed state information Cr1 relating to the open / closed state of the cover member 2 to each of the operation control unit 406 and the output unit 407 according to the detection result.

[0068] The open / close detection unit 405 can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by using various types of outputs from the first monitoring pixel 321a and the second monitoring pixel 321a. Table 1 below shows a list of various types of outputs from the monitoring pixel 321 when the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed, and the characteristics of each type. Note that the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is open except when it determines that the cover member 2 is closed. The open / close detection unit 405 can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by using a pre-selected type from the various types shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0069] In Table 1, the first column on the left, "Type", indicates a number to distinguish each type. The second column, "Reading unit", indicates a distinction between using either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit 3b, and using both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b. Types (1) and (2) correspond to using either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit 3b. Types (3) to (7) correspond to using both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b. Columns 3 to 6 indicate each type of "monitoring pixel output when determining 'closed'" and the characteristics of each type.

[0070] The characteristics of each type in Table 1 include "resistance to external light," "resistance to remaining originals," and "amount of processing." Regarding "resistance to external light," for example, when the cover member 2 is open, if external light is incident on the monitoring pixel 321 and the output becomes equal to or greater than the threshold Th, the cover member 2 may be erroneously detected as closed even though it is open. "◯" in "resistance to external light" indicates that the pixel is less susceptible to the effects of external light and thus can reduce erroneous detections due to external light. Regarding "resistance to remaining originals," "◯" indicates that there are fewer erroneous detections of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 when the document S and the monitoring pixel 321 overlap. "△" indicates that there are more erroneous detections of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 when the document S and the monitoring pixel 321 overlap compared to the case of "◯." "×" indicates that there are more erroneous detections of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 when the document S and the monitoring pixel 321 overlap compared to the case of "△." Regarding "amount of processing," "high" indicates that there is a large amount of processing, such as arithmetic processing, performed to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2. "Medium" indicates a smaller amount of processing compared to "High." "Somewhat low" indicates a smaller amount of processing compared to "Medium." "Low" indicates a smaller amount of processing compared to "Somewhat low."

[0071] Type (1) is a case where either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit 3b is used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "either the left monitoring pixel or the right monitoring pixel is used and its output is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when either the first left monitoring pixel 322a or the first right monitoring pixel 323a is used and its output is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. In the case of type (1), the "resistance to external light" is "◯" by selecting the one of the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit that is less susceptible to external light. The "resistance to remaining originals" is "△" because there is a possibility of false detection when the original S remaining at the reading position overlaps with one monitoring pixel 321 to be used. The "processing volume" is "low" because only the output of one monitoring pixel 321 needs to be processed.

[0072] Type (2) is a case where either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit 3b is used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "the output of at least one of the left and right monitoring pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value using both the left and right monitoring pixels." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when the output of at least one of the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the first right monitoring pixel 323a is equal to or greater than Th. In the case of type (2), the "resistance to external light" is "good" by selecting the one that is less susceptible to external light out of the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit. The "resistance to remaining originals" is "good" because the original S remaining at the reading position almost never overlaps with the monitoring pixels 321 on both the left and right sides. The "processing amount" is "slightly small" because the output of the two monitoring pixels 321 is processed but it is a simple process.

[0073] From another point of view, in type (2), the monitoring pixel 321 includes, among the plurality of pixels, a left monitoring pixel arranged on the left outer side of an area in which the document S is located during the period in which the document S is read by the reading unit 3 in the arrangement direction, and a right monitoring pixel arranged on the right outer side. The control unit 4 uses both the left monitoring pixel and the right monitoring pixel, and outputs open / closed state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed when the output of at least one of the left monitoring pixel and the right monitoring pixel is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. Among the plurality of pixels, the document S almost never remains on both sides outside the area in which the document S is located during reading by the reading unit 3 in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the document reading device 100 can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 caused by the monitoring pixel 321 overlapping with the document S.

[0074] Type (3) is a case where both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b are used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "any one of the first left monitoring pixel, the first right monitoring pixel, the second left monitoring pixel, or the second right monitoring pixel is used and its output is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when any one of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b is used and its output is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. In the case of type (3), the "resistance to external light" is "◯" by selecting the one of the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit that is less susceptible to the influence of external light. The "resistance to remaining originals" is "△" because there is a possibility of false detection when the original S remaining at the reading position overlaps with one monitoring pixel 321 to be used. The "processing volume" is "small" since it is only necessary to process the output of one monitoring pixel 321.

[0075] Type (4) is a case where both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b are used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "either a pair of the first left monitoring pixel and the second left monitoring pixel, or a pair of the first right monitoring pixel and the second right monitoring pixel is used, and the output of either one of the monitoring pixels in the pair used is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when either a pair of the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the second left monitoring pixel 322b, or a pair of the first right monitoring pixel 323a and the second right monitoring pixel 323b is used, and the output of either one of the monitoring pixels 321 in the pair used is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th. In the case of type (4), the "resistance to external light" is set to "◯" by selecting either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit, whichever is less susceptible to the influence of external light. "Tolerance to remaining original" is "△" because there is a possibility of false detection when the original S remaining in the reading position is biased to the left or right and overlaps with the left monitoring pixel 321 or the right monitoring pixel 321. "Processing volume" is "Medium" because the outputs of two monitoring pixels 321 are processed.

[0076] Type (5) is a case where both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b are used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "either a pair of the first left monitoring pixel and the first right monitoring pixel, or a pair of the second left monitoring pixel and the second right monitoring pixel is used, and an output of either one of the monitoring pixels in the pair used is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when either a pair of the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the first right monitoring pixel 323a, or a pair of the second left monitoring pixel 322b and the second right monitoring pixel 323b is used, and an output of either one of the monitoring pixels in the pair used is equal to or greater than a threshold value Th. In the case of type (5), the "resistance to external light" is set to "◯" by selecting either the first reading unit 3a or the second reading unit, whichever is less susceptible to the influence of external light. The "tolerance to remaining originals" is "◯" because the original S remaining at the reading position almost never overlaps with the monitoring pixels 321 on both the left and right sides. The "processing volume" is "medium" because the outputs of the two monitoring pixels 321 are processed.

[0077] From another viewpoint, in type (5), the reading unit 3 includes a first reading unit 3a that reads a first side of the document S, and a second reading unit 3b that reads a second side of the document S opposite to the first side. The first monitoring pixel 321a, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the first reading unit 3a, includes, among the multiple pixels, a first left monitoring pixel 322a that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the first reading unit 3a, and a first right monitoring pixel 323a that is arranged on the right outer side. The second monitoring pixel 321b, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the second reading unit 3b, includes, among the multiple pixels, a second left monitoring pixel 322b that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the second reading unit 3b, and a second right monitoring pixel 323b that is arranged on the right outer side. The control unit 4 uses either the pair of the first left-side monitoring pixel 322a and the first right-side monitoring pixel 323a or the pair of the second left-side monitoring pixel 322b and the second right-side monitoring pixel 323b, and outputs open / closed state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed when the output of either of the monitoring pixels 321 in the pair being used is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. Of the multiple pixels, the document S is almost never left on both sides outside the region in which the document S is located when read by the reading unit 3 in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the document reading device 100 can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 caused by the monitoring pixels 321 overlapping the document S when reading both the first and second sides of the document S.

[0078] Type (6) is a case where both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b are used, and the cover member 2 is determined to be closed when "four pixels, the first left monitoring pixel, the first right monitoring pixel, the second left monitoring pixel, and the second right monitoring pixel, are used and the outputs of each pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover member 2 is closed when the outputs of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are used and the outputs of each pixel are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. In the case of type (6), the "resistance to external light" is "◯" since false detection of the open / close state of the cover member 2 due to external light can be reduced in reading both the first and second sides of the document S. The "resistance to remaining document" is "△" since there is a possibility of false detection when a dark-colored document S overlaps with any one of the four monitoring pixels 321. The "processing volume" is "large" since the outputs of the four monitoring pixels 321 are processed.

[0079] From another viewpoint, in type (6), the reading unit 3 includes a first reading unit 3a that reads a first surface of the document S, and a second reading unit 3b that reads a second surface of the document S opposite to the first surface. The first monitoring pixel 321a, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the first reading unit 3a, includes, among the multiple pixels, a first left monitoring pixel 322a that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the first reading unit 3a, and a first right monitoring pixel 323a that is arranged on the right outer side. The second monitoring pixel 321b, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the second reading unit 3b, includes, among the multiple pixels, a second left monitoring pixel 322b that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the second reading unit 3b, and a second right monitoring pixel 323b that is arranged on the right outer side. The control unit 4 outputs the open / closed state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover 2 being closed when the outputs of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold Th. For example, when the cover 2 is open, external light is incident on the monitoring pixel 321 and the output of the monitoring pixel 321 becomes equal to or greater than the threshold Th, the control unit 4 may erroneously detect that the cover 2 is closed even though the cover 2 is open. In type (6), the control unit 4 determines that the cover 2 is closed when the outputs of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold Th. Since it is unlikely that external light is incident on all of the four monitoring pixels 321, in type (6), it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover 2 due to external light when reading both the first and second sides of the document S.

[0080] Type (7) is a case where both the first reading unit 3a and the second reading unit 3b are used, and the cover 2 is determined to be closed when "four elements, namely, the first left monitoring pixel, the first right monitoring pixel, the second left monitoring pixel, and the second right monitoring pixel, are used, and at least one of the following is determined: the outputs of both the first left monitoring pixel and the second left monitoring pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the outputs of both the first right monitoring pixel and the second right monitoring pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value." For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, four elements, namely, the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b, are used, and at least one of the following is determined: the outputs of both the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the second left monitoring pixel 322b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, and the outputs of both the first right monitoring pixel 323a and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. In the case of type (7), erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 due to external light can be reduced when reading both the first and second sides of the document S, so "resistance to external light" is rated "good." In addition, "resistance to remaining documents" is rated "good" because even if the document S is dark in color, the document S almost never overlaps with the monitoring pixels 321 on both the left and right sides. "Processing volume" is rated "high" because the outputs of four monitoring pixels 321 are processed.

[0081] From another viewpoint, in type (7), the reading unit 3 includes a first reading unit 3a that reads a first side of the document S, and a second reading unit 3b that reads a second side of the document S opposite to the first side. The first monitoring pixel 321a, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the first reading unit 3a, includes, among the multiple pixels, a first left monitoring pixel 322a that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the first reading unit 3a, and a first right monitoring pixel 323a that is arranged on the right outer side. The second monitoring pixel 321b, which is the monitoring pixel 321 of the second reading unit 3b, includes, among the multiple pixels, a second left monitoring pixel 322b that is arranged on the left outer side of a region in which the document S is located during a period in which the document S is read by the second reading unit 3b, and a second right monitoring pixel 323b that is arranged on the right outer side. The control unit 4 outputs the open / close state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover 2 being closed when at least one of the outputs of the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the second left monitoring pixel 322b among the four pixels, the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b, is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th and the outputs of the first right monitoring pixel 323a and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. For example, in a configuration in which the cover 2 is determined to be closed when the outputs of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, when a dark-colored document S overlaps with the monitoring pixel 321, the output of the monitoring pixel 321 may not be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. In this case, the open / close detection unit 405 erroneously detects that the cover 2 is open even though the cover 2 is closed. In type (7), it is determined that the cover 2 is closed when at least one of the following cases is true: among the four pixels, the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b, the outputs of both the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the second left monitoring pixel 322b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, and the outputs of both the first right monitoring pixel 323a and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. This makes it possible to reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover 2 when a dark-colored document S overlaps with the monitoring pixel 321.Furthermore, in the type (7), when reading both the first and second surfaces, erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 caused by external light can be reduced.

[0082] Table 2 below shows the relationship between the outputs of the first left monitor pixel 322a, the first right monitor pixel 323a, the second left monitor pixel 322b, and the second right monitor pixel 323b and the open / closed state of the cover member 2 in types (6) and (7). In Table 2, "◯" indicates that the output of the monitor pixel 321 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. "●" indicates that the output of the monitor pixel 321 is less than the threshold value Th. In the "Judgment" row, "CLOSE" indicates that the cover member 2 is closed. "OPEN" indicates that the cover member 2 is open. Output examples A to Q represent example combinations of the outputs of the first left monitor pixel 322a, the first right monitor pixel 323a, the second left monitor pixel 322b, and the second right monitor pixel 323b. [Table 2]

[0083] In type (6), the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover 2 is closed when each of the first left monitoring pixel 322a, the second left monitoring pixel 322b, the first right monitoring pixel 323a, and the second right monitoring pixel 323b is equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. Therefore, in the example of Table 2, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover 2 is closed only in the case of output example A.

[0084] On the other hand, in type (7), the cover 2 is determined to be closed when at least one of the following is true: both the first left monitoring pixel 322a and the second left monitoring pixel 322b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th, and both the first right monitoring pixel 323a and the second right monitoring pixel 323b are equal to or greater than the threshold value Th. Therefore, in the example of Table 2, the open / close detection unit 405 determines that the cover 2 is closed in each of Output Examples A to E, Output Example I, and Output Example M.

[0085] In FIG. 9, the operation control unit 406 can control the operation of the reading unit 3. The operation control unit 406 can also control the rotational drive of the first conveying roller 5a, the second conveying roller 5b, the first discharge roller 6, the second discharge roller 7, and the like by controlling the operation of the motor group 10 shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the operation control unit 406 can stop the reading operation by the reading unit 3 in accordance with the open / closed state information Cr1 of the cover member 2 input from the open / closed state detection unit 405. The operation control unit 406 can also stop the conveyance of the document S by the conveying unit 5 by stopping the rotational drive of the first conveying roller 5a, the second conveying roller 5b, the first discharge roller 6, the second discharge roller 7, and the like in accordance with the open / closed state information Cr1 of the cover member 2 input from the open / closed state detection unit 405.

[0086] The output unit 407 may output the open / close state information Cr1 to the external device by controlling communication between the control unit 4 and the external device in response to a command from the open / close detection unit 405. Also, the output unit 407 may output the open / close state information Cr1 to an operation unit, a display unit, etc., provided in the document reading device 100 by controlling communication between the control unit 4 and the operation unit, the display unit, etc., in response to a command from the open / close detection unit 405. Furthermore, the output unit 407 may output a motor control signal Cr2 to the motor group 10 by controlling communication between the control unit 4 and the motor group 10 in response to a command from the operation control unit 406, etc.

[0087] <Processing example by control unit 4> Next, the process by the control unit 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by the control unit 4. The control unit 4 can execute the process shown in Fig. 10 during each of the standby period of the document reading device 100 and the reading period of the document reading device 100.

[0088] First, in step S11, the control unit 4 determines whether it is the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2. During the standby period of the document reading device 100, the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 is the timing when the cover member 2 is closed, the timing when the document reading device 100 is powered on, or the timing at predetermined intervals. On the other hand, during the reading period of the document reading device 100, the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 is the timing every time a predetermined number of documents S are read or the timing at predetermined intervals. The control unit 4 can determine whether it is the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 according to the above predetermined timing.

[0089] In step S11, if it is determined that it is not the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 (step S11, NO), the control unit 4 performs the process of step S11 again. On the other hand, in step S11, if it is determined that it is the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 (step S11, YES), in step S12, the control unit 4 executes detection processing of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by the open / closed detection unit 405. The open / closed detection unit 405 can execute detection processing of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by using a type previously selected from the various types shown in Table 1 above.

[0090] Next, in step S13, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the cover member 2 is open, based on the execution result of the detection process, using the open / close detection unit 405.

[0091] In step S13, when it is determined that the cover member 2 is open (step S13, YES), in step S14, the control unit 4 causes the open / close detection unit 405 to output the open / close state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being open to an external device or an operation unit or a display unit, etc., provided in the document reading device 100 (hereinafter, referred to as an external device, etc.) via the output unit 407. On the other hand, in step S13, when it is determined that the cover member 2 is not open (step S13, NO), in step S15, the control unit 4 causes the open / close detection unit 405 to output the open / close state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed to an external device, etc. via the output unit 407. After completing this output process, the control unit 4 ends the process shown in FIG. 10. Instead of outputting the open / close state information Cr, the control unit 4 can also end the process shown in FIG. 10 after stopping the reading operation by the reading unit 3.

[0092] In this manner, the control unit 4 can execute the process of detecting whether the cover member 2 is open or closed.

[0093] [Second embodiment] Next, a document reading device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the same names and symbols as those in the embodiment of the present disclosure already described indicate the same or similar members or configurations, and detailed descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the embodiment of the present disclosure described below.

[0094] <Configuration example of document reading device according to second embodiment> The configuration of the document reading device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 11 to 13. Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the document reading device 100a according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 shows a cross section of the document reading device 100a cut along a virtual plane perpendicular to the arrangement direction of a plurality of pixels included in the reading unit 3 of the document reading device 100a. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the document reading device 100a. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit 4a included in the document reading device 100a.

[0095] In this embodiment, the document reading device 100a has a document sensor 11 that detects the document S. When the document sensor 11 detects the document S, the control unit 4a included in the document reading device 100a detects the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321, and can output open / closed state information of the cover member 2, or can stop the reading operation by the reading unit 3 and the conveyance by the conveyance unit 5. When the document sensor 11 does not detect the document S, the control unit 4a outputs open / closed state information corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed, regardless of the output of the monitoring pixel 321. These points are mainly different from the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] In the document reading device 100a, only when the document sensor 11 detects the document S, the detection process of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321 is executed, and when the document sensor 11 does not detect the document S, the detection process is not executed. This simplifies the process of the control unit 4a, and reduces the processing load of the control unit 4a. Other effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] 11, the document sensor 11 has a third light-emitting unit 11a and a light-receiving unit 11b. The third light-emitting unit 11a may be an LED or an LD (Laser Diode), etc. The light-receiving unit 11b may be a PD (Photo Diode), etc. The document sensor 11 may include components other than the third light-emitting unit 11a and the light-receiving unit 11b, such as a prism for changing an optical path.

[0098] In the example shown in FIG. 11, the manuscript sensor 11 is disposed between the conveying unit 5 and the reading unit 3 in the conveying direction A1. The third light-emitting unit 11a is disposed in the main body unit 1. The light-receiving unit 11b is disposed in the cover member 2. The third light-emitting unit 11a and the light-receiving unit 11b are disposed opposite each other. However, as long as the third light-emitting unit 11a and the light-receiving unit 11b are disposed opposite each other, the third light-emitting unit 11a may be disposed in the cover member 2 and the light-receiving unit 11b may be disposed in the main body unit 1. As shown in FIG. 12, the manuscript sensor 11 is connected to the control unit 4a so as to be able to communicate with the control unit 4a.

[0099] 11 and 12, the document sensor 11 outputs to the control unit 4a a detection signal corresponding to the fact that the document S is not detected during a period in which the light receiving unit 11b receives light from the third light emitting unit 11a without being blocked by the document S. On the other hand, the document sensor 11 outputs to the control unit 4a a detection signal corresponding to the fact that the document S is detected when the light receiving unit 11b cannot receive the light from the third light emitting unit 11a because the light from the third light emitting unit 11a is blocked by the document S transported between the third light emitting unit 11a and the light receiving unit 11b by the transport unit 5.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 13, the open / close detection unit 405 of the control unit 4a inputs a detection signal St from the document sensor 11 via the input unit 401. When the open / close detection unit 405 inputs a detection signal St corresponding to the detection of the document S, the open / close detection unit 405 executes a detection process of the open / close state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321. Depending on the result of the detection process by the open / close detection unit 405, the control unit 4a can output open / close state information of the cover member 2, or stop the reading operation by the reading unit 3 and the conveyance by the conveyance unit 5. On the other hand, when the open / close detection unit 405 inputs a detection signal St corresponding to the non-detection of the document S, the open / close detection unit 405 does not execute a detection process of the open / close state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321. The control unit 4a can output open / close state information corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed, regardless of the output of the monitoring pixel 321.

[0101] <Example of processing by the control unit 4a> Next, the process by the control unit 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by the control unit 4a. The control unit 4a can execute the process shown in Fig. 14 during the reading period of the document reading device 100a. Note that the description of the parts that overlap with the example shown in Fig. 10 above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] First, in step S21, the control unit 4a determines whether it is time to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2. The open / closed state of the cover member 2 is detected every time a predetermined number of documents S are read or at predetermined intervals. The control unit 4a can determine whether it is time to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 according to the above-mentioned predetermined timing.

[0103] In step S21, if it is determined that it is not the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 (step S21, NO), the control unit 4a performs the process of step S21 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the timing to detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 in step S21 (step S21, YES), in step S22, the control unit 4a determines whether the open / close detection unit 405 has detected the document S based on the detection signal St from the document sensor 11.

[0104] If it is determined in step S22 that the document S has not been detected (step S22, NO), there is no possibility that the cover member 2 is open in this state. Therefore, the control unit 4a proceeds to step S26 without executing a process for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member 2. Then, in step S26, the control unit 4a outputs the open / closed state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed to an external device or the like via the output unit 407 by the open / closed state detection unit 405. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the document S has been detected (step S22, YES), there is a possibility that the cover member 2 is open in this state. Therefore, in step S23, the control unit 4a executes a process for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member 2 by the open / closed state detection unit 405.

[0105] Next, in step S24, the control unit 4a determines, by the open / close detection unit 405, whether or not the cover member 2 is open, based on the execution result of the detection process.

[0106] If it is determined in step S24 that the cover member 2 is open (step S24, YES), in step S25, the control unit 4a causes the open / close detection unit 405 to output open / close state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being open to an external device or the like via the output unit 407. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the cover member 2 is not open (step S24, NO), in step S26, the control unit 4a causes the open / close detection unit 405 to output open / close state information Cr1 corresponding to the cover member 2 being closed to an external device or the like via the output unit 407. After completing this output process, the control unit 4a ends the process shown in FIG. 14.

[0107] In this manner, the control unit 4a can execute the process of detecting whether the cover member 2 is open or closed.

[0108] [Third embodiment] Next, a document reading device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0109] <Configuration example of document reading device according to third embodiment> The configuration of the document reading device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 15 to Fig. 17. Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the document reading device 100b according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the document reading device 100b in a state in which the cover member 2 is open. Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in Fig. 15.

[0110] In this embodiment, the document reading device 100b has a placement table 111 on which the document S is placed, and the reading unit 3 is capable of reading the document S placed on the placement table, which is a difference from the first and second embodiments of the present disclosure. The document reading device 100b is a so-called flatbed type document reading device.

[0111] In this embodiment, in a flatbed type document reading device 100b having a placement table 111 on which a document S is placed, erroneous detection of the open / closed state of a cover member 2 is reduced, and the open / closed state of the cover member 2 can be detected during the period in which the document S is being read. Other effects of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment can also be combined with the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] 15, the document reading device 100b has a cover member 2 and a housing 110. In the example shown in FIG 16, the housing 110 includes a placement table 111, an abutting member 112, an operation unit 116, and a display unit 117.

[0113] The placement table 111 is a plate-like member on which the document S to be read is placed. The placement table 111 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 110. The placement table 111 is made of a light-transmitting glass material or the like. Note that the light-transmitting property here preferably has a transmittance of 60% or more for illumination light from a light-emitting unit included in the document reading device 100b.

[0114] The abutting member 112 is a member for abutting two of the four sides (short side and long side) of the document S when the document S is rectangular, to position the document S. The abutting member 112 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 110 so as to contact the placement table 111. The abutting member 112 has a first edge portion 113 for abutting the short side of the document S and a second edge portion 114 for abutting the long side of the document S. The first edge portion 113 extends in the main scanning direction A3 of the document reading device 100b. The second edge portion 114 extends in the sub-scanning direction A2 of the document reading device 100b. The main scanning direction A3 and the sub-scanning direction A2 are perpendicular to each other. The first edge portion 113 and the second edge portion 114 contact each other so as to be perpendicular to each other at a corner portion 115.

[0115] The operation unit 116 is, for example, an operation button arranged on the surface of the housing 110. When pressed, the operation unit 116 generates and outputs an operation detection signal corresponding to an operation by an operator.

[0116] The display unit 117 is, for example, an LED arranged on the surface of the housing 110. The display unit 117 may be turned on or off in a color corresponding to the state of the document reading device 100b.

[0117] The cover member 2 includes a backing member 121. The cover member 2 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 110. As shown in Fig. 16, when the cover member 2 is in an open state, the document S can be placed on the upper surface of the housing 110. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 17, when the cover member 2 is in a closed state, the backing member 121 faces the reading unit 3 provided below the placement table 111 (inside the housing 110).

[0118] The backing member 121 is provided on the lower surface of the cover member 2. The backing member 121 may be provided detachably with respect to the cover member 2. The backing member 121, which has a color distinguishable from the background color of the document S, may be installed by an operator so that the document reading device 100b can distinguish between the document area and other areas in the image of the document S read.

[0119] 17, a reading unit 3 is disposed inside the housing 110. The reading unit 3 is disposed at a position facing the cover member 2 in the closed state and the backing member 121 attached to the cover member 2, with the mounting base 111 in between. The reading unit 3 is parallel to the mounting base 111, and extends in the main scanning direction A3 so as to be able to capture an image from one end of the mounting base 111 to the other end. The reading unit 3 is also disposed movably along the sub-scanning direction A2 so as to be able to capture an image from one end of the mounting base 111 to the other end.

[0120] The reading unit 3 has a light emitting unit 31, an imaging unit 32, and a mirror 34. The imaging unit 32 is of a reduced optical system type equipped with an imaging element in which multiple pixels are arranged along the main scanning direction A3. The main scanning direction A3 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the multiple pixels in the imaging element of the imaging unit 32. A CCD or CMOS can be used for the imaging element. The imaging unit 32 captures an image of the document S placed on the placement table 111, and generates and outputs an analog image signal. The imaging unit 32 may be of a life-size optical system type.

[0121] The light-emitting unit 31 is disposed at a position facing the placement table 111, and can irradiate light onto the original S. Light L from the light-emitting unit 31 is reflected by the original S placed on the placement table 111. The reflected light R from the original S is reflected by the mirror 34, and then forms an image on the imaging element of the imaging unit 32. The imaging unit 32 can capture the image of the reflected light R that has been formed.

[0122] The document reading device 100b detects the open / closed state of the cover member 2 based on the output of the monitoring pixel 321 (see FIG. 4 or FIG. 5) included in the reading unit 3, and can output open / closed state information Cr1 of the cover member 2 or stop the reading operation by the reading unit 3. In this way, the document reading device 100b can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member 2 and can detect the open / closed state of the cover member 2 while the document S is being read.

[0123] Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0124] The ordinal numbers, quantities, and other numbers used in the description of the embodiments are all provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated numbers. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the components are provided as examples to specifically explain the technology of the present disclosure, and do not limit the connection relationships that realize the functions of the present disclosure.

[0125] The division of blocks in the functional block diagram is an example, and multiple blocks may be realized as one block, one block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be moved to other blocks. Furthermore, the functions of multiple blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in time-sharing by a single piece of hardware or software. Furthermore, some or all of the functions may be distributed to multiple computers.

[0126] The document reading device of the present disclosure can reduce erroneous detection of the open / closed state of the cover member and can detect the open / closed state of the cover member while reading the document, and therefore can be suitably used as a document reading device used in offices, homes, etc. In addition, the document reading device of the present disclosure can also be suitably used as an image forming device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) or a printer that has a document reading function.

[0127] Aspects of the present disclosure are, for example, as follows. <1> This document reading device has a main body, a cover member arranged opposite the main body so as to be openable and closable, a reading unit arranged on at least one of the main body and the cover member, and reading a document using a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction, and a control unit that detects the open / closed state of the cover member based on the output of a monitoring pixel among the plurality of pixels that is arranged outside the area in which the document is located during the period in which the document is read by the reading unit, and outputs open / closed state information of the cover member or stops the reading operation by the reading unit. <2> an open / close detection unit that detects an open / close state of the cover member based on an output of the monitoring pixel; <1> The document reading apparatus according to the present invention is <3> the monitoring pixel is disposed outside an area in the arrangement direction where the document having the maximum width among the documents that can be read by the reading unit is located during a period when the document is being read by the reading unit; <1> or the above <2> The document reading apparatus according to the present invention is <4> the monitoring pixel is disposed outside, in the arrangement direction, a region in which the document having the maximum width is located during a period in which the document is read by the reading unit, by a predetermined number of pixels or more; <3> The document reading apparatus according to the present invention is <5> the monitoring pixels include, among the plurality of pixels, a left monitoring pixel arranged on the outer left side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the reading unit in the arrangement direction, and a right monitoring pixel arranged on the outer right side, and the control unit uses both the left monitoring pixel and the right monitoring pixel, and outputs the open / close state information corresponding to the cover member being closed when an output of at least one of the left monitoring pixel and the right monitoring pixel is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. <1> From the above <4> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <6> The reading section includes a first reading section that reads a first side of the document and a second reading section that reads a second side of the document opposite to the first side, and a first monitoring pixel of the first reading section includes, among the plurality of pixels, a first left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the left outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the first reading section and a first right monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side in the arrangement direction, and a second monitoring pixel of the second reading section includes, among the plurality of pixels, a first left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the first reading section and a second monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side in the arrangement direction. and a second left monitoring pixel arranged on the outer left side and the second right monitoring pixel arranged on the outer right side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the second reading unit, in a direction parallel to the scanning direction, and the control unit uses either a pair of the first left monitoring pixel and the first right monitoring pixel, or a pair of the second left monitoring pixel and the second right monitoring pixel, and outputs the open / close state information corresponding to the cover member being closed when an output of either one of the monitoring pixels in the pair used is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. <1> From the above <4> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <7> the reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads a first side of the document and a second reading unit that reads a second side of the document opposite to the first side, the first monitoring pixel being the monitoring pixel of the first reading unit includes, among the plurality of pixels, a first left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the left outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the first reading unit, and a first right monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side, in the arrangement direction, and the second monitoring pixel being the monitoring pixel of the second reading unit includes, among the plurality of pixels, a second left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the left outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the second reading unit, and a second right monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side, in the arrangement direction, and the control unit outputs the open / close state information corresponding to the cover being closed when outputs of each of the first left monitoring pixel, the first right monitoring pixel, the second left monitoring pixel, and the second right monitoring pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. <1> From the above <4> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <8> The reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads a first side of the document and a second reading unit that reads a second side of the document opposite to the first side, and a first monitoring pixel of the first reading unit includes, among the plurality of pixels, a first left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the left outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the first reading unit and a first right monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side, and a second monitoring pixel of the second reading unit includes, among the plurality of pixels, a first left monitoring pixel that is arranged on the right outer side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is read by the first reading unit in the arrangement direction. a second left monitoring pixel arranged on the outer left side of an area in which the document is located during a period in which the document is being read, and a second right monitoring pixel arranged on the outer right side, and the control unit outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the cover member being closed when at least one of outputs of the first left monitoring pixel and the second left monitoring pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and outputs of the first right monitoring pixel and the second right monitoring pixel are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold among four pixels, the first left monitoring pixel, the first right monitoring pixel, the second left monitoring pixel, and the second right monitoring pixel. <1> From the above <4> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <9> The method further includes: <5> From the above <8> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <10> a conveying unit that conveys the document, the reading unit includes the plurality of pixels that are arranged in the arrangement direction that intersects with a conveying direction by the conveying unit, and reads the document conveyed by the conveying unit, and the control unit detects an open / closed state of the cover member based on an output of the monitoring pixels, and is capable of outputting the open / closed state information of the cover member, or stopping each of the reading operation by the reading unit and the conveying by the conveying unit; <1> From the above <9> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. <11> The document sensor detects the position of the document, and the control unit detects an open / closed state of the cover member based on an output of the monitoring pixel when the document is detected by the document sensor, and outputs the open / closed state information of the cover member, or is capable of stopping each of the reading operation by the reading unit and the conveying operation by the conveying unit. <10> The document reading apparatus according to the present invention is <12> When the document sensor does not detect the document, the control unit outputs the open / close state information corresponding to the cover member being closed, without being based on an output of the monitoring pixel. <11> The document reading apparatus according to the present invention is <13> a document placement table on which the document is placed, and the reading unit is capable of reading the document placed on the document placement table; <1> From the above <9> The document reading device according to any one of the above items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 Main unit 2 Cover material 3. Reading section 31 Light emitting part 32 Imaging unit 3a First reading section 31a First light emitting part 32a First imaging unit 320a 1st area 321a First monitoring pixel 322a 1st left monitoring pixel 323a 1st right side monitoring pixel 33a First backing member 3b 2nd reading section 31b Second light emitting part 32b Second imaging unit 320b 2nd area 321b Second monitoring pixel 322b Second left monitoring pixel 323b 2nd right side monitoring pixel 33b Second backing member 34 Mirror 321 Monitoring Pixels 4, 4a Control section 41 CPU 42 ROM 43 RAM 44 HDD / SSD 45 Interfaces 46 ADC 401 Input section 402 Storage section 403 Image Processing Unit 404 Update Department 405 Open / close detector 406 Motion control section 407 Output section 5. Conveyor 5a First conveyor roller 5b Second conveyor roller 6 First ejection roller 7 Second discharge roller 8 Supply Tray 9. Output Tray 10 Motors 11 Document sensor 11a Third light emitting part 11b Light receiving part 100, 100a, 100b Document reader 110 Cabinet 111 Placement table 112 Stopping member 113 First edge 114 Second edge 115 Corner 116 Operation section 117 Display section 121 Backing material A1 Transport direction A2 Sub-scanning direction A3 Main scanning direction Cr1 Open / Close Status Information Cr2 Motor control signal Ia1 1st analog image signal Ia2 Second analog image signal Im1 1st image data Im1' First processed image data Im2' Second processed image data Im2 2nd image data L light La The First Light Lb Second Light Mt1 First Surveillance Information Mt2 2nd monitoring information R Reflected light Ra 1st reflected light Rb second reflected light S manuscript St detection signal Th Threshold W Maximum width θ1, θ2 angle

Claims

1. The main body and An opening / closing member is positioned opposite the main body so as to be able to open and close, A reading unit is provided, which is located on at least one of the main body and the opening / closing member, and reads a document using a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction. A document reading device comprising: a control unit that detects the open / closed state of the opening / closing member based on the output from a plurality of pixels other than the pixels used for reading the document, and outputs information on the open / closed state of the opening / closing member, or stops the reading operation by the reading unit.

2. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening / closing state of the opening / closing member based on an output from a pixel different from the pixel used to read the document.

3. The document reading device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pixels different from those used to read the document include, in the arrangement direction, pixels different from those used to read the document having the widest width among the documents that can be read by the reading unit.

4. The document reading device according to claim 3, wherein the pixels different from those used for reading the document include pixels that are arranged in the arrangement direction at a distance of a predetermined number of pixels or more from the pixels used for reading the document having the maximum width.

5. Pixels different from those used to read the original document include, among the plurality of pixels, a left-side pixel group arranged to the left of the pixels used to read the original document in the arrangement direction, and a right-side pixel group arranged to the right. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses both the left pixel group and the right pixel group, and outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the open / closed member being closed when the output of at least one of the left pixel group and the right pixel group is above a predetermined threshold.

6. The reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads the first side of the original document, and a second reading unit that reads the second side of the original document opposite to the first side. The pixels in the first reading unit that are different from the pixels used to read the original document include a first left-side pixel group arranged to the left of the pixels used to read the original document in the first reading unit, and a first right-side pixel group arranged to the right. The pixels in the second reading unit that are different from the pixels used to read the original document include a second left-side pixel group arranged to the left of the pixels used to read the original document in the second reading unit, and a second right-side pixel group arranged to the right. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses either a set of the first left pixel group and the first right pixel group, or a set of the second left pixel group and the second right pixel group, and outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the open / closed member being closed when the output of at least one of the sets used is above a predetermined threshold.

7. The reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads the first side of the original document, and a second reading unit that reads the second side of the original document opposite to the first side. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the open / closed member being closed when the output from a pixel different from the pixel used to read the document in the first reading unit and the output from a pixel different from the pixel used to read the document in the second reading unit are each above a predetermined threshold.

8. The reading unit includes a first reading unit that reads the first side of the original document, and a second reading unit that reads the second side of the original document opposite to the first side. The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the open / closed member being closed in at least one of the following cases: when the output of both the group of pixels arranged to the left of the pixels used for reading the document in the first reading unit and the group of pixels arranged to the left of the pixels used for reading the document in the second reading unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold; and when the output of both the group of pixels arranged to the right of the pixels used for reading the document in the first reading unit and the group of pixels arranged to the right of the pixels used for reading the document in the second reading unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

9. The document reading device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, further comprising an update unit for updating the predetermined threshold.

10. It has a transport unit for transporting the aforementioned manuscript, The reading unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in the arrangement direction intersecting the transport direction by the transport unit, and reads the original document being transported by the transport unit. The document reading device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit can detect the open / closed state of the open / closed member based on the output from a pixel different from the pixel used to read the document, output the open / closed state information of the open / closed member, or stop the reading operation by the reading unit and the transport operation by the transport unit, respectively.

11. The system further includes a document sensor that detects the position of the document, The document reading device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit detects the open / closed state of the open / closed member based on the output from a pixel different from the pixel used to read the document when the document is detected by the document sensor and during the period when the document is read by the reading unit, and outputs the open / closed state information of the open / closed member, or can stop the reading operation by the reading unit and the transport operation by the transport unit, respectively.

12. The document reading device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit outputs the open / closed state information corresponding to the open / closed member being closed, without relying on output from pixels other than those used for reading the document, when the document sensor does not detect the document.

13. It has a mounting platform on which the aforementioned manuscript is placed, The document reading device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reading unit is capable of reading the document placed on the aforementioned stand.

Images