Medium conveyance device, control method and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium conveyance device capable of determining whether or not a jam of a medium occurs with good accuracy, to provide a control method, and to provide a control program.SOLUTION: A medium conveyance device includes: a placement table; a feeding roller for feeding a medium; a first medium sensor arranged downstream of the feeding roller in the medium conveyance direction, and arranged further inside than a side wall of a medium conveyance passage in the direction orthogonal to the medium conveyance direction and further outside than the medium of the maximum size supported by the medium conveyance device in a state of being placed on the placement table; a second medium sensor arranged downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium conveyance direction; a determination unit for determining whether or not a jam of the medium occurs, based on the detection result of the medium by the first medium sensor and the detection result of the medium by the second medium sensor; and a control unit for, in the case where the jam of the medium is determined to occur by the determination unit, executing abnormality processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In a media transport device such as a scanner that transports and captures media, if a media jam occurs, the media may be damaged. Therefore, the media transport device is required to stop transport of the media before a media jam occurs.

[0003] An image reading device has been disclosed in which a medium detection means is provided outside the edge restriction position of an edge guide that restricts the edge position in the medium width direction of a medium placed on a medium loading section (see Patent Document 1). When the medium detection means detects a medium, this image reading device determines that the medium is skewed.

[0004] A copying machine has been disclosed in which a line sensor for reading the side edge position of a document being conveyed is provided at the side edge in the document conveyance direction, and which is also provided with a document skew correction device and its control circuit (see Patent Document 2). This copying machine reads the document side edge position at least twice at regular movement intervals while the document is being conveyed, inputs the detection data into the control circuit, and feeds back the result to the skew correction device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125638 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-93851 Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a demand for a medium conveying device that can more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur.

[0007] An object of the medium conveying device, control method, and control program according to the embodiment is to more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur.

[0008] A media conveying device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a media conveying device comprising: a mounting table; a feed roller for feeding a medium; a first media sensor arranged downstream of the feed roller in the media conveying direction, and arranged inside the side wall of the media conveying path in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction and outside the largest size media supported by the media conveying device when placed on the mounting table; a second media sensor arranged downstream of the first media sensor in the media conveying direction and inside the first media sensor in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction; a determination unit that determines whether a media jam will occur based on the media detection results by the first media sensor and the media detection results by the second media sensor; and a control unit that executes abnormality processing if the determination unit determines that a media jam will occur; and the determination unit determines that a media jam will occur if the media is detected by the first media sensor after being detected by the second media sensor.

[0009] In addition, a control method according to one aspect of the embodiment is a control method for a media conveying device having a mounting table, which feeds a medium using a feed roller, and determines whether a media jam will occur based on the detection results of the medium by a first media sensor that is positioned downstream of the feed roller in the media conveying direction, and that is positioned inside the side wall of the media conveying path in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction and outside the maximum size of media supported by the media conveying device when placed on the mounting table, and the detection results of the medium by a second media sensor that is positioned downstream of the first media sensor in the media conveying direction and inside the first media sensor in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction, and if it is determined that a media jam will occur, performs abnormality processing, and if in the determination, the media is detected by the second media sensor and then by the first media sensor, it is determined that a media jam will occur.

[0010] In addition, a control program according to one aspect of the embodiment is a control program for a media conveying device having a mounting table and a feed roller for feeding media, and determines whether a media jam will occur based on the media detection results by a first media sensor that is positioned downstream of the feed roller in the media conveying direction, and that is positioned inside the side wall of the media conveying path in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction and outside the maximum size media supported by the media conveying device when placed on the mounting table, and the media detection results by a second media sensor that is positioned downstream of the first media sensor in the media conveying direction and inside the first media sensor in a direction perpendicular to the media conveying direction, and if it is determined that a media jam will occur, causes the media conveying device to perform abnormality processing, and if, in the determination, the media is detected by the second media sensor and then by the first media sensor, it is determined that a media jam will occur.

[0011] According to the present embodiment, the medium conveying device, the control method, and the control program are able to more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur.

[0012] The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the medium transport device 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second sensor 114 and the like. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medium conveying device 100. FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device 140 and a processing circuit 150. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a jam detection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium that is transported at an angle. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium that is transported at an angle. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium that is transported at an angle. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium that is transported at an angle. [Figure 12] 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another fourth sensor 221. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of another jam detection process. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium M3 in which cumulative skew occurs. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a medium M3 in which cumulative skew occurs. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining yet another second sensor 314. FIG. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams for explaining yet another second sensor 414. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit 550. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A medium conveying device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medium conveying device 100 configured as an image scanner. The medium conveying device 100 conveys and captures an image of a medium, which is an original document. The medium may be paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The medium conveying device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. Note that the conveyed medium may not be an original document but may be a print target or the like, and the medium conveying device 100 may be a printer or the like. In FIG. 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium conveying direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium conveying direction A1 and the width direction A2. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium conveying direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium conveying direction A1.

[0016] The medium conveying device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a loading table 103, an ejection table 104, an operation device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0017] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the medium conveying device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when the medium is jammed or when the inside of the medium conveying device 100 is to be cleaned.

[0018] The mounting table 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and places the medium to be fed and transported on it. A side guide 103a is provided on the mounting table 103. The side guide 103a is provided on the mounting surface of the mounting table 103 so as to be movable in the width direction A2. The side guide 103a is positioned to match the width of the medium placed on the mounting table 103 and regulates the width direction of the medium. In the example shown in FIG. 1, two side guides 103a are arranged side by side with a gap in between in the width direction A2. The number of side guides 103a may be one.

[0019] The ejection platform 104 engages with the upper housing 102 and places the ejected media thereon. The ejection platform 104 may also engage with the lower housing 101.

[0020] The operation device 105 has input devices such as buttons and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input devices, accepts input operations by a user, and outputs operation signals in response to the user's input operations. The display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the transport path inside the medium transport device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0022] The transport path inside the medium transport device 100 includes a first sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a second sensor 114, a first transport roller 115, a second transport roller 116, a third sensor 117, an imaging device 118, a first discharge roller 119, and a second discharge roller 120. Note that the number of each of the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 115, the second transport roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 115, the second transport roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0023] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium transport path.

[0024] The first sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The first sensor 111 generates and outputs a first detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the first sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the first sensor 111.

[0025] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates the multiple media placed on the mounting table 103 and feeds them sequentially from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, arranged opposite the feed roller 112, and rotates in the opposite direction to the medium feeding direction. Alternatively, the feed roller 112 may be provided in the upper housing 102 and the separation roller 113 in the lower housing 101, and the feed roller 112 may feed the multiple media placed on the mounting table 103 sequentially from the top.

[0026] The first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 are disposed facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 112. The first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116 convey a plurality of media placed on the mounting table 103 and fed by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 118.

[0027] The imaging device 118 is disposed downstream of the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116, and captures images of the medium conveyed by the first conveying roller 115 and the second conveying roller 116. The imaging device 118 includes a first imaging device 118a and a second imaging device 118b disposed opposite each other across the medium conveying path.

[0028] The first imaging device 118a has an imaging sensor 118c that is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a 1:1 optical system type having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The imaging sensor 118c captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported. The first imaging device 118a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 118a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported under control of a processing circuit (described later), to generate and output an input image.

[0029] The second imaging device 118b has an imaging sensor 118d using a CIS of a 1x1 optical system type with CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The imaging sensor 118d captures an image of the back side of the medium being transported. The second imaging device 118b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 118b captures an image of the back side of the medium being transported under control of a processing circuit (described later), and generates and outputs an input image.

[0030] Note that medium conveying device 100 may have only one of first imaging device 118a and second imaging device 118b disposed, and may read only one side of the medium. Furthermore, imaging sensors 118c and 118d may be replaced by CIS imaging sensors of the same magnification optical system equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element, instead of CIS imaging sensors of the same magnification optical system equipped with a CMOS imaging element. Furthermore, reduction optical system imaging sensors equipped with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may also be used.

[0031] The first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 are disposed facing each other downstream of the imaging device 118. The first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 transport the medium that has been transported by the first transport roller 115 and the second transport roller 116 and that has been imaged by the imaging device 118, and discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104.

[0032] The media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the media transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of arrow A4 in FIG. 2, i.e., the media feed direction. When transporting the media, the separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of arrow A5, i.e., the opposite direction to the media feed direction. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that are in contact with the feed roller 112. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0033] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 115 and second conveyor roller 116. The medium is fed between first imaging device 118a and second imaging device 118b as first conveyor roller 115 and second conveyor roller 116 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 118 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 119 and second discharge roller 120 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining second sensor 114 and third sensor 117. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of lower housing 101 viewed from above with upper housing 102 open.

[0035] The second sensor 114 is an example of a first medium sensor and detects the medium transported to its location. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the medium transport device 100 has two second sensors 114 arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction A2. The second sensors 114 are arranged downstream of the feed roller 112 in the medium transport direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second sensor 114 is arranged upstream of the first transport roller 115. Skew (oblique movement) of the medium begins to occur around the feed roller 112 and separation roller 113, which are the medium separation section. By arranging the second sensor 114 upstream of the first transport roller 115, the medium transport device 100 can detect skew of the medium earlier. The second sensor 114 may be arranged downstream of the first transport roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 118. Alternatively, the second sensor 114 may be arranged downstream of the imaging device 118.

[0036] Furthermore, the second sensor 114 is disposed inside (toward the center) the side wall 101b of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The second sensor 114 is disposed outside (toward the side wall 101b) the maximum size medium supported by the medium transport device 100 when placed on the mounting table 103 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. In other words, the second sensor 114 is disposed outside the position L1 on the inner side surface of the side guide 103a when it is positioned at the outermost position in the width direction A2. This allows the second sensor 114 to be disposed outside the area in the medium transport path where the medium is normally transported, and the medium transport device 100 can use the second sensor 114 to accurately predict whether the transported medium will collide with the side wall 101b.

[0037] In the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction, the ends of the image sensors 118c and 118d of the image capturing device 118 are positioned outside the maximum size medium supported by the medium conveyance device 100 when placed on the mounting table 103. The second sensor 114 is positioned outside the end position L2 of the image sensors 118c and 118d of the image capturing device 118 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction. This positions the second sensor 114 closer to the side wall 101b, allowing the medium conveyance device 100 to more accurately predict whether the conveyed medium will collide with the side wall 101b using the second sensor 114. The second sensor 114 may also be positioned at the end position L2 of the image sensor of the image capturing device 118 in the width direction A2. This allows the medium conveyance device 100 to accurately detect, using the second sensor 114, that the medium has passed outside the imaging range of the image capturing device 118 and that part of the medium is not included in the input image. The second sensor 114 may be disposed inside the end position L2 of the image sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2.

[0038] The second sensor 114 is, for example, a microswitch and includes an actuator, a button, and an electrical circuit. The actuator is slidable between an initial position where the button is not pressed and a pressed position where the button is pressed. The actuator is located in the initial position when not in contact with the transported medium and moves to the pressed position to press the button when pressed outward by the transported medium. The button is configured to open the electrical circuit so that no current flows through it when not pressed by the actuator, and close the electrical circuit so that current flows through it when pressed by the actuator. The second sensor 114 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether current is flowing through the electrical circuit or not, i.e., whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second sensor 114. In other words, the second detection signal indicates whether a medium is present at the position of the second sensor 114 and indicates the result of medium detection by the second sensor 114.

[0039] Note that any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium may be used as the second sensor 114. For example, the second sensor 114 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium transport path, and a light guide tube provided opposite the light emitter and light receiver across the medium transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like and emits light toward the medium transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like and receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present in a position opposite the second sensor 114, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and therefore the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. The second sensor 114 generates and outputs a second detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or absent at the position of the second sensor 114, based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. Note that a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be provided facing each other across the medium transport path.

[0040] The second sensor 114 may include an actuator, a light emitter, and a light receiver, and may detect whether the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the actuator. The number of second sensors 114 is not limited to two, and may be one.

[0041] The third sensor 117 is an example of a second medium sensor, and detects the medium transported to its position. The third sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the second sensor 114 in the medium transport direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third sensor 117 is disposed downstream of the first transport rollers 115 and upstream of the imaging device 118. The third sensor 117 may be disposed upstream of the first transport rollers 115 or downstream of the imaging device 118. The third sensor 117 is also disposed inside (toward the center) the second sensor 114 in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium transport direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third sensor 117 is disposed between the two feed rollers 112 in the width direction A2.

[0042] The third sensor 117 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the media transport path, and a light guide tube provided opposite the light emitter and light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED or the like and emits light toward the media transport path. The light receiver is a photodiode or the like and receives the light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. The third sensor 117 generates and outputs a third detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or absent at the position of the third sensor 117 based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver. In other words, the third detection signal indicates whether a medium is present at the position of the third sensor 117 and represents the result of the medium detection by the third sensor 117. Note that a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and light receiver may also be provided opposite each other across the media transport path. The third sensor 117 may also detect the presence of a medium by using a contact detection sensor or the like that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the medium conveying device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0044] In addition to the above-described components, the medium conveying device 100 further includes a motor 131, an interface device 132, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0045] The motor 131 has one or more motors, and rotates the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 115, second conveyance roller 116, first discharge roller 119, and second discharge roller 120 to convey the medium in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150. Note that one of the first conveyance roller 115 and the second conveyance roller 116 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller. Also, one of the first discharge roller 119 and the second discharge roller 120 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller.

[0046] The interface device 132 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and is electrically connected to an information processing device (not shown) (for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, etc.) to transmit and receive input images and various information. Alternatively, instead of the interface device 132, a communication unit having an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol may be used. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit may have a wired communication interface device for transmitting and receiving signals via a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0047] The storage device 140 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or optical disk. The storage device 140 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the medium conveying device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the storage device 140 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like.

[0048] The processing circuit 150 operates based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140. The processing circuit is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing circuit 150 may be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0049] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first sensor 111, the second sensor 114, the third sensor 117, the imaging device 118, the motor 131, the interface device 132, the storage device 140, etc., and controls each of these components. The processing circuit 150 performs drive control of the motor 131, image capture control of the imaging device 118, etc., acquires an input image from the imaging device 118, and transmits it to the information processing device via the interface device 132. The processing circuit 150 also determines whether a medium jam will occur based on the second detection signal received from the second sensor 114 and the third detection signal received from the third sensor 117, and executes abnormality processing if it determines that a medium jam will occur.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage device 140 and the processing circuit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0051] 5, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141, a determination program 142, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuit 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the processing circuit 150 functions as a control unit 151 and a determination unit 152.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0053] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0054] First, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105 or the information processing device, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132 (step S101).

[0055] Next, when the control unit 151 receives the operation signal, it acquires a first detection signal from the first sensor 111 and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103 based on the acquired first detection signal (step S102). If no medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0056] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 rotates the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 115, the second conveying roller 116, the first discharge roller 119, and / or the second discharge roller 120 (step S103). The control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate each roller, thereby feeding and conveying the medium.

[0057] Next, the control unit 151 sets the detection flag to OFF (step S104). The detection flag is set to OFF when the feeding of the medium starts, and is set to ON when the third sensor 117 detects the medium, that is, when the leading edge of the medium passes the position of the third sensor 117.

[0058] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a jam of the medium has been determined (predicted) to occur in a jam detection process executed in parallel with the medium reading process (step S105). In the jam detection process, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) whether or not a jam of the medium will occur based on the medium detection results by the second sensor 114 and the medium detection results by the third sensor 117. Details of the jam detection process will be described later.

[0059] If the determination unit 152 determines that a medium jam will occur during the jam detection process, the control unit 151 executes abnormality processing (step S106) and ends the series of steps. As abnormality processing, the control unit 151 stops the motor 131 to stop feeding and transporting the medium. This allows the medium conveying device 100 to prevent a medium jam from occurring and damage to the medium. Furthermore, as abnormality processing, the control unit 151 may notify the user by displaying information indicating a high possibility of a medium jam on the display device 106 or by sending this information to the information processing device via the interface device 132. Users who recognize a high possibility of a medium jam tend to properly re-mount the medium on the mounting table 103 so that the medium is not transported tilted when re-transported, and therefore the medium conveying device 100 can prevent a medium jam from occurring.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S105 that a medium jam will occur in the jam detection process, the control unit 151 determines whether the entire medium has been imaged (step S107). The control unit 151 determines whether the trailing edge of the medium has passed the position of the third sensor 117, for example, based on the third detection signal received from the third sensor 117. The control unit 151 periodically acquires the third detection signal from the third sensor 117, and determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the position of the third sensor 117 when the signal value of the third detection signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium. The control unit 151 determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 118 and that the entire medium has been imaged when a predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the medium passed the position of the third sensor 117. Note that the control unit 151 may also determine that the entire transported medium has been imaged when a predetermined time has elapsed since feeding of the medium began.

[0061] If the entire conveyed medium has not yet been imaged, the control unit 151 returns the process to step S105 and repeats the processes of steps S105 to S107.

[0062] On the other hand, if the entire transported medium is imaged, the control unit 151 acquires an input image from the imaging device 118 and outputs the acquired input image by transmitting it to the information processing device via the interface device 132 (step S108).

[0063] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the first detection signal received from first sensor 111 (step S109). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 151 returns the process to step S104 and repeats the processes of steps S104 to S109.

[0064] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 151 stops the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 115, second conveyance roller 116, first discharge roller 119, and / or second discharge roller 120 (step S110). The control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop each roller, and the series of steps ends.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the jam detection process of the medium conveying device 100.

[0066] An example of the operation of the jam detection process of the medium conveying device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140. The flow of the operation shown in Fig. 7 is executed while the medium is being conveyed.

[0067] First, the determination unit 152 acquires a third detection signal from the third sensor 117 (step S201).

[0068] Next, determination unit 152 determines whether third sensor 117 has detected a medium for the first time based on the acquired third detection signal (step S202). If the signal value of the previously acquired third detection signal indicates that a medium is not present and the signal value of the currently acquired third detection signal indicates that a medium is present, determination unit 152 determines that third sensor 117 has detected a medium for the first time. If third sensor 117 has not detected a medium, or if third sensor 117 has already detected a medium, determination unit 152 does not perform any particular processing and proceeds to step S204.

[0069] On the other hand, when the third sensor 117 detects the medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 sets the detection flag to ON (step S203).

[0070] Next, the determination unit 152 acquires a second detection signal from the second sensor 114 (step S204).

[0071] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the second sensor 114 has detected a medium for the first time based on the acquired second detection signal (step S205). If the signal value of the second detection signal acquired previously indicates that a medium is not present and the signal value of the second detection signal acquired this time indicates that a medium is present, the determination unit 152 determines that the second sensor 114 has detected a medium for the first time. If the medium conveying device 100 has two second sensors 114, the determination unit 152 determines for each of the two second sensors 114 whether the second sensor 114 has detected a medium for the first time.

[0072] Note that determination unit 152 may determine that second sensor 114 has detected a medium for the first time when the signal value of the second detection signal does not change a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second) after changing from a value indicating the absence of a medium to a value indicating the presence of a medium. This allows determination unit 152 to determine that second sensor 114 has not detected a medium when the medium only slightly touches second sensor 114, thereby preventing erroneous predictions that a medium jam will occur.

[0073] If each second sensor 114 has not detected a medium, or if each second sensor 114 has already detected a medium, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that would cause a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a medium jam will occur (step S206), and returns the process to step S201.

[0074] On the other hand, when any of the second sensors 114 detects a medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning (step S207). The determination unit 152 notifies the user of the warning by displaying on the display device 106 or transmitting to the information processing device via the interface device 132 information indicating that the medium has passed outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and that there is a possibility that part of the medium will not be included in the input image.

[0075] Next, the determining unit 152 determines whether the detection flag is set to ON (step S208).

[0076] If the detection flag is set to OFF, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that causes a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a medium jam will occur (step S206) and returns the process to step S201. In other words, if the second sensor 114 detects a medium before the third sensor 117 detects the medium, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a medium jam will occur.

[0077] On the other hand, if the detection flag is set to ON, the determination unit 152 determines that a skew that will cause a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) that a medium jam will occur (step S209) and returns the process to step S201. That is, the determination unit 152 determines that a medium jam will occur when the medium is detected by the second sensor 114 after being detected by the third sensor 117. In this case, it is determined in step S105 of FIG. 6 that a medium jam has been predicted to occur, and abnormality processing is executed in step S106.

[0078] In this way, the determination unit 152 determines whether or not a medium jam will occur based on the results of medium detection by the second sensor 114 and the results of medium detection by the third sensor 117.

[0079] The technical significance of determining whether a medium jam will occur based on the medium detection results by the second sensor 114 and the medium detection results by the third sensor 117 will be described below.

[0080] 8, 9, 10, and 11 are schematic diagrams showing a medium being transported tilted and passing the position of second sensor 114. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are schematic diagrams showing lower housing 101 viewed from above with upper housing 102 open. 8 and 9 show medium M1 that is slightly tilted, and 10 and 11 show medium M2 that is significantly tilted.

[0081] If the leading edge of medium M1 passes the position of second sensor 114 as shown in FIG. 8 and then passes the position of third sensor 117 as shown in FIG. 9, medium M1 is likely to be conveyed at an angle, but the angle of medium M1 is likely to be sufficiently small. In this case, medium M1 is likely to be ejected without contacting side wall 101b. If medium conveyance device 100 detects medium M1 by second sensor 114 before it is detected by third sensor 117, it does not predict that a medium jam will occur and continues conveying the medium to eject it. This eliminates the need for the user to open upper housing 102 to remove the medium, and medium conveyance device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0082] On the other hand, if the leading edge of medium M2 passes the position of third sensor 117 as shown in FIG. 10 and then passes the position of second sensor 114 as shown in FIG. 11, it is highly likely that medium M2 is being transported at a large angle. In this case, medium M1 will likely collide with sidewall 101b, causing a medium jam. If medium M1 is detected by second sensor 114 after third sensor 117 has detected the medium, medium transport device 100 predicts that a medium jam will occur and stops transport of the medium. This allows medium transport device 100 to prevent a medium jam from occurring and prevent damage to the medium.

[0083] In this way, the medium conveying device 100 can more accurately predict whether a medium jam will occur by using not only the medium detection result by the second sensor 114 but also the medium detection result by the third sensor 117.

[0084] As described above in detail, medium conveying device 100 predicts the occurrence of a medium jam based on the medium detection result of second sensor 114, which is positioned outside the maximum supported size medium, and the medium detection result of third sensor 117, which is positioned downstream of second sensor 114. This enables medium conveying device 100 to more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur.

[0085] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth sensor 221 in a medium conveying device 200 according to another embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the medium conveying device 200, in which the lower housing 101 is viewed from above with the upper housing 102 open.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 12, medium conveying device 200 further includes a fourth sensor 221 in addition to the components of medium conveying device 100.

[0087] In this embodiment, the fourth sensor 221 is an example of a second medium sensor and detects the medium transported to its location. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the medium transport device 200 has two fourth sensors 221 arranged side by side with a gap in the width direction A2. The fourth sensor 221 is arranged downstream of the second sensor 114 in the medium transport direction A1. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the fourth sensor 221 is arranged downstream of the first transport roller 115 so as to overlap with the imaging device 118 when viewed from the width direction A2. This allows the medium transport device 200 to use the fourth sensor 221 to accurately detect that the medium has passed outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and that part of the medium is not included in the input image. The fourth sensor 221 may be arranged upstream of the first transport roller 115. Alternatively, the fourth sensor 221 may be arranged downstream of the first transport roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 118. The fourth sensor 221 may be disposed downstream of the imaging device 118.

[0088] Furthermore, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed in the same position as the second sensor 114 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. Note that the same position as the second sensor 114 does not necessarily have to be exactly the same as the position of the second sensor 114, but also includes an area within a predetermined range (for example, within 30 mm) from the position of the second sensor 114.

[0089] The fourth sensor 221 is positioned inside (toward the center) the side wall 101b of the medium transport path in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. The fourth sensor 221 is positioned outside (toward the side wall 101b) the largest size medium supported by the medium transport device 100 when placed on the mounting table 103 in the width direction A2 perpendicular to the medium transport direction. In other words, the fourth sensor 221 is positioned outside the position L1 on the inner side surface of the side guide 103a when it is positioned at the outermost position in the width direction A2. This positions the fourth sensor 221 outside the area in the medium transport path where the medium is normally transported, and the medium transport device 200 can use the fourth sensor 221 to accurately predict whether the transported medium will collide with the side wall 101b.

[0090] Furthermore, the fourth sensor 221 is disposed outside the end position L2 of the image sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium conveyance direction. This allows the fourth sensor 221 to be disposed closer to the side wall 101b, and the medium conveyance device 200 can use the fourth sensor 221 to more accurately predict whether the conveyed medium will collide with the side wall 101b. The fourth sensor 221 may also be disposed at the end position L2 of the image sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2. This allows the medium conveyance device 100 to use the fourth sensor 221 to accurately detect that the medium has passed outside the imaging range of the imaging device 118 and that part of the medium is not included in the input image. The fourth sensor 221 may also be disposed inside the end position L2 of the image sensor of the imaging device 118 in the width direction A2.

[0091] The fourth sensor 221 has a structure similar to that of the second sensor 114. The fourth sensor 221 is, for example, a microswitch and includes an actuator, a button, an electrical circuit, etc. The fourth sensor 221 generates and outputs a fourth detection signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not current is flowing through the electrical circuit, i.e., whether or not a medium is present at the position of the fourth sensor 221. In other words, the fourth detection signal indicates whether or not a medium is present at the position of the fourth sensor 221, and indicates the result of the medium detection by the fourth sensor 221.

[0092] Any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the fourth sensor 221. The number of fourth sensors 221 is not limited to two, and may be one.

[0093] 6, similar to medium conveying device 100. However, if medium conveying device 200 has two second sensors 114, medium conveying device 200 manages a detection flag for each of the two second sensors 114. In this case, in step S104, control unit 151 sets the detection flags corresponding to the two second sensors 114 to OFF.

[0094] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the jam detection process of the medium conveying device 200.

[0095] An example of the operation of the jam detection process of the medium conveying device 200 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 13. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuit 150 in cooperation with each element of the medium conveying device 200 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140. The flow of the operation shown in Fig. 13 is executed in place of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 during medium conveyance.

[0096] First, the determination unit 152 acquires the second detection signal from the second sensor 114 (step S301).

[0097] Next, determination unit 152 determines whether second sensor 114 has detected a medium for the first time based on the acquired second detection signal (step S302), similar to the process of step S205 in Fig. 5. If each second sensor 114 has not detected a medium, or if each second sensor 114 has already detected a medium, determination unit 152 does not perform any particular process and proceeds to step S305.

[0098] On the other hand, if any of the second sensors 114 detects a medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning in the same manner as in step S207 of FIG. 5 (step S303).

[0099] Next, the determination unit 152 sets the detection flag corresponding to the second sensor 114 that detected the medium for the first time to ON (step S304).

[0100] Next, the determination unit 152 acquires a fourth detection signal from the fourth sensor 221 (step S305).

[0101] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time based on the acquired fourth detection signal (step S306). If the signal value of the previously acquired fourth detection signal indicates that a medium is not present and the signal value of the currently acquired fourth detection signal indicates that a medium is present, the determination unit 152 determines that the fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time. If the medium conveying device 200 has two fourth sensors 221, the determination unit 152 determines for each of the two fourth sensors 221 whether or not each of the fourth sensors 221 has detected a medium for the first time.

[0102] Note that determination unit 152 may determine that fourth sensor 221 has detected a medium for the first time when the signal value of the fourth detection signal does not change a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined time (for example, one second) after changing from a value indicating the absence of a medium to a value indicating the presence of a medium. This allows determination unit 152 to determine that fourth sensor 221 has not detected a medium when the medium only slightly touches fourth sensor 221, thereby preventing erroneous predictions that a medium jam will occur.

[0103] If each fourth sensor 221 has not detected a medium, or if each fourth sensor 221 has already detected a medium, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that would cause a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a medium jam will occur (step S307), and returns the process to step S301.

[0104] On the other hand, if any of the fourth sensors 221 detects a medium for the first time, the determination unit 152 notifies the user of a warning in the same manner as in step S303 (step S308). Note that if a warning has already been notified to the user in step S303, the processing of step S308 may be omitted.

[0105] Next, the determination unit 152 determines whether the detection flag corresponding to the second sensor 114, which is located at the same position in the width direction A2 as the fourth sensor 221 that detected the medium for the first time, is set to ON (step S309).

[0106] If the detection flag is set to OFF, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a skew that causes a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 does not determine (predict) that a medium jam will occur (step S307) and returns the process to step S301. In other words, if a medium is detected by the second sensor 114 and then by the fourth sensor 221, the determination unit 152 does not determine that a medium jam will occur.

[0107] On the other hand, if the detection flag is set to ON, the determination unit 152 determines that a skew that will cause a medium jam has occurred. In this case, the determination unit 152 determines (predicts) that a medium jam will occur (step S310) and returns the process to step S301. That is, if the second sensor 114 does not detect a medium and the fourth sensor 221 detects a medium, the determination unit 152 determines that a medium jam will occur. In this case, it is determined in step S105 of FIG. 6 that a medium jam is predicted to occur, and abnormality processing is executed in step S106.

[0108] In this way, the determination unit 152 determines whether or not a medium jam will occur based on the results of medium detection by the second sensor 114 and the results of medium detection by the fourth sensor 221.

[0109] The technical significance of determining whether a medium jam will occur based on the medium detection results by the second sensor 114 and the medium detection results by the fourth sensor 221 will be described below.

[0110] If the medium is tilted immediately after feeding begins and continues to be fed without changing the amount of tilt, the leading edge of the medium is likely to first pass the position of second sensor 114 and then pass the position of fourth sensor 121, as with medium M1 shown in FIG. 8. In this case, medium M1 is likely to be ejected without contacting side wall 101b. If the medium is detected by second sensor 114 and then by fourth sensor 221, medium conveying device 200 does not predict that a medium jam will occur and continues conveying the medium to eject it. This eliminates the need for the user to open upper housing 102 to remove the medium, and medium conveying device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0111] 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing medium M3 in which the amount of tilt of the medium gradually increases as the medium is transported, that is, so-called cumulative skew occurs. Figures 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of lower housing 101 viewed from above with upper housing 102 open.

[0112] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, if the leading edge of medium M3 passes through the position of fourth sensor 221 without passing through the position of second sensor 114, there is a high possibility that cumulative skew of the medium has occurred. In this case, the amount of tilt of medium M3 increases as the medium is transported, and medium M3 is likely to eventually collide with sidewall 101b, causing a medium jam. If the medium is not detected by second sensor 114 but is detected by fourth sensor 221, medium transport device 200 predicts that a medium jam will occur and stops transport of the medium. This allows medium transport device 100 to prevent a medium jam from occurring and prevent damage to the medium.

[0113] In this way, by using both the medium detection results from the second sensor 114 and the medium detection results from the fourth sensor 221, the medium conveying device 200 can more accurately predict whether a medium jam will occur.

[0114] The medium conveying device 200 may execute the jam detection process shown in Fig. 7 in addition to the jam detection process shown in Fig. 13. This allows the medium conveying device 200 to further reduce the occurrence of medium jams.

[0115] As described above in detail, medium conveying device 200 predicts the occurrence of a medium jam based on the medium detection result of second sensor 114, which is positioned outside the maximum supported size medium, and the medium detection result of fourth sensor 221, which is positioned downstream of second sensor 114. This enables medium conveying device 200 to more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur.

[0116] 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams for explaining a second sensor 314 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has the same components as medium conveying device 100 or 200, but has second sensor 314 instead of second sensor 114.

[0118] The second sensor 314 has the same configuration and function as the second sensor 114. However, the second sensor 314 has an applying member 314a. The applying member 314a is an elastic member, such as a compression coil spring. The applying member 314a may be another spring member, such as a leaf spring, or a rubber member. The applying member 314a is attached at one end to the button and fixed at the other end to a wall surface or the like inside the second sensor 314, and applies a force to the button that moves inward (toward the center) in the width direction A2. As a result, when a medium comes into contact with the second sensor 314, the applying member 314a applies a force to the medium that moves inward in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0119] If the medium is conveyed at an angle toward the side wall 101b and comes into contact with the second sensor 314, the second sensor 314 pushes the medium back toward the center with the force of the applying member 314a, thereby enabling the medium conveying device to effectively correct the skew of the medium.

[0120] The fourth sensor 221 may also have an application member similar to the application member 314a, similar to the second sensor 314. This allows the medium conveyance device to more reliably correct skew of the medium.

[0121] As described above in detail, when the second sensor 314 has the application member 314a, the medium conveying device can more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur while also effectively correcting the skew of the medium.

[0122] 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams for explaining a second sensor 414 in a medium conveying device according to yet another embodiment.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the medium conveying device according to this embodiment has the same components as the medium conveying device 100 or 200, but has a second sensor 414 instead of the second sensor 114.

[0124] The second sensor 414 has a pendulum structure and includes a shaft member 414a, two arm members 414b, two application members 414c, a light emitter 414d, and a light receiver 414e. The shaft member 414a is disposed above and supports the arm members 414b and application members 414c disposed below it so that they can swing (rotate) along the width direction A2. The upper ends of the two arm members 414b are attached to the shaft member 414a so that the arm members 414b form a predetermined angle with respect to each other. The predetermined angle is set to an angle greater than 0° and less than 180° (e.g., 30°). The two application members 414c are weight members having a predetermined weight and are attached to the lower ends of the arm members 414b.

[0125] 17(A), when a medium is not in contact with the arm members 414b, the balance of each arm member 414b is maintained by each of the applying members 414c, and the two applying members 414c are arranged in initial positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the shaft member 414a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17(B), when a medium is in contact with the arm member 414b that is arranged on the inner side (center side) in the width direction A2, the arm member 414b is pushed outward by the medium, and the two applying members 414c are arranged in swing positions that are outside the initial positions.

[0126] The light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e are disposed opposite each other with the light-providing member 414c disposed in the swing position therebetween. The light emitter 414d is an LED or the like and emits light toward the light receiver 414e. On the other hand, the light receiver 414e is a photodiode or the like and receives the light emitted by the light emitter 414d. When the light-providing member 414c is present between the light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e, the light emitted from the light emitter 414d is blocked by the light-providing member 414c, and the light receiver 414e does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter 414d. The second sensor 414 generates and outputs a second detection signal based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver 414e. The signal value changes depending on whether the light-providing member 414c is present or not between the light emitter 414d and the light receiver 414e. That is, the second detection signal indicates whether or not a medium is present at the position of the second sensor 414, and indicates the result of detection of the medium by the second sensor 414.

[0127] As described above, when the medium comes into contact with the arm member 414b located on the inner side (center side) in the width direction A2, the arm member 414b is pushed outward by the medium, and the two applying members 414c are positioned in a swinging position that is outer than the initial position. The weight of the applying members 414c located on the outer side then returns the arm members 414b to the inner side. In other words, when the medium comes into contact with the second sensor 414, the applying members 414c apply a force to the medium that moves inward in the width direction A2, which is perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

[0128] If the medium is conveyed at an angle toward the side wall 101b and comes into contact with the second sensor 414, the second sensor 414 pushes the medium back toward the center with the force of the applying member 414c, thereby enabling the medium conveyance device to effectively correct the skew of the medium.

[0129] The fourth sensor 221 may also have a pendulum structure similar to that of the second sensor 414. This allows the medium conveying device to more reliably correct skew of the medium.

[0130] As described above in detail, when the second sensor 414 has the application member 414c, the medium conveying device can more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur and can effectively correct the skew of the medium.

[0131] 18 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit 550 in a medium conveying device according to another embodiment. The processing circuit 550 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the medium conveying device 100, and performs medium reading processing, jam detection processing, and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 550 includes a control circuit 551 and a detection circuit 552. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, or the like.

[0132] The control circuit 551 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 551 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105 or the interface device 132, and a first detection signal from the first sensor 111. The control circuit 551 controls the motor 131 based on the received signals, and also acquires an input image from the imaging device 118 and outputs it to the interface device 132. The control circuit 551 also reads out the determination result of the occurrence of a media jam from the storage device 140, and controls the motor 131, the interface device 132, or the display device 106 to execute abnormality processing based on the read determination result.

[0133] The determination circuit 552 is an example of a determination unit, and has the same function as the determination unit 152. The determination circuit 552 receives a first detection signal, a second detection signal, and / or a third detection signal from the second sensors 114, 314, 414, the third sensor 117, and / or the fourth sensor 221, respectively. The determination circuit 552 determines whether a media jam will occur based on the received signals, stores the determination result in the storage device 140, and controls the interface device 132 or the display device 106 to notify the user of a warning.

[0134] As described above in detail, even when the processing circuit 550 is used, the medium conveying device is able to more accurately determine whether a medium jam will occur. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 medium conveying device, 103 placing table, 112 feeding roller, 114, 314, 414 second sensor, 117 third sensor, 118c, 118d imaging sensor, 151 control unit, 152 determination unit, 221 fourth sensor, 314a, 414c application member

Claims

1. A medium transport device, A mounting table; a feed roller for feeding the medium; a first media sensor disposed downstream of the feed roller in the media transport direction, and disposed inside a side wall of the media transport path in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction and outside a maximum size media supported by the media transport device when placed on the placement table; a second medium sensor disposed downstream of the first medium sensor in the medium transport direction and disposed inside the first medium sensor in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction; a determination unit that determines whether a medium jam will occur based on a result of medium detection by the first medium sensor and a result of medium detection by the second medium sensor; a control unit that executes abnormality processing when the determination unit determines that a medium jam will occur, the determination unit determines that a medium jam will occur when the medium is detected by the first medium sensor after the medium is detected by the second medium sensor; A medium transport device characterized by:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the first medium sensor has an applying member that applies an inward force to the medium in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction when the medium comes into contact with the first medium sensor.

3. an image sensor for capturing an image of the transported medium; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the first medium sensor is disposed outside the image sensor or at an end of the image sensor in a direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction.

4. A method for controlling a medium transport device having a mounting table, comprising: A feed roller feeds the medium. a determination is made as to whether a media jam will occur based on the results of detection of the medium by a first media sensor, which is positioned downstream of the feed roller in the media transport direction, and positioned inside the side wall of the media transport path in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction and outside the maximum size media supported by the media transport device when placed on the placement table, and based on the results of detection of the medium by a second media sensor, which is positioned downstream of the first media sensor in the media transport direction and inside the first media sensor in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction; If it is determined that a media jam will occur, abnormality processing is performed. In the determination, if the medium is detected by the second medium sensor and then by the first medium sensor, it is determined that a medium jam has occurred. A control method comprising:

5. A control program for a medium transport device having a mounting table and a feeding roller for feeding a medium, the control program comprising: a determination is made as to whether a media jam will occur based on the results of detection of the medium by a first media sensor, which is positioned downstream of the feed roller in the media transport direction, and positioned inside the side wall of the media transport path in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction and outside the maximum size media supported by the media transport device when placed on the placement table, and based on the results of detection of the medium by a second media sensor, which is positioned downstream of the first media sensor in the media transport direction and inside the first media sensor in a direction perpendicular to the media transport direction; causing the medium conveying device to execute abnormality processing when it is determined that a medium jam will occur; In the determination, if the medium is detected by the second medium sensor and then by the first medium sensor, it is determined that a medium jam has occurred. A control program comprising:

Images