Scanner with automatic document feeding function, scan data production method, and printed matter production method

Abstract

To provide a scanner with an automatic document feeding function capable of suppressing occurrence of an error while achieving high speed by shortening an interval between sheets to be transmitted.SOLUTION: A scanner 10 with an automatic document feeding function according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a transport mechanism 12, a processor 11, a sensor 14, and a scan sensor 13. The transport mechanism 12 transports a medium stacked in a paper feed unit to a scan position and discharges the medium after scanning. The processor 11 controls the transport mechanism 12. The sensor 14 detects the medium at a predetermined position on a transport path. The scan sensor 13 scans the medium at a scan position on the transport path. In a case where a time from starting of transport of the medium to detection of the medium by the sensor 14 is equal to or less than a threshold value, the processor 11 performs control so as to extend a time until transport of a next medium following the medium or another medium is started at the time of next scan, compared to a case where the time is longer than the threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scanner with an automatic document feed function, a method for producing scanned data, and a method for producing printed matter. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading processing device that aims to improve reading performance by shortening the gap between sheets when continuously reading documents, and preventing image loss when skewed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-76967 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 can shorten the interval between sheets to increase speed, it also makes errors such as paper jams more likely to occur.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a technology that can reduce the interval between sheets of paper being transported to increase speed in a scanner with an automatic document feed function, while suppressing the occurrence of errors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A scanner with an automatic document feed function according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a transport mechanism that transports media stacked in a paper feed section to a scanning position and ejects the media after scanning, a processor that controls the transport mechanism, a sensor that detects the media at a predetermined position on the transport path, and a scan sensor that scans the media at the scanning position on the transport path, and the processor controls the scanner so that if the time from the start of transport of the media to the sensor detecting the media is below a threshold, the time until the start of transport of the next medium following the media or another medium at the next scan is extended compared to when the time is longer than the threshold.

[0007] A scan data production method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves continuously feeding media stacked in a paper feed section, and if the time from the start of transport of the media to the detection of the media by a sensor on the transport path is below a threshold, delaying the timing of starting transport of the next medium following the media or another medium during the next scan compared to when the time is longer than the threshold, and producing scan data by scanning the media continuously fed from the paper feed section.

[0008] A print production method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves continuously feeding media stacked in a paper feed section, and if the time from the start of transport of the media to the detection of the media by a sensor on the transport path is below a threshold, delaying the timing of starting transport of the next medium following the media or another medium during the next printing run compared to when the time is longer than the threshold, and producing prints by printing on the media continuously fed from the paper feed section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a scanner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the scanner in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a scan process in the scanner of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] This is a flow chart continuing from FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a paper jam error recovery process in the scanner of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of the apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples for explaining the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, not all of the components described in the embodiments of the present invention are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] (Embodiment) [Scanner Configuration] An example of the configuration of a scanner according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a scanner according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the example of the configuration of the scanner in Fig. 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, a scanner 10 according to this embodiment can include a processor 11, a transport mechanism 12, a scan sensor 13, a sensor 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, and a memory unit 17.

[0013] The processor 11 controls the entire scanner 10. The processor 11 can be configured to include, for example, an arithmetic processing unit, a working memory, and a storage device that stores control programs, parameters, etc. The arithmetic processing unit can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The processor 11 can also be configured as an SoC (System on a Chip). The processor 11 can also be configured as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). As can be seen from these examples, the processor 11 can be configured to store the control program in an executable state. However, the processor 11 can also be configured to store part of the control program as a circuit configuration such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or can be configured as a dedicated circuit.

[0014] The control program can include a program for the arithmetic processing device to execute image processing in cooperation with the memory unit 17, the transport mechanism 12, the scan sensor 13, the sensor 14, the operation unit 15, and the display unit 16. In the following, an example will be described in which at least a part of the control program is stored in the memory unit 17 provided separately from the processor 11, but the memory unit 17 may be part of a storage device within the processor 11. In other words, the memory unit 17 can also be considered as part of the processor 11.

[0015] The memory unit 17 is, for example, a storage device such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or other memory. A scan program 20 (described later) is stored in the memory unit 17 as part of a control program in a state executable by the processor 11. The memory unit 17 can also store various data such as a timer A value (described later), a timer B value (described later), an adjustment value 25, and user setting information 26. The various data can include, for example, image data obtained by scanning, other intermediate data, and file data as products processed by the scan program 20.

[0016] The transport mechanism 12 transports media stacked in the paper feed unit to a scanning position and ejects the scanned media. Therefore, the transport mechanism 12 includes a paper feed unit (not shown) on which the media, which are the originals to be read, is placed, a paper ejection unit (not shown) that ejects the originals after reading, and a mechanism for transporting the originals between the paper feed unit and the paper ejection unit.

[0017] The scan sensor 13 is a sensor that scans the document at a scan position on the transport path. The scan sensor 13 optically reads the image of the document placed on the document table, for example, and obtains the image data and passes it to the processor 11.

[0018] The sensor 14 is a sensor that detects a medium at a predetermined position on the transport path. When the sensor 14 detects a document as a medium, the sensor 14 passes information indicating the detection to the processor 11.

[0019] Scanner 10 may also include an automatic document feeder (not shown) as part of transport mechanism 12 in order to automatically transport multiple documents one by one to a reading position such as a document table on scan sensor 13. An automatic document feeder is also called an ADF. ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. Thus, scanner 10 according to this embodiment has an automatic document feeding function that automatically transports multiple documents one by one to a reading position such as a document table. Therefore, scanner 10 with automatic document feeding function according to this embodiment may also be called an ADF scanner. Scanner 10 may also be called a document reading device.

[0020] An example of the transport mechanism 12 and an example of the arrangement of the scan sensor 13 and the sensor 14 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The transport mechanism 12 includes, along the document transport path SS, a pickup roller 101, a document detection sensor 102, a document stopper 103, a roller pair of a separation roller 104 and a retard roller 105, an intermediate roller 106, and a paper feed roller 107. Although not shown, the transport mechanism 12 may include a motor, such as a paper feed motor, that drives the drive rollers.

[0021] Furthermore, the transport mechanism 12 includes, following the paper feed roller 107 along the document transport path SS, a trailing edge detection sensor 108 as an example of a sensor 14, a pressure plate 109, and a paper discharge roller 112. In the transport mechanism 12, a front side reading sensor 110 as an example of a scan sensor 13 is disposed opposite the pressure plate 109, and a back side reading sensor 111 is disposed between the front side reading sensor 110 and the paper discharge roller 112. As exemplified by the trailing edge detection sensor 108, the sensor 14 that detects the document medium may be provided upstream of the front side reading sensor 110 and the back side reading sensor 111, which are examples of scan sensors 13.

[0022] 2, as the document transport path SS is indicated by the arrow, a document detected by document detection sensor 102 begins to be transported when pickup roller 101 picks up the document, and the document is separated from the next document by separation roller 104. The document then passes through intermediate roller 106 and paper feed roller 107, and the leading edge of the document reaches trailing edge detection sensor 108. When the document reaches trailing edge detection sensor 108, trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns ON, and when the trailing edge of the document leaves trailing edge detection sensor 108, trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns OFF. The document detected by trailing edge detection sensor 108 passes through the document reading positions of front surface reading sensor 110 and back surface reading sensor 111, and is discharged from discharge roller 112.

[0023] The operation unit 15 is a part that accepts operations by the user of the scanner 10, and can also be called an operation acceptance unit. The operation unit 15 can be realized by, for example, one or more of physical buttons, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 16, etc. In a configuration in which the operation unit 15 is equipped with a touch panel, the display unit 16 and the touch panel can be collectively called the operation panel of the scanner 10.

[0024] The display unit 16 is a component for displaying a user interface (UI) image for operating the scanner 10, and is configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit 16 may also be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display.

[0025] The scanner 10 may be provided with a communication unit instead of or in addition to the operation unit 15, and may receive signals indicating user operations from an external device via this communication unit. Examples of external devices include a terminal device and a printer.

[0026] The terminal device is, for example, an information processing device with a communication function, such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, and can be used by a user who desires image processing, such as scanning a document. When the external device is a terminal device, the scanner 10 can be connected to the terminal device via a wired or wireless network. This network can be, for example, a local area network. When the external device is a printer, the printer and the scanner 10 can be configured as a copier or a multifunction device equipped with other functions.

[0027] The following describes the scan program 20. The scan program 20 can include a job management unit 21 and a paper feed processing unit 22 in order to carry the document to be read to the position of the scan sensor 13 using the transport mechanism 12 or the like and to execute the process of having the scan sensor 13 scan the document. The scan program 20 is a program that causes a computer to execute each of the processes described as the processes performed by the job management unit 21 and the paper feed processing unit 22, respectively.

[0028] First, when an instruction to start scanning is given from the operation unit 15 or an external device, the job management unit 21 receives the instruction and requests the start of scanning from the paper feed processing unit 22. Upon receiving this request, the paper feed processing unit 22 instructs each part of the scanning unit, including the transport mechanism 12, scan sensor 13, and sensor 14, to perform a scan operation using the ADF function at an appropriate timing, thereby causing the document to be scanned.

[0029] Furthermore, the paper feed processing unit 22 performs the following control: When the time from the start of conveyance of a document to the detection of the document by the sensor 14 is equal to or less than a threshold, the paper feed processing unit 22 performs control so as to extend the time until the start of conveyance of the next medium following that medium or another medium at the next scan, compared to when the time is longer than the threshold.

[0030] Here, the start of transport of each document may refer to the point at which the document is detected by the document detection sensor 102 and transport begins, or may refer to the point at which the document is separated from the next document by the separation roller 104 and transport begins by the intermediate roller 106.

[0031] Furthermore, the point in time at which the sensor 14 detects the document described above may be the point in time at which the trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns ON, or may be the point in time at which the trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns OFF. As explained for the document transport path SS, when the leading edge of the document reaches the trailing edge detection sensor 108, the trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns ON, and when the trailing edge of the document leaves the trailing edge detection sensor 108, the trailing edge detection sensor 108 turns OFF. In this way, the trailing edge detection sensor 108 can detect both the leading edge and the trailing edge of the document, and can be called a document edge detection sensor.

[0032] The time can be a value measured as a timer A value 23. The threshold value can be a fixed value, but can also be a value measured as a timer B value 24, which will be described later.

[0033] Furthermore, the next scan does not refer to the time when the medium that was the subject of time detection is scanned, but rather the next time when the same medium is scanned due to a scan failure caused by a paper jam or the like, or the next time when a different medium that was not the subject of time detection is scanned. In other words, the next scan can refer to the time of the next scan that is not the scan of the medium that was the subject of time detection or the medium after that.

[0034] In this way, processor 11 performs control so as to delay the timing of the start of transport of the next medium following the current medium or another medium during the next scan. For example, processor 11 performs control so as to delay the timing of the start of transport of the next medium, starting from a predetermined timing for the current medium or another medium during the next scan. The predetermined timing here may refer to, for example, the timing of the start of transport of the current medium or another medium, or the timing when document scanning itself begins or ends.

[0035] [Example of scanning process] Next, an example of the scan processing in the scanner 10, including such control, will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of the scan processing in the scanner 10 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a flow diagram following Figure 3.

[0036] The scanning process example described here is an example of a process that includes error detection processing during scanning. First, when a user places multiple sheets of original in the paper feed unit and issues a command to start scanning from the operation unit 15 or an external device, the job management unit 21 or paper feed processing unit 22 sets the adjustment value 25 (step S11). This setting will be described later with reference to FIG. 5. The setting in step S11 may be executed before issuing the command to start scanning.

[0037] Next, the transport mechanism 12 of the scan unit, which has received the instruction to start scanning, feeds the document for transport (step S12). Next, the document is transported along the document transport path SS, and scanning sensor 13 starts reading the document in accordance with an instruction from paper feed processing unit 22 (step S13). In the example of FIG. 2, the front side reading sensor 110 reads an image of the front side of the document, and the back side reading sensor 111 reads an image of the back side of the document. Finally, if the processing proceeds normally, image processing is performed on the image data, and the data is stored in memory unit 17 in a predetermined format.

[0038] After reading of the document starts in step S13, the trailing edge of the document is detected by sensor 14, exemplified by trailing edge detection sensor 108 (step S14). Next, paper feed processing unit 22 determines whether or not the next document exists based on the detection result of document detection sensor 102 (step S15). If the next document does not exist, that is, if step S15 is NO, the image data of the read document is stored in storage unit 17, and the process ends.

[0039] On the other hand, if the next document is present, paper feed processing unit 22 executes a predetermined process (step S16). This predetermined process is specifically as follows, and constitutes an error detection process together with steps S17 to S18 described below. In the predetermined process, when the next document is detected in step S14, paper feed processing unit 22 activates timers A and B and starts measuring them (steps S21 and S25). This starts counting up timer A value 23 and timer B value 24, respectively.

[0040] The predetermined process also includes a process of stopping timer A and timer B. That is, for timer A, paper feed processing unit 22 waits for an amount of time equal to adjustment value 25 (step S22), and then starts feeding the next document (step S23). Next, when paper feed processing unit 22 detects the leading edge of the next document, it stops timer A from measuring and stops counting up timer value A (step S24).

[0041] Regarding timer B, paper feed processing unit 22 executes a read preparation process for the next document (step S26). This preparation process is, for example, a process executed by processor 11 or scan program 20, which is firmware. More specifically, this preparation process can refer to processes such as allocating memory for the next document by freeing up memory used for the document whose end was detected, and calibrating various sensors for reading the next document. Then, when this preparation process is completed, paper feed processing unit 22 stops timer B measurement and stops counting up timer B value 24 (step S27).

[0042] After processing step S16, the paper feed processing unit 22 compares the timer A value 23 with the timer B value 24, and determines whether the timer A value 23 is equal to or less than the timer B value 24 (step S17). Of course, determining whether the timer B value 23 is equal to or less than 24 is equivalent to determining whether the timer B value is less than 24. If the result in step S17 is NO, the paper feed processing unit 22 returns to step S13 and continues processing.

[0043] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S17, the paper feed processing unit 22 issues an error (step S18). In other words, the paper feed processing unit 22 can issue an error if it detects the leading edge of the next document before the preparation process for reading the next document is completed. In this way, the paper feed processing unit 22 monitors the time required for the preparation process of the processor 11 and the scan program 20 functioning as firmware, and issues an error if the answer is YES in step S17. The error notification is sent to the display unit 16 or an external device. The content of the notification may be any content that provides information on how to clear the paper jam and prompts the user to perform the operation to clear the jam.

[0044] However, when an error is issued in step S18, there may be cases where a paper jam has not actually occurred, in which case it means that the possibility of an error occurring has been detected. Therefore, the paper feed processing unit 22 does not need to issue the error in step S18 itself, as long as it can update the adjustment value 25, which will be described later. In this example, it is sufficient to obtain the timer A value 23 and the timer B value 24 for this update.

[0045] As explained in steps S21 to S24, the paper feed processing unit 22 measures the time from the position where the trailing edge of the document is detected by the trailing edge detection sensor 108 during scanning until the leading edge of the next document is detected. The paper feed processing unit 22 stores this time as the timer A value 23 in the storage unit 17 (step S19). The timing of holding the value may be the point in time when step S17 results in YES.

[0046] As explained in steps S25 to S27, in parallel with the timer A processing, the paper feed processing unit 22 measures the time taken for the preparation processing after the trailing edge of the document is detected by the trailing edge detection sensor 108. The paper feed processing unit 22 stores this time as the timer B value 24 in the storage unit 17 (step S20), and ends the processing. The timing for storing the value may be before step S19, or may be the point in time when the result of step S17 becomes YES.

[0047] [Example of paper jam error removal process] Next, an example of a paper jam error clearing process in the scanner 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining an example of a paper jam error clearing process in the scanner 10 of Fig. 1.

[0048] The paper jam error clearing process is executed when the paper jam error is cleared by the user removing the jammed document, etc. This clearing process can also be executed when a paper jam has not actually occurred.

[0049] First, the paper feed processing unit 22 reads the timer A value 23 and the timer B value 24 from the storage unit 17, calculates the difference between them, and sets this difference as an adjustment value (step S31). Since the timer A value 23 and the timer B value 24 are held when A≦B in step S17, this difference is set as the value obtained by subtracting the timer A value 23 from the timer B value 24. Next, the paper feed processing unit 22 updates the adjustment value 25 in the storage unit 17 with this adjustment value (step S32), and ends the process.

[0050] The adjustment value 25 updated in this way is set in step S11 the next time the ADF function is used to scan, and is used in step S22 to adjust the waiting time from the start of timer A measurement. Thus, in this embodiment, when the next scan using the ADF function is performed after an error such as a paper jam has occurred, or after the risk of an error has been detected, the timing of feeding the next document can be delayed by the difference between timer A value 23 and timer B value. According to this embodiment, by delaying the timing in this way, the document transport interval can be increased, making it possible to avoid the occurrence or risk of subsequent errors such as paper jams.

[0051] [Various examples of threshold settings] The processor 11 can determine the threshold based on the time required for image processing associated with scanning a document, as exemplified by the time required for the preparation process for reading the next document, i.e., the time required for post-processing of a document during image processing.

[0052] Furthermore, in the scanner 10, user setting information 26 such as scan resolution is stored in the memory unit 17 by user operation on the operation unit 15 or by default setting. The time required for image processing associated with scanning varies depending on the settings such as scan resolution. Therefore, the processor 11 may determine the threshold value based on the user setting information 26 set by the user for scanning. Furthermore, the user setting information 26 may include information indicating the threshold value and may be set by user operation.

[0053] Furthermore, processor 11 may extend the threshold value if it estimates that a paper jam has occurred between the transported document or another document and the document following it. This estimation can be performed, for example, based on detection information from various sensors (not shown) provided within transport mechanism 12. Note that this paper jam may be caused by at least one of two or more documents being transported adjacent to each other. By extending the threshold value in this way, it is possible to extend the time until the next medium begins to be transported during the next scan in more situations.

[0054] Furthermore, processor 11 may control the device so that the predetermined time is extended when the time between when a document passes through scan sensor 13 and when the next document is detected by sensor 14 is short, rather than when it is long. The predetermined time here refers to the time from when sensor 14 no longer detects the medium or other medium during the next scan until the next medium begins to be conveyed. Note that this predetermined time is detected as the time it takes for trailing edge detection sensor 108 to go from an OFF state to an ON state. In this way, extending the predetermined time can prevent errors such as paper jams from occurring or the possibility of such errors occurring during the next scan.

[0055] 5 may be updated only when the paper jam error is cleared. It is also preferable to set the adjustment value 25 so that it can be returned to its default value by a user operation from the operation unit 15 or an external device. This allows the adjustment value 25 to be returned to its default value when, for example, replacing a part in the transport mechanism 12 makes transport smoother and paper jams less likely to occur, thereby shortening the interval between sheets of paper as much as possible and enabling high-speed scanning. Furthermore, the various setting examples described above can be implemented in combination.

[0056] [Scanning process according to a comparative example] Before describing the effects of this embodiment, a scanning process by a scanner according to a comparative example will be described. In the scanning process according to the comparative example, a process for preparing to read the next document is performed between the end of the reading of the previous document and the arrival of the next document at the scan sensor. However, in the scanning process according to the comparative example, the transport of the next document is started without mechanically detecting the document position of the previous document. Therefore, in this scanning process, if the next document reaches the position of the scan sensor before the process for preparing to read the next document is completed, a paper jam error occurs. In particular, in the scanning process according to the comparative example, the faster the document transport speed by the ADF, the greater the variability in document transport accuracy, resulting in an unstable distance between sheets. Depending on the document type, the distance between sheets may become shorter, resulting in frequent paper jam errors.

[0057] [Advantages of this embodiment] In the scanner 10 according to the present embodiment, in order to avoid errors such as paper jams when the distance between sheets is short during scanning using the ADF function, if the distance between sheets becomes short, the timing of paper feed control for the next document is changed to be delayed from the next time onwards. For example, the scanner 10 measures the time from the end of one document until the leading edge of the next document arrives, and if the leading edge of the next document arrives before the scanning preparation process for the next document is completed, the timing of paper feed start between sheets for the next scan onwards is automatically adjusted to reduce paper jams.

[0058] Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when an error occurs due to shortening the interval between sheets, i.e., between documents, it is possible to avoid errors such as paper jams from the next scan onwards. Thus, in this embodiment, even when shortening the interval between sheets to increase speed, it is possible to suppress errors caused by transporting the next medium too quickly, unlike the comparative example. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to shorten the interval between sheets to be transported and increase speed while suppressing the occurrence of errors.

[0059] Furthermore, as long as the processor 11 or firmware has completed the preparation process for reading the next document, the scanner 10's scan control operates normally regardless of the distance between sheets. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the timing to start feeding paper can be adjusted according to the state of the scanner 10 without considering threshold margins that anticipate the mechanical structure and tolerances of the scanner 10. In other words, according to this embodiment, even if the scanner 10 is a scanner that does not know the state of documents in the document transport path by a sensor, errors such as paper jams can be reduced according to the user's environment.

[0060] In addition, in this embodiment, the user can adjust the scan without having to perform dedicated adjustments. Also, in this embodiment, even when the frequency of paper jams increases due to deterioration or malfunction of the scanner 10, automatic adjustments can be made to reduce errors, thereby reducing user downtime.

[0061] [Scan data production method according to the present embodiment] While the present embodiment has been described primarily with respect to the configuration of scanner 10, the present embodiment can also provide a scan data production method, as described in the processing example. This scan data production method can provide a scan data production method that includes the processes described as processes performed by job management unit 21 and paper feed processing unit 22, respectively. Specifically, this scan data production method continuously feeds media stacked in a paper feed unit. If the time from the start of media transport to detection by a sensor on the transport path is equal to or shorter than a threshold, this scan data production method delays the timing of starting transport of the medium or the next medium following another medium during the next scan, compared to when the time is longer than the threshold. This scan data production method then produces scan data by scanning media continuously fed from the paper feed unit.

[0062] (Other variations) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the configuration of the scanner, the configuration of each program included in the scanner, the processing procedure of the scanner, etc. are not limited to those exemplified.

[0063] Furthermore, the control of transport and the like according to the above-described embodiment when producing scan data can also be applied when feeding a medium to be printed on, that is, when feeding a medium to be printed on.

[0064] That is, the present disclosure also includes the following embodiment as a print production method. This print production method continuously feeds media stacked in a paper feed unit. The paper feed unit here is a component that supplies the media to be printed. This print production method delays the timing of starting the transport of a medium or the next medium following another medium during the next printing operation if the time from the start of transport of the medium to its detection by a sensor on the transport path is equal to or shorter than a threshold, compared to when the time is longer than the threshold. This print production method produces prints by printing on media continuously fed from the paper feed unit. For example, prints can be produced by printing instead of scanning at the scanning position of the scanner 10. While detailed configuration examples and processing examples of a printing device that performs such printing are not provided, a typical printing device may be configured to control paper feed as described for the scanner 10.

[0065] Furthermore, each of the devices, such as the scanner and printer according to the above-described embodiments, and external devices connectable to the scanner or printer, can have the following hardware configuration, for example: Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

[0066] 6 may include a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and an interface 1003. The interface 1003 may include, for example, a communication interface or an interface with an input / output device, as required depending on the device.

[0067] The processor 1001 may be, for example, a CPU, a GPU, or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), also known as a microprocessor. The processor 1001 may include multiple processors. The memory 1002 is configured, for example, by a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The functions of each device are realized by the processor 1001 reading a program stored in the memory 1002 and executing it while exchanging necessary information via the interface 1003.

[0068] The above-described program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. Examples of computer-readable media or tangible storage media include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies. Examples of computer-readable media or tangible storage media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. Examples of transitory computer-readable media or communication media include, but are not limited to, electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals. The program may also be included in a program product.

[0069] While the present invention has been described above in accordance with the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications, alterations, and combinations that can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the inventions of the claims of this application. For example, inventions relating to a scan data production method and a print production method can also be considered inventions of a scanning method and a printing method, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] SS... document transport path, 10... scanner, 11... processor, 12... transport mechanism, 13... scan sensor, 14... sensor, 15... operation unit, 16... display unit, 17... memory unit, 20... scan program, 21... job management unit, 22... paper feed processing unit, 23... timer A value, 24... timer B value, 25... adjustment value, 26... user setting information, 101... pickup roller, 102... document detection sensor, 103... document stopper, 104... separation roller, 105... retard roller, 106... intermediate roller, 107... paper feed roller, 108... trailing edge detection sensor, 109... pressure plate, 110... front surface reading sensor, 111... back surface reading sensor, 112... paper discharge roller, 1000... device, 1001... processor, 1002... memory, 1003... interface.

Claims

1. a transport mechanism that transports media stacked in a paper feed unit to a scanning position and ejects the media after scanning; a processor that controls the transport mechanism; a sensor for detecting the medium at a predetermined position on the transport path; a scan sensor that scans the medium at the scan position on the transport path; Equipped with The processor: When the time from the start of conveyance of the medium to the detection of the medium by the sensor is equal to or less than a threshold, control is performed so that the time until the start of conveyance of the next medium following the medium or another medium at the next scan is extended compared to when the time is longer than the threshold. Scanner with automatic document feed function.

2. the processor determines the threshold based on the time required for image processing associated with scanning the medium; The scanner with automatic document feeding function according to claim 1 .

3. the processor determines the threshold value based on scan settings set by a user for the scan.

3. The scanner with an automatic document feed function according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the processor extends the threshold when it infers that a paper jam has occurred between the medium or the other medium and the next medium; 3. The scanner with an automatic document feed function according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The processor performs control so that, when the time from when the medium passes through the scan sensor to when the next medium is detected by the sensor is short, the time from when the medium or another medium is no longer detected by the sensor to when the next medium begins to be conveyed is extended, compared to when the time is long.

3. The scanner with an automatic document feed function according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Continuously feeds media stacked in the paper feed section, When the time from the start of conveyance of the medium to the detection of the medium by a sensor on the conveyance path is equal to or shorter than a threshold value, the timing of starting conveyance of the next medium following the medium or another medium at the next scan is delayed compared to when the time is longer than the threshold value; producing scan data by scanning the media continuously fed from the paper feed unit; Scan data production method.

7. Continuously feeds media stacked in the paper feed section, When the time from the start of conveyance of the medium to the detection of the medium by a sensor on the conveyance path is equal to or shorter than a threshold value, the timing of starting conveyance of the next medium following the medium or another medium at the next printing is delayed compared to when the time is longer than the threshold value; producing printed matter by printing on the media continuously fed from the paper feed unit; Print production methods.

Images