Image reading device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image reading device that can ensure confidentiality of a sheet while an image of the sheet is read even if a user is not around the image reading device.SOLUTION: An image reading device 100 comprises: a sheet stand 1 on which a sheet S is mounted; a cover 2 that covers the sheet stand 1 and is attached to the sheet stand 1 in an openable and closable manner; a lock part 3 that locks the cover 2 in the closed state; a control unit 10; a first detection unit 31; and a second detection unit 32. The first detection unit 31 detects whether the sheet S is in a mounted state in which it is mounted on the sheet stand 1. The second detection unit 32 detects the open and closed state of the cover 2. The control unit 10 can bring the cover 2 into a lock state when the second detection unit 32 detects that the cover 2 is in the closed state and the first detection unit 31 detects that the sheet S is in the mounted state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, a tray containing an object to be read is moved into the housing of the image reading device. Then, the image formed on the object to be read in the tray is read. Since the object to be read remains surrounded by the housing and the tray while the image is being read, confidentiality of the object to be read is ensured. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,065,8078 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the image reading device described in Patent Document 1, if the user of the image reading device is not around the image reading device while the image of the object to be read is being read, there is a risk that a third party may open the tray and obtain the image of the object to be read. There is also a risk that the object to be read may be taken away from the image reading device. In other words, the image reading device described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to ensure the confidentiality of the object to be read when the user is not around the image reading device.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an image reading device that can ensure the confidentiality of an object to be read even when a user is not around the image reading device while the image of the object to be read is being read. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image reading device includes a seat base, a reading unit, a cover, a locking unit, an operation unit, a display unit, an input unit, a first detection unit, and a second detection unit. A seat is placed on the seat base. The reading unit reads an image of the seat placed on the seat base from below. The cover covers the seat base and is attached to the seat base so as to be freely opened and closed. The locking unit locks the cover to a closed state. The operation unit operates the locking unit so that the cover is in either the locked state or the unlocked state. The display unit displays the states of the reading unit and the cover. The input unit inputs operations and information to the operation unit. The first detection unit detects whether the seat is placed on the seat base. The second detection unit detects whether the cover is open or closed. The operating unit can put the cover into the locked state when the second detection unit detects that the cover is in the closed state and the first detection unit detects that the seat is in the placed state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the image reading device can ensure the confidentiality of the sheet even when the user is not around the image reading device while the image on the sheet is being read. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an image reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image reading device. [Figure 3A] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display unit and an input unit of the image reading device. [Figure 3B] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display unit and an input unit of the image reading device. [Figure 3C] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display unit and an input unit of the image reading device. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart showing the process of the image reading apparatus. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a display unit and an input unit of an image reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the image reading apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment] An image reading device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated. In the following description, terms indicating positions or directions, such as "upper," "lower," "horizontal," and "vertical," may also be used. These terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the embodiment, and are not limited to positions or directions when actually implemented.

[0010] (Configuration of image reading device 100) The configuration of an image reading device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image reading device 100. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the image reading device 100. Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are diagrams showing examples of a display unit 21 and an input unit 22.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image reading device 100 includes a housing 6, a seat base 1, a reading unit 4, a cover 2, a locking unit 3, a control unit 10 (an example of an operation unit), an input / output unit 20, and a detection unit 30.

[0012] The sheet stand 1 is a transparent member provided on the top surface of the housing 6. The sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1. The reading unit 4 is a unit that optically reads the image of the sheet S placed on the sheet stand 1 from below. The reading unit 4 is provided inside the housing 6 so that it can move parallel to the sheet S.

[0013] The cover 2 has a hinge 2c and a lockable portion 2b. The cover 2 covers the seat base 1 and is provided so as to be freely opened and closed relative to the seat base 1. The cover 2 in FIG. 1 is capable of being opened and closed relative to the seat base 1 via a hinge 2c provided at the end of the housing 6. The lockable portion 2b shown in FIG. 1 is a U-shaped member. The lockable portion 2b is provided on the underside of the cover 2 near the end opposite the hinge 2c (the end that opens and closes), with the U-shaped loop portion facing downward.

[0014] The locking part 3 is provided at the end opposite the hinge 2c in the upper part of the housing 6, and has a bending part 3b at its upper end that bends towards the seat base 1. The locking part 3 has a lower end that is rotatably supported on the upper part of the housing 6, and the bending part 3b rotates in a direction to approach or move away from the seat base 1.

[0015] When the cover 2 is in the closed state, the locking portion 3 is rotated so that the curved portion 3b faces the seat base 1. When the locking portion 3 is rotated so that the curved portion 3b faces the seat base 1, the curved portion 3b engages with the locked portion 2b of the cover 2, putting the cover 2 into a locked state in which it is locked in the closed state. When the cover 2 is in the locked state, when the locking portion 3 is rotated in a direction that moves the curved portion 3b away from the seat base 1, the engagement between the curved portion 3b and the locked portion 2b is released. When the engagement between the curved portion 3b and the locked portion 2b is released, the cover 2 is put into an unlocked state.

[0016] The lock unit 3 is driven by a power source such as a motor (not shown) and is configured to be rotatable so that the orientation of the curved portion 3b can be changed. The control unit 10 controls the lock unit 3 to drive the lock unit 3 so that the cover 2 is in either a locked state or an unlocked state. The input / output unit 20 is provided on the side of the housing 6 and has a display unit 21 and an input unit 22. The display unit 21 displays the states of the reading unit 4 and the cover 2. The input unit 22 accepts operations and information input to the control unit 10. In this embodiment, the input unit 22 has both an input function and a display function. The input unit 22 that has both an input function and a display function is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0017] The control unit 10 controls a communication unit and a storage unit (not shown). The control unit 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. The processor of the control unit 10 executes the computer program stored in the storage device of the storage unit to control the lock unit 3.

[0018] The detection unit 30 is provided inside the housing 6 and includes a sheet sensor 31 (an example of a first detection unit) and an open / close sensor 32 (an example of a second detection unit). The sheet sensor 31 detects whether the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1. The open / close sensor 32 detects whether the cover 2 is open or closed.

[0019] When information for locking the cover 2 is input via the input unit 22, the control unit 10 locks the cover 2.

[0020] Furthermore, when information for putting the cover 2 into the unlocked state is input via the input unit 22, the control unit 10 puts the cover 2 into the unlocked state.

[0021] Furthermore, when the information input to the input unit 22 matches a predetermined password, the control unit 10 puts the cover 2 into an unlocked state.

[0022] 3A, the display unit 21 displays a status 21b indicating the operating status of the image reading device 100 and a prompt 21c that alerts the user. The input unit 22 can take the form of a lock button 22b for inputting information to lock the cover 2. When the sheet sensor 31 detects that the sheet S is placed on the cover, the input / output unit 20 displays the lock button 22b and also displays the prompt 21c to prompt the user to input information as to whether or not to lock the cover 2.

[0023] 3B, the input unit 22 can take the form of an unlock button 22c for inputting information for changing the locked state of the cover 2 to an unlocked state. When the cover 2 is in the locked state, the input / output unit 20 displays the unlock button 22c and also displays a prompt 21c to prompt the user to input information as to whether or not to change the cover 2 to an unlocked state.

[0024] 3C, the input unit 22 may take the form of a password input unit 22d that accepts input of a predetermined password by the user. In the locked state, the input / output unit 20 displays the password input unit 22d and also displays a prompt 21c to prompt the user to input information into the input unit 22 for the predetermined password in order to set the cover 2 to the unlocked state.

[0025] With the above configuration, the control unit 10 can lock the cover 2 when the opening / closing sensor 32 detects that the cover 2 is in a closed state and the sheet sensor 31 detects that the sheet S is in a placed state.

[0026] (Processing of image reading device 100) Next, the processing of the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image reading device 100.

[0027] The image reading device 100 detects whether or not the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1 using the sheet sensor 31 (step S11). If the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1 (Yes in step S11), the input / output unit 20 displays the prompt 21c and the lock button 22b (step S12). If the sheet S is not placed on the sheet stand 1 (No in step S11), the cover 2 remains unlocked (step S18), and the process ends (END). While the prompt 21c and the lock button 22b are displayed on the input / output unit 20, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the lock button 22b (step S13). If the user has not pressed the lock button 22b (No in step S13), the cover 2 remains unlocked (step S18), and the process ends (END). If the user presses the lock button 22b (Yes in step S13), the cover 2 is locked, and the unlock button 22c is displayed on the input / output unit 20 together with the prompt 21c (step S14). While the prompt 21c and the unlock button 22c are displayed on the input / output unit 20, it is determined whether the user has pressed the unlock button 22c (step S15). If the user has not pressed the unlock button 22c (No in step S15), the cover 2 remains locked (return to step S14). If the user presses the unlock button 22c (Yes in step S15), the password input field 22d is displayed on the input / output unit 20 together with the prompt 21c (step S16). If the information entered by the user into the password input field 22d matches the predetermined password (Yes in step S17), the cover 2 is unlocked (step S18), and the process ends (END). If the information input by the user to input unit 22 does not match the predetermined password (No in step S17), cover 2 remains locked (return to step S14).

[0028] 4 is an example of the processing of the image reading device 100, and the image reading device 100 may be configured not to perform, for example, the processing related to the unlock button 22c (step S15) and the processing by the password input unit 22d (step S17).

[0029] With the above-described configuration, the image reading device 100 has the sheet S placed on the sheet table 1, the cover 2 in a closed state, and the cover 2 in a locked state, which keeps the closed state, while the image on the sheet S is being read by the reading unit 4. This prevents the image on the sheet S from being read by a third party. As a result, the image reading device 100 can ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S even when the user is not around the image reading device 100 while the image is being read.

[0030] Furthermore, each time the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1 and the cover 2 is closed, the image reading device 100 receives an instruction from the user as to whether or not to lock the cover 2. Therefore, when the cover 2 does not need to be locked, the user can input that the cover 2 should not be locked, thereby saving the user the trouble of releasing the lock after the reading of the image on the sheet S is complete. As a result, the image reading device 100 can effectively ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S only when necessary.

[0031] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 prompts the user to input information as to whether or not to unlock the cover 2 each time after completing the reading of an image. Therefore, after completing the reading of an image, the user can unlock the cover 2 simply by inputting information to unlock the cover 2 on the input unit 22. As a result, the image reading device 100 can efficiently ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S.

[0032] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 unlocks the cover 2 only when the appropriate password is entered into the input unit 22 after the image reading is complete. Therefore, even when the user is not around the image reading device 100 after the image reading is complete, the user can prevent a third party from unlocking the cover 2. As a result, the image reading device 100 can effectively ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S.

[0033] The image reading device 100 may be further configured to include an authentication unit that verifies whether the user is a registered user based on predetermined authentication information. If the authentication unit verifies that the user is a registered user, it certifies that the user is a registered user.

[0034] At this time, in order to set the cover 2 to the unlocked state, the prompt 21c preferably prompts the user to input information into the authentication information input unit 22. Furthermore, the control unit 10 is preferably configured to set the cover 2 to the unlocked state when the authentication unit authenticates that the information input into the input unit 22 is authentication information corresponding to a registered user.

[0035] With the above configuration, the image reading device 100 unlocks the cover 2 only when appropriate authentication information is input to the input unit 22 after the image reading is complete. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can prevent a third party from unlocking the cover 2 even when the user is not around the image reading device 100 after the image reading is complete. As a result, the image reading device 100 can ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S efficiently and effectively.

[0036] The authentication information may be read from, for example, an ID card equipped with an IC chip or QR code (registered trademark) in which the authentication information is embedded. The image reading device 100 may also be configured to read various types of information to confirm the authentication information, such as biometric authentication information that uses the user's biometric or behavioral characteristics, such as face authentication, fingerprint authentication, or voiceprint authentication.

[0037] The configuration of the locking unit 3 described above is an example, and the locking unit 3 may be configured as an electromagnetic lock using electromagnetic force, for example. Furthermore, multiple locking units 3 may be provided, and may be configured to be located at the four corners of the cover 2, for example.

[0038] [Second embodiment] Next, an image reading device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 30 of the image reading device 200 further includes a human presence sensor 33 (an example of a third detection unit). The human presence sensor 33 is, for example, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and detects whether or not a person is present around the image reading device 200. After the human presence sensor 33 detects the presence of a person around the image reading device 200, the control unit 10 locks the cover 2 when the human presence sensor 33 no longer detects the presence of a person around the image reading device 200. Hereinafter, the mode in which the cover 2 is locked based on the detection result by the human presence sensor 33 will be referred to as a "motion lock mode."

[0039] 5, the input unit 22 of the image reading device 200 can further take the form of a motion lock button 22e for using the motion lock mode. When the sheet sensor 31 detects that the sheet S is placed on the sheet, the input / output unit 20 displays the motion lock button 22e and also displays a prompt 21c to prompt the user to input information on whether or not to use the motion lock mode.

[0040] Next, the process of the image reading device 200 when the motion lock mode is used will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the process of the image reading device 200 when the motion lock mode is used.

[0041] The image reading device 200 detects whether or not the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1 using the sheet sensor 31 (step S21). If the sheet S is not placed on the sheet stand 1 (No in step S21), the cover 2 remains unlocked (step S30), and the process ends (END). If the sheet S is placed on the sheet stand 1 (Yes in step S21), the input / output unit 20 displays the prompt 21c and the motion lock button 22e (step S22). While the prompt 21c and the motion lock button 22e are displayed on the input / output unit 20, it is determined whether or not the user has pressed the motion lock button 22e (step S23). If the user has pressed the motion lock button 22e (Yes in step S23), the image reading device 200 enters the motion lock mode (step S24). On the other hand, if the user does not press the motion lock button 22e (No in step S23), motion lock is not permitted, the cover 2 remains unlocked (step S30), and the process ends (END). In the motion lock mode, the human presence sensor 33 detects the user and detects whether the user is present around the image reading device 200. Then, based on the detection by the human presence sensor 33, it is determined whether the user has left the vicinity of the image reading device 200 for a predetermined time or longer (step S25). If the human presence sensor 33 does not detect the presence of the user around the image reading device 200 for a time period equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the image reading device 200 determines that the user has left the vicinity of the image reading device 200 (Yes in step S25). Then, the image reading device 200 locks the cover 2 and displays the unlock button 22c on the input / output unit 20 (step S26). The subsequent steps S27, S28, S29, and S30 are similar to steps S15, S16, S17, and S18 (see FIG. 4) in the processing of image reading device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the above description will be referred to and a detailed description will be omitted. On the other hand, if the user completes the work on sheet S (such as image reading) without leaving the image reading device 200 (No in step S25), the cover 2 remains unlocked (step S30), and the processing ends (END).

[0042] With the above configuration, the image reading device 200 locks the cover 2 when the user is no longer around the image reading device 200. Therefore, the cover 2 is locked when the user is no longer around the image reading device 200, even if the user does not input to lock the cover 2 himself / herself. As a result, the image reading device 200 can efficiently ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S.

[0043] The control unit 10 may be configured so that the lock unit 3 puts the cover 2 into the locked state when the human sensor 33 detects a person different from the person initially detected.

[0044] With the above configuration, the image reading device 200 locks the cover 2 when a third party other than the user comes near the image reading device 200. Therefore, the cover 2 is locked when a third party comes near the image reading device 200, even if the user does not input to put the cover 2 into the locked state. As a result, the image reading device 200 can efficiently ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S.

[0045] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 according to the first embodiment and the image reading device 200 according to the second embodiment described above may be configured in an image forming device together with an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet S.

[0046] The image reading devices 100 and 200 can generally ensure the confidentiality of the sheet S by being provided in a multifunction peripheral such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), which is an example of an image forming device.

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0048] The present invention provides an image reading device and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] S seat 1 seat stand 2 Cover 2b Locked part 2c hinge 3 Locking section 4 Reading unit 6. Housing 10 Control unit (operation unit) 20 Input / output section 21 Display section 21b Status 21c prompt 22 Input section 22b Lock button 22c Unlock button 22d Password entry section 30 Detection unit 31 Sheet sensor (first detection unit) 32 Open / close sensor (second detection unit) 33 Human sensor (third detection unit) 100 Image reader

Claims

1. a seat base on which a seat is placed; a reading unit that reads an image of the sheet placed on the sheet stand from below; a cover that covers the seat base and is attached to the seat base so as to be freely opened and closed; a locking unit that locks the cover in a closed state; an operating unit that operates the locking unit so that the cover is in either the locked state or the unlocked state; a display unit that displays the state of the reading unit and the cover; an input unit to which information is input to the operation unit; a first detection unit that detects whether the sheet is placed on the sheet table; a second detection unit that detects whether the cover is open or closed; Equipped with The operation unit can set the cover to the locked state when the second detection unit detects that the cover is in the closed state and the first detection unit detects that the seat is in the placed state. Image reading device.

2. the display unit, when the first detection unit detects that the seat is in the placed state, displays a message prompting the user to input information on whether the cover is to be in the locked state or the unlocked state, The operation unit sets the cover to the locked state when the information to set the cover to the locked state is input through the input unit.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

3. a third detection unit that detects the presence of a person around the image reading device; The operation unit sets the cover to the locked state when the third detection unit no longer detects the presence of a person around the image reading device after the third detection unit detects the presence of the person.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

4. a third detection unit that detects the presence of a person around the image reading device; The operation unit sets the cover to the locked state when the third detection unit detects a person different from the person first detected by the third detection unit.

2. The image reading device according to claim 1.

5. the display unit displays a display prompting the user to input information on whether or not to change the cover from the locked state to the unlocked state; The operation unit sets the cover to the unlocked state when the information to set the cover to the unlocked state is input through the input unit. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the display unit displays a message prompting the user to input a predetermined password into the input unit in order to unlock the device; The operation unit sets the cover to the unlocked state when the information input to the input unit matches the password. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. an authentication unit that verifies whether a user of the image reading device is a registered user based on predetermined authentication information and authenticates that the user is the registered user; the display unit displays a message prompting the user to input the authentication information into the input unit in order to achieve the unlocked state; The operation unit brings the cover into the unlocked state when the authentication unit authenticates that the information input to the input unit is the authentication information corresponding to the registered user. The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet; The image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images