Medium conveying device, image reading device, medium conveying method, image reading method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a medium conveying device and the like that can appropriately control communication with an external apparatus via an interface unit or power supply to the external apparatus via the interface unit.SOLUTION: A medium conveying device includes a conveying unit that conveys a medium, an interface unit that can be connected to an external apparatus, and a control unit that changes whether to allow communication with the external apparatus via the interface unit or whether to allow power supply to the external apparatus via the interface unit depending on the state of conveyance by the conveying unit. An image reading device includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a medium to generate an input image, an output unit that outputs the input image, an interface unit that can be connected to an external apparatus, and a control unit that changes whether to allow communication with the external apparatus via the interface unit or whether to allow power supply to the external apparatus via the interface unit depending on the state of imaging by the imaging unit or the state of output by the output unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium conveying device, an image reading device, a medium conveying method, an image reading method, and a control program, and in particular to a medium conveying device, an image reading device, a medium conveying method, an image reading method, and a control program that have an interface unit that can be connected to an external device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a demand for improved user convenience in media conveying devices or image reading devices, such as scanners, that convey and capture images of media. To this end, media conveying devices or image reading devices that can be connected to external devices, such as operating devices that accept user operations or storage devices that store information, have been developed.

[0003] A multifunction facsimile machine has been disclosed that has at least two operating modes with different power consumption, stores user setting information that can be changed by user operation, and can be connected to an external device (see Patent Document 1). This multifunction facsimile machine cuts off the power supply to an external interface unit that receives a request signal from an external device based on the operating mode and the user setting information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-81721 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a medium conveying device and an image reading device, it is desirable to appropriately control communication with an external device via an interface unit or power supply to an external device via an interface unit.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium conveying device, an image reading device, a medium conveying method, an image reading method, and a control program that can appropriately control communication with an external device via an interface unit or power supply to an external device via an interface unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A medium conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys a medium, an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, and a control unit that changes whether communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on the state of conveyance by the conveying unit.

[0008] An image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a medium and generates an input image, an output unit that outputs the input image, an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, and a control unit that changes whether communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on the state of imaging by the imaging unit or the state of output by the output unit.

[0009] A medium transport method according to one aspect of the present invention transports a medium using a transport unit, and changes whether communication with an external device is possible via an interface unit connectable to the external device or whether power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on the state of transport by the transport unit.

[0010] An image reading method according to one aspect of the present invention involves using an imaging unit to capture an image of a medium to generate an input image, outputting the input image using an output unit, and changing whether or not communication with an external device is possible via an interface unit connectable to the external device, or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit, depending on the state of the image captured by the imaging unit or the state of the output by the output unit.

[0011] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a medium transport device having a transport unit that transports a medium and an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, and causes the medium transport device to change whether or not communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power can be supplied to the external device via the interface unit, depending on the state of transport by the transport unit.

[0012] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for an image reading device having an imaging unit that images a medium and generates an input image, an output unit that outputs the input image, and an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, and causes the image reading device to change whether or not communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power can be supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on the state of imaging by the imaging unit or the state of output by the output unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, the medium conveying device, image reading device, medium conveying method, image reading method and control program are capable of appropriately controlling communication with an external device via an interface unit or power supply to an external device via an interface unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another processing circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A medium conveying device and an image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention 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 described above, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing system according to an embodiment.

[0017] The information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 100 and an external device 200. The information processing device 100 is an example of a medium conveying device and an image reading device. The information processing device 100 is, for example, an image scanner, which conveys a medium that is an original, captures an image, and ejects the image. The medium may be paper, cardboard, a plastic card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The information processing device 100 may also be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP), or the like.

[0018] 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport path. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction that intersects with the medium transport direction.

[0019] The information processing device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, a discharging table 104, an operating device 105, a display device 106, and the like.

[0020] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the information processing device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when the inside of the information processing device 100 is cleaned.

[0021] The loading platform 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and places media to be fed and transported on it. The ejection platform 104 engages with the lower housing 101 and places ejected media on it. The ejection platform 104 may also be engaged with the upper housing 102 by a hinge or the like.

[0022] The operation device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires signals from the input device, 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 or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display device 106 may be a display with a touch panel function. In that case, the operation device 105 may have an interface circuit that acquires signals from the touch panel.

[0023] The external device 200 is a device that can be connected to the information processing device 100. The external device 200 includes an operation device 201 and a storage device 202. The operation device 201 is a device for controlling the information processing device 100. The operation device 201 is a HID (Human Interface Device) such as a keyboard or a mouse, and accepts operations by a user. The storage device 202 is a device for acquiring information from the information processing device 100. The storage device 202 is a storage device such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores any information such as images and text.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device.

[0025] The transport path inside the information processing device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, a second medium sensor 116, an imaging device 117, a first discharge roller 118, and a second discharge roller 119. The feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the first discharge roller 118, and the second discharge roller 119 are an example of a transport unit that transports the medium. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and there may be multiple rollers. In this case, the rollers are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0026] 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. As shown in Fig. 2, the medium transport path has a so-called straight path mechanism in which the vertical positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the medium does not change between the state before transport when the medium is placed on the loading tray 103 and the state after ejection when the medium is placed on the ejection tray 104. Because the medium transport path has a straight path mechanism, the information processing device 100 can be formed compactly.

[0027] The first medium sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the first medium 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 medium sensor 111.

[0028] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101 and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102 and arranged opposite the feed roller 112. The feed roller 112 and separation roller 113 function as a separation unit that separates the media. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0029] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed facing each other downstream of the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 convey the medium fed by the feeding roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 117. Note that one of the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller.

[0030] The second media sensor 116 detects the media transported to its location. The second media sensor 116 is located downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 117. Alternatively, the second media sensor 116 may be located downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 and upstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The second media sensor 116 includes a light emitter and a light receiver located on one side of the media transport path, and a light guide located opposite the light emitter and the light receiver across the media transport path. The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and emits light toward the media transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and detects (receives) light emitted by the light emitter and guided by the light guide. When a medium is present in a position opposite at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver, the light emitted from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and the light receiver does not detect the light emitted from the light emitter. Based on the intensity of the light received by the light receiver, the second medium sensor 116 generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 116.

[0031] Note that a reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube in second medium sensor 116. Also, in second medium sensor 116, the light emitter and light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. Also, second medium sensor 116 may detect the medium 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.

[0032] The imaging device 117 is an example of an imaging section. The imaging device 117 is disposed downstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 and upstream of the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119. The imaging device 117 includes a first imaging device 117a and a second imaging device 117b. The first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b are disposed near the medium transport path and facing each other across the transport path.

[0033] The first imaging device 117a has an imaging sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a 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 117a captures an image of the surface of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0034] The second imaging device 117b has an imaging sensor using a CIS of a 1x1 optical system with CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 117b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 117b captures an image of the back side of the medium being transported, generates an input image, and outputs it.

[0035] The information processing device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor with an equal magnification optical system and a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor with an equal magnification optical system and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0036] The first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 are disposed facing each other downstream of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115. The first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 convey the medium fed by the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 further downstream and discharge the medium onto the discharge tray 104. Note that one of the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 may be a driven roller that rotates following the rotation of the other roller.

[0037] 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 Figure 2. When feeding the media, the separation roller 113 rotates or stops 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).

[0038] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115. The medium is fed between first imaging device 117a and second imaging device 117b as first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7 in FIG. 2, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 117 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 118 and second discharge roller 119 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9 in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device.

[0040] In addition to the above-described configuration, the information processing device 100 further includes a motor 131, a communication device 132, an interface device 133, a storage device 140, a processing circuit 150, and the like.

[0041] The motor 131 includes one or more motors. The motor 131 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 118, and / or the second discharge roller 119 in response to a control signal from the processing circuit 150 to convey the medium.

[0042] The communication device 132 is an example of an output unit that outputs an input image. The communication device 132 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals to and from a control device that controls the information processing device 100 via a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN). The communication device 132 is capable of communicating with a control device such as a personal computer or a mobile information terminal, and is communicatively connected to the control device to transmit and receive input images and various information. The communication device 132 may have a wired communication interface circuit that complies with a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and be communicatively connected to the control device. The communication device 132 may have an interface circuit that complies with a serial bus standard such as USB or PS / 2, or an interface circuit that complies with a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or RFID, and be communicatively connected to the control device.

[0043] The interface device 133 is an example of an interface unit. The interface device 133 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus standard such as USB or PS / 2. The interface device 133 is connectable to an external device 200 and electrically connects to the external device 200 to send and receive input images and various information. The interface device 133 is capable of communicating with multiple types of external devices 200 (such as an operation device 201 and a storage device 202). When an external device 200 is connected, the interface device 133 detects the connected external device 200, acquires identification information from the external device 200, and identifies the type of the external device 200 based on the acquired identification information. The type of the external device 200 is an operation device, a storage device, etc. The identification information is information capable of identifying the external device 200. For example, if the external device 200 conforms to the USB standard, the identification information is a vendor ID, a product ID, a serial number, etc. assigned to the external device 200. The interface device 133 outputs a connected device signal indicating the external device 200 connected to the interface device 133 in accordance with an instruction from the processing circuit 150. The interface device 133 is also capable of supplying power to each external device 200, and supplies or stops the power supply to each external device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the processing circuit 150. The interface device 133 may have an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and an interface circuit conforming to a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or RFID, or an interface circuit for dedicated wireless communication, and may be connected to the external device 200.

[0044] 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 information processing 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) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the storage device 140.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The processing circuit 150 is connected to the operation device 105, the display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 116, the imaging device 117, the motor 131, the communication device 132, the interface device 133, 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 117, etc., based on signals received from each sensor. The processing circuit 150 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 and transmits it to the control device via the communication device 132. The processing circuit 150 also transmits and receives signals to the operation device 201 or the storage device 202 via the interface device 133, controls the information processing device 100 according to signals received from the operation device 201, and transmits the input image to the storage device 202.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage device and a processing circuit.

[0048] 4, the storage device 140 stores a control program 141, a receiving program 142, a detection program 143, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The processing circuitry 150 reads each program stored in the storage device 140 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the processing circuitry 150 functions as a control unit 151, a receiving unit 152, and a detection unit 153.

[0049] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the information processing device.

[0050] 5 and 6, an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the information processing device 100 will be described. Note that the flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the processing circuitry 150 in cooperation with each element of the information processing device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the storage device 140.

[0051] After the information processing device 100 is started, the control unit 151 periodically receives a connected device signal from the interface device 133. When a new external device 200 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 transmits a supply instruction signal to the interface device 133 while a medium is not being transported, instructing the interface device 133 to supply power to the newly connected external device 200. Upon receiving the supply instruction signal, the interface device 133 supplies power to the specified external device 200.

[0052] First, the control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the operation device 105, the control device, or the operation equipment 201, and an operation signal instructing the reading of a medium is received from the operation device 105, the communication device 132, or the interface device 133 (step S101).

[0053] Next, the reception unit 152 receives a user-specified permission setting for changing whether or not communication with the external device 200 is permitted via the interface device 133 or whether or not power is supplied to the external device 200 via the interface device 133 (step S102). Hereinafter, changing whether or not communication with the external device 200 is permitted via the interface device 133 or whether or not power is supplied to the external device 200 via the interface device 133 may be referred to as a mode change. The reception unit 152 acquires, for example, a profile included in the operation signal. The profile includes settings related to imaging processing, image processing, or transport processing that are set by the user depending on the purpose of the image to be generated or the type of medium to be captured. The settings related to imaging processing, image processing, or transport processing include a setting for whether or not a mode change is permitted. If the profile specifies that a mode change is permitted, the reception unit 152 receives a permission setting for the mode change. The profile may not be specified together with the read instruction, but may be specified by the user before the read instruction is input and stored in the storage device 140. In this case, the receiving unit 152 obtains the profile by reading it from the storage device 140.

[0054] Next, control unit 151 acquires a first medium signal from first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal (step S103). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0055] On the other hand, when a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a mode change is possible (step S104). When the reception unit 152 has received a setting allowing a mode change, the control unit 151 determines that a mode change is possible, and when the reception unit 152 has not received a setting allowing a mode change, the control unit 151 determines that a mode change is not possible. When a mode change is not possible, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S107 without performing any particular processing.

[0056] On the other hand, if the mode can be changed, the detection unit 153 determines whether or not the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133 (step S105). The detection unit 153 receives a connected device signal from the interface device 133, and determines whether or not the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133 based on the received connected device signal. In this way, the detection unit 153 detects the connection of the external device 200 to the interface device 133. If neither the manipulation device 201 nor the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S107 without executing any particular process.

[0057] On the other hand, if the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 disables the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 connected to the interface device 133 (step S106). For example, the control unit 151 disables the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 by prohibiting the processing circuit 150 from communicating with the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 via the interface device 133. Alternatively, the control unit 151 disables the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 by stopping the power supply to the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 via the interface device 133. In this case, the control unit 151 transmits a stop instruction signal to the interface device 133 instructing it to stop the power supply to each manipulation device 201 or storage device 202. Upon receiving the stop instruction signal, the interface device 133 stops the power supply to the specified manipulation device 201 or storage device 202. As a result, the processing circuit 150 will no longer be able to use the operation device 201 or the storage device 202 connected to the interface device 133.

[0058] Next, the control unit 151 drives the motor 131 to rotate the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 118 and / or the second discharge roller 119 to feed and transport the medium (step S107).

[0059] Next, control unit 151 waits until the leading edge of the medium passes the imaging start position (step S108). Control unit 151 periodically acquires a second medium signal from second medium sensor 116, and when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium is not present to a value indicating that the medium is present, control unit 151 determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of second medium sensor 116. When the leading edge of the medium passes the position of second medium sensor 116, control unit 151 determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the imaging start position.

[0060] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 117 to start imaging the medium (step S109).

[0061] Next, control unit 151 waits until the trailing edge of the medium passes the imaging end position (step S110). Control unit 151 determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the position of second medium sensor 116 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating the presence of the medium to a value indicating the absence of the medium. Control unit 151 determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the imaging end position when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the medium passed the position of second medium sensor 116. The first predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of second medium sensor 116 to the imaging end position.

[0062] Next, the control unit 151 causes the imaging device 117 to stop capturing an image of the medium (step S111).

[0063] Next, the control unit 151 waits until the trailing edge of the medium passes the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 (step S112). The control unit 151 determines that the trailing edge of the medium has passed the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119 when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing edge of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The second predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 116 to the position of the downstream end of the nip portion of the first discharge roller 118 and the second discharge roller 119.

[0064] Next, the control unit 151 controls the motor 131 to stop the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveying roller 114, the second conveying roller 115, the first discharge roller 118 and / or the second discharge roller 119 (step S113).

[0065] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not manipulation device 201 or storage device 202 connected to interface device 133 has been revoked in step S106 (step S114). If manipulation device 201 or storage device 202 has not been revoked, control unit 151 proceeds to step S116 without performing any particular processing.

[0066] On the other hand, if the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 has been disabled, the control unit 151 executes the activation of the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 connected to the interface device 133 (step S115). If the control unit 151 had prohibited communication with the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202, the control unit 151 executes the activation of the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 by permitting communication with the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202. If the control unit 151 had stopped the power supply to the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202, the control unit 151 executes the activation of the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 by supplying power to the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202. In this case, the control unit 151 transmits a supply instruction signal to the interface device 133 instructing the interface device 133 to supply power to each manipulation device 201 or storage device 202. Upon receiving the supply instruction signal, the interface device 133 supplies power to the specified manipulation device 201 or storage device 202. Thereafter, the processing circuit 150 becomes able to use the operation device 201 or the storage device 202 connected to the interface device 133 .

[0067] In this way, while the transport unit is transporting the medium, the control unit 151 prohibits communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or stops the supply of power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133. That is, the control unit 151 changes whether or not to communicate with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether or not to supply power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the state of transport by the transport unit. By not performing unnecessary communication or power supply while the medium is being transported, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process and suppress the occurrence of operational errors by the user.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 151 prohibits communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or stops the supply of power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133 while the imaging device 117 is capturing an image. That is, the control unit 151 changes whether or not to enable communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether or not to enable power supply to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the state of imaging by the imaging device 117. By not performing unnecessary communication or power supply while capturing an image of a medium, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process and suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations by the user.

[0069] In particular, the control unit 151 prohibits communication with the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 or stops the supply of power to the manipulation device 201 or the storage device 202 while the transport unit is transporting the medium or while the imaging device 117 is capturing an image. As a result, the information processing device 100 does not communicate with or supply power to unnecessary devices while the transport unit is transporting the medium or while the imaging device 117 is capturing an image. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process and suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations by the user.

[0070] Furthermore, on the condition that the external device 200 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 prohibits communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or stops the supply of power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133. That is, the control unit 151 changes whether or not communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether or not power is supplied to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the state of connection of the external device 200 to the interface device 133. By not executing a mode change when the external device 200 is not connected to the interface device 133, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and processing time in the medium reading process.

[0071] Furthermore, the reception unit 152 receives a mode change permission setting from the user, which allows the user to set whether or not to change the mode depending on the purpose of the information processing device 100 or the type of medium to be imaged, thereby enabling the information processing device 100 to improve user convenience.

[0072] Next, the control unit 151 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 and stores it in the storage device 140 or in the storage device 202 via the interface device 133 (step S116). For example, if the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 stores the input image in the storage device 202, and if the storage device 202 is not connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 stores the input image in the storage device 140. Alternatively, the control unit 151 may store the input image in either the storage device 140 or the storage device 202, whichever is designated in advance by the user in a profile.

[0073] Next, the control unit 151 displays an inquiry screen on the display device 106, which displays the input image and inquires the user about whether or not to correct the input image and the details of the correction, or transmits the inquiry screen to the control device via the communication device 132 and causes the control device to display the inquiry screen. The control unit 151 waits until the user inputs an instruction regarding correction using the operation device 105, the control device, or the operation equipment 201, and receives a correction instruction signal from the operation device 105, the communication device 132, or the interface device 133. The correction instruction signal indicates whether or not to correct the input image and the details of the correction. The control unit 151 determines whether or not the user has instructed to correct the input image (step S117). The control unit 151 determines whether or not the user has instructed to correct the input image based on whether or not the correction instruction signal indicates that correction should be made to the input image. If the user has not instructed to correct the input image, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S119 without performing any particular processing.

[0074] On the other hand, if the user instructs to correct the input image, the control unit 151 corrects the input image in accordance with the correction content indicated in the correction instruction signal (step S118). The control unit 151 performs corrections such as cropping, gamma correction, and filtering on the input image using known image processing techniques.

[0075] Next, the control unit 151 determines whether or not a mode change is possible, similarly to the process of step S104 (step S119). If a mode change is not possible, the control unit 151 proceeds to step S122 without performing any particular process.

[0076] On the other hand, if the mode can be changed, detection unit 153 determines whether or not manipulation device 201 is connected to interface device 133, similar to the process of step S105 (step S120). If manipulation device 201 is not connected to interface device 133, control unit 151 proceeds to step S122 without executing any particular process.

[0077] On the other hand, if manipulation device 201 is connected to interface device 133, control unit 151 executes the same process as in step S106 to disable manipulation device 201 connected to interface device 133 (step S121). As a result, processing circuit 150 will no longer be able to use manipulation device 201 connected to interface device 133.

[0078] Next, the control unit 151 outputs the input image by transmitting it to the control device via the communication device 132 or storing it in the storage device 202 via the interface device 133 (step S122). For example, if the storage device 202 is connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 stores the input image in the storage device 202, and if the storage device 202 is not connected to the interface device 133, the control unit 151 transmits the input image to the control device via the communication device 132. Alternatively, the control unit 151 may output the input image to either the control device or the storage device 202, whichever device is designated in advance by the user in a profile.

[0079] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not manipulation device 201 connected to interface device 133 has been disabled in step S121 (step S123). If manipulation device 201 has not been disabled, control unit 151 proceeds to step S125 without performing any particular process.

[0080] On the other hand, if manipulation device 201 has been disabled, control unit 151 executes the same processing as in step S115 to enable manipulation device 201 connected to interface device 133 (step S124). Thereby, processing circuit 150 becomes able to use manipulation device 201 connected to interface device 133 thereafter.

[0081] In this way, the control unit 151 prohibits communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or stops the supply of power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133 while the communication device 132 is outputting an input image. That is, the control unit 151 changes whether or not to communicate with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether or not to supply power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the state of the output by the communication device 132. By not performing unnecessary communication or power supply while outputting information, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process and suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations by the user.

[0082] Furthermore, control unit 151 prohibits communication with manipulation device 201 or stops the supply of power to manipulation device 201 while communication device 132 is outputting an input image. As a result, information processing device 100 does not communicate with or supply power to unnecessary devices while communication device 132 is outputting an input image. Therefore, information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process, and can also suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations by the user.

[0083] On the other hand, the control unit 151 does not prohibit communication with the storage device 202 or stop the supply of power to the storage device 202 while the communication device 132 is outputting the input image. That is, the control unit 151 changes whether or not to communicate with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether or not to supply power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the type of external device 200 connected to the interface device 133. This allows the information processing device 100 to flexibly change whether or not to communicate or whether or not to supply power depending on the type of external device 200, thereby further suppressing an increase in the processing load and / or power consumption in the medium reading process and further suppressing the occurrence of operational errors by the user.

[0084] Next, control unit 151 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from first medium sensor 111 (step S125). 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 S125. On the other hand, if a medium does not remain on mounting table 103, control unit 151 ends the series of steps.

[0085] It should be noted that information processing device 100 does not have to support either manipulation device 201 or storage device 202. Furthermore, the processes of steps S104 to S106 may be executed between the processes of steps S108 and S109, and the processes of steps S114 to S115 may be executed between the processes of steps S111 and S112. Furthermore, the processes of steps S117 to S118 may be omitted.

[0086] Furthermore, instead of stopping the transport of the media each time the transport of each medium is completed, the control unit 151 may stop the transport of the media when the transport of all the media placed together on the mounting table 103 is completed. In this case, the control unit 151 may disable the operation device 201 and / or the storage device 202 until the transport of all the media is completed.

[0087] Furthermore, after the transportation of all the media is completed, the control unit 151 may correct the input images of the captured media. In this case, the control unit 151 may disable the operation device 201 until the transportation of all the media is completed.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 151 may output the input images of each medium after the transportation of all the media is completed. In this case, the control unit 151 may disable the storage device 202 until the transportation of all the media is completed.

[0089] Furthermore, control unit 151 may enable operation device 201 when receiving an instruction from a user using operation device 201, and may disable operation device 201 at other times. Control unit 151 may enable storage device 202 when writing or reading information to or from storage device 202, and may disable storage device 202 at other times.

[0090] As described above in detail, the information processing device 100 changes whether to communicate with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or whether to supply power to the external device 200 via the interface device 133, depending on the state of transport of the medium, the state of imaging the medium, or the state of output of the input image. This makes it possible for the information processing device 100 to appropriately control the communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or the power supply to the external device 200 via the interface device 133.

[0091] In particular, the information processing device 100 enables the external device 200 when it is necessary to use the external device 200, and disables the external device 200 when it is not necessary to use the external device 200. This allows the information processing device 100 to appropriately use the external device 200 while suppressing an increase in the processing load or power consumption in the medium reading process.

[0092] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 disables the external device 200 during times when power consumption is large, such as when a medium is being transported, when an image of the medium is being captured, or when an input image is being output. This allows the information processing device 100 to prevent a momentary increase in power consumption and appropriately limit the power consumption of the device.

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a processing circuit in an information processing device according to another embodiment.

[0094] The processing circuit 350 is used in place of the processing circuit 150 of the information processing device 100, and executes media reading processing and the like in place of the processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 350 has a control circuit 351, a receiving circuit 352, a detection circuit 353, and the like. Note that each of these components may be configured as an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, and the like.

[0095] The control circuit 351 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 151. The control circuit 351 receives an operation signal from the operation device 105, the communication device 132, or the interface device 133, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116. The control circuit 351 also reads the acceptance result of the permission setting by the acceptance circuit 352 from the storage device 140 and receives the detection result of the external device 200 connected to the interface device 133 from the detection circuit 353. The control circuit 351 controls the motor 131 based on the acquired information and acquires an input image from the imaging device 117. The control circuit 351 also outputs an inquiry screen to the display device 106 or the communication device 132 and receives a correction instruction signal from the operation device 105, the communication device 132, or the interface device 133. The control circuit 351 corrects the input image based on the received correction instruction signal and outputs it from the communication device 132 or the interface device 133.

[0096] The receiving circuit 352 is an example of a receiving unit, and has the same function as the receiving unit 152. The receiving circuit 352 receives a mode change permission setting from the operation device 105, the communication device 132, or the interface device 133, and stores the reception result in the storage device 140.

[0097] The detection circuit 353 is an example of a detection unit, and has the same function as the detection unit 153. The detection circuit 353 receives a connected device signal from the interface device 133, detects the external device 200 connected to the interface device 133, and outputs the detection result to the control circuit 351.

[0098] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the processing circuit 350, it is possible to appropriately control communication with the external device 200 via the interface device 133 or the power supply to the external device 200 via the interface device 133.

[0099] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medium transport path of the information processing device may have a so-called U-turn path mechanism, which feeds and transports media placed on a loading tray from the top to the bottom, and then discharges the media onto a discharge tray. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feed roller, facing the feed roller.

[0100] The information processing device may also have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 117. The image forming device is an inkjet or laser printer, etc., and is disposed at a position corresponding to the position where the imaging device 117 is disposed, and forms an image on a transported medium (prints predetermined information). The information processing device may also be a so-called flatbed scanner, an overhead scanner, a facsimile, a copier, a multi-function printer, etc., which captures images without transporting the medium. In this case, the imaging device is provided so as to be movable in the sub-scanning direction by driving force from a motor. The information processing device may also be a personal computer, a mobile phone, etc., which has an imaging device that captures an image of a medium and generates an input image, and an output device that displays or transmits the input image.

[0101] Furthermore, the control unit 151 may control the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 in accordance with the state of transportation by the transport unit, the state of image capture by the imaging device 117, or the state of output by the communication device 132, in the same way as when controlling the operation device 201. In this case, the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 are connected to the processing circuit 150 via the interface device 133. The control unit 151 changes whether or not to communicate with the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 via the interface device 133, or whether or not to supply power to the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 via the interface device 133, in accordance with the state of transportation by the transport unit, the state of image capture by the imaging device 117, or the state of output by the communication device 132. The control unit 151 prohibits communication with the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 via the interface device 133 or stops the supply of power to the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 via the interface device 133 while the medium is being transported by the transport unit, while the imaging device 117 is capturing an image, or while the communication device 132 is outputting an image. Alternatively, the control unit 151 may permit communication with the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 and supply power to the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 when the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 are being used. On the other hand, the control unit 151 may prohibit communication with the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 or stop the supply of power to the operation device 105 and / or the display device 106 at other times. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100 Information processing device, 112 Feeding roller, 113 Separation roller, 114 First conveying roller, 115 Second conveying roller, 116 Second medium sensor, 117 Imaging device, 118 First discharge roller, 119 Second discharge roller, 132 Communication device, 133 Interface device, 151 Control unit, 152 Reception unit, 153 Detection unit, 200 External device, 201 Operation device, 202 Storage device

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the medium; an interface unit connectable to an external device; a control unit that changes whether or not communication with an external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on a state of conveyance by the conveyance unit; A medium transport device comprising:

2. The medium transport device according to claim 1 , wherein the interface unit is connectable to an external device for controlling the medium transport device or for acquiring information from the medium transport device.

3. a detection unit that detects connection of an external device to the interface unit; The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit changes whether or not communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit, further depending on the state of connection of the external device to the interface unit.

4. The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a receiving unit that receives permission settings for changing whether communication with an external device is possible via the interface unit or whether power is supplied to an external device via the interface unit.

5. the interface unit is connectable to a plurality of types of external devices, The medium transport device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit changes whether or not communication with the external device via the interface unit or whether or not power can be supplied to the external device via the interface unit, further depending on the type of external device connected to the interface unit.

6. The external device is an operation device that accepts operations by a user, The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit prohibits communication with an external device via the interface unit or stops power supply to the external device via the interface unit while the transport unit is transporting the medium.

7. The external device is a storage device that stores information, The medium transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit prohibits communication with an external device via the interface unit or stops power supply to the external device via the interface unit while the transport unit is transporting the medium.

8. an imaging unit that captures an image of a medium and generates an input image; an output unit that outputs the input image; an interface unit connectable to an external device; a control unit that changes whether or not communication with an external device via the interface unit or whether or not power can be supplied to the external device via the interface unit depending on an image capturing state by the image capturing unit or an output state by the output unit; An image reading device comprising:

9. The image reading device according to claim 8 , wherein the interface unit is connectable to an external device for controlling the image reading device or for obtaining information from the image reading device.

10. a detection unit that detects connection of an external device to the interface unit; 10. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit changes whether or not communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit, further depending on the state of connection of the external device to the interface unit.

11. 10. The image reading device according to claim 8, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive a permission setting for changing whether or not communication with an external device is permitted via the interface unit or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit.

12. the interface unit is connectable to a plurality of types of external devices, 10. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit changes whether or not communication with the external device is possible via the interface unit or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit, further depending on the type of external device connected to the interface unit.

13. The external device is an operation device that accepts operations by a user, 10. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit prohibits communication with an external device via the interface unit or stops power supply to the external device via the interface unit while the imaging unit is capturing an image or the output unit is outputting an image.

14. The external device is a storage device that stores information, 10. The image reading device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit prohibits communication with an external device via the interface unit or stops power supply to the external device via the interface unit while the imaging unit is capturing an image.

15. The transport unit transports the medium. and changing whether or not communication with an external device is possible via an interface unit connectable to the external device, or whether or not power is supplied to the external device via the interface unit, depending on a state of conveyance by the conveyance unit. A medium transport method comprising:

16. an imaging unit captures an image of the medium to generate an input image; an output unit outputs the input image; changing whether to communicate with an external device via an interface unit connectable to the external device or whether to supply power to the external device via the interface unit, depending on the state of image capture by the image capture unit or the state of output by the output unit; An image reading method comprising:

17. A control program for a medium transport device having a transport unit that transports a medium and an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, comprising: changing whether to communicate with an external device via the interface unit or whether to supply power to the external device via the interface unit according to a state of conveyance by the conveyance unit; a control program for causing the medium transport device to execute the above steps;

18. A control program for an image reading device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a medium to generate an input image, an output unit that outputs the input image, and an interface unit that can be connected to an external device, comprising: changing whether to communicate with an external device via the interface unit or whether to supply power to the external device via the interface unit depending on the state of imaging by the imaging unit or the state of output by the output unit; a control program for causing the image reading device to execute the above steps;

Images