Image reading apparatus and method for controlling image reading apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image reading apparatus capable of improving user convenience, and a control method of the image reading apparatus.SOLUTION: An image reading apparatus includes a transport unit that transports a document along a transport path, a light-transmitting member that is provided at a position along the transport path, a reading unit that reads the document transported along the transport path at a position where the light-transmitting member is interposed between the reading unit and the transport path, a moving unit that changes a position of the reading unit, and a control unit that controls the transport unit, the reading unit, and the moving unit. In a standby state in which a reading job for causing the reading unit to read one or a plurality of documents according to a reading instruction of a user is not executed, the control unit controls the moving unit so as to change the position of the reading unit when it is detected that noise occurs in an image read by the reading unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device and a control method for an image reading device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device including a reading glass provided on a transport path along which a document is transported, and a reading sensor provided at a position across the reading glass from the transport path. When reading a document in response to a user's reading instruction, the image reading device is configured to detect whether or not there are streaks in the image to be read, and if streaks are detected in the image, notify the user to move the reading sensor along the transport path. When the user manually moves the reading sensor along the transport path in response to this notification, the image reading device can read the document without streaks. The reading glass is an example of a light-transmitting member. The reading sensor is an example of a reading unit. The streaks are an example of noise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-22908 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with such an image reading device, when reading an original document in response to a user's reading instruction, it takes a long time to read the image, which may reduce user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image reading device that solves the above problem comprises a transport unit that transports a document along a transport path, a light-transmitting member that is positioned along the transport path, a reading unit that reads the document transported along the transport path at a position that sandwiches the light-transmitting member with respect to the transport path, a moving unit that changes the position of the reading unit, and a control unit that controls the transport unit, the reading unit, and the moving unit, and the control unit controls the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise has occurred in the image read by the reading unit in a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed that causes the reading unit to read one or more documents in accordance with a user's reading instruction.

[0006] A control method for an image reading device that solves the above problem is a control method for an image reading device that includes a light-transmitting member that is provided at a position along a transport path along which a document is transported, and a reading unit that is positioned to sandwich the light-transmitting member with respect to the transport path and that reads the document transported along the transport path, and in a standby state where a reading job that causes the reading unit to read one or more documents in accordance with a user's reading instruction is not being executed, the method changes the position of the reading unit when it is detected that noise has occurred in the image read by the reading unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image reading device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the internal configuration of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view and an enlarged view showing the schematic configuration of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the luminance data of the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a graph showing the luminance data of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the difference between the reference data and the measurement data and the threshold value in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the noise monitoring process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the control content in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the noise monitoring process of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the control content in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [First embodiment] An embodiment of an image reading device and a method for controlling the image reading device will be described below. The image reading device in this embodiment may be, for example, a flatbed scanner device that constitutes a part of a multifunction peripheral.

[0009] In the following description, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z is referred to as the front-rear direction Y, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the front-rear direction Y is referred to as the intersecting direction X. One direction along the front-rear direction Y is referred to as the forward direction Y1, and the other direction along the front-rear direction Y is referred to as the backward direction Y2. One direction along the intersecting direction X is referred to as the first intersecting direction X1, and the other direction along the intersecting direction X is referred to as the second intersecting direction X2. The upward direction in the vertical direction Z is referred to as the upward direction Z1, and the downward direction in the vertical direction Z is referred to as the downward direction Z2.

[0010] <Configuration of Multifunction Device 11> As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 11 has printing, scanning, and copying functions. The multifunction device 11 includes a device main body 12, a printing device 21, and an image reading device 31. The device main body 12 includes an operation panel 13. The operation panel 13 includes a display unit 14 and an operation unit 15. The display unit 14 displays various types of information. The display unit 14 corresponds to an example of a notification unit. The operation unit 15 can be operated by a user. The multifunction device 11 receives instructions from the user from the operation unit 15. The multifunction device 11 may be capable of communicating with a terminal device (not shown). The multifunction device 11 may receive instructions from the user from the terminal device. The operation panel 13 may be provided in the image reading device 31.

[0011] <Configuration of Printer 21> The printing device 21 prints on a medium P. The medium P may be, for example, paper. The printing device 21 includes a cassette 22. The cassette 22 is attached to the bottom of the device main body 12. The printing device 21 prints on the medium P fed from the cassette 22. The printing device 21 includes an outlet 23 and a stacker 24. After printing, the medium P is discharged into the stacker 24 via the outlet 23.

[0012] <Configuration of image reading device 31> The image reading device 31 reads an image from an original D. The original D may be, for example, paper. The image reading device 31 is provided above Z1 the printing device 21. The image reading device 31 is a flatbed type on which the original D can be placed.

[0013] The image reading device 31 includes a main body 32 and a document table cover 34. The main body 32 includes a document table 33. The document table 33 is provided on the upper part of the main body 32. The document table 33 includes an area where the document D can be placed. In this way, the document table 33 allows the document D to be placed thereon.

[0014] The document table cover 34 is provided above Z1 of the main body 32. The document table cover 34 is configured to be able to open and close the document table 33. The document table cover 34 is configured to cover the document table 33. The document table cover 34 includes a placement section 35 and a discharge tray 36. The placement section 35 can hold multiple sheets of document D before reading. The discharge tray 36 can hold documents D after reading. The documents D after reading are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 36.

[0015] The image reading device 31 includes a control circuit 90. The control circuit 90 may be provided in the main body 32. The control circuit 90 comprehensively controls the image reading device 31. The control circuit 90 controls various operations executed by the image reading device 31. In this way, the control circuit 90 controls the moving unit 45, the first reading unit 51, the second reading unit 52, and the conveying unit 53, which will be described later. The control circuit 90 may comprehensively control the device main body 12 and the printing device 21.

[0016] The control circuit 90 controls the reading of an image from an original document D in response to input of a reading job. The reading job is input by a reading instruction from a user. The reading job may be input in response to operation of the operation unit 15. The reading job may also be input from a terminal device. A reading job is a process for reading an image from one or more original documents D. When the reading of an image based on the reading job is completed, the control circuit 90 enters a standby state. In other words, the standby state is a state in which a reading job is not being executed.

[0017] 2, the main body 32 has a first reading window 37 and a second reading window 38. That is, the image reading device 31 has the first reading window 37 and the second reading window 38. The first reading window 37 and the second reading window 38 are provided on the upper surface of the document table 33. The first reading window 37 and the second reading window 38 open upward in the direction Z1.

[0018] The first reading window 37 is provided at a reading position where an image of the original D is read. The first reading window 37 extends in the front-to-rear direction Y. The first reading window 37 is slightly longer in the front-to-rear direction Y than the maximum original width. The length of the first reading window 37 in the cross direction X is shorter than the length in the front-to-rear direction Y.

[0019] The second reading window 38 is provided in the first intersecting direction X1 further than the first reading window 37. The second reading window 38 is slightly wider than the maximum document size that can be read by the image reading device 31. The second reading window 38 is wider than the first reading window 37.

[0020] The main body 32 includes a first light-transmitting member 41 and a second light-transmitting member 42. That is, the image reading device 31 includes the first light-transmitting member 41 and the second light-transmitting member 42. The first light-transmitting member 41 and the second light-transmitting member 42 are members having light-transmitting properties. The first light-transmitting member 41 and the second light-transmitting member 42 are made of, for example, transparent glass, but may also be made of a transparent resin material or a transparent ceramic material other than glass.

[0021] The first light-transmitting member 41 is provided in the first reading window 37. The first light-transmitting member 41 is fitted into the first reading window 37. In other words, the first light-transmitting member 41 is provided on the document table 33. The first light-transmitting member 41 extends in the front-rear direction Y. The first light-transmitting member 41 is slightly longer than the maximum document width in the front-rear direction Y. The length of the first light-transmitting member 41 in the cross direction X is shorter than the length in the front-rear direction Y. The first light-transmitting member 41 corresponds to an example of a light-transmitting member.

[0022] The second light-transmitting member 42 is provided in the second reading window 38. The second light-transmitting member 42 is fitted into the second reading window 38. In other words, the second light-transmitting member 42 is provided on the document table 33. The second light-transmitting member 42 is provided in the first intersecting direction X1 further than the first light-transmitting member 41. The second light-transmitting member 42 is slightly wider than the maximum document size that can be read by the image reading device 31. The second light-transmitting member 42 is wider than the first light-transmitting member 41.

[0023] The document platen cover 34 includes a first background plate 43 and a second background plate 44. The first background plate 43 and the second background plate 44 are provided below the document platen cover 34 at a position Z2 when the document platen cover 34 is in a state in which the main body 32 is closed. The first background plate 43 and the second background plate 44 reflect the irradiated light. The first background plate 43 and the second background plate 44 are read as a background together with the document D.

[0024] The first background plate 43 is provided in a position facing the first light-transmitting member 41 when the platen cover 34 is in a state where the main body 32 is closed. The first background plate 43 is slightly larger than the first reading window 37. The first background plate 43 is provided in a position where the first light-transmitting member 41 is sandwiched between the first reading unit 51, which will be described later. The first background plate 43 corresponds to an example of a background plate.

[0025] The second background plate 44 is provided in a position facing the second light-transmitting member 42 when the platen cover 34 is in a state where the main body 32 is closed. The second background plate 44 has a shape that is slightly larger than the second reading window 38. The second background plate 44 is provided in a position where the second light-transmitting member 42 is sandwiched between the first reading unit 51, which will be described later.

[0026] 3, the main body 32 includes a first reading unit 51. That is, the image reading device 31 includes the first reading unit 51. The first reading unit 51 is configured to read an image from an original document D. The first reading unit 51 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction Y. That is, the first reading unit 51 extends in the front-rear direction Y that intersects with the cross direction X.

[0027] The first reading unit 51 includes, for example, a light source and multiple image sensors. The light source irradiates light toward the original D. The light source may be, for example, an LED or a fluorescent lamp. The multiple image sensors are arranged in the front-to-rear direction Y. The image sensor outputs an output value according to the amount of light received. The image sensor may be a monochrome sensor or a color sensor. The image sensor may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor. The first reading unit 51 corresponds to an example of a reading unit.

[0028] The main body 32 includes a moving unit 45. That is, the image reading device 31 includes the moving unit 45. The moving unit 45 moves the first reading unit 51 in the cross direction X. In other words, the moving unit 45 is configured to change the position of the first reading unit 51. The moving unit 45 may include a carriage 46, a guide rail 47, a carriage driving unit 48, and a power transmission mechanism 49.

[0029] The carriage 46 is configured to carry the first reading unit 51. The carriage 46 is supported by a guide rail 47. The guide rail 47 extends along the transverse direction X. The carriage 46 moves in the transverse direction X along the guide rail 47.

[0030] The carriage drive unit 48 is a power source that moves the carriage 46 in the cross direction X. The carriage drive unit 48 may be, for example, a motor. The power transmission mechanism 49 transmits the power of the carriage drive unit 48 to the carriage 46. The power transmission mechanism 49 may include a plurality of pulleys 49A and an endless belt 49B. The belt 49B is wound around the plurality of pulleys 49A. The belt 49B is fixed to the carriage 46.

[0031] The main body 32 may include a carriage detection unit 50 shown in FIG. 5. The carriage detection unit 50 detects the position of the carriage 46 in the cross direction X. The carriage detection unit 50 may include an encoder (not shown). The carriage detection unit 50 outputs a detection signal to the control circuit 90.

[0032] 4, the platen cover 34 includes a transport unit 53. That is, the image reading device 31 includes the transport unit 53. The transport unit 53 is configured to transport the document D along a transport path 54. The transport unit 53 forms part of an auto document feeder (ADF).

[0033] The transport unit 53 includes a feed roller 55 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 56. The transport unit 53 includes a transport drive unit 60 shown in FIG. 5. The feed roller 55 transports the original D one sheet at a time from the placement unit 35 along a transport path 54. The transport roller pairs 56 are provided at a position along the transport path 54. The transport path 54 connects the placement unit 35 and the discharge tray 36. The transport path 54 passes through a reading area 57. The transport drive unit 60 is a power source that drives the feed roller 55 and the plurality of transport roller pairs 56. The transport drive unit 60 may be, for example, a motor.

[0034] In the reading area 57, the transport path 54 is aligned with the intersecting direction X. That is, in the reading area 57, the transport direction is aligned with the intersecting direction X. In the reading area 57, the transport path 54 is provided at a position sandwiched between the first light-transmitting member 41 and the first background plate 43. That is, the first light-transmitting member 41 and the first background plate 43 are provided at positions along the transport path 54.

[0035] The document platen cover 34 includes a first detection unit 61 and a second detection unit 62. The first detection unit 61 is provided at a position along the transport path 54. The first detection unit 61 is provided at a position upstream of the reading area 57 in the transport direction. The first detection unit 61 is capable of detecting the document D.

[0036] The second detection unit 62 is provided at a position along the transport path 54. The second detection unit 62 is provided at a position downstream in the transport direction from the reading area 57. The second detection unit 62 is capable of detecting the original D.

[0037] The platen cover 34 includes a second reading unit 52, a third light-transmitting member 58, and a third background plate 59. In other words, the image reading device 31 includes the second reading unit 52, the third light-transmitting member 58, and the third background plate 59. The second reading unit 52 is provided along the transport path 54. The second reading unit 52 is provided at a position downstream in the transport direction from the second detection unit 62. The second reading unit 52 has the same function as the first reading unit 51. The third light-transmitting member 58 has the same function as the first light-transmitting member 41. The third background plate 59 has the same function as the first background plate 43. The second reading unit 52 can read an image from the back side of the document D.

[0038] <Image reading mode> The image reading device 31 can operate in either a first image reading mode or a second image reading mode as an image reading mode. In the first image reading mode, an image is read from an original D transported in the transport direction along a transport path 54. The first image reading mode is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) mode. In the first image reading mode, images can be read from both sides of an original D. In the first image reading mode, the first reading unit 51 reads an image from the front side of the original D. In the first image reading mode, the second reading unit 52 reads an image from the back side of the original D.

[0039] In the second image reading mode, an image is read from the original D placed on the second light-transmitting member 42. The second image reading mode is a flatbed (FB) mode. In the second image reading mode, the first reading unit 51 reads an image from the original D placed on the second light-transmitting member 42 while scanning in the intersecting direction X by moving the carriage 46 in the intersecting direction X.

[0040] <Reading position of first reading unit 51> The first reading section 51 can read an image from the original D at any one of a plurality of positions within the reading area 57. The plurality of positions may include a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0041] 4, the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the first position P1. The second position P2 is located further in the first intersecting direction X1 than the first position P1. The first reading unit 51 is movable between the first position P1 and the second position P2 by movement of the carriage 46 in the intersecting direction X.

[0042] The first position P1 and the second position P2 are positions where the first reading unit 51 is along the transport path 54. In other words, when the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the first position P1 or the second position P2, the first reading unit 51 is provided at a position where the first light-transmitting member 41 is sandwiched between the first reading unit 51 and the transport path 54. In this manner, the carriage driving unit 48 moves the carriage 46 along the transport path 54 in the reading area 57. In other words, the moving unit 45 moves the first reading unit 51 along the transport path 54 in the reading area 57.

[0043] When the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the first position P1, it is disposed so as to face the first background plate 43 with the first light-transmissive member 41 sandwiched therebetween. When the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the second position P2, it is disposed so as to face the first background plate 43 with the first light-transmissive member 41 sandwiched therebetween. The first reading unit 51 can read an image through different areas of the first light-transmissive member 41 when disposed at the first position P1 and when disposed at the second position P2.

[0044] In this way, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are positions where the first reading unit 51 sandwiches the first light-transmissive member 41 with respect to the transport path 54. In this way, when the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the first position P1 and the second position P2, the first reading unit 51 is provided at a position where the first light-transmissive member 41 and the transport path 54 are sandwiched with respect to the first background plate 43. In other words, the first background plate 43 is provided at a position where the first light-transmissive member 41 and the transport path 54 are sandwiched with respect to the first reading unit 51.

[0045] In this embodiment, when no document D is placed in the reading area 57, the first reading unit 51 reads the image of the first background plate 43 through the first light-transmitting member 41, and the control circuit 90 can detect whether or not there is noise in the read image. This allows the control circuit 90 to detect whether or not there is any foreign matter or dirt attached to the first light-transmitting member 41.

[0046] 5, the control circuit 90 includes a control unit 91 and a memory 92. The control circuit 90 is a controller that controls the image reading device 31. The control unit 91 corresponds to an example of a control unit. The control unit 91 is, for example, a processor having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0047] The memory 92 may be composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The RAM functions as a work area for the arithmetic unit. The RAM is used to temporarily store various data such as various control programs 85. The ROM stores various setting data such as the control programs 85 for controlling the operation of the image reading device 31. In other words, the memory 92 stores the control programs 85.

[0048] The memory 92 may store threshold data 86 and reference data 87. The memory 92 may store measurement data 88. The threshold data 86 is data indicating a threshold for detecting whether or not an image contains noise. The reference data 87 is data indicating a reference value of brightness for detecting whether or not an image contains noise. The measurement data 88 is data indicating a measured value of brightness for detecting whether or not an image contains noise.

[0049] The control unit 91 executes a control program 85 stored in the memory 92 to comprehensively control the operation of the image reading device 31. The control unit 91 executes the control program 85 stored in the memory 92 to function as various functional units.

[0050] The control unit 91 includes, as functional parts, a transport control part 80, a carriage drive control part 81, a reading control part 82, a display control part 83, and a noise determination part 84. The transport control part 80 controls the driving of the transport drive part 60. The transport control part 80 receives detection signals from the first detection part 61 and the second detection part 62. The carriage drive control part 81 controls the driving of the carriage drive part 48. The carriage drive control part 81 receives a detection signal from the carriage detection part 50. The reading control part 82 controls the driving of the first reading part 51 and the second reading part 52. The display control part 83 controls the driving of the display part 14. The noise determination part 84 determines whether or not there is noise in the image read from the first background plate 43.

[0051] <Noise detection method> Here, a method for detecting whether or not an image has noise will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. In Figs. 6 and 7, the horizontal axis represents pixels of the image sensor of the first reading unit 51, and the vertical axis represents brightness values. In Fig. 8, the horizontal axis represents pixels, and the vertical axis represents differences in brightness values. The left end of the horizontal axis represents the first pixel, and the right end represents the nth pixel, where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. A pixel is the smallest unit of image data read by the first reading unit 51.

[0052] 6 and 7, the luminance data is data of luminance values ​​when the first reading unit 51 reads the first background plate 43 through the first light-transmitting member 41. The luminance data includes reference data 87 indicated by the symbol Ri and measurement data 88 indicated by the symbol Li. The reference data 87 is data when no noise is included before the image reading device 31 is shipped. The measurement data 88 is data in the usage environment by the user after the image reading device 31 is shipped.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, when there is no noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51, the difference between the reference data 87 and the measurement data 88 is less than the threshold value. As shown in Fig. 7, when there is noise indicated by the symbol NS in the image read by the first reading unit 51, the difference between the reference data 87 and the measurement data 88 is greater than or equal to the threshold value.

[0054] 8, it is possible to determine that noise has occurred in the measurement data 88 based on the fact that the difference between the reference data 87 and the measurement data 88 indicated by the symbol A is equal to or greater than the threshold indicated by the symbol SH. The difference is the absolute value of the difference between the reference data 87 and the measurement data 88.

[0055] This makes it possible to determine whether dirt, foreign matter, or the like is attached to the first light-transmitting member 41. Furthermore, it is also possible to identify the position where the dirt, foreign matter, or the like is attached based on the number of the pixel where noise occurs.

[0056] <Noise monitoring processing> Next, the noise monitoring process will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The noise monitoring process is executed by the control unit 91 at predetermined intervals.

[0057] 9, in step S11, the control unit 91 determines whether the reading job has ended. That is, the control unit 91 determines whether the reading job is in a standby state where it is not being executed. If the control unit 91 determines that the reading job has ended, the process proceeds to step S12. If the control unit 91 determines that the reading job has not ended, the noise monitoring process ends.

[0058] In step S12, the control unit 91 executes a threshold value obtaining process. In the threshold value obtaining process, the control unit 91 obtains the threshold value data 86 by reading out the threshold value data 86 stored in advance in the memory 92.

[0059] In step S13, the control unit 91 executes a reference data acquisition process. In the reference data acquisition process, the control unit 91 acquires the reference data 87 by reading out the reference data 87 stored in advance in the memory 92.

[0060] In step S14, the control unit 91 executes a luminance data acquisition process. In the luminance data acquisition process, the control unit 91 controls the first reading unit 51 to acquire an image of the first background board 43 in a state where the document D is not placed in the reading area 57. The control unit 91 calculates the luminance value of the image read by the first reading unit 51, thereby acquiring measurement data 88 as luminance data.

[0061] In detail, when the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the first position P1, the control unit 91 causes the first reading unit 51 disposed at the first position P1 to read the image of the first background board 43. When the first reading unit 51 is disposed at the second position P2, the control unit 91 causes the first reading unit 51 disposed at the second position P2 to read the image of the first background board 43.

[0062] The control unit 91 can recognize the current position of the carriage 46 based on the detection signal from the carriage detection unit 50. That is, the control unit 91 can recognize whether the first reading unit 51 is located at the first position P1 based on the detection signal from the carriage detection unit 50. The control unit 91 can recognize whether the first reading unit 51 is located at the second position P2 based on the detection signal from the carriage detection unit 50.

[0063] In step S15, the control unit 91 executes a difference calculation process. In the difference calculation process, the control unit 91 calculates the difference between the reference data 87 acquired in step S13 and the measurement data 88 acquired in step S14.

[0064] In step S16, the control unit 91 determines whether or not noise is present in the image. The control unit 91 determines whether or not noise is present in the image based on whether or not the difference calculated in step S15 is equal to or greater than the threshold value acquired in step S12. The control unit 91 that executes step S16 corresponds to an example of the noise determination unit 84. If the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 91 determines that noise is present, and proceeds to step S17. If the difference is less than the threshold value, the control unit 91 determines that noise is not present, and ends the noise monitoring process.

[0065] In step S17, the control unit 91 determines whether or not there is noise in the image at all positions. Specifically, if the control unit 91 determines that there is noise in the image both when the first reading unit 51 is located at the first position P1 and when the first reading unit 51 is located at the second position P2, it determines that there is noise in the image at all positions.

[0066] If the control unit 91 determines that there is noise in the image at all positions, the process proceeds to step S19. If the control unit 91 does not determine that there is noise in the image at all positions, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0067] In step S18, the control unit 91 executes a carriage movement process. In the carriage movement process, the control unit 91 controls the movement unit 45 to move the first reading unit 51 to either the first position P1 or the second position P2, whichever is different from the position where it is determined that noise is present in the image.

[0068] More specifically, when the control unit 91 detects that the image read by the first reading unit 51 contains noise while the first reading unit 51 is at the first position P1, it controls the moving unit 45 to move the position of the first reading unit 51 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the control unit 91 detects that the image read by the first reading unit 51 contains noise while the first reading unit 51 is at the second position P2, it controls the moving unit 45 to move the position of the first reading unit 51 from the second position P2 to the second position P2. When this process is completed, the control unit 91 proceeds to step S14. In this way, by moving the first reading unit 51 to all positions, the control unit 91 can determine whether or not the image contains noise at all positions.

[0069] In this way, when the control unit 91 is in a standby state, upon detecting that noise has occurred in the image read by the first reading unit 51, the control unit 91 controls the moving unit 45 to change the position of the first reading unit 51, triggered by the completion of a reading job.

[0070] In step S19, the control unit 91 executes a notification process. In the notification process, the control unit 91 displays notification information on the display unit 14. For example, the notification information relates to the presence of noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51. As a result, the control unit 91 notifies the user that there is noise in the image at both the first position P1 and the second position P2. The control unit 91 that executes step S19 corresponds to an example of the display control unit 83. For example, the notification information may be information that prompts the user to clean the first light-transmitting member 41.

[0071] In this way, when the control unit 91 detects that there is noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51 at both the first position P1 and the second position P2, it notifies information regarding the presence of noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51 and information urging cleaning of the first translucent member 41.

[0072] <Control trigger> Next, a control trigger for the image reading device 31 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 10, in the image reading device 31, input of a reading job at the timing indicated by reference symbol T10 triggers execution of the reading job. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T11, completion of the reading job triggers the device to enter a standby state, and the noise monitoring process of Fig. 9 is executed. As a result, in the standby state, completion of the reading job triggers the device to change the position of the first reading unit 51 when it is detected that noise has occurred in the image read by the first reading unit 51.

[0073] At the timing indicated by the symbol T12, the reading job is executed again in response to the input of the reading job. In this case, the reading job is executed in response to the input of the reading job without executing the noise monitoring process of FIG.

[0074] <Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) In the standby state, the control unit 91 detects noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51. In such a case, the control unit 91 can change the position of the first reading unit 51 when it detects that noise has occurred in the image read by the first reading unit 51. This makes it possible to prevent noise from occurring in the image read by the first reading unit 51 without affecting the execution of the reading job. This makes it possible to prevent the time required to read the image from becoming longer when reading the document D in accordance with a reading instruction from the user. This improves user convenience.

[0075] (1-2) When the control unit 91 detects that there is noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51 while the first reading unit 51 is at the first position P1, it can move the position of the first reading unit 51 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. This can prevent the time required to read the image from increasing when the document D is read in accordance with a user's reading instruction. This can improve user convenience.

[0076] (1-3) When it is detected that the image read by the first reading unit 51 contains noise both when the first reading unit 51 is at the first position P1 and when the first reading unit 51 is at the second position P2, notification information can be displayed on the display unit 14. Therefore, when it is detected that the image read by the first reading unit 51 contains noise, a notification can be issued to prompt the user to clean the first light-transmissive member 41. This can prompt the user to clean the first light-transmissive member 41. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0077] (1-4) When the end of a reading job is detected as a trigger, the position of the first reading unit 51 can be changed if noise is detected in the image read by the first reading unit 51. This allows the first reading unit 51 to be put on standby in advance when the next reading job starts. This improves user convenience.

[0078] (1-5) In the standby state, the control unit 91 detects noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51. In such a case, the control unit 91 can move the first reading unit 51 to a position where it is detected that the image read by the first reading unit 51 is noise-free. This makes it possible to read a noise-free image from the original document D without affecting the execution of the reading job. This makes it possible to prevent the time required to read an image from increasing when reading an image from the original document D in response to a user's reading instruction. This can therefore improve user convenience.

[0079] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as in the already described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and only the configuration different from the already described embodiment will be described.

[0080] In the second embodiment, when the condition for transitioning to the power saving mode is met, control may be performed to change the position of the first reading unit 51 from a position where there is noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51. When the condition for transitioning to the power saving mode is met, control may be performed to move the first reading unit 51 to a position where there is no noise in the image. The power saving mode is a mode for reducing the power consumption of the image reading device 31. The condition for transitioning to the power saving mode may be met when a specified time T has elapsed since the reading job ended.

[0081] <Noise monitoring processing> 11, in step S21, the control unit 91 determines whether the power saving mode transition condition is met in the standby state. If the control unit 91 determines that the power saving mode transition condition is not met in the standby state, the control unit 91 ends the noise monitoring process. If the control unit 91 determines that the power saving mode transition condition is met in the standby state, the control unit 91 proceeds to step S12.

[0082] In this way, when the conditions for transitioning to the power saving mode are met in the standby state, the control unit 91 controls the moving unit 45 to change the position of the first reading unit 51 from the position where there is noise in the image read by the first reading unit 51.

[0083] The control unit 91 controls to the power saving mode when the noise monitoring process ends without executing the notification process of step S19. The control unit 91 does not need to control to the power saving mode when the noise monitoring process ends after executing the notification process of step S19.

[0084] <Control trigger> As shown in Fig. 12, in the image reading device 31, the reading job is input at the timing indicated by reference symbol T20, which triggers the execution of the reading job. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T21, the reading job is completed, which triggers the device to enter a standby state. At the timing indicated by reference symbol T22, when a specified time T has elapsed since the device entered the standby state, the noise monitoring process of Fig. 11 is executed. As a result, in the standby state, the condition for transitioning to the power saving mode is met, which triggers the position of the first reading unit 51 to be changed from the position where noise is present in the image read by the first reading unit 51. When the noise monitoring process of Fig. 11 ends at the timing indicated by reference symbol T23, the device may be controlled to enter the power saving mode.

[0085] At the timing indicated by the symbol T24, the power saving mode is ended and the reading job is executed again, triggered by the input of the reading job. In this case, the reading job is executed without executing the noise monitoring process of FIG. 11.

[0086] <Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) When the conditions for transitioning to the power saving mode are met, the moving unit 45 can be controlled to move the first reading unit 51 when it is detected that noise has occurred in the image read by the first reading unit 51. This allows the first reading unit 51 to be put on standby in advance when the next reading job starts. This prevents the time required to read an image from becoming longer.

[0087] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the condition for transitioning to the power saving mode may be met when a specified time T has elapsed without any operation on the operation unit 15 since the standby state was entered. The specified time T may be set by the user.

[0089] The control unit 91 may set any one of a plurality of threshold data 86 stored in advance in the memory 92 according to a user setting. The control unit 91 may set any threshold from a setting range stored in advance in the memory 92 according to a user setting.

[0090] The control unit 91 may register the reference data 87 in the memory 92 according to the setting by the maintenance person of the image reading device 31. The control unit 91 may register the normal measurement data 88 itself as the reference data 87 in the memory 92 according to the setting by the maintenance person of the image reading device 31. When the control unit 91 registers new reference data 87 in the memory 92, it may notify the user about the registration of the reference data 87.

[0091] The control unit 91 may issue a notification from a speaker (not shown). The control unit 91 may issue a notification using a light-emitting unit (not shown). The speaker and the light-emitting unit correspond to examples of a notification unit. The control unit 91 may issue a notification to a terminal device (not shown) instead of the image reading device 31.

[0092] When noise is detected in the image at the first position P1, the control unit 91 may move the first reading unit 51 to the second position P2 and notify the user that noise was detected in the image at the first position P1. When noise is detected in the image at the second position P2, the control unit 91 may move the first reading unit 51 to the first position P1 and notify the user that noise was detected in the image at the second position P2.

[0093] The first reading unit 51 may be capable of reading an image at any of three or more positions in the reading area 57. The first reading unit 51 may be capable of detecting whether there is noise in the image at any of the three or more positions in the reading area 57.

[0094] The control unit 91 may execute steps S12 to S19 of the noise monitoring process shown in Figures 9 and 11 in response to the input of a reading job. The control unit 91 may execute steps S12 to S19 of the noise monitoring process in response to the completion of multiple reading jobs. The control unit 91 may execute steps S12 to S19 of the noise monitoring process in response to the input of multiple reading jobs.

[0095] The second reading unit 52 may be movable along the transport path 54. In this case, the platen cover 34 may include a moving unit that moves the second reading unit 52 along the transport path 54.

[0096] The moving unit may be controlled to change the position of the second reading unit 52 from a position where noise is present in the image read by the second reading unit 52. The control unit 91 may control the moving unit to move the second reading unit 52 in the standby state to a position where it is detected that there is no noise in the image read by the second reading unit 52. In this way, the control unit 91 may perform noise monitoring processing on the second reading unit 52 and the third light-transmitting member 58 provided on the platen cover 34, rather than the first reading unit 51 and the first light-transmitting member 41 provided on the platen 33.

[0097] The image reading device 31 does not have to be installed in the multifunction device 11. The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0098] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. The technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0099] [1] An image reading device includes a transport unit that transports a document along a transport path, a light-transmitting member provided at a position along the transport path, a reading unit that reads the document transported along the transport path at a position sandwiching the light-transmitting member with respect to the transport path, a moving unit that changes the position of the reading unit, and a control unit that controls the transport unit, the reading unit, and the moving unit, wherein the control unit controls the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise has occurred in an image read by the reading unit in a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed to have the reading unit read one or more documents in accordance with a user's reading instruction.

[0100] According to this configuration, when the device is in standby mode, the control unit detects noise in the image read by the reading unit. In such a case, the control unit can change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise has occurred in the image read by the reading unit. This makes it possible to prevent noise from occurring in the image read by the reading unit without affecting the execution of the reading job. This makes it possible to prevent the time required to read an image from increasing when reading a document in accordance with a user's reading instruction. This therefore improves user convenience.

[0101] [2] In the above image reading device, the moving unit can move the reading unit between a first position and a second position, and the first position and the second position are positions where the reading unit sandwiches the translucent member with respect to the conveying path, and the control unit may control the moving unit to move the position of the reading unit from the first position to the second position when it detects that the noise is present in the image read by the reading unit when the reading unit is at the first position.

[0102] According to this configuration, when the control unit detects that noise exists in the image read by the reading unit while the reading unit is in the first position, the control unit can move the position of the reading unit from the first position to the second position. This can prevent the time required to read an image from increasing when the reading unit reads a document in response to a user's reading instruction. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0103] [3] The image reading device may further include an alarm unit that notifies information, and the control unit may cause the alarm unit to issue an alarm urging the user to clean the translucent member when the control unit detects that the noise exists in the image read by the reading unit when the reading unit is at the first position, and when the control unit detects that the noise exists in the image read by the reading unit when the reading unit is at the second position.

[0104] According to this configuration, if noise is detected in the image read by the reading unit both when the reading unit is in the first position and when the reading unit is in the second position, a notification can be issued to prompt the user to clean the light-transmitting member. This can prompt the user to clean the light-transmitting member. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0105] [4] In the above image reading device, the control unit can control the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise has occurred in the image read by the reading unit, triggered by the completion of the reading job.

[0106] With this configuration, when a reading job ends, the control unit can change the position of the reading unit from the position where there is noise in the image read by the reading unit. This allows the reading unit to be put on standby in advance when the next reading job starts. This prevents the time required to read an image from becoming too long. This improves user convenience.

[0107] [5] In the image reading device, the control unit may control the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise is occurring in the image read by the reading unit, triggered by the fulfillment of a condition for transitioning to a power saving mode in the standby state.

[0108] According to this configuration, the control unit can change the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise is occurring in the image read by the reading unit, triggered by the establishment of a condition for transitioning to the power saving mode. This allows the reading unit to be put on standby in advance when the next reading job starts. This prevents the time required to read an image from becoming too long. This improves user convenience.

[0109] [6] The image reading device may include a document table on which a document can be placed and a document table cover that covers the document table, the light-transmitting member is provided on the document table, and the moving unit may include a carriage that carries the reading unit and a carriage drive unit that moves the carriage. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1].

[0110] [7] A control method for an image reading device includes a light-transmitting member provided along a transport path along which a document is transported, and a reading unit positioned across the light-transmitting member relative to the transport path and configured to read the document transported along the transport path, wherein the control method changes the position of the reading unit when it detects that noise has occurred in an image read by the reading unit in a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed to have the reading unit read one or more documents in accordance with a user's reading instruction. This configuration can achieve the same effect as [1].

[0111] [8] An image reading device includes a transport unit that transports a document along a transport path, a light-transmitting member positioned along the transport path, a reading unit that is positioned between the light-transmitting member and the transport path and that reads an image from the document transported along the transport path, a moving unit that moves the reading unit along the transport path, and a control unit that controls the transport unit, the reading unit, and the moving unit, and the control unit controls the moving unit to move the reading unit to a position where it is detected that there is no noise in the image read by the reading unit in a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed that causes the reading unit to read images from one or more documents in accordance with a user's reading instruction.

[0112] According to this configuration, when the device is in standby mode, the control unit detects noise in the image read by the reading unit. In such a case, the control unit can move the reading unit to a position where the image read by the reading unit is detected as being noise-free. This allows a noise-free image to be read from the document without affecting the execution of the reading job. This prevents the time required to read an image from increasing when reading an image from a document in response to a user's reading instruction. This improves user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 11...multifunction device, 12...device main body, 13...operation panel, 14...display unit, 15...operation unit, 21...printing device, 22...cassette, 23...ejection port, 24...stacker, 31...image reading device, 32...main body, 33...original table, 34...original table cover, 35...placement unit, 36...ejection tray, 37...first reading window, 38...second reading window, 41...first light-transmitting member, 42...second light-transmitting member, 43...first background member, 44...second background member, 45...moving unit, 46...carriage, 47...guide rail, 48...carriage drive unit, 49...power transmission mechanism, 49A...pulley, 49B...belt, 50...carriage detection unit, 51...first reading unit, 52...second reading unit, 53...conveying unit, 54...conveying path path, 55...feed roller, 56...pair of transport rollers, 57...reading area, 58...third light-transmitting member, 59...third background member, 60...transport drive unit, 61...first detection unit, 62...second detection unit, 80...transport control unit, 81...carriage drive control unit, 82...reading control unit, 83...display control unit, 84...noise determination unit, 85...control program, 86...threshold data, 87...reference data, 88...measurement data, 90...control circuit, 91...control unit, 92...memory, D...original, P1...first position, P2...second position, T...specified time, X...intersecting direction, X1...first intersecting direction, X2...second intersecting direction, Y...front-to-back direction, Y1...forward, Y2...backward, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upward, Z2...downward.

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the document along a transport path; a light-transmitting member provided at a position along the transport path; a reading unit that reads the document conveyed along the conveyance path at a position where the light-transmitting member is sandwiched between the reading unit and the conveyance path; a moving unit that changes the position of the reading unit; a control unit that controls the conveying unit, the reading unit, and the moving unit, the control unit controls the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when detecting that noise occurs in an image read by the reading unit in a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed in which the reading unit reads one or more sheets of a document in response to a reading instruction from a user. An image reading device characterized by:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, the moving unit is capable of moving the reading unit between a first position and a second position; the first position and the second position are positions where the reading unit sandwiches the light-transmitting member with respect to the conveying path, the control unit controls the moving unit to move the position of the reading unit from the first position to the second position when detecting that the noise exists in the image read by the reading unit while the reading unit is at the first position. An image reading device characterized by:

3. 3. The image reading device according to claim 2, Further, a notification unit for notifying information is provided, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification urging cleaning of the light-transmitting member when detecting that the image read by the reading unit has the noise when the reading unit is at the first position and detecting that the image read by the reading unit has the noise when the reading unit is at the second position. An image reading device characterized by:

4. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit controls the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that the noise has occurred in the image read by the reading unit, triggered by the completion of the reading job. An image reading device characterized by:

5. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit, in the standby state, when a condition for transitioning to a power saving mode is satisfied, controls the moving unit to change the position of the reading unit when it detects that the noise is occurring in the image read by the reading unit. An image reading device characterized by:

6. In the image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a document table on which a document can be placed; a document table cover that covers the document table, the light-transmitting member is provided on the document table, The moving unit has a carriage on which the reading unit is mounted, and a carriage driving unit that moves the carriage. An image reading device characterized by:

7. a light-transmitting member provided at a position along a transport path along which the document is transported; a reading unit that reads a document transported along the transport path at a position that sandwiches the light-transmitting member with respect to the transport path, the method comprising: In a standby state in which a reading job is not being executed in which the reading unit is made to read one or more originals in response to a reading instruction from a user, the position of the reading unit is changed when it is detected that noise has occurred in an image read by the reading unit.

2. A method for controlling an image reading device, comprising:

Images