Image forming apparatus, control method and program for image forming apparatus

Abstract

Regardless of whether the image forming means, which is equipped with an environmental sensor that detects environmental information, is in a power-saving state or not, the image reading means can control the transport of the original document according to the environmental information. [Solution] The system includes a printer engine 104 (image forming means) equipped with an environmental sensor Sn4 for detecting environmental information, an automatic document transport device 102 for transporting documents, an image reading device 101 (image reading means) for reading the image of the document, a system controller 150 (integrated control means) that integrates and controls the printer engine 104 and the image reading device 101 and acquires environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 equipped in the printer engine 104, and a transport control means that controls the transport of documents by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information acquired by the system controller 150 when the image reading of the document is started by the image reading device 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method of the image forming apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] For example, printers, copiers, facsimile machines, automatic document feeders (ADFs), etc. are equipped with a mechanism for transporting document sheets. When transporting a document sheet, the transport resistance varies depending on the thickness (basis weight) and size of the document sheet, so the transport speed also fluctuates, and the length in the sub-scanning direction in the image read from the document sheet extends or contracts. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for setting the driving speed of a driving means for driving a transport means according to the thickness of a document sheet to be transported.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to ensure the quality of an image read from a document (document sheet), it is preferable to perform transport control of the document in consideration of the influence of ambient environmental changes. This is because, for example, the transport speed of the document fluctuates due to changes in environmental information such as temperature and humidity, and as a result, the quality of the image read from the document (document sheet) is also affected. In this regard, the technique described in Patent Document 1 does not consider performing transport control of the document according to environmental information.

[0005] Let us also consider the case of an image forming apparatus that includes, for example, an image forming means such as a printer engine, and an image reading means that has a document transport unit for transporting documents and for reading images from documents. In this image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming means is equipped with an environmental sensor that detects environmental information such as temperature and humidity in order to maintain the quality (image quality) of the image formed on the recording material regardless of the environment, but the image reading means may not be equipped with the aforementioned environmental sensor. In such an image forming apparatus, for example, if the image forming means is not powered on in a power-saving mode, it is difficult for the image reading means to control the transport of documents according to the environmental information.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to enable the transport of a document by an image reading means to be controlled according to environmental information, regardless of whether or not an image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information is in a power-saving state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: an image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information; an image reading means equipped with a document transport unit for transporting a document and for reading an image of the document; an integrated control means for integrating and controlling the image forming means and the image reading means and acquiring the environmental information from the environmental sensor equipped with the image forming means; and a transport control means for controlling the transport of the document by the document transport unit based on the environmental information acquired by the integrated control means when the image reading means starts reading an image of the document. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, regardless of whether the image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information is in a power-saving state or not, the transport of the document by the image reading means can be controlled according to the environmental information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the reader and the automatic document transporter when the automatic document transporter is in an open state relative to the reader in the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the electrical configuration of the image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the first embodiment and explains the correction process for the document transport speed in step S103 of Figure 7. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows a third embodiment and is an example of a setting display screen displayed on the operating device for setting whether or not the printer engine needs to be restored when it is in a power-saving state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, let me describe the first embodiment.

[0012] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading device 101 which is an example of image reading means, a printer engine 104 which is an example of image forming means, and an operation device 120. Note that the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is merely an example of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. For example, a facsimile apparatus equipped with the image reading device 101, an inkjet printer, a multifunction machine, etc. are also included in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a configuration in which the image reading device 101 and the operation device 120 are provided above the printer engine 104.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading device 101 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 102 which is an example of a document conveyance unit for conveying a document, and a reader 103 for reading an image of the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder 102.

[0015] The printer engine 104 has, inside, a paper feed cassette 105 for stacking a sheet P which is an example of a recording material for which an image is to be formed in the printer engine 104. Further, the printer engine 104 has, inside, laser scanners 107, 108, 109, and 110 corresponding to each color of YMCK which are print engines by an electrophotographic method, image forming units 111, 112, 113, and 114, and a fixing unit 118. Furthermore, the printer engine 104 has, inside, a system controller 150, an engine controller 180, and an environment sensor Sn4.

[0016] The system controller 150 is connected to each unit of the entire image forming apparatus 100, integrates and controls them, and realizes operations such as copying, printing, scanning, faxing, etc. The engine controller 180 is a unit that controls the printer engine 104 that performs image formation by the above-described electrophotographic method. The environmental sensor Sn4 is an environmental sensor that detects environmental information of its surrounding environment, and detects, for example, temperature information and humidity information as the environmental information. In the present embodiment, the environmental sensor Sn4 detects temperature information and humidity information as environmental information. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and for example, it may be a form that detects at least one of temperature information and humidity information. Further, in the present embodiment, the system controller 150 is an example of integrated control means that integrates and controls the printer engine 104, which is an example of image forming means, and the image reading apparatus 101, which is an example of image reading means, and acquires the above-described environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4.

[0017] The operation device 120 receives a job operation instruction from the user and has a display screen that displays the status of the image forming apparatus 100 and notification information to the user. The operation device 120 is controlled by the system controller 150. This operation device 120 is an example of setting means for, for example, receiving a job operation instruction from the user and performing various settings.

[0018] Further, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a normal operation mode and a power saving mode (power saving mode) in which power supply is cut off in the printer engine 104 and the image reading apparatus 101. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is configured to transition to the power saving mode (power saving mode) when the printer engine 104 and the image reading apparatus 101 are each inactive, and suppress power consumption. In the present embodiment, even when the printer engine 104 or the image reading apparatus 101 is in the power saving mode, at least the system controller 150 that integrally controls the entire image forming apparatus 100 is assumed to be in the normal operation mode with power supply.

[0019] [Configuration of the image reading device] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the image reading device 101 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, components similar to those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0020] The image reading device 101 includes an automatic document transport device 102 that transports a document (document sheet) placed by the user on the document tray 200 shown in Figure 2, between the side regulating plates 201, and a reader 103 that reads the image of the document transported by the automatic document transport device 102. The automatic document transport device 102 also includes an output tray 202 that ejects the document from which the image has been read by the reader 103.

[0021] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the image reading device 101 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3, components similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the automatic document transport device 102 has a document tray 200 above it. The user places a document (document sheet) D1 on the document tray 200 between the side regulating plates 201 and instructs the user to start a scan job for the document D1 from the operating device 120. When the scan job is started, the documents D1 on the document tray 200 are sequentially fed out from the top document by the feed rollers 300. The fed-out documents D1 are then separated and fed one by one by the separation roller pair 301. The separated documents D1 are then transported via the transport path 315 by the transport roller pairs 302, 303, and 304. At this time, as the document D1 passes over the reading glass 312 of the reader 103, the image of the surface of the document D1 is read by the first reading unit 306. Specifically, the first reading unit 306 captures the scattered reflected light from the light irradiated onto the surface of the document D1 by the illumination 310, and acquires the image of the light formed on the CMOS sensor 309 via the mirror 308 as a read image of the surface of the document D1. Similarly, the back side of the document D1 is read by the second reading unit 307, which is located downstream of the first reading unit 306 in the transport direction. The second reading unit 307 has a back side reading sensor case 314 and a CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) 311 housed in glass 313. Specifically, the second reading unit 307 acquires a read image of the back side of the document D1 using the CIS 311 as the transported document D1 passes through the glass 313. The document D1, from which the image has been read, is then discharged onto the discharge tray 202 by the discharge roller pair 305.

[0023] Furthermore, the automatic document transport device 102 has a document presence detection sensor Sn1, a document width detection sensor Sn2, and a document length detection sensor Sn3 as document detection means. Of these sensors Sn1 to Sn3, the document presence detection sensor Sn1 and the document length detection sensor Sn3 can use reflective or transmissive optical sensors. In addition, the document width detection sensor Sn2 can use an optical sensor such as a photointerrupter that detects the position of a light-shielding plate provided on the side regulating plate 201. The information (signals) detected by these sensors Sn1 to Sn3 is output to the reader control unit (reader control unit 400 in Figure 5) provided in the reader 103, and is determined by this reader control unit to function as follows: The document presence detection sensor Sn1 detects the presence or absence of a document D1 on the document tray 200. The document width detection sensor Sn2 detects the width of the document D1 by detecting the position of the side regulating plate 201 that regulates the width of the document D1 on the document tray 200. The document length detection sensor Sn3 detects whether the length of the document D1 on the document tray 200 is greater than or equal to a predetermined length.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the reader 103 and the automatic document transport device 102 in the image reading device 101 according to the first embodiment, when the automatic document transport device 102 is in a state of being released from the reader 103. In Figure 4, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 3, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the automatic document transport device 102 is rotatably supported relative to the reader 103 by a hinge 317, allowing the document glass 316 of the reader 103 to be opened. By opening and closing the automatic document transport device 102 relative to the reader 103, the document D2 can be placed on the document glass 316. Then, by moving and scanning the first reading unit 306 of the reader 103, it is also possible to read the image of the document D2 placed on the document glass 316.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the image reading device 101 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 5, components similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the image reading device 101 has an electrical configuration comprising a document presence detection sensor Sn1, a document width detection sensor Sn2, a document length detection sensor Sn3, a reader control unit 400, a feed / feed separation motor M1, a transport motor M2, a CMOS sensor 309, and a CIS 311.

[0028] The feed roller 300 and the separation roller pair 301 shown in Figure 3 are electrically connected to and driven by the feed / separation motor M1 shown in Figure 5, which is the same drive source. Furthermore, the transport roller pairs 302, 303, and 304 and the discharge roller pair 305 shown in Figure 3 are electrically connected to and driven by the transport motor M2 shown in Figure 5.

[0029] The reader control unit 400 is built into the reader 103 and controls the transport of documents by the automatic document transport device 102 and the image reading operation of documents by the reader 103. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the reader control unit 400 is electrically connected to the system controller 150 and is configured to work in conjunction with the system controller 150 to perform document reading operations instructed by the user.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the reader control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, RAM 402, and ROM 403. The CPU 401 comprehensively controls the operation of the image reading device 101 and performs various processes. The RAM 402 is used as a workspace when the CPU 401 processes while controlling each component of the image reading device 101. The RAM 402 also stores various information (including data) obtained by the CPU 401 through various controls and processes. The ROM 403 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 when it performs various controls and processes, as well as various information (including data) used by the CPU 401 when it performs various controls and processes.

[0031] Furthermore, the reader control unit 400 is electrically connected to the aforementioned document presence detection sensor Sn1, document width detection sensor Sn2, and document length detection sensor Sn3, and various detection information is input from these sensors Sn1 to Sn3. In addition, the reader control unit 400 is electrically connected to a feed / feed separation motor M1 and a transport motor M2, which are examples of drive means, and to a CMOS sensor 309 and a CIS311, which are examples of image acquisition means.

[0032] The reader control unit 400 sets the drive speed of the drive means described above in accordance with the desired transport speed of the document (document sheet), and sets the image acquisition speed (reading speed) of the image acquisition means described above in accordance with that drive speed. Here, the drive speed of the drive means and the image acquisition speed (reading speed) of the image acquisition means described above can be finely adjusted, and the reader control unit 400 also has the functions of a drive speed adjustment means and an image acquisition speed (reading speed) adjustment means.

[0033] Next, we will explain the mode control used when setting the drive speed of the feed / discharge motor M1 and the transport motor M2, as shown in Figure 5.

[0034] In this embodiment, the automatic document transport device 102 shown in Figure 3 has the document tray 200 and the output tray 202 positioned so that they overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, the transport path 315 that transports the document D1 shown in Figure 3 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the width direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction, in a way that inverts the front and back sides of the document D1 (i.e., it has a curved shape). In this case, the transported document D1 is also transported while curving along the transport path 315, so the transport resistance differs depending on the type of document D1 being transported. In this case, the higher the rigidity of the document D1 (the force that tries to return the document D1 to its original shape when it is bent), the greater the transport resistance. Also, the transport speed fluctuates because the area and way in which the document D1 contacts the transport path 315 changes depending on the size of the document D1. In addition, the transport force also changes because the number of documents that can be transported simultaneously by multiple transport roller pairs (transport roller pairs 302, 303, and 304) while nipping differs depending on the size of the document D1.

[0035] The amount of slip in each transport roller pair (transport roller pair 302, 303, 304) is determined by the transport force and transport resistance described above, so even if each drive means is driven at the same speed, a difference of several percent will occur in the transport speed. The first reading unit 306 and the second reading unit 307 shown in Figure 3 read one line at a time at regular intervals according to the image acquisition speed (reading speed) set in accordance with the drive speed of the drive means, and output the combined images as the read image. Therefore, if the actual transport speed of the document D1 fluctuates with respect to the set drive speed of the drive means, the amount of document D1 transported within the regular interval for reading the image will change, and the acquired read image will be stretched or compressed. Specifically, if the transport speed of the document D1 slows down, the read image obtained by the first reading unit 306 and the second reading unit 307 will be stretched in the sub-scanning direction, and if the transport speed of the document D1 is fast, the read image will be compressed in the sub-scanning direction, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the read image.

[0036] The automatic document transport device 102 can address the issue of the scanned image being stretched or compressed due to variations in the transport speed of the document D1 caused by differences in the rigidity and size of the document D1, as explained above, through the functions of the drive speed adjustment means and the image acquisition speed (reading speed) adjustment means described above.

[0037] However, even with documents of the same thickness and size, the rigidity and surface properties (coefficient of friction) of the document change depending on the operating environment (temperature, humidity, etc.), which in turn changes the transport resistance and the amount of slip between each pair of transport rollers, causing fluctuations in the document transport speed. For example, in a low-humidity environment (humidity of about 10%), the rigidity of the document D1 increases as moisture is removed, and the frictional force between the transport rollers and the document D1 decreases. Therefore, in the aforementioned low-humidity environment, the amount of slip between each transport roller increases compared to a comfortable humidity environment (humidity of about 50% to 60%), slowing down the transport speed of the document D1, and as a result, the scanned image stretches in the sub-scanning direction. Conversely, in a high-humidity environment (humidity of about 80%), the transport speed of the document D1 increases, and as a result, the scanned image shrinks in the sub-scanning direction. In addition to the humidity changes mentioned above, temperature changes can also cause the outer diameter of each transport roller to increase or decrease, which is another factor that affects the transport speed of the document (document sheet) D1 depending on the operating environment. In this embodiment, for example, silicone rubber is assumed to be used as the material for the transport roller. However, it has been confirmed that a change in temperature of, for example, 10°C causes a change of approximately 0.10% to 0.15% in the outer diameter of the transport roller. Since this change in the outer diameter of the transport roller directly affects the transport speed of the document D1, the higher the temperature, the faster the transport speed of the document D1 becomes. The combination of the two transport speed fluctuation factors, humidity and temperature, described here, results in an even greater amount of stretching and shrinking of the scanned image. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to ensure the quality (image quality) of the image read by the image reading device 101 under any environmental conditions, environmental information such as temperature and humidity is used to control the transport of the document and the image reading of the document.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, environmental information detected by the environmental sensor Sn4, which is equipped in the printer engine 104 for temperature control when fixing and forming an image on the paper P, is used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the image reading device 101 and the printer engine 104 are not directly electrically connected, the environmental information detected by the environmental sensor Sn4 is transmitted via the system controller 150, which integrates the control of both devices.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 6, components similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the system controller 150 includes a CPU 151, RAM 152, ROM 153, and HDD 154. The CPU 151 comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 and performs various processes. The RAM 152 is used as a workspace when the CPU 151 processes while controlling each component of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 152 also stores various information (including data) obtained by the CPU 151 through various controls and processes. The ROM 153 stores programs executed by the CPU 151 when it performs various controls and processes, as well as various information (including data) used by the CPU 151 when it performs various controls and processes. The HDD 154 stores various information (including data) used by the CPU 151 when it performs various controls and processes, as well as various information (including data) obtained by the CPU 151 through various controls and processes.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the system controller 150 is electrically connected to the reader control unit 400 of the image reading device 101, the engine controller 180 of the printer engine 104, and the operating device 120. In addition, the environmental sensor Sn4, which is installed in the printer engine 104, is electrically connected to the engine controller 180. Therefore, the engine controller 180 can obtain numerical values ​​of environmental information such as temperature and humidity from the environmental sensor Sn4.

[0042] When the system controller 150 requests the engine controller 180 to acquire environmental information, the engine controller 180 acquires environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 and notifies the system controller 150 of the environmental information. The system controller 150 also notifies the reader control unit 400 of the environmental information as needed.

[0043] In the first embodiment, when the power to the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, when the image forming apparatus 100 returns from a power-saving state to a normal operating state, and at a predetermined timing when a job operation is completed, environmental information is notified from the engine controller 180 to the system controller 150 and acquired. The system controller 150, having acquired the environmental information from the engine controller 180, stores the latest environmental information by overwriting the acquired information in the internal HDD 154 each time.

[0044] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Figure 7, during a scan job operation, when the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document, the system controller 150 controls the transport of the document by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information acquired by the system controller 150.

[0045] First, in step S101 of Figure 7, when the user places a document in the automatic document transport device 102 and initiates the scan job using the operating device 120, the system controller 150 detects this. The system controller 150 then integrates control of the reader control unit 400 of the image reading device 101 and the engine controller 180 of the printer engine 104. For example, the reader control unit 400 detects the document D1 on the document tray 200 using the document presence detection sensor Sn1, and determines the size of the document D1 based on the detection result of the document width detection sensor Sn2 and the detection result of the document length detection sensor Sn3. In this embodiment, a predetermined initial transport speed is set regardless of the size of the document D1, but the initial transport speed may be set for each size of the document D1 according to the characteristics of the image reading device 101. Next, the reader control unit 400 sets the drive speed for each drive motor (feed-and-separate motor M1 and transport motor M2). As a result, each roller of the automatic document transport device 102 (feed roller 300, separation roller pair 301, transport roller pairs 302, 303 and 304, discharge roller pair 305) is rotated at a set drive speed, thereby determining the transport speed of the document D1.

[0046] Next, in step S102 of Figure 7, the system controller 150 instructs the reader control unit 400 of the image reading device 101 to start a scan job, and at the same time reads the environmental information stored in the HDD 154 and notifies the reader control unit 400. The environmental information in this embodiment is information acquired at at least one predetermined timing among the timing when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on, the timing when the image forming apparatus 100 returns from a power-saving state to a normal operating state, and the timing when the job operation is completed.

[0047] Next, in step S103 of Figure 7, the reader control unit 400 controls the transport of documents by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information notified by the system controller 150 in step S102. Specifically, the reader control unit 400 controls (corrects) the transport speed of documents by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information notified in step S102.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a first embodiment and illustrates the correction process for the document transport speed in step S103 of Figure 7. Specifically, Figure 8(a) shows a transport speed correction table 810 based on temperature information, and Figure 8(b) shows a transport speed correction table 820 based on humidity information. The transport speed correction table 810 based on temperature information shown in Figure 8(a) and the transport speed correction table 820 based on humidity information shown in Figure 8(b) are stored, for example, in the ROM 403 of the reader control unit 400.

[0049] When the leader control unit 400 acquires temperature information as environmental information, it sets what percentage to accelerate or decelerate the initial conveying speed set in step S101 as a correction value, based on the conveying speed correction table 810 based on temperature information shown in Figure 8(a). In this embodiment, in the conveying speed correction table 810 based on temperature information shown in Figure 8(a), 19°C to 27°C is considered the normal temperature environment, and a correction is made to lower the conveying speed when the temperature is higher than this, and a correction is made to increase the conveying speed when the temperature is lower. The conveying speed correction table 810 based on temperature information shown in Figure 8(a) is set based on the value of the outer diameter of the roller used in this embodiment, which fluctuates with temperature changes. Therefore, the value shown in Figure 8(a) should be set individually as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0050] Furthermore, when the reader control unit 400 acquires humidity information as environmental information, it sets what percentage to accelerate or decelerate the initial transport speed set in step S101 as a correction value, based on the transport speed correction table 820 based on humidity information shown in Figure 8(b). In this embodiment, in the transport speed correction table 820 based on humidity information shown in Figure 8(b), 40% to 70% is considered a normal humidity environment, and if the humidity is higher than this, a correction is made to lower the transport speed, and if the humidity is lower, a correction is made to increase the transport speed. The values ​​shown in Figure 8(b) should be set individually as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0051] In the transport speed correction tables 810 and 820 shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), a constant correction value (%) is applied regardless of the size of the document D1 being transported. However, different correction values ​​may be used depending on the size of the document D1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, separate transport speed correction tables are used to set the correction value for temperature information and humidity information. However, the correction value may be set based on a combination of temperature information and humidity information. For example, if both the temperature is 15°C or lower and the humidity is 10% or lower, it is possible to set the transport speed correction value (%) to +0.4%.

[0052] Now, let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. Once the process in step S103 in Figure 7 is completed, the process proceeds to step S104. When the process proceeds to step S104 in Figure 7, the reader control unit 400 sets a transport speed (drive speed) for each drive motor (feed / separate motor M1 and transport motor M2) with corrections based on environmental information, and each transport roller pair transports the document D1 at the set transport speed. This starts the document image reading process by the image reading device 101. This process makes it possible to read the image of the document D1 at the optimal transport speed regardless of the type of document D1 or the operating environment, thereby ensuring the quality (image quality) of the scanned image.

[0053] Next, in step S105 of Figure 7, the reader control unit 400 terminates the scan job once it has finished reading the images of all the documents D1 set in the automatic document transport device 102.

[0054] Once the process in step S105 of Figure 7 is completed, the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 is terminated.

[0055] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above has the following configuration. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 has a printer engine 104, which is an image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor Sn4 for detecting environmental information. The image forming apparatus 100 also has an automatic document transport unit 102 for transporting documents and an image reading device 101 for reading images from the documents. The image forming apparatus 100 also has a system controller 150, which is an integrated control means that controls the printer engine 104 and the image reading device 101 in an integrated manner and acquires environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 equipped in the printer engine 104. Here, the system controller 150 is in a normal operating state mode where power is supplied, even when the printer engine 104 is in a power-saving mode. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a reader control unit 400, which is a transport control means that controls the transport of the document by the automatic document transport device 102 based on environmental information acquired by the system controller 150 when the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document. With this configuration, regardless of whether the printer engine 104, which is equipped with an environmental sensor Sn4 for detecting environmental information, is in a power-saving state or not, the image reading device 101 can control the transport of the document according to the environmental information.

[0056] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment below, matters common to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

[0057] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0058] In the first embodiment described above, the system controller 150 acquired environmental information detected by the environmental sensor Sn4 from the reader control unit 400 at the predetermined timing described above. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the environmental information acquired by the system controller 150 may be environmental information of past usage environments. In this case, if there is a difference between the past and current usage environments, the accuracy of the environmental information may decrease, raising concerns that optimal document transport control cannot be performed. A second embodiment is described below as a way to solve this problem.

[0059] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Figure 9, the same processing steps as those in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 are given the same step numbers, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0060] First, in step S101 in Figure 9, the same process as in step S101 in Figure 7 is performed to start the scan job.

[0061] Next, in step S201 of Figure 9, the leader control unit 400 queries the system controller 150 regarding the acquisition of environmental information.

[0062] Next, in step S202 of Figure 9, the system controller 150 queries the engine controller 180 for a request to acquire environmental information.

[0063] Next, in step S203 of Figure 9, the engine controller 180 acquires current environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 and notifies the system controller 150 of the acquired environmental information.

[0064] Next, in step S204 of Figure 9, the system controller 150 obtains the current environmental information from the engine controller 180 after processing in step S203, and stores this as the latest environmental information in the HDD 154.

[0065] Next, in step S205 of Figure 9, the system controller 150 notifies the reader control unit 400 of the environmental information acquired and stored in step S204.

[0066] Next, in step S103 of Figure 9, the reader control unit 400 controls the transport of the document by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information notified from the system controller 150, similar to step S103 of Figure 7. Specifically, the reader control unit 400 controls (corrects) the transport speed of the document by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information notified in step S205.

[0067] Subsequently, the flowchart shown in Figure 9 performs the same process as steps S104 and S105 in Figure 7, and the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9 is completed.

[0068] In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the system controller 150, which is an integrated control means, acquires environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 when the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document. Then, the reader control unit 400, which is a transport control means, controls the transport of the document by the automatic document transport device 102 based on the environmental information acquired by the system controller 150 when the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document. With this configuration, environmental information at the time the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document can be reflected in the document transport control by the automatic document transport device 102, making it possible to perform optimal document transport control.

[0069] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment below, matters common to the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first and second embodiments described above will be explained.

[0070] The schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, the schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 101 according to the third embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the image reading apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0071] In the second embodiment described above, if the printer engine 104 equipped with the environmental sensor Sn4 is in a power-saving mode, the engine controller 180 cannot currently notify the system controller 150 of environmental information. Therefore, when the printer engine 104 is in a power-saving mode, it is necessary to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state before the engine controller 180 can notify the system controller 150 of the environmental information. However, if the processing that the user requests from the image forming apparatus 100 is only the process of reading the image of the document and does not involve printing with the printer engine 104, then the printer engine 104 would have to be returned from the power-saving state solely to acquire environmental information. Therefore, for users who want to prioritize reducing power consumption through power saving and suppressing the operating noise of the printer engine 104, it may be preferable to operate the image forming apparatus 100 without returning the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state. Conversely, some users may want to prioritize the quality (image quality) of the scanned image of the document by controlling the document transport based on the current environmental information. Therefore, in the third embodiment, in order to reconcile the conflicting requests of the user described above, a setting is provided to switch whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when acquiring environmental information, according to the user's request.

[0072] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. In the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the same processing steps as those in the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 9 are given the same step numbers, and a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

[0073] Figure 11 shows a third embodiment and is an example of a setting display screen displayed on the operating device 120 for setting whether or not to restore the printer engine 104 when it is in a power-saving state. The setting display screen shown in Figure 11 is provided with setting content display areas 1101 and 1102, a "Yes" button 1103, a "No" button 1104, and an "OK" button 1105. The setting content display area 1102 shows the setting for whether or not to restore the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when acquiring environmental information during scanning (when a scan job starts). In Figure 11, if the "Yes" button 1103 is selected and the "OK" button 1105 is operated, a first setting value is set to restore the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when acquiring environmental information during scanning. When this first setting is set, the system controller 150 returns the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when a scan job starts, and acquires the environmental information at that time from the environmental sensor Sn4 via the engine controller 180. Also, in Figure 11, if the "Do not" button 1104 is selected and the "OK" button 1105 is operated, a second setting is set that prevents the printer engine 104 from returning from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when acquiring environmental information during scanning. When this second setting is set, the system controller 150 does not return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state when a scan job starts, and acquires the environmental information that was acquired at the predetermined timing described above and stored in the HDD 154. Here, the setting display screen in Figure 11 shows the state where the "Enable" button 1103 is selected and highlighted. The settings displayed in Figure 11 are performed before the start of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, and the first and second setting values ​​mentioned above are stored, for example, in the HDD 154 of the system controller 150 as power saving recovery setting values.

[0074] The following describes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 10. First, in step S101 of Figure 10, the same process as in step S101 of Figure 7 is performed to start the scan job.

[0075] Next, in step S201 of Figure 10, the same process as in step S201 of Figure 9 is performed, and the leader control unit 400 queries the system controller 150 for the acquisition of environmental information. Subsequently, in step S202 of Figure 10, the same process as in step S202 of Figure 9 is performed, and the system controller 150 queries the engine controller 180 for the acquisition of environmental information.

[0076] Next, in step S301 of Figure 10, the system controller 150 determines, for example, whether the printer engine 104 is in a power-saving state based on the result of the query in step S202.

[0077] In step S301 of Figure 10, if the system controller 150 determines that the printer engine 104 is in a power-saving state (S301 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S302 of Figure 10. When the process proceeds to step S302 in Figure 10, the system controller 150 reads and obtains the power saving recovery setting value stored in the HDD 154.

[0078] Next, in step S303 of Figure 10, the system controller 150 determines whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state based on the power-saving recovery setting value obtained in step S302. In step S303, if the power-saving recovery setting value is the first setting value described above, the system controller 150 determines whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state (S303 / Yes). Also in step S303, if the power-saving recovery setting value is the second setting value described above, the system controller 150 determines whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state (S303 / No).

[0079] In step S303 of Figure 10, if the system controller 150 determines that it should return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state (S303 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S304 of Figure 10. When the process proceeds to step S304 in Figure 10, the system controller 150 notifies the engine controller 180 of a request for the printer engine 104 to return to normal operation. As a result, the printer engine 104 returns from the power-saving state to the normal operation state.

[0080] If the process in step S304 of Figure 10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S203 of Figure 10. Also, if the system controller 150 determines in step S301 of Figure 10 that the printer engine 104 is not in a power-saving state (is in a normal operating state) (S301 / No), the process proceeds to step S203 of Figure 10. Next, proceeding to step S203 in Figure 10, the engine controller 180 acquires current environmental information from the environmental sensor Sn4 and notifies the system controller 150 of the acquired environmental information. Note that the processing from step S203 onwards in Figure 10 is the same as the processing from step S203 onwards in the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, so its explanation is omitted.

[0081] Furthermore, in step S303 of Figure 10, if the system controller 150 determines not to return the printer engine 104 from the power-saving state to the normal operating state (S303 / No), the process proceeds to step S305 of Figure 10. When the process proceeds to step S305 in Figure 10, the system controller 150 does not notify the printer engine 104 of the return request, but instead retrieves the environmental information stored in the HDD 154. The process then proceeds to step S205 in Figure 10, but the processing from step S205 onwards in Figure 10 is the same as the processing from step S205 onwards in the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, so its explanation is omitted.

[0082] The image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment has an operating device 120 (Figure 11), which is a setting means for setting whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from a power-saving state to a normal operating state when the printer engine 104 is in a power-saving state. The system controller 150 then controls whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from a power-saving state to a normal operating state when the image reading device 101 starts reading the image of the document and the printer engine 104 was in a power-saving state. With this configuration, it is possible to switch whether or not to return the printer engine 104 from a power-saving state to a normal operating state when acquiring environmental information, according to the user's request.

[0083] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the document transport speed is adjusted based on three pieces of information detected by each sensor: the size of the document to be transported, and the temperature and humidity of the operating environment. However, these pieces of information may be used in various combinations. Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, stretching or shrinking of the scanned image of the document is prevented by adjusting the document transport speed. However, stretching or shrinking of the scanned image of the document may also be prevented by adjusting the image reading speed from the document.

[0084] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing said program are included in the present invention.

[0085] The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0086] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. [Configuration 1] Image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information, It includes a document transport unit for transporting the document, and an image reading means for reading the image of the document, An integrated control means that controls the image forming means and the image reading means in an integrated manner, and acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor provided in the image forming means, A transport control means that controls the transport of the document by the document transport unit based on the environmental information acquired by the integrated control means when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features. [Configuration 2] The integrated control means acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor at a predetermined timing, The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired by the integrated control means at the predetermined timing. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Configuration 3] The predetermined timing is at least one of the following timings: the timing when the power to the image forming apparatus is turned on, the timing when the image forming apparatus returns from a power-saving state to a normal operating state, and the timing when a job operation is completed. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that... [Structure 4] The integrated control means acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired when the integrated control means starts reading the image of the document using the image reading means. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Composition 5] The integrated control means, when the image forming means is in a power-saving state when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, returns the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operating state and acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor. The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired when the integrated control means returns the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operation state. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Composition 6] The integrated control means is The environmental information is acquired in advance from the environmental sensor when the image forming means is not in a power-saving state. If the image forming means is in the power-saving state when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, the image forming means will not be returned from the power-saving state to the normal operating state. The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired from the environmental sensor when the image forming means is in the normal operating state. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it is a picture forming apparatus. [Composition 7] The image forming means further includes a setting means for setting whether or not to return from the power saving state to the normal operating state when the image forming means is in the power saving state, The integrated control means controls whether or not to return the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operation state when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, based on the settings in the setting means. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5 or 6, characterized by the above. [Structure 8] The transport control means controls the transport speed of the document by the document transport unit as part of the transport control. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. [Composition 9] The environmental sensor detects at least one of the following information as environmental information: temperature information and humidity information. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized by the above. [Configuration 10] The transport control means is provided in the image reading means. An image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized by the above. [Method 1] A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information, and an image reading means equipped with a document transport unit for transporting a document and for reading an image of the document, An integrated control step of controlling the image forming means and the image reading means in an integrated manner, and acquiring the environmental information from the environmental sensor provided in the image forming means, A transport control step in which the transport of the document by the document transport unit is controlled based on the environmental information acquired in the integrated control step when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features. [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to perform each step in the control method of the image forming apparatus described in Method 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Image forming apparatus, 101: Image reader, 102: Automatic document feeder (ADF), 103: Reader, 104: Printer engine, 105: Paper feed cassette, 107-110: Laser scanner, 111-114: Image forming unit, 118: Fixing unit, 120: Operating device, 150: System controller, 180: Engine controller, Sn4: Environmental sensor

Claims

1. Image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information, It includes a document transport unit for transporting the document, and an image reading means for reading the image of the document, An integrated control means that controls the image forming means and the image reading means in an integrated manner, and acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor provided in the image forming means, A transport control means that controls the transport of the document by the document transport unit based on the environmental information acquired by the integrated control means when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The integrated control means acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor at a predetermined timing, The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired by the integrated control means at the predetermined timing. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The predetermined timing is at least one of the following timings: the timing when the power to the image forming apparatus is turned on, the timing when the image forming apparatus returns from a power-saving state to a normal operating state, and the timing when a job operation is completed. The image forming apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The integrated control means acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired when the integrated control means starts reading the image of the document using the image reading means. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The integrated control means, when the image forming means is in a power-saving state when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, returns the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operating state and acquires the environmental information from the environmental sensor. The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired when the integrated control means returns the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operating state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The integrated control means has previously acquired the environmental information from the environmental sensor when the image forming means is not in a power-saving state, and when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, if the image forming means was in the power-saving state, it does not return the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operating state. The transport control means performs the transport control based on the environmental information acquired from the environmental sensor when the image forming means is in the normal operating state. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The image forming means further includes a setting means for setting whether or not to return from the power saving state to the normal operating state when the image forming means is in the power saving state, The integrated control means controls whether or not to return the image forming means from the power-saving state to the normal operation state when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, based on the settings in the setting means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The transport control means controls the transport speed of the document by the document transport unit as part of the transport control. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

9. The environmental sensor detects at least one of the following information as environmental information: temperature information and humidity information. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

10. The transport control means is provided in the image reading means. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

11. A control method for an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming means equipped with an environmental sensor for detecting environmental information, and an image reading means equipped with a document transport unit for transporting a document and for reading an image of the document, An integrated control step of controlling the image forming means and the image reading means in an integrated manner, and acquiring the environmental information from the environmental sensor provided in the image forming means, A transport control step in which the transport of the document by the document transport unit is controlled based on the environmental information acquired in the integrated control step when the image reading means starts reading the image of the document, A control method for an image forming apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

12. A program for causing a computer to perform each step in the control method of the image forming apparatus described in claim 11.

Images