Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program

Abstract

The aim is to enable miniaturization and cost reduction of image forming apparatus, even when both an image forming unit and a reading unit are included. [Solution] The system comprises an image forming unit positioned on a transport path and performing image formation on a medium being transported along the transport path; a reading unit positioned on the transport path and performing reading of a document being transported along the transport path; and a transport control unit that transports the medium and the document.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including both an image forming unit that forms an image on a medium such as paper and a reading unit that reads a document has been known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading unit that reads image information of a document or a sheet (medium), and a determination unit that determines whether the read image information is a document or a sheet. When it is determined to be a document, the document is read and returned, and when it is determined to be a sheet, the sheet is conveyed to an image forming unit.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, according to the conventional technology, since a conveyance path for returning a document after reading and a conveyance path for conveying a sheet to an image forming unit for image formation are provided separately, it is difficult to reduce the size and cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to enable downsizing and cost reduction of an image forming apparatus even when both an image forming unit and a reading unit are provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes an image forming unit that is disposed on a conveyance path and forms an image on a medium conveyed on the conveyance path, a reading unit that is disposed on the conveyance path and reads a document conveyed on the conveyance path, and a conveyance control unit that conveys the medium and the document.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even when the image forming unit and the reading unit are both included, it is possible to miniaturize the image forming apparatus and reduce its cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a functional block of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the effects of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the reading operation by the reading unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows how the document is transported during the scanning process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the reading operation by the reading unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the reading unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows how an image is formed on the medium and the medium is read in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the image forming apparatus, image forming method, and program will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a main body 10, an image forming unit 11, a reading unit 12, a drive motor 13, a plurality of drive gear trains 14, a plurality of roller pairs 15, a plurality of transport guides 16, a first paper feeding unit 17, a second paper feeding unit 18, a plurality of detection sensors 19, an operation panel 70, and the like.

[0011] The main body 10 of the device contains components of the image forming apparatus 1, such as an image forming unit 11 and a reading unit 12. The main body 10 of the device also has a first side surface 10a and a second side surface 10b.

[0012] The image forming unit 11 includes an image-making unit, an exposure device, a transfer device, etc. (not shown), and forms a color image on the target T. The reading unit 12 reads the target T by exposing it when it passes a reading position (described later) and reading the reflected light. In this embodiment, the target T may be referred to as the medium when image formation is performed, and as the original when reading. Furthermore, the image forming mechanism of the image forming unit 11 may be other than the electrophotographic method. For example, the image forming mechanism of the image forming unit 11 may be an inkjet method or a 3D printing method.

[0013] In addition to plain paper, the media include cardboard, postcards, envelopes, thin paper, coated paper (such as coated paper and art paper), tracing paper, and OHP sheets. In this embodiment, cardboard refers to paper with a basis weight of 160 g / m². 2 This refers to the paper mentioned above.

[0014] The document scanning process is performed by the scanning processing unit, which will be described later. The scanned image data is then copied to a medium by the printing processing unit, which will be described later, or transmitted to an external device via the network interface, which will be described later.

[0015] The drive motor 13 rotates the roller pair 15 via the drive gear train 14. In FIG. 1, for the sake of drawing convenience, only one drive gear train 14 is shown, but the drive gear trains 14 are arranged one by one for each roller pair 15, and the rotation of the drive motor 13 is transmitted to each roller pair 15. Thus, a configuration is provided in which the drive motor 13 can rotationally drive each roller pair 15.

[0016] Each roller pair 15 conveys the object T along the conveyance guide 16 and supplies the object T to the reading unit 12 and the image forming unit 11. Note that the mechanism composed of the drive motor 13, the drive gear train 14, the roller pair 15, and the conveyance guide 16 is an example of a conveyance mechanism that conveys the object T along the conveyance path A.

[0017] The first paper feeding unit 17 is arranged on the first side surface 10a and supplies a medium to the image forming apparatus. Note that the first paper feeding unit 17 is an example of a first supply unit. The user can set the medium on the first paper feeding unit 17 along a guide plate or the like provided in the first paper feeding unit 17. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 11 is arranged in the vicinity of the first paper feeding unit 17. Thereby, the conveyance distance from the position where the feeding of the medium starts to the position of image formation can be shortened, and the occurrence of position deviation, skew, or the like in the image formation on the medium can be suppressed.

[0018] The second paper feeding unit 18 is arranged on the second side surface 10b and supplies a document to the image forming apparatus. Note that the second paper feeding unit 18 is an example of a second supply unit and a supply unit. The user can set the document on the second paper feeding unit 18 along a guide plate or the like provided in the second paper feeding unit 18. In this embodiment, the reading unit 12 is arranged in the vicinity of the second paper feeding unit 18. Thereby, the conveyance distance from the position where the feeding of the document starts to the position of reading can be shortened, and the occurrence of position deviation, skew, or the like in the reading of the document can be suppressed.

[0019] The detection sensor 19 is a sensor that detects the arrival or passage of the target T. In FIG. 1, for the convenience of drawing, only two detection sensors 19 are shown, but three or more detection sensors 19 may be arranged along the conveyance path A. The detection sensor 19 arranged in the vicinity of the first paper feeding unit 17 detects the medium set in the first paper feeding unit 17. In the image forming apparatus 1, after this detection sensor 19 detects the medium, it becomes possible to start image formation on the medium. The detection sensor 19 arranged in the vicinity of the second paper feeding unit 18 detects the document set in the second paper feeding unit 18. In the image forming apparatus 1, after this detection sensor 19 detects the document, it becomes possible to start reading of the document.

[0020] The operation panel 70 displays current setting values, selected values, modes, etc., and accepts input from the user.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 receives print job data (print job data) from the reading unit 12, an external DFE (Digital Front End) apparatus, a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a facsimile, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 executes printing (image forming operation) in response to an execution instruction based on the received print job data or an operation from the user to the operation panel 70 or the like.

[0022] The print job data is data including job information indicating job attributes such as the number of copies to be printed, the number of pages, the type of medium, the type of printing, etc., and image data. Information on the type of medium includes information such as plain paper, gloss paper, matte paper, embossed paper, etc., and information on the type of printing includes information such as color printing or monochrome printing, single-sided printing or double-sided printing, etc. Note that a print job is an example of an image forming job.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0024] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a controller 210, a short-range communication circuit 220, an engine control unit 230, an operation panel 70, and a network I / F 250.

[0025] Of these, the controller 210 includes the main components of the computer: the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, system memory (MEM-P) 202, northbridge (NB) 203, southbridge (SB) 204, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 206, local memory (MEM-C) 207 (storage unit), HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 208, and HD209 (storage unit). A Solid State Drive (SSD) may also be used for the storage unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the NB203 and ASIC206 are connected via an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 221.

[0027] Of these, the CPU201 is a control unit that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1. The NB203 is a bridge for connecting the CPU201 with the MEM-P202, SB204, and AGP bus 221, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P202, as well as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master and an AGP target.

[0028] MEM-P202 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202a, which is a memory for storing programs and data that realize the various functions of the controller 210, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202b, which is used for program and data deployment and drawing during memory printing. The programs stored in RAM 202b may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD.

[0029] SB204 is a bridge for connecting NB203 to PCI devices and peripheral devices. ASIC206 is an integrated circuit (IC) for image processing applications that has hardware elements for image processing and acts as a bridge connecting the AGP bus 221, PCI bus 222, HDD controller 208, and MEM-C207, respectively.

[0030] The ASIC206 includes a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC206, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C207, multiple DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that perform image data rotation and other operations using hardware logic, and a PCI unit that performs data transfer via the PCI bus 222 between the scan processing unit 232 and the print processing unit 231. The ASIC206 may also be connected via interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) or IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394).

[0031] MEM-C207 is local memory used as a copy image buffer and code buffer. HD209 is storage for storing image data, font data used during printing, forms, etc. HD209 controls data reading or writing to HD209 according to the control of CPU201.

[0032] The AGP bus 221 is a bus interface for graphics accelerator cards proposed to accelerate graphics processing. The AGP bus 221 enables high-speed graphics accelerator cards by providing high-throughput direct access to the MEM-P202.

[0033] Furthermore, the short-range communication circuit 220 includes a short-range communication antenna 220a. The short-range communication circuit 220 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0034] Furthermore, the engine control unit 230 is composed of a scan processing unit 232 and a print processing unit 231.

[0035] The controller 210 controls the entire image forming apparatus 1, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 70, image forming operations, and document reading.

[0036] The scanning processing unit 232 reads the original document and generates image data. The printing processing unit 231 includes a transfer means for transferring an image using a colorant such as toner onto a medium, a fixing means for fixing the image, a heating means or a drying means, etc., and performs image formation (printing) onto the medium. The medium may not be paper, but may be film or a sheet of plastic, etc. Furthermore, the scanning processing unit 232 or the printing processing unit 231 may perform image processing such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

[0037] The network interface 250 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The short-range communication circuit 220 and the network interface 250 are electrically connected to the ASIC 206 via the PCI bus 222.

[0038] The operation panel 70 includes a panel display unit 70a, such as a touch panel, which displays current settings, selected values, modes, etc., and accepts user input; and operation keys 70b, which consist of a numeric keypad for accepting setting values ​​for image formation conditions such as density settings, and a start key for accepting copy start instructions. The panel display unit 70a accepts touch input from the user, allowing the user to perform operations such as entering numerical values ​​into input boxes displayed on the screen, selecting from pull-down menus, and turning checkboxes ON / OFF using their finger or a pen. In addition to a numeric keypad, the operation keys 70b may also include input means such as a trackball or touchpad.

[0039] In the above example, the image forming apparatus 1 was shown as having an electrophotographic image forming mechanism. However, the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment may have other image forming mechanisms, such as an inkjet method or a 3D printing method. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), but may also be a copier, facsimile, or other device.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a receiving unit 261, a transport control unit 262, a determination unit 263, an image forming control unit 264, and a reading control unit 265. Each of these units is realized by a CPU 201 or ASIC 206 executing processing defined in a program stored in MEM-P202 or MEM-C207, etc.

[0041] The reception unit 261 receives input from the user via the operation panel 70. The transport control unit 262 controls the operation of the transport mechanism to transport the target T. The determination unit 263 determines the position of the target T based on the detection result of the detection sensor 19. The image forming control unit 264 controls the image forming process of the print processing unit 231. The reading control unit 265 controls the reading process of the scan processing unit 232.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates the effects of the first embodiment. Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the transport path of the object T according to this embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the transport path of the object T in the prior art.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4(b), the conventional image forming apparatus 2 has a main body 10 at the bottom, a reading unit 20 for flatbed reading above it, and an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) 30 for sheet-through reading above that. The main body 10 has a paper feed unit 24 for setting the target T which is the medium, a paper feed roller (not shown) for transporting the target T, and a paper discharge unit 25 for discharging the target T. The ADF 30 has a paper feed unit 21 for setting the target T which is the original, a paper feed roller (not shown) for transporting the target T, and a paper discharge unit 22 for discharging the target T.

[0044] In the image forming process using the image forming apparatus 2, the medium is transported from the paper feeding section 24 by paper feeding rollers, an image is formed on the medium in the image forming section 11, and the medium after image formation is discharged to the paper discharge section 25.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4(b), the transport path B1 for the media during image formation follows a counterclockwise path along the transport path B, which is shaped like the Japanese character "コの" (ko), starting from the paper feed unit 24. After image formation, the media is transported to the paper discharge unit 25. Note that in some cases, the transport path B1 may be configured to be clockwise.

[0046] In the reading process by the image forming apparatus 2, the original document is transported from the paper feeding unit 21 by a paper feeding roller, read by the reading window 23 of the reading unit 20, and then the read original document is discharged to the paper discharge unit 22.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4(b), the document transport path C2 by the ADF 30 is a clockwise path along the transport path C, which is shaped like the letter "C". After scanning, the document is transported to the paper output unit 22. Note that in some cases, the transport path C2 may be configured to be counterclockwise.

[0048] If the document is double-sided, the front side is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like in the reading unit 20, and the back side is read by a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) or the like in the ADF 30. In the case of inexpensive image forming apparatus, the reading unit 20 may use a contact image sensor (CIS) with a 1:1 optical system instead of reading by a CCD with a reduction optical system.

[0049] Thus, in the conventional configuration, the transport path B of the device body 10 and the transport path C of the ADF 30 are located separately. This is because the flatbed type reading unit 20, which reads documents by setting them on contact glass, is installed on top of the device body 10, and the ADF is installed on top of that, enabling double-sided scanning.

[0050] In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, with the configuration shown in Figure 4(a), can be made smaller and cost-effective compared to the conventional technology.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4(a), the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming unit 11 and a reading unit 12. The main body 10 also has a first paper feeding unit 17 on the first side surface 10a and a second paper feeding unit 18 on the second side surface.

[0052] In image formation by the image forming apparatus 1, the medium (target T) is transported from the first paper feeding section 17 by a paper feeding roller, an image is formed on the medium in the image forming section 11, and the medium after image formation is discharged to the second paper feeding section 18, which also serves as the paper discharge section.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4(a), the medium during image formation is transported from the first paper feed unit 17 to the second paper feed unit 18 via a transport path A1 along transport path A. Since the image forming unit 11 is located near the first paper feed unit 17, the distance from the original document set in the first paper feed unit 17 to the image forming unit 11 is shortened, making it easier to set the paper. Alternatively, a return back function may be implemented to return the medium to the first paper feed unit 17 after image formation.

[0054] In the reading process by the image forming apparatus 1, the original document (target T) is transported from the second paper feeding unit 18 by a paper feeding roller, the original document is read by the reading unit 12, and the read original document is discharged to the first paper feeding unit 17.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4(a), the document being scanned is transported from the second paper feed unit 18 to the first paper feed unit 17 via a transport path A2 along transport path A. Since the reading unit 12 is located near the second paper feed unit 18, the distance from the document set in the second paper feed unit 18 to the reading unit 12 is shortened, making it easier to set the document. Alternatively, a return-back function may be implemented to return the scanned document to the second paper feed unit 18.

[0056] Thus, in the image forming apparatus 1, both the image forming unit 11 and the reading unit 12 are located on the transport path A, and the transport path A1 for image forming and the transport path A2 for reading follow the same transport path A. This makes it possible to miniaturize the main body of the apparatus 10 and reduce costs.

[0057] Furthermore, in the conventional image forming apparatus 2, the entire surface of the original document must be placed on the contact glass, requiring, for example, an area the size of A4 paper for installation of the apparatus body 10. In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the original document is read while being transported, eliminating the need for components that require a large installation area, thus enabling miniaturization in terms of the installation area of ​​the apparatus body 10.

[0058] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, contact glass, a carriage used for reading operations, a carriage drive mechanism, and a housing that supports them are unnecessary, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0059] Furthermore, when the above-mentioned return-back is performed during scanning by the image forming apparatus 1, the original document set by the user in the second paper feed unit 18 is ejected to the second paper feed unit 18, allowing the scanning operation to be performed from the front, thereby improving user operability and convenience.

[0060] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1, the reading unit 12 can be made smaller and placed close to the transport path within the same housing as the image forming unit 11. Therefore, the transport path for transporting the medium and the transport path for transporting the original document can be made common, and the entire apparatus can be made smaller.

[0061] Figure 5 shows an example of the reading operation by the reading unit 12. Figure 6 shows how the document is transported during the reading operation.

[0062] When scanning of the document (target T) begins, the transport control unit 262 uses the pair of rollers 15 on the upstream side of the transport direction indicated by the transport path A2 to transport the document from left to right (Figure 6(a)). The document is read when it passes through the reading position P, which is located between the CIS121 and CIS122 of the transport path A (Figure 6(b)).

[0063] CIS121 reads the top (front) side of the document, and CIS122 reads the bottom (back) side of the document. Note that devices that read only one side, or devices with a transport path that inverts the document, may be equipped with only one of CIS121 or CIS122.

[0064] The transport control unit 262 further transports the document that has passed the reading position P using the downstream pair of rollers in the transport direction, and continues transporting the document until the entire document has passed the reading position P. The transport position of the document may be detected by the detection sensor 19, or by CIS121 or CIS122.

[0065] When returning a document, the transport control unit 262 reverses the drive motor 13 to transport the document from right to left in the diagram (Figure 6(c)). This allows the document to be returned to the user who set it, improving the convenience of the scanning operation (Figure 6(d)).

[0066] Note that the document scanning may be performed either when the document is being transported in the A2 direction or when the document is being transported in the reverse direction of A2.

[0067] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the reading procedure performed by the reading unit 12. This section describes the case where the document is returned.

[0068] First, the determination unit 263 determines whether or not the reading preparation is complete (step S10). Specifically, the determination unit 263 makes this determination based on whether or not the detection sensor 19 has detected the document set in the second paper feed unit 18. If the reading preparation is complete (step S10: Yes), the reception unit 261 determines whether or not it has received confirmation of the user pressing the read button (step S11). On the other hand, if the reading preparation is not complete (step S10: No), the determination unit 263 repeats the determination of whether or not the reading preparation is complete (step S10).

[0069] If the read button is pressed (step S11: Yes), the transport control unit 262 rotates the drive motor 13 in the forward direction (step S12). On the other hand, if the read button is not pressed (step S11: No), the reception unit 261 repeats the determination of whether the read button has been pressed (step S11).

[0070] When the document is transported to the reading position P, the reading control unit 265 starts reading the document (step S13). Next, the determination unit 263 determines whether the entire document has passed the reading position P and whether reading is complete (step S14). If it is determined that reading is complete (step S14: Yes), the transport control unit 262 stops the drive motor 13 (step S15). On the other hand, if it is not determined that reading is complete (step S14: No), the determination unit 263 repeats the determination of whether reading is complete or not (step S14).

[0071] Next, the transport control unit 262 rotates the drive motor 13 in the reverse direction (step S16). The determination unit 263 determines whether or not the transport of the document has been completed (whether or not paper ejection has been completed) (step S17). If it is determined that the transport is complete (step S17: Yes), the transport control unit 262 stops the drive motor 13 (step S18). On the other hand, if it is not determined that the transport is complete (step S17: No), the determination unit 263 repeats the determination of whether or not the transport is complete (step S17).

[0072] The procedure for the scanning operation does not have to be exactly the same as the flowchart in Figure 7. For example, the scanning operation may be performed when the document is returned. Also, the procedure for determining when scanning is ready (step S10) and the procedure for accepting the press of the scan button (step S11) may be omitted.

[0073] Thus, according to this embodiment, even when the image forming unit and reading unit are both included, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that enables miniaturization and cost reduction of the image forming apparatus.

[0074] Furthermore, the medium used for image formation may be fed by means other than the first paper feed unit 17. For example, the second paper feed unit 18 used for reading may be used to feed the medium for image formation. In other words, the second paper feed unit 18 may be used in common for both image formation and reading. Alternatively, the first paper feed unit 17 may be used in common for both image formation and reading.

[0075] Furthermore, the drive motor 13 and drive gear train 14 may be used in common for both image forming and reading, or they may be provided separately for image forming and reading. In this way, the parts that can be used in common and the parts that cannot be used in common can be appropriately selected and designed depending on the configuration and operation of the device.

[0076] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment involves providing a reversal unit in the transport path during scanning to invert the document. In the following description of the second embodiment, the parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0077] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the reading unit according to the second embodiment. The difference from Figure 5 is that the reading unit 12 does not have a CIS 122 and has an inversion unit 40.

[0078] The reversing unit 40 has pairs of rollers 41 to 45. These pairs of rollers transport the original document (object T) along transport path A', which is connected in a loop to transport path A, as in transport path A3. As a result, the original document is transported out of the reversing unit 40 with its front and back sides reversed.

[0079] The CIS121 reads the front side of the document as it passes through reading position P from left to right, and reads the back side of the document as it is flipped over and passes through reading position P from right to left.

[0080] Thus, according to this embodiment, since one CIS121 reads both the front and back sides of the document, there is no need for a CIS122, and costs can be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, when forming an image on the medium, the medium after image formation may be transported as shown in the transport path A1 of Figure 8 and ejected to the left without being flipped in the inversion unit 40, or it may be returned before reaching the reading unit 12 and ejected to the right.

[0082] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, the reading unit 12 reads the medium that has been image-formed and transported by the image-forming unit 11. In the following description of the third embodiment, the parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0083] Figure 9 shows how an image is formed on the medium and the medium is read in the third embodiment.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, the medium (target T) is transported from the first paper feed unit 17 via transport path A1, and the image forming unit 11 forms an image on the medium. The medium on which the image has been formed is transported via transport path A2, and the reading unit 12 reads the medium. The medium that has been read is discharged to the second paper feed unit 18. Alternatively, the medium that has been read may be returned and discharged to the first paper feed unit 17.

[0085] The image read by the reading unit 12 is used, for example, to verify the quality of image formation using image recognition by AI (Artificial Intelligence). This makes it possible to detect image formation quality degradation that is not visible to the human eye.

[0086] Thus, according to this embodiment, by reading the image-formed medium while it is being transported, an image used for checking the quality of the image formation can be easily obtained.

[0087] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These novel embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0088] Furthermore, each function of each embodiment described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0089] The program executed in the image forming apparatus of each embodiment is configured as a module including the above-described functional units (reception unit 261, transport control unit 262, determination unit 263, image forming control unit 264, reading control unit 265, etc.). In actual hardware, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) reads the program from the storage medium and executes it, loading each of the above units onto the main memory, and generating each functional unit on the main memory.

[0090] The programs executed in the image forming apparatus of each embodiment are provided as installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0091] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus of each embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided or distributed by allowing users to download it via the network.

[0092] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> An image forming unit is positioned on a transport path and performs image formation on a medium being transported along the transport path, A reading unit is arranged on the transport path and reads the document being transported along the transport path. A transport control unit for transporting the medium and the document, This is an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following: <2> A first supply unit is located on the first side of the main body of the apparatus and supplies the medium during image formation, A second supply unit is located on the second side of the main body of the device, opposite to the first side, and supplies the original document during reading. Furthermore, The image forming unit is located near the first supply unit. The reading unit is located near the second supply unit, <1> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <3> The system further includes a supply unit that supplies the original document during the reading process, The transport control unit transports the original document supplied from the supply unit and read by the reading unit back to the supply unit. <1> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <4> The transport control unit transports the medium supplied from the first supply unit and on which the image forming unit has formed an image to the second supply unit. <2> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <5> The transport control unit transports the medium supplied from the first supply unit and on which the image forming unit has formed an image, back to the first supply unit. <2> This is the image forming apparatus described in [reference]. <6> The system further includes a reversal unit that reverses the side of the original document after reading one side of the medium has been completed. The reading unit reads the other side of the original document that has been inverted by the inversion unit. <1> ~ <5> The image forming apparatus is one of the following: <7> The reading unit reads the medium on which the image has been formed. <1> ~ <6> The image forming apparatus is one of the following: <8> An image forming method performed by an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit arranged on a transport path and performing image forming on a medium transported along the transport path; and a reading unit arranged on the transport path and performing reading of a document transported along the transport path, A transport control process for transporting the aforementioned medium and the aforementioned document, An image formation control step that controls the image formation operation of the image forming unit, A reading control step that controls the reading operation of the reading unit, This is an image forming method characterized by comprising the following: <9> An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit arranged on a transport path and performing image formation on a medium transported along the transport path, and a reading unit arranged on the transport path and performing reading of a document transported along the transport path, Computers, A transport control means for transporting the aforementioned medium and the aforementioned document, Image forming control means for controlling the image forming operation of the image forming unit, A reading control means for controlling the reading operation of the reading unit, This program is characterized by its ability to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1. Image forming apparatus 10 Main unit of the device 11 Image forming unit 12 Reading section 13 Drive motor 14 Drive gear train 16 Conveyor Guide 17 1st paper feed section 18 2nd paper feed section 19 Detection Sensors 40 Reversal section 70 Control Panel 121,122 CIS 261 Reception Department 262 Transport Control Unit 263 Judgment section 264 Image Forming Control Unit 265 Read Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0094] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-153745

Claims

1. An image forming unit is positioned on a transport path and performs image formation on a medium being transported along the transport path, A reading unit is arranged on the transport path and reads the document being transported along the transport path. A transport control unit for transporting the medium and the document, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. A first supply unit is located on the first side of the main body of the apparatus and supplies the medium during image formation, A second supply unit is located on the second side of the main body of the device, opposite to the first side, and supplies the original document during reading. Furthermore, The image forming unit is located near the first supply unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading unit is located near the second supply unit.

3. The system further includes a supply unit that supplies the original document during the reading process, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport control unit transports the original document supplied from the supply unit and read by the reading unit back to the supply unit.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport control unit transports the medium supplied from the first supply unit and on which the image forming unit has formed an image to the second supply unit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transport control unit transports the medium supplied from the first supply unit and on which the image forming unit has formed an image to the first supply unit.

6. The system further includes a reversal unit that reverses the side of the original document after reading one side of the medium has been completed. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reading unit reads the other side of the original document that has been inverted by the inversion unit.

7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reading unit reads the medium on which the image has been formed.

8. An image forming method performed by an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit arranged on a transport path and performing image forming on a medium transported along the transport path; and a reading unit arranged on the transport path and performing reading of a document transported along the transport path, A transport control process for transporting the aforementioned medium and the aforementioned document, An image formation control step that controls the image formation operation of the image forming unit, A reading control step that controls the reading operation of the reading unit, An image forming method characterized by comprising the following:

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit arranged on a transport path and performing image formation on a medium transported along the transport path; and a reading unit arranged on the transport path and performing reading of a document transported along the transport path, Computers, A transport control means for transporting the aforementioned medium and the aforementioned document, Image forming control means for controlling the image forming operation of the image forming unit, A reading control means for controlling the reading operation of the reading unit, A program characterized by being designed to function as such.

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