Image reading device and image forming device

Abstract

This helps to suppress the increase in the number of parts and costs associated with condensation prevention measures. [Solution] The image reading device comprises a transparent member and a reading unit that reads an image of a document through the transparent member. The image reading device also comprises an opening / closing unit that is disposed to open and close relative to the transparent member. The image reading device also comprises a control unit that acquires environmental information including at least one of temperature and humidity, and causes a display unit to display a message prompting the opening / closing unit to be opened based on the environmental information (steps S104, S106).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device for reading an image from a document and an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, image scanning devices consist of a housing with a transparent glass platen (platen glass) on top on which the original document is placed, and house a light source that illuminates the document and a scanning unit that reads the image of the original document. In such image scanning devices, condensation may occur inside depending on the environment in which they are installed, which may cause defects such as distortion of the scanned image.

[0003] Therefore, devices have been proposed that, when an environment prone to condensation is detected by temperature and humidity sensors inside or outside the device, eliminate condensation by warming the inside of the device with a heater or dispersing stagnant air inside the device with a fan (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-181779 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The image reading device described in Patent Document 1 is configured to include a heater and a fan to eliminate condensation. Therefore, the image reading device described in Patent Document 1 requires space for the heater and fan, which may increase the size of the device. Furthermore, the need for components such as heaters and fans increases the number of parts, leading to increased costs.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus that can suppress an increase in the number of components and an increase in cost related to measures against condensation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention includes a transparent member, a reading unit that reads an image of a document through the transparent member, an opening / closing unit that is disposed to be openable and closable with respect to the transparent member, and an environment information acquisition unit that acquires environment information including at least one of temperature and humidity, and a control unit that causes a display unit to display a display for promoting the opening of the opening / closing unit based on the environment information. The image reading apparatus is characterized by comprising the above components.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an increase in the number of components and an increase in cost related to measures against condensation can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view showing a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an automatic image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. " [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing an ADF according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reader controller and a system controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing processing related to prevention of condensation and countermeasures against occurrence of condensation executed when an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is started. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between temperature and humidity at which condensation is likely to occur according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the transition of the external temperature of an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and the passage of time. [Figure 9]This figure shows an example of a display on the operating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention that prompts the opening of the ADF to prevent condensation. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display on the operating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention that prompts the opening of the ADF to eliminate condensation. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example configuration of a reader controller and a system controller according to a modified version of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the printer 1001 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. In the following, the position facing the operation unit 90 (see Figure 4) where the user performs various inputs / settings to the printer 1001 will be defined as the "front side" of the printer 1001, and the rear side will be defined as the "back side". In other words, Figure 1 shows the internal configuration of the printer 1001 as seen from the front side.

[0011] <Printer Overview> As shown in Figure 1, the printer 1001 has an image reader 100 positioned above the printer body 1001A, which is the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image reader 100 optically scans the original document S to read image information. The image information converted into an electrical signal by the image reader 100 is transferred via the system controller 320 (see Figure 5) to the control unit 1032 (see Figure 5) of the printer controller 340 located in the printer body 1001A. As a result, the printer 1001 forms an image on the recording medium based on the image information read by the image reader 100.

[0012] The printer body 1001A includes an image forming unit 1033 that forms an image on a recording medium sheet P, and a sheet feeding unit 1006 that feeds the sheet P to the image forming unit 1033. The sheet feeding unit 1006 is equipped with sheet storage units 1037a, 1037b, 1037c, and 1037d that can store sheets of different sizes. Sheets stored in each sheet storage unit are fed out by pickup rollers 1002a, 1002b, 1002c, and 1002d, respectively. Then, they are separated one by one by feed rollers 1003a, 1003b, 1003c, and 1003d and retard rollers 1004a, 1004b, 1004c, and 1004d, and passed to the corresponding transport roller pair 1031.

[0013] The sheet P is passed sequentially from the stored sheet feeding unit to a plurality of transport roller pairs 1031 arranged along the sheet transport path, and then transported to the registration roller pair 1036.

[0014] The sheet P, placed on the manual feed tray 1037e by the user, is fed into the printer body 1001A by the feed roller 1038 and transported to the registration roller pair 1036. The registration roller pair 1036 stops the leading edge of the sheet P to correct its skew and resumes transporting the sheet P in accordance with the progress of the image formation operation, which is the toner image formation process by the image forming unit 1033.

[0015] The image forming unit 1033, which forms an image on the sheet P, is an electrophotographic unit equipped with a photosensitive drum 1021, which is a photoreceptor. The image forming unit 1033 is just one example of an image forming means, and may be composed of, for example, an inkjet image forming unit or an offset printing mechanism.

[0016] The photosensitive drum 1021 is rotatable along the transport direction of the sheet P, and a charger 1018, exposure unit 1023, developer unit 1024, transfer charger 1025, separation charger 1026, and cleaner 1027 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1021. The charger 1018 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1021. The exposure unit 1023 exposes the photosensitive drum 1021 based on image information input from the image reading device 100, etc., and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1021.

[0017] The developer unit 1024 contains a two-component developer including toner and carrier, and develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by supplying charged toner to the photosensitive drum 1021. The toner image supported on the photosensitive drum 1021 is transferred to the sheet P transported from the registration roller pair 1036 by the bias electric field formed by the transfer charger 1025. The sheet P, onto which the toner image has been transferred, is separated from the photosensitive drum 1021 by the bias electric field formed by the separation charger 1026 and transported toward the fixer unit 1029 by the pre-fixer transport unit 1028. Any remaining toner or other deposits on the photosensitive drum 1021 that were not transferred to the sheet P are removed by the cleaner 1027, and the photosensitive drum 1021 prepares for the next image formation operation.

[0018] The sheet P, transported to the fuser unit 1029, is held between roller pairs, pressurized, and heated, fixing the image through the melting and solidification of toner. If image output is complete, the sheet P with the fixed image is discharged via the discharge roller pair 1010 to the discharge tray 1030 which protrudes to the outside of the printer body 1001A. In double-sided printing, when forming an image on the back side of the sheet P, the sheet P that has passed through the fuser unit 1029 is reversed between the front and back sides by the reversal unit 1039 and transported to the registration roller pair 1036 by the double-sided transport unit 1040. Then, the sheet P, with the image formed again by the image forming unit 1033, is discharged to the discharge tray 1030.

[0019] The environmental sensor 313, located near the outer cover, detects either or both of the outside air temperature and humidity. In other words, the environmental sensor 313 is configured to detect environmental information, including either or both of the temperature and humidity outside the image reading device 100 and the printer body 1001A. The environmental sensor 313 may be located elsewhere; for example, it may be located near the image forming unit 1033 inside the printer body 1001A to detect the temperature and humidity inside the printer body 1001A.

[0020] The control unit 1032 controls the heating temperature of the fixing unit 1029 based on the detection results detected by the environmental sensor 313. The detection results detected by the environmental sensor 313 are also notified to the reader CPU 301 (see Figure 5) via the system CPU 321 (see Figure 5) and are referenced when dealing with condensation prevention and condensation occurrence, as described later.

[0021] <Configuration of the automatic image reading device> The automatic image reading device 10 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the automatic image reading device 10 in this embodiment. The automatic image reading device 10 in this embodiment includes an image reading device 100 for reading a document and an automatic document transport device (hereinafter also referred to as ADF) 200 for transporting the document toward the image reading device 100. The automatic image reading device 10 is also connected to a reader controller 300 (see Figure 5) and a system controller 320 (see Figure 5). The ADF 200 is connected to the image reading device 100 so as to be openable and closable by an opening / closing hinge 202 provided on the rear side of the upper surface of the image reading device 100. In other words, the ADF 200, as an opening / closing part, is arranged so as to be openable and closable relative to the document glass 101 (see Figure 3) of the image reading device 100.

[0022] <Configuration of the image reading device> Next, the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the ADF 200 in this embodiment. The image reading device 100 includes a pressure plate glass and a document glass 101 as a transparent member, a reading movement guide 102, a surface reading unit 103 as a reading unit, a white reference plate 104, and an optical unit motor 312 (see Figure 5). In document reading control, the image reading device 100 uses the optical unit motor 312 to move the surface reading unit 103 along the reading movement guide 102, reading the surface of the document placed on the document glass 101 line by line. In this way, the image reading device 100 reads the image of the surface of the document via the document glass 101. Furthermore, during continuous reading control, when reading an image from a document transported by the ADF200, the image of the document transported onto the surface continuous reading glass 105 by the ADF200 is read by the surface reading unit 103 via the surface continuous reading glass 105.

[0023] <Configuration of an automated document transport system> Next, the ADF200 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The ADF200 has a document tray 201 on which a stack of documents consisting of one or more sheets of original material is placed. The ADF200 also has a separation mechanism consisting of a pair of separation rollers 206 and a pickup roller 205, which prevent the stack of documents from protruding from the document tray 201 and entering downstream before the start of document transport. A document presence sensor 204 is placed on the document tray 201 to detect the presence or absence of a stack of documents on the document tray 201.

[0024] In the ADF200, the separation motor 310 (see Figure 5) and the transport motor 311 (see Figure 5) are rotated to drop the pickup roller 205 onto the top surface of the stack of documents piled on the document tray 201 and rotate it. This sends the document on the top surface of the stack to the separation roller pair 206. The documents sent out by the pickup roller 205 are separated and transported one by one by the action of the separation roller pair 206 driven by the separation motor 310. The separation of the document on the top surface of the stack by the action of the separation roller pair 206 is achieved by known separation technology.

[0025] The original document separated by the separation roller pair 206 is fed to the extraction roller pair 207. A separation sensor 209 is located in the transport path downstream of the separation roller pair 206. In the ADF200, based on the timing when the separation sensor 209 detects the leading edge of the original document, the separation motor 310 is stopped after the extraction roller pair 207 has started transporting the original document, and the feeding of the original document is terminated.

[0026] Downstream of the extraction roller pair 207, a transport path is provided that transports the document in the direction in which the front surface reading glass 105, which reads the front surface of the document that has passed through the extraction roller pair 207, and the back surface reading glass 217, which reads the back surface of the document, are arranged. The document sent to the transport path is transported to the front surface reading glass 105 by the extraction roller pair 207, the transport roller pair 210, and the lead upstream roller pair 211.

[0027] A lead sensor 212 is positioned upstream of the document transport direction on the surface reading glass 105. In the ADF200, the surface reading unit 103 reads the surface of the document based on the timing when the lead sensor 212 detects the leading edge of the document. In the ADF200, when the surface reading unit 103 reads the surface of the document, light is shone from below the surface reading glass 105 by the surface LED 307 (see Figure 5) onto the document as it passes over the surface reading glass 105. In the ADF200, the reflected light shone by the surface LED 307 and reflected by the surface of the document is read by the surface line sensor 306 (see Figure 5) through the surface mirror and lens, thereby reading the image of the surface of the document.

[0028] The image of the front surface of the document, which has been read by the front surface reading unit 103, is transported to the back surface reading glass 217 by the lead downstream roller pair 214. When double-sided reading is performed, in the ADF200, first, as described above, the image of the front surface of the document is read by the front surface reading unit 103. Next, in the ADF200, based on the timing when the lead sensor 212 detects the leading edge of the document, the back surface reading unit 216 reads the back surface of the document. In the ADF200, when the back surface reading unit 216 reads the back surface of the document, light is shone from above the back surface reading glass 217 by the back surface LED 309 (see Figure 5) onto the document as it passes under the back surface reading glass 217. In the ADF200, the reflected light shone by the back surface LED 309 and reflected by the back surface of the document is read by the back surface line sensor 308 (see Figure 5) through the front surface mirror and lens, thereby reading the image of the back surface of the document.

[0029] The scanned document is ejected onto the output tray 220 by the output roller pair 219. An output sensor 218 is located upstream of the output roller pair 219 in the document transport direction. In the ADF200, if there is no document on the document tray 201, the transport motor 311 is stopped after the document has been ejected, based on the timing when the output sensor 218 detects the trailing edge of the document, and document scanning is terminated.

[0030] <Configuration of the control panel> Next, the operation unit 90 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view of the operation unit 90 provided in the automatic image reading device 10 of this embodiment. The operation unit 90 has a display unit 91 such as a liquid crystal panel and a group of operation keys 92 as an input unit. The group of operation keys 92 includes an image reading execution button 93. The operation unit 90 is electrically connected to a system controller 320 (see Figure 5) that controls the entire device. The display unit 91 of this embodiment is composed of a touch panel that can accept user operations.

[0031] <Explanation of Block Diagrams and System Configuration Diagrams> Figure 5 shows an example configuration of the reader controller 300 and system controller 320, which serve as control units connected to the automatic image reading device 10 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the reader controller 300, the system controller 320, and the printer controller 340 are electrically connected in a system configuration.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the reader controller 300 includes a reader CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 and a reader ROM (Read Only Memory) 302. The reader controller 300 also includes a reader RAM (Random Access Memory) 303. The reader ROM 302 stores the control program, and the reader RAM 303 stores input data and working data. The reader CPU 301 controls the automatic image reading device 10 by executing the flow of the control program stored in the reader ROM 302.

[0033] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 is connected to an optical unit motor 312, a front LED 307, a back LED 309, a front line sensor 306, and a back line sensor 308 in order to realize the image reading function. The reader CPU 301 stores the image of the front surface of the document read by the front line sensor 306 as image data in the reader image memory 304. The reader CPU 301 also stores the image of the back surface of the document read by the back line sensor 308 as image data in the reader image memory 304.

[0034] Furthermore, a pressure plate opening / closing sensor 314 is connected to the reader CPU 301 to detect the opening and closing of the ADF 200 relative to the image reading device 100. The pressure plate opening / closing sensor 314 is positioned near the opening / closing hinge 202, which connects the ADF 200 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the image reading device 100. The pressure plate opening / closing sensor 314 detects the closed state of the ADF 100 by electrically detecting when a projection (not shown) is pressed down when the ADF 100 is closed using the opening / closing hinge 202 as the axis of rotation. The pressure plate opening / closing sensor 314 also detects the open state of the ADF 100 when the pressure on the projection is released as the ADF 100 is opened.

[0035] The reader CPU 301 receives an image output request transmitted from the system controller 320 via the command data bus 330. In accordance with the received image output request, the reader CPU 301 performs various image processing on the image data stored in the reader image memory 304 using the reader image processing unit 305, and then transmits it to the system controller 320 via the image data bus 331. In other words, the reader CPU 301, acting as the first control unit, transmits the image data (image information) read by the front reading unit 103 and the back reading unit 216 to the system CPU 321.

[0036] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 notifies the system controller 320 via the image data bus 331 of a vertical synchronization signal that serves as the reference for the leading edge of the image data and a horizontal synchronization signal that serves as the reference for the leading edge of a pixel in one line, in accordance with the timing of reading the image on the original document.

[0037] The system controller 320 includes a system CPU 321, a system ROM 322, and a system RAM 323, and exchanges data related to image reading control with the reader CPU 301 via a command data bus 330. The system CPU 321 is also connected to a system image processing unit 324 and a system image memory 325. The system CPU 321 performs various image processing on image data received via the image data bus 331 using the system image processing unit 324 before storing it in the system image memory 325. The system controller 320 also includes an operation unit 90, which accepts user input.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the system CPU 321 is connected to the control unit 1032 via the print system bus 332. The system CPU 321 communicates with the control unit 1032 regarding the control commands necessary for printing.

[0039] The printer controller 340 includes a control unit 1032. The control unit 1032 controls the overall operation of the printer 1001. The control unit 1032 also controls the operation of the image forming unit 1033. The image forming unit 1033 acquires image data from the system image memory 325 and forms an image corresponding to the acquired image data by controlling the exposure device 1023 and the developer 1024 based on the acquired image data. The system CPU 321, which receives image data from the reader CPU 301, and the control unit 1032, which controls the image forming unit 1033 based on the image data received by the system CPU 321, constitute the second control unit in this embodiment.

[0040] Furthermore, an environmental sensor 313 is connected to the control unit 1032. The control unit 1032 acquires the detection results of either or both of the ambient temperature and humidity detected by the environmental sensor 313 and uses them for controlling the fixing unit 1029, etc. The detection results of the environmental sensor 313 can also be accessed by the system CPU 321 and the reader CPU 301 via communication.

[0041] <Processing flow for preventing condensation and responding to condensation occurrence in image reading devices> Next, referring to Figure 6, the processing flow related to condensation prevention and condensation response in the image reading device 100, executed by the reader controller 300 of the image reading device 100, will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing related to condensation prevention and condensation response that is executed when the image reading device 100 is started. Each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 6 is executed by the reader CPU 301 of the reader controller 300.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, when the image reading device 100 is activated (S101), the reader CPU 301 starts processing related to condensation prevention and condensation occurrence. The reader CPU 301 receives the detection result detected by the environmental sensor 313 from the system CPU 321 (S102). In this process, the reader CPU 301 checks the environmental information of the outside air temperature and humidity, which is the detection result of the environmental sensor 313, and confirms the state of the environment around the image reading device 100 (environmental state).

[0043] Next, the reader CPU 301 determines whether the environmental conditions at the time the image reading device 100 is started are such that condensation is likely to occur (S103). The details of the process in step S103 will be explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates the relationship between temperature and humidity at which condensation is likely to occur. As shown in Figure 7, region A1 is defined by the threshold T as the first threshold. L At temperatures below (below the first threshold), and with a second threshold of H H The humidity is above the second threshold, which is the low-temperature, high-humidity region. In the image reading device 100, if the environmental information confirmed at startup is within the range of region A1, condensation is likely to occur. In this embodiment, the threshold T L The temperature is set to 5°C, and the threshold H H The humidity is set to 80%.

[0045] In step S103, if the confirmed environmental information is determined to be outside the range of area A1 shown in Figure 7 (No), the reader CPU 301 determines that condensation is unlikely to occur and terminates the processing related to condensation prevention and condensation response. That is, if the confirmed environmental information is outside the range of area A1 shown in Figure 7, the reader CPU 301 does not display a prompt on the display unit 91 to open the ADF 200, as described later. On the other hand, in step S103, if the confirmed environmental information is determined to be within the range of area A1 shown in Figure 7 (Yes), the reader CPU 301 determines that condensation is likely to occur and proceeds to step S104.

[0046] In step S104, the reader CPU 301 determines whether or not the set time has elapsed (S104). The set time will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the change in external temperature of the image reading device 100 and the passage of time. The image reading device 100 sets a threshold T from the temperature at startup of the image reading device 100. L A third threshold T that is higher than H When the temperature rises to above (above the third threshold), the likelihood of condensation occurring increases when the elapsed time reaches the set time. In this embodiment, the threshold T H The temperature was set to 25°C, which is higher than 5°C, and the set time was set to 80 minutes, which corresponds to the time from time t1 to time t2 as shown in Figure 8.

[0047] In step S104, if it is determined that the set time has not elapsed (Yes), the leader CPU 301 determines that conditions are likely to cause condensation and proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, in step S104, if it is determined that the set time has elapsed (No), the leader CPU 301 determines whether the environmental conditions after the set time have elapsed are likely to cause condensation (S105). The details of the process in step S105 will be explained using Figure 7.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, region A2 has a threshold TH At the above temperature and a threshold value H H The threshold value H as the fourth threshold value lower than L The temperature and humidity are in a high temperature and high humidity region where the humidity is above (equal to or lower than the fourth threshold value). In the image reading device 100, when the environmental information within the range of area A2 is confirmed after the elapse of the set time from the state where the environmental information within the range of area A1 is confirmed at startup, there is a high possibility that condensation has occurred. In the present embodiment, the threshold value H L is set to 60% humidity.

[0049] In the process of step S105, when it is determined that the confirmed environmental information is outside the range of area A2 shown in FIG. 7 (No), the reader CPU 301 determines that there is a low possibility that condensation has occurred and proceeds to the process of step S106. On the other hand, in the process of step S105, when it is determined that the confirmed environmental information is within the range of area A2 shown in FIG. 7 (Yes), the reader CPU 301 determines that it is a state where condensation can be predicted to have occurred and proceeds to the process of step S107.

[0050] In the process of step S106, the reader CPU 301 displays on the display unit 91 of the operation unit 90 a display prompting the opening of the ADF 200 for the prevention of condensation because the environmental state at startup was a state where condensation was likely to occur (S106). The details of the process of step S106 will be described using FIG. 9. <0000​​​​​Since condensation is predicted to occur on the document glass 101, a message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation will be displayed, for example, "Condensation will occur on the pressure glass based on environmental sensor (temperature and humidity) information." Another message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation will be displayed, for example, "Please keep the ADF open for a while." This message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation, as shown in Figure 9, constitutes the first message in this embodiment.

[0053] If the reader CPU 301 has already executed the process in step S106 and is displaying a message on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation, the process proceeds to step S107 while continuing the display on the display unit 91.

[0054] In step S107, the reader CPU 301 determines that condensation is likely to have already occurred based on environmental information from the time set since startup, and therefore displays a message on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to resolve the condensation (S107). The details of the process in step S107 will be explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0055] Figure 10 shows an example of a display on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation. As shown in Figure 10, the reader CPU 301 displays a message on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation, as condensation may have already formed on the document glass 101 (see Figure 2). The reader CPU 301 also displays an OK button 95 on the display unit 91, which is a button that accepts the operation to end the display prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation.

[0056] Since condensation may already be occurring on the document glass 101, a message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate the condensation will be displayed, for example, "Condensation may be occurring on the pressure glass based on environmental sensor (temperature and humidity) information." Another message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate the condensation will be displayed, for example, "Please leave the ADF open for a while." This message prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation, as shown in Figure 10, constitutes the second message in this embodiment.

[0057] After executing steps S106 and S107, the reader CPU 301 determines whether the OK button 95 was pressed (S108). If it is determined in this process that the OK button 95 was not pressed (No), the reader CPU 301 determines whether the ADF 200 was opened (S109). In this process, the reader CPU 301 determines whether the pressure plate opening / closing sensor 314 has detected that the ADF 200 is in an open state.

[0058] In step S109, if it is determined that the ADF200 is not open (No), the reader CPU 301 determines whether the set time has elapsed (S110). In this process, if it is determined that the set time has not elapsed (No), the reader CPU 301 determines that a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation is displayed on the display unit 91. The reader CPU 301 then returns to step S104 because it has not executed the process in step S105 and has not determined whether or not to display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to eliminate condensation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the set time has elapsed (Yes), the reader CPU 301 determines that it has already executed the process in step S105 and returns to step S108.

[0059] If it is determined in step S108 that the OK button 95 has been pressed (Yes), or if it is determined in step S109 that the ADF 200 has been opened (Yes), the reader CPU 301 proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the reader CPU 301 erases the display on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation or to eliminate condensation (S111). In this process, the reader CPU 301 determines that the user has become aware of the possibility of condensation occurring or that condensation has occurred, and has taken action against the condensation by operating the OK button 95 or opening the ADF 200. The reader CPU 301 then erases the display on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation or to eliminate condensation, and terminates the processing related to condensation prevention and condensation response.

[0060] Thus, in this embodiment, the reader CPU 301, acting as the first control unit, acquires environmental information, including the temperature and humidity outside the device detected by the environmental sensor 313. The reader CPU 301 then determines that the temperature in the environmental information exceeds the threshold T L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, notification prompting the opening of the ADF200 is provided by displaying a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 on the display unit 91. This first control unit, the reader CPU 301, constitutes the control unit in this embodiment.

[0061] <Summary of this embodiment> Thus, the reader CPU 301 of this embodiment considers the temperature of the environmental information to be a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, the display unit 91 will display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation until the set time has elapsed. After the set time has elapsed, the reader CPU 301 will check if the temperature is above the threshold T H The above conditions are met, and the humidity is at threshold H. LWhen the above environmental information is obtained, the display will switch from prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation to prompting the opening of the ADF200 to eliminate condensation.

[0062] In other words, the image reading device 100 of this embodiment displays on the display unit 91 a display corresponding to the case where condensation is likely to occur and the case where condensation has occurred, based on the environmental information detected by the environmental sensor 313. On the other hand, the reader CPU 301 determines when the temperature of the environmental information is a threshold T L or above, or when the humidity reaches threshold H H The following conditions will prevent the display prompting the opening of the ADF200. This allows the image reading device 100 to prevent condensation from forming on the document glass 101, and also to prompt the elimination of condensation if it does form on the document glass 101.

[0063] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 of this embodiment is configured to terminate the display on the display unit 91 that prompts the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation or to resolve condensation when the ADF 200 is opened.

[0065] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to terminate the display prompting the user to open the ADF 200 at the appropriate time when the user opens the ADF 200 to prevent condensation, thereby improving usability.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reader CPU 301 displays an OK button 95 on the display unit 91 when it is displaying a message on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation or to eliminate condensation. When the OK button 95 is pressed, the reader CPU 301 terminates the message on the display unit 91 prompting the user to open the ADF 200 to prevent condensation or to eliminate condensation.

[0067] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to terminate the display prompting the user to open the ADF 200 at the appropriate time when the user recognizes that the ADF 200 should be opened to prevent condensation, thereby improving usability.

[0068] Furthermore, the leader CPU 301 in this embodiment is configured to use the environmental information from the environmental sensor 313, which the control unit 1032 uses for heating control of the fixing unit 1029, to execute the processes related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6.

[0069] In other words, the image reading device 100 of this embodiment is configured to use environmental information acquired for heating control of the fixing unit 1029 to determine whether or not condensation is likely to occur or has already occurred.

[0070] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to take measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without installing a new environmental sensor in the image reading device 100, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and an increase in cost.

[0071] As described above, the reader CPU 301 of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment acquires environmental information of temperature and humidity, and provides notification prompting the opening of the ADF 200 based on the acquired environmental information.

[0072] Therefore, the image reading device 100 of this embodiment can prompt the user to open the ADF 200 when condensation may occur or when condensation has occurred. In other words, the image reading device 100 can encourage the prevention of condensation occurring on the document glass 101, and can also encourage the elimination of condensation that has occurred on the document glass 101.

[0073] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0074] <Variation> In this embodiment, the environmental sensor 313 is installed in the printer body 1001A of the printer 1001 and connected to the control unit 1032 of the printer controller 340, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the environmental sensor 313 may be installed in the image reading device 100 and connected to the reader CPU 301 of the reader controller 300, as shown in Figure 11.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reader CPU 301 is configured to acquire environmental information including both the temperature and humidity outside the device detected by the environmental sensor 313 and to execute processing related to condensation prevention and response to condensation occurrence, but is not limited to this. The reader CPU 301 may be configured to acquire environmental information including at least one of temperature and humidity, execute processing related to condensation prevention and response to condensation occurrence based on the acquired environmental information, and display a message prompting the opening of the ADF 200 on the display unit 91. For example, the reader CPU 301 may be configured to acquire the temperature detected by the environmental sensor 313 as environmental information and to display a message prompting the opening of the ADF 200 on the display unit 91 based on the acquired environmental information.

[0076] Specifically, in step S103 of the process related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6, the leader CPU 301 checks if the startup temperature is above the threshold T. L The system may be configured to determine whether the temperature is below the following threshold. In addition, in step S105 of the process related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6, the reader CPU 301 determines whether the temperature after the set time has elapsed is below the threshold T. H The system may be configured to determine whether or not the temperature is above a certain level.

[0077] With this configuration, the image reading device 100 can prompt the user to open the ADF 200 when condensation is likely to occur or has occurred, through a simple process using only temperature. In other words, the image reading device 100 can encourage the prevention of condensation occurring on the document glass 101 through a simple process using only temperature, and can also encourage the elimination of condensation that has occurred on the document glass 101.

[0078] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0079] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 may be configured to, for example, acquire humidity detected by the environmental sensor 313 as environmental information, and to display a message on the display unit 91 prompting the opening of the ADF 200 based on the acquired environmental information.

[0080] Specifically, in step S103 of the process related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6, the leader CPU 301 checks if the humidity at startup is above the threshold H. H The system may be configured to determine whether the humidity is above the threshold H. Furthermore, in step S105 of the condensation prevention and condensation response process shown in Figure 6, the reader CPU 301 determines whether the humidity after the set time elapses is above the threshold H. LThe system may be configured to determine whether or not the humidity is above the specified level.

[0081] With this configuration, the image reading device 100 can prompt the user to open the ADF 200 when condensation is likely to occur or has occurred, through a simple process using only humidity. In other words, the image reading device 100 can encourage the prevention of condensation occurring on the document glass 101 through a simple process using only humidity, and can also encourage the elimination of condensation that has occurred on the document glass 101.

[0082] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 includes an operation unit 90 having a display unit 91 as a notification unit, but is not limited to this. The printer 1001 may also include a speaker as a notification unit that provides notification to prompt the opening of the ADF 200 by outputting a warning sound. Alternatively, the printer 1001 may be configured to have a computer connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) function as a notification unit by providing notification to the computer prompting the opening of the ADF 200.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading device 100 is equipped with an ADF 200 that can be opened and closed as an opening / closing part, but is not limited to this. The image reading device 100 may, for example, be equipped with a pressure plate member as an opening / closing part that can be opened and closed relative to the document glass 101 of the image reading device 100 and presses down on the document on the document glass 101.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reader CPU 301 determines that the temperature included in the environmental information at the time of startup of the image reading device 100 is a threshold T. LThe following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, the system is configured to display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation. In addition, the reader CPU301 uses the environmental information acquired after a set time has elapsed since the image reading device 100 was started to check the threshold T H At temperatures above the above, and threshold H L The system is configured to display a message prompting the user to open the ADF200 to eliminate condensation when the humidity level exceeds the specified level. However, the configuration in which the reader CPU301 prompts the user to open the ADF200 to eliminate condensation is not limited to this embodiment.

[0086] For example, the reader CPU 301 determines that the temperature included in the environmental information at the time of startup of the image reading device 100 is a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 will be displayed to prevent condensation. Then, the reader CPU301 will use the environmental information acquired after a set time has elapsed since the image reading device 100 was started to determine the threshold T H In the event of temperatures exceeding the above limits, the system may be configured to display a message prompting the user to open the ADF200 to eliminate condensation, regardless of humidity.

[0087] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 determines, for example, that the temperature included in the environmental information at the time of startup of the image reading device 100 is a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, a message prompting the user to open the ADF200 to prevent condensation will be displayed. Furthermore, the reader CPU301 may be configured to display a message prompting the user to open the ADF200 to eliminate condensation if the user does not press the OK button 95 or open the ADF200 within the set time.

[0088] In other words, the leader CPU 301 determines that the temperature of the environmental information is a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H HIn the above case, the display unit 91 will display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation until the set time has elapsed. The reader CPU 301 may also be configured to switch the display unit 91 to display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to eliminate condensation, regardless of the ambient temperature after the set time has elapsed.

[0089] In this configuration, the image reading device 100 can prompt the user to open the ADF 200 when a set time has elapsed in a condition where condensation may occur, because condensation may have occurred. In other words, the image reading device 100 can prompt the elimination of condensation that occurs on the document glass 101 through a simple process using only the passage of time, in a condition where condensation may occur.

[0090] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0091] Furthermore, the reader CPU 301 determines, for example, that the temperature included in the environmental information at the time of startup of the image reading device 100 is a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H If the above conditions are met, a message will be displayed prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation. The reader CPU301 will then check the environmental information acquired since the startup of the image reading device 100 and determine if the temperature exceeds the threshold T. H The above conditions are met, and the humidity is at threshold H. L In the event of the above, the system may be configured to display a message prompting the user to open the ADF200 to resolve condensation.

[0092] In other words, the leader CPU 301 determines that the temperature of the environmental information is a threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H HIf the above conditions are met, the display unit 91 will display a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation. In addition, the reader CPU 301 will check if the temperature exceeds the threshold T. L The following conditions apply, and the humidity is at threshold H H After acquiring the above environmental information (first environmental information), the display on the display unit 91 is switched according to the acquired environmental information (second environmental information). The reader CPU 301 uses the temperature threshold T as the second environmental information. H Less than and humidity threshold H L When the above environmental information is obtained, the display unit 91 displays a message prompting the opening of the ADF200 to prevent condensation. In addition, the reader CPU 301 receives the second environmental information, which is the temperature threshold T. H The above conditions are met, and the humidity is at threshold H. L When the above environmental information is obtained, the system may be configured to switch to a display prompting the opening of the ADF200 to eliminate condensation, and display this information on the display unit 91.

[0093] When configured in this way, the image reading device 100 will detect when the temperature is below the threshold T from a state where condensation may occur. H The above conditions are met, and the humidity is at threshold H. L If the above changes occur, condensation may be occurring, and the user can be prompted to open the ADF200. In other words, the image reading device 100 can facilitate the elimination of condensation on the document glass 101 by a simple process using only changes in temperature and humidity when condensation may occur.

[0094] This configuration allows the image reading device 100 to implement measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs associated with measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the threshold T is used as the first threshold. L The threshold H is set to 5°C, and the threshold H is set as the second threshold. H This is set to 80%, and the threshold T is set as the third threshold. H The temperature is set to 25°C, and the threshold H is set as the fourth threshold.L While set to 60%, it is not limited to this. The first to fourth thresholds may be set based on the low-temperature environment that may occur in the office where the image reading device 100 is installed (for example, at the start of work in winter) and the room temperature that rises as the air conditioning equipment operates from the low-temperature environment. Since condensation can occur when the temperature inside the device is below the dew point temperature of the outside air calculated from the temperature and humidity of the outside air, it is preferable that the temperature and humidity at which the temperature inside the device is below the dew point temperature of the outside air be set as the first to fourth thresholds.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the set time is set to 80 minutes, but it is not limited to this. The set time may also be set based on the time it takes for the room temperature to rise completely when the air conditioning system is activated and the room temperature rises from a low-temperature environment that may occur in the office where the image reading device 100 is installed.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 is configured to use the temperature of the environmental information detected by the environmental sensor 313 to perform the processes related to condensation prevention and response to condensation occurrence shown in Figure 6, as well as the heating control of the fuser unit 1029, but is not limited to this. For example, the printer 1001 may be configured to include an environmental sensor for performing the processes related to condensation prevention and response to condensation occurrence shown in Figure 6, in addition to the environmental sensor 313 used for heating control of the fuser unit.

[0098] Even with this configuration, the printer 1001 can take measures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100 without adding heaters or fans, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts and costs related to countermeasures against condensation occurring in the image reading device 100.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 has an OK button 95 that accepts an end operation to terminate the display prompting the opening of the ADF 200 to prevent condensation and the display prompting the opening of the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation. However, it is not limited to this. The printer 1001 may, for example, have an operation button that accepts an end operation on the operation key group 92 which serves as an input unit. The printer 1001 may also be configured to allow the end operation to be input from a computer connected via a LAN, for example.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 has an operation unit 90 with a display unit 91 attached to the automatic image reading device 10, but is not limited to this. The printer 1001 may, for example, have a display unit on the printer body 1001A. The printer 1001 may also be configured to display, for example, a message prompting the opening of the ADF 200 to prevent condensation and a message prompting the opening of the ADF 200 to eliminate condensation on a computer connected via LAN. In this configuration, the computer functions as the display unit.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 has one image forming unit 1033 and is configured to enable monochrome printing, but is not limited to this. The printer 1001 may be configured, for example, as a 4-drum full-color system and may have four image forming units that form toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K).

[0102] In this configuration, the control unit 1032 may be configured to control color shift correction, such as adjusting the speed of the image formation operation by the image forming unit 1033, based on the detection results detected by the environmental sensor 313, in order to prevent color shift due to temperature.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 1001 is configured such that the reader CPU 301 executes the processes related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6, but it is not limited to this. The printer 1001 may be configured such that, for example, the system CPU 321 executes the processes related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6, and the second control unit constitutes the control unit. Alternatively, the printer 1001 may be configured such that, for example, the control unit 1032 executes the processes related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6. In other words, the control unit that executes the processes related to condensation prevention and condensation response shown in Figure 6 may be the second control unit of the printer 1001.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 1032 is configured to control the heating temperature of the fuser unit 1029 using the temperature information of the environmental sensor 313, but is not limited to this. For example, if the printer 1001 is equipped with a fan, the control unit 1032 may be configured to control the drive of the fan using the temperature information of the environmental sensor 313.

[0105] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where the optical system of the front reading unit 103 and the back reading unit 216 is a reduction optical system in which reflected light from the original is imaged onto the front line sensor 306 and the back line sensor 308, it is not limited to this. The optical system of the front reading unit 103 and the back reading unit 216 may be a 1:1 optical system in which reflected light from the original is imaged onto a CIS (Contact Image Sensor). [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 91…Display unit / 100…Image reading device / 101…Document glass (transparent component) / 103…Surface reading unit (reading unit) / 200…ADF (opening / closing unit) / 301…Reader CPU (control unit, first control unit) / 313…Environmental sensor (detection unit) / 321…System CPU (control unit, second control unit) / 1001…Printer (image forming device) / 1001A…Printer body (image forming device body) / 1029…Fusing unit / 1032…Control unit (control unit, second control unit) / 1033…Image forming unit / H H ...threshold (second threshold) / T H ...threshold (first threshold) / T H ...threshold (third threshold)

Claims

1. Transparent material and A reading unit that reads the image of the document through the transparent member, An opening / closing part is provided to the transparent member so as to be openable and closable, The system includes a control unit that acquires environmental information including at least one of temperature and humidity, and causes a display unit to display a message prompting the opening of the opening / closing part based on the environmental information, An image reading device characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned environmental information includes both temperature and humidity. The control unit causes the display unit to display a message prompting the opening of the opening / closing section when the temperature in the environmental information is below a first threshold and the humidity in the environmental information is above a second threshold. The image reading device according to feature 1.

3. The control unit is capable of displaying a first indicator on the display unit that prompts the opening of the opening / closing part to prevent condensation, and a second indicator that prompts the opening of the opening / closing part to eliminate condensation. The image reading device according to feature 2.

4. The control unit displays the first display on the display unit from the time the temperature of the environmental information is below the first threshold and the humidity of the environmental information is above the second threshold until a set time has elapsed, and after the set time has elapsed, it can switch the first display to the second display and display it on the display unit. The image reading device according to feature 3.

5. The control unit, If the temperature of the environmental information is below the first threshold and the humidity of the environmental information is above the second threshold, and then the temperature of the environmental information is below the third threshold which is higher than the first threshold, the first display is displayed on the display unit. If the temperature of the environmental information is below the first threshold and the humidity of the environmental information is above the second threshold, and then the temperature of the environmental information is above the third threshold, the first display is switched to the second display and displayed on the display unit. The image reading device according to feature 3.

6. The control unit, If the temperature of the environmental information is below the first threshold and the humidity of the environmental information is above the second threshold, the first display will be displayed on the display unit until a set time has elapsed. After the set time has elapsed, if the temperature of the environmental information is higher than the third threshold, which is higher than the first threshold, the first display is switched to the second display and displayed on the display unit. The image reading device according to feature 3.

7. The control unit, after displaying a prompt to open the opening / closing section on the display unit, terminates the prompt to open the opening / closing section when the opening / closing section is opened. The image reading device according to feature 1.

8. The control unit, The display unit can accept an termination operation to end the display prompting the opening of the opening / closing section. When the aforementioned termination operation is received, the display prompting the opening of the opening / closing part is terminated. The image reading device according to feature 1.

9. The aforementioned environmental information includes temperature, The control unit causes the display unit to display a message prompting the opening of the opening / closing section when the temperature of the environmental information is below a first threshold. The image reading device according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned environmental information includes humidity, The control unit causes the display unit to display a message prompting the opening of the opening / closing section when the humidity of the environmental information is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The image reading device according to feature 1.

11. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Image forming apparatus main body, The display unit and, The image reading device has a first control unit that transmits the image information read by the reading unit. The image forming apparatus body is, A detection unit for detecting the aforementioned environmental information, A second control unit receives the image information transmitted by the first control unit, The system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image information received by the second control unit, The control unit is the first control unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

12. The image forming apparatus body has a fixing unit that fixes the image formed by the image forming unit onto a sheet by heating and pressurizing it. The second control unit controls the temperature at which the fixing unit heats up using the environmental information detected by the detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to feature 11.

13. An image reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Image forming apparatus main body, The display unit and, The image reading device has a first control unit that transmits the image information read by the reading unit. The image forming apparatus body is, A detection unit for detecting the aforementioned environmental information, A second control unit receives the image information transmitted by the first control unit, The system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on the image information received by the second control unit, The control unit is the second control unit, An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

14. The image forming apparatus body has a fixing unit that fixes the image formed by the image forming unit onto a sheet by heating and pressurizing it. The second control unit controls the temperature at which the fixing unit heats up using the environmental information detected by the detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to feature 13.

Images