Image reading device
The image reading device addresses contamination detection delays by performing post-reading stain detection and adjusting operations accordingly, ensuring accurate and timely stain detection without job delays.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHARP KK
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional image reading devices face challenges in accurately detecting contamination in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of the job.
An image reading device equipped with a dirt detection unit that performs contamination detection after document reading, records the results, and adjusts operations based on these results to ensure accurate detection without job delays.
Enables accurate detection of contamination in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in job start, allowing for timely and effective stain detection.
Smart Images
Figure 2026114526000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0006] , ,
[0005] ,
[0001] This disclosure relates to an image reading apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus having a stain detection function for a document reading unit.
Background Art
[0002] <00This disclosure has been made in consideration of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide an image reading device that can accurately detect contamination in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of the job compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] This disclosure provides an image reading device comprising: an operation unit that receives commands from a user; an image data acquisition unit that reads a document and acquires image data; a dirt detection unit that detects dirt in the image data acquisition unit; a storage unit that records the detection results of the dirt detection unit as dirt detection information; a display unit that displays various information to the user; and a control unit, wherein when the operation unit receives a command to read the document, the control unit refers to the dirt detection information recorded in the storage unit, and if dirt is detected in the image data acquisition unit, it causes the display unit to display a message to that effect and an inquiry on whether or not to start reading the document; if the operation unit receives a command to start reading the document, it causes the image data acquisition unit to start reading the document; on the other hand, if no dirt is detected in the image data acquisition unit, it causes the image data acquisition unit to start reading the document. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to realize an image reading device that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of a job compared to conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a digital multifunction printer equipped with an image reading device in this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the image data acquisition unit of the digital multifunction printer shown. [Figure 4]Figure 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the dirt detection process in the image data acquisition unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dirt detection setting screen for the image data acquisition unit displayed on the display unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dirt detection message displayed on the display unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the image data acquisition unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dirt detection result from the image data acquisition unit of a digital multifunction printer. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating how the degree of soiling changes due to actions such as opening and closing the document cover of the image data acquisition unit of a conventional digital multifunction printer. [Figure 10] This block diagram shows the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows an example of the dirt detection process in the image data acquisition unit of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the initial operation process after startup of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the job start determination process in the standby state of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the dirt detection process in the image data acquisition unit of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the initial operation process after startup of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows the job start determination process in the standby state of the digital multifunction printer according to Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Furthermore, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.
[0011] In this disclosure, an "image reading device" is a device that reads a document image, such as a scanner having a scanning function, and outputs image data.
[0012] In the image reading device according to this disclosure, after completion of reading of the document, the control unit may cause the dirt detection unit to detect dirt of the image data acquisition unit, and record the detection result in the storage unit as dirt detection information.
[0013] By doing so, since the dirt detection unit detects the dirt of the image data acquisition unit after completion of reading of the document, it is possible to realize an image reading device capable of accurately detecting the dirt of the image data acquisition unit without causing a delay until the start of a job, as compared with the conventional case.
[0014] In the image reading device according to this disclosure, after completion of reading of the document, the control unit may cause the dirt detection unit to detect dirt of the image data acquisition unit when a predetermined dirt detection condition is satisfied, and record the detection result in the storage unit as dirt detection information.
[0015] By doing so, since the dirt detection unit detects the dirt of the image data acquisition unit when a predetermined dirt detection condition is satisfied after completion of reading of the document, it is possible to appropriately respond to changes in the dirt situation, and to realize an image reading device capable of accurately detecting the dirt of the image data acquisition unit without causing a delay until the start of a job, as compared with the conventional case.
[0016] In the image reading device according to this disclosure, the control unit may determine that the dirt detection condition is satisfied when the device is started up or transitions to a power saving state.
[0017] In this way, the dirt detection unit detects dirt in the image data acquisition unit when the device is started up or enters a power-saving state. This allows the device to appropriately respond to changes in the dirt situation when the device is powered off or in a power-saving state, and enables the realization of an image reading device that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of a job compared to conventional methods.
[0018] In the image reading device according to this disclosure, the control unit may determine that the dirt detection condition has been met when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous detection of dirt by the image data acquisition unit.
[0019] In this way, the dirt detection unit is made to detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit only after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous dirt detection by the image data acquisition unit. This allows for appropriate responses to changes in the dirt situation over time, and enables the realization of an image reading device that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of the job compared to conventional methods.
[0020] In the image reading device according to this disclosure, the image data acquisition unit may include a document placement table on which the document is placed, a document cover, and a unit for detecting the opening and closing of the document cover, and the control unit may determine that the dirt detection condition has been met when it detects the opening and closing of the document cover.
[0021] In this way, when the opening and closing of the document cover is detected, the dirt detection unit is made to detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit. This allows the system to appropriately respond to changes in the dirt situation caused by opening and closing the document cover, and enables the realization of an image reading device that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of the job compared to conventional systems.
[0022] The following details of this disclosure will be illustrated with drawings. The following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.
[0023] (Embodiment 1) <Configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure> The following describes an overview of a digital multifunction printer 1, an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with the image reading device disclosed herein, based on Figures 1 to 3.
[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. Digital multifunction printer 1 is a device that has copying, scanning, and facsimile functions, and digitally processes and outputs image data read from a document.
[0025] Next, the general configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 will be explained based on Figure 2. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1.
[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the digital multifunction printer 1 comprises a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a storage unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a paper feeding unit 16, an operation panel 17, and a dirt detection unit 18. The following describes each component of the digital multifunction printer 1.
[0027] The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the digital multifunction printer 1 and consists of one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), one or more RAMs (Random Access Memory), one or more ROMs (Read-only memory), various interface circuits, and the like.
[0028] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads, including detection by each sensor, motor, clutch, and control panel 17, in order to control the operation of the entire digital multifunction printer 1.
[0029] The image data acquisition unit 11 is the part that detects and optically reads documents placed on the document placement table or documents transported from the document tray, and generates image data.
[0030] The image forming unit 12 is the part that prints the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto paper.
[0031] The memory unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize the various functions of the digital multifunction device 1. For example, semiconductor elements such as RAM and ROM, storage media such as hard disks, flash memory units, and SSDs (Solid State Drives) are used.
[0032] Furthermore, the data and programs may be stored on different devices, such as a hard disk drive for the data storage area and a flash memory unit for the program storage area.
[0033] The storage unit 13 records the value of the dirt detection flag (ON / OFF) as information indicating whether or not dirt has been detected by the image data acquisition unit 11.
[0034] The image processing unit 14 is responsible for processing the image data of the original document read by the image data acquisition unit 11 into appropriate electrical signals based on the analysis results of job commands such as printing acquired from the user terminal 2 or other devices, and job commands such as scanning input from the operation unit 172, so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement and reduction.
[0035] The communication unit 15 is the part that communicates with external devices such as user terminals via a network and sends and receives data with these external devices.
[0036] The paper feeding unit 16 is equipped with a paper feed cassette and a manual feed tray, and is responsible for transporting the paper stored in these to the image forming unit 12.
[0037] The operation panel 17 consists of a display panel made of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel, such as a capacitive type, which is placed on top of the display panel and detects the position where a finger is touched, and includes a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172.
[0038] The display unit 171 is the part that displays various types of information. The display unit 171 is composed of, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an EL display, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as processing status by the operating system or application software. The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction printer 1 through the display unit 171.
[0039] The control unit 172 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction printer 1 and is the part that receives commands from the user. The operation unit 172 does not necessarily have to support touch operation in its entirety; some or all of it may consist of physical keys independent of the display unit 171.
[0040] The dirt detection unit 18 is the part of the image data acquisition unit 11 that detects dirt, and in particular, it detects dirt on the glass surface of the document tray or the opposing plate used for scanning documents, which may be mistakenly read during document scanning.
[0041] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3(A) shows the configuration of the glass surface of the document holder used for scanning documents. As shown in Figure 3(A), the image data acquisition unit 11 is equipped with a document reading glass 111 for reading documents transported by an automatic document feeder (ADF) and a document placement glass 112 for placing documents on a document placement table.
[0042] Figure 3(B) shows the configuration of the reading mechanism that optically reads the original document, which is located beneath the glass surface shown in Figure 3(A). As shown in Figure 3(B), the document reading unit 116 is configured to move along the rail 113 in the sub-scanning direction by means of a drive belt 114 and a drive gear 115. Furthermore, the document scanning unit 116 optically reads the images of the documents that are separated and fed one by one from the ADF.
[0043] Examples of the document reading unit 116 include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor-based CCD reading unit and a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) sensor-based CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor.
[0044] Furthermore, as will be described later, the document reading unit 116 is also used to detect dirt on the glass surface and the opposing plate by the dirt detection unit 18.
[0045] <Dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure> Next, the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described based on Figure 4.
[0046] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1.
[0047] Figure 4 illustrates a scenario where a job is performed to form an image based on image data acquired by reading a document with the image data acquisition unit 11, such as a scan job or a copy job. In this case, in step S1, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether or not the dirt detection setting is enabled (step S1).
[0048] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dirt detection setting screen of the image data acquisition unit 11 displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Figure 1.
[0049] In the example shown in Figure 5, the settings screen for "System Settings > Image Quality Adjustment > General Adjustment" displays two settings: "Reduce streaks" and "Display warning message for streak detection." As shown in Figure 5, users can enable the stain detection setting by checking the checkbox for the setting item "Display warning message for streak stain detection".
[0050] In step S1 of Figure 4, if the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S1 is Yes), in step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the dirt detection flag is ON (step S2).
[0051] As described later, if no dirt is detected by the image data acquisition unit 11, the dirt detection flag remains OFF (default value). On the other hand, if dirt is detected by the image data acquisition unit 11, the dirt detection flag is turned ON.
[0052] If the dirt detection flag is ON (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined message on the display unit 171 (step S3).
[0053] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a dirt detection message displayed on the display unit 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Figure 1. In the example shown in Figure 6, the message "There is a possibility of streaky stains appearing in the image. Please clean the scanning section of the automatic document feeder. Do you want to continue printing?" pops up on the display unit 171. The user selects "Yes" if they wish to continue printing, or "No" if they wish to not continue printing.
[0054] Next, in step S4 of Figure 4, the control unit 10 determines whether either "yes" or "no" has been selected (step S4). If "No" is selected (if the determination in step S4 is "No"), in step S5, the control unit 10 has the display unit 171 erase the message and return to the original settings screen (step S5), and terminates the process.
[0055] If neither "yes" nor "no" is selected (i.e., the determination in step S4 is "no selection"), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S4.
[0056] On the other hand, if "yes" is selected (if the determination in step S4 is "yes"), in step S6, the control unit 10 causes the paper feed unit 16 to start feeding the original document and the image forming unit 12 to execute the job (step S6).
[0057] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7(A), if the dirt detection setting is not enabled, the paper feed will start without performing dirt detection.
[0058] Furthermore, in step S1 of Figure 4, if the stain detection setting is not enabled (if the determination in step S1 is No), and in step S2, if the stain detection flag is OFF (if the determination in step S2 is No), the control unit 10 will, in step S6, start feeding the original document to the paper feed unit 16 and have the image forming unit 12 execute the job.
[0059] Next, in step S7, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job has been completed (step S7). If the job is not completed (the result of step S7 is No), the process returns to the result of step S7. On the other hand, if the job is completed (if the determination in step S7 is Yes), in step S8, the control unit 10 determines whether the dirt detection setting is enabled or not (step S8).
[0060] If the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S8 is Yes), in step S9, the control unit 10 causes the dirt detection unit 18 to perform dirt detection using the image data acquisition unit 11, records the detection result in the storage unit 13 (step S9), and then terminates the process.
[0061] If the dirt detection setting is enabled, dirt detection is performed after the document feeding is complete, as shown in Figure 7(B).
[0062] The method for determining whether or not there is dirt involves placing the document reading unit 116 stationary under the document reading glass 111 and reading the glass surface of the document reading glass 111 or the opposing plate with a line sensor to determine whether or not the level of the pixels obtained is below a predetermined threshold. Examples of dirt on the glass surface or opposing plate include dirt caused by paper dust. When there is no document, the level of the white pixels on the opposing plate is usually detected. However, if dirt such as paper dust is attached to the glass surface or opposing plate, the level of the black pixels in the dirty area will be lower than the level of the pixels on the opposing plate. Therefore, the presence or absence of dirt can be detected by determining whether the pixel level is below a predetermined threshold.
[0063] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the dirt detection result of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 shown in Figure 1. If there is no dirt on the glass surface of the document reading glass 111 or the opposing plate, the pixel levels of the scanned area will all be above the threshold, as shown in Figure 8(A). In this case, the control unit 10 assumes that no dirt was detected and leaves the dirt detection flag OFF (default).
[0064] On the other hand, if there is dirt on the glass surface of the document reading glass 111 or on the opposing plate, the level of the pixels with dirt attached will fall below the threshold, as shown in Figure 8(B). In the example in Figure 8(B), the levels of pixels in two locations are below the threshold. In this case, the control unit 10 detects that dirt has been detected, turns on the dirt detection flag, and records it in the storage unit 13.
[0065] In this way, since the dirt detection unit detects dirt in the image data acquisition unit 11 after the document scanning is completed, it is possible to realize a digital multifunction printer 1 that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing a delay before the start of the job compared to conventional models.
[0066] (Embodiment 2) Next, the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described based on Figures 9 to 13.
[0067] In the digital multifunction printer 1, when dirt detection is performed after the completion of a job, the dirt status of the image data acquisition unit 11 may change by the time the next job starts due to opening and closing the document cover, etc.
[0068] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the degree of soiling changes due to opening and closing the document cover of the image data acquisition unit 11 of a conventional digital multifunction printer 1. As shown in Figure 9(A), if the dirt on the glass surface of the document reading glass 111 or the opposing plate is located outside the reading area of the document reading unit 116, it is determined that there is no dirt. However, as shown in Figure 9(B), dirt such as paper dust that was attached to the glass surface or the opposing plate may be moved by opening and closing the document cover, resulting in a change in the level of dirt by the time the next job starts.
[0069] In the digital multifunction printer 1 of this second embodiment of disclosure, in order to avoid the problem of changes in the soiling status, the pre-job execution flag is turned ON and soiling detection is performed under specific conditions where the soiling status may change.
[0070] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. In Figure 10, the document cover opening / closing detection unit 19 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the document cover. Timer 20 is the part that measures and counts time, and obtains the time, for example, from an internal clock or via a network. In addition to the value of the dirt detection flag (ON / OFF), the memory unit 13 also records a pre-job execution flag (ON / OFF) as information indicating whether or not dirt detection should be performed before the start of the job.
[0071] The other configurations of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure are the same as those of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (Figures 1 to 3), so their description is omitted.
[0072] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.
[0073] In Figure 11, similar to Figure 4 (Embodiment 1), we assume a case where a job is performed to form an image based on image data acquired by reading a document with the image data acquisition unit 11, such as a scan job or a copy job. In this case, in step S11, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether or not the dirt detection setting is enabled (step S11).
[0074] If the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S11 is Yes), in step S12, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the dirt detection flag is ON (step S12).
[0075] If the dirt detection flag is ON (if the determination in step S12 is Yes), in step S13, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined message on the display unit 171 (step S13).
[0076] Next, in step S14, the control unit 10 determines whether either "yes" or "no" has been selected (step S14). If "No" is selected (if the determination in step S14 is "No"), in step S15, the control unit 10 has the display unit 171 erase the message and return to the original settings screen (step S15), and then puts the device into standby mode.
[0077] If neither "yes" nor "no" is selected (i.e., the determination in step S14 is "no selection"), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S14.
[0078] On the other hand, if "yes" is selected (if the determination in step S14 is "yes"), in step S16, the control unit 10 causes the paper feed unit 16 to start feeding the original document and causes the image forming unit 12 to execute the job (step S16).
[0079] Furthermore, if the stain detection setting is not enabled in step S11 (if the determination in step S11 is No) and if the stain detection flag is OFF in step S12 (if the determination in step S12 is No), the control unit 10 will, in step S16, start feeding the original document to the paper feed unit 16 and have the image forming unit 12 execute the job.
[0080] In the following step S17, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job has been completed (step S17). If the job is not completed (the result of step S17 is No), the process returns to the result of step S17. On the other hand, if the job is completed (if the determination in step S17 is Yes), in step S18, the control unit 10 determines whether the dirt detection setting is enabled or not (step S18).
[0081] If the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S18 is Yes), in step S19, the control unit 10 causes the dirt detection unit 18 to perform dirt detection using the image data acquisition unit 11 and to record the detection result in the storage unit 13 (step S19). Subsequently, the control unit 10 switches the device to a standby state.
[0082] Furthermore, if the dirt detection setting is not enabled in step S18 (i.e., the determination in step S18 is No), the control unit 10 will switch the device to a standby state.
[0083] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the initial operation process after startup of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, after the digital multifunction printer 1 is started up, in step S31, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined initial operation (step S31).
[0084] Next, in step S32, once the predetermined initial operation is completed (step S32), the control unit 10 switches the device to a standby state.
[0085] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the job start determination process in the standby state of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 13, when the digital multifunction printer 1 is in standby mode, in step S41, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to start a job (step S41).
[0086] If the job is started (if the determination in step S41 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S11 in Figure 11.
[0087] On the other hand, if the job has not been started (if the determination in step S41 is No), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S41.
[0088] In this way, the stain detection unit 18 is made to detect stains on the image data acquisition unit 11 when predetermined stain detection conditions are met after the completion of scanning the document. This allows for appropriate responses to changes in stain status due to opening and closing the document cover, changes in stain status when the device is powered off or in a power-saving state, and changes in stain status over time. As a result, a digital multifunction printer 1 can be realized that can accurately detect stains on the image data acquisition unit without causing delays in the start of the job compared to conventional methods.
[0089] (Embodiment 3) Next, the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in this embodiment 3 of the disclosure will be described based on Figures 14 to 16.
[0090] The digital multifunction printer 1 of this second embodiment of the disclosure is characterized in that it performs dirt detection when predetermined dirt detection conditions are met after the completion of a job. On the other hand, the digital multifunction printer 1 of Embodiment 3 of this disclosure is characterized by its ability to respond more easily to changes in the dirt condition before the start of a job than Embodiment 2, by performing dirt detection when predetermined dirt detection conditions are met before the start of a job.
[0091] The configuration of the digital multifunction device 1 in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure is the same as that of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (Figures 1 and 3) and the digital multifunction device 1 in Embodiment 2 (Figure 2), so a description will be omitted.
[0092] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the dirt detection process of the image data acquisition unit 11 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure.
[0093] In Figure 14, similar to Figure 4 (Embodiment 1) and Figure 11 (Embodiment 2), we assume a case where a job is performed to form an image based on image data acquired by reading a document with the image data acquisition unit 11, such as a scan job or a copy job. In this case, in step S51, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction printer 1 determines whether or not the dirt detection setting is enabled (step S51).
[0094] If the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S51 is Yes), in step S52, the control unit 10 determines whether the pre-job execution flag is ON or not (step S52).
[0095] If the pre-job execution flag is not ON (the determination in step S52 is No), in step S53, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the dirt detection flag is ON (step S53).
[0096] If the dirt detection flag is ON (if the determination in step S53 is Yes), in step S56, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined message on the display unit 171 (step S56).
[0097] On the other hand, if the pre-job execution flag is ON (if the determination in step S52 is Yes), in step S54, the control unit 10 causes the dirt detection unit 18 to perform dirt detection on the image data acquisition unit 11 (step S54).
[0098] In the following step S55, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the dirt detection unit 18 has detected dirt (step S55). If the dirt detection unit 18 detects dirt (if the determination in step S55 is Yes), in step S56, the control unit 10 displays a predetermined message on the display unit 171 (step S56).
[0099] Next, in step S57, the control unit 10 determines whether either "yes" or "no" has been selected (step S57). If "No" is selected (if the determination in step S57 is "No"), in step S15, the control unit 10 has the display unit 171 erase the message and return to the original settings screen (step S58), and then puts the device into standby mode.
[0100] If neither "yes" nor "no" is selected (i.e., the determination in step S57 is "no selection"), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S57.
[0101] On the other hand, if "yes" is selected (if the determination in step S57 is "yes"), in step S59, the control unit 10 causes the paper feed unit 16 to start feeding the original document and the image forming unit 12 to execute the job (step S59).
[0102] Furthermore, if the stain detection setting is OFF in step S51 (if the judgment in step S51 is No), if the stain detection flag is OFF in step S53 (if the judgment in step S53 is No), or if no stain is detected in step S55 (if the judgment in step S55 is No), the control unit 10 will start feeding the original document to the paper feed unit 16 and have the image forming unit 12 execute the job (step S59).
[0103] Next, in step S60, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job has been completed (step S60). If the job is not completed (the result of step S60 is No), the process returns to the result of step S60. On the other hand, if the job is completed (if the determination in step S60 is Yes), in step S61, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the dirt detection setting is enabled (step S61).
[0104] If the dirt detection setting is enabled (if the determination in step S61 is Yes), in step S62, the control unit 10 causes the dirt detection unit 18 to perform dirt detection using the image data acquisition unit 11 and to record the detection result in the storage unit 13 (step S62).
[0105] Next, in step S63, the control unit 10 turns OFF the pre-job execution flag (step S63) and then switches the device to a standby state.
[0106] Furthermore, if the dirt detection setting is not effective in step S61 (i.e., the determination in step S61 is No), the control unit 10 will also switch the device to a standby state.
[0107] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the initial operation process after startup of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 15, after the digital multifunction printer 1 is started up, in step S71, the control unit 10 turns on the pre-job execution flag (step S71).
[0108] Next, in step S72, the control unit 10 performs a predetermined initial operation (step S32).
[0109] Next, in step S73, once the predetermined initial operation is completed (step S73), the control unit 10 switches the device to a standby state.
[0110] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the job start determination process in the standby state of the digital multifunction printer 1 in Embodiment 3 of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 16, when the digital multifunction printer 1 is in standby mode, in step S81, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the document cover opening / closing detection unit 19 has detected the opening or closing of the document cover (step S81).
[0111] If the document cover opening / closing detection unit 19 detects that the document cover has been opened or closed (if the determination in step S81 is Yes), in step S82, the control unit 10 turns ON the pre-job execution flag (step S82).
[0112] Next, in step S85, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the job has been started (step S85).
[0113] If the job is started (if the determination in step S85 is Yes), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S51 in Figure 14.
[0114] On the other hand, if the job has not been started (the determination in step S85 is No), the control unit 10 returns to the determination in step S81.
[0115] On the other hand, if the document cover opening / closing detection unit 19 does not detect the opening or closing of the document cover in step S81 (the determination in step S81 is No), then in step S83, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the device has entered an energy-saving state (step S83).
[0116] If the device switches to an energy-saving state (if the determination in step S83 is Yes), in step S82, the control unit 10 turns ON the pre-job execution flag (step S82). On the other hand, if the device has not entered an energy-saving state (the determination in step S83 is No), in step S84, the control unit 10 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of contamination (step S84).
[0117] The specified time can be set to any time as long as it is shorter than the time it takes to transition to the energy-saving state. For example, if the time it takes to transition to the energy-saving state is 10 minutes, the specified time may be set to 5 minutes. Also, if the time it takes to transition to the energy-saving state is longer than 10 minutes, the specified time may be set to 10 minutes.
[0118] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the last detection of contamination (if the determination in step S84 is Yes), in step S82, the control unit 10 turns ON the pre-job execution flag (step S82).
[0119] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the last detection of contamination (i.e., the determination in step S84 is No), the control unit 10 determines in step S85 whether or not to start the job (step S85).
[0120] In this way, the dirt detection unit 18 is made to detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit 11 when predetermined dirt detection conditions are met before the start of the job. This allows for appropriate responses to changes in the dirt situation before the start of the job, and enables the realization of a digital multifunction printer 1 that can accurately detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit without causing delays to the start of the job compared to conventional methods.
[0121] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure include combinations of any of the embodiments described above.
[0122] In addition to the embodiments described above, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be construed as being outside the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include the meaning of equivalents to the claims and all variations within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0123] 1: Digital multifunction printer, 10: Control unit, 11: Image data acquisition unit, 12: Image forming unit, 13: Storage unit, 14: Image processing unit, 15: Communication unit, 16: Paper feeding unit, 17: Operation panel, 18: Dirt detection unit, 19: Document cover opening / closing detection unit, 20: Timer, 111: Document scanning glass, 112: Document placement glass, 113: Rail, 114: Drive belt, 115: Drive gear, 116: Document scanning unit, 171: Display unit, 172: Operation unit
Claims
1. A control unit that receives commands from the user, An image data acquisition unit that reads the document and obtains image data, A dirt detection unit for detecting dirt in the image data acquisition unit, A storage unit that records the detection result of the aforementioned dirt detection unit as dirt detection information, A display unit that shows various information to the user, It includes a control unit, When the operation unit receives a command to read the document, the control unit refers to the stain detection information recorded in the storage unit, and if stains are detected in the image data acquisition unit, it displays a message to that effect and an inquiry on the display unit asking whether or not to start reading the document, and when the operation unit receives a command to start reading the document, it causes the image data acquisition unit to start reading the document. On the other hand, the image reading device is characterized in that, if no dirt is detected in the image data acquisition unit, the image data acquisition unit starts reading the original document.
2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, after the completion of reading the original document, causes the stain detection unit to detect stains in the image data acquisition unit, and records the detection result as stain detection information in the storage unit.
3. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, after the completion of reading the original document, causes the dirt detection unit to detect dirt in the image data acquisition unit when predetermined dirt detection conditions are met, and records the detection result as dirt detection information in the storage unit.
4. The image reading device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the dirt detection condition has been met when the device is started up or enters a power-saving state.
5. The image reading device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the dirt detection condition has been met when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous detection of dirt by the image data acquisition unit.
6. The image data acquisition unit includes a document placement table on which the document is placed, a document cover, and a unit for detecting the opening and closing of the document cover. The image reading device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the dirt detection condition has been met when it detects the opening or closing of the document cover.