Document reading device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a document reading device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that improve operability when transporting documents of multiple sizes together. [Solution] The present invention comprises a document placement section (document table) on which a document is placed, a transport section for transporting the document placed on the placement section, a reading section for reading the document transported by the transport section, a document holding mechanism 150 which is a document holding section that can move between a contact position in contact with the document placed on the placement section and a retraction position for retracting from the document, a detection section 155 for detecting the presence or absence of the document holding section at least one of the contact position and the retraction position, and a control section that performs control based on the detection result of the document holding mechanism 150 by the detection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a document reading device, an image forming device, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] When large-sized documents and small-sized documents are mixed, although the edges in the width direction of the small-sized documents are not guided, the rollers press the documents upstream in the feeding direction from the feeding rollers, so that a technique for transporting the small-sized documents without skewing them is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a document reading device, an image forming device, and an image forming system that further improve the operability when transporting documents of multiple sizes mixed together.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention includes a placement unit on which a document is placed, a transport unit that transports the document placed on the placement unit, a reading unit that reads the document transported by the transport unit, a contact position that contacts the document placed on the placement unit, a document pressing unit that is movable to a retracted position where it retreats from the document, a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the document pressing unit at at least one of the contact position and the retracted position, and a control unit that performs control based on the detection result of the document pressing unit by the detection unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, when transporting documents of multiple sizes mixed together, the effect of further improving the operability can be achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view and a side view showing how mixed document bundles are set in the document transport device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows another example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system control flow of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 15]Figure 15 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the operation flow in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment when the press plate is set and the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode setting on the operation display unit is not performed. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of the operation flow in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment when the press plate is not set and the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode is set on the operation display unit. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of the operation in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment where the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is not displayed on the operation display unit when the press plate on the document table is not set. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control unit and AI accelerator of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of the message display processing flow for the operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 22A] Figure 22A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to Modification 1. [Figure 22B] Figure 22B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to Modification 1. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for updating the trained model in the main unit control unit according to Modification 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the document reading device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has functions such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a scanner, and can record and output a full-color image or a monochrome image on a recording sheet or output it in a predetermined data format based on input data such as read image data.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 5, an image forming unit 8, an image reading device (an example of a document reading device) 2, and an operation display unit 130. The image reading device 2 includes a scanner unit 4 and a document conveying device 3 which is an automatic document feeder. The scanner unit 4 is an example of a reading unit that reads a document conveyed by the document conveying device 3. The operation display unit 130 is an example of a setting unit that sets the reading conditions of a document by the image reading device 2.

[0010] The paper feeding unit 5 includes, for example, a plurality of paper feeding cassettes for storing cut recording paper respectively, and a plurality of sets of paper feeding rollers for picking up and feeding the recording paper from any one of the paper feeding cassettes. Further, the paper feeding unit 5 has a paper feeding path including various rollers and the like for conveying the recording paper fed from any of the paper feeding rollers to a predetermined image forming position of the image forming unit 8.

[0011] The image forming unit 8 includes, for example, an exposure unit, a plurality of photosensitive drums, a developing device using four colors of toner: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), an intermediate transfer unit, a secondary transfer unit, and a fixing unit.

[0012] The image forming unit 8, based on the image read by the image reading device 2, for example, exposes each color photoreceptor drum with an exposure unit to form an electrostatic latent image on each photoreceptor drum, and then develops the image by supplying toner onto the latent image on each photoreceptor drum with the developing unit for each color of the developing device. The image forming unit 8 also performs primary transfer of the toner images on each color photoreceptor drum to the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer unit, and secondary transfer by overlaying them onto recording paper in the secondary transfer unit. The toner images secondary transferred onto the recording paper are fixed by the fixing unit by heating and pressurizing the toner images on the recording paper to obtain a color image. In other words, the image forming unit 8 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on recording paper (an example of a recording medium) from an image read by the scanner unit 4.

[0013] Furthermore, the image forming unit 8 is capable of forming external output images, such as image files or data, that can be output externally, based on the image read by the scanner unit 4 or the second image reading unit. Instead of the electrophotographic image forming unit 8 described above, an image forming unit employing another recording method, such as an inkjet method, may be used.

[0014] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the document transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 3A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of the document transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of the function of the main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The document transport device 3 includes a document setting unit A where a stack of documents is set, a separation and feeding unit B that separates and feeds documents one by one from the set stack of documents, and a resist unit C that performs primary alignment of the fed documents and pulls out and transports the aligned documents.

[0015] Furthermore, the document transport device 3 includes a turning unit D that turns the transported document so that the document surface faces the side to be read by the first image reading unit 131 (downward in the figure). The document transport device 3 also includes a first reading transport unit E that reads the front image of the document from below the contact glass of the scanner unit 4 using the first image reading unit 131, and a second reading transport unit F that reads the back image of the document after the front image has been read using the second image reading unit 132. The document transport device 3 also includes a paper discharge unit G that discharges the document after the reading of both front and back images has been completed, and a stacking unit H that stacks and holds the discharged documents.

[0016] The document setting unit A is used to set one document to be scanned or a stack of two or more documents (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "document stack"). The document stack is set on the document table 120, which is a mounting unit that includes a movable table 121.

[0017] The document transport device 3 is positioned adjacent to the contact glass of the scanner unit 4. The document transport device 3 is openable and closable via a hinge mechanism to open and close the contact glass.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3A, the document transport device 3 also includes drive units 101 to 105 that drive the document feeding operations (document transport operations) in each of the mechanism units A to H, and a control unit 160 consisting of circuits that control various operations, including the operation of the drive units 101 to 105. In other words, each of the mechanism units A to H and the drive units 101 to 105 are examples of transport units that transport documents placed on the document table 120.

[0019] The control unit 160 supplies power to each part of the document transport device 3 and controls each part of the document transport device 3 based on control signals transmitted from the main unit control unit 6 located in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 3B, the main unit control unit 6 acquires set status information indicating the usage status (whether in the usage position or the stored position) of the presser plate 151 (see Figure 4, etc.) in the document transport device 3, and irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode setting information indicating whether the reading operation mode of the image reading device 2 is set to the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode. Then, the main unit control unit 6 starts a recovery operation or a document transport and reading operation depending on whether the usage status of the presser plate 151 and the reading operation mode match. Here, the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode may be a mode in which irregularly shaped documents of different widths are placed on the document table 120 and read. In other words, the main control unit 6 is an example of a control unit that performs control based on the detection result of the press plate 151 by the detection unit 155 (see Figure 5). This improves operability when transporting documents of multiple sizes together. Specifically, for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading operation, which detects the edges of the document to detect the document size and correct the tilt, the operation setting is not left to the user, but the machine can detect whether or not it is in a state where it can perform the irregular shape and width mixed document reading operation based on the state of the press plate 151 of the document transport device 3.

[0020] When scanning a document image, the document stack is placed on the document table 120 (sheet placement section), which includes the movable table 121, with the document surface (first side) facing upwards. In other words, the document table 120 is an example of a placement section on which documents are placed. Furthermore, the width direction of the document stack (the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction) is restricted by the side fence 122, which acts as a restricting section, and the side fence 122 is positioned (aligned) according to the width of the document stack. The fact that the document stack has been set (set state) is detected by the document set sensor 115 provided on the movable table 121 and transmitted to the main unit control unit 6 via the interface (I / F).

[0021] The movable table 121 is supported so that its rear end (rear in the document feeding direction) is rotatable around a pivot shaft 121a. The movable table 121 is configured to be able to move up and down by rotating around the pivot shaft 121a using a bottom plate lifting motor 105, thereby allowing the front end of the movable table 121 (forward in the document feeding direction) to move up and down.

[0022] Before the documents are placed on the document table 120, the movable table 121 of the document table 120 is in the home position (lowered position). With the movable table 121 in the home position, the user places the stack of documents on the document table 120. At this time, the top surface of the stack of documents on the movable table 121 in the home position is separated from the pickup roller 141.

[0023] When the document setting sensor 115 detects that a document has been placed, the control unit 160 rotates the bottom plate lifting motor 105 forward, raising the movable table 121. When the movable table 121 rises and the upper surface of the document stack on the movable table 121 pushes up the pickup roller 141, which acts as a document feeder, this is detected by the table lifting sensor 118. Upon receiving this detection signal, the control unit 160 stops the drive of the bottom plate lifting motor 105, so that the movable table 121 stops at the correct position.

[0024] In other words, the table rise sensor 118 is a sensor that detects when the movable table 121 has reached the correct position and maintains the top surface of the document stack at the correct feeding height. Specifically, when the table rise sensor 118 turns ON, the rise of the movable table 121 is stopped. Then, as the top surface of the document stack is lowered by repeating document feeding, the table rise sensor 118 turns OFF, and the movable table 121 is raised again. When the table rise sensor 118 turns ON again, the rise of the movable table 121 is stopped. By repeatedly performing this control operation, the top surface of the document stack (height of the top document) is maintained within a height range suitable for document feeding.

[0025] Alternatively, instead of raising and lowering the movable table 121, the table may be fixed and the pickup roller raised and lowered. Furthermore, the lowest surface of the stack of documents on the table where the documents are placed may be fed by a document feeder. In this case, a movable pickup roller is provided below the fixed table, and this pickup roller enters an opening or notch in the table from below and contacts the lowest surface of the stack of documents above the table.

[0026] Alternatively, the table and the bottom pickup roller protruding from the table may be raised together, and the bottom surface of the document stack on the table may be fed by the feeding member so that the top surface of the document stack contacts the top surface regulating member. Furthermore, the table and the pickup roller protruding from the table may not move up or down, but the top surface regulating member may be lowered and contact the top surface of the document stack so that the bottom surface of the document stack is fed by the feeding member. In this case, the contact state in which the pickup roller and the document contact is a state in which the top surface of the document stack contacts the top surface regulating member and there is sufficient contact pressure so that the pickup roller can feed the document properly. The separated state in which the document stack is separated is a state in which the top surface of the document stack does not contact the top surface regulating member and there is a light contact pressure so that the pickup roller slips and cannot feed the document properly.

[0027] When the entire stack of documents placed on the document table 120 has been fed, the document set sensor 115 turns OFF. When the document set sensor 115 turns OFF, the control unit 160 reverses the bottom plate lifting motor 105 to lower the movable table 121 to the home position so that the next stack of documents can be placed on the document table 120. In this embodiment, a bottom plate home position sensor 117 is provided to detect when the movable table 121 is in the home position, so that the control unit 160 can confirm whether the movable table 121 is in the home position.

[0028] When the top surface of the stack of documents on the movable table 121 is in contact with the pickup roller 141 and a document reading instruction (feed start instruction) is given to the operation display unit 130, the main unit control unit 6 sends a document feed transmission signal (feed start signal) to the control unit 160 via the interface. This starts the feeding operation, and with the top surface of the stack of documents on the movable table 121 maintained at the appropriate feeding height, the pickup roller 141 is rotated by the forward rotation of the feed motor 102, and several documents (ideally one) on the document table 120 are picked up. The direction of rotation at this time is in the direction that the topmost document is transported forward in the feeding direction.

[0029] The separation roller pair 142 consists of a feed roller 142A and a reverse roller 142B opposite it. The feed roller 142A is rotated in the feed direction by the forward rotation of the feed motor 102, and the reverse roller 142B is rotated in the opposite direction to the feed direction by the forward rotation of the feed motor 102.

[0030] The original document, separated into a single sheet by the separation roller pair 142, is further transported by the feed roller 142A. After its leading edge is detected by the abutment sensor 111, it moves further and abuts against the stationary pull-out roller pair 143. Subsequently, the original document is transported a predetermined distance from the detection timing of the abutment sensor 111, so that its leading edge is pressed against the pull-out roller pair 143 with a predetermined amount of deflection. In this state, stopping the feed motor 102 stops the drive of the feed roller 142A that is transporting the original document.

[0031] When the leading edge of the document is detected by the stop sensor 111, the control unit 160 rotates the pickup motor 101, retracting the pickup roller 141 from the top surface of the document. As a result, the document is transported solely by the transport force of the feed roller 142A of the separation roller pair 142. Through this operation, the leading edge of the document enters the nip portion of the pull-out roller pair 143, and the leading edge is aligned (skew correction) is performed. The pull-out roller pair 143 has a skew correction function and is a roller for transporting the skew-corrected document to the intermediate roller 144 after separation, and is driven by the reverse rotation of the feed motor 102. When the feed motor 102 is reversed, the pull-out roller pair 143 and the intermediate roller 144 are driven, but the pickup roller 141 and the feed roller 142A are not driven.

[0032] The length of the document in the transport direction is detected from the motor pulse by abutting sensor 111 that detects the leading and trailing ends of the document. The document is transported from the resist section C to the turn section D by driving the pull-out roller pair 143 and the intermediate roller 144. At this time, the transport speed in the resist section C is set to be faster than the transport speed in the first reading transport section E. This makes it possible to shorten the processing time for feeding the document to the first reading transport section E. When the leading edge of the document is detected by the reading inlet sensor 112, the document transport speed is decelerated to the same speed as the reading transport speed before the leading edge of the document enters the nip portion of the reading inlet roller pair 145. At the same time, the reading motor 103 is driven in the forward direction to drive the reading inlet roller pair 145, the first reading exit roller 146, and the second reading exit roller 147.

[0033] When the leading edge of the document is detected by the resist sensor 113, the control unit 160 pauses the document in front of the first reading transport unit E and sends a pause signal to the main control unit 6 via the interface. Next, when the control unit 160 receives a reading start signal from the main control unit 6, it increases the transport speed so that the leading edge of the document, which was paused, reaches a predetermined transport speed by the time it reaches the first reading transport unit E. At the timing when the leading edge of the document, detected by the pulse count of the reading motor 103, reaches the first reading transport unit E, the control unit 160 sends a gate signal to the first image reading unit 131 indicating the effective image area in the sub-scanning direction of the first surface. This gate signal is transmitted until the trailing edge of the document leaves the first reading transport unit E.

[0034] In single-sided scanning, the document that has passed through the first reading and transport unit E is transported through the second reading and transport unit F to the paper output unit G. At this time, when the paper output sensor 114 detects the leading edge of the document, the control unit 160 drives the paper output motor 104 in the forward direction to rotate the paper output roller pair 148. The control unit 160 also counts the pulses of the paper output motor 104 after the leading edge of the document is detected by the paper output sensor 114. Then, just before the trailing edge of the document leaves the nip portion of the paper output roller pair 148, the control unit 160 reduces the drive speed of the paper output motor 104 to prevent the document from flying out onto the paper output tray of the stack unit H.

[0035] In the case of double-sided scanning, the control unit 160 detects the leading edge of the document that has passed through the first reading transport unit E using the paper discharge sensor 114, and then counts the pulses of the reading motor 103. Next, the control unit 160 transmits a gate signal to the second image reading unit 132 indicating the effective image area in the sub-scanning direction when the leading edge of the document reaches the second reading transport unit F. This gate signal is transmitted until the trailing edge of the document leaves the second reading transport unit F. After that, the document that has passed through the second reading transport unit F is transported to the paper discharge unit G.

[0036] In some cases, a stack of documents with varying widths (hereinafter referred to as a mixed stack) may be placed on the document table 120. In this case, the document with the widest width in the mixed stack can be set at a desired position in the width direction by being restricted in the width direction by the side fence 122. Specifically, the document can be set so that its widthwise center coincides with the widthwise center of the transport path (hereinafter referred to as the transport reference position).

[0037] However, for documents other than the maximum width in the mixed document stack, the side fence 122 prevents the document's widthwise center from being positioned at the transport reference position. Therefore, it was difficult to align the widthwise center of documents other than the maximum width with the transport reference position.

[0038] Furthermore, since documents other than the maximum width are fed without being restricted in the width direction by the side fence 122, their orientation is unstable and skew is likely to occur. In particular, small, thin, and lightweight documents are prone to skew because their orientation is unstable during feeding. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is a holding mechanism that presses down on the mixed document bundle placed on the document table 120 and also indicates the set position of the document in the width direction.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows the document transport device when the presser mechanism 150 is not used. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows the document transport device when the presser plate 151 of the presser mechanism 150 is used.

[0040] The holding mechanism 150 is located at the center of the width direction of the upper surface of the paper feed cover 3a of the document transport device 3, on the upstream end in the document transport direction. The operating lever 3b for opening the paper feed cover 3a is located in front of the device, ahead of the holding mechanism 150. This allows the operating lever 3b to be operated without the holding mechanism 150 interfering with its operation.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the pressing mechanism 150 includes a pressing plate 151 as a pressing member, an arm member 152, a storage member 153, and a detection unit 155. The arm member 152 rotatably supports the pressing plate 151 and is rotatably supported by the storage member 153.

[0042] The movable table 121 of the document table 120 has a different tilt angle when a document is set and when it is being fed. By rotatably supporting the press plate 151 on the arm member 152, the press plate 151 can follow the change in the tilt angle of the movable table 121. Also, by rotatably supporting the press plate 151 on the arm member 152, the press plate 151 can be folded onto the arm member 152 and stored in the storage member 153. This makes the press mechanism 150 more compact when the press plate 151 is not in use. In other words, the press plate 151 is an example of a document press that can move between a contact position in contact with a document placed on the document table 120 and a retracted position away from the document placed on the document table 120. The detection unit 155 is an example of a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the press plate 151 at least one of the contact position and the retracted position.

[0043] The press plate 151 has pressing rollers 154a and 154b (see Figure 8) that are rotatably supported at the center in the width direction. The press plate 151 has a convex cover portion 151a at the center in the width direction on the upstream side in the document transport direction that covers the pressing rollers 154a that are rotatably supported on the upstream side in the document transport direction. In this embodiment, this convex cover portion 151a has the function of aligning the center in the width direction of the document with the transport reference position.

[0044] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6(a), when the press plate 151 is not in use, the arm member 152 and the press plate 151 are folded and stored in the storage member 153. The press plate 151 is stored in the storage member 153 such that the surface facing the mounting surface of the document table 120 becomes the upper surface when in use.

[0045] In this way, when the press plate 151 is not in use, it is positioned in a second position, which is a storage position (retracted position), that is moved away from a position close to the document on the document table 120 on the paper feed cover 3a, preventing the press plate 151 from getting in the way when setting a stack of documents.

[0046] When using the press plate 151, lift the press plate 151 stored in the storage member 153 and rotate it approximately 180° to unfold it. Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), bring the pressing rollers 154a and 154b (see Figure 8) of the press plate 151 into contact with the mounting surface of the document table 120. This positions the press plate 151 in the first position, the usage position (contact position), which is close to the document on the document table 120.

[0047] Furthermore, a display label 159 is attached to the top surface of the paper feed cover 3a as an instruction means for indicating how to use the press plate 151. This display label 159 instructs that when setting a mixed stack of documents on the document table 120, the press plate 151 should be positioned in the usage position shown in Figure 6(b). The display label 159 also instructs that the press portion (cover portion 151a) of the press plate 151 should be used as a press, and that the document should be set so that the center of the press plate 151 in the width direction aligns with the center of the document in the width direction.

[0048] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the document transport device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7(a), when a user sets a stack of documents of the same width, the widthwise ends of the stack are restricted by the side fence 122, allowing the center of the documents in the widthwise direction to be aligned with the desired transport reference position. Therefore, in this case, the press plate 151 is unnecessary and is stored in the storage member 153 and retracted from the document table 120. As a result, when setting the stack of documents on the document table 120, the press plate 151 does not get in the way, and the stack of documents can be easily set on the document table 120.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7(b), when a user sets a mixed document bundle consisting of multiple documents of different widths, the press plate 151 is moved from its storage position in the storage member 153 to a usage position close to the document table 120.

[0050] Once the press plate 151 is positioned for use, as shown in Figure 7(c), the documents in the mixed document stack are inserted sequentially from the bottom document, as indicated by the arrows in the figure, between the press plate 151 and the document table 120, starting from the upstream side in the document transport direction. At this time, the pressure rollers 154a and 154b, which are rotatably supported on the press plate 151, move along with the documents being inserted, allowing the documents to be smoothly inserted between the press plate 151 and the document table 120.

[0051] Figure 8 is a plan view and a side view showing how mixed document bundles are set in the document transport device according to this embodiment. Figure 8(a) is a plan view showing how mixed document bundles are set, and Figure 8(b) is a side view showing how mixed document bundles are set.

[0052] As shown by the arrows in the diagram, the user inserts the document between the press plate 151 and the document table 120 from the upstream side in the document transport direction. After inserting the document, the user moves the document in the width direction so that the widthwise center of the cover portion 151a aligns with the widthwise center of the document, and so that the amount of overhang from both ends of the press plate 151 in the width direction is the same, thereby aligning the document. This allows the widthwise center of the document to be aligned with the transport reference position O2. Once the document alignment is complete, the user inserts the next document between the press plate 151 and the document table 120 from the upstream side in the document transport direction. In this way, the user can set up a mixed document bundle.

[0053] Then, after inserting all the documents in the mixed document stack between the press plate 151 and the document table 120, the user moves the side fence 122 in the width direction and abuts it against the widthwise end of the document with the largest width among the documents in the mixed document stack. This completes the setting of the mixed document stack. Once the mixed document stack is set, the user operates the operation display unit 130 to start transporting documents in mixed document mode.

[0054] When feeding begins in mixed-load mode, the feeding speed is slower than in normal mode, which is set when a stack of documents of the same width is set as shown in Figure 7(a). Documents other than the largest document in the mixed-load stack are not restricted in the width direction by the side fence. Therefore, the movement of documents in the width direction during feeding may cause documents other than the largest document on the document table 120 to move, potentially causing the orientation of the documents to gradually deteriorate.

[0055] When feeding documents at the normal feeding speed, the kinetic energy is large, and the force exerted by the document being fed on the document table 120 before feeding becomes strong, increasing the risk that the document on the document table 120 before feeding may move.

[0056] As in this embodiment, by making the feeding speed in mixed-load mode slower than the feeding speed in normal mode, the force exerted by the document being fed on the document table 120 before feeding can be reduced. This prevents the orientation of documents other than the largest document on the document table 120 from becoming distorted, thereby suppressing the occurrence of feeding defects and other problems.

[0057] Furthermore, in a mixed stack of documents, documents other than the widest document are fed without being restricted in the width direction by the side fence 122, making them prone to skew. However, in this embodiment, documents are fed while being pressed by the two pressure rollers 154a and 154b of the press plate 151. As a result, the pressure from these pressure rollers 154a and 154b suppresses skew (tilting) of the documents during feeding. In addition, the widthwise centers of these pressure rollers 154a and 154b are located at the transport reference position O2, and as shown in Figure 8(a), they are arranged in a straight line in the transport direction with the pickup roller 141 and the separation roller pair 142. As a result, the force applied to the documents in the width direction during feeding is suppressed, and the occurrence of skew can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the pressure rollers 154a and 154b move with the documents being fed, preventing friction on the documents and suppressing document abrasion.

[0058] Here, an example of the features of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has the function of recognizing the line of the edge of the paper of the original document from the image read by the scanner unit 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 from the original document transport device 3, detecting the size of the original document, and correcting the tilt of the original document.

[0059] Techniques for recognizing the edges of a document include those that utilize the difference in image density between the document and the background (by making the background black or white to highlight the difference in density between the document and the background), and those that use NIR (Near Infra-Red) light to convert the background surface to black and use the difference in density between it and the document to detect the boundary line.

[0060] If the edges of the original document can be detected, image processing can be used to crop the scanned image to the size of the original document, or to correct any tilt if the image is skewed. This technology allows for the simultaneous scanning of documents of various sizes.

[0061] When a user performs a mixed-format, irregularly shaped, and varying-width document scanning operation, the user sets the irregularly shaped, irregular-width, and varying-width document scanning mode on the operation display unit 130 of the image forming apparatus 1. The irregularly shaped, irregular-width, and varying-width document scanning operation takes time because it involves detecting the document size and correcting the tilt of each scanned document, and because this operation differs from the normal scanning operation for standard-sized documents, setting a mode is necessary.

[0062] Specifically, in the mixed scanning operation for documents of varying shapes and widths, first, documents of various sizes are placed on the document table 120 of the document transport device 3. A press plate 151 is mounted on the paper feed cover above the document table 120 of the document transport device 3. The press plate 151 is a component that stabilizes the transport of documents by the document transport device 3. It presses down on the placed documents from above, suppressing document wobbling during transport and stabilizing the transport. In addition, since the press plate 151 is mounted at the center of the document transport path, it also serves as an indicator for setting documents so that they can be placed at the center of the transport path.

[0063] When not in use, the press plate 151 is housed in the base on the paper feed cover of the document transport device 3. However, when in use, the press plate 151 at the front is opened, and a detection unit 155 is provided to detect when it is opened. The detection unit 155 can be implemented by an electrical switch or digital detection using a sensor. The detection unit 155 allows the system to recognize that the user has placed a document to be read using the irregular shape and width mixed document reading operation on the document table 120 of the document transport device 3. The system then determines whether this matches the previously set reading operation mode (the setting of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode on the operation display unit 130), and the irregular shape and width mixed document reading operation is started. If either the setting of the reading operation mode on the operation display unit 130 or the setting of the press plate 151 is forgotten, the image forming apparatus 1 can detect the inconsistency in operation.

[0064] If a user sets documents of various sizes on the document table 120 of the document transport device 3 to perform a mixed document scanning operation, sets the presser plate 151, and presses the document scanning start button without setting the mixed document scanning mode on the operation display unit 130, the main control unit 6 detects a mismatch between the scanning operation mode setting on the operation display unit 130 and the state of the presser plate 151. In this case, the main control unit 6 does not start the scanning operation and displays on the operation display unit 130 that the mixed document scanning mode setting has not been set. The main control unit 6 starts the scanning operation when it detects that the mixed document scanning mode setting on the operation display unit 130 has been set (see Figure 13, etc., described later).

[0065] Furthermore, in order to perform mixed document scanning of irregularly shaped and varying widths, if documents of various sizes are placed on the document table 120 of the document transport device 3, the presser plate 151 is set, and the document scanning start button is pressed without setting the mixed document scanning mode on the operation display unit 130, the main control unit 6 detects a mismatch in the operation settings between the scanning operation mode setting on the operation display unit 130 and the set state of the presser plate 151. The main control unit 6 then determines that the document transport device 3 should operate in mixed document scanning mode because the presser plate 151 is set, and switches the operation mode to the mixed document scanning mode and starts the operation (see Figure 16, etc., described later).

[0066] Furthermore, in order to perform the mixed reading operation for irregularly shaped and varying width documents, if documents of various sizes are placed on the document table 120 of the document transport device 3, and the mixed reading mode for irregularly shaped and varying width documents is set on the operation display unit 130 and the document reading start button is pressed without using the presser plate 151 provided on the document transport device 3, the main control unit 6 will detect a mismatch between the reading operation mode setting on the operation display unit 130 and the operation setting with the presser plate 151 set. In this case, the main control unit 6 will not start the reading operation and will display on the operation display unit 130 that the presser plate 151 on the document transport device 3 is not set. Then, when the setting of the presser plate 151 on the document transport device 3 is detected, the main control unit 6 will start the reading operation (see Figure 17, etc., described later).

[0067] Furthermore, if the press plate 151 on the document transport device 3 is not set, the main control unit 6 will not display the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode on the operation display unit 130, and it may be possible to make it unpressable. When the setting of the press plate 151 on the document transport device 3 is detected, the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode on the operation display unit 130 will be displayed, allowing the user to set it (see Figure 20, etc., described later).

[0068] Figure 9 shows an example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the image read by the image reading device 2 according to this embodiment fits within the read image frame. Therefore, the edge boundary line of the original document (the line at the edge of the paper) may be distinguished by the difference in image density between the read image frame and the original document.

[0069] Figure 10 shows another example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the image read by the image reading device 2 according to this embodiment has a black background, so the difference in image density between the background and the original document becomes larger, which may make it easier to distinguish the edge boundary lines of the original document.

[0070] Figure 11 shows another example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. When NIR light (Near Infra-Red) is used in the image read by the image reading device 2 according to this embodiment, even if the background plate is white, the background portion may be converted to a dark color as shown in Figure 11, making it easy to distinguish the edge boundary line between the background portion and the original document.

[0071] Figure 12 shows an example of an image read by the image reading device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the image read by the image reading device 2 according to this embodiment and its modified form has discernible edge boundary lines, so even if the original document is read at an angle, the tilt can be corrected by image processing.

[0072] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system control flow of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the operation flow when the pressing member (pressing plate 151) is set and the setting of the irregular shape and different width mixed paper reading mode on the operation display unit 130 is not performed. As shown in Figure 8, when the pressing member (pressing plate 151) is released and set on the upper surface of the mixed paper (mixed document stack), the detection unit 155 (see Figure 5) does not detect the pressing plate 151. As a result, the main unit control unit 6 determines that the pressing plate 151 has moved from the storage position to the usage position (step S1301). Here, the irregular shape and different width mixed paper reading mode (mixed mode) may be a mode in which irregular shape documents of different widths (mixed document stack) are placed on the document table 120 and read.

[0073] Then, after the user presses the start button on the operation display unit 130 (step S1302), if the reading operation mode is set to the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode (step S1303: Yes), the main unit control unit 6 controls the transport and reading operation to start in the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode (step S1304). When transporting documents of different sizes, the transport in the document transport device 3 becomes unstable, so the transport and reading operation in the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode allows for stable transport at a slow transport speed and image reading. In other words, the main unit control unit 6 controls the transport operation of the document transport device 3 based on the reading conditions set by the operation display unit 130 (setting of the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode, etc.) and the detection result of the press plate 151 by the detection unit 155.

[0074] On the other hand, if the reading operation mode is not set to the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode after the user presses the start button on the operation display unit 130 (step S1303: No), the main unit control unit 6 controls the system to stop the document transport and reading operation (step S1305). The main unit control unit 6 then displays on the operation display unit 130 that no mode has been set (step S1306, see Figure 14). The main unit control unit 6 can recognize that the user is attempting to transport and read documents in the irregular shape and width mixed reading mode from the open / closed state of the presser plate 151 of the document transport device 3 (whether the presser plate 151 is in the use position or the stored position). Therefore, if the user forgets to set the reading operation mode on the operation display unit 130, they can determine that the reading operation mode and the open / closed state of the presser plate 151 do not match by checking the display on the operation display unit 130. In other words, the main unit control unit 6 outputs to the operation display unit 130 (an example of a display unit) to change the position of the retaining plate 151 or the reading conditions (such as setting the reading mode for mixed loads of irregularly shaped and different widths).

[0075] When scanning a document in the irregular shape and width mixed document scanning mode, after the user presses "Yes" on the screen displayed on the operation display unit 130 (see Figure 14), the main unit control unit 6 detects that the scanning operation mode has been set to the irregular shape and width mixed document scanning mode (step S1307: Yes), and starts the document transport and scanning operation in the irregular shape and width mixed document scanning mode (step S1308). On the other hand, when scanning a document in normal mode in response to the display in Figure 14, if the user presses "No" on the screen displayed on the operation display unit 130 (see Figure 14), the main unit control unit 6 detects that the scanning operation mode has been set to normal mode (step S1307: No). Subsequently, the main unit control unit 6 displays a screen on the operation display unit 130 instructing it to close the press plate 151 (see Figure 15). Then, the detection unit 155 detects that the press plate 151 has been closed (step S1309: Yes), and when the user presses the start button on the operation display unit 130 (step S1310), the main unit control unit 6 starts the document transport and reading operation in normal mode (step S1311).

[0076] As shown in the example in Figure 13, even though the press plate 151 is opened and the mixed paper is set on top, it is possible to prevent the document from being transported at normal speed due to forgetting to set the reading operation mode. As a result, transport malfunctions within the document transport device 3 can be prevented. In addition, when reading irregularly shaped and different-width mixed paper using NIR light (modified example), processing is performed at different timings and transport speeds than normal reading. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the document from being read in the normal reading operation due to forgetting to set the reading operation mode, resulting in images with large margins, cut-off images, and images that remain tilted (in some cases, images that are both tilted and cut off).

[0077] On the other hand, even if you use the press plate 151 on the document transport device 3 to set the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode on the operation display unit 130 and set a normal standard document and operate it, no particular problems will occur because it will only read the document in the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode using NIR light.

[0078] Figure 16 shows an example of the operation flow in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment when the press plate is set and the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode setting on the operation display unit is not performed. It differs from Figure 14 in that the reading operation mode is switched to the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode by internal determination.

[0079] When the press plate 151 is released and it is determined that the press plate 151 is in the usable position (step S1601), and then the user presses the start button on the operation display unit 130 (step S1602), the main unit control unit 6 acquires the setting of the reading operation mode. At this time, if the irregular shape and width mixed paper reading mode is not set (step S1603: No), the main unit control unit 6 switches to the irregular shape and width mixed paper reading mode (step S1604), and performs document transport and reading in the irregular shape and width mixed paper reading mode (step S1605). In the example shown in Figure 16, when the press plate 151 is released and set on the top surface of the mixed paper, the irregular shape and width mixed paper reading mode is executed, thus producing the same effect as in Figure 14. On the other hand, if the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is set (step S1603: Yes), the main unit control 6 performs document transport and reading in the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode (step S1606). That is, if the detection unit 155 does not detect the press plate 151 and the reading conditions are not set to the reading conditions using the press plate 151 (irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode), the main unit control 6 performs document transport and reading operations using the reading conditions using the press plate 151.

[0080] Figure 17 shows an example of the operation flow in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment when the presser plate is not set and the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is set on the operation display unit. When the presser plate 151 is not set and the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is set, the main unit control unit 6 displays on the operation display unit 130 that the presser plate 151 on the document transport device 3 is not set.

[0081] With the presser plate 151 closed (the presser plate 151 is determined to be in the storage position), the document is placed (step S1701), and the user presses the start button on the operation display unit 130 without selecting the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode setting (step S1702). The main unit control unit 6 determines that the reading operation mode is normal mode (step S1703: Yes) and instructs the unit to start transporting and reading the document in normal mode (step S1704).

[0082] On the other hand, if the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is set (step S1703: No), the main unit control unit 6 controls the document transport and reading operation to stop (step S1705). The main unit control unit 6 then displays that the presser foot 151 is not open (step S1706, see Figure 18). If the user forgets to open the presser foot 151, they can check the display on the operation display unit 130 to determine that the reading operation mode and the position of the presser foot 151 do not match. When the user moves the presser foot 151 to the stored position in response to the display shown in Figure 18, the opening of the presser foot 151 (movement to the stored position) is detected by the detection unit 155 (step S1707: Yes), and the main unit control unit 6 starts the document transport and reading operation in the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode (step S1708).

[0083] As shown in the example in Figure 17, even though the reading mode for mixed documents of irregular shape and width was set, forgetting to open the presser plate 151 prevented the document from being transported at an angle (because there was no pressure on the document by the presser plate 151). As a result, transport malfunctions within the document transport device 3 can be prevented.

[0084] Figure 19 shows an example of the operation in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment in which the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is not displayed on the operation display unit when the press plate on the document table is not set. In the example shown in Figure 19, when the release (movement to the usage position) of the press plate 151 is detected (step S1901: Yes), the main unit control unit 6 displays the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode on the operation display unit 130 (step S1902). That is, if the press plate 151 is not detected by the detection unit 155, the main unit control unit 6 displays the screen for setting the reading conditions using the press plate 151. After setting the reading conditions using the press plate 151, when the start button is pressed, the main unit control unit 6 executes the irregular shape and width mixed document reading operation.

[0085] On the other hand, if the movement of the retaining plate 151 to its storage position is detected (step S1901: No), the main control unit 6 does not display the setting button for the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode on the operation display unit 130 (step S1903). Subsequently, when the start button is pressed, the main control unit 6 performs normal reading and transport operations. As shown in the example in Figure 19, it is possible to prevent forgetting to set the reading mode for irregular shape and width mixed loading.

[0086] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main unit control and AI accelerator of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the message display processing flow for the operation display unit in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The main unit control 6 comprises a CPU 910 and a storage unit 915. The main unit control 6 is connected to the AI ​​accelerator 905. The storage unit 915 stores an image storage unit 915A and a trained model 915B. The image storage unit 915A serves as a storage area for temporarily accumulating processing data processed by the user.

[0087] The trained model 915B outputs, for example, the degree of agreement between the user opening the document holder (presser plate 15) (moving it to the usage position) and setting the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode. For example, consider the case where the document holder (presser plate 15) is opened but the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is not set, and the case where the document holder (presser plate 151) remains closed (moved to the storage position) but the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is set, and there is no agreement between these two cases.

[0088] The trained model 915B is generated by performing machine learning on a training device based on a training dataset. In this way, the trained model 915B is generated by applying supervised learning to the base training model.

[0089] The trained model 915B in this embodiment has been trained using a training dataset based on combinations of the open state of the document holder member (pressing plate 151) and the settings of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode.

[0090] Specifically, the trained model 915B is generated by machine learning based on a training dataset that includes user information, the open state of the document holder (pressing plate 151), and the setting state of the irregular-shaped, mixed-width document reading mode. Furthermore, the training dataset may also include information indicating the state and type of the document.

[0091] For generating the trained model 915B, machine learning methods such as neural networks may be applied, or, as another example, machine learning using deep neural networks (DNNs) and deep learning may be applied. For deep learning, for example, convolutional neural networks, RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks), and LSTMs (Long Short-Term Memory) may be applied.

[0092] The AI ​​Accelerator 905 is hardware designed to accelerate model inference processing in neural networks. The AI ​​Accelerator 905 can utilize a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a dedicated AI accelerator ASIC.

[0093] The AI ​​accelerator 905 is provided with a library for using the pre-trained model 915B. Therefore, the AI ​​accelerator 905 according to this embodiment can incorporate an inference unit corresponding to the pre-trained model 915B stored in the memory unit 915. The AI ​​accelerator 905 can perform image recognition using deep learning.

[0094] The CPU 910 of the main unit control unit 6 in this embodiment is configured to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and user input. The CPU 910 realizes each functional block by executing a program stored in the storage unit 915. Each functional block within the CPU 910 is conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. It is possible to configure all or part of each functional block by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit. The CPU 910, by realizing the program, includes an acquisition unit 911, a determination unit 912, a display control unit 913, and a scanner control unit 914.

[0095] The acquisition unit 911 acquires various information input to the main unit control unit 6, as well as detection results from various sensors. For example, the acquisition unit 911 acquires login information when a user logs in by inputting on the operation display unit 130 or by holding their ID over the contactless unit (step S2101). Furthermore, the acquisition unit 911 acquires the release state of the document holder member and the setting of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode.

[0096] The determination unit 912 outputs the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 911 to the AI ​​accelerator 905 and receives from the AI ​​accelerator 905 the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder (presser plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode (step S2102). Furthermore, the determination unit 912 may also receive from the AI ​​accelerator 905 a region in which the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder (presser plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is lower than a predetermined threshold, as well as the state and type of the document.

[0097] The determination unit 912 then determines whether the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder (presser plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is above a predetermined threshold (step S2103). If the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder (presser plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is below the predetermined threshold (step S2103: No), the determination unit 912 determines that the user's usage is abnormal (the user is setting it incorrectly). In this case, once the user is authenticated, the operation display unit 130 displays "When opening the document holder, please set the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode" to notify users who frequently make mistakes in advance (step S2104). In other words, when the user's login information is obtained, the main unit control unit 6 displays an operating method on the operation display unit 130 (an example of an operation unit) based on the degree of agreement between the open state of the press plate 151 of the logged-in user and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode (for example, "When opening the document press member, please set the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode").

[0098] The determination unit 912 in this embodiment can receive the results of deep learning-based image recognition in real time by outputting image data to the AI ​​accelerator 905. This embodiment shows an example of processing using the AI ​​accelerator 905 and is not limited to this method.

[0099] The display control unit 913 performs control for displaying information on the display device 920.

[0100] The scanner control unit 914 outputs a command to the scanner unit 4 indicating whether or not to perform a scan. The display control unit 913 and the scanner control unit 914 perform control based on the determination result from the determination unit 912. Therefore, the main unit control unit 6 in this embodiment can switch control based on at least one of the state and type of the document recognized based on the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 911.

[0101] Thus, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, for the irregular shape and uneven width mixed document reading operation, which detects the edges of the original document to detect the original document size and correct the tilt, the operation setting is not left to the user, but rather the machine can detect whether or not it is in a state where it can perform the irregular shape and uneven width mixed document reading operation based on the state of the press plate 151 of the original document transport device 3.

[0102] (Variation 1) Figures 22A and 22B illustrate the configuration of the main control unit of the image forming apparatus according to Modification 1. In this modification, other components such as the AI ​​accelerator 905 are the same as in the embodiment described above and are therefore omitted from the explanation.

[0103] In the modified example shown in Figure 22A, the memory unit 915 has a data storage unit 915C added compared to the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the CPU 910A has a learning unit 921 added compared to the CPU 910 of the embodiment described above.

[0104] The data storage unit 915C stores data for further training of the trained model 915B. The data storage unit 915C stores, in association with at least user information, the open state of the document holder (pressing plate 151), and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode. In this modified example, the storage unit 915 is located within the main unit control unit 6 (i.e., within the image forming apparatus 1).

[0105] In the modified example shown in Figure 22B, the memory unit 915 is located on an external server 919 of the image forming apparatus 1. While multiple image forming apparatuses 1 are connected to this external server 919 via a communication network NW, it may also be connected to only one image forming apparatus 1. The training data stored in the memory unit 915 of the external server is used in common for the decisions of each image forming apparatus 1, and the decisions of each image forming apparatus 1 are reflected in the training data for use in the decisions of the multiple image forming apparatuses 1. Furthermore, the main control unit 6 may be located within the external server (an example of a server).

[0106] The learning unit 921 generates training data based on the data stored in the data storage unit 915C, and uses the generated training data to perform additional training on the trained model 915B. The further trained trained model 915B is then incorporated into the AI ​​accelerator 905. Subsequently, the inference unit of the AI ​​accelerator 905 can perform inference processing using the further trained trained model 915B.

[0107] The inference unit 951 of the AI ​​accelerator 905 is not limited to outputting the degree of match between the open state of the document holder member (pressing plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode when a user is authenticated, but may also output values ​​indicating the type and state of the document. The determination unit 912 then determines whether or not to perform reading based on the input value. Furthermore, a separate trained model may be provided for determining whether or not to perform reading based on the input value.

[0108] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for updating the trained model in the main control unit according to Modification 1. In the following explanation, the same processing as in Figure 21 will be omitted.

[0109] In step S2104, when the operation display unit 130 displays "When releasing the document holder, please set the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode," the acquisition unit 911 acquires information on whether the reading operation has stopped or whether a warning has been displayed on the operation display unit 130 (step S2301). Next, the learning unit 921 associates the logged-in user, the release status of the document holder, and the degree of agreement with the setting information for the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode, etc., and stores this information in the storage unit 915, while also updating the learned model 915B (step S2302).

[0110] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 911 acquires login information when the user logs in by inputting on the operation display unit 130 or by holding an ID over the contactless unit in step S2101, but the embodiment is not limited to this. In the modified example shown in Figure 22B, the acquisition unit 911 may acquire the device information of the image forming apparatus 1 from among the multiple image forming apparatuses 1 connected to the server 919 that has been started as the login information described above. In this case, the trained model 915B of the server 919 has been trained using a training dataset based on the combination of the open state of the retaining plate 151 and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode for each connected image forming apparatus 1.

[0111] Then, the image data acquired by the acquisition unit 911 of the image forming apparatus 1, once operation has been started, is output to the AI ​​accelerator 905 of the server 919 via the communication unit 915, the communication network NW, and the communication unit 917. The determination unit 912 of the server 919 receives from the AI ​​accelerator 905 the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder member (presser plate 151) and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode (step S2102). The determination unit 912 of the server 919 determines whether the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder member (presser plate 151) of the image forming apparatus 1, once operation has been started, and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode is above a predetermined threshold (step S2103). In other words, the determination unit 912 of the server 919 is an example of a determination unit that makes a determination based on the detection result of the presser plate 151 by the detection unit 155. The judgment result is output to the acquisition unit 911 of the image forming apparatus 1, which has been initiated into operation, via the communication unit 917, the communication network NW, and the communication unit 915. If the judgment result is lower than a predetermined threshold, the main control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 1, which has been initiated into operation, displays "When releasing the document holder, please set the irregular shape and width mixed loading reading mode" on the operation display unit 130, thereby notifying the user of the image forming apparatus 1, which is prone to errors, in advance (step S2104). In other words, the main control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 1 is an example of a control unit that performs control based on the judgment information from the judgment unit 912 of the server 919.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the detection unit 155 detected the presence or absence of the presser plate 151 in the retracted position, but it may also detect the presence or absence of the presser plate 151 in the contact position that contacts the document. In this case, in each flowchart, it can be determined that the presser plate 151 has moved from the storage position to the usage position based on the result of detecting the presence or absence of the presser plate 151 in the contact position.

[0113] Furthermore, the detection unit 155 may include both a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the presser plate 151 in the retracted position and a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the presser plate 151 in the contact position that contacts the document. For example, if the presser plate 151 is not reliably stored in the storage position, the absence of the presser plate 151 in the retracted position will be detected. However, if the presser plate 151 in the contact position that contacts the document is not detected, the presser plate 151 can be considered to be stored in the storage position, and the usage status can be determined by applying this to the flowchart described above.

[0114] Furthermore, although the above embodiments described an example in which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a multifunction device having at least two functions from among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, it can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a copier, printer, scanner, or facsimile device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Image forming apparatus 2 Image reading device 3. Document transport device 4. Scanner section 5 Paper feed section 6. Main Unit Control 8 Image forming unit 120 Manuscript Table 130 Operation display section 151 Retaining plate 155 Detection unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0116] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-104870

Claims

1. A mounting section for placing the manuscript, A transport unit for transporting the document placed on the placement unit, A reading unit that reads the document transported by the transport unit, A document holder that is movable between a contact position that contacts the document placed on the mounting section and a retraction position that moves away from the document, A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the document holder at at least one of the contact position and the retracted position, A control unit that performs control based on the detection result of the document holder by the detection unit, A document reading device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. It includes a setting unit for setting the reading conditions of the aforementioned document, The document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the transport operation of the transport unit based on the reading conditions set by the setting unit and the detection result of the document holder by the detection unit.

3. The document reading device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit outputs to the display unit to change the position of the document holder or the reading conditions.

4. If the detection unit does not detect the document holder, and the reading conditions are not set to the reading conditions using the document holder, the control unit performs the document transport and reading operation using the reading conditions using the document holder, as described in claim 2.

5. If the detection unit does not detect the document holder, the control unit displays a screen for setting the reading conditions using the document holder, according to claim 2.

6. A mounting section for placing the manuscript, A transport unit for transporting the document placed on the placement unit, A reading unit that reads the document transported by the transport unit, An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium based on the image read by the reading unit, A document holder that is movable between a contact position that contacts the document placed on the mounting section and a retraction position that moves away from the document, A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the document holder at at least one of the contact position and the retracted position, A control unit that performs control based on the detection result of the document holder by the detection unit, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, upon obtaining user login information, the control unit displays an operating method on the operation unit based on the degree of agreement between the open state of the document holder of the logged-in user and the setting state of the irregular shape and width mixed document reading mode.

8. An image forming system comprising a document reading device and a server, The aforementioned document reading device, A mounting section for placing the manuscript, A transport unit for transporting the document placed on the placement unit, A reading unit that reads the document transported by the transport unit, A document holder that is movable between a contact position that contacts the document placed on the mounting section and a retraction position that moves away from the document, A detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the document holder at at least one of the contact position and the retracted position, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, A determination unit that performs a determination based on the detection result of the document holder by the detection unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned document reading device further comprises an image forming system which includes a control unit that performs control based on the determination information of the determination unit.

Images