Image processing device control method, image processing device

Abstract

The system can simultaneously perform automatic preparation control, which automatically raises the supply tray in response to the detection of a document, and the operation of placing multiple documents onto the supply tray in multiple stages. [Solution] In normal mode, the control device 8 performs automatic preparation control, causing the lifting mechanism 16 to raise the supply tray 121 from the retracted position in response to the detection of a supply document by the supply document detection device 124. After the supply tray 121 starts to rise in response to the detection of a supply document, but before document transport starts, if a special event is detected, the control device 8 switches from normal mode to a special mode in which the automatic preparation control is not performed, and causes the lifting mechanism 16 to move the supply tray 121 back to the retracted position. When a recovery event is detected in the special mode, the control device 8 switches from the special mode to normal mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a mechanism for raising and lowering a supply tray and an image processing apparatus control method for controlling the image processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An image processing apparatus may include a document conveyance mechanism that conveys a document from a supply tray to a discharge tray and an image sensor that reads an image from the document being conveyed.

[0003] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus may include a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the supply tray. In this case, a large number of documents can be stacked on the supply tray.

[0004] For example, it is known that when a document is removed from the supply tray during operation of the document conveyance mechanism, the lifting mechanism lowers the supply tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, the image processing apparatus may have a function of executing automatic preparation control for automatically raising the supply tray when a document on the supply tray is detected. Thereby, document conveyance can be started promptly when an input of a processing start operation is detected.

[0007] On the other hand, the operation of placing multiple documents onto the supply tray may be performed in multiple steps. However, if the automatic preparation control is enabled, the supply tray will rise when the document placement operation is completed.

[0008] In other words, the automatic preparation control prevents the operation of placing multiple documents onto the supply tray in multiple separate steps.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus control method and an image processing apparatus that can simultaneously perform automatic preparation control, which automatically raises the supply tray in response to the detection of a document, and an operation, which places multiple documents onto the supply tray in multiple steps. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An image processing apparatus control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus comprises a supply tray on which a document is placed, an output tray for receiving the document, a document transport mechanism, an image sensor, a lifting mechanism, and a document supply detection device. The document transport mechanism has a feed roller that contacts the upper surface of the document on the supply tray and a plurality of pairs of transport rollers arranged along a document transport path, and transports the document from the supply tray to the output tray via the document transport path by rotating the feed roller and the plurality of pairs of transport rollers. The image sensor reads an image from the document being transported along the document transport path. The lifting mechanism moves the supply tray between a feeding position in which the upper surface of the document on the supply tray contacts the feed roller and a retracted position below the feeding position. The document supply detection device detects the presence of a document on the supply tray. The image processing apparatus control method includes the control device performing automatic preparation control in normal mode, in which the control device causes the lifting mechanism to raise the supply tray from the retracted position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus control method includes the control device transitioning from normal mode to a special mode in which the automatic preparation control is not performed, and causing the lifting mechanism to hold the supply tray at a specific position below the supply position, when a special event is detected after the raising of the supply tray in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document has begun but before the document transport by the document transport mechanism begins. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus control method includes the control device transitioning from the special mode to normal mode when a recovery event is detected in the special mode.

[0011] An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the supply tray, the discharge tray, the document transport mechanism, the image sensor, the lifting mechanism, the supply document detection device, and the control device that implements the image processing apparatus control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus control method and an image processing apparatus that can simultaneously perform automatic preparation control, which automatically raises the supply tray in response to the detection of a document, and an operation, which places multiple documents onto the supply tray in multiple steps. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the peripheral part of the lifting mechanism in the feeding state in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the peripheral part of the lifting mechanism in the preparation state in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the peripheral part of the lifting mechanism in an intermediate state in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for normal feeding control according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for in-transport control according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for automatic preparation control according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for automatic intermediate movement control according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for special feed control according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0015] [Configuration of Image Processing Apparatus 10] The image processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes an image reading apparatus 1 that conveys an original 9a and executes a conveyance original reading process for reading an image from the conveyed original 9a (see FIG. 1).

[0016] In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 includes an image reading apparatus 1 and an image forming apparatus 2 (see FIG. 1). The image forming apparatus 2 conveys a sheet 9b and executes a printing process for forming an image on the conveyed sheet 9b.

[0017] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 2] The image forming apparatus 2 executes a printing process. The printing process is a process of forming an image on a sheet 9b.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 2 includes a sheet cassette 30, a sheet conveyance device 3, and a printing device 4. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a first housing 2a that encloses the sheet cassette 30, the sheet conveyance device 3, and the printing device 4.

[0019] The sheet cassette 30 houses the sheet 9b and is detachably attached to the first housing 2a. The sheet 9b is a sheet-like image forming medium such as paper. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a cassette detection device 30a that detects a cassette attachment state in which the sheet cassette 30 is attached to the first housing 2a. For example, a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact-type photosensor is adopted as the cassette detection device 30a.

[0020] The sheet conveying device 3 includes a sheet feeding mechanism 31 that sends the sheets 9b contained in the sheet cassette 30 to the sheet conveying path 300. Furthermore, the sheet conveying device 3 includes multiple pairs of conveying rollers 32 that convey the sheets 9b along the sheet conveying path 300. One of the multiple pairs of conveying rollers 32 discharges the sheets 9b from the sheet conveying path 300 to the sheet discharge tray 1x.

[0021] The printing device 4 forms an image on the sheet 9b that is transported along the sheet transport path 300.

[0022] In the example shown in Figure 1, the printing device 4 forms an image on the sheet 9b using an electrophotographic method. In this case, the printing device 4 comprises one or more image forming units 4x, an optical scanning unit 40, a transfer device 45, and a fixing device 46.

[0023] The image forming unit 4x includes a photoreceptor 41, a charging device 42, a developing device 43, and a first cleaning device 44. The charging device 42 charges the surface of the rotating photoreceptor 41. The light scanning unit 40 forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 by scanning the surface of the photoreceptor 41 with a beam of light.

[0024] The developing device 43 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 into a toner image. The first cleaning device 44 removes any waste toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 41.

[0025] The transfer device 45 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 41 to the sheet 9b which is transported along the sheet transport path 300. The fixing device 46 fixes the toner image on the sheet 9b by heating and pressurizing it.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 1, the printing device 4 comprises four image forming units 4x corresponding to four development colors. In this case, the transfer device 45 comprises an intermediate transfer belt 450, four first transfer bodies 451 corresponding to the four image forming units 4x, a second transfer body 452, and a second cleaning device 453.

[0027] Each of the first transfer units 451 transfers the toner image from the surface of the photoreceptor 41 of each image forming unit 4x to the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 450. The second transfer unit 452 transfers the toner image from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 450 to the sheet 9b.

[0028] The second cleaning device 453 removes waste toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 450.

[0029] The printing device 4 may also be a device that forms an image on the sheet 9b using a method other than the electrophotographic method, such as an inkjet method.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 2 further comprises a first cover 2c that can open and close a first opening 2b formed in a first housing 2a, and a first cover closed detection device 2d that detects the first cover closed state. The first cover closed state is a state in which the first cover 2c closes the first opening 2b.

[0031] For example, a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact photosensor may be used as the first cover closing detection device 2d.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 1, the sheet transport path 300 is exposed to the outside of the first housing 2a when the first cover 2c is opened.

[0033] [Configuration of Image Reading Device 1] The image reading device 1 performs an image reading process. This image reading process involves reading an image from the original document 9a.

[0034] The image reading device 1 includes a reading unit 11 and a document processing unit 12 that is rotatably connected to the reading unit 11.

[0035] The document processing unit 12 is supported so as to be movable between a position that covers the top surface of the reading unit 11 and a position that leaves the top surface of the reading unit 11 open.

[0036] The reading unit 11 includes a platen glass 111, a contact glass 112, an image sensor unit 13, a carriage 113, and a carriage movement mechanism 114. The platen glass 111 and the contact glass 112 form the upper surface of the reading unit 11.

[0037] The image sensor unit 13 includes a light-emitting unit 13a that illuminates the document 9a with light, and a line sensor 13b that detects the amount of light reflected from the document 9a. The image sensor unit 13 is supported by a carriage 113.

[0038] The carriage movement mechanism 114 moves the carriage 113 along the underside of the platen glass 111 and the contact glass 112.

[0039] As the carriage movement mechanism 114 moves the carriage 113 along the lower surface of the platen glass 111, the line sensor 13b of the image sensor unit 13 reads an image from the document 9a placed on the upper surface of the platen glass 111.

[0040] The line sensor 13b is an image sensor that reads an image from the document 9a. The reading unit 11 further includes an AFE (Analog Front End) 14 that converts the analog image signal output from the line sensor 13b into digital image data.

[0041] The document processing unit 12 includes a document transport path 120, a supply tray 121, a document transport mechanism 122, and an output tray 123. The output tray 123 is located below the supply tray 121. Furthermore, the document processing unit 12 has a second housing 1a that encloses the document transport path 120.

[0042] One or more documents 9a are placed on the supply tray 121. The document transport mechanism 122 has a feed roller 122a and multiple pairs of transport rollers 122b arranged along the document transport path 120.

[0043] The feed roller 122a contacts the upper surface of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 (see Figure 3). The document transport mechanism 122 uses a motor (not shown) to rotate the feed roller 122a and multiple pairs of transport rollers 122b, thereby transporting the document 9a from the supply tray 121 to the discharge tray 123 via the document transport path 120.

[0044] The discharge tray 123 receives the document 9a that is discharged from the document transport path 120 by one of the multiple pairs of transport rollers 122b.

[0045] In the following description, the state in which the document processing unit 12 covers the upper surface of the reading unit 11 is referred to as the unit closed state. The document transport path 120 is a passage that passes through the first reading position P1 in the unit closed state. The first reading position P1 is a position along the upper surface of the contact glass 112.

[0046] The image reading device 1 includes a unit closed detection device 17 for detecting the unit closed state (see Figure 1). For example, the unit closed detection device 17 is located in the reading unit 11 and is a microswitch or a reflective photosensor for detecting the unit closed state of the document processing unit 12.

[0047] When the document transport mechanism 122 transports the document 9a, the carriage movement mechanism 114 holds the carriage 113 in a position opposite the first reading position P1 (see Figure 1). As a result, the line sensor 13b of the image sensor unit 13 reads an image from the document 9a being transported by the document transport mechanism 122.

[0048] In this embodiment, the image reading device 1 includes another image sensor unit 15 located in the document processing unit 12 (see Figure 1). The image sensor unit 15 is positioned along the second reading position P2 in the document transport path 120. The image sensor unit 15 has the same configuration as the image sensor unit 13.

[0049] The image sensor unit 13 reads an image from the first side of the document 9a, which is transported by the document transport mechanism 122, and the other image sensor unit 15 reads an image from the second side of the document 9a.

[0050] The document processing unit 12 further includes a lifting mechanism 16 that moves the supply tray 121 between a supply position and a retracted position below the supply position (see Figure 1). The lifting mechanism 16 includes a motor 16a and a motion conversion mechanism 16b that converts the rotational motion of the motor 16a into a lifting motion of the supply tray 121.

[0051] Figure 1 shows the state in which the supply tray 121 is in the retracted position. The feeding position is the position of the supply tray 121 when the upper surface of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 is in contact with the feeding roller 122a (see Figure 3). Therefore, the feeding position differs depending on the number of documents 9a on the supply tray 121.

[0052] The document processing unit 12 further includes a retraction detection device 126 and a document level detection device 127 (see Figure 1). The retraction detection device 126 detects that the supply tray 121 is in the retraction position. The document level detection device 127 detects that the upper surface of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 is in a predetermined contact position. In other words, the document level detection device 127 detects that the supply tray 121 is in the feeding position.

[0053] For example, the retraction detection device 126 is a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact-type photosensor that detects the supply tray 121 located in the retraction position.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 1, the document level detection device 127 includes a swinging member 127a and a swing detection sensor 127b. The swinging member 127a is supported so as to be swingable and swings by contacting the upper surface of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 at the contact position. The swing detection sensor 127b detects the swinging of the swinging member 127a.

[0055] Furthermore, the document processing unit 12 includes a supplied document detection device 124 and an output document detection device 125 (see Figure 1). The supplied document detection device 124 detects the presence of a supplied document 9a on the supply tray 121. The output document detection device 125 detects the presence of an output document 9a on the output tray 123.

[0056] For example, the feeding document detection device 124 and the ejecting document detection device 125 are each reflective photosensors.

[0057] Furthermore, the document processing unit 12 includes a second housing 1a, a second cover 1c, and a second cover closing detection device 1d (see Figure 1). The second housing 1a encloses the document transport mechanism 122.

[0058] The second cover 1c is capable of opening and closing the second opening 1b formed in the second housing 1a. The second cover closed detection device 1d detects the second cover closed state. The second cover closed state is the state in which the second cover 1c closes the second opening 1b.

[0059] For example, a contact-type microswitch or a non-contact photosensor may be used as the second cover closing detection device 1d.

[0060] For example, when the second cover 1c is opened, the document transport path 120 is exposed to the outside of the second housing 1a.

[0061] The image processing device 10 further comprises a control device 8, an operating device 801, and a display device 802 (see Figure 1).

[0062] The operating device 801 is an operation input device that detects operation input. For example, the operating device 801 includes one or both of a touch panel and operation buttons.

[0063] The display device 802 is capable of displaying various types of information. For example, the display device 802 is a panel display device such as a liquid crystal display device. The control device 8 controls various electrical devices provided by the image processing device 10.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80, RAM (Random Access Memory) 81, a secondary storage device 82, a signal interface 83, and a communication device 84, among others.

[0065] The CPU 80 performs various control and data processing by executing computer programs. The RAM 81 temporarily stores the computer programs executed by the CPU 80 and various data.

[0066] The secondary storage device 82 is a computer-readable, non-volatile storage device. The secondary storage device 82 stores the computer program executed by the CPU 80 and various data. For example, flash memory, a hard disk drive, or both may be used as the secondary storage device 82.

[0067] The signal interface 83 converts detection signals from various sensors into digital detection data. This detection data is transmitted to the CPU 80.

[0068] The communication device 84 performs communication with multiple external devices, including one or more host devices, via a network. The CPU 80 performs communication with each of the external devices via the communication device 84. The host device is an information processing device that requests the image processing device 10 to perform the print processing.

[0069] The CPU 80 includes a plurality of processing modules that are realized by executing the computer program. These plurality of processing modules include a job control unit 8a and an image data processing unit 8b, etc. (see Figure 2).

[0070] The job control unit 8a controls the image reading device 1, the image forming device 2, and the communication device 84. In response to a job execution request, the job control unit 8a causes some or all of the image reading device 1, the image forming device 2, and the communication device 84 to execute the job.

[0071] In this embodiment, the jobs include image saving jobs, image transmission jobs, copy jobs, and print jobs.

[0072] The image saving job includes the image reading process and the process of saving the data of the read image obtained by the image reading process to the secondary storage device 82. The read image is an image read from the original document 9a by the image reading device 1.

[0073] The image transmission job includes the image reading process and the process of transmitting the data of the read image obtained by the image reading process to a specified destination using the communication device 84.

[0074] The copy job includes the image reading process and the print process based on the data of the read image obtained by the image reading process. The print job is the image forming process based on the data of the image to be printed included in the print request of the host device.

[0075] The image data processing unit 8b performs various image processing operations on the data of the read image or the data of the image to be printed.

[0076] Incidentally, the image processing device 10 is equipped with a function to perform automatic preparation control, which automatically raises the supply tray 121 when the presence of a supply document is detected. This allows document transport to start quickly when the input for starting processing is detected.

[0077] On the other hand, the operation of placing multiple documents 9a onto the supply tray 121 may be performed in multiple steps. However, if the automatic preparation control is enabled, the supply tray 121 will rise when the document placement operation is completed.

[0078] In other words, the automatic preparation control prevents the operation of placing multiple documents 9a onto the supply tray 121 in multiple steps.

[0079] In the image processing device 10, the job control unit 8a performs normal feeding control and special feeding control, which will be described later (see Figures 6 and 10). The normal feeding control and special feeding control are controls of the document processing unit 12.

[0080] The normal feeding control and the special feeding control include processes to reconcile the automatic preparation control with the operation of placing multiple documents 9a onto the supply tray 121 in multiple steps.

[0081] The job control unit 8a performs control corresponding to either the normal mode or the special mode of operation.

[0082] In other words, the job control unit 8a executes the normal feeding control in the normal mode and the special feeding control in the special mode. The initial operating mode is the normal mode. As will be described later, the job control unit 8a transitions from one of the normal mode and the special mode to the other depending on the situation.

[0083] The normal feeding control and the special feeding control are examples of processes that realize an image processing device control method for controlling the image processing device 10. The job control unit 8a, which is part of the control device 8, executes the normal feeding control and the special feeding control.

[0084] [Normal feeding control] Below, an example of the procedure for the normal feeding control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0085] The job control unit 8a starts the normal feeding control when the image processing device 10 is started while the operating mode is the normal mode, and when the operating mode changes from the special mode to the normal mode.

[0086] In the following description, S101, S102, ... represent identification codes for multiple processes in the normal feeding control. In the normal feeding control, the process of process S101 is executed first.

[0087] <Process S101> In step S101, the job control unit 8a selects the following processing depending on whether the document transport mechanism 122 is transporting a document. The state in which the document transport mechanism 122 is operating is described as "transporting a document".

[0088] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S102 when the document transport mechanism 122 is transporting a document. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the process of step S103 when the document transport mechanism 122 is not transporting a document.

[0089] <Process S102> In process S102, the job control unit 8a performs transport control, which will be described later (see Figure 7). In the transport control, the job control unit 8a causes the document processing unit 12 to transport the documents 9a until there are no more documents 9a left on the supply tray 121.

[0090] The job control unit 8a executes the process in step S102, and then executes the processes from step S101 onwards.

[0091] <Process S103> Meanwhile, in process S103, the job control unit 8a selects the following process depending on whether the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position. Figure 4 shows the state in which the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position.

[0092] The preparation position is the position of the supply tray 121 when the upper surface of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 is separated from the feed roller 122a by a predetermined first distance (see Figure 4). That is, the preparation position is separated from the feed position by the first distance. For example, the first distance is set in advance within a range of approximately 1 to 5 millimeters.

[0093] The job control unit 8a determines whether the supply tray 121 is in the retracted position or the feeding position based on the detection results of the retraction detection device 126 and the document level detection device 127.

[0094] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a determines the position of the supply tray 121 other than the evacuation position and the feeding position based on the detection results of the evacuation detection device 126 and the document level detection device 127 and the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82. The tray position data represents the position of the supply tray 121 and is updated according to the time evacuation detection device 126 or the document level detection device 127 has detected the document 9a and the time elevating mechanism 16 has been operating.

[0095] The job control unit 8a executes process S104 if the supply tray 121 is not in the preparation position. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes process S107 if the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position.

[0096] <Process S104> In process S104, the job control unit 8a executes the automatic preparation control (see Figure 8). As will be described later, in the automatic preparation control, the supply tray 121 may be moved to the preparation position.

[0097] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S104, and then executes the process of process S105.

[0098] <Process S105> In step S105, the job control unit 8a selects the following process depending on whether the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position.

[0099] The job control unit 8a determines whether the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position based on the detection results of the retraction detection device 126 and the document level detection device 127 and the tray position data.

[0100] The job control unit 8a executes process S106 if the supply tray 121 is not in the preparation position. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes process S107 if the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position.

[0101] <Process S106> In process S106, the job control unit 8a performs automatic intermediate movement control, which will be described later (see Figure 9).

[0102] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S106, and then executes the processes from process S101 onwards.

[0103] <Process S107> In step S107, the job control unit 8a selects the next process depending on whether or not an input for a process start operation is detected by the operating device 801. The process start operation is an operation that requests the start of the image reading process.

[0104] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S108 when it detects the input for the process start operation. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the process of step S110 when it does not detect the input for the process start operation.

[0105] <Process S108> In process S108, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform a feeding position movement operation. The feeding position movement operation is an operation to move the supply tray 121 to the feeding position.

[0106] Specifically, the feeding position movement operation involves raising the supply tray 121 until the document level detection device 127 detects the top surface of the document 9a.

[0107] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the feeding position. After executing the process of step S108, the job control unit 8a executes the process of step S109.

[0108] If the supply tray 121 is already in the feeding position when process S108 is started, process S108 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether or not the supply tray 121 is in the feeding position based on the detection result of the document level detection device 127.

[0109] <Process S109> In step S109, the job control unit 8a causes the document transport mechanism 122 to start the document transport process. The document transport process involves transporting the document 9a from the supply tray 121 to the discharge tray 123 via the document transport path 120.

[0110] After executing the process in step S109, the job control unit 8a executes the processes from step S101 onwards.

[0111] <Process S110> In step S110, the job control unit 8a selects the following processing depending on whether or not a special event is detected. For example, the special event includes one or both of a first special event and a second special event.

[0112] The first special event is an event in which the state in which the supply document detection device 124 detects the presence of a supply document changes from a state in which it does not detect a supply document.

[0113] The second special event is an event in which the output document detection device 125 changes from a state in which the presence of an output document is not detected to a state in which it is detected.

[0114] The job control unit 8a executes the processing from step S101 onwards if the special event is not detected. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the processing of step S111 if the special event is detected.

[0115] If the special event includes both the first special event and the second special event, the job control unit 8a executes the process of step S111 if at least one of the first special event and the second special event is detected.

[0116] <Process S111> In step S111, the job control unit 8a transitions from the normal mode to the special mode and terminates the normal feeding control. As a result, the job control unit 8a starts the special feeding control (see Figure 10).

[0117] [Control during transport] Next, an example of the procedure for controlling the transport process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7.

[0118] In the following description, S201, S202, ... represent identification codes for multiple processes in the transport control. In the transport control, the process of process S201 is executed first.

[0119] <Process S201> In process S201, the job control unit 8a selects a process depending on whether the supply document detection device 124 has detected that a supply document is available.

[0120] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S202 if the presence of a supply document is detected. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the process of step S203 if the presence of a supply document is not detected.

[0121] <Process S202> In process S202, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform an operation to maintain the supply tray 121 in the feeding position.

[0122] For example, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to raise the supply tray 121 for a unit time corresponding to the thickness of the document 9a each time a document 9a is fed from the supply tray 121.

[0123] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S202, and then executes the process of process S201.

[0124] <Process S203> On the other hand, in process S203, the job control unit 8a stops the transport of the document 9a by the document transport mechanism 122 when the time required for the last document 9a on the supply tray 121 to be discharged to the discharge tray 123 has elapsed.

[0125] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S203, and then executes the process of process S204.

[0126] <Process S204> In step S204, the job control unit 8a monitors the detection results of the discharged document detection device 125 until the discharged document detection device 125 no longer detects the presence of a discharged document.

[0127] The job control unit 8a executes process S205 when the state of having a document to be ejected is no longer detected.

[0128] <Process S205> In process S205, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform a retraction operation. The retraction operation is an operation to hold the supply tray 121 in the retracted position. If the supply tray 121 is not in the retracted position when the processing of process S205 is executed, the retraction operation includes an operation to move the supply tray 121 to the retracted position.

[0129] Specifically, the job control unit 8a instructs the lifting mechanism 16 to lower the supply tray 121 until it is detected by the retraction detection device 126, and then to maintain the position of the supply tray 121.

[0130] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the retracted position. After executing the process of step S205, the job control unit 8a terminates the transport control.

[0131] If the supply tray 121 is already in the retracted position when process S205 is started, process S205 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether or not the supply tray 121 is in the retracted position based on the detection result of the retraction detection device 126.

[0132] [Automatic preparation control] Next, an example of the procedure for the automatic preparation control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0133] In the following description, S301 and S302 represent identification codes for the two processes in the automatic preparation control. In the automatic preparation control, the process of process S301 is executed first.

[0134] <Process S301> In step S301, the job control unit 8a selects a process depending on whether or not the supply document detection device 124 detects that a supply document is present.

[0135] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S302 when it detects that a source document is available. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a terminates the automatic preparation control when it does not detect that a source document is available.

[0136] <Process S302> In process S302, the job control unit 8a selects the following process depending on whether the start flag is ON or OFF.

[0137] As will be described later, the start flag indicates that a transition from the special mode to the normal mode has occurred due to the detection of the input of the processing start operation (see Figure 10).

[0138] The job control unit 8a selects the following processing depending on whether the start flag is ON or OFF.

[0139] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S303 when the start flag is OFF, and executes the process of step S304 when the start flag is ON.

[0140] <Process S303> In process S303, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform a feeding preparation operation. The feeding preparation operation is the operation of moving the supply tray 121 to the preparation position.

[0141] Specifically, the feeding preparation operation involves raising the supply tray 121 until the document level detection device 127 detects the top surface of the document 9a, and then lowering the supply tray 121 for a first predetermined time. The first predetermined time is the time required to lower the supply tray 121 by the first distance.

[0142] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the preparation position. After executing the process of step S303, the job control unit 8a terminates the automatic preparation control.

[0143] If the supply tray 121 is already in the preparation position when the processing of process S303 begins, the processing of process S303 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether the supply tray 121 is in the preparation position based on the detection results of the retraction detection device 126 and the document level detection device 127 and the tray position data.

[0144] <Process S304> Meanwhile, in process S304, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the feed position movement operation, similar to process S108. Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the feed position.

[0145] If the supply tray 121 is already in the feeding position when process S304 is started, process S304 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether or not the supply tray 121 is in the feeding position based on the detection result of the document level detection device 127.

[0146] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S304, and then executes the process of process S305.

[0147] <Process S305> Meanwhile, in process S305, the job control unit 8a sets the start flag to OFF and terminates the automatic preparation control.

[0148] [Automatic intermediate movement control] Next, an example of the procedure for the automatic intermediate movement control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9.

[0149] In the following description, S401 and S402 represent identification codes for multiple processes in the automatic intermediate movement control. In the automatic intermediate movement control, the process of process S401 is executed first.

[0150] <Process S401> In step S401, the job control unit 8a selects a process depending on whether or not the discharge document detection device 125 detects that there is a discharge document.

[0151] The job control unit 8a executes the process in step S402 if the presence of a document to be discharged is detected. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the process in step S403 if the presence of a document to be discharged is not detected.

[0152] <Process S402> In process S402, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform an intermediate movement operation. This intermediate movement operation moves the supply tray 121 to an intermediate position located a predetermined distance above the retracted position.

[0153] The aforementioned intermediate position is a position between the retracted position and the prepared position. In other words, the intermediate position is higher than the retracted position and lower than the prepared position.

[0154] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the intermediate position. After executing the process of step S402, the job control unit 8a terminates the automatic intermediate movement control.

[0155] If the supply tray 121 is already in the intermediate position when process S402 is started, process S402 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether the supply tray 121 is in the intermediate position based on the detection results of the retraction detection device 126 and the document level detection device 127 and the tray position data.

[0156] <Process S403> On the other hand, in process S403, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the retraction operation, similar to process S205.

[0157] After executing the process of step S403, the job control unit 8a terminates the automatic intermediate movement control.

[0158] The automatic intermediate movement control is performed to temporarily widen the space on the output tray 123 when the stack of documents is temporarily placed on the output tray 123.

[0159] [Special feeding control] Next, an example of the procedure for the special feeding control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0160] The job control unit 8a starts the special feed control when the operating mode changes from the normal mode to the special mode, and when the image processing device 10 is started while the operating mode is in the special mode.

[0161] In the following description, S501, S502, ... represent identification codes for multiple processes in the special feeding control. In the special feeding control, the process of process S501 is executed first.

[0162] <Process S501> In process S501, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the retraction operation. Furthermore, the job control unit 8a updates the tray position data stored in the secondary storage device 82 to data representing the retracted position.

[0163] If the supply tray 121 is already in the retracted position when the processing of process S501 is started, the processing of process S501 is skipped. The job control unit 8a determines whether or not the supply tray 121 is in the retracted position based on the detection result of the retraction detection device 126.

[0164] The process in step S501 holds the supply tray 121 in the retracted position. The retracted position in step S501 is an example of a specific position below the feeding position.

[0165] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S501, and then executes the process of process S502.

[0166] <Process S502> In step S502, the job control unit 8a selects the following processing depending on whether a return event is detected or not. The return event is an event that is a condition for transitioning from the special mode to the normal mode.

[0167] The recovery event includes a first recovery event in which the input of the processing start operation is detected by the operating device 801.

[0168] Furthermore, the recovery event may include one or more of the second recovery event, the third recovery event, and the fourth recovery event.

[0169] The second recovery event is an event in which the unit closed state changes from a state in which the unit closed state is not detected by the unit closed detection device 17 to a state in which it is detected.

[0170] The third return event includes either or both of the first cover closing event and the second cover closing event.

[0171] The first cover closing event is an event in which the first cover closing state changes from a state in which it is not detected to a state in which it is detected by the first cover closing detection device 2d. The second cover closing event is an event in which the second cover closing state changes from a state in which it is not detected to a state in which it is detected by the second cover closing detection device 1d.

[0172] The fourth recovery event is an event in which the cassette detection device 30a changes from a state in which the cassette is not detected to a state in which the cassette is detected.

[0173] The aforementioned recovery event indicates that an operation other than the operation of placing a stack of documents onto the supply tray 121 has been performed.

[0174] The job control unit 8a executes the process of step S503 if the return event is not detected.

[0175] On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the processing of process S504 or process S505 when the return event is detected. Specifically, the job control unit 8a executes the processing of process S504 when the first return event is detected. On the other hand, the job control unit 8a executes the processing of process S505 when a return event other than the first return event is detected.

[0176] <Process S503> In process S503, the job control unit 8a executes the automatic intermediate movement control (see Figure 9).

[0177] After executing the process in step S503, the job control unit 8a executes the processes from step S502 onward.

[0178] <Process S504> On the other hand, in S504, the job control unit 8a sets the start flag to ON. As mentioned above, the start flag is a flag referenced in the automatic preparation control process S302 (see Figure 8).

[0179] The job control unit 8a executes the process of process S504, and then executes the process of process S505.

[0180] <Process S505> In process S505, the job control unit 8a transitions from the special mode to the normal mode and terminates the special feeding control. As a result, the job control unit 8a starts the normal feeding control (see Figure 6).

[0181] If the transition from the special mode to the normal mode occurs in response to the first return event, the supply tray 121 is moved to the feeding position in step S304 of the automatic preparation control (see Figure 8).

[0182] On the other hand, if the transition from the special mode to the normal mode is performed in response to a return event different from the first return event, the supply tray 121 is moved to the preparation position in step S303 of the automatic preparation control (see Figure 8).

[0183] As shown above, the job control unit 8a performs the automatic preparation control in the normal mode (see process S104 in Figure 6 and Figure 9).

[0184] In the automatic preparation control described above, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the preparation operation of raising the supply tray 121 from the retracted position to the preparation position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device 124 (see steps S401 to S402 in Figure 9).

[0185] Furthermore, the job control unit 8a performs the automatic intermediate movement control in both the normal mode and the special mode (see process S106 in Figure 6, process S503 in Figure 10, and Figure 9). In the automatic intermediate movement control, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the intermediate movement operation in response to the detection of the presence of a document to be discharged by the document discharge detection device 125 when the supply tray 121 is in the retracted position (see processes S401 to S402 in Figure 9).

[0186] Furthermore, when the special event is detected after the supply tray 121 starts to rise in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, but before the document transport mechanism 122 starts transporting the document, the job control unit 8a switches from the normal mode to the special mode and executes the special feeding control (see steps S110 to S111 in Figure 6 and Figure 10).

[0187] In the automatic preparation control, the start of the feeding preparation operation is an example of the start of the raising of the supply tray 121 in response to the detection of the presence of a document to be supplied.

[0188] The special mode is the operating mode in which the automatic preparation control is not performed. In other words, the special mode is the operating mode in which the control that causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the action of raising the supply tray 121 from the retracted position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device 124 is disabled.

[0189] In the special feeding control described above, the job control unit 8a causes the lifting mechanism 16 to perform the retraction operation, which moves the supply tray 121 to the retracted position (see step S501 in Figure 10).

[0190] In the special mode described above, after the retraction operation by the lifting mechanism 16 is performed, the automatic preparation control is not performed until the return event is detected, and the supply tray 121 is held in the retracted position.

[0191] Therefore, in the normal mode in which the automatic preparation control is performed, by performing an operation corresponding to the special event, it is possible to place multiple documents 9a onto the supply tray 121 in multiple steps until an operation corresponding to the return event is performed.

[0192] Furthermore, when the return event is detected in the special mode, the job control unit 8a transitions from the special mode to the normal mode (see steps S502 to S504 in Figure 10).

[0193] The aforementioned return event corresponds to an operation unrelated to the placement of the document 9a on the supply tray 121. In other words, the return event indicates that the placement of the document 9a on the supply tray 121 has been completed.

[0194] The job control unit 8a performs the automatic preparation control until the supply tray 121 is moved to the preparation position by switching from the special mode to the normal mode (see steps S103 to S106).

[0195] In other words, after transitioning from the special mode to the normal mode, the job control unit 8a enables control to cause the lifting mechanism 16 to perform an operation to raise the supply tray 121 from the retracted position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device 124.

[0196] The adoption of the image processing device 10 makes it possible to perform both the automatic preparation control and the divided placement operation, in which multiple documents 9a are placed on the supply tray 121 in multiple steps. In this embodiment, it is possible to perform both the automatic preparation control and the automatic intermediate movement control and the divided placement operation.

[0197] [First variation] The aforementioned recovery event may include a fifth recovery event. The fifth recovery event is a startup event in which the system has started up from a power-off state or a power-saving state to a normal power state.

[0198] The aforementioned power-saving state is a state in which the power supply to some of the devices in the image processing device 10 is stopped, resulting in lower power consumption than the normal power state.

[0199] Furthermore, the automatic intermediate movement control may be omitted in both the normal feeding control and the special feeding control.

[0200] Even when this modified version is adopted, the same effect as when the image processing device 10 is adopted can be obtained.

[0201] [Second variation] In step S501 of the special feeding control described above, the job control unit 8a may cause the lifting mechanism 16 to perform a specific operation to hold the job at a specific position below the feeding position. In this modified example, the specific position is a position between the retracted position and the feeding position.

[0202] In the following description, the area of ​​the movable range of the supply tray 121 from the retracted position to a predetermined position between the retracted position and the feeding position is referred to as the specific area. For example, the predetermined position is the position between the retracted position and the preparation position.

[0203] Furthermore, the first case refers to the situation in which the special event is detected when the supply tray 121 is located in the specific area after the supply tray 121 starts to rise in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document.

[0204] On the other hand, the second case refers to the situation in which the special event is detected when the supply tray 121 is positioned above the specified area after the supply tray 121 has started to rise in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document.

[0205] In the first case, the specific operation is to hold the supply tray 121 in the position where the special event was detected. In the first case, the position of the supply tray 121 when the special event was detected is the specific position.

[0206] On the other hand, in the second case described above, the specific operation is an operation to hold the object at a predetermined reference position within the specific region. For example, the reference position is the predetermined position, which is the upper limit position of the specific region.

[0207] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0208] <Note 1> The supply tray on which the manuscript is placed, An output tray for receiving the aforementioned document, A document transport mechanism having a feed roller that contacts the upper surface of the document on the supply tray and a plurality of sets of transport rollers arranged along the document transport path, which transports the document from the supply tray to the discharge tray via the document transport path by rotating the feed roller and the plurality of sets of transport rollers, An image sensor that reads an image from the original document being transported along the aforementioned document transport path, A lifting mechanism moves the supply tray between a feeding position in which the upper surface of the document on the supply tray contacts the feeding roller and a retracted position below the feeding position, An image processing apparatus control method for controlling an image processing apparatus comprising a supply document detection device that detects the presence of a supply document on the supply tray, the supply of a supply document, In normal mode, the control device performs automatic preparation control, causing the lifting mechanism to raise the supply tray from the retracted position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device. When the control device detects a special event after the raising of the supply tray has begun in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, but before the document transport by the document transport mechanism begins, it switches from the normal mode to a special mode in which the automatic preparation control is not performed, and causes the lifting mechanism to perform an operation to hold the supply tray at a specific position below the feeding position. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising the control device transitioning from the special mode to the normal mode when a recovery event is detected in the special mode.

[0209] <Note 2> The image processing apparatus control method according to Appendix 1, wherein the special event includes a first special event in which the state in which the supply document is detected by the supply document detection device changes from a state in which the supply document is detected to a state in which it is not detected.

[0210] <Note 3> The image processing device includes a document detection device that detects the presence of a document on the output tray, The image processing apparatus control method according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the special event includes a second special event in which the state in which the output document detection device does not detect the presence of an output document changes from a state in which it does detect the presence of an output document to a state in which it does.

[0211] <Note 4> The image processing device includes an operation input device that detects operation input, The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the recovery event includes a first recovery event in which the input of a processing start operation is detected by the operation input device.

[0212] <Note 5> The discharge tray is located below the supply tray. The image processing device includes a document detection device that detects the presence of a document on the output tray, The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the control device performs automatic intermediate movement control in each of the normal mode and the special mode, in response to the detection of the presence of an output document by the output document detection device when the supply tray is in the retracted position, causing the lifting mechanism to perform an intermediate movement operation to move the supply tray to an intermediate position located a predetermined distance above the retracted position.

[0213] <Note 6> The aforementioned image processing device A reading unit having the aforementioned image sensor, A document processing unit having the supply tray, the discharge tray, and the document transport mechanism, and supported so as to be movable between a position covering the top surface of the reading unit and a position opening the top surface of the reading unit, The system includes a unit closing detection device that detects a unit closed state in which the document processing unit covers the upper surface of the reading unit, The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the recovery event includes a second recovery event in which the unit closed state changes from a state in which the unit closed state is not detected by the unit closed detection device to a state in which it is detected.

[0214] <Note 7> The aforementioned image processing device The enclosure that contains the equipment, A cover that can open and close an opening formed in the housing, The system includes a cover closing detection device that detects the cover closing state when the cover closes the opening, The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the recovery event includes a third recovery event in which the cover closed state changes from a state in which the cover closed state is not detected by the cover closed detection device to a state in which it is detected.

[0215] <Note 8> The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the specified position is the retracted position or a position between the retracted position and the feeding position.

[0216] <Note 9> The image processing apparatus control method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein, after the raising of the supply tray is started in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, the special event is detected when the supply tray is located in a specific area from the retracted position to a predetermined position between the retracted position and the feeding position, the specific position is the position of the supply tray when the special event was detected.

[0217] <Note 10> The image processing apparatus control method according to Appendix 9, wherein, after the raising of the supply tray is initiated in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, if the special event is detected while the supply tray is positioned above the specific area, the specific position is a predetermined position within the specific area.

[0218] <Note 11> The supply tray on which the manuscript is placed, An output tray for receiving the aforementioned document, A document transport mechanism having a feed roller that contacts the upper surface of the document on the supply tray and a plurality of sets of transport rollers arranged along the document transport path, which transports the document from the supply tray to the discharge tray via the document transport path by rotating the feed roller and the plurality of sets of transport rollers, An image sensor that reads an image from the original document being transported along the aforementioned document transport path, A lifting mechanism moves the supply tray between a feeding position in which the upper surface of the document on the supply tray contacts the feeding roller and a retracted position below the feeding position, A supply document detection device that detects the presence of a supply document on the supply tray, An image processing apparatus comprising: a control device that implements the image processing apparatus control method described in any one of the above appendices 1 to 7; and an image processing apparatus. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0219] 1: Image reading device 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Sheet conveying device 4: Printing device 8: Control device 10: Image processing device 11: Reading Unit 12: Document Processing Unit 13,15: Image sensor unit 16: Lifting mechanism 17: Unit Closure Detection Device 30: Sheet Cassette 30a: Cassette detection device 121: Supply Tray 122: Document transport mechanism 123: Output tray 124: Document detection device 125: Discarded document detection device 126: Evacuation detection device 127: Document level detection device

Claims

1. The supply tray on which the manuscript is placed, An output tray for receiving the aforementioned document, A document transport mechanism having a feed roller that contacts the upper surface of the document on the supply tray and a plurality of sets of transport rollers arranged along the document transport path, which transports the document from the supply tray to the discharge tray via the document transport path by rotating the feed roller and the plurality of sets of transport rollers, An image sensor that reads an image from the original document being transported along the aforementioned document transport path, A lifting mechanism moves the supply tray between a feeding position in which the upper surface of the document on the supply tray contacts the feeding roller and a retracted position below the feeding position, An image processing apparatus control method for controlling an image processing apparatus comprising a supply document detection device that detects the presence of a supply document on the supply tray, the supply of a supply document, In normal mode, the control device performs automatic preparation control, causing the lifting mechanism to raise the supply tray from the retracted position in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document by the supply document detection device. When the control device detects a special event after the raising of the supply tray has begun in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, but before the document transport by the document transport mechanism begins, it switches from the normal mode to a special mode in which the automatic preparation control is not performed, and causes the lifting mechanism to perform an operation to hold the supply tray at a specific position below the feeding position. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising the control device transitioning from the special mode to the normal mode when a recovery event is detected in the special mode.

2. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1, wherein the special event includes a first special event in which the state in which a supplied document is detected by the supplied document detection device changes from a state in which a supplied document is detected to a state in which it is not detected.

3. The image processing device includes a document detection device that detects the presence of a document on the output tray, The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the special event includes a second special event in which the state in which an ejected document is detected by the ejected document detection device changes from a state in which the ejected document is not detected to a state in which it is detected.

4. The image processing device includes an operation input device that detects operation input, The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recovery event includes a first recovery event in which the input of a processing start operation is detected by the operation input device.

5. The discharge tray is located below the supply tray. The image processing device includes a document detection device that detects the presence of a document on the output tray, The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device, in each of the normal mode and the special mode, performs automatic intermediate movement control to cause the lifting mechanism to perform an intermediate movement operation to move the supply tray to an intermediate position located a predetermined distance above the retracted position, in response to the detection of the presence of an output document by the output document detection device when the supply tray is in the retracted position.

6. The aforementioned image processing device A reading unit having the aforementioned image sensor, A document processing unit having the supply tray, the discharge tray, and the document transport mechanism, and supported so as to be movable between a position covering the top surface of the reading unit and a position opening the top surface of the reading unit, The system includes a unit closing detection device that detects a unit closed state in which the document processing unit covers the upper surface of the reading unit, The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recovery event includes a second recovery event in which the unit closed state changes from a state in which the unit closed state is not detected by the unit closed detection device to a state in which it is detected.

7. The aforementioned image processing device The enclosure that contains the equipment, A cover that can open and close an opening formed in the housing, The system includes a cover closing detection device that detects the cover closing state when the cover closes the opening, The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recovery event includes a third recovery event in which the cover closed state changes from a state in which the cover closed state is not detected by the cover closed detection device to a state in which the cover closed state is detected.

8. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the specified position is the retracted position or a position between the retracted position and the feeding position.

9. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, after the raising of the supply tray is initiated in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, if the special event is detected while the supply tray is located in a specific area from the retracted position to a predetermined position between the retracted position and the feeding position, the specific position is the position of the supply tray when the special event was detected.

10. The image processing apparatus control method according to claim 9, wherein, after the raising of the supply tray is initiated in response to the detection of the presence of a supply document, if the special event is detected while the supply tray is positioned above the specific area, the specific position is a predetermined position within the specific area.

11. The supply tray on which the manuscript is placed, An output tray for receiving the aforementioned document, A document transport mechanism having a feed roller that contacts the upper surface of the document on the supply tray and a plurality of sets of transport rollers arranged along the document transport path, which transports the document from the supply tray to the discharge tray via the document transport path by rotating the feed roller and the plurality of sets of transport rollers, An image sensor that reads an image from the original document being transported along the aforementioned document transport path, A lifting mechanism moves the supply tray between a feeding position in which the upper surface of the document on the supply tray contacts the feeding roller and a retracted position below the feeding position, A supply document detection device that detects the presence of a supply document on the supply tray, An image processing apparatus comprising a control device that implements the image processing apparatus control method described in claim 1 or claim 2.

Images