Image forming apparatus and document reading method

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus and a document reading method allowing easy handling of a document placed on a document tray.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a document reading device 700 that automatically conveys a document placed on a document tray and reads an image. When reading a document, the document reading device makes a transition to a state where the document is placed thereon, a state where the state where the document is placed thereon is transitioned to a document suppliable state, and a state where the document is read and ejected from the document suppliable state. The document reading device further includes a light emitting unit 770. The light emitting unit makes a light emission state different according to the state where the document is placed thereon, the state where the state where the document is placed thereon is transitioned to a document suppliable state, and a state after the document is read and ejected from the document suppliable state, and flickers after the document is read and ejected. The document reading device makes a transition from the state where the document is placed thereon to the state after the document is read and ejected according to a touch operation on soft keys of a touch panel display provided in an operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and the like, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and the like that is provided with a document reading device that automatically conveys a document and reads an image thereon. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copying machines are usually configured to generate and output an output image based on image data of an original read by an original reading device or image data inputted separately from a terminal device.

[0003] In the document reading device, a plurality of documents can be placed on a document tray, and the documents are automatically conveyed one by one from the document tray by an ADF mechanism and read.

[0004] When reading a document using the ADF mechanism, the document is usually fed by touching a soft key (operation button) on the UI or a hard key (operation button) on the document reading device.

[0005] As a prior art, for example, in an image reading device, when starting to read a document, if a document detection means detects that a document is placed on the document tray, the document tray is moved to a first position where a document can be supplied, and in a standby state, an document tray moving means is instructed to move the document tray to a second position where a document cannot be supplied (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-101460 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, even if the document is placed incorrectly or the user wants to check the document again, the document placed on the document tray is moved to a position where it can be fed and held there, which causes the problem that it is difficult to reset the document previously placed or remove it to check it again.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and has an object to provide an original forming apparatus and the like that can easily handle originals placed on an original tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a document reading device which automatically transports a document placed on a document tray and reads an image, wherein, when reading the document placed on the document tray, the document reading device is capable of transitioning between a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document has transitioned from the state in which the document is placed to a document feedable state, and a state from the document feedable state to a state after the document has been read and discharged, the document reading device further comprises a light-emitting means which changes its light-emitting state depending on the state in which the document is placed, the state in which the document has transitioned from the state in which the document is placed to the document feedable state, and the state from the document feedable state to a state after the document has been read and discharged, and flashes after the document has been read and discharged, and the document reading device enables transitioning from the state in which the document is placed to the state after the document has been read and discharged by touching a soft key on a touch panel display provided on an operation unit.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a document reading method for automatically transporting a document placed on a document tray of a document reading device provided in an image forming apparatus and reading an image, wherein, when reading the document placed on the document tray, the document can be transitioned to a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document has been transferred from the state in which the document is placed to a document feedable state, and a state in which the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state, and the light-emitting state of a light-emitting means is made different for the state in which the document is placed, the state in which the document has been transferred from the state in which the document is placed to the document feedable state, and a state in which the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state, and the light-emitting means is made to blink after the document has been read and discharged, and the transition from the state in which the document is placed to the state in which the document has been read and discharged is made possible by a touch operation on a soft key of a touch panel display provided in an operation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the document forming apparatus of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a document reading device that automatically conveys a document placed on a document tray and reads an image, when reading the document placed on the document tray, the document reading device is capable of transitioning between a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document is transferred from the state in which the document is placed to a document feedable state, and a state in which the document is read and discharged from the document feedable state, and the document reading device further includes a light emitting means that emits light to illuminate the state in which the document is placed, the state in which the document is transferred from the state in which the document is placed to the document feedable state, and the state in which the document feedable state is discharged. The light emission state is changed depending on whether the state is as it is or after the document has been read and discharged, and it flashes after the document has been read and discharged.The document reading device can transition from the state in which the document is placed to the state after the document has been read and discharged by touching a soft key on a touch panel display provided on the operation unit, so that the user can be visually informed of the state of the document, and operation instructions related to document feeding can be completed by touching a soft key on the touch panel display, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0012] According to the document reading method of the present invention, in a document reading method for automatically transporting a document placed on a document tray of a document reading device provided in an image forming apparatus and reading an image, when reading the document placed on the document tray, the document can be shifted to a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document has been transferred from the state in which the document is placed to a document feedable state, and a state in which the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state, and the document can be shifted to a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document has been transferred from the state in which the document is placed to the document feedable state, and a state in which the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state. The light-emitting state of the light-emitting means is made different from the state after the original has been read and discharged, and the light-emitting means flashes after the original has been read and discharged.By touching a soft key on a touch panel display provided on the operation unit, it is possible to transition from the state in which the original is placed to the state after the original has been read and discharged.This makes it possible to visually inform the user of the current state, and also allows operation instructions related to original feeding to be completed by touching a soft key on the touch panel display, thereby improving convenience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a document reading device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an automatic document processing device that constitutes the document reading device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the document reading device. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device. [Diagram 5] 13 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart of the document reading process following the flowchart in FIG. 5 . [Figure 7]13 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a document reading device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a document reading device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a form of implementing the invention, which illustrates the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus equipped with a document reading device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an automatic document processing device that constitutes the document reading device.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment is an image forming apparatus 100 equipped with a document reading device 200 that automatically transports a document to be read (hereinafter simply referred to as "document") and reads an image, and that can output an image based on the read document, and in which the document reading device 200 has a characteristic document reading device configuration according to the present invention.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording sheet by electrophotography. Image forming device 100 is a multifunction device that has the following operating modes: copy mode, facsimile mode (FAX mode), document filing mode (a mode in which scanned images are stored in a memory device inside the image forming device), and email mode (a mode in which scanned images are sent as attachments to email). The image forming apparatus 100 may further include a network printer mode.

[0017] The document reading device 200 includes a scanner unit 210 that reads an image of a document, and an automatic document processing device 220 that automatically transports the document. The scanner unit 210 is provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 100 main body. The automatic document processor 220 is provided facing the upper part of the scanner unit 210 so as to be freely opened and closed, and is configured to function as a document pressing unit that presses down documents placed on the scanner unit 210. This makes it possible to perform document reading processing for each document. Furthermore, by mounting an automatic document processor 220 on the top of the scanner unit 210, automatic continuous reading of a plurality of documents is possible, and both sides of the document can be read simultaneously.

[0018] (Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus) First, the basic configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment mainly includes an image forming unit 104 that forms an image based on image data read by a scanner unit 210, a paper feeding unit 106 that supplies paper, an image output means 107 that outputs the image formed based on the image data, a paper discharge processing device 108, a control unit (not shown) that controls the entire apparatus, and an operation unit 120.

[0019] The paper discharge processing device 108 performs a process of sorting and discharging a plurality of recording sheets onto each paper discharge tray 110, a process of punching each recording sheet, and a process of stapling each recording sheet. For example, when producing multiple copies of a printed material, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each output tray 110 so that each output tray 110 is assigned a portion of the printed material, and for each output tray 110, a punching process using a punching unit (not shown) or a staple process using a stapling unit (not shown) is performed on each recording sheet on the output tray 110 to produce the printed material.

[0020] 1, operation unit 120 is mainly composed of a touch panel display (display section) 130 and a display operation section 140. Touch panel display 130 is composed of a display panel 132 composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel 134 arranged on top of display panel 132 for detecting a position pressed by a user's finger.

[0021] Thus, image forming apparatus 100 includes touch panel display 130 as a main operation device, and display operation unit 140 including hardware keys and indicator lights.

[0022] It should be noted that image forming apparatus 100 is not limited to one equipped with display operation unit 140 having such a configuration, and may be one equipped with touch panel display 130 only.

[0023] Moreover, the operation unit 120 for operating the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to function as an operation section of the document reading device 200 as well.

[0024] (Overall configuration of document reading device) Next, the automatic document processing device 220 constituting the document reading device 200 of the image forming apparatus 100 of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic document processing device 220 is mainly configured to include a document tray 240, a paper feed section 250, and a paper discharge section 260.

[0026] On the document tray 240, documents are placed. The paper feed section 250 is mainly configured to include a document transport path 251 , a document reading window 252 , a pickup roller 253 , a paper feed roller 255 , an upper transport roller 256 , and a reading transport roller 257 . The paper discharge section 260 is mainly configured to include a lower transport roller 261 , an original paper discharge roller 262 , and a paper discharge tray 265 .

[0027] Specifically, pickup roller 253 feeds out documents placed on document tray 240 one by one to paper feed roller 255. Paper feed roller 255 supplies the documents into the device. Upper transport roller 256 transports the documents supplied into the device to document transport path 251. Reading transport roller 257 transports the documents to document reading window 252 at a predetermined timing. Lower transport roller 261 transports the documents read at document reading window 252 toward paper discharge. Document discharge roller 262 discharges the documents transported by lower transport roller 261 onto paper discharge tray 265.

[0028] The automatic document processing device 220 configured in this manner takes out documents set in the document tray 240 one by one from the top of the document stack using a paper feed roller 255 and transports them into the device, guides the documents via a document transport path 251 onto an SPF glass (contact glass) provided in a document reading window 252 of the scanner unit 210, and passes the documents through the SPF glass, and then discharges the documents onto an output tray 265.

[0029] In the scanner unit 210, when an original passes over an original reading window 252, an image on the surface of the original is repeatedly read in the main scanning direction by a CCD (not shown), and image data showing the image on the surface of the original is output.

[0030] On the other hand, when an original is placed on the platen glass (original placement glass) 230 on the top surface of the scanner section 210, a scanning unit and an optical system (not shown) are moved while maintaining a predetermined speed relationship with each other, the scanning unit exposes the original surface on the platen glass 230, and the scanning unit and the optical system guide the reflected light from the original surface to an imaging lens (not shown) to form an image of the original surface on the CCD.

[0031] An original discharge roller 262 and a discharge tray 265 are provided below the original tray 240. The original discharge roller 262 is composed of a pair of roller members, an upper discharge roller 262a1 and a lower discharge roller 262a2.

[0032] The upper discharge roller 262a1 is rotatably supported on a shaft. The lower discharge roller 262a2 is rotatable in forward and reverse directions by a motor (not shown). The upper discharge roller 262a1 is rotated by the rotation of the lower discharge roller 262a2.

[0033] (Characteristic configuration of the document reading device) Next, a characteristic configuration of the document reading device 200 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the document reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the document reading device 200 is configured such that a control unit 280 controls the operation processing of the scanner unit 210 and the operation processing of the automatic document processing device 220.

[0035] The control unit 280 may constitute a part of a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. In other words, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 100 may control the operation of the document reading device 200.

[0036] The document tray 240 is provided with a document tray moving section 241 . The document tray moving section 241 is configured to move the document tray 240 from a state in which the document is placed to a state in which the document can be fed when the document is placed on the document tray 240 .

[0037] When the document is placed on the document tray, the document can be moved and more or less documents can be placed on the document tray, and the document is not held in place.

[0038] In the state where the original can be fed, the original placed on the original tray 240 is temporarily held by the pickup roller 253 of the paper feed section 250, and the original tray 240 is disposed at a position where the original can be fed into the device. In this state, the original cannot be easily moved or inserted or removed.

[0039] On the touch panel display 130 of the operation unit 120, a first operation button 151 and a second operation button 152 that can be operated by touch are displayed as soft keys.

[0040] First operation button 151 is an operation button for instructing to put the document on document tray 240 into a document feedable state. When first operation button 151 is touched, document tray moving section 241 is operated so that document tray 240 is placed at a position where the document can be fed into the device, and pickup roller 253 is operated to press an edge of the placed document so that pickup roller 253 temporarily holds the document.

[0041] The second operation button 152 is an operation button for starting the document reading process. When the second operation button 152 is touched, the pickup roller 253 is operated to feed the document into the device one sheet at a time, and the document reading process is automatically executed by the scanner unit 210 as the document is transported.

[0042] After the document has been read, it is discharged onto a discharge tray 265 by document discharge rollers 262 of a discharge unit 260 .

[0043] Next, the document reading process in the document reading device 200 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the first embodiment.

[0044] In the first embodiment, when the document reading process is started by the document reading device 200, as shown in FIG. 4, first, a document on the document tray 240 is detected by a sensor or the like (step S101), and it is determined whether a document is placed thereon (step S103).

[0045] If it is determined in step S103 that the document is placed, it is determined whether or not a first instruction to transition to a state in which the document can be fed has been issued (step S105).

[0046] If it is determined that the first instruction has been given, then in order to make the document feedable, document tray 240 is moved to a position where the document can be fed (step S107), and pickup roller 253 is positioned so as to press the document from above to temporarily hold the document (step S109).

[0047] Then, it is determined whether a certain period of time (predetermined period of time) has elapsed while the document on document tray 240 remains in a state in which the document can be fed (step S111).

[0048] If it is determined in step S111 that the fixed time has elapsed in the original feed enabled state, the original feed enabled state is released (step S113), and the process returns to step S101. After the document feed possible state is cancelled in step S113, the document reading process may be stopped.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that the fixed time has not elapsed in the document feedable state, it is determined whether or not a second instruction to execute a document reading process has been given (step S115).

[0050] If it is determined in step S115 that the second instruction has not been issued, the process returns to step S111.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S115 that a second instruction has been issued, a document reading process is executed (step S117). In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0052] As configured as described above, according to the first embodiment, when document reading device 200 reads a document placed on document tray 240, the state changes from one in which a document is placed on document tray 240 to one in which a document can be fed based on a first instruction, and the document reading process starts from the document feedable state based on a second instruction. Therefore, unless the first instruction to change to the document feedable state is given, the document remains placed on document tray 240, making it easy to reset the document or remove it to check it again.

[0053] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the document on document tray 240 remains in the document feedable state for a certain period of time, the document feedable state is cancelled, so that the document can be easily removed when the document reading operation is to be stopped.

[0054] In addition, the operation to cancel the document feedable state of the document on the document tray 240 may be performed by a process other than the timeout process described above. For example, after the document feedable state is entered, the document feedable state may be cancelled when an operation button other than an operation button related to automatic document feed, such as the first operation button 151, the second operation button 152, etc. (such as a job list button or an administrator setting button) is pressed.

[0055] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is characterized in that, when performing a document reading process in the document reading device 200, the document feeding possible state is released after all documents have been fed (after passing through the pickup roller 253) or after all documents have been discharged (after passing through the document discharge roller 262).

[0056] The document reading process in the document reading device 200 will be described below with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the document reading process subsequent to the flowchart in FIG.

[0057] It should be noted that the configuration of the document reading device according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] In the second embodiment, when the document reading process is started by the document reading device 200, as shown in FIG. 5, first, a document on the document tray 240 is detected by a sensor or the like (step S201), and it is determined whether a document is placed thereon (step S203).

[0059] If it is determined in step S203 that the document is placed, it is determined whether or not a first instruction to transition to a state in which the document can be fed has been issued (step S205).

[0060] If it is determined that the first instruction has been given, then in order to make the document feedable, document tray 240 is moved to a position where the document can be fed (step S207), and pickup roller 253 is positioned so as to press the document from above to temporarily hold the document (step S209).

[0061] Then, it is determined whether a certain period of time (predetermined period of time) has elapsed while the original on the original tray 240 remains in a state in which the original can be fed (step S211).

[0062] If it is determined in step S211 that the fixed time has elapsed in the original feed enabled state, the original feed enabled state is released (step S213), and the process returns to step S201. After the document feed enabled state is cancelled in step S213, the document reading process may be stopped.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S211 that the fixed time has not elapsed in the document feedable state, it is determined whether or not a second instruction to execute document reading processing has been given (step S215).

[0064] If it is determined in step S215 that the second instruction has not been issued, the process returns to step S211.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S215 that a second instruction has been issued, then document reading processing is executed (step S217) as shown in Fig. 6. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a next document (step S219).

[0066] If it is determined in step S219 that the next document exists, the process returns to step S217, and the document reading process is repeated.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S219 that there is no next document, it is determined whether or not all documents have been discharged (step S221).

[0068] If it is determined in step S221 that all the documents have been discharged, the document feed possible state is released (step S223), and the document reading process ends. In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0069] As configured as above, according to the second embodiment, in the document reading device 200, when reading documents placed on the document tray 240, the document feedable state is released after all documents have been fed or discharged, so documents can be fed stably without being shifted during the document reading process. Also, it is possible to prevent operations such as increasing or decreasing the number of documents after the start of the document reading process.

[0070] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is characterized in that, in a document reading device, when a document reading process is executed, all documents are fed, and the document reading process is completed, the document feeding possible state in the document tray and paper feeding section is released before all documents are discharged.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the document reading device according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] In addition, the steps of the document reading process by the document reading device 200 in the third embodiment are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the second instruction to execute the document reading process is issued, so the flowchart of the second embodiment in Fig. 5 is to be referred to. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the process steps after the second instruction to execute the document reading process is issued will be described.

[0073] In the third embodiment, in the document reading device 200, processing is performed to reach a state in which a document can be fed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. If it is determined that a second instruction has been given, then document reading processing is executed (step S317) as shown in FIG. 7, and it is determined whether or not there is a next document (step S319).

[0074] If it is determined in step S319 that the next document exists, the process returns to step S317, and the document reading process is repeated.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S319 that there is no next document, the document feed enable state is cancelled (step S321), and it is then determined whether or not all documents have been discharged (step S323).

[0076] If it is determined in step S321 that all the documents have been discharged, the document reading process ends. In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0077] As configured as described above, according to the third embodiment, when reading documents placed on document tray 240 in document reading device 200, the document feedable state is cancelled before all documents have been fed and all documents have been discharged. Therefore, when it is desired to read an additional document, the document can be easily set on document tray 240.

[0078] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in the document reading device, when the document reading process is executed, document reading is completed, and all of the discharged documents are removed, the document feeding possible state in the document tray and paper feeding section is released.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the fourth embodiment. The configuration of the document reading device according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In addition, the steps of the document reading process by the document reading device 200 in the fourth embodiment are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the second instruction to execute the document reading process is given, so the flowchart of the second embodiment in Fig. 5 is to be referred to. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the process steps after the second instruction to execute the document reading process is given will be described.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, in the document reading device 200, processing is performed to reach a state in which a document can be fed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and if it is determined that a second instruction has been given, document reading processing is executed (step S417) as shown in FIG. 8, and it is determined whether or not there is a next document (step S419).

[0082] If it is determined in step S419 that there is a next document, the process returns to step S417, and the document reading process is repeated.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S419 that there is no next document, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the document has been completed (step S421).

[0084] If it is determined in step S421 that the discharge of the document has been completed, then it is determined whether the discharged document has been removed (step S423).

[0085] If it is determined in step S423 that the discharged original has been removed, the original feed possible state is cancelled (step S425), and the original reading process ends. In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0086] As configured as described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when document reading device 200 reads a document placed on document tray 240, if all of the discharged documents have been removed, the document feedable state in the document tray and paper feed section is released, so that the next document to be read can be easily set on document tray 240.

[0087] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is characterized in that, in the document reading device, when a document reading process is executed, document reading is completed, and all of the discharged documents have not been removed, and a next document is placed on the document tray 240, the document feeding possible state is released.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in a document reading device according to the fifth embodiment. The configuration of the document reading device according to the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] In addition, the steps of the document reading process by the document reading device 200 in the fifth embodiment are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the second instruction to execute the document reading process is given, so refer to the flowchart of Fig. 5 for the second embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the processing steps after the second instruction to execute the document reading process is given will be described.

[0090] In the fifth embodiment, in the document reading device 200, processing is performed to reach a state in which a document can be fed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and if it is determined that a second instruction has been given, document reading processing is executed (step S517) as shown in FIG. 9, and it is determined whether or not there is a next document (step S519).

[0091] If it is determined in step S519 that there is a next document, the process returns to step S517, and the document reading process is repeated.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S519 that there is no next document, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the document has been completed (step S521).

[0093] If it is determined in step S521 that the discharge of the document has been completed, then it is determined whether the discharged document has been removed (step S523).

[0094] If it is determined in step S523 that the discharged original has been removed, the original feed possible state is released (step S525), and the original reading process ends.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S523 that the discharged original has not been removed, it is determined whether or not the next original to be read has been placed on original tray 240 (step S525).

[0096] If it is determined in step S525 that the next document to be read has been placed on document tray 240, the document feed enabled state is released (step S527), and the document reading process ends. In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0097] As configured as described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when the document reading process is executed in document reading device 200 and document reading is completed, if the next document is placed on document tray 240 before all of the discharged documents have been removed, the document feedable state is cancelled, so that the next document to be read can be easily set on document tray 240.

[0098] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is characterized in that, in the document reading device, when the reading of the document is completed and all of the discharged documents have not been removed and a next document is placed on the document tray 240, the document feeding possible state is cancelled, and further, a message is displayed on the display unit of the document reading device informing the user whether or not to combine the image data of the first document previously placed on the document tray 240 with the image data of the second document subsequently placed on the document tray 240 after the first document has been discharged.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a part of a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the sixth embodiment. The configuration of the document reading device according to the sixth embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] In addition, the steps of the document reading process by the document reading device 200 in the sixth embodiment are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment until the second instruction to execute the document reading process is issued, so the flowchart of the second embodiment in Fig. 5 is to be referred to. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the process steps after the second instruction to execute the document reading process is issued will be described.

[0101] In the sixth embodiment, in the document reading device 200, processing is performed to reach a state in which a document can be fed in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, and if it is determined that a second instruction has been given, document reading processing is executed (step S617) as shown in FIG. 10, and it is determined whether or not there is a next document (step S619).

[0102] If it is determined in step S619 that there is a next document, the process returns to step S617, and the document reading process is repeated.

[0103] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S619 that there is no next document, it is determined whether or not the discharge of the document has been completed (step S621).

[0104] If it is determined in step S621 that the discharge of the document has been completed, then it is determined whether the discharged document has been removed (step S623).

[0105] If it is determined in step S623 that the discharged original has been removed, the original feed enabled state is cancelled (step S627).

[0106] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S623 that the discharged original has not been removed, it is determined whether or not the next original to be read has been placed on original tray 240 (step S625).

[0107] If it is determined in step S625 that the next document to be read has been placed on document tray 240, the document feed enabled state is released (step S627).

[0108] When the document feeding enabled state is released in step S627, in step S629, a message is displayed on the display screen of touch panel display 130 informing the user whether or not to combine image data of a first document previously placed on document tray 240 with image data of a second document subsequently placed on document tray 240 after the first document is discharged. In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 200 is carried out.

[0109] As configured as described above, according to the sixth embodiment, when the document reading process is executed in the document reading device 200 and the reading of the documents is completed, if a next document is placed on the document tray 240 without all of the discharged documents being removed, the document feeding possible state is released, and further, a message is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 130 informing the user whether or not to combine the image data of the first document previously placed on the document tray 240 with the image data of the second document subsequently placed on the document tray 240 after the first document is discharged. As a result, the next document to be read can be easily set on the document tray 240, and the image data of the first document previously placed and the image data of the second document subsequently placed can be combined and stored in a single file in a memory unit (not shown), or the image data of each document can be stored in separate files.

[0110] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the document reading device 200 of the second embodiment, it is equipped with a light-emitting section (light-emitting means) and the light-emitting pattern (light-emitting state) is different when a document is placed, when the document can be fed, and after the document has been ejected.

[0111] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a document reading device according to the seventh embodiment. In addition, since the configuration of the document reading device according to the seventh embodiment is similar to the configuration of the document reading device according to the second embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 11, the document reading device 700 of the seventh embodiment is equipped with a light-emitting unit 770 in addition to the configuration of the document reading device 200 of the second embodiment, and is controlled by a control unit 780 to change the light emission state (light-emitting state: state in terms of color, blinking, etc.) between a state in which a document is placed, a state in which a document can be fed, and a state after the document has been ejected.

[0113] The light-emitting unit 770 notifies the user of the state of the document during the document reading process by blinking an LED, and is controlled to change the light-emitting mode (light-emitting state) by changing the color of the LED or changing the blinking state according to the state when the document is placed, the state when the document can be fed, and the state after the document has been ejected.

[0114] Next, the document reading process in the document reading device 700 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0115] In the seventh embodiment, when the document reading process is started by the document reading device 700, as shown in FIG. 12, first, a document on the document tray 240 is detected by a sensor or the like (step S701), and it is determined whether a document is placed thereon (step S703).

[0116] If it is determined in step S703 that a document has been placed on document tray 240, the LED of light-emitting unit 770 is caused to blink, for example, at short intervals to notify the user that a document has been placed on document tray 240 (step S704).

[0117] Then, it is determined whether or not a first instruction to transition to a state in which a document can be fed has been issued (step S705).

[0118] If it is determined that the first instruction has been given, then in order to make the document feedable, document tray 240 is moved to a position where the document can be fed (step S707), and pickup roller 253 is positioned so as to press the document from above to temporarily hold the document (step S709).

[0119] Then, the LED of light emitting unit 770 is caused to blink at a longer cycle than before, thereby notifying the user that the document is in a state in which document feeding is possible (step S710).

[0120] Then, it is determined whether a certain period of time (predetermined period of time) has elapsed while the document on document tray 240 remains in a state in which the document can be fed (step S711).

[0121] If it is determined in step S711 that the fixed time has elapsed in the original feed enabled state, the original feed enabled state is released (step S713), and the process returns to step S701. After the document feed possible state is cancelled in step S713, the document reading process may be stopped.

[0122] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S711 that the fixed time has not elapsed while the document feed state is in effect, then it is determined whether a second instruction to execute document reading processing has been issued (step S715).

[0123] If it is determined in step S715 that the second instruction has not been issued, the process returns to step S711.

[0124] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S715 that a second instruction has been issued, document reading processing is executed (step S717), and it is then determined whether or not there is a next document (step S719).

[0125] In step S719, if it is determined that there is a next document, the process returns to step S717.

[0126] On the other hand, in step S719, if it is determined that there is no next document, it is determined whether the paper discharge of all the documents is completed (step S721).

[0127] In step S721, if it is determined that the paper discharge of all the documents is completed, the document feed enabled state is released (step S723).

[0128] Then, by blinking the LED of the light emitting unit 770 at an even longer cycle, it is notified that the document feed enabled state has been released (step S725). Then, the document reading process ends. As described above, the document reading process by the document reading apparatus 700 is performed.

[0129] If it is determined that the paper discharge of all the documents is completed, the document feed enabled state is released (step S723), and the document reading process ends. As described above, the document reading process by the document reading apparatus 700 is performed.

[0130] With the above configuration, according to the seventh embodiment, in the document reading apparatus 700, further including the light emitting unit 770, by varying the light emission mode (light emission state) of the LED depending on the state where the document is placed, the document feed enabled state, and after the document is discharged, it is possible to visually notify the user of what state the document is in.

[0131] Note that in the seventh embodiment, the light emission mode (light emission state) is changed by varying the blinking cycle of the LED by the light emitting unit 770 according to the state of the document. However, for example, the color of the LED may be changed according to the state of the document.

[0132] (Eighth Embodiment) Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. The eighth embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the document reading device 200 of the first embodiment, a human presence sensor is provided so that, when a user using the document reading device moves away from the document reading device by more than a predetermined distance, the document on the document tray 240 is ejected.

[0133] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a document reading device according to the eighth embodiment. In addition, since the configuration of the document reading device according to the eighth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the document reading device according to the first embodiment, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 13, the document reading device 800 of the eighth embodiment is equipped with a human presence sensor 890 in addition to the configuration of the document reading device 200 of the first embodiment, and is controlled by a control unit 880 to eject the document on the document tray 240 when a document is placed on the document tray 240 and a user using the document reading device 800 moves away from the document reading device 800 by more than a predetermined distance.

[0135] The human presence sensor 890 is configured to detect when a user using the document reading device 800 (or an image forming device) moves away from the document reading device 800 by a distance greater than a set distance (threshold).

[0136] Next, the document reading process in the document reading device 800 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0137] In the eighth embodiment, when the document reading process is started by the document reading device 800, as shown in FIG. 14, first, a document on the document tray 240 is detected by a sensor or the like (step S801), and it is determined whether a document is placed thereon (step S803).

[0138] If it is determined in step S803 that a document has been placed, it is determined whether or not the user has moved away from document reading device 800 by a predetermined distance or more (step S805).

[0139] If it is determined in step S805 that the user has moved away from document reader 800 by a distance equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, the document is discharged from document tray 240 onto discharge tray 265 (step S807), and the process returns to step S801.

[0140] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the user is not located a predetermined distance away from the document reading device 800, it is determined whether a first instruction has been given to transition to a state in which a document can be fed (step S809).

[0141] If it is determined that the first instruction has been given, in order to make the document feedable, document tray 240 is moved to a position where the document can be fed (step S811), and pickup roller 253 is positioned so as to press the document from above to temporarily hold the document (step S813).

[0142] Then, it is determined whether a second instruction to execute the document reading process has been issued (step S815).

[0143] If it is determined in step S815 that a second instruction has been issued, document reading processing is executed (step S817). In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 800 is carried out.

[0144] As configured as described above, according to the eighth embodiment, document reading device 800 further includes a human presence sensor 890 so that, when a document is placed on document tray 240 and the user using document reading device 800 moves away from document reading device 800 by a predetermined distance or more, the document on document tray 240 is ejected. This prevents documents from being left on document tray 240 when the user is not present, thereby preventing loss of documents and information leakage.

[0145] In the eighth embodiment, the human presence sensor 890 detects that the user has left the document tray 240 when the document is placed thereon and ejects the document, but it may also be configured to detect that the user has left the document tray 240 when the document is in a document feedable state and eject the document, for example. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent a document from being left on the document tray 240 when the document is unattended even in a document feedable state, thereby preventing the document from being lost or information from being leaked.

[0146] Ninth embodiment Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment is characterized in that in the document reading device 800 of the eighth embodiment, the document on the document tray 240 is ejected when a user using the document reading device moves away from the document reading device by a predetermined distance or more, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user moved away from the document reading device.

[0147] It should be noted that the configuration of the document reading device according to the ninth embodiment is similar to that of the document reading device according to the eighth embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 13, the document reading device 900 of the ninth embodiment is equipped with a human presence sensor 890, and is controlled by the control unit 980 to eject the document on the document tray 240 when a document is placed on the document tray 240 and the user using the document reading device 900 moves away from the document reading device 900 by a predetermined distance or more, and further when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user moved away from the document reading device 900.

[0149] Next, the document reading process in the document reading device 900 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of steps of a document reading process in the document reading device according to the ninth embodiment.

[0150] In the ninth embodiment, when the document reading process is started by the document reading device 900, as shown in FIG. 15, first, a document on the document tray 240 is detected by a sensor or the like (step S901), and it is determined whether a document is placed thereon (step S903).

[0151] If it is determined in step S903 that a document has been placed, it is then determined whether or not the user has moved away from document reading device 900 by a predetermined distance or more (step S904).

[0152] If it is determined in step S904 that the user has moved away from document reading device 900 by a distance equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, it is further determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the user moved away (step S905).

[0153] If it is determined in step S905 that the predetermined time has elapsed since the user left, the document is discharged from document tray 240 to discharge tray 265 (step S907), and the process returns to step S901.

[0154] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that the user is not located at a distance greater than the predetermined distance from the document reading device 900, it is determined whether a first instruction has been given to transition to a state in which a document can be fed (step S909).

[0155] Also, if it is determined in step S905 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the user left, the process proceeds to step S909.

[0156] If it is determined in step S909 that the first instruction has not been issued, the process returns to step S904.

[0157] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S909 that the first instruction has been issued, then in order to enable document feeding, document tray 240 is moved to a position where a document can be fed (step S911), and pickup roller 253 is positioned so as to press the document from above to temporarily hold the document (step S913).

[0158] Then, it is determined whether a second instruction to execute the document reading process has been issued (step S915).

[0159] If it is determined in step S915 that a second instruction has been issued, document reading processing is executed (step S917). In the manner described above, the document reading process by the document reading device 900 is carried out.

[0160] As configured as described above, according to the ninth embodiment, document reading device 900 further includes a human presence sensor 890, and when a document is placed on document tray 240 and the user using document reading device 900 moves away from document reading device 900 by a predetermined distance or more, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user moved away from the document reading device, the document is ejected from document tray 240. This makes it possible to set conditions for ejecting the document, and further prevents a document from being left on document tray 240 when the user is not present, thereby preventing the document from being lost or information from being leaked.

[0161] In the ninth embodiment, the human presence sensor 890 detects a state where the user has left the document tray 240 when the document is placed thereon, and ejects the document when a predetermined time has passed since the user left the document reading device, but, for example, it may be configured to detect a state where the user has left the document tray 240 when the document is in a document feedable state, and eject the document when a predetermined time has passed since the user left the document reading device. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent a document from being left on the document tray 240 when the document is in a document feedable state without the user being present, thereby preventing the document from being lost or information from being leaked.

[0162] In the above-described embodiment, when removing the document placed on the document tray 240, it is removed in a state where it is placed on the document tray 240 or in a state where the document feeding enabled state is released. However, for example, it may be configured such that the document feeding enabled state is released by removing the document from the document feeding enabled state. By configuring in this way, when it is necessary to immediately remove the document in an emergency or the like, after removing the document, the document can be placed again.

[0163] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means modified within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0164] 100 Image forming apparatus 120 Operation unit 130 Touch panel display 151 First operation button 152 Second operation button 200, 700, 800, 900 Document reading apparatus 210 Scanner unit 220 Automatic document processing apparatus 240 Document tray 241 Document tray moving unit 250 Paper feeding unit 253 Pickup roller 260 Paper discharge unit 262 Document discharge roller 265 Paper discharge tray 280 Control unit 770 Light emitting unit 780, 880, 980 Control unit 890 Human presence sensor

Claims

1. In an image forming apparatus having a document reading device that automatically conveys a document placed on a document tray and reads an image therefrom, When the document reading device reads the document placed on the document tray, the document feeder is capable of transitioning between a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document feeder is capable of transitioning from the state in which the document is placed to a state in which the document feeder is capable of transitioning from the state in which the document is placed to a state in which the document has been read and discharged, The document reading device further includes a light emitting means, the light emitting means changes a light emitting state according to a state in which the original is placed, a state in which the original is transferred from the placed state to the original feedable state, and a state in which the original is read and discharged from the original feedable state, and blinks after the original is read and discharged; The document reading device maintains the document placed state until a soft key on a touch panel display provided on an operation unit is touched, and transitions from the document placed state to the document feeding possible state when the soft key is touched.

2. The light emitting means is 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blinking period of the light-emitting means indicating each document placement state is different between the state in which the document is placed, the state in which the document has been placed and transitioned to the document feedable state, and the state after the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state.

3. The light emitting means is An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blinking period of an light-emitting means indicating each document placement state becomes longer in the order of a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document has transitioned from the state in which the document is placed to the document feedable state, and a state in which the document has been read and discharged from the document feedable state.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is either configured to include the touch panel display and hardware keys, or configured to include only the touch panel display.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for shifting to the document feedable state enables an operation of pressing down the document to hold the document.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the document feedable state is released when a certain time has elapsed after the document feedable state has been entered.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transitions to the document feeding enabled state when an operation button related to automatic document feeding is pressed.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, after the document feed capable state is entered, if an operation button other than an operation button related to automatic document feeding is pressed, the document feed capable state is cancelled.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel display is provided with a part thereof protruding from a front surface of a main body of the image forming apparatus.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the image forming apparatus is viewed from the front, a right end of the document discharge section is provided to the right of the operation unit in the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the image forming apparatus is viewed from the front, a right end of the document tray is provided to the right of the operation unit in the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus.

12. In a document reading method for automatically conveying a document placed on a document tray of a document reading device provided in an image forming apparatus and reading an image of the document, when reading the document placed on the document tray, the document feeder is capable of transitioning between a state in which the document is placed, a state in which the document feeder is capable of transitioning from the state in which the document is placed to a state in which the document feeder is capable of transitioning from the state in which the document is placed to a state in which the document has been read and discharged, a light emitting state of the light emitting means is made different between a state in which the original is placed, a state in which the original is transferred from the state in which the original is placed to the original feedable state, and a state in which the original is read and discharged from the original feedable state, and after the original is read and discharged, the light emitting means is made to blink; The document reading method is characterized in that the document is maintained in a placed state until a soft key on a touch panel display provided on an operation unit is touched, and the document is transitioned from the placed state to the document feedable state by touching the soft key.

Images