JP2008245176A - Automatic document feeder, image reader, image forming apparatus, and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which avoids lagging of the rise time of an apparatus because of reading of parameter information stored in an optional ADF. <P>SOLUTION: In an ADF 20 attached as an option to an image forming apparatus 1, parameter information (ADFID information 27) required for using the ADF 20 is held. The ADFID information 27 contains ID information (check sum data of the ADFID information 27) for identifying the content of the ADFID information 27. A scanner engine 30 on the body side is previously holding the ADFID information 27 and the ID information (check sum data) obtained from the ADFID information 27, and when power is turned on, the scanner engine 30 receives only the ID information from the ADF 20 and compares it with the ID information held by itself. Only when the ID information does not match, all the data of the ADFID information 27 from the ADF 30 are received. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

  An image reading apparatus having a function as a scanner is used not only as an input device of an image forming apparatus but also as an image scanner.

  Further, as a scanning form of the scanner, in addition to a method of placing one original on a document table and scanning, a plurality of originals are placed on an automatic document feeder (ADF) and one sheet is placed. There is a method of scanning while feeding one by one. This automatic document feeder (ADF) may be supplied as an option separately from the main body of the image forming apparatus (copier), for example. In this case, the user selects a favorite automatic document feeder (ADF) from a plurality of models having different performances and attaches it to the main body of the image forming apparatus in consideration of economy and operability.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic document feeder (ADF) mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus as an option, and is an automatic document feeder (ADF) equipped with a color CCD sensor for reading a document. In an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 </ b> A shown in FIG. 5, a contact glass 101 serving as a document placement surface is fitted on the upper surface of the casing 100. In order to illuminate a document placed on the contact glass 101 from below and read the reflected light, an illumination lamp 102, reflecting mirrors (mirrors) 103, 104, 105, a lens 107, and a light receiving element are provided in the casing 100. A color CCD sensor (Charge Coupled Device) 22 as an (image sensor) is provided. The color CCD sensor 22 is, for example, a three-channel type color CCD sensor of R (CCD sensor for red detection), G (CCD sensor for green detection), and B (CCD sensor for blue detection).

  The light from the illumination lamp 102 irradiates the original on the contact glass (original table) 101, and the light reflected by the original is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 103, 104, and 105, passes through the lens 107 and onto the color CCD sensor 22. Focused. Thus, the illumination lamp 102, the reflecting mirrors 103, 104, 105 and the lens 107 constitute an optical system. This optical system is movable in the right direction indicated by an arrow. By this movement, the document placed on the contact glass 101 is sequentially read from one end to the other end. The contact glass 101 is provided with a white reference plate 106. The white reference plate 106 is used to provide a reference white color when adjusting image data (for example, during shading correction).

  The document feeding mechanism section 120 includes a set tray 121 for setting a document and a discharge tray 122 for discharging the read document. The document set on the set tray 121 is sent out by the roller mechanism 123 and discharged to the discharge tray 122. The discharge tray 122 also functions as a document cover that covers a document placed on the contact glass 101.

  When the document passes through the reading position, the illumination lamp 102 illuminates the document and the reflected light is given to the color CCD sensor 22. When reading an original, the optical system including the illumination lamp 102, the reflecting mirrors 103, 104, and 105 and the lens 107 is stopped at a predetermined position. Reading is performed.

  An original signal read by the color CCD sensor 22 is input to a CCD signal processing unit 23 including an AFE (Analog Front End) and the like. The CCD signal processing unit 23 amplifies the signal input from the color CCD sensor 22, performs ODD / EVEN correction, etc., and then performs A / D conversion to generate a digital image signal. It transmits to the engine 30.

  The automatic document feeder (ADF) 20A supplied as an option stores various ADF parameter information 27A necessary for using the ADF 20A in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26. The ADF parameter information 27A stores MTF (Modulation Transfer Function), color correction data, control timing information, and the like that are specific to a device (such as a lens or a color CCD sensor) mounted on the ADF 20A. For this reason, even if the ADF 20A is replaced, the ADF parameter information 27A stored in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 in the ADF 20A is read into the scanner engine 30 so that the ADF 20A and the like need not be adjusted again. Yes.

  By the way, as a sheet counting apparatus (image forming apparatus) provided with such an automatic document feeder (ADF), a sheet counting apparatus capable of increasing the reliability of a count value indicating the number of discharged sheets is disclosed. . (For example, see Patent Document 1).

An object of the sheet counting device according to the prior art is to provide a sheet counting device capable of improving the reliability of the count value indicating the number of discharged sheets. For this purpose, the number of sheets that have been ejected normally is counted as a counter value, check data is generated based on the counted value, and the generated check data is combined with the counter value into an EEPROM having a different storage system, It is recorded in the storage device of the SRAM or HDD, and it is determined whether or not the consistency of the counter value stored in each storage device is maintained by collating the recorded counter value with the check data. As a result, if there is a storage device that does not maintain consistency in part, the counter value of the storage device that is determined not to maintain consistency is set to the other storage device that is determined to maintain consistency. Replace with the counter value of the storage system storage device and restore.
JP 2001-283181 A

  However, in the above prior art apparatus, parameter information (image adjustment data) such as MTF, color correction data, matrix data, etc. backed up in the automatic document feeder (ADF) is “automatic document feeder (ADF) → scanner engine → The image adjustment data is about 200 bytes (bytes). Since this data is sent every time the power is turned on, there has been a problem that the rise time is delayed.

  In order to reduce the number of transmission data from the ADF, it is conceivable to store parameter information (image adjustment data) in the ADF on the main body side. However, in such a method, image adjustment is performed each time the optional ADF is replaced. You will have to realign the data. Since the MTF, matrix data, etc. depend on the device (lens, color CCD sensor, etc.), the value must be adjusted for each ADF. An image adjustment document for performing this image adjustment is expensive, and if the document is damaged, it must be replaced, and therefore cannot be distributed to the market. Therefore, it is necessary to have parameter information in the ADF.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances. When an image reading apparatus is turned on, parameter information (image adjustment data) stored in an optional automatic document feeder (ADF) is read. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a delay in the rise time of the apparatus, and it is possible to avoid re-adjustment of the image adjustment data even if the optional automatic document feeder is replaced. An object is to provide a reading device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic document feeder according to the present invention is provided as an optional device in an image forming apparatus and automatically feeds a document toward a document reading position and reads the document by a color CCD sensor. A document feeder, which retains parameter information required when using the automatic document feeder, and generates and retains parameter ID information for identifying differences in the contents of the parameter information as a whole Parameter information storage means, parameter information transmission means for transmitting parameter information held in the automatic document feeder to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus side, and from the image forming apparatus side Parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the image forming apparatus in response to a request. And wherein the Rukoto.
In the automatic document feeder of the present invention configured as described above, a group of parameter information required when using the automatic document feeder in an automatic document feeder (ADF) provided as an optional device in the image forming apparatus. And parameter ID information for identifying the group of parameter information. On the image forming apparatus side, a group of parameter information and parameter ID information are stored in advance, and when the power is turned on, only the parameter ID information is received from the automatic document feeder (ADF). Is compared with the parameter ID information held by the. A group of parameter information is received from the automatic document feeder only when the parameter ID information does not match.
Thereby, the rise time of the automatic document feeder and the image forming apparatus when the power is turned on can be shortened.

In the automatic document feeder of the present invention, the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.
In the automatic document feeder of the present invention configured as described above, checksum data of a group of parameter information held in the automatic document feeder (ADF) is generated and held as parameter ID information.
Thereby, parameter ID information for identifying the content of the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be easily generated and used.

In the automatic document feeder of the present invention, the parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on the automatic document feeder, and control timing information of the device. Features.
In the automatic document feeder of the present invention configured as described above, as parameter information, an image unique to a device for reading a document (for example, an optical lens or a color CCD sensor) mounted on the automatic document feeder. It holds adjustment data and control timing information of the device.
This eliminates the need to readjust the automatic document feeder (ADF) even when replacing the optional automatic document feeder (ADF).

In the automatic document feeder of the present invention, the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source.
In the automatic document feeder (ADF) configured as described above, the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) includes information on the number of documents that have been passed through and information on the illumination time of the light source.
As a result, the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be updated when the paper feed is completed.

The image reading apparatus of the present invention is an image reading apparatus that feeds a document toward a document reading position and is provided with an automatic document feeder for reading the document by a color CCD sensor, The apparatus holds parameter information necessary for using the automatic document feeder, and generates and holds parameter ID information for identifying a difference in the contents of the parameter information as a whole. In response to a request from the image reading apparatus side, parameter information transmitting means for transmitting parameter information held in the automatic document feeder to the image reading apparatus, and in response to a request from the image reading apparatus side Parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the image reading device, and the image reading device comprises: Storage means for receiving and holding the parameter information from the automatic document feeder and generating and holding the parameter ID information based on the received parameter information; and the parameter from the automatic document feeder at power-on. Parameter ID information acquisition means for receiving ID information, and parameter ID information for determining whether the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder by the parameter ID information acquisition means matches the parameter ID information held by itself. When it is determined by the determination means and the parameter ID information determination means that the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder and the parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder do not match, the automatic document feeder determines the parameter ID information from the automatic document feeder. Parameter information acquisition means for receiving parameter information; And wherein the Rukoto.
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a group of parameter information required when using the automatic document feeder in an automatic document feeder (ADF) attached as an optional device, The parameter ID information for identifying the group of parameter information is held. On the image reading apparatus side, a group of parameter information and parameter ID information are held in advance, and when the power is turned on, only the parameter ID information is received from the automatic document feeder (ADF). The parameter ID information held by itself is compared. A group of parameter information is received from the automatic document feeder only when the parameter ID information does not match.
As a result, the rise time of the automatic document feeder and the image reading device when the power is turned on can be shortened.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, checksum data of a group of parameter information held in an automatic document feeder (ADF) is used as parameter ID information.
Thereby, parameter ID information for identifying the content of the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be easily generated and used.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on the automatic document feeder and control timing information of the device. Features.
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the automatic document feeder (ADF) includes, as parameter information, a device for reading a document (for example, an optical lens or a color) mounted on the automatic document feeder. The image adjustment data unique to the CCD sensor) and the control timing information of the device are held.
This eliminates the need to readjust the automatic document feeder (ADF) even when replacing the optional automatic document feeder (ADF).

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source.
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) includes information on the number of originals passed through and information on the illumination time of the light source.
As a result, the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be updated when the paper feed is completed.

In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the automatic document feeder updates the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder when the passing of the document is completed, and Means for transmitting status information of the end of paper passing, and the image reading device receives the status information of the end of paper passing from the automatic document feeder when the parameter information is sent to the automatic document feeder. And a means for transmitting a transmission request command and updating parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself based on the parameter information received from the automatic document feeder.
In the image reading apparatus of the present invention configured as described above, the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) are updated when the automatic document feeder (ADF) finishes passing the document. The updated parameter information is transmitted from the automatic document feeder (ADF) to the image reading apparatus, and the image reading apparatus updates and holds the parameter information and the parameter ID information.
Thereby, when the sheet passing is completed, the parameter information and the parameter ID information can be updated in the automatic document feeder (ADF) and the image reading apparatus.

In addition, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes any one of the image reading apparatuses described above, performs image processing of image data of a document received from the image reading apparatus, and performs processing for printing on a print sheet. It is characterized by.
Thus, in an image forming apparatus including an image reading apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder (ADF) as an optional device, even when the automatic document feeder (ADF) as an optional device is replaced, the automatic document feeder ( ADF) need not be readjusted. In addition, the rise time of the image forming apparatus when the power is turned on can be shortened.

The image forming system according to the present invention includes an automatic document feeder that is attached to the main body as an optional device, reads a document by a color CCD sensor, and transmits image data to the main body side, and the automatic document feeder and the main body side. An image forming system comprising: a scanner engine as an interface; and a main body controller that receives image data transmitted from the automatic document feeder via the scanner engine and performs print processing. The feeder device stores parameter information necessary for using the automatic document feeder, and generates and holds parameter ID information for identifying the difference in the contents of the parameter information as a whole. And the automatic document feeding in response to a request from the scanner engine side. Parameter information transmitting means for transmitting parameter information held in the apparatus to the scanner engine; and parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the scanner engine in response to a request from the scanner engine. The scanner engine receives and holds the parameter information from the automatic document feeder, and generates and holds the parameter ID information based on the received parameter information; Whether the parameter ID information acquisition means for receiving the parameter ID information from the automatic document feeder, the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder by the parameter ID information acquisition means, and the parameter ID information held by itself match Parameter ID information determination to determine whether And when the parameter ID information determination means determines that the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder and the parameter ID information held by itself do not match, the parameter from the automatic document feeder. Parameter information acquisition means for receiving information and image data of the document read by the color CCD sensor from the automatic document feeder, and correcting the image data based on the image adjustment data in the parameter information Image data correction means for transmitting the corrected image data to the main body controller, and the main body controller generates image data for printing based on the image data received from the scanner engine. And printing image data generated by the image processing means. Printing control means for printing on lint paper.
In the image forming system of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the automatic document feeder has parameter information necessary for use in the automatic document feeder and parameter ID information for identifying a difference in the contents of the parameter information. And hold. When the scanner engine is powered on, it receives parameter ID information from the automatic document feeder, and determines whether or not the received parameter ID information matches the parameter ID information held by itself. The parameter information is received from the automatic document feeder only when it is determined that the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder does not match the parameter ID information held by itself. Further, the scanner engine corrects the image data received from the automatic document feeder, and transmits the corrected image data to the main body controller. The main body controller generates image data for printing based on the image data received from the scanner engine, and prints the image data.
Thus, in an image forming system provided with an optional automatic document feeder (ADF), even when the optional automatic document feeder (ADF) is replaced, it is necessary to readjust the automatic document feeder (ADF). Disappears. In addition, the rise time of the image forming system when the power is turned on can be shortened.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.
In the image forming system of the present invention having the above configuration, the checksum data of the parameter information held in the automatic document feeder (ADF) is used as the parameter ID information.
Thereby, parameter ID information for identifying the content of the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be easily generated and used.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on an automatic document feeder, and control timing information of the device. And
In the image forming system of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the automatic document feeder (ADF) is a device (for example, an optical system) used for reading a document mounted on the automatic document feeder as parameter information. Image adjustment data unique to a lens or a color CCD sensor) and control timing information of the device are held.
This eliminates the need to readjust the automatic document feeder (ADF) when replacing the optional automatic document feeder (ADF).

In the image forming system of the present invention, the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source.
In the image forming system according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the parameter information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) includes information on the number of documents passed and information on the illumination time of the light source.
As a result, the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be updated when the paper feed is completed.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the automatic document feeder updates the parameter information and parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder when it has finished passing the document, and sends it to the scanner engine. Means for transmitting status information on the end of paper, and the scanner engine receives a request for sending the parameter information to the automatic document feeder when receiving the status information on completion of paper feeding from the automatic document feeder. And a means for transmitting a command and updating parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself based on parameter information received from the automatic document feeder.
In the image forming system of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the parameter information and the parameter ID information held by the automatic document feeder (ADF) are updated when the automatic document feeder (ADF) finishes passing the document. Further, the updated parameter information is transmitted from the automatic document feeder (ADF) to the scanner engine, and the scanner engine updates and holds the parameter information and the parameter ID information.
As a result, when the sheet passing is completed, the parameter information and the parameter ID information can be updated in the automatic document feeder (ADF) and the scanner engine.

In the image forming system of the present invention, the scanner engine transmits a parameter update instruction command including an instruction to initialize the parameter information to the automatic document feeder in response to an instruction from the main body controller. And means for receiving updated parameter information from the automatic document feeder, and updating parameter information and parameter ID information held by the received parameter information, the automatic document feeder comprising the scanner Means for updating the parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself in accordance with the content of the update instruction when the command for updating the parameter information is received from the engine, and transmitting the updated parameter information to the scanner engine; , Provided.
In the image forming system of the present invention having the above-described configuration, the scanner engine issues a parameter information update instruction (for example, initialization request) to the automatic document feeder (ADF) in accordance with an instruction from the main body controller. Send. The automatic document feeder (ADF) updates the parameter information in accordance with the update instruction, and transmits the updated parameter information to the scanner engine. The scanner engine receives the updated parameter information from the automatic document feeder (ADF), and updates the parameter information and parameter ID information held in the storage unit.
Thereby, the parameter information in the automatic document feeder (ADF) can be updated by an instruction from the main body controller.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the rise time when power is turned on in an image reading apparatus or the like. Even if the automatic document feeder (ADF), which is an option, is replaced, parameter information (image adjustment data, etc.) is stored in the ADF, so that the ADF need not be adjusted again.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration block diagram of an image forming apparatus (image forming system) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the image forming apparatus (image forming system) 1 shown in FIG. 1, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 as an option is mounted on the main body side device 2. The main body side apparatus 2 includes a main body side controller 10 that mainly performs image printing processing, and a scanner engine 30 that is positioned between the main body side controller 10 and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20.

  The main control unit 11 in the main body side controller 10 is a control unit including a CPU and the like, and is a processing unit that performs overall control of operations of the respective units in the main body side controller 10. The operation unit 12 is a control panel including a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and operation keys, and is an input unit for a user to operate the image forming apparatus 1.

  The image processing unit 13 is a processing unit for converting the image data of the document received from the scanner engine 30 into image data for printing (for example, image data matching the toner to be used). The print control unit 14 is a control unit for printing the printing image data generated by the image processing unit 13 on paper. The print control unit 14 controls the transfer unit 16 that transfers the toner to the paper, and also controls the print engine 15 including a printing paper feeding mechanism (for example, the pressure roller 17a and the fixing roller 17b) to perform the printing operation. Execute.

  The automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 has the configuration shown in FIG. 5 and includes an automatic document feeding mechanism and a color CCD sensor 22 for reading the document.

An ADF control unit 21 in the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 is a control unit including a CPU and the like, and is a processing unit that performs overall control of operations of each unit in the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20.
The color CCD sensor 22 is a color CCD sensor for reading a document. The color CCD sensor 22 is composed of three line sensors that read R (red), G (green), and B (blue) colors. The R, G, and B color line sensors are composed of two line sensors that read an odd line (ODD) and an even line (EVEN).

  The CCD signal processing unit 23 amplifies the image signal read from the color CCD sensor 22, performs ODD / EVEN correction, offset correction, and the like, A / D converts this signal, and outputs digital image data. The feeding mechanism control unit 25 is a processing unit that controls the document feeding mechanism and the mirror moving mechanism.

  The ADFID information processing unit 24 expands the ADFID information (parameter information) into the ADF when the power is turned on, updates the ADFID information 27 in the storage unit 26, and receives the ADFID information 27 in response to a request from the scanner engine 30. Processing related to the ADFID information 27 such as transmission is performed.

  The storage unit 26 is composed of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and stores ADFID information 27 as various parameter information unique to the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20. This ADFID information 27 is information of about 200 bytes consisting of various parameter information. ID information (check sum data of ADFID information) for identifying the contents of the ADFID information 27 held in the ADF 20 and image adjustment data (MTF and color) Correction data, etc.), control timing information of the ADF 20, illumination time of the light source, information on the number of sheets of the original passed, and the like. This ADFID information 27 is transmitted to the scanner engine 30 and held in the scanner engine 30.

  The scanner engine 30 is positioned between the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 and the main body controller 10 and serves as an interface between the main body controller 10 and the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20. A processing unit that receives the ADFID information 27 from the apparatus (ADF) 20 and transmits the image data received from the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 to the main body controller 10.

  The scanner engine control unit 31 includes a CPU and the like, and is a process for controlling the operation of each unit in the scanner engine 30.

  The image data correction unit 32 corrects the received image data from the ADF 20 by image adjustment data (MTF, color correction data, etc.) in the ADFID information 27 held in a storage unit (SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc.) 36. Generated image data is generated. The image data generated by the image data correction unit 32 is stored in the image memory 18.

  The image data correction unit 32 performs optical system MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) correction and shading correction on the original image data received from the ADF 20. Note that the shading correction corrects a substantial sensitivity variation among the photoelectric conversion elements due to variations in characteristics of the photoelectric conversion elements of the color CCD sensor 22 or variations in the light emission amount of the light source. Is.

  The ADFID information acquisition unit 33 is a processing unit that receives the ADFID information 27 or ID information (checksum data in the ADFID information 27) from the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20. When the ADFID information acquisition unit 33 receives the ADFID information 27 from the automatic document feeder (ADF), the ADFID information acquisition unit 33 calculates ID information (checksum data) by itself and stores it in the storage unit 36 together with the ADFID information.

  The ADFID information determination unit 34 determines whether or not the ID information (checksum data) received from the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 matches the ID information (checksum data) held by itself. Part.

  The ADFID information updating unit 35 updates the ADFID information 27 stored in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 to the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 in accordance with an instruction (for example, an initialization instruction) from the main body controller 10. It is a processing part for instructing.

  In the above configuration, when the power is turned on, various parameter information (ADFID information 27, for example, about 200 bytes) stored in the ADF 20 is not sent to the scanner engine 30 every time, but ID information (check of the ADFID information 27) is sent. Only the sum data (about 4 bytes) is transmitted to the scanner engine 30. The scanner engine 30 compares the ID information (checksum data) received from the ADF 20 with the ID information (checksum data) held in the storage unit 36 itself. Only when the ID information (checksum data) is different, all the various parameter information (ADFID information 27) held in the ADF 20 is received from the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the apparatus startup time when the power is turned on.

  The parameter information storage unit of the automatic document feeder (ADF) described above corresponds to the storage unit 26, and the parameter information transmission unit and the parameter ID information transmission unit correspond to the ADFID information processing unit 24. The storage unit of the image reading apparatus and the scanner engine described above corresponds to the storage unit 36, the parameter information acquisition unit and the parameter ID information acquisition unit described above correspond to the ADFID information acquisition unit 33, and the parameter ID information determination unit described above. Corresponds to the ADFID information determination unit 34. Further, the image processing unit described above corresponds to the image processing unit 13, and the print control unit corresponds to the print control unit 14.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of ADFID information backup processing when the power is turned on in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and shows the portion directly related to the present invention. Hereinafter, the flow of the process will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the power is turned on (step S1), command 1 (ADF connection confirmation command) is transmitted from the scanner engine 30 to the automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 (step S2). The ADF 20 returns the confirmation response status 1 (communication connection complete) to the scanner engine 30 (step S3). In this confirmation response status 1, the scanner engine 30 is notified that the development (setting) of parameter data necessary for reading the document in the SRAM or the like has been completed (operation preparation is completed) in the ADF 20.

  Upon receiving the confirmation response status 1 from the ADF 20, the scanner engine 30 transmits a command 4 (ADFID request) to the ADF 20 (step S4). The ADF 20 transmits the confirmation response status 6 (ADFID response) to the scanner engine 30 (step S5). The information transmitted by this ADFID response is the ID information (checksum data) of the ADFID information 27 (200 bytes) held in the ADF 20, and is about 4 bytes (ID information = checksum data of the ADFID information 27) ).

  The scanner engine 30 compares the ADFID information (checksum data of the ADFID information 27) received from the ADF 20 with the ADFID information (checksum data of the ADFID information 27) held in the storage unit 36 by the scanner engine 30 itself. (Step S6).

  The ID information (check sum data of the ADFID information 27) received from the ADF 20 is compared with the ADFID information (check sum data of the ADFID information 27) stored in the storage unit 36 by the scanner engine 30 itself, and it is determined that they match. If (step S7: YES), the process proceeds to step S8.

  In step S8, the data received from the ADF 20 (about 4 bytes) is “calculated and checksum determination is performed. If the checksum determination results match (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S12. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the ADFID information (checksum data of the ADFID information 27) does not match (step S7: NO), or if it is determined in step S8 that the checksum determination does not match (step S7) (S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, the scanner engine 30 transmits the command 4 (ADFID request) of the ADF 20 (step S10), and receives the response status 6 from the ADF 20 (step S11). The response from the ADF 20 includes all data (about 200 bytes) of the ADFID information 27. In the scanner engine 30, the ADFID information 27 newly received from the ADF 20 is stored in the storage unit 36, and the ID (checksum data) is recalculated based on the received ADFID information 27 and stored in the storage unit 36.

  From the above procedure, the same ADFID information (image adjustment data or the like) is held in the scanner engine 30 and the ADF 20. Thereafter, image adjustment data and the like are transmitted from the scanner engine 30 to the main body controller 10 (step S12).

  With the above procedure, the ADF backup information transfer process ends (step S13).

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of ADFID information update processing. This process is performed when the ADF 20 finishes passing the paper and is performed mainly by the scanner engine 30. Hereinafter, the flow of the process will be described with reference to FIG.

When the ADF 20 finishes passing the paper, this paper passing end information is transmitted to the scanner engine 30 as status 1 (paper passing end) (step S21).
When the scanner engine 30 receives a status 1 (passing paper) signal from the ADF 20, the scanner engine 30 transmits a command 4 (ADFID request) to the ADF 20 (step S22), and receives a status 6 (ADFID response) from the ADF 20 (step S22). Step S23). This ADFID response includes all the information (about 200 bytes) of the ADFID information 27.

  The scanner engine 30 writes the ADFID information 27 (about 200 bytes) received from the ADF 20 to the storage unit 36, and changes the scanner possessed data (step S24). Also, ID information (checksum data) is calculated from the received ADFID information 27, and this ID information (checksum data) is stored in the storage unit 36 (step S25).

  Similarly, also in the ADF 20, the ADFID information 27, which is unique information of the ADF, is changed, and the changed ADFID information 27 is written in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 (step S26). Also, ID information (checksum data) is calculated from the changed ADFID information 27, and this ID information (checksum data) is written in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 (step S27).

  The update of ADF information is completed by the procedure described above (step S28).

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of update processing of the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 in the ADF 20. This process is performed according to an instruction from the main body controller 10, for example, when the ADFID information 27 stored in the EEPROM is initialized.

  First, an update instruction is transmitted from the main controller 10 to the scanner engine 30 (step S31). The scanner engine 30 transmits command 4 (ADFID information update instruction) to the ADF 20 (step S32). The confirmation response status 6 is returned from the ADF 20 to the scanner engine 30 (step S33). The information of the confirmation response status 6 includes all information (about 200 bytes) of the updated ADFID information 27.

  In the scanner engine 30, the ADFID information 27 (about 200 bytes) received from the ADF 20 is written in the storage unit 36, and the scanner holding data is changed (step S34). Also, ID information (checksum data) is calculated from the received ADFID information 27, and this ID information (checksum data) is stored in the storage unit 36 (step S35).

  Similarly, also in the ADF 20, the ADFID information 27, which is unique information of the ADF, is changed, and the changed ADFID information 27 is written in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 (step S36). Also, ID information (checksum data) is calculated from the changed ADFID information 27, and this ID information (checksum data) is written in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 (step S37).

  As described above, in the image type system including the ADF 20, the scanner engine 30, and the main body controller 10 according to the present invention, various parameter information (image adjustment data, etc.) stored in the ADF 20 when the power is turned on. (E.g., about 200 bytes) is not sent to the scanner engine 30 every time, but the ID information of the ADFID information 27 stored in the storage unit (EEPROM) 26 in the ADF 20 (checksum data of the ADFID information 27, about 4 bytes) Only to the scanner engine 30.

  The scanner engine 30 compares the ID information (checksum data) received from the ADF 20 with the ID information (checksum data) held in the storage unit 36. Then, only when the checksum data is different, the entire ADFID information 27 held in the ADF 20 is transmitted to the scanner engine 30. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the apparatus startup time when the power is turned on.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the automatic document feeder (ADF), the image reading apparatus (scanner engine), and the image forming apparatus (image forming system) according to the present invention are limited to the above illustrated examples. Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a configuration block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of ADFID information backup processing when power is turned on in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of ADFID information update processing in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of EEPROM update processing in the ADF in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a schematic block diagram of an automatic document feeder mounted on the main body of a conventional image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus (image forming system), 2 ... Main body side apparatus, 10 ... Main body side controller, 11 ... Main control part, 12 ... Operation part, 13 ... Image processing 14, print control unit, 15 print engine, 16 transfer unit, 17 a pressure roller, 17 b fixing roller, 20, 20 A automatic document feeder ( ADF), 21 ... ADF control unit, 22 ... color CCD sensor, 23 ... CCD signal processing unit, 24 ... ADFID information processing unit, 25 ... feed mechanism control unit, 26 ... Storage unit (EEPROM) 27 ... ADFID information, 27A ... ADF parameter information, 30 ... Scanner engine, 31 ... Scanner engine control unit, 32 ... Image data correction unit, 33 ... Get ADFID information 34... ADFID information determination unit 35... ADFID information update unit 36... Storage unit (SRAM) 100 .. casing 101 .. contact glass 102. ), 103, 104, 105 ... reflecting mirror (mirror), 106 ... white reference plate, 107 ... lens, 120 ... document feeding mechanism section, 121 ... set tray, 122 ...・ Discharge tray, 123 ... Roller mechanism

Claims (16)

An automatic document feeder that is attached as an optional device to the image forming apparatus, feeds the document toward the document reading position, and reads the document with a color CCD sensor,
Parameter information storage means for holding parameter information necessary for using the automatic document feeder, and generating and holding parameter ID information for identifying differences in the contents of the parameter information as a whole;
Parameter information transmission means for transmitting parameter information held in the automatic document feeder to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus;
Parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus;
An automatic document feeder characterized by comprising:   The automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.   3. The parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on an automatic document feeder, and control timing information of the device. The automatic document feeder described. The automatic document feeder according to claim 3, wherein the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source. An image reading apparatus provided with an automatic document feeder for feeding a document toward a document reading position and reading the document by a color CCD sensor,
The automatic document feeder is
Parameter information storage means for holding parameter information necessary for using the automatic document feeder, and generating and holding parameter ID information for identifying differences in the contents of the parameter information as a whole;
Parameter information transmission means for transmitting parameter information held in the automatic document feeder to the image reading device in response to a request from the image reading device;
Parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the image reading device in response to a request from the image reading device;
With
The image reading device includes:
Storage means for receiving and holding the parameter information from the automatic document feeder and generating and holding the parameter ID information based on the received parameter information;
Parameter ID information acquisition means for receiving the parameter ID information from the automatic document feeder at power-on;
Parameter ID information determination means for determining whether the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder by the parameter ID information acquisition means matches the parameter ID information held by itself;
When the parameter ID information determination means determines that the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder does not match the parameter ID information held by itself, the parameter information is received from the automatic document feeder. Parameter information acquisition means for
An image reading apparatus comprising:   The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.   7. The parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on an automatic document feeder, and control timing information of the device. The image reading apparatus described.   8. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source. The automatic document feeder is
Means for updating the parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself when the passing of the original is completed and transmitting status information of the end of passing to the image reading device;
Prepared,
The image reading device includes:
When status information indicating completion of sheet passing is received from the automatic document feeder, the parameter information transmission request command is transmitted to the automatic document feeder, and received from the automatic document feeder. And means for updating the parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising:   An image reading apparatus according to claim 5 is provided, and image processing of image data of a document received from the image reading apparatus is performed, and processing for printing on print paper is performed. Image forming apparatus. An automatic document feeder that is attached to the main body as an optional device and that reads a document by a color CCD sensor and transmits image data to the main body, a scanner engine that serves as an interface between the automatic document feeder and the main body, and the automatic document An image forming system including a main body controller that receives image data transmitted from a feeding device via the scanner engine and performs print processing,
The automatic document feeder is
Parameter information storage means for holding parameter information necessary for using the automatic document feeder, and generating and holding parameter ID information for identifying differences in the contents of the parameter information as a whole;
Parameter information transmission means for transmitting parameter information held in the automatic document feeder to the scanner engine in response to a request from the scanner engine;
Parameter ID information transmitting means for transmitting the parameter ID information to the scanner engine in response to a request from the scanner engine;
With
The scanner engine
Storage means for receiving and holding the parameter information from the automatic document feeder and generating and holding the parameter ID information based on the received parameter information;
Parameter ID information acquisition means for receiving the parameter ID information from the automatic document feeder at power-on;
Parameter ID information determination means for determining whether the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder by the parameter ID information acquisition means matches the parameter ID information held by itself;
When the parameter ID information determination means determines that the parameter ID information received from the automatic document feeder does not match the parameter ID information held by itself, the parameter information is received from the automatic document feeder. Parameter information acquisition means for
The image data of the document read by the color CCD sensor is received from the automatic document feeder, and the image data is corrected based on the image adjustment data in the parameter information. Image data correction means to be transmitted to
With
The main body controller is:
Image processing means for generating image data for printing based on the image data received from the scanner engine;
Print control means for printing image data for printing generated by the image processing means on a print paper;
An image forming system comprising:   The image forming system according to claim 11, wherein the parameter ID information is checksum data of the parameter information.   13. The parameter information includes image adjustment data unique to a device for reading a document mounted on an automatic document feeder, and control timing information of the device. The image forming system described.   14. The image forming system according to claim 13, wherein the parameter information further includes information on the number of documents passed through the automatic document feeder and information on the illumination time of the light source. The automatic document feeder is
Means for updating the parameter information and the parameter ID information held by itself when the passing of the document is completed, and transmitting status information of the completion of passing to the scanner engine;
Prepared,
The scanner engine
When status information indicating completion of sheet passing is received from the automatic document feeder, a parameter information transmission request command is transmitted to the automatic document feeder, and the parameter information received from the automatic document feeder is used as a basis. And means for updating the parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself,
The image forming system according to claim 14, further comprising: The scanner engine
Means for transmitting a parameter update instruction command including an instruction to initialize the parameter information to the automatic document feeder in accordance with an instruction from the main body controller;
Means for receiving updated parameter information from the automatic document feeder and updating parameter information and parameter ID information held by the received parameter information;
With
The automatic document feeder is
When the command for updating the parameter information is received from the scanner engine, the parameter information and parameter ID information held by itself are updated according to the content of the update instruction, and the updated parameter information is transmitted to the scanner engine. Means
The image forming system according to claim 15, further comprising:

Images