U.S. patent application number 13/273989 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for auto-document feeder and image reading apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Seiji IINO, Mitsunori Ishii, Takeshi Ito, Osamu Kitazawa, Takeshi Kojima, Shinji Miwa, Naoki Shoji, Shoichi Taniguchi, Akihito Tokutsu.
Application Number | 20120112401 13/273989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46018852 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120112401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tokutsu; Akihito ; et
al. |
May 10, 2012 |
AUTO-DOCUMENT FEEDER AND IMAGE READING APPARATUS
Abstract
An auto-document feeder includes: a paper feeding section
configured to feed original documents one by one; a first feeding
section configured to feed the fed original document through a
first feeding path; a second feeding section configured to feed the
fed original document through a second feeding path; a third
feeding section configured to alternately nip one by one the fed
original documents; a determining section configured to determine
that the original document is nipped by the third feeding section;
and a document diverting and feeding section configured to
alternately divert and feed, into the first feeding path and the
second feeding path, the fed original documents and, if the
preceding original document is present, after the preceding
original document is detected by the determining section, feed the
following original document into the first or second feeding path
into which the preceding original document is not fed.
Inventors: |
Tokutsu; Akihito; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Miwa; Shinji; (Tokyo, JP) ; Shoji;
Naoki; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Taniguchi; Shoichi;
(Shizuoka, JP) ; Kitazawa; Osamu; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; IINO; Seiji; (Kanagawa, JP) ; Ishii;
Mitsunori; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kojima; Takeshi;
(Shizuoka, JP) ; Ito; Takeshi; (Shizuoka,
JP) |
Assignee: |
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
46018852 |
Appl. No.: |
13/273989 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61393335 |
Oct 14, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/3.19 ;
271/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00602 20130101;
B65H 9/006 20130101; H04N 1/00588 20130101; B65H 2701/1313
20130101; H04N 1/00612 20130101; B65H 2513/42 20130101; B65H
2701/1311 20130101; B65H 2701/1311 20130101; H04N 1/00657 20130101;
H04N 1/193 20130101; B65H 2511/514 20130101; B65H 2701/1313
20130101; B65H 2513/42 20130101; H04N 1/12 20130101; B65H 2220/01
20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101; B65H 2220/02 20130101; B65H
2220/01 20130101; B65H 5/26 20130101; B65H 2511/514 20130101; B65H
2801/39 20130101; H04N 1/2032 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/3.19 ;
271/110 |
International
Class: |
B65H 5/26 20060101
B65H005/26; B65H 7/02 20060101 B65H007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 29, 2011 |
JP |
2011-214558 |
Claims
1. An auto-document feeder comprising: a paper feeding section
configured to feed sheets of an original document one by one, from
which images are read by an image reading section; a first feeding
section configured to feed the original document, which is fed by
the paper feeding section, in a direction of the image reading
section through a first feeding path; a second feeding section
configured to feed a different sheet of the original document,
which is fed by the paper feeding section, in the direction of the
image reading section through a second feeding path different from
the first feeding path; a third feeding section configured to
alternately nip one by one the original documents fed by the first
feeding section and the second feeding section and feed the
original documents to the image reading section; a determining
section configured to determine that the original document is
nipped by the third feeding section; and a document diverting and
feeding section configured to alternately divert and feed the
original documents, which are fed by the paper feeding section,
into the first feeding path and the second feeding path and, if a
preceding original document is present, after the preceding
original document is detected by the determining section, feed a
following original document into the first or second feeding path
into which the preceding original document is not fed.
2. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the third feeding
section includes a pair of feeding rollers and alternately nips one
by one, between the feeding rollers, the original documents fed by
the first feeding section and the second feeding section and feeds
the original documents to the image reading section.
3. The feeder according to claim 2, wherein, a sensor provided
between the feeding rollers and the image reading section detects
the original document fed by the feeding rollers, whereby the
determining section determines that the original document is nipped
by the third feeding section.
4. The feeder according to claim 3, wherein the document diverting
and feeding section includes registration rollers configured to
align leading ends of the original documents fed by the paper
feeding section and feed the original documents into the first
feeding path and the second feeding path, and if the preceding
original document is present, after the preceding original document
is detected by the determining section, the registration rollers
feed a following document into the first feeding path or the second
feeding path.
5. The feeder according to claim 4; wherein the document diverting
and feeding section includes a gate configured to alternately
divert the original documents, which are fed by the registration
rollers, to the first feeding path and the second feeding path.
6. The feeder according to claim 5, wherein the paper feeding
section includes: a tray on which plural original documents are
stacked; a pickup roller configured to pick up the original
documents stacked on the tray; and separating rollers configured to
separate and feed the original documents one by one picked up by
the pickup roller.
7. The feeder according to claim 6, wherein the document diverting
and feeding section includes a second detecting section provided
between the registration rollers and the separating rollers and
configured to detect that the original document fed by the
separating rollers reaches the registration rollers and passes the
registration rollers, and the pickup roller and the separating
rollers start feeding of the following original document after the
second detecting section detects that the preceding original
document passes the registration rollers.
8. The feeder according to claim 1, wherein the first feeding
section includes first intermediate feeding rollers along the first
feeding path, the second feeding section includes second
intermediate feeding rollers along the second feeding path, and the
first intermediate feeding rollers and the second intermediate
feeding rollers feed the original document, which is fed from the
first feeding path or the second feeding path, to the image reading
section in cooperation with the third feeding section.
9. The feeder according to claim 8, wherein, if the preceding
original document is present in one of the first feeding path or
the second feeding path, the first intermediate feeding rollers and
the second intermediate feeding rollers feed, after putting the
following original document present in the other feeding path on
standby, a following original document.
10. An image reading apparatus comprising: an image reading section
configured to read an image of an original document; a paper
feeding section configured to feed the original documents one by
one, from which the images are read by the image reading section; a
first feeding section configured to feed the original document,
which is fed by the paper feeding section, in a direction of the
image reading section through a first feeding path; a second
feeding section configured to feed the original document, which is
fed by the paper feeding section, in the direction of the image
reading section through a second feeding path different from the
first feeding path; a third feeding section configured to
alternately nip one by one the original documents fed by the first
feeding section and the second feeding section and feed the
original documents to the image reading section; a detecting
section configured to detect that the original document is nipped
by the third feeding section; and a document diverting and feeding
section configured to alternately divert and feed the original
documents, which are fed by the paper feeding section, into the
first feeding path and the second feeding path and, if a preceding
original document is present, after the preceding original document
is detected by the detecting section, feed a following original
document into the first or second feeding path into which the
preceding original document is not fed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from U.S. provisional application 61/393335, filed on Oct.
14, 2010 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-214558 field on
Sep. 29, 2011; the entire contents all of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to an
auto-document feeder and an image reading apparatus that are used
in a copying machine, a printer, and the like and automatically
feed an original document and read a document image.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In an auto-document feeder and an image reading apparatus
including an image reading section such as a scanner used in an
image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, an
increase in image reading speed is desired. As an image reading
apparatus that increases reading speed for a document image, there
is known, as a related art, an image reading apparatus that
includes a first feeding path for feeding an original document to
an image reading section and a second feeding path different from
the first feeding path and, in continuously feeding plural original
documents and reading images of the original documents, alternately
diverts the original documents to the first and second feeding
paths to feed the original documents.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an image
reading apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system for an ADF
according to the embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing from
power-on until the start of feeding of an original document in the
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing from the
start of feeding of the original document until feeding of the
original document to an OUT feeding section in the embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining feeding of the original
document using the OUT feeding section in the embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing from the
start of reading of an image until the end of the reading in the
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining of feeding of a
following original document using an IN feeding section in the
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining completion of feeding
in the embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the start of feeding of a
first original document in the embodiment;
[0013] FIG.. 10 is a diagram for explaining feeding of the first
original document to the OUT feeding section in the embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining standby of the first
original document in the OUT feeding section in the embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the start of feeding of
a second original document in the embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining feeding of the second
original document to the IN feeding section in the embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining feeding of the second
original document following the first original document in the
embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a distance between the
first and second original documents in the embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the start of feeding of
a third original document in the embodiment; and
[0020] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining feeding of the third
original document to the OUT feeding section in the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] According to an embodiment, an auto-document feeder includes
a paper feeding section configured to feed individually original
documents or in one by one manner, from which images are read by an
image reading section.
[0022] A first feeding section configured to feed the original
document, which is fed by the paper feeding section, in a direction
of the image reading section through a first feeding path. A second
feeding section configured to feed the original document, which is
fed by the paper feeding section, in the direction of the image
reading section through a second feeding path different from the
first feeding path. A third feeding section configured to
alternately nip one by one the original documents fed by the first
feeding section and the second feeding section and feed the
original documents to the image reading section. A determining
section configured to determine that the original document is
nipped by the third feeding section. A document diverting and
feeding section configured to alternately divert and feed the
original documents, which are fed by the paper feeding section,
into the first feeding path and the second feeding path and, if a
preceding original document is present, after the preceding
original document is detected by the determining section, feed a
following original document into the first or second feeding path
into which the preceding original document is not fed.
[0023] An auto-document feeder and an image reading apparatus
according to an embodiment are explained with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an image reading apparatus 100
according to the embodiment. The image reading apparatus 100
includes a scanner 110, which is a first image reading section, and
an auto-document feeder (ADF) 10 configured to feed an original
document G to the scanner 110. The scanner 110 includes a READ
document glass 110a, a platen glass 110b serving as a document
placing table, and an optical mechanism 110c. The optical mechanism
110c optically reads an image of the original document G traveling
on the READ document glass 110a. Alternatively, the optical
mechanism 110c is moved by not-shown driving means in an arrow A
direction (see FIG. 1) along the platen glass 110b and optically
reads an image of the original document G placed on the platen
glass 110b. The scanner 110 includes a photosensor such as a CCD
(Charge Coupled Device) 110d configured to photoelectrically
convert a light signal from the optical mechanism 110c into an
electric signal. The auto-document feeder 10 is openably and
closably attached to the scanner 110 by a not-shown hinge section.
In an open state, the auto-document feeder 10 exposes the READ
document glass 110a and the platen glass 110b. In a closed state (a
state shown in FIG. 1), the auto-document feeder 10 covers the READ
document glass 110a and the platen glass 110b. The auto-document
feeder 10 continuously feeds original documents G to the READ
document glass 110a. The auto-document feeder 10 includes a paper
feeding section configured to feed one by one the original
documents G, from which images are read by the scanner 110, a first
feeding section configured to feed the original document G, which
is fed by the paper feeding section, in the direction of the READ
document glass 110a of the scanner 110 through a first feeding
path. A second feeding section configured to feed the original
document G, which is fed by the paper feeding section, in the
direction of the READ document glass 110a of the scanner 110
through a second feeding path different from the first feeding
path. A third feeding section configured to alternately nip one by
one the original documents G fed by the first feeding section and
the second feeding section and feed the original documents G to the
READ document glass 110a of the scanner 110. And a document
diverting and feeding section configured to alternately divert and
feed the original documents G, which are fed by the paper feeding
section, into the first feeding path and the second feeding path.
The paper feeding section includes a document tray 11 on which the
original documents G are stacked and placed, a pickup roller 12
configured to pick up the original documents G from the document
tray 11, and separating and feeding rollers 13 configured to
separate and feed the original documents G one by one in order to
prevent double-feeding of the original documents G. The first
feeding section includes, as the first feeding path, an OUT path 16
reaching from registration rollers 14 explained later to the READ
document glass 110a and includes, as first intermediate feeding
rollers, intermediate OUT rollers 18 provided along the OUT path
16. The second feeding section includes, as the second feeding
path, an IN path 17 reaching from the registration rollers 14 to
the scanner 110 and includes, as second intermediate feeding
rollers, intermediate IN rollers 28 provided along the IN path 17.
The third feeding section includes pre-reading rollers 50
configured to feed the original document G, which passes through
the OUT path 16 or the IN path 17, to the READ document glass 110a
of the scanner 110. Feeding path length of the OUT path 16 (a
distance from the registration rollers 14 to the pre-reading
rollers 50 through the OUT path 16) and feeding path length of the
IN path 17 (a distance from the registration rollers 14 to the
pre-reading rollers 50 through the IN path 17) are the length of a
most frequently used sheet, for example, the length of a
letter-size sheet (216 mm). Therefore, if an original document
having a size equal to or smaller than the letter side is fed,
during the feeding, the original document fits in the OUT path 16
and the IN path 17. The document diverting and feeding section is
provided on a downstream side of the separating and feeding rollers
13 and includes the registration rollers 14 configured to align
leading ends of the documents G and a gate 40 configured to divert
the original documents G, which are fed by the registration rollers
14, to the OUT path 16 or the IN path 17.
[0025] The auto-document feeder 10 further includes post-reading
rollers 51, pre-paper discharge rollers 52, paper discharge rollers
53, and a paper discharge tray 56 for discharging the original
document G from the READ document glass 110a. The post-reading
rollers 51, the pre-paper discharge rollers 52, and the paper
discharge rollers 53 constitute a paper discharge section. A
contact image sensor (CIS) 60, which is a second image reading
section, is provided between the post-reading rollers 51 and the
pre-paper discharge rollers 52. The contact image sensor (CIS) 60
can be provided in, for example, a feeding path reaching from the
pre-paper discharge rollers 52 to the paper discharge rollers
53.
[0026] The scanner 110 reads, on the READ document glass 110a, an
image on a front surface, which is a first surface, of the original
document G traveling on a glass surface. The CIS 60 reads an image
on a rear surface, which is a second surface, of the original
document G traveling on the glass surface. Such a configuration
makes it possible to advantageously read the images on both the
surfaces of the original document G by performing document pass
once.
[0027] An empty sensor 70 configured to detect presence or absence
of the original document G is arranged above the document tray 11.
A registration sensor 71 configured to detect that the original
document G reaches the registration rollers 14 is arranged between
the separating and feeding rollers 13 and the registration rollers
14. In the OUT path 16, a paper timing sensor OUT 72, which is a
first timing sensor, configured to detect driving timing for the
registration rollers 14 and the intermediate OUT rollers 18 are
arranged. In the IN path 17, a paper timing sensor IN 73, which is
a second timing sensor, is configured to detect driving timing for
the registration rollers 14 and the intermediate IN rollers 28 are
arranged. An ADF opening and closing detection sensor 90 configured
to detect opening and closing of the auto-document feeder 10 is
arranged in an upper part of the scanner 110.
[0028] A pre-reading sensor 76 is arranged between the pre-reading
rollers 50 and the READ document glass 110a. A reading sensor 77 is
arranged between the post-reading rollers 51 and the pre-paper
discharge rollers 52. A paper discharge sensor 78 is arranged
between the pre-paper discharge rollers 52 and the paper discharge
rollers 53. For example, in operation the empty sensor 70 is turned
on if the original document G is present and is turned off if the
original document G is absent to thereby detect presence or absence
of the original document G. The sensors 71, 72, 73, 76, and 78 are
turned on if the original document G reaches sensor positions and
are turned off if the original document G passes the sensor
positions to thereby detect the original document G.
[0029] The ADF opening and closing detection sensor 90 is turned on
if the ADF 10 is in the open state and is turned off if the ADF 10
is in the closed state to thereby detect opening and closing of the
ADF 10.
[0030] If a paper feeding motor 80 is turned on, the paper feeding
motor 80 drives to rotate the pickup roller 12 and the separating
and feeding rollers 13. If the paper feeding motor 80 is turned
off, the paper feeding motor 80 stops the driving and rotation of
the pickup roller 12 and the separating and feeding rollers 13. A
pickup solenoid 81 is turned on and off to swing the pickup roller
12. If a registration motor (RGT motor) 82 is turned on, the
registration motor 82 drives to rotate the registration rollers 14.
If the registration motor 82 is turned off, the registration motor
82 stops the driving and rotation of the registration rollers 14. A
gate solenoid 83 switches the gate 40 between different pivot
positions. If the gate solenoid 83 is turned off, the gate 40
pivots in an arrow x direction and diverts the original document G
to an OUT feeding section 26. If the gate solenoid 83 is turned on,
the gate 40 pivots in an arrow y direction and diverts the original
document G to an IN feeding section 27.
[0031] If an intermediate OUT motor 84 is turned on, the
intermediate OUT motor 84 drives to rotate the intermediate OUT
rollers 18. If the intermediate OUT motor 84 is turned off, the
intermediate OUT motor 84 stops the driving and rotation of the
intermediate OUT rollers 18. If an intermediate IN motor 86 is
turned on, the intermediate IN motor 86 drives to rotate the
intermediate IN rollers 28. If the intermediate IN motor 86 is
turned off, the intermediate IN motor 86 stops the driving and
rotation of the intermediate IN rollers 28. If a READ motor 87 is
turned on, the READ motor 87 drives to rotate the pre-reading
rollers 50, the post-reading rollers 51, and the pre-paper
discharge rollers 52. If the Read motor 87 is turned off, the READ
motor 87 stops the driving and rotation of the pre-reading rollers
50, the post-reading rollers 51, and the pre-paper discharge
rollers 52. If a paper discharge motor 88 is turned on, the paper
discharge motor 88 drives to rotate the paper discharge rollers 53.
If the paper discharge motor 88 is turned off, the paper discharge
motor 88 stops the driving and rotation of the paper discharge
rollers 53.
[0032] A block diagram of a control system 120 mainly for
controlling the ADF 10 is shown in FIG. 2. A main body control
section 121 configured to control an entire image forming apparatus
including the image reading apparatus 100 is connected to the
photosensor/CCD 110d and the CIS 60 of the scanner 110. The main
body control section 121 controls a CPU 130 of the ADF 10 via an
input and output interface 122. The empty sensor 70, the
registration sensor 71, the paper timing sensor OUT 72, the paper
timing sensor IN 73, the pre-reading sensor 76, the reading sensor
77, the paper discharge sensor 78, and the ADF opening and closing
detection sensor 90 are connected to an input side of the CPU
130.
[0033] The pickup solenoid 81, the paper feeding motor 80, the RGT
motor 82, the gate solenoid 83, the intermediate OUT motor 84, the
intermediate IN motor 86, the READ motor 87, and the paper
discharge motor 88 are connected to an output side of the CPU 130.
The CPU 130 includes a timer function and controls to drive the
motors and the solenoids on the basis of a timing result of the
timer and detection results of the sensors. The CPU 130 executes,
in conjunction with the main body control section 121, a control
process for feeding an original document and reading a document
image. According to the configuration explained above, the gate 40
and the registration rollers 14 cooperate with each other to
alternately divert and feed the original documents G, which are
continuously fed, into the OUT path 16 and the IN path 17. In
diverting and feeding the original documents G, at a timing when
the preceding original document G is nipped by the pre-reading
rollers 50, i.e., if the pre-reading sensor 76 is turned on, the
registration rollers 14 rotate and feed the following original
document G into the OUT path 16 or the IN path 17 into which the
preceding original document G is not fed. Therefore, if the
original documents G having a size equal to or smaller than the
letter size are continuously fed, in some cases, the preceding
original document G and the following original document G are
respectively present in the OUT path 16 and the IN path 17.
However, the preceding original document G is typically nipped by
the pre-reading rollers 50. Therefore, even if a jam of the
original documents G occurs and the original documents G remaining
in the OUT path 16 and the IN path 17 are removed, it is possible
to easily discriminate which of the original documents G is the
preceding original document G or the following original document G
and easily perform a jam treatment. The intermediate IN rollers 28
and the intermediate OUT rollers 18 efficiently continuously feed
the original documents G to the scanner 110 in a state in which a
distance between a trailing end of the preceding original document
G present in one of the OUT path 16 and the IN path 17 and a
leading end of the following original document G present in the
other path is reduced to nearly 0 mm. Therefore, the scanner 110
operating according to a control process of the main body control
section 121 can read images of the original documents G at high
speed.
[0034] A control process for continuously feeding the original
documents G and reading images is explained in detail with
reference to flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 8. First, a control process
for feeding a first original document G1 is explained. If a
not-shown power supply for a main body apparatus is turned on, in
ACT 200, the CPU 130 waits for the opening and closing sensor 90 of
the ADF 10 to be turned on. If the opening and closing sensor 90 of
the ADF 10 detects the closed state of the ADF 10 and is turned on,
the CPU 130 confirms, on the basis of the fact that the opening and
closing sensor 90 is on, that the ADF 10 is closed. Subsequently,
in ACT 201, the CPU 130 checks whether all the sensors 71, 72, 73,
76, 77, and 78 in the feeding paths are off. The CPU 130 confirms
that all the sensors 71, 72, 73, 76, 77, and 78 in the feeding
paths are off and determines that the original document G is absent
in all the feeding paths of the ADF 10. In ACT 202, the CPU 130
waits for the empty sensor 70 to be turned on. If the original
document G1 is placed on the document tray 11 by the user, the
empty sensor 70 detects the original document G1 and is turned on.
The CPU 130 sends, on the basis of the fact that the empty sensor
70 is on, a document ON signal to the main body control section
121. Thereafter, in ACT 203, the CPU 130 waits for reception of a
paper feeding request signal from the main body control section
121.
[0035] If the CPU 130 confirms in ACT 201 that any one of all the
sensors is on, the CPU 130 determines that the original document G1
is present in the feeding paths and informs, using a not-shown
display unit or the like, that a jam occurs.
[0036] If the CPU 130 receives the paper feeding request signal
from the main body control section 121 in ACT 203, in ACT 206, the
CPU 130 turns on the pickup solenoid 81, turns on the paper feeding
motor 80, rotates the pickup roller 12 and the separating and
feeding rollers 13, and starts a paper feeding operation for the
original document G1. Subsequently, in ACT 207, the CPU 130 waits
for the registration sensor 71 to be turned on. If the registration
sensor 71 detects the original document G1 and is turned on, in ACT
208, the CPU 130 turns off the paper feeding motor 80 and turns off
the gate solenoid 83 in a fixed time after the registration sensor
71 is turned on. After being fed for a fixed time according to the
rotation of the pickup roller 12 and the separating and feeding
rollers 13, the original document G1 collides with the registration
rollers 14 and stops with a leading end position thereof aligned as
shown in FIG. 9. The gate solenoid 83 is turned off to thereby set
the gate 40 in a direction in which the original document G is
diverted to the OUT feeding section 26. If the registration sensor
71 is not turned off even if the fixed time elapses in ACT 210, the
CPU 130 determines that the document G causes a jam and informs the
occurrence of the jam using the not-shown display unit or the
like.
[0037] In ACT 211, the CPU 130 waits for a fixed time to elapse. If
the fixed time elapses, in ACT 212, the CPU 130 determines whether
the document G1 is an odd number-th original document. In this
case, since the original document G1 is the first document, the CPU
130 determines that the original document G1 is the odd number-th
original document. If the CPU 130 determines that the original
document G1 is the odd number-th original document, in ACT 265, the
CPU 130 checks whether the pre-reading sensor 76 is turned on by
the preceding original document G. If the pre-reading sensor 76 is
turned on, the CPU 130 proceeds to ACT 214. However, if the
original document G1 is the first document (the preceding original
document G is absent), the CPU 130 proceeds to ACT 214 without
performing the check in ACT 265. In ACT 214, the CPU 130 turns on
the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate OUT motor 84 and rotates the
registration rollers 14 and the intermediate OUT rollers 18 at
equal speed. As shown in FIG. 10, the original document G1 is
diverted to the gate 40 and travels to the OUT feeding section
26.
[0038] In ACT 215 and ACT 217, the CPU 130 waits for, for a fixed
time, the paper timing sensor OUT 72 to be turned on. If the paper
timing sensor OUT 72 is turned on, in ACT 216, the CPU 130 turns
off the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate OUT motor 84 and stops
the rotation of the motors in a fixed time after the paper timing
sensor OUT 72 is turned on. As shown in FIG. 11, the original
document G1 stops before the pre-reading rollers 50. If the paper
timing sensor OUT 72 is not turned on even if the fixed time
elapses in ACT 215 and ACT 217, the CPU 130 determines that a jam
of the original document G occurs and informs the occurrence of the
jam using the not-shown display unit or the like.
[0039] In ACT 218, the CPU 130 waits for a feeding request signal
to be received from the main body control section 121. If the
feeding request signal is received from the main body control
section 121, in ACT 220, the CPU 130 waits for a predetermined time
to elapse after the leading end of the preceding original document
G turns on the pre-reading sensor 76. However, if the original
document G1 is the first document (the preceding original document
G is absent), the CPU 130 proceeds to ACT 221 without waiting for
the predetermined time to elapse in ACT 220.
[0040] In ACT 221, the CPU 130 turns on the intermediate OUT motor
84 and the READ motor 87 and rotates the intermediate OUT rollers
18, the pre-reading rollers 50, the post-reading rollers 51, and
the pre-paper discharge rollers 52 at speed conforming to an
instruction of the main body control section 121.
[0041] In ACT 230, the CPU 130 waits for a fixed time to elapse.
While waiting for the fixed time to elapse, the CPU 130 keeps the
intermediate OUT motor 84 and the READ motor 87 on for the fixed
time and continues to rotate the intermediate OUT rollers 18, the
pre-reading rollers 50, the post-reading rollers 51, and the
pre-paper discharge rollers 52 for the fixed time at speed
conforming to an instruction of the main body control section 121.
The intermediate OUT rollers 18, the pre-reading rollers 50, the
post-reading rollers 51, and the pre-paper discharge rollers 52
continue to be rotated for the fixed time, whereby the original
document G is fed a fixed distance. After keeping the intermediate
OUT motor 84 and the READ motor 87 on for the fixed time, in ACT
231, the CPU 130 sends a reading start signal to the main body
control section 121. The main body control section 121 receives the
reading start signal and starts reading of an image on a front
surface of the original document G1.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 12, the original document G1 travels on the
READ document glass 110a. The scanner 110 performs reading of an
image of the original document G1.
[0043] After traveling on the READ document glass 110a, the
original document G1 is fed in the direction of the paper discharge
rollers 53 through the post-reading rollers 51 and the pre-paper
discharge rollers 52.
[0044] In ACT 232, the CPU 130 waits for the paper discharge sensor
78 to be turned on. Thereafter, if the leading end of the original
document G1 reaches the paper discharge sensor 78, the paper
discharge sensor 78 detects the original document G1 and is turned
on. If the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT 233, the
CPU 130 turns on the paper discharge motor 88 and rotates the paper
discharge rollers 53. If duplex reading is performed, in ACT 237,
the main body control section 121 starts reading of an image on a
rear surface of the original document G1 with the CIS 60. After the
paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT 238, the main body
control section 121 waits for a fixed time to elapse. After the
fixed time elapses, in Act 241, the main body control section 121
ends the reading of the image on the surface of the original
document G1 by the scanner 110. If the trailing end of the original
document G1 passes through the post-reading rollers 51 and the
reading sensor 77 is turned off, in ACT 242, the CPU 130 turns off
the READ motor 87 and the intermediate OUT motor 84. If a
predetermined time elapses after the reading sensor 77 is turned
off, the main body control section 121 ends the reading of the
image on the rear surface of the original document G1 by the CIS
60.
[0045] Thereafter, in ACT 260, the CPU 130 determines whether the
original document G1 is the last original document (e.g., whether
the empty sensor 70 is turned off after the original document G1 is
fed). If the original document G1 is the last original document,
the CPU 130 executes a paper discharge operation for the last
original document. In other words, the CPU 130 performs an
operation for turning off all the motors and the solenoids and
ending an image reading and feeding control process for the
original document G1. Specifically, in ACT 261, the CPU 130 waits
for the paper discharge sensor 78 to be turned off. After the paper
discharge sensor 78 is turned off, in ACT 262, the CPU 130 keeps
the paper discharge motor 88 on for a fixed time and feeds the
original document G1 a fixed distance. If the paper discharge motor
88 is kept on for the fixed time and the original document G1 is
fed the fixed distance, in ACT 263, the CPU 130 turns off all the
motors and the solenoids. Consequently, the control process for
feeding the original documents and reading images is completed.
[0046] If the CPU 130 determines in ACT 260 that the original
document G1 is not the last original document, the CPU 130 repeats
the feeding of an original document by the OUT feeding section 26
and the IN feeding section 27 as explained below without carrying
out the paper discharge operation. Specifically, first, if the
registration sensor 71 is turned on by the first original document
G1 in ACT 207, as interrupt processing, the CPU 130 starts feeding
of a second original document G2 in parallel with and separately
from the control process for the first original document G1.
However, the second original document G2 is put on standby for a
paper feeding process until the trailing end of the first original
document G1 passes through the registration sensor 71. In ACT 300
and ACT 301, the CPU 130 waits for the trailing end of the first
original document G1 to pass through the RGT sensor 71, whereby the
RGT sensor 71 is turned off. If the RGT sensor 71 is turned off in
ACT 300, in ACT 206, the CPU 130 turns on the pickup solenoid 81
and the paper feeding motor 80. The pickup solenoid 81 is turned
on, whereby the pickup roller 12 descends and comes into contact
with the original document G2 on the tray 11. The paper feeding
motor 80 is turned on, whereby the pickup roller 12 rotates and
starts feeding of the second original document G2 from the tray 11.
Further, the paper feeding motor 80 is turned on, whereby the
separating and feeding rollers 13 are rotated to feed the original
document G2 fed from the tray 11.
[0047] If a leading end of the original document G2 reaches the
position of the RGT sensor 71, in ACT 207, the RGT sensor 71
detects the original document G2 and is turned on. If the RGT
sensor 71 is turned on, in ACT 208, the CPU 130 turns off the
pickup solenoid 81 and the paper feeding motor 80 in a fixed time
after the RGT sensor 71 is turned on. The original document G2
comes into contact with the registration rollers 14 and stops and
the leading end of the original document G2 is aligned. In ACT 208,
the CPU 130 turns off the gate solenoid 83 simultaneously with
turning off the paper feeding motor 80. In ACT 211, the CPU 130
waits for a fixed time to elapse after the gate solenoid 83 is
turned off. After the fixed time elapses, in ACT 212, the CPU 130
determines whether the original document G is an odd number-th
original document or an even number-th original document. In this
case, since the original document is the even number-th original
document G2, in ACT 250, the CPU 130 turns on the gate solenoid 83.
If the gate solenoid 83 is turned on, the gate 40 is switched to a
direction in which the original document G2 is diverted to the IN
feeding section 27.
[0048] In ACT 264, the CPU 130 checks whether the preceding first
original document G1 is nipped by the pre-reading rollers 50, the
leading end of the original document G1 reaches the position of the
pre-reading sensor 76, and the pre-reading sensor 76 is on. If the
pre-reading sensor 76 is on, the CPU 130 proceeds to ACT 251. If
the pre-reading sensor 76 is on, in ACT 251, the CPU 130 turns on
the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate IN motor 86 and rotates the
registration rollers 14 and the intermediate IN rollers 28 at equal
speed. If the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate IN motor 86 are
turned on, as shown in FIG. 13, the second original document G2 is
diverted to the gate 40 and travels to the IN feeding section 27.
In other words, the original document G2 is put on standby until
the preceding original document G1 enters between the pre-reading
rollers 50. Thereafter, the original document G2 is fed to the IN
feeding section 27 by the registration rollers 14 and the
intermediate IN rollers 28 at timing when the preceding original
document G1 enters between the pre-reading rollers 50.
[0049] In ACT 252 and ACT 254, the CPU 130 waits for the paper
timing sensor IN 73 to be turned on. If the leading end of the
second original document G2 reaches the position of the paper
timing sensor IN 73, the paper timing sensor IN 73 is turned on. If
the paper timing sensor IN 73 is turned on, in ACT 253, the CPU 130
turns off the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate IN motor 86 in a
fixed time after the paper timing sensor IN 73 is turned off. The
second original document G2 stops before the pre-reading rollers 50
in the IN feeding section 27. In ACT 256, the CPU 130 waits for a
feeding request signal for the second original document G2 to be
received from the main body control section 121. If the paper
timing sensor IN 73 is not turned on even if the fixed time elapses
in ACT 254, as explained above, the CPU 130 determines that the
original document G1 caused a jam and informs the occurrence of the
jam with the display unit or the like.
[0050] In ACT 257, the CPU 130 waits for a predetermined time to
elapse after the pre-reading sensor 76 is turned on by the
preceding original document G (the first original document G1). If
the predetermined time elapses, in ACT 258, the CPU 130 turns on
the intermediate IN motor 86 and the READ motor 87 and rotates the
intermediate IN rollers 28, the pre-reading rollers 50, the
post-reading rollers 51, and the pre-paper discharge rollers 52 at
speed conforming to an instruction of the main body control section
121. Consequently, the CPU 130 matches timing when the trailing end
of the preceding original document G (the first original document
G1) passes the pre-reading rollers 50 and timing when the leading
end of the second original document G2 starts to be fed by the
pre-reading rollers 50. As shown in FIG. 14, the second original
document G2 is fed to the READ document glass 110a in a state in
which a distance between a trailing end .alpha.1 of the preceding
original document G (the first original document G1) and a leading
end .beta.1 of the second original document G2 is reduced to near 0
mm.
[0051] In order to reduce and/or minimize the distance between the
trailing end .alpha.1 of the preceding original document G (the
first original document G1) and the leading end .beta.1 of the
second original document G2 to near 0 mm, a distance from the paper
timing sensor OUT 72 to the pre-reading rollers 50 and a distance
from the paper timing sensor IN 73 to the pre-reading rollers 50
are set to an equal distance. As shown in FIG. 15, the second
original document G2 is put on standby in a position a fixed
distance .gamma.1 ahead after the paper timing sensor IN 73 is
turned on. If the trailing end of the preceding original document G
(the first original document G1) passes through the paper timing
sensor OUT 72 and moves forward the fixed distance .gamma.1, the
CPU 130 turns on the READ motor 87 and the intermediate IN motor 86
and feeds the second original document G2 in the direction of the
READ document glass 110a. This makes it possible to reduce and
minimize the distance between the trailing end of the first
original document G1 and the leading end of the second original
document G2 to near 0 mm.
[0052] Alternatively, according to a detection result of the paper
timing sensor OUT 72 and a detection result of the paper timing
sensor IN 73, feeding timing of the preceding original document G
(the first original document G1) and the second original document
G2 may be adjusted in advance to reduce the distance between the
preceding original document G (the first original document G1) and
the second original document G2 to near 0 mm.
[0053] If the second original document G2 is fed to the READ
document glass 110a following the preceding original document G
(the first original document G1) in ACT 258, in ACT 230, the main
body control section 121 waits for a fixed time to elapse. If the
fixed time elapses, whereby the original document G2 is fed a fixed
distance, in Act 231, the main body control section 121 starts
reading of an image on a front surface of the original document G2
by the scanner 110.
[0054] Thereafter, in ACT 232, the CPU 130 waits for the paper
discharge sensor 78 to be turned on. If the leading end of the
original document G2 reaches the position of the paper discharge
sensor 78 and the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT
233, the CPU 130 turns on the paper discharge motor 88 and rotates
the paper discharge rollers 53. If duplex reading is performed, in
Act 237, the main body control section 121 starts reading of an
image on a rear surface of the original document G2 with the CIS
60. After the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT 238,
the main body control section 121 waits for a fixed time to elapse.
After the fixed time elapses, in ACT 241, the main body control
section 121 ends the reading of the image on the front surface of
the original document G1 by the scanner 110. If a trailing end of
the original document G2 passes through the post-reading rollers 51
and the reading sensor 77 is turned off, in ACT 242, the CPU 130
turns off the READ motor 87 and the intermediate OUT motor 84. If a
predetermined time elapses after the reading sensor 77 is turned
off, the main body control section 121 ends the reading of the
image on the rear surface of the original document G2 by the CIS
60.
[0055] Thereafter, in ACT 260, the CPU 130 determines whether the
original document G2 is the last original document. If the original
document G2 is the last original document (e.g., if the empty
sensor 70 is turned off after the original document G2 is fed), the
CPU 130 executes an operation for discharging the last original
document. In other words, the CPU 130 performs an operation for
turning off all the motors and the solenoids and ending the image
reading and feeding control process for the original document G2.
Specifically, in ACT 261, the CPU 130 waits for the paper discharge
sensor 78 to be turned off. After the paper discharge sensor 78 is
turned off, the CPU 130 keeps the paper discharge motor 88 on for a
fixed time and feeds the original document G2 a fixed distance. If
the paper discharge motor 88 is kept on for the fixed time and the
original document G2 is fed the fixed distance, in ACT 263, the CPU
130 turns off all the motors and the solenoids. Consequently, the
control process for feeding the two original documents G is
completed.
[0056] A control process for feeding a third original document G3
and reading an image is explained. If the CPU 130 determines in Act
260 that the original document G2 is not the last original
document, the CPU 130 performs a control process for the third
original document G3 explained below without carrying out the
ending operation explained above. First, if the registration sensor
71 is turned on by the second original document G2 in ACT 207, as
interrupt processing, the CPU 130 starts feeding of the third
original document G3 in parallel with and separately from the
control process for the second original document G2. However, the
third original document G3 is put on standby for a paper feeding
process until the trailing end of the last sheet of the second
original document G2 passes through the registration sensor 71. In
ACT 300 and ACT 301, the CPU 130 waits for the trailing end of the
last sheet of the preceding second original document G2 to pass
through the RGT sensor 71, whereby the RGT sensor 71 is turned off.
If the RGT sensor 71 is turned off in ACT 300, in ACT 206, the CPU
130 turns on the pickup solenoid 81 and the paper feeding motor 80.
The pickup solenoid 81 is turned on, whereby the pickup roller 12
descends and comes into contact with the original document G3 on
the tray 11. The paper feeding motor 80 is turned on, whereby the
pickup roller 12 rotates and starts feeding of the third original
document G3 from the tray 11. Further, the paper feeding motor 80
is turned on, whereby the separating and feeding rollers 13 are
rotated to feed the original document G3 fed from the tray 11.
[0057] Thereafter, in ACT 207, the CPU 130 waits for the RGT sensor
71 to detect the original document G3 to be turned on. If a leading
end of the original document G3 reaches the position of the RGT
sensor 71, the RGT sensor 71 detects the original document G3 and
is turned on. If the RGT sensor 71 is turned on, in ACT 208, the
CPU 130 turns off the pickup solenoid 81 and the paper feeding
motor 80 in a fixed time after the RGT sensor 71 is turned on. The
original document G3 comes into contact with the registration
rollers 14 and stops and the leading end of the original document
G3 is aligned. If the gate solenoid 83 is turned off, the gate 40
is switched to a direction in which the original document G3 is
diverted to the OUT feeding section 26. Thereafter, in ACT 211, the
CPU 130 waits for a fixed time to elapse. After the fixed time
elapses, in ACT 212, the CPU 130 determines whether the original
document G is an odd number-th original document or an even
number-th original document.
[0058] In ACT 265, the CPU 130 checks whether the preceding first
original document G1 is nipped by the pre-reading rollers 50, the
leading end of the original document G1 reaches the position of the
pre-reading sensor 76, and the pre-reading sensor 76 is on. If the
pre-reading sensor 76 is on, the CPU 130 proceeds to ACT 251.
[0059] In this case, since the original document G is the third
original document G3, in ACT 265, the CPU 130 checks whether the
preceding second original document G2 is nipped by the pre-reading
rollers 50, the leading end of the original document G2 reaches the
position of the pre-reading sensor 76, and the pre-reading sensor
76 is on. If the pre-reading sensor 76 is turned on, the CPU 130
proceeds to ACT 214. If the pre-reading sensor 76 is on, in ACT
214, the CPU 130 turns on the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate OUT
motor 84 and rotates the registration rollers 14 and the
intermediate OUT rollers 18 at equal speed. If the RGT motor 82 and
the intermediate OUT motor 84 are turned on, the third original
document G3 is diverted to the gate 40 and moves forward to the OUT
feeding section 26. Specifically, the original document G3 is put
on standby until the preceding original document G2 enters between
the pre-reading rollers 50. Thereafter, the original document G3 is
fed to the OUT feeding section 26 by the registration rollers 14
and the intermediate OUT rollers 18 at timing when the preceding
original document G2 enters between the pre-reading rollers 50. In
ACT 215, the CPU 130 waits for the paper timing sensor OUT 72 to be
turned on. If the original document G3 reaches the position of the
paper timing sensor OUT 72 and the paper timing sensor OUT 72 is
turned on, in ACT 216, after keeping the RGT motor 82 and the
intermediate OUT motor 84 on for a fixed time, the CPU 130 turns
off the RGT motor 82 and the intermediate OUT motor 84.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 17, the first original document G1 is
placed on the paper discharge tray 56, the second original document
G2 travels on the READ document glass 110a and turns on the paper
discharge sensor 78, and the third original document G3 stops
before the pre-reading rollers 50 in the
[0061] OUT feeding section 26. Thereafter, in ACT 218, the CPU 130
waits for a feeding request signal for the third original document
G3 to be received from the main body control section 121. If, in
ACT 217, the paper timing sensor OUT 72 is not turned on even if
the fixed time elapses, as explained above, the CPU 130 determines
that the original document G caused a jam.
[0062] In ACT 220, the CPU 130 waits for a predetermined time to
elapse after the pre-reading sensor 76 is turned on by the
preceding original document G (the second original document G2). If
the predetermined time elapses, in ACT 221, the CPU 130 turns on
the intermediate OUT motor 84 and the READ motor 87 and rotates the
intermediate OUT rollers 18, the pre-reading rollers 50, the
post-reading rollers 51, and the pre-paper discharge rollers 52 at
speed conforming to an instruction of the main body control section
121. Consequently, the CPU 130 matches timing when the trailing end
of the preceding original document G (the second original document
G2) passes the pre-reading rollers 50 and timing when the leading
end of the third original document G3 starts to be fed by the
pre-reading rollers 50. As shown in FIG. 14, the third original
document G3 is fed to the READ document glass 110a in a state in
which a distance between a trailing end .alpha.1 of the preceding
original document G (the second original document G2) and a leading
end .quadrature.1 of the third original document G3 is reduced to
near 0 mm.
[0063] In order to reduce and/or minimize the distance between the
trailing end .alpha.1 of the preceding original document G (the
second original document G2) and the leading end .beta.1 of the
third original document G3 to near 0 mm, the distance from the
paper timing sensor OUT 72 to the pre-reading rollers 50 and the
distance from the paper timing sensor IN 73 to the pre-reading
rollers 50 are set to the equal distance as explained above. As
shown in FIG. 15, the third original document G3 is put on standby
in the position the fixed distance .gamma.1 ahead after the paper
timing sensor OUT 72 is turned on. If the trailing end of the
preceding original document G (the second original document G2)
passes through the paper timing sensor IN 73 and moves forward the
fixed distance .gamma.1, the CPU 130 turns on the READ motor 87 and
the intermediate OUT motor 84 and feeds the third original document
G3 in the direction of the READ document glass 110a. This makes it
possible to reduce the distance between the trailing end of the
second original document G2 and the leading end of the third
original document G3 to near 0 mm.
[0064] Alternatively, according to a detection result of the paper
timing sensor IN 73 and a detection result of the paper timing
sensor OUT 72, feeding timing of the preceding original document G
(the second original document G2) and the third original document
G3 can be adjusted in advance to reduce the distance between the
preceding original document G (the second original document G2) and
the third original document G3 to near 0 mm.
[0065] If the third original document G3 is fed to the READ
document glass 110a following the preceding original document G
(the second original document G2) in ACT 221, in ACT 230, the main
body control section 121 waits for a fixed time to elapse. If the
fixed time elapses, whereby the original document G3 is fed a fixed
distance, in Act 231, the main body control section 121 starts
reading of an image on a front surface of the original document G3
by the scanner 110.
[0066] Thereafter, in ACT 232, the CPU 130 waits for the paper
discharge sensor 78 to be turned on. If the leading end of the
original document G3 reaches the position of the paper discharge
sensor 78 and the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT
233, the CPU 130 turns on the paper discharge motor 88 and rotates
the paper discharge rollers 53. If duplex reading is performed, in
Act 237, the main body control section 121 starts reading of an
image on a rear surface of the original document G3 with the CIS
60. After the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned on, in ACT 238,
the main body control section 121 waits for a fixed time to elapse.
After the fixed time elapses, in ACT 241, the main body control
section 121 ends the reading of the image on the front surface of
the original document G3 by the scanner 110. If a trailing end of
the original document G3 passes through the post-reading rollers 51
and the reading sensor 77 is turned off, in ACT 242, the CPU 130
turns off the READ motor 87 and the intermediate OUT motor 84. If a
predetermined time elapses after the reading sensor 77 is turned
off, the main body control section 121 ends the reading of the
image on the rear surface of the original document G3 by the CIS
60.
[0067] Thereafter, in ACT 260, the CPU 130 determines whether the
original document G2 is the last original document. If the original
document G2 is the last original document (e.g., if the empty
sensor 70 is turned off after the original document G2 is fed), the
CPU 130 performs an operation for turning off all the motors and
the solenoids and ending the image reading and feeding control
process for the original document G2. Specifically, in ACT 261, the
CPU 130 waits for the paper discharge sensor 78 to be turned off.
After the paper discharge sensor 78 is turned off, the CPU 130
keeps the paper discharge motor 88 on for a fixed time and feeds
the original document G2 a fixed distance. If the paper discharge
motor 88 is kept on for the fixed time and the original document G2
is fed the fixed distance, in ACT 263, the CPU 130 turns off all
the motors and the solenoids. Consequently, the control process for
feeding the two original documents G is completed.
[0068] Thereafter, in ACT 260, the CPU 130 determines whether the
original document G1 is the last original document (e.g., whether
the empty sensor 70 is turned off after the original document G1 is
fed). If the original document G1 is the last original document,
the CPU 130 executes a paper discharge operation for the last
original document.
[0069] Thereafter, in ACT 260, the CPU 130 determines whether the
original document G3 is the last original document. If the original
document G3 is the last original document (e.g., if the empty
sensor 70 is turned off after the original document G3 is fed), the
CPU 130 executes a paper discharge operation for the last original
document. In other words, the CPU 130 performs an operation for
turning off all the motors and the solenoids and ending the image
reading and feeding control process for the original document G3.
Specifically, in ACT 261, the CPU 130 waits for the paper discharge
sensor 78 to be turned off. After the paper discharge sensor 78 is
turned off, the CPU 130 keeps the paper discharge motor 88 on for a
fixed time and feeds the original document G3 a fixed distance. If
the paper discharge motor 88 is kept on for the fixed time and the
original document G3 is fed the fixed distance, in ACT 263, the CPU
130 turns off all the motors and the solenoids. Consequently, the
control process for feeding the three original documents G and
reading images is completed. If the CPU 130 determines in ACT 260
that the original document G is not the last original document, the
CPU 130 executes the image reading control process for the original
document G2 concerning the even number-th original document G and
executes the image reading control process for the second original
document G3 concerning the odd number-th original document G
without executing the paper discharge operation.
[0070] According to this embodiment, when the original documents G
are continuously read, the two feeding sections: the OUT feeding
section 26 and the IN feeding section 27 are used. While the
preceding original document G1 is fed using one feeding section,
the following original document G2 is fed into the other feeding
section and put on standby in the other feeding section. The
feeding of the following original document G2 into the other
feeding section is performed at timing when the preceding original
document G1 enters between the pre-reading rollers 50 provided
before the reading sensor 77 (the scanner 110). Therefore, when the
following original document G2 is on standby in the other feeding
section, the preceding original document G1 is typically nipped by
the pre-reading rollers 50. Therefore, even if a jam of the
preceding original document G1 occurs in a state in which the
preceding original document G1 and the next original document G2
are present in the OUT feeding section 26 and the IN feeding
section 27, the user can determine which of the two original
documents remaining in the feeding sections is the preceding
original document G (nipped by the pre-reading rollers 50) and
which is the following original document G (not nipped by the
pre-reading rollers 50) and can return the two original documents
remaining in the feeding sections to the tray 11 in correct
order.
[0071] Moreover, timing when the preceding original document G1
passes through the scanner 110 and timing when the next original
document G2 is fed to the scanner 110 are matched to continuously
feed the original documents G in a state in which a distance
between the preceding original document G1 and the next original
document G2 is reduced to near 0 mm.
[0072] Even if feeding speed for the original document G is not
increased, it is possible to improve feeding properties for the
original document G by the ADF 10 and improve image reading speed
by the scanner 110 and productivity of an image forming apparatus
including the scanner 110. Moreover, it is possible to prevent
damage to the original document G that occurs if the feeding speed
is increased or suppress noise that occurs if the feeding speed is
increased.
[0073] The several embodiments are explained above. However, these
embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be carried
out in other various forms. Various omissions, substitutions, and
changes of the embodiments are possible without departing from the
spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications
thereof are included in the scope and the gist of the invention and
are included in the inventions described in claims and the scope of
equivalents of the inventions.
* * * * *