[0001]

The present disclosure relates to a data processing device, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a method for processing data.

[Background Art]

[0002]

A data processing device has been known that executes predetermined data processing on data to be processed received from an external device via a transmission line. The data processing device is installed in various apparatuses. For example, the above-described data processing device is installed in an image reading apparatus such as a scanner. The data processing device receives image data via a transmission line from a data acquisition device that acquires image data using an image sensor or the like, performs predetermined data processing on the received image data, and outputs the processed image data to another downstream device. [0003]

The data processing device generates an internal clock required for data processing from a clock signal received together with data to be processed (for example, image data) from the outside. When noise of a clock signal during transmission is superimposed on the data to be processed because of the influence of, for example, static electricity, normal data processing is no longer available. When noise is mixed to data (including a clock) received from an external device during transmission of the data and abnormality is detected, a data processing device of related art eliminates data to be processed in the period with the abnormality and handles residual data as data to be processed.

[0004]

However, in the case of the above-described data processing device that deletes abnormal data, when noise frequently occurs, lack of data to be processed increases. This case may lead to a situation in which data processing is not normally performed by the downstream device. When data to be processed is, for example, image data, an abnormal image in which lack of pixels appears as a line or an abnormal image with a shift between pixels during main scanning is generated. Since such an abnormal image is detected using an external clock, abnormality is no longer normally detected because of the influence of noise. In this case, a synchronization signal (line synchronization, page synchronization, or the like) is not normally taken in due to abnormality of the clock, the downstream device is no longer able to normally perform proce ing on image data, and the operation of the device may be stopped. [0005]

Moreover, a technology has been known that generates a reference signal for lock determination using a clock supplied from a system different from the system of the clock signal from the outside to determine whether a synchronization signal transmitted from the outside is locked (whether synchronization is kept properly).

[0006]

Furthermore, a technology has been disclosed that receives image data and a transmission signal including an external synchronization signal through serial communication, detects the line as being abnormal when the period of the external synchronization signal does not match the period of an internal synchronization signal, and deletes image data written in the line memory (see JP-6049554-B).

[Citation List]

[Patent Literature]

[0007]

[PTL 1]

JP-6049554-B [Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem]

[0008]

The technique disclosed in JP-6049554-B presupposes a stable serial-transmission clock and deletes data in a period in which abnormality occurs in a line synchronization signal. When the serial-transmission clock is abnormal because of the influence of noise, a downstream clock is not generated, and a circuit for detecting abnormality in data no longer normally operates, and hence defective influence on image quality is not reduced. In addition, since the abnormal image line is deleted (eliminated), when noise frequently occurs, the number of lines decreases, and a system may stall or unnecessary data is required to be added.

[Solution to Problem]

[0009]

According to one or more embodiments, a data processing device is provided, which includes: a data receiver to receive data to be processed, an external clock, and a unit control signal determining a processing unit for the data to be processed from an outside, the data receiver including a PLL circuit to receive the external clock; a clock abnormality detector to operate based on a clock of a system different from a system of the external clock and detect abnormality of the external clock based on a lock signal output from the PLL circuit; and a data processing controller to control processing of the data. When abnormality of the external clock is detected, the data processing controller stops taking in the data to be processed, and when the external clock becomes normal again, take in the unit control signal and resume taking in the data to be processed.

According to one or more embodiments, an image reading apparatus is provided, which includes a data acquisition device configured to transmit optically read image data together with a clock signal, and the data processing device.

According to one or more embodiments, an image forming apparatus is provided, which includes an image forming section to form an image on a recording medium using the data processed by the data processing device.

[Advantageous Effects of Invention]

[0010]

With the present disclosure, although noise is superimposed on a signal received from the outside, the influence on data processing on data to be processed included in the received signal can be reduced.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0011]

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict example embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted to limit the scope thereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Also, identical or similar reference numerals designate identical or similar components throughout the several views.

[FIG. 1]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a data processing system including a data processing device according to the present disclosure.

[FIG. 2]

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of the data processing device according to the present disclosure.

[FIG. 3]

FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an example of a write operation and a read operation for data according to the embodiment of the data processing device.

[FIG. 4]

FIG. 4 is a timing chart illustrating another example of a write operation and a read operation for data according to the embodiment of the data processing device.

[FIG. 5]

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating still another example of a write operation and a read operation for data according to the embodiment of the data processing device.

[FIG. 6]

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating yet another example of a write operation and a read operation for data according to the embodiment of the data processing device.

[FIG. 7]

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[FIG. 8]

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[Description of Embodiments]

[0012]

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

Embodiment of Data Processing Device

A data processing device according to the present disclosure is installed in an apparatus that performs predetermined data processing on data to be processed. For example, when the data processing device is installed in an image reading apparatus such as a scanner that optically reads an image formed on a recording medium and generates image data, the data processing device is disposed between an image reader and an image processor or another location. When the data processing device is installed in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium, the data processing device is disposed between a data input section (or a data input device) that receives image data of an image to be formed from an external device and an image forming section (or an image forming device) or another location.

[0013]

General Arrangement of Data Processing System

A general arrangement of a data processing system 1 to which a data processing control device 10 that is an embodiment of a data processing device according to the present disclosure is applicable is described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the data processing system 1 includes the data processing control device 10, a data acquisition device 20, a data output device 30, and a transmission line 40.

[0014]

The data acquisition device 20 includes a data acquirer 21 and a signal transmitter 22 and is mounted as, for example, a scanner. The data acquirer 21 corresponding to an image reader acquires data to be processed. The signal transmitter 22 converts the acquired data to be processed into a data signal and transmits the data signal to the data processing control device 10. The data processing control device 10 converts the data to be processed into data in a predetermined format and transmits the data in the predetermined format to the data output device 30. The data output device 30 generates image data from the data to be processed and outputs the image data.

[0015]

When the data processing system 1 is, for example, an image forming apparatus, the data output device 30 corresponds to an image forming section that executes image formation processing to form an image on a recording medium and discharges the recording medium. [0016]

The transmission line 40 includes a cable that is a bundle of a plurality of signal lines to transmit a data signal, a line synchronization signal, and a clock signal from the data acquisition device 20 to the data processing control device 10, or a harness. The transmission impedance in the transmission line 40 is typically likely to increase, and hence noise is likely to be superimposed on the data signal or another signal during transmission. A measure to eliminate the influence of external noise may be taken for the cable or harness; however, it is difficult to completely eliminate the influence of noise because of static electricity or the like that is generated unexpectedly. Thus, the data processing control device 10 needs a measure to counter noise for the received data signal. The probability that the data signal is influenced by noise in the transmission line 40 increases as the length of the signal lines constituting the transmission line 40 increases.

[0017]

The data processing control device 10 detects abnormality of a clock signal (external clock) transmitted together with data to be processed from an external device (in FIG. 1, the data acquisition device 20). The data processing control device 10 executes predetermined data processing to allow a downstream device (in FIG. 1, the data output device 30) to normally process the data to be processed when detecting abnormality of the external clock. For example, the data processing control device 10 can perform control not to output the data to be processed to the data output device 30 until a state is achieved where the data to be processed can be normally processed.

[0018]

The data processing control device 10 detects abnormality of an external clock using a clock (internal clock) that is generated by an electronic oscillator (OSC) 120 mounted on the same circuit board as a circuit board having a function of executing the predetermined data processing.

[0019]

The OSC 120 is disposed near a data processing controller included in the data processing control device 10. The length of the transmission line of the signal line for supplying the internal clock from the OSC 120 to the data processing controller is smaller than the length of the transmission line 40. Thus, the internal clock (OSC supply clock) supplied from the OSC 120 has a lower impedance than the impedance of the external clock, and is unlikely to receive the influence of noise such as static electricity compared with the external clock. That is, the internal clock (OSC supply clock) in the data processing control device 10 is a clock that does not have abnormality although the external clock is abnormal.

[0020]

Thus, like the data processing control device 10, using an OSC supply clock with a low impedance as an operation clock of a data processing controller that detects abnormality of an external clock and performs predetermined data processing control can restrict control on the output of abnormal data to be processed to the downstream device. That is, when the data signal transmitted from the data acquisition device 20 is influenced by noise, the data processing control device 10 according to the present embodiment can eliminate the data in the influenced period (abnormal data) from processing targets in the downstream device, thereby avoiding taking-in of an abnormal signal (control signal or the like) and stabilizing the operation of the data processing system 1.

[0021]

Data Processing Control Device

The data processing control device 10 that is an embodiment of the data processing device according to the present disclosure is described next with reference to FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the data processing control device 10 includes a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) receiver 101 that receives a data signal from the data acquisition device 20, a data converter 102, a data memory 103, a clock abnormality detector 104, a memory write controller 105, and a memory read controller 106.

[0022]

The LVDS receiver 101 includes a serial-to-parallel (S/P) processor 111 and a phase locked loop (PLL) 112. The LVDS receiver 101 is a receiving circuit that supports data transmission by an LVDS system and corresponds to a data receiver. Note that the LVDS system is a differential signal system that uses two transmission lines and transmits two different voltages. Both the voltages are compared with each other on the reception side. Using the LVDS system can reduce electro -magnetic interference (EMI).

[0023]

The S/P processor 111 passes data included in a data signal and a line synchronization signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 22 to a downstream circuit. The PLL 112 generates an internal clock from a clock (external clock) included in the data signal transmitted from the signal transmitter 22 and passes the internal clock as a downstream clock to the downstream circuit. Thus, the PLL 112 corresponds to an internal clock generator including a PLL circuit and outputs a "PLL lock signal" when the external clock is normal.

[0024]

When the data acquirer 21 (see FIG. 1) included in the data acquisition device 20 is an image sensor and is a data acquirer that outputs multibit data, for example, when the data acquirer 21 outputs 10-bit data for each of RGB, the data to be transmitted through the transmission line 40 is a 30-bit data signal. The data signal is required to be transmitted to the data processing control device 10. The LVDS receiver 101 is required to receive the 30-bit data signal.

[0025]

When the 30-bit data signal is transmitted by a parallel transmission system, the number of signal-line cables (harnesses) of the transmission line 40 increases and the cost increases. To restrict this, a serial transmission system is used for transmission of multibit data. In the case of the serial transmission system, the signal transmitter 22 converts data from parallel data to serial data and transmits the converted data. The LVDS receiver 101 converts serial data into parallel data using the S/P processor 111, and passes the converted data to the downstream circuit.

[0026] Note that the "downstream circuit" includes the data converter 102 and the data memory 103 that constitute a data processor that executes predetermined data processing on data to be processed.

[0027]

The data converter 102 converts the data to be processed into data in conformity with the input format of the data memory 103 based on the data to be processed and the line synchronization signal passed from the S/P processor 111 using the downstream clock passed from the PLL 112, and outputs the converted data.

[0028]

The data memory 103 writes data in and reads (takes) data from two storage areas including a first line memory 1031 and a second line memory 1032. The data memory 103 switches an operation between a write operation and a read operation for data output from the data converter 102 alternately in and from the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032. Thus, the data memory 103 stores all input data.

[0029]

The clock abnormality detector 104 operates based on the "OSC supply clock" supplied from the OSC 120 to detect "lock release" of a PLL lock signal relating to the external clock passed from the PLL 112. That is, the clock abnormality detector 104 operates based on a clock supplied from an oscillation circuit of a system different from that of the external clock to detect abnormality in the PLL 112 of the LVDS receiver 101. Note that the configuration to supply the operation clock to the clock abnormality detector 104 need not be an oscillation circuit such as the OSC 120. The method and configuration of generating the operation clock are not limited as long as the operation clock is suppliable in a system different from that of the external clock.

[0030]

The clock abnormality detector 104 outputs a line synchronization we signal and a write mask signal to the memory write controller 105. The clock abnormality detector 104 also outputs a line synchronization re signal to the memory read controller 106.

[0031]

While abnormality of a clock caused by superimposition of noise is detected based on "lock release" of the PLL 112 included in the LVDS receiver 101, another measure may detect abnormality of data to be processed or a unit control signal (for example, a line synchronization signal) determining a processing unit.

[0032]

The memory write controller 105 controls the write operation performed alternately in the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032. The memory write controller 105 operates using a clock generated from the external clock. The memory write controller 105 stops the write operation to the data memory 103 in a period in which the clock abnormality detector 104 detects abnormality of the clock (PLL lock release). In this case, the memory read controller 106 continues the read operation. [0033]

The memory read controller 106 controls the read operation performed alternately from the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032. The memory read controller 106 operates using the internal clock supplied from the OSC 120. The memory read controller 106 stops the read operation from the data memory 103 in a period in which the clock abnormality detector 104 detects abnormality of the clock (PLL lock release). The memory read controller 106 also stops taking in the line synchronization signal. The "read operation" in this case is an operation of outputting data to be processed to the data output device 30. In other words, the "read operation" corresponds to an operation of taking in data to be processed in the data output device 30.

[0034]

The memory read controller 106 resumes the write operation when the "lock release" in the PLL 112 is recovered (when the state turns to normal) and when the memory read controller 106 receives the next unit control signal.

[0035]

Thus, in a case where the data to be processed is, for example, image data, the output of the image with abnormality is restricted and the operation of the whole system can be stabilized. [0036]

Described below are the flows of a read operation and a write operation in a normal situation and then a taking-in operation of data to be processed (by the read operation and the write operation) using the data converter 102, the data memory 103, the memory write controller 105, and the memory read controller 106 included in the data processing control device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating the states of the write operation and the read operation. In the following description, FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the signals (the clock signal and the line synchronization signal) received from the data acquisition device 20 are not influenced by noise and the data to be processed is also received as normal data.

[0037]

Referring to FIG. 3, "data to be processed" exemplifies data included in a data signal normally received by the LVDS receiver 101 continuously for a predetermined duration.

[0038]

Referring to FIG. 3, "PLL lock signal" exemplifies a signal that is output from the PLL 112 of the LVDS receiver 101. The PLL lock signal is output as "H" when the lock of the external clock is not released (when the external clock is not influenced by noise).

[0039]

Referring to FIG. 3, "line synchronization signal" exemplifies a signal that is passed from the S/P processor 111 to the data converter 102.

[0040]

Referring to FIG. 3, "write mask signal" exemplifies a signal that is passed from the clock abnormality detector 104 to the memory write controller 105. The write mask signal is output as "L" when the lock release does not occur (when the PLL lock signal is "H").

[0041]

Referring to FIG. 3, "line synchronization we signal" exemplifies a signal that is passed from the clock abnormality detector 104 to the memory write controller 105. The write operation in the data memory 103 is performed for data to be processed in a unit determined by the unit control signal with reference to the line synchronization we signal. With the line synchronization we signal, the write operation is alternately switched to the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032 included in the data memory 103.

[0042]

Referring to FIG. 3, "line synchronization re signal" exemplifies a signal that is passed from the clock abnormality detector 104 to the memory read controller 106. With the line synchronization re signal, the read operation is alternately switched to the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032 included in the data memory 103. Thus, the data to be processed taken in to the data memory 103 can be sequentially taken out.

[0043]

FIG. 3 illustrates timing of the write operation for the data to be processed in the data memory 103. In this case, the data to be processed is output based on the unit control signal from the data converter 102. In the present embodiment, the data to be processed is indicated in the order of writing data from the first line memory 1031. Thus, the data to be processed in a period corresponding to "A" of the line synchronization signal is written as "data A" in the first line memory 1031 of the data memory 103. Then, the data to be processed in a period corresponding to "B" of the line synchronization signal is written as "data B" in the second line memory 1032. The write operations are alternately performed.

[0044]

FIG. 3 also illustrates timing of taking in the line synchronization signal in the data memory 103. The line synchronization signal is output as the unit control signal determining the processing unit for the data to be processed in the S/P processor 111. In synchronization with the line synchronization signal, selection is switched between write selection (write operation) and read selection (read operation) and is applied alternately to the first line memory 1031 and the second line memory 1032 included in the data memory 103.

[0045]

First Embodiment

FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the signals (the clock signal and the line synchronization signal) received from the data acquisition device 20 are influenced by noise, such as superimposition of noise on the signals, and the data to be processed is received in a state including abnormal data.

[0046]

Referring to FIG. 4, "data to be processed" exemplifies data to be processed with abnormality occurring because of the influence of noise or the like in one line (an example of the control unit) included in the data to be processed. [0047]

Referring to FIG. 4, "PLL lock signal" is possibly in a state in which "lock release" occurs in a period with abnormality, the signal level in the period is changed to "L" from "H", and part of "data C" corresponding to the period is abnormal. The data processing control device 10 performs processing to leave image data in a normal range (normal data) as much as possible without taking in image data in an abnormal range (abnormal data). Thus, the abnormality of the image is hardly recognized even when the data output device 30 outputs the image data using the data to be processed output from the data processing control device 10. That is, the influence of abnormality on the output data can be restricted.

[0048]

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the clock abnormality detector 104 asserts "write mask signal" (changes the level to "H" level) in a period in which the PLL lock signal is "L", that is, in a period in which "lock release" occurs. Thus, the write operation for the data to be processed is stopped in "data write stop period" illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0049]

Moreover, the data to be processed (data A) that is two lines before the subject line (two control units before the subject control unit) is left in the data memory 103 in the period in which the write operation is stopped. In this case, data (data two lines before data of the subject line) different from the data (period) expected to be taken in is taken in. However, the influence on the output data is small unless the taken-in data does not significantly change the whole data to be processed.

[0050]

For example, in the case of image data, a document that significantly changes image data in the period of two lines may be a halftone dotted document. However, a document in which abnormality is recognizable such as a halftone dotted document is less frequently used for documents typically used in office. In general, the probability of occurrence of abnormality in an external clock because of static electricity or the like is low. Thus, the probability that a document in which abnormality of the document to be output (image) is recognizable is output when abnormality occurs because of noise is further low. Thus, the data processing control device 10 according to the present embodiment can restrict occurrence of abnormality of the data to be processed.

[0051]

Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the state is recovered from the lock release and the PLL lock signal is changed from "L" to "H", the write operation is resumed. Resumption of the write operation and taking-in of a "line synchronization w control signal" and a "line synchronization r control signal" when abnormality occurs in a clock are described now. [0052]

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the write operation is performed in a period in which a "write EB (enable) signal" is asserted. When abnormality occurs in a clock (in the case of lock release and when the PLL lock signal is "L"), the "write mask signal" is changed to "H", and "write EB" is stopped in the period.

[0053]

When the write operation that is a data write operation in the data memory 103 resumes in the middle of the section (in the middle of the line) of the unit control signal (the line synchronization signal), the "write EB signal" may be also abnormal because of the influence of abnormality in an external clock. Thus, the write operation may be performed by the data memory 103 in an unintentional state. For example, data may be written in an unintentional memory address. Moreover, when the "line synchronization signal" changes at unintentional timing because of the influence of noise or the like, abnormality may occur in the data processing system 1 including the data processing control device 10. Thus, in the present embodiment, the "line synchronization w control signal" is not to be taken in when abnormality occurs in a clock.

[0054]

For example, in a period in which the "write mask signal" is "H", taking-in of the "line synchronization signal" is stopped. Thus, the "line synchronization w control signal" and the "line synchronization r control signal" do not change. When the PLL lock signal becomes normal, the "write mask signal" is recovered (negated) using the next "line synchronization signal". Consequently, the write control signal output from the memory write controller 105 is initialized using the "line synchronization w control signal". Accordingly, a normal operation is available thereafter.

[0055]

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary case where the signals (the clock signal and the line synchronization signal) received from the data acquisition device 20 are influenced by noise, such as superimposition of noise on the signals, and the data to be processed is received in a state including abnormal data. Referring to FIG. 5, "data to be processed" exemplifies data to be processed with abnormality occurring because of the influence of noise or the like in a period exceeding one line (an example of the control unit) included in the data to be processed.

[0056]

FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the period in which abnormality occurs in the external clock extends beyond the period of the unit control signal even though the extension temporarily occurs (in a case where abnormality occurs in a range equal to or more than one line). As illustrated in FIG. 5, although the period in which the PFF lock signal is "L" partly appears, the data to be processed corresponding to the period (in FIG. 5, data C and data D) may become abnormal data.

[0057]

Description is given compared with the case of "occurrence of abnormality within one line" illustrated in FIG. 4. The write operation for the data to be processed is stopped in a "data write stop period" illustrated in FIG. 5 in a case where abnormality occurs beyond the processing unit. In a case where the period in which the write operation is stopped is in the middle of the write operation for the data C as illustrated in FIG. 5, the "data A" that has been previously written is left in the storage area corresponding to the memory address in the stop period and later. In this case, the data A is data two periods before (two lines before) in the processing unit.

[0058]

Thus, in the "data write stop period" illustrated in FIG. 5, since the "PLL lock signal" is "L" beyond the "line synchronization signal" indicative of the operation period on the data D, taking-in of the "line synchronization signal" is stopped. Consequently, the data D is eliminated, and the amount of data is reduced by the amount corresponding to the one processing unit (the amount corresponding to one line).

[0059]

Although described in the first embodiment, the probability of occurrence of the influence of noise is typically small. In many cases, the PLL lock signal is recovered within one line, and the influence on the data processing system 1 is small.

[0060]

Thus, processing is performed not to take in the control signal (the line synchronization signal) that is possibly abnormal even when abnormality occurs in the external clock at timing beyond the processing unit, and hence the data processing system 1 can stably operate.

[0061]

Third Embodiment

FIG. 6 illustrates still another exemplary case where the signals (the clock signal and the line synchronization signal) received from the data acquisition device 20 are influenced by noise, such as superimposition of noise on the signals, and the data to be processed is received in a state including abnormal data.

[0062]

In a case where the processing unit is the unit of a page instead of the unit of a line, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the write mask signal is changed to "H" when abnormality occurs in an external clock and the PLL lock signal is changed to "L". In the period in which the "write mask signal" is "H", the "page synchronization signal" is not to be taken in.

[0063]

Thus, with the data processing control device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the processing unit is the unit of a page, the page synchronization signal with the influence of noise is not to be taken in and is further stably operable.

[0064]

Embodiment of Image Reading Apparatus

An embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present disclosure is described next with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of a scanner apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The scanner apparatus 200 is an apparatus installed in an image forming apparatus, such as a digital copier, a digital multifunction peripheral, or a facsimile apparatus; or a dedicated apparatus, and includes at least the above-described data acquisition device 20, transmission line 40, and data processing control device 10.

[0065]

The scanner apparatus 200 includes a contact glass 203 having an upper surface on which a document is placed. Furthermore, the scanner apparatus 200 includes a first carriage 211 and a second carriage 206. The first carriage 211 includes a light source 214 for exposing a document to light and a first reflecting mirror 209. The second carriage 206 includes a second reflecting mirror 207 and a third reflecting mirror 208. The scanner apparatus 200 also includes a lens unit 212 for causing light reflected by the third reflecting mirror 208 to be focused on a light receiving area of an imaging element 213.

[0066]

The scanner apparatus 200 further includes a reference member 204 having a reference density of such as a reference white board that is used to correct various kinds of distortion because of a reading optical system or the like, and a sheet-through reading slit 205. The reference member 204 can be illuminated by the light source 214 and is disposed at a position different from the positions of the contact glass 203 and the sheet-through reading slit 205 situated at document illumination positions.

[0067]

The imaging element 213 receives, as incident light, reflected light from either of a document placed on the contact glass 203, a document that passes through the sheet-through reading slit 205, and the reference member 204.

[0068]

An automatic document feeder (ADF) 215 is installed in an upper section of the scanner apparatus 200. The ADF 215 is coupled to be openable and closable with respect to the contact glass 203 via a hinge or the like. The ADF 215 includes a document tray 201 serving as a document table on which a document bundle 210 including a plurality of documents can be placed. The ADF 215 also includes a separation feeder including a feeding roller 202 that separates the documents one by one from the document bundle 210 placed on the document tray 201 and automatically feeds the separated document toward the sheet-through reading slit 205.

[0069]

An operation in a scan mode of the scanner apparatus 200 including the above-described configuration is described. The operation in the scan mode scans an image surface of the document placed on the contact glass 203 and reads the image of the document.

[0070]

In the scan mode, the first carriage 211 and the second carriage 206 are moved in a direction indicated by arrow A (sub-scanning direction) by a stepping motor to scan the document. In this case, the second carriage 206 moves at a speed that is half the speed of the first carriage 211 to keep the optical-path length from the contact glass 203 to the light receiving area of the imaging element 213 constant.

[0071]

Simultaneously, the image surface that is a lower surface of the document set on the contact glass 203 is illuminated (exposed to light) by the light source 214 of the first carriage 211. Then, the reflected light from the image surface is sequentially reflected by the first reflecting mirror 209 of the first carriage 211, and the second reflecting mirror 207 and the third reflecting mirror 208 of the second carriage 206. Then, the reflected light beam from the third reflecting mirror 208 is focused by the lens unit 212 and forms an image on the light receiving area of the imaging element 213.

[0072]

The imaging element 213 photoelectrically converts the amount of received light of respective pixels in the unit of one line into an analog electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The electric signal is converted into a digital signal, the gain of the digital signal is adjusted, and image data obtained by reading the image of the document is output. The image data is transmitted to a substrate 217 including the above-described data processing control device 10 and so forth via a cable harness 216. When the cable harness 216 is long, the transmission impedance is high, and hence the cable harness 216 is easily influenced by noise.

[0073]

An operation in a sheet-through mode is described next. In the sheet-through mode, a document is automatically fed by the ADF 215 and the image of the moving document is read.

[0074]

In the sheet-through mode, the first carriage 211 and the second carriage 206 are moved to positions below the sheet-through reading slit 205 and are stopped. Then the documents are automatically sequentially fed in the order from the bottom document of the document bundle 210 placed on the document tray 201 in a direction indicated by arrow B (sub-scanning direction) by the feeding roller 202, and the document is scanned when the document passes through the position of the sheet-through reading slit 205.

[0075]

At this time, the lower surface (image surface) of the automatically fed document is illuminated by the light source 214 of the first carriage 211. Then, the reflected light from the image surface is sequentially reflected by the first reflecting mirror 209 of the first carriage 211, and the second reflecting mirror 207 and the third reflecting mirror 208 of the second carriage 206. Then, the reflected light beam from the third reflecting mirror 208 is focused by the lens unit 212 and forms an image on the imaging element 213.

[0076]

The imaging element 213 photoelectrically converts the amount of received light of respective pixels in the unit of one line into an analog electric signal and outputs the electric signal. The electric signal is converted into a digital signal, the gain of the digital signal is adjusted, and image data obtained by reading the image of the document is output. The image data is transmitted to the substrate 217 including the above-described data processing control device 10 and so forth via a cable harness 216. The document whose image has been read is discharged to a discharge port.

[0077]

Note that, before the image is read in the scan mode or the sheet-through mode, the imaging element 213 reads an image using reflected light from the reference member 204 that is illuminated by the tumed-on light source 214. To cause the level of respective pixels of the image data for one line to be a predetermined level, data for shading correction is generated and stored in the imaging element 213. Then, when the image of the document is read, shading correction is performed on the image data read by the imaging element 213, based on the previously stored data for shading correction. When the ADF 215 includes a transporting belt, the document can be automatically fed by the ADF 215 to a reading position on the contact glass 203, and the image of the document can be read even in the scan mode.

[0078]

Embodiment of Image Forming Apparatus

An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is described next with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of a multifunction peripheral (MFP) 300 according to the present embodiment. The MPF 300 includes at least the above-described data acquisition device 20, transmission line 40, and data processing control device 10.

[0079]

The MFP 300 includes the above-described scanner apparatus 200, a sheet feeding section

302, and an image forming section 303. The sheet feeding section 302 includes sheet feeding cassettes 321 and 322 that house recording sheets with different sheet sizes, and a sheet feeder 323 including various types of rollers that transport the recording sheets housed in the sheet feeding cassettes 321 and 322 to an image formation position of the image forming section

303. The image forming section 303 includes an exposure device 331, a photoconductor drum 332, a developing device 333, a transfer belt 334, and a fixing device 335.

[0080]

The image forming section 303 exposes the photoconductor dmm 332 to light using the exposure device 331 to form a latent image on the photoconductor drum 332, and supplies toners of different colors onto the photoconductor drum 332 using the developing device 333 to develop an image based on image data of the document read by the image reader in the ADF 215.

[0081]

The image forming section 303 transfers the image developed on the photoconductor drum 332 by the transfer belt 334 onto the recording sheet fed from the sheet feeding section 302, and then melts the toner of the toner image transferred on the recording sheet by the fixing device 335 to fix the color image onto the recording sheet.

[0082] The MFP 300 has a function of processing the image data read by the scanner apparatus 200 in the image forming section 303, forming an image on a recording medium, and discharging the recording medium. Accordingly, the above-described data processing control device 10 can be applied also to the MFP 300. Thus, an appropriate image can be obtained.

[0083]

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the range not departing from the technical scope of the present disclosure. All the technical matters included in the technical idea as set forth in the appended claims are included in the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments provide desirable examples. A person skilled in the art can implement various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope as set forth in the appended claims.

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-225642, filed on December 13, 2019, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. [Reference Signs List]

[0084]

1 data processing system 10 data processing control device

20 data acquisition device

21 data acquirer

22 signal transmitter 30 data output device 40 transmission line

101 LVDS receiver

102 data converter

103 data memory

104 clock abnormality detector

105 memory write controller

106 memory read controller

111 S/P processor

112 PLL

200 scanner apparatus

201 document tray

202 feeding roller

203 contact glass

204 reference member

205 sheet-through reading slit

206 second carriage

207 second reflecting mirror 208 third reflecting mirror

209 first reflecting mirror

210 document bundle

211 first carriage

212 lens unit

213 imaging element

214 light source

216 cable harness

217 substrate 300 MFP

302 sheet feeding section

303 image forming section

321 sheet feeding cassette

322 sheet feeding cassette

323 sheet feeder

331 exposure device

332 photoconductor drum

333 developing device

334 transfer belt

335 fixing device

1031 first line memory

1032 second line memory