Image reading apparatus capable of detecting paper size

An image reading apparatus comprising;

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectrical conversion means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal;
• movable optic means movable under said transparent member, for projecting an image of the original onto said photoelectrical conversion means as an optical image while moving;
• original pressing means having an original pressing surface for pressing an overall surface of said original placing platen;
• said original pressing surface having a first area formed at a portion opposing a first side of said transparent member and a second area formed at a portion opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as black by said photoelectrical conversion means, while other areas being determined as white;
• sampling means for sampling by said photoelectrical conversion means an image at a predetermined position on the original sandwiched between said first area on said original pressing surface and said transparent member and further sampling by said photoelectrical conversion means at an image at a predetermined position on the original sandwiched between said second area on said original pressing surface and said transparent member;
• and
• decision means for deciding the size of the original based on data sampled.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for reading by photoelectrical conversion means an image of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a portion thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said first area intersecting said second area at a right angle, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof with an image side of the original to be read by the apparatus facing the transparent member;
• reading with said photoelectrical conversion means an image of a portion of the image side of the original which is pressed by said first and second areas and of portions of the first and second areas which are directly in contact with the transparent member;
• ad
• creating image data based on said reading;
• deciding the size of the original based on said image data.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for reading by said photoelectrical conversion means an image of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means and producing image data, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a position thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said first area meeting said second area at a right angle, said first and second area being determined as a predetermined color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof;
• pressing the original by said original pressing means onto said transparent member;
• sampling image data corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions in said first area;
• sampling image data corresponding to a plurality of predetermined positions in said second area;
• and
• deciding a size of the original based on said sampled image data.

An original size detecting device comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member on which an original can be placed;
• original pressing means provided over the original placing platen and having an original pressing surface for pressing an overall surface of said original placing platen;
• said original pressing surface having a first area formed at a portion opposing a first side of said transparent member and a second area formed at a portion opposing to second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle at the first side of said transparent member;
• detecting means provided under the original placing platen for detecting a density of a portion of an original sandwiched between said first and second areas on said original pressing surface and said transparent member;
• size deciding means for deciding the size of the original based on the result of detection by said detecting means.

A method of deciding a size of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a portion thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color b photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof;
• reading an image of a portion of the original pressed by said first and second areas;
• and
• deciding the size of the original based on the image data read.

A method of deciding a size of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a photoelectrical conversion mans which generates image data corresponding to an image on the original placed the transparent member;
• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a portion thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color by the photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof;
• sampling data generated by said photoelectrical conversion means at a plurality of predetermined positions in an image of a portion of the original pressed by said first area;
• sampling data generated by said photoelectrical conversion means at a plurality of predetermined positions in an image of a portion of the original pressed by said second area;
• and
• deciding the size of the original based on image data sampled.

An original size detecting device comprising:

• detecting means for sampling density data at a predetermined position in an image of an original;
• altering means for altering a sampling position when said detecting means fails in sampling;
• and.
• deciding means for deciding the size of the original based on said sampled data.

The original size detecting device in accordance with claim 21, wherein

• said detecting means comprises
• a detecting element, and
• a movable optical system for projecting an image of the original onto said detecting element;
• and
• said altering means alters the sampling position by moving said optical system.

A method of deciding the size of an original, comprising the steps of:

• sampling density data at a predetermined position in an image of the original;
• altering a sampling position to carry out sampling again when the sampling fails;
• and
• deciding the size of the original based on sampling data.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• original size deciding means for deciding the size of an original to be read;
• area designating means for designating an area on the original to be read;
• and
• control means for prohibiting an operation of said original size deciding means when the area .to be read is designated.

A copying apparatus comprising:

• original size deciding means for deciding the size of an original;
• area designating means for designating an area on the original to be copied;
• and
• control means for prohibiting the operation of said original size deciding means when the area to be copied is designated.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectrical conversion means for reading an image of the original placed on said transparent member;
• original pressing means having an original pressing surface for pressing the overall surface of said original placing platen;
• said original pressing surface having a first area formed at a portion opposing a first side of said transparent member and a second area formed at a portion opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member and a remaining area;
• said first and second areas being determined as a first color by said photoelectrical conversion means, while the remaining area is determined as a second color by said photoelectrical conversion mans;
• detecting means for reading by said photoelectrical conversion means the original when sandwiched between sad first and second areas on said original pressing surface and said transparent member so as to detect a position where the original is placed based on the reading;
• and
• control mans for prohibiting an operation of reading the entire image of the original when the position where the original is placed is inappropriate.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectric conversion means for reading an image of the original placed on said transparent member;
• original pressing means having an original pressing surface for pressing the overall surface of said original placing platen,
• said original pressing surface having a specific area formed at a portion opposing a reference side of said transparent member and a remaining area;
• said specific area being determined as a first color by said photoelectrical conversion means, while the remaining area is determined as a second color by said photoelectric conversion means;
• detecting means for reading by said photoelectrical conversion means an original sandwiched between said specific area on said original pressing surface and said transparent member so as to detect the position where the original is placed based on the result of reading;
• and
• control means for prohibiting an operation of reading the entire image of the original when the position where the original is placed is inappropriate.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for reading by photoelectrical conversion means an image of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a portion thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof;
• reading an image of a portion of the original pressed by said first and second areas;
• detecting the position were a original is placed based on image data read;
• and
• prohibiting an operation of reading the entire image of the original when the position where the original is placed is inappropriate.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for reading by photoelectrical conversion means an image of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a first area at a portion, opposing a first side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means and providing a second area at a portion thereon opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the first and second sides thereof;
• sampling data at a plurality of determined positions in an image of a portion of the original pressed by said first area;
• sampling data at a plurality of determined positions in an image of a portion of the original pressed by said second area;
• detecting the position where the original is placed based on image data sampled;
• and
• prohibiting an operation of reading an entire image of the original when the position where the original is placed is inappropriate.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for reading by photoelectrical conversion means an image of an original placed on a transparent member formed of a rectangular transparent material and pressed by original pressing means, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a specific area at a portion, opposing a reference side of said transparent member, on an original pressing surface of said original pressing means;
• setting an original on said transparent member along the reference side thereof;
• reading an image of a portion of the original pressed by said specific area;
• detecting the position where the original is placed based on image data read;
• and
• prohibiting an operation of reading the entire image of the original when the position where the original is placed is inappropriate.

A copying apparatus comprising;

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectrical conversion means for reading an image of the original placed on said transparent member;
• original pressing means having an original pressing surface for pressing an overall surface of said original placing platen;
• said original pressing surface having a specific area formed at a portion opposing a reference side of said transparent member and a remaining area;
• said specific area being determined as a first color by said photoelectrical conversion means, while the remaining area is determined as a second color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• detecting means for reading the original when it is sandwiched between said specific area on said original pressing surface and said transparent member so as to detect the position where the original is placed based on the result of said reading;
• and
• control means for prohibiting a copying operation of the original when the original placement position is inappropriate.

A processing method in a copying apparatus for copying an image of an original placed on an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member and pressed by an original pressing member, said method comprising the steps of:

• preparing a specific area at a portion, opposing a reference side of said transparent member, on said original pressing member;
• said specific area being determined as a first color by photoelectrical conversion means, while remaining areas on said original pressing member are determined as a second color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• setting an original along said reference side;
• reading by said photoelectrical conversion means an original sandwiched between said specific area on said original pressing member and said transparent member so as to detect the position where the original is placed based on the result of reading;
• and
• prohibiting a copying operation of the original when the original placement position is inappropriate.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• an original placing means for placing an original thereon;
• photoelectrical conversion means for converting an optical image into image data;
• reciprocating means reciprocating along said original placing means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction, for projecting an image of the original onto said photoelectrical conversion means;
• size detecting means for detecting the size of the original based on the image data outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• density detecting means for detecting a density of the original based on the image data outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• original placing means for placing an original thereon;
• reciprocating means for scanning the original and reciprocating along said original placing means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction;
• size detecting means for detecting the size of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• density detecting means for detecting the density of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

An image reading method in an image reading apparatus for scanning by reciprocating means an original placed on original placing means so as to read an image, said method comprising the steps of:

• reciprocating said reciprocating means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction so as to project an image of the original onto photoelectrical conversion means;
• detecting a size of the original based on image data outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• detecting a density of the original based on the image data outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

A copying apparatus comprising:

• an original placing means for placing an original thereon;
• photoelectrical conversion means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal;
• reciprocating means reciprocating along said original placing means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction, for projecting an image of the original onto said photoelectrical conversion means;
• size detecting means for detecting a size of the original in response to the electrical signal outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• density detecting means for detecting a density of the original in response to the electrical signal outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

A copying apparatus comprising:

• original placing means for placing an original thereon;
• reciprocating means for scanning the original and reciprocating along said original placing means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction;
• size detecting means for detecting a size of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• density detecting means for detecting a density of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

A processing method in a copying apparatus for scanning by reciprocating means an original placed on original placing means so as to copy an image of the scanned original on a record sheet, said method comprising the steps of:

• reciprocating said reciprocating means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction to project an image of the original onto photoelectrical conversion means;
• detecting a size of the original in response to an electrical signal outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• and
• detecting a density of the original in response to the electrical signal outputted from said photoelectrical conversion means when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction.

A processing method in a copying apparatus for scanning by reciprocating means an original placed on original placing means so as to copy an image of the scanned original on a record sheet, said method comprising the steps of:

• reciprocating said reciprocating means in a first direction and in a second direction opposite from the first direction;
• detecting a size of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the first direction;
• detecting a density of the original when said reciprocating means moves in the second direction;
• and
• operating said reciprocating means again after detecting the size and density of the original so as to copy an image of the original on the record sheet.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectrical conversion means for reading a density of the original placed on said transparent member;
• first sampling means for sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points along a first side of the original so as to generate a plurality of first data;
• first comparing means for comparing each of adjacent first data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points so as to detect a length of the original in a first direction based on a result of comparison;
• second sampling means for sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points along a second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of the original to generate a plurality of second data;
• second comparing means for comparing each of adjacent second data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points so as to detect a length of the original in a second direction based on a result of comparison;
• and
• deciding means for deciding a size of the original based on the lengths of the original in said first and second directions.

An image reading apparatus comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a transparent member on which an original is placed;
• photoelectrical conversion means for reading an image of the original placed on said transparent member;
• sampling means for sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points on the original so as to generate a plurality of density data;
• comparing means for comparing each of adjacent density data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points;
• and
• deciding means for deciding a size of the original based on a result of comparison by said comparing means.

A method of detecting the size of an original, comprising the steps of:

• sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points along a first side of the original so as to generate a plurality of first data;
• comparing each of adjacent first data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points out of said plurality of first data;
• determining a length of the original in a first direction based on a result of comparing the first data;
• sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points along a second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of the original so as to generate a plurality of second data;
• comparing each of adjacent second data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points out of said plurality of second data;
• determining a length of the original in a second direction based on a result of comparing the second data;
• and
• determining a size of the original based on the lengths of the original in the first and second directions.

A method of detecting the size of an original, comprising the steps of:

• sampling image densities of a plurality of predetermined points on the original in predetermined directions so as to generate a plurality of density data;
• comparing each of adjacent density data corresponding to adjacent predetermined points out of said plurality of density data;
• and
• determining a size of the original based on a result of comparison.

An image reading apparatus for reading an image of an original comprising:

• an original placing platen formed of a rectangular transparent member having first and second surfaces;
• photoelectrical conversion means, provided under the second surface of said original lacing platen, for reading through said second surface of said original placing platen the image side of the original placed on the first surface of said original placing platen with the image side of the original to be read by the apparatus facing said first surface of said original placing platen;
• original pressing means, provided over the first surface of said original placing platen, having an original pressing surface, for pressing the original to the first surface of said original placing platen;
• said original pressing surface having a first area formed at a potion opposing a first side of said transparent member and a second area formed at a portion opposing a second side of said transparent member, said second side crossing at a right angle to the first side of said transparent member, said first and second areas being determined as a predetermined color by said photoelectrical conversion means;
• said photoelectrical conversion means generating a first signal when said photoelectrical conversion means reads the original sandwiched between aid first and second areas of said original pressing means and said first surface of said original placing platen and generating a second signal when said photoelectrical conversion means reads the portion of the first and second areas which are directly in contact with the first surface of the original placing platen;
• ad
• size detection means for detecting a size of the original based on the first and second signals generated b said photoelectrical conversion means.