Apparatus, method for controlling the apparatus, and storage medium

In a case where a skew of a document being conveyed is detected by a detection unit, an image reading apparatus notifies that documents having different sheet widths may be included in documents stacked on a stacking unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The aspect of the embodiments relates to an image reading apparatus that detects a skew of a document, a method for controlling the image reading apparatus, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

There is provided an image reading apparatus that conveys a document through an auto-document feeder (ADF) to read an image of the document, and generates image data by reading the document. For such an image reading apparatus, if documents are stacked on a stacking unit (i.e., manual document feeding unit) with the documents skewed, a jam may occur while the document is being conveyed, which may damage a document. In addition, the jammed document may damage a roller inside the ADF and a nearby conveyance guide member. As a technique for solving the above-described issues, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No 2007-331908 discusses a printing apparatus that detects a skew of a document by two sensors arranged to be line-symmetrical to a conveyance direction, and adjusts a conveyance speed for the document conveyed by a conveyance roller based on a detected skewed amount.

As a method for detecting a skew of documents even for the documents having different sheet widths, a possible detection method is to provide several types of sensors arranged to be line-symmetrical to a conveyance direction of a document at different arrangement widths. By employing this method, for example, a skew of a document can be detected by the several types of sensors regardless of whether the document is an A2 size sheet or an A4 size sheet having a width narrower than that of the A2 size sheet.

However, the following issues arise when the several types of sensors are arranged. In a case where documents with different sheet widths mixed are stacked on a stacking unit, the sensors erroneously detect the different sheet widths as a skew of the documents, so that processing of reading the documents is interrupted. In such a case, unless the user is notified appropriately when the reading processing is interrupted, a cause of the interruption of the reading processing, i.e., a mixed state of the documents, cannot be resolved. Thus, the reading processing cannot be continuously executed no matter how much the user adjusts the document positions to prevent a skew of documents.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to an aspect of the embodiments, an apparatus includes a conveyance unit configured to convey a plurality of documents stacked on a stacking unit to a conveyance path, a reading unit configured to read a document conveyed by the conveyance unit, and a detection unit configured to detect, by using sensors, a skew of a document being conveyed. The sensors are arranged on a straight line intersecting with a conveyance direction of a document in the conveyance path. In a case where the detection unit detects signals from the sensors as a skew of the document being conveyed, a notification that there is a possibility that documents having different sheet widths are included in the plurality of stacked documents is issued.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The aspect of the embodiments is directed to a technique of notifying a user of an appropriate method for restarting the reading processing in a case where the reading processing is interrupted due to a detection of a skew of a document, in an image reading apparatus including, on a stacking unit, several types of sensors capable of detecting different sheet widths.

According to an aspect of the embodiments, it is possible to notify a user of an appropriate method for restarting reading processing in a case where the reading processing is interrupted because of a skew of a document detected in an image reading apparatus having several types of sensors on a stacking unit, which are capable of detecting different sheet widths.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described hereinafter are not intended to limit the disclosure according to a scope of the appended claims, and not all the combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are required as the solutions of the disclosure.

A first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure will be described. In the present exemplary embodiment, a job for reading a document is executed. Scanning is interrupted in response to a skew of a document having been detected by skew detection sensors while the job is being executed. A description will be provided of a control method for notifying, in response to a detection of a skew of documents, a user of a method for a case of a skew and a method for a case where bound documents or mixed widths documents are placed on an auto-document feeder (ADF).

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an image reading system according to the present exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, a multi function peripheral (MFP)101and a personal computer (PC)102will be respectively described as one example of an image reading apparatus and one example of an information processing apparatus. The MFP101and the PC102are communicably connected to each other via a network100.

While an image reading system having a single information processing apparatus is illustrated inFIG.1, the MFP101and a plurality of information processing apparatuses may be communicably connected via the network100. In the present exemplary embodiment, an image reading system including the MFP101and the PC102will be described, although the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the MFP101may be referred to as an image reading system.

Initially, the PC102will be described. The PC102can execute various programs, such as application programs. A scanner driver for enabling the PC102to use a reading function of the MFP101and a scanning application for processing and organizing scanned images are installed in the PC102. The PC102can use the reading function of the MFP101by transmitting a scanning instruction to the MFP101.

Next, the MFP101will be described. The MFP101includes a reading function for reading an image on a sheet and a printing function for printing an image on a sheet. The MFP101further includes a file transmitting function for transmitting image data to an external apparatus.

While the MFP101will be described as one example of the image reading apparatus in the present exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The present exemplary embodiment is applicable to an image reading apparatus that conveys a document to read an image of the document. For example, the image reading apparatus may be a single-function scanner that does not have the printing function. The image reading apparatus may also be an apparatus that saves generated image data in an internal saving area. The image reading apparatus may also be a scanner that saves image data in an external memory (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) flash drive) attachable to and detachable from the image reading apparatus via an external bus, such as a USB. In the present exemplary embodiment, for example, the image reading apparatus includes various constituent elements described below.

A control unit110including a central processing unit (CPU)111controls overall operation of the MFP101. The CPU111reads a control program stored in a read only memory (ROM)112or a storage114to execute various control, such as reading control and printing control. The ROM112stores a control program that is executable by the CPU111. A random access memory (RAM)113is a main storage memory of the CPU111, and used as a work area or a temporary storage area for loading various control programs stored in the ROM112and the storage114. The storage114stores print data, image data, various programs, and various types of setting information. While it is assumed that an auxiliary storage device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), is used as the storage114in the present exemplary embodiment, a non-volatile memory, such as a solid state drive (SSD), may also be used instead of the HDD.

While the one CPU111executes respective processes in operations illustrated in the below-described flowcharts by using a single memory (i.e., RAM113) in the MFP101according to the present exemplary embodiment, other configurations may also be applicable. For example, the respective operations in the processing illustrated in the below-described flowcharts can be cooperatively executed by a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages. A part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

An operation unit interface (I/F)115connects an operation unit116and the control unit110.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an external view of the operation unit116. The operation unit116includes a panel401for displaying an operation screen and a hard key input unit402described below. Examples of the panel401include a touch-panel display. The hard key input unit402includes various hard keys such as a start key412. The user inputs an instruction by touching a key displayed on the panel401or by pressing a hard key provided on the hard key input unit402. The panel401may be a display that has no touch-panel function. In such a case, the panel401may be any type that includes a scroll key for selecting a key displayed on a display and an Enter key for entering the selected key as hard keys. The operation unit116functions as a receiving unit for receiving a user instruction input via the panel401or the hard key input unit402, and also functions as a display unit for displaying the operation screen on the panel401as necessary.

Referring back toFIG.1, a reading unit I/F117connects a reading unit118and the control unit110. The reading unit118reads an image on a sheet to generate image data. The image data generated by the reading unit118is transmitted to an external device or printed on a sheet. A specific configuration of the reading unit118will be described below with reference toFIGS.3and4.

A printing unit I/F119connects a printing unit120and the control unit110. Image data to be printed is transferred to the printing unit120from the control unit110via the printing unit I/F119. The printing unit120receives a control command and the image data to be printed via the control unit110, and prints an image based on the image data on a sheet. An electrophotographic method or an ink-jet method may be employed as a printing method of the printing unit120. Further, another method such as a thermal transfer method may be employed as the printing method as long as an image can be printed on a sheet.

The control unit110is connected to the network100via a communication unit I/F123. The communication unit I/F123transmits image data and information to an external device connected to the network100, and receives print data and information from an information processing apparatus connected to the network100.

<Configuration of Reading Unit>

A hardware configuration of the reading unit118will be described with reference toFIGS.3and4.FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating a configuration relating to control of the reading unit118. A CPU131controls the operation of the reading unit118. The CPU131reads a control program stored in a ROM132to execute various types of control, such as reading control and communication with the control unit110. The ROM132stores a control program that can be executed by the CPU131. A RAM133is a main storage memory of the CPU131, and used as a work area or a temporary storage area for loading various control programs stored in the ROM132. The CPU131, the ROM132, and the RAM133may be realized by a microcontroller including therein an integrated circuit in which respective functions thereof are embedded.

The reading unit118further includes an image processing unit142, a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor unit144, a motor control unit147, a motor148, a document detection sensor145, skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154, and other sensors such as conveyance sensors146. The reading unit118is connected to the control unit110via the reading unit I/F117.

The document detection sensor145detects that documents203are stacked on a document feeding tray202. A detection signal output from the document detection sensor145is transmitted to the CPU111via the reading unit I/F117.

The motor148is driven to rotate a pick-up roller243, a separation driving roller244, a separation driven roller245, a conveyance roller pair206, lead roller pairs210and211, a platen guide roller208, and a discharge roller pair207of the reading unit118described below. The motor148is driven to move an exposure unit213and a mirror unit214of the reading unit118described below.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU111controls the motor control unit147to control the driving of the motor148. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. The driving of the motor148may be controlled by the CPU131of the reading unit118controlling the motor control unit147.

The skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154detect the occurrence of a skew of a document. Each of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154is arranged on a straight line intersecting with a conveyance direction of the document. In the skew detection, it is determined that the occurrence of a skew of the document occurs in a case where a temporal difference between times when the document is detected by the respective skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154is greater than or equal to a threshold value. In addition, a threshold value for the temporal difference used for detecting skew of the document by the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152and the pair of the skew detection sensors153and154is stored in the storage114. The detection signals output from the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154are transmitted to the CPU111via the reading unit I/F117. The skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154will be described below in detail with reference toFIG.5.

The conveyance sensors146are arranged on respective checking points on the conveyance path of the document, and detect the occurrence of a conveyance error such as the document jam and the presence or absence of the document in the conveyance path. In response to the conveyance sensors146having detected the occurrence of the conveyance error, a maintenance screen (described below) is displayed on the panel401.

Data read by the CCD sensor unit144is converted into a digital signal from an analog signal by an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion unit (not illustrated). The digital signal is then converted into image data by the image processing unit142, and temporarily stored in the RAM113via the reading unit I/F117. Through the control executed by the CPU111, the image data is stored in the storage114.

Next, reading operation for reading an image of the document203(hereinafter, also referred to as “scanning”) executed by the ADF will be described with reference to a sectional diagram of the reading unit118inFIG.4.FIG.4is a sectional diagram of the reading unit118.

The reading unit118includes a document feeding tray202, regulation plates231and232, and a discharge tray222. The regulation plates231and232are movably arranged to be brought into contact with both edges of the document203placed on the document feeding tray202. The documents203stacked on the document feeding tray202are conveyed and discharged to the discharge tray222.

The reading unit118includes the pick-up roller243serving as a sheet-feeding unit, the separation driving roller244, the separation driven roller245, the conveyance roller pair206, lead roller pairs210and211, the platen guide roller208, and the discharge roller pair207.

The reading unit118includes the document detection sensor145and a post-separation sensor143. The document detection sensor145detects the document203on the document feeding tray202. The post-separation sensor143is arranged downstream of the separation driving roller244in the conveyance direction of the document203, and detects a document203.

The reading unit118further includes the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154and the conveyance sensors146, which are also arranged downstream of the separation driving roller244. The skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154detect a skew in a width direction of the document203, and the conveyance sensors146detect the occurrence of a conveyance error, such as a document jam, and the presence or absence of the document203in the conveyance path.

The reading unit118further includes a platen glass212, a jump stand217, a reference white plate218, a document positioning glass221, an exposure unit213, a mirror unit214, a lens215, and a CCD sensor unit144. The exposure unit213and the mirror unit214are movable in a sub-scanning direction that is the side to side direction inFIG.4, by a wire (not illustrated) and a driving motor (not illustrated).

InFIG.4, the scanning is started in response to receiving a scanning execution instruction from the user in a case where the document203stacked on the document feeding tray202is detected by the document detection sensor145.

When the scanning is started, the pick-up roller243supported by an arm (not illustrated) is moved downward and brought into contact with an uppermost document of the documents203stacked on the document feeding tray202. The documents203are fed by the pick-up roller243and separated one by one at a separation nip serving as a separation unit, formed by the separation driving roller244and the separation driven roller245. The separation driving roller244is made of a material, such as rubber, having friction slightly lower than that of the separation driven roller245. A torque limiter is arranged on a path for transmitting driving force to the separation driven roller245. Thus, the separation driven roller245is rotated in cooperation with the separation driving roller244when a single document is fed thereto, and is not rotated when the number of fed documents is two or more. This configuration enables the documents to be separated one by one. In addition, a driving force may be input to the separation driven roller245in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the document203. A leading edge and a trailing edge of the document203passing through the separation nip are detected by the post-separation sensor143, and detection results thereof are taken as references of timings of moving up and down the pick-up roller243and timings of starting and stopping the driving of the pick-up roller243and the conveyance roller pair206. The document203that is conveyed one by one by the separation driving roller244and the separation driven roller245passes through the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154, and is detected by a document passage detection sensor serving as one of the conveyance sensors146. The reading unit118determines whether the first document203has passed based on the detection time. The document203conveyed inside of the apparatus by the conveyance roller pair206is conveyed to the platen glass212by the lead roller pair210. The platen guide roller208is arranged to face the platen glass212, and guides the document203passing through the platen glass212so as to prevent the document203from separating from the platen glass212. When the document203passes over the platen glass212, a face of the document203that is in contact with the platen glass212is exposed to light by the exposure unit213, and an image of the document203is read in a main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Light reflected on the document203acquired as a result of the scanning is transmitted to the mirror unit214via a plurality of mirrors. The transmitted reflection light passes through the lens215, and is condensed and converted into electric signal data through the CCD sensor unit144. The data output from the CCD sensor unit144is converted into image data by the above-described image processing unit142, and transferred to the control unit110. The reference white plate218is used as a reference of reading luminance of the document203. The document203that has passed through the platen glass212is guided to the lead roller pair211by the jump stand217and discharged to the discharge tray222by the discharge roller pair207. The CPU111rotates the respective rollers with a driving force of the motor148to convey the document203. A discharge sensor serving as one of the conveyance sensors146detects the document203discharged to the discharge tray222.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a reduction optical system which causes reflection light from the document203to form an image on the CCD sensor has been described as the optical system included in the reading unit118. However, the optical system is not limited thereto. The optical system included in the reading unit118may be an equal magnification optical system which causes reflection light from the document203to form an image on a contact image sensor (CIS).

In the operation of reading an image of the document203which is executed by the reading unit118, while a case is described in which a position of the optical system is fixed, and an image of the document203is read while the document203is being conveyed by the ADF, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. A position of the document203may be fixed after the document203is conveyed to the document positioning glass221, so that an image of the document203can be read by the optical system being moved with the driving force of the motor148.

A cover250covers a part of the conveyance path of the ADF. The cover250is configured to be openable and closeable by being rotated about a fulcrum shaft (not illustrated). The user can open the cover250to conduct work, such as jam-removal processing of removing a document jammed in or stopped at the conveyance path. In addition, an opening/closing sensor (not illustrated) for detecting an opening state and a closing state of the cover250may be arranged.

Hereinafter, the occurrence of a document jam in the conveyance path and the occurrence of a skew in a document are collectively referred to as “conveyance error”. In a case where the document jam occurs, the user can remove the document pinched between the rollers of the lead roller pair210by pulling the document203in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction. In a case where a position of the document is close to the discharge tray222, the user can convey and remove the document by operating a knob (not illustrated) for manually rotating the lead roller pair211.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a maintenance screen which clearly presents how to remove the jammed document to the user can be displayed on the panel401. For example, the maintenance screen is configured to present to a user a method for removing a document by opening a cover and a method for removing a document from a conveyance path by using an image and a moving image. The maintenance screen will be described below in detail.

FIG.5illustrates a skew detection mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, a skew detection operation which is executed by the reading unit118will be described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a plan view of the document feeding tray202of the reading unit118and its periphery viewed from above. While the skew detection mechanism is configured with a pair of two skew detection sensors in the present exemplary embodiment, the skew detection mechanism is not limited thereto. Any type of skew detection mechanism that includes a plurality of pairs of skew detection sensors is applicable.

The skew detection mechanism of the reading unit118is configured with the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152and the pair of the skew detection sensors153and154. The pair of the skew detection sensors151and152are arranged downstream of the pick-up roller243, the separation driving roller244, and the post-separation sensor143in the conveyance direction. The pair of the skew detection sensors153and154are arranged downstream of the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152in the conveyance direction. The pair of the skew detection sensors151and152is arranged so that a distance therebetween is shorter than an A4R size sheet width, which is 210 mm. The pair of the skew detection sensors153and154is arranged so that a distance therebetween is shorter than an A3 size sheet width, which is 297 mm, and longer than an A4R size sheet width, which is 210 mm. Documents D are stacked on the document feeding tray202, and edges of the documents D are evened by the regulation plates231and232on the document feeding tray202. Each of the regulation plates231and232is cooperatively operated by, for example, a linkage mechanism, so as to be positioned at the same distance from the center of the conveyance path of the document in the width direction (i.e., a position of the post-separation sensor143in the width direction). With this configuration, the documents D placed on the document feeding tray202aligned against the regulation plates231and232are positioned at the middle of the conveyance path in the width direction. The uppermost sheet of the documents D is conveyed to the position of the separation driving roller244by the pick-up roller243and is fed. If a document to be conveyed is not skewed, an A4R size document can be detected by the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152, and cannot be detected by the pair of the skew detection sensors153and154. An A4 size document and an A3 size documents can be detected by both the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152and the pair of the skew detection sensors153and154.

FIGS.6A,6B, and6Care each a plan view of the document feeding tray202of the reading unit118and its periphery viewed from above, illustrating an example of operation when bound documents are conveyed.FIG.6Aillustrates a skewed state where the front edges of the documents are not deformed, which is an ideal state for skew detection.FIG.6Billustrates a state where a skew begins to occur and the front edges of the documents are deformed, which is frequently occurs in practice.FIG.6Cillustrates a state which occurs in a case where the documents are conveyed continuously from the state illustrated inFIG.6B.

The configurations and functions of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154, the pick-up roller243, the separation driving roller244, the post-separation sensor143, the document feeding tray202, and the regulation plates231and232are similar to those illustrated inFIG.5.

In a state ideal for executing skew detection, a first document D1is rotated about a staple ST, and a leading edge thereof has a shape expressed by a straight line extending from around the staple ST, in a case where bound documents are conveyed, as illustrated inFIG.6A. In practice, while the side, with the staple ST, of the leading edge of the document D1is stopped at a position of the separation driving roller244, the other side thereof without the staple ST is likely to be conveyed along the regulation plate232approximately in parallel to the conveyance path as illustrated inFIG.6B. Thus, a skew seldom occurs for an inner portion of the document where a pair of the skew detection sensors151and152are arranged. Thus, in order to detect the occurrence of a skew in a large-size document, a pair of the skew detection sensor153and154are to be used in addition to the pair of the skew detection sensor151and152. When time has passed from the state illustrated inFIG.6B, the side of the leading edge of the document D1without the staple ST is conveyed in the conveyance direction, so that the document D1becomes a state illustrated inFIG.6C. This turns on of the skew detection sensor154arranged on the outside, thus enabling the skew detection for large-size bound documents.

FIG.7is a plan view of the document feeding tray202of the reading unit118and its periphery viewed from above, illustrating an example of an operation when mixed documents having different widths are conveyed. InFIG.7, an A4R size document D1and an A3 size document D2are placed on the document feeding tray202. In the present exemplary embodiment, documents having different sizes in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the documents are placed and conveyed simultaneously, and image forming processing is executed according to the respective sizes. The function of performing such image forming processing is referred to as “different-width mixed document size”. To use the function of different-width mixed document size, the user has to enable the setting of the different-width mixed document size. The setting of the different-width mixed document size can be realized by the user operating the operation unit116.

InFIG.7, since the regulation plates231and232are arranged according to the large-size document D2, the ADF detects a document having the width of the document D2. Thus, the pair of the skew detection sensors153and154is used in addition to the pair of the skew detection sensors151and152. In a case where mixed documents having different widths are placed, the occurrence of a skew of a small-size document D1cannot be prevented by holding the document D1between the regulation plates231and232. Thus, the occurrence of the skew of the document D1is prevented by placing the document D1with a long side thereof aligned against either one of the regulation plates231and232. For example, the long side of the small-size document D1is aligned against the regulation plate232on the rear side of the document feeding tray202, i.e., the upper side inFIG.7.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the user is notified that a skew has occurred in a case where a skew of a document has been detected, and the following control is also performed: notifying a user of a handling method for a case where a document is skewed and a handling method for a case where bound documents or mixed documents with different widths mixed are placed on the ADF. Herein, a method for restarting reading operation for document images after notifying the user of these handling methods will be described.

In a case where many bundles of documents are stacked on a document feeding tray, stapled documents may be erroneously set by the user. Thus, the occurrence of a skew may not be able to be prevented even if the user adjusts the width between the regulation plates231and232to that of the documents. In view of this, in a case where bound documents are set, examples of information to be notified to the user to prevent the reoccurrence of a skew include information that prompts the user to remove stapled documents from the bundle of documents.

In a case where mixed documents having different widths are set, possible examples of information to be notified to the user to avoid the above-described erroneous skew detection include information that prompts the user to make the setting of the different-width mixed document size and information that suggests to the user that skew detection of the skew detection sensors be disabled temporarily.

In some cases, the user has to open the cover250of the reading unit118to remove a document in a case where a skew is detected. For example, in a case where reading processing of documents is interrupted due to the detection of a skew at a timing when the fifth document is being conveyed, the user has to open the cover250of the reading unit118to remove the fourth and/or previous documents. The detection of a skew and a document jam at the conveyance path may occur at the same timing.

Accordingly, in a case where a skew is detected, a method for removing a document jammed in or stopped at the conveyance path is also notified to the user in addition to the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew, in the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the maintenance screen that clearly presenting a method for removing a document to the user and the screen that displaying the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew are both displayed in the present exemplary embodiment. An example of a method for displaying the screens will be specifically described with reference toFIGS.8A,8B,8C and8D.

FIGS.8A,8B,8C and8Dare diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the panel401in a case where a skew is detected by the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154of the reading unit118inFIG.3.

FIG.8Aillustrates an example of a maintenance screen displayed as an initial screen when skew is detected. For the sake of convenience, this initial screen is called “simple maintenance screen”.FIGS.8B and8Cillustrate examples of maintenance screens each of which displays a work procedure for removing a document. These maintenance screens are displayed to a user who is unfamiliar with a method for resolving a document jam. For the sake of convenience, these screens are called “detailed maintenance screens”.FIG.8Dillustrates an example of a screen that is displayed while the operation for rereading the documents is put on standby, after the document jam is resolved, in a case where a skew is detected.

The CPU111interrupts the conveyance of a document in response to the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154having detected the occurrence of a skew in reading a document by using the copy function or the file transmitting function. The CPU111displays a simple maintenance screen801illustrated inFIG.8Aon the panel401.

Information802illustrates a method for removing a document to the user with an illustration. Here, a case in which a cover is opened to remove the document is illustrated.

Information803notifies the user of the occurrence of a skew of a document. The information803illustrates that the user can proceed to a screen for displaying a work procedure for removing a document by selecting a button “SEE DETAILED PROCEDURE” key804.

The SEE DETAILED PROCEDURE key804is used for shifting the screen to a detailed maintenance screen which displays the work procedure for removing a document.

In response to the CPU111detecting that the SEE DETAILED PROCEDURE key804is pressed, the CPU111displays a detailed maintenance screen805inFIG.8Bon the panel401. The screen805displays, as an example of the work procedure for removing a document remaining in the conveyance path, a message prompting the user to open the cover250of the reading unit118. An area806is used for displaying a maintenance method. The CPU111provides a method for removing a document to the user by displaying an animation or a moving image showing the opening and closing of the cover250in the area806. A key807is used for shifting the screen to a screen which displays the next work procedure.

When the CPU111detects that the key807is pressed in a state where the screen805is displayed thereon, the CPU111displays a detailed maintenance screen808ofFIG.8Con the panel401. In addition, the screen808may be displayed when the opening of the cover250is detected by an opening/closing sensor (not illustrated).

The screen808displays a description of work for removing a document remaining in the conveyance path. An area809is used for displaying a method for removing the document. The CPU111provides the method for removing the document to the user by displaying an illustration or a moving image showing the method for removing the document in the area809. An illustration or a moving image that prompts the user to close the cover250after removal of a document is also displayed in the area809.

If the CPU111determines that an error state can be cancelled based on outputs from the conveyance sensors146and the opening/closing sensor (not illustrated), the CPU111displays a rereading standby screen810illustrated inFIG.8Don the panel401. Information811notifies the user that the processing can be restarted by pressing a start key412after resetting the documents on the document feeding tray202. In other words, the user can restart the operation of reading documents by pressing the start key412. When the CPU111detects that the start key412is pressed, the CPU111displays a screen for the copy function or the file transmitting function, which has been displayed before skew is detected.

The above-described plurality of causes of interruption of the reading processing and the plurality of handling methods for the causes are displayed on the rereading standby screen810.

Information812notifies the user of the occurrence of a skew of the document. The information812also notifies the user that a width between the regulation plates231and232(i.e., “document guide” inFIG.8D) has to be adjusted to that of the document in order to prevent the reoccurrence of a skew as a method for handling a skew occurring in a document. The information812also notifies the user that stapled documents have to be removed from a bundle of documents in order to prevent the reoccurrence of a skew as the method for handling bound documents placed on the ADF. The information812further notifies the user that the user has to stop rereading operation for documents and to make the setting of the different-width mixed size document to avoid an erroneous skew detection, as the handling method for a case where mixed documents having different widths are placed on the ADF.

Information813notifies the user that the user can read the mixed documents having different widths by temporarily disabling the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors to avoid erroneous skew detection, as the handling method for documents having different widths placed on the ADF.

The user can temporarily disable the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154by pressing a key814in reading of the documents. When the CPU111detects that the start key412is pressed in a state where the skew detection function is disabled by the key814being pressed, the CPU111temporarily disables the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154in reading the documents. By pressing the key814, the user can read the mixed documents having different widths without making a stop of the conveyance operation due to the skew detection in rereading the documents. By selecting the key814, the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154are disabled for an optional period, e.g., a period from when the key814is pressed to when a print job that is in execution is completed.

A stop key815is used for stopping the copy function or the file transmitting function that is in execution. The user can cancel the read documents and stop the processing that is in execution by pressing the stop key815. In response to the CPU111having detected the press of the stop key815, the CPU111displays a screen for the copy function or the file transmitting function displayed before a skew is detected. By pressing the stop key815, the user can display the above-described screen and execute the copy function or the file transmitting function after making a new setting.

The rereading standby screen810is not displayed when the user follows the information812and sets “MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE” by pressing a MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002, or when the user follows the information indicated by the key814to disable the skew detection sensors and executes scanning processing of the mixed documents. A screen906is displayed instead of the screen810as will be described in step S1313.FIGS.9A,9B, and9Care diagrams each illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the panel401when a document jam is detected by the conveyance sensors146in a state where a skew is not detected by the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154of the reading unit118inFIG.3.

FIG.9Aillustrates an example of a detailed maintenance screen displayed as an initial screen when a document jam is detected with no skew detected. Similar toFIGS.8B and8C,FIGS.9A and9Beach illustrate an example of detailed maintenance screens which provides the work procedure for removing a document.FIG.9Cillustrates an example of a screen which stands ready for the operation of rereading the documents, displayed when a document jam is resolved.

The CPU111interrupts the conveyance of a document in a case where the occurrence of a document jam is detected by the conveyance sensors146when a document is being read by the copy function or the file transmitting function. The CPU111displays a detailed maintenance screen901ofFIG.9Aon the panel401.

A message prompting the user to open the cover250of the reading unit118is displayed on the screen901as an example of the work procedure for removing a document remaining in the conveyance path. A maintenance method is displayed in an area902. The CPU111provides a method for removing a document to the user by displaying an animation or a moving image showing the opening and closing of the cover250in the area902. A key903is used for shifting the screen to a screen displaying the next work procedure.

When the CPU111detects the press of the key903in a state where the screen901is displayed thereon, the CPU111displays a detailed maintenance screen904ofFIG.9Bon the panel401. In addition, the detailed maintenance screen904may be displayed when an opening/closing sensor (not illustrated) detects that the cover250is opened.

The content of work for removing a document remaining in the conveyance path is displayed on the screen904. The method for removing a document is displayed in an area905. The CPU111provides the method for removing the document to the user by displaying, in the area905, an illustration or a moving image showing the method for removing the document. The area905also displays the illustration or the moving image that prompts the user to close the cover after removing the document.

When the CPU111determines that an error state can be cancelled based on, for example, the conveyance sensors146and the opening/closing sensor (not illustrated), the CPU111displays a rereading standby screen906illustrated inFIG.9Con the panel401. Information907notifies the user that the processing can be restarted by pressing the start key412after resetting the documents on the document feeding tray202. In other words, the user can restart the reading operation for documents by pressing the start key412. When the CPU111detects the press of the start key412, the CPU111displays a screen for the copy function or the file transmitting function displayed before a document jam is detected. For example, a screen indicating in-execution of the corresponding function as illustrated inFIG.10Cis displayed thereon.

A stop key908is used for stopping the copy function or the file transmitting function that is in execution. The user can cancel the read documents and stop the processing that is in execution by pressing the stop key908. When the CPU111detects the press of the stop key908, the CPU111displays the screen for the copy function or the file transmitting function displayed before a document jam is detected.

For specific control processing for displaying information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew, the copy function of the MFP101will be described as an example.

First, settings for copying processing will be described.FIGS.10A,10B, and10Care diagrams each illustrating an example of a copy screen displayed on the panel401.FIGS.10A and10Beach illustrate an example of a setting screen.FIG.10Cillustrates an example of an execution screen displayed when the copying processing is being executed.

A user of the MFP101can select the copy function from a main screen (not illustrated) displayed on the panel401. Buttons (icons) for starting various functions of the MFP101(e.g., copy function, file transmitting function, and file saving function) are selectively displayed on the main screen.

The CPU111displays a setting screen1001illustrated inFIG.10Ain response to the user having pressed a copy function button in a state where the main screen is displayed.

The user can make various copy settings through the setting screen1001. For example, the user can execute various settings with respect to the number of copies, a black-and-white or color printing mode, and a two-sided printing mode. In addition, a copy job setting includes various setting items which are not illustrated. Thus, it is difficult to set all of the setting items in a single screen. Accordingly, the user shifts the setting screen1001to an individual setting screen for each of the setting items to make a setting of a plurality of functions.

The MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002is a key for selecting whether to enable or disable the setting of the different-width mixed document size. The user can change the enabling and disabling of the different-width mixed document size by using the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002. The setting screen1001illustrates a state where the setting of the different-width mixed document size is disabled.

When the CPU111detects the press of the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002in a state where the setting screen1001is displayed thereon, the CPU111displays a setting screen1003on the panel401. The setting screen1003illustrates a state where a setting of the different-width mixed document size is enabled as illustrated by the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1004. It is assumed that the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1004is displayed in a display mode different from a display mode of the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002. A difference between the display modes of the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE keys1002and1004is not limited to the example illustrated inFIGS.10A and10B. For example, the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1004may be displayed in a shape different from that of the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002. Alternatively, the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1002may be displayed without blinking and the MIXED DOCUMENT SIZE key1004may be displayed with blinking.

When the CPU111detects the press of the start key412in a state where the setting screen1001or1003is displayed, the CPU111starts executing the copying processing. The CPU111starts reading operation for the documents by using the reading unit118, and displays a copy execution screen1005ofFIG.10Con the panel401.

Next, a description will be described of, a method for controlling the displaying of information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew in the copying processing (illustrated inFIGS.8A,8B,8C, and8D) with reference to the flowcharts inFIGS.11to13. The copying processing will be described as an example here.

The CPU111reads a control program stored in the ROM112or the storage114to the RAM113and executes the control program to realize respective processing operations (steps) of flowcharts illustrated inFIGS.11to13. A part of the control program that realizes the respective operations of processing may be executed by another CPU (e.g., the CPU131of the reading unit118), and the respective operations of processing may be realized by the control program executed cooperatively.

Referring now toFIG.11, in step S1101, the CPU111determines whether an execution instruction for a copy job is received. If the CPU111determines that the execution instruction is received (YES in step S1101), the processing proceeds to step S1102. If the CPU111determines that the execution instruction is not received (NO in step S1101), the operation in step S1101is executed repeatedly until the execution instruction is received. More specifically, the CPU111determines that an execution instruction for a copy job is received when the user presses the start key412in a state where the setting screen1001illustrated inFIG.10Ais displayed on the panel401. In a case where the execution instruction for the copy job is received, the CPU111displays the copy execution screen1005on the panel401.

In step S1102, the CPU111sets (initializes) a value of a flag (hereinafter, called “scanning end flag”) to “FALSE”. The scanning end flag is a flag that indicates whether a series of processing of reading (scanning) images of documents is ended normally. The value of the scanning end flag is temporarily stored in the RAM113.

The scanning end flag having a value of “TRUE” indicates that scanning is ended normally. The scanning end flag having a value of “FALSE” indicates that scanning is not ended normally. For example, in a case where a scanning stop instruction is received or execution of a copy job is cancelled, the CPU111determines that scanning is not ended normally, and rewrites the value of the scanning end flag to “FALSE”. After executing the processing in step S1102, the CPU111advances the processing to scanning processing in step S1200. In step S1200, the CPU111executes a series of processing relating to the scanning

Referring now toFIG.12, details of the series of processing in step S1200relating to the scanning will be described.

In step S1201, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and conveys the documents203stacked on the document feeding tray202.

In step S1202, the CPU111determines whether a conveyance error of the documents conveyed in step S1201has occurred. The CPU111controls the reading unit118and acquires output values of the plurality of conveyance sensors146and a rotation frequency of the driving motor. The CPU111then determines whether a document jam has occurred based on the acquired values. If a document jam has occurred, the CPU111determines that the conveyance error has occurred (YES in step S1202), and the processing proceeds to step S1209.

The CPU111acquires the output values of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154. In a case where the setting of the different-width mixed document size is disabled on the copy setting and a skew is detected by the skew detection sensors151,152,153and154, the CPU111also determines that the conveyance error has occurred. The processing then proceeds to step S1209.

In a case where a document jam does not occur, the CPU111determines that the conveyance error has not occurred (NO in step S1202), and the processing proceeds to step S1203. In addition, in a case where a setting of the different-width mixed document size is enabled or the skew detection function is temporarily disabled, the CPU111determines that the conveyance error has not occurred even if a skew is detected by the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154. Thus, the processing proceeds to step S1203.

In step S1203, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and reads a document to generate data when the document203conveyed in step S1201passes through the platen glass212. In step S1204, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and converts data read in step S1203to image data through the image processing unit142. The CPU111controls the reading unit118to temporarily store the converted image data in the RAM113.

In step S1206, the CPU111saves the image data temporarily stored in the RAM113in step S1204in the storage114. In step S1207, the CPU111determines whether documents203are stacked on the document feeding tray202. More specifically, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and acquires the output value of the document detection sensor145. The CPU111determines whether the documents203are stacked on the document feeding tray202based on the acquired value. If the CPU111determines that the documents203are stacked on the document feeding tray202(YES in step S1207), the processing returns to step S1201, and the conveyance of the next document203is executed. If the CPU111determines that the documents203are not stacked on the document feeding tray202(NO in step S1207), the processing proceeds to step S1208. In step S1208, the CPU111rewrites the value of the scanning end flag stored in the RAM113to “TRUE” and ends the processing in step S1200. The processing then proceeds to step S1103.

Next, operations which are executed when the occurrence of the conveyance error is determined (YES in step S1202) will be described. In step S1209, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and interrupts scanning. The CPU111stops the conveyance and image-reading of the document based on the interruption of scanning. The processing then proceeds to step S1210.

In step S1210, the CPU111deletes the image data temporarily stored in the RAM113in step S1204. The processing then proceeds to step S1300. In step S1300, the CPU111executes recovery processing with respect to the conveyance error. Through the processing in step S1300, recovery from the conveyance error is performed and a scanning restart flag indicating whether to restart scanning is set. A flow of recovery processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart inFIG.13.

In step S1211, the CPU111refers to a value of the scanning restart flag set through the series of recovery processing in step S1300. If the value of the scanning restart flag is “FALSE” (NO, in step S1211), the processing in step S1200is ended, and the processing proceeds to step S1103inFIG.11. At this time, the CPU111closes a screen relating to recovery processing and shifts the screen to be displayed on the panel401to the copy execution screen1005.

If the value of the scanning restart flag is “TRUE” (if a value is not “FALSE”) (YES, in step S1211), the processing returns to step S1201. The CPU111then executes processing of conveying the documents203restacked on the document feeding tray202by the user. At this time, the CPU111closes a screen relating to recovery processing and shifts the screen to be displayed on the panel401to the copy execution screen1005.

In the processing in step S1211, if a scanning stop instruction is received in the recovery processing in step S1300, the CPU111ends the scanning processing while maintaining “FALSE” for the value of the scanning end flag. Thus, the copying processing can be stopped through the below-described processing.

<Recovery Processing with Respect to Conveyance Error>

Next, the recovery processing with respect to a conveyance error which is executed in step S1300will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart inFIG.13.

In step S1301, the CPU111determines whether to notify the occurrence of a skew of the document to the user. More specifically, the CPU111acquires the output values of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154. If the CPU111determines that a conveyance error has occurred based on a skew detected by the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154in a state where the setting of the different-width mixed document size is disabled in the copy setting, the CPU111determines that the occurrence of the skew is to be notified to the user (YES in step S1301), so that the processing proceeds to step S1302. if the setting of the different-width mixed document size is enabled in the copy setting, if the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154is temporarily disabled (no conveyance error is determined to have occurred even if skew is detected), or if a skew is not detected (NO, in step S1301), the processing proceeds to step S1311

The processing in step S1301is executed so that the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew is not to be displayed in a case where no skew is detected, a case where the setting of the different-width mixed document size is enabled, or a case where the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors151,152,153, and154is temporarily disabled.

In step S1302, the CPU111displays a screen including the information for notifying the user of the occurrence of the skew of the document on the panel401. More specifically, the CPU111displays the simple maintenance screen801on the panel401, and advances the processing to step S1303.

In step S1303, the CPU111determines whether any event that triggers a shift of the display to the detailed maintenance screen805has occurred. More specifically, the CPU111advances the processing to step S1304if the “SEE DETAILED PROCEDURE” key804in the screen801is pressed, and advances the processing to step S1305if the key804is not pressed.

In step S1304, the CPU111displays the detailed maintenance screen805on the panel401. The processing then proceeds to step S1305. In a case where an animation or a moving image is displayed in the area806, the CPU111updates the area806displayed on the panel401at predetermined intervals (e.g., 30 frame-per-second (FPS)). In addition, the information to be displayed in step S1304can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU111acquires output values of various sensors, such as the document detection sensor145and the conveyance sensors146. The CPU111then estimates a location of a document jam based on the acquired output values. Subsequently, the CPU111may display the method for removing the document based on the estimated location.

In step S1305, the CPU111determines whether the recovery from the conveyance error has been completed. More specifically, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and acquires output values of the plurality of conveyance sensors146. If the CPU111determines that no document is detected by any conveyance sensors146based on the acquired values, the CPU111determines that the recovery has been completed (YES in step S1305). The processing then proceeds to step S1306. If the CPU111determines that documents are detected by any one of the conveyance sensors146, the CPU111determines that the recovery has not been completed (NO in step S1305). The processing then returns to step S1303. The CPU111updates the screen displayed on the panel401as necessary.

In addition, in step S1305, the CPU111may determine that the recovery has been completed if the closing of the cover250is further detected by the opening/closing sensor (not illustrated). In such a case, the CPU111advances the processing to step S1306in a case where the closing of the cover250is detected by the opening/closing sensor in a state where the document is not detected by the conveyance sensors146.

In step S1306, the CPU111displays, on the panel401, the re-reading standby screen (i.e., screen810) which includes the information for notifying the user of the occurrence of a skew of the document and the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew. The processing then proceeds to step S1307. In step S1307, if the CPU111determines that the stop key815is pressed (YES in step S1307), the processing proceeds to step S1309. If the CPU111determines that the stop key815is not pressed (NO in step S1307), the processing proceeds to step S1308.

In step S1309, the CPU111sets a value of a flag indicating whether to restart reading (scanning) of the document image (hereinafter, referred to as “scanning restart flag”) to “FALSE”, and ends the series of recovery processing. In addition, the scanning restart flag is temporarily stored in the RAM113. The processing then proceeds to step S1211when the recovery processing is completed.

In step S1308, if the CPU111determines that the start key412is pressed (YES in step S1308), the processing then proceeds to step S1310. If the CPU111determines that the start key412is not pressed (NO in step S1308), the processing returns to step S1307. The CPU111then waits for the press of the key. In step S1310, the CPU111sets a value of the scanning restart flag to “TRUE” and ends the series of the recovery processing. The processing proceeds to step S1211when the recovery processing is completed.

Next, the processing to be executed when the CPU111determines that the occurrence of a skew is not to be notified to the user (NO in step S1301) will be described. In step S1311, the CPU111displays the detailed maintenance screen901on the panel401. The processing then proceeds to step S1312. In a case where an animation or a moving image is displayed in the area902, the CPU111updates the area902displayed on the panel401at predetermined intervals (e.g., 30 FPS). In addition, the information to be displayed in step S1311can be changed as appropriate. For example, the CPU111acquires the output values of various sensors such as the document detection sensor145and the conveyance sensors146. The CPU111then estimates a location of a document jam based on the acquired output values. Subsequently, the CPU111may display a method for removing the document based on the estimated location.

In step S1312, the CPU111determines whether recovery from the conveyance error has been completed. More specifically, the CPU111controls the reading unit118and acquires the output values of the plurality of conveyance sensors146. If the CPU111determines that the document is not detected by any conveyance sensors146based on the acquired values, the CPU111determines that recovery has been completed (YES in step S1312). The processing then proceeds to step S1313. If the CPU111determines that document is detected by any one of the conveyance sensors146, the CPU111determines that the recovery has not been completed (NO in step S1312). Thus, the processing returns to step S1311. The CPU111then updates the screen displayed on the panel401as necessary.

In addition, in step S1312, the CPU111may determine that the recovery has been completed if the closing of the cover250is further detected by the opening/closing sensor (not illustrated). In such a case, the CPU111advances the processing to step S1313if the closing of the cover250is detected by the opening/closing sensor in a case where the document is not detected by the conveyance sensors146.

In step S1313, the CPU111displays, on the panel401, the rereading standby screen (i.e., screen906) which does not include the information for notifying the user of the occurrence of a skew of the document and the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew. The processing then proceeds to step S1314. In step S1314, if the CPU111determines that the stop key908is pressed (YES in step S1314), the processing proceeds to step S1316. If the CPU111determines that the stop key908is not pressed (NO in step S1314), the processing proceeds to step S1315.

In step S1316, the CPU111sets the value of the scanning restart flag to “FALSE” and ends the series of the recovery processing. The processing proceeds to step S1211when the recovery processing is completed.

In step S1315, if the CPU111determines that the start key412is pressed (YES in step S1315), the processing proceeds to step S1317. If the CPU111determines that the start key412is not pressed (NO in step S1315), the processing returns to step S1314. In step S1314, the CPU111waits for the press of the key. In step S1317, the CPU111sets the value of the scanning restart flag to “TRUE” and ends the series of recovery processing. The processing proceeds to step S1211when the recovery processing is completed.

As described above, when the scanning processing is completed after the series of the scanning processing in step S1200and the recovery processing in S1300for a case of the occurrence of the conveyance error in the scanning processing, the processing proceeds to step S1103ofFIG.11.

Referring back toFIG.11, in step S1103, the CPU111refers to a value of the scanning end flag. If the value is “TRUE” (YES in step S1103), the processing proceeds to the printing processing in step S1104. If a referred value of the scanning end flag is “FALSE” (NO in step S1103), the processing in step S1104is skipped. The processing then proceeds to step S1105.

In step S1104, the CPU111transfers the image data saved in the storage114in step S1206to the printing unit120. The CPU111controls the printing unit120and prints an image on a sheet. When the printing of the image data saved in the storage114is completed in step S1206, the processing proceeds to step S1105.

In step S1105, the CPU111deletes the image data saved in the storage114in step S1206and ends the copying processing.

Through the above-described series of processing, the MFP101according to the present exemplary embodiment receives an execution instruction for a copy job and executes the received copy job.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the operation of conveying documents is stopped because a skew is detected, the user can restart the operation for reading the images of the document after checking the method for the case of a skew and the method for the case where bound documents or mixed widths documents are placed on the ADF, as described above.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, a method for removing a document can also be notified to the user in a case where a skew is detected. Thus, in a case where a skew of a document is detected by the skew detection sensors, the user can remove the document while checking a method for opening a cover or a method for removing a document jammed in or stopped at the conveyance path.

The CPU111can control whether the notifying of the occurrence of a skew to a user is executed. For example, in a case where a document jam occurs in a state where a skew is not detected, i.e., in a case where the cause of the conveyance error is not the occurrence of a skew, the CPU111can display a maintenance screen displaying a method for removing the document without the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew displayed. In a case where the setting of the different-width mixed document size is enabled or the skew detection function of the skew detection sensors is temporarily disabled, the CPU111can also display the maintenance screen presenting a method for removing the document without displaying the information for preventing an erroneous skew detection. Accordingly, the information for preventing the reoccurrence of a skew or the information for avoiding an erroneous skew detection can be displayed when necessary.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, while the reading control in the copy function has been described, the present exemplary embodiment is also applicable to other functions for reading a document. Specifically, the present exemplary embodiment is also applicable to a file transmitting function for transmitting a document scanned by the MFP101to an externa apparatus. Moreover, the present exemplary embodiment is also applicable to a saving function for saving a document scanned by the MFP101in a saving area readable and writable by the MFP101.

The present exemplary embodiment is also applicable to a case where the PC102provides a scanning instruction to a single-function scanner to cause the scanner to scan a document, and stores the scanned image in a saving area of the PC102. In such a case, a control program of the PC102(e.g., scanner driver) and a reading control program of the single-function scanner cooperatively perform the above-described control. It is assumed that the single-function scanner includes constituent elements necessary for reading a document and exchanging data with the PC102, from among the constituent elements illustrated inFIGS.1,3, and4. The shape and the external view of the conveyance path for feeding and reading a document may be changed as appropriate.

In a case where the present exemplary embodiment is applied to the single-function scanner, a notification of a skew or a document jam may be provided on an operation unit (not illustrated) of the PC102. For example, the PC102receives the information about the occurrence of a skew from the MFP101and displays a screen relating to a document jam or a skew as illustrated inFIG.14on the operation unit of the PC102.

A screen1400illustrates an example of a window displayed on the operation unit of the PC102. Information1401notifies the user that a document has to be removed. The information1402notifies the user that the width between the regulation plates231and232has to be adjusted to that of the document in order to prevent the reoccurrence of a skew as a handling method for a skew of a document. The information1402also notifies the user that stapled documents have to be removed from a bundle of documents in order to prevent the reoccurrence of a skew as a handling method for bound documents placed on the ADF. The information1402further notifies the user that the user has to stop rereading operation of the documents and to execute setting of the different-width mixed document size in order to avoid an erroneous skew detection as a handling method for mixed documents having different widths placed on the ADF.

As described above, the disclosure is applicable to an image reading apparatus capable of detecting a skew of a document and a system that includes the image reading apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first exemplary embodiment has been described based on the assumption that hard keys are used as the start key412and the stop key. However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the keys or a part of the keys described as hard keys inFIG.2may be provided as a soft key displayed on the panel401.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-187545, filed Oct. 11, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.