JP2008066961A - Scanner device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a scanner device focusing on portability, compactness, and convenience in order to cope with frequent digitization of documents.
A scanner device according to the present invention includes two scanner units each including a contact glass portion on which an original is placed, a line scan head portion that reads an image of the original, and a line scan head drive portion, as hinge portions. It is connected so that it can be folded. When the scanner device is fully opened, a large-size document can be scanned, and when folded, a half-size document can be scanned on one side or both sides.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a scanner device.

  Based on the “Electronic Book Preservation Act” (official name: “Act on Special Preservation of National Tax Related Book Documents Created Using Electronic Computers (1998 Law No. 25)”) In addition to the approval of computerization, the “Electronic Document Act” (official name: “Act on the Use of Information and Communication Technology in the Preservation of Documents Performed by Private Business Operators, etc. (No. 149 of 2004))” and “Private Business With the enforcement of the Law Concerning Maintenance of Related Laws with the Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology for the Preservation of Documents Performed by Business Operators, etc., Preservation in Paper However, the legally required storage of documents is not limited to tax-related documents, and the possibility of storing other documents as electronic data is expanding.

In the future, it is expected that a wider range of documents will be required to be accumulated by electronic means as the full outline of the Japanese version of the Corporate Reform Act (Japanese version of the SOX Law) becomes clear.
By the way, there is a scanner as a tool for digitizing a document. With the development of information technology, many scanner mechanisms are installed in computer peripheral devices such as copiers, facsimile machines, printers, and multifunction printers.

  With respect to such a scanner device, a contact image sensor incorporating a CMOS sensor or an image sensor using a CCD sensor is known. As a scanner system, a flat bed type scanner system in which a paper original is fixed and the image sensor unit is moved, and a sheet feed type scanner system in which the image sensor unit is fixed and a paper original is moved are already commercialized. .

  Patent Document 1 discloses a miniaturized image reading apparatus in which the same image sensor unit is disposed facing each other with a document sheet sandwiched between them in order to speed up image reading, and both sides are read in one document feed time. It is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a high-quality image reading apparatus that improves the reading accuracy and can efficiently use a lens with a shallow depth of field and can transport a thick document without problems. It is disclosed.

  In Patent Document 3, an original reading unit is provided on the bottom surface of the handy scanner main body and behind the front end in the self-running direction of the handy scanner main body. The command reading unit is instructed from the command input unit and the control unit drives the stepping motor at high speed until the document reading unit moves to the document reading start position. A self-propelled handy scanner device is disclosed in which the reading is switched to the speed at which the document is read to start reading the document.

  In Patent Document 4, after the leading end of the handy scanner device body in the moving direction is aligned with the document, reading is started by the reading unit, and after moving a distance corresponding to the distance from the leading end to the reading unit, writing to the memory is performed. A handy scanner device is disclosed that invalidates the data corresponding to the distance from the reading unit to the trailing edge of the data written in the memory after starting and finishing after aligning the trailing edge of the main body with the desired position of the document. ing.

Patent Document 5 discloses a contact image sensor that can prevent the intrusion of noise from a fiber array plate that is in close contact with a document and prevent deterioration of a read image.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-191795 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-190938 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-173878 JP 2004-266591 A JP 2001-148863 A

  As described above, it is required to digitize and store various documents, forms and the like that have been conventionally stored as paper media by companies. As a result of such a request, it is conceivable that “increase in the amount of storage” accompanying expansion of documents to be digitized and “increase in (save) frequency” due to expansion of related work.

  In order to manage individual electronic documents so that objective evidence capacity can be secured with the amount of target documents and their storage frequency increasing at the same time, it is necessary to specify the digitization of documents within a short business cycle. There is.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a scanner device suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increased (business) frequency”, not on mass batch processing focusing only on “increasing amount”. Furthermore, a scanner device capable of providing a plurality of usage forms by using one structural element is provided. In other words, in order to cope with the frequent digitization of documents, a scanner device focusing on portability, compactness, and convenience is provided.

  According to the present invention, a scanner device that scans the surface of a predetermined medium and captures an image of the surface includes a contact glass portion on which the medium is placed, and a surface of the medium that is placed on the contact glass portion A scanner unit comprising: a line scan head unit that scans the line scan head unit in a first direction; and a line scan head drive unit that drives the line scan head unit in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction; Two sets of the scanner units are connected, and the contact glass portions of the two sets of scanner units are foldable so that the contact glass portions face each other, and the line scan head driving unit is controlled. A line scan head drive control unit that controls the line scan head based on the line scan head drive control unit. An image generator for generating an image from the resulting been scanned signal, characterized in that it comprises a.

With this configuration, the scanner device can be folded, fully opened, or half opened.
The scanner device further includes a folding state detection unit that detects a folding state of the two sets of scanner units, and determines a size of a scanning target based on a detection result by the folding state detection unit, and the line scan head And a control unit that instructs the drive control unit according to the determination.

With this configuration, it is possible to detect the state of the scanner device (full open, half open, folding) and change the scan mode according to the state of the scanner device.
In the scanner device, the control unit determines that the contact glass portions of the two sets of scanner units are opened at about 180 degrees about the hinge portion based on the detection result of the folded state detection unit. In this case, the image generation unit generates the image based on scanning signals obtained by both of the two sets of scanner units.

With this configuration, it is possible to scan the entire surface of a large-size document sheet in an open state.
In the scanner device, when the control unit determines that the two sets of scanner units are folded based on a detection result by the folding state detection unit, the image generation unit includes the two sets of scanner units. The image is generated based on a scanning signal obtained by at least one of the methods.

With this configuration, it is possible to perform single-sided / double-side scanning on a half-size original sheet in a folded state.
The scanner device further includes a press detection unit that detects a press on the contact glass unit, and the control unit instructs the line scan head drive control unit to start scanning based on a detection result by the press detection unit. It is characterized by performing.

With this configuration, for example, the scan can be started simply by pressing the contact glass surface.
The scanner device can be attached to and detached from a side surface on the hinge part side of the two sets of scanner units with the scanner device folded, and the two scanner units facing each other. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium between the contact glass portions is provided.

With this configuration, it can be used as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) scanner.
The scanner device further includes a line scan head circuit that allows the line scan head portion of one of the two sets of scanner units to be rotated by a predetermined angle from a direction facing the contact glass surface. A moving part is provided.

With this configuration, the direction of the line scan head can be adjusted.
The method of using the scanner device according to the present invention as a handy scanner includes: folding the scanner device, rotating the line scan head unit by approximately 90 degrees by the line scan head rotating unit, and the medium being in the rotated direction. It is characterized in that an image of the surface of the image is read.

  By configuring in this way, it can be used as a handy scanner.

  By using the present invention, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increase in (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms.

  The scanner device according to the present invention has a structure that can be folded and opened, and can scan a large size original sheet in an open state, and can scan a half size original sheet in a folded state on one or both sides. .

  Further, an auxiliary document feeding mechanism is connected to the folded scanner device, and a document is fed from the document feeding mechanism with the reading head fixed, and scanned to scan the document sheet. It can also be read.

Furthermore, the scanner device can be moved and scanned on the original paper manually or in a self-propelled manner.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the scanner 1 according to the present invention (when fully opened). FIG. 2 is an external side view of the scanner 1 according to the present invention (when fully opened). FIG. 3 is an external side view (during folding) of the scanner 1 according to the present invention.

  In the scanner 1, two housings (unit A (200 a) and unit B (200 b)) are connected by a hinge unit 202. A contact glass surface 201 is provided on the upper surface of each housing (unit A, unit B).

  In the following description, the structure and operation related to the unit A (200a) are indicated with a suffix “a”, and the structure and operation related to the unit B (200b) are indicated with a suffix “b”. I will express it.

  In FIGS. 1 and 2, when the angle formed between the contact glass surfaces 201 of both the units A and B is 180 degrees with the hinge portion 202 as an axis, the side surface 215 of the units A and B on the hinge portion 202 side is opened. (215a, 215b) come to face each other. This state is called a fully opened state of the scanner 1. At this time, the entire image of the scanner 1 is a flat bed scanner.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the contact glass surfaces 201 of the scanner units A and B can be folded so as to face each other with the hinge portion 202 as an axis. This state is called a folded state of the scanner 1.

  If the size of the scanner 1 when fully opened is “m × n”, the size of the scanner 1 is “(n / 2) × m” when folded. For example, if the size of the scanner 1 when fully opened is A4, the size will be A5 when folded.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a network configuration including the scanner 1 according to the present invention as a component. The network shown in FIG. 1 is constructed from a terminal device 2, a scanner 1, and a printing device (printer) 3 via a LAN (Ethernet (registered trademark)) 4. The terminal device 2 is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). The terminal device 2 is installed with software for setting and operating the scanner 1.

  The printing apparatus 3 is, for example, a printer or an MFP (multifunction printer), and can output print data from the PC 2 or print image data read by the scanner 1. The printing apparatus 3 may further have an authentication management function.

  In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the LAN is used as the network. However, the network is not limited, and may be a communication network such as the Internet, WAN, dedicated line, wired, and wireless.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of the internal configuration of the scanner 1 according to the present invention. In the figure, the scanner 1 is in a folded state. The main part of the scanner 1 is configured such that the unit A (200a) and the unit B (200b) are arranged symmetrically.

  The units A and B mainly include a contact glass surface 201 (201a and 201b), a pressure sensitive switch (hereinafter, the switch is referred to as “SW”) 203 (203a and 203b), and an image reading mechanism 210 (210a and 210b). ), And the line scan head unit 211 (211a-1, 211a-2, 211b-1, 211b-2). Units A and B include a fully open detection SW 204 and a fold detection SW 205.

  One of the units A and B includes an image conversion control unit 221, a RAM (random access memory) 252, an I / F (interface) unit 223, a CPU (central processing unit) 250, and an image reading mechanism control unit 222. A power supply unit 224 is provided. It is assumed that the image conversion control unit 221, the RAM 252, the I / F unit 223, the CPU 250, the image reading mechanism control unit 222, and the power supply unit 224 are shared by the units A and B.

  Units A and B are connected via a hinge portion 202. A fully open detection SW 204 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge portion 202. The full open detection SW 204 detects whether or not the scanner 1 is in a full open state. For example, when the angle between the contact glass surfaces 201 of both the units A and B is 180 degrees with the hinge portion 202 as an axis, the side surfaces 215 of the units A and B face each other, and the one side surface 215 The switch provided on the other side 215 may be pushed by the other side 215 so that the fully open detection SW 204 is turned on. Further, the full open detection SW 204 may be turned on according to the degree of opening of the hinge portion.

  The folding detection SW 205 detects a state in which the scanner 1 is folded. The fold detection SW 205 is provided at the end of the unit A, B at the end opposite to the end where the hinge 202 is provided. The fold detection SW 205 is turned on when the scanner 1 is folded around the hinge portion 202 and the contact glass surfaces of the units A and B face each other.

  Whether the scanner 1 is in the fully open state, the folded state, or in the middle of folding (half-opened), as will be described later with reference to FIG. It can be detected by ON / OFF combination determination.

  A line scan head unit 211 is disposed in each of the image reading mechanisms 210 (210a and 210b). The line scan head unit 211 is composed of a line scan head part that makes 2lla-1 and 211a-2 a pair, and a line scan head part that makes 211b-1 and 211b-2 a pair.

  The image reading mechanism control unit 222 is a device for controlling the operation of the two line scan head units 211 of the image reading mechanism unit 210a. As will be described in the following embodiments, either or both of the line scan head units 211a and 211b are driven independently or in conjunction with each other or fixed at a predetermined position according to the usage pattern of the scanner 1. There is a case. Therefore, the image scanning mechanism control unit 222 controls the operations of the line scan head units 211a and 211b.

The image conversion control unit 221 is for converting a scanning signal obtained by scanning the line scan head units 211a and 211b into an image.
The RAM 252 is a storage device that stores read image data, is used as a work area for performing image processing, and stores other data or programs. The I / F unit 223 is an interface for connecting to a network or connecting to a PC via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like. The CPU 250 is for controlling each component of the scanner 1. The power supply unit 224 is for supplying power to the scanner 1.

  The pressure sensitive switch 203 (203a, 203b) is for detecting that pressure is applied to the contact glass surface 201 (201a, 201b). As will be described in the following embodiments, scanning is performed with the detection of pressure by the pressure sensitive switch 203 as a trigger. For example, when pressure is applied by pressing the contact glass surface 201 with a finger or palm, the pressure sensitive switch 203 detects the pressure and transmits the detection signal to the CPU 250. When the CPU 250 receives the detection signal, the CPU 250 starts an image reading operation and controls each component.

  FIG. 6 shows the line scan head unit 211 of the scanner 1 according to the present invention. The pair of line scan head portions 2lla-1 and 211a-2 is fixedly supported by a line scan head spacer 260a so as to have an interval of “n / 4”. Similarly, the other pair of line scan head portions 2 lb-1 and 211 b-2 is fixedly supported by a line scan head spacer 260 b so as to have an interval of “n / 4”.

  As described above, the line scan head portions are arranged in a digit shape to form a double unit, thereby reducing the movable distance of each of the line scan head portions 2lla-1, 211a-2, 2llb-1, 211b-2. As a result, high-speed image acquisition becomes possible. The arrows given to the line scan head units 2lla-1, 211a-2, 2llb-1, 211b-2 indicate the direction of the head portion.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of acquiring an image using one unit in the present invention. In the figure, as an example, an image is taken from an original paper of “(n / 2) × m” size using the unit A.

  First, an original paper of “(n / 2) × m” size is placed on the contact glass surface 201a of the unit A. The original half of the original paper (when placed horizontally) is line-scanned by the line scan head section 211a-1, and the lower half of the original paper (when placed horizontally) is paralleled by the line scan head section 2lla-2 to obtain an image of the original paper. To do. An image acquired by the line scan head unit 211a-1 is represented by “301-1”, and an image acquired by the line scan head unit 211a-2 is represented by “301-2”.

  Next, the image conversion control unit 221 generates (combines) the images 301-1 and 301-2 acquired by the line scan head units 211 a-1 and 211 a-2 to generate one image 301.

  With this configuration, the working distance for scanning can be halved for each of the line scan head units 2lla-1, 211a-2, 2llb-1, 211b-2. In the figure, since an image is acquired using one unit, an operation example is assumed in which the scanner 1 is operated in a folded state without being fully opened.

Next, a case where an image is captured using the fully opened scanner 1 will be described.
FIG. 8 shows an example of acquiring an image using two units in the present invention. In the figure, as an example, using unit A and unit B, an image is acquired from “m × n” size original paper.

  First, “n × m” size original paper is placed on the contact glass surfaces 201 a and 201 b of the units A and B. The upper half (vertically placed) of the original paper is unit A and the lower half (vertically placed) of the original paper is paralleled (interlocked) with unit B to acquire an image. Here, an image acquired by the line scan head units 211a-1 and 211a-2 of the unit A is represented by “310a”, and an image acquired by the line scan head units 211b-1 and 211b-2 of the unit B is “310b”. Represented by

  Next, the image conversion control unit 221 generates (combines) the images 310 a and 310 b acquired by the unit A and the unit B to generate one image 310. The processing of each of unit A and unit B is the same as that described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 shows the content of the combination determination of ON / OFF of the full open detection SW 204 and the folding detection SW 205 in the present invention. Depending on the combination of ON / OFF of the fully open detection SW 204 and ON / OFF of the fold detection SW 205, it is possible to determine the state of (1) full open, (2) folded, and (3) half open.

  (1) “Full open” means a state in which the full open detection SW 204 is ON and the fold detection SW 205 is OFF. (2) Folding means a state in which the fully open detection SW 204 is OFF and the folding detection SW 205 is ON. (3) “Half open” means a state in which the full open detection SW 204 is OFF and the fold detection SW 205 is OFF.

  FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the state of the shape of the scanner 1 in the present invention, the pressure sensitive SW, and the control of the head unit. The state of the shape of the scanner 1 ((1) when fully open, (2) when folded, and (3) when fully opened) is determined from FIG.

  The pressure sensitive SW 203 (203a, 203b) is enabled or disabled depending on the shape state of the scanner 1. When the pressure-sensitive SW 203 is effective, when pressure is applied to the contact glass surface 201, the pressure is detected by the pressure-sensitive SW 203, and scanning is disclosed using the detection as a trigger. When the pressure sensitive SW 203 is invalid, nothing is executed even if pressure is applied to the contact glass surface 201.

  The line scan head unit 211 is movable or fixed according to the shape state of the scanner 1, and when the line scan head unit 211 is movable, the pair of line scan head units are moved in parallel (interlocked), or the pressure scan SW 203 Only the line scan head unit on the unit side where the operation is performed is controlled to operate independently. It is also controlled whether only one side or both sides can be scanned. The combinations in the figure correspond to the embodiments of the present invention described below.

  FIG. 11 shows a drive mechanism of the line scan head unit 211 in the present invention. FIG. 12 shows a power mechanism 330 composed of a spur gear and a cylindrical worm gear in the present invention. Reference numeral 332 denotes an image reading mechanism control unit / image conversion control unit base.

The line scan head unit 211 (211a, 211b) is provided with a line scan head mechanism 339 at both ends of the line scan head spacer 260.
Each line scan head mechanism 339 includes a line scan head unit 211, a line scan head support unit 338 that supports the line scan head unit 211, and a terminal SW 335 provided on a side surface of the line scan head support unit.

  Each of the line scan head units 211a (211a-1, 211a-2) and 211b (211b-1, 211b-2) is housed in a girder together with a power mechanism 330 including a spur gear and a cylindrical worm gear (FIG. 12). Movement in the left-right direction is ensured while being held by the guide rail 334 installed on the side surface of the unit housing. The spur gear bearing is not shown.

  A DC motor 331 and a DC motor rotation bearing portion 337 that receives the rotation axis of the DC motor 331 are fixed to the lower surface of the line scan head spacer 260. The front end portion of the rotation shaft 336 is supported by the DC motor rotation bearing portion 337 so as to be rotatable. A cylindrical worm gear 340 is attached to the rotating shaft 336.

  The cylindrical worm gear 340 and the spur gear 341 are engaged with each other so that their rotation axes are orthogonal to each other. A rack gear 333 is fixed on the housing side, and the rack gear 333 and the spur gear 341 are engaged.

  When the rotation shaft 336 of the DC motor 331 rotates, the cylindrical worm gear 340 also rotates, and the rotation operation is transmitted from the cylindrical worm gear 340 to the spur gear 341, and the rotation direction is changed by 90 degrees.

  Then, the spur gear 341 moves with respect to the longitudinal direction of the rack gear 333 on the housing side. Then, the pair of line scan head units 211 moves along the guide rail 334. As described above, the driving accompanying the scanning of the line scan head unit 211 is a self-propelled system using a power mechanism charged in the line scan head unit itself.

  A terminal SW 335 is provided on the opposite surface of the pair of line scan head portions (that is, the surface facing the inner wall of the scanner 1 housing). The end SW 335 is for detecting the end of the movable range of the line scan unit 211. When the pair of line scan head units move on the rack gear 333 and the terminal SW 335 is in contact with the inner wall of the housing of the scanner 1, the terminal SW 335 that has detected this transmits a detection signal to the image reading mechanism control unit 222. . The image reading mechanism control unit 222 that has received the detection signal controls the rotation of the DC motor 331 to stop the operation of the line scan head unit 211.

Then, the detail of embodiment of the scanner 1 concerning this invention is demonstrated below.
(First embodiment)
In this embodiment, it can be folded like a folding shogi board, and the image is acquired in a size that is twice as large as when folded (for example, if the folding time is A5 size, A4 size when fully opened). An image digitizing input device (scanner) that can be used will be described.

  In this embodiment, the scanner 1 is operated as a flatbed scanner without a top cover (that is, an operation mode in which the line scanner moves with respect to an original fixed on a contact glass surface).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the scanner 1 is operated in a fully opened state. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the fully open state of the scanner 1 can be identified by turning on the fully open detection SW 204 and turning off the fold detection SW 205.

  In the fully open operation of the scanner 1, when acquiring an image from “m × n” size original paper, it is necessary to jointly control the operations of the line scanner head units 211 of both the units A and B divided in order to support folding. Arise.

In addition to the “image synthesis (merging)” process already described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the connection control includes an interlocking (synchronization) process of the line scan head units 211 of the units A and B.
The image acquisition according to the present embodiment is a method in which the original paper surface is placed face down on the contact glass surface 201 and scanning is performed using the line scanner head unit. That is, it is the same as the operation of a general flatbed scanner.

  Note that the interlocking (synchronization) processing mainly corresponds to the boundary region processing in the vicinity of the hinge portion 201 when the scanner 1 is fully opened, so that the line scan head units 211 of the unit A and unit B are moved in parallel. Refers to that. For example, when it is determined that the state is fully open, the line scan head units 211 of the units A and B each move once to the intermediate line, and then perform parallel movement in synchronization.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the hinge part 202 in this embodiment. FIG. 13A shows the scanner 1 when folded. FIG. 13B shows the scanner 1 in a half-open state. FIG. 13C shows the scanner 1 when fully opened.

  The hinge portion 202 has three nodes 351-1, 351-2, and 351-3 and end portions 350-1 and 350-2. That is, the hinge part 202 is comprised from three elongate plate-shaped members, the edge parts of a short side are connected, and it can fold up like a folding door. The end portions 350-1 and 350-2 are fixed to the unit A (200a) and the unit B (200b), respectively. The three nodes 351-1, 351-2, and 351-3 are not fixed to any unit and are in a free state.

  The folded state (FIG. 13 (a)) goes through the half-open state (FIG. 13 (b)) and then shifts to the fully open state (FIG. 13 (c)). At this time, the hinge part 202 is folded along the nodes 351-1, 351-2, and 351-3 like a folding door.

  At this time, the upper half of the side surfaces 215a and 215b of the units facing each other is not hung on the folded hinge 202. Therefore, the upper half of the side surfaces 215a and 215b is removed, and an open state as illustrated in FIG. 14 is obtained.

  FIG. 14 shows a structure in which the line scan head portion can move to the end portion of the contact glass 201 when the scanner 1 is fully opened in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the upper half of the side surfaces 215a and 215b that are not hung on the folded hinge portion 202 is removed to make it open. Then, until then, the line scan head unit 211 contacted the inner wall of the side surface 215 of the unit 200 and the line scan head unit 211 could not reach the end of the contact glass 201, but the upper half of the side surfaces 215a and 215b. The line scan head portion 211 can reach the end portion of the contact glass 201 by removing the contact hole.

  Therefore, when combining the images captured by the two units A and B, it is possible to improve the accuracy of reading the image around the combined portion. Note that the line scan head unit 211 may reach the contact glass surface of the other unit. By doing so, the boundary region images can be duplicated and read by both units, so that when combining the images read by the respective units, the accuracy of the combination is further improved. Can do.

  In this way, by removing the upper half of the unit side surface 215 and opening it, the “scan” of the line scan head unit 211 is secured at the end of the casing near the hinge portion 202, and both line scan head units in the boundary region. It is possible to prevent the boundary region image from being lost due to the fact that 211 is close to each other.

  According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increased (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms.

  Further, when operating as a normal flatbed scanner, it is possible to handle image acquisition up to twice the paper size when folded. Also, by providing two line scan head units per line scan head unit, the movable distance of the line scan head unit can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to acquire one image.

(Second Embodiment)
In this embodiment, it can be folded like a foldable shogi board, and in a folded state, an image can be acquired in half the size when fully opened (for example, if the fully opened time is A4 size, An image digitizing input device (scanner) of A5 size when folded will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the operation is performed as a flat bed scanner in which one folded side (upper side) is a top cover (that is, a mode in which the line scanner moves with respect to a document fixed on a contact glass surface).

  FIG. 15 shows the external appearance of the scanner 1 in the operating state in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the scanner 1 is operated in a folded state. This folding state can be identified when the folding detection SW 205 is ON and the fully open detection SW 204 is OFF as described with reference to FIG.

In the folding operation of the scanner 1, when acquiring an image from “(n / 2) × m” size original paper, the following three types of image acquisition methods are assumed.
(1) Place the document surface of the document sheet 400 face down on the contact glass surface 201 of the lower unit 200-2, and acquire an image of the document surface using the line scanner of the lower unit 200-2. Method to perform (same as general flatbed scanner operation). In this method, it is possible to obtain an image only on the lower side of the original (that is, an image on one side).

  (2) Place the original paper 400 on the contact glass surface 201 of the lower unit 200-2 with the original surface facing up, cover the upper unit 200-1, and line up the upper unit 200-1. A method of acquiring images using a scanner. In this method, it is possible to acquire an image only on the upper side of the original (that is, an image on one side).

  (3) Place the original paper 400 having the print target surfaces on both sides on the contact glass surface 201 of the lower unit 200-2, cover the upper unit 200-1, and use both the upper and lower line scanners simultaneously. Image acquisition method. In this method, it is possible to acquire images on the upper and lower surfaces of the original paper (that is, images on both sides).

In addition, regarding (1) above, the operation can be performed in a half-open state, but in the described usage, it is classified into the operation in the folded state.
As described above, depending on the current type, the scanner on the upper surface side, the scanner on the lower surface side, or the scanners on both sides may be used simultaneously. For example, it is more efficient to scan a receipt or the like with the unit 200-1 on the upper surface side.

  According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increased (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms.

  In addition, when acquiring an image up to half the paper size when fully opened, it is possible to obtain an image using a line scanner on the lower surface side by placing the original surface of the original paper face down on the contact glass surface. .

In addition, it is possible to obtain an image using a line scanner on the upper surface side by placing the original paper on the contact glass surface with the original surface facing upward.
In addition, it is possible to place a double-sided original paper on the contact glass surface and simultaneously acquire images using both the upper and lower line scanners.

  Also, by providing two line scan head units per line scan head unit, the movable distance of the line scan head unit can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to acquire one image.

(Third embodiment)
In this embodiment, a sensor switch mechanism that responds to the pressure of a fingertip or the like is built in one of the contact glass surfaces (either up or down when folded, or left or right (or front or back) when fully opened). An image digitizing input device (scanner) capable of entering an image reading operation with an operation of placing a voucher document will be described. In the present embodiment, the line scanner moves with respect to the document fixed on the contact glass.

  The scanner 1 in this embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. As described in the second embodiment, the operational distinction between the folded state and the half-open state is ambiguous.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the pressure sensitive SW 203 is effective, and the scanner 1 is operated in a fully open or half open state (that is, a completely folded state is excluded). .

  As described with reference to FIG. 9, the fully open state can be identified when the fully open detection SW 204 is turned on and the fold detection SW 205 is turned off. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the half-open state can be identified when both the full-open detection SW 204 and the folding detection SW 205 are turned off.

  The pressure-sensitive SW 203 exists in both the unit A and the unit B as shown in FIG. Although it is assumed that the scanner 1 in the folded state is used without being conscious of the top and bottom, it is possible to ensure the convenience that the ON / OFF operation can be performed from either the unit A or the unit B in the fully opened state.

  FIG. 16 shows the principle of the pressure sensitive SW 203 in the present embodiment. The pressure sensitive SW 203 is a mechanism constructed to use the contact glass surface 201 itself as a switch for starting image acquisition. That is, when pressure is applied to the contact glass surface 201 and pushed down a predetermined stroke, the pressure sensitive SW 203 is turned on.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of mounting the pressure-sensitive SW 203 in the present embodiment. The pressure sensitive SW 203 mainly includes a contact glass 201, an elastic member 270, and a pressure sensitive sensor 271.

  The elastic member 270 is disposed between the edge portion of the contact glass surface 201 and the support portion of the housing of the unit that supports the edge portion. The elastic member 270 contracts by a predetermined stroke when pressure is applied from the upper surface of the contact glass 201, and returns to its original state when the pressure disappears. When a predetermined pressure is applied, the pressure sensor 271 detects this.

  Using such a pressure-sensitive switch 203 configuration, image scanning is started by pressing the contact glass surface 201 (using a fingertip or the like) with the original paper 400 placed on the contact glass surface 201. can do.

  At this time, when a document or the like to be scanned is placed on the contact glass surface 201 and the contact glass surface 201 is pressed down with a finger or the palm and pushed down a predetermined stroke, the pressure sensor 271 The pressure is detected and a detection signal is transmitted to the CPU 250.

  FIG. 18 shows a flowchart regarding the pressure-sensitive SW 203 in the present embodiment. In this flow, the state in which the original sheet 400 is placed on the contact glass surface 201 is referred to as “start” of image reading.

  First, when the pressure sensor 271 connected to the contact glass surface 201 detects a press, it transmits a detection signal indicating that to the CPU 250. CPU 250 determines the presence or absence of pressing based on the detection signal (step 1. Hereinafter, step is referred to as “S”).

When the pressing is detected, the CPU 250 determines whether or not the pressure value p is within a predetermined range (p _min ≦ p ≦ p _max ) (S2). Note that the minimum value p _min and the maximum value p _max can be arbitrarily set. Here, the purpose is to remove pressure other than the ON operation of the pressure-sensitive SW 203 indicating the start of image reading.

Further, the CPU 250 determines whether or not the pressure maintaining time t due to pressing is within a predetermined range (t _min ≦ t ≦ t _max ) (S3). Note that the minimum value t _min and the maximum value t _max can be arbitrarily set. Here, the purpose is to remove pressure other than the ON operation of the pressure-sensitive SW 203 indicating the start of image reading.

  When it is determined in S2 and S3 that the pressure value p and the pressure maintenance time t are within the predetermined ranges, the CPU 250 starts scanning (S4). Here, the CPU 250 transmits a scan start instruction signal to the image reading mechanism control unit 222. The image reading mechanism control unit 222 shifts to a scanning operation based on the signal.

  When detecting the end of scanning, the CPU 250 returns to the “start” state (S5). Here, as described with reference to FIG. 11, when the end SW 335 comes into contact with the inner wall of the housing of the scanner 1, the end SW 335 that has detected this transmits a detection signal to the image reading mechanism control unit 222. Upon receiving the detection signal, the image reading mechanism control unit 222 controls the rotation of the DC motor 331 to stop the operation of the pair of line scan head units and notifies the CPU 250 of the end of scanning.

In the operation according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that time authentication is required at the time of image acquisition. In this case, authentication management can also be performed in cooperation with the scanner 1 and the printing apparatus 3.
According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increase in (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms.

  In addition, the action of pressing the original paper at the time of full opening and half opening can be set as the image scanning start timing (the action can be simplified when acquiring images of voucher documents such as receipts).

Further, when operating as a normal flatbed scanner, it is possible to handle image acquisition up to twice the paper size when folded.
Also, by providing two line scan head units per line scan head unit, the movable distance of the line scan head unit can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to reduce the time required to acquire one image.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an electronic image input device (scanner) that can add a document sheet transport mechanism to a folding hinge portion by attaching an attachment will be described.

  In this embodiment, since scanning is performed in such a way that the original paper passes through the gap between both folded contact glass surfaces, operation as an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) scanner having a maximum width on the short side when fully opened is performed. (That is, an operation mode in which an original moves relative to a fixed line scanner).

  FIG. 19 shows an appearance of the scanner 1 in the operating state according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the scanner 1 is operated in a folded state. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the folded state of the scanner 1 can be identified by turning on the folding detection SW 205 and turning off the full-open detection SW 204.

  In the figure, a simple automatic feeding device 500 (which serves as a suction for each sheet) is mounted on the end surface on the hinge part 201 side when folded. Thereby, the operation method as an ADF scanner can be provided. Note that the automatic paper feeder 500 is detachable from the scanner 1.

  The automatic paper feeder 500 includes at least a pair of powered paper feed rollers 501, a paper feed port 502, a paper discharge port 503, a roller drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the pair of powered paper feed rollers 501, It is composed of components of a paper insertion detection mechanism (not shown) that detects that an original paper has been inserted into the paper mouth.

  When the target document sheet 400 is inserted from the sheet feeding port 502, the automatic sheet feeder 500 recognizes the end of the document sheet 400 by the sheet insertion detection mechanism, and a pair of power-type sheet feeding by the roller driving mechanism. The roller 501 can be driven to automatically enter the suction operation.

  Note that the main body side of the scanner 1 is not provided with a paper feed mechanism. Therefore, the size “N” of the original paper 400 in the suction direction 401 needs to satisfy the relationship “N ≧ (n / 2) −α”. α corresponds to the distance between the end surface of the scanner 1 on the hinge portion 202 side and the paper feed roller 500 of the automatic paper feeder 500.

  By attaching the automatic paper feeder 500 to the scanner 1, the line scan head unit 211 is fixed to the hinge portion 202 side, and one of the duplex units is in a resting state. Further, the pressure sensitive SW 203 described in the third embodiment is also disabled.

  When the automatic paper feeder 500 is attached to the scanner 1, a predetermined connector of the automatic paper feeder 500 is connected to the I / F unit 223 of the scanner 1, and the rotational speed of the paper feed roller 501 from the automatic paper feeder 500 to the CPU 250. Etc. are transmitted. The CPU 250 transfers the information to the image reading mechanism control unit 222, and the image reading mechanism control unit 222 controls the scanning speed by the line scan head unit 211 according to the rotation speed of the paper feed roller 501.

  According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increased (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms. Also, by installing a simple automatic paper feeder, operation as an ADF scanner can be ensured.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, an electronic image input device (scanner) capable of operating as a handy scanner by grasping the hinge 202 side in a folded state will be described. In this embodiment, the position of the movable line scan head is changed at the opposite end of the hinge portion 202 and scanning is performed (that is, the line scanner is applied to the document fixed on the contact glass surface). Form of movement).

  FIG. 20 shows an external appearance of the scanner 1 in the operation state according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the scanner 1 is operated in a folded state. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the folded state can be identified by turning on the folding detection SW 205 and turning off the full-open detection SW 204.

  In the same figure, the line scan head unit 211 is fixed to the hinge part 202 side when folded, and the line scan head part (part indicated by reference numeral 600) closer to the hinge part 202 is converted by 90 degrees to thereby obtain a contact glass surface. A state in which the head facing the direction of 201 is used as a handy scanner with the side surface of the unit housing (on the hinge portion 202 side) being shown.

In this case, the side surface of the housing facing the line scan head is opened as in the first embodiment, or has a contact glass at a portion on the head.
The user scans the scanner 1 by moving it in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane of the original paper 400 while maintaining the state in which the line scan head portion (the portion indicated by reference numeral 600) faces the original surface of the original paper.

  Further, the scanner 1 has a roller and an encoder (not shown). The encoder is formed by a rotating member, and is mechanically connected to a roller that rotates by friction with the original as the handy scanner 1 moves on the original. When the handy scanner 1 moves on the document by the manual operation of the operator, the roller rotates and transmits the rotation amount to the encoder. When the encoder rotates a certain amount, it is determined that the handy scanner 1 has moved by one pixel unit in the sub-scanning direction 401, and main scanning of the line scan head is performed at that timing. By repeating this operation, accurate two-dimensional image scanning processing can be performed. Reference numeral 605 denotes a member for maintaining a constant distance between the line scan head unit 211 and the original paper.

  FIG. 21 shows a rotation mechanism of a pair of line scan head units in the present embodiment. FIG. 22 shows details of the rotation mechanism of FIG. FIG. 21 is the same as FIG. 11 except for a portion indicated by reference numeral 600 (a portion where the line scan head mechanism 339 is rotated 90 degrees).

  In FIG. 22, the line scan head support portion 338 is provided with a rotation shaft 603 and is supported by a bearing portion of the support plate 602 so as to be rotatable. When the line scan head support part 338 is rotated by 90 degrees, the line scan head part 211 installed on the upper surface of the line scan head support part 338 is similarly rotated by 90 degrees.

Thereby, the direction of the head which has faced the contact glass surface 201 can be directed to the casing side surface (the hinge portion 202 side) of the unit.
This rotation operation may be performed manually or electrically using a motor or the like, but when used as a handy scanner, the line scan head unit 211 is fixed at a position where image acquisition is possible. Become.

  At this time, the other head of the line scan head unit and the other unit (unit B if the unit A side is used) are set to a resting state. Further, the pressure sensitive SW 203 described in the third embodiment is also disabled.

  According to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner device is suitable for sequential processing focusing on “increased (business) frequency”, and it is assumed that the work is performed on its own desk. Can be secured. In addition, a single unit can respond immediately to various manuscripts and various operation forms. In addition, operation as a handy scanner can be ensured.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the portability, compactness, and convenience of the scanner device can be improved in order to cope with the frequent digitization of documents. In particular, the document can be easily scanned because it can be placed on a desk or the like where the document is used. In addition, it is possible to scan a plurality of receipts, etc., by placing them on the contact glass with the surface to be scanned facing upward, folding the scanner device and driving the upper unit, so You can scan without worrying about position.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can take various configurations or forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view (when fully opened) of a scanner 1 according to the present invention. It is an external appearance side view (when fully opened) of the scanner 1 in this invention. It is an external appearance side view (during folding) of the scanner 1 in this invention. 1 shows an example of a network configuration including a scanner 1 as a component in the present invention. 1 shows an outline of the internal configuration of a scanner 1 according to the present invention. 2 shows a line scan head unit 211 of the scanner 1 according to the present invention. An example of acquiring an image using one unit in the present invention will be described. An example of acquiring an image using two units in the present invention will be described. The content of the combination determination of ON / OFF of full open detection SW204 and folding detection SW205 in the present invention is shown. The relationship between the state of the shape of the scanner 1 in the present invention, the pressure sensitive SW, and the control of the head unit is shown. The drive mechanism of the line scan head unit 211 in this invention is shown. The power mechanism 330 consisting of a spur gear and a cylindrical worm gear in the present invention is shown. An example of the hinge part 202 in 1st Embodiment is shown. FIG. 13C shows a structure in which the line scan head portion can move to the end of the contact glass 201 when the scanner 1 is fully opened. The external appearance in the operation state of the scanner 1 in 2nd Embodiment is shown. The principle of the pressure sensitive SW 203 in the third embodiment is shown. An example of mounting of the pressure-sensitive SW 203 in the third embodiment is shown. The flowchart regarding pressure sensitive SW203 in 3rd Embodiment is shown. The external appearance in the operation state of the scanner 1 in 4th Embodiment is shown. The external appearance in the operation state of the scanner 1 in 5th Embodiment is shown. 10 shows a rotation mechanism of a pair of line scan head units in a fifth embodiment. The detail of the rotation mechanism of FIG. 21 is shown.

Explanation of symbols

1 Scanner 2 PC
3 Printing device 4 LAN
200 (200a) Unit A
200 (200b) Unit B
201 Contact glass 202 Hinge part 203 Pressure sensitive SW
204 Full open detection SW
205 Fold detection SW
210 (210a, 210b) Image reading mechanism unit 211 (211a, 211b) Line scan head unit 211a-1, 211a-2, 211b-1, 211b-2 Line scan head unit 221 Image conversion control unit 222 Image reading mechanism control unit 223 I / F unit 224 Power supply unit 250 CPU
252 RAM

Claims (8)

In a scanner device that scans the surface of a predetermined medium and captures an image of the surface,
A contact glass portion on which the medium is placed;
A line scan head unit that scans the surface of the medium placed on the contact glass unit in a first direction;
A line scan head drive unit that drives the line scan head unit in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction;
A scanner unit consisting of
Two sets of the scanner units are connected, and a hinge part that can be folded so that the contact glass parts of the two sets of scanner units face each other with the connected part as an axis,
A line scan head drive control unit for controlling the line scan head drive unit;
An image generation unit that generates an image from a scanning signal acquired from the line scan head based on the line scan head drive control unit;
A scanner device comprising: The scanner device further includes:
A folded state detector for detecting a folded state of the two sets of scanner units;
A control unit that determines a size of a scanning target based on a detection result by the folding state detection unit, and that instructs the line scan head drive control unit according to the determination;
The scanner device according to claim 1, further comprising: When the control unit determines that the contact glass portions of the two sets of scanner units are opened at about 180 degrees about the hinge portion, based on the detection result by the folded state detection unit, the image generation The scanner device according to claim 2, wherein the unit generates the image based on scanning signals obtained by both of the two sets of scanner units. When the control unit determines that the two sets of scanner units are folded based on the detection result of the folded state detection unit, the image generation unit is obtained by at least one of the two sets of scanner units. The scanner device according to claim 2, wherein the image is generated based on the scanned signal. The scanner device further includes:
A pressure detection unit for detecting pressure on the contact glass part,
The scanner device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit issues a scan start instruction to the line scan head drive control unit based on a detection result by the press detection unit. . The scanner device further includes:
The scanner device is in a folded state and can be attached to and detached from the side surface on the hinge portion side of the two sets of scanner units, and the contact glass portions of the two sets of scanner units facing each other are disposed between the contact glass portions. The scanner device according to claim 1, further comprising a transport mechanism that transports the medium. The scanner device further includes:
A line scan head rotating unit that allows the line scan head unit of one of the two sets of scanner units to rotate by a predetermined angle from a direction facing the contact glass surface. The scanner device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A method of using the scanner device according to claim 7 as a handy scanner,
Fold the scanner device,
The line scan head rotating unit rotates the line scan head unit by approximately 90 degrees,
A method for using the scanner device as a handy scanner, comprising: reading an image on the surface of the medium in the rotated direction.