JP2008259002A - Image reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader in the key entry operation by a user is facilitated. <P>SOLUTION: An original platen 102 on an image forming apparatus 101 is utilized for a projection surface, a projection unit 204 provided on the side of an image reading unit 201 is activated to irradiate a projection key board with projected light. Thus, a projection keyboard part 205 is formed with a projected image on the surface of the original platen 102. Entering, and the like, is performed by using key buttons of the projection keyboard part 205. Since the key buttons of the projection keyboard part 205 has a size which is easy to operated, the user performs correction input without inconvenience. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that reads an image of a document.

  In recent years, networking using a LAN, WAN, or the like has progressed. For example, a copying machine and an image scanner are connected via a network, and data is transmitted and received between both devices and a host device such as a personal computer (PC). Also, the functions have been expanded. For example, document or image data created on a PC is transmitted to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and the transmitted contents are confirmed on the image forming apparatus, and the contents can be corrected or corrected. If there is, it is possible to re-input on the spot or select a place to print out.

  Usually, an operation panel on which input by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and operation designation keys are arranged is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus. A device that allows a user who has visited the location of the image forming apparatus to display a touch panel type virtual keyboard as an image on the display screen of the operation panel, and to input the transmission contents by pressing the key of the virtual keyboard with acupressure. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a liquid crystal display unit and a numeric keypad are arranged on the first surface of the unitized input operation unit, and a keyboard having the same size as the keyboard equipped on the PC is arranged on the second surface. There has also been proposed an image forming apparatus that can be used properly (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In that case, the first surface is used during normal operation of the image forming apparatus, and the second surface is used when inputting characters.

JP 2002-062959 A JP 2005-269176 A

  However, even if an input is made on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus, the size of each key on the operation panel must be about half or less than that of a general keyboard of a keyboard equipped with a PC. Absent. Therefore, it is very difficult for the user to input such small keys with acupressure. In order to make the operation easier by enlarging each key, it is necessary to increase the size of the operation panel that was originally provided, and realizing it in a device that has limited frontal space is a matter of design change and cost. Constrained and difficult.

  Also, in the case of a structure in which the unitized input operation unit is selectively switched between the first surface and the second surface, this is disadvantageous because the entire operation unit becomes larger and heavier. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost is very high.

  As described above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of performing key input that is easy for a user to operate.

  In order to achieve the above object, a typical image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a document placing table on which a document is placed, and reads the image of the document placed on the document placing table. A projection unit that irradiates a projection keyboard including an input key as a projection image with a flat portion of the image reading device as a projection surface, and an input detection sensor that detects an input to the projection keyboard by a user. It is what.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, for example, a projection keyboard portion is formed by a projected image using a flat portion such as a document placement table, so that it is easy to operate at the time of key input.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an image reading apparatus of the present invention formed with a projected image will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  An image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1 has a composite function capable of reading and copying an image of a document, transmitting image data via a network, and printing and outputting a received image. An upper part of the image forming apparatus 101 is provided with a document placing table 102 on which a reading document is placed and set. The image reading unit 201 scans and reads an image of the document. As shown in FIG. 2, the document placing table 102 is usually made of a white plate and is installed almost horizontally, and is provided with an abutting plate 103 for positioning the set position of the document. In addition, an operation unit 104 for instructing input of various operations is provided in the upper front portion of the image forming apparatus 101. The image reading unit 201 and the document placing table 102 constitute an image reading apparatus.

(Key input system: first embodiment)
In FIG. 2, a reading unit 201 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101 via a hinge 202, and rotates around the hinge 202 to open and close the document placing table 102, so that it can be opened and closed so that it can hold an arbitrary posture. It is free. A reading glass 203 that is a transparent plate facing the document is provided inside the reading unit 201.

  Inside the main body of the reading unit 201, an image scanning mechanism 201A and a reading sensor 201B for reading an image are provided. The reading sensor 201 </ b> B reads an image of the document placed on the document placing table 102 in a state where the reading unit 201 is closed. Inside the main body of the reading unit 201, a projection unit 204 for projecting light rays to form a projection keyboard unit 205 including input keys based on images is provided, and constitutes the key input system of this embodiment. The projection unit 204 projects light rays from the inside through the reading glass 203, and uses the surface of the document table 102 as a projection surface to virtually form a projection keyboard unit 205 with a projected image. As a format of the projected keyboard unit 205 based on the projected image, for example, it can be formed in a QWERTY keyboard format as shown in FIG. 7, and is formed in the same size as a keyboard board equipped in a normal personal computer (PC). be able to. The projection unit 204 is disposed at a position that does not hinder the reading unit 201 from performing a document scanning operation.

  On the front side of the image forming apparatus 101, such as a document created on a PC or a data transmission destination, the user uses the projection keyboard unit 205 including input keys formed as projection images on the document placing table 102. The key button can be pressed and input, and corrections can be made. That is, when a finger pressure is input by touching any key button on the projection keyboard unit 205, the finger of the user presses the key button to block the light beam, that is, the finger blocks the light beam as a light blocking object. Is detected as a key input signal by the input detection sensor. Although the input detection sensor is not shown, it is an electronic device constituting the key input system of this embodiment. Character or image data corresponding to the key input signal is stored in a storage means such as a RAM provided in the control device. Although the control device is not shown in the figure, it is possible to use a key input system according to the present embodiment, which is provided in the image forming apparatus 101 and controls the operation of the entire apparatus including the reading unit 201. Such a control device comprises a CPU (central processing unit) composed of a control unit and a calculation unit, a memory such as the RAM and ROM, and an I / O port. The key input image data is read from the memory and transmitted. Or print out on recording paper.

(Operation of image forming device)
Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 101 and the reading unit 201 are operated to read and copy a document, or when image data is transmitted, the document is placed on the document table 102 with the reading surface facing upward. To do. The reading unit 201 is closed by rotating from the hinge 202, and the operation of the reading operation is started by the operation unit 104. The reading unit 201 operates the image scanning mechanism 201 </ b> A to irradiate scanning light through the reading glass 203, and scans and reads an image of the document on the document table 102. The read image is converted into an electric signal and sent to the image forming apparatus 101, and is printed out to perform a copying operation, or data transmission is performed.

  During the normal operation of the image forming apparatus 101 and the image reading apparatus, the operation of the projection unit 204 is in an off state, and thus the projection keyboard unit 205 based on the projected image is not formed.

(Projection unit operation)
When it is necessary to input characters for operations such as registering the data transmission destination or correcting the transmitted data when the operation is completed in the image forming apparatus 101, the user forms the image. Go to the front side of the device 101. Then, the image reading unit 201 is opened to an appropriate angle, and the operation unit 104 is operated to turn on the projection unit 204. The projection unit 204 is actuated to project a light beam, and a projection keyboard unit 205 having almost the same size as the keyboard board equipped with the personal computer (PC) shown in FIG. 7 is formed as a projection image on the surface of the document table 102. When the user touches the key button on the projection keyboard unit 205 and inputs a character or the like, the projected light is blocked by touching the key button with the user's finger. The light-shielding detection sensor detects this, and the same character or the like as when a character or the like is normally input to the PC as key input image data. Data corrected and input using the projection keyboard unit 205 is stored as a file in the memory. Such corrected input data can also be read from the file memory and transmitted to a destination, for example. If necessary, the correction data can be output to a recording medium such as sheet paper, or stored and stored in a hard disk or USB. In addition, although the input detection sensor detected that the obstacles, such as a finger, blocked the light, the form which detects the input by the user was illustrated. However, a pressure sensor that can determine the position where the pressure is received may be provided on the projection surface (the document placing table 102), and the input may be detected according to the position where the user has pressed the finger.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the user does not return to the personal computer PC of the host device and operates it, but the projection keyboard based on the projected image formed on the surface of the document table 102 at the location facing the image forming apparatus 101. Data can be corrected by inputting the data in the unit 205. Projection keyboard unit 205 is almost the same as the size of an actual PC-equipped keyboard, and each key button is large and easy to use. Become.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment that should be referred to as an application example of the first embodiment of FIG. In the first embodiment, the projection unit 204 is provided in the reading unit 201. Instead, in the second embodiment, the projection unit 204 is installed not at the reading unit 201 side but at a suitable position on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus 101 (between both side hinges 202 in the example of FIG. 2). Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. The installation position of the projection unit 204 is devised so as not to hinder the operation of opening and closing the reading unit 201 with respect to the document table 102.

  Accordingly, also in the second embodiment, since the installation location of the projection unit 204 is merely changed from the reading unit 201 to the image forming apparatus 101, the same operations and effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what is common in the apparatus and member demonstrated by the said 1st, 2nd embodiment, and description of the overlapping part is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in order to form the projection keyboard unit 205, it is not necessary to open the reading unit 201 each time, and the structure can be kept closed on the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the document placing table (not shown in FIG. 4) is provided on the top surface of the reading unit 201, and has a structure in which a pressure plate 202 is newly provided to hold the document placed and set thereon from above. The pressure plate 202 is rotatably supported via a hinge 203. The projection unit 204 is arranged on the top surface of the reading unit 201 using the space between the hinges 203 on both sides thereof, and uses the upper surface of the pressure plate 202 as a projection surface to project light onto the projection keyboard unit 205. It is formed as a projected image.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the original is read and copied, or when image data is transmitted, the pressure plate 203 is opened, the original is set and then the pressure plate 203 is closed and pressed from above. When a start button is pressed to start a reading operation on the operation unit 104, the reading unit 201 operates a scanning mechanism for reading an image and reads characters and figures on the document as image information. The read image is converted into an electric signal and transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101, and the operations relating to required copying and data transmission are performed as described above.

  After the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 and the reading unit 201 is finished, the user closes the pressure plate 203 when it is necessary to register the data transmission destination or to input characters to correct the transmitted data. The operation unit 104 is operated to activate the projection unit 204. The projection keyboard unit 205 is formed as a projection image with the above-mentioned size by projecting a light beam and using the upper surface of the pressure plate 203 as a projection surface. The user presses the key of the projection keyboard unit 205 with his / her finger to input characters and the like.

  Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to open the pressure plate 204 when the operation of the image forming apparatus 101 is completed, and there is an advantage that the projection keyboard unit 205 can be formed on the pressure plate 204 in a closed state.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment which can be called an application example of the third embodiment of FIG. In this case, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 206 is further mounted on the reading unit 201. The ADF 206 also functions as a pressure plate that presses the document set from the top with the top surface of the image reading unit 201 as a document placement table, and is supported rotatably with respect to the reading unit 201 by a hinge. The projection unit 204 is installed on the ADF 206 and projects light rays using the flat top surface of the ADF 206 to form the projection keyboard unit 205 as an image. Since other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment according to the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what is common in the apparatus and member demonstrated by the said 1st, 2nd embodiment, and description of the overlapping part is abbreviate | omitted. In this case, of the plurality of predetermined installation locations of the image forming apparatus 101, regardless of the structure in which the projection unit 204 is mounted on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 101, the top surface of the image reading apparatus, and the top surface of the ADF 206. It can be installed anywhere. In the present embodiment, the projection unit 204 is attached to the upper surface of the image reading apparatus at normal times. If necessary, the projection unit 204 can be mounted on a keyboard forming plate 210 which is a flat plate on the side surface of the image forming apparatus 101 as shown in FIG. The keyboard forming plate 210 is a plate having a flat surface for projection keyboard portion projection using an appropriate position of the outer plate panel. As described above, the projection unit 204 is normally installed on the image reading apparatus as described above. The projection unit 204 is moved onto the projection keyboard forming plate 210 as necessary, and the projection keyboard unit 205 is formed as a projection surface on the surface of the projection keyboard forming plate 210.

  As described above, the projection keyboard unit 205 is formed in a low part by using the outer plate panel of the image forming apparatus 101 so that a person with low height or a wheelchair user can easily perform an input operation. This eliminates the inconvenience of performing the key input operation using the projection keyboard unit 205 at a high position such as the top surface of the image reading apparatus.

  However, in order to move the projection unit 204 from the top surface of the image reading apparatus at the high position to the projection keyboard 210 provided on the outer panel of the image forming apparatus 101 at the low position, the magnetic force of a magnet is used. Thus, it is devised so that it can be easily and securely attached to the attachment site. If the user who carries the handy can use the projection keyboard unit 205 at a low part, it is not necessary to install a plurality of keyboards at a plurality of locations as in the prior art. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the cost can be reduced, and an extra installation space is not expected on the limited housing surface of the image forming apparatus main body 101.

  As described above, several embodiments of the key input system virtually formed with the projection image according to the present invention have been described, but the embodiment is not limited to them and may be within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. Other embodiments, application examples, modification examples, and combinations thereof are also possible.

  For example, each embodiment is based on a configuration in which an image reading apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus 101. On the other hand, even in the case of a single structure of only the image reading apparatus, the technical idea and effect of the present invention for forming the projection keyboard unit 205 that makes it easy to perform operations such as character input can be utilized.

1 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which an image reading device is mounted on an image forming apparatus. The perspective view which shows the key input system of 1st Embodiment by this invention. The perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment which is an application example of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment. The perspective view which shows 4th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the keyboard layout of the projection keyboard part applicable in each embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

Reference Signs List 101 Image forming apparatus 102 Document placement table 201 Image reading unit 202 Hinge 204 Projection unit (key input system)
205 Projection keyboard (key input system)
206 ADF
210 Flat plate for projection keyboard

Claims (6)

A reading device comprising a document placing table on which a document is placed, and reading an image of a document placed on the document placing table,
A projection unit that illuminates a projection keyboard including an input key as a projection image with a flat portion of the image reading device as a projection plane;
An input detection sensor for detecting an input to the projection keyboard of a user;
An image reading apparatus comprising:   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projection keyboard is projected by the projection unit with the document table as the projection surface. It has a reading unit that is pivotable with respect to the main body,
Read the image of the document placed on the document placement with the reading unit closed,
The reading unit includes a transparent plate facing a document placed on the document table with the reading unit closed, and a reading sensor that reads an image of the document through the transparent plate,
The projection unit is provided in the reading unit, and the projection unit projects the projection keyboard through the transparent plate and the document placement table as the projection surface with the reading unit opened. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2. An original table on which an original is placed;
A pressure plate that presses the document placed on the document placement table from above,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projection keyboard unit is projected using the upper surface of the pressure plate as the projection surface.   The projection unit can be attached to a plurality of attachment locations of the image forming apparatus or the image reading device, and at least one of the plurality of attachment locations, a flat plate serving as the projection surface is the image forming apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the projection keyboard unit is projected to an upper surface of the flat plate attached to a lower portion of the side plate.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the projection unit is detachable using a magnet.

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